TOP FIVE: Spring 2008

At the behest of a fellow blogger, whose opinion I respect immensely, I have decided to get back at it. I was feeling sort of down on the state of music recently, only to discover about twenty new bands just in time for spring. Here're the Top Five for Spring 2008:

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
The unsung heroes of SXSW, Seattle's Fleet Foxes specialize in harmonic pop and lazily precise guitar work. They draw from diverse influences and traditions including folk, pop, choral, gospel, sacred harp singing (yup), West Coast music (read Beach Boys), traditional Irish music from Japan, film scores, and their NW peers. Their subject matter ranges from the natural world and familial bonds to bygone loves and stone cold graves. Said one fan, "when we saw them, we were standing in a puddle of our own tears." MP3 - White Winter Hymnal

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Purists may shy away from this album, but Narrow Stairs is precisely the album Ben Gibbard and Co. needed to propel them from "well knowns" to "standard bearers" for the indie rock scene. While at once being epic ("I Will Own Your Heart", 8:23) and minimal, this effort is far more driving and guitar driven than any of their previous works. Not to be missed, this album will undoubtedly break the top 10 of year end lists. MP3 - Bixby Canyon Bridge

My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Getting away from "normal rock and roll sounds" has worked remarkably well on this album. There are bits for everyone here including country, electronica, and guitar driven anthems. This album is the first to feature other band members on vocals and is quite a departure from the gentle riffs and falsettos to which fans have become accustomed. MP3 - Sec Walkin

Last Shadow Puppets - Age of the Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets are Alex Turner from Arctic Monkeys and the Rascals' Miles Kane. This duo was so inspired by the likes of Scott Walker, early Bowie, and David Axelrod, that they recorded this album of hot-blooded, bold and brassy tracks. Full of drama, wit, and melody, it takes on the form of a Spaghetti Western run amok in Chelsea. The album's lush orchestration was recorded by the 22-piece London Metropolitan Orchestra doing their best Ennio Morricone impression. Look for this duo on select US dates in September with full band and a large string section. MP3 - Age of the Understatement

Vedera - Stages (EP)
Vedera gives us just what we need as the weather heats up: a shimmering, bittersweet blast. This band’s sound recalls the melodic whimsy of artists like Sixpence None the Richer, The Cardigans, and The Sundays. Their take is more straightforward though, as bright moods light up even the most plaintive ballads as the minor chords get cracked open by crystalline tandem vocals, allowing one of the record’s many glittery hooks to burst through. While it may be a bit over produced for some who prefer a more gritty feel, Stages is a refreshing breath of fresh air with a vocalist whose voice is as strong as Neko Case's and as clear as Jenny Lewis's. MP3 - Still Standing

Hot Tip: Joss Whedon's New Musical to feature Doogie, Mal Reynolds

While it's not rock n' roll per se, the latest leak from Whedonesque is intriguing and at least laterally connected to the music scene. According to the official Joss Whedon fansite, a new musical featuring Neil Patrick Harris (Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle) and Nathan Fillion (Waitress, Serenity)is in the works. Whedon said, "During the strike I started writing a musical intended as a limited internet series, 3 episodes of approximately 10 minutes each. Writing with me was my brother Jed, his fiancee Maurissa, and my other brother Zack. To my shock and surprise, we finished it. To my greater shock and surprise, we managed (with the help of many people I'll be praising at length soon) to drag it into preproduction (yes, just as Dollhouse was given a start date two months away and all my comics were due.) And today, after a grueling week of writing everything ever while trying to be a producer, I got to start shooting. A musical.

"This much I will say: It's the story of a low-rent super-villain, the hero who keeps beating him up, and the cute girl from the laundromat he's too shy to talk to. And I'm having the time of my life."

Whedon also offered a bit more casting info for the film, listing:

"'DOCTOR HORRIBLE'S SING-ALONG BLOG'

Neil Patrick Harris.....as Dr. Horrible
Nathan Fillion..........as Captain Hammer
Felicia Day.............as Penny

And a cast of Dozens!"

This is hardly a surprise coming from the mind of Buffy: The Musical, "Once More with Feeling". No information is currently available about when or where this will go live, but the series' name alone is already one of the most creative things announced this year.

Artist Spotlight: Sahara Hotnights

Greetings once again. Welcome to our latest feature, Artist Spotlight. Each month we will endeavor to bring a little attention a little known or breaking new artist. This month, Swedish Fem-Band "Sahara Hotnights"

From the Runaways to the Donnas, the garage has served as a safe haven for women who would rather be rock stars than groupies. Similar in tone and style to fellow Swedes The Hives and Division of Laura Lee, Sahara Hotnights' brash, smashmouth style thrives almost exclusively on heavy riffs, and seamlessly blends the essential elements of garage rock, power pop, punk and an even heavier attitude. Taking their name from an Australian racehorse, the ladies from Hotnights roll out the screeching '70s punk guitars for "Alright Alright (Here's My Fist, Where's the Fight?)," talk riot inducing trash on "Only the Fakes Survive," and rock a fierce and fiery Blondie tribute with "Keep Up the Speed." Their latest album, “What if Leaving is a Loving Thing” is out now on the Stand by Your Band label.
For fans of: Tegan and Sara, The Hives, Tilly and the Wall.

Hear it Now
Alright, Alright (Here's My Fist, Where's the Fight?)

Found Footage: Space Alone

Behold our newest feature: Found Footage wherein whenever we find video of musical relevance or awesomeness, we'll pass it along to you. The first installment is a short and sad animation Space Alone by digital animator/graphic designer Ilias Sounas. While it may seem a bit sci-fi for a music blog, the soundtrack is an excellent example of how music can complement images. Enjoy.

Found Footage - Space Alone

B-Side Music Presents - T&A: Cover Edition

For this installment of T&A we'll take a look at two landmark covers: The Muppets' cover of "Once in a Lifetime" by the Talking Heads and Mindy Smith's cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene"

First, the Triumph: Mindy Smith - "Jolene"
From an album of Dolly Parton covers comes a dusty, blistering, sagebrush anthem that contains everything a great country song should: a cheatin' man, a Dobro, simple lyrics, and a strong and steely voice that is both fragile and fierce. There are all kinds of sonic layers here that add complexity and interest to a song that could have easily become dispensable. Smith's instrumentation and phrasing make this one of the great covers.

Watch Now


Now the Atrocity: Kermit the Frog - "Once in a Lifetime"
I consider my taste in music to be pretty eclectic. I have at times even been told that I like music that is unlistenable or even weird. But even the hippest of hipsters will have a hard time justifying this one. David Byrne is already pretty weird but add the "Muppet Factor" and the bizzare-ometer rockets off the charts. I love this song. I love the Muppets. But not together. I don't want peanut butter on my pizza and I don't want the Muppets singing my favorite hits from days gone by. It's just wrong.

Watch Now (if you dare...)

Pop Goes the Presidency: Obama's "Yes We Can" Video

For decades theme songs have been an essential, often defining facet of a political campaign. When Franklin Roosevelt first ran for president in 1932, Democrats adopted "Happy Days are Here Again" which encapsulated FDR's promise of relief from the Great Depression and "Happy Days" remained the party's anthem for decades thereafter. But there has never been anything quite like this unsolicited viral video supporting Barack Obama that popped up on YouTube last week.

The song features Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's voice set to will.i.am's melody and music and features the likes of Scarlet Johansson, John Legend, Kate Walsh, Common, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kelly Hu, and a slew of other celebrity supporters who either sing or speak along with the text of the speech.
The song's chorus is one of Obama's campaign slogans: "Yes We Can."

Rapper, songwriter, producer, and frontman for the Black Eyed Peas will.i.am, says he was inspired to create the video while watching Obama's speech after the senator's second-place finish to Sen. Hillary Clinton in the New Hampshire primary. While "Yes We Can" is the latest in a long line of campaign songs, it shares something in common with its predecessors: inspiration.

For an effective theme song, optimism is essential. In 1960, Sinatra revised "High Hopes" when John F. Kennedy ran for president including, "Everyone wants to back, Jack/ Jack is on the right track/ 'Cause he's got High Hopes!/ He's got High Hopes!" In 1992, Democrats used Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop" as the backdrop for Bill Clinton's similar promise of change.

Is isn't always a love fest though as some candidates have appropriated songs without approval. McFerrin told Republicans to stop using "Don't Worry" and Bruce Springsteen, a frequent Democratic supporter, vehemently objected to Ronald Reagan using "Born in the USA" as an anthem.

With the advent of the digital age of music, "Yes We Can" hails a new era for the campaign anthem. Will.i.am's creation is infinitely ahead of last year's racy, half-serious, and self promoting "Obama Girl". Will.i.am told the AP, "It was as if [Obama] was talking to me," continuing, "It was as if he was talking to and defending everything that made me who I am. I took that speech, and I wanted everyone else to be inspired by that speech as I was."

"The Internet and technology empowers people," will.i.am said, "and the 'Yes We Can' song is proof that they don't need a big record company or a big movie company ... to go out and captivate people's attention."

Watch Now - Yes We Can

The Fastest Review Alive: Kate Nash "Made of Bricks"

Welcome to 2008 B-Siders. As part of our continuing revamp, we present you with our newest feature: THE FASTEST REVIEW ALIVE. In the FRA, we will review an album, giving you as complete a snapshot as possible, in depth analysis and insight all in under 100 words. Let us know what you think. First up: the stateside debut from the UK songstress Kate Nash, "Made of Bricks".

FRA: Made of Bricks - Kate Nash

Eclectic, experimental pop music with a quirky and playful sensibility permeates this album which is grounded by Nash's distinctive vocals, a sort of hybrid of Regina Spektor and Lily Allen. Since the album's release in the UK, Nash has quickly risen from "critic's darling" to an authentic and genuine artist and rightfully so. Reggae infused riffs, brassy yet delicate phrasing, and no straight forward, nonsense lyrics make this a bonafide hit. Features the singles "Foundations" and "Dickhead". While Made of Bricks may just be hitting the states now, this album is universal.

B-Side Music Presents: T&A

B-Side Music presents T&A (Triumphs & Atrocities), an examination of the accomplishments and the things that should never have been in today's musical landscape. And what better time to usher in the start of something new than the holiday season? So, without further ado, T&A: Holiday Edition.

Triumph: Over the Rhine - Goodbye Charles
Anyone can record a holiday song, or even a holiday-themed album, though doing it well is no easy task. But Over the Rhine never backs down from a musical challenge. So, on their last year's holiday themed, jazz riff laden, Snow Angels, Karen and Linford cut “Goodbye Charles", an homage/tribute to Peanuts creator (and therefore a staple of the holiday season via A Charlie Brown Christmas), Charles Schulz. “Goodbye Charles” is inspired by Schroeder’s similarly jazzy piano riffs. A beautiful farewell for the holidays. Enjoy.

Atrocity: My Chemical Romance - All I Want for Christmas is You
While anyone can record a holiday track, not everyone should as evidenced by the screech-fest that is this mauling of a Christmas classic. Not even Mariah Carey's version inspires this much holiday angst. Clanky pianos and vocals in the key of "K Flat" make this nigh unbearable. Follow the link above to watch the carnage. For a great punk holiday song, try "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" by the Ramones.

Thus ends the first installment of B-Side T&A. Please let us know what you think of our new format and all our new features on the comment section.

B-Side Music Presents: Best Albums of 2007

The start of something new requires the recognition of that which was. So, as B-Side Music officially launches, we start with our Best Album of 2007 Retrospective. There will be a whole slew of new features, polls, and new fangled things in the year to come, but what better place to start than with a look back at an impressive year of music. Feel free to comment or add your own “Album of the Year." Also, be sure to check out our new partnership with Suite101.com. See the banner above.

1. Neon Bible – Arcade Fire
This is what a pop record should sound like. Montreal's Arcade Fire exceeds all expectations with their second album. With orchestral arrangements, weird sounds, and plaintive vocals, "Neon Bible" is full of both grungy garage band mistakes and meticulously orchestrated woodwinds. Processed strings and mandolin. Quiet rumbles and loud rumbles. But mostly just eleven songs that are just really good.

2. The Reminder – Feist
Despite many referring to the single “1234” as that “one iPod song”, this sophomore effort from Canadian songstress Lelie Feist with its blend of electronica, folk, and delicate inviting vibrato. The Reminder is as appealing in its simplicity as it is charming


3. This is Ryan Shaw – Ryan Shaw
This is the latest album on the list. Apart from John Legend, Ryan Shaw may be the only person who can save R&B/Soul music. Shades of Otis, Marvin, and Stevie with piercing horns, passionate imploring phrasing make this the finest soul album in years.

4. The Distant Future* – Flight of the Conchords
This is the only album that is actually an EP on the list, but the third best folk parody band in New Zealand proves that it is possible to make great music and couple it with a sense of humor. As dour as some of their peers can be, Jemaine and Brett make music fun to listen to again.

5. The Challengers – The New Pornographers
Produced by Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla this album is infinitely listenable. Neko Case’s few tracks showcase her sublime voice, at once delicate and strong. There are layers upon sonic layer to enjoy with interesting and surprising instrumentation throughout.

6. Dan in Real Life (Soundtrack) – Sondre Lerche
With the inclusion of a soundtrack on the “Best of…” list, one might come to the conclusion that this was a weak year for music but the inclusion of this album over records such as Wilco’s newest is a testament to how remarkable this album is. Sondre Lerche has once again used his folksy acoustical blend of jazz guitar and quirky lyric to capture moments of longing, yearning, and love for a lifetime.

7. Armchair Apocrypha – Andrew Bird
Brilliant Prose + Ingenious instrumentation + whistling = Andrew Bird’s tenth album Armchair Apocrypha. Tales of plane crashes, characters like the kings of Macedonia set this album apart by themselves but when Bird adds unobtrusive acoustics, Wurlitzer and Moog, and his championship whistling his songs become his most distinct, unrestrained, and inventive yet.

8. Tegan and Sara – The Con
While darker and quirkier than So Jealous, The Con is still power pop packed with instant hooks and the lyrics that stray from the typical pop. Sonic treats belie measured emotion as in "Nobody likes to but I really like to cry" or "I felt you in my legs before I ever met you." Honest lyrics that add an emotional depth rarely heard on the radio.

9. Ryan Adams – Easy Tiger
There has never been a better, stronger or more coherent Ryan Adams than Easy Tiger. Tiger has just the right blue-eyed, steely soul with a faint shade of country courtesy of the ubiquitous slide guitar. The stunning melodies, tightly focused lyrics and tracks all too brief leave the feeling of melancholy calm which is a departure from previous efforts. A slow, intentional listen rewards the audience.

10. Bright Eyes – Cassadaga
On their sixth and most straightforward album, Bright Eyes once again incorporates a revolving cast, this time including Rachael Yamagata, M. Ward, and Gillian Welch. Frontman Conor Oberst, whose voice quakes and wanders through each track, has followed 2005's I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning with a proficient and accessible ensemble of unreserved pop orchestration and lavish folk that chronicle he navigates the American political and cultural landscape.

New Name. Same Game.

Hey everyone, I know it's been a while but I have not been idle. I've been hard at work developing all kinds of new content, interesting insights, unique opinions, and ways to bring you up to the minute music news. So, the design is different. The name is different. The quality's the same. Music news you want. When you want it. The site relaunches soon so stay tuned...