The new album from School of Seven Bells, Ghostory, is due on 2/28/12 via Vagrant Records. We can't say enough of about the pure talent of this group; they make a indie-genre of their own with amazing melodies, great vocal harmonies and electro-samples/beats that never sound stale. From Alpinisms in 2009, to Disconnect from Desire in 2010, School of Seven Bells have been top contenders on every end-of-year Best of List. Their newest single, "The Night" was first heard through Stark ears live at Cameo a few months ago; talk about an ear-worm, we recognized it again immediately. Looking forward to this release folks. Big time.
Yesterday, we picked up the new record, Alpinisms from School of Seven Bells, and while we've only listened a few times since yesterday, we can say that it's pretty damn excellent. As per the usual, before we could write about it, Pitchfork slapped it with an 8.0 and a recommended status -- but we shall not be deterred!
The record get's a little long towards the end (it's almost an hours worth of music,) yet, Alpinisms is consistent and dutifully crafted. Formed by Ben Curtis of the Secret Machines, this is the group's first full-length effort. The band has described the record as "mountain climbing music" and it seems to be just that. Each song develops well and constantly progresses to its dark and chilling natural peak. It's melodic, organic, and electronic all at the same time. That works perfectly for us. STARK recommended.
School of Seven Bells plays this Friday, Nov. 14, with another Stark favorite M83 at Webster Hall in NY. Should be a great show.
Full tour dates with M83 after the jump...
Nov 12 2008 8:00P w/ M83 Charlotte, North Carolina Nov 13 2008 9:00P w/ M83 WASHINGTON, Washington DC Nov 14 2008 8:00P w/ M83 New York, New York Nov 15 2008 8:00P w/ M83 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Nov 16 2008 8:30P w/ M83 Northampton, Massachusetts Nov 18 2008 10:00P w/ M83 Boston, Massachusetts Nov 19 2008 8:00P w/ M83 Montreal, Quebec Nov 20 2008 8:00P w/ M83 Toronto, Ontario Nov 21 2008 8:00P w/ M83 Chicago, Illinois Nov 22 2008 10:00P w/ M83 Minneapolis, Minnesota Nov 25 2008 8:00P w/ M83 Seattle, Washington Nov 26 2008 7:30P w/ M83 Vancouver, British Columbia Nov 27 2008 9:00P w/ M83 Portland, Oregon Nov 28 2008 8:00P w/ M83 San Francisco, California Nov 29 2008 10:00P w/ M83 Los Angeles, California
Today, Pitchfork.TV debuted the newest video from one of our fave new artists School of Seven Bells. Their music is largely electronic, but crafted in such a way as to sound organic and at times even comforting. School of Seven Bells were kind enough to contribute to our 2008 Artist Choices list, and their debut Alpinisms even found its way into Vince's top 10 records of the year.
In other news...
WAVVES' second record Wavvves came out digitally today and has some nice placement on the iTunes homepage. We dug Wavves (his debut), but from our first impressions the follow-up on Fat Possum seems a bit more... polished? It's hard to call Wavves polished in any regard, but his mess of distorted noise, cacophonous drums and trashy vocals somehow has more punch to it and has a more full sound. Go figure. Just pick it up. You can also download a copy of Wavves' NY Market Hotel show HERE from Nyctaper. Wavves "So Bored" mp3
LA's the School of Seven Bells are readying the release of their sophomore record, Disconnect from Desire dropping July 13 on Vagrant/Ghostly International.
This trio, comprised on two twins and a Secret Machines expat screamed on to the scene back in 2008 with their debut record, Alpinisms garnering praise from, Spin, NME, Paste, Pitchfork and of course US! (see #9 on the best of chart.) Thinking outside the box, while still staying nearly-one-foot in, School of Seven bells are a musical enigma, but one you want to continually explore. Alpinisms was a sprawling journey - the album moved almost pushing physicality. Needless to say, we are super exicted to see what they offer us next. We're on board. We're with it.
In addtional to announcing the new album, SSB will also be playing two shows at NYC's Mercury Lounge on June. 9 and 10. See you there! Check out the
Brooklyn's electro-pop trio, School of Seven Bells, are set to tour behind their mildly successful 2008 full-length debut, Alpinisms. We sure as hell enjoyed the record however, as it made the # 9 spot on Vince's Best of 2008 list. Though generating buzz in 2008, the band hit its stride heading into 2009, peaking at SXSW; Entertainment Weekly reported on the band's SX performance saying they produce, "...a sound that could just as easily put you in a reflective trance or make you dance for your life." Fine by us.
Dig the Bell's tour dates after the jump. School of Seven Bells US Tour Dates: 5/20 Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge* 5/21 Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon* 5/22 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club* 5/25 Seattle, WA @ Sasquatch Festival* 5/26 Portland, OR @ Holocene* 5/28 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill* 5/29 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour* 5/30 Costa Mesa, CA @ Detroit Bar* 5/31 Tucson, AZ @ Rhythm Room* 6/02 Austin, TX @ Mohawk* 6/03 Denton, TX @ Hailey's* 6/04 Little Rock, AR @ Sticky Fingerz* 6/05 Nashville, TN @ Exit In* 6/06 Columbus, OH @ Circus* 6/12 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom * w/Black Moth Super Rainbow
Today, Fader gave us the new mp3 from England's newest exports The XX. While much is made of their love for soul music, that's not really what we take away from their music. It's more about the languid male/female vocals melodies and the band's ability to play by not playing too much. They hint at dance rhythms, but they are almost too laid back for that. We haven't had a full listen to their debut LP yet, but we're definitely looking forward to it. Comes out on Young Turks/XL October 20th. There are plenty of chances to catch The XX in New York coming up, including a free show at South Street Seaport with School of Seven Bells. See tour dates after the jump.
Aug 07 - New York NY - Mercury Lounge (with Free Energy and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic) Aug 12 - New York NY - Pianos Aug 13 - Brooklyn NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg - with Friendly Fires Aug 14 - New York NY - South Street Seaport (with School of Seven Bells)
Dig this cover from one of our favorite artists, School of Seven Bells; their new album, Ghostory (out now) is a front runner for a Top 10 spot on our Best of 2012 lists...already.
In addition to the amazing artists Matt has recently written about below, School of Seven Bells' third record, Ghostory is quickly becoming one of our most highly anticipated albums of 2012; it drops on 2/28 via Vagrant Records. After being given our first taste with "The Night," we knew there was something big coming. Now, the band has just released "Lafaye," which confirms this assertion. This record is going to be huge and we can't wait to hear more.
Our favorite records of the years, in no particular order:
Earth - The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull Fennesz - Black Sea Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) Portishead - Third Madlib - Beat Konducta Vol. 5+6 Beach House - Devotion M83 - Saturdays = Youth VA - Ghostly Swim Tim and Eric - The "Brownie Mountain" song (we know this isn't an album, but we wish it was) Gas - Nah und Fern Robert Wyatt - Shleep (Reissue)
Stream School of Seven Bells' Put Your Sad Down EP in full above. Is that a 12:46 track? Off to radio!
But seriously, Ghostory is a front runner for my Top 10 year-end list. Enjoy the new EP.
This was a big year for me, Matt and this blog in so many different ways. Striving for perfection is something I think everyone can rally around; for me, that was a big part of 2010. Take it as you will. I am not going to make this list general, or objective. This is my list. This is 2010 in music the way I saw it. There were a lot of major releases that moved the needle and you know who they are. There were some artistic, introspective, highly controversial, and spectacular records put out that aren't mentioned here. That's fine. Because you have your favorites...we all do. These are mine and I hope you enjoy.
Don't forget to check out Matt's list HERE if you haven't already.
RESPECTFULLY LISTED:
Phosphorescent – Here’s To Taking it Easy Alejandro Escovedo – Street Songs of Love The Bird and the Bee – Interpreting the Masters Vol 1: A Tribute to Hall and Oates Dominique Young Unique – Domination Mixtape Jenny and Johnny – I’m Having Fun Now The Radio Dept. – Clinging to a Scheme
TOP 35 ALBUMS OF 2010:
35. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
(Because I could.)
34. Old 97’s – The Grand Theatre Volume One
(When a band works this hard, you must.)
33. Sakert! – Facit
(Surprising. Foreign. Cute girl on the cover making an awkward face.)
32. Javelin – No Mas
(Luaka Bop puts out records that I want to buy. Javelin was one of those.)
31. Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can
(Delicate, yet empowered. She knows what she's doing and what she wants. Go get it.)
30. Lissie – Catching a Tiger
(Beautiful voice, smart songwriting, gem of a person. Destined for great things.)
29. Deluka – You Are the Night
(My most seen band of 2010. Their record is dance in shrink wrap. You want this.)
28. The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt
(When isn't it a good time to listen to this record?)
27. Mavis Staples – You Are Not Alone
(A legend revamped. Can't get this wrong.)
26. Drive By Truckers – The Big To-Do
(Never will DBT be left off my Best of List. Never should they deserve to be.)
25. Oh No Ono – Eggs
(Find me another Best Of list with this on it. Great record. Flew under the radar, but not under mine.)
24. Surfer Blood – Astro Coast
(Ok. I get it. I'll bite. No pun intended.)
23. Glasser – Ring
(This record found itself in all the right places, including my hands. Well done, well-crafted and well...it's #23.)
22. Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest
(You know them. You love them. I give you, another great Deerhunter record.)
21. Crocodiles – Sleep Forever
(Ah the Crocs. Get agnsty, get into it. Rock N' Roll baby!)
20. The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang
(They are your band. The band you can taste. They are one of us. They are The Gaslight Anthem.)
19. Dylan LeBlanc – Pauper’s Field
(Beggars can pick them. This youngster has the song writing ability of a Townes, the voice of Ray Lamontagne and is well on his way to an exciting career.)
18. David Byrne & Fatboy Slim – Here Lies Love
(This record makes sense to me. I get it. I like it in the Summer. I like it in the Winter. I like it because it makes me feel good. Get on board or get the hell out. Did I forget to mention it is David Byrne? Come on people.)
17. Sleigh Bells – Treats
(This record sounded and sounds like nothing else out there right now. The mere fact they broke into the mainstream with that sound is hands down a fantastic achievement. God Bless the music industry when it can produce and rally around a band like this.)
16. Neil Young – Le Noise
(It's Neil Young and Daniel Lanois in the studio, making it work. Stripped down, laid-bare, pick your cliche. This is a near perfect piece of work and is made all the better because I met Lanois during CMJ. Period.)
15. Of Montreal – False Priest
(This album is deep. It has layers. Different musical styles and genres intertwine to create a truly enjoyable listening experience and one you want to continually come back to. Good work my friends.)
14. Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid
(A unique listening experience. Monae's sytle, voice and song writing are extroverted, dangerous and get in the face of the lazy listener. You need to get up for this one.)
13. Caitlin Rose – Own Side Now
(It can be done one way, or it can be done the Caitlin Rose way. Move aside and let the girl do what she does. It's her career, her record and her time to make you believe. It's make-or-break on this debut -- you know where we stand. Go get 'em Cato.)
12. Wavves – King of the Beach
(I don't know which crossroads Nathan went to in order to sell his soul for this record, but we are glad he did. "Convertible Balloon?" Are you fucking kidding me? Well done sir.)
11. Joanna Newsom - Have One on Me
(Another...near perfect in every respect. A true pleasure to listen to...Newsom has made converts of non-believers here -- she got it right and we, the listeners, thank you.)
Check out my Top 10 Records of 2010 as well as my Top 7 EPs of 2010 after the jump!!
10. Free Energy – Stuck on Nothing
(This album defined a very interesting time in my life: I found new friends, discovered new parts of my weird little world and this album helped to break down any barriers standing in my way. Stuck on Nothing heightens even the simplest of life experiences -- this gets you where you need to be. That and drugs.)
9. Kisses - The Heart of the Nightlife
(Another life-defining album. I can tell you the exact times, places and situations in which I listened to this album. No matter what was happening to me, The Heart of the Nightlife would extract and allow me to rise above myself, look down, and watch my body move to the beat. What happens between you and this record, stays between you and this record.)
8. Kids of 88 – Sugarpills
(If you haven't already, you'll start to see a trend emerging here. This year was about music that makes you feel good about you. Music that keeps you moving forward. Kids of 88 came out of left field, Australia to be exact, and slapped me in the face. I loved the slap. And continued to slap myself repeatedly, over-and-over throughout 2010. Hurler, please, slap me again.)
7. The Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
(Initially, this album didn't make sense to me. Maybe I was looking for another Neon Bible or Funeral. Ultimately, it came down to the fact that I didn't spend enough time listening...listening and listening hard. I stumbled across "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains" and something clicked in my brain. That song kicked me in the groin. It hurt so good. I stopped to re-evaluate my life and this album immediately afterward. What I found, was that I had been sitting on one of the records of 2010. It makes #7 here, but we all know, this is a #1 album.)
6. The Postelles - The Postelles
(Ever make an amazing mistake? Really stumble across something? Well, when I recognized a girl I went to High School with starring in The Postelle's video for "White Night," I watched the entire video. I started to like the music. Really like the music. Next step, obtain the full-length. Since that moment, it hasn't left my iPod. This is a record you play and people continually ask "Hey. Who is this?" You say the Postelles. They go "Huh." You go, "Yeah." Then, you rock.)
5. Lindstrome & Christabelle – Real Life is No Cool
("Baby I Can't Stop" and "Lovesick" are enough to put this album in the Top 10 on my Best Of list. The rest of the album follows suit accordingly, blasting out electro-pop gem after electro-pop gem. This record makes me feel creative -- it makes whatever you are doing at the time, the right thing to be doing. If you are walking at a steady clip, you are doing it right. Working out? You are doing it right. Don't deny the power of this record, because if you are a loser now, this album can make you cool.)
4. School of Seven Bells – Disconnect from Desire
(I sat in my bedroom on a super-hot July night, blasting my AC with the lights out. I had this album on my iTunes with the iTunes visualizer up. I was 100% sober and I listened to this album straight through, cover-to-cover, twice. I nerded it up, big time. This album can make you a music nerd. It is that good. The word "epic" makes me want to eat my own vomit, but this album is fucking epic. It's a record you sit and respect. You understand this isn't a single driven album, this is a full-length, cohesive effort. Do you get what I am saying? If not, buy this LP and figure it out.)
3. Yeasayer – Odd Blood
("Ambling Alp," "ONE," "Madder Red," "Grizelda." That's only four songs off this special record from a Brooklyn group deserving of something special to happen. I'll be candid -- Yeasyer was not a band I was paying attention to. To be honest, they didn't do anything in the past to make me care. Maybe they did and it wasn't marketed well enough. Regardless, Odd Blood was and is a drug. Like E, or maybe some sort of mushroom-like hallucinogen. You want to take this. Take it. Now.)
2. Delorean – Subiza
(I once hailed this album, an "epic anthem of Summer." I know, vom. But, do you disagree? Have you experienced everything that this Spanish band has to offer? Subiza was a record that made me want the weekend. I yearned for it. I wanted to sit with a beer, listen to this record, BBQ and live like a damn Busch Light commercial. Subiza made me want to don a pair of Wranglers and throw the football with Farve and have the Golden Retriever wreaking havoc in the background. This album was packaged libido -- everything looked good except work when listening. Women, food, you name it. My summer culminated, climaxed and then died after Delorean closed the last Sunday Pool Party. I lived this album for the Summer. It did me well. I thank you Delorean, for putting this out, and making my Summer of 2010.
1. The 1900s – Return of the Century
(Surprised? I hope you are. No, I didn't make this album my #1 for sheer shock factor, but I'll take it if you are shocked. Through my 2010 list, I have touched on albums that were near-perfect, almost perfect, or yes, maybe are perfect in their own way. To me, Chicago's The 1900s and their album Return of the Century hit me like a ton of sand. This did it for me. This was it. I heard this record full-through and something inside me clicked. It was a YES moment. It was like taking the perfect shower only when you stepped out of the hot-comfort, you weren't backhanded by the Stark cold. You can do everything to this record: party a bit, relax, wake up, sleep, sing along, belt hooky choruses...this is an all-purpose record. To be honest, Delorean was easily #1 for me -- hands down. 2010 was drawing to a close, then bam! Return of the Century hit me and I haven't looked back. Thank you, for making the close of this amazing year, that much more enjoyable. From, a fan.)
TOP 7 EPs OF 2010:
1. Tanlines – Settings
2. The War On Drugs – Future Weather
3. Tallest Man on Earth – Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird
