It might seem odd that some of the better-known artists haven’t made the best-of list this week, but in truth, we have to nod to the most critically acclaimed album released this week, and there’s no doubt that Bibio’s Mind Bokeh outshines Doggumentary by a long shot. It’s another mixed bag week, and we’ve got some interesting genres and artists covered for your interest:
Informally termed as “Flashback Weekend”, this weekend’s picks seem to have found not only a type of music that best suits their brand of expression, but elements of an entire era. From classic rock to somewhat of a sixties sensibility, back ’round to good ol’ dependable variations of modern indie – take your pick, a look, and a listen below:
Surely you have heard (or read) about Sweden’s latest sensation before today—Lykke Li. She’s young, attractive, and has the ability to carry any tune because she is just that cool! Early in 2008, Peter BJorn and John, helped Li release her debut album, Youth Novels (but I like to refer to it as her masterpiece). Her songs are filled with lyrics of love, loneliness, and frustration, all written to touch the soul. Her mixture of instruments, from the piano to the saxophone, all go together in perfect harmony; even her song “Complaint Department,” which is more of a techno song, is tolerable because the lyrics and her voice keep it from being too much.
It should come as no surprise that Li is just as good (if not better) live. The first time I saw Li, her hair was pulled back and she wore all black and ripped nylons. On stage, she carried herself with much confidence; wildly beating the drums and dancing. That night I left the Glass House unsatisfied—I wanted more. Thus, fellow reader, it is time that we honor Lykke Li by naming her one of our favorites. She deserves it for giving us great music to listen to.
The Green Room is a weekly video podcast, available on the Zune Marketplace, which provides behind-the-scenes footage of artists on tour. Featuring musicians such as Peter Bjorn and John, Adele, Common, Asher Roth and Duran Duran, the video podcast is based on exclusive interviews full of anecdotes and commentary.
Access is free if you download Zune’s 131MB of software. The Green Room has a great line up for this summer with artists such as …Trail of Dead, Mos Def and Little Steven. Check out the full schedule and a Seun Kuti preview and after the cut:
According to some fans, day three of the SXSW music conference was referred to as ‘Metallica Day’ – and yes, the metal legends did take the stage at Stubb’s BBQ for a 90-minute greatest hits set to help sell their new game ‘Guitar Hero: Metallica.’
But for others (like myself) who didn’t make it in to the industry-dominated showcase, day three was more like ‘So-Much-For-Metallica Day.’ And with lines around the block at Emo’s and many of the other well known venues, it was the same story at many of the showcases for anyone without a badge.
But musical magic was still to be found at Cedar Street Courtyard on W. 4th Street, where I slipped right in and camped out for an evening of indie rock that culminated into an extraordinary shred-show with indie/alternative legends Dinosaur Jr.
I also heard that Peter Bjorn & John’s Nothing to Worry About video also features square-dancing, break dancing, motorcycles, and a subculture of Japanese rockabilly greasers – possibly the best bullet list for the back of any album. I’ll be very disappointed if they made the whole thing up.
Living Thing, the fourth album by Peter Bjorn and John, is due out March 30th in the UK and March 31st in the US.
If there was any tune anyone was whistling in 2007, it was Peter, Bjorn, and John‘s “Young Folks.” After the single, this Swedish indie rock band finally got the credit they deserved. Now still riding high off of the success, they are on tour again. Fortunately for us, they’ll be coming here to the States!
Check out the dates below!
