As I look back retrospectively on my music collection…what has inspired me the most…what genres do I always go back to no matter what is currently released…I always find myself venturing back into the world of Britpop and those sub-genres that are linked to it (Brit Rock, Shoegaze, Jangle Pop).

As a musical style, most acts within the Britpop realm drew heavily from the influences of the Smiths and the Stone Roses. Simply put, those two groups released some of the most unique and catchy guitar rock ever produced and left a cascade of followers in their wake. While shoegaze concentrated on darker tones and guitar effects (My Bloody Valentine, Jesus and Mary Chain and early Verve material), Britpop took a very nationalistic tone on straight guitar pop that was unique to each bands surroundings and England itself. There were bits of melancholy, machismo, working-class esthetic, trademark English-brashness all wrapped up in prolific songwriting that would make you cry, dance, smile and daydream.

Bands like Oasis, Blur, Supergrass, Gene, Suede, Pulp and Ocean Colour Scene took the newly deemed genre in different directions. Some of them even viewing the music as “anti-grunge” much like Punk-rock tried to stomp out disco and prog-rock. But by the late 90’s the scene had all but disappeared. Blur had larger aspirations than simply writing catchy pop songs and you could argue that Oasis’ arrogance got in the way of their abilities during their peak. Bands of the late 90’s and early 2000’s like the Verve, Travis and Coldplay continued the trend of Britpop, although each group elaborated on the foundation. Coldplay’s current model of arena sized hooks, bombacity and grandiose leanings isn’t for everyone, including myself, but at least they know their roots. 

The question I ask is, where has all the simple English guitar pop gone?

As 2009 gets started in the world of music, we have already seen some extraordinary happenings…from a possible Album of the Year candidate only 3 weeks into January (see Animal Collective), the unlikely return of everyones favorite New Zealanders in Flight of the Conchords to the Boss being EVERYWHERE.  In today’s reality obsessed rumor driven world, there is no reason why we can’t act silly when we hear about potential recording sessions, a new album release or a out of left-field reunion announcement.  So without further ado, here are some hot stove tidbits for you to sink your teeth into…

1. Coachella 2009.  Why not speculate about an event that is months away that most of us never even make the trip for? Possibly because it gives us a clue about what to expect as the year unfolds…and has arguably become the premier venue for bands giving it another go (see Jesus and Mary Chain and Rage Against the Machine). This year, the Noise Pop stylings of Pavement could possibly be on display after a 10 year hiatus. Now only if the Smiths would just take the money and do the same…
2. Other Reunions of Note. Punk-ska revitalists The Specials will be embarking on a UK tour in 2009 to celebrate their 30th anniversary. I expect by mid-year we’ll be hearing their catchy tunes in advertisements everywhere. Blur will also be reforming for UK shows mid-year and releasing new material.
3. New Releases. 2009 will bring releases from Morrissey, The Arctic Monkeys (with Josh Homme producing?) and Vampire Weekend to name a few.  Black Keys guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbach (below) will be releasing a solo record on the BK’s label Nonesuch Records. In February and March expect offerings from U2, the Von Bondies, MSTRKRFT and Peter Bjorn and John. Depeche Mode’s “Sounds of the Universe” and the much anticipated new release from Tortoise will arrive in April.

One of the finest pieces of musical showcasing seen in a while, Current has teamed up with French creative’s La Blogotheque to create 30 minute specials each Monday night. Blurb from La Blogotheque’s website:

Every week, we invite an artist or a band to play in the streets, in a bar, a park, or even in a flat or in an elevator, and we film the whole session. Of course, what makes the beauty of it is all the little incidents, hesitations, and crazy stuff happening unexpectingly. Besides, we do not edit the videos so they look perfectly flawless, instead we keep the raw sound of the surroundings. Our goal is to try and capture instants, film the music just like it happens, without preparation, without tricks. Spontaneity is the keyword.

http://www.blogotheque.net/-Concerts-a-emporter-?lang=en

Taking a thread from La Blogotheque’s normal format, each half hour will feature 4-5 takeaway shows from today’s greatest and soon to be indie artists. The premier episode features some amazing Fleet Foxes acapella, with a showcase from Quasi, The Kooks, and Emily Jane White.

Really an amazing series . . .and I highly encourage you to check it out.

www.blogotheque.net/

As some of you may know, I create a monthly mix of indie music for the purpose of driving awareness of new and underrepresented artists. Each mix consists of about 20 songs that fall into the indie rock / electro / dance / hip-hop categories. Check out the latest release (no. 22) from the link below:

dan’s.indie.mix.22 [186MB; via rapidshare]

DISCLAIMER:
To the listener, if you enjoy the music in this mix, support the artist by attending a show or buying the record. And if you are the artist or represent the artist and want any songs removed, email me or leave a comment on this post and I will promptly delete it. In other words, please don’t sue me for supporting your band =)

Allow me to take a moment to ask a somewhat personal question: has anyone ever found themselves rendered motionless with amazement by the inexpressible beauty of a song? (think of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine dates the “Desperado” guy)

No you say? Fair enough. The reason I ask is because there are a handful of songs that have this effect on me. Let me give you a few examples:

• Possibly my all-time favorite – words cannot express my love for the Foo Fighters’ “Everlong”.
• Nick Drake’s “Hazy Jane I” is a reason to get up in the morning.
• Andrew Whiteman’s exuberantly shiny guitar riff around 2:39 on BSS’s “Cause = Time” is so glorious that I almost pass out from happiness.
• The best track of 2008, “Walking On A Dream” by Empire of the Sun, has had me in a half nelson for the last 3 months and is holding strong.
• Camera Obscura’s “Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken” is just pure bliss.

Each of the aforementioned songs have a specific quality that hooks me in, whether it be the string arrangements, a guitar solo, etc. I’d like to share a new song that joins my list for it’s tragically beautiful lyrics (and faded percussionary style):

From the song “Roundabout” by San Diego-based indie rock duo, Years Around The Sun:

Drive on / through the country night /
we’ll ride with the ghosts or fly in the headlights /
Stop off / in the tiny towns /
where a diner’s just a place to put your feet on the ground /
Close your eyes / whisper to me / “don’t fall asleep, you’re my sanity” /
And I’ve got to say that I love you / more now than ever /
The lights fade out to black / The turn came up too fast

Years Around The Sun - Roundabout

Give it a listen yourself and maybe you’ll agree. And remember, Nietzsche said it best: “without music, life would be a mistake”. Talk soon.

If you’re not familiar with the Hype Machine yet, you need to check it out right now.  It’s an aggregator of many top music blogs, and you can see which songs and artists are getting coverage all over the blogosphere.  Well they just released their Music Blog Zeitgeist for 2008 - an awesome summary of the year that was.  You can view the top 50 tracks, the top 50 artists, and even download 5 mp3’s (about 100 MB each) giving samples from the top 50 albums.  I know what I’ll be listening to this week…

Here are the links to the top album mp3’s:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

Get ‘em while they’re hot!  (Well as hot as year old music - good music anyway)

Dec, 2 2008

Look for a full review of the concert soon - but for now, just know it was very very good.  Special thanks to Erica for the video footage.

Yeahhh! It has been approximately six months since I gave this site any of my attention. I’m finally ready to come back and am looking forward to sharing my musical preferences with the few people who might actually frequent.

Until I have more time to put together a proper post, check out these vid’s from several of my favorite bands at the moment. Much love.

The Tough Alliance | Neo Violence

Empire of the Sun | Walking On A Dream

Pnau | With You Forever

Dizzee Rascal feat. Calvin Harris & Chrome | Dance Wiv Me

The first video is from much heralded Vampire Weekend and their song “Oxford Comma”. Fortunately this video features no scowling grammar teachers but rather skips along much like the song itself. The video itself is a continuous shot, meaning there was no editing involved, and took over 20 takes to complete. The band must be fans of Wes Anderson as the side scrolling landscape and multitude of seemingly random characters and costumes are undoubtedly his influence. Check it out…

Next up is from the red hot “Feed the Animals” album by Girl Talk. Some one has painstakenly took the time to put together the collection of music videos to sync in with all the tracks in one of his mixes. Now if someone could just make one continuous video to sync in with his whole album…Check tracks 2 and 3 out. Sparks sold seperately.

Lollapalooza two weeks baby!

guest post by Ryan Graves

Instinctiv.com wants to make your iPod or iPhone smart! They describe the features of their application this way: “The random shuffle was a cool feature when it first launched. But, let’s be honest, it left out the most important element: you. After all, your taste in music isn’t random-it’s instinctive.
That’s why Instinctive Shuffle was created. This smart new app goes far beyond the random shuffle and actually makes song recommendations to match whatever mood you’re in. So you can explore and experience your music in a whole new way.”
By skipping the songs that you don’t want to hear Instinctiv captures these decisions and learns from your preferences/choices. It sounds very similar to Pandora.com’s free music streaming feature but takes it directly to you and your iPod. I’m a fan of any tool that helps my music experience become a better one.
Instinctiv Shuffle™ is the first product by Instinctiv (formerly Predict Systems), a company dedicated to changing the way that consumers experience their entertainment.