Black Sheep
Metric is my personal favourite band, and this track was due out on their latest album Fantasies until the band decided that it didn’t fit. No matter, “Black Sheep”, a tribute to the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, found its way onto the soundtrack for the movie Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. The soundtrack is rumored to include other rockin’ artists like Beck and Broken Social Scene. After hearing unpolished live versions for over two years, the final version of this song rocks hard.
Nothing Like You
Don’t be alarmed, your ears are fine. This is indeed a relatively cheerful Frightened Rabbit song, and we agree: that is quite a dangerous cocktail to sample. This is just a taste of the adventurous creativity that the Scottish band have adapted in the composition of their new record, which coincidentally released today.
Some Sweet Day
We don’t usually do obituary-related work, but for me this one is necessary. Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse left us yesterday. Music is emotion and beauty, and more importantly, permanent. Thanks to this permanence, Linkous’ artistic visions will live on within our own minds, experienced through the work of his fantastic career. Rest in peace.
Saddest Summer
I seem to be gaining a reputation around here as the sad folk music guy. But that changes right now. Ladies and gents, I give you a happy song. Well it sounds happy, but it’s really sad. Gotta walk before I can run. Regardless, The Drums peppy and surf culture sound is incredibly addictive and slightly reminiscent of The Smiths. Their EP, Summertime! is available now and is definitely worth the 6 dollars for the replay you’ll get.
The Writer
Goulding’s debut album has arrived, and at first I thought it was overproduced and lacked the punch of the demos we’ve previously featured. The more I listen though, it becomes clear that Goulding really has a way with her words and her lyrics are what sets her apart from the current trend of female pop artists. The catchy hooks of “Guns and Horses” and “Starry Eyed” are still there, but it’s clear that Ellie Goulding is so much more than that. Lights is out in the US on March 16th.
Blood
The Middle East hails from Australia of all places, and gained some publicity after opening for Grizzly Bear in Melbourne and reaching the ears of the blog scene early last year. The style of the music is equally soft and spine-tingling. If their two singles are any indication of their talents, this is a group that you’d surely want to keep your eyes on. Thanks to Flavia Browne for the tip!
Vessel
I saw this man open for a band called Coldplay once, and accompanying his beautiful synth-reliant soundscapes was an animated video that was more than trippy: imagine getting completely jacked up on LSD and then watching the Cartoon Network. For that specific crowd, his performance was confusing, regardless of how great it was. Skip ahead a year later and I’m finally recalling his name and listening to his newest album in a dark room, completely amazed. Join me.
