the scottish trio, frightened rabbit once toured with death cab for cutie. if that isn't proof to just how great this band is, then taking a listen might be of more help. the opening lyrics to "head rolls off" is so powerful, but is downplayed later in the video showing a class of young children dancing around. this music video is so amaturely joyful in the best possible way.
i can listen to, the shins for many consistent hours. "saint simon" makes me feel as if i could joyfully step to this tune. the video was shot in mexico during the mating season of monarch butterflies, which explains the blankets that make up of these little flying creatures. i find it fascinating to see this many butterflies in their natural habit, rather than seeing them in a small covered area.
death cab for cutie's, "grapevine fires" was written during and about the 2007 california wildfires . lead singer, ben gibbard was having a picnic with friends jonathan rice, autumn de wilde and their daughter. (autumn de wilde just so happened to direct dcfc 'cath' music video.) ben describes the literal story, "we were having some wine and having a picnic on top of this big cascading hill with the ocean off in the distance, and at the same time there were a lot of fears about these fires creeping down from the grapevine. this was a very real moment just seeing her daughter, playing in this cemetery, not having any understanding of what this area means. it was a really interesting example of youth having a way with death." i think that the animation of the video almost lightens the mood of the song, almost.
sadly, this video also reminds me of the fires that are happening in south-eastern australia. they started on the 7th of february and are still being fought by more than 3,000 fire fighters. the fires were started by the high winds and low humidity and because of two possible arsons. 210 people have perished and thousands have been left homeless. hopefully, this can be conquered soon.
i first discovered this video over at, Fashionista Diary. and have since seen it posted many other places, for very good reason. halston chose to display their latest collection through a beautifully done video instead of the runway. the slow motion captures the collection, wonderfully. the timing of the video along with the music is honestly breathtaking. the main character is the gorgeous dree hemingway, who just so happens to be the great grand-daughter of ernest hemingway. it's especially unique that dree runs through the streets of new york past other models in the rest of the halston collection. the song, "you're the one" by benjamin bronfman (aka ben brewer, and husband to M.I.A) is completely entrancing which makes me watch this video numerous times in a row.
i can honestly say that i haven't heard much from, of montreal. just a few songs here and there. but, the one song that has caught my attention and having me repeat is, "an eluardian instance." the song is completely cheerful and i really enjoy the trumpet sounds that go along. any unsuspecting instruments are really a weakness for me and has me enjoy tunes that much more. although the video looks as if it were shot by an amateur, i think it has great character. the whimsical features seem to go perfectly with the charisma that 'of montreal' shares through their music.
la blogotheque take away shows, feature musical talents performing their music out and about. all of the videos are really incredible and show what talent the individuals have without being enhanced by any type of recording equipment. grizzly bear's "knife" is such a great song, but seeing them perform live solidifies what they have to offer. what makes this short film most interesting is the fact that they are walking through the streets of paris. i can't even imagine what it would be like to witness a musical act, along with a camera crew, in the streets of paris. i prefer this short video to the actual 'knife' music video. this song is often on repeat and i have not seen any sign of me not listening to it in that fashion, so i will continue with my same routine.
upon first hearing, blitzen trapper's "furr" i was completely mesmerized. and have been before, during, and after i play this lovely tune. lead singer, eric earley's voice seems to hold the perfect twang with a slight yodel that seems to fade after every note that he hits. and, i just can't get enough of the organic graphics of cutouts and drawings throughout the music video. let's not forget that blitzen trapper also has many other tunes that are more than worthy of any listener.
australia's youth group, "forever young" is a cover of, alphaville. i have preferred the version that 'youth group' has to offer ever since hearing it on an episode of, the oc. and now, i love it even more after discovering the "music video" which is really just footage from a 1975 skateboarding championship. i'm not sure what my fascination is with home movies and excellent music playing in the background, such as the last "song of the week" post. i just find it all so nostalgic, although none of the "home movies" pertain to me. the footage from the skateboarding championship is very, lords of dogtown...and that is just incredible.
"beirut" may possibly be one of the last great talents of the past decade, in my opinion..of course. 'postcards from italy' is a truly exceptional song off of the album, gulag orkestar. the plucking of the ukelele and the voice of, beirut's 'zack condon' is absolute perfection. the feeling that director, 'almaharel' has raided a few different families of their home videos is the perfect balance of private, intimate moments. i can rave about this song until the sun rises and sets again, but just listening to the first thirty seconds anyone can realize just how i fell in love with this song.
i first witnessed 'anathallo' when they opened for 'the format' in early 2006. never had i heard them before, but i was in complete awe during their entire set. their sound is enchanting and enthralling. i was most impressed by the arrangement of various instruments, almost if that alone was art on display. their stage presence will put any person into a trance, yet will allow them to interact as well. hanasakajiijii four(a great wind, more ash) is based on a japanese fairytale from their debut album, "floating world." and this month of this year seem to be an exciting time for anathallo as they have released their sophomore album, "canopy glow." also, on the 12th of this month, they will embark on their european/parts of asia tour.
and just a side note: former lead vocals, nate ruess of 'the format' and andrew dost formerly with anathallo have formed their own project, "fun." 'fun' will tour north america with jack's mannequin starting this month.
i would probably list, the format as one of my favorite musicians. their music video, 'she doesn't get it' seems innocent because of the replacement of adults with children. it does seem to mask the actuality of the song about an "almost one-night stand" according to the format's lead singer, nate. i'm still crossing my fingers for the reunion of the format after their decision to take different paths. although nate has started his new project "fun," i will never forget both of the experiences i had when i saw 'the format,' live.
the infadels 'free things for poor people' video has a definite "o, brother where art thou" vibe to it (minus george clooney and that ridiculous accent of his). the song itself may be repetitive, but there is no doubt that it is catchy..in a calming sort of way. i love the hint of sunlight in each shot. the last few seconds gives a blow to reality; the entire video features beautiful landscapes, but the mirage is interrupted by a smog infested city. it's very unexpected.
mystery jet's, 'two doors down' is the epitome of an 80's style music video. everything from the clothing to the dance moves. just listening to their music anyone could imagine their songs topping the U.K charts in the mid-eighties. not to mention 'two doors down' as the ultimate childhood sweetheart song.
sigur ros', "gobbledigook" can be described as light and carefree. even if you can't understand the hopelandish language that sigur ros' lead singer, jon thor birgisson sings; you can most likely appreciate the beautiful sound of their tunes. nudity may be something that is shunned upon in our society, and i myself am not looking to join a nudist colony anytime soon, but the way it is portrayed in "gobbledigook" is innocent and carefree. this is a video that shows beautiful, open souls enjoying all that nature has to offer.
oppenheimer's, 'breakfast in nyc' from their self-titled album is so wonderful to listen to. i especially love the faint sound of the zylophone playing throughout the song. the video in a way could be a tribute to the hault of production of polaroid instant cameras. it's a bittersweet video.
sebastien tellier's "divine" music video was something that was all over the television while i was on holiday, in italy. my sister and i could not help, but laugh at this hilariously brilliant video. it doesn't hurt that the tune is quite kitschy.
yes, i'm a bit late with the "song of the week" posting.i apologize. i have been running ragged for the past few days. blah. cold war kids (as well as kings of leon, only by the night) had their new cd released yesterday. and of course, i had to purchase both cd's. i was merely impressed with both musical talents. their sounds may be different, but are impeccable. the video below is of the cold war kids single, "something is not right with me" from their sophomore album, loyalty to loyalty.
"i just don't know what to do with myself" was made famous by dusty springfield. i also love the version that, the white stripes have put their own electric twist on the classic song. on this particular monday i chose the video of kate moss' tasteful performance featuring the white stripes.
this video is an eery masterpiece from, bats for lashes. when watching, "what's a girl to do" i can't help but think that the entire video was inspired by donnie darko. i first discovered the song and video in late spring, and for a long time after i could not figure out who sang the song until i rediscovered it a few days ago.
bats for lashes is signed with parlophone records. along with a few more favorites such as: coldplay, the verve, babyshambles, hot chip, lcd soundsystem, sigur ros, and the beatles.
at the start of every week (we'll see how that pans out) i'm going to try and post a different song or music video that has a sweet beat.
while in italy it was impossible to watch mtv without seeing, cesare cremonini's 'dicono di me' music video. my sister and i found it undeniably charming and the twist at the end is just plain adorable. now, cesare cremonini is an italian artist so all of his music is in the same language. you can look up the translated lyrics; it is worth it. it's just a cute tune.
