better /// than /// medium: January 2010

Friday, January 29

Yeah Scandanavia!: Sweden: The Knife - Tommorrow, in a year

The Knife recently collaborated with Mt. Sims and Planningtorock to create the music for "Tomorrow, in a year", an opera by Danish performance group, Hotel Pro Porma, based on the life and works of Charles Darwin. For more info on the project, or to purchase the album, go here.

Stream the album:

01. Intro
02. Epochs
03. Geology
04. Upheaved
05. Minerals
06. Ebb Tide Explorer
07. Variation of Birds
08. Letter to Henslow
09. Schoal Swarm Orchestra
01. Annie’s Box
02. Tumult
03. Colouring of Pigeons
04. Seeds
05. Tomorrow in a Year
06. The Height of Summer
07. Annie's Box (alt. vocal)

This shit is out, if you know what I mean, but I suggest Colouring Of Pigeons and or The Height of Summer for some beautiful sounds.

Thursday, January 28

Album For Morning Snowfall: Lukid - Foma

>>Lukid - Raise High The Roof Beam

Stream the album at LaLa

Tuesday, January 26

http://www.myspace.com/wildbirdsandpeacedrums

Monday, January 25

Yeah Scandanavia! : Denmark : Efterklang

I want to sing with an orchestra in the middle of triangular sculptures, while wearing a cone shaped hat! Sigh. Guess I better head Denmark way.

Fact Magazine Mix 118: Bullion

>>FACT Mix 118 - Bullion

Tracklist:
Caravan – Ride
Brainticket – Places Of Light
David Crosby – Orleans
Delaney – Some Things Coming
Kraan – You’re Right
Buffy Sainte-Marie – Adam
Orchestre Veve Star – Bassala Hot
Syreeta – Move It, Do It
Hudson-Ford – Shy Girl
Cabaret Voltaire – Sensoria
Paul Hart – Strides
Fleetwood Mac – Coming Home
July – I See

FACT Magazine
Bullion Treats

Saturday, January 23

>> Mount Kimbie - Serged

Friday, January 22

New: Inlets: Inter Arbiter

>>Inlets - Bright Orange Air

Haven't heard much from Inlets (Sebastian Krueger) since the lovely 2006 Vestibule EP, but I just got word that a new album is set to be released April 20th via Twosyllable Records. Guests on Inter Arbiter include Zach Condon (Beirut), Angel Deradoorian (Dirty Projectors), and Marla Hansen (Osso String Quartet).

New: Four Tet: There Is Love In You

Stream the album:

There Is Love In You by Four Tet

Four Tet's latest album, There Is Love In You, drops January 25th on Domino. Pre-order it here if you like what you hear.

(thanks to Mike for the tip)

Thursday, January 21

>>James Blackshaw - Cross

James will be playing Le Poisson Rouge on January 26th.

Tuesday, January 19

Via Tania

I used to listen to this song daily. I forgot about it, and found it again today. I love when this happens.

>>The Beginning

www.viatania.com
http://www.myspace.com/viatania

New: David Byrne: Here Lies Love

>>Please Don't (feat. Santigold)

Friday, January 15

Quadron

>> Average Fruit
>> Tone

Owen Pallett: Heartland

>>Owen Pallett - The Great Elsewhere

I've been biting my lip trying to be a good girl by waiting to write about this album until its official release, and thank god it's time. Owen has left his Final Fantasy moniker behind for his newest release, Heartland, which dropped January 12th on Domino, and it is an absolute gem from beginning to end. After an unforgettable performance at The Kitchen almost a year ago, I have been anxiously awaiting new material from Pallett, and Heartland does not disappoint.

The concept album, about conversations of a farmer named Lewis, tugs at the heartstrings, takes you dancing in swirling strings arrangements, and invites you to float along with Pallett's vocals through his well crafted narratives. I haven't had the guts or the desire to listen to it any other way than in its entirety thus far. Heartland is a strong as well as a graceful way to start to the year in music. Check it out, and if it grabs you, go check out the entire Final Fantasy catalog if you haven't already. Also, a thank you to Sam for asking one day, "Have you heard Heartland yet?'

Wednesday, January 13

The Ladies I Love: Betty Carter

This is the start of a series of postings dedicated to the ladies who hold a special place in my heart for helping to shape my musical tastes, and inspiring me as a vocalist.

'Across this line you leave us with nothin
So you see mister, it's time to stall
I need room to walk
Is there something wrong with your plan?
Take a look at this land

Across this line you leave us with nothin
but a life of hunger and pain, you did
And from what we can tell of your customs mister
forgive me for saying, you got a lot to learn
before you can say we got to live your way....'

The one and only, Betty Carter, sits at the top of the list of my favorite jazz singer/composers.

Monday, January 11

Mark Guiliana: Chops Chops Chops

No, I didn't make it to Winterjazzfest this weekend.

However, I did make it to Rockwood on Saturday to see one of my favorite drummers on the scene, Mark Guiliana, play in one of his projects called Beat Music. I was smitten to find that Beat Music also includes two other favorites, Nir Felder on guitar, and Jeff Taylor on vocals.

I don't want to talk about it and drool all over the place.
I cannot say enough good things about Mark and Beat Music.
It is a truly special and inspiring project, and I highly, highly, suggest you get out and see them live.

Fortunately, Mark is busy playing all over New York all of the time, with a plethora of different groups (haven't seen one that hasn't blown my mind), so check his schedule and make the date.

Get er done. Tonight Mark will be playing with Nir Felder 4 at Jazz Gallery.