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

Tallest Man Tonight

Tonight I am off to see Tallest Man play in Boston.  Extremely excited.  To honor the events of tonight, I am sharing with you his new EP entitled Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird.  This quickly followed the amazing The Wild Hunt.  This includes one of my new favorite tracks by Tallest Man, "The Dreamer," which is his first recorded song on electric guitar.  The whole EP is great, so I hope you enjoy.

Tallest Man On Earth - Sometimes The Blues Is Just A Passing Bird by Tills

Expectations Growing

I have been looking forward to seeing Ra Ra Riot live for a few weeks, and I finally got to check them out tuesday night.  They played a solid set at Toad's Place in New Haven, CT, which consisted of mainly new stuff off of The Orchard and a few from The Rhumb Line. 
Impressed?  Somewhat.  Satisfied?  Absolutely.  Overall, I loved their show.  They have a legit sound playing their stuff live.  Lead singer Wesley Miles has an amazing voice.  Kind of reminded me of better Michael Angelakos of Passion Pit, you know with out any effects or dependence on falsetto.  If you get a chance to see them, definitely do. I expect these guys to really bridge into main stream at some point.

I have to apologize, again,  for some static-y feedback in the videos.  Still working out the kinks.   I hope you enjoy what you can.

Do You Remember
Boy
Shadowcasting
You and I Know
I Can Tell
Too Dramatic

The Acorn Doesn't Fall Far...

I was hoping The Acorn's No Ghost would make my album of the week criteria, but unfortunately that is not the case.  I actually really like this band and enjoy No Ghost, but it isn't much of a step up from Glory Hope Mountain.  When that album came out, I was much more open minded as they were new and their sound was unique.  As their second album cropped up, I was much more observant as to how they had changed.  Well, they didn't.  If you liked Glory Hope Mountain you will most likely like No Ghost.  It's more of a B-Sides album, than a new LP.  I do hate to knock these guys though, as I am a fan, but as a fan I wanted more.  So, instead of album of the week, I am giving you a mini-album.  Here are some good tracks off No Ghost.  If you like, then I suggest you get both Glory Hope Mountain and No Ghost.

The Acorn - No Ghost by Tills