tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39985595677240507022024-03-20T02:38:12.314-07:00THINGS AS THEY ARETHINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-81171946453263706702011-05-04T07:19:00.000-07:002011-05-04T07:31:55.645-07:00BAnanas Symphony - "To Love Somebody"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYX6MqTRDLQeQS926hNBThhtUbth5WsAiloJhDaoagI1cryaWr_Pc6woVe4TNFTcxa9iJ29WHBzph24w6IG6tsNgaqQtcvN0Z73n-I6dgzd0Io6qAZPQrbBOv1Hdgo5-NiWwAh3SFo8NF/s1600/Yohsuke+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYX6MqTRDLQeQS926hNBThhtUbth5WsAiloJhDaoagI1cryaWr_Pc6woVe4TNFTcxa9iJ29WHBzph24w6IG6tsNgaqQtcvN0Z73n-I6dgzd0Io6qAZPQrbBOv1Hdgo5-NiWwAh3SFo8NF/s400/Yohsuke+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602865974446346930" /></a>It's always a delight to find something from <a href="http://alchemistrecords.com/alchemical/">Alchemist</a> in my inbox. As usual, I'm super pumped about one of their artists - Philly native Yohsuke Araki, aka <a href="http://bananassymphony.bandcamp.com/">BAnanas Symphony</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://alchemistrecords.com/To%20Love%20Somebody.mp3">BAnanas Symphony - "To Love Somebody"</a><br /><br />His sound is described as being full of arpeggiated synth and drum explosions, snaking guitars, claps, clicks and exquisite melodies with a voice fit to deliver them. It's a pretty accurate description, but there's also a quirky sense of melody there too that's unique but oddly familiar. Regardless, this is good stuff - check out the track and judge for yourself.THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-32735367640378371812011-04-15T07:08:00.000-07:002011-04-15T07:20:20.593-07:00Aeropsia - "That I Feel"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLUXUq5n58UZbpuCkvFIEHqRG2M3w30kI9tVi7CtQFPsanZzM3W0Kr9rA98XqKbrnFotw41Ex2Y_CLd_y521y_Vpj2hZIqmwcjC_-akCvCPb-pkT3Tu3OLU-JPGiqV6aufx-13StrGgLL/s1600/noname.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLUXUq5n58UZbpuCkvFIEHqRG2M3w30kI9tVi7CtQFPsanZzM3W0Kr9rA98XqKbrnFotw41Ex2Y_CLd_y521y_Vpj2hZIqmwcjC_-akCvCPb-pkT3Tu3OLU-JPGiqV6aufx-13StrGgLL/s400/noname.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595812451696145650" /></a><br />San Francisco's <a href="http://soundcloud.com/aeropsia">Aeropsia</a> just sent over a funky jam called "That I Feel." I'm instantly reminded of acts like Old Arc, Hard Mix, or Star Slinger, but there's a unique edge here that's hard to deny. <br /><br /><object height="81" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F13566788"></param> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param> <embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F13566788" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object> <span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/aeropsia/that-i-feel">that i feel</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/aeropsia">AEROPSIA</a></span><br /><br />In other words, they manage to forward a dub/breakbeat influence while still keeping things dreamy. Regardless, there's certainly something to be said about an act that can sound original amidst a barrage of similar producers.THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-79091982345581941872011-04-12T08:02:00.000-07:002011-04-12T08:13:27.528-07:00Hear Hums - "Toward Above"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfRwa2YCtVOT_DOnwBuijTnkOLEdiQP3aezkcKJxQJPWyCO0-gOUUqRdbRCZot8w1_8sbJNnhsf5XZ3qG-yxhYZwMRl3h0PYD0YyqmqZP_tcY4IJXYglt_PcqCcQUyZNYd3Z61iS2Or_E/s1600/hazehums0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfRwa2YCtVOT_DOnwBuijTnkOLEdiQP3aezkcKJxQJPWyCO0-gOUUqRdbRCZot8w1_8sbJNnhsf5XZ3qG-yxhYZwMRl3h0PYD0YyqmqZP_tcY4IJXYglt_PcqCcQUyZNYd3Z61iS2Or_E/s400/hazehums0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594715112986146898" /></a>The folks at <a href="http://digitalprotein.tumblr.com/">Digital Protein</a> just released a video of Florida's <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hearhums">Hear Hums</a>, the rising psych meets ambient meets visual meets awesome act, as they play <span style="font-style:italic;">Psyche Cycles</span> cut "Toward Above." Download the rest of the album <a href="http://hearhums.bandcamp.com/">here</a>, and be sure to catch the group as they play shows up and down the east coast this spring/summer. <br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/22180282" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/22180282">Hear Hums - Toward Above</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/digitalprotein">Digital Protein</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-62019646138984922011-03-16T05:44:00.000-07:002011-03-16T06:01:53.193-07:00SéanceIntheSun - "Luna"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TDQ2XmeSTagYEv29JhqOIcNfqjVkJQtbjuMzGrsLUpDsRfEFFWuoGk_O6ZQTZTmJV7OJ3Ur6KIXwN9byrBefgDkOOonYZqfvEO05cEiJPI7S8nn_B0Z1ihZZxLbzunZsLDqw8HTLWS_5/s1600/SeanceintheSun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TDQ2XmeSTagYEv29JhqOIcNfqjVkJQtbjuMzGrsLUpDsRfEFFWuoGk_O6ZQTZTmJV7OJ3Ur6KIXwN9byrBefgDkOOonYZqfvEO05cEiJPI7S8nn_B0Z1ihZZxLbzunZsLDqw8HTLWS_5/s400/SeanceintheSun.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584662060467414850" /></a>Kevin from San Diego's <a href="http://seanceinthesun.bandcamp.com/">SéanceIntheSun</a> sent over this noise-pop track yesterday, and ever since it's been growing on me like crazy. He described the group as a two-piece "beach-punk" act; "Luna" certainly validates his description but also suggests why they're not <span style="font-style:italic;">yet another</span> "beach-punk" band.<br /><br /><object data="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=1884110747/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//" type="text/html" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="400" height="100"><param name="movie" value="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=1884110747/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowNetworking" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never"><object data="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=1884110747/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//" type="text/html" width="400" height="100"></object></object><br /><br />Let's face it: the whole lo-fi, beach-inspired pop MO is becoming a cliche and will likely suffer the same fate as chillwave or some other fad sub-genre. But "Luna" seems to transcend any easy label by incorporating a range of sounds and styles. It's beachy, yes, but it's also inspired by everything from shoegaze to classic grunge. It's a short and simple tune but definitely worth a listen. Keep your eyes peeled for more from this rising West Coast act.THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-33293203846628984782011-03-07T05:46:00.000-08:002011-03-07T11:41:18.398-08:00Plastic Flowers - "White Walls Painted Black"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBGUoTbL_QRxzZurramEo56MF7Z8B0Y7eJRLoeE-k-C3i5-KsWWTZa_M2mTjAk4-U9Aw0LFY6RhJau0PyCU_t67Rj-S07ot9J8nBHR8MbS5o_N3GiD-oWBAXAjJlB15sRqDWX_LNTubuC/s1600/DSC02807.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBGUoTbL_QRxzZurramEo56MF7Z8B0Y7eJRLoeE-k-C3i5-KsWWTZa_M2mTjAk4-U9Aw0LFY6RhJau0PyCU_t67Rj-S07ot9J8nBHR8MbS5o_N3GiD-oWBAXAjJlB15sRqDWX_LNTubuC/s400/DSC02807.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581425382694944018" /></a>I'm excited to post this video from UK/Greek duo <a href="http://www.weareplasticflowers.com">Plastic Flowers</a>. The visuals are just as trippy and ambient as the song itself; they float by and blend as the song takes ambient twists and turns. It reminds me a lot of tracks from <a href="http://www.myspace.com/usftheband">USF</a>'s first full-length, <span style="font-style:italic;">Ocean Sunbirds</span> - and that's a very good thing. Wasn't sure what to expect when I opened the email this morning, but "Whit Walls Painted Black" was definitely a nice surprise. Check their <a href="http://plasticflowers.bandcamp.com">bandcamp</a> for more tracks.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/19942631?portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/19942631">Plastic Flowers // White Walls Painted Black</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-22658818231066723682011-03-02T06:39:00.001-08:002011-03-02T06:53:51.650-08:00Childhood Bedrooms - "Lost"<a href="http://childhoodbedrooms.bandcamp.com/album/lost">Childhood Bedrooms</a> just released a 4-song EP, <span style="font-style:italic;">Lost</span>, that can accessed for free on their <a href="http://childhoodbedrooms.bandcamp.com/album/lost">bandcamp</a> page. It's a mellow, meandering collection of songs with some interesting and impressive vocal work; the title track is especially impressive with its layered vocals and shifts between the electronic and organic. There's a vibe here that recalls everyone from Antony Hegarty to Paul Simon - perhaps even Yo la Tengo? Or is it wholly unique? You decide.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20478239" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/20478239">Lost - Childhood Bedrooms</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user6066450">Jan Buchczik</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-60295033973591389102011-02-25T11:09:00.000-08:002011-02-25T11:25:35.769-08:00DannielRadall - "Fleeting Romance"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPk_twiU7Iu7D_-7AVx63zWytzblVFOrZuke5-RQUrnmV5FUYFk_qzGWCzHyIVA8aB4Cz79st0OfSLPTpjW89sKKppkc7fN_ndpw8gC2cfxQWPwI4KQRNoq_E43FetoSYcbdmrEPQXKIG/s1600/DannielRadall_FRONT_Pardo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPk_twiU7Iu7D_-7AVx63zWytzblVFOrZuke5-RQUrnmV5FUYFk_qzGWCzHyIVA8aB4Cz79st0OfSLPTpjW89sKKppkc7fN_ndpw8gC2cfxQWPwI4KQRNoq_E43FetoSYcbdmrEPQXKIG/s400/DannielRadall_FRONT_Pardo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577707941007312450" /></a><br />After an impressive debut, the vintage, genre-bending <span style="font-style:italic;">La Femme</span> EP, <a href="http://dannielradall.bandcamp.com/">DannielRadall</a> is set to release what he calls a "mini LP." The album, <span style="font-style:italic;">Pardo</span>, will be released March 11th via <a href="http://www.amdiscs.com/">AMDISCS</a> - but in the meantime, he's offered the excellent first single, "Fleeting Romance." <br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://mediaplayer.yahoo.com/js"></script><br /><a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2010/8/14/2941981//02 Fleeting Romance.mp3">DannielRadall - "Fleeting Romance"</a><br /><br />Like the (killer) cover art suggests, Radall's sound is now noticeably more rooted in 80s synth-pop; still, there's something slightly dark and ambient just below the surface. I told him the track sounds at times like the <span style="font-style:italic;">Heathers</span> score. Anyone else agree?THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-33705559814638753622011-02-24T05:34:00.000-08:002011-02-24T05:43:30.815-08:00Pavement - Box Elder (Blackbird Blackbird remix)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwafizm1wI8iHizcf9eyn8slazzd_pHT5aLIIQmUT6GXXR0fnhjxbBPs-TRYiyEO7Dvso_cvdi13FCqWDKwhmbWWPnC3zZe_BNa9tXon0OPOIbCgvvmLdyAkHy8oTraAzMLgEKHc3cQxt3/s1600/tumblr_lfd0neoNAy1qbai33o1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwafizm1wI8iHizcf9eyn8slazzd_pHT5aLIIQmUT6GXXR0fnhjxbBPs-TRYiyEO7Dvso_cvdi13FCqWDKwhmbWWPnC3zZe_BNa9tXon0OPOIbCgvvmLdyAkHy8oTraAzMLgEKHc3cQxt3/s400/tumblr_lfd0neoNAy1qbai33o1_500.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577249671639460098" /></a><br />Last night Mikey from <a href="http://blackbirdblackbird.bandcamp.com/">Blackbird Blackbird</a> sent over what is perhaps the most unlikely remix ever. As I listened in disbelief, it became clear that what could have been a mess was actually quite good. It's a unique juxtaposition of sounds, but isn't that what remixes are for? I think he pulled it off - what do you think?<br /><br /><object height="81" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F11000543"></param> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param> <embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F11000543" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object> <span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/blckbrdblckbrd/make-it-a-choice-pavement">Pavement - Box Elder (Blackbird Blackbird Remix)</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/blckbrdblckbrd">blackbird blackbird</a></span>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-80623920655634393112011-02-04T05:12:00.000-08:002011-02-04T05:29:24.860-08:00Local Winds - In the World of Ours<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hzXoVFqEm-U8wa_hG22JPGJ4tt36V4QrY-LrqoqfLuccp3VWjFOdPAPA2DXFxFMuQiWHhyphenhyphenwMrKI0szdcYzz7_LEjBc4VDTOyn9ek68IKIVJGfxWPNfAJZKvIKxVo69_2xErXORev7Mom/s1600/in+the+worldcover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hzXoVFqEm-U8wa_hG22JPGJ4tt36V4QrY-LrqoqfLuccp3VWjFOdPAPA2DXFxFMuQiWHhyphenhyphenwMrKI0szdcYzz7_LEjBc4VDTOyn9ek68IKIVJGfxWPNfAJZKvIKxVo69_2xErXORev7Mom/s400/in+the+worldcover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569822390958708706" /></a><br />I know Things as They Are has been MIA for a while, but we're back now for good reason. Scott Dickson, formally known as the crazy-talented <a href="http://www.myspace.com/listenclosedcassette">Closed Cassette</a>, is now making music under the name <a href="http://www.myspace.com/localwinds">Local Winds</a>. His debut EP, <span style="font-style:italic;">In the World of Ours</span>, drops through <a href="http://www.alchemistrecords.com/artists/localwinds.html">Alchemist </a> on the 22nd, and from what I've hard, it's shaping up to be a super chill record. <br /><br />You can tell it's from the same electronic genius behind Closed Cassette, but it's got an ethereal vibe more akin to acts like USF or label-mate Atlantic at Pacific (and are there perhaps some dubstep leanings?). Stream a couple tracks below and purchase the full release when you get a chance.<br /><br /><a href="http://alchemistrecords.com/Tree%20Gathering.mp3">Local Winds - "Tree Gathering"</a><br /><a href="http://alchemistrecords.com/Small%20Towns.mp3">Local Winds - "Small Towns"</a>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-65950854276090155042011-01-12T08:36:00.000-08:002011-01-12T08:51:18.641-08:00Katrina Stonehart - Live @ Brewer's Mansion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEZ-8ypIC8EGUxgulSalb6rLzYgqxDpViiX5-nPvwKh_ILQcWv0VUPf2scc1V2k2lV-q02Vx-MaHpGgPXNgNrrqAs7yT17y8tLNassNk6c2Xz4URHy-hgudTTTlGGPlLkusyzM33SSLLW/s1600/katrina-stonehart-cassette-single1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEZ-8ypIC8EGUxgulSalb6rLzYgqxDpViiX5-nPvwKh_ILQcWv0VUPf2scc1V2k2lV-q02Vx-MaHpGgPXNgNrrqAs7yT17y8tLNassNk6c2Xz4URHy-hgudTTTlGGPlLkusyzM33SSLLW/s400/katrina-stonehart-cassette-single1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561342419489018258" /></a><br />Hope you lovely people are staying warm out there. Whether you're at work or enjoying another snow day, check out this vid from a recent <a href="http://www.myspace.com/katrinastonehart">Katrina Stonehart</a> show. She played Brewer's Mansion in Brooklyn - and from the look and sound of it, the set showcased her fuzzy, shoegaze sensibilities nicely. The noise-pop act just finished a tour in Europe, and she's finishing up a 7" for <a href="http://www.amdiscs.com/">AMDISCS</a>. I predict good things. <br /><br /><object width="320" height="205"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XvKdvn1pHOM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XvKdvn1pHOM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="268"></embed></object>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-11754415647685194782011-01-03T07:47:00.000-08:002011-01-03T08:13:58.733-08:00USF - Jamaica Plain EP<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2m5rdFit4PjlqGCiWZwsN5LaNSVazlv46bMbSbQAuvx0SuCBfuDrAgl3kIFqWYaO8oQzFXown5wf1v_Bh-dEg_cMIPvcY_xEtSk1_X3vQFyLEcoU_59cM0CIjkatDdzeziymBbTIOtPPB/s1600/Universal%252BStudios%252BFlorida.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2m5rdFit4PjlqGCiWZwsN5LaNSVazlv46bMbSbQAuvx0SuCBfuDrAgl3kIFqWYaO8oQzFXown5wf1v_Bh-dEg_cMIPvcY_xEtSk1_X3vQFyLEcoU_59cM0CIjkatDdzeziymBbTIOtPPB/s400/Universal%252BStudios%252BFlorida.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557993616039084834" /></a><br />One of my favorite electro duos, Seattle's <a href="http://www.myspace.com/usftheband">USF</a>, just let me know that their new release will be out soon. <span style="font-style:italic;">Jamaica Plain EP</span> (and its vinyl release) will feature new jams from the breezy, ambient act - including the instantly likable cut "Branss." Check it out below, and keep an eye out for <span style="font-style:italic;">Jamaica Plain</span>. <br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://mediaplayer.yahoo.com/js"></script><br /><a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2010/8/14/2941981//Branss.mp3">USF - "Branss"</a>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-39717392480905415732010-12-20T09:05:00.000-08:002010-12-20T09:24:35.602-08:00Waylon Thornton - Mystery Club<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq95vA9up8Tmz_UA3rx90xhvcCsILYMKoDHNGx5BlNcKiny986BxaUrfAsuaXepxzudu6gRlBXVrRRJLmyCpPni7zKbuJNrpQT18nmUHN1wdqDAdnludP5KpTuo9V0cXvg6XVGxRGmnUDM/s1600/l_b31ec43695bf4ba8b260e22b3e753d4a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq95vA9up8Tmz_UA3rx90xhvcCsILYMKoDHNGx5BlNcKiny986BxaUrfAsuaXepxzudu6gRlBXVrRRJLmyCpPni7zKbuJNrpQT18nmUHN1wdqDAdnludP5KpTuo9V0cXvg6XVGxRGmnUDM/s400/l_b31ec43695bf4ba8b260e22b3e753d4a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552816307079507842" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/theheavyhands">Waylon Thornton and the Heavy Hands</a> just sent over their new collection of surf-rock, guitar-heavy jams. He's offering <span style="font-style:italic;">Mystery Club</span> as a free download, and from what I've heard, this is an offer you simply can't refuse; it's short and sweet but full of retro-tinged hooks, similar to Wavves, Girls, or the Raveonettes. <br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://mediaplayer.yahoo.com/js"></script><br /><a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2010/8/14/2941981//Look For Danger.mp3">Waylon Thornton & the Heavy Hands - "Look for Danger"</a><br /><br />Sure, looking to the past is becoming a little passé itself, but at least Thornton's having fun with it. Download the complete album <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?k3246q3084ql31d">here</a>.THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-64779574047784617632010-12-17T07:57:00.000-08:002010-12-17T08:10:13.923-08:00Mickey Brown - Soul Glo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyL83SR0ZpJtr-aksfTDTX8py0RqDsAK39064ZZ51Oxm4c9v6sdssIu4x8H9n7oCmCt5VNzKdjRJLj4COkTr6SH1NnfPheGIzjdnPRcacklalVMw43lyZWcIPtFu1rZSpU0hQlGtfa7Pd/s1600/SOULGLOCOVER.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyL83SR0ZpJtr-aksfTDTX8py0RqDsAK39064ZZ51Oxm4c9v6sdssIu4x8H9n7oCmCt5VNzKdjRJLj4COkTr6SH1NnfPheGIzjdnPRcacklalVMw43lyZWcIPtFu1rZSpU0hQlGtfa7Pd/s400/SOULGLOCOVER.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551681198168386434" /></a><br />It seems like the majority of posts here at Things as They Are involve Miller Rodrigeuz's projects - and for good reason. Though he normally releases under the moniker <a href="http:/www.myspace.com/mickeymickeyrourke">Mickey Mickey Rourke</a>, Rodrigeuz's side project, <a href="http://mickeymickeyrourke.bandcamp.com/album/soul-glo">Mickey Brown</a>, with Canada's <a href="http://www.myspace.com/lesterbrownandthecarpets">Lester Brown</a>, is gaining a considerable amount of attention for the new record <span style="font-style:italic;">Soul Glo</span>. <br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://mediaplayer.yahoo.com/js"></script><br /><a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2010/8/14/2941981/MICKEY%20MICKEY%20ROURKE%20-%20SOUL%20GLO%20-%2001%20ZORDON-1.mp3">Mickey Rourke - "Zordon"</a><br /><br />Compared to their first release, <span style="font-style:italic;">Vision Quest</span>, it's a more accessible and "fun" collection, but it still showcases their ambient, droning rhythms. Keep your eyes peeled and download <span style="font-style:italic;">Soul Glo</span> as soon as humanly possible. Oh, and as usual, you'll need your headphones for this one.THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-3233048104450072502010-12-13T17:41:00.000-08:002010-12-13T17:47:53.356-08:00Charles Du Cane - Port and Rail<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0UWeVkq0jH4akXJNtEml_UYZsxzXWGxDFtbbilpeJ8naELH5Le2y24Rt-glf4sLON0g9YJzZzis7EQfdBOFVdN6-hhW4-o8YL5fSzXEI03xm6IoF4cBkR_kO5XV8DWMaAvdJjmaxmU6-/s1600/SongAlbumImage-138925-92216-portandrail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0UWeVkq0jH4akXJNtEml_UYZsxzXWGxDFtbbilpeJ8naELH5Le2y24Rt-glf4sLON0g9YJzZzis7EQfdBOFVdN6-hhW4-o8YL5fSzXEI03xm6IoF4cBkR_kO5XV8DWMaAvdJjmaxmU6-/s400/SongAlbumImage-138925-92216-portandrail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550348656919612002" /></a><br />Fred Showell is an Australian songwriter creating under the name <a href="http://charlesducane.net">Charles du Cain</a>. He recently sent over some tracks off his 2011 release <span style="font-style:italic;">Port and Rail</span>. Self described as a "straight up, cheeky electro pop vibe," Showell composes his tracks with funky, shake-up beats underneath playful and mischievous vocals. Stream his last album, <span style="font-style:italic;">Poets</span>, <a href="http://charlesducane.net/poets">here</a>, and keep an eye out for <span style="font-style:italic;">Port and Rail</span> in the near future.THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-71810116138475008942010-12-10T05:03:00.000-08:002010-12-10T05:18:02.541-08:00Hear Hums - "Cerebellum/Woo"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P265w6zj1n9NsgpmfTy8BwMzB2KLOkLQzDVcfSKLFt8a0K0eLhejdWb0DS2YKbkUtkCHfDNIrEsucB1oQa6LfhyphenhyphenzEy9e44ZTem49Yl8ds-W4yaf_W6A1qQnsvYnDCH0QWTdWMJdE4es_/s1600/Hear%252BHums%252BIMG_1360.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P265w6zj1n9NsgpmfTy8BwMzB2KLOkLQzDVcfSKLFt8a0K0eLhejdWb0DS2YKbkUtkCHfDNIrEsucB1oQa6LfhyphenhyphenzEy9e44ZTem49Yl8ds-W4yaf_W6A1qQnsvYnDCH0QWTdWMJdE4es_/s400/Hear%252BHums%252BIMG_1360.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549042102958293106" /></a><br />I was stoked to hear from Mitch from Florida's <a href="http://hearhums.bandcamp.com/">Hear Hums</a> this morning. It's been a while since they first wowed me with their psychedelic, ambient tunes, but they've clearly been hard at work creating more brilliant jams. In fact, their new album, <span style="font-style:italic;">Psyche Cycles</span>, will be released on the new <a href="http://alteredzones.com/posts/540/get-coast-launches-new-crash-symbols-cassette-label/">Crash Symbols</a> label on December 21st. Save the date, yall. Also, check out a trippy video for two songs that will appear on the new record - "Cerebellum" and "Woo." <br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/17473778" width="400" height="265" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/17473778">Cerebellum/Woo - Hear Hums</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2116713">Hear Hums</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-70176483478610953502010-12-07T06:35:00.000-08:002010-12-07T06:56:58.746-08:00True Womanhood - "The Grey Man"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFz_E2doSQCclILetvfdQ-UiR0DDcjumWxmRjp9gyPCeQeCr0UQral97GMtwWtNESiMeElwPqNnFFc_t-VDpr3dKZCU9JjFnAbuJKzBsxFr4wRLqgDOWabhfk8amE_HgJu4I0ayNJCmZ-/s1600/GMXFG00Z_copy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFz_E2doSQCclILetvfdQ-UiR0DDcjumWxmRjp9gyPCeQeCr0UQral97GMtwWtNESiMeElwPqNnFFc_t-VDpr3dKZCU9JjFnAbuJKzBsxFr4wRLqgDOWabhfk8amE_HgJu4I0ayNJCmZ-/s320/GMXFG00Z_copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547950081524737714" /></a><br />Noam from DC's <a href="http://www.myspace.com/truewomanhood">True Womanhood</a> just sent over their stunning new track "The Grey Man." Judging from this creepy little jam, the experimental group have been channeling their inner Thom Yorkes and are more comfortable than ever playing with sounds and challenging musical conventions (imagine a track from <span style="font-style:italic;">Kid A</span> being hit with a heavy dose of the recent "witch house" aesthetic). <br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://mediaplayer.yahoo.com/js"></script><br /><a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2010/8/14/2941981//GREY MAN.mp3">True Womanhood - "The Grey Man"</a><br /><br />Noam even said that they ran the vocals through the malfunctioning tape delay and replaced the guitars with melotron strings and samples from an old tack piano - pretty funky, no? Expect more weirdness and new music from True Womanhood in the future, but for now just do your best to wrap your mind around "The Grey Man."THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-73093200919566843412010-12-06T17:46:00.001-08:002010-12-06T18:32:08.919-08:00Hippo Campus - "Montelegro"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozNSRHuXLmBEKa3i5Jj7TO0GRlRbin_ui-rdLmcg1yQIfoeDc2eHiLOaUeDg1XYwFdam0kNGGJdmM7n8RefEC5K7Hb6xqrD6P7RiBqHyct2VBDSmoLAXyobD1IqTWp8MsuBGsDPIU7S9i/s1600/f02acf75d901985ad410265a224127787b45e084_normal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozNSRHuXLmBEKa3i5Jj7TO0GRlRbin_ui-rdLmcg1yQIfoeDc2eHiLOaUeDg1XYwFdam0kNGGJdmM7n8RefEC5K7Hb6xqrD6P7RiBqHyct2VBDSmoLAXyobD1IqTWp8MsuBGsDPIU7S9i/s320/f02acf75d901985ad410265a224127787b45e084_normal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547750962408782818" /></a><br />Orange County's Makan Negahban, aka <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hippocampusmusiq">Hippo Campus</a>, is working on a full-length album called <span style="font-style:italic;">Nausea/Cherries</span>. It's a strange album name, but what is perhaps even stranger is its first single, "Montelegro." It's a long, complicated track full of stylistic shifts and <span style="font-style:italic;">Young Prayer</span>-era Panda Bear meditations; it's a grower, really, and requires an attentive ear. The pay-off is worth it, though, and I'm guessing the record will be worth the wait too.<br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://mediaplayer.yahoo.com/js"></script><br /><a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2010/8/14/2941981//Hippo Campus - Montelegro.mp3">Hippo Campus - "Montelegro"</a>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-86263180904111777522010-12-03T05:11:00.000-08:002010-12-03T05:29:44.520-08:00Reading Rainbow - Prism Eyes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.normanrecords.com/images/covers/5/121505.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.normanrecords.com/images/covers/5/121505.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Prism Eyes</span> is the sophomore full length from Philadelphia, PA pair <a href="http://rreadingrrainbow.blogspot.com/">Reading Rainbow</a>. The duo made an effort to set aside the lo-fi sound that so defined their previous album in order to present a cleaner, more graduated aesthetic. <span style="font-style:italic;">Prism Eyes</span> incorporates steady drum beats, longingly hazy vocals, and driving guitar patterns that suit the album perfectly for early morning holiday shifts - excellent company for a foggy mind. Stream album stand-out "Wasting Time" below and be sure to cop the album at <a href="http://hozacrecords.com/2010/09/reading-rainbow/">Hozac</a>.<br /><br /><object width="392" height="245"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vLVaFCCs1TA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vLVaFCCs1TA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="392" height="245"></embed></object>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-64018877323887481352010-12-02T05:49:00.000-08:002010-12-02T06:04:13.305-08:00Blackbird Blackbird - "Erasers"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTEtHkIZReMdlNt0_lwiwxrIKcQahvKIPxAqHwyT-soXqPKqzW9xxzwX-KsqaohQwND-wWTLYCLPUu584ulvsFqhLpey6vS39EWfXMcx6BnJgx44El-Wm_TFfYjMniA3HUC6kFTQVfB69/s1600/l_1027900de8e1409eae077f7677db065b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTEtHkIZReMdlNt0_lwiwxrIKcQahvKIPxAqHwyT-soXqPKqzW9xxzwX-KsqaohQwND-wWTLYCLPUu584ulvsFqhLpey6vS39EWfXMcx6BnJgx44El-Wm_TFfYjMniA3HUC6kFTQVfB69/s320/l_1027900de8e1409eae077f7677db065b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546082551914186978" /></a><br />Prolific chillwaver Mikey Sanders, aka <a href="http://www.myspace.com/byeblackbird/">Blackbird Blackbird</a>, is busy once again with new material. He just sent over a new jam called "Erasers" - a preview of what's to follow on his sophomore full-length that has yet to be titled.<br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://mediaplayer.yahoo.com/js"></script><br /><a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2010/8/14/2941981/Erasers.mp3">Blackbird Blackbird - "Erasers"</a><br /><br />It's a busy but fun little number that highlights his vocals more so than previous tracks, and "Erasers" is, above all, further proof that Sanders can crank out quality tunes at a rate like no other. And who knows? By tomorrow our inbox might be filled with even more Blackbird Blackbird goodness.<br /><br />Be sure to also check the video, directed by Drew King, for one of Sanders' older songs (and one of my personal favorites), "Pure".<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/17271332" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/17271332">Blackbird Blackbird "Pure"</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/drewking">drew king</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-2937837879568934252010-12-01T06:42:00.000-08:002010-12-02T05:06:59.897-08:00Emay - "Racist on Purpose"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8hOcl8tx-Zs69fYhIFgKRisoe6Yx94jxz-JmxjGYKPLyy4gfrhfQDByJYFwZr7FxfHQrvNkJrufeBV7UJ4mabk-NQeCcPt2zM-EnSiTrbIF5S7SwijHaZGne-P7bTovZ6xXYP2WQ2qKm/s1600/2754686064-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8hOcl8tx-Zs69fYhIFgKRisoe6Yx94jxz-JmxjGYKPLyy4gfrhfQDByJYFwZr7FxfHQrvNkJrufeBV7UJ4mabk-NQeCcPt2zM-EnSiTrbIF5S7SwijHaZGne-P7bTovZ6xXYP2WQ2qKm/s320/2754686064-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545725412961797730" /></a><br />Marking somewhat of a first for Things as They Are, I'm really excited to share a bit of rap with you all this AM. The track, "Racist on Purpose", comes from <a href="http://emay.bandcamp.com/track/racist-on-purpose">Emay</a>, a Canadian rapper and producer who is making quite the name for himself (he's already in the process of lending his talents to a side project with <a href="http://www.myspace.com/byeblackbird ">Blackbird Blackbird</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/starslingermusic ">Star Slinger</a> called <a href="http://seeingsuge.bandcamp.com/">Seeing Suge</a>). <br /><br /><object data="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=1692503604/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//" type="text/html" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="400" height="100"><param name="movie" value="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=1692503604/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowNetworking" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never"><object data="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=1692503604/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB//" type="text/html" width="400" height="100"></object></object><br /><br />Emay says his latest track is a bit of an experiment, a means "to put [himself] in the shoes of a white supremacist in order to show how hateful humans can be based on insecurities alone"; it's a dope track for sure. Check it out for yourself - stream it and/or download, and enjoy the smooth rhythms and tight beats (btw, can you identify the Mount Eerie sample?). A full-length should follow shortly, and more work from Seeing Suge is in the works.THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-2060977548726186332010-11-29T19:36:00.000-08:002010-11-29T19:55:31.885-08:00Gutter Parties - "My Bhopa Friends"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUtnoEte5xPXGG9zIrhj437DzVEeH0ht2TgXGYSzFdR9H3FatDBnVmyt2Jxp4vAGW1by-0wbswOoACxZchZT0vp4oY7AU30YbCL3LfRi5I7Nf6W4GQpfG9_08MSBIrUBX8TvuuiiiQ31l/s1600/01AwcamwABir4AgNwBAAAAJQoO7Vs-.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUtnoEte5xPXGG9zIrhj437DzVEeH0ht2TgXGYSzFdR9H3FatDBnVmyt2Jxp4vAGW1by-0wbswOoACxZchZT0vp4oY7AU30YbCL3LfRi5I7Nf6W4GQpfG9_08MSBIrUBX8TvuuiiiQ31l/s320/01AwcamwABir4AgNwBAAAAJQoO7Vs-.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545184052583847506" /></a><br />Things as They Are-favorite <a href="http://www.myspace.com/gutterparties">Gutter Parties</a> have been hard at work on another excellent track. "My Bhopa Friends" isn't a far cry from their other work, but it doses take their freak-folk, tribal aesthetic to newer, freakier levels. <br /><br />I mean this in the best way, of course, because the resulting rhythms and howling vocals have a kind of primal, raw urgency that is arguably rare these days. Check it out for yourself and keep your eyes peeled for a forthcoming full-length. <br /><br /><object width="410" height="260"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0z3JVW6P-bw?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0z3JVW6P-bw?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="410" height="260"></embed></object>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-10672706989393560162010-11-16T16:16:00.000-08:002010-11-17T10:40:07.203-08:00Dream Drunk - "PUMpkin"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWsArtjQLiJyV6IgE_vitk_gknyLvEDCF7gGM0lU7Kj-qgeN2h81izG2XYt_cAV-_QO3YX8XbPdLheoM-gHqV-sMIN5XpW2JIvn9bhqL5Xq3w2NErcfatQHd8yvJkxWMgg8eFDkjd2rGL/s1600/l_12b0a415d69e43d496c3615df80062ea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWsArtjQLiJyV6IgE_vitk_gknyLvEDCF7gGM0lU7Kj-qgeN2h81izG2XYt_cAV-_QO3YX8XbPdLheoM-gHqV-sMIN5XpW2JIvn9bhqL5Xq3w2NErcfatQHd8yvJkxWMgg8eFDkjd2rGL/s320/l_12b0a415d69e43d496c3615df80062ea.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540315251572603442" /></a><br />Ready for some uber-experimental, in-your-face ambient electronic music? Neither was I. However, Brooklyn's <a href="http://www.myspace.com/DreamDrunkNY">Dream Drunk</a> (such a good name, btw) just sent over some tunes that made me re-think my current position on the barrage of ambient music littering blogs and bandcamps these days. <br /><br />Like <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mickeymickeyrourke">Mickey Mickey Rourke</a> and others, though, Dream Drunk knows how to make "ambient" engaging and memorable. Check out his latest tune, "PUMpkin," below, and be sure to check out the rest of his interesting, meandering <a href="http://dreamdrunk.bandcamp.com/">catalogue</a> of trippy jams. <br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://mediaplayer.yahoo.com/js"></script><br /><a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2010/8/14/2941981/Dream_Drunk_-_PUMpkin.m4a">Dream Drunk - "PUMpkin"</a>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-9795250487602153022010-11-03T07:36:00.000-07:002010-11-03T07:54:10.243-07:00I need help. Interested?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy7hyS8RbCUo2YBniNo_ZbzF8qJEs-tf5mrwGTYZoblGU15aLkyY9IySSqXXgB5Br83-kImPpxz93W0hlUPZ901Z6lknusVVHxaJBpgzk1SPU2s4SSmI0ZC_2h-jfV2-R5INh2jYGiQJZ/s1600/image002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy7hyS8RbCUo2YBniNo_ZbzF8qJEs-tf5mrwGTYZoblGU15aLkyY9IySSqXXgB5Br83-kImPpxz93W0hlUPZ901Z6lknusVVHxaJBpgzk1SPU2s4SSmI0ZC_2h-jfV2-R5INh2jYGiQJZ/s320/image002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535336858492133266" /></a><br />For those of you who still keep up with <strong>Things as They Are</strong>, I first of all want to say thank you. It's rewarding to know there are people out there who trust my instincts when it comes to rising indie artists/acts; likewise, I absolutely love the opportunity to share music that means so much to me. <br /><br />Unfortunately, though, blogging takes time - time that I rarely have these days. I want to maintain this blog, so I've had to realize lately that I need help if <strong>Things as They Are</strong> is going to stay functional and more importantly, continue to grow. I've received tons of blog-worthy submissions lately, for instance, that I simply cannot report on my own. <br /><br />So - do you like to write? Do you like music? I'd love to have some permanent and/or freelance writers here at <strong>Things as They Are</strong>. There's no real money involved, of course, but there are numerous rewards when it comes to sampling new artists and sharing them with the world. <br /><br />If you're interested, shoot me an email here: <strong>evanvadams@gmail.com</strong><br /><br />Hopefully things will be back to normal here soon. Love you.THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-22703690179697353502010-10-11T12:38:00.000-07:002010-10-11T15:06:55.433-07:00Nite Jewel - Am I Real? EP<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jackpotrecords.com/img/products/AM-I-REAL-0.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://www.jackpotrecords.com/img/products/AM-I-REAL-0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Ramona Gonzales, aka <a href="http://www.myspace.com/nitejewel">Nite Jewel</a>, has been slowly building momentum with vintage electro-pop for a few years now. Underrated? Unmistakably. Bound to take over the indie music scene (Ariel Pink-style) any day now? You bet. <br /><br />I’m convinced even more of her inevitable takeover after her latest EP, <span style="font-style:italic;">Am I Real?</span> It’s not a complete departure from 2009’s full length <span style="font-style:italic;">Good Evening</span> – Gonzales’s bedroom-pop, retro-tinged nod to fuzzy disco – but it is a hint at what’s likely to come in the future. <br /><br />That is, she seems less concerned these days with lo-fi idiosyncrasies (perhaps she no longer feels the need for that kind of indie credibility?) and is embracing, impressively, a cleaner sound to showcase her pop sensibilities; I commend the effort because it pays off nicely. The synth line and primary beat in “White Lies” alone are so commanding, for instance, that they immediately undercut any assumptions that Gonzales is comfortable with re-hashing an old formula or resting on laurels from quickly fading music fads. <br /><br />Essentially, the songs are perfectly modeled after sultry pop songs from years past – similar aesthetics can be found with artists like Ariel Pink of Geneva Jacuzzi – but Gonzales has finally polished her sound so that it now also mirrors the accessible and striking flair of pop icons like Madonna or Roxy Music. It was a bold and possibly polarizing move on her part, but I think she’s doing the right thing. In fact, after hearing new songs like “Am I Real?”, it’s hard to believe that Nite Jewel songs were once criticized for lacking hooks or distinguishable and engaging melodies (this critic, however, never made that argument). <br /><br />As album opener “Another Horizon” starts, one can easily hear the crisp production and underlying drive to hook the listener and introduce an evolving Nite Jewel. And the rest of the EP plays out like I’d expect: it’s a collection of groovy, understated tunes appropriate for any situation, a reflection of Gonzales’s most endearing qualities. Certain aspects of the record echo some of <span style="font-style:italic;">Good Evening</span>’s finest and haziest moments – like the hushed, atmospheric “Falling Far” – but this record is ultimately about change - a preview of Gonzales’s future efforts. I can’t wait to see what’s next. <br /><br /><object width="380" height="310"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/w9A_2AN39X8?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/w9A_2AN39X8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="380" height="310"></embed></object>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3998559567724050702.post-13669331024476157982010-10-08T06:48:00.000-07:002010-10-11T12:37:38.283-07:00Jenny and Johnny - I'm Having Fun Now<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cornershopstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Jenny_and_Johnny-Im_Having_Fun_Now.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 217px;" src="http://cornershopstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Jenny_and_Johnny-Im_Having_Fun_Now.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />People will likely approach the debut release from <a href="http://www.myspace.com/jennylewismusic">Jenny and Johnny </a>with a number of pre-conceived notions. I can't really blame them. For starters, each half of the duo comes with his/her own baggage (whether such baggage is "good" or "bad" depends entirely, of course, on the listener): Jenny Lewis has had a successful and prolific career with Rilo Kiley, her unpredictable solo outings, and various collaborations with everyone from Ben Gibbard to Elvis Costello, and while not as popular as his girlfriend and bandmate, Johnathan Rice is also associated with his previous work as a solo artist - a singer and multi-instrumentalist known for blending John Mayer-esque vocals with a hybrid of dark blues-folk. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I'm Having Fun Now</span> will also lead people to consider their thoughts on boy/girl duo dynamics in general. Some have been successful - She and Him, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beck - but others suggest that the novelty has perhaps worn off (ala Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson). Despite any assumptions one might have regarding Jenny and Johnny, their first album is its own accomplishment - it should be received as a pop record that is wholly distinct from the artists' previous efforts and other similar boy/girl acts who explore harmony-laden hooks and melodies.<br /><br />In other words, this isn't a Rilo Kiley album; it's not another one of Lewis's forays into bluesy Americana; and it's certainly not another Rice record underscored by slow-burning songs about love and pain. Stylistically, <span style="font-style:italic;">I'm Having Fun Now</span> is a pop album - every track moves quickly, or at least feels that way, propelled by sharp hooks, tight harmonies, and engaging melodies. <br /><br />And it's a quintessentially pop album in its stripped-down, honest approach. Neither half of the duo allow the songs to become cluttered or overly tedious but instead focus on simple guitar and percussion work. Many of the songs - like the gorgeous "Switchblade" or "Animal" - recall both the jangly, subdued pop aesthetic found in early R.E.M. and driving grooves of 60s surf rock, while the short but striking "Slavedriver" stands out as the album's anomaly - a quirky, sexy song that is undeniably retro in the most ambiguous way. Both Lewis and Rice have experimented with pop before, but it's clear that they both are, in fact, having fun making music that's pretty damn catchy.<br /><br />It should be interesting to see what Lewis and Rice choose to do next with their careers. Should we expect another Rilo Kiley album in the near future? Will the couple continue to make music together - or was this a singular creative outlet? Only time will tell, but in the meantime <span style="font-style:italic;">I'm Having Fun Now</span> is a surprisingly satisfying album that proves why boy/girl duos, when done well, can be so memorable. Their songs are cute but forward real and even dark themes; their unique approaches remain intact, but they contribute equally throughout (the consistent harmonies on "New Yorker Cartoon" or "Just like Zeus", for instance, highlight their compatibility and mutual efforts); and they manage to craft interesting songs without taking themselves too seriously. I'm definitely having fun.<br /><br /><object width="300" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iNyqASLtRko?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iNyqASLtRko?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>THINGS AS THEY AREhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08258766850007498806noreply@blogger.com0