Chelsea in Orbit

I recently had the chance to interview and photograph this up and coming band. Read on!


Just as the Chelsea area of London birthed innovation and art, audacious South Jersey trio, Chelsea in Orbit, soulfully embodies this concept. There is little doubt that Chelsea in Orbit is fluent in the language of British rock, easily translating the sonic syntax of classic '80s bands into an amalgamation all their own. Their music is not, however, to be confused with the outpouring of the ubiquitous neo-'80s bands seen today. Instead, they set out do something extraordinary: make great songs. Seemingly undaunted by the prospect of "making it big," and never ostentatious, all three members let the music do the real talking.


The songs crafted by Chelsea in Orbit are, undoubtedly, crafted with patience. Never taking themselves too seriously - Juan Parejo (vocals), Gregg Biesiada (lead guitar) and Rick Eddy (drums) - all would rather tell the tales of their strange and comical encounters through three years of touring, than to sit and list their myriad accomplishments.

After winning Origivation Magazine's awards for "Band of the Year" and "Best Modern Rock Band," Chelsea in Orbit already had three albums behind them. This remarkable acknowledgment led to the placement of their song, "Perfect Kiss" in the short, indie film "Life Coach." All major feats for which you are unlikely to hear any of the guys mention unless under strict questioning. In fact, when asked why they enjoyed performing at the prestigious Dewey Beach Music conference, Juan answered earnestly: "We got to eat a lot of pancakes."

There is more to Chelsea in Orbit than just great music made by musicians with whom you'd love to hang around; the music is bold, the instrumentation is no-nonsense and the vocals can only be described as chill-inducing. Juan's fierce voice is replete with strong characteristics that are seldom heard anywhere else. Encroaching upon the release of their fourth album, the intricate yet jolting musicianship is clearly showcased. And it doesn't stop there.

When acclaimed producer Jamie Myerson (Amy Cook, Duncan Sheik, Dido, AM), took the band under his veteran wing, the music truly began to take a life of its own as he engendered the album's perfect atmospheric touches.

"Working with others, it never sounded quite right, never sounded quite like us until now," Rick explained. If their current endeavor is any indication as to what Chelsea in Orbit really is, people will certainly be listening.

"The songs are stronger," Juan added. Gregg explained that working with Myerson on their album was "natural, like hanging out."

Natural, for sure. Chelsea in Orbit's sound doesn't overpower, instead, it suggests and pulls you in; allowing the listener to circumnavigate around a taste of their many influences, but always keeping their own style in the aural forefront.

"I just hope there's an audience out there that understands the passion of our work and feels as good about it as we do," Rick said, one of his less zany retorts made. But just when things become too mushy, a cellular phone goes off, blaring Echo and the Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon." Gregg answers, looks around and swoops in with a saving quip:

"There's a niche for what we're doing - it could be six people - but there's a niche."

Check out some of CIO's music on their Myspace
OR
Download a free mp3 of the epic
Truth and the Fire

What's a hiatus between friends?

I apologize for the ridiculously long hiatus, but I swear I've been working on new material. Oh, and I swear I'm going to start updating this thing weekly, if not daily. (Reminder to self: Must get WordPress!) It is my duty to bring you good music, god damnit!

I decided to get my creative juices flowing by writing this squib, of sorts. Read it and weep.



Something extremely disheartening has been taking place in the world in the past two decades or so. In fact, it appears to be a disease that has been running rampant with no sign of any real vector and its point of entrance is somewhat blurred. Somehow, in some way, 99% of the population has been enculturated to embrace music borne from absolute ineptitude. What is it about people falling for unoriginal music?

I tend to liken this phenomena to an obviously plastic-surgery altered woman in a short, slutty dress. Someone is going to go for her because she's right there, she's cheap and she's available. I lend no credence to the thought of human beings having an open mind anymore. It's not that hard to go on and look for something better. It's really not. But people are going to fall for the most acquirable simply because it's easy. And you'll fall for it, all right.

Since the advent of Fruity Loops, YouTube - hell, since the advent of Color-By-Numbers, the humanities bar has been lowered to near ground level. If you create a "track" using Fruity Loops and upload it to Myspace or Virb, you're suddenly playing The Knitting Factory at ten bucks a pop. There's no real talent being exuded in toggling with music software that you have ripped off the internet, or was given to you by your best friend on a CD-RW covered with illegible phrases squiggled on with a compact disc-safe magic marker.

Speaking of magic, there isn't any in mainstream music. My notion that people will fall for anything has been proven true over and over again. So, these so called artists keep doing what they're doing. Honestly, did you know that there are other female artists out there besides Natasha Bedingfield? Well, did ya? And why are Nickelback (Picklesmack) songs still being played on the radio?

Why do chart-toppers lack panache?

Perhaps the really good, intelligent, ingenious and substantial stuff is best left for those who know what to do with it. In Bjork's "Alarm Call," she says: "I want to go on a mountain-top with a radio and good batteries and play a joyous tune and free the human race from suffering."

Now ask yourself. Which tune would you play and would others probably choose to play the same?





(Oh, and caveat lector: This little squib is really not applicable to more than most of the people who will read this. And believe me, I'm really not judgmental. Just really serious about the music I listen to).

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.

Testing 1 2 3.

If you received an e-mail notifying you of this new post, leave a comment saying so! Just testing out my subscription feed!

If you do, I'll give you a cookie.