Bushwick is Beautiful

Top 10 Songs of 2016: Bushwick is Beautiful

2016-12-31T10:26:00.006-05:00

Top 10 Songs of 2016

Suns - Un-No

The pink floyd guitar pan freak out is worth the price of admission alone. This driving hypnotic song could end up in your workout mix, or after hours space jams. Bands like the Suuns are obviously still inspired, fresh, and making music with a creative edge.

Austra - Utopia

Whenever I listen to vocals from Katie Stelmanis I'm transported into a futuristic utopian society, with a brighter future. High above the mountain tops these vocals come soaring in from a delicious mix. Utopia is an entrancing danceable moody track for your Saturday drives through the alps, or to the Dollar General. Whatever is available to you.

The XX - On Hold

The usually downtrodden goth feel to The XX is gone. There is sorrow, and longing in the lyrics, but now you can dance to it. The Hall and Oats 1981 cut from the Private Eyes LP is sampled to perfection here. "We got carried away" indeed.

Maggie Rodgers - Alaska

When Maggie Rodgers sings in my house you will bow your head, and respect this goddess. Brand new to the scene this is on our ARTISTS READY TO BREAK OUT list. She's 2 for 2 with her other single "Dog Years" being equally as enchanting. In "Alaska" she struts from the forest with her dance troupe, and brings you into her world. Who wouldn't want to let it all out, and dance with Maggie in that forest? The video is a visual stunner all the way through. This song has the soul of an early 70s song. Maggie Rodgers makes digital sound like tape.

Angel Olsen - Sister

Just when we thought 2016 was hopeless, Angel Olsen came to shine brightness where we needed it most. This is one of the most interesting heartfelt songs I've heard in years. To feel longing, sadness, lust, and hope all in 8 minutes is quite a feat. There seems to be different pieces of this song that build on each other. Those that have the patience to follow this song to the end are rewarded with a gorgeous Fleetwood mack guitar jam. The epic song ends after many peaks, and valleys with a sad swooning to the moon "all my life without a change". Yes, it was worth it. When Angel sings I believe her.

Liv - Wings of Love

Another 70s style fleetwood mac feel from another generational singer Lykke Li. Yes, there is hope right now in music. This side project brings the good vibes, and uplifting songs. What's in store from Liv in the future? From this strong first single you have our attention going forward.

Warpaint - New Song

Like their former tour mates the XX, Warpaint try their hand at a more danceable upbeat groove. The results are pretty good. Its also a good sign to see this band take a nice step in progression. "You're a new song baby..."

Car Seat Headrest - Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales

Every generation needs their own type of Weezer, or Pavement type band. Car Seat Headrest seems to it this mold for the current omg generation. Another long song over 6 minutes makes it onto 2016 best of list. This song's strolling loud-quiet-loud build up work well. When we get to"If doesn't have to be like this..." we already worked ourselves into a head bobbing rage, and we still have 3 more minutes to go in the song.

Mothers - It Hurts Until It Doesn't

Where are these creative new bands with guitars, and gumption coming from? When Angel Olsen woke me up from the terrible dream that was 2016, the Mothers kept the beat pounding through the wall. This song has an impressive peak-n-valley, and return to climax. The band seems to be really tight, as their songs sound even stronger live. Definitely a talented group that I will be keeping an eye on going forward.

Haelos - Oracle

Another new discovery this year. This British trio brings their mesmerizing trippy jams into your willing ears. Oracle sounds like a call from a heavenly world. When lead vocalist Lotti screams "Watch as the sky falls down", it feels like the end of everything.

Also, a good live band, which we will add to our MUST SEE LIVE acts. Lotti Benardout can really belt out these songs. I like bands that sound like their music was made in the middle of the night. I call these songs 3am night sermons. Sweet Dreams.

Honorable Mention:

Delta Will - Hovering

Radiohead - Present Tense

Massive Attack - The Spoils

Tusks - False

Lowtide - Wedding Ring

A Tribe Called Quest - Whateva Will Be
Kaytranada - Lite Spots
Whitney - No Woman
Woods - Morning Light

Holy End of the Wood Empire

2016-11-28T12:55:00.002-05:00

We went into a station

with someone else's information

fueled up for the destination

we stopped in new mexico

to see the energy between us grow

the light shined between the fingers

a last glimpse into our futures

There were many conversations

over desert lands and alien observations

when its starting to end

there is no reason to pretend

and just as the walls came down

we arrived in your faded dusty town

you jumped head first into the story

the end was real, and it was gory

Now your heart is dying

but your soul it is rewinding

to search the truth that was waiting

on the stretches of roads in your imagination

2015-11-10T14:38:00.001-05:00

We've been running side by side

all my life

you can trip

but you cant hide

and when they say it wasn't meant to be

maybe they were right

because you used to know

but now hide in the shadows

When you were there under dimmed stars

that dreary seattle night

i saw your face

and i felt your light

nothing will....

Can't help but dream

what >of<>been

the fate of a generation changed

whim decisions

While a heart still beats there is a glimmer

between all the bull shit you try and cope

We've always been running side by side

Thom Yorke Joins Portishead: More Head is always a better thing

2015-07-19T11:26:00.001-04:00

Finally, what I've been calling for since the start of this blog has happened. Thom Yorke has joined forces with Portishead. My two favorite bands have always been linked in my head. On Radiohead's last tour that became closer to reality when Portisheads touring drummer Clive Deamer went on the road with them(assisting Phil Selway).

Radioheads affection for Portishead is clearly evident on this acoustic rendition released a little Third came out.

But now we've seen it taken to another level as Thom joined Portishead over the weekend for their encore at the Latitude Festival.

Whats next? I'm calling for the bands to tour together. Radiohead and Portishead because more head is NEVER a bad thing....

BiB's Top 5 Songs of 2014

2014-12-31T13:36:00.001-05:00

Cathedrals - Unbound

"I'll nurse you back to pieces...."

I have no doubt.

TV on the Radio - Trouble

"everything's gonna be ok.....don't worry be happy"

From the great LP Seeds, everything just feels a little bit better after you hear this.

Spoon - Knock Knock Knock

"If you missed the meaning this time...well here comes another one."

BRONCHO - Class Historian
From Oklahoma. Who knew something so catchy and good could come from that awful place?

First Aid Kit - Silver Lining

If Loretta Lynn were only alive today. Wait, she still is? Tja, if we could go back in time to when Nashville was actually real. Go sit in a small coffee shop, and hear something like this. FAK are beautiful, inside, and out.

TV on the Radio "Test Pilot" lyrics

2014-11-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

TV on the Radio's new album Seeds is good. Its got so many really good tracks. A slight new direction. Here is one of those really good songs...

"Test Pilot" from the new #TVOTR album seeds.

Hope it isn't broken

Try to keep it open

but I couldnt hold it, smashed it down for all to see

and Im trying to get repairs done, but I couldnt fix it, so i picked up smashed it

down for all to see

but I remember when we were so cool and you were the only one

but Now i know that i am such a fool

Thinkin youre the only one

(you know were are) We are high

(you know were are)We are fine

(you know were are)We are glad it got is though the though things that tear us apart

We are going to need the strength it takes to pave the wave you need the first test pilot

Now we're stumbling through the emotions, criminal and careless

Thought you were my best friend now i couldnt care less

cant you see?

and Youre playin my emotions way out of portition, damage and distortion, blastin through your fantasy

Ohh, but I was such a fool

Thinkin youre the only one

It didnt have to be so cruel

Thinking youre the only one

I know that we get down

but We cant touch the ground

Look up fall into sky

Gone at the speed of sound, wont circle back around

Straight on test pilot flight

(you know were are) We are high

(you know were are)We are fine

(you know)We are glad it got is though the though things that tear us apart

Spoon's New Song "Do You" Lyrics

2014-07-03T15:04:00.000-04:00

Britt and company are back with some new ear candy. This is pure pop bliss. Beautiful backing vocals soaring through out the smooth upbeat song. The album is They Want My Soul, and it's out Aug 5th.

Go pick up "Do You" right now from Itunes, and get a preview.

These lyrics will stick in your brain.
You can help but bob your head this....

Spoon "Do You" Lyrics

I was on 45th, I was half out of the bag
Yeah, I knew that you saw me, you laughed when I looked back

I thought I'd given up
I didn't feel so bad
and then shot went through me'
and then I walked right back

Do you want to get understood
or do you want one thing
or are you lookin for sainthood

Do you run when its just getting good?
Do you
Do you
Do you

Someone get popsicles
Someone do something about this heat
cause its late in october
tossed over in the street
You tip toe for ages
You lose yourself,
flippin back pages,
unbuckling belts

thats the way love comes

Do you
Don't you know thats the way love comes
Do you feel black and blue
Do you
Do you
Do you
Do you

Style Wars Documentary

2014-05-22T15:31:00.003-04:00

How did I miss this documentary? This is the New York I never got to see, but dreamed about. The early 1980s tagging trains in the city got you recognition. This was their facebook. Their tagging pictures was putting their names on enough cars to be called "all city". The nick you got if you got your graffiti on trains in each borough. This documentary also touches on the beginnings of hip hop culture. Get lost in another time in the not so distant past.

First Aid Kit - Cedar Lane lyrics

2014-05-07T14:51:00.003-04:00

First Aid Kit - Cedar Lane lyrics

Album : Gold (released June 10, 2014)

Rows after of rows of passenger planes
Headed out again running all in vein

Motel blues only bad news
I'm never looking for ya
You'll, find me all the same
I lie awake at night
Envisioning a trace from the past

This heavy heart of mine,
It never fails to bring me right back

Now, I see us walking down cedar lane
Slow in the sunshine, fast in the rain

Times moves so swiftly all of those days
I still remember how you used to say
Something good will come out of this

Coast after coast
Cities and states
My worlds an empty map
But nothing remains

The place we belong
Is quietly gone
While we were making plans
It drifted away

I lie awake at night
Envisioning a trace from the past

This heavy heart heart of mine
It never fails to bring me right back

Now, I see us walking down cedar lane

Slow in the sunshine, fast in the rain

Times moves so swiftly all of those days

I still remember how you used to say

Something good will come out of this

How could i break away from you
How could i break away from you
How could i break away from you
How could i break away from you
How could i break away from you
How could i break away from you
How could i break away from you
How could i break away from you

Bib's Best of 2013 List

2014-01-01T10:32:00.001-05:00

Best Songs of 2013:

Laura Mvula - Green Garden

Represents so much of what is missing in today's music. Soul, happiness, talent, and joy. Laura brings it on her entire debut Sing to the Moon, but this track was a standout.

CHVRCHES - The Mother We Share

We were on this band early like many of you were. Catchy pop song that propelled band into headliners within months. If you are one of the few to not have this band in your playlist I suggest you get on it.

Embrz - Slow Down

Koda & Bijou - There

AUSTRA - 'Forgive Me'

Sky Ferreira - Boys She put my faith back in pop music. At least for 4 minutes.

Phosphorescent - Song For Zula

I must of liked this song. I used it for my tribute to my beloved old school.

"I will not open myself up this way again"

Young Summer - "The Waves That Rolled You Under"

"Don't be scared of the scared of the things you love..."

Best Remixes of 2013:

Best soundtrack song: The National

Listening to him swoon, "I believe my love, and my love believes me". I have no problems believing.

Best local music: Pattern is Movement

Best Newcomer: NiinaVlk (Prague, CZ)

Bushwick is Beautiful: When did you first start making music?

Niina: I'd think, "This has to be something," and write or record it, work on it, try to put it together with other things, and sometimes it flows, sometimes not. Sometimes the best idea happens because of some obstacle--maybe I have to be very quiet one day, and come up with a new rhythm or something because of that. Or the process is also totally different if I'm playing around with effects on GarageBand--that's where I got a lot of the weird sounds on Kimponite. Well, I did school band and choir…played flute and trumpet…then I started playing guitar in 2000 and writing songs in 2002. It went really slowly at first, because of high action and laziness, but started coming together the last year before I left Prague the first time. I owe a lot of people thanks for this. I'd been in an awesome a-cappella group called Intuition for a few years, then wanted to see what would happen with my own songs. So I started playing at open mics, and also sang backup for my ex-boyfriend Toby Williamson (a really good songwriter), did some sample recorded vocals for Ian Wood's band Unwelcome Guest, which was a super electronic genre while it existed, and also got a couple of gigs of my own. My friend Marc Macaspac also recorded my first group of songs, called the "Prague Sessions," and I got to open for his band. Then I left Prague to teach in Korea for a couple years. I was in places out of the loop for most music, but last year had a soundproof inside balcony, so learned how to record and mix!

Most Underrated TV Series: Person of Interest

Good character development, suspenseful plots, and heart warming laughs make this series a much overlooked show.

John Lennon's 1981 Tour

2013-12-29T17:41:00.002-05:00

John was making plans to hit the road in 1981. "provisionally titled One World, One People". He had just released Double Fantasy, and had working versions of another album Milk & Honey. Because he was taken from us we can only really guess what the set list could have been. Now since it's a guessing game I would like to take a stab at what it should have been.

“John pictured a big production tour... he definitely planned a tremendous production with new arrangements of Beatles songs he felt he never got right.” - Jack Douglas

"private comments to those closest to him, suggested that new, specially arranged versions of ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’, ‘She Loves You’, ‘Help!’ and — one of the few ‘Fab’ songs with which he consistently associated himself — ‘I Am The Walrus’ were to have made the selection."

(Just Like) Starting Over
I'm Stepping Out
Instant Karma!
Help!
She Loves You
I Wanna Hold Your Hand - "John said, We have to sing I Want To Hold Your Hand. And while he sang it, he was going to kneel down and hold my hand. I said, I don't think that's going to go down too well. But there was a sense of: Let's take it to them. He was feeling very rebellious."
Nobody Told Me
Watching The Wheels
Isolation
Don't Let me Down
Imagine
Strawberry Fields Forever
Mind Games
Beautiful Boy
Woman

Acoustic section:
Working Class Hero
Revolution
Dear Prudence
Out the Blue

Walking on thin Ice
I Am The Walrus
#9 Dream
Come Together
Whatever Gets You Thru the Night

Encore:
Give Peace a Chance
Power to the People
All You Need is Love

100 Year Old Chrismas Letter

2013-12-21T10:46:00.000-05:00

Twas such a simpler time back then.

Strive to Thrive

2013-12-14T14:45:00.004-05:00

Looks Like I've found a kindred spirit. Russell Brand is goofy, ridiculous, and highly spiritual.
He is what I define as someone spiritual. He is not some phony guy in a suit preaching about a higher power that you can never question. He is someone who tells it like it is. At least from my perspective. All that's important to me really is finding a purpose in this life, and treating people
well along the journey. It's been a lonely ride sometimes, and you need to find people that you
can agree with. The power, and importance of connection.

Those Tears Gonna Lean on your Soul

2013-10-27T20:14:00.001-04:00

I just wrote a friend, and told her I have a detector for good people. I'm attracted musically, and just in general to genuineness. Nothing is better when people are themselves, and when that self shines I'm sold.

My goal moving forward to embrace exactly who I am, and celebrate those around me warts, and all.

So who I am? An emotional, caring, flawed, gypsy who wants nothing more than to see and experience all the beauty this life has to offer. Or something like that...

I've been a fan of Jessica Lea Mayfield ever since I heard the Tell Me LP. The more I find out about her the more I see someone pure, and honest coming through. Someone real. Looking forward to an apparent new album coming soon from her. She's been talking about new songs on her Facebook feed for awhile.

Hearing her interview about where she came from was a pleasure. I see the allure of a traveling family band. Look what it created? A brother, and sister who have careers in music, and who have toured the world. Again, Jessica just comes off to me as a vulnerable interesting person. It's easy for me to get behind those people.

Sean Lennon: Posts about Russell Brand

2013-10-26T08:54:00.001-04:00

Sean Lennon bowed down to Brand, and so will we. He posted this brilliant interview on his Facebook feed.

Just like Sean's parents who even though they were financially successful still fought for causes of real people. That is why they always remained, and Yoko to this day remains relevant. Sean a good musician, and beautiful mind in his own right knows something special when he sees it.

Russell Brand wants a revolution. Finally we have someone calling for it in this decade.
We've been living in the OMG generation of bland nothingness for over a decade.
The problem is the current system, and flawed fucked up system we all live in.

Thank you for talking about the "under-served", and BS system.

We are listening, and ready.

Stream: Arcade Fire's new Double LP Reflektor Here

2013-10-25T07:08:00.001-04:00

Listen to the new opus from Arcade Fire on You Tube. Complete with visuals from the 1950's Black Orpheus, and sometimes lyrics.

Bushwick's Weekend Mix. For your late night excess, early morning progress.

2013-10-19T14:28:00.001-04:00

"slow down so I can follow you..."

"don't look back it's yours..."

"My true loves here...."

When I sit down to write that album....

2013-10-19T14:11:00.003-04:00

I'll be writing about you. Even though I can't stand what you put me through.
My dreams always included a piece for your memory. My life put on hold
to try and fix the pieces you left. The feeling of why on earth
does it have to be like this. There is no excuse for our current state of affairs.
Living next to you, but lifetimes apart.

When I finally sit down to write that album I'll be writing about you.

BiB Alert: Sony Vaio Laptops Scam

2013-10-06T08:21:00.002-04:00

We here at Bushwick is Beautiful are always looking out for you. When we get massive reports of scam, and fraud we do our best to look into for you. We've had reports of massive virus infections immediately after the pre-installed Kaspersky trial licence expires on these computers. We decided to try it out for ourselves, and buy a Sony Vaio laptop similar to what is seen above. The reports are true. As soon as we let the pre-installed Kaspersky trial run out this laptop became infected with some sort of virus every time. Within a matter of days it would happen. We even got the deadly Bundespolizei virus twice!

Frankly, we expected more from Sony, and this good looking laptop. The fact that is comes with
no security besides a costly subscription is telling. They want you to shell out the 50+ bucks for this service. Again, after you've already paid over 600 dollars for the computer this is just tacky.

Vaio fix this problem or more and more people will stop buying your products.

CHVRCHES Make one big mistake on new LP

2013-09-25T17:00:00.002-04:00

The Bones of What You Believe is out now. The record is fine, and overall a good debut from CHVRCHES. It just pains us, because there is one glaring error on the album. They blew it on "We Sink". The original version has Martin Doherty on vocals. That version is just flat out more
powerful than the one on the LP. Don't misunderstand us we love Lauren Mayberry's vocals.
She owns the singles "The Mother We Share", and "Recover". We also are really enjoying "By the Throat", part of which was recorded in an Texas motel room. How is that for vibe?

That appreciation for what the band accomplished on the album is why the error is killing us.
They were that close to a classic album. They'll have to settle for really good, and possible debut of the year. This will be on BiB's Top ten of 2013, and on many end of year lists. Now we'll just have to listen to the BBC version, and wonder what could of been. Maybe they'll release that version at a future date.

Why Republicans are Afraid of Obamacare

2013-09-22T17:21:00.002-04:00

Why have Republicans spent so much time demonizing the Affordable Heath Care Act? They have tried to overturn the law more than 40 times now. So what are they so afraid of?

I finally figured out the main reason.

They are afraid is will work.

Flat out. There is no other reason, besides losing support or money from the health care companies.
The Republican party could let this thing play out, and if fails they would be set for a long time
to come. The Democrats, and Obama supporters would take a major blow. On the flip side
if it works, it will put a nail in the coffin of modern far right Republican politics.

Both sides have agreed that the heath care system is broken, and needs repair. The Republicans have done nothing nationally to improve this issue. Why have they spent so much time, and money beating this issue to death?

Now we know....

Pitchfork reviewer Andrew Ryce blows it on new Goldfrapp review.

2013-09-12T14:49:00.001-04:00

I'm not one of those people who will blast Pitchfork for everything. They are still one of the best sources, and champions for new music. Yes they are a little pretentious at times, but you shouldn't deny their extreme value. Sometimes they get it dead wrong, and I don't mind calling them out for it.

It happened again with the recent Goldfrapp review for "Tales of Us". One of the strongest albums I've heard all year, and one of Goldfrapp's best. Andrew Ryce's biggest mistake was first bashing Seventh Tree which was a nice departure for the band, and still stands as a very complete album. It should be honored for the playability factor alone. It's one of those albums you can play, and should play, all the way through. Sounds great on vinyl too.

Onto Andrew's missing the mark with Tales of Us. While he doesn't pan the record (He gave it a 6.1),
he clearly doesn't get it. For some reason it didn't hit him. Maybe it's too slow? Too mature?
There is no denying the absolute stunning tracks beginning with "Drew". This is music that will last
a lifetime. These songs will outlast a lot of the material Ryce, and pitchfork have creamed over.
After Drew we still have "Jo", "Clay", and "Simone" which are some of the best songs of Goldfrapp's career. They are gorgeous works of art that suck you in. Moody, elegant, and slightly depressing.

This is the soundtrack for every rainy Seattle night.

As a whole there really isn't a stinker of an song here. This is one of the best albums in an already strong 2013, and it's sad Pitchfork doesn't agree.

San Cisco's Perfect Daft Punk Cover

2013-08-16T17:18:00.000-04:00

Thanks to a user who emailed a link to this adorable cover. Get Lucky has been the summer song, and there have already been some decent covers. This is our favorite so far. Love the percussion and energy from this Perth 4 piece. San Cisco also has a s/t LP out right now that is well worth your time.

New stuff to sink your ears into...

2013-08-14T15:09:00.002-04:00

Juana Molina has been AWOL for a few years. She's back, and shes got some delicious
ear candy for you to inhale.

From Stones Throw Records comes some hypnotizing bed room pop.
Mike Edge and Amber Quintero are Boardwalk. They are from Los Angeles.
Go ahead, turn off the lights, and slow gaze yourself.

This remix is such a win.

Slowed down to perfection.

"You've been selected". Indeed.

"Dreaming" on iTunes here: smarturl.it/SPDreaming?iqid=sc

The National: Full Lollapalooza Set

2013-08-12T13:25:00.002-04:00

The National - Live at Lollapalooza Chicago 2013

Our favorite NY band the National was one of the headliners at this years Lollapalooza. I worked with these guys back in the day. Shared beers at High Dive after the release of their EPCherry Tree. I remember the band as being down to earth, and great people. I couldn't be happier for their continued success.

Set List:

01 - Fake Empire 02 - I Should Live in Salt 03 - Don't Swallow the Cap 04 - Bloodbuzz Ohio 05 - Mistaken for Strangers 06 - Sea of Love 07 - Afraid of Everyone 08 - Conversation 16 09 - Squalor Victoria 10 - I Need My Girl 11 - This Is the Last Time 12 - Abel 13 - Slow Show 14 - Graceless 15 - England 16 - Mr. November 17 - Terrible Love