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| June 07, 2010
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| Sixeyes Interview: The National's Matt Berninger 2010 |
 May 11th saw the release of The National's follow-up to breakthrough disc, Boxer (2007). Titled High Violet, it's different, I mean there's less squabbling and fighting in the songs, but don't worry there's still plenty of darkness in the violet shadows. And as usual, the backbone of the National's sound is it's rhythm section. Bryan and Scott Devendorf (drummer and bassist, respectively) are the skeleton which keeps the music solid while front man Matt Berninger is the muscle, or his voice and lyrics are. They guide and carry the listener through the shimmering colour washes of the Dessner brothers guitar work.
Based in Brooklyn, but currently on the road (check tour dates here), the self-deprecating Matt Berninger kindly took time out to answer several questions just for Sixeyes readers.
Sixeyes: I’ll start off by saying thanks for the new music and that hilarious new video for “Bloodbuzz Ohio”. I see the video was directed by a trio of women, one being your wife (Carin Besser). How was the experience of making the video and where was it shot?
MB: I’m glad you saw the humor in it. A lot of people thought it was serious. We were trying to ape these awkward old Serge Gainsbourg videos thinking it would be funny but many people who saw it just thought I was a self-serious douchebag. That’s only partly true. My mom was a disturbed by it. She said, “You look like a pedophilic Inspector Clouseau.” At least she saw what we were going for. It was all shot within a 5 minute walk from my apartment in Prospect Heights.
Sixeyes: How different is High Violet from the record you and the band set out to make, or thought you were making?
MB: We all had different ideas of what kind of record we were going to make but I don’t think any of us thought it would turn into what it did. We talked once about trying to write a fun pop record. I guess this is our version of that.
Sixeyes: I’ve read that the band's songs are built on demos that the Dessner’s record and send to you. Is this true in all cases? Have either Bryan or Scott recorded rhythms or melodies that you’ve worked with?
MB: The initial music sketches are about 60% Aaron, 30% Bryce, and 10% Scott and Bryan. Those percentages were arrived at scientifically.
Sixeyes: What is it that Peter Katis (producer) brings that the band keeps returning to him? Have you ever considered trying a different producer after one EP and four albums with the same producer?
MB: We like Peter because he jumps into the fray with us and joins the fighting. He’s also a genius when it comes to turning our crappy sounds into something great.
Sixeyes: There’s a paper I read regularly that features an interview each month which includes the question, “What should everyone shut up about?” I don’t want to get negative, so I’ll ask you “What should everyone hear about?” (music, art, film, books, politics, environmental issues… etc.)
MB: I don’t know really. I loved the movie Funny People. Eminem has a hilarious cameo.
Sixeyes: I read the story in the New York Times and laughed at the nicknames you’d been given by the others (the Naysayer, Mumbleberry Pie, the Dark Lord, Mr. Knee Jerk, Mr. Sony Headphones and the Echo Chamber). I wanted to give you a chance to return the favor and give up some nicknames you feel the others deserve or have earned.
MB: Bryan is sometimes referred to as Apocalypse Eventually. Aaron and Bryce at one point were Bung and Munch the Monkey Detectives. Scott was briefly known as Triple Homicide.
Sixeyes: Do you feel the pressure of being the last hurdle a song has to cross before its deemed good enough for the band?
MB: Not really. I relish the power. I like to wield it. I’m a natural wielder.
Sixeyes: John Darnielle, of The Mountain Goats, once (and only once) complimented me by saying he’d never been asked what I’d asked him. So my question is what was the last question you’d never been asked before? It doesn’t have to be in an interview it could be any question at all.
MB: A girl recently asked me to say her name so she could hear what it sounded like in my voice. Her name was Jade. I said “Jade”. It sounded amazing.
Sixeyes: In the song “Vanderlyle Cry Baby Geeks”, where the line is: “…swans are aswimmin’, I’ll explain everything to the geeks…”. Did that line ever refer to geese instead of geeks? Did you put Geeks in the title to circumvent the mishearing of that line?
MB: It was always geeks but people kept hearing geese. Yes, I added it to the title to help clarify. It think it’s also a better song title now too. Form follows function.
 Sixeyes: I thought I’d go for the dirt this time, TMZ style (that’s the name of that show isn’t it… I hope). Some behind the scenes scoops about your big time fashion shoot for GQ would be great .You know, like who was the biggest diva?… that kind of thing.
MB: I’m usually the biggest diva. Bono’s hair guy did my hair for that. I think he did a pretty good job although it looks a bit wiggish.
Sixeyes: What about misconceptions about the band? With the increase in press (numbers wise and high profile-wise – NY Times, Uncut, Paste, etc.) have you seen an increase in misconceptions about band members and your music?
MB: People seem to think of us as miserable sad-sacks. I would describe us more as tender buffoons or nervous jackasses.
Sixeyes: Boxer got its name from the lover’s quarrels in several songs, or so I’ve read, and in the New York Times piece about the new album and where its title originated you’re quoted as saying, “None of it makes any sense. It’s all so crazy, but it seems so important”, in reference to a religious tract which inspired the title High Violet. Do you think that quote could be applied to the album's songs?
MB: It does suit the record I think. Most of the songs are desperate blurry approximations something meaningful. The thing itself is pretty flexible.
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conversation 16 [mp3] from High Violet |
posted by alan williamson @ 4:23 AM   |
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| April 26, 2010
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| The New Pornographers: 'Together' Full Album Stream |
Canadian super (indie) group, The New Pornographers, will put a new record in circulation on May 4th. Titled Together (Matador), it once again boasts the triumvirate of Dan (Destroyer) Bejar, vocalist Neko Case, and bandleader/songwriter Carl Newman. Classic pop song structures once again carried by distinctive vocals and harmonies, there's not a lot different from previous records, but these are new songs by a superb band... and that's enough. It's all about the songs.
Here's a stream of Dan Bejar's "Daughters of Sorrow".
Listen to a full album stream at NPR. |
| posted by alan williamson @ 3:37 PM |
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| December 16, 2009
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| Jason Collett 'Rat a Tat Tat': "Love Is A Dirty Word" MP3 |
A new album from Toronto's Jason Collett is on the way, called Rat a Tat Tat, it will be released on March 9th 2010, but his label has seen fit to offer an mp3 off the record three months before it's release. Not sure why, but now that I ponder that question it may be to get a song out 6 weeks before the album leaks, which often is about 6 weeks before the official release date. I'm just thinking out loud, or talking out of my @$$.
"Love is A Dirty Word" is the song and I like it, no surprise there, I like much of what Collett has written and recorded as a solo artist. Listen to the song and think of the album's title, Rat a Tat Tat, I hear that in the muted bass line and even in the drums here and there. Is it the power of suggestion, or did Collett find the album title in this song? Just another of life's mysteries, I suppose.
love is a dirty word [mp3] from Rat a Tat Tat 2010
Collet recorded a session at CBC last year and included at least two songs from this upcoming record. Here he is with his band live in studio:
love is a chain [mp3] CBC Session
vanderpool vanderpool [mp3] CBC Session
Rat a Tat Tat Track List
01. Rave On Sad Songs
02. Lake Superior
03. Love Is A Dirty Word
04. Bitch City
05. High Summer
06. Cold Blue Halo
07. Love Is A Chain
08. Long May You Love
09. The Slowest Dance
10. Winnipeg Winds
11. Vanderpool Vanderpool |
| posted by alan williamson @ 5:10 PM |
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| December 15, 2009
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| New Band: Novels feat. Born Ruffians, Tokyo Police Club: MP3 |
Born Ruffians recently announced that their new album will see light of day in 2010 and will be called Say It. Now, they haven't set a date in stone, although the word "spring" was mentioned, so it could be a cold winter for Born Ruffians fans looking for something fresh. Then again, maybe not... it just so happens that Born Ruffian, Luke Lalonde, has been steppin' out with Tokyo Police Club's Graham Wright, Will Currie of Will Currie & The Country French, Ex-Po's Dean Marino, and Jason Sadlowski of Jay Sad. Well, not for long, it was sort of a one night stand... they all gathered at Toronto's Chemical Sound Studios with the intention of recording an EP in one session. This goal was accomplished according to the band's website and I have 100% proof, okay, 20% proof (it's supposedly a five song EP and I've got one song for you to download). And they settled on the band name, Novels (pictured above).
They don't intend to sell the 5 song EP in any form, as stated on their website:
"NOVELS won't be sold in CD stores, on the internet, or anywhere else. Instead, we'll give them away, or put them places. Maybe you'll find a copy sitting on a park bench. Maybe a masked man will hand you one as he passes you on the street. Maybe none of these things will happen. But we'll make sure that everyone gets a chance to listen if they want to."
"This Would Be The First Time" is short, catchy as hell, and all yours... so, spread the word and the song. What? You can't get enough of Novels? You're in luck, the session was photographed and videoed ( is that a word?). Go here for vids (I know, that isn't a word).
this would be the first time [mp3] |
| posted by alan williamson @ 5:20 PM |
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| December 12, 2009
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| Spoon: "Written In Reverse" Lyrics + MP3 |
This is the first single from Spoon's upcoming album, Transference, (due January 19th). And when I heard it, and "Mystery Zone" (another new track), I wasn't blown away, as I always expect to be when I first hear new Spoon songs. But, after a few listens everything slips into place and I realize that Britt Daniel is a magician, or the devil, or... god forbid... a songwriter, because how else can I explain why the new songs I've heard somehow recall all my old favourite Spoon songs and yet still carve out a nice comfy place in the sweet spot of my brain. Damn you, Spoon (and thank you)!!
written in reverse [mp3]
"Written in Reverse" Lyrics
I'm writing this to you in reverse
Someone better call a hearse
I can see it all from here
From just a few glimpses
Now that light bulb's gone off
And it's pulling my wincin'
And now the light bulb's gone off
I've seen it in your eyes
I've seen you blankly stare
And I wanna show you how I love you
But there's nothing there
I'm not standing here
Oh I'm not standing here
And I'm writing in reverse
You know it could be worse
I'm not standing here
I'm not standing here
I'm not standing here
I'm not standing here
and I'm writing in reverse
I know it could be worse
And I hear that famous song
And I hear that can't be wrong
No nothing was planned
You just can't help yourself
Some people are so easily shuffled and dealt
If there's only one of us you truly felt
We're gettin' you raw
And it feels real good
Although only briefly
Like high school poppers would
Will you lose a bit of yourself?
Will you lose a bit of yourself?
I'm not standing here
Oh I'm not standing here
And I'm writing in reverse
You know it could be worse
I hear that famous song
And I hear that can't be wrong
Look out
All I know, is all I know,
Yes, all I know, is all I know
Is all I know
I'm writing this to you in reverse
Someone better call a hearse
I can see it all from here
From just a few glimpses
Now that light bulb's gone off
And it's pulling my wincin'
And now the light bulb's gone off
I've seen it in your eyes
And there's nothing there
There's nothing there
I wanna show you how I love you
I can see you blankly stare |
| posted by alan williamson @ 8:02 AM |
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| Why?: "This Blackest Purse" MP3 |
Why? is the band and Yoni Wolf is the singer who moves between the friendly vibe of REM's Michael Stipe and the earnest and idiosyncratic indie nerd calling card of They Might Be Giants. The band's latest record is Eskimo Snow and boasts, "This Blackest Purse" a terrific song, with a simple melody and dense detailed lyrics.
this blackest purse [mp3]
eskimo snow (Sock Hop Version) [mp3] |
| posted by alan williamson @ 6:50 PM |
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| December 08, 2009
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| Broad Way Sleep: "Too Late" MP3 |
A yearning vocal line soars over the throbbing bottom end of Toronto band Broad Way Sleep's song, "Too Late". Nothing earth shattering here in terms of originality, but what they do, they do well enough to turn heads and this song surely will. The band is centered around songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/executive producer Ralph Joseph and includes Alexander The (of Styrofoam Ones), Sarah Shafey and Robert Bolton a.k.a. Arowbe (of Times Neue Roman).
This mp3 is a webrip, and may be missing several seconds at the start and finish, but it gives you the idea and impetus to seek them out... doesn't it?
too late [mp3] (album due February 2010) |
| posted by alan williamson @ 8:06 PM |
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| December 07, 2009
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| Spoon: "Mystery Zone" Lyrics |
Not sure if there's something wrong with the mp3 I've got, or if the song is intended to end abruptly, maybe they fall into the mystery zone. Here's what I hear, please leave any comments if you hear it differently.
"Mystery Zone"
Picture yourself
set up for good in a whole other life
In the mystery zone
Make us a house
some far away town
where nobody will know us well
where your dad's not around
and all the trouble you look for all your life
you will find it for sure
In the mystery zone
Times that we met
before we met
Times that we met
we'll go there
to the mystery zone
ah the mystery zone
There goes the rider
at gates of dawn
he takes no prisoners at all
he'll be there on his own
What gets him gone
off down that road
is something he don't understand
Ooh! The mystery zone
Maybe all he wants
maybe all he needs
is to know that the sun don't set
on the mystery zone
How come it feels so familiar
when you never been there?
How come it seems so unreachable
you never tried to find
never tired to find the mystery zone
mystery zone, oooh!
All of the people
you used to run into but never do now
they took off for the mystery zone
And when you know love
when you find it for real
it contains the emotion sense of
everyone ready
your cover was blown
you weren't there but you were
ooh in the mystery zone
you weren't there but you were
you weren't there but you were
Openin' windows
doors never close it's the fresh air fiend
it's the information troll
We'll pack a bag
sendin' it off just some things that never fit right
to the m...
and we'll send it ahead as a test so we'll know
call it up when it gets there
"What's it like in the mystery zone?"
The times that we met
before we met
we'll go back there
Oh, times that we met
we'll go back
we'll go back there
the mystery zone
to the mystery zone
the mystery zone
oh the mys... |
| posted by alan williamson @ 5:21 PM |
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| Patrick Watson: 'Just Another Ordinary Day" MP3 |
On November 17th, Patrick Watson re-released Just Another Ordinary Day. Originally self-released in 2003 in very limited quantities, this was the first recording with all four members of the band. The album was recorded at the same time the band was performing regular sets at the now legendary Café Sarajevo in Montreal. While Just Another Ordinary Day still resembles the band, Patrick Watson, this album features some of the quartet’s most accessible pop-oriented work to date.
If you're still searching for that special Christmas gift: The long playing vinyl version of Wooden Arms made it onto store shelves in mid-November, as well.
Visit his label's site here.
Here's a taste of early Patrick Watson... from Just Another Ordinary Day.
gealman [mp3]
TOUR DATES
December 10 – Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC
December 12 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Toronto, ON
December 16 – Metropolis, Montreal, QC
Get more tour dates here. |
| posted by alan williamson @ 3:14 AM |
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| December 05, 2009
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| The Notwist: "Boneless" Grizzly Bear Remix |
The Notwist and The Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra w/ The Sleeping Years at the Union Chapel, London Dec 12th.
After a series of celebrated concerts in Hamburg, Amsterdam, Munich and Cologne, The Notwist and The Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra will be playing a very unique show at the Union Chapel in London on the 12th December.
This combination of a 20-piece orchestra with a 5-piece band from Bavaria holds a lot more promise than the typical "Rock meets Classical" set up. Instead, old and new Notwist songs are elaborated upon to form extremely complex orchestral arrangements. These evenings celebrate a new interpretation and elaboration of the Notwistian songbook, which due to the obvious logistical reasons involved can only take place on a few very special occasions.
Tickets from seetickets.com
boneless grizzly bear remix |
| posted by alan williamson @ 8:30 AM |
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| Timber Timbre |
Mood. Creepy, gloomy, yearning, mood... it weeps, like basement cinder blocks sweat in summer heat, from the songs of Timber Timbre alias Taylor Kirk.
I don't know who Kirk is trying to sound like, but by making that journey (or effort) he has arrived at a place most musicians never reach. This is music, or mood, that grabs you by the hand, the shoulders or the throat and that all depends on how much this music infects you. I literally sat up straight, my ears pricked up, and all other sound and vision melted away when I first heard Timber Timbre on my mp3 player. Stumbling up against songs like this is one of the best things about loving music... the discovery of a new favourite. But all this emotion would just wash over you if it wasn't for the voice of Kirk. It's the voice that catches, that sticks like black molasses. It demands attention, sounding familiar, mysterious, and enviable all at once. One of my favourites songs from the current self-titled release is "I Get Low". Now it would be very easy for me to say I get high when I listen to the song "I Get Low", but that wouldn't be the truth. I get... umm... I get (why does busy keep popping into my head) I guess I get let loose into a world that Kirk has pulled and twisted from his mind. Maybe I should have said set free, I enjoy a sense of freedom... there's a special freedom that comes from listening to music that moves you.
Only three albums in (2006's Cedar Shakes, 2007's Medicinals and 2009's Timber Timbre) and the promise Toronto's Kirk shows those who bother to listen, easily outshines the bluesy gloom he crafts so well. I've said it before - and I'm sure I wasn't the first - but now I'll say it again: 'the best songs are sad songs'.
i get low [mp3] from Timber Timbre 2009 [BUY] |
| posted by alan williamson @ 4:00 AM |
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| November 27, 2009
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| The Muppets: Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" MP3 |
After posting the video here, I've got a lot of requests for the mp3 of this song... here it is.
the muppets - bohemian rhapsody [mp3] - This is a sharebee.com link, click through to download from several pages, including megaupload.
Subscribe to Sixeye feed here |
| posted by alan williamson @ 3:33 PM |
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