This is a blog about music.



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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

artist spotlight: Fleet Foxes

It should come as no surprise to people who read my blog regularly (I don't even know if that's what happens, I may just be broadcasting this to give myself an ego boost...) that I love Fleet Foxes, so I decided to write a little post about them and gush about their latest album... here goes...


Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (2008)


So many things can be said about Fleet Foxes that I barely know where to begin. I think a lot of people became affiliated with their music after the release of their first album, Fleet Foxes in 2008, however months prior to this stunning album they put out their Sun Giant EP which had a handful of delicious teasers of what was to come of their future releases.


From their first album, Fleet Foxes tracks you should listen to are "White Winter Hymnal" and "He Doesn't Know Why"as well as "Mykonos" and "Drops in the River" from  the Sun Giant EP.


I was following the,
I was following the pack,
All swallowed in their coats
With scarves of red tied 'round their throats
To keep their little heads
From fallin' in the snow
And I turned 'round and there you go.
And, Michael, you would fall,
And turn the white snow
Red as strawberries in the summertime.
 








They are similar to Bon Iver and bands of that ilk and have stunning lyrics that tell the most beautiful and enchanting stories - you can find them if you listen just that little bit more intently to what Robin Pecknold (vocalist+lyricist) sings so sweetly in their songs.


In the morning waking up to terrible sunlight
All diffuse like skin abuse the sun is half its size
When you talk you hardly even look in my eyes
in the morning, in the morning

In the doorway holding every letter that I wrote
in the driveway pulling away putting on your coat
in the ocean washing off my name from your throat
in the morning, in the morning

in the ocean washing off my name from your throat
in the morning, in the morning
(the shrine/an argument)




Pecknold, in an interview for Uncut magazine in May explained the meaning behind The Shrine/An Argument - "It describes four stages of a break-up - contemplation, anger, frustration and solitude." 


They have some of the most beautiful album artwork with so many intricate details they are indeed a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.






One of the most delightful album releases that I've had the pleasure to listen to this year has been their second album entitled "Helplessness Blues"


Helplessness Blues (2011)

I guess it can be mentioned here that there is always a doubt as to whether a band can top such a fantastic debut with their follow-up, however, I can safely say that they managed to pull it off.


Fleet Foxes have stayed true to their roots but have still managed to make an endearing, beautiful and interesting album. Opening with the song "Montezuma" and closing with "Grown Ocean", the 12 song album is a delight from start to finish and I'm just going to put it out there that Helplessness Blues is definitely going to be in my top 10 album list of 2011... and by me saying that in May with 7 more months of music releases, that's a pretty big call!






Tunes to listen to include "The Shrine/An Argument", "Battery Kinzie", "Someone You'd Admire" and "Bedouin Dress" but singling out tracks on a special album is hard, those are just my absolute favourites!


I just can't wait until they hit my shores so I can finally hear them play live!








Farväl and happy listening!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Anticipation - Bon Iver

Hello folks,
I thought I'd write a quick post about the anticipation surrounding Bon Iver's new album and its teasingly close but oh so far release date!

I don't think I have ever been so excited for an album release and I adore music and I must admit, 2011 has been and continues to be a great year for music and new releases... ANYWAY

Since releasing his debut album,



"For Emma, Forever Ago" in 2008, and his subsequent 2009 EP, "Blood Bank", Justin Vernon's success has soared and his music has struck a chord with many, many people. His music is filled with ethereal, dreamy and at times heart wrenching and mostly accoustic tunes.



2011's "Bon Iver" is his highly anticipated sophomore album. I for one am so excited - the teaser Vernon gave us with his release of "Calgary" (available for purchase on iTunes) from the new album has left no doubt that the album will be brilliant.

"joy, it’s all founded
pincher with the skin inside
you pinned me with your black sphere eyes
you know that all the rope’s untied
I was only for to die beside
."



Vernon is one of the most interesting vocalists, his music envokes a certain ache in you, I mean, who could forget the delicate strains of "Skinny Love" from his debut? He has been hailed a lyrical genius and I have to admit I wholeheartedly agree.

"I told you to be patient I told you to be fine
I told you to be balanced I told you to be kind
Now all your love is wasted then who the hell was I?
Cause now I'm breaking at the britches
And at the end of all your lines."

So for my most anticipated album release, come on June 17!


What are some of your anticipated albums? Did they live up to expectations?

Farväl. Until next time.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Chill out mixtape


Chill out mixtape… because I’m freaking stressed.
1. Phoenix - Love Like A Sunset (Part II)
2. Beach House - Silver Soul
3. Department of Eagles - No One Does It Like You
4. Washed Out - Feel It All Around
5. Fleet Foxes - Mykonos
6. Ernest Ellis - When I Feel Like Jesus’ Son the World Will Feel Much Different
7. Air - Playground Love
8. Augie March - Asleep in Perfection
9. Band of Horses - Infinite Arms
10. Bon Iver - Creature Fear
11. Born Ruffians - Red, Yellow and Blue
12. Yeasayer - I Remember
13. Whitley - More Than Life
14. Turin Brakes - Rain City
15. Sufjan Stevens - To Be Alone With You
16. The Temper Trap - Love Lost
17. The Shins - New Slang
18. The Radio Dept. - Pulling Our Weight
19. Noah & the Whale - My Broken Heart
20. The Middle East - Blood

Farväl.

Also, because I've been so busy with uni work I have taken a hiatus from Tuesday Treasures for a while... I should be back in action in June after the exams finish, until then there should be a few artist spotlights that I promised before.


Sunday, April 17, 2011

Artist spotlight: Matt Walters

This charming young man, Matt Walters is just about to release his debut album entitled "Farewell Youth". It should hit the stands in early May (around about the 6th).


Hailing from Melbourne and with a couple of EPs under his belt, this 25 year old is definitely no new comer to the Australian music scene. His ethereal tunes leave you wanting more and his lyrics are just charming. He is a true "artiste" in every sense of the word.

Notable tracks include "I Would Die For You"  and "Talking in My Sleep" (from his EP called "Talking in My Sleep"), "Echo On" and "All I Know" (from his EP called "Echo On") and if these are anything to go by, his album will be just as lovely.

Matt is a singer/songwriter you should definitely look out for and have a listen to. His EPs are available for purchase on iTunes and you can listen to his tunes online here.

Some eye candy (he is pretty gorgeous) and ear candy? why not.






Happy listening (and swooning)!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

a little mixtape vol. 4

What better way to procrastinate than to make a mixtape!


A little mixtape vol. 4
  1. Guineafowl - In Our Circles
  2. The Wombats - Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)
  3. Foster The People - Houdini
  4. Last Dinosaurs - Time & Place
  5. Wild Nothing - Summer Holiday
  6. White Lies - The Power & The Glory
  7. Jinja Safari - Vagabond
  8. Toro y Moi - Still Sound
  9. Crystal Castles - Not In Love
  10. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Bright Lit Blue Skies
  11.  Band of Horses - Blue Beard
  12. Jens Lekman - If I Could Cry (It Would Feel Like This)
  13. Little Red - In My Bed
  14. Jonathan Boulet - After All
  15. Modest Mouse - The View
  16. Cold War Kids - Out of The Wilderness
  17. Hungry Kids of Hungary - You Ain't Always There
  18. Phoenix - If I Ever Feel Better
  19. The Shins - Phantom Limb
  20. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Artist Spotlight: Guineafowl

Hello there everyone!


I thought I'd start this week off with a music spotlight then do my usual Tuesday Treasures (anything to keep me procrastinating).

Oh my! he is very cute!

I have been listening to this band, Guineafowl a lot recently - you could say that I have fallen in love with them! Anyway I thought I'd share this wonderful Australian band with you:

Named after lead singer Sam Yeldham's nickname given to him by a teacher at school, Guineafowl are 6-piece band from Sydney who started life in Sam's living room.


  Their debut EP, "Hello Anxiety" was released on February 18th (2011) by Dew Process.

An impressive debut by Guineafowl - they are only going to get better and I can't wait!


"Hello Anxiety is quietly confident, strangely beautiful and totally anthemic – sparkling electro pop with more than enough drive to get you on the dancefloor." Brag


click here to read a sweet little interview Sam did with Alphabet Pony

Now for some eye + ear candy!





Botanist
In Our Circles (My favourite!)

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

A little mixtape vol. 3


1. Cold War Kids - Finally Begin
2. Washed Out - Feel It All Around
3. Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks
4. Bear in Heaven - You Do You
5. Yeasayer - 2080
6. Jonathan Boulet - A Community Service Announcement
7. Tears for Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule the World
8. Jónsi - Go Do
9. Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
10. Beach House - Take Care
11. Ernest Ellis - Want For Anything
12. The Temptations - My Girl
13. Frightened Rabbit - Footshooter
14. Animal Collective - Bluish
15. PVT - Window
16. The Maccabees - Can You Give It
17.  Matt Van Schie - Journey
18. Foster the People - Houdini
19. Hungry Kids of Hungary - Closer Apart
20. Washed Out - New Theory

All songs available to buy on iTunes! Happy listening everybody!
xx

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Music Spotlight: Band of Horses

Band of Horses, originally briefly known as Horses, is an American rock band formed in 2004 in Seattle by Ben Bridwell. They have released three studio albums, the most recent and most successful of which is 2010's Grammy nominated Infinite Arms.

It may come as no surprise to people who read my Tumblr blog that I adore Band of Horses. The thing I regret though is that I didn't start getting into them until last year - oh the years that I missed out on and anticipation of their next albums.

Nevermind, I love them now, that's all that matters.

Their albums are:

Everything All The Time (2006)

 

Cease to Begin (2007)
 and

Infinite Arms (2010)
Last July I was lucky enough to see their Splendour in the Grass sideshow at Enmore Theatre. I was completely blown away by Ben, his vocals are wonderful - he looks completely different to what you'd think he would, covered in tattoos and has a beard with this gorgeous voice, it's just wonderful.

Their albums are all available on iTunes and Amazon so I suggest you check them out if you haven't already.

My favourite songs are:
No One's Gonna Love You (Cease to Begin), Dilly (Infinite Arms) and The Funeral (Everything All the Time). BLISS!


Wednesday, February 16, 2011

FASHION SPOTLIGHT: Marimekko for Converse

Oh my lordy!

I was just flipping through my newest copy of Frankie and saw an ad for these new Converse shoes with designs by Marimekko. As you should know I adore Marimekko and have even done a post about them on my blog (a few weeks back) so I was delighted to see these on the page.

Here are some teasers!


I must get myself a pair (on my unemployed + uni student budget it will be difficult but I will prevail)

for more info, click here

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Hello Sandwich!

Today I received my long awaited Hello Sandwich Gift Wrapping Zine in the mail.




It is the cutest thing I ever did see, I'm saving it to read in bed tonight but the packaging it came in was so cute and even had some Japanese masking tape to seal it all up - delightful!

Hello Sandwich is a blog run by Ebony Bizys an Australian girl who lives in Tokyo. Her blog is absolutely gorgeous, inspiring and fun and her care to detail is wonderful.

She has inspired me to collect more paper scraps (like I need any more!) and do even cuter things with them.

 I can't wait to make a confetti bow of my own...