Perceptard

Gone

baldwinboy5ive — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:11:21 +0200

Sarah Solovay, an emerging NYC based singer-songwriter-guitarist, was recently chosen to open for John Mayer (+Train) on his Battle Studies Tour. Her song “Hearts Collide” was selected by Nic Harcourt (KCRW)and CBS Records to be featured on the TV Show 90210 and on the 90210 Soundtrack. “Gone” won the Songwriter-Circle Award in NYC and was featured on the Rob Corddry show “Children’s Hospital” and NBC’s “Outlaw.” Her music was also chosen by Joe Dante (“Gremlins”) for his new movie “The Hole.”

(Note from Perceptard writer: I couldn’t figure out how to edit the mp3 into the post, so here is a link to the song on Youtube! aaand after saving changes I lost the name of the original submitter :/ Sorry! Let me know if it was you so I can include your name here. - baldwinboy5ive)

Gaslight Anthem - Wherefore Art Thou, Elvis? It’s been a...

calbowie — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:08:05 +0100

Gaslight Anthem - Wherefore Art Thou, Elvis?

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted on here. Far too long! So I’m coming back with a wonderful song that I only discovered last night. I’ve been a massive Gaslight Anthem fan for about 2 years now, and have had their EP, Senor and the Queen, as long as all their other albums, but never thought to actually give it a listen. What a stupid idea that was, because upon first listen I was hooked, just like with all their other material.

The sound is obviously a lot less polished, a lot more raw, than their full length albums, but those famous, anthem like choruses and verses are here in abundance. In my opinion, it’s a lot less focused on Brian Fallon’s vocals, letting the other instruments shine. That is not to say on their later releases they are just ‘Brian Fallon & band’.

I’ve chosen this song to post, because I adore the varying in instrument lines. Each instrument has it’s own time to shine, even including a very interesting bass line in the bridge.

Lotus Flower | Radiohead Radiohead bring forward the release...

mjmoss — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:56:29 +0100

Lotus Flower | Radiohead

Radiohead bring forward the release date of their new album The King of Limbs by a day and release the first video from the album. Cue - Thom Yorke dancing.

Icky Thump (Live Under The Great Northern Lights) | The White...

mjmoss — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:20:21 +0100

Icky Thump (Live Under The Great Northern Lights) | The White Stripes

Today it was announced the White Stripes are splitting up following a 2 year hiatus in which Jack has pursued other musical projects, Dead Weather, Raconteurs and his Third Man Records label. They ended their statement with:

“The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.”

Lets hope Meg forms a great new band and Jack carries on with his obscure side projects.

Helplessness Blues | Fleet Foxes This is the eyponymous track...

mjmoss — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:34:00 +0100

Helplessness Blues | Fleet Foxes

This is the eyponymous track from Fleet Foxes follow up to their critically aclaimed debut album. It is availbale to download for free on their website here. Less swamped in reverb and with more emphasis on harmonies and the dynamics of the song. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.

The new album Helplessness Blues is set for release on may 3rd.

L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. | Noah & The Whale L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N....

mjmoss — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 16:00:13 +0100

L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. | Noah & The Whale

L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. is the lead single from NATW 3rd Album ‘Last Night on Earth’ it sees a move away from the band’s 2009 melancholic ‘break-up’ album ‘First Days of Spring’. ‘Last Night on Earth’ is being touted as an album of story songs and if L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. is anything to go by there will be some interesting stories.

The album is due March 7th. You can learn more and hear another track ‘Wild Thing’ here.

Record Collection by Mark Ronson & the Business Intl. I...

aerogare — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 02:57:24 +0100

Record Collection by Mark Ronson & the Business Intl.

I picked up this album (yes — I still buy music) today on the strength of its title track alone and it has not disappointed. Ronson is probably more well-known for his production and songwriting work in the U.S. (he co-wrote Amy Winehouse’s song “Back to Black”), but he’s come out with a couple of albums of his own (one being an alt-hip hop record and the other being a covers album) as well. Having not heard his previous music, I imagine that Record Collection is an intersection of those two previous ideas — catchy-as-hell pop music that has elements of hip-hop present while still appealing to those who do not follow the genre. With cameos from artists ranging from Ghostface Killah to Duran Duran, it’s certainly one of the most eclectic records of the year — and maybe one of the best as well.

eargasmmusic: infra red - placebo i love this song. the mix...

jesusontoast — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 07:34:23 +0100

eargasmmusic:

infra red - placebo

i love this song. the mix of wierd beats puts everything together. something that shouldnt work, works. and it’s magnificent.

Perceptard Mixtape - December 2010

jesusontoast — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:37:51 +0100

This month’s release comes from our new member, Sanjay Jo. He writes:

December represents that end, when the beginning is just around the corner. It’s when you remember and celebrate the past, thinking about what’s ahead. In fact, oddly enough, it’s a bit like dessert. That’s how I’ve put this mixtape together. My personal taste of music covers a blast from the past deliciously topped with some fresh tracks. It’s an entree of songs from the past to the latest tracks. I present ‘Record Collection’, a complete meal filled with appetizing lyrics, succulent tunes and luscious beats. On a personal note, these have been my favourite songs of the past year, and they certainly represent my December.

Download it here. Check out the commentary below the cut.

1. Orange Sky - Alexi Murdoch

After shuffling through my songs, i picked this meaningful song by Alexi Murdoch. I feel that it’s a song that thrives in it’s simplicity, which makes for a great introduction.

2. Wonder - Dan Black

A song that’s very recent to me and it’s got me hooked. Dan Black is very talented, and his mix of lyrical tune and drum beat makes for a, somewhat, catchy tune to get your mind working.

3. Record Collection - Mark Ronson

Record Collection. It’s different. It’s awkward. It’s good. Mark Ronson is one of those rising stars, and this song is a perfect reason why.

4. Karma Police - Radiohead

One of my all time favourites. From 1997, it’s a song that’s worth the 4 minutes and 22 seconds. From the simple attraction of the phrase “this is what you’ll get” to the catchy tune of “for a minute there, i lost myself, i lost myself”, there’s no wonder why Radiohead is one of Britain’s top bands.

5. Lay It Down Slow - Spiritualized

From 2009, a rather less popularized track, perhaps as a result of it’s depressed mood? Personally, I love the lyrics, again it’s a song that relishes it’s simple feel.

6. Big Jet Plane - Angus & Julia Stone

As far as songs come and go, this duet is both indie and upbeat.

7. Falling From The Sun - Album Leaf

When you’re about to sleep, lying on your bed, this is the song to get you into the mood. It’s such a unique song, that I believe it should have it’s own genre.

8. Symphonies - Dan Black featuring Kid Cudi

Kid Cudi’s lyrical voice collaborates with Dan Black’s tunes to make one lovely ‘Symphony’. Just, cannot, resist.

9. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley

From 2006, it seems like the song has been through it’s peak. Not quite, Gnarls Barkley made, perhaps, the best song ever and it’s one of those songs that once you press play, it seems like the pause button disappeared.

10. Nothing Like You And I - The Perishers

A song riddled with love and peace. I love it.

it’s not over yet - the klaxons I could actually consider this...

jesusontoast — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 09:57:00 +0100

it’s not over yet - the klaxons

I could actually consider this the most ‘rock’ song that I actually like. However, the song is filled with a good tune, which seems to stick in my head after playing it.

“Saturday Night” - Misfits I don’t think this...

baldwinboy5ive — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:01:00 +0100

“Saturday Night” - Misfits

I don’t think this song has a “typical” Misfits sound to it, but it’s definitely one of my favorites. It really struck me as being different when I first heard it. I kept feeling like it would fit so well into an 80s movie (maybe it’s the mention of a drive-in during the chorus). The music sounds a little happy at first, almost like something you could dance to with your sweetheart, but when you listen closer to the lyrics, it’s a bit disturbing (much more Misfits-like!) and even bittersweet. My favorite line, because of the how strong the vocals are, is “now I’m watching, watching you die!” What a strange mix of feelings all in one song.

Even though the album this song is from, Famous Monsters, was released in 1999, I think this song has such a classic, old-fashioned sound to it. I love it, and I hope you do too.

“Unlaced” by Emilie Autumn I originally became...

circusfolk — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 07:43:00 +0100

“Unlaced” by Emilie Autumn

I originally became infatuated with Emilie Autumn because of her sarcastic lyrics and interest in Victorian society/history in general. It wasn’t until later that I began to appreciate her as a truly talented musician. Autumn unintentionally distracts from her musical prowess because of her elaborate costuming and inclination towards showmanship. It makes it difficult for those who are not open to the goth community to take her seriously. Truly though, beyond what some may see as her oddities, the woman is well-trained and an excellent violinist.

She places these talents on showcase in her two-disc album, Laced/Unlaced. The first disc, Laced, consists of her playing classical pieces. Most of the tracks are by famous composers, though there are a few she has composed herself. The second disc entirely consists of pieces that are of her own making and are recorded on an electric violin. And really, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like the electric violin?

“Unlaced” reflects the rest of the album in that it is interesting to listen to, kinetic, with some sinister undertones. Even without her expressive vocals and snappy lyrics, Autumn is still a presence be recognized on the music scene.

To learn more about Emilie Autumn, go here.

“Bird on Your Grave” by Marissa Nadler Marissa...

circusfolk — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:04:00 +0200

“Bird on Your Grave” by Marissa Nadler

Marissa Nadler is one of those musicians that has remained in obscurity for reasons I cannot fathom. She puts her own spin on the folk music genre, focusing on the American Gothic and other themes of that nature. I suppose she has her devoted niche, but I still feel her music should be shared with and appreciated by the world.

“Bird on Your Grave” is a track that is typical of Nadler. Carrying that theme of melancholy that seems to run through a great deal of her music, she sings about her dead friend in a way that can only be described as eloquent. Her voice is nothing short of haunting, which is perfect for this mournful ballad. I can listen to this song on repeat and just soak in the atmosphere it creates. It may not be the happiest one, but it’s still striking and unique. I thought this was perfect for Autumn.

Learn more about Marissa Nadler here.

“Wonder” by Dan Black. I had never heard of Dan...

aerogare — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 20:32:05 +0200

“Wonder” by Dan Black.

I had never heard of Dan Black before FIFA 11 came out (sue me if you take fault with any of that), but as this track shows, he’s catchy as all hell. The former lead singer of The Servant, Black fuses more traditional rock ‘n roll sounds (like heavily strummed guitars and handclaps) with the processed sounds of drum machines and synthesizers to create a pretty fantastic sound.

His début album ((UN)) is currently available in the US and UK.

“The Magic Position” - Patrick Wolf Here’s a...

baldwinboy5ive — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:58:43 +0200

“The Magic Position” - Patrick Wolf

Here’s a song for when you need a happy, upbeat song. I mean, a really happy song. I first discovered Patrick Wolf when he only had his first album Lycanthropy out, and I really enjoyed the melancholy and moody tones of both that and his next one Wind in the Wires. Then, when I heard “The Magic Position,” I kind of rolled my eyes and said, “Oh, goodness, he’s in love,” like that was a bad thing. But it’s really not. I was kidding. It’s a very good thing. This is such cute music and I liked it a lot. I like that he does different things with his music, and if it’s influenced by what kind of mood he’s in, all the better! I feel like his music is very true to how he’s feeling at the time.

Anyway, it’s a very perky and cute tune that you can’t help but clap to - really. I saw him perform a couple of years ago and he made us clap. He refused to play until we all agreed to clap at the appropriate parts of this song (you’ll know which parts I’m talking about).

“Hypno Switch” by The Black Rabbits. By way of...

aerogare — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:45:17 +0200

“Hypno Switch” by The Black Rabbits.

By way of Orlando, Florida (my hometown), The Black Rabbits are an indie-rock band based in Asheville, North Carolina. In the interests of full disclosure, I know the two guys in the band (singer/guitarist Jetson Black and drummer Skyler Black [yes, they’re brothers]) from my days in high school.

But anyway, The Black Rabbits are one of those bands that are becoming seemingly rarer and rarer — playing their own instruments, writing their own songs, and sounding ridiculously catchy all the same. In these days of autotuning and overproduction, it’s nice to see that there is still a place for rock ‘n roll.

“Our Window” by Noah & the Whale Noah & the...

circusfolk — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:29:00 +0200

“Our Window” by Noah & the Whale

Noah & the Whale is a British folk band I stumbled upon quite accidentally. Intending to download the Iron & Wine discography, I instead downloaded a torrent filled with a sampling of different kinds of music. Noah & the Whale was included in this group. I was initially attracted to the soft, subtle expression of emotion that the band delivered through the song “The First Days of Spring.” However, I never thought to download more than the one track I had until a friend of mine reminded me of their existence yesterday. Upon downloading The First Days of Spring in its entirety, I have discovered that they have more than just one good song to brag about.

“Our Window” is a quiet song that looks at the subject of breaking up, as much of The First Days of Spring does. There is something about the almost flat sound of Charlie Fink’s voice combined with the lyrics that makes it sound so sincere. You can almost picture Fink at this window he describes, musing about his dying love with female vocalist and former band member Laura Marling. This song and this entire album offers an intimate look at the pain of falling apart and the hope of putting the pieces back together again.

To learn more about Noah & the Whale go here.

Buttercups | Fran Healy The new video for the lead single from...

mjmoss — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:13:47 +0200

Buttercups | Fran Healy

The new video for the lead single from Travis frontman, Fran Healy’s new solo album ‘Wreckorder’.
The video’s tongue in cheek humour matches the song perfectly, the sheep is a nice touch too.

“A City on Fire” - Fightstar I thought I was being...

baldwinboy5ive — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:28:10 +0200

“A City on Fire” - Fightstar

I thought I was being so “cool” back in middle school when I started shunning pop music and listening to rock, alt rock, etc (I feel more open-minded these days), but then suddenly out of nowhere I became a complete and unabashed fan of pop-punk band Busted. Then… they broke up, due to Charlie Simpson’s increasing discontent of the pop music scene and feeling creatively and musically unfulfilled. (Yes, it was that dramatic.)

Any animosity that I feel towards Charlie for the breaking up of Busted is, well, kind of pretend, because I actually… really, really like Fightstar, the band he left them for. I’ve been a Fightstar fan ever since their formation back in 2003 and I honestly think they’ve got real talent. I’d say they’re one of my favorites. Plus, Charlie seems happy now.

Charlie’s size and energy really seems to bring an almost intimidating presence to Fightstar’s performances, and his distinctive voice is perfect for Fightstar’s style. I also love how much of a contrast Alex Westaway’s lighter voice (which is briefly featured in this song) brings to the lead vocals. This video was directed by bassist Dan Haigh, which I think adds a nice personal touch to this band’s work, and we can’t forget the amazing drumming by Omar Abidi. Enjoy!

“Maybe” by Ingrid Michaelson Ingrid Michaelson is...

circusfolk — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 01:49:00 +0200

“Maybe” by Ingrid Michaelson

Ingrid Michaelson is always giving people cute but well-written songs about love and heartbreak, which is sometimes exactly what you need. Though I would say her latest album Everybody is my least favorite out of the three she has released, it still contains some real gems, “Maybe” being one of them.

Like many of Michaelson’s songs, “Maybe” is a bittersweet tune about love and loss. Though the situation she describes is really sad, the overall tone of the song is optimistic. Everything is about reaching for a brighter future in spite of today’s challenges. The sincerity of the songwriting makes it easy to believe it is autobiographical. The music video itself is artistically interesting, with the dripping paints and paper effects. Also, on a girly side note, her outfit is absolutely adorable. However, the art does not distract from the track’s narrative, which should be what a music video showcases.

For more information about Ingrid Michaelson, go here.