Mostly experimental piano music.
Friday, May 17, 2013
New tunes... 2012 listening party EP.
So, I finally released some tracks from last year on a short EP. Check them out.
Mostly experimental piano music.
Mostly experimental piano music.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
2011 in Music
Well, 2011 has been an absolutely brilliant year for music. Not only generally, but it feels like I personally discovered a lot of new acts, and also got to see a lot of them thanks to Atlanta being a big stop on a lot of band's tours this year.
Here's the best 10 albums I discovered this year, in no particular order:
The Belle Brigade, The Belle Brigade
I discovered this group much later in the year, actually after seeing them live where they opened for GROUPLOVE. We were unconvinced when we initially saw them come on stage (the lead female vocal is a reincarnated female version of Buddy Holly), and they spent (at least) 30 minutes sound checking with everyone standing there waiting. BUT they put on a really tight performance and by the end of it we were wondering who these folks were. Well, I didn't investigate, but once I saw their album on the NPR list of notable albums of 2011, I listened to it, and it's grown on me ever since. They have a classic, upbeat sound that is extremely accessible (my new favorite snob word, in reference to beer and music.) This is the first album they've released and I'd expect good things from them in the future as they branch out a little. They're obviously eager musicians, which will hopefully mellow over time and become a more natural sound as they mature...
Era Extraña, Neon Indian
This is Neon Indian's best album to date, in my opinion. The layers of complex synths, with a ton of reverb / processing, creates a cool atmosphere which I enjoy greatly. This album definitely feels like it's coming out of a shell to some extent as some of the songs are more sharply defined and in focus than some of their previous work.
Within and Without, Washed Out
This album is another electronic chill wave album, similar to Neon Indian and Youth Lagoon, but with it's own feel. Personally I really enjoyed this album with it's perfect balance of melody and ambiance. I like the echoing rhythms and overarching vocals. It's not something you'd listen to in all situations but for chilling by yourself, driving, reading, or any other anti-social activity you'd be well off listening to it. As another bonus, Earnest Greene is from Georgia and plays around Atlanta pretty regularly (even though I've missed him so far).
The Rip Tide, Beirut
Beirut are a really unique band, and I learned of them from my sister's music collection which she gave to me in the form of her laptop in 2008, in preparation for me going to England to hang out. So over the next couple of months I investigated her (not inconsiderable) music collection. Anyway, this album of theirs is probably my favorite of theirs so far. They combine brass, strings, and vocals in a rhythmic way that is catchy, upbeat and decidedly not boring. As usual Beirut retains their international feel, by using instrumentation styles that are derived from older music forms... although pop and indie influences remain strong.
Actor-Caster, Generationals
While this album has a different feel from many of the others on this list, I liked it a lot. The Generationals are a duo from New Orleans, but they feel very British. Reminiscent of the Kooks, or the Smiths at times, they are a much rawer, unproduced sound than many of the artists on this list. But a few of the songs on this album, Black and White for instance, are so genius, it's hard to deny this album a spot on this list.
The Family Tree: The Roots, Radical Face
Radical face continues to amaze... this album is so musically rich that it can't be easily described with words. What might be lacking in diversity of sounds, is more than well made up for by the genius of the melodies, combination of harmonies and rhythm, and the evocative lyrics. I'll confess I've only listened to this album twice this year, as I only recently decided I liked it a lot. But I plan on listening to it a lot more as the next year wears on. Worth mentioning is the cool CD case that it comes in which is in the form of a small, properly bound book (my brother has the physical album).
The Year of Hibernation, Youth Lagoon
This is a perfect example of the evolution of chill wave music. It sounds like you've been swimming underwater for years, and upon surfacing, ears filled with water, your eyes are exposed to too much light, too quickly, and everything's a little blurry, but beautiful. Youth Lagoon stirs in more acoustic instruments than your traditional chill wave band, but still maintains the upbeat synthy catchiness. Montana is the highlight, with reverb heavy slightly out of tune piano, vocals from the other room, and whales in the aquarium next door. Love the production, love the melodies.
Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm, Benjamin Francis Leftwich
I can't tell enough people about Ben Leftwich. Of course, if I compliment him, he's not likely to retweet me, as he only retweets people who hate his music. But I've got to be honest here people. I like this album a lot. He has the most interesting of voices, and seems to just be a natural talent that you hope is not ruined by his ascension. He creates a mood with his music that I've rarely experienced, and no one I have met who listens doesn't like it, if that makes any sense (gotta love double negatives).
Never Trust a Happy Song, Grouplove
As already mentioned Grouplove's debut LP killed it. Although I actually initially disliked several songs on the full length album (thinking them to be sort of rehashes of mediocre 90s music) when I saw them play their songs live, I was blown away. Highlights for me are Tongue Tied and Spun. The story of this group adds a lot of depth to their music, seeing as they met in Greece and composed some of their songs, but didn't record them until they all went to LA the next year. In addition, they all play a role in the creative process, with songs on the album composed / written by almost all members of the group.
Hurry Up We're Dreaming, M83
I've liked M83 from the first moment I heard them from my sister's laptop speakers in 2008. This album blows me away. It's not that every song is a hit, but every song fits in its own way. They use a combination of electronic instruments and guitars and drums in a pounding rocking enlivening way. It invigorates. It's epic. Try it. Fortunately I also was able to watch their live show this year, and despite them coming on 2 hours after the opener (not really that much of an exaggeration) and bolstered by it being Halloween night, they put on a killer epic show that went hard from start to finish. They really know how to layer a song so that it builds to a climax.
Best EPs:
Ghost City, MS MR
Check it out. Who knows who this couple is, or whether they can recreate this sound on the stage or on another, longer album, but this EP blew me away immediately and continues to every time I hear it. They literally paint a canvas with these four songs; they paint a haunting, powerful, shockingly beautiful image.
Nightlife, Phantogram
Love Phantogram, seen them twice in concert, and although at times they seem flat, their melody and beats catch people immediately, and they can create the most seemless, natural, creative transitions between verse and chorus, different sections of songs. This EP is no different, and I'm excited to see where this group goes.
Honorable Mentions:
Obviously, Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes deserve to be mentioned for their works this year. I liked those albums. But I felt like they got so hyped that I needn't emphasize them in my list. Plus I just didn't find myself listening to them as much as I should if they were truly top 10 albums given the amount of time I've known about them. Burst Apart by the Antlers was also really good, but I found myself listening to their older album Hospice a lot more.
I'd love comments on what you think I missed! I'm sure there are many I didn't listen to that were better than some on here.
Here's the best 10 albums I discovered this year, in no particular order:
The Belle Brigade, The Belle Brigade
I discovered this group much later in the year, actually after seeing them live where they opened for GROUPLOVE. We were unconvinced when we initially saw them come on stage (the lead female vocal is a reincarnated female version of Buddy Holly), and they spent (at least) 30 minutes sound checking with everyone standing there waiting. BUT they put on a really tight performance and by the end of it we were wondering who these folks were. Well, I didn't investigate, but once I saw their album on the NPR list of notable albums of 2011, I listened to it, and it's grown on me ever since. They have a classic, upbeat sound that is extremely accessible (my new favorite snob word, in reference to beer and music.) This is the first album they've released and I'd expect good things from them in the future as they branch out a little. They're obviously eager musicians, which will hopefully mellow over time and become a more natural sound as they mature...
Era Extraña, Neon Indian
This is Neon Indian's best album to date, in my opinion. The layers of complex synths, with a ton of reverb / processing, creates a cool atmosphere which I enjoy greatly. This album definitely feels like it's coming out of a shell to some extent as some of the songs are more sharply defined and in focus than some of their previous work.
Within and Without, Washed Out
This album is another electronic chill wave album, similar to Neon Indian and Youth Lagoon, but with it's own feel. Personally I really enjoyed this album with it's perfect balance of melody and ambiance. I like the echoing rhythms and overarching vocals. It's not something you'd listen to in all situations but for chilling by yourself, driving, reading, or any other anti-social activity you'd be well off listening to it. As another bonus, Earnest Greene is from Georgia and plays around Atlanta pretty regularly (even though I've missed him so far).
The Rip Tide, Beirut
Beirut are a really unique band, and I learned of them from my sister's music collection which she gave to me in the form of her laptop in 2008, in preparation for me going to England to hang out. So over the next couple of months I investigated her (not inconsiderable) music collection. Anyway, this album of theirs is probably my favorite of theirs so far. They combine brass, strings, and vocals in a rhythmic way that is catchy, upbeat and decidedly not boring. As usual Beirut retains their international feel, by using instrumentation styles that are derived from older music forms... although pop and indie influences remain strong.
Actor-Caster, Generationals
While this album has a different feel from many of the others on this list, I liked it a lot. The Generationals are a duo from New Orleans, but they feel very British. Reminiscent of the Kooks, or the Smiths at times, they are a much rawer, unproduced sound than many of the artists on this list. But a few of the songs on this album, Black and White for instance, are so genius, it's hard to deny this album a spot on this list.
The Family Tree: The Roots, Radical Face
Radical face continues to amaze... this album is so musically rich that it can't be easily described with words. What might be lacking in diversity of sounds, is more than well made up for by the genius of the melodies, combination of harmonies and rhythm, and the evocative lyrics. I'll confess I've only listened to this album twice this year, as I only recently decided I liked it a lot. But I plan on listening to it a lot more as the next year wears on. Worth mentioning is the cool CD case that it comes in which is in the form of a small, properly bound book (my brother has the physical album).
The Year of Hibernation, Youth Lagoon
This is a perfect example of the evolution of chill wave music. It sounds like you've been swimming underwater for years, and upon surfacing, ears filled with water, your eyes are exposed to too much light, too quickly, and everything's a little blurry, but beautiful. Youth Lagoon stirs in more acoustic instruments than your traditional chill wave band, but still maintains the upbeat synthy catchiness. Montana is the highlight, with reverb heavy slightly out of tune piano, vocals from the other room, and whales in the aquarium next door. Love the production, love the melodies.
Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm, Benjamin Francis Leftwich
I can't tell enough people about Ben Leftwich. Of course, if I compliment him, he's not likely to retweet me, as he only retweets people who hate his music. But I've got to be honest here people. I like this album a lot. He has the most interesting of voices, and seems to just be a natural talent that you hope is not ruined by his ascension. He creates a mood with his music that I've rarely experienced, and no one I have met who listens doesn't like it, if that makes any sense (gotta love double negatives).
Never Trust a Happy Song, Grouplove
As already mentioned Grouplove's debut LP killed it. Although I actually initially disliked several songs on the full length album (thinking them to be sort of rehashes of mediocre 90s music) when I saw them play their songs live, I was blown away. Highlights for me are Tongue Tied and Spun. The story of this group adds a lot of depth to their music, seeing as they met in Greece and composed some of their songs, but didn't record them until they all went to LA the next year. In addition, they all play a role in the creative process, with songs on the album composed / written by almost all members of the group.
Hurry Up We're Dreaming, M83
I've liked M83 from the first moment I heard them from my sister's laptop speakers in 2008. This album blows me away. It's not that every song is a hit, but every song fits in its own way. They use a combination of electronic instruments and guitars and drums in a pounding rocking enlivening way. It invigorates. It's epic. Try it. Fortunately I also was able to watch their live show this year, and despite them coming on 2 hours after the opener (not really that much of an exaggeration) and bolstered by it being Halloween night, they put on a killer epic show that went hard from start to finish. They really know how to layer a song so that it builds to a climax.
Best EPs:
Ghost City, MS MR
Check it out. Who knows who this couple is, or whether they can recreate this sound on the stage or on another, longer album, but this EP blew me away immediately and continues to every time I hear it. They literally paint a canvas with these four songs; they paint a haunting, powerful, shockingly beautiful image.
Nightlife, Phantogram
Love Phantogram, seen them twice in concert, and although at times they seem flat, their melody and beats catch people immediately, and they can create the most seemless, natural, creative transitions between verse and chorus, different sections of songs. This EP is no different, and I'm excited to see where this group goes.
Honorable Mentions:
Obviously, Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes deserve to be mentioned for their works this year. I liked those albums. But I felt like they got so hyped that I needn't emphasize them in my list. Plus I just didn't find myself listening to them as much as I should if they were truly top 10 albums given the amount of time I've known about them. Burst Apart by the Antlers was also really good, but I found myself listening to their older album Hospice a lot more.
I'd love comments on what you think I missed! I'm sure there are many I didn't listen to that were better than some on here.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Christmas Electro - I Still Can't Talk, People
Some new music available today. I Can't Talk... some Christmas Electro. I don't hate it completely, so that's something. Entirely composed, produced, and mixed on the 20th of December, 2011, thanks to me losing my voice and not going into work.
I Can't Talk - Christmas Electro by wiggzz
Enjoy it.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Haven't posted for a while, apologies for that. Thesis has been taking my life over, but that's almost done now.
Today's post is about Benjamin Francis Leftwich. I probably heard about him some 5 months ago, from Seven Sevens, and have absolutely loved everything he has done. Not only are his two EPs amazing, Atlas Hands, and Pictures, but every live recording I've seen is stunning. I usually don't like recorded live music that much, it can be decent, but everything Ben Leftwich does is gold. He sounds as good on a crappy camera and mic as he does from the studio (and he has the same producer as Mumford and Sons, so that's saying a lot).
Anyway, he's a singer songwriter (as dumb as that term is...) who plays guitar, has really messed up teeth, but a brilliant voice that will set you thinking about more important things than who you're eating dinner with.
Some songs to check out:
Box of Stones: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sin9PRz583E&feature=related
Maps (Live on BalconyTV): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pirgH79GoUo&feature=related
1904 (Live at Mahogany Sessions): http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HLqIW5BOuZ4
and obviously, Atlas Hands: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyue2N1XZ0M&feature=related
Anyway he has a full length Album coming out on July 4th, called Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm, although I'm not sure of availability in the US.
Today's post is about Benjamin Francis Leftwich. I probably heard about him some 5 months ago, from Seven Sevens, and have absolutely loved everything he has done. Not only are his two EPs amazing, Atlas Hands, and Pictures, but every live recording I've seen is stunning. I usually don't like recorded live music that much, it can be decent, but everything Ben Leftwich does is gold. He sounds as good on a crappy camera and mic as he does from the studio (and he has the same producer as Mumford and Sons, so that's saying a lot).
Anyway, he's a singer songwriter (as dumb as that term is...) who plays guitar, has really messed up teeth, but a brilliant voice that will set you thinking about more important things than who you're eating dinner with.
Some songs to check out:
Box of Stones: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sin9PRz583E&feature=related
Maps (Live on BalconyTV): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pirgH79GoUo&feature=related
1904 (Live at Mahogany Sessions): http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HLqIW5BOuZ4
and obviously, Atlas Hands: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyue2N1XZ0M&feature=related
Anyway he has a full length Album coming out on July 4th, called Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm, although I'm not sure of availability in the US.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Arguile Comes Home
Boys and girls: Decided to finally put something out. This track is called Arguile Comes Home. Playing with custom designed synths, EQs, etc. I don't hate it as much as the others... but I do hate the percussion in the first half. But I don't have all night to work on this now do I. Anyway, enjoy.
Arguile Comes Home Take 2 by wiggzz
Arguile Comes Home Take 2 by wiggzz
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Phantogram
So, no smashing beats from me tonight, though I (we [the Shining Schnook and myself]) have at least two in the works for release soon enough. One's going to be excellent for the following situation: you have slept in a hammock, in a room full of 5-7 other guys (if you're a girl... a room full of girls...? doesn't really work, sorry), and it's time to wake up. You play this song on full blast. The other one is somewhat of a classical bit. Good news is plenty of banging tunes have been winding their way through my head when everything else is quiet, so we'll see where that leads.
Onwards: Phantogram. Electro-pop-ish but slightly heavier and awesomer, refreshingly not boring. Pretty hard hitting at times, kind of eerie at times, epic, with some sick rythmic patterns. Look them up. Perhaps listen to When I'm Small, but literally their entire CD Eyelid Movies is solid. Some other tracks to check out from that CD are Turn it off, and 10000 Claps They record in a barn in New York state, which rocks, and I am jealous.
I'll try to keep you posted on new discoveries as they come along. I'll probably go through the list of bands at SXSW this year a little more soon enough...
Onwards: Phantogram. Electro-pop-ish but slightly heavier and awesomer, refreshingly not boring. Pretty hard hitting at times, kind of eerie at times, epic, with some sick rythmic patterns. Look them up. Perhaps listen to When I'm Small, but literally their entire CD Eyelid Movies is solid. Some other tracks to check out from that CD are Turn it off, and 10000 Claps They record in a barn in New York state, which rocks, and I am jealous.
I'll try to keep you posted on new discoveries as they come along. I'll probably go through the list of bands at SXSW this year a little more soon enough...
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Deemed Necessary by Plagues and Famines
Hey Everyone. Been working on this. I still hate it, but here it is. Gotta start somewhere.
Deemed Necessary By Plagues and Famine by wiggzz
Later.
Deemed Necessary By Plagues and Famine by wiggzz
Later.
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