Songs for warm nights

I thought I'd share a couple of the artists that I've had on repeat while I make the most of the recent warm nights, and brood over the dark clouds that the weatherman promises me are to come...

•  Bonnie & Mariee

I'm pretty ashamed that I didn't know about this incredible pairing earlier, but better later than never, I suppose.  Not much to say about this other than it's Bonnie "Prince" Billy & Mariee Sioux and so it's obviously beautiful.

•  Father John Misty

Fear Fun might be a teensy bit similar to Tillman's other stuff, but I feel like it's different enough, and of course still wonderful, plus it has a more summery feel than the autumnal output of the Fleet Foxes

•  Hannah Cohen

The very beautiful and very talented Hannah Cohen is currently pretty much on loop when I'm trying not to stress out at work and when I'm relaxing back home.  I dare you not to fall in love at first listen.

•  Cold Specks

I've only recently discovered Cold Specks, but her rich gravely voice has me hooked already.  I particularly love the pared down Elephant Head

Listen to Andrew Bird's Eyeoneye

Recently I was moaning that I have not been listening to enough joyful music.  Andrew Bird clearly heard me and Eyeoneye, a taster from his eargerly awaited new album Break it Yourself (released on 5th March on Bella Union) was put up on soundcloud.  Solely due to my moaning, I'm sure of it.  Give it a listen if you want an instant spring in your step.

LISTEN TO MOUNTAIN MAN

OK so their record has been out for over a year, but this harmony vocal trio have been gaining exposure recently as backing singers for Feist on her current tour. Actually the term 'backing singers' seems a little inappropriate given that Mountain Man are a legitimate act in their own right. I was lucky enough to see them peform with Feist at the Palladium last month and was hugely impressed, particularly when we were treated to a jaunty a cappella piece from the three girls. Their harmonies were close and intricate, and quite like any other vocal work I have ever heard before. If normal three-part harmony is three people singing together, then Mountain Man are like a single entity with three voices. The effect is often ethereal and eerie, as you can hear in the track below. The juxtaposition of unison and harmony vocals is inspired, and I like the way that some of the harmonies come quite close to being discordant at times, but never actually quite get there. It creates a subtle tension in the music; a sort of aching uncertainty. Their record is titled 'Made The Harbor' and is available through Bella Union.

Mountain Man - Soft Skin by Bella Union

I Break Horses 'Hearts' (Bedroom Sessions)

Bella Union have just put out this pretty cool bedroom session from I Break Horses. As you may have figured by now, we love I break Horses at Toy Stereo and we also have a soft spot for these kinds of live performances filmed in really mundane areas. The last one that really blew me away was the "Rolled Together" cut by The Antlers and Neon indian recorded in their NYC flat. The thing that I really love about The Antlers video though, is the drawn-out electrified adaptation of the original track and the incredible enthusiasm they put into the performance. The I Break Horses video however, doesn't have the same effect - but that's not to say I didn't enjoy the video. The superb track makes up for it anyway.

For some highly irritating reason Bella Union haven't allowed the video to be embedded onto any other websites, so here's the link. Incase you missed their last bedroom session for their track "Winter Beats", check it out below!

I Break Horses - 'Winter Beats' (Bedroom Sessions) from Bella Union on Vimeo.

I Break Horses Download Anyone?

Bella Union, being as generous as they are, have released yet another download from Hearts, the debut LP from I Break Horses. "Winter Beats" is a careful crescendo that intensifies as the track progresses, but with that said, the song never burns too fierce. With this control the duo create a large open musical space that allows Maria Lindén's vocals to take centre stage; quite the opposite to the previously posted track "Hearts".

Their music is far from lacking interesting subtle melodies and complex musical textures; Hearts is definitely at the top of my shopping list. Roll on August 15th!

Have a listen. You can download the track here.

I Break Horses

I have noticed something recently. I have a thing for Swedish musical duos. First Aid Kit are two beautiful sisters from Stockholm who write the most catchy acoustic folk-pop songs. They perform with a sort of gentle demure, but with that said they can take hold and sooth even the rowdiest festival audiences. They are awesome.

Anyone who has heard of the Sweedish duo The Knife, love The Knife. Even if electronica isn't your thing, you still can't help but love The Knife. I think it's some sort of innate quality (and yes, it is a quality) that we all share. At this point it's worth noting, if you haven't heard of The Knife, or have yet to hear their music, go forth with god-speed and acquire, by any means necessary, their 2006 album Silent Shout.

The list goes on.

Anyway, I digress. Today I heard I Break Horses' Hearts for the first time. And yes, you've got it, they are yet another Sweeish duo! Various music sites and blogs on the net are saying that the duo sound like Slowdive and Jesus & Mary Chain. Perhaps. But the first thing that came to my mind was the Toronto based post-rock veterans Do Make Say Think. The loud crashy percussive noises, mixed with those gentle but spacey guitar melodies, offset with "musical white noise" (if such a thing even exists). The vocals sit low in the mix and are rather subdued, yet it leaves us thirsty for more. At the end when the noises stop and only the keyboards are left, it leaves us with a somewhat reflective, if almost poignant vibe. A nice bookend to the track.

Their debut LP Hearts is out on the 15th of August on Bella Union.