Vinyl Mag – Page 58 – Founded in Athens, GA.

The Decemberists: ‘What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World

Posted on January 26, 2015March 13, 2015 by Nikki Smith

With What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World, The Decemberists open with an ode to the listeners in “The Singer Addresses His Audience.” Although slow to start, the track is uplifting and nice, singing “We did it all for you” and transitioning into powerful, repetitive lyrics.

By now, of course, The Decemberists have gained quite a following, and this album has convinced me (if I wasn’t already) that The Decemberists are the true pioneers of contemporary folk.

As a country gal myself, I truly appreciate the band’s traditional style and mix of contemporary melodies and instruments. Simple guitar riffs and untainted vocals make the album refreshing, and fun lyrics make it one to sing with your friends. Keeping with traditional folk instruments such as harmonicas and string instruments, The Decemberists also combine brass instruments in this album, as is the case with “Calvary Captain.”

Still expanding their sound, “Philomena” takes on a 50’s doo-wop sound with catchy piano rhythms and the essential “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” of back up singers. “Philomena” is definitely one to make your ears burn. To keep with the sensual lyrics, “Make You Better” starts slow and sweet, opening with “I want you thin fingers…”

The Decemberists are masters at making melodies equally haunting and beautiful in one song. “Till the Water’s All Long Gone” is slower and darker, with country folk guitar riffs. The solemn mood quickly turns upbeat with “The Wrong Year,” embodying a summer sound.

“Carolina Low” follows with a slower melody, but it is definitely a personal favorite. With an old country guitar sound, the track is simple and melancholy. The track reminds me of a backcountry setting…or a funeral.

“Better Not Wake the Baby” also stays with the old country sound but is more upbeat; this one is perfect for a hoedown around the campfire. “Easy Come, Easy Go” transforms the old country sound to a western style, with echo effects on the guitar. “12/17/12” follows with a classic harmonica opening and melodious, elegant flowing lyrics. The album finishes with “A Beginning Song” and ends on an upbeat note.

This album is definitely one I will be listening to until the next one comes out. Whether you are a die-hard fan who loves every album, or if you’re a novice to the charms of this dark folk quartet, What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World is sure to move you and keep you coming back.

5/5

Oh, and if you need more convincing, there’s always this Nick Offerman video.

Slingshot 2015 lineup announced!

Posted on January 22, 2015March 13, 2015 by Emily McBride

Freaking out. Athens’ answer to South by Southwest has arrived, and It. Is. Good.

Slingshot Festival is back this year from March 26-28, and the lineup is a little bit insanely awesome, featuring a James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) DJ set, Jamie xx, Nosaj Thing, Clark, a Washed Out DJ set, Saint Pepsi, Reptar, Omar Souleyman, Prince Rama, Single Mothers, Holly Herndon, Glenn Kotche, Awesome Tapes From Africa, and more TBA. Not to mention “Japan Nite” headlined by Peelander-Z with five bands from Japan.

There’s also gonna be a comedy night headlined by Kurt Braunohler, plus some killer surprise acts and after parties.

Tickets go on sale today (1/22) at 9 AM EST (so that’s now, people – get on it). Limited number of early VIP tix (a mere $70) gets you guaranteed entrance to ALL headlining shows. See you there.

Sylvan Esso at Variety Playhouse on Jan. 15

Posted on January 21, 2015March 13, 2015 by Rebecca Smith

Whoever decided opposites attract must have been talking about Sylvan Esso’s Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn combining EDM with indie folk vocals straight from the hills of Appalachia at a sold-out Variety Playhouse on Jan. 15.

The duo, based out of Durham, N.C., started the show off with a high-powered rendition of “Could I Be,” a track that perfectly showcases Sanborn’s ability to mirror and echo Meath’s poetic lyrics about making it big with hypnotic bass.

Meath hijacked the crowd’s attention with her expertly executed verses during “Dress” and ended the track by borrowing: I woke up like this, from Beyoncé’s “Flawless” – very much to the crowd’s delight.

“Coffee,” which is arguably Sylvan Esso’s most popular song, featured more subtle rhythmic bass lines from Sanborn and was beautifully delivered with a raw vocal authority and climax that really ignited the crowd’s excitement.

“Hey Mami” begins low and slow with Sanborn’s skillful looping of Meath’s voice, as the piece quickly morphs into an all-out dub pop free for all, followed in perfect succession by the enormously danceable “H.S.K.T.”

Ironically, “Play It Right,” which touted lyrics like; When the sounds come together so close to my face/ It’s no wonder we wonder, was a track by Meath’s earlier project, Mountain Men, that Sanborn remixed back in 2013, launching their creative endeavors.

In the end, the duo played all ten tracks from their self-titled (and only) album. Meath extended her gratitude to the crowd for embracing their sound and debut.

During the encore, the duo performed a new song for the first time with more of a math rock influence. Sanborn admitted to Vinyl after the show that the song was so new that it “doesn’t even have a title yet.”

Despite both Meath and Sanborn’s successes in their previous projects that highlight their own personal talents, they have managed to combine their contrasting musical perspectives into one cohesive and unexpectedly thrilling musical experience. Sanborn’s powerful beats breathe life into Meath’s eerie indie croons; both are incredibly proficient in their respective sounds, but the way they come together is truly magnetic.

WATCH: Karen O: “Day Go By”

Posted on January 21, 2015March 13, 2015 by DeShonna Johnson

Karen O (of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s) has shared the video for her single “Day Go By,” a track off of her recent solo album, Crush Songs.

The short film is directed by wiisa and follows a young couple spending a day out together. Stylized in the form of a vintage ’70s movie, the two-minute and 25-second video takes viewers from a bike ride to an intimate rest in the grass to kisses and swim races in the pool. The song’s basis is love and romance and is really just a simple song about being lost in love with one’s partner.

“Don’t call the doctor,” but do watch the video below!

WATCH: Charli XCX ft. Rita Ora: “Doing It”

Posted on January 20, 2015March 13, 2015 by DeShonna Johnson

The video for the girl-tastic anthem “Doing It” by Charli XCX featuring Rita Ora was released today, and let’s just say that this pair REALLY needs to collaborate again.

Re-enacting a Thelma and Louise scenario for the video, the two create a fun and funky video filled with color, stripper cops, and a mechanical bull (need I say more?). The pair rob a gas station with toy guns and ride around in a huge, pink truck stacked on top of some monster wheels, then enjoy some time under neon lights with toy microphones.

Check out “Doing It” below, and check out Charli’s album “Sucker” here!

WATCH: Monsoon: “Ride A’ Rolla”

Posted on January 20, 2015March 13, 2015 by DeShonna Johnson

Athens-based band Monsoon has released their first official video for their single, “Ride A’ Rolla,” off of their debut album of the same title. The band is known for their punk rock style and released their debut album on Jan. 13, 2015. The video for “Ride A’ Rolla” has an interesting concept as it features a fabulously frantic Sienna Chandler (vocals) running into different rooms – each with a different scenario – full of bright colors and handmade props (pretty legit though).

Scott Andrews (bass and vocals) and Joey Kegel (drums) also are seen in the video as the band boards a plane with some snazzy animation and “crashes” into a body of water with smiling fish. Aside from the video though, Monsoon’s “Ride A’ Rolla” is an infectiously catchy tune, and everyone should jump on the bandwagon.

Check out the video below!

Emile Haynie: “Wait For Life”

Posted on January 19, 2015March 13, 2015 by Andrew Plaskowsky

Emile Haynie certainly isn’t the first name someone would mention when asked about a hip-hop producer, but a look at his credentials begs the question: why don’t I know who this is?

In his decade-plus career, he’s teamed up with the likes of Kid Cudi, Eminem, Kanye West, Lana Del Rey, and Bruno Mars, just to name a few.

Today, the lush first track of his forthcoming debut album, We Fall – out on February 24 through Interscope – was released, the pleading “Wait For Life” featuring Lana Del Rey.

Peaceful steel guitar chords and strings effortlessly create the Paradise-like sonic atmosphere for the duration of the song, as they’re backed by Del Rey’s sultry siren-like harmonies and musings about being lonely (I wait for life to end / But it never comes around), a perfect intersection between the trip-hop of 2012’s “Born To Die” and 2014’s subdued neo-jazz effort “Ultraviolence.”

The album is slated to contain features by other artists Brian Wilson and Lykke Li. If “Wait For Life” is any indication of what we should expect from the rest of the record, the wait for next month will be equally as long.

4/5

Shaky Knees 2015 lineup announced

Posted on January 14, 2015March 13, 2015 by DeShonna Johnson

Over the past few weeks the buzz has surrounded the headlining acts at Coachella, Governor’s Ball, Bonnaroo and now, SHAKY KNEES!

The lineup for Shaky Knees 2015 was dropped today, and the acts are impressive to say the least. We’re sort of flipping out over here – this might be the best fest lineup so far.

Taking place May 8-10 in Atlanta, Georgia at Central Park, the festival will feature The Strokes, Pixies, Brand New, Tame Impala, Dr. Dog, Best Coast, American Football, Neutral Milk Hotel, Wavves, Best Coast, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave., Interpol, and the Avett Brothers.

Tickets can be found here and will go on sale Jan. 16, 2015 at 10 a.m.

WATCH: Childish Gambino: “Sober”

Posted on January 12, 2015March 13, 2015 by DeShonna Johnson

Childish Gambino is known for making music that is definitely not average. With the release of his October 2014 EP Kauai/gangsta grillz mixtape STN MTN (standing for Stone Mountain, Georgia, his hometown), Gambino doesn’t disappoint.

Today, the video for one Kauai track -“Sober” – was released, and it includes the same film-making techniques – like shooting from innovative angles and quirky Gambino acting that fans have seen in past videos – especially for because the internet tracks. The video revolves around an extremely high Gambino trying to woo a girl in an empty restaurant with some pretty sweet moves to go in tune with the catchy, elevator-esque beat that makes “Sober.” There is a change in tempo in the song to a harder, more bass-boosted beat and includes Gambino killing some dances moves on a table.

The pursuit for the girl doesn’t end so well for Gambino though – she finally dances a step, then grabs her to-go order and leaves Gambino back in the same spot he was when the video began. Sad, high, and alone.

It’s okay, Gambino. That was one of the sickest finger moon-walks I’ve ever seen. Check out “Sober” for yourself below!

LISTEN: Saint Raymond (Crystal Fighters Remix)

Posted on January 8, 2015March 13, 2015 by DeShonna Johnson

Crystal Fighters have taken the song “Fall At Your Feet” – by 19-year-old UK artist Saint Raymond – and remixed it for the better.

If you’re unfamiliar with the song, check out the original on Saint Raymond’s SoundCloud. The song is good in its original form – an upbeat, teen summer jam- and occasionally leaves you tapping your feet. Once the Crystal Fighters got a hold of the song and added some synthesizers, a little bit of bass and some echoing vocals, the song transformed into a dance club single impossible not to move to.

Check it out below!