Shape Up :: Total Babe

Shape Up by Total Babe

Well hey there world. We've all been sadly remiss in our blogging. I figure life happens, people get busy, blogging drops by the wayside. However, the time is ripe for our grand return to the blogosphere. Who knows, maybe we'll even venture out into the twitterverse.

Today I bring you the tune "Shape Up" by local Minneapolis band Total Babe. These folks played at the Twin Cities Avengers Glamboree fundraiser back in the early spring and totally stole the show. Since then, they've been busy getting rave reviews in all sorts of places, from the City Pages to Bust magazine. If you happen to be in the Twin Cities, they'll be playing at First Ave with Jeremy Messersmith and Chastity Brown coming up on September 18th at 6pm.

"Shape Up" has an amazingly catchy hook, but as a deficient whistler I'm impressed by anyone that can whistle a tune. Listen for the perfectly complimentary violin arrangement, a common thread through all of Total Babe's music. For more metaphorically minded musical descriptions, scroll on down through the Total Babe myspace page and read all those rave reviews.

Don't Know Why (You Stay) :: Essex Green

Essex Green is an indie-pop band based in Vermont. This song, "Don't Know Why (You Stay)" played on Pandora and caught my ear.

It's got catchy lyrics, some rhythmic syncopation, and I love the subtle harmony on the chorus. Happy Wednesday!

The Old Days :: Dr. Dog

I heard this song on the Current (the source of all good music in the Twin Cities). Dr. Dog is a folky-rocker-sorta band from Philadelphia.





"The Old Days"

Let go of the old ones
We've got some new ones
Hold on to the new stuff
And let go and get real tough

Down, down, down
Moon gonna fall down
Thump, thump, thump
House gonna fall down
Chop, chop, chop



> Tree gonna fall down
Down, down, down
Down to the bottom

Trigger, when you pull it
Go home with a bullet
No birds in the birdcage
Flew off in his old age

Down, down, down
Moon gonna fall down
Thump, thump, thump
House gonna fall down
Chop, chop, chop
[these lyrics are found on http://www.songlyrics.com]
Tree gonna fall down
Back, back, back
Back to the old days

So full in the morning
Put on your dog skin
Wrap up the money
Save it for a sunny

Day, day, day
Moon gonna fall down
Thump, thump, thump
House gonna fall down
Chop, chop, chop
Tree gonna fall down
Back, back, back
Back to the old days

Tane Mahuta :: The Ruby Suns

When I think about where I'd like to be in my life 10 years from now, a scenario that often comes to mind is living in New Zealand working as an acupuncturist. Anyone that knows me will attest to the fact that I have a million ideas of all the places I'll go and all the things I'll do. In a very concrete way, however, I'll be starting on the acupuncturist part of this Fall, when I begin studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Now, as for New Zealand, anything's possible! I've never been there, but it justseems cool. Wildly diverse climates and grow zones, centralized cities balanced by absolute desolation, a diet that consists of lots of pumpkins, and a generally quirky sort of reputation among the countries of the world. Perfect. I hear Auckland is pretty rad. And if The Ruby Suns are any reflection of Auckland and all the fun and excitement it has to offer, then get me my worker's visa and call me a Kiwi.

The Ruby Suns conjure up a lot of mental images for me. I picture living in the South Pacific, having a fire on a beach and dancing around it. It isn't intellectually challenging or too deep or anything, but it is carefree and breezy and fun. Great summer music. Like the novel that you read on the beach that has a juicy, sensational plotline but is surprisingly well-written. I've been listening to their tracks, and there isn't a tune I don't like, some are just downright catchy with world-music inspired rhythms. Others have an ambient sort of quality that is reminiscent of Panda Bear which is reminiscent of the Beach Boys. "Tane Mahuta" is a warm, noisy, fun track that has a great rhythm and a fun little trombone part, and I dig it - but use in moderation, because I think the overplay potential on this one is high.

But what does it mean? Thanks to Wikipedia, here a little background on 'tane mahuta': Tāne Mahuta is a giant kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest of Northland Region, New Zealand.

The tree's Māori name means "Lord of the Forest" (see Tāne), and is the name of a god in the Māori pantheon. Tāne Mahuta is the most massive kauri known to stand today. It is 51 metres (169 feet) in height, and has a circumference of 13.8 metres (45 feet). There is no proof of the tree's age, but it is estimated to be between 1250 and 2500 years old.

According to Māori mythology Tane is the son of Ranginui the sky father and Papatuanuku the earth mother. Tane was the child that tore his parent’s parental embrace and once done set about clothing his mother in the forest we have here today. All living creatures of the forest are regarded as Tane’s children.

Who knows how sincere they are in celebrating the Maori deity with this catchy, chart-bangin' song. The Ruby Suns' sound makes me think of the paintings of Paul Gaugin (Post-Impressionist French painter, 1848-1903). Gaugin's interest in the "primitive", the appropriation of various elements from the native South Pacific island cultures that surrounded him, the warm, muted blocks of color, imagery of island foliage.... Yeah, "Tane Mahuta" and Gaugin's paintings seem to have a lot in common. I know, I know, I probably sound like I'm trying to be lofty and intellectual, but I'm an art nerd and I can't shake this association! Truth be told, I detest his paintings - I don't like them from a formal point of view, and ethnographically, he pisses me off. I think the odd association with The Ruby Suns will be the only positive oneI EVER make with him. I dislike him almost as much as I dislike Renoir. Yeah, I said it. I really dislike Renoir.

What do I like? Fun summer music, that's what! And The Ruby Suns fit the bill. So, I am nominating them as Summer Solstice Band of the Year. So, sit outside, celebrate the upcoming official change of season, give thanks to the Māori Lord of the Forest, and listen to "Tane Mahuta". I'll be pretending I'm in New Zealand.



XOXO
Kim

Pork and Beans :: Weezer

They say i need some rogaine to put in my hair
Work it out at the gym to fit my underwear
Okaley makes the shades to transform a tool
You'd hate for the kids to think that you've lost your cool
Imma do the things that i wanna do
I ain't got a thing to prove to you
I'll eat my candy with the pork and beans
Excuse my manners if i make a scene
I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you like
I'm fine and dandy with the me inside
One look in the mirror and i'm tickled pink
I don't give a hoot about what you think

everyone likes to dance to a happy song
with a catchy chorus and beat so they can sing along
timbaland knows the way to reach the top of the charts
maybe if i work with him i can perfect the art

Imma do the things that i wanna do
I ain't got a thing to prove to you
I'll eat my candy with the pork and beans
Excuse my manners if i make a scene
I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you like
I'm fine and dandy with the me inside
one look in the mirror and i'm tickled pink
I don't give a hoot about what you think

no, i don't care
i don't care
i don't care
i don't care
i don't care
i don't care

Imma do the things that i wanna do
I ain't got a thing to prove to you
I'll eat my candy with the pork and beans
Excuse my manners if i make a scene
I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you like
I'm fine and dandy with the me inside
one look in the mirror and i'm tickled pink
I don't give a hoot about what you think

Little Bit :: Lykke Li

I love Scandinavians. And Lykke Li is no exception - her voice is like sugar, her sound is like soda pop. With a kick. Like really bitey ginger ale.

Her songs are simple, but contain little surprise elements that make them intriguing. The lyrics are coy, and I really enjoy the mix of unusual sounds and strong percussive quality of the bass lines layered with her childlike voice. For lack of a more intellectual analysis, it just sounds cool. As a side note, I also love her overall look - her style, her album art, her webpage design - simple but with attention to little twists and details. Very much in line with her sound.

I'm featuring "Little Bit", from her recent release Youth Novels. This won out over "Breaking it Up" because it had sweet videos, and I felt like offering a multi-media experience of Lykke Li. So look up "Breaking it Up" and listen to it!

Here's the "Little Bit" video for your viewing pleasure:


Bonus! "Little Bit" on the streets of Stockholm. Wonderful.


Lyrics:
Hands down
I’m too proud for love
But eyes shut it’s you I’m thinking of
But how we move from A to B
It can’t be up to me
Cause you don’t know
Eye to eye
Thigh to thigh
I let go.

[[Chorus]]
I think i'm a
Little bit
Little bit
A little bit in love with you
But only if you're a
Little bit
Little bit
A little bit in la-la-la-la-love with me, oh oh

Ooh ooh ooh ooh-ooh

And for you I keep my legs apart
And forget about my tainted heart
And I will never ever be the first
To say it but still I get over
Ah ah ah

I will do it,
Push button,
Pull trigger,
Climb mountain
Jump off a cliff 'cause you know baby
I love you love you a little bit
I would do it
I would say it
You’d mean it
I could do it
If it was you and I only and I -

[[Chorus x 2]]

Come here
Stay with me
Stroke me by the head
Cause I would give anything
To have you as my man

Come here
Stay with me
Stroke me by the head
Cause I would give anything
To have you as my man

[[Chorus x 3 and to fade]]

Like it? Check it!
http://www.lykkeli.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/lykkeli

XOXO
Kim

Rent-A-Wreck :: Suburban Kids With Biblical Names

Hurray for Swedish pop bands. For example, Suburban Kids with Biblical Names. With a name like that, how can you go wrong? Either way, they duo has been making music since 2003, they've put out two EPs entitled #1 and #2 and an album appropriately titled #3. Keeping it simple and concise.

This particular song has been featured in a Prius commercial, which I think is rather funny considering the title.

The song seems to be about touring and living from place to place and not really settling down. It's not a melancholy song even though the topic seems kind of depressing. Though that might be because of the slightly imperfect english phrases or the general indie pop song vibe.

This is the kind of song that makes me feel just generally happy and positive about life's prospects. Even if I end up eating frosties and rice cookies out of my friends' refrigerators and couch surfing for part of my life, it'll be ok. And if I do end up eating food out of your fridge, I promise I'll wash your dishes too. In fact, I'll probably wash your dishes even if I don't eat any of your food.



ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba......

On this rocky mountains
to play five songs and drink some more
and fall asleep
getting taped by locals
don't have the nerve to ask for food and die of thirst
in the backseats of rented wrecks
let's hope this wheels got what it takes to care us home

ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba......

backdrops made of denim
teacher salesman and the followers it brings
single package systems
saw DJ's and you know the riot that that brings
I wanna turn their dancefloors into a burning inferno of Ba-Ba
I play the piano and play the guitar
I've played on clubs and I've played it in bars
I visit your city
and I slept on your floors
I borrowed your swings
and I've heard you're hard core
on the scores of the c to the a and the youth of today
and it's beautiful

still I can't get enough of it
did you see me eating frosties from your fridge
And the rice cookies you never ate
their all gone with the wedding to the kitchen

Top 20 New-To-Me Artists of 2008

this blog is the top 20 new-to-me artists of 2008 (thus far), for me ...many of these artists aren't exactly 'new', but they've become new to me and i want to share them with all y'all! i put it in alphabetical order b/c i really couldn't decide how to rank them b/c they're all pretty different/unique and cross genres a lot...so here goes:
(side note: this photo is of me and my roommate...and when we start our own band, this picture will be our album cover...)

1. Adrianne


this woman rocks. her music is what i would classify as acoustic lesbionic folk rock. i dig her voice and her songs are always jam packed with emotion. she also has this sweet youtube page where she showcases her new music (a lot of which is collaborated with members from the group Girlyman). Click HERE to check them out!

2. The Bird and The Bee


the first lady/dude duo of this list, the bird and the bee will make you wanna jam out...with your clam out...or rock out with your cock out - whichever works best for you. they are indie-unique and will make you appreciate their alternative nerdiness ;)

3. Brandi Carlile


i want to have brandi carlile's babies. i've seen her live twice now...and i really can't wait to do her...i mean it...again. never have i ever witnessed an artist utilize her voice to evoke gut wrenching emotion like brandi. plus, she really just knows how to give her songs that extra kick...some spice...a left hook...a curveball...you know what i mean? she's amazing.

4. The Brunettes


the second lady/dude indie duo on my list, the brunettes bring a sort of euro-chic touch to their songs. if you're looking for a group that is as eclectic as itunes music store, check them out HERE.

5. The Cliks


i first came across this group when i was watching the L word a couple seasons back...but became reintroduced to them when my friend Dylan told me to check them out earlier this past fall. this group is canadian and queer. 'nuff said.

6. Cloud Cult


cloud cult rocks. plain and simple. if you're looking to find some music and lyrics to match your heart, go for this group. there are so many things that make this group super cool and one of them is their commitment to indie music. despite multiple major label offers, they've stuck to their beliefs and their non-profit label is also an environmental one as well! PLUS, they also have added former bassist of Tapes 'n Tapes (who will be mentioned later), Shawn Neary!

7. Ingrid Michaelson


for all you grey's anatomy fans, you will probably recognize ingrid, since four of her songs have been featured on the late night hospital intern drama. or, if you are an avid watcher of old navy commercials (specifically the fair isle sweater ads)...if you're feelin a little emo but not really feelin dude emo music, ingrid is your woman.

8. Jenny Owen Youngs


this woman is musical genius. LOVE her. not only does she write really witty and snarky songs, she has done some AMAZING covers of Nelly's 'Hot in Herrre', a hot rendition of the Postal Service's 'The District Sleeps Alone Tonight', a pretty hot version of Kelly Clarkson's lesbionic break-up song 'Since U Been Gone', a sultry and yet hilarious cover of Boys II Men's 'I'll Make Love to You', and finally, a cover medley that highlights Kelis' 'Milkshake', Pocahontas' 'Colors of the Wind', Missy Elliott's 'Work It', and finally Jay Z's '99 Problems'.

9. Joshua James


nothin says emo like a boy from lincoln, nebraska with a guitar and some nerdy glasses and sweet t-shirts. but in all seriousness, joshua james is really talented. beautifully talented...and beautiful. he is a very beautiful male musician. coming from a lezbian, this is saying a lot. he's my new favorite dude.

10. Joshua Radin


along the lines of ingrid michaelson comes joshua radin. joshua has also had songs featured on grey's anatomy, but it is through his connections with good friend/actor/director, zach braff, that much of his music has been featured on other tv shows/movies (scrubs,the last kiss). but regardless of who he knows and where you've heard him, he is very talented. and the way he harmonizes with girlfriend schuyler fisk is just plain beautiful.

11. Kimya Dawson


what i love about kimya dawson is that her songs and her voice sound like that a snarky, sassy, super smart 20-something would write...her sing-songy lyrical stylings turn me on. she makes you feel like you're not the only one who feels 'that' way. most favorite lyric of her's:
having been fucked is no excuse for being fucked up.

12. Maneli Jamal


it's not often that i listen to music that has no words, but it's also more rare for me to be moved by music with no words...maneli jamal is probably the most talented guitarist that i will ever hear in my lifetime. he has a way of bringing out feelings and sensations without having to speak a word...his guitar speaks for him and it's simply one of the most beautiful things your ears will ever come across...regardless of what type/genre of music you dig. he's also quite the artist!

13. Meiko


so, apparently i have a thing for artists who've been featured on the tv show, grey's anatomy. whatever. i can't help it if i dig chill folk/alternative/indie/emo music. and how can you blame me once you get a hold of meiko for yourself? seriously folks...there's something super sexy AND fierce about someone who can reach the top 35 AND hold the #1 folk album for over a month on itunes - and that's without being signed onto a major record label! she's sort of a big deal, so you should look out for her and prepare to enjoy yourself :)

14. Muse


my roommate introduced me to muse and i am eternally grateful. they freakin rock! they make me want to be able to jam out on the bass guitar like they do. i envy their musical stylings. plus, they are featured on Guitar Hero, which, for anyone who knows me, means eternal greatness!!!

15. Paramore


ok...here's a group that seriously kicks ass. AND they do it w/a female lead singer. they make avril lavine look worse than britney spears. (no offense avril/britney fans...sort of...) what i like best about this group is the fact that they totally rock and they're all under the age of 24...actually, they range from ages 17 to 24!!! INSANE. they make emo/rock pop sound meaningful while leaving the bitchy, bratty whining on the curb. plus, lead singer Hayley Williams is pretty cute to boot.

16. Sia


what can i say about Sia...she's weird. she's Aussie. but she's that good kind of weird...refreshing weird...quirky weird...she's the type of artist that makes you feel like she would be a lot of fun for people with ADD/ADHD. she's got a great voice and a hyper-active imagination. if you haven't heard of her, or if you've only heard her hit song "Breathe Me" (which was featured on the last episode of the show Six Feet Under), you need to hear more of her!

17. Sick of Sarah


this 4 woman band out of minneapolis, mn is fierce. if you're looking for female fronted indie rock bands, this is one you should most definitely add to your itunes playlist. SoS is fresh, innovative, and they make you wanna blast their songs with the windows down!! keep an eye out for this group...i have a feeling they're about to explode and become real big in the near future.

18. The Sounds


are you a fan of Blondie, or The Cars? if so, you will love The Sounds...they're Swedish...but way better than IKEA. and they'll compliment your music library better than a poang chair could ever compliment your reading room.

19. Tapes 'n Tapes


what is so cool about this group made of insanely smart kids from MN (they're insanely smart b/c they all graduated from Carleton College)? the fact that they got huge due to underground, indie music bloggers from around the world. if you're into music that incorporates intelligent lyrical and compositional formations, as well as euphonium, beer bottles and spoons (among other things), then you're really gonna dig this group.

20. Thao with The Get Down Stay Down


and last but not least, thao with the get down stay down. this group ROCKS! \--/ \--/ (for those of you non-dorks out there in cyber-blog space, that is totally the symbol for ROCK...you know...that thing you do with your hands when you fold in all but your pinky and pointer finger...that is followed simultaneously with some head bangin.) this is the kind of group that i would totally want to become a groupie for and just follow their tours across the country jamming out at concerts. i don't know much about them, as i've only been listening to their stuff on their myspace site for about a week now, but they seriously ROCK y'all...
---

hairagami set :: the brunettes

i first came across the brunettes via myspace. i believe i was visiting some musicians that i was already friends with and perusing their friends and somehow stumbled upon this group. they're from new zealand and have been recording music since 1998. the band is composed mainly of a dude (Jonathan Bree) and lady (Heather Mansfield) and a bunch of other random musicians at times. they have a sort of neo-retro-indy sound to them....they have a variety of styles that they can cater to, at least from what i could tell from their myspace page. i suppose you could say that thier music is a little euro-chic....whatever your classification, i dig them, and so i think you should check them out! i enjoy them because they are quite chill, often humorous, and they know how to groove, well at least i think so. this particular video for this song exemplifies what i enjoy best about them. the song is all about hair styles and in the video you see a nerdy girl who is in school and is just wanting some nice hairs. she is teased by some 'popular' girls....but she gets her revenge w/her blow dryer. plus, you can't go wrong with emo puppets, comic book story line, and nerd love. if you're interested in listening to more of the brunettes, click HERE. hope you all enjoy!

the end.
<3, meggo.



hairagami set::the brunettes

le loom
updos
cross over
monkey finger
hot knots
claw clip
french twist
scrunchie
snap dragon
inkcuban
oooo i got doos for moods
oooo i'll design my groove

doesn't she look a million with her hairagami set
hair kisses 'n' hair architecture yes she's a beautiful brunette
angel from heaven with her hairagami set
hair kisses 'n' hair architecture augment a beautiful brunette

monkey bands
bocci
spin braider
bun tail
w pins
gami twist
french braid and spring rings
i'm all new baby
doesn't she look a million with her hairagami set
hair kisses 'n' hair architecture yes she's a beautiful brunette
angel from heaven with her hairagami set
hair kisses 'n' hair architecture augment a beautiful brunette

BONUS!
for those of you that appreciate hootenanny-esque jams, then you'll dig this (they have horns and clarinets!!!):