So it looks like Edmonton will finally get some form of a winter now. As the snow fell, I got a chance to relax and read and listen to some music. I also ended up getting some good vinyl over at Listen Records. February always seems to be a month of Ttransition for me, perhaps even more than January. A month of birthdays, myself, Kris and my wife all were born in February. This month we also decided to switch blog hosts. We will keep the old one up indefinitely, but all future posts will be posted here. It is fresh and new, but we will likely continue to develop and improve upon it. As for what I have been listening to, it is a mixture of old and new (mostly new), and a little varied it seems. So here we go.
5. Too Many Kids Finding Rain in the Dust – Nicolas Jaar
As I mentioned in a previous post, I recently rediscovered Nicolas Jaar. Last weekend I picked myself up a copy of the great LP “Space is only Noise”, and when I got home, put the LP on during a large snowfall and just enjoyed it. The entire album is stellar, but this one track reminds me of some old Nick Cave, which is perfect music for inclement weather.
4. Bullets – Tunng
This is the oldest track of the 5. In fact, it isn’t all that old, being only 5 years old and all. It is a track by the fantastic band Tunng. They recently released a live album that reminded me of this gem that I have been listening to all month. This is a song that was featured prominently at the Iceland Airwaves festival in 2010 playing in between sets at the main venue. “I’m catching bullets in our teeth, it’s hard to do, but they taste sweet.”
3. Some Nights – fun.
On my birthday, the new album by fun. was officially released. My vinyl special edition showed up on the Friday a few days later. And it has been on full spin since. The entire album is great, excluding one ultra-anti-emo emo track. But this secondary opener (Following its own intro track) is a clear standout that just makes me smile and won’t leave my head. And yes, I already posted about it, but I am still listening to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEDpIfNdDE8
2. Bad Girls – M.I.A.
Another brand new track is the new single by M.I.A. “Bad Girls”. This song is insanely good. It builds off an Indian beat and then it just coasts. “Live fast, die young, bad girls do it well”. Instantly appealing, with a killer video.
1. Hold On – Alabama Shakes
And in true fashion, another new track. The Alabama Shakes debut album is to be released in April. However there are versions available for listening opportunities. Hold On is the lead off track that sets the tone of the album. It is a middle tempo soul rocker that has just the right amount of energy. It has been written that they are amazing live, and I hope to one day find out for myself. Here is a link to their performance on Conan.
Thank you all, and have a great March.
-Shaun
