Daily Randomness

A look at what's happening right now:



NYC's Vampire Weekend grace our sunny shores on October 26, all thanks to the lovely people at Greenhorn Productions. If you want a taste of 'Upper West Side Soweto', don't forget to get your tickets via Sistic. Tickets are at $68, $88, $108, $128 & $148 (excluding Sistic fees). Public booking will be launched on August 28, but as always, you can get priority booking if you are a fan of Greenhorn's on Facebook.

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Yeasayer's video for "Madder Red" is out, and Guardian has got the exclusive scoop. Helmed by Andreas Nilsson (The Knife, Fever Ray, MGMT), the video features American actress Kristen Bell and a blob of some disfigured being that passes off as her pet. Bizarre, but the actors make it extremely believable.

Read about the director's inspiration behind the video [link].

Album Review: See Green - Violet EP

On the cover of the Violet EP, See Green frontwoman Courtenay Green is lying in a bathtub, her modesty covered with flowers and foliage. I wonder if the image is a play on the band's name, or if they are trying to prove a point. Either way, it intrigues. And for some reason, Courtenay reminds me of flame-haired indie songstress Neko Case (Middle Cyclone, anyone?).

Inside though, the 5 track EP has a boatload of references and fun nods to the 80s. In Courtenay's own words, this is "vibrant alternative pop is grounded in the past, but very much of the present" and it features "catchy hooks, clever lyrics, and quirky interludes". She wrote and arranged almost every song and co-produced all of her recordings as a drummer, guitarist and pianist. Talk about multiple talents.

Expect short but punchy songs. "Think Twice" is one of those perky ones -- it sounds like a cartoon soundtrack! As a kid of the 80s, it certainly brings back good memories. However, if you are looking for a standout track, I would recommend "Get What I Want". Rollicking fun tune.

The guitar takes center stage on album closer "Fade away". While vaguely different from the rest of the album, it is a neat way to wrap up the album.

See Green sure knows how to create a pompous affair. Their first full-length album is still in the works, but in the meantime you can indulge yourself in this EP. Go ahead and purchase Violet from the iTunes store.

Download:
See Green - Think Twice [MP3]

Bonus:
See Green - I Can Change (LCD Soundsystem Cover) [MP3]

Album Review: Sheila Nicholls - Songs from the Bardo

Life is full of surprises. Sometimes it throws up unexpected little gems, like Sheila Nicholls.

Essex-born Sheila Nicholls has come a long way. After moving to the US in the 90s, she performed with NY-based group Sheila Nicholls and the Splendid Frock, recorded 3 solo albums and started her own label, Essex Girl Records. Songs from the Bardo, her third and latest album, arrives 7 years after her last.

On this record, Sheila weaves together an interesting mix of genres, ranging from pop, folk to trip-hop. The versatile singer-songwriter proves that she can handle almost any kind of music.

The album kicks off with "Where None Are Afraid". It is a gorgeous, dreamy piano-driven song which endears itself to the listener from the get-go. Comparisons have been drawn with Ani DiFranco, and there are also shades of Fires-era Nerina Pallot here.

The album’s general mood is breezy and chill, especially on songs like "Bardo" and "Old Friend". The former, with its rousing 'liberate liberate liberate' refrain, is a discourse on the liberation from relationships which have now soured. On the other hand, the latter brings to mind Emily Haines with its calming and pleasant vibe.

Elsewhere, Sheila tackles heavier stuff like political and social commentary on "Natural Law", and matters of the heart on the trip-hop tune "Celery Bay".

Anyone who appreciates a good sound should find Songs from the Bardo a worthwhile investment. While it doesn’t exactly break new ground, it still makes for a pretty compelling listen. You'll see there's plenty of oil left in her engine yet, even after 7 long years.

Songs from the Bardo is available from iTunes.

Download:
Sheila Nicholls - Bardo
Sheila Nicholls - Natural Law

Bonus:
Sheila Nicholls - Mighty Love (Live at The Hotel Cafe) [All MP3s Removed]