#10 :: THE SURREAL HAZE OF FALL

I believe something unexplained fills our air in the fall. A haze of melancholy and sweet relief that turns the leaves their fiery shade. That's what produced this collection of frosty yet cantankerous carnival of sounds. There is a biting whisp in the air: it is both comforting and cajoling.

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Song: Turnstile Blues
Artist: Autolux
OMG that beat! Who knew a drummer could hook you in so well with just the beat. I replay it in my head all day long when ever I hear this song. The entire thing is wonderfull and dreamy. I could hear Radiohead having written this.
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Song: You Are a Runner and I am My Father's Son
Artist: Wolf Parade
One of the many "wolf" named bands out right now. Probably the best of the lot tho. I am loving this whole aesthetic of setting up a great rhythm and just letting go and go and go.
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Song: I, Manface
Artist: Man Man
Probably the worst name ever. But its so bad, its comes back around to good again. Man Man should be huge, but if they ever blow up I'll be pissed. They are such a great secret little treasure. Another fine example of a band wearing its influences on the outside, yet never fail to sound completely original. Half circus troubadour vaudeville freak show, and half snake charming drunken sound orgy. One of the best songs of this old year.
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Song: Carroll Park
Artist: INK
I found this band by accident. Have no idea who they are or where they come from. Wonderfully layered minimalistic elements.
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Song: Hands and Lips
Artist: Long Fin Killie
These guys are art rock gods. Totally enigmatic and enthralling. I have idea how they achieve these sounds through a guitar. Pure wizardry. An the androgyny of the lead singer puzzles and hypnotizes.
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Song: Cats, Dogs and Babies Jaws
Artist: Ganger
Another art rock masterpiece from another fleeting blur of a band. Here yesterday, gone tomorrow and leaving behind small miracles. I am always amazed at this insanely rich musical treasure chest that exists outside the arena of commerce. There are so many great musicians making music for the art and passion of it, that doing it for a career is just lame. Here is to bringing an end to career musicians. May they all end up soloing at Guitar Center.
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Song: Lavender
Artist: Oneida
This is what Trans Am would sound like if they were actually very good at all. A perfect blend of focused rhythm, simple melody and art-rock prowess. This belongs on a gallery wall.
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Song: Glass Conversation
Artist: Ponys
This is song as crescendo. The whole thing just builds and builds into a huge sonic blast. But not in an orchestrated way like Godspeed or Mogwai. It happens subtly. You think it is going to be a modest contemplative statement, but by the end you realize you've been through a real storm.
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Song: Grass
Artist: Animal Collective
So the AC are actually writing things that sound more like classic songs rather than surreal tribal chants. It feels like they decided they wanted to be Bob Dylan but can't deny the fact they are actually Dali's deranged sonic step-children. Who else could turn the atmosphere into an instrument?
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Song: End of Freedom
Artist: Wilderness
Load up the reverb, lets make art! Admittedly it takes some time to really get the details in this song. Its kind of a cloudy little affair. But when they proclaim the "End of Freedom" at the end, its like I can actually feel it happening. And it is.
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