It definitely doesn't have the grandiose and almost orchestral arrangement that usually comes with anything Arcade Fire touches. In fact, I was totally convinced that this was a fresh new band coming up the ranks. But now, I don't know how I could've been so stupid-we all know there is only one Win Butler.
It's a sentimental track about the Butler brothers growing up in plain old suburban California. Which is sorta funny because when I think of Arcade Fire I think of them as being intrinsically Canadian, but I spose they still can be. Like I said before, the music totally takes a back seat to the vocals in this one, but with a falsetto chorus as catchy as this one I guess it's ok.
The album by the same name is due out on August 3. In the meantime they've given us a 12" with the title track and a B side Month of May which sorta sounds like the Foo Fighters...
The Music Alliance Pact (MAP) began in October 2008 as an initiative to facilitate the spread of local music to the ears of others around the world. It started with 12 country specific blogs who each selected one hot local track that was posted on the sites of each of the other members of this "union". Now there are 26 countries included and I'm loving the diversity of the artists that get chosen. It's such a great idea--it makes heaps of sense that someone who lives and breathes a countries music, culture and language would be the one in the best position to recommend the must have song in that place at that time. Here are my favourite tracks included in the MAP for July:
Boat Beam is an interesting choice of contribution to the MAP from Australian blog Who the Bloody Hell Are They? Sure it includes former member of Sparkadia Josephine Ayling, but they seem pretty damn Spanish. You gotta love how Australian's claim anything and anyone as there own. I would love to be the exotic type who raves about the latest Venezuelan breakthrough artist...but I must confess that the Australian choice was my favourite submission this month. Such a beautiful track. With sweet harmonies and a peaceful lullaby like rhythm.
Finland seems to have their answer to Red Riders in indie rockers Neufvoin. Oh God, am I turning into a "country specific" blog...all of my references are so Oz-centric. Anyway, this is is a fun upbeat track that I'm sure could become quite the sing along. And its Finnish, how exotic!
I find this track both brilliant and odd. Funny lyrics, jarring noise, pretty violin and a catchy chorus. I do get an Arcade Fire vibe in places, but maybe that's just cos they're Canadian, ay?. They also remind me a bit of Architecture in Helsinki. BUT they are neither of these. They ARE Rah Rah. AND they are worthy of checking out.
It seems it would almost be sacrilegious not to mention the release of the Where the Wild Things Are trailer. I think we have a new definition for cult classic on our hands. Directed by Spike Jonze and given the Jim Henson muppet touch it is an adaptation of the much loved children's book that follows Max's imaginary journy into the land of Wild Things. Whilst I'm not quite as psyched for this as some other very over-excited people, I am looking forward to a walk down memory lane and think its awesome a whole new generation will be exposed to this adventure. Putting Arcade Fire Wake Up on the trailer also helped me get excited just that little bit more.
The French just do it so much better than everyone else. La Blogtheque is a blog. The Take-Away Showis a segment on this blog in which bands are filmed performing in places you wouldn't usually expect, often using limited or makeshift instruments. Probably most famously, they got Arcade Fire to perform Neon Bible in an elevator. This may be easy for some bands, but with a 10 person lineup it becomes a little more difficult. There have been over 100 Take-Away Shows with guests such as Jose Gonzalez, Architecture in Helsinki, The Wombats, Dappled Cities, Vampire Weekend, Jason Mraz and Cold War Kids.
For me, these little videos provide me with three things. (a) A chance to see the music I love performed in a totally unique atmosphere, with beautiful cinematography, (b) Introduction to music that I haven't heard, (c) An avenue through which to make a judgement on an artist as being talented or not. The first two are self explanatory. The last may not be. Simply check out Sebastian Tellier's Take-Away Show and see for yourself. Solid artists like Dappled Cities and Bon Iver thrive in these intimate settings as expected. Some, such as The Kooks manage to overwhelmingly exceed expectations and show that they are not a one-hit-wonder pop band. Whilst others, like Mr. Tellier himself, fall massively short without their usual array of instruments and production layering to hide behind. Call it drugs if you will, but he stunk.
On the other hand, the talent of Bon Iver is clearly on show as they perform For Emma, Forever Ago in the lobby of an apartment block. I'll be honest. I have always thought of Bon Iver as just one guy-Justin Vernon. But as the show highlights, it really has become more of a band. Watch and enjoy. And then explore the rest of what the Take-Away Show has to offer.
All music mentioned or linked in this blog is done so with the aim of promoting artists. If you like something you see go buy the album! If there are any problems please contact me at soundstheyleftbehind@gmail.com
The artwork used in the title of this blog is entitled "Left Behind" and more drawings by the artist can be found at http://littleworries.livejournal.com
It definitely doesn't have the grandiose and almost orchestral arrangement that usually comes with anything Arcade Fire touches. In fact, I was totally convinced that this was a fresh new band coming up the ranks. But now, I don't know how I could've been so stupid-we all know there is only one Win Butler.
