Friend of God

Theophilus London has friends in high places, or at least that's what his name implies.  He does have some friends in high musical places.  I first heard of Theophilus on The xx's cover/remix of  "You've Got The Love" by Florence and the Machine.  The original version is great, and the cover which features the slowed down style of The xx and the chilled out voice of Theophilus, is a phenominal song.  They work perfectly together.  I then came across Theophilus on the new Maximum Balloon album, where his song is the lead track.  Theophilus has recently released a mix-tape entitled  I Want You, which is a mix of 80's and Indie rock mixes.  The overall style is of a subdued nature, with sparks of 80's flare. Here are a few tracks from the mix-tape (which includes a cover of Tweet's "Oops") and a The xx's cover of "You've Got The Love."
Theophilus London by Tills

Persephone's Favorite

You should know Pomegranates.  This young band from Cincinnati has been able to take notes from some great bands and at the same time mix in their own musical direction.  Comparatively, they have shades of Ben Gibbard's delivery on your favorite Death Cab song, with a musical style that blends a sophisticated aura of electronic-ambience and a youthful punk rock a la Tokyo Police Club.   Their latest album is entitled One of Us.  "Create Your Own Reality" is the only track from that album I have posted.  The other two tracks are from earlier releases.  If you dig these guys, make sure you check out all of their work.  Enjoy Pomegranates.
Pomegranates by Tills

Take One For The Team

Song of the Moment!  Found these guys this week and have thoroughly loved their music.  I may be late to the game with One For The Team, but you know what they say.  I added "I Got Tamed" to songs of the moment as it was my favorite and deserves to be in the list. "Best Suporting Actress" is below, also worth a listen.  Both tracks are off their 2010 release, Ghosts.  Enjoy One for the Team!
One For The Team by Tills

Jose and Friends

You may have noticed that there was no album of the week this week.  That's because I didn't find one out there, or it didn't find me.  Hopefully by next week something great will come along.  I figured I would need to highlight some band though.  Although I just referenced last week as not being a good one for music, Junip is a band worth knowing about.  If you are a fan of Jose Gonzalez, you are a fan of Junip. This is one of Jose's side projects.  Instead of a focus on acoustic guitar, he employs an entire band to play with him.  Granted, this album came out a few weeks ago, it only really caught on for me recently.  I judged the album at first as not being what I knew from Jose Gonzalez.  I mean, how can you compare anything to his earlier work.  His cover of "Heartbeats," by The Knife, may be one of the best cover songs ever.  His quiet sound is not lost though. In Junip, there is just more going on in the background.  I picked a few songs worth listening to.  Of course, if you like them, make sure you check out the album. (I included "Heartbeats" just for fun).
Junip - Fields by Tills

Harmonize

On Saturday I enjoyed a great live performance from Local Natives in Boston.  My second time seeing them was as good as the first.  That's because they are flawless live.  They have been touring for a serious amount of time, which may explain their perfection on stage.  The thing that makes them so good is there ability to all sing together as one voice.  It is really remarkable.  It's not often you see a band sing 95% of their songs together.  And for a live show, this inherently makes the audience sing along with them.  This is one of the main reasons I didn't capture any video from this show.  If it wasn't me singing as loud as I possibly could, it was the person next to me.  But don't be disappointed thinking I wouldn't supply you with something to watch.  This could technically be a double post, because as news worthy the Local Natives are, the website Baeblemusic.com is just as notable.  I stumbled on this site last week and it blew me away.  They have amazing, high quality video from tons of concerts, which are mainly indie bands.  I'm sharing the Local Natives show with you so you can get the idea of seeing them live (actually one song, but see their whole set at Baeblemusic).  Make sure you check out Baeblemusic.

"Let'sTake Some E!"

The patterns is forming.  Friday's are becoming my hip-hop go to for the week.  This transitions perfectly into today's post.  E-dubble is a rapper from Maryland (B-More!) who is blowing up.  His specialty is releasing a "Friday Freestyle," well, each Friday.  "Get on Board" is a track from a couple Fridays ago, and is one of his best. His myspace page features all of his tracks, and is worth a look/listen. You'll dig E's commanding voice which slides on a smooth, yet thoughtful, delivery.  Enjoy the Friday hip-hop song of the week, and if you want more head over to E-dubble Myspace.
E-dubble - Get on Board by Tills

New Song of the Moment

Telephoned is calling out Yeasayer. They have ambitiously covered one of the best Yeasayer songs. Taking on the uptempo dance track "O.N.E."  The cover comes up smooth and easy to listen to.  Their recipe was simple.  Take a chilled out reggae beat (by Gyptian) and loop it over the original track.  If you're looking for another track to relax to, consider adding this one.  Listen to Telephoned's cover in Songs of the Moment. Also, don't forget to check out Songs of the Moment periodically, for a new track I've recently found and loved.

Lack of Magnetism

So, you are going through Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros withdrawal? Well there is an antidote to your pain out there.  Alexander, of the Magnetic Zeros (or the more well known: "Jade?," "Alexander?" "Do you remember that day you fell out of my window?..." - Lyrics from the song "Home" for those of you that are lost) has been in the midst of making a solo album.  His new song "Truth" has been getting a lot of buzz.  So no more missing Edward Sharpe.  Here is Alexander's new song.  Enjoy!
Alexander Ebert - Truth by Tills

Roots in a Grizzly Bear

We Are Trees is slowly taking a front seat in my iPod playlist.  The band from Virginia, led by James Nee, just released an EP entitled Boyfriend.  This has been, and will continue to be, a very popular blogged about band.  They are compared to Grizzly Bear and Department of Eagles, or more specifically Daniel Rossen (of Grizzly Bear and Department of Eagles).  I could see We Are Trees opening for some great bands this fall, and then releasing a stellar full length album.  This is definitely some of the better music that has come out this year.  Take a listen to Boyfriend.  You won't be disappointed.
We Are Trees, Boyfriend EP by Tills

Mr. Stevens Opus / Album of the Week

A few posts ago, I reviewed Sufjan Stevens latest EP, All Delighted People.  If you recall, I didn't give it a stellar review.  It was very difficult to do, as I have much respect and love for Sufjan.  I was worried that when The Age of Adz was released, I would be disappointed. All in all, I was not overly impressed.  I listened to The Age of Adz for over a week, and couldn't find the inspiration I usually do from a Sufjan Stevens album.  However, throughout this week of analyzing his lyrics and new genre of music (sort-of), I neglected to listen to the last track on the album called "Impossible Soul."  I didn't avoid this song for any other reason than it is 25 minutes long.  I am not afraid of a nearly album length song, but I knew that it would need my total, undivided attention.  I had not been ready to give that attention until this past weekend.  This is where everything changed for me and The Age of Adz.  This song alone makes this album great.  Thus, bringing this album up from a middle-of-the-road album to Album of the Week.  As for "Impossible Soul," it may be Sufjan's best work.  His skill in combining all of his musical abilities, from folk, to electronic, to soul, to rock, to classical, all in one song is mind boggling.  If you have never heard of Sufjan Stevens before, and listen to this song, you will immediately understand why he is one of the greatest musical artists of the past decade.  Please enjoy "Impossible Soul," (if you can find the time) as well as The Age of Adz.
Go To Album Of The Week

Sufjan Stevens - Impossible Soul by Tills

F*ck Everyone

Not sure if you heard "Fuck You" by Cee-Lo this summer.  I have to admit, it reminded me of the good 'ol days of hip-hop.  The college scene must have loved or is still loving this song.  Well, Cee-Lo just met his competition in Anjulie.  This Canadian born singer-songwriter has remade "Fuck You;" a girls version.  Pretty funny, but good too.  Figured Friday, would be the best time to post about these two songs.  Enjoy both versions this weekend!

Fuck Everyone by Tills

Two of My Favorite Things

The Naked and Famous is a new band out of New Zealand.  I first heard of them from a single they released called "Young Blood."  It's not my typical style of music.  It's more punk/pop rock.  Sometimes you just have to give into some guilty pleasures.  Although, these guys are a bit more than a guilty pleasure.  They just released  Passive Me Aggressive You.  The album is pretty damn good.  I could see these guys getting some play on some TV networks or commercials.  They have comparisons to The XX or Stars (with their guy/girl duet style singing) but with a much harder, eighties edge.  I thought about these guys when pondering this weeks album of the week, but thought they may be a little too rough around the edges still.  In any case, here are some good tracks from their new album, as well as a great remix of "Young Blood,"  featuring Chiddy Bang.  I personally enjoy the Eighties-ish "Punching In a Dream" and obviously "Young Blood."

The Naked and Famous by Tills

Battle of the Three Names

Sharon Van Etten just released her album entitled Epic.  I am one for good folk/singer song-writer type.  Sharon fits right into that mold.  I heard a little from her on various blogs, but just listened to "Love More," from Epic.  Great song.  However, listening to Sharon reminded me of another folk/singer song-writer: Jessica Lea Mayfield.  Although not identical in the way they sing, they are clearly both going to battle it out in this genre for a while.  Jessica came out with one of the best albums of 2008 and one of my favorites, in With Blasphemy So Heartfelt. I expect that Jessica will release some new material in the coming year.  I truly hope she does.  Sharon is getting incredible praise for her album Epic and it's a perfect time for Jessica to bring out her best as well.  I am looking forward to these two furthering their careers.  They have the talent.  Here are a few songs from each.

Battle of the Three Names by Tills

Getting Croc'd Up

Some people have a hard time with what some call psychedelic freak folk. Granted, when listening to music by the likes of Animal Collective, for example, you might get put off by the layers of noise produced by their electronic melting pot.  The trick is to actually get passed your preconceived thought that "you don't like this kind of music," and give it a chance.  Once you experience this kind of music and set aside what your told is "good music," you come to enjoy it.  You actually kind of find it quite amazing.  Avey Tare, or David Portner, is about to release his own solo album entitled Down There.  David is hoping to achieve a bit of the success his Animal Collective running mate, Noah Lennox (aka Panda Bear), has had with his solo albums.  I have posted two of his new songs off Down There.  The first, an audio track, entitled "Heads Hammock."  The second, a video of "Lucky 1."  Now, if my introduction to this post doesn't sell you on this style of music, then maybe the actual music will.  If you're still fighting it, it's OK.  Just know that this is out there and people enjoy it.  Someday, you just might.  Enjoy Avey Tare!  (Warning:  If you are prone to seizure, be careful watching "Lucky 1")


Avey Tare - Heads Hammock by Tills


Lucky 1 from Abby Portner on Vimeo.

Is that a cover song in your jeans, or...?

Over the summer, Levi's put together a little thing called the "Pioneer Sessions."  I assume, in reference to how their clothing line, and jeans in particular, were the pioneers of american clothing. In these sessions, they invited bands to come in and remake classic songs from various decades. The bands covered songs from all types of artists; from Otis Redding to Smashing Pumpkins.  I have a few favorites that I have shared with you.  The best one, in my opinion, is The Shins cover of "Goodbye Girl."  Although, Ryan Bingham's take on "That's How Strong My Love Is," may be just as good (but that's probably because that Otis Redding song may be one of my favorite songs of all time).  Take a listen to these covers.  If you want to hear all of the "Pioneer Sessions," just click the link above.

Levi's Pioneer Sessions by Tills

Album of the Week

This is a personal pick for album of the week. Is it the best album out in the past couple weeks; maybe not. Ben Folds is someone I have been following for a long time. I love the guy; always will. Also, it's sort of a group love. Many, you know who you are, feel the same way I do. The cool thing about Lonely Avenue is that it is a colloboration of Ben Folds and Nick Hornby.  That's correct.  The author of such amazing works as High Fidelity,  An Education, and About A Boy. The pairing worked like this:  Nick wrote the lyrics and then Ben wrote the music to match.  In my honest opinion, it is a pretty beautiful and fun album.  Simple.  Not over the top.  Fans of Ben will be happy.  This is one of his better albums in a while.  Maybe he has Nick to thank for that.  You can decide for yourself.  Enjoy Lonely Avenue. Go To Album Of The Week

Yeasayer and the Machine

Yeasayer has been very busy touring.  Yet, during their national trip, they have been releasing various remixes.  Some worth listening to, and some worth passing by.  One that interested me, is their work on "Dog Days Are Over," by Florence and the Machine. This song alone is pretty great.  I don't know if I would have touched it, but I have to admit, the Yeasayer recipe is pretty decent.  Well, it's a good song for the weekend anyway.  Enjoy!

Florence And The Machine - Dog Days Are Over (Yeasayer Remix feat. Gilbere Forte) by Tills

Miniature Tigers

New band alert!  Well, not brand new, but new to most.  Miniature Tigers released their second album over the summer.  I had no idea these guys existed until I stumbled upon an old song of theirs.  When I heard "Dino Damage," I thought it was one of the better songs I had heard this year.  Come to find out it's 3 years old.  I still want to list it as a new song though.  It also turns out that these guys are expected to make a big splash this fall and into 2011, or so says Spin Magazine. I have compiled a few songs for you to listen to.  Two new tracks from their latest album, Fortress, and "Dino Damage," from Tell it to the Volcano.
Miniature Tigers by Tills

Kanye Enjoying a Good Winter

I have to admit, I am a fan of Kanye West. I hate his preachy, political side, but his music and ability to recognize good music is admirable.  Take for example his latest leaked song, "Lost in the World." Here, Kanye works with, or more like samples, Bon Iver's vocal epic "Woods."  Word on the street is that Justin Vernon (aka Bon Iver) had his hand in a lot of the production of Kanye's forthcoming album.  (Although, with five or six songs already out, it seems like it is already here).  So, this makes sense that this song was created.  I wouldn't say Kanye's version is better than Vernon's, but as I previously stated, the fact that he is delving into this genre of music is admirable. Anyway, I will let you judge for yourself.  Enjoy "Lost in the Word," as well as "Woods."

Kanye/Bon Iver by Tills

Chikita Violenta

A few days ago, I saw Ra Ra Riot play in New Haven, CT.  There were a couple opening bands for that show, one of them being Chikita Violenta.  I thought these guys were pretty cool.  I took a couple videos of their show, just to have.  I didn't think anything more about them, except, they have a cool sound and could be good band.  A couple nights later, in Boston, I went and saw Menomena.  I grabbed a beverage and walked to the stage.  Stepping through people, I noticed four guys just hanging out, off to one side.  I had to do a double take.  There was Chikita Violenta.  Hilarious.  I went up and had a brief conversation with them.  They were super nice, and extremely excited that I recognized them and had been to their show.  I now felt like I had to love this band.  They just seemed to be loving life, trying to make it big.  In an effort to help them out, here are the videos I took of their show, and a couple songs they have on their website.  Enjoy Chikita Violenta.


Chikita Violenta by Tills

Tallest Man Crush On Earth

Now, if you are an avid follower of The Idea Lingers Lately Still, you will notice that this is my second reference to having a man crush.  Now, I'm not one to just go around loving men.  Not that there is anything wrong with that.  My point is, when I mention that I have a man crush, I'm pretty serious about it.  Not something I take lightly.  Tallest Man On Earth is my newest one (previous crushes incule Sufjan Stevens, Justin Vernon...).  In order to have one of these, the guy has to turn everything he touches to gold.  Kris Matsson does just that.  On Friday night, he had a solid gold concert at Somerville Theater, in Somerville, MA.  He played his best songs (which are all of them) on four guitars, in an old movie theater converted into a music venue.  You could even get popcorn. As I recorded the first three songs, I thought to myself, I will probably tape this whole concert, it's so good.  At that moment, I was told to shut it down by the nearest usher.  Devastated, I returned the camera to my pocket, and enjoyed an amazing night with The Tallest Man On Earth.  I hope you enjoy the videos I did get.

Tallest Man On Earth:
A Field of Birds
Burden of Tomorrow
I Won't be Found

Album of the Week

A friend of mine sent me a track last week by Dave Sitek called "Absence of Light."  I fell in love instantly, not only because it is a great song, but also because it is the closest thing to a new TV on the Radio song.  When doing a bit of research, I did not realize that Dave Sitek had released a new solo album.  I did, however, know that a new band came out called Maximum Balloon.  What I did not put together then, is that they are one in the same.  Dave's new solo project, Maximum Balloon, is this weeks album of the week.  It is a fun, artistic, one-of-a-kind album.  Clearly it is somewhat of a TV on the Radio reunion party where all of Dave's friends came to party.  If you are a fan of TV on the Radio, you will love this album.  Dave Sitek is a producing genius.  If you're not sure about the album, make it through "Absence of Light," and then reassess. Go To Album Of The Week

Suck My Menomena

On Thursday I had the privilege to see two bands that I have been a ridiculous fan of since they came around. Suckers and Menomena playing together was almost, a cliched, dream come true. I was expecting Suckers to possibly steal the show, as they are up-and-coming and have a lot of energy, but that was far from the case. Menomena was incredible. The three of them (plus a member from Tu Fawning, playing with them for the night) were flawless. At one point Justin Harris (guitar, bass and sax player) forgot the words to "Queen Black Acid," and still the song was flawless.  They really put on a show.  Each displayed their ability to play numerous instruments, sing, and entertain a crowd.  They played songs from all three of their albums, splitting most of the set with songs from Friend and Foe and the new Mines.  They ended the show with an encore of "Strongest Man on Earth," from I am The Fun Blame Monster.  Go see these guys.  You will be a fan. Also keep Suckers on your radar.

Menomena:
Tithe
Killemall
Muscle 'n Flo
Weird
Queen Black Acid
Wet and Rusting
Dirty Cartoons
The Pelican
Sleeping Beauty
Evil Bee
Strongest Man on Earth



Suckers (These came out a little shitty):
Before Your Birthday Ends
It Gets Your Body Moving
Martha
Black Sheep
Roman Candles