unpiano: music

Formerly of San Francisco and now of New York, Namesake’s Adam Cimino continues to create some of the best 4-track recordings I have ever heard. Seriously, I don’t know how he can make drums sound like that with one mic and a cassette tape. More important, is the fact that the songs he creates have a signature sound that sort of creates their own genre. I tried to think of what I would label this posting as in the blog, but came up empty handed. I only added the label indie rock because I’m not creative enough to think of anything else (I added ‘Namesake’ as a category). The cd that these songs were pulled off contains a cross section of his work, plus a wood-block print, a zine and a screen printed cd and sleeve.. all handmade. The music he makes reflects this same attitude and I have yet to meet anyone who wasn’t blown away. Anyways, even though we will miss him dearly, I wish Adam the very best of luck in New York and you should also check out his other band The Mall, who I’m sure you will hear about very soon.

Namesake - An Astonishing Portrait of the Natural World
Namesake - S.I.O (M. Carey Cover)
Namesake - Bully! Bully! Bully! (Pigeon Fight - 24th St. Bart)
Namesake - Like Long Lost Leviathon

I really like reggae. Let’s just get that out of the way. While I can feel a lot of dancehall stuff, I mostly get down with some lovers. Sort of on a chill out scenario. Like, put on some lovers or some other mellow stuff and just hang out in the sun. Anyways, when I was in Portland recently I came across this box set from Trojan records who puts out consistent compilations and kind of dominates that market (kind of like Soul Jazz - you can close your eyes, point at one of their albums and you are guaranteed a good one). This compilation is all early Detroit R&B covers with some soul and rock mixed in there too. Three discs of summertime goodness that will be sure to piss off my friends. How did reggae get such a bad rap anyway? It doesn’t even matter because this compilation will change people’s mind.

Desi Young - I Don’t Know (Why I love You)
Alton Ellis - What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)
Derrick Harriott - You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me
Alton Ellis - It’s A Shame

//Click on the photo for my favorite R. Kelly outfit ever

I don’t know why R. Kelly and Broken Social Scene fit so well together. I was even trying to come up with something funny and witty to say about that, but I’m drawing a blank. This is on some opposites attract shit, but I digress. ‘I’m a flirt’ mixed with BSS’s ‘7/4 (Shoreline)’ equals my pop music fix for the week (I mean hour). Pulled from the The Hood Internet who is responsible for this mess and quite a few other decent mashups as well.

R. Kelly vs. Broken Social Scene - I’m A Flirt

Watch the video

UPDATE: I also like this one a lot as well..

Clipse vs. The Avalanches - When The Last Time I Left You

//Photo by Tod Seelie

I heard two great covers recently both courtesy of Tod Seelie’s blog Suckapants which is a constant source of great music. Tod is pretty much the king of covers, so I knew they would be great before I heard them. This version of Young Folks might not be your cup of tea if you’re fresh off the original, but if you have had some time apart you might be a fan. As for the Michael Idov song, I think it’s the best (and worst) thing I have ever heard.

Dawn Landes - Young Folks
Michael Idov - I Kill Everything I Fuck

Yep, another Arcade Fire post. Anyway, here are some b-sides and demos that I find very nice indeed. Some of the sound quality is not so hot, but what can you do. Also, on first listen the Talking Heads cover is sort of boring but it grew on me and now I like it a bunch. They just played a bunch of shows on the west coast with Electrelane (whom I’ll be posting about soon) that I heard were a great time but of course had forgotten to get tickets for. I think I’m better at blowin’ it then I am and makin’ it. I’m okay with that because blowin’ it is more fun sometimes.

Arcade Fire - Burning Bridges Breaking Hearts
Arcade Fire - Cars and Telephones
Arcade Fire - Naive Melody