Zeon's

The more I hear the new Professor Green single "Just Be Good To Green"...

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:47:00 +0000

...The more I wish it was actually a new Lily Allen single. If only someone would make an edit that takes out all of Green's parts, his douchey rapping really grates on me. Her involvement is the sole reason I found this enjoyable. Lily looks great as always in the video, but her styling seems rather self-consciously off, as if to conceal pregnancy or undesired chubbiness! I love that this track turned me on to Beats International's '90s jam "Dub Be Good To Me", the one it "sampled", much like how Estelle's "Freak" and Big Boi's "Shutterbug" introduced me to Soul II Soul's "Back To Life".

The single's out July 11 in the UK.

Last year when Lily was on Live Lounge, she performed an Oasis track. It surprised me that the song was: 1) recent, and 2) actually quite good (or Lily had made it so)! I know she's supposedly retiring from the music biz, but I just know she's gonna take back her words soon enough. Any year that has Ms. Lily release new materials is a good year for me.

Lily Allen - I'm Outta Time (Oasis Cover)

Taken By Trees vs. Anna Karina

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 17:23:00 +0000

The other day, I saw “Anna”, a 1967 French musical starring Anna Karina. It’s a TV movie, so it’s a bit poor, but Anna absolutely radiates with her ear-to-ear grin and her manic eyes. I felt the urge to make a music video out of her scenes. Then I remembered hearing a fantastic, summery remix of Taken By Trees’ “Anna” by CFCF a couple weeks ago. I went ahead and mashed the two up. It took me ages to finish, but I think I did alright. So if you want to see the New Wave heroine dancing to Taken By Trees' music, here's your chance!

Grab the remix, too.

Taken By Trees - Anna (CFCF Remix)

What do you think of my amateur attempt at editing? I hope I did the ever-lovely Anna Karina justice, and if I didn't, I apologize.

Music For A Spring Night

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:37:00 +0000

Picking where the last post left off... Sun is down. Here are 5 more songs for springtime in the winding down hours. I tried to evoke a calmer, more relaxing atmosphere with this one. Not overtly chirpy, but not too depressing either. Hope you all are having a great Sunday evening.

Joanna Newsom - On A Good Day
(Have One On Me, 2010)
I still haven't worked my way through the entire set, but what I can tell you is that the shortest track on the record is beautiful indeed.
Au Revoir Simone - Another Likely Story
(Still Night, Still Light, 2009)
Everything these three ladies makes is just lovely.
Daniel Martin Moore - It's You
(Stray Age, 2008)
Josh Rouse - Quiet Town
(Substitulo, 2006)
Sweet acoustic folk sounds from two "sensitive troubadours".
The Go Find - Everybody Knows It's Gonna Happen Only Not Tonight
(Everybody Knows It's Gonna Happen Only Not Tonight, 2010)
This track is definitely made for driving. Complete with nostalgia-induced lyrics: "Oh, let me take you back to the '90s, when we were teens." Though I wasn't a teen in the '90s, the song made me want to pretend to.

Music For A Spring Day

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:57:00 +0000

Springtime is finally upon us. Gone are the tedious, brooding moodswings of winter. The return of sunlight is very much welcome indeed, though it was like a furnace outside a few days ago. I guess I shall spend less time wallowing now, and start bringing out brighter shades of music. Here's a quick mix of breezy, light tunes to match the mood of a carefree, jolly spring day. Enjoy your Sunday, folks.

Jonna Lee - Lake Chermain
(This Is Jonna Lee, 2009)
One of my favorite tracks from the alleged culprit behind "viral sensation" iamamiwhoami.
Zee Avi - Just You And Me
(Zee Avi, 2009)
I first heard of this fine ukelele track from that eyewear commercial starring Elijah Wood & the divine Shirley Manson, which should not be missed.
Saint Etienne - Mario's Cafe
(London Conversations, 2009)
What a gem this is. Originally from their 1993 album "So Tough", this song still sounds so fresh. I can see people breaking out in song & dance to it in the streets.
The Lucksmiths - Sunlight In A Jar
(Warmer Corners, 2005)
A jaunty twee ditty from the now-defunct Australian band.
Springfactory - As Winter Gives Way To Spring
(Springfactory, 2007)
I've been keeping this obscure goody for such an occasion. '60s-inflected indie pop from the side project of a guy from Suburban Kids With Biblical Names.

That's all for the day. Come back later for another batch of springtime tunes.

New Pop Act: Eliza Doolittle

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:49:00 +0000

Curiously missing from BBC's "Sound 0f 2010" shortlist last year was 22-year-old singer/songwriter Eliza Doolittle. It seemed odd, as she was quite hotly tipped, signed to Parlophone, and being on the list could've been her much-needed platform to launch. Fast forward to April, and there's still little development and news of an album. I suspect the label's not entirely sure what to do with her now. The music's not the problem, that is certain. She makes breezy, feel-good acoustic pop that is great for sunny days. The hooks are catchy and instant. It's just that she came to the scene about 3 years too late. What's she doing is no longer considered fresh as it once was with the likes of Lily Allen, Kate Nash or Corinne Bailey-Rae. It's a pity as she has some really pleasant songs. "Rollerblades" and "Go Home" are among my favorites from her self-titled digital EP. "Skinny Genes", the lead single, sounded slight and thin at first, but has grown on me a lot lately with its whistle-laden chorus. Here's hoping she will find her audience, and get a few tv syncs, at least. A track & a remix by Jamie of The XX after the jump.

Eliza Doolittle - Rollerblades

Eliza Doolittle - Money Box (Jamie XX Remix)

Here's the video for "Skinny Genes", a standard "quirky songstress" affair:

Covered: Noisettes Reimagined Buzzcocks

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:53:00 +0000

Noisettes recently covered Buzzcocks' new wave classic "Ever Fallen In Love" for Dr. Martens' 50th anniversary campaign, and it has finally been put up online today as a free download, along with a pretty glossy music video directed by famed photographer duo Rankin & Chris (whose last work was Kelis' "Acapella" video). Video + the track after the jump.

DOWNLOAD: Noisettes - Ever Fallen In Love

The Donna Summer "I Feel Love" sample was an interesting touch, but the Moroder synths didn't exactly work well with it, did they? I love Shingai, but this cover just didn't wow me. The definitive cover version for this song still is Nouvelle Vague's.
There will be 9 other covers by 9 other artists spreading throughout this year, all of which can be downloaded at the cost of your email address here. I'm particularly looking forward to The Cinematic Orchestra & The Raveonettes' contributions.

On a sidenote, Shingai's pre-Noisettes collaboration with Matthew Herbert, "The Audience", is still a toe-tapping stunner.

Two Door Cinema Club Remixed By Ted & Francis

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:23:00 +0000

Two Door Cinema Club is quickly securing their place as one of my favorite new acts of 2010. Their debut album "Tourist History" supplied me enough super slick Phoenix-lite power pop tunes to last a whole year. While they have no novelty or gimmicks to offer, they've got crunchy riffs and infectious melodies in abundance. The latest single, "Something Good Can Work", is one of their best tracks to date, and in a utopian world, it would be a certified summer smash. Ted & Francis certainly got the idea as they stepped ahead and add a tropical flavor to the song! Now all they need is to release "Eat It Up, It's Good For You" next for a solid string of fun & catchy pop rock singles. Get the remix after the jump.

Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work (Ted & Francis Remix)

Here's the video, involving some cool camera tricks.

New Pop Act: Sunday Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 04:27:00 +0000

I'm not sure what to make of the latest budding major label pop act from the UK, Sunday Girl (Blondie reference?). Her (their?) debut single "Four Floors" is certainly a catchy slice of electro-pop, which I've been playing for the last few days. There's an edge to the production that makes the song seem greater than the sum of its parts, and her voice reminds of Little Boots. And of course, Ellie Goulding comparisons are inevitable. The video makes it clear what sort of audience the label wants to pander to. The cynic in me just has to wonder if this is more than your average production-line pop. Nah I'm just being a prick about it. Don't overthink, self.
To sum it up, not amazing but highly listenable pop tune. Judging by the way things go across the pond, I assume this is just a "buzz single", and a "big" tune will come along soon. It's too early to say, but for now, count me in.

An EP is available on iTunes for folks in the UK, including this very bloggable Diplo remix.

Sunday Girl - Four Floors (Diplo Remix)

And here's the quite fashionable video:

They're so meant for each other, you see. BOTH ARE OBSESSED WITH THEIR HAIR.

Ellie Goulding Remixed By Bright Light Bright Light

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:44:00 +0000

Here is a freshly squeezed remix of Ellie Goulding's "Under The Sheets", courtesy of Rod Thomas, under his alias Bright Light Bright Light. Recently made available for free on his website, it's certainly a very listenable reswizzle to these ears.

UPDATE: Of course, I received a DMCA takedown notification for this. Link removed guys, but it's still at Rod Thomas's website for anyone still interested.

Still not tired of this song yet. Ellie's star is shooting up this year, and rightfully so. To be honest, on first listen, I was a little underwhelmed by her album, but I kept coming back and found new layers to appreciate. "Lights" is the sort of album that has lasting power, although at times could have benefited from a less "busy" production.

10 Amazing Things About She & Him's New Video "In The Sun"

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:36:00 +0000

These are those.

Synchronized dancing overload!
Zooey's impossibly pretty hair! And the wink at 2:18! Ain't she puuurdy!
The giddy Asian dancing bro!
Sunglass-wearing M. Ward looking a bit like Robert Downey Jr! He's just too cool for school! *sorry*
Hula hoops!!!
Polka-dots!!!
Badass fake guitar playing there, Mr. Him.
The little walk off Zooey does at the end.
It was directed by Bring It On director, who worked previously with Zooey on Yes Man.
The whole affair was basically a hip, "indie" version of Glee.

And here I thought she couldn't be any more adorable. I have watched the video more than 4 times today already, I might as well create a "I Hate Ben Gibbard" Facebook group.

I know some might have issues with her cutesy-indie-chick-in-vintage-dresses schtick considering she's a grown-ass 30-year-old woman, but not me at all! In fact, the video took an already great song to a new level. It almost feels like a follow-up to that music video she did with Joseph Gordon-Levitt for "500 Days Of Summer". It's so awesome that it dragged me out of blogging retirement just to rave about it! From the 3 songs off "Volume Two" so far, I predict this record will be just as strong and catchy as the first. The b-side to "In The Sun", "I Can Hear Music" is a gorgeous Ronettes cover that needs to be heard. It seems Zooey is seriously commited to this musical liaison. I loved the first album, so here's hoping these two can keep up the pace of one new volume every year, because I will always have a place for more sunny, simple melodies.

MP3: She & Him - In The Sun

"Volume Two" comes out on March 23 on Merge. Pre-order here.

Take me out tonight...

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:50:00 +0000

Two months ago, I found myself sitting in a cab on the way back to my dorm at 2AM. There I was, still reeling from the overflowing joy of an amazing gig experience. The streets were literally deserted. Trees basked in an ember-colored glow rolled by. Right at that moment, suddenly the lyrics of The Smiths' "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" popped in my head. And it just felt so... right. Finally, I understood it. Now I don't know much about The Smiths, and I think I've only heard about 5 songs of them. But this one particular song will forever be engraved to that special memory of mine.

Here are some fantastic covers of it.

Angie Hart's version is a stripped-down piano one with her angelic voice.

Death Cab For Cutie's is a typical Ben Gibbard acoustic rendition.

The Lucksmiths' makes a bittersweet twee-pop version.

And I conclude with the distinctive baritone of Neil Hammond of The Divine Comedy.

Snow Patrol Covers Madonna

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:25:00 +0000

Snow Patrol has sadly become one of those bands I can no longer get behind. After scoring their biggest hit 'Chasing Cars', they just seemed to get creatively bankrupt, as the subsequent singles just sounded stale and unmemorable to these ears. I know their music's not all that upbeat to begin with, but even the assistance of synthesizers on their latest greatest-hit single 'Just Say Yes' couldn't make them sound any less dull. I believe Gary & co truly peaked with 'Run'.
However, their recent visit to Radio 1 spawned a very listenable cover of Madonna's 'Ray Of Light'. They did a great job on Beyoncé's 'Crazy In Love' years ago, so this is another pleasant surprise. I think I'd like a studio version of this. Maybe they should pull a Leona Lewis (She first covered 'Run' on Live Lounge, then released a proper studio version as a single and earned an easy UK number one). Speaking of Leona, did you know she just covered Oasis' 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' on her new album, with choirs and all? It's also pretty good. But I digress... here is the reason for all this nonsense rambling:

Snow Patrol - Ray Of Light (Madonna Cover)

(video of the performance)

Under The Covers...

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:26:00 +0000

So, daylight saving, huh? It starts to get dark at just about 5 in the afternoon here now. The last winter of the noughties is coming. Oh well, more reasons to stay in and listen to sad music. As promised, here is another batch of rare covers. I believe these are definitely the best picks in recent memory.

Joan As Police Woman - Overprotected (Britney Spears)
(Cover, 2009)

Such a peculiar pick. I mean when you decide to cover a Britney song, 'Overprotected' wouldn't be the first you think of. Still, I think Joan did a great job with this. From a tour-only cd.

Owen - More Than Words (Extreme)
(The Seaside EP, 2009)

Yes, this is a cover of that song by those two long-haired dudes. Can you detect any irony in his voice? Because what I hear is pretty earnest.

Taken By Trees - My Boys (Animal Collective)
(East Of Eden, 2009)

A gender-reverse reinterpretation by ex-Concretes Victoria Bergsman. Accompanied by a dreamy, oh-so-summery video.

Flunk - Karma Police (Radiohead)
(This Is What You Get, 2009)

It is not easy to cover Radiohead, but I think Norwegian downtempo outfit Flunk swang the song in an interesting direction, and it worked. One for the nightdriving.

Peter Broderick - Roscoe (Midlake)
(7", 2008)

I searched for this on Hype Machine, and was baffled that no one had picked up on this excellent cover before. Perhaps this is due to the fact it was a limited 7" b-side? Anyway, if you just download one from the post, make it this one. It's a faithful cover while also bringing something fresh to the original. The moment in the second verse when the handclaps start is absolutely amazing.

Covered: Selections From Radio 1's Live Lounge

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:31:00 +0000

The latest volume of the BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge series came out in the UK last week. As usual, there are hits and misses, with many of the better covers left out in favor of more established names. The idea of Live Lounge covers don't excite me that much anymore, to be honest, most artists just picked a current top hit and performed it acoustically while sounding bored and joyless. It has somewhat become obligatory buzz-generating promo chore. Fortunately, some still try to have fun and bring something new to their renditions. Here are my recent favorites.

Florence & The Machine - Halo (Beyoncé Cover)
The Noisettes - When You Were Young (The Killers Cover)
(available on Volume 4)

Basement Jaxx - New In Town (Little Boots Cover)
La Roux - Farewell To The Fairground (White Lies Cover)
Athlete - Bulletproof (La Roux Cover)

I've got a string of more cover posts drafted, so watch this space...

Dead Man's Bones

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:15:00 +0000

Guess who's the next actor to go for the mic? Ryan Gosling. I know, never crossed my mind either. "Dead Man's Bones" is the musical project of him & Zach Shields, with a record coming out soon on Anti. At first, I listened to their track called 'My Body's A Zombie For You' out of curiosity only (with a title like that, who wouldn't?).
But it turned out to be a strange, strange delight. It's all novelty, but creepily catchy. There's not much to say about his singing, but man, the children choir killed on this one (no pun intended). Children choir is like the new handclaps. If I were walking around campus with this track on my iPod, I would have to resist the urge to raise my fists to the sky and shout along: "My body's a zombie for yoooooooooouuuu!", as that would be the equivalent of committing social suicide, I think. Well, with the current vampire craze, I guess the zombies can cash in, too.

Dead Man's Bones - My Body's A Zombie For You

I haven't heard anything else by them yet (how insightful of me), but I'm liking this trend of actors-turned-singers opting for the indie route, as they actually make listenable music. I love She & Him, and that Scarlett Johansson & Pete Yorn song 'Relator' is not bad at all. I could get used to this.

Q&A: Sally Shapiro!

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:18:00 +0000

If you've followed my humble blog for a while, chances are you already know of Sally Shapiro and their brand of melancholy, bittersweet italo disco. Johan & Sally's debut, 'Disco Romance', was undoubtedly one of my favorite albums of 2007, and its follow-up, 'My Guilty Pleasure', was just released last month. Now there is little I could say that's not been said already, so I will just confirm that yes, it is indeed worth the wait. The new album's a progression from the previous output, but still maintains the catchiness and wistfulness that made me fall in love with them in the first place. Among my favorite tracks are 'Miracles', 'Love In July', 'Save Your Love', and 'Moonlight Dance'. In fact, I can't wait for winter to come, as this can be the default soundtrack for my walks of solitude in cold, cold weather!

When not quietly making wonderful crying-on-the-dancefloor disco-pop, or obscuring her face with a teacup, the notoriously shy Sally Shapiro does actually do interviews. She was kind enough to answer all my questions via email (thank you, Sally!), which you can now read below, with a complimentary mp3!

MP3: Sally Shapiro - Love In July

What, in your opinion, would be the ideal setting for 'My Guilty Pleasure'?

Maybe when you're in a melancholic mood all by yourself. Or when you're travelling.

One of the differences I noticed in the new album was that there were some more upbeat, dancier tracks, compared to 'Disco Romance'. Was this shift in mood a deliberate decision?

I wouldn't call them more upbeat but maybe more poppy. And yes this was intentional and also a result of Roger Gunnarsson being more involved as a songwriter.

I was quite surprised to find out that Cloetta Paris sang background vocals on 'Love In July'. I too am a big fan of her album 'Secret Eyes'. Could you tell me about how this came about?

Love In July was co-written by Roger Gunnarsson, who as you may know works with Cloetta. So it came natural to have her singing backing vocals on the track. I promised to sing backing vocals on some track of theirs in return.

What do you think about the idea of a duet between you & Cloetta? It has the potential to be one of the most tissue-ready collaborations ever!

Maybe it could be nice. Maybe it could be reality.

Sweden does make the best pop in the world. Could you, perhaps, try to explain what it is that make Swedes so great at melodies?

Thanks - I don't know, but many many people here do sing in choirs or play instruments, maybe one reason could be the state-subsidized music schools, it's pretty cheap to learn to play instruments and a lot of kids attend these music schools.

What is so unique about Sally Shapiro is that you & Johan revived a long-lost genre and made it fresh again. Do you feel like you will keep exploring italo disco further, or would you like to experiment with other genres as well in the future?

I think both Johan and I sometimes feel that we want to try other genres as well, but probably not together. I am more into non-electronic music (indiepop like Belle & Sebastian) and Johan is more into ambient and stuff. So our common project will probably always be very disco-sounding.

Love, Sally

Lovely. This is actually the first interview I've ever done, and it deserves to be posted on a special day like today.

"My Guity Pleasure" is out now on Paper Bag Records.

Make sure to watch the animated video for 'Love In July', it's kawaii overload.

Back To School

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Here's a little synthy ditty for the occasion. Possibly one of the most British things I've heard. Lush accent, wry lyrics, and a children choir sample on loop. Brilliance.

Black Box Recorder - The School Song

Black Box Recorder is one of those great long-lost Britpop bands, and if you like Saint Etienne, you should definitely check them out.

Covered: 500th Post

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:13:00 +0000

As you might have noticed, lately I've developed a thinly-veiled preference for covers. Should I face it and just transform this blog into a covers-only one? I admit there are lots of pros to posting covers. They take less time to prepare draft, the source is perpetual, and I love seeing songs I heard before in new coats. Plus any song covered should, by default, be at least half-decent. I do have a thing for rarities, be it covers, remixes, acoustic versions, demos or unreleased tracks. But on the other hand, I still want to talk about new artists and other aspects of music too. These days, I mostly talk about new music through Twitter though. Oh dear, this has become rather puzzling, hasn't it?

Oh well, meanwhile, here are 5 fresh picks from my library. All clickworthy.

Nicole Atkins - Under The Milky Way (The Church)
(Digs Other People's Songs EP, 2008)
A rather unexpected but excellent rendition of this underappreciated '80s new-wave gem.

The Watson Twins - Just Like Heaven (The Cure)
(Fire Songs, 2008)
I apologize for not featuring this gorgeous version earlier. Probably one of my favorite covers in 2008. The hazy twang-tinged vibe is so beautiful.

Vienna Teng - 1000 Oceans (Tori Amos) (Live)
Have you heard the new Tori album? It's just like I expected, half of it was good but other was just dreadful. My fave tracks are 'Maybe California' & 'Flavor'. It's such a shame she's past her prime, as I was going through a heavy old-Tori phase earlier this year. Here's a faithful cover of one of her best ballads, '1000 Oceans'.

Duke Special - Shining Light (Ash) (Live)
Annie Lennox recently covered this. But Duke Special & Coldplay got there first. This time, I give you Duke Special's.

Billie The Vision And The Dancers - I'm A Cuckoo (Belle & Sebastian)
(A Century of Covers: Belle and Sebastian Tribute, 2oo6)
Such a straightforward take, and yet I do like it as much as the original. The spirit is not lost here. I haven't spent much time with the new Stuart Murdoch project 'God Help The Girl', but 'Come Monday Night' is lush. Billie makes lo-fi indie pop and he's good at it. And he gives it all away for free! Be sure to look up his excellent collab with Hello Saferide, 'Overdosing With You', maybe the first song to reference Desperate Housewives characters!

PS. A post was deleted by Blogger last week, so technically, this is now my 500th post. Cheers, for the second time!

Covered: Fiona Apple/Betty LaVette

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:51:00 +0000

The perennially moody Fiona Apple recently recorded a cover of Cy Coleman's 'Why Try To Change Me Now' for a tribute EP, "Then Was Then & Now Is Now". It was great to hear something new from her. It's Fiona doing what she has mastered at. An introspective jazzy ditty for those rainy days. I hope she is in a studio somewhere working on some new music. It's been 4 years since 'Extraordinary Machine'.

Fiona Apple - Why Try To Change Me Now

I don't know much about Betty LaVette except that she's a well-respected soul singer. Apparently, she really liked Fiona Apple's 'Sleep To Dream', so much that she covered it and named her 2005 album after a line in the song, "I've Got My Own Hell To Raise". Fiona might have sounded bitter and resentful, but for Betty, she is real pissed! I love how she made the song her own by inserting a little more attitude, like "Gimme my back and get yo ass out there". Great cover, and rather rare, too.

Betty LaVette - Sleep To Dream

P.S. I just noticed this is my 500th post. Well, cheers to that!

Covered: Kat Edmonson

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:59:00 +0000

Kat Edmonson is a fresh, young voice to emerge in the jazz scene with her debut album 'Take To The Sky' recently released...
No wait come back!
Beside the obligatory standards like 'Summertime' & 'Night And Day', she also offers a unique spin on more contemporary hits, two of which is 'Just Like Heaven' and 'Lovefool'. To be honest, I was too suspicious of how she would reimagine these songs into her smooth, classic jazz style, but she seems to pull it off with ease. In short, I dig her versions. My favorite is probably 'Lovefool', though. So check them out, cover lovers, and see if she did a good job or not?

Kat Edmonson - Just Like Heaven (The Cure)

~~Kat Edmonson - Lovefool (The Cardigans)~~
*sorry, removed as requested

Nina Nastasia

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:39:00 +0000

I've been a quiet follower of Nina Nastasia for a couple years now, and last week, to my surpise, I realized she was never mentioned here. How could it slip my mind?
Nina's music is quite stark, stripped down but poetic. Her short story-songs conveys raw emotions. My entry point was actually her 4th album, 'On Leaving'. One highlight was definitely track 8, 'Treehouse Song'. Growing up, I was fascinated with the idea of a treehouse, though we never had one. There was just something neat about having your own little space, to escape to and be by myself, to gaze upon the surroundings from a different view. So I guess the song just struck all the right chords with me. And everytime the cascading piano keys arrived at the chorus... it was astounding.
Her follow-up a year later is a collaboration with Jim White, a more experimental effort. The artwork was fantastic as usual, and there were good songs, but I felt something missing from this album. Nevertheless, I remain a fan and am really looking forward to some new materials by her. For now, you can try a few samples below.

Nina Nastasia - Treehouse Song
Nina Nastasia - Settling Song
(On Leaving, 2006)

Nina Nastasia & Jim White - Our Discussion
(You Follow Me, 2007)

Covered: Kate Bush

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:37:00 +0000

Kate Bush is one of those trail-blazing artists that are so often cited as influence, and yet never properly investigated by me. And then on this fateful night, I was bored enough to make a routine check of Youtube, and decided to view her video for Wuthering Heights. Oh my, it was a revelation. I had heard that she has a reputation for being kooky before, but after viewing that, I know she's a total cuckoo! (in a good way, of course). That video was so amazingly shot and choreographed that it's still refreshing by today's standards. To think that it was about 30 years ago! It took me a while to get used to her voice, but once I did, the song becomes superb and addictive.
Well, I'm convinced. Consider me converted. I shall investigate more about this delightfully bonkers woman's music. In the meantime, here are some covers of two of her most popular singles, 'Wuthering Heights' and 'Running Up That Hill'.

Chromatics - Running Up That Hill
(Night Drive, 2007)
Italo disco!

Placebo - Running Up That Hill
(Sleeping With Ghosts (Special Edition), 2003)
Androgynous alt rock!

Within Temptation - Running Up That Hill
(Single, 2004)
Dutch symphonic rock!

The Puppini Sisters - Wuthering Heights
(Betcha Bottom Dollar, 2006)
'40s cabaret!

The Sweptaways - Wuthering Heights
(CDR, 2006)
Gleeful Swedish a cappella choir!

Songs For Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Sun, 24 May 2009 14:42:00 +0000

I've been saving these for a day like today, for it's the perfect time to spin them. I'll let the tunes speak for themselves. Enjoy your weekend!

Fionn Regan - Be Good Or Be Gone
(The End Of History, 2007)
Lay Low - Last Time Around
(Farewell Good Night's Sleep, 2009)
Alexi Murdoch - All My Days
(Away We Go Soundtrack, 2009)
Ian Broudie - Song For No One
(Tales Told, 2004)
Little Joy - Unattainable
(Little Joy, 2008)

Simone White

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Sat, 23 May 2009 11:09:00 +0000

Simone White possesses a lilting, mellifluous voice. She crafts songs that sound much better on rainy days. Her bittersweet mellow ditties are unobtrusively pleasant, but alluring enough to draw me in and keep me coming back. Because sometimes, that is all I need, beautiful, acoustic music to make the day seem a little less longer.

Simone White - The Beep Beep Song
(featured in an Audi commercial)

Simone White - Why Is Your Raincoat Always Crying?

Simone White - Sweetest Love Song

Her new album, entitled "Yakiimo", will be released soon in June, which gives you just about enough time to catch up with her solid 2007 album "I Am The Man". Other highlights include 'I Didn't Have Any Summer Romance' & 'We Used To Stand So Tall'.

Covered: Jens & Tracey

noreply@blogger.com (Zeon) — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:26:00 +0000

Jens Lekman and Tracey Thorn
recently teamed up for the 20th-anniversary Merge Records covers compilation "Score!". As I'm a big fan of both, I was psyched when Tracey first announced this on her blog. It literally just came out of nowhere. And I can confirm that it's indeed excellent. Their voices just entwined so well together, and it's deceptively sweet for the wry, deadpan lyrics. Definitely one of the best covers I've heard in 2009.

Tracey Thorn and Jens Lekman - Yeah! Oh, Yeah! (The Magnetic Fields)
I always meant to check out Magnetic Fields' stuff, actually, but I got intimidated by their hefty discography. It doesn't help that the most recommended album to start with is called '69 Love Songs'!

And while we're at it, here are some more fine covers courtesy of Jens & Tracey:

Jens Lekman - A Little Lost (Arthur Russell)
Damn you and your kalimba, Jens.

Jens Lekman - Your Beat Kicks Back Like Death (Scout Niblett)
The build-up here is amazing. Instruments along the way with Jens' crooning make the lyrical content less grim. Almost. :(

Jens Lekman - Water Runs Dry (Boyz II Men)
Wait for his explanation at the end.

Tracey Thorn - King's Cross (Pet Shop Boys)
The Hot Chip Mix is probably more popular, but here's the original version of the cover, a b-side to 'It's All True'. Earlier this year, there was a period when the chorus lyrics of this song really resonated with me.

Last but not least, check out this brilliant collaboration of Jens with Swedish choir The Sweptaways, called 'Happiness Will Be My Revenge'. So so good. Jens has got the Midas touch, everything he does is essential. His collabs? I'll save that for another time.