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Tutti-Frutti! Silenzio's Colourful Mix of Music
Not only does nature offer a rich variety of existential nutrients, music – the temporal art performed and created by humans – offers intellectual nourishment. Since the early, prehistoric times people have used music for communication - emotional communication, usually. The first flutes, which were based on a model of the human voice, are about 40,000 years old. This shows how important music actually is. Music unites, without spoken words.Joseph Haydn, a famous Austrian composer from the classical period, said:
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Awesome, great to see you finally started this! Looking forward to see what you have to say ;)
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Piramida - Efterklang
Thanks Briks, I hope I won't disappoint you! ;)
So let's get started! Piramida - Efterklang Efterklang - that word means "remembrance" in Danish. At the same time it is the name of a indie rock band, which has produced a wonderful album in 2012 called Piramida. Perhaps you've heard of it, the band got pretty well-known since the realease of their fourth studio album. Let's take a closer look at the praised album. http://greencatsbabies.files.wordpre...lang.jpg?w=547 For some reason, I'm very impressed and fascinated by the cover of the album. It somehow gives you foretaste of what is to hear. Or let's put it that way, the layout is matching to their music. It's simple, flecked with gray and at the same time smooth and very natural. I mean, I see the rough draft of the pyramid, and even if I disliked Maths in school... I overcame those traumatizing experiences and listened to the album. Track list 1. Hollow Mountain 2. Apples 3. Sedna 4. Told To Be Fine 5. The Living Layer 6. The Ghost 7. Black Summer 8. Dreams Today 9. Between The Walls 10. Monument First, I want to tell you this interesting fact about the album. Efterklang went on an audio expedition to an abandoned Russian settlement in Spitsbergen. Visiting a ghost town, Piramida, and recording sound samples which are used in the album is quite an adventurous undertaking! There is as well a movie, The Ghost of Piramida. A former citizen of the ghost town tells about the time of immigrant Russian miners and their families living in a Soviet parallel society far from the brutal reality of their homeland. The idea of reconstructing the ambient worked out - I like how creative the simple elements, those icy glass beads-sounds, cross the album, but remain so well-structured. Hollow Mountain, the opening song impresses the listener from the start on - with touching, beheavy-hearted vocals and rhythms of nature. The second track, Apples, keeps up the mood. Sedna, the third song reminds me partly a bit on Sigur Rós, although the sound is more calming, the vocals pretty static. The following song Told to be fine brings in some dainty yet hopeful movements. The Living Layer is a nice passage to one of the most interesting song of the album - The Ghost. To be honest, the music video to it is trippy, but it fits the song like a hand in a glove. Black Summer sounds a bit like minimalist jazz to me, maybe because of the brass parts. The album comes to end, you may think, while listening to the calming and solacing track, Dreams Today. Between The Walls - It throws you back to the previous trains of thought, it allows you to reflect. The final song, Monument sounds melancholic and touching. There is an amazing music video as well. To put it in a nutshell, the album it certainly worth a listen. If you've got an ear for small effects in music, you may like this album. |
Another amazing journal by someone who does not count English as their first language. Absolutely outstanding! :clap: Well done and welcome.
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Animal Shapes - Geographer
Thanks Trollheart for the welcome and for your kind words. :3
I will do my best to create an interesting journal! Well, today I've had a long day at school, spent 10 hours there, I'm totally tuckered out. On days like these there's nothing better but listening to some upbeating tunes to recover and build yourself up. Animal Shapes - Geographer First, let me introduce you to the band. Geographer is the name of an American indie rock band, formed in 2007. They are known for creating dense layers, yet they are using lots of electronic and acoustic elements in their songs. http://www.redefinemag.com/wp-conten...Geographer.jpg The tracks on this album, which got released in 2010, sound somehow like those great soundtracks of the first Nintendo-games. Those synthetic beats combined with simple, yet frolic melodies create a very up-beating and energetic atmosphere. Maybe that's why I enjoy listening to this EP so much, even if I am not a real fan of the lyrics of most songs. Track list 1. Original Sin 2. Kites 3. Verona 4. Paris 5. Heaven Waits 6. Night Winds 7. Paris (Wallpaper Remix) 8. Kites (Limousines Remix) First, you dive in into a completely new, synthetic atmosphere when listening to the first song, Original Sin. The beats remind you on some dance-music, but then again those spacey-sounds, you want to reflect some more - No! The song came to an abrupt end. Kites, the next track follows, let's you float through the air, just like the resonating sound of the chello does. I enjoyed the ghosting and time-lapse music video to it, as well. Verona - that track has some interesting bass sounds, also the vocals are creative. Nothing spectacular, but a really nice, airy song. Paris, the fourth song is very catchy, maybe 'cause of the colorful elements. Heaven Waits is shining out - it's focusing more on guitar, drums, and cello, you won't hear the synth anymore. I actually like the lyrics to this song a lot, it's way more calm than the previous tracks. Why don't you give it a listen? The next song, Night Winds, doesn't lift the mood either, the lyrics are rather melancholic . I like the experimenting beat and smooth guitar accompaniment, though. The last two songs are remixes of the songs Kite and Paris. I actually prefer the originals over those tracks. I like electronic music, but this cover just doesn't appeal to me. In general, if you enjoy listening some fresh sounds and enjoy synthetic beats, I'd recommend listening to this EP. |
The Private World of Paradise - Wake Owl
Finally!
The Private World of Paradise - Wake Owl http://g.purevolumecdn.com/cdnImages...wakeowlbig.jpg On 4th of March 2014 the album The Private World of Paradise got released by the Canadian alternative/folk band named Wake Owl. Last year the debut EP Wild Country got released, it is such an excellent EP - it contains a lot of acoustic, folk-styled songs. I discovered this band in March 2013, and fell in love immediately. I enjoy their inspiring, yet melancholic tunes, and especially I like how the tracks are loaded with emotion. Love and hope fills up the music, you can feel that the singer and musicians are actively engaged in their own music. I've listened to various acoustic and live covers of their songs, and I must say, they do so well! If I got the chance to see them live, I would travel there. Maybe even to Vancouver! Coming back to describing the latest album, I want to say in general you can hear a development and a progress. There is a revolution style-wise, the album sounds so experimental and chilled as well as groovy. In comparison to the previous EP it has got for sure more movement. Perhaps that's due to the new percussion and synth they used. They seem to be more confident in their choice of style, I am sure that the album is an artistic statement! Track list 1. Days In the Sea 2. Candy 3. Letters 4. Vacation 5. Kid 6. Buffalo 7. Oh Baby 8. Madness Of Others 9. Untitled 10. Desert Flowers 11. Candy 2 12. Innocence 13. Love 14. Reward 15. Hero in the child The album kicks off with Days in the Sea. What a chilly sound, slightly dreamy vocals and still it remains a song filled with easy confidence. The song reminds me on the Beach Boys. The next track, it's so groovy, makes me want to travel back in time to the 70s and dance! Candy. The percussion in this song is wonderful, as well as the guitar melody. People wanna tell me things, like how to be, like I need some help. but, none of this is mine. I ain't got what you need I'm full of myself all me, I ain't got what you need my love has never seen. I guess that's the phrase I can relate the most to. People - those who know it better and make you feel worse with their words - I've met those pretty often in my life. Nowadays I actually don't want to hear any advice or help concerning human interaction, because: none of this is mine. I try not to internalize those words so much, even if I fail miserably from time to time. Letters, is another wonderful track, though it's sad at some point. The vocal sounds so wistful and desperate, but the strings fit to the mood. There aren't any music videos available currently, only this song has some visual realization. The next song is a lot happier, starting with soft guitar-picking. Vacation! Who doesn't appreciate some leisure time? One is obvious, that is such a catchy, but not an extremely up-beating, tune. I will listen to it more often in my holidays! Kid - the guitar and strings dominate that song, just beautiful and very calm! It sounds like the singer is reflecting his childhood-memories. Buffalo! If the title doesn't cause association to the wild west! The track offers the listener a nice beat and an interesting atmosphere - the guitar in that track sounds quite experimental! Oh Baby. That song must to be written to or about a lover. It totally sounds like it. I like the way the singer pronounces "surely" - it makes me smile always! Anyway, the vocals are on-top in that song. Madness of Others - what a song! I like the beginning a lot, the sounds is so comfy. I as well like the chromatic semitones played by the strings, although they're becoming more mystical. At any rate, the song tells you what crescendo it! Untitled - the track is so modest and dainty. Desert flowers in comparison seems to be way more structured and floating, I really like the tiny, progressive elements. Candy 2 is a bit of creative remix of the original song, but not better than the original. I'll have to listen to the track innocence a few more times to understand it. It's a rainy-Saturday-song in my opinion, complaining but steady going. Love, every notable artist writes about it, it seems! Nice synthetic background, continuous heart-beat rhythm. I like the alarm-sound at the end. Reward - it's a real one after those previous tracks. I like the guitar strumming pattern, very simple and soft. The vocals are slightly cheerful, create a pleasant atmosphere. Hero In The Child is a super groovy final song. Interesting rhythm, cool vocals and honest lyrics. To sum it up, this album is one of the most-wanted for me. I honestly like that band, their style, the music and the emotions they put in their compositions and the sensations the songs cause in me. It's clear that not everybody has the same taste, but I thought I'd just present you this album. In my view it's worth a listen! |
The Cello Suites: Inspired By Bach - Yo-Yo Ma
One of the most famous composers of the Baroque era is Johann Sebastian Bach. He is well-known for his revolutionary compositions.
Works like the Brandenburg Concertos, the The Well-Tempered Clavier and a loads of cantatas are still very popular in the 21st century. I wonder if any of our Pop-stars will be appreciated the same way in 400 years from now! The Cello Suites: Inspired By Bach - Yo-Yo Ma http://s.pixogs.com/image/R-150-1230793-1258465153.jpeg In my opinion, the Six suites for unaccompanied cello are one of the most interesting chamber compositions of Bach. I personally like them a lot, since the cello has such a warm sound. I as well enjoyed the rich tone that Yo-Yo Ma creates, although I don't know extremely much about chello playing techniques, I think he does that really well. The arpeggiated patterns sound at least perfect! The album was released in 1997, quite some time back. Track list Suite No. 1 in G Major -- BWV 1007 (Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Menuett, Gigue) Suite No. 2 in D Minor -- BWV 1008 (Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Menuett, Gigue) Suite No. 3 in C Major -- BWV 1009 (Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Bourrée, Gigue) Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major -- BWV 1010 (Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Bourrée, Gigue) Suite No. 5 in C Minor -- BWV 1011 (Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gavotte, Gigue) Suite No. 6 in D Major -- BWV 1012 (Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gavotte, Gigue) Structure of the suites Basically, all have 6 movements: Prelude: most literal it means introduction, a brief yet improvisatory piece of music Allemande: In French it means "German", must-have of a suite, a serious dance Courante: literally means running, it's a passionate piece with a clear melody Sarabande: A dance in triple metre, originally a slow, stately Spanish dance Galanteries: movements that initiate a change of style, after that follow mostly non-familiar pieces; (Bach used Minuets, Bourrées and Gavottes in his chello suites) Gigue: Final dance of a suite. It seems a bit lively since it often has accents on the third beats in the bar. To me it was important to listen to the full work to inhale the complete flair of the baroque style. Usually I just listen to a prelude and the melody gets stuck in my head. As I know from practicing baroque pieces, it's maybe even better to be considerate and keep an overview. Although, it's really lovely to get lost in music! Luckily I convinced myself to listen to the other suites. I must admit - I actually only ever heard the first one. I'm sure you all know the prelude of the first suite very well. It's used for many TV ads! ;) The 1st prelude is a reminder of the Prelude in C major of the Well-Tempered Clavier. That is the technique characterizes Bach! To tell the truth, I never expected the other suites to be that interesting. The highlight of the 2nd suite is maybe the Sarabande, it's deep. In contrast, the following suite seems to be really sunny. The 4th suite sounds pretty complex in general. The 5th seems to rely on feelings. Last but not least - the 6th suite to be so dramatic and ambitious. The final Gigue is a duo for a solo instrument. Incredible! I can imagine it must takes months to be able to play any of these suites, stunning! Truly it is admirable, with what kind of ambition and feeling people play their instrument and create such wonderful sounds. It may sounds funny, but it's worth taking time, sitting down and just listen closely. |
Alina - Arvo Pärt
From one inspiring composer to the next - Arvo Pärt!
Alina - Arvo Pärt The Estonian composer Arvo Pärt is a real treasure, he shows how music can change you and how long it takes until you find your own way and place in the world. First, was occupied with music styles like the medieval and Rennaissance music than creating his own music. He converted from Lutheranism to the Russian Orthodox faith. He was always criticized by the Soviet because of the influences of his music. He was finally allowed in 1980 to emigrate with his wife and their two sons. Arvo Pärt was living in Vienna and Berlin, but he returned to Estonia around the turn of the 21st century. The pursuit of peace! http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG...er=allrovi.com The CD Arvo Pärt: Alina was released in 1999. It provides 50 minutes of deep, sacral music, composed by Arvo Pärt. All in all, it's indeed an album full of instrumental compositions, without any vocals and still so breathtaking. Track List Spiegel im Spiegel, for violin & piano performed by Sergei Bezrodny / Vladimir Spivakov Für Alina, for piano performed by Alexander Malter Spiegel im Spiegel, for violin & piano performed by Alexander Malter / Dietmar Schwalke Für Alina, for piano Alexander Malter Spiegel im Spiegel, for violin & piano performed by Sergei Bezrodny / Vladimir Spivakov The opening melody Spiegel im Spiegel is a very gentle, with every note like a tiny step constantly forward moving, unique sound development. The compositions consists of pure chords paired with a minimalist, repeating themes, filled with silence and thought. Shiny like a diamond. Every movement seems to be like words hesitantly, reverently spoken, like a prayer. Für Alina - such a sweet, melancholic tune. When I first heard it, a shiver went down my spine, not out of fear - out of complete bewilderment. Others may say it's just a very sad song, but for me it is a very fascinating masterpiece. It may be filled with sadness, but the higher ranges used make your tears fade away. Listening to that work makes you feel like you would be standing alone in a snow-covered street, watching the snow fall down, perceiving the small things on earth in a time lapse. The pianists sounds like he would be exploring and trying to define what sound is. Wonderful! |
Nocturne - Wild Nothing
Nocturne - Wild Nothinghttps://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...krmz1-2iUtVmtk
Nocturne, in former years a musical composition that was inspired by the night, is the name of the in 2012 released album by the American indie rock band called Wild Nothing. I recently stumbled across this band and they reminded me a bit on The Last Dinosaurs, so I thought I'd give them a listen. They've won another fan! All in all, that cover keeps its promise - Dreamy, catchy and synthetic music will allow you to ascend to a musical wonderland for a while. Track list 1. Shadow 2. Midnight Song 3. Nocturne 4. Through the Grass 5. Only Heather 6. This Chain Won't Break 7. Disappear Always 8. Paradise 9. Counting Days 10. The Blue Dress 11. Rheya The first song, Shadow has a lovely bass line and touching lyrics, reminding you on the first sweet disappointment in love. Midnight Song lets you enjoy some awesome guitar-effects and cool drums! I like sad lyrics to upbeating music. Like Taiga told you in Toradora: If its just sweet then lets put salt on! All jokes aside, the next song, Nocturne, is really beautiful. 80's sound, catchy tune. The lyrics portray twisted feelings. The following track, Through the Grass, has some meditative layer, the vocals are so serene in this track. Interesting snyth-bridge, too! Only Heather - I always think on Heather Biblow of The Nanny! Besides the fact that I think of a Paris-Hilton-Alike the song is quite enjoyable. It is a bit repetitive, but in a good way. After that you get thrown into a track with a cheerful guitar strumming pattern - This Chain Won't Break. I like those tiny synth-elements at the end as well, like stardust floating in space! I'm too hidden to awake so I disappear always!, so the lyrics. True words, despite the fact that I like being on my own quite often. Paradise has got some discotheque flair, though I like the mix of this song. Chill-step related, but not really ambient! The guitar melody in Counting Days may be a bit monotone - always the same intervals, but perhaps this emphasizes the lyrics. The Blue Dress is a song about imaginary love. Moreover there's an interesting xylophone sound, creates a dreamy atmosphere. The last song is an good soundtrack for reflecting - the guitar echo in Rheya leaves you with mixed feelings. So all of those songs have on in common, they are guitar-heavy - the songs contain a lot of guitar effects, perfect shoegazing! If you like alternative rock and dream pop, you might want to give this album a chance. |
Arvo Pärt sounds interesting. I'll give his album a listen later
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Fratres is a piece of him you may like as well, 12 celli create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Just another Tintinnabuli-composition ( minimalist style and the pure chords) like Für Alina! |
I can't find Alina on Spotify. That's unfortunate, because I quite liked Fratres.
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Actually I think all of his later works are fascinating. I need to hear the rest of them, too. |
Wide Open - Steve Moakler
Do you know the artist who has released his newest album today, on 18th March 2014? It is an American singer/songwriter called Steve Moakler!
It's a funny story, once I thought I'd like to test my own songwriting skills. I made some concepts of songs but basically I ran out of ideas quickly. So what do you do? Exactly, you ask YouTube to help you find some singer/songwriter-tips, it did provide me a helpful video - there I saw Steve Moakler. Somehow I liked his style and thought I'd give his album All The Faint Lights (2009) a listen, and I honestly enjoyed the track Hesitate. So let's take a look at his latest work: Wide Open - Steve Moakler http://static.squarespace.com/static...pg?format=500w Track list 1. Rather Make a Living 2. Damn, Do I Think About You 3. Crooked Heart 4. Humble Operations 5. I've Got You to Love 6. On Your Side 7. Be Your Man 8. Riser 9. Have It so Bad 10. Wide Open 11. Holiday at Sea The album starts with Rather make a living. The songs tells about the desires of a humble man, the dream of being yourself. This is what I consider a road trip song. Easy to sing along, catchy! The following song has some up-beat guitar pattern, smooth vocals and a nice bridge. It's an steady-going song - Damn, Do I Think About You! Just trying to walk a straight line with the crooked heart inside. I like the guitar-heavy piece, puts me in a positive mood. Good job, though I'm just missing the piano-pieces so far. Humble Operations is a beautiful track, touching and true lyrics. My favorite track so far! The fifth track, I've Got You to Love, is a bit too kitschy for my taste. Nevertheless, nice guitar picking. The next song, On Your Side, appeals to me. Simple but at some point sweet! Be Your Man is a groovy song - pretty chill and down-to-earth, not bad. A truly remarkable song is Riser - melancholic sounds of a violin, soft vocals. Instance to the contrary is the song Have it so bad, it's a bit grittier, also the guitar sounds rock-ish. Wide Open sounds like a happy Bon Iver song at the start. The songs develops into a very thoughtful piece. The final song, Holiday at Sea is perfect ending song, it leaves you with a smile! All in all I'm quite happy with this album. I have expected some piano-heavy compositions to be honest. I guess sometimes some laid-back tunes can brighten your day as well! |
In a time lapse - Ludovico Einaudi
Let's go from something more casual to some serious and thoughtful music. I would like to present you a favorite artist of mine, an Italian pianist and composer named Ludovico Einaudi.
After he finished his education at the Conservatorio Verdi in Milan he started composing classical music in the 1980s and proceeded in mixing various styles in his music. Maybe you're familiar with the name, he composed the scores of famous movies like Intouchables. Moreover he is well-known for his solo albums of piano and orchestra works. In a time lapse - Ludovico Einaudi On Saturday the 19th of January 2013 at 9pm, on a cold and snowy day, I got the chance to see one the best concerts. Ludovico Einaudi offered a live-stream, all of his fans could watch him playing the newest piano works live from his living room. Even before the album In a time lapse got released! The album is a bona fide sample of pure genius and talent. I know the songs are filled with technical ambition because of the minimalist style, but all the love and soul that resonates is magical. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...AXumIaa95gcsDg The cover is modelled on nature, according to the title In a time lapse. Slowly change the colors of the tree from below. Simple yet creative! Track List 1. Corale 2. Time Lapse 3. Life 4. Walk 5. Discovery at Night 6. Run 7. Brothers 8. Orbits 9. Two Trees 10. Newton's Cradle 11. Waterways 12. Experience 13. Underwood 14. Burning Pure and simple notes initiate the album and characterize the first song, Corale. A beautiful and calming orchestra work. Dramatically, steady going - the second song Time Lapse features minimalist piano-playing, a steady guitar-melody and some electronic sounds. Slightly mysterious! Life is an enchanting piano song, the main theme is supported by strings. The minimalist, repetitive bridge lets you discover the beauty of music. It reminds me on Vivaldi. Walk has such a memorable character with the piano melody. Einaudi is make full use of his piano, highlighted and underlined by the string section. My favorite track of this album is Discovery at Night, because of the harmonic chords and the developing movement. A very warm-sounding piano song. I have played this song as well, it'll sound as good as performed by Einaudi. The song is very structured and simple-build, yet filled with emotion. Run is a dark song with a break-out in the middle implemented by the orchestra. Wonderful baroque-sounding melodies combined with ambient elements. The seventh song, Brothers, is a slowly evolving piano song. Melancholic and moving - the increased tempo at the end gives the song the final touch. Orbits is a dramatic sound, starting with orchestra and dark piano notes. Music orbits around the earth! The following track, Two Trees, is a calm and soft sounding, airy piano composition. You can hear how the pianist pauses for a moment at each phrase. Amazing! Newton's Cradle is a rather experimental piece - energetic and restless. It sounds magical though a bit ambivalent with its changing rhythm. Au contraire - the song Waterways - is very harmonic and deep. It reminds me on Heraclitus' words: panta rhei. Listening to this song inspires me with confidence. Experience is a steady increasingly piece seen from the rhythm, with highs and lows in the melody. The musical definition of experience. Underwood is the title of a very touching composition for piano and violin. A song filled with spirit, performed meditatively. The final song is called Burning. Basically it starts very unassertive until the orchestra enkindles a musical fire that warms your heart. If you like classical or calming music, it might be a good album to listen to. I honestly do enjoy it and consider it to be the best album of Ludovico Einaudi. Highly recommended! |
Melophobia - Cage The Elephant
Just like Einaudi's music affects me emotionally many musical compositions of other genres do as well, take for example garage rock, punk blues or indie rock.
I'd like to tell you more about Cage The Elephant's third and newest album Melophobia that got released in 2013. Sarcastic title! I feel for people who have Melophobia - an aversion to music. I know people who dislike most genres of music, but how can you be afraid of music? Melophobia - Cage The Elephant The energetic US band Cage The Elephant was formed in 2006. Since then they've released only 3 albums, but there are of high-quality. What I especially like is that the band mixes a lot of styles like rock, indie and punk. Honestly, I wouldn't listen to a whole typical punk album. https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...rIsqFgj4z5gfqK Doesn't the cover look psychedelic? Definitively these stripes remind me on a geometrical zebra-print. As well I first thought this head-slices were lunchmeat, my eyes must have been confused! Whatever, let's take a look at the content of this album. Track list 1. Spider Head 2. Come a Little Closer 3. Telescope 4. It's Just forever 5. Take it or Leave it 6. Halo 7. Black Widow 8. Hypocrite 9. Teeth 10. Cigarette Daydreams Rock statement - Spider Head is a very revolutionary, guitar and drum heavy piece. Solid lyrics screamingly presented. This piece has got some coolness-factor! Spiders in my head, spiders in my mind. You may take my eyes, but baby I'm not blind. It all works out in time. You know I'm gonna be alright. You may take my eyes, but baby I'm not blind. Come a Little Closer sounds at first like a never-ending boring, whiny song, until the refrain breaks the mood: Come a little closer, then you'll see! Things aren't always what they seem to be. Do you understand the things that you would see here? Do you understand the things that you've been dreaming? Come a little closer, then you'll see! A song about changes, revolutions, letting the past behind you and as well your fears. It is encouraging to go your way! Time will fly by and if you continue suffering from tunnel vision created by others, you will never stop thinking self realization is just a fixed idea. My favorite song out of the whole album is Telescope. I think the beginning with that retro sound-design is truly matching the song. The lyrics describe the life and the thoughts of a marginalized human being. I can relate to the song. I don't think you understand! There's nowhere left to turn, walls keep breaking. Time is like a leaf in the wind, either it's time worth spent, or time I've wasted. Don't waste it. I'm pondering a lot, questioning the purpose of my existence, or if my education is a waste. Socializing e.g. in school brings me down. In my head I'm alone, I'm un-dead, I'm ashamed. It's Just forever is a song about love. I don't understand the desire of the being authority over a female. The next song is about relationships as well, Take it or Leave it. There may never exist a win-win-situation. Knew I, couldn't help myself, I had to lay low. So I, couldn't help myself, I lost my halo. Not comparable to Beyonce's song at all! Black Widow is the only song I dislike from the lyrics. Energetic song, though I don't think it fits to this album. Hypocrite, I got told to be one once. At any rate, the lyrics aren't really the equivalent of up-beat! Still, the vocals are funny! I never felt beat in my Teeth, the song has a crazy music and vocal concept for sure. Is it about tooth decay? The final song, Cigarette Daydreams, is a melancholic song. Lyrics filled with memories from past times, accompanied by soft guitar and violin harmonics. In a nutshell, this album may be well-tolerated by non-punk fans. I personally like most of the songs, I think they are energetic and charged with emotion. Time wasted is time lost, but for sure listening to the album isn't a waste of time. |
Hurtbreak Wonderland - World's End Girlfriend
Could you name me a band who blends elements of electronica, classical music, and post-rock?
I'm going to review an album released in 2007 by the Japanese composer called Katsuhiko Maeda, who got famous with his musical project World's End Girlfriend. Basically he creates music of complex sound structures and beautiful melodies. Some my find this provoking, but I'm open-minded enough to give his work a listen! Hurtbreak Wonderland - World's End Girlfriend https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...wyXQHhKp8dF7AJ What a lovely cover. It reminds me on stone-artwork that was very popular in earlier times. Where crafting was more important than it is now. Even though the cover is grey and drab, the main part of the image composition is the girl. She's like a little princess, lost in an unknown environment. That cover looks promising to me, although I can't imagine the sound concept right now! Track list 1. Wandering 2. Birthday Resistance 3. 100 Years of Choke 4. Grass Ark 5. Ghost Of a Horse Under the Chandelier 6. The Octuple Personality and Eleven Crows 7. Breath or Castle Ballad 8. Bless Yourself Bleed 9. Dance for Borderline Miscanthus 10. River was Filled with Stories Flutes, soft harp sounds and door noises at the start, followed by a calming string layer combined with an experimental noise pattern sign the first song Wandering. The princess might have left her castle for a while! A really beautiful start for an album. Birthday Resistance has a very harmonic beginning, the song is characterized by the saxophone. I like the melodies so far, but I can't take the experimental rhythmic serious. It's a bit sarcastic. A few times I just found a relation to a Harvest Moon soundtrack, it's weird somehow. Do you hear those natural sounds at the first seconds of the song 100 Years of Choke, too? They are creating such a wonderful, natural atmosphere. Sounds like the princess is discovering a secret garden! Amazing electronic, soft layers embellish the beauty of this track. I don't really understand the reason for the title, listen! Ok, the end might sound scary... Grass Ark is very different from the other tracks. It's very ambient first, refined with electronica and piano melodies. It's got a jazzy touch! Ghost Of a Horse Under the Chandelier features lots of glass-sounds. Mystical and very shocking when you hear some noise of a dropping thing. It is going to frighten you! That ghost motive is childish but in that context it's entitled to tell a story. I got afraid for our princess, but she seems to be ok with her pleasure trip! The Octuple Personality and Eleven Crows - what a title, it may be due to the personalities of musical genres changing so often. I don't know if that's this good... Breath or Castle Ballad is a really playful yet considerate piece. It's different from the previous tracks, short-cut on electronica. The next song, Bless Yourself Bleed, has a very spiritual and religious character. It develops into a chill track, gets spiced up with dramatic rhythm and string movements. The composition is ending with a melody played on electric guitar and groovy sounds. Dance for Borderline Miscanthus follows. I have no idea but isn't Miscanthus some sort of plant? At any rate, that song kicks off with really wild electric sounds, gets filled with random voices, screams. After a pause eccentrical drumming starts. It sounds like the princess gets caught up in a storm, dashes against a rock on the ground. Is this the end? River was Filled with Stories, a wonderful title for a final song. After all that mixed up genres a soft piece of chamber music closes off the voyage of discovery to Hurtbreak Wonderland. First I thought this album may sound like a mix of well-known pieces or a blend of some main-themes. I mean - I sure underrated this composer. Then I gave the album a listen, I thought the Japanese guy must have been in a confused state of mind while composing, those rhythms at the beginning were kinda irritating. Despite all that mainly negative facts, the album manages to tell a story. It leads the way to a wonderland. It's almost magical to hear this specific musical story. It's amazing to see how underrated such true masterpieces are. Nowadays if something doesn't sound perfect in the first seconds most give up. Nearly I did. I knew there was a concept behind this album, and I'm very happy I kept up listening. That feeling I have now is something very special. It would be a pleasure if you gave World's End Girlfriend's album a chance, too. |
Spaces – Nils Frahm
Erased Tapes Records gave my favorite German, Nils Frahm, a chance to produce his album Spaces. It got released on 19th November 2013.
I hope you enjoy the breathtaking album filled with stunning piano works. Spaces – Nils Frahm https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...BhmLmw8fT821cg Track list An Aborted Beginning Says Said and Done Went Missing Familiar Improvisations for coughs and a cell phone Hammers For – Peter – Toilet Brushes – More Over There, It’s raining Unter – Tristana – Ambre Ross’s Harmonium An Aborted Beginning is a quite experimental, consciously distorted track. I wouldn't say it fits to the whole album concept, but it's for sure a nice introduction. Says is an excellent song, I personally think it shows the talent of Nils Frahm. Basically it's a layered piece, the same chords draws through those 8 minutes, though it won't get boring at all. The minimalist character of this expressive composition is amazing. The gradually upcoming crescendo ends in a firework. You wouldn't have planned on hearing such intense movements, it's really beautiful. Said and done sounds like a piece he must have composed during his jazz-career, always the same note accompanied with thoughtful chords. Reminds me on his first famous song, Une Soirée de Poche. The fourth song, is melancholic piano melody - Went Missing. Nils Frahm always makes sure to have a well-sounding piano. Nahum Brodski, a student of the last scholar of Tschaikowski, was his piano teacher. Now we know where those dynamics and this artistic know-how comes from. Familiar is composed in a classical style as well, a smooth piano song. The next track, Improvisations for coughs and a cell phone, is an assertive composition with of course - a lot of jazzy improvisations. Hammers sounds almost like the previous song. I know the title doesn't sound appetizing, but the track is really interesting - For – Peter – Toilet Brushes – More. Nils Frahm uses 2 pianos for rhythmical improvisations and at the same time for playing melodies and chords. The next song is a very simple, moving piano song called Over there it's raining. To the contrary there we have the following track, Unter – Tristana – Ambre is filled with improvisations. The ending song of this album is Ross’s Harmonium, it's the black sheep! It sounds very different from those solo-piano works, electronic finish off the album. Piano-lovers may enjoy this album, I'm sure! |
Por Siempre Jorrin - Orquesta de Enrique Jorrín
Friday! No, I'm not going to review the - in my opinion - horrible song by a young girl named Rebecca Black... It's Dancing Friday. What's your favorite dance?
Out of the International Latin dances I like Cha-cha-chá best, it's an own genre in music and dance, of Cuban origin. It was developed in the early 1950s - the composer and violinist Enrique Jorrín introduced the Cha-cha-chá. Por Siempre Jorrin - Orquesta de Enrique Jorrín Firs Jorrín modified danzones, the official mambo dance of Cuba with a structure of ABAC. He made the musicians of the orchestra sing short refrains. Jorrín wanted to compose pieces easier to dance than the mambo. The rhythm of the cha-cha-chá was developed from the danzón by a syncopation of the fourth beat. The noise caused by the shuffling of the dancers' feet is the reason for the name. Por Siempre Jorrin was released in 2004 and is a "best of"-album with his most popular compositions. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...0L._SY300_.jpg Track list 1. La Engañadora 2. Kikiriki Canta el Gallo 3. Nunca Amé Tanto Así 4. Todo Llega 5. Popurrit de Danzones 6. Un Son a lo Jorrín 7. Alguien Como Tú 8. Mis Amigos de la Infancia 9. Mi Ritmo Son 10. La Blusa Azul 11. Tranquilidad Juan Francisco 12. Taconéala La Engañadora is a mambo cha-cha-chá. Literally translated the title means the treacherous (girl). Actually it's about a well-built girl admired by men, that lied to the singer saying that nobody takes notice of her. Kikiriki canta el gallo - technically it's about a sound that roosters make. To me that kind of humor seems quite entertaining. I like the flute in this piece, too, it's very typical! I guess it's one of the more melancholic and romantic songs Nunca Amé Tanto Así. In English you would say: there is a time for everything - Todo Llega! A very laid-back track. Popurrit de Danzones, I guess it means a mix of Danzones. Actually it just sounds like it. The sixth song is Un Son a lo Jorrín sounds in comparison to the following track, Alguien Como Tú, revolting. Mis Amigos de la Infancia - childhood friends. A cheerful, partly nostalgic song. Mi Ritmo Son this track has some improvisatory elements, it's pretty frolic seen from the musical aspect. La Blusa Azul - obviously the singer likes the blue blouse of a female. Jokes aside, I think it is the most famous song, there are some videos on YouTube, sadly of bad quality. Tranquilidad Juan Francisco is a pretty calm song, naturally. Taconéala is the final song, I think it is derived from stamping feet. So if you're interested enough and don't mind bad quality on YouTube, you may want to give La Blusa Azul a listen. I think you should've heard the works of Enrique Jorrín as a music lover, so buying some tunes with better quality may not be a bad investment! |
Go - Jónsi
I wrote my very last test in this school. Technically, the grades will be certain by Monday. The school year is almost over - 5 years of business school are well and truly over.
Only the biggest examination, the A-levels, are waiting. The written ones are going to be on 28th, 29th and 30th of April. The spoken A-levels are going to be in June, from 2nd to 6th of June. That is the milestone, but I managed to walk the long, cumbersome way. Many told me that this school was wrong, or that I wouldn't manage. Nowadays I think that reaching an impass can open your eyes. A Swiss title-winning standard dancer recently said she had done business school despite knowing she wanted dancing to be the center of her life, as well because it's hard to establish oneself without formation. On the one hand that story encourages me to try my best to study music, on the other hand I feel like I've never focused on my strengths sufficiently. I'm afraid I won't manage as lateral entrant. Go - Jónsi https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...oO9X7Co18aMPt_ I'm sure some of you know the Icelandic band Sigur Rós, but I'm going to present you the debut album of lead singer, Jónsi Birgisson. What I like is the very positive atmosphere of this album, telling you that you can do anything. Sigur Rós is well-known for deep, intellectual and thoughtful music. I like Sigur Rós, but Jónsi created a very different album in 2010.Track list1. Go Do2. Animal Arithmetic3. Tornado4. Boy Lilikoi5. Sinking Friendships6. Kolniður7. Around Us8. Grow till Tall9. HengilásGo Do is the opening and main song of the album. Child-like, maybe naive vocals and lyrics characterize the song, but it just makes you happy.The message is clear: Go do, you'll know how to, just let yourself, fall into landslide. Go do, you'll know how to, just let yourself, give into low tide - Go do!The following song, Animal Arithmetic, picks up the mood. It's a peppy, colorful track full of pure joy. Not much Icelandic in this song!Tornado brings a change of atmosphere: on top of the world, or in the depths of despair! That song is deeply emotional, heartbreaking.In the track Boy Lilikoi is used a broad range of style elements: from playful, magical to chill and constant instrumentation. Creative!We're sinking friendships, we drown more and more - For sure he focuses on the sound of words rather than the meaning, still impressive.Kolniður, pitch black, is sung in Icelandic. A honest, mythic song featuring violin - breathtaking composition.Around Us is a dreamy song, filled with hopes wishes for the future. Very up-beat rhythm and beautiful electronic layers.The eight song, Grow till Tall, has excellent vocals. You'll know, when's time to go on. You'll really want to grow and grow till tall. They all, in the end, will follow.Hengilás, Padlock, is an impressive, majestic Icelandic song. Perfect ending song.You could say Jónsi's work is never disappointing. This album more up-beat than the Sigur Rós albums. I appreciate them, but I must say, this cheerful attitude is enjoyable, too.Maybe it's more wide-eyed and playful compared to the Sigur Rós albums so you might be a tad astonished at first, but sometimes a change is as good as a rest. |
Melody's Echo Chamber - Melody's Echo Chamber
April has arrived! That's why I've thought to bring up some new, chequered sounds for you!
Melody's Echo Chamber - Melody's Echo Chamber Melody Prochet, leader of My Bee’s Garden and Kevin Parker, leader of Tame Impala met and - tada - the result is not only called love, no, it's Melody's Echo Chamber! The self-titled debut album is a highly psychedelic and melancholic production, released in 2012. The cover is just as colorful as the music, beautiful French melancholy combined with Australian élan! http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtAxx58YD9...ho-chamber.jpg Track list 1. I Follow You 2. Crystallized 3. You Won't Be Missing That Part Of Me 4. Some Time Alone, Alone 5. Bisou Magiue 6. Endless Shore 7. Quand Vas Tu Rentrer? 8. Mount Hopeless 9. Is That What You Said 10. Snowcapped Andes Crash 11. Be Proud Of Your Kids A typical love song opens the album - I follow you is filled with thoughts directed to someone special. The multi-instrumentalists have a good taste in instrumentation, naturally! The guitar just underlines the statement: I follow you, pretend you need me to, living a test, locked up with you. I know you trust me enough, but I do stupid things - the things I always do. This time with you, our love is new. I need someone to be close forever. Crystallized is a song about a twisted mind, so the musical part let's you know. Energetic effectual work is used wisely in this song! A bit dazed sounds the following track - You Won't Be Missing That Part Of Me, although I have to say the vocals are very cute. I have never heard such a beautiful pronunciation of: endearing soul! The accord strumming rains in the song Some Time Alone, Alone as it would never want to stop - I hear some shoe-gaze and dream-pop elements in this track, it's pretty sweet. Now the first track sung in French - Bisou Magiue. Magic Kiss creates a romantic atmosphere. The echo-effects and the repetitive motifs make it sound like the musicians are getting lost in their music. Endless Shore is a dreamy song, perfect for rewinding. The lyrics describe the endless shore, the cycle that can't be broken. Who hasn't experienced a catch-22? If you haven't, you'll know after listening to this song! Actually I am not a fan of French, but I must say Quand Vas Tu Rentrer is a very addictive song, a so-called earworm. Maybe that's because of the rhythmic accordion or the synthetic effects used in this song? The eight song, Mount Hopeless, features floating vocals and distorted guitar and synth sounds. The hip-hop-rhythm is the most striking feature in this track. Is That What You Said is quite psycho. That caving-in layer is probably the main reason. Other than that the melody is running through the track, there isn't any vocal necessary, it's just a sound-experiment. On the other hand, we've got a very soft-layered, scenic track: Snowcapped Andes Crash! It's got some jazz sounds and angel-like vocals, although the synth isn't used sparingly. I am not quite sure if I enjoy find the final song, Be Proud Of Your Kids - I mean the guitar chords are nice and as well I like the main melody. Those little-French-kids' muddled voices aren't an artistic statement in my opinion - it reminded me on The Sims. In general, I appreciate this album, mainly because of the mix of genres and moods. The lyrics aren't very deep, but I like the concept of this album. This album is partly cute, psycho, floating and melancholic... You might want to give it a listen if you are eager to experience a rollercoaster of feelings! |
La Noche Mas Larga - Buika
Today's just another rainy day, but as you say: April showers bring May flowers.
No reason to mope about - listening to a jazz album will make the day brighter! La Noche Mas Larga - Buika http://vol12.music-bazaar.com/album-...30-292-292.jpg The Spanish singer Concha Buika is well-known for her amazing voice and her talent of mixing genres like Jazz, Latin and Soul. Her album Niña de Fuego was nominated for the 2008 Latin Grammy Award, La Noche Mas Larga, released in 2013, was nominated for Best Latin Jazz Album in 2014. Track list 1. Sueño con ella 2. Siboney 3. Ne me quitte pas 4. Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón 5. La nave del olvido 6. La noche más larga 7. Don't explain 8. No lo sé 9. Santa Lucia 10. Los Solos 11. Como era 12. Throw it away Sueño con ella, I Dream of Her, is a uptempo jazz track, the harmonies makes this song even more remarkable! Even if she sings about loving a girl it sounds very authentic.The second song, Siboney, is actually a classic Cuban song by Ernesto Lecuona, about homesickness he experienced. Buika covered it nicely with a lot of passion.Ne Me Quitte Pas is a song filled with emotions and moving rhythms. The lyrics are about love - No wonder this track is performed very sincerely.Buika did an interesting cover of Mercedes Sosa's song Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón. Her version sounds less chill and more dramatic, she seriously offers her heart!La nave del olvido is a cover of the romantic ballad written by Dino Ramos and beats well-known interpretation by José José, because it's less melancholic.La noche más larga is partly very dark and deep from the harmonies, although I think it's more a reflection of memories, a beautiful composition.One of the English songs performed by Buika is Don't explain, originally by Billie Holiday. The flamenco-style is maybe revolutionary, but fundamental ideas were retained unchanged.More calm, the vocals performed smoky and aching, sounds the eight track Lo no sé. Santa Lucia started in traditional flamenco-style and turned out to be an almost furious song - an interesting artistic interpretation of the 80's song by Roque Narvaja. Exactly the opposite is the following song Los Solos, with this sensual melody and mysterious atmosphere. In comparison to the previous tracks there isn't plenty of instrumentation used.Nostalgia and R&B groove characterize the song Como era. The piano melody of Siboney is used here as well, sounds like the song reflects the previous tracks.The final song is a cover of Abbey Lincoln's song Throw it away, edited in a neo-soul and flamenco-style. Perfect ending, I'd say!To sum it up, this album consists of wonderful covers and only a few self-composed works.Some say re-arranging songs doesn't make it your own, but Buika proved the opposite. Her voice sounds free and powerful throughout the album.One thing's for sure - You'll find a full range of genres and moods, traditional and new songs in this album. |
Paracosm - Washed Out
Paracosm - Washed Out
http://prettymuchamazing.com/wp-cont...t-paracosm.jpg Does the cover let you guess the genre? No, it's not a flower-power Hippie album- it's Chillwave! Washed Out is the stage name of the American singer-songwriter and record producer Ernest Greene. I liked his debut album of 2011 - Within and Without, although this one, released in 2013 is more creative! Track list 1. Entrance 2. It All Feels Right 3. Don’t Give Up 4. Weightless 5. All I Know 6. Great Escape 7. Paracosm 8. Falling Back 9. All Over Now Entrance - the opening title is correct - it sounds like you are strolling through a park, hearing the songbirds whistle - you enter the album. The atmosphere very natural in comparison to the isolated sounds of the previous album. Happy melodies surround you, It all feels Right, the dreamy sounds and echos evoke summer-holiday feeling. The lyrics may seem childlike: meet up with the old crowd, musics playing so loud, it all feels right... Yes, it's not a song for story telling, but more it's about recreating a pleasant situation and conveying good memories. There is used a non-electric drum beat and somehow the guitar creates some tropical flair. Don’t Give Up is a tad over-layered at the start, but it turns out to be a very positive song, but it sounds mellow. Weightless is a dark song with interesting sound reflections, it's like you'd be zooming in sound, a real constructive layering is used. The fifth song, All I Know, reminds me on Digitalism. Nevertheless you can say they are more dreamy and psychedelic and the electric guitar is way more cool. The vocals in this track are excellent, as well as the lyrics, listen! A Great Escape is what we all long for when times are bad. The song is breezy and continues with the carefree attitude, it offers you the opportunity to create your own imaginary world. The song Paracosm consists of pure chords, floating motifs and soft, swirling melodies performed on a harp, accompanied by repetitive vocals. It's less jolly yet it keeps up the positive mood. Falling Back is a very cute song with lovely lyrics. You call my name out, at the darkest hour. You try to deny it, to forget why. You know inside it's right - You're falling back. Next follows a touching ending song, It's all over now. Literally, you leave this dream world, but you won't forget the experiences you made. It's actually this way in reality. You fade into a dream. You're freer than you've ever been. You float just like the wind. Explore a life you never lived from deep within. Though you fight it off, you know there's a moment when you have to give it up - It's all over now. This album may be a good recommendation for all Beach House and Tycho fans who enjoy soft electronic layers paired with dreamy vocals and optimistic lyrics. Hope you enjoy! |
Low Roar - Low Roar
Low Roar - Low Roar
http://f0.bcbits.com/img/a4288336303_2.jpg In busy times breaks to think about life perform wonders. This debut album by Low Roar, also known as Ryan Karazija, will make your worries fade away for a few minutes. Not only the music, but as well the life-story of the song writer Ryan Karazija is remarkable. Actually Ryan is from San Francisco, where he's been singer in the band Audrye Sessions, until he moved to Reykjavik, Iceland. His newest project Low Roar seems to fit him a lot better, the music sounds to be magically inspired by the Icelandic nature, dreaming and music. Naturally, the topics of his songs have changed, on the one hand he sings about weakness, then again about friends and love. This album was released in 2011, the next album should be up for sale in July 2014. Track list 1. Give Up 2. Just A Habit 3. Nobody Else 4. Patience 5. Low Roar 6. Friends Make Garbage (Good Friends Take It Out) 7. The Painter 8. Help Me 9. Rolling Over 10. Puzzle 11. Because We Have To 12. Tonight, Tonight, Tonight I won't wake a wealthy man someday, 'cause the sun, don't follow me... these are the opening words in the song Give Up, he obviously talks about his own experience in this album. Very Icelandic guitar strumming is combined with soft vocals in this track. The second song, Just a Habit is melancholic, with its repetitive guitar pattern, even the lyrics sound desperate. A song about guilt and weakness is Nobody Else, it partly gives you the feeling the singer is singing about hopeless situation. The electronic rhythm reminds me on Ólafur Arnalds. One of my favorite songs is Patience. It's performed in a fascinating way. Get out of my mind - this might be the main thought, the realization of the unbearable lack of power of a single human being. Almost sacral sounds the following track Low Roar, in comparison to the next song Friends Make Garbage (Good Friends Take It Out). This one has a folk-ambient atmosphere, slightly uplifting. The lyrics are honestly beautiful, sincere and deep. Don't follow roads paved in gold, they will only let you down. What's the fun when you can't share what you've found? Years to build, in a second it's brought down. The Painter reminds me on the impressionism. Not only because of the lyrics, the music itself sounds veiled and blurry. The topic is rational vs. emotional, artist vs. standard. The eight track, Help Me, doesn't sound like the singer would whine, even the lyrics are composed in that way. This song has an incredible unique sound. Rolling Over is about realizing how different people can be. I'm turning over inside my grave, I'm waiting for you to be late. I wait, I wait... Dramatic might be the right word to describe the song Puzzle. The electronic background and the continuous grueling beat with the dark vocals create a scary atmosphere. The saddest song of this album is Because We Have To. The lyrics let you guess it must be about an apocalypse, the final end. Tonight, Tonight, Tonight is the concluding song, approximately it's about ending a relationship: Day spent with not a word to say - Routine, red lie. So jump, we'll sit and burn a lie. I truly fall for music by Icelandic artists: Ólafur Arnalds, Sigur Rós (Jónsi), Sóley, múm and Ásgeir. Low Roar does a good job to fit in that group: The unique sound, the use of traditional and electronic instruments, floating voices and deep lyrics... All in all, this is an amazing album, I hope Low Roar keeps up the good work. I'm very excited for the new one and will proceed to listen to the debut album in the meantime! |
Always - Panama
Always - Panama
https://i2.sndcdn.com/artworks-00005...00.jpg?28a3374 Panama is an Australian, not Austrian, electronic/indie-pop band which released 2 EPs. The latest one is called Always. Generally speaking, their music isn't very unique, but I like the Bastille-alike voices combined with Kalkbrenner-sounds and the Temper Trap beat. However, I think they deserve more attention. Their philosophical lyrics and indie-attitude are pretty fine! Track list 1. Always 2. How We Feel 3. Destroyer 4. Strange Feeling (Bonus Track) 5. Always (Classixx Remix) 6. Always (Wave Racer Remix) 7. Destroyer (Cosmo's Midnight Remix) The first song, Always, is the best one of this album. I honestly think it's not so uplifting, however I just fell for that tune. The concept is simple, but I really think the video is worth watching. The lyrics are touching, recalling memories is a thing we all can relate to. And I know I'm just a coward when it comes to love. Disarmed by words, like an old white stain, Goodbye my deeper child... The second track has got the chill-out Kalkbrenner flair - How We Feel. Alright you know, I don't want to be the one. I guess its hard to say if you don't want to be in love. Stay tonight, it won't change how we feel. Destroyer is a soft, nevertheless upbeat song. The time destroyer might be the one getting lost in day-dreams. The following track Strange Feeling is self-explanatory. I like the layer, it reminds me on Televisor's I'm Yours Tonight. Well, the last songs are all remixes of the previous songs. I personally think the Classixx track has got some Daft-Punk-elements, the Wave Racer is messed up. It's exactly the same with the Cosmo's Midnight Remix of Destroyer. It doesn't appeal to me, the originals are better! All in all, this is a well-made EP of a young Australian band. I'll keep an eye on them, I'm sure they could make their way! |
I Never Learn - Lykke Li
Now from those who will be future stars to those who are already!
Yesterday, on 2nd May 2014, the 3rd album of Lykke Li: I Never Learn was put up for sales. I'm sure you are familiar with that unique voice. The break-through of the Swedish singer was initiated by her cover of I follow rivers, the song received extensive airplay in 2012. I Never Learn - Lykke Li http://cdn3.pitchfork.com/news/54429/eca6cfc5.jpg Track list 1. I Never Learn 2. No Rest for the Wicked 3. Just Like a Dream 4. Silverline 5. Gunshot 6. Love Me Like I'm Not Made of Stone 7. Never Gonna Love Again 8. Heart of Steel 9. Sleeping Alone As we all know Lykke is an excellent musician. Recently she said in an interview of NME: "I always feel like I've been slightly misunderstood. As a woman you get judged for appearances or things like that I don't really care about. If anything I want to be seen as a singer-songwriter rather than a pop artist. I really feel like I've found my voice." It’s absolutely clear that she intends to put her music in the spotlight – even if she’s well known in the pop business, she sticks to her style of blending soul, dream pop and indie rock. So let's see how she concludes her album trilogy! I never learn is a typical Swedish pop song. The folk-guitar, the beautiful angel-like voices. Wonderful. Spectacular on the other hand is the track No Rest for the Wicked. The drama is actually demonstrated well in the musicvideo. My favorite song is Just like a dream because of the melancholy combined with the happiness. Sweet! The dreamy layers combined with the wooden percussion in Silverline remind me oddly on some spa-background music... Gunshot on the other hand is filled with action, I like the powerful lyrics. A live version might sound great! There's a heart I cannot hide… it’s obviously a love song. A Soulful song, Love Me Like I'm Not Made of Stone. In this heart-breaking manner continues Never Gonna Love Again lyrics-wise. From the musical part it’s a typical ballad. Heart of Steel is a calm track; I do for some reason enjoy the floating vocals in this track, though the guitar part reminds me on Coldplay. The final song is Sleeping Alone is a break-up song. Or a follow-up. It's well-sung at any rate! To sum it up, this album does, as the previous albums, provide well-written and adorably honestly performed songs. It's not disappointing at all, but I'm sure Lykke Li will prepare something completely different for her next work! |
Allegri's Miserere & Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli - The Tallis Scholars
You may have heard about Austria winning the Eurovision Song Contest. No, I promise I won't praise our latest star or talk about Mother's Day in Austria.
These days I went to the preparation course for the music A-levels. Our professor who said months ago that it won't be much brought us +200 pages to read, for only 3 chapters out of 10. Naturally students are overwhelmed by such an amount at once. However, I managed to work through that staple in 1 day and voilá! Luckily I did, I found out more about an impressive masterpiece: Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli. On this album you'll find Allegri's Miserere, technically beautiful psalm settings that were performed in the Sistine Chapel. I'd like to focus on the Mass this time. Allegri's Miserere & Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli - The Tallis Scholars http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG...er=allrovi.com I know, music of the Renaissance is so inspiring. However, I never enlarged upon the mass music because I thought I would know that. Never! Once I was performing a mass when I was a member of church choir, but that would've been not even half as good as this performance by the Tallis Scholars, a British professional early music vocal ensemble formed by Peter Phillips. Traditionally, a mass for the ordinary contains: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei. That are basically all the tracks of the Missa Papae Marcelli; The mass composed for Pope Marcellus, who only reigned for 3 weeks in 1555. The composition was matter under discussion at Council of Trent, mostly because of the polyphony. You'll hear 6 voices on this mass. Nowadays this revolutionary and complex mass is one of the most famous in music history. Kyrie is the first movement, structured ABA usually. What is remarkable here is the stepwise motion of voices. Gloria is a celebratory passage. This specific piece was called a new form of expression, because of the precision of word-setting. Credo is the longest sung text of the mass. You won't notice the 9 minutes because of the dynamic flow and gapless vocals. Sanctus et Benedictus Sanctus is a short hymn and the continuation is Benedictus. You'll hear typical block chords very well. Agnus Dei 1 et 2 - the final setting. Perhaps the mathematically most complex movement of Palestrina. I couldn't connumerate, can you? I'm not going to teach people about religion etc. I just wanted to inform you about my latest musical discovery! Hope you enjoy! |
Infinity - Yann Tiersen
Today I'm going to review my favorite album of the year 2014!
Yann Tiersen's album Infinity will be up for sale tomorrow, on 19th May. Luckily NPR provided a free first listen of the album, right here! Infinity - Yann Tiersen Most of you might know the French as composer and talented instrumentalist. Both of this is correct. Worth admiring is the fact that Yann Tiersen managed to never fix his genres of music and remained open-minded. Some say it's sad he gave up the classical, according to himself never did compose this way. "Yann Tiersen - Music Sans Frontières". Classical Music Magazine. 2 April 2011. There is no frontier between classical music and popular music, you are free to work with whatever you want. For me it’s natural to use lots of different instruments and textures and sounds and noises because life is like that. In particular, the last album Skyline (2011), is very experimental with its layers, voice and instruments. Once Yann Tiersen said he would be influenced by the The Stooges. To stick to the truth, I wouldn't have believed that - up to the present. Infinity is one of this best works. It contains the, from many beloved, Yanntastic sounds combined with this rock style. The album cover represents the secret place, where the blue of the horizon and the ocean meld. http://www.thegroundmag.com/wp-conte...lbum-cover.jpg Track list 1. Infinity 2. Slippery Stones 3. Midsummer Evening 4. Ar Maen Bihan 5. Lights 6. Grønjørð 7. Steinn 8. In Our Minds 9. The Crossing 10. Meteorite Slippery Stones is a rough, dark song - like those waves of the ocean. Starting with traditional Irish violin and noisy patterns it creates an ambient atmosphere. The glass-like toy piano melody with the circular tunes floating in the track recall memories of Amelié and Dust Lane with the spare, although powerful vocals. A Midsummer Evening is an adorable song with all those little motifs, this is sunny baroque pop mixed with psychedelic rock. There's A Mogwai remix! Ar Maen Bihan is sung in Breton. The music is however very mystical and dramatic - The balance of orchestra parts and rock-guitars is excellent. Lights is a playful song. Filled with electronic, minimalistic movements and music toys it must be about childhood reflections. Grønjørð is sung in Faroese. Music is the only meaningful language worth speaking for Yann Tiersen. Proof: This song - same feeling, different vocabulary. Steinn is performed in Icelandic. The album was made in Iceland and impressions were processed in the songs. A tad vaque and wuthering! In our minds is a partly nostalgic track, the topic is human kind, and the layer reminds me on the album Skyline. The crossing is more optimistic, not only from the vocal part but also from the instrumentation. I think Yann plays besides violin a tin whistle! Meteorite is a impressive ending song. The spoken vocals accompanied by the layer of the choir and guitars realize the main idea: infinity. Hopefully I'll be able to take home my copy tomorrow. In my opinion this is an excellent album, simply Yanntastic! It seems that Yann Tiersen never disappoints with his music. I have never been to a concert, but perhaps this may change this year. On 12th of October he is going to perform in Vienna, this would be on a Sunday evening. I might attend the concert if I find a solution for the travel issue. At any rate, I will definitively enjoy this album, and I hope you do as well! |
Awake - Tycho
Hello again, Journaltown! :wave: After only one week I miss updating my journal!
I've been studying a lot for the spoken A-levels 5th of June so I was more or less absent. I realized it doesn't do any good to over-practice, after all I'll have to deal with the task I am going to receive. Coming back to music, I of course listened to pretty mellow music. I also discovered this album released on 18th March 2014: Awake - Tycho The album Dive of the American Ambient/Post-rock musician Tycho was wonderful. This week I stumbled across his newest work. I must say I'm positively surprised! In comparison to the previous album this provides a variety of sounds and interesting motivic work. Remained the same has only the logo on the cover, the lunar crater, Tycho. http://blog.iso50.com/wp-content/upl.../Awake-450.jpg Track list 1. Awake 2. Montana 3. L 4. Dye 5. See 6. Apogee 7. Spectre 8. Plains Starting of with a guitar pattern, similar to the XX, the first track Awake kicks you in a soft airy atmosphere. The echo of the guitar sounds wistful. Montana is built up on a simple chord, combined with a soft bass line and floating voice layers. Simple, but catchy rhythms round it off. Sanguine! L provides one of the most interesting soundscapes - a journey to the Milky way. It's like music would have a zoom-function, wonderful build-up. Nostalgic might be the right word for the track Dye. It's darker than the other songs from the color of sound. With 5 minutes it's also quite long! See starts more up-beat with clapping, a go-getting bass line and the dreamy tune and the insertion of arpeggiated chords. Lovely work. The sixth song is Apogee. It reminds me on a videogame soundtrack. For me the rhythm section is over top, also I was confused by the sudden break. Spectre brings in some cool guitar melody combined with energetic drums and some evolved side motifs performed on higher ranges of the guitar. The final track is called Plains it's filled with shoe-gazing elements, concluding the album in a fine manner. Give it a listen! In a nutshell, this album isn't spectacular - it's soft and laid-back, but progressive soundscape-wise, and definitively you will hear a development compared to the album Dive. If you enjoy mellow tunes and expect to get taken into another dream-world by music, this album will be highly enjoyable. |
Romantic Works - Keaton Henson
*blows dust off* WOAH! I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last entry.
So there is no more time to waste... Let's take a look at an incredible musical masterpiece. Romantic Works - Keaton Henson http://hasitleaked.com/wp-content/up...00-300x300.jpg Keaton Henson is a folk rock musician, visual artist and poet from London. Despite of all his talent he suffers from stage fright - at any rate all of his works are highly coveted. Obviously he can over-wind his fear, which encourages me a little! On 16th June 2014 he performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall, earlier on this day he released his third album. In comparison to the previous partly-rock-album Birthdays (2013) Romantic Works sounds classy and profound, the corporation with the cellist Ren Ford might be the reason. Keaton said he was inspired by the repetition and simplicity of the likes of Arvo Pärt and Phillip Glass. It's wonderful to see a musician change genres! There are for the first time of his albums no vocals and it is not missing out on personal in-put. Track list 1. Preface 2. Elevator Song 3. Healah Dancing 4. Field 5. Josella 6. Petrichor 7. Earnestly Yours 8. Nearly Curtains 9. Emissary Romantic? No way, the first super-short track with only 58 seconds, Preface, starts off with dark layers and even distorted sounds of a cello. Following, the Elevator Song creates a smooth Hans Zimmer-like atmosphere which permeates throughout the album. Magnificent. Healah Dancing reminds me on the Memoirs of a Geisha OST in the first minute, but the progressive modulation creates a unique masterpiece. Next we hear the story-telling composition Field, the cello is just warm and very well-played. The chords are picked carefully and therefore sound comfortable. Josella has some sort of religious character with that choir-layer in the background around minute 2. The few sounds of the glockenspiel round it off, however! The name Petrichor - the scent of rain on dry earth describes the song perfectly. A simple structured song with minimalist elements manages to melodize the best moments in life. Earnestly Yours is a typical piano song with lyrical character, finding complete expression in the final minutes with the cello that is underlining the mood admirably . Pure and simple sounds the piano melody of the following song Nearly Curtains, the background noises like birds' twittering or thunder are nicely positioned. The end of the tunnel is near - this might be the words of the Emissary. A dark melancholic ending song concludes this album in a dignified manner. Although I would not consider this album to be "romantic" I strongly believe that it's worth a listen, especially for all those who enjoy neo-classical music. What impresses me personally is the fact that the artist Keaton Henson, who got produced alternative/folk songs, created such a wonderful instrumental album. I appreciate the high quality of this record and for this reason consider it to be one of the best albums of 2014. |
Bumping an old journal just to say, "wow what a treasure"
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Silenzio is the best
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