"Wolf Parade is like a retarded dog with four heads. At any given time, three of the heads are sleeping." -Wolf Parade’s Dan Boeckner in the Montreal Mirror.
I saw this quote up on Wolf Parade’s Myspace page and couldn’t help but pass it along.
Wolf Parade is one of many Canadian Indie rock bands, but they do a lot of things right. For some reason, there is a humorous element in Wolf Parade’s music. Don’t get me wrong, their music rocks, but the combination of Spencer Krug’s (Sunset Rubdown, Swan Lake, Frog Eyes) voice and the synthed out guitar rock make for a goofy sound.
It’s been too long since these guys have released an album, Apologies to the Queen Mary was released in 2005 and Wolf Parade was before that. Here’s one fan who’s hoping that Krug will spend some more time on this project!
I can’t quite remember how I first stumbled upon Fujiya & Miyagi, but I do remember that I once I did hear them, they were the only band I listened to for at least two weeks.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I don’t like techno. I do, however, really like electronic music. I’m not really sure that I could properly draw the distinction between the two but my general rule of thumb is that if it sounds like it could be on Dance Dance Revolution, it’s techno and I don’t care to much for it. Fujiya & Miyagi DO NOT sound like they could be on DDR.
A band that references one of the single most important influences of my childhood in it’s very title has quite a bit to live up to in my book. Thankfully, F&M get the job done. Transparent Things, the first full length album from F&M, is full of very fun electronic pop that really makes you want to dance. The lyrics are funny and playful; it’s happy music and I love it and I think you will too!
First of all, do yourself a favor and instead of wasting time reading this review, just listen to these guys and let them blow your mind. Know right up front that I give them a 10.5 out of 10. For those of you that insist upon knowing a little bit about what you will be experiencing before listening, read on…
On Friday night, I was on a hot date with my wife and after a nice meal at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, we ducked into black chandelier and as the beats from “Wildcat” pulsed in my ears, my head started bobbing and I couldn’t help but bust a move right then and there.
The kid working at the store told me he was listening to Ratatat and let me hear a couple of his favorite tracks. As a result of this discovery, I got me some Ratatat of my own and I haven’t stopped grooving to it yet.
Ratatat is a duo consisting of Evan Mast and Mike Stroud. They produce an electronic blend of beats, synth, and electric guitar that is audibly delicious. I have a really hard time deciding whether it is rock or hip hop, the beats will surely get you moving and the guitar reminds me of Joe Satriani or Trans-Siberian Orchestra or something like that. I can’t believe it took me so long to hear these guys, I don’t know how I lived without this music.
Ratatat has released four albums to date, two remix albums that are definitely “off the hizzy” but they are a little strong on the lyrical side for my current liking. They have also released two albums, Ratatat (2004) and Classics (2006) with strictly original content. Classics has some truly magically moments when all of the elements of sound combine to truly transport me to some sort of funkadelic plane of existence.
I really wanted to post a video but as far as I know, they don’t have any official music videos released. Seems as though these guys are a little bit low-key with that kind of stuff.
Beirut has released their follow up album to Gulag Orkestar and it is definitely worthy of some buzz. The Flying Club Cup is the second full length ablum released by the band. It was pre-released on iTunes and will be released on October 9th.
The Flying Club Cup shows a quieter, more mellow side of Zach Condon and his orkestar. I had been looking forward to The Flying Club Cup because I was curious to see which direction the band would take with the new album. I dreaded the thoughts that they would produce a more mainstream sound and was maybe a tiny bit nervous that they would swing further in the other direction into some sort of psychadelic Balkan polka or something.
Thankfully, Beirut satisfied me by staying true to their unique sound. The songs are less rowdy and rambunctious than most on Gulag Orkestar, setting a quieter mood for the album. Zach’s distinct voice sounds even more mature, it’s hard to believe that he’s only 21.
Favorite songs include "Forks and Knives (La Fete)", "A Sunday Smile", and "Nantes". Be sure to pick this one up.
I’ve been meaning to get a review on Rilo Kiley up for a long time, it just took acutally seeing them live with Modest Mouse and Matt Costa to push me over the edge and make sure that I do all that I can to let you know about these guys.
Whether or not you have ever heard of Rilo Kiley as a band, you are probably familiar with some of the band members from other places, especially if you were born in the 80’s and grew up in the U.S. Lead singer Jenny Lewis was in The Wizard, a classic film for any kid who anxiously awaited the release of Super Mario Bros. 3. Lewis also contributed backup vocals to The Postal Service. Guitarist Blake Sennett (the guy with the red boutonniere in the photo) was on Nickelodeon’s Salute Your Shorts and Boy meets World. That’s right, you knew you recognized him from somewhere. Also, maybe you have heard of The Elected? That’s Rilo Kiley without Jenny Lewis.
Rilo Kiley is currently touring to support their most recent album Under The Blacklight. Their sound has changed a little throughout the years but they still deliver that relaxed Indie rock feel that has been their trademark. They’re a little more rock than folk and definitely worth a listen!
If you like Rilo Kiley, try: The Decemberists, Death Cab For Cutie, The Elected, Bright Eyes.
I’m excited to bring you a first here on Shepizzle.com, this review marks the first review of artist/band submitted material reviewed on this site. Three hours ago I had never heard of Wax & Wane and now I am a fan, officially! Folk music has found it’s place in my ears and these guys were just good enough for me to want to recommend them to you.
Baltimore-based Wax & Wane is a collaboration of musicians Ari Schenck, Sine Jensen, Danny Costa, Justin Kwash, and Nick Podgurski. All but Mr. Podgurski are listed as lead vocalists, so you’re sure to get a good mix on vocals from song to song.
Wax & Wane’s latest releases Desert and Bay are vinyl EP’s that truly do justice to the Indie folk sound they have created. That sound includes a variety of acoustic instruments ranging from violin and cello to Hammond organs and harmonica. The guitar is gentle and soothing and the percussion is interesting and fitting. A sort of natural and organic tone pervades the recordings and I’m reminded of things more simple; nothing is rushed or hurried. Think of the autumnal sounds of the late Nick Drake.
Favorite songs include “Road’s After”, “I Really Need This” (hear it on Myspace), “My Friend Gene”, and “Whistler”. Look for more good stuff to come from these guys.
Looking for something different? You’ve come to the right place. 13 & God offers one of the most unique musical experiences. This German underground hip-hop group is heavy on complicated, stylized rhythms that start and stop in precise sequencing that begs attention.
Growing verbose? Sorry.
Electronic Underground Indie Hip-hop Rock
13 & God demands interesting labels like this to describe their sound. The unique voice is sometimes rap like while retaining classic sining choruses. Overall their sound lends it self to perfect late night listening. The quirky and sometimes technical lyrics are interesting enough to focus in on or space out to.
Because 13 & God pulls it’s inspiration from different genres (look for the bands Notwist, Oakland and Themselves) and different continents (half the band is German, the other half is American) the music is a melody of styles mixed to create something new and totally different.
My wife tipped me off on these guys about a year ago. Since that time they have grown into steady rotation on my iTunes playlist.
The Appleseed Cast has been around for 10 years now and have released 7 full-length albums, their latest album is called Peregrine. They are true Indie rock that borders on ambient rock (try View of a Burning City from Low Level Owl, Vol. 1) at times. Many of their songs have long intros that build throughout and are very anthemic in their tone and progression.
I’m too lazy to do the actual math but based on the tracks that I have in my iTunes library, I would say that the average song length for an Appleseed Cast song is well over 5 minutes and that means there’s plenty of good music to listen to from these guys. One thing is for sure, these guys are among the dying breed of bands that still know what it means to jam.
The thing that I love the most about The Appleseed Cast is that they are good solid Indie rock but they never really get too hard. I can satisfy my need for rock even if I’m in a mellow mood. Favorite songs include ‘Fight Song”, “Fishing the Sky”, “Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets” and “Hello Dearest Love”. My favorite overall album of theirs is Two Conversations.
Here’s a special treat for you with this review, it’s a link to stream an entire Appleseed Cast concert. I haven’t actually seen these guys perform live, but this video is the next best thing. Post a comment or two to show your love!
"Wolf Parade is like a retarded dog with four heads. At any given time, three of the heads are sleeping." -Wolf Parade’s Dan Boeckner in the Montreal Mirror.
I can’t quite remember how I first stumbled upon Fujiya & Miyagi, but I do remember that I once I did hear them, they were the only band I listened to for at least two weeks.
Beirut has released their follow up album to Gulag Orkestar and it is definitely worthy of some buzz. The Flying Club Cup is the second full length ablum released by the band. It was pre-released on iTunes and will be released on October 9th.
I’ve been meaning to get a review on Rilo Kiley up for a long time, it just took acutally seeing them live with 
I’m excited to bring you a first here on Shepizzle.com, this review marks the first review of artist/band submitted material reviewed on this site. Three hours ago I had never heard of Wax & Wane and now I am a fan, officially! Folk music has found it’s place in my ears and these guys were just good enough for me to want to recommend them to you.
My wife tipped me off on these guys about a year ago. Since that time they have grown into steady rotation on my iTunes playlist.
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