Unknown Mortal Orchestra – How can U luv me?
Another top tunes from 2011 favourites Unknown Mortal Orchestra who’s track Ffunny Frends was number 10 in my Top 30 of 2011.
They are from New Zealand by way of Portland, Oregon and I really like their washed out sound.
/RjK
Broken Social Scene – Sweetest Kill
A mellow, sombre track to steady myself in the middle of a busy week. It is taken from Canadian band Broken Social Scene’s fourth album Forgiveness Rock Record which was released a couple of years ago.
In other news I went to see The Picture of Dorian Gray last night in the Abbey Theatre. As you might imagine it was fairly dark but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
/RjK
LA Vampires and Maria Minerva* – A lover and a friend (NAT)
This is another in a long list of Lo-Fi, washed out songs that I have featured recently. It is a sound that seems to have grabbed me more and more as my blogging journey has progressed. Also a song in English two Thursday’s in a row!
This is from LA Vampires recently release collaboration with Maria Minerva on the well named Not Not Fun records.
Also, I can believe this puts me up to 550 artists! I still remember posting the first (Curtis Mayfield of course) like it was yesterday.
/RjK
*Artist #550
Altar Eagle* – Breakdown (NAT)
Tulsa, Oklahoma band Altar Eagle are new to me this week, having stumbled across them while meandering about the expanses of the internet, specifically in this case on Soundcloud.
They pull off the neat trick of sounding both modern and retro at the same time (I have spoken about this before). They are a little like Beach House meets Cocteau Twins.
/RjK
*Artist 546
Ombre* – Weight those words (NAT)
Ombre are another band that my buddy Matt highlighted when I saw him last weekend. My trip to Coventry proved very fruitful musically! They are signed to Asthmatic Kitty Records, which I found to be a mildly amusing name, and this is taken off their recently released album Believe you me.
Is it just me or does the singer here sound a little like Kurt Wagner (of band Lambchop) singing in Spanish?
/RjK
*Artist #543
Tame Impala* – Feels like we only go backwards (NAT)
Tame Impala are band hailing from Western Australia. They make Lo-fi, washed out pop that reminds me a little of blog favourites Best Coast. The somewhat trippy video here is rather fitting too I thought.
I also found out that an impala is a medium size antelope. You learn something new every day…
/RjK
*Artist #531
Elliot Smith – Son of Sam
Elliot Smith has featured heavily in the soundtrack to my week. As you might imagine, this is not a very positive indicator about my mood. I’m not sure why but I seem to have been in something of a funk for the past few days. The initial boost of enthusiasm brought on by a change of scenery must have worn off. I am sure I will snap out of it before too long.
This track is taken off the very enjoyable if somewhat morose Figure 8, which was the last album Elliot Smith completed before his death. On a brighter note, it is one of my favourite album sleeves being simple but quite effective.
Washed Out – You and I
This guy was a favourites from last year. Their name is fitting of their mellow, almost haunting sound (apparently it’s know as chillwave). This track is taken from the 2011 album Within and Without and features Caroline Polachek of the band Chairlift.
RjK
TV Girl* – Lizzy come back to life (NAT)
This is probably the best new track I have heard in a while. I have been listening to it endlessly this week. TV girl are from San Diego and have a lo-fi, washed out sound that remind me a little of Best Coast, who were favourites from last year. This track is taken from their new EP Benny and the Jetts (nice Elton John reference there, another great track). It makes me want to MOVE…
Very sad news today about Donna Summer, look out for a track by her over the weekend. Does anyone have any particular favourite of hers to recommend?
RjK
*Artist #446
Run DMT* – Spruce Bringsteen (NAT)
A decidedly pun-heavy post today.
Austin band Run DMT seem to make very varied music. From heavy electronica to this, washed out sound. The track reminds me a little of 2011 favourites Real Estate who I posted again earlier in the year. A really fitting video here too.
RjK
*Artist #440