The Audiophile

Kimbra

2011-12-28T00:20:00.004-07:00

Well, damn. I knew I should have posted the Gotye video ages ago, when a friend sent it to me. Now it's everywhere. It has 28 million views on YouTube and I even heard it on the radio the other day. It's definitely a good song. But I like Kimbra even better, so here's an arguably better video:

Settle Down, by Kimbra:

Lana Del Rey

2011-12-13T23:14:00.006-07:00

I can't get enough of this song. It's sweet and hypnotizing, and her voice sounds like what would happen if Tori Amos and Fiona Apple somehow had a baby.

Video Games, by Lana Del Rey:

"Blue Jeans" is also good, although the video is similar to Video Games. I wonder if a more official video might be in the works.

Blue Jeans, by Lana Del Rey:

New Black Keys

2011-11-11T22:49:00.005-07:00

The new Black Keys album will be out December 6th. Here's a teaser, which already has more than a million views. This song makes me want to dance just like this!

Lonely Boy, by The Black Keys

Foster the People

2011-09-28T23:30:00.003-06:00

Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" is all over the radio, and it is unbelievably catchy. But their new song is equally good, although the video for it is rather sinister. You'll have to watch it all the way through to see what happens.

Helena Beat, by Foster the People:

New St. Vincent

2011-09-12T22:00:00.001-06:00

St. Vincent's new album is coming out tomorrow, so to celebrate, I'm posting her latest video. When I first saw it, my initial interpretation was that she gets abducted by a family who needs a mother/wife, but it turns out she's not so good at household tasks, or at least doesn't live up to their expectations, so they dispose of her.

But a friend of mine had a more profound interpretation: "What i thought was, she was making a commentary on succumbing to the minutia of everyday life. How meaningless repetition can kill love, and eventually, something inside you just dies. They were burying her slowly, but figuratively, until eventually the person you used to be is simply gone."

Whoa.

Here's Cruel, by St. Vincent:

If you want to preview the album, you can listen to it here:

King Creosote & Jon Hopkins

2011-07-26T01:20:00.002-06:00

I don't usually go for the slower songs, but I really like the animation in this video.

Bubble, by King Creosote & Jon Hopkins:

Young Man

2011-06-10T23:34:00.005-06:00

Here's an interesting video that uses time lapse to capture crystals growing in a tank. I like the whole thing; the seahorses, the little boy, the lighting. The song is lovely too.

Here's Five by Young Man:

Young Man - Five from Sonia Levy on Vimeo.

tUnE yArDs

2011-05-09T22:34:00.005-06:00

I had the chance to see Merrill Garbus and her band perform last week and I was pleasantly surprised. She has some mad looping skills! And the choreography in this video is great. I'm going to check out her new album.

Bizness, by tUnE yArDs:

Why We Fight

2011-04-16T00:13:00.002-06:00

Here's a compelling song and video from The Decemberists.

The Decemberists, This Is Why We Fight:

Thunder On The Mountain

2011-03-30T00:32:00.004-06:00

Want to kick start your day? Check out Wanda Jackson's cover of Bob Dylan's "Thunder On The Mountain." Yep, that's Jack White, looking spiffy in his suit and shiny shoes. I think everyone looks pretty spiffy.

You can watch the video here.

Enjoy!

2011-03-09T22:10:00.003-07:00

Here's a tale of a flock of magpies who build a fortress for themselves out of the shiny treasures they plunder. Uh oh, what's that hideous sea creature doing?! This can't end well.

Stripes, by Lukid:

And now, I'm thinking of this:

Liam Lynch's What's Up:

Birds are awesome.

My Name Is Trouble

2011-02-23T22:04:00.005-07:00

The French are so stylish. Here's a nice song/video from Keren Ann. Trés bonne.

My Name is Trouble, by Keren Ann:

New Radiohead

2011-02-18T22:30:00.003-07:00

It's nice to see good bands consistently delivering great music and great videos. I really like how this one's shot:

Lotus Flower, by Radiohead:

Thom has some incredible moves! The new album, King of Limbs, will be out on March 28th, but it is available for download now if you are so inclined.

Buke And Gass

2011-01-07T00:46:00.004-07:00

I thought I would check these guys out after they were listed as an Album of the Year on All Songs Considered. I'm an instant fan and I hope they will make more videos.

Here's Page Break by Buke and Gass:

Little Dragon

2010-12-14T00:00:00.002-07:00

It's fun to find something new while looking for something else!

I like this. Twice, by Little Dragon:

More Metric

2010-12-01T22:04:00.003-07:00

I think we've already discussed my obsession with Metric. I am still obsessed. In fact, they keep getting better and better. Here's a song from the Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Soundtrack, with footage from Metric's performance at Comic-Con. Very apropos.

Black Sheep, by Metric:

New Cake

2010-11-24T00:47:00.004-07:00

Here's some new Cake, wherein they maintain their style while being brutally honest.

Sick of You, by Cake:

Infinity Guitars

2010-11-08T00:14:00.002-07:00

Sleigh Bells has brought the term "noise pop" back into the everyday vernacular. I can safely say I prefer noise pop to regular pop. This video pretty much sums up my thoughts about high school, too.

Sleigh Bells, Infinity Guitars:

The Cave

2010-10-26T23:05:00.003-06:00

Here's a rousing song from Mumford & Sons. I find it hard to feel down when I hear that banjo. It's a great song for stomping around the house.

Mumford & Sons, The Cave:

Yar, Mateys!

2010-10-19T22:56:00.002-06:00

Here's a fun one from DJ Vadim. I wish rub-on tattoos really worked like this.

Black Is The Night, by DJ Vadim:

Cats and Dogs

2010-10-07T22:25:00.005-06:00

Here's a couple of entertaining videos that feature some furry friends.

Boy, by Ra Ra Riot:

And yet another excellent video from OK GO!

White Knuckles, by OK Go:

Powerful Women

2010-08-30T00:20:00.005-06:00

Here are two videos that have recently grabbed my attention, because they are interesting and powerful. The first is Laura Marling's Devil's Spoke. The second is The Kingdom, by Jesca Hoop. Both women are talented singer-songwriters, and both songs have a compelling rhythm.

Devil's Spoke can't be embedded, but you can watch it here.

Here's Jesca Hoop's The Kingdom. I found this while I was trying to find a video for a different song I heard on the radio.

It turns out Jesca Hoop was once a nanny for Tom Waits's children. What a gig that would be!

Liam Finn

2010-08-22T23:05:00.001-06:00

I am unfamiliar with this artist, but my lovely sister suggested I check out this song and video, and I think it's great.

Liam Finn, Second Chance:

The New Pornographers

2010-07-26T00:07:00.004-06:00

Ok, so I have a slight issue with this band's name, but it hasn't stopped me from enjoying their music. Also, Neko Case sings with them. Their new album was released in May, along with a kick ass video. I'm a sucker for choreography, especially martial arts-related choreography!

Your Hands (Together), by The New Pornographers:

If you're in the Salt Lake area, these guys will be playing for free on 7/29 as part of the Twilight Concert Series.

Here's another nice one for Crash Years:

More OK Go

2010-07-06T22:14:00.002-06:00

They're back! With another fun video, which looks like it was shot in one take over several days, although I could be wrong. It's not like I'm an expert. Also, I like the goose, who follows them throughout the video.

It gets really awesome at 3:33.

Broken Bells

2010-06-18T23:47:00.004-06:00

A friend of mine just brought this to my attention and it's super cool. I've been digging this song and hoping it would have a video as well. It seems to be paying homage to "Firefly" and I wonder if it's what could have happened to Saffron after she was left behind. Also, James Mercer and Danger Mouse (who are Broken Bells) make appearances.

The Ghost Inside, by Broken Bells:

Passion Pit

2010-06-11T01:04:00.002-06:00

I've had this band recommended to me a few times lately, so I thought I'd check them out. Hypnotic and catchy, no?

Sleepyhead, by Passion Pit:

The Ravonettes

2010-06-11T00:58:00.004-06:00

I'm a fan of The Raveonettes, but for some reason, this video escaped my radar. It's so very well done.

Black/White, by The Raveonettes.

Black Keys

2010-06-02T22:25:00.003-06:00

The Black Keys have a new album out, and it's most excellent.

Tighten Up, by The Black Keys:

CocoRosie

2010-05-28T22:56:00.002-06:00

My sister is cool and she wants to go to the CocoRosie show for her birthday. Let's go!

Lemonade, by CocoRosie:

New Chemical Brothers

2010-05-24T22:01:00.004-06:00

Here's a new one from The Chemical Brothers. I'm decompressing and this song is hitting the spot.

Swoon, by The Chemical Brothers:

Giving Up The Gun

2010-04-26T23:40:00.003-06:00

I really enjoyed seeing Vampire Weekend in concert, and I'll admit I'm a little obsessed with them. I'm not sure I understand what this video has to do with the song, but there are some hilarious cameos, like a drunk Jake Gyllenhaall, RZA, and possibly Daft Punk in the helmets?

Vampire Weekend, Giving Up The Gun:

Die By The Drop

2010-04-26T23:32:00.003-06:00

Ok, I like this song. The video is so-so. It's trying to be creepy and dramatic, but I don't think the broken mirrors add anything, except to parallel Allison Mosshart's awesome makeup? Her eye makeup is super cool.

The Dead Weather, Die By The Drop:

Why Does the Sun Shine?

2010-03-24T21:54:00.004-06:00

One of the catchiest (and educational) songs about the sun is from They Might Be Giants. But they recently had to write a new song, because scientists have learned more about what really makes the sun shine.

They Might Be Giants, Why Does the Sun Shine? (The Sun is a Mass of Incandescent Gas):

And here's the new song, with the revised theory about the sun. It's less catchy, but still informative.

TMBG, Why Does the Sun Really Shine? (The Sun is a Miasma of Incandescent Plasma):

Little Lion Man

2010-03-18T01:09:00.001-06:00

I heard this song on the radio tonight, and it was very fun to drive to. Here's your "explicit-lyrics-in-the-chorus" warning, so turn it down if you're at work, eh? Or, turn it up if you work someplace cool.

Mumford & Sons, Little Lion Man:

This Too Shall Pass, The New Version

2010-03-06T23:39:00.004-07:00

In case you haven't seen it yet (although it has already had more than 5 million views), here's the same song, but with a new video. It looks like it was shot in one take, my favorite style.

Ok Go, This Too Shall Pass:

I like how you can see the pile of TVs there off to the side, so there must have been at least seven previous takes.

It Might Get Loud

2010-02-24T22:50:00.007-07:00

I finally got around to watching It Might Get Loud, and it was awesome.

I adore these three musicians in different ways, because I have enjoyed their music at different points in my life (and I still enjoy it all). It was interesting to listen to them talk about the creative process, to see where they started, and to hear them play together.

The Edge talks about his love for effects units and how technology has pushed music forward, while Jack White plays plastic guitars, old guitars, guitars he "fights with." Meanwhile, Jimmy Page makes playing the guitar look effortless. I highly recommend it if you haven't seen it yet.

Mint Royale

2010-02-11T21:05:00.002-07:00

Get ready for some sweet dance moves.

Mint Royale, Singin' In The Rain:

And now for some sweet car-dancing, with the lovely and fashionable Noel Fielding, AKA Vince Noir.
Mint Royale, Blue Song:

Help, I'm Alive

2010-02-10T23:02:00.004-07:00

This has been out for ages, but I didn't realize it was the official video. Metric's Fantasies was one of the best albums of 2009, in my opinion.

Metric, Help I'm Alive:

Laura Veirs

2010-02-01T23:08:00.005-07:00

A friend of mine turned me on to Laura Veirs a little while ago, and she has a new album out. I'm not sure if this is the official video, but it is very well done.

Laura Veirs, July Flame:

Florence + The Machine

2010-01-21T23:08:00.003-07:00

This is a little bizarre, in a good way. And glitter fights are always fun.

Florence + The Machine, Dog Days Are Over:

New Ok Go

2010-01-14T13:54:00.005-07:00

The new Ok Go ranges from trippy:

WTF

(I'm not sure about that cacophonous solo in the middle there, but otherwise, I like the song).

To some geeky fun:
This Too Shall Pass

I'm sorry these aren't "embeddable," but I thought they were worth posting.

Something Is Not Right With Me (Don't Touch Me)!

2010-01-11T22:09:00.004-07:00

So I'm a little in love with the Cold War Kids and they can do no wrong, in my opinion.
Something Is Not Right With Me, by Cold War Kids:

The way Nathan Willett sings "not right with ME (MEH!)" reminds me of this:
Don't Touch Me, by Brak:

Don't Touch Me!

Where Disappointment and Regret Collide

2010-01-03T23:50:00.005-07:00

I was looking for the video for The New Year, by Death Cab for Cutie, but found this one instead.

Title and Registration, by Death Cab for Cutie:

I'm glad for Ben Gibbard that his burnt-out, broken heart gets replaced with a shiny new one.

Happy Up Here

2009-12-21T23:03:00.004-07:00

I'm taking a break from Xmas music to ponder this question: What if Space Invaders were real?

Royksopp, Happy Up Here:

Must Be Santa

2009-12-17T01:11:00.004-07:00

He's getting old, but he's still cool. I have been stuck on this song for days.

Must Be Santa, by Bob Dylan:

That troublemaker is so getting coal this year.

New Vampire Weekend

2009-12-03T01:10:00.004-07:00

Friends, if you love Vampire Weekend as much as I do, you must visit their website to download their single, "Horchata" for FREE. Their new album comes out January 12th.

Until then, here's Cousins, their newest single:

Ulysses

2009-12-01T22:44:00.004-07:00

This one is proof once again that if it's not Scottish, it's crap. Is it just me, or is lead singer Alex Kapranos channeling Jim Morrison at 2:09?

Ulysses, by Franz Ferdinand:

It makes me want to see if I would fit in a dryer at the laundromat.

The Evolution of Kings of Leon

2009-11-20T23:33:00.006-07:00

Exhibit A, "Molly's Chambers" (2003):

I don't think I need to comment on the hair or the pants or the denim jacket Caleb is sporting. But the song rocks, and that's what counts. Speaking of rocking, I give you Exhibit B, "Four Kicks" (2005):

This is still one of my favorite songs. Apparently you can't say "Switchblade Posse" on the MTV, but you can have a video where people are kicking (or at least pretending to) the crap out of each other.

And finally, here is where they are today.
Exhibit C, "Use Somebody" (2008):

This is very shiny and looks like something from a movie, and the song is getting an insane amount of airplay on our local radio stations. I will probably always love these cousin-brothers, but I think I prefer their older stuff. I like Caleb's haircut, though.

St. Vincent, revisited

2009-11-14T00:06:00.004-07:00

St. Vincent's latest album is really growing on me. Then I saw her perform on Austin City Limits the other night and was blown away by her energy. I'm holding out for a video for "Save Me From What I Want," but for now, here's "Marrow:"

Skeletons

2009-10-26T20:53:00.005-06:00

Personally, I think skeletons are the best part of Halloween. Here are some good skeleton-related videos.

"Around the World," by Daft Punk, Directed by Michel Gondry:

Hey, it has mummies too!

Here's "Bones," by The Killers, Directed by Tim Burton:

Happy Halloween!

Wolf Like Me

2009-10-23T23:12:00.005-06:00

I can't resist Halloween-themed posts!

TV On The Radio, "Wolf Like Me:"

"So yeah, we're werewolves."

Dead Man's Bones

2009-10-09T22:13:00.004-06:00

What's creepier than a walking wishbone? A walking wishbone with a machine attached to it ambling through a ghost town of plastic figurines? Or a lone carousel inhabited by the spirit of a dead horse? All of the above?

I'm quite taken with Dead Man's Bones. Who knew dreamboat Ryan Gosling and pal Zach Shields were so creative? Here's another one, for a slight change of pace. It's getting me excited for Halloween.

Dead Man's Bones, "Name In Stone:"

I Feel It All

2009-10-08T22:02:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone! It's Indie Darling Leslie Feist! And she has pyrotechnics at her disposal!

Dresses

2009-10-02T01:06:00.006-06:00

These videos don't really have anything to do with each other, except they feature dresses I think would be fun to wear. And the lead singers are cute.

Metric, "Sick Muse:"

Also, I think they (Metric) might have just gotten drunk and had fun in front of the camera.

Ok, on to The Noisettes, "Never Forget You:"

Harrowdown Hill

2009-09-24T22:50:00.003-06:00

Thom Yorke's solo album "The Eraser" came out back in 2006, but I've only just discovered the video for "Harrowdown Hill," one of the best songs on the album.

How about 2 for 1 Thursdays? Here's "There, There" by Radiohead:

Wow, I was not expecting that. It reminds me of a Grimm's fairy tale, where the protagonist doesn't heed warnings and ends up paying for it in the end. Thom! Don't touch the suit!

Little Bribes

2009-09-17T01:08:00.005-06:00

Here's a brand new video for a brand new song. I think it's catchy and the video is well done, and it's about Vegas.

Death Cab for Cutie, "Little Bribes:"

Nowadays, it's hard to embed videos from YouTube (especially newer ones) because the record labels prohibit embedding on other sites. Hence, my bringing them to you from VH1/MTV.com, which do still post videos, if you can find them buried under all of the reality show garbage and celebrity gossip. The problem is, the videos from the sites are usually preceded by ads, LOUD SIGH.

Dance, Dance Revolution...

2009-09-11T23:20:00.004-06:00

To me, this song is more about the lyrics and the melody than the video.

John Vanderslice, "Exodus Damage:"

So the second plane hit at 9:02
I saw it live on a hotel TV,
talking on my cell with you
you said this would happen, and just like that,
it did
wrong about the feeling, wrong about the sound
but right to say
we would stand down.

Elbow

2009-09-06T23:19:00.006-06:00

There's a certain level of melancholia that appeals to me. A minor key, a solemn voice, thought-provoking lyrics and a video that captures the syncopation of the song? Perfect.

And I dealt with this years ago
I took a hammer to every memento
But image on image like beads on a rosary
pulled through my head as the music takes hold
and the sickener hits; I can work till I break
but I love the bones of you
That, I will never escape

Grizzly Bear

2009-09-01T22:00:00.008-06:00

This video came to my attention via Dooce, who posted it about a week ago. It's not the official video for the song, but the animator did such an incredible job, it should be the official video.

"Two Weeks," by Grizzly Bear, created by Gabe Askew:

Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear from Gabe Askew on Vimeo.

For contrast, here is the official video, which is pretty bizarro. My vote is for Gabe's.

Relator

2009-08-26T23:25:00.004-06:00

Damn, this is catchy. Pardon the flagrant advertising. Nothing comes for free, I guess.

"Relator," by Pete Yorn feat. Scarlett Johansson:

Nikka Costa

2009-08-23T22:53:00.003-06:00

Let's take a minute and go all the way back to 2001. The first time I saw this video on VH1, I was blown away. I never caught it again on TV, but I bought the album (Everybody Got Their Something) and it quickly became one of our favorites. The girl's got moves and a voice that could knock you down.

I wish the quality were better, but here's "Like A Feather," by Nikka Costa:

Can You Tell

2009-08-15T00:33:00.002-06:00

I have mentioned before how much I like Ra Ra Riot. Here's another sweet song.

"Can You Tell" by Ra Ra Riot:

Ghosts

2009-08-12T23:11:00.003-06:00

Ah, it's fun to get music recommendations. Here's a nice song with a great video, my favorite combination.

Laura Marling, "Ghosts:"

Aha! I thought she seemed familiar. She had an appearance with the Mystery Jets here.

Strawberry Swing

2009-08-04T22:36:00.007-06:00

In my never-ending quest to find interesting videos, I was thrilled to find this one by Coldplay. It's not available for embedding, but you can go to Coldplay's YouTube site to see it. Enjoy!

It seems to be edited in the same style as the vid for "Her Morning Elegance," but it's not the same director.

*And now it IS available, through the magic of Vh1:

An Open Letter to Adam (MCA) Yauch

2009-07-30T00:04:00.005-06:00

Dear MCA,

Please get better. I love you.

The Dead Weather

2009-07-24T00:36:00.007-06:00

I am excited about Jack White's latest project, but I am a little distressed by their new video. The Dead Weather is: Allison Mosshart from The Kills, Jack Lawrence from The Raconteurs, Dean Fertita from Queens of the Stone Age, and of course, Jack White, from The White Stripes (and The Raconteurs, his other other project). This time he is on the drums.

Hey, I like all of those bands! And I dig the song. A couple of years ago, I might have thought the video was really cool. But now that I'm a mom, I have strong, palpable reactions to things that are violent. And this video might be violent just to be violent. Am I wrong? I want to like it, because I like Allison and Jack.

Maybe it is trying to be a metaphor for how destructive love can be, as one of the more astute You Tube commenters pointed out. And I like the sun shining through the bullet holes. But otherwise, what is the point of this?

The Dead Weather, "Treat Me Like Your Mother:"

Legos

2009-07-15T23:50:00.003-06:00

Is Legos the correct plural of Lego? Legoes?

Anyway, whenever I'm feeling uninspired, I think of this video directed by Michel Gondry.

I love it.

Dance Anthem of the 80s

2009-07-05T23:17:00.004-06:00

My current favorite new song:

"Dance Anthem of the 80s," Regina Spektor:

Weapon of Choice

2009-07-04T00:58:00.006-06:00

A while back, my friend Ironic Collector said she's collecting songs that have the same title, but are by different artists. Whenever I feel down, I like to watch Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice," and who doesn't? But I also like the song of the same name by the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Unfortunately, their video can't really compete, seeing as how Fatboy's video by Spike Jonze is hands-down one of the best videos EVAR.

Fatboy Slim, "Weapon of Choice:"

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, "Weapon of Choice:"

Billie Jean

2009-06-26T01:02:00.005-06:00

When I heard the news about Michael Jackson today, it made me sad. Sad for the King of Pop I knew when I was little, who had dance moves I'd never seen before, whose rise to fame was almost as staggering as his fall to ignominy.

I was 6 years old when "Thriller" came out, and I remember staring at the cover of the record, not necessarily at MJ, who was certainly dreamy enough in 1982, I suppose, but at the tigers. The baby tigers must have been his, right? Which made him extra cool.

My dad used to record videos on MTV and "Night Flight" and let me watch the ones he considered relatively harmless. I loved "Billie Jean" because the sidewalk lit up when Michael's shoes touched the squares. And the stairs! And the lamp post! And the bed! The video conveyed the idea to me that he must have magical powers, powers of lighting stuff up, at least. I had no idea what the words meant, being 6 and all, in fact, I thought he was saying "The jet is not my gum." Which makes no sense, of course.

It's weird when someone famous dies. Michael Jackson has been off my radar for a long time; I wrote him off after all of the weirdness and controversy. Also, my taste in music changed as I grew up. But it never occurred to me that he might succumb to mortality.

From the looks of the current top albums selling on iTunes, I'm not the only one remembering the impact he had on my childhood and my love for something with a good, danceable beat.

YYYs vs. Santogold

2009-06-23T13:55:00.007-06:00

It's time for another installment of "This Video Reminds Me of That Video." This week's videos involve some surreal violence, which has me wondering if it makes something less violent if it is surreal? Or is it still just as violent? View and discuss.

Let's start with the new Yeah Yeah Yeah's video, "Heads Will Roll," which has some kind of Werewolf, dancing ala Michael Jackson, which I'm not even going to attempt to explain. I can't embed it, but here's the link:

I find the whole thing to be pretty hilarious, but it gets interesting at 2:55. Now that's what I call Dinner Theater!

So that reminded me of this Santogold video, and I wondered if maybe it was done by the same director. They were directed by different people, but it's possible the "surreal violence" idea is something we're going to see more of.

Santogold, "L.E.S. Artistes:"

Mystery Jets

2009-06-12T01:19:00.002-06:00

I haven't made up my mind about this one yet, but they get points for being cheeky and making me laugh.

Mystery Jets, "Young Love:"

The Modern

2009-06-04T00:31:00.006-06:00

What's better than a two minute video by a quirky Swedish singer? A two minute video with fire! Why did we get rid of our piano? We could have BURNED it!

Frida Hyvonen, "The Modern:"
(As always, click the HD button for best quality, if you can see it.)

Won't be afraid of language
as if it were my fault
won't be afraid of happiness
won't be afraid at all.

Choreography

2009-05-26T23:19:00.003-06:00

Has this ever happened to you? You're watching a newish video which reminds you of another video, and then you search for that other video, which you haven't seen for ages and you laugh and laugh? That's what happened here.

Exhibit A: "New In Town," by Little Boots:

Exhibit B: "Not if You Were the Last Junkie On Earth," by the Dandy Warhols:

I think the Dandy Warhols win. In another life, I want to come back as one of those dancing syringes. Yes, it's messed up. I'm a sucker for choreography, especially hilarious choreography.

TV On the Radio, Revisited

2009-05-21T00:10:00.007-06:00

A while back, I posted a TV on the Radio video. Here's another one of our favorites, which contains the following:

1. Very Buff Godheads/Deities
2. Golden Musical Instruments
3. Dancing Policemen (and a police woman!)
4. A Care Bear "stare"

TV On the Radio, "Golden Age:"

Love, don't you falter
Burning hearts
Dragged behind
The horses dancing on the altar
Hooves breaking Gods
To diamond dust and stars
And there you are...

And here's an older one, which is played just as often around here. It's a slower pace, but the song is really lovely. The video is a bit dark, given that the woman is being shot in slow motion by gun-toting animals, but the whole thing is pretty incredible.

TV On the Radio, "Province:"

PROVINCE-TV on the Radio

Hold these hearts courageously
as we walk into this dark place
Stand, steadfast beside me and see
that love is the province of the brave.

D.A.N.C.E.

2009-05-13T02:03:00.002-06:00

Here's a funky video that is pretty well done.

Justice, "D.A.N.C.E:"

St. Vincent, Old and New

2009-05-07T00:15:00.003-06:00

St. Vincent's new album just came out, and my sister sent me the link so I could check out her new video. And while I was watching that, I found an older one that's also pretty cool.

St. Vincent, "Jesus Saves, I Spend," from the Marry Me release (2007):

I want a badge in Mind Sandwich!

And here's her new one. I think I like the song a lot better than the video, but then again, I think the video is supposed to make me uncomfortable.

St. Vincent, "Actor Out of Work," from the Actor release (2009):

Peter Fox

2009-04-28T22:45:00.003-06:00

My dad, a High School German teacher, recently shared some fun videos with me. He likes to incorporate them into his classes. Cool, huh?

Peter Fox is like a combination of Peter Gabriel, Tom Waits, Ron Perlman, and my husband. You don't even have to know any German to enjoy these.

Peter Fox, "Haus Am See:" (House at the Lake)

(Roughly)

The moon shines bright on my house at the lake
Leaves of an orange tree are laying on the road
I have 20 kids and my wife is beautiful
Everyone walks by and I don't need to go outside

Peter Fox, "Alles Neu:" (All Is New)

Hey, everything shines, so new.
Hey, if I don't like it, I'll start anew.

Peter Bjorn and John

2009-04-23T00:48:00.004-06:00

Um, wow. I'm not sure I can do this video justice by trying to describe it. Check it out. Peter Bjorn and John, "Nothing to Worry About:"

Awesome.

Emily Haines and Metric

2009-04-16T00:22:00.006-06:00

I really like Metric (they're Canadian, eh?) and they have a new album coming out...yesterday, I think! I should go and pick it up from my new favorite local music store, Slowtrain.

Anyway, Metric is a little on the pop-ish side of things, but I tend to gravitate toward upbeat, catchy music. They've put out a couple of albums now. Emily Haines, the lead singer, put out a solo album in 2006, which included this song:

Emily Haines, "Our Hell:"

My hands will shake, my eyes will burn
My throat will ache, watching you turn
From me toward your friends

Wow, that video is creepy. I really like the way it was filmed, although I'm not sure what's up with the pig mask or the clown. Now, let's pick up the tempo a bit.

Metric, "Gimme Sympathy:"

This video isn't all that creative, but it reinforces the small crush I already had on Emily Haines...

New Neko Case

2009-04-09T23:27:00.004-06:00

Her new album is pretty great. I've been waiting to see what the video to this song would look like.

Neko Case, "People Got A Lotta Nerve:"

You know they call them 'Killer Whales?!'
But you seem surprised when it pinned you down
To the bottom of the tank
Where you can't turn around
It took half your legs and both your lungs
'When I craved I ate hearts of sharks, I know you know it.'

Her Morning Elegance

2009-04-01T00:10:00.003-06:00

Here's an awesomely well-done video that has gone viral the past couple of months. So. Well. Done.

Oren Lavie, "Her Morning Elegance:"

Arcade Fire

2009-03-30T00:16:00.003-06:00

I just saw the trailer for the new "Where the Wild Things Are" movie, and I was so excited. I love this book and I love the song they chose for the trailer. Arcade Fire is one concert I seriously regret missing. It was supposedly one of the best shows and they really get into it, as you can see. If they ever come back to SLC, I'm going, and that's all there is to it.

Arcade Fire, "Wake Up:"

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

2009-03-27T00:07:00.004-06:00

There's a lot of new music coming out, which is very exciting. Unfortunately, there don't seem to be any awesome videos for said new music....yet. Here's the new Yeah Yeah Yeah's single, "Zero." The video isn't groundbreaking or anything, but it does kinda make me want to get some aqua tights and take a bedazzler to my leather jacket.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero
by UniversalMusicGroup

Death Cab for Cutie

2009-03-12T00:48:00.005-06:00

Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service) falls into the category I lovingly refer to as the "sleepy whiner" genre. Here's a nice song with a well-done video. You can watch it in high quality if you click on the little "HQ" icon.

Death Cab for Cutie, "Grapevine Fires:"

Blitzen Trapper

2009-03-07T00:19:00.002-07:00

One advantage of having cool sisters, is they can tell you about cool new music.

Here's the lovely "Furr" by the lovely Blitzen Trapper:

Jumping

2009-03-03T21:28:00.005-07:00

These people have too much energy. But I like the cinematography.

Goldfrapp, "Happiness" (2008):

Peter Wolf, "Come As You Are" (1987):

Bobby Van, "Take Me To Broadway" (1953):

Kaki King

2009-02-24T23:19:00.002-07:00

Kaki King makes me wish I knew how to play the guitar.
Kaki King, "Playing with Pink Noise:"

Bishop Allen

2009-02-20T22:50:00.003-07:00

My sister and I were checking out the site for this year's Sasquatch Music Festival, and I was totally wowed by the lineup. Also, it reminded me that I've been meaning to post this song by Bishop Allen. It reminds me a bit of The Kinks' "Picture Book."

Bishop Allen, "Click, Click, Click, Click:"

"I wasn't someone they'd invite
Because I didn't know the groom
Or know the bride
But when I stood next to her brother
For the photograph
He was laughing."

Lykke Li

2009-02-18T22:08:00.003-07:00

I've been liking Lykke Li's songs lately because they're so damn catchy. This video is um, weird. But I like the song a whole lot.

Of Montreal

2009-02-13T00:31:00.002-07:00

I like this one because it is is cute and also a little messed up.

Of Montreal, "Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games:"

Ana Ng

2009-02-02T22:01:00.004-07:00

This is just because I have been stuck on this song for several days and I want to share the joy. Also, my iPod seems somewhat obsessed with it.

They Might Be Giants, "Ana Ng:"

"I don't want the world. I just want your half."

The Raconteurs

2009-01-27T22:14:00.004-07:00

Hey, here's a nice one from the Raconteurs. Jack White and Brendan Benson harmonize so nicely. Their latest album is growing on me! The video reminds me a little bit of when Jack was in "Cold Mountain." Hope he doesn't kick the bucket in this one.

Oh, and sorry about the advertisement. The Raconteurs, "Old Enough:"

Devotchka

2009-01-27T21:51:00.004-07:00

In honor of their upcoming concert (tomorrow!), here's "How It Ends" by Devotchka. For those of you in SLC, they will be playing at In The Venue. I really hate how that location's name BEGINS with a preposition.

Tom Waits

2009-01-22T22:57:00.004-07:00

Yep. He's still at it.
Tom Waits, "God's Away on Business:"

Rasputina

2009-01-19T00:25:00.004-07:00

Ok, so if chicks with guitars are cool, then chicks with cellos are even cooler, IMHO. Here's "1816, the Year without a Summer," which is the abridged version of the song, but the best version of the video I could find. This is part of a video playlist on "Crackle," and since I can't figure out how to embed the Rasputina video without the other videos on the playlist, I'm just posting the whole kit and kaboodle. There are some other interesting ones as well.

Here's the unofficial vid for Rasputina's cover of "Barracuda," which just has the song and pictures of the band. But it's a great cover!

Ra Ra Riot

2009-01-10T00:09:00.004-07:00

Here's a newish band I like a lot. Ra Ra Riot gets compared with Vampire Weekend, probably because they came out shortly after VW. But, the lead singer sounds a bit like Morrissey and I like that the band has two women who play string instruments. Cool!

This video is great. What's going to happen to the caterpillars and the leaves? Oh, the suspense!

Ra Ra Riot, "Dying is Fine:"

My Drive Thru

2009-01-07T14:27:00.004-07:00

I'm digging on Santogold at the moment. Coincidentally, I also like The Strokes. So imagine my delight when I found this collaborative video featuring Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Pharrell Williams of N.E.R.D., and Santogold!

"My Drive Thru"

Maybe Sparrow

2009-01-05T16:00:00.003-07:00

Here's a haunting one, from Neko Case's 2006 album "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood."

Neko Case, "Maybe Sparrow:"