The Indie Anthology 49: essential songs

And quickly following the latest one, another tune for our Indie Anthology. This time thanks to my bosses at Indienauta and a recent music read, who made me think, then go back listening, them. Welcome back my dear Nashville underdogs!

Song: Up With People
Artist: Lambchop
Year: 2000

"Countrypolitan" was the extreme weird definition some critics coined for Lambchop's music when their fifth album 'Nixon' surprisingly got praised everywhere in 2000 (if I'm not mistaken, it was proclaimed album of the year here and there). Luckily for me, I jumped on the band's bandwagon with this record, so I didn't know a thing about the alternative country / Americana debate surrounding them. No, to me, they were soul, pure and opulent soul blending with chamber pop, baroque arrangements and retro vibes. Lush, witty and in a singular way, uplifting. All fuelled by 'Up With People' and its eternal charms, which became one of my staple songs at university. The handclaps, the irrepressible backbeat, the relentless Motown bassline, the gospel surrounding Kurt Wagner's dry and deliberate monologue... “Come on, progeny” the songs unfolds in all its glory before slowly fading... and you can't help but keep smiling and whistling the melody. Yes, its a song about ordinary, failing acts & people “We’ll most certainly leave the doing, the doing undone”. But is more a comforting lesson: just laugh at it and keep doing while you try to enjoy the ride. A wonderful advice in less than five glorious minutes.

New music videos from Arctic Monkeys, Garbage, Miles Kane, Lambchop and The Shins!

New music videos today, for your viewing and listening pleasure! An in crescendo proposal, in 5 steps until reaching the perfect match of music and images, always in my modest opinion, while we check some of the newest music arrivals.

Step 1. Uninspired song and video
Arctic Monkeys: "R U Mine?"
You all know I like the Monkeys, and that "Suck It and See" was among my favourite records of 2011, but this new tune is quite mediocre, and the clip is, simply, silly. Scared to hear Alex Turner's plans to do next album immediately with this song as the pattern. Please no.


Step 2. So-so song with a nice video
Garbage: "Blood for Poppies"
Ok, Garbage wouldn't really fit in this blog anymore, but I admit I was curious to hear them back after such a long hiatus (remembrance of my teenage years). "Blood for Poppies" is not going to change any music standard or give Shirley Manson and Co. a second chance for assaulting "music stardom", but at least the video is quite suggestive with the homages to classic cinema, Luis Buñuel's references included.

Step 3. Uninspired video for a nice song
Miles Kane: "First of My Kind"
The leading song of the forthcoming EP from Miles Kane, to be released on the Record Store Day is another addictive track on the vein of "Colour of the Trap". The video, with Miles Walking through Paris and London is quite insipid, but this guy knows how to create a cracking chorus and an engaging, straightforward melody.


Step 4. Good video for an amazing song
Lambchop: "2B2"
"Mr. M", the latest Lambchop's effort is fated to be included among the best records of the year (review coming soon on the blog), and "2B2" is one of the most compelling gems you will find on it. The clip for the tune might not be very original, as it is conformed by several moments of their recent (sniff sniff, missed) European tour, but it works as the elegant and warm piece such a beautiful song deserves. Thanks, again, Kurt Wagner.    


Step 5. Amazing video and song
The Shins: The Rifle's Spiral
And finally, one of my favourite tunes from The Shins "Port of Morrow", with a visually stunning clip that immerses us, thanks to the imagination of Emmy-winning director Jamie Caliri. Surreal stop-motion animation that is also an obvious homage to Edward Gorey’s illustrations. Superb.