posted by Alex on January 4, 2012
My last album from 2011! It has been an eventful, exciting year, but I’m ready for the new music 2012 will bring. I’m a complete sucker for beautiful male voices. Don’t ask why, but if a guy has stunning vocals, I don’t give a fig what the rest of the band or the lyrics sound like. Every Kingdom is the first studio album from British artist Ben Howard. I heard “The Wolves’” first, and I knew I had struck gold. My favorite part of the song starts at around 2 minutes; Howard gets really into the music and you can truly feel his passion. (For me, that usually makes for a great song). The other track below, “Only Love,” is beautiful, musically impressive, and so frickin’ catchy. A total package.
But…Sucks to be an American. As of today, Howard is scheduled for a number of shows, all in Europe. Unless he changes travel plans, we’ll have to be satisfied with Digital Ben. Luckily, Every Kingdom is truly the perfect start to a new year of music.
Ben Howard – Only Love (Downloaded 1212 times)
Ben Howard – The Wolves (Downloaded 717 times)
» To download, right-click title & “save as”
» Love/Like/Hate it? Please rate it.
» Meaningless labels: Amazing Voice • Brit-Pop • Catchy • Male vocal
(22 votes)
Loading ...posted by Alex on December 1, 2011
Since I started writing for Indieball, there have been two artists I have always dreamed about reviewing: Modest Mouse and Andrew Bird. I’ve waited tirelessly for either artist to release a new album, but both have been complete slackers. However, after much anticipation, my dream has finally come true. Boredom and serious Internet stalking led me to a review of a recently released film called Norman. The film looked cheesy and cliche, but I was an instant fan of the film’s soundtrack, orchestrated entirely by Andrew Bird himself. It appears Bird has finally taken his musical talents to the big screen. The 17-track album is mostly instrumental and features Andrew Bird’s classic mix of traditional folk instruments and violin. “Night Sky” is the only vocal track on the album, which is a shame; Bird’s vocals are absolutely beautiful, and he even throws in his famous whistling.
So, for all you Andrew Bird fans out there, let this single tide you over until the release of his new album sometime in 2012. Expect a review when that glorious day comes.
Andrew Bird – Night Sky (Downloaded 384 times)
» To download, right-click title & “save as”
» Love/Like/Hate it? Please rate it.
» Meaningless labels: Amazing Voice • Beautiful Lyrics • Film • Folky • Male vocal
(12 votes) Loading ...Wow thank you for finding this!! So excited for a new album.
“night sky” is not the only vocal track by bird on this album. “arcs and coulombs” is with vocals too.
posted by Alex on October 22, 2011
{Editor’s Note: See our previous post on Blind Pilot here.}
All good things come from Portland, including Portland natives Blind Pilot. The band released their second epic album, We Are The Tide, on September 13th. I only discovered this band a few months ago, but they became a fast favorite. After falling in love with their 2008 album, 3 Rounds and a Sound, I immediately bought the long awaited 2011 record. If you’ve read my previous posts, you can probably infer that if a band includes offbeat instruments, I will be a fan. And We Are The Tide fits that bill. The album features a ukulele (I’m cool; I already learned the ukulele part on “Always”), violin, vibraphone, and a Rhodes piano. It also includes contributions from eight different musicians, including one woman, Kati Claborn. (My whole life I’ve played in groups as the only girl, so I have to give Kati props.)
“Keep You Right” is the first single off the album, and the heartfelt vocals made it a favorite. I’ve also included “The Story I Heard,” from 3 Rounds and a Sound. It is a beautiful song that I constantly play in my car. The band’s tour started on September 25th in their home state of Oregon, and they will be on the road until December. You better bet that I will be at their November show in Los Angeles. If you happen to go, look for the girl with the oversized glasses and come say hello!
Blind Pilot – Keep You Right (Downloaded 362 times)
Blind Pilot – The Story I Heard (Downloaded 351 times)
» To download, right-click title & “save as”
» Love/Like/Hate it? Please rate it.
» Meaningless labels: Beautiful Lyrics • Male vocal • Orchestral • Poppy
(10 votes) Loading ...posted by Alex on October 9, 2011
I really wanted to begin with my favorite Wilco lyric, however, when I sat down at my computer, I drew a blank. I can’t even pick my favorite song; how the hell am I supposed to think of one lyric out of thousands of beautiful lines? Still, I was determined to find that one lyric; a lyric that I wish I could have wrote. I immediately went to my two favorite albums: Summerteeth and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Much to my surprise, I found that perfect lyric. Thanks Jeff; love inspires me too. “I know I can’t sing / Until she brings the song to life.”
The groundbreaking Chicago band, Wilco, has done it again. On September 27th, Wilco released their eighth studio album, The Whole Love. Like all their albums, The Whole Love encompasses a perfect blend of uptempo and offbeat songs, along with slow, poetic love songs. I want to dance to “I Might” and I am a total sucker for weird instruments. The keyboards are straight out of the sixties. ”Capitol City” is very unique, and shows off Jeff Tweedy’s vocals and the band’s incredible musicianship. Their tour sadly will not stop in my native sate, but some of you lucky people will be offered a wonderful gift. Now stop reading and go buy their album…please.
Wilco – I Might (Downloaded 300 times)
Wilco – Capitol City (Downloaded 1078 times)
» To download, right-click title & “save as”
» Love/Like/Hate it? Please rate it.
» Meaningless labels: Beautiful Lyrics • Downbeat • Male vocal • Retro • Upbeat
(16 votes) Loading ...
January 27th, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Thanks for sharing – I’m loving his sound! – Jessica