If I were to ever take a swim in a lava lamp I would expect the music of Animal Collective to be playing in the background. “Avey Tare” (David Portner), “Panda Bear” (Noah Lennox), “Deacon” (Josh Dibb), and “Geologist” (Brian Weitz) have melted together to form the Animal Collective. Their sound is trippy, ethereal, and light with hints of darkness. I either just described amazingly creative music or a new herbal shampoo that will take you to another dimension. Either way you are going to want to take a moment and let the sound wash over you.
A collective of animals.
Animal Collective has no doubt been crowned the “buzz” indie band of 2009. Merriweather Post Pavilion has been lifted on high as if it were the second coming. There is some justification for the praise. The music pendulum is swinging again. For too long our ears have been subjected to formulaic music that is produced in a hit factory. We are now seeing the pendulum swing toward more creative and experimental sounds. What was once called “fringe” music is starting to invade mainstream pop culture in a big way. The top 40 charts and advertisers are turning more to groups like Animal Collective in an attempt to reclaim ears that are open for something different.
In an effort to capitalize on their recent success, the guys have delivered a gift to fans in the form of an EP. That is industry speak for “short album”. Fall Be Kind is a 5 track collection of songs that were left over from their recent studio work. This sweet little mix will satisfy fans until their next full album release. To get a good feel for Animal Collective you will want to give “Graze” and “What Would I Want? Sky” a spin. After a listen you may have a desire to join me for a swim in my lava lamp.
Take a listen to “Graze”
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Enjoying Animal Collective? Check out Passion Pit!
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Most humans have what medical doctors call a “voice box”. I don’t want to get all technical on you, but this is where singing comes from. Still with me? Ok, well Tom Waits doesn’t have a “voice box”. In its place he has a cement mixer filled with rusty nails, broken bottles, cement blocks and malt liquor. When he opens his mouth and that thing gets a churning it is like nothing you are currently listening to.
Most people know of Tom Waits because of other singers that have covered his songs. That list includes Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, and more recently, Scarlett Johansson. Waits has been writing, performing and touring for over 35 years. Many in the music industry identify Waits as a pioneer and trailblazer. So why isn’t he more universally known? Good question. Well, Waits is known for approaching music his own way. His distinctively unique guttural growl of a voice doesn’t lend itself well to top 40 radio. His quirky on and off stage persona is sometimes hard for folks to understand. Even with all of that weighing in against him, Waits has a huge cult following and his musical influences run deep.
The beauty of Glitter and Doom Live is that it showcases his small 2008 U.S. tour. Waits is not known for regular touring, so this live album gives many a glimpse into what his live shows are like. My favorite tracks are “Lucinda / Ain’ Goin’ Down To The Well No Mo’”, “Falling Down” and “Make It Rain”.
Prepare yourself for something fresh. Hop right in the cement mixer with Tom Waits and take a tumble.
Promotional video for Waits’ Glitter and Doom Live album
Waits’ “Falling Down”
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As a kid, if someone brought up “girl talk” in a conversation, I’d immediately teleport back to my youth–to thoughts of sleepovers and pillow fights and lovely young ladies chatting about how cute I am. Okay, so I still have those thoughts as an adult, but now Girl Talk has taken on so much more thanks to creative musical juggernaut Gregg Gillis.
I am going to share something personal with you. I struggle at times with my attention span. I often spin through the radio dial listening to songs one verse at a time before switching to something else. While working on a project if a light shines across my desk I drift off and
Girl Talk’s Feed the Animals is perfect if you are in the mood for over 300 songs mashed up in a giant musical blender. You like your Jay-Z sprinkled with some Sinead O’Connor? Enjoy a little Avril Lavigne accompanied by a side of the Wu-Tang Clan? Have a hankerin’ for a Radiohead-Michael Jackson-Roy Orbison-Justin Timberlake-Megadeth-AC/DC-Kelly Clarkson-flavored Musical smoothie? Then Feed the Animals. It’s really okay.
If you are a person that gets grossed out at the thought of mixing your peas with your mashed potatoes, I feel your pain. However, if you’re looking to get pumped for a night out on the town or want a party mix at your next shindig you can’t go wrong with the mad genius of Girl Talk. Hip-Hop serves as a backbone through all of the tracks, which means the naughty words flow like an eternal spring. With that in mind I would discourage breaking the album out at your next church lock-in. But that depends on the awesomeness of the church.
Feed the Animals is the forth album from Girl Talk, so there is plenty to check out when you find yourself wanting more. Go forth and rock this album. Cruise around town with your windows down, all the while blowing out your factory speakers.
More of a visual person? Check out a video collage of Girl Talk’s “In Step.”
If you want to party like a rock star, check out the album below…if you can handle it. You probably can’t handle it though.
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