in broad daylight, hulot is dancing

I just have to share this gem which I unearthed in a random shop in Seoul. Made up of singer-composer Maya and lyricist Kazuma Yano, Mamerico blew me away with their brilliantly light compositions, like butterflies flitting from flower to flower in the warm sunshine. But apparently, full recognition should be given to their producer - Johan Christher Schutz from Sweden. Nonetheless, it doesn't matter who makes up Mamerico or who produces the album, just give me more of the damn good music please.

Mamerico - Waltz for Hulot
The first 30 seconds into this track - gentle coaxing of the piano, wistful vocals wrapped around and all, was sufficient to tell me that the album would be stealing the attention of both of my ears for a while. Absolutely no regrets. Said to be a tribute to Jacques Tati, the delectable mishmash of English, French and Japanese adds to the charm of a waltz that I can't tire of.

Mamerico - A Border
Unhurried and unfettered, just like a walk through the rock gardens of Kyoto. But it belies the slow Brazilian (or South American?) vibe evident in the beat; the barely discernible maracas coming through. How they manage to blend the two distinct styles so seamlessly and intricately is probably a mystery, but one that I would gladly welcome.

you look like you've been for breakfast at the heartbreak hotel

Photo from s909109.


Alex Turner - Piledriver Waltz
Part of a 6 track EP entitled "Submarine", which was done for a movie of the same name. A really gorgeous song with a curious title. An earnest, tender and heartfelt serenade, it's a completely pared down acoustic number compared to the rahrah of Arctic Monkeys. Very genteel and affecting, the wispy feel of nostalgia definitely makes its mark on the song. It's really hard to believe it's Alex Turner, but damn right it is.

Cults - You Know What I Mean
Sigh, what a beautiful piece. Whatever cut the song is set to is very apt, B&W love. Mixing wistful and intimate vocals with the larger than life chorus. Alas, sweet things last only this long.

James Blake - Limit To Your Love
I was wondering why it sounded so damn familiar, took me a while to recall that it was a track from Feist's "The Reminder". Both versions are fantastic; while Blake's version is pensive and brooding, Feist's original seems more personal and of course her vocals bring life to the song. But anyway, I love the soulful ponderous instrumentation, and of course, that deep pounding piano.

looking into your eyes for a sign

I think this will be my last post in quite a while. Don't have much time to do regular postings since school started, and I miss writing about fantastic songs. I would appreciate if anyone would like to fill in for me as a guest writer, maybe with me chipping in every now and then. I still love this sweet labour of mine and would still very much like to spread the goodness of indie music around.

Isbells - Reunite
Thanks to the anonymous reader who told me about this song. I was thoroughly enchanted by Gaëtan Vandewoude's crisp yet introspective vocals. He sounds like a cross between the folksiness of Fleet Foxes and the pensiveness of Little Dragon, in particular Twice. Gorgeous music with an equally stunning video. They managed to make music sound like an art piece, with subtle yet affecting strokes of the brush on a sparse canvas.

School of Seven Bells - I L U
Straying quite a bit from the dream pop that fueled most of their debut album "Alpinisms", this particular track plays up the expansive soundscape and clearer vocals from Alejandra Deheza.

Sarah Blasko - All I Want
All personal and straightforward, coupled with her smoky vocals, Sarah Blasko hits home with this folksy-acoustic number. She's from Down Under, and for those who don't know yet, she'll be performing a cosy set at the Esplanade Recital Studio on 8 Nov.


With this, I'm taking an unfortunate and indefinite hiatus, until I've figured how to squeeze time for posts. Unless of course, someone who can guest write turns up and offers his/her services. Till then!

you're the piece of gold that flushes all my soul

But the iniquity of oblivion blindly scattereth her poppy, and deals with the memory of men without distinction to merit of perpetuity. Who can but pity the founder of the pyramids? Herostratus lives that burnt the temple of Diana, he is almost lost that built it. Time hath spared the epitaph of Adrian's horse, confounded that of himself. In vain we compute our felicities by the advantage of our good names, since bad have equal durations, and Thersites is like to live as long as Agamemnon without the favour of the everlasting register. Who knows whether the best of men be known, or whether there be not more remarkable persons forgot, than any that stand remembered in the known account of time? The first man had been as unknown as the last, and Methuselah's long life had been his only chronicle.

- Hydriotaphia by Sir Thomas Browne


Kidstreet - X (mp3)
Go to their myspace for a free download of new song X. Exciting and full of electrofunk, dotty synths twinkle off as vocodered vocals sing of "wanting you so bad". Midway, sensual vocals take over and mesmerise you. Further emphasis on "I want you so bad it's wrong" clearly shows it should take it's rightful place on the dance floor.

Air - Playground Love
You can trust the French to come up with such affecting music, and for a film adaptation of the splendid book "The Virgin Suicides". Gently stirring up an ambient mood, Thomas Mars' (of Phoenix) drawl and the slow pace combine fluidly to evoke a dreamy yet lustrous sheen to the song. Jazz samples punctuate the chorus, amplifying the underlying romantic theme of the song. Sensual at best, perfunctory at worst, this song is a definite treat for your senses.

Phoenix - Playground Love (Air Cover)
Check out the acoustic cover by Phoenix. It just serves to reinforce the stereotype that French are romantic and sentimental, and are capable of awesome music.

Air - Alone in Kyoto
No wonder I thought this song was familiar. It was part of the soundtrack for another fantabulous movie, Lost in Translation. And if anyone notices, both Lost in Translation and The Virgin Suicides were directed by Sofia Coppola. And she's in a relationship with Thomas Mars. Extremely soothing and calming, if not retrospectively caused by the title of the song, I could imagine walking through the bamboo groves in Kyoto, chancing upon a quaint shrine by a stream. Brilliant composition.

Flickerstick - Beautiful
this was from their very first album, Welcome Home the Astronauts. pity they have stopped playing, having played their last concert in Feb 09. enjoy this song.

Thrice - Red Sky

Thrice - Red Sky (Acoustic Live)
have a listen to both versions and decide for yourself which is better. i like both. the actual version has a really good chorus which can get intense, just your typical rock song, the acoustic version has that raw edge, unpolished, yet when you listen to the lyrics, everything sounds right.
"can you see the sky turn red
as morning's light breaks over me"

30 Seconds To Mars - A Beautiful Lie
forgive me, but i just had to put this really awesome song from this popular band up. i've made many playlists on my ipod, and this song has found it's way into many of them. also, since they have more or less confirmed the release of their new album in Oct 09 barring anything, let's just say this is to celebrate it.