Don't Dream, It's Over

I like to think of "year in reviews" as funerary processions with really, really good music. 2007 saw nearly zilch in the popular- but-interesting music department - please! I was always taught never to expect anything if I didn't want to be disappointed. Either way, I kept an account of some of the best songs, albums and artists that I greatly enjoyed/discovered this past year; a very formal accounting of it, might I add: it's something I like to call "iTunes." The "Pocket Symphony" folder I created on my computer has been slowly overflowing, as well.

"Pocket Symphony!?" you ask, "Isn't that the name of the most recent Air alb...?" Yeah, yeah. Oh, you Francophiles!

Onward...

10. Alex Cortiz

It's somewhat difficult to write about an artist of whom you know almost no biographical information, gender, birthplace, influences, etc. Christ, he/she doesn't even have a Myspace page (gasp!). What Alex Cortiz does have is an album, however; a lounge album that surpasses all lounge albums. Never boring and disgustingly sensual and smooth. Not smooth jazz smooth, but smooth as in silk sheets and dark chocolate. Magnifico is a mysterious grin, a fiery stare from across the room or a weekend getaway to Brazil. It's lounge music that makes you want to do anything but lounge!

Download suggestions: "Barfly," "Glamourgirl," "My Favourite Moment"

9. Daniel Agust

I posted a review several months ago about ex-GusGus member Mr. Agust. There is not much more to say about him and his stellar album Swallowed a Star except I absolutely implore you to check it out.

From Eclectriciti:

"Delightfully dark and symphonically beautiful, Daniel Agust - ex GusGus member - takes his new album "Swallowed a Star," through fits of rapture and majesty. Punctuated with orchestral melodies, the album shines a light on a new, and exciting side of electronica."

Download Suggestions: "Nobody Else," "Sparks Will Fly," "If You Leave Me Now"

8. Veil Veil Vanish

(see last post)

From Eclectriciti:

"Perhaps one of my favourite new bands to come on the scene; post-punk, shoegazer and ultimately fabulous. Veil Veil Vanish imparts a certain darkness to the bright, sunny state from which they hail: California. Throbbing guitars, and broodingly impactful vocals by Keven Tecon."



Download suggestions: "What Will You Say Tonight," "Shadows Dripping Like Honey Kissing," "All Hands in Prayer"

7. Worm is Green

Doesn't it seem as if the world has become bedeviled by Icelandic musicians? I don't know about you, but I think this is certain. It began with Bjork, Sigur Ros and has slowly evolved into Worm is Green. Not that there is anything wrong with this, don't get me wrong. Automagic is pretty and peculiar; no sign of any glaciers with this group.

Download suggestions: "Army of Them," "Electron John"

6. Cut Copy

Interestingly enough, this group sits right above Daft Punk on my playlists. Alphabetically speaking, of course. Zing!

From Eclectriciti:

"What do you get when you mix Daft Punk and The Cure? Interestingly, you get the sharp electro band Cut Copy. "Bright Like Neon Love" is a perfect introduction for the electro neophyte. This band spices its music with hints of funk, electro and new wave, reminiscent of Daft Punk with a bit more guitar and Aussie accents."



Download suggestions: "Saturdays," "A Dream," "Hearts on Fire," "Autobahn Music Box," "Going Nowhere"

5. Studio

From Eclectriciti:

"More Swedes in the news! Presumably the most "exotic" of the bands listed, Studio is, as one individual described them, a Swedish duo who does "afro-prog -disco- yacht rock." Personally, I am unfamiliar with either term, but it is somehow befitting of the duo. I would describe this group as a harder Kula Shaker - an amalgam of African/Indian sounds and rhythms and alternative rock. At first glance, it doesn't seem like it would be appealing to you, does it? Trust me on this one. Take a ride through Studio's extrinsic exploration.

Oh, look at me. I alliterated."

Download suggestions: "West Side," "Self-Service" - "Indo"

4. Richard Hawley

Though not newly discovered this past year, Mr. Hawley released Lady's Bridge this past August - well, October for us Americans -and blew fans away once again with his consolatory melodies and deep, sonorous vocals. UK born Hawley takes his listeners through hope, gloom and even parts of Nashville with his infamous usage of the lap steel guitar. Nothing compares.

Download suggestions: "The Ocean," "Valentine," "Run For Me," "The Only Road"

3. Colder

Channeling a little bit of the breathiness of T Rex's Marc Bolan, the sizzling synths of Depeche Mode, and sexy, dub-like guitar work of The Cure and Joy Division, Colder's Marc Nguyen Tan - a native of France - is a graphic designer turned DJ/musician (not to mention famously remixing "Clean" on Depeche Mode's Singles 81-04 album). His music is nothing less than arousing and has clean, sensuous rhythm for days. Great for the post-punk crowds and just as good for electroheads.

Download suggestions: "To The Music," "Silicone Sexy," "Tonight"

2. Air

Speaking of Air, I just...sort of decided to put their album Pocket Symphony at numero due on my list. Kidding. I actually really adored this album, and if I may be so audacious, think it is perhaps their best. I was very much tickled at the fact that legendary Jarvis Cocker fronted "One Hell of a Party," and found their instrumentals ("Space Maker," specifically) to be some of the most simply magnificent pieces the French duo have thought up. I will always be a fan of Air, and I am sure millions can say the same, as well.

Download suggestions: "Once Upon a Time," Space Maker," "Playground Love," "Run"

1. Dave Gahan

I know you know. I do. I know you know that I was going to make Dave Gahan's Hourglass number one on this list. Sure. I must admit to you all now, though: I swear I didn't do it because it's Dave Gahan - the almighty Dave Gahan for whom I stood on-line for 10 hours for with no sleep prior just to meet; for whom I spent countless dollars on concert tickets, and CDs to see the group with which he performs (well, they happen to be my favourite); for whom I...well, wait. I'm not doing too well on this "just because he's Dave Gahan" case of mine, am I? Well, regardless of what you may think, this album was my most revered, and with good reason, too. Gahan created tracks that would make Gore or Wilder jealous. Dark, depraved and often times literally beautiful, Hourglass is everything a Dave Gahan album should be; everything we expected of him. "Miracles," I tell ya. Miracles.

Download suggestions: "Kingdom," "Deeper and Deeper," "Miracles," "Use You," "Saw Something"

Sunday Synopsis.

CUT COPY



What do you get when you mix Daft Punk and The Cure? Interestingly, you get the sharp electro band Cut Copy. "Bright Like Neon Love" is a perfect introduction for the electro neophyte. This band spices its music with hints of funk, electro and new wave, reminiscent of Daft Punk with a bit more guitar and Aussie accents.

Album: Bright Like Neon Love - 2004

Download suggestions: "Saturdays" - "A Dream" - "Hearts on Fire" - "Autobahn Music Box" - "Going Nowhere"

and

download Cut Copy's "Going Nowhere" right now!

DOWNLOAD "Going Nowhere"




VEIL VEIL VANISH

Perhaps one of my favourite new bands to come on the scene; post-punk, shoegazer and ultimately fabulous. Veil Veil Vanish imparts a certain darkness to the bright, sunny state from which they hail: California. Throbbing guitars, and broodingly impactful vocals by Keven Tecon.

Album: Into a New Mausoleum - 2007

Download suggestions: "What Will You Say Tonight" - "Shadows Dripping Like Honey Kissing" - "All Hands in Prayer"

and

download Veil Vel Vanish's "Shadows dripping like honey kissing" right now!

DOWNLOAD Shadows Dripping Like Honey Kissing






STUDIO

More Swedes in the news! Presumably the most "exotic" of the bands listed, Studio is, as one individual described them, a Swedish duo who does "afro-prog -disco- yacht rock." Personally, I am unfamiliar with either term, but it is somehow befitting of the duo. I would describe this group as a harder Kula Shaker - an amalgam of African/Indian sounds and rhythms and alternative rock. At first glance, it doesn't seem like it would be appealing to you, does it? Trust me on this one. Take a ride through Studio's extrinsic exploration.

Oh, look at me. I alliterated.

Album: West Coast - 2007

Download suggestions: "West Side" - "Self-Service" - "Indo"

and

download Studio's "West Side" right now!

Download Studio 2 - West Side

Daniel Agust - Sparks certainly WILL fly.

Delightfully dark and symphonically beautiful, Daniel Agust - ex GusGus member - takes his new album "Swallowed a Star," through fits of rapture and majesty. Punctuated with orchestral melodies, the album shines a light on a new, and exciting side of electronica.

Always on the cutting edge, Agust utilized his almost boyishly sweet voice and juxtaposed it against shrieking sounds, violins and cellos, and quirky synths to create such compelling sonance. Most surprisingly, Agust does this without ever sounding contrived.

There is a certain urgency to this album; to the point of it becoming combative in the most alluring and divine way possible. Sonically speaking, tracks such as "The Moss" and "If You Leave Me Now" are stammeringly lighthearted. Meanwhile, "The Stingray" feels like an earthy and sensual dirge.

As the listener makes their way through the album, he will undoubtedly find sensuality lurking somewhere beneath the hardened layers of frustration and demand felt on many of the tracks; and it is quick to boil over.

Agust, a true musical vanguard, plants his feet firmly in the ground with "Swallowed a Star." His maturity is thoroughly evident as he gives classical notes a 21st century feel, mixing the concerto and conservatory with computers, and Mozart with mechanization. In essence, avant garde in the most understandable and magnificent of ways.



Download Daniel Agust's "Nobody Else" right now!

DOWNLOAD "Nobody Else"

Morrissey: Back to the bench where your clothes were stolen

Proclaiming disdain, loneliness and frustration, Morrissey stood center stage for his fans at the Mann Center in Philadelphia. Monday night's weather was a chilly 66 degrees, perfect for telling tales; the crowd huddled together and listened intently, often times singing along, and, at times, trying to steal the spotlight.

Opening with "The Queen is Dead," a song which gave his now defunct band, The Smiths, a legendary title. I, at times, tried desperately to envision Johnny Marr on the guitar, and hoping both he and Morrissey would not spur over differences on stage. But we are past that. Morrissey was talkative and humorous and attempted to intertwine political references into each song he sang - often times changing words in his songs to make a statement ("I've been dreaming of a time when Americans are sick to death of Republicans"). Much to the delight of the crowd, he spoke to us. He gave us a reason to listen. He grabbed the hands of lucky front rowers and threw his shirt into the audience several times, watching fans dive head first in hopes of catching even a thread. It was intimate in the oddest of ways. Intimate, idiosyncratic and ultimately beautiful.

His voice has changed little over the years. Even in the short, audibly fuzzy video clips captured on my mobile, a mere stranger would recognize the voice; inherently English, husky and eccentric.

Never obsequious, Morrissey handed his microphone over to a few audience members and let them have their say. "God bless you always," said one. Morrissey quipped back with a sarcastic, "Always?"

Of course always. He's Morrissey for heaven's sake!

As every crowd has its die-hard fans, it also has its share of "marauders," as well. Five or six people jumped up onto the stage, only to be whisked away by burly security guards, sans one woman who was able to make it onto the stage, and hug the illustrious performer.

As the show drew to a close, he encored with "The Last of the International Playboys."

"Well, it's better than Pink Floyd," he said, alluding to his use of the infamous encore. His backing band began to play - all in brown polos - all obviously deliriously happy to be not only performing, but sharing the same air space with the man.

As was the crowd.



Alas, through all of this, a strange conundrum came into play by the name of Kristeenyoung. I absolutely did not understand why Morrissey or WHOMEVER chose them as the opening act for Morrissey actually chose them. To be frank, I thought they sucked. The girl's voice was bad enough to break glass, and the music absolutely did not stand up. I could think of a hundred other acts in which his tour manager could have utilized. In the end, I suppose it's all about business : or, somebody is playing hide the salami with one of the members of KY (KY, crap that makes sense) and felt obliged to book them with Morrissey.

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Blue wonder power milk.

The Belgium based group Hooverphonic, with their pop-edged, ethereal trip-hop, ooze slicks of electronica, rock and funk. Having had received their sophomore effort, "Blue Wonder Power Milk," I listened to it in its entirety. "This Strange Effect" had surely acclimated itself to my playlist a long time ago. I'm not sure if, in this song, Geike Arnaert's saccharine yet beautiful vocals drew me in, or if it was the guitar work that borderlined sounding like a background soundtrack to a country western stand-off; this juxtaposed against singing violins. Arnaerts vocals are reminiscent of another favourite of mine: Nicola Hitchcock, formerly of the trip-hop group Mandalay.

Some may remember "2wicky," a single off of "A New Sterephonic Sound Spectacular." This song was used in the hit movie, "I Know What You Did Last Summer." It seems a bit misplaced, though - a sophisticated trip-hop group's hit interspersed with scenes from such a puerile movie. One will probably recognize, "Renaissance Affaire" as well - a drum 'n' bass infused track.

Either way, "Blue Wonder Power Milk" is a true testament to Hooverphonic's overwhelming ability in understanding what it means to mix genres, sounds and expertise. Most songs are delicate, salted with hints of unrefinement. "Lung" is a hardhitting departure from this. With big sounds, and an even bigger beat, it certainly does not allow the listener to sit still.

Pulchritudinous it may be, "Blue Wonder Power Milk" makes a clear, yet unobtrusive statement that they are much more than your typical trip-hop group. Although you may find their work amongst the likes of Morcheeba, Portishead, Single Gun Theory and Massive Attack, Hooverphonic has remained quiet yet confident in tackling preconceived notions.

"Eden," a song remade by the magnificent Sarah Brightman, and later remixed by Enigma, is a sensuous, heart-breakingly beautiful serenade ("Did you ever think of me as your best friend...did you ever think of me as your enemy?").

On a side note - getting back to Nicola Hitchcock, her song, "You Will Feel Like This" is perhaps one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Whilst she was in Mandalay, songs such as "Like Her" and "Enough Love" were powerful, yet ephemeral odes to the significance of female vocalists in trip-hop today. I will perhaps always compare Geike Anaert's voice to Hitchcock's, even if the latter's is a bit more soulful and esoteric.

If you enjoy the sounds of trip-hop, soft pop/rock and electronica...hell, if you like music, be sure to make Hooverphonic's "Blue Wonder Power Milk" a part of your collection.

The Knife : A cracked smile and a silent shout.

It often becomes difficult to tell whether Olof and Karin Dreijer, a brother and sister line-up, truly hail from their hometown of Stockholm, Sweden or if they holidayed off a warm, lush coast, fertile with the sweltering sounds of calypso and steel drums. Just as the weather makes for long, sensuous dips in the water, without warning, an arctic blow comes sweeping in. That artic blow just happens to be brought upon by a plethora of synthesizers. With it, blowing away the portents of those used to the straight-forward, club-thumping sounds of IDM.

A delectable hybridization of eclectic, electronic, even bordering on the tropical, The Knife unabashedly takes their listeners on a musical odyssey.

We trust The Knife implicitly on this odyssey, however. We trust their novice brand of electronica simply because it sounds so good. It's smooth, arousing, danceable and crosses the line of 'quirky' without looking back for a second. "Silent Shout" has undeniably become a staple in the intelligent listener's CD collection, as well as the indie listener looking for unbelieveable sounds and beats.

"Heartbeats," an immensely catchy song off of "Deep Cuts," was redone by another Swede - famed folk/indie singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez. This was, perhaps, the first, true glimpse of The Knife.

Going where not many an indie act has gone before, The Knife won six Grammis; or, the Swedish version of the Grammys. A tour in 2006 proved an even more monumental feat, as they had never performed before. Many a time, hiding behind masks, both Dreijers host their own masquerade ball of sorts each time they step on stage.

"Silent Shout" is a remarkable ode to The Knife's capabilities. "Marble House," a single off of this gem, is heartbreakingly beautiful in, frankly, the oddest of ways. Off kilter and lyrically strange ("Now where's your shoulder? What is its name? What's your scent? Say it again - if it goes faster can you still follow me? It must be safe when it's on TV"), this pseudo-love song makes for an incredible piece of music. Their lyrics are never completely opaque; rather alarming, yet ingenious.