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Audio Overflow favorite, Best of '07 Champion, and Top 10 of the Decade placer, Field Music is back this week with a sprawling new double album titled, Measure. I've been listening to the album over the last few days, and there are a lot of cool things going on therein.
The album's first single, and one of it's cooler songs, is "Them That Do Nothing." The video for the song is a collection of live performance, brotherly hand clapping, and crossword puzzling all tied together with fast-paced editing. I actually like it a lot. At the very least, it continues the tradition of quirky Field Music music videos.
Check out the video below, and look for a review of Measure to drop sometime later this week.
Showing posts with label Videos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Videos. Show all posts
Monday, February 15, 2010
Video: Field Music - "Them That Do Nothing"
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Video: Passion Pit - "Little Secrets"
Video Link
You'll have to follow that link to check out the full video (embedding has been disabled), but be sure to swing back by here afterwards to let me know what you think of it. Sure it may be a star child and black monolith away from being an exact replica of 2001: A Space Odyssey's final act, but the visuals and effects seem to fit farely well with the music.
Share your thoughts in the comments.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
This Used To Be A Weekly Thing...
Don't believe me? Here's a logo to prove it!
Anyhow, I just couldn't pass up the chance to show you guys the video for St. Vincent's newest single, "Actor Out of Work" from some album that a really cool person reviewed recently. If you're a real nerd, you probably caught this video 2 weeks ago when it first showed up (guilty). For those of you who don't quite fit into that mold, here it is in all its glory!
The video starts out rather strangely and, well, continues down that path throughout its entirety. I just think it's oddly enjoyable to watch Annie Clark be equal parts creepy-as-hell and lovely. The real climax of the video comes in the last 25 seconds or so, so stick around for that.
Leave your comments after the break!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Metric: "Fantasies"
Metric have been around for a decade now, bringing their take on New Wave Pop/Rock to the masses. In 2003 the band released their "debut" album, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? to almost universal acclaim. The album helped lay the foundation for their sound, one that would be expanded upon by 2005's equally-endearing Live it Out. Then, while the band was already at work on the follow-up to that album, Last Gang Records released the group's long-ignored real debut and perhaps their most impressive album, Grow Up and Blow Away. Finally after a long wait, Metric fans are getting what they want; a legitimate follow-up to Live it Out. Unfortunately, Fantasies is nowhere near as solid an album as the band has proven themselves capable of creating.
It starts off well-intentioned, with a distant breakbeat and Emily Haines' now-familiar vocals, both fragile and empowered, singing "They're gonna eat me alive!" "Help, I'm Alive," Fantasies' first single leaves a lot to be desired. For one, it seems incredibly repetitive and without any real drive. Haines' repeated "Beating like a hammer" chorus builds and builds throughout its length, but eventually just collapses into the same guitar riff every time. Just once I'd like it to build into something greater than itself. It never does. "Sick Muse" is a much more rewarding song, with a fun verse and better chorus than the lead-off track. It still feels a bit repetitive, however, if only for the repeated one-line chorus and somewhat annoying guitar line that carries the verses.
"Satellite Mind" finally gives Metric fans something worthy of true admiration. Emily's vocals are at their best here, and the guitars and drums evoke some of the best moments of 90s rock! The first couple of times I heard this song, I wasn't really sold. Since then, it has easily moved up to one of my favorites. Unfortunately, it's followed by "Twilight Galaxy," a song that has no legitimate reason for existing other than acting as filler. It almost sounds like Metric trying to recreate "Calculation Theme," but it lacks the charm needed to fill those shoes. The band smartly follows this bore with "Gold Guns Girls," an upbeat sex-rocker that is about as exciting as the band has ever been. The production on this song is amazing! From the subtle guitars, to Haines' sultry vocals, everything is exactly as it should be. This is a definitely one to play on repeat.
Fantasies' best track, however, comes next in "Gimme Sympathy," a remarkably addicting listen that hasn't aged a bit in the last month, despite the fact that I've listened to it well over a dozen times. Haines seems to be analyzing the state of Metric's fame by singing, "We're so close to something better left unknown" and asking the question "Who'd you rather be, The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?" Ironic considering that if there was ever a song to catapult the band into that next level of fame, this would be the one to do it. It's not only radio-friendly, but has a sweet music video and enough familiarity to maintain their already loyal following.
"Blindness" is a strange track, starting off as an eerie synth-rocker and then catapulting into a more upbeat affair at the 2-minute mark before returning back to where it started for the song's final minute. It's not the catchiest of Metric songs - which is always a bit disconcerting considering that the band is essentially a pop band - but it is an interesting song, and worth at least a couple listens. "Stadium Love" wraps the album up on a "meh" note. Metric's sound has never been louder or more deserving of the "stadium love" to which they claim to have. At the same time, I get the sneaking suspicion that this song is going to be simply mind-blowing at a live show. Here, it just sort of seems like a false high note for an unfocused album.
Fantasies is in no way a terrible album, but for every song that feels like it is perfectly executed, there's another that feels like it could have used a little more tweaking. The album has very few tracks that feel like they could hold their own against a "Dead Disco" or a "Monster Hospital," and that's a little disappointing coming from a band who has consistently put out great music for the past decade. But as far as disappointments go, I get the feeling that Fantasies could have been a lot worse. What we end up having is an average collection of songs; some great, some okay, and some not worth listening to after the first couple of spins. Up to this point, Metric has given me 3 albums full of amazing tracks, so I can deal with a few disappointments. Just don't let it happen again.
Key Tracks:
1. "Sick Muse"
2. "Satellite Mind"
3. "Gold Guns Girls"
4. "Gimme Sympathy"
6 out of 10 Stars
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 85
It's about time Shara Worden and Asthmatic Kitty made a video from her latest album as My Brightest Diamond. "From the Top of the World" isn't the greatest song from the album, but it's not too shabby either. Can you point out the similarities with Radiohead, or is that just me imagining things?
My Brightest Diamond - "From the Top of the World" from the album, A Thousand Shark's Teeth
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 84
How 'bout that post yesterday?
My Morning Jacket - "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Pt. 2" from the album, Evil Urges.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 83
You know, I think I'm starting to like this new, happy Conor Oberst fellow. Where'd he come from anyway?
"Souled Out!!!" by Conor Oberst, from his self-titled album.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 82
I've been waiting for months to be able to show off this video. Just one problem, it didn't come out until last week. Oh well! Better late than never, I suppose.
M83 - "Kim & Jessie" from the album, Saturdays=Youth.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 81
So The Streets have a new album due out soon, and if this video for the first single, "The Escapist," is any indication, the album will be a return to form for Mike Skinner. I can't quite say what I think of it at this point, but I know that I was a huge fan of The Streets' most recent album, while their other two left me wanting more (mostly just more actual rapping and less talking). Here's hoping this one won't bore me to tears!
"The Escapist" by The Streets, from the album, Everything is Borrowed.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 79
So there was a whole bunch of hoopla this past week over Radiohead's new music video for "House of Cards." Why? Well, because it was shot entirely without cameras. I'll let that sit with you for a while. There were no cameras used in the "filming" of this "video." I'm not sure how it all works (something about lasers), but the end result is pretty awesome-looking.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
E3 '08: Music Games
So I'm working really hard on this week's review, but I haven't really got enough ears-on time with it yet. Expect it by Thursday. Until then, I thought I'd give everyone a little update as to what is happening at the E3 convention in Los Angeles. As many of you know, this is the huge, yearly video game convention where big titles are announced, demoed, hyped, etc. Being a gamer, myself, and a fan of music games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, I thought I'd let all of you in on the news. Chances are, if you're an avid gamer, you already know this stuff. But if you're living outside of nerdville, here's what's happened so far.
Xbox 360/PS3
Guitar Hero: World Tour - There wasn't a lot of hype surrounding GH:WT, the next installment in the mega-series, what with the huge Rock Band 2 tracklist revealed just a few minutes before Microsoft's Press Conference. What we do know for sure is that World Tour will release with an exclusive R.E.M. track pack, as well as Metallica's forthcoming album as DLC. There was a little mention of being able to import and play your own music, which if implemented correctly, could be HUGE. Otherwise, I'm still not planning on buying this game, as I already have one fake drumset in my house, and I don't see the need to further clutter things with GH:WT's incompatible kit.
Rock Band 2 - This was the biggest music game announcement yesterday. Rock Band 2 will ship with 85 master tracks, including a Chinese Democracy track from Guns 'n' Roses' "upcoming" album. Does this mean that Rock Band 2 will go the route of Duke Nukem Forever and get delayed for, well, ever? Let's hope not. Here's the full track list:
AC/DC: "Let There Be Rock"There are some interesting tracks, to be sure. And even though I'm a little miffed (read: completely and utterly dumbfounded) by the lack of Muse (!!!), I'm really looking forward to tearing into System of a Down, Beck, and effing Mastodon! All downloadable content from Rock Band will be compatible with Rock Band 2, and by the end of the year, there should be 500 songs available to Xbox Live/PSN users. That's pretty impressive.
AFI: "Girl's Gone Grey"
Alanis Morissette: "You Oughta Know"
Alice in Chains: "Man in the Box"
Allman Brothers: "Ramblin' Man"
Avenged Sevenfold: "Almost Easy"
Bad Company: "Shooting Star"
Beastie Boys: "So Whatcha Want"
Beck: "E-Pro"
Bikini Kill: "Rebel Girl"
Billy Idol: "White Wedding Pt. I"
Blondie: "One Way or Another"
Bob Dylan: "Tangled Up in Blue"
Bon Jovi: "Livin' on a Prayer"
Cheap Trick: "Hello There"
Devo: "Uncontrollable Urge"
Dinosaur Jr.: "Feel the Pain"
Disturbed: "Down with the Sickness"
Dream Theater: "Panic Attack"
Duran Duran: "Hungry Like the Wolf"
Elvis Costello: "Pump It Up"
Fleetwood Mac: "Go Your Own Way"
Foo Fighters: "Everlong"
Guns N' Roses: "Shackler's Revenge"
Interpol: "PDA"
Jane's Addiction: "Mountain Song"
Jethro Tull: "Aqualung"
Jimmy Eat World: "The Middle"
Joan Jett: "Bad Reputation"
Journey: "Anyway You Want It"
Judas Priest: "Painkiller"
Kansas: "Carry On Wayward Son"
L7: "Pretend We're Dead"
Lacuna Coil: "Our Truth"
Linkin Park: "One Step Closer"
Lit: "My Own Worst Enemy"
Lush: "De-Luxe"
Mastodon: "Colony of Birchmen"
Megadeth: "Peace Sells"
Metallica: "Battery"
Mighty Mighty Bosstones: "Where'd You Go"
Modest Mouse: "Float On"
Motorhead: "Ace of Spades"
Nirvana: "Drain You"
Norman Greenbaum: "Spirit in the Sky"
Panic at the Disco: "Nine in the Afternoon"
Paramore: "That's What You Get"
Pearl Jam: "Alive"
Presidents of the USA: "Lump"
Rage Against the Machine:"Testify"
Ratt: "Round & Round"
Red Hot Chili Peppers : "Give It Away"
Rise Against: "Give It All"
Rush: "The Trees"
Silversun Pickups: "Lazy Eye"
Smashing Pumpkins: "Today"
Social Distortion: "I Was Wrong"
Sonic Youth: "Teen Age Riot"
Soundgarden: "Spoonman"
Squeeze: "Cool for Cats"
Steely Dan: "Bodhitsattva"
Steve Miller Band: "Rock'n Me"
Survivor: "Eye of the Tiger"
System of a Down: "Chop Suey"
Talking Heads: "Psycho Killer"
Tenacious D: "Master Exploder"
Testament: "Souls of Black"
The Donnas: "New Kid in School"
The Go-Go's: "We Got the Beat"
The Grateful Dead: "Alabama Getaway"
The Guess Who: "American Woman"
The Muffs: "Kids in America"
The Offspring: "Come Out & Play (Keep 'em Separated)"
The Replacements: "Alex Chilton"
The Who: "Pinball Wizard"
Lips (Xbox 360 Exclusive) - Lips is a new singing game from Microsoft Game Studios that really looks and feels like one of those SingStar games that I'm not too fond of. The big difference is that you'll be able to connect your Zune or iPod and play with the songs that you already own, giving you a potentially endless number of songs to play. I'm not sure how this functionality will work though. Will it lower the vocals and turn it into a karaoke machine? Will it detect the vocals of the song and place the notes on the screen and make it into an actual game? Will it do BOTH? No one really knows the answers to this yet, but more will be revealed as the convention moves on, I'm sure. For the time being, it's a pretty interesting title that I'll definitely keep my eye on. Oh, and apparently the mics are motion sensitive (and they light up). Neat!
Wii
Samba de Amigo - This stylized maraca-based rhythm game for the Wii is essentially a re-make of the Dreamcast classic of the same name. That means nothing to me though, as I never played that game and am not entirely convinced that I should. It's all about shaking maracas (or your Wii Remote in this case) to the beat, so if that's your thing, keep an eye out for it. The only development that came about this week is the announcement that the game will support Downloadable Content (which is a first for Wii, to my knowledge). The first track pack will include:
"I Want Candy" - Bow Wow Wow"Are You Going to be My Girl?" - Jet"Mambo Mambo" Lou Bega
Umm...well, I'll let those songs do the talking for me. If SEGA was trying to get this game on my radar, that didn't do it.
Wii Music - The big announcement for Wii was the long-awaited Wii Music from Nintendo. In the line of Wii Sports, Wii Fit, and Wii Play, Wii Music is a game designed to get grandma off the couch and into the game. I don't know folks, this one just looks a bit ridiculous to me. Now, I'm all for playing virtual instruments, but holding the Wii Remote like a saxophone and blowing? I'm not that big of dork. Not yet at least. Consider me un-wowed.
Nintendo DS
Guitar Hero: On Tour - Decades - Quite the mouthful, but Nintendo announced today that Activision is already underway on a sequel to the just-released (and *ahem* just-reviewed) Guitar Hero: On Tour. Not much information about this one yet, but apparently song-sharing will be available. I think this means that if a friend has the original, you can share songs from Decades to entice him or her to buy it. Clever.
Rhythm Heaven - This is apparently a sequel to a game released on Game Boy Advance in Japan. But it's coming to America, and reading the description, it seems a lot like Elite Beat Agents. If that's the case, I'm in!
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That's all I've heard so far. Any of these seem like winners to you?
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 78
I really do like The Wombats, folks, so I'm going to do everything in my power to get you to listen to them at least once. Here's a video to "Let's Dance to Joy Division."
The Wombats - "Let's Dance to Joy Division" from the album A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 77
Hey, so how 'bout that not review that I wrote yesterday? I just felt like I needed to spend a little more time with the album before I started writing, so it should be up by Thursday at the latest. Until then, you should totally check out this video for this really edgy band named Tilly and the Wall. It's for a song called "Pot Kettle Black" that really makes you wanna go out there and whoop up on some ho skanks! It's totally hardcore! *rolls eyes*
"Pot Kettle Black" by Tilly and the Wall, from the album, O.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 75
Hey, last week's video...weird story about that one. Apparently Tilly and the Wall like to make songs and music videos that won't be on albums. Crazy, I know, but I thought it best to point out that "Beat Control" is nowhere on their new album, which I picked up yesterday and will review soon. Just sayin. Now on to this week's video.
It is a bit odd that the world's most recognizable video happens to be from a one-hit wonder, but that's how things go I suppose. Hey. I hope you like this one.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 74
So I've pretty much been in Love with Tilly and the Wall since I first heard them way back in 2005. They have this new album coming out next week, and I've posted the video to their first single below. I'm not sure how I feel...about the song, that is. I know how I feel about the video. It's kind of lame. But that is to be expected with poor indie pop bands. What do you think?
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 73
Scariest video ever. For realsies.
"Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden, from the album, Superunknown.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Video of the Week - Week 72
Hey. How'ya doin'?
Does everyone remember that gripping, totally enthralling piece of writing I did yesterday? Well, in it, I made sure to mention that the first single to the new Ladytron album, Velocifero, is titled "Ghosts" and is really quite awesome. In an attempt to share that awesomeness with you, I've decided to post the video to that song. Enjoy it. k?
Ladytron - "Ghosts" from the album, Velocifero.
Friday, May 23, 2008
The 5 Most Awesomely Bad Rap Songs
I feel like a total tool using the term "awesomely bad," seeing as how VH1 pretty much coined it for their awesomely bad countdowns. But seeing as how there's no better way to describe the following 5 rap songs, it will have to do. Now these aren't Weird Al rap songs, or anything dumb. These are legitimate songs that you can't help but like. They are so bad, they're good. You can't get enough of them...admit it. I present to you, dearest reader, The 5 Most Awesomely Bad Rap Songs. With video.
#5: Master P - "Make 'Em Say Uhh" - There's no denying the badness of Master P's only somewhat decent song (and really only that good because of Mystikal). The hook of the song is completely inane in the same way that "gettin' jiggy with it" is. It doesn't make a lick of sense, it's spoken, and hearing 5 voices say "uhhhh" in 5 completely different keys is far too much for my poor fragile ears to handle. But I'll be damned if that isn't one of the most infectious beats of all time. And then there's Mystikal. Dude needs to get out of prison ASAP and make at least one more hit on the same level of "Danger." That would make me the happiest boy in the world.
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