Okay, okay, so this song has been out for a while. But since Bat for Lashes’ newest album, The Haunted Man, is coming out on October 23rd, I thought that I could postpone this post until Cover Friday. As you all know, “We Found Love” is an annoyingly catchy song by Rihanna, but as you all might not know, Bat For Lashes’ cover is a slowed down, silky smooth version of the dance-infused original. So without further adieu, enjoy BFL’s chilled out version of “We Found Love” below.
Elliott Smith – “Alameda” (Alternate Version)
I thought that when Elliott Smith died that the New Moon album would be his last album (which was released in 2007, and he died in 2003) and that nothing would get better than that. Then Autumn de Wilde released her photo book, Elliott Smith, which had a CD in the back of it with a few more gems from his last live show at Largo. I remember replaying “All My Rowdy Friends” over and over again and tearing up every time. And now, Kill Rock Stars makes my heart aflutter once again by releasing this alternate version of “Alameda”. The original was released on Either/Or in 1997, but in remembrance of his life, Kill Rock Starts released this single in order to promote their Elliott Smith discography release for an extremely cheap $49. “Alameda” (regardless of “alternate version” or “album version”) is a fantastic, amazing, and most of all, beautiful song.
Even though Elliott Smith has been dead for almost 10 years, I still listen to him almost every day, can basically quote every song at the drop of a hat and will defend “Ostriches and Chirping” until the day I die (it is a genius connector, I don’t care what you say!). With this alternate version of Elliott Smith’s “Alameda” I will be able to go on another Elliott Smith streak and I suggest that you join me. Or at least listen to enough Elliott Smith to differentiate this version with the original.
Los Amparito – Dicen (con Nubla)
Los Amparito, a band from Guadalajara, is also the name of a sandwich thats sold on a particular ally there. Los Amparito is led by Carlos Pesina who’s creating wonderfully layers of synth over Spanish guitar. The song “Dicen” feels like hot wind blown in your face from a drive down the freeway (for us in southern California, to Mexico). The guitars maintain the distance from focusing on the song too much, and vocals act as a soft reminder that yes, you are actually listening to something. Although Los Amparito has plenty of songs via SoundCloud, there has yet to be an EP or LP available. Despite the simplicity of “Dicen”, more of their songs have deeper cultural roots too. For example, check out the video for “4500 millones de años de soledad” [45 million years of solitude] featuring home movies as well as civil and military footage. I personally don’t come across a lot of indie-electro-folk music from hispanic artists (not looking hard enough), but Los Amparito pulls it together beautifully. Hopeful for a debut LP soon.
Los Amparito – Dicen (con Nubla) by pepepe
Misun – “Coffee”
Must be something about the summer heat, but I have found myself recently listening to a lot more folk/indie pop music. But before you all go thinking that I have swapped out pre-made beats for guitars, do not fret. After all, Cruel Summer is coming out this summer and, soon after that, a new Kanye solo release, Watch the Throne pt. 2, Big Boi’s newest solo release, and much, much more.
But anyway, back to this track. Yes, it starts out with an acoustic guitar and a synth pop sort of beat, followed quickly by some whistling, but before you think this track is all about an 1980s slow jam, Misun’s lead singer begins to sing in her husky and soothing voice. It would seem that those are the only few instruments used on the entire song, in fact (besides some vocal harmonies in the back). The whole song is extremely well put together, and I cannot resist listening to the chorus over and over again.
Check out Misun’s “Coffee” below!
Bosco Delrey | Baby’s Got Blue a Blue Flame
Check out Bosco Delrey’s brand new music video for the lead track off of his album, “Everybody Wah”, titled Baby’s Got a Blue Flame!
Bosco Delrey will be on tour performing tracks off of his new album, if you’re around the area for these following dates, make sure to check him out!
Jan 14 @ Big Snow Buffalo Lodge Brooklyn, NY
Jan 28 @ Shea Staium Brooklyn, NY
February 4th @ Secret Project Robot Brooklyn, NY
February 6th @ Shacklewll arms London, UK
February 7th @ Madame Jo Jo’s London, UK
February 9th @ Rotown Rotterdamn, Holland
February 10th @ Rosis Berlin, Germany
February 11th @ Molotow Hamburg, Germany
February 14th @ Paradiso, Amsterdamn
February 15th @ Charlatan Gent, Belgium
February 16th @ Silencio Paris, France
February 17th @ Nouveau Casino Paris, France
February 28th @ Glasslands Gallery Brooklyn, NY
Purchase your Everybody Wah 12″ pre-order at Mad Decent’s online store here.
Lord Cry Cry
Remember life before the smoking ban? How life had a heady, hazier fug of hidden depths and musky abandon? Lord Cry Cry’s debut album throws you into a dreamy what-if world – where the beatnik decadence of the Left Bank is thrown forward to an alternative present, where the eternal, nicotine-hued avant garde exploration has found its way onto the hard drive; where jazz, blues and classic film soundtracks have found common ground with dubstep and electronica. This is the Mississippi Delta relocated to Silicon Valley. This is Tom Waits for the Ableton generation. This is Lord Cry Cry, his debut album, released on Generation Bass on 21st November 2011.
Timber Timbre – Creep On Creepin’ On
Timber Timbre is a folk outfit via Toronto, Canada. I swear it’s the breeding grounds for musicians. This past June, Timber Timbre released their fourth studio album titled Creep On Creepin’ On which in fact possesses a rather creepy, haunting sound to it. Below is the opening track “Bad Ritual” which, when listening to the album in its entirety, acts as a stepping stone into the darker, heavier, and more intense sounds and lyrics you’re delving into.
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Toughcats – “Somebody Old” Music Video
The Toughcats from Maine have an original sound, energy and magnetic vibe that make you want to listen to their songs in any mood. They just released a new music video for their song “Somebody Old” from their album Run from the Mill, which you can view below. You’ll love it if you’re a fan of stop motion.
The Rosebuds – Loud Planes Fly Low
The Rosebuds may seem like a familiar name to you. Remember when we name dropped them when telling you about Gayngs? Their fifth album was released at the beginning of June, and seems to have gone unnoticed. What’s surprising about this are the events that took place prior to the release. The Rosebuds is comprised of Ivan Howard and Kelly Crisp, a once-was couple. That’s right, this is an album that tells the story of two band mates, become lovers, become exes. While it sounds complicated, the two were clearly able to use music as their means of communication. Which is awesome not only for being able to be around each other, but also for the sake of making music.
There’s a blend of sounds that can be heard throughout this album. From slight traces of R&B to shimmery disco jams (“Come Visit Me”), to darker, quieter rock from the track “Second Bird of Paradise”, and especially to the upbeat, keyboard enthusiastic “Woods”. Take a listen to this album in its entirety, you may be able to pick out sounds that were incorporated into Gayngs.
Listen to “Woods” below and get your free download on.
The Rosebuds – Woods
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Wye Oak – “Civilian”
Wye Oak is a duo from Maryland (Fun Fact: Wye Oak is the state tree of Maryland) who aren’t afraid to take on several instruments at once during a song (I’ve included a live performance of “Civilian” below). Their instrumentals can be compared to Fleetwood Mac, and vocals that kind of mimic (my favorite) Victoria LeGrand; yet they’re much more folk driven (Fun Fact: Wye Oak and Beach House are both from Maryland. Must be something in the water up there). “Civilian” acts as the albums self-titled track, and while I have yet to listen to Civilian in full, this track seems like a great indicator of what will be heard. Purchase here.
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