hooves on the turf

Feist played a (moving) bus

“I Feel It All” from The ReminderÂ

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Final Fantasy at Bowery Ballroom - May 8 video

In the midst of Beirut-induced buzz I might’ve under-emphasized the merit of Final Fantasy sets. Here’s some evidence from the May 8th show. He played this after wondering out loud if he should play a downer, and before Beirut joined him for the last song, “That’s When the Audience Died.”

“Took You Two Years To Win My Heart”

Previously

• Beirut at Bowery May 8th - videos + review
• Beirut at Bowery - photos + review
• Final Fantasy at Bowery - photos + review

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Great new videos - My Brightest Diamond, Low, YACHT

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.

More great new music videos after the jump.

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Dan Deacon at Mercury Lounge - photos + videos

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”

(Photos & more videos after the jump)

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Ponytail at Mercury Lounge - video + photos

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”

(Photos after the jump)

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Weekend treat: Beirut’s “Gulag Orkestar”

Performance of “Gulag Orkestar” added to the Beirut’s 05.08 Bowery Ballroom video collection. More later.

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