DELTRON 3030 RECOMMENDED: Phantogram – Eyelid Movies
This is all about the power of the Internet. Four days ago I literally knew nothing about this band. I learned of Phantogram through a tweet by the Antlers of all people. (you see, twitter is good for something. I feel like that is a recurring theme with me) I figured if they were good enough for the Antlers it was worth delving into. Resources like the hype machine and myspace (yes it is still good for something) make it possible to experience bands before they’ve released any actual albums or EPs. I can’t stress enough how invaluable these two sources are for when I’m looking to track down band content. From there I hit Amie St looking for cheap cds. If Amie Street is a dead end I make my way to Amazon. Never do I go to iTunes. Those Apple bastards have stolen enough from consumers. Screw them and their useless iPads. Through the resources previously mentioned I came across a track by Phantogram called “Mouthful Of Diamonds“. Fifteen seconds into the track and I knew I’d be a huge fan. Their sound, which is awesome, is best described visually through this promotional photograph:
That’s a simple shot, but there’s a lot going on here. That’s exactly how I’d describe the sound of Phantogram; Two unassuming Up State New Yorkers throwing down psychedelic melodies on top of hip hop beats. Easy enough one would say..but there’s so many more layers to their sound. Unfair as it sounds but thanks to the girl/guy vocals and the moody sexiness to the.their songs I predict lazy comparisons to the XX. Mind you they are quite different. I’m a huge fan of the XX’s debut album but something has really struck a chord with me on Eyelid Movies. Today I stand before you as a huge advocate. I’ll go as far as saying this is my favorite album of 2010 so far. Sure it’s not even February yet but January had some great releases (Beach House, Spoon, Vampire Weekend) That’s saying a lot from me. I guess the fact that I was witness to zero hype for this band is making me love this album even more. You can’t put a price on zero expectations. In today’s landscape of instant information and constant spoilers ignorance truly is bliss. I realize by writing this I just spoiled your ignorance . It was bound to happen sooner or later…so it might as well come from me.
Highlights: “You Are The Ocean And I’m Good At Drowning,” “Mouthful of Diamonds,” “Futuristic Casket,” “Running From The Cops”
Ms. Amanda Jones’ May Playlist
Ms Amanda Jones is currently listening to:
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
This is an album that I’ve been listening to since I was a kid. The album came out in 1977 – so without dating myself I’ll just let you know that I was alive and I’ve loved it ever since the first time I heard it. Every song on this album is good! People always buy albums and the best you can hope for is that a few of the songs on the album are good – the real gems are the albums where ALL of the songs are good and you can listen to the entire album without having to skip over a song. This is one of those albums.
**I got to see Fleetwood Mac play at The Staples Center on May 28th and it was AWESOME! Such a fantastic show with so many great songs I was beside myself the entire evening. It’s the first time I have ever seen them and they were just fantastic. Never mind the fact that Stevie Nicks is the coolest woman on the planet, with a gorgeous voice, but Lindsey Buckingham is a kick ass guitar player. I knew both of these statements going in, but seeing it live blew me away. If you have a chance to catch this tour – do it!
Maxim Ludwig & The Santa Fe Seven
Every once in a while you come across some really good music – and you fall in love….well this is that band. I heard about them a few months ago and thought, I should totally check these guys out. They are fantastic!
ML & the SF 7 – have 10 tracks currently available (on iTunes). They remind me of early Ryan Adams and Wilco. Their music is kind of a cross between rock/alt-country & blues. I’m not good at labeling music….some people I know have a label for every kind of music under the sun…I’m not that person. I like a lot of different kinds of music and when I hear something good – I fall in love. Well – my heart has been cut out again.
10 tracks all available on itunes…if you go to their site http://www.maximludwig.com/
The tracks are also available for your listening pleasure.
They just played at Stagecoach this spring and got some great reviews….check out their website and Myspace to find out when they are playing next around town.
Hank Williams – The Ultimate Collection
This is my go to album when I want to sit in my room, drink some whiskey and close my eyes and listen. Listen to Hank’s voice, listen to the simplicity of perfect songs, and genuine emotion that only Hank Williams could do. It’s probably one of my favorite albums of all time. This collection has everything on it. If it doesn’t, someone let me know so I can go purchase more.
Hank Williams will always be the epitome of what country music sounds, looks and feels like for me. It’s perfect – beautiful – sad – and drenched in whisky and tears.
The Dirty Dancing Soundtrack – the 20th Anniversary Edition
I just purchased this on iTunes as I have two records (say it with me folks-Vinyl) of the Dirty Dancing soundtracks, but I’ve never owned the Cds. I decided I wanted to put it on my Ipod so I spent the $15 to get it. It’s a great album. Some of the silly stuff I could do without but I think it’s worth it just for Otis Redding’s, “Love Man.” For some reason Otis’ Greatest Hits is missing that song – and I love that song! It’s fun to dance to in your kitchen – get it and try it – I promise you’ll be spinning around your kitchen and singing along in no time.