Video: Jacco Gardner – “Where Will You Go”
In his book The Poetics of Rock, Albin Zaks explains that recording “includes many skills and sensibilities not traditionally associated with musical composition.” Zaks was one of few, aside from perhaps Les Paul, who foresaw the future of recording and the ways in which it would not only change music, but alter the ways in which musicians were able to create it. Today, we are seeing an increasing number of musicians who rarely enter a traditional studio, but can create an entire record all on their own with only a few microphones and an 8 track. It eliminates the need for a band, and it allows the genius of one musician to come alive without any outside help. Take Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker or Matt Mondanile’s early Ducktails recordings, or perhaps the latest example in Dutchman Jacco Gardner. Mining a well of 60s influences and studio masters like Syd Barrett, The Zombies, Curt Boettcher, Gardner’s debut LP for Trouble in Mind, Cabinet of Curiosities, traverses a similarly psychy-pop trail and was recorded entire by Gardner in his “Shadow Shoppe” home studio in Zwaag, Netherlands. But, like Parker, Gardner also sought help from a seasoned veteran to during the mixing and mastering process, famed studio engineer Jan Audier who worked on albums by Q65 and Golden Earring (in Parker’s case it was Dave Friedman of Flaming Lips fame). Hear Gardner’s lush arrangements and studio wizardry in the standout album track, “Where Will You Go,” below.
Purchase Cabinet of Curiosities here.
Best Albums of 2012
[Art by Sean Metcalf]
Greetings friends and fellow travelers. As the year comes to a close, we find ourselves looking back on all the great music that came out of 2012. This year offered much hope for the future, including the emergence of folk singer-songwriter Jessica Pratt; Swedish music collective GOAT; Southern England’s Beaulieu Porch; and new Brooklyn based label Beyond Beyond is Beyond, who brought us the debut album from Prince Rupert’s Drops. This was another exceptional year for new releases and we’re psyched to present to you our picks for the best albums of 2012. Tell us about your favorite albums of 2012 in the comments section below.
Video: Tame Impala ~ “Elephant”
Tame Impala let their psychedelic side shine in their new video for the Lonerism track “Elephant.” Day-glo kaleidoscope visuals swirl throughout the analog synthesized video directed by artist Yoshi Sodeoka, with live footage from The Silentlights.
NEW MUSIC: POND – “Greens Pool”
POND hail from Perth, Australia, the same stomping grounds as brother band Tame Impala, who share three of the same band members. The bands also share common sonic ground—traversing the inners of contemporary psych-pop—although POND’s approach is more straight-forward and remains closer to a vintage 70′s psych sound. Tame guitarist Nick Albrook, who pens the group’s songs and takes on vocal duties, is joined by bandmate drummer Jay Watson, and Joseph Orion as well as Tame frontman Kevin Parker (on drums) for live shows. The band has three albums out (which you can purchase via iTunes) and another expected to drop in 2012. Check out the video below, which contains the song “Greens Pool” off a limited edition 7″ vinyl available through Badminton Bandit. I’ve also thrown in the video for “Annie Orangetree” to give you a better idea.
[via The Bearded Rainbow]
Tame Impala on Fallon & New “Solitude is Bliss” Remix
Tame Impala
On Friday, Australian psychers Tame Impala made their US television debut on Jimmy Fallon. You can check out the video of “Why Don’t You Make Up Your Mind” here.
In addition, a new Time and Space Machine remix of “Solitude” has surfaced, which you can download by ‘liking’ the Modular facebook page or stream it below.
“Solitude Is Bliss (Time and Space Machine Remix)”
The Listening Station: The 10 Best Albums of 2010
Once again the end of the year is nearing, and again it’s time to look back on the last 12 months in music. Lots of great albums were released in 2010, several of which consumed my listening for weeks or even months on end. Today, I share with you 10 of these albums that provided the soundtrack to much of this year for me.
1. Jimi Hendrix – Valleys of Neptune
When word of this release came a little over a year ago, many suspected another rerelease of the endless outtakes from Hendrix’s studio sessions. Instead, what came was a masterpiece that had somehow evaded everyone’s ears for all this time. Waking up on a cold January morning I remember calling the record store to see if it was in. It was. And so I went down and picked it up right away. I’ll never forget what happened next. Upon first hearing this new version of “Stone Free” it was like being transported back to a time when Hendrix was continually breaking down musical barriers with each record he created. With Valleys of Neptune, Jimi is still breaking down barriers in 2010.
2. Pat Metheny – Orchestrion
This album would be first, simply for the brilliancy that went into creating the album, but I think even Pat would agree Jimi deserves the top spot. For those of you who don’t know, Orchestrion is the newest album from jazz guitar wizard Pat Metheny. While the music itself would earn this spot alone, it’s the process in which the music is created that amazes me. Using a process that I simply cannot explain, Pat, along with a small orchestra of mechanically controlled instruments, created a “Movement” that goes beyond words. I had a chance to see Pat perform the Orchestrion Movement live and it easily ranks up there with my top musical experiences. A truly unique album and yet another work of art in Pat’s arsenal of masterpieces.
3. The Barr Brothers – Self Titled
I can’t say enough about this record. This is the debut and most recent project from Brad and Andrew Barr of The Slip and Surprise Me Mr. Davis. Taking a new direction from anything they have ever touched on before, this self titled release sees the brothers in an acoustic, stripped-down format for much of the record. The addition of a harp brings to life a sound that is rarely heard in music these days, and one that seems to dance around Brad’s guitar playing. Brad emerges as a poetic songwriter and together the brothers deliver an album that ranks among the best they have ever created.
4. Dungen – Skit I Allt
In my opinion, these are some of the most talented musicians on the scene today. Whether they sing in English or not, the music behind the Swedish vocals is simply brilliant. The songs combine colorful melodies and spacey psychedelia to create a sound that is truly original. If you ever have a chance to see these guys live, take my advice and check them out. It’s an unforgettable experience.
5. Tame Impala – Innerspeaker
First it was just a few of us. Then it us and our friends who we kept telling how awesome this record was. Then it was everyone and their hipster friends, and all the rest of us. This album is a work of art, front to back and everyone seems to realize that. Through the mix of effects and reverb the band creates numerous psychedelic journeys, each unique in its own way. If you’re one of the few who hasn’t heard this one yet, I highly recommend it.
6. The Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
It seems that everything these Canadian indie rockers put out can be justifiably labeled “epic.” The entire album builds on this concept of the suburban life through intimate, revealing lyrics and grand arrangements that come together to form an unforgettable piece of music, and poetry. This is an album that we will be listening to for many years.
7. The Besnard Lakes – The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night
Yet another Canadian band from Montreal. I want to say that a lot of the bands and albums on this list sound like they’re from a different time. And maybe that’s true. Maybe they’re from a time that has yet to come. And if that didn’t trip you out enough, this album probably will. The Besnard Lakes are like a band from another planet, sent here to deliver us this great music. This most recent release is a space rock adventure that takes the listener through a psychedelic journey from start to finish. You don’t listen to this album, you experience it.
“Like the Ocean, Like the Innocent” Pt. 1 & 2
8. Jesse McReynolds – Songs of the Grateful Dead
Legendary bluegrass musician Jesse McReynolds is half of the McReynold’s Brothers duo Jim & Jesse that Jerry Garcia and Sandy Rothman followed on the road back in the spring of ’64. When Jesse first heard of the Grateful Dead’s music several years back, he immediately found a connection and decided to put together an album of their songs. The result isn’t just another ‘pickin’ on’ album, but an authentic bluegrass take on the Hunter/Garcia tunes. As Dennis McNally, well-known Dead writer and publicist for the band, recently said to jambands.com:
“It isn’t GD music bluegrass-ified. Instead, he picked out great ballads like “Standing on the Moon” – his performance of that at the Rex left me and lots of others in tears – and “Black Muddy River.” He’ll be at the festivals next summer, and he’s special.”
9. Masters of Reality – Pine/Cross Dover
The band that once featured Ginger Baker on drums finally put out their much anticipated new release this year. And it rocks. This is a great album throughout that ends in one of the best jams of the entire year (live or studio) in a 12 minute piece of improvisation called “Alfalfa.” The album is masterfully produced, as should be expected from frontman/producer Chris Goss.
10. Blitzen Trapper – Destroyer of the Void
On Destroyer of the Void Blitzen Trapper delivers an album that combines their 60′s folk sound with a dose of proggy psychedelia that sees the band venturing into new waters. The epic title track opens the album featuring queen-like vocal arrangements and rich guitar lines. The rest of the album is more in-line with the band’s past works, and relies heavily on strong poetic lyrics and graceful guitar melodies. A great album all around.
Honorable Mentions:
Steve Hackett – Out of the Tunnel’s Mouth
Local Natives – Gorilla Manor
Marco Benevento – Between the Needles and Nightfall
Endless Boogie – Full House Head
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings – I Learned The Hard Way
Railroad Earth – Railroad Earth
Field Music – Measure
Yeasayer – Odd Blood
Wolf People – Steeple
