Sunday, February 27, 2011

Click To Fall In Love

Alright, I'm not going to delve into how bad of a blogger I am. That would be silly as you should be here for the awesome music you get to discover; not for my paltry personal tidbits (on a side note, don't you believe that TimBits should just be called TidBits? It's adorable and oh so much more logical! ...yeah I can't promise you won't be receiving a few personal comments?)

ANYWHO! I randomly ran into this boy via YouTube and I admit I was slightly unimpressed at the beginning of the song. He's just another of the million indie-sappy-teenage-seeking-famers out there, but let me tell you why Matt Lungley is different! This up-and-coming youthful musician comes from Kent, England, which is reason enough to give him a shot. Who doesn't want to listen to the pure magnificence of the British Accent?!?

His new EP Insecurities showcases his soothing voice with his unique style of harmonizing with multiple tracks and separate melodies. Towards the end of the song, the classical acoustic qualities transform into a jazzy tune of ear massaging goodness without overbearingly switching genres. Genius really, because it leaves the listener with a prolonged urge to relisten to it-IMMEDIATELY! It also doesn't hurt that this kid is adorable and I want to smother him with huggings! Haha kidding. Overall favourite part of the song is how he pronounces his lyrics (note: the 'adore you's)

Now I've made this really easy for you this time. All you have to do is click this link. Right below. Just click it to fall in love.
Enjoy long-lost Musifriends.
Yours. Smpnthr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=832E_fPBEEs&feature=related

Sunday, February 7, 2010

A Gargantuan Quantum of Musical Goodness

Sunday afternoon
(plus)
more textbook readings
(plus)
Sleepiness
(minus)
motivation
(multiplied by)
youtube
(EQUALS!)
A Gargantuan Quantum of Musical Goodness
*gasp* :O (!)

Watch and be entertained as your mind dissolves into a ball of artistic righteousness. Just go with it.

1.)Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear
This version is simply adorable! (but please, say that word with a french accent). I love how the film was shot and the cute world at the end! I wish I could spend the afternoon there instead of the -10 we're currently at?? Plus this version is so much nicer then their other one for the same song. If you want to see disturbing search it up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cZfzch8vDo

2.) Moray McLaren - We Got Time
Firstly, I have to say that this is like one of the coolest music videos I've seen in a while. The music is ok, but the video itself from a filming perspective is quite nice. Simple yet definitely effective. Waaaatch iiiiitt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9e38cuhnaU

3.) Matt and Kim - Lesson Learned
Slow going beginning, but keep watching because it gets better. Trust me. Wait for the twist at the end (you'll know what I mean). And by the way, my team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJkymylTNU4

4.) Kid606 - Mr. Wobble's Nightmare
Comments. Can I comment on this?!? Is this even a music video?!? haha. If you enjoy a healthy dose of ridiculousness, live action vs. animation, fruit and murder. I have found the video for you! I think it gets better the more you watch it, but really I wouldn't know.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epI6D8NG4VE

5.) Passion Pit - The Reeling
So it's questionable whether or not I would listen to this song without the music video, but I actually really like the music video! I dunno about you, but it makes me wish I could be jumping around in it! So I suppose I would consider liking the song after seeing the video. Hmm. I'm feeling like I'm not portraying this as a good jam. Ah! One way to find out! Tell me what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U-Ul5qnLeQ

6.)Devendra Barnhart-Carmensita
I stand very corrected. THIS is absolutely the most obscurely odd video ever. Sung in Spanish to an Indian theme with captions non-related and yes, that is Natalie Portman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_QAPjtO2cA
(It's almost as bad as R.Kelly)

7.) Sigur Ros-Hoppipolla
I fell in love with this when it was introduced to me a while ago from a friend :) It pretty much summarizes our childhood. Quite possibly out senior-ship as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkP_NaMsrMM&feature=player_embedded#

8.) Animal Collective - My Girls
Older song, great band. Music video?: Is a bit of an acid trip. If you like colours! ....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zol2MJf6XNE

9.) Department Of Eagles - No One Does It Like You
Ok so this is just weird. Even for me. However, it's wonderful if you are tired of the mainstream media that is fed to us. Just be warned it is eccentric, that's all I'm saying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZAKjKC7Gho

10.) Matt and Kim- Daylight
BEST FOR LAST(maybe).... IT’S A HAPPY SONG! :D
Alright, sure these folks have already been on this list once, but they’re new to me so suck it up. I love this guy seriously! (still on my team) He is just so happy/giddy/smiley!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgBeu3FVi60&NR=1


I am going to pretend that this is not a huge FAIL and that I have not copied this from a Facebook note of mine....No, this was strictly blog info. ... yessss........

Cheers,
Smpthr

Monday, January 25, 2010

Finally Something Personal?



And now to finally prove to the world that yes, Sampanthera does in fact play the guitar. I wrote this one a while ago now about a street name in Windsor and after watching the movie Once. It helped to inspire the song a lot actually. I was aiming to record a demo CD this past summer, however because of work less then half of the songs were completed. This being one of my personal favs was chosen on a crisp (perhaps slightly partied out after morning catch my drift) day where I pranced about Kingston with finger puppets and my camcorder to make a (hopefully) semi-entertaining video to accompany the music. There may be nothing better then filming nothing in a city and discovering what you've been missing out on. Here's the puzzle pieces put together. And no I did not in fact construct that snowdoll. I stumbled upon a hobo's makeshift shelter and I witnessed it for the first time along with my rolling film. I didn't realize that snow could show me such a raw, basic human emotion. Just to have companionship. Just something to love.

Anywho, it's sloppy. It's supposed to be. It was made for the sake of prancing with my mittens. Hope you enjoy it!

ChaCheers,
Smpthr

Sunday, January 3, 2010

New Musical Goodness

Welcome to twentyten everybody! It is my great pleasure to introduce to you the new playlist, filled with a random assortment of indie, folk, and alternative. These are some of my newer favs and some older ones which I haven't talked about yet. Unfortunately the html code doesn't completely fit the website so I have it playing on random (hint, if you'd like a bit more control, you can find the pop-out screen button on the bottom which will bring it out to a new window).

There's a few artists who I've recently spoke about, such as Ani DiFranco, Jets Overhead and...actually that may be it right now.

Anywhozzer! Take a sneak peak for what's coming up next!

Cheers,
S.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Second Chances

Funny how life continues to surprise you with even the little things. For example, I absolutely despise seafood, however I've discovered through grease-sopping cafeteria food that if you have fish sticks that are more batter than aquatic vertebrate, the meal is actually amazing. Disgustingly greasy but none-the-less, amazing. Perhaps this is appropriate for my opinion about Ani DiFranco. (Wait. No I was not implying that she is greasy....) I was introduced to her a bit over a year ago and I thought I could enjoy the soothingness of her guitar, but somehow we just could not click. Maybe it was her slightly unorganized lyrics, but whatever it was I didn't like, I suppose I'm musically prepared to thoroughly enjoy her now. It's been an odd and rapid transformation over the past few days, but I'm pleased I've finally been able to appreciate her.

Ani DiFranco was born to two folkish musicians which would explain how she adopted her own folk/rock style of music and passion for the industry. She has released over 20 albums, and even began her own record company called Righteous Records. Most of her songs deal with all of those delightful topics such as religion, politics, racism and sexuality. A risky move I'd say because you will either love her or hate her for it, but I'm actually gaining quite a bit of respect for her boldness. I don't think I could incorporate such disputed topics in my own songs. So as mentioned before, she does have over 20 albums, and I obviously haven't been able to listen (or find) them all, so I'm limited to only what I've listened to, but her most recent album, Canon, has been most enchanting. Joyful Girl, and 32 Flavors would have to be my preferred songs. Joyful Girl is my typical quiescent taste so it's a bit of a given for me. 32 Flavors would also be another one that stands out in my mind. Easy listening, almost an Alannis Morrissette sound to it as well. So if you'd like to check her out, try any of these, but remember if you don't like them then try another song of her's because you're bound to come across something of her's that you'll like. I'm determined that you like her!!!! Or at least give her a second chance :]

On an ending comical note, I heard the most retarded cover of Paper Planes today by The Da Vincis. You listen to it and you're like wow these men are wasting their time, but half-way through you realize how funny it is. I love it and can't get enough of it now as it is most definitely better than the original. :P

A final note: Happy New Years! May the coming year be filled with more jams! And my motivation stay will the blog!
Cheers,
S.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

What's Overhead?

What is better than a good band? This is no trick question; it's obviously a good Canadian band! The up-and-coming ambient rock band from Victoria BC, Jets Overhead, is slowly appearing more frequently on the radio with their new album No Nations. This five piece group started out in 2006 with Bridges, they made the album available for free downloads because, hey, everyone illegally downloads anyways, so why not start something new? ( a year later Radiohead adopted the idea and received much more publicity for it).


What does Jets Overhead offer to music aficionados? Jets not only uses your tradish rock instruments like their soft lead guitar, but incorporates piano/syths to offset the percussion and bass. They also use effective harmonies between male/female lead singers, providing the correct amount of transtastical resonance.

Jets Overhead have been on tour with Lights over the last few months, and I was fortunate enough to have seen them about a month ago (don't ask why I don't update after actually going to shows. I have no reasonable answer). They preform a good live show, and lead singer Adam Kittredge keeps the energy coming, overall they definitely sold me after the first two songs they played. Headed For Nowhere is probably their current most recognizable song, but Sun Sun Sun is the most played of their's on my iTunes as that was their opening song that I most enjoyed.

I've really enjoyed listening to their music, and that's not only because they are Canadian and also watch Flight Of The Conchords :P I do hope you enjoy them, because it looks like we shall get more of them in the future! Or so I'm hoping....

Hasta Luego,
S.

P.S. I want to apologize for my ridiculous spelling errors. I was rereading the last two and I was horrified, and when I tried to correct myself I happened upon more technical difficulties with editing posts. Grah. So now I have to look like an imbecile for those posts. In my pathetic defence, these usually are written when I'm half asleep. Lamesauce answer, I know I know.

Best For Last?

I cannot believe my screen. I cannot believe that I have posted nothing, indeed, nothing about Apostle Of Hustle. For shame woman! AoH has only been one of my consistent-listenings for the past to years, the least I can do is give them a paragraph or two (Especially seeing as I was able two go to their gig in Kingston :3). The Toronto based band has a (wait for it) indie (you could have guessed)/rock/alt sound and was formed by Andrew Whiteman. Whiteman was also asked to be a full time member of Broken Social Scene and is their lead guitarist. However, lets not limit the man to only a guitar; he does all of AoH's vocals, and can been surprisingly impressive at times, and also preforms some spanish verse as well.

Late in November they preformed in Kingston and that was one of the highlights of the month! aha. Only Whiteman and Dean Stone the drummer were there, but to hear a slightly more acoustic version of their latest album Eats Darkness was just as amazing as the album if not even better. The encore involved Whiteman coming back on stage with a sort of tribal mask, and it's a wonder he could still invoke any vocal sound at all. The evening closes with a friend helping me to meet the band. Can you say I've got a signed poster and got a hug with Andrew Whiteman?? Well I'm guilty! I don't care who knows it! Good gig, great night. I'd recommend them, so if you are just starting out, I would say beginning with their album Folkoric Feel, the 'My Sword Hand's Anger' (best song in personal opinions), and then to their new release.

That's AoH! Feeling a little better knowing that I've done them a bit of justice. Afterall, I got to love-huddle with Whiteman ;)
Cheers,
S.