This Denver band was brought to my attention by fellow Ruckus blogger, Cheryl, who inadvertently ended up at one of their gigs awhile back. I know they're creating quite a buzz nationwide, but I live under a secluded rock. Husband and wife duo, Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley, make up Denver's next big thing, Tennis. The couple's music is inspired by a seven month sailing trip, which has been the theme of their releases. The sound is undeniably poppy and catchy (think Chairlift), with a lo-fi indie feel to it.
There's a weight to Sarah Jaffe's music. It doesn't always come with the first listen, but you'll find yourself bowled over soon enough. What you'll notice right away is Sarah's gorgeous voice and guitar skill, immersed in layers of harmonies and strings that make her a delight. I have heard Ms. Jaffe's songs described as "a lullaby for adults" and I've never been able to come up with a more apt appraisal. With a unique wisdom and a gift for speaking the truth strung together with beautiful notes, Suburban Nature is one of my favorite albums of 2010. Make sure to put it on if you're driving across the country. The lovely and talented Sarah Jaffe answered a few questions for The Ruckus on growing up with music, people who inspire her, and writing brilliant songs.
"Clementine" is such a great song. Can you tell me anything about the story behind writing it?
I wrote "Clementine" about six years ago in an old friend's dorm room in Arkansas. I was in this band at the time, we were kind of a "bit" band I guess you could say. Anyway, we had our first show in Arkansas and we didn't have enough songs. So I sat down and wrote "Clementine", pretty light-heartedly, actually, just as a filler for our set. So when people started latching onto it, I was almost bitter about it. It hasn't been until just recently that the song's emotion has kind of evolved for me. But I can relate to it now.
I read on NPR that you recorded in a funeral parlor. How did that come about?
The producer that I worked with on the EP and this full length, John Congleton, bought this space for his studio that, ironically enough, was a funeral parlor in the '60s. Despite how creepy it sounds, it's a really charming space.
Tell me about your album, Suburban Nature.
It's a compilation of songs that have pretty much come from very different periods of time. I had come to record with about fifteen songs, and the record came down to thirteen eventually. Those songs just made the most sense together.
I really like Mark Ronson, because he does what he does incredibly well. This video is so deliciously 1980s with a 1960s identity crisis, and so very guaranteed to appeal to fixie riding hipsters everywhere. Spank Rock and the View’s Kyle Falconer are a delightful addition to both the song and the video - fabulous.
Ronson's Record Collection hits shelves September 27th in the UK and one day later in the U.S. via RCA.
I sat for a while wondering what words to use in describing this track and I really can't without sounding like I'm gushing. I could use 'beautiful', 'lingering', 'perfect' but it would just sound cheesy and not descriptive of how stunning this song is. It's by London based musicians, Sam McCarthy and Eliza Doolittle (who not only was a pleasure to interview but is also a supporter of the best football team in London - Arsenal FC). Sam's raspy vocals and Eliza's sweet yet also slightly raspy vocals compliment each other on this track and I adore the eerie whispering, it adds a ghostly sound to the song. I wonder why such a track has not fallen on my radar yet but either way, I've had it on repeat ever since it dropped into my inbox.
What are the chances I'll get to see 'If You Could See Me' performed live soon? Not likely. So it'll be on repeat for a while. Listen, listen, listen people.
We discovered a fantastic and incredibly poignant art project whilst at Secret Garden Party, the concept being that you write something you have lost on a luggage label and attach it to a tree. It can be anything, it can be your favourite teddy bear, your virginity, your faith, your packet of cigarettes, anything goes. Over the course of the festival, the tree was so insanely full of labels, it was obviously a huge hit. The artists then collected the labels and took them home and added it to their exhibition. It's a beautiful concept that Sheena and I both partook in, and it felt almost therapeutic. Ignore the Forecast also run a blog where they document some of the labels, artists who blog? Exciting. I crouched by the tree and spoke to one of the co-creators briefly who let me into the history of The Tree of Lost Things. Have a quick look at some of the labels, because believe me they are addictive once you start reading a few secrets.
Ivy Mairi is a local Toronto artist, or, more specifically, from the Toronto Islands. The Islands are the ideal environment for a young musician; nightly bonfires during the summer, surrounded by guitars, harmonicas, violins, and banjos. It’s no wonder that Ivy has flourished as a musician, while keeping a folky, warm sound.
Ivy is currently working on new music with Lucas Gadke and Matthew Bailey, and from what we’ve heard, it’s something to keep an eye out for! Something of Love is a truly stunning song, perfect for summer, with the sweetness of the mandolin, and the perfect amount of rasp in Ivy's voice.
Ivy’s first album, Well You came out in 2007, and while record-wise, nothing has come out since then, I need to admit that I still listen to her music at least once a day- the songs are light, melodic, and emotional. The string arrangements on songs like If You’re Going Where I’m Going provide a warm, entrancing accompaniment to Ivy’s meticulous guitar playing, and her youthful, whispering voice. Other songs, like the title track, Well You and I Watched You Reading are playful and spirited, daring you to sing along.
Ivy Mairi’s inclusion of various instruments is truly what makes this album a success; a full bodied sound, simple vocals, and sweet delivery of lyrics make the songs light and airy, with just the right amount of emotion.
Working with bands like The Skydiggers and Cowboy Junkies has allowed her the opportunity to perfect her sound, and learn from seasoned musicians.
The official video for Cee Lo Green's "Fuck You" takes place in a 50s style diner and takes us through Cee Lo's life from youngster to ladykiller, complete with gorgeous Motown backup singers in fancy dresses. The video creates the perfect visual vibe for the song, which is fucking delightful, actually.
Deb Talan and Steve Tannen released their first album together seven years ago (2003's Happiness), so it's only natural for one to wonder if they can still deliver the "subtly intoxicating folk-pop" that fans of The Weepies have come to expect over the years. The answer to that question is yes, unequivocally - they have completely nailed it with Be My Thrill.
Ask the indie professor provides some insight on the great questions of the indie scene such as "why shout for a song the band will never play?" and "why won't people get off their damn phones and, like, watch the band?" as well as deeper topics such as gender stereotypes.
This stunning film is from Will Hoffman and Daniel Mercadante of Everynone, made to accompany Radiolab's Words episode (which itself is absolutely worth your time). It is fair to say that I am a huge NPR junkie, but the truth is things like this make me love the world we live in.
