TRANZCONTINENTAL

3.12.2013

Somebody Up There Likes Me

Kevin / 25 / Detroit

The Musicbox Theater in Chicago offered a screening of "Somebody Up There Likes Me" last weekend, at which one of the stars and producers of the film, Nick Offerman (of Ron Swanson fame) was present. The film played around a theme of everlasting youth and disillusion within American life/marriage/relationships; with a couple nods of influence from directors like Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino.

In the QA session following the screening, the audience was given the chance to ask Mr. Offerman questions like "Do you agree with the idea of a national highway for wolves?" and "Will you sign my vintage saw?" He entertained these questions until a young couple made their way to stage to embrace the mustached actor while taking a 'selfie' in front of an audience of 700 people. A little awkward, to say the least.

The movie's soundtrack also reminded me of an album I used to listen to frequently - "Yours to Keep" by Albert Hammond, Jr. I've had a couple listens through this album since seeing the movie, and it's held up well. A couple favorites below.

3.10.2013

office chart

Matthew Kolp, 25, East Lansing, MI

sleep at 3 am was actually sleep at 4 am.
we lost an hour. to get it back
you have to wait until november 3rd.

so here's a cloudy, mild office chart on a cloudy, mild sunday.

john mayer and frank ocean - 'white'
j dilla - 'bullshittin' (instrumental)
john lennon - 'sun king'
and a beatles remix (gramatik) - 'don't let me down'
wale - 'h20'
james blake - 'limit to your love'
the shins - '40 mark strasse'
dirty projectors - 'dance for you'
the decemberists - 'on the bus mall'
thievery corp - 'until the morning'

2.10.2013

Music: New and noteworthy early 2013

Jim James, My Morning Jacket frontman, is releasing his first full solo record. Just as good as expected.

James Blake has released the first single from his upcoming sophomore record, "Overgrown," to be released this April. Like his past releases, this first song is bleak, yet soulful and catchy.

The Strokes may be looking to go back to basics with their fifth studio album, "Comedown Machine."

My Bloody Valentine unexpectedly dropped their first album in 22 years this month.

Adam Green (The Moldy Peaches) and Binki Shipiro (Little Joy) are joining forces for an album of duets resembling 1960s French pop.

Burial's new EP is a continuation of his dark and rhythmic, post-apocalyptic electronic sounds.

Toro Y Moi continues on with his funky-fresh one-man chill-wave project with the new album, "Anything in Return," released in January.

1.21.2013

Foxygen and the influence of influences

Like so many bands before them, Foxygen will undoubtedly be received as 'another throwback classic rock band' followed by lists of the various bands of the past they emulate.

There are times in music criticism when it seems that all that automatic influence pointing clouds any capacity for stigma-free enjoyable listening. Instantly labeling these guys' influences is way too easy, and at first listen they seem to belong with the the other psychedelic-rock groups of late (Dr. Dog, Black Lips, Tame Impala). So is something different this time? Are they being themselves or is each song some wacky, hybrid combination of different songs from classic rock radio? Think Girl Talk with guitars.

After enjoying these tracks this first time I heard them, I can't help but wonder if what should be more often regarded as good 'authentic' music is a form of song writing that, rather than just reflecting them, sounds contemporary without diminishing the effects of the musician's influences. Maybe? Maybe not? I suppose time will tell for Foxygen.

A few tracks (with influences):

Velvet Underground/Bob Dylan

The Kinks

Elvis Presley/The Rolling Stones/Pink Floyd?