the national - boxer

I only got into The National by way of their last album Alligator although that was already their 3rd album release. It was an addictive offering which left me wanting more of that expansive indie rock sound. Their latest Boxer, whilst not deviating too much from the formula of Alligator is a terrific album, if a little less rocky and simple. As described on I (heart) music this is the perfect comedown album. Orchestral/ alt country/ rock/ pop....it is not the easiest stuff to define. Matt Berninger has the kind of voice that makes me melt....a little bit Nick Cave, a little bit in his own universe. The kind of voice that only takes a few listens to totally consume you. But it isn't just Berninger's voice that is highlighted here. Drumming from Bryan Devendorf is amazing and perhaps even more prominent than on Alligator. His input provides that extra kick of atmospherics and dark power which only serves to amp up the rest of the lineup and add to the expansive sound of this album. Bryce Dessner trades the bass for the Spanish guitar which makes songs such as Racing like a Pro more beautiful and haunting. There are also appearances from a few notable friends such as Padma Newsome (of Clogs fame - adding a bit of Australian perspective) Sufjan Stevens playing piano (on Racing like a Pro and Ada) and Marla Hansen on backup vocals. There are so many other highlights on this album - Start a War, Apartment Story, Slow Show, Fake Empire - to be honest they don't really hit a wrong note in my book. (Although the track 2 Mistaken for Strangers seems more like an Interpol track than the National...this can't really be a too much of a criticism though as the song is great)

Start to finish it's still my bag.....Let this one grow on you.

check out their myspace.

Clap your hands say Yeah!! (Hi-Fi Bar 22 May)

Despite the crazy workload at university, I was not about to let my tickets to see the boys of Clap your Hands Say Yeah! go to waste. It may have signified the loss of a few more hours of sleep, but it sure was worth it. I've been in love with the sounds of CYHSY since early 2006 and just waiting for the chance to see them in the flesh. I have heard a few horror stories about their live performances around the traps, but sometimes you have to make up your own mind. This is definitely a band who struggle with the ups and downs of the hype machine, going from everyone's favourite unsigned band to everyone's favourite band to rant about. Their second album Some Loud Thunder came out this year to mixed reviews at best, but I have to say it's a pretty decent sophomore effort (although clearly not as good as their first self titled release)

I was in the mood to dance, and dance I did along to Alec Ounsworths very distinctive voice and the hyper rhythms of the band. There were a few issues early with sound (or lack thereof for Lee Sargent's guitar) but everyone was having too much fun to notice too much.

The CYHSY back catalogue is not exactly expansive, so we got to hear practically everything from their first two albums, with particularly great versions of the skin of my yellow country teeth, details of the war, is this love, satan said dance, upon this tidal wave...... I could go on and on. A lot of the material sounds better live than on the albums (such as Satan said Dance) and the additional jams and crazy freak outs were worth the entry price alone. I really needed to get lost for a while this night and they managed help me do this effortlessly. Even my uni buddy who had never heard them before got caught up in the whole thing - there was just a great, fun and positive vibe there (despite the increasing temperatures) and you couldn't help but be affected by it.

The boys seemed genuinely surprised at times at the reception from the very responsive at Hi-Fi bar but it did appear to give them that little extra lift which meant we were all happy. I know they often struggle with technical issues at their shows, and to be honest, much of their music relies on the sound equipment working 'just right'.....I'm just glad I either didn't care as I needed to have a break, or just that this night it wasn't such a big deal. Clap your Hands.... are not for everyone, and Alec's voice is definitely an acquired taste, but if you give these guys a chance, I reckon you get a pretty good reward.


You may notice my pics are better and clearer than usual this entry - and I have Mr Barry O'Reilly to thank for this increase in visual quality at least. I think I will try and make him be my regular gig photographer! ;)

Revisiting the sunset tree

Even though The Mountain Goats Get Lonely was one of my top albums of last year, they (well he being John Darnielle really) sometimes fall off the playlist for a while. Every time I then re-find them I wonder how I could possibly let them go, although every time is like a new beginning and I get excited about the music all over again.
The Sunset tree is so welcome right now! I can't believe I missed John playing live at my university last year FOR FREE! What a wasted opportunity!!
To keep up to date with Mountain Goats activity check out John's Blog last plane to jakarta.

Disconnected........

It’s almost three whole weeks since I’ve had internet at home!
That, combined with my ever increasing workload at university have meant that all the blogs have taken a back seat.
The only good thing about these things is that it has given me more time to listen to music and keep myself going with new discoveries. I no longer have an iPod anymore, which is extremely hard, but I’m coping by traveling everywhere with my laptop and staying plugged in wherever I go. I mean I am sure I had a life before the iPod, so it shouldn’t be too hard to sustain this right? (right?) If you need to you always find a way I guess.

So what’s been keeping things ticking along lately? A collection of new and old favourites...


Feist - The Reminder
Latest release from the Canadian songstress
beautiful......


Soundtrack from "Leonard Cohen -I’m your man"
seriously good

The ever marvelous Grant Lee Phillips' release of last year – Nineteen Eighties

(That cover of 'Under the Milky Way' has rekindled a love of great Aussie band 'The Church')

Great Lake Swimmers – Ongiara

could I love these guys ANY more?

Ongiara still doesn't surpass Bodies & Minds for me, but I adore it just the same

American Doll Posse

To very badly paraphrase Michael Cleveland
Last night Tori saved my life….


Gotta hand it to her, she always comes through - for me at least.

(American Doll Posse is out now)

Jenny Owen Youngs

I am indebted to largeheartedboy for a lot of things.
It is my daily fix of lands unchartered.
the blog keeps me excited about everything - opens me to new music, new events, new books.....basically it's a minefield of discovery. Today's little gem was Jenny Owen Youngs. (currently on his ipod listening list) More specifically the song 'Fuck was I'. Nothing could have captured my mood today more than this song and all of its catchy sing-a-long brilliance. There is a depth to her voice and lyrics that belie her tender years.
3 minutes 30 is just not long enough to lose yourself in this song.

I might be late to this party (her album Batten the Hatches was first released in 2005), but I'm sure glad I got there.

I need them........really

I should not let myself go into a record store without someone there to rein me in. I have been so disciplined lately with my music purchasing that I did not think a quick trip in to buy 'one little cd' would prove to be a problem. That was not smart......The plan was to buy one Great Lake Swimmers' album but since I was unable to find it, apparently my brain decided I would need no less than FOUR other albums to make up for my disappointment! (Huh?)
whatever about the twisted logic - this is exciting! Like a little child under the tree on Christmas morning I attack the plastic wrapping. Every CD a beautiful shiny new gift full of sounds both known and unknown......but always treasured. As I type the first album is playing in the background. The sweet sounds of Laura Veirs burrowing into my brain, my feet unconsciously tapping, loving the newness.
this is what we do it for really isn't it? That first moment when you don't know what to expect, when there's a chance to feel something different, hear that perfect line or guitar strum.......beauty and discovery in the same moment.

Of course I need them.....is it even a question?

Laura Veirs - Saltbreakers
more indie-folk for me!

Dean & Britta - Back Numbers
(first impressions - reminiscent of the beautiful Isobel Campbell/ Mark Lanegan collaboration Ballad of the Broken Seas released last year....dreamy)

Neil Young - Living with War
because rock's elder statesman never gets old.

The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
supporting my assertion that downloads and copies will not affect my cd buying. I have this whole album already, but there's something special about actually having the album (I feel the exact same way about books. nothing beats actually feeling them in your hands - the physical rather than the virtual. sure it's not vinyl, but it's still better than a file in cyberspace)