Welcome to the world of Indie electronica. I first heard this track and thought Bradford Cox is at it again. But alas, it is not. This comes by way of the LA-based indie electronic duo Ory Hodis and Mike Jerugim, working under the moniker UNDO. Their sound has a similar aesthetic though. Ambient, sultry, hypnotic, atmospheric and a little sad. The pair is getting ready to self-release their debut album, “As Always but Never Before” on August 3rd. Take note.
Things That I Would Like To See Disappear Forever in 2010: Any band listing Animal Collective as an influence.
Genre With The Least Staying Power: Chillwave, Glo-fi, et al.
What I Have High Hopes For in 2010: 1) Bands who remember that the guitar is indeed an instrument. 2) LIARS LIARS LIARS!!!
the OCMD Mixtape: “Sayulita”
A few days of that and you get this – my Sayulita Mixtape. Yup, this suits my state of mind right now. Just add surf, sand and cerveza and hit play. Enjoy.
1. Washed Out – “Feel It All Around”
2. Here We Go Magic – “Tunnelvision”
3. Atlas Sound – “Quick Canal”
4. The Ruby Suns – “There Are Birds”
5. Radiohead – “These Are My Twisted Words”
6. LCD Soundsystem – “Someone Great”
7. Flaming Lips – “Sagittarius Silver Announcement”
8. Built To Spill – “Done”
9. The XX – “Shelter”
10. Speck Mountain – “Angela”
11. The Shortwave Set – “Harmonia”
Bradford Cox is a genius. That’s all there is to it. And a prolific one at that. Between his work with Deerhunter and his solo work under the alias Atlas Sound, I’m more than satiated, compelled and intrigued. Cox, who suffers from Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by abnormally long limbs, uses his music as a portal into is pain. Who knew suffering could sound so good.
His second album, ‘Logos’, is just as good as his first, ‘Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See...‘ and features a couple collaborations: “Walkabout ” with Noah Lennox of Panda Bear, and the centerpiece of the album for me, “Quick Canal” with Stereolab’s Lætitia Sadier that is truly sublime. The 9 minute journey is like an homage to the late Mary Hansen days of Stereolab. Perfection. Just put your headphones on and get lost.
Atlas Sound and Broadcast play Great American Music Hall in San Francisco tonight.
Atlas Sound – “Walk A Thin Line (Fleetwood Mac Cover)”
The solo project of Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox, Atlas Sound, has released a most amazing cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Walk A Thin Line”. Genius. Atlas Sound is playing The Great American Music Hall on November 3 with Broadcast. An excellent show indeed.
This was the scene out my back door this morning. Set up by my 4-year old, Judah. He just received a box full of Matchbox cars from his cousins in Chicago. And this is either an extremely organized display of admiration for his new booty or he has some serious Type A tendencies. Only time will tell.
Bradford Cox’s Atlas Sound has posted the Time Warp Virtual 7″ for free download. Got get it!
Artist: Deerhunter
Album: Microcastle
File Under: Ambient Indie Rock
Recommended if You Like: Sigur Ros, Radiohead, Grizzly Bear, Atlas Sound
Featured Track: Agoraphobia
I’ve long been intrigued with the work of Bradford Cox and follow all of his projects – from his solo venture, Atlas Sound, to his five piece group, Deerhunter. I love his haunted, dreamy vocals and ambient, atmospheric sound. It’s right up my alley. And while I enjoyed Deerhunter’s last release, Cryptograms, I must say I’m liking their latest release, Microcastle, even more. It’s beautiful and I can’t stop listening to it. It’s hard for me to even pick out a single song to highlight as it’s truly one of those album experiences that should be listened to and enjoyed in it’s entirety. The music builds upon itself, ebbing and flowing from moments of quiet, hypnotic bliss into smashing, reverb drenched crescendos.
Much more song oriented than their last release, Microcastle is sure to convert more than a few skeptics. If you were once one, you should definitely give them another listen. This one’s a classic.
Catch Deerhunter at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall November 24 with Times New Viking.
Get this album free via eMusic’s 50 Free MP3 Promo
Artist: High Places
Album: 03/07-09/07
File Under: Experimental
Recommended if You Like: Panda Bear, Atlas Sound, Ruby Suns, Animal Collective
Featured Tracks: Head Spins
How to describe High Places sound. It’s difficult. To quote the band, “Where the ocean meets the forest, this is where we sing our chorus.” The Brooklyn-based duo, consisting of Rob Barber and Mary Pearson, take simple beat structures, layer it with echo and reverb and top it off with the pretty songs of cloud gazing and existential yearning. It’s heady and hypnotic in it’s repetition. Charming and tranquil in it’s simplicity.
Their debut EP is a compilation of singles collected over a six month period, thus the title 03/07 – 09/07. The album is a pre-cursor to their full length LP scheduled for release September 23 on their newly signed label, Thrill Jockey. I have high expectations. Until then, enjoy 03/07-09/07 and make sure to check them out at Bottom of the Hill October 8.
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It’s the last day of July and half the year has gone and passed. To celebrate, I’ve compiled a mixtape of my favorite songs (not albums) of the year…so far. You can listen here, but if you want the file, you’ll have to subscribe to the OCMD Mixtape. Enjoy!
Get this album free via eMusic’s 50 Free MP3 Promo
the OCMD 