Iron and Wine: Samuel Beam was in Florida getting his Masters in Fine Arts when his music was discovered. Performing with his wife Sarah, they create a timeless and hauntingly fresh take on folk music. The first song I heard was,"The Trapeze Swinger". Opening up with the sound of light wind chimes, instantly transporting you to some gentle and forgotten place.
The song paints a beautiful picture of a cryptic love story. Where images of Heaven, a circus, and youthful play have all waltzed together.
The other song that caught my attention is called "Upward over the Mountain". Samuel almost whispers his lyrics about the complicated relationship between a son and mother. While this is a far cry from any rock balled, the increased instrumentals toward the end of this song capture just how sweet and distilled the emotion is. You can hear various versions of this song as it is often captured live.
In the music video "Southern Anthem" a metaphor for the history of the north and south are played out. Ending with a hope for it's future relationships, and observing generations.
Beirut: Oddly enough "Beirut" is an American band led by Zachary Francis Condon. When he visited Paris he was inspired by Balkan music. This created an old world feel to a modern venue craving an eclectic sound. It's hard to figure out just how many instruments are used in this band, but the end result can only be described as magic.
That is if you enjoy being swept off your feet by something that is untouched by corporate music producers. What "type" of people listen to this unusual band? It's certainly not a brainwashed mass accustomed to their sugary pop music.
Highly romantic, reminiscent of some place you've yet to visit. A few of my favorite songs include: The album version of "Postcards from Italy", Scenic World, and Penalty.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: So maybe after all this soft folksy, and strange European sounding music you might be wanting something with a faster beat. Many people have heard of the song "Maps" and while I liked the song as well, it wasn't enough for me to be smitten by the band.
The group from New York came out with their most recent album titled "It's Blitz". My brother kindly got me tickets to see this band in action... and I have to say, it's the most fun I've had at a concert. With a giant eyeball watching the crowd from the stage, Karen O never skips a beat!
Highly energised with explosions of confetti, the giant eyeball turns into a full moon for the very somber "Skeletons". If "Siouxsie and the Banshees" and "The Cure", had a child... it might sound something like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment