Lizzyville

Video | Janelle Monae - "Smile" - Live in London

This girl is going to go so, so far in that bowtie.

[Video via Couch Sessions via Soul Culture U.K.]

Video | Lissie - "Look Away"

Lissie Maurus, who got kicked out of high school.

"She lives by herself, with her dog, in a farmhouse in Ojai, Calif., where she tends to drink wine and will, on a whim, go to the store to buy paint for her rocks so she can construct a medicine wheel in her big backyard." [Daytrotter]

Um, yes please.

Video | Dirty Projectors - "No Intention" - Live on Sirius XMU

Thanks to Edward Droste for the twipoff. The Grizzly Bear lead singer eloquently described this video, a Tuesday acoustic session of "No Intention":

"Radio sessions have no "vibe" - yet, Dirty Projectors make me feel like I'm watching them by a campfire. Amazing."

Video | Land Of Talk - "It's Okay"

Video | Sleigh Bells - "Holly" (Live at Le Poisson Rouge)

Yes, "Crown on the Ground" is the big hit (just voted Best New Track over at P4k), but this is a fun video of a September 30th performance at Le Poisson Rouge, for those who haven't yet seen Sleigh Bells live.

Video | Slaraffenland - "Open Your Eyes" (Concerts à Emporter)

I mean...where to begin? This is surely Danish quintet Slaraffenland's best composition (to my knowledge) to date, and being able to watch it in the beautifully produced context of a La Blogotheque show is a good way to fall in love yourself or swoon over the song anew. I swooned over it a ton in my review of We're On Your Side.

Video | Think About Life - "Sweet Sixteen"

I first heard about Montreal's Think About Life upon the release of their first album, Think About Life, in May 2006. I was reviewing it for Amp Camp. It's still up there as one of my favorite electronic pop albums. But  "electronic pop" doesn't really begin to describe these guys, because they can churn out long, aching, fuzzy guitars (TAL's "Money") just as well as underdeveloped, messy keyboard thrashes and thumping, bass-driven (and more poppy) dance numbers like "Sweet Sixteen," above, from their just-released second album Family.

It's an exciting time for these guys, I think, because the chaotic and occasionally sleepy moments on their debut have been tossed out on Family, and more of the young world is ready to dance today than they were in the summer of 2006. TAL's live show, it appears from Ryan Muir's photos of their shows at Pop Montreal on Brooklyn Vegan, keeps getting stronger. Experience coupled with good timing = Think About Life's moment in the sun.

To that end, they've joined Brooklyn Vegan's CMJ showcase at the Music Hall of Williamsburg Tuesday night. They'll be playing at 7 pm (first in the lineup). This is going to be a stunning show, also featuring Fanfarlo, The Antlers and Laura Marling.

[Video via Brooklyn Vegan]

And as a bonus:

Think About Life - Havin' My Baby

Download Think About Life - "Havin' My Baby"

Video | And the Douchebaguette of the Year Award Goes to ... Ke$ha

In this unwitting PSA for abstinence and sobriety, Ke$ha (really? a dollar sign?) basically tells us that she did a lot of illegal substances last night, "[woke] up in the morning feeling like P Diddy" (WHAT?), but believes the best hangover cure is to "brush [her] teeth with a bottle of Jack" and just keep on going. Forever. Until someone stages an intervention. Oh please, can I?

Video | MirrorMirror - "Eugene"

So weird and excellent.

[Via tinyluckygenius]

Video | The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "Higher Than The Stars" (Live on KEXP)

KEXP Seattle has a pretty awesome collection of high-quality video performances over on their YouTube channel, this being the latest addition. These guys are playing Webster Hall this Saturday with Cymbals Eat Guitars and Depreciation Guild. I'll be there! More tour dates after the jump.

Video | The xx - "Islands" (Live on Later With Jools Holland)

If you haven't experienced them yet, for fear of being destroyed by a hype tornado, try this video.

[Via Prefix]

Take a gander at their insane fall/winter U.S./Canada tour schedule for a chance (or several) to see them live:

Oct 21 2009 Mercury Lounge New York [CMJ]

Oct 22 2009 iTunes Instore (Apple Store, SoHo) New York [CMJ]

Oct 23 2009 Webster Hall w/ School of Seven Bells New York, New York [CMJ]

Nov 11 2009 Bowery Ballroom New York

Nov 13 2009 Making Time at Pure Philadelphia

Nov 15 2009 DC 9 Washington DC

Nov 16 2009 Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Nov 17 2009 529 Atlanta, Georgia

Nov 19 2009 The Mohawk Austin, Texas

Nov 20 2009 Casbah San Diego, California

Nov 21 2009 Henry Fonda Theater Hollywood, California

Nov 23 2009 Independent San Francisco, California

Nov 24 2009 State University Sacramento, California

Nov 25 2009 Doug Fir Lounge Portland, Oregon

Nov 26 2009 Richard’s Vancouver, British Columbia

Nov 27 2009 Neumos Seattle, Washington

Nov 30 2009 Triple Rock Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dec 1 2009 Bottom Lounge Chicago, Illinois

Dec 2 2009 Mod Club Toronto, Ontario

Dec 3 2009 Le National Montreal, Quebec

Dec 4 2009 Paradise Boston, Massachusetts

Dec 5 2009 Webster Hall New York

The xx on MySpace

Video | Dirty Projectors Perform As-Yet-Unreleased Song in The Roots' Dressing Room

Prior to their performance of the song on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon last night, Questlove alerted us to this little impromptu, acoustic version of "When The World Comes To An End," performed in the squished and heavily populated Roots dressing room. The Roots then invited the DPs to come on stage when they play the Brooklyn Bowl this Thursday. I wonder if that will happen...?

Later, Questo re-posted the video to his 945,954-and-counting followers and said the Dirty Projectors "really became a fav of mine after tonight." Swoon! To think they were once a promising little four-piece that my pal said we should check out one cold winter night in Greenpoint... 

The live telly version:



UPDATE: Stereogum, who put on the Bjork-DPs Housing Works event earlier this year, points out that the song was first performed at that intimate, pricey show and was at that point called "Until The Day I Die." Explication of song's inspirational origins provided by Dave Longstreth over at the 'gum.

Video | Santigold - "Lights Out" (Live on MTV)

Santigold - New Music - More Music Videos

This is from early September but whatevs.

Video | Fever Ray - "Seven"

An elderly witch/deposed duchess version Karin Dreijer Andersson sings in a barn with lambs for backup vocalists, sort of.

[Via RA and R.fm]

Video | Paramore - "Use Somebody"

The best hair in rock and roll, and certainly one of the best young vocalists, has followed the lead of Bat for Lashes and covered Kings of Leon's surprisingly Billboard-dominating "Use Somebody" for a BBC session. My two favorite mainstream acts combine forces. Could this mean future KoL tour opener status for Hayley and her band?

[Via Idolator]

Video | Lia Ices - "Half Life"

Can life always be rendered thusly?

P.S. Lia Ices is performing in the awesome Williamsburg boutique Sir next Thursday, September 10 @ 7 pm. The evening is part of Fashion's Night Out (a slew of parties to promote fashion, local businesses and charities, happening all over the place on 9/10).

And on October 20, Lia Ices is performing at Joe's Pub with First Aid Kit.

More Lia Ices because I am obsehhhhsed:

Lia Ices "(un)Chosen One" from Rare Book Room Records on Vimeo

Lia Ices "You Will" from Rare Book Room Records on Vimeo.

Video | Dan Deacon - "Paddling Ghost"

[Via Pitchfork]

Video | The Antlers - Live From Toronto Acoustic Set for The Touch

Brooklyn make some noise! The band plays a sold-out show at Mercury Lounge tonight.

[Via the touch]

Germany's Next Top Model

The finale of the latest season, apparently. I'm otherwise speechless.

Video | The Juan Maclean - "Happy House"

The Juan Maclean - "Happy House" from Brian Long on Vimeo.

It's important to see this video in high-def on a snazzy site such as Vimeo.

Video | Sally Shapiro - "Love In July"

I know, it's August. But cuteness and light! Not everything Sally-related is about "snow angels and sugarplum dreams," though a lot of it is. She also leaves room for a "journeying goldfish and glacially-impeded whale," observes RCRD LBL.

Video | Air France - "Collapsing At Your Doorstep"

Not new, but still lovable.

"My Mother's Red Hat" Starring Alicia Silverstone & Alanis Morrissette

My Mother's Red Hat w/Alicia Silverstone & Alanis Morissette from Alicia Silverstone

I always forget that Funny Or Die exists and then I remember and...wow. Time flies by. Before I know it I've watched 8 videos and tears are streaming down my face. This one definitely produced the most tears.

Video | Regina Spektor - "Us" (Live)

There's just something about this song, though I wish it had been placed later on in 500 Days of Summer, rather than in the opening credits.

[Via Spinner Interface, where there are several more live RS performances to be seen.]

Video | Florence + The Machine - "Drumming Song"

Not my favorite Florence track off Lungs, but this is pretty sweet video, in which Florence is seemingly dressed as Cat Woman and dances passionately in a church, trying to get the theoretical "drumming" caused by the object of her affection out of her head.

Video | Modest Mouse - "King Rat" (Directed by Heath Ledger)

[Via The Masses]

This video is Heath Ledger's harrowingly honest critique of modern whaling practices. Marine animals and humans switch roles: a fish becomes a stubbly, pipe-smoking fisherman; a cigar-smoking whale is the captain of a ship staffed with other marine animal minions. The catch of the day are humans, and no gory details are spared. Proceeds from iTunes sales of the video go to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society for the first month.

Get the deets from my post on Spinner.

Video | Bat for Lashes - "Sleep Alone" (HD)

Kings of Leon in Oddly Timed Press Frenzy as Ancient Single Climbs Charts

For major-label bands, working with the press is a science. It's incredibly organized and for years has been dictated by albums and their little workhorses, singles. The calendar is pretty standard: go on tour to promote soon-to-be-released album, go on television in weeks surrounding album release. Release single, promote single. Go on tour again. Release second single, promote second single. Ad infinitum until you find yourself back in the studio. But KoL almost didn't: drummer Nathan Followill, who counts Thom Yorke among his fans, told the BBC last fall:

"Basically we got to the point where we realised that we can be known as a band that hit it hard for three records and disappeared, or be a band that was smart enough to realise that not very many bands get to make four records, so let's make the most of this."

After that, things happened a little differently, defying the press calendar. Only By The Night, their fourth studio album, came out in September. The first single, "Sex On Fire," was promoted accordingly. The album stayed on the charts for many weeks, but its position was modest, considering that in the U.K., the album sold more copies in 2008 than any other release save for Coldplay's Viva La Vida: 220,000 in its first week. "Sex On Fire" was the country's top single as well, outselling the second-place contender (Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl") by 50%, according to this BBC article.

Then what happened? In the winter and in the midst of more touring, the band released "Use Somebody," their second single. But in the U.K., the single started as a digital hit a few days after the album was released - in September, recall. Throughout the fall it climbed in the ranks. By December, it was #2 on the singles chart and remained there for another 13 (nonconsecutive) weeks, according to the song's Wikipedia entry.

More than half a year later, Only By The Night is listed as a "sales gainer" at #8 on the Billboard 200. It reached platinum status for the first time the week of July 22. "Use Somebody" first became a hot digital track on the U.S. chart, and is now listed as a "digital gainer" on the Billboard Hot 100; it sits at #5. The album and single's stats on the digital, genre and European charts are equally or more impressive than the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 stats.

Slow clap. The boys are on a major label, but their fans have taken control, effectively saying: "You can't tell us what to like and when." It's no surprise that the seed of this success was planted online.

Video | Glasser - "Apply"

This is relatively old hat but somehow has only been played 1,800 times on YouTube. It perfectly captures the feeling one gets after downing some (legitimately prescribed!) painkillers and drinking a glass of rosé.

More Florence + The Machine in the Form of Videos

BBC Introducing showcase at SXSW. Hints of Joanna in that harp, except Flo just sings. "The Machine" bears the instrumental brunt. The official video for "The Dog Days Are Over" is also worth a watch, but it ain't embeddable.

Video | Lily Allen - "22"

Great concept. Lily looks like Christina Ricci. It's interesting how much more appealing this song becomes now that is has this video.

[Via Stereogum]

Video | Dirty Projectors - "Stillness Is The Move"

Silliness Is The Move.

In the event that you haven't visited Pitchfork or several other music blogs yet today...or if you prefer my soothing black-and-white color scheme and extreme selectivity.

[Via Pitchfork, I might add]

Video | Marina and the Diamonds - "I Am Not A Robot"

Fabulous.

But who is she? you ask.

Video | The Commercial for "The Girls' Guide to Rocking" by Jessica Hopper

[Via SFJ's New Yorker blog.]

Jessica's blog

Video | The Temper Trap - "Sweet Disposition"

I love Joseph Gordon-Leavitt, and therefore will probably love his film "500 Days of Summer," on which this song is featured. The Temper Trap are from Melbourne, Australia. Good luck finding their stuff but this movie should really help them over Stateside! Meanwhile, you can stream on their MySpace page.

Hey, Nice Lady | A Mini-Tribute to St. Vincent

Photo: Kirstie Shanley for PopMatters. Read her review and see more pics of SV's Chicago show.

For all you haters who said her short haircut looked bad (I am one of them), take a look at this pic and be forced to retract your statement! She is stunning! The hair is amazing! The lipstick is perfect! If you need a good reason to continue to wear the 50 SPF sunscreen you bought last week, this is it! That Brooke Shields commercial where she reveals her skin damage is another!

St. Vincent aka Annie Clark recorded her latest album, Actor, on freaking GarageBand in a hotel in Paris. Need I say more. GarageBand rules (once you learn you can alter the master track to a setting called Slick Pop). Here's the video for the title track:

Read a recent interview with Annie in the Village Voice.

Video | Animal Collective - "Summertime Clothes"

It's what you would expect: colorful, happy and seizure-inducing.

Directed by Danny Perez.

[Via Pitchfork and Gorilla vs. Bear.]

Up North, Chantal Kreviazuk Composes Beautiful Songs for Herself & Others

Having Canada in my genes and a few years of living there in my memory, Chantal Kreviazuk holds a special place in my list of favorite singer-songwriters. She has written songs for Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson and many others, and has released several albums of her own. She's been active for over a decade, has kids with husband Raine Maida (lead singer of fellow Canadian staple Our Lady Peace), and emphasizes in the below videos for Frequency TV that following trends in songwriting is a mistake; following trends is one thing, but "educating yourself" is quite another.

Thanks Ann, CEO of Holier Than Now, for the tip.

Video of the Day | Fragma - "Toca's Miracle"

Reminds me of Spring Break 2000 - Bermuda. Those were some good moped-riding times. The song just got an update with the highly popular (on iTunes) Inpetto Remix.

Video | Cat Power Power Hour

Photo: Paper Magazine

I give you (60) 35 minutes of Cat Power. I just read the lady's first biography, "Cat Power: A Good Woman" by music critic and former Blender editor-at-large Elizabeth (sometimes Lizzy) Goodman. Fair & balanced review in PopMatters forthcoming. Let's just say it is the longest PR one-sheet I've ever read and I loved it because I love Chan. Her story speaks for itself. Terrible title though. Embarrassing to read on subway.

BEFORE YOU WATCH ANYTHING ELSE: Watch the Cat Power AOL Sessions here! 5 videos. If you haven't already, that is. The Lady Gaga sessions are also incredible.

"The Greatest" live on "Later With Jools Holland."

The video that started it all: "Cross Bones Style."

"He War"

THE ICING ON THE CAKE: "Maybe Not" live on Letterman.

New York Times interview from 2006.

"Nude as the News" (OLD SCHOOL).

"Love and Communication" acoustic.

"Metal Heart" live in 1998.

Ok that's enough.

Video of the Day | Jump, Little Children - "Say Goodnight"

You are permitted to display your shock. But I am very fond of this song and I found it while sifting through my archives this week. The video is from a concert DVD. Last night I was testing out my new/old headphones remembering how great they are and I just quietly listened to this song, enthralled and mesmerized, staring at my cat or a spot on the wall. It's a punchy, verging-on-recruiting-fans-of-Dave-Matthews pop song, but I looooooove it. Here's the track too. I fear these guys have also broken up and won't mind if I put this up:

Jump, Little Children - "Say Goodnight"

Video of the Day | Public Image Ltd. - "Rise"

In this weird sort of "Les Miserables" tribute of a video, Johnny Rotten (that is to say, John Lydon), screams at the camera. I can only assume this was hugely inspiring for the men of the British sketch comedy program "The Fast Show."

The song is featured in "The Rules of Attraction," which is this really underrated teen movie based on Bret Easton Ellis's book starring James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek." Ewwww.

It's a great song, except for the "May the road rise with you" refrain.

I have fantasies of Thom Yorke doing a spoof of this.

Video | DM Stith - "Pity Dance"

DM Stith- Pity Dance from Asthmatic Kitty on Vimeo.

I am OBSESSED WITH HIM. Last night at Neko Case I even had this momentary reverie where I was like, hm, I wish DM Stith was the opener or was here right now or was playing in NYC this week. He's off to Europe though. COME BACK SOON.

Song of the Day: The Dirty Projectors - "Stillness is the Move"

I know, I know. How predictable. But I just got this album today and it is this wonderfully varied, 90s-inspired, reggae-inspired merry-go-round ride. I love Amber Coffman and Angel Deradoorian's bigger presence on the album, best exhibited on this track. This album is one of the best of the year, easily, easily.

Video | Chris Cornell c/o Timbaland - "Scream"

Video | Always, Maybe Sometimes

So much to say. Tomorrow is another day.

Video | Bat for Lashes - "Daniel"

Daniel - Bat For Lashes

The video for Bat for Lashes' first single off "Two Suns" is a kind of "Labyrinth"/video for "What's A Girl To Do?" combination. It was not surprising to me that when the camera comes round to the front of the workout-clothes-clad Khan at the start of the video, she is sulking just a little. Her modus operandi on "Two Suns" is maudlin--not that there's anything wrong with that. The trouble is that this modus--specifically of writing and singing extensively about breakups and about the meat of the debut-sophomore effort sandwich--affected the compositions, their execution and the revision process.

In short, there are several tracks on "Two Suns" I would not have included, and something tells me the Khan of "Fur and Gold" wouldn't have either. But there is something admirable about this organically governed, true-to-self singer. She did, after all, retain the same producer (David Kosten) for this follow-up. If only her backing musicians had stuck around. Perhaps they'll make a reappearance on her tour. This would be one indication of Khan's return to form. But then so will her third album, I suspect.

A little compare and contrast should be enough to show the sharp difference between "F&G" and "2S":

Prescilla - Bat For Lashes

"When I Grow Up" to be Fever Ray's Second Single

Fever Ray, a k a Karin Dreijer-Andersson of The Knife, will release her self-titled debut on March 18 (John Updike's birthday) on Mute. From the press release: "Mute will release the second Fever Ray single "When I Grow Up" on March 31stIt follows the album's stunning first single "If I Had A Heart."

Fever Ray is very similar to The Knife's work, which fans will appreciate. I do wonder if it is ill-timed to springtime, being dark and cold as icicles and frightening as fairy tales. But never mind.

Here's the video for "When I Grow Up":

When I Grow Up from Fever Ray on Vimeo.

Alela Diane: While U Wait for Joanna Newsom's Next Release

I heard about Alela Diane last summer but I suppose her music is better fit for winter. Regardless, I never really peered into her work. Now she has a second album out (on Rough Trade; her first was self-released). I found a rather good article on her on eMusic (a good article on a retail site? Yes, it's true!) that explains the connection between herself and Joanna Newsom (neighbors in Nevada City, Calif., old schoolmates, both into nature and yodel-tinged vocals. I just editorialized). Alela's second album is "To Be Still" and it is a "huge artistic leap," says eMusic. Mark Richardson of P4k said in a post announcing the arrival of the video for "White As Diamonds" (first single from "To Be Still," posted below) that the song "has the creak of an ancient American folk song brought over from somewhere in the Scottish Highlands." Indeedy. Diane employs her brother and father in the band, which she says felt totally natural (that's what Caleb Followill says, and that genetic connectedness surely helps). Her high school violin teacher is also in the band. "To Be Still" came out last week and is available all over the place. Buy it!

Video | The White Stripes Send Off Conan O'Brien with "We're Going to Be Friends"

A surprising and really perfect song for Conan's last "Late Night" show.