Singer-Songwriter Bonnie "Prince" Billy (aka Will Oldham) will release his latest album, Beware on March 17th. I am a big fan of his music and would highly recommend giving a listen. Here is the video for his new song "I Am Goodbye".
Monday, March 9, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
New U2 Video - "Breathe"
Fresh off U2's performance last night on Letterman (the first of five nights in a row on Letterman), here is the video for "Breathe". U2 Live = Amazing!
U2's new album, No Line On The Horizon was released today.
U2's new album, No Line On The Horizon was released today.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
J. Tillman Video - "Firstborn"
J. Tillman (aka Josh Tillman) is a Seattle-based artist who is also the drummer for Fleet Foxes. This is the video for J. Tillman's song "Firstborn", which is on his 2008 album Vacilando Territory Blues. Very cool, laid-back sound. I will have to soon check out the rest of J. Tillman's album!
Oh by the way...You'll notice that J. Tillman's Fleet Foxes band mates were part of the effort on "Firstborn".
Oh by the way...You'll notice that J. Tillman's Fleet Foxes band mates were part of the effort on "Firstborn".
Sunday, February 22, 2009
New Song By Great Lake Swimmers
One of my most anticipated album releases of 2009 is Lost Channels by Great Lake Swimmers. Lost Channels is the 4th full-length record from this Canadian band who craft melodic folk rock songs. I cannot recommend them enough...just superb music all around. A few weeks ago, I posted one of their new songs from the upcoming album. Here is another song from Lost Channels called "Everything Is Moving So Fast".
Lost Channels will be released on March 31st.
Great Lake Swimmers - Everything Is Moving So Fast
Lost Channels will be released on March 31st.
Great Lake Swimmers - Everything Is Moving So Fast
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Bon Iver Covers Feist
If you are a fan of Bon Iver, then you will enjoy this. During a recent interview in Austrialia, Justin Veron (aka Bon Iver) covered Feist's song 'The Park'.
Bon Iver - The Park (Feist cover)
Bon Iver - The Park (Feist cover)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Coldplay - Love 'em or Hate 'em?
Love them or hate them, you have to admit that Coldplay know exactly who they are: An anthemic, stadium-filling, UK rock band. Last night's Grammy's found them pulling in the Best Rock Album award for Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends. The intriguing thing about Coldplay is that despite all their success and notoriety, they are still quite unpretentious. Disagree? Watch their recent interview on 60 Minutes. During that interview, Chris Martin joked:
"And the other reason why we do well is because U2 is still on holiday. So…they're back in March. So, you know, as soon as they come back, we drop down the ladder a bit,"..."So, we're in our last week of substitute teaching."
You could argue that this modesty is part of their intention to 'Always keep mystery.' (rule #6 on a list of rules in their studio). However, I believe it to be the genuineness of four middle class college friends who started a band and continue to share a love of music.
Here is Coldplay's newest video for the song 'Life In Technicolor ii' which is from the Prospekt's March EP.
"And the other reason why we do well is because U2 is still on holiday. So…they're back in March. So, you know, as soon as they come back, we drop down the ladder a bit,"..."So, we're in our last week of substitute teaching."
You could argue that this modesty is part of their intention to 'Always keep mystery.' (rule #6 on a list of rules in their studio). However, I believe it to be the genuineness of four middle class college friends who started a band and continue to share a love of music.
Here is Coldplay's newest video for the song 'Life In Technicolor ii' which is from the Prospekt's March EP.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Welcome Wagon
The Welcome Wagon's debut album Welcome To The Welcome Wagon is one of my favorites of 2009. If you are a fan of Sufjan Stevens then you should definitely check out The Welcome Wagon (Sufjan produced and helped arrange the album). I love the lyrics and the sincerity of this album.
The Welcome Wagon is comprised of a pastor, the Reverend Thomas Vito Aiuto, and his wife Monique. Here is how their label Asthmatic Kitty Records describes the music of The Welcome Wagon:
"They execute a genre of gospel music that is refreshingly plain. Their hymns are modest and melodic takes on a vast history of sacred song traditions, delivered with the simple desire to know their Maker—and to know each other—more intimately."
Here is the first single from their excellent album:
The Welcome Wagon - Sold! To The Nice Rich Man
Friday, February 6, 2009
'Nothing To Worry About' Video - Peter Bjorn and John
Peter Bjorn and John's newest album Living Thing comes out on March 31st. The first single on the album is 'Nothing To Worry About'. The song has been getting a good amount of playtime on SiriXM U. This song is very unique and I particularly like the sounds of the drums. It also features backup vocals by a bunch of kids. Very cool! Here is the just released video for 'Nothing To Worry About'. The video, while amusing, fits quite nicely as the song does give you the feel of being in a different culture.
Peter Bjorn and John "Nothing To Worry About"
Peter Bjorn and John "Nothing To Worry About"
New The Decemberists - 'The Rake's Song'
By far, one of my favorite bands is the The Decemberists. Fronted by Colin Meloy, The Decemberists attack songs from a pure storytelling approach, often calling upon historical events. I first heard Colin Meloy as a member of his first band Tarkio. Tarkio was an Alternative Country band formed while Meloy attended the University of Montana in Missoula. I also had the distinct fortune of seeing Tarkio live at a local bar in Missoula. I remember thinking that this guy was going to go on to even bigger and better things in the music world.The Decemberists 5th album, The Hazards of Love, will be released on March 24th. Here you can listen to the first single from the album, 'The Rake's Song'.
The Decemberists - The Rake's Song
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Anxious Anticipation - DM Stith
I am really excited for the debut release by Indiana-based artist DM Stith. His album Heavy Ghost will be released on March 10th via Asthmatic Kitty Records (Sufjan Stevens, Castanets, etc.).
My Old Kentucky Blog had a quote in a recent post which expressed the sounds on Heavy Ghost:
"The music on this debut calls to mind Antony And The Johnsons, Grizzly Bear and sometimes the explosiveness of Animal Collective, along with the dissonance of Sonic Youth and Henryk Gorecki, the expressive vocal techniques of Caetano Veloso and Mary Margaret O'Hara, and the romance and textures of Benjamin Britten and Edward Elgar. Vocals sit amongst lush arrangements of piano, guitar, strings, electronics, choir, and percussion. The song structures feel like mini soundtracks. A transfixing and imaginative statement."
Also, amongst other guest appearances on Heavy Ghost, you can expect to hear Sufjan Stevens on stapler, scissors, and a stationary fan. Now if that doesn't amplify your anticipation, I don't know what will.
Here is a song from DM Stith's Curtain Speech EP. The more I hear this song the more I like it. It has a uniqueness that is very intriguing.
DM Stith - Just Once
My Old Kentucky Blog had a quote in a recent post which expressed the sounds on Heavy Ghost:
"The music on this debut calls to mind Antony And The Johnsons, Grizzly Bear and sometimes the explosiveness of Animal Collective, along with the dissonance of Sonic Youth and Henryk Gorecki, the expressive vocal techniques of Caetano Veloso and Mary Margaret O'Hara, and the romance and textures of Benjamin Britten and Edward Elgar. Vocals sit amongst lush arrangements of piano, guitar, strings, electronics, choir, and percussion. The song structures feel like mini soundtracks. A transfixing and imaginative statement."
Also, amongst other guest appearances on Heavy Ghost, you can expect to hear Sufjan Stevens on stapler, scissors, and a stationary fan. Now if that doesn't amplify your anticipation, I don't know what will.
Here is a song from DM Stith's Curtain Speech EP. The more I hear this song the more I like it. It has a uniqueness that is very intriguing.
DM Stith - Just Once
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sweet New Song By Great Lake Swimmers
I just heard a sweet new song by Great Lake Swimmers on SiriXM U. So I just had to share. This is from Great Lakes Swimmers 4th album which will be released at the end of March.
Great Lake Swimmers - Pulling On A Line
Great Lake Swimmers - Pulling On A Line
Sun Kil Moon - Moorestown
Sun Kil Moon is the project of singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek, best known for his previous band, Red House Painters. One of my favorite aspects of Mark Kozelek's music is the way he is able to create a mood. This video does a tremendous job of capturing the mood of 'Moorestown' from Sun Kil Moon's 2008 album, April. Enjoy!
Friday, January 30, 2009
New Andrew Bird Has Got Me Whistling!
Okay, I just got to let you know about Andrew Bird's new album 'Noble Beast'. What a phenomenal record that is unique to most other indie music these days. The first three songs all feature the whistling of none other than Andrew himself. Now this is nothing new for Andrew Bird albums, but in my opinion he has really notched out a niche on 'Noble Beast'. Track number 3, "Fitz and Dizzyspells", is one of those songs that you will find yourself whistling to (maybe to the dismay of those around you) where ever you are. The whistling combined with Andrew's precise playing of his violin throughout create an album that continues to reward the listener.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Derek's Top 10 Albums of 2008
I cannot believe it! It is almost 2009...where does time go? Crazy that the first decade of the 21st century is nearing its end. Thankfully, we are in a great time of music. This past year has brought us many gems. However, I found it increasingly difficult as I pared down my 2008 top 10 list. It was tough to leave certain albums often my list. I think this speaks of the year it was...many very good albums but very few phenomenal albums. The result is many varied Top 10 lists.
Well, you didn't start reading this to hear me ramble, so lets get to my 2008 list. Here are my 10 favorite albums of 2008 (including 11 honorable mentions):
10. Hercules & Love Affair - Self-Titled: DJ Andrew Butler updates old-school disco featuring, on several tracks, Antony of Antony and the Johnsons. This album completely blindsided me. I remember listening to this the first time and marveling at the crispness. The driving beats and clear sounds set it apart from other electronic albums this year. While this may not be everyone's cup of tea, I highly recommend giving it a listen.
9. Elbow - Seldom Seen Kid: I have Elbow's 3 other albums and I can tell you that they are all excellent discs. However, none of those 3 albums has impacted me like Seldom Seen Kid. While Elbow may be the poor man's Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Radiohead (you name it)...they have an authenticity that the other's lack or may have lost along the way. This album offers absolutely gorgeous arrangements with plenty of layers. This album continues to reward me with each new listen.
8. Calexico - Carried To Dust: Another album here that completely blew me away, unexpectedly. I had heard of Calexico but had never really paid much attention...That is until I heard the song 'Two Silver Trees' on satellite radio. Right there, I knew I had to get this album! Another album full of many layers and stunning harmonies. To quote the best description of Calexico I could find: "Their songs tell tales that reflect the mix of southwestern rock, country, folk, blues, Tejano, and Latin music that first gave them their 'border-rock' reputation." On this album you'll hear Sam Beam (Iron & Wine), trumpets, Spanish, etc. Check 'em out...now!
7. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive: Here is one of those albums that will inevitably create memories. To me, this album reminded me of growing up listening to Bruce Springsteen's Born In The USA. It is an absolute epic album that just floods you with strength, power, and emotion on every song. Frontman Craig Finn has even started 'singing' more. I cannot recommend this album enough. These guys are by far under-appreciated and deserve a lot more attention than what's been given. When I hear songs from Stay Positive I am reminded of the Summer.
6. Shearwater - Rook: The first time I listened to this album I couldn't make it through to the end. By the third time, I had finally made it through. By the fifth time I was starting to take notice. By the 10th time, I listened to it 10 more times in a row before listening to anything else. My point: This album is all about repeated listens and boy is it worth the patience! Frontman (and former Okkervil River bandmate) Jonathan Meiburg's voice is one that is unique and takes some getting used to. However, the album as a whole is beautiful and haunting all at the same time. This album would make a great addition to your collection.
5. TV on the Radio - Dear Science: TVOTR once again release an absolutely incredible album. Sprawling and amazingly loaded with layer upon layer, Dear Science is a masterpiece. I sound like a broken record, but here is another album that gives back the more you listen. TVOTR just continue to floor me with the lush atmospheres they create. With all that being said, I did enjoy Return To Cookie Mountain slightly more. However, Dear Science is rising fast due to those repeated listens. These guys never cease to thrill.
4. Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends: Many indie critics will disagree (e.g. Pitchfork) but Coldplay are so talented. Every previous Coldplay album is unique and has its own theme. Viva La Vida is no exception. Here Coldplay really shake things up a bit from past records. Employing new sounds, rhythms, etc., Coldplay get even closer to U2-type status on this album. An easy listen no doubt (even my parents love it), but still a welcome sound coming out of my speakers any day of the week.
3. Blitzen Trapper - Furr: Here is another very much under-recognized sextet from Portland, Oregon (what up Chip?). These guys have such amazing talent (check out last album Wild Mountain Nation) one minute sounding like Beck, the next minute sounding like Grateful Dead. Incredible songs full of tales and soaring vocal harmonies. They have a knack for the unpredictable yet never stray too far from that vintage folk feeling they give you. These guys are only going to get better and continue to rise in the indie scene.
2. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago: Wow, Wow, and Wow! Right from the beginning song, I realized that I had come across something special. Justin Vernon's (aka Bon Iver) voice cannot even be described in words...you just have to hear it. Bon Iver (french for 'good winter' and pronouced like 'bohn eevair') recorded this album deep in the Wisconsin woods at his father's hunting cabin. The result is an album that is both simple yet complex, subtle and full of life, and nothing short of beautiful. I cannot even do justice for how good this album is (even better with a pair of good 'cans'). Will be enjoying this album for many years to come.
1. Fleet Foxes - Self-Titled: I first heard Fleet Foxes EP Sun Giant (also highly recommended) back in early May. From that moment, I was counting the days until their self-titled release on June 3rd. And on June 3rd Fleet Foxes full-length LP rose to the top of my list and has not moved since. Their much anticipated album is outstanding and reminds me why I love music so darn much. Their harmonies are absolutely remarkable, the instrumentation is second-to-none, and the songs are all top rate. If I didn't know better, I would have thought I was listening to one of the best albums of the late 60's. A classic in every sense of the word is Fleet Foxes' album. And the amazing thing...this is their debut record! I am already eagerly awaiting the next album from this ridiculously talented band. If you have not heard this album yet...my only comment is this: Where have you been all year???
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):
Well, you didn't start reading this to hear me ramble, so lets get to my 2008 list. Here are my 10 favorite albums of 2008 (including 11 honorable mentions):
10. Hercules & Love Affair - Self-Titled: DJ Andrew Butler updates old-school disco featuring, on several tracks, Antony of Antony and the Johnsons. This album completely blindsided me. I remember listening to this the first time and marveling at the crispness. The driving beats and clear sounds set it apart from other electronic albums this year. While this may not be everyone's cup of tea, I highly recommend giving it a listen.
9. Elbow - Seldom Seen Kid: I have Elbow's 3 other albums and I can tell you that they are all excellent discs. However, none of those 3 albums has impacted me like Seldom Seen Kid. While Elbow may be the poor man's Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Radiohead (you name it)...they have an authenticity that the other's lack or may have lost along the way. This album offers absolutely gorgeous arrangements with plenty of layers. This album continues to reward me with each new listen.
8. Calexico - Carried To Dust: Another album here that completely blew me away, unexpectedly. I had heard of Calexico but had never really paid much attention...That is until I heard the song 'Two Silver Trees' on satellite radio. Right there, I knew I had to get this album! Another album full of many layers and stunning harmonies. To quote the best description of Calexico I could find: "Their songs tell tales that reflect the mix of southwestern rock, country, folk, blues, Tejano, and Latin music that first gave them their 'border-rock' reputation." On this album you'll hear Sam Beam (Iron & Wine), trumpets, Spanish, etc. Check 'em out...now!
7. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive: Here is one of those albums that will inevitably create memories. To me, this album reminded me of growing up listening to Bruce Springsteen's Born In The USA. It is an absolute epic album that just floods you with strength, power, and emotion on every song. Frontman Craig Finn has even started 'singing' more. I cannot recommend this album enough. These guys are by far under-appreciated and deserve a lot more attention than what's been given. When I hear songs from Stay Positive I am reminded of the Summer.
6. Shearwater - Rook: The first time I listened to this album I couldn't make it through to the end. By the third time, I had finally made it through. By the fifth time I was starting to take notice. By the 10th time, I listened to it 10 more times in a row before listening to anything else. My point: This album is all about repeated listens and boy is it worth the patience! Frontman (and former Okkervil River bandmate) Jonathan Meiburg's voice is one that is unique and takes some getting used to. However, the album as a whole is beautiful and haunting all at the same time. This album would make a great addition to your collection.
5. TV on the Radio - Dear Science: TVOTR once again release an absolutely incredible album. Sprawling and amazingly loaded with layer upon layer, Dear Science is a masterpiece. I sound like a broken record, but here is another album that gives back the more you listen. TVOTR just continue to floor me with the lush atmospheres they create. With all that being said, I did enjoy Return To Cookie Mountain slightly more. However, Dear Science is rising fast due to those repeated listens. These guys never cease to thrill.
4. Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends: Many indie critics will disagree (e.g. Pitchfork) but Coldplay are so talented. Every previous Coldplay album is unique and has its own theme. Viva La Vida is no exception. Here Coldplay really shake things up a bit from past records. Employing new sounds, rhythms, etc., Coldplay get even closer to U2-type status on this album. An easy listen no doubt (even my parents love it), but still a welcome sound coming out of my speakers any day of the week.
3. Blitzen Trapper - Furr: Here is another very much under-recognized sextet from Portland, Oregon (what up Chip?). These guys have such amazing talent (check out last album Wild Mountain Nation) one minute sounding like Beck, the next minute sounding like Grateful Dead. Incredible songs full of tales and soaring vocal harmonies. They have a knack for the unpredictable yet never stray too far from that vintage folk feeling they give you. These guys are only going to get better and continue to rise in the indie scene.
2. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago: Wow, Wow, and Wow! Right from the beginning song, I realized that I had come across something special. Justin Vernon's (aka Bon Iver) voice cannot even be described in words...you just have to hear it. Bon Iver (french for 'good winter' and pronouced like 'bohn eevair') recorded this album deep in the Wisconsin woods at his father's hunting cabin. The result is an album that is both simple yet complex, subtle and full of life, and nothing short of beautiful. I cannot even do justice for how good this album is (even better with a pair of good 'cans'). Will be enjoying this album for many years to come.
1. Fleet Foxes - Self-Titled: I first heard Fleet Foxes EP Sun Giant (also highly recommended) back in early May. From that moment, I was counting the days until their self-titled release on June 3rd. And on June 3rd Fleet Foxes full-length LP rose to the top of my list and has not moved since. Their much anticipated album is outstanding and reminds me why I love music so darn much. Their harmonies are absolutely remarkable, the instrumentation is second-to-none, and the songs are all top rate. If I didn't know better, I would have thought I was listening to one of the best albums of the late 60's. A classic in every sense of the word is Fleet Foxes' album. And the amazing thing...this is their debut record! I am already eagerly awaiting the next album from this ridiculously talented band. If you have not heard this album yet...my only comment is this: Where have you been all year???
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):
- The Walkmen - You & Me (Definitely the hardest to leave off the list. This is like 10.1 and probably should be on the list. An amazing album that flows extremely well. Do not miss this one!)
- Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont. (Amazing new discovery this week! The way it is rising...it probably should have been in my top 10. 'Nothing Ever Happened' is an outstanding song)
- Sun Kil Moon - April (Mark Kozelek is amazing! This one was particularly tough to leave off top 10 list)
- Mates of State - Re-Arrange Us (New discovery and rising fast)
- Chad VanGaalen - Soft Airplane (Ditto the above statement)
- Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs (Another excellent album from Death Cab)
- Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creations Dark (The Truckers continue to impress)
- Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight (Excellent record...although his voice can get to me at times. Keep an eye on this band down the road)
- Damien Jurado - Caught In The Trees (Damien Jurado is a phenomenal songwriter)
- Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours (A great electronic record for us 80's kids)
- The Whigs - Mission Control (Swirling guitars combined with a frontman Parker Gispert's 'sandpaper growl' make this a very fun album)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Welcome To 'Get Hyper!' Reviews!
So for that reason, to help 'spread the word', we (myself and my two brothers) have created a blog. Now, we don't claim to be great writers or reviewers. However, what will come out in these reviews is our passion for music. And hopefully, when you read about some artist or band, you will head on out to check them out. That is what this blog is for.
With all that being said, I hope you enjoy this blog. We have added a music player (at bottom of page) that will randomly play our current favorite music. Also, in the right column is a running list of our favorite albums of the current year. As always, please leave your thoughts, ideas, and comments. Finally, please be sure to let me know about an artist that I may have missed.
Thanks for visiting,
The Du Bros ('Get Hyper!)
- Do you love great music that most people don't know about?
- Do you find yourself often trying to discover new music?
- Do you enjoy reading about Indie music?
So for that reason, to help 'spread the word', we (myself and my two brothers) have created a blog. Now, we don't claim to be great writers or reviewers. However, what will come out in these reviews is our passion for music. And hopefully, when you read about some artist or band, you will head on out to check them out. That is what this blog is for.
With all that being said, I hope you enjoy this blog. We have added a music player (at bottom of page) that will randomly play our current favorite music. Also, in the right column is a running list of our favorite albums of the current year. As always, please leave your thoughts, ideas, and comments. Finally, please be sure to let me know about an artist that I may have missed.
Thanks for visiting,
The Du Bros ('Get Hyper!)
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