Publicity photographs of My Brightest Diamond tend to be aesthetically conscious, and there is a similar intention in this video for “Magic Rabbit” by photographer Murat Eyuboglu. It’s primarily the slowness of it, but also the photographic quality and the way in which Shara Worden fits in perfectly that makes me really like it. Some of the imagery borders on being cliche, but the rest is refreshing, and the almost whimsical editing makes it work. Besides, this Alfred Brown remix of the song is pretty fantastic, and he’s got other good stuff on his myspace page.
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More great new music videos after the jump.
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I forgot to post my favorite song last week, but absolutely buy this album! I couldn’t find a vinyl version online- Wildfire Wildfire has put it out and I bought one at the show for $12. And, of course, there are photos and videos from Saturday’s Mercury Lounge show.
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Dan Deacon sets up his table in front of the stage and tapes a luminous green skull on a mic stand raised high. Amongst other things, his essential setup includes a midi controller, effects for his voice, a small collection of lights he syncs up with the music himself, a disc man he bought from Radioshack and other haphazard-looking electronics. As much as of an unorthodox musician he may appear to be, he’s got a natural way of defying awkwardness. It takes him no effort to connect with the audience and warmly welcome them into his universe as if this were his house party.
“Wham City”
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(Photos & more videos after the jump)
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Baltimore’s Ponytail is also part of the Wham City collective, which includes Dan Deacon and Videohippos. My guess as to what grants membership: Baltimore, otherworldy energy, the ability to be possessed at some level and unapologetic enthusiasm. Members of the four-piece looked really young but created a big, aggressive sound. Frontwoman Molly squeals frantic gibberish into a telephone, shaking shoulders and wrist between demonic faces and girlish smiles. Drummer Jeremy, sweat-drenched and face red, sported a shirt in which “Videohippos” had been hand-written. He held big steady beats while the two guitarists (no bass!) ran fast licks. The last song, “Celebrate,” was much longer and more elaborate, even somewhat melodic.
“Start a Corporation”
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(Photos after the jump) Continue Reading »
Performance of “Gulag Orkestar” added to the Beirut’s 05.08 Bowery Ballroom video collection. More later.
Download “Kool Shades” (from upcoming Unbeast the Leash)
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There’s more where Dan Deacon comes from. Baltimore’s duo Videohippos are members of the collective Wham City!, which also includes bands like Ponytail and Beach House (and, of course, Deacon). Kevin O’Meare and Jim Triplett will begin touring with Dan Deacon 25th of May, which means they won’t be in New York for the May 12th date at Mercury Lounge. A New York date, however, is in the works. They will be here with a giant screen and all.
Unbeast the Leash will come out in June from Monitor Records.
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As previously posted, Beirut, Mum and others will be playing the next season of Wordless Music Series. Some dates have now been listed by Pitchfork:
09-14 Do Make Say Think, TBA
09-24 Beirut, Colleen, TBA
09-25 Beirut, Colleen, TBA
09-26 Beirut, Colleen, TBA
10-09 Mum, TBA
10-10 Mum, TBA
Previously:
Download “Dark Horse” (from upcoming Hymns for a Dark Horse)
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Some new earthy, acoustic music from North Carolina’s Bowerbirds. The husband-wife duo of Phil Moore and Beth Tacular live in an Airstream trailer (pictured) in the woods, and are often joined by friend Mark Paulson on their musical adventures. Hymns for a Dark Horse will come on July 10 from the newly-formed label Burly Time Records. They are embarking on a mini tour that includes a May 24 date at Bowery Ballroom with The Rosebuds and Ladybug Transistor. Advance tickets are $13.
A different kind of show- New York Public Library will a host a night of reading by Miranda July, who wrote and starred in Me and You and Everyone We Know. Her friend Becky Stark of Lavendar Diamond will sing, and though David Byrne has written Arboretum, he will neither perform nor read, but will only ask Miranda questions. I attended her performance of Things We Don’t Understand and Definitely Are Not Going to Talk About at the Kitchen in March, where the adorable Michel Gondry was sitting behind us in the audience, and I truthfully told him Science of Sleep is the best movie ever.
Miranda will be reading from her upcoming book No One Belongs Here More Than You. Tickets are $15.
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How did it even happen? Three nights of Beirut and three nights of Arcade Fire within four days in New York City. Pleased with the four shows I was able to attend, I suggest wrapping up this madness by handing out awards.
Best Performer
Arcade Fire’s Regine Chassagne for excellent singing, drumming and hitting of other things.
(Pictures and all other important awards after the jump)
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