Indeed Indie

Monday Mix: Promises of Fame, Promises of Fortune

Maria — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:49:40 +0000

Image generated by Jim’s Fortune Cookie Image Generator

In my opinion, the landscape of the independent music scene in recent years has been largely shaped by the events and circumstances described by Ohmpark:

For someone who is, say, twenty years old right now and living in the United States, the backdrop to growing up has been 911, eight years of Bush disasters and wars capped off by a few years of a horrible economy and government dysfunction. Politics and the news have been beseiged by an intangible turmoil for a decade now, and it’s hard to ignore how this has affected the psyche of people growing up in this environment, even if those people are apathetic to these phenomenons. And really, If anything, these events have helped bolster the apathy of the youth for the world around them; this generation has a strong desire (which some may describe as a sense of entitlement) to skip all the bullshit and just be happy.

And this isn’t just about politics. As technology continues moving ahead at an unyielding pace, not everyone adapts to the change and embraces it. Globalization and the ever increasing complexity of the world around us can create a yearning to return to a simpler time. There is an anxiety about the current state of things, and this can help establish a feeling of nostalgia for the past, when times were perceived to be better.

And that yearning for the past and simplicity has pervaded the fashions of music. Everything popular now is lo-fi or rips offs of styles decades old. Many people want to write off the 2 year running chillwave fad as just a blip, but its really a telltale sign of what’s happening across all of music, the convergence of all of these trends. It’s the ultimate escapism into simplicity and nostalgia, and that is what 2010 in music has been all about.

If 2009 was the Year of Chillwave and 2010 was the Year of Escapism, 2011 has proven to be the Year of Blog Rock. Once only common to the major media outlets, independent bloggers now seem to have opted to report quick tidbits instead of actual stories. With more and more sites just regurgitating PR announcements, The Economist reporting that the advent of social media has created a “new, improved hit machine”, and the likes of Pitchfork falling prey to marketing ploys such as Lana Del Ray, music blogs appear to have become over-saturated with mediocre material.

As a result, major media sources have claimed that 2011 simply wasn’t a very good year for music. However I, like blogger Andrew Dubber, believe it also wasn’t a very good year for music journalism. Which problem came first? It doesn’t really matter. The politically, socially, and economically volatile times in which we live will no doubt produce poignant music worthy of coverage, and it’s up to music journalists to find it.

So with 2012 now underway, I hope to update Indeed Indie with the following in mind: If it’s not interesting, I won’t cover it; If there’s nothing interesting, I’ll find something that is. In 2011, I did the former and wrote quite scarcely; This year, I plan to do the latter as well. To start things off, in lieu of a Top Ten Records of 2011 list, here is a mix I compiled to describe the many trials and tribulations that come with being an independent musician. Remember: Blog Rock is over if you want it.

Download the mix as one mp3 above, or as separate songs below:

1. The Radio Dept. – “Heaven’s On Fire”
2. Black Mountain – “No Hits”
3. These United States – “The Business”
4. Pavement – “Cut Your Hair”
5. Okkervil River – “Pop Lie”
6. The Smiths – “Frankly, Mr. Shankly”
7. Detachment Kit – “Hell Machine”
8. Port O’Brien – “Pigeonhold”
9. Archers of Loaf – “Plumb Line”
10. The Sandwitches – “Mr. Promotion”
11. Belle and Sebastian – “Seymour Stein”
12. The Mountain Goats – “Anti-Music Song”
13. Destroyer – “The Bad Arts” (Excerpt)

Promises of Fame, Promises of Fortune: An Indeed Indie Mix.

Monday Mix: All the Very Best of Us String Ourselves Up for Love

Maria — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:09:17 +0000

Composite of photos by Lauren Profeta and Ginnerobot

All the Very Best of Us String Ourselves Up for Love

This year the Indeed Indie Valentine’s Day Mix attempts to chronicle the ebb and flow of emotions we experience due to the relationships we build and break. Albeit schizophrenic at times, the songs still come together to create a common theme of hope. Hope for lonely angst to subside, hope for loved ones to come around, hope for redemption, and hope for a new start. Download the mix as one mp3 above, or as separate songs below:

1. Figurine – “An Electronic Address”
2. Signals – “Angst in My Pants” (Sparks Cover)
3. Tender Trap – “Do You Want a Boyfriend?”
4. Fresh and Onlys – “I’m a Thief”
5. tUnE-yArDs – “fiya”
6. Miniature Tigers – “Mamma Mia” (ABBA Cover)
7. Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s – “Will You Love Me Forever?”
8. Voxtrot – “Rise Up in the Dirt”
9. Blue Roses – “Doubtful Comforts”
10. The Rural Alberta Advantage – “Two Lovers” (Daytrotter Session)
11. Warpaint – “Elephants”
12. The Thermals – “Let Your Earth Quake, Baby”
13. Theodore – “I Won’t Be a Stranger”
14. Sharon Van Etten – “I’m Giving Up On You”
15. The National – “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks”

All the Very Best of Us String Ourselves Up for Love: An Indeed Indie Valentine’s Day Mix.

When Travis Morrison Asks, We Listen

Maria — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 02:52:56 +0000

When Travis Morrison Asks, We Listen

Photo by Red Williamson

This evening, Travis Morrison of Dismemberment Plan fame tweeted about a band he’d been digging. That band happens to be the cleverly named duo called Listener from right here in Atlanta, Georgia. Self-described as “Talk Music” by lead vocalist Dan Smith, the pair’s sound is reminiscent of Modest Mouse, Daniel Johnston, and mewithoutYou. Just like the latter band, Listener walks the fine line between secular and non-secular music. In the process, they’ve managed to find a sound that appeals to both immaculate-hearted and inebriated soul-searchers nationwide. You can decide which category you fit in to this Spring at one of Listener’s tour stops:

February:
5th – Hickory YMCA, Hickory, NC with Onward to Olympus, Shewolf, Auburn
25th – Hopewell Baptist, Canton, GA with Grace Upon Grace, The Rise of Science, George Hamelin
26th – The Warehouse, Chattanooga, TN

March:
3rd – The Music Room, Atlanta, GA with The Wiitala Brothers, Marksmen

Misra Records Rises Again

Maria — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 04:34:42 +0000

Misra Records Rises Again

Sleeping States - London Fields
Theodore - I Won't Be a Stranger

The fiercely independent record label that blessed the world with artists such as Destroyer, Great Lake Swimmers, and Shearwater apparently decided their New Year’s resolution should be to awaken from their 2010 slumber and start the year off right with a label relaunch:

To highlight Misra’s new position as an artist-run entity, 2011’s first release will be Southeast Engine’s Canary – due out March 29. The Black Swans – the label’s newest signing – will follow shortly with their album Don’t Blame the Stars. In the early part of this year, U.K.’s Sleeping States will release In the Gardens of the North + Old vs. New + bonus material.

In conjunction with this announcement, Misra Records have posted an artist-curated compilation that can be downloaded free of charge on their website. Two standout tracks from the equally outstanding mix can be previewed above. “I Won’t Be a Stranger” by Theodore and “London Fields” by Sleeping States were chosen by Adam Remnant of Southeast Engine and Kevin Hendrick of Male Bonding, respectively. Misra Legacy Compilation Volume II is set for release later this year and will include artist-curated tracks from Shearwater, Evangelicals, and South San Gabriel, among others.

From Tender Loving Empire with The Honest Truth

Maria — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:38:25 +0000

From Tender Loving Empire with The Honest Truth

Photo by Rodrigo Melgarejo

A New Kind of House, the follow up to Typhoon’s acclaimed 2010 album, Hunger and Thirst, is due out March 8th, 2011 via Tender Loving Empire. In anticipation of the EP’s release, the band has posted a condensed version of one of the tracks featured on the record. “The Honest Truth” sees Typhoon giving an extended rendition of “Mouth of the Cave” and the A New Kind of House EP also contains a song entitled “Claws Pt. 1″, indicating the band isn’t straying far from what they do best: creating (for lack of a better word) epic and intricate chamber pop ballads.

Artist Spotlight: Oberhofer

Maria — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 23:32:24 +0000

Oberhofer - I Could Go

Oberhofer - Away FRM U

Who would’ve thought that what started out as a 5th grader practicing freestyle rapping in his bedroom would end up becoming the talk of the indie rock scene in Brooklyn? Brad Oberhofer’s propensity for creating catchy bedroom pop began in the basement studio of his childhood home in Tacoma, Washington. Having spent his Bar Mitzvah money on a Roland workstation, the hip hop beats he was so accustomed to slowly began turning into short orchestral pieces. Honing these skills lead to Oberhofer’s acceptance into NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development Piano Studies program.

However, while away at school, Oberhofer’s idyllic creative haven went up in flames when his childhood home in Tacoma was severely damaged in a house fire. Along with personal possessions like childhood photos, Brad also lost much of his music and recording equipment, triggering what he’s described as a “metaphysical crisis”. But instead of giving in to the weight of having lost so much, Oberhofer was driven to make the music he still had as widely available as possible.

Now 20 years old, Brad Oberhofer’s unique blend of energetic, yelp-inducing experimental rock and kazoo-littered, infectious indie pop has been noticed by music bloggers, critics, and concert-goers alike. Along the way Brad picked up a few friends to play shows with him and Spring 2010 sees the band going on tour and playing in support of Tapes ‘n Tapes, among others:

January:
14th – The Basement, Columbus, OH with Cloud Nothings
15th – Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL with Cloud Nothings, Handsome Furs, and Jaill
17th – The Drake Hotel, Toronto, ON with Cloud Nothings
18th – Casa Del Popolo, Montreal, QC with Cloud Nothings
19th – The Monkey House, Winooski, VT with Distractions
20th – Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY with The Vaccines
22nd – Glasslands Gallery, Brooklyn, NY with The Vaccines
26th – Billiken Club, St. Louis, MO
27th – Gardner Lounge @ Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA
28th – High Noon Saloon, Madison, WI with Tapes N’ Tapes
31st – Grog Shop, Cleveland Heights, OH with Tapes N’ Tapes and Film Strip

February:
1st – The Blind Pig, Ann Arbor, MI with Tapes N’ Tapes
3rd – Paradise, Boston, MA with Tapes N’ Tapes
5th – Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia, PA with Tapes N’ Tapes
7th – Rock and Roll Hotel, Washington, DC with Tapes N’ Tapes
8th – Jefferson Theater, Charlottesville, VA with Tapes N’ Tapes
9th – Grey Eagle, Asheville, NC with Tapes N’ Tapes
10th – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC with Tapes N’ Tapes
11th – The Earl, Atlanta, GA with Tapes N’ Tapes
12th – Mercy Lounge, Nashville, TN with Tapes N’ Tapes
14th – The Bottletree, Birmingham, AL with Tapes N’ Tapes
15th – Thristy Hippo, Hattiesburg, MS with Tapes N’ Tapes
17th – Fitzgerald’s, Houston, TX with Tapes N’ Tapes
18th – Emo’s, Austin, TX with Tapes N’ Tapes
19th – The Loft, Dallas, TX with Tapes N’ Tapes
21st – Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack, Little Rock, AR with Tapes N’ Tapes
22nd – The Opolis, Norman, OK with Tapes N’ Tapes
23rd – Mojo’s, Columbia, MO with Tapes N’ Tapes
24th – The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE with Tapes N’ Tapes
25th – First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN with Tapes N’ Tapes

Additionally, Brad has self-released two 7-inch singles for o0O0o0O0o and Away Frm U, both available via Inflated Records.

Favorite Albums of 2010

Maria — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:32:04 +0000

	1. Marnie Stern by Marnie Stern Purchase Marnie Stern via Kill Rock Stars.	Marnie Stern - Risky Biz Marnie Stern - Female Guitar Players Are the New Black
Best known for her guitar playing style, namely finger-tapping à la Van Halen, Marnie Stern has been a favorite artist of mine for years. While her previous works certainly required technical prowess, they often felt disjoint and somewhat abstract. However, with the addition of a self-titled album to her repertoire, Marnie Stern has composed a more thematically unified record. Lyrics on Marnie Stern are mainly written from the first person perspective, allowing listeners to form a stronger connection to the music. While few have probably experienced the type of loss that Marnie has written about on this record, the way she bares all makes the theme of loss and perseverance heard throughout this release that much more relatable. Paired with her characteristic guitar shredding riffs, Marnie Stern is a shoo-in for album of the year.
	2. Hunger and Thirst by Typhoon Purchase Hunger and Thirst via Tender Loving Empire.	Typhoon - CPR / Claws Pt. 2 Typhoon - The Sickness Unto Death
Simply put, Hunger and Thirst is a concept album done right. Typhoon’s second full-length album begins with just that– a song about starting over. With each additional track, layers upon layers of lush instrumentation are added until a climax is reached where a symphony of violins and horns is released. Lyrics on the record follow a similar pattern, from first and second person accounts of lies and love, to choruses echoing the various religious sentiments humanity tries to place between the two. Hunger and Thirst progresses onward thematically, until it reaches the last track: “The Sickness Unto Death”. A simple acoustic song, this final addition to the album is a poignant first person account of mortality and morality. With lines like, “I read somewhere that when you face eternity, you face it alone. No matter what you thought, or what you had or you had not; Unless you put yourself in god, but tell me god– Where did you go?”, the track borders on The Antlers’ level of depressiveness. However, by the end of the song the narrator is able to ultimately reject the religious dogma described throughout the record, find his own inner peace and, like the first track began, start all over again. Hunger and Thirst is truly song-writing at its finest.
	3. Special Affections by Diamond Rings Purchase Special Affections via Secret City Records.	Diamond Rings - Something Else Diamond Rings - You and Me
Though Diamond Rings’ debut LP is certainly more dance- and pop- oriented than many of the other albums featured on this list, it is not short on substance. Stripped down, the songs become moving ballads best described by Daytrotter as “the logical preludes to Matt Berninger of The National’s tales of aging domestic woe. These are the same stories, but told from the point of view of a young man just getting to the edge of the woods, when things begin not looking familiar anymore.” Whether you’re in that same awkward stage in your life or you just want to dance your ass off, spin Special Affections for a good time.
	4. BRONZE EP by BRONZE \|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\| The Lead Riders EP by FLIGHT	BRONZE - Horses FLIGHT - Goodbye Horses (Q Lazzarus Cover)
Download the BRONZE EP via Bandcamp & Purchase The Lead Riders EP via Kill Zoo Music.
Admittedly, I cheated a bit by including two EPs on this list, but they were too good to pass up! Besides, two half albums make a whole record, right? Though both clock in at under a half hour, they each pack a hefty punch. Stylistically, the two EPs couldn’t sound more different: BRONZE maintain their predecessor’s sharp and angular sound, while The Lead Riders presents the listener with distorted and drugged-out garage rock in all its glory. So it might appear that these two groups have nothing in common, but surprisingly enough both seem to have a penchant for writing and covering songs about none other than that elegant animal indie bands love to use in their names: Horses. BRONZE frontman, Charlie Davis, claims that neither the FLIGHT cover nor the original Q Lazzarus song were used as influences for their track, “Horses”, but I’ll let you decide for yourself.
	5. High Violet by The National Purchase High Violet via Beggars Group.	The National - Sorrow The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio
Is it raining outside? Have you watched a little too much Mad Men today? Loosen up that tie or ease off those favorite cocktail dress sling-backs. Grab that bottle of merlot and, if you’re feeling creative, make yourself a jack and coke. Put this record on (your turntable, preferably) and wait for the magic to happen. If you’re lucky, the music gods may bless you with the epiphany of knowing what a mashup of “Sorrow” and the Magnetic Fields’ “I Don’t Want to Get Over You” would sound like. You’re welcome.
	6. The Age of Adz by Sufjan Stevens Purchase The Age of Adz via Asthmatic Kitty.	Sufjan Stevens - Age Of Adz Sufjan Stevens - I Want To Be Well
A highly contested and debated record, The Age of Adz is the first traditional album in years from usually prolific musician Sufjan Stevens. Many fans of his largely acoustic and orchestral sound were taken aback by the introduction of electronic music elements like synthesizers and drum machines to Stevens’ latest effort, however I feel like the change was a necessary one: Sufjan was getting tired of all that banjo, and frankly so was I. While I still can’t bring myself to approve of his use of auto-tune on The Age of Adz, I can appreciate Stevens’ choice of a new direction for this album. Taking into consideration the medical issues he encountered during the making of this record and the schizophrenic outsider-artist, Royal Robertson, The Age of Adz is based on, claims by some critics that the album is directionless and over-done can be easily dismissed. On the track “I Want to Be Well”, I believe Sufjan says it best himself: “I’m not fuckin’ around.” He’s not, folks; This album is fantastic.
	7. Odd Blood by Yeasayer Purchase Odd Blood via Secretly Canadian.	Yeasayer - I Remember Yeasayer - Ambling Alp
Yeasayer’s second album wasn’t really a hard one to figure out. Sure, they might have moved away from the carnal, psychedelic direction of All Hour Cymbals for a more dance-pop vibe but with the Feel-Good Single of the Year “Ambling Alp” under its belt, it’s easy to see what Yeasayer were aiming to do with Odd Blood all along: “[T]o sonically challenge Rihanna in the clubs.” I, for one, wholeheartedly approve of this sentiment and therefore, welcome the changes brought to the band’s sound by Odd Blood. If 2010 is any indication, may 2011 be the year Yeasayer takes over da club.
	8. Forget by Twin Shadow Purchase Forget via Terrible Records.	Twin Shadow - At My Heels Twin Shadow - Slow
Twin Shadow’s debut record is both unfortunately and aptly named: Though I always seem to somehow forget about its release this past year, every time I’m reminded of the existence of Forget, I have an experience akin to listening to the record for the first time. If High Violet is an album to get classily smashed to, Twin Shadow’s Forget is the album to dance off your hangover to. With its 80s synth-pop back beats, echoing vocals, and sweeping disco-influenced violin arrangements, this record is sure to get your toes tapping and stop your head from throbbing. Happy New Year!
	9. Eyelid Movies by Phantogram Purchase Eyelid Movies via Barsuk Records.	Phantogram - When I'm Small Phantogram - Running From The Cops
If Yeasayer end up taking over the club scene in 2011, I sincerely hope they take Phantogram with them. Eyelid Movies, the Saratoga Springs duo’s debut record on Barsuk Records, seamlessly blends elements of disco vocals, crunk hip-hop beats, and spoken word reminiscent of art rockers Xiu Xiu to create songs that you can’t help but dance to. In addition to their stunning sound, Phantogram bring a spectacular light show to each venue they play, no matter how small. Truly a must-see band!
	10. Mines by Menomena Purchase Mines via Barsuk Records.	Menomena - TAOS Menomena - Dirty Cartoons
Having followed Menomena for years now, I’ve always been impressed with the trio’s ability to integrate the various sounds each member produced using their DIY Deeler software, but the release of Mines in 2010 presented itself more as a compilation album than a collaborative effort. Critics also took note of this, describing that the album’s “painstaking cut-and-paste method of song assembly [...] feels like a novel penned via exquisite corpse, as each member contributes, then vanishes, only to return later to add more.” Though that’s worked in the past for albums like I Am the Fun Blame Monster! and Friend & Foe, the time before Mines was released saw band members Danny Seim and Brent Knopf churning out solo works under the Lackthereof and Ramona Falls monikers, respectively. Noting this shift and pull in different directions, it will be interesting to see what the future of recording will sound like for Menomena.
Other Noteworthy Releases:
	Weathervanes by Freelance Whales Purchase Weathervanes via Frenchkiss Records.	Freelance Whales - Generator ^ 2nd Floor Freelance Whales - Starring
Award: Favorite Album That Came Out In 2009 but I Only Got Around to Listening to After it was Reissued in 2010 Originally self-released in 2009 by New York City flashmob concert forefathers Freelance Whales, Weathervanes was quickly picked up by Frenchkiss Records and re-released in 2010. On this record, the band opted to keep the banjo Sufjan grew so sick of, but also incorporated electronic music elements like their label brethren Passion Pit. What resulted was an adorable, if not saccharine, indie pop sound that conned even major publications like Paste Magazine to include the 2009 album in their 2010 year end list. Weathervanes proves the age-old expression true: You really do attract more bloggers with honey than with vinegar.
	Gemini by Wild Nothing Purchase Gemini via Captured Tracks.	Wild Nothing - Chinatown Wild Nothing - Summer Holiday
Award: Favorite Album I’m Sure is Great but I Somehow Haven’t Listened to Yet I heard the Wild Nothing song “Chinatown” sometime this past fall, and it was instantly on repeat in my head for weeks. I bought the record on the waning end of the song’s residency in my mind and, perhaps for fear that all the other tracks on the album would be just as infectious, I never listened to it. It’s now 2011, so I can’t conscientiously claim that this was one of my favorite albums of 2010, however with my New Year’s resolution to finally listen to this record all the way through, I figure “Chinatown” is a good enough track to warrant Gemini an honorable mention on this list.
	Oryx + Crake by Oryx + Crake Purchase Oryx + Crake.	Oryx + Crake - Open Your Eyes Oryx + Crake - Pretty How Towns
Award: Favorite Local Album Devastatingly behind on the local music scene, 2010 saw me dipping my toe into vast body of work that is the Atlanta soundscape. My favorite discovery thus far from this pool of artists has been chamber pop super group, Oryx + Crake. This past year, the band independently released their self-titled debut and successfully managed to contribute a new sound to the local market, widely over-saturated hip-hip and garage-rock. May 2011 bring many more such successes (and perhaps even a collaboration with West Coast kindred spirits, Typhoon) to the group! Wishful thinking can’t hurt, right?

Cheap Magic Inside: A Beirut Videogram

Maria — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 03:03:49 +0000

Beirut - Cliquot

Beirut - Le Moribond

In 2007, Beirut released their sophomore album in all the conventional formats: MP3, CD, and vinyl. However, the band also teamed up with La Blogothèque‘s Vincent Moon to produce a video for each song on The Flying Club Cub. Together these videos were released on a DVD entitled Cheap Magic Inside.

The DVD was very popular among fans of the band, and quickly sold out online. For years the project’s website claimed more copies would be pressed and made available to the public soon. My own inquiries into the matter appeared fruitless… That is until this month.

This month Cheap Magic Inside was made available to all for free. The sequence of events leading up to this point began with a simple email to Beirut’s label, Ba Da Bing Records, from fan Chris Peterson about the DVD. Upon receiving word that it had sold out and there were no plans for future pressings, he asked cautiously, “[I]s there any chance you’d make the files available for download? Since you’re not selling the DVD anymore?”

The answer Chris received back was just short of unbelievable: After consulting together on the issue, Beirut, Ba Da Bing, and La Blogothèque sent Peterson the next-to-last copy of the DVD under the condition that he make it as widely available as possible. And that he did!

Now fans of the band can watch Condon & Co. parade through the abandoned courtyards, lofts, bars, parks, churches, and side-streets of Brooklyn, with each song’s video taking place in its respective location but still edited seamlessly together to create the effect of a unified album. Edward Droste of Grizzly Bear also steps in for Owen Pallett and makes a special appearance in the scene for “Cliquot”. And while the majority of the film takes place in New York City, the credits show Zach Condon crooning an a cappella rendition of Jacques Brel’s “Le Moribond” while riding in the back of a presumably French cab in a scene that appears to pay a homage to London’s Black Cab Sessions.

Cheap Magic Inside can now be downloaded in both DVD-quality and iPod-optimized formats on Chris Peterson’s blog and as a torrent on The Pirate Bay. With his permission, I’ve also made uploaded the DVD-quality files to Indeed Indie:

To download the files, simply right-click (or control-click) and “Save As”. Happy New Year!

Happy Halloween from Orange Twin Village!

Maria — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 17:21:33 +0000

Happy Halloween from Orange Twin Village!

Dream Boat: Seasons of the Witch (Nuci’s 10th Anniversary) from Jason Miller on Vimeo.

Earlier this month, members of Athens groups The Olivia Tremor Control and Modern Skirts joined the Hope for Agoldensummer spinoff band Dream Boat in the woodlands surrounding the famed Orange Twin Village. There they held a bewitching jam session, playing two Dream Boat original songs and a cover of Donovan’s “Season of the Witch”. The whole event was filmed, edited, and produced into the stunning video above by Groop and Eikon Productions in celebration of Nuçi’s Space 10th anniversary.

I’m told if you listen closely enough, you can hear the ghost of Jeff Mangum crooning in the wind.

Artist Spotlight: Diamond Rings

Maria — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18:20:16 +0000

Photo by Jared Raab

Diamond Rings - Something Else

Diamond Rings - You & Me

Saccharine, ostentatious, and over-the-top are all adjectives that could both accurately describe John O’Regan’s solo project and also deter many from listening to his first full length album. However, if liking Diamond Rings is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

Originally part of the Toronto indie rock quartet The D’Urbervilles, O’Regan began using the name Diamond Rings in late 2008 and self-released his first single, All Yr Songs, in mid 2009. With lyrics like, “I can’t keep up with whatever is in style; I run out of breath walking the fashion mile”, one would expect Diamond Rings to be all schtick and no substance, but O’Regan’s infectious pop tunes also cover topics such as growing up, breaking societal norms, and, of course, love.

In addition to having a certain knack for writing catchy hooks, Diamond Rings’ videos cleverly reference pop culture, as well. Imagery reminiscent of early 1990s hip hop appear in the low budget production for All Yr Songs, while the more recent video for Show Me Your Stuff pays glorious homage to the boy bands in the latter part of the decade.

Rave reviews of his live shows by the likes of Brooklyn Vegan harken me to describe O’Regan as a lo-fi Lady Gaga, but until Diamond Rings ventures down past the Mason-Dixon line I’ll refrain from doing so and instead continue to listen to his new album Special Affections, available on Secret City Records October 25th, 2010.