The New Pornographers, a definite big name in indie music scenes, was founded in 1997 out of Vancouver. If their name doesn’t catch you, than their superpop harmonies will. The group is comprised of lead song writer and singer A.C. (Carl) Newman, John Collins, Blaine Thurier, Dan Bejar, Kathryn Calder, Kurt Dahle, Neko Case (personal fave!), and Todd Fancey. Their most recent album is Challengers, released in 2007, and was preceded by three other works. They’re still together, as a band; they did a summer tour, but members still have the time to pursue individual projects. More specifically, A.C. Newman has released his second solo album, Get Guilty, this past January (his solo debut was in 2004 with The Slow Wonder).
This is him.
There is some definite New Pornographesqueness about his music, most noticeable is the harmonies (see a theme?). However, it is a little bit slower in pace, but still extremely enjoyable, especially if you are a NP (yeah, I abbrev.) fan. I particularly enjoy “There Are Maybe Ten or Twelve”. Check out his website at http://www.acnewman.net/ for more info and music.
The New Pornographers have already made their mark in television, with songs on the Office, Weeds, Heroes and more, as well as a Rock Band song. A.C. Newman has quickly jumped on the television wagon, first with a tune on an O.C. soundtrack, and then when “Prophets” was featured in the season four finale of How I Met Your Mother. So both efforts are successful…what does this mean for the future of Newman’s solo career or The New Pornographers? I know I’d like to see them both stick around for a long while.
I was watching Castle the other night, and I was amazed by all the great songs featured in the show. It shouldn’t be too surprising though, as the show was nominated for the Emmy’s Outstanding Music Composition for a Series.
In the last few minutes of the episode, the melodic “My Fault, Your Mistake” came on (Season 2, Episode 1: “Deep in Death”). I hadn’t heard this Norah Jones/Adele/Jewel amalgam before.
Some quick internet searches, I discovered the songbird was Lex Land. A Texan by way of California. This isn’t the first time her lyrical melodies have graced the small screen. Her songs have also been in Brothers and Sisters, One Tree Hill, and Private Practice.
I bet we’re going to be hearing her much more. Her songs are ideal for the intimately intense moments of drama tv.
Since I liked the first season of Heroes, perhaps the association principle would say that I would like the fourth season. However, Heroes defies the theory of math. This is an awful season; boring, over-dramatic, weak plot…and if you haven’t seen any previous seasons there is NO WAY you are going to have a clue about what’s going on. Even the music…there was one song in last nights show (“Acceptance”, episode 4) that put me over the edge. Not only is it a pretty crappy song IMHO, but it is waayyyy to literal for the moment when it is played. Ali Larter’s character, Tracy is in the bathroom and transforms from water into person. Apparently Tracy is a triplet of Jessica and Niki (from previous seasons), and Jessica used to be the bad evil version of Niki…hence the song “Bad Body Double” (omg I know) by Imogen Heap. Just listen for a little. I would have to say that Heroes is long past it’s expiry date, and it’s time for it to be thrown in the trash.
I’ll be the first to admit it, I’m not generally a fan of most sitcoms. They just aren’t funny. I was dubious when I first started watching Community. It’s about a community college in Colorado and all the misfits who wind up there ranging from a suspended lawyer (Joel McHale) to an elderly moist-towelette tycoon (Chevy Chase).
I must admit I started watching solely for John Oliver, the Daily Show correspondent. It’s actually somewhat enjoyable. The first show was a nod to the Breakfast Club in memory of John Hughes, which I thought was very sweet. The cast has great comedic chemistry as well. Just watch this video from the credits of one episode:
Since we’re on a Phoenix kick at Movies in the Newspaper, why stop? I can tell you about an album I can wait to hear. Phoenix has an entire bonus disc of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix remixes debuting in a few days (Oct. 20th).
Remixes include those by indie greats: Animal Collective, Passion Pit, Friendly Fires, Chairlife, and Yacht.
I usually find remixes extremely disappointing, but with names like these I’m definitely curious.
Just listen to Friendly Fires’ version of “Fences” and compare it with the original:
Yeah. Remember that new obsession I mentioned a little bit ago? About Phoenix? And Lisztomania? Well, I had no clue how popular they were until I saw the Cadillac commerical like a billion times this past weekend:
Well, if you search Cadillac commercial in Google, you get a ton of hits, even on Wiki answers with “Who is this band? What is that song?” The song is 1901, by the way.
And, while in Las Vegas, the center of all things commercial and flash, I heard them again in one of the hotels on the strip. It was either Lisztomania or Rome, both off their new album. Geez. Can’t I ever be one of the first to discover or like a new band? Not like it makes me feel cool or anything…(yeah. I don’t even pride on me seeing Garden State on opening day. Take that, pseudo-indie hipsters) ahem. Well, Phoenix is amazing (added plus: they’re French! And adorable), and if you haven’t taken my advice in the last post, I will give you another chance to check them out right here. This video nearly has a million views on YouTube.
I’m not sure if the Pernice Brothers were thinking about paint when writing this song, but Sherwin Williams sure was. Pretty imagery. Great colors. And no annoying “Ask Sherwin Williams” jingle at the end. Thus, I think this is an acceptable commercial. Plus the Pernice Brothers rock…in a soothing quite way.
These Swedish gents have been around since 2007 but just released their first album this past May. They’ve been getting a lot of British press, but I think they’re going to shine here in the States too. Just one listen of their hyptonic “Animal” and I think you’ll agree:
Living in Southern California, it is difficult to gauge the changing of the seasons. No longer can I rely on the dropping of temperature or wait for the brilliant colors of fall foliage to appear. The palm trees are still green and I’m not wearing scarves, but I know it’s fall for three reasons:
The beaches are devoid of tourists.
The kids have gone back to school.
Countless of new shows are appearing on television.
The fall season is officially upon us. So, it just makes sense that Movies in the Newspaper comes back to guide you through the new hits and old classics. I’ve spent the past week watching all the premieres. There are definitely some shows that should be missed (Vampires Diaries, you’re no True Blood so just stop trying) and some surprises (Modern Family actually provides some laughs).
What I noticed most after watching all these shows is the poor music selection. Great songs can be used poorly when placed in the wrong scene. Example: How I Met Your Mother’s use of Vampire Weekend’s “Oxford Comma” in the university scenes—right. Use of Matt & Kim’s “Daylight” in Community—wrong.
Why? HIMYM used the track subtly when introducing the classroom scenes. Community’s use of the jaunty little piano tune detracts from the character’s conversation.
Another poor music choice this past week: Ida Maria’s “Oh My God” in Eastwick. I love Ida Maria and “Oh My God” is one of my favorites, but poor scene choice. The scene is of the three main characters drunk on some mythical water splashing around in a fountain. The song is too dark for this scene. It’s obvious where the music supervisor was going with this choice: the song’s chorus: “Oh my god, you think I’m in control” offsets how the girls are obviously very much out of control. We don’t need that to be spelled out for us though. An out-of-control fun song would have been a better choice…one doesn’t reflect badly on the choices one makes during the night until the hangover settles in the next morning.
I just noticed this. Take a gander with me. Three of my favorite bands: Of Montreal, Islands, and Phoenix. Three male main singers.
First is Thomas from Phoenix.
Thomas is on the far right.
Next is David from Of Montreal.
David is the second from the right.
And last is Nick from Islands.
Nick is fourth from the left.
Notice anything similar between the three? Am I alone in thinking these guys look very similar? And is it a coincidence they have very similar vocal styles? Just saying.
I’ll be the first to admit it, I’m not generally a fan of most sitcoms. They just aren’t funny. I was dubious when I first started watching Community. It’s about a community college in Colorado and all the misfits who wind up there ranging from a suspended lawyer (Joel McHale) to an elderly moist-towelette tycoon (Chevy Chase).
