I Find Myself, Once Again

Missing out on yet another music festival. This time, it is CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival.
One thing I need to say about this festival is that it is INTENSE. I mean, you look at the line-up, and theres literally shit going on every minute, start to finish. From music to film, the list is nearly limitless.

So, instead of taking on the impossible feat of proclaiming all the bands I wish I were seeing, I'm going to talk about a band I have seen, and am very proud that they are at CMJ this year.

Awesome New Republic, has deservingly landed a spot on the line-up (and have probably just finished their set as I type this). The Miami group has been officially ANR since 2004. While they were disbanded for a period, the group resurrected recently to perform and work on a new album, "Rational Geographic." I have seen the band play a few times, one of which being in the Planetary of the Miami Museum of Science, and they just know how to make a Miami night one to remember (which is quite the feat, considering inebriation).

Their latest album is a fusion of multiple genres, but ultimately it's hard to draw comparisons with other bands to this one; the sound is so unique and genuine, you just have to listen.

Two classics from their 2005 EP "ANR So Far":
2K3012
Wheels No Engines

It's pretty amazing, considering how they recorded most of that album in a bedroom and it was given a 7.9 on pitchfork. Not to say that pitchfork is ever a reliable source, but I'm not surprised that their infectious sound has struck yet another listener. They have a big future ahead of them, what with music festivals, reviews, and tons of praise flowing from every music blogging orfus (ahem), the possibilities just seem endless.

Pocket, at 5 AM

<3Richard Jankovich<3
Ladies and Gents, I have stumbled upon a very, very beautiful and talented man that also goes by P O C K E T. (Thanks Benji)
The first full length album by pocket was mixed in portland, oregon in july of 2008. each of these 12 tracks feature a unique vocalist from a variety of genres and styles.

But hey, Let's be self-indulgent (and honest); I just want to talk about his mixes.
His mix template includes Beck, and Radiohead (I suggest downloading "Unravel (Pocket mix)" as soon as you finish reading this) among others, which you can view and listen to here

To make it simple, I've even included his take on the track "Bridges and Balloons" by Joanna Newsom:



MMmmmmmm....

I'm practically drooling on myself. This could be because it is 5 in the am, but I'm just going to make his facial hair the scapegoat.

Dear Science- TV on the Radio

On Spetember 22, the band's third release that has been heavily anticipated quietly emerged in America. I say quietly because I had heard nothing about it until after the fact. While I haven't always been the biggest fan of TV on the Radio, this album is in pretty good standing with my current playlists.

The album begins with "Halfway Home", which is carried by a distorted guitar and is followed by synth beats similar to M83's latest release, Saturdays=Youth. Towards the end of the track, in typical TVOTR fashion, the song diverts into a semi-break-down of noise and chants which are expected to be celebrated on dance floors to come.

Dear Science displays the band's transitions and growth from quick and almost self-indulgent tracks, such as "Wolf Like Me". Songs like "Crying" and "Red Dress" are the most evident representation of the afro-beat influence that is found throughout the album. From quick and repetitive bass riffs, to hand clapping, shifts in the bands influences have become more obvious than before. one-note-blaring trumpets heard on the track "Lover's Day" are highly reminiscent of the band's second album, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes, but are accompanied by violins and played in a more classical style on "Love Dog".

While TVOTR's lyrics remain dismal and clever, it is obvious that this is a lighter album. While the band still takes plenty of opportunities to remind us that they are a ROCK band, I could still imagine putting songs like "Family Tree" on a mix for my mom.


Most Likely to be Played/Remixed by Your Local DJ:
Dancing Choose
Golden Age
Halfway Home

Of course, I couldn't leave you without the quirky video for Golden Age:

Their album in it's entirety (excluding bonus tracks) is available for previewing on their MySpace
DISCLAIMER: MySpace's new player interrupts your listening to bring you terrible ads! If you are easily frustrated (like me), I recommend other music hosting site, such as Hypem or Grooveshark.