The Indie Anthology 72: essential songs

I was looking for a Spanish band/artist for the next chapter of our Anthology, and considering the choking, shameful shift towards "neocon" and extreme right policies & attitudes (Latin America, Trump, Hungary, Poland, UK, Turkey, Spain... and the list keeps growing) we are suffering (and/or we are about to suffer) I really need a truly gorgeous song to counter it, to get shelter from the despicable "outside", at least for a while, thanks to music. And there's no better band to do so than Pauline en la Playa.

Song: Cabezas Locas
Artist: Pauline en la Playa
Year: 2001

I would live, happily ever after, inside the songs of Mar & Alicia Álvarez. Pauline en la Playa have created a genuine pop universe, completely of their own. Full of fables, poetry, violins, delicate, sometimes subtle, others rich and lush, instrumental details, sweet vocal harmonies and eternal melodies. I discovered them during my last university years (Radio 3 again) with 'Tormenta de ranas' and the majestic single 'Cabezas Locas' (it has been a very close call between this song, 'Titubeas' and 'Relevé', please check their complete discography, you'll thank me, granted). A tune with one of the most mind blowing beginnings ever and the perfect soundtrack for those sunny afternoon walks from the train to home. The dusk setting in slowly, while the tune embraces you, warm, uplifting, joyous (my apologies because the sound is pretty low in the video below, couldn't find a better option). Pauline en la Playa, main originators of Stendhal Syndrome in Spanish indiepop since 1997.

These Go to 11: interviewing Shelflife Records

Back to our regular posts after the Indietracks experience, and our next guests to answer our questionnaire we have a very special couple. What would have been of this Blog without them? Matthew Bice & Ed Mazzuco, the Shelflife Records' bosses, one of our favourite independent labels. Mankind needs them. These Go to 11!

Ed Mazzuco & Matthew Bice, Shelflife Records

Ed & Matthew, making your ears
happy since 1995

Shelflife Records began in 1995, when Ed Mazzuco, a fan of 80's English pop and with mythic labels as Factory and Sarah Records as reference, launched the label in a southern California suburb bedroom, in conjunction with a mail order and distribution service. The goal: introducing foreign indie pop groups to the US. Shelflife's first release arrived in August 1996, the compilation 'Whirl-Wheels' which included tracks by Club 8, Boyracer, La Buena Vida, and Ed’s own band The Autocollants. A year later, Ed & the label moved to New York, and although the mail order and distribution service were discontinued, the artist roster continued to grow: Shelflife was a hobby no more. Recognition keep increasing, and the label's scope expanded, hosting the annual showcase The September Set, and in 2007, with Ed and Matthew Bice relaunching Shelflife blending art with music. To put it simply: one of the best indie labels out there, almost infallible. Here we go!

1. First record that you bought (be honest)

Ed: I think it was OMD's 'Crush'. Or maybe LL Cool J 'Bigger and Deffer'
Matthew: 'Me and You and a Dog Named Boo' by Lobo

2. First and last concert you have attended (be honest too!)

Ed: First concert was New Order in 1988. The last, Toy
Matthew: The first was Chet Atkins. The last, Primavera Sound 2014

Motown in the 90s? Ummm....

3. Guilty pleasure (song/band you shouldn’t like but you do, yes, it’s the embarrassing question)

Ed: 'Send The Pain Below' by Chevelle
Matthew: 'Motownphilly', Boyz II Men

4. Most precious music item you own (collector mode on)
Ed: Hard one… maybe Buba and the Shop Assistants 7"
Matthew: Signed copy of 'Blue Monday' 7”

5. Favorite lyrics (not yours)

Ed: Sometimes these words just don't have to be said
I know how you both feel the heart can rule the head
Jealousy is an essential part of love
The hurting here below and the emptiness above- The Wedding Present, 'My Favourite Dress'
Matthew: I think, yes. I’m doing a fine job Cocteau Twins, 'Summer Blink'

They want you (but don't dress like them)

6. Musician/s you would like to meet (should be alive, for obvious reasons, but you can choose a dead one too)
Ed: All of the Shelflife bands I have never met
Matthew: ABBA

7. Favorite artwork album (not yours)
Ed: OMD, 'Dazzle Ships'
Matthew: 'Satan is Real' by The Louvin Brothers

8. Books or movies? Depending on your answer recommend us one (trick: you can choose both) 
Ed: Movie, 'Ski School'
Matthew: Movie, 'Toto the Hero'

Days 'Downhill'

9. Release (of yours) you are most proud of
Ed: Days, 'Downhill' 7”
Matthew: Days,'Downhill' 7”

10. What’s does it mean indie for you? (yes, the “serious question”)
Ed: Doing it your own way and not falling into industry traps
Matthew: Not letting “that’s not how you do it” get in your way

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ed: Living where I can work less and enjoy life more
Matthew: Under a tree, petting my sheepdog

Zillion thanks Ed and Matthew!

The Indie Anthology 34: essential songs

More Indie Anthology, this time digging deep in the vaults of the best Spanish indie bands. Interviewing Òscar Fernàndez, and reading the books he's publishing has consequences.... wonderful consequences!

Song: Un Día Gris
Artist: Aventuras de Kirlian
Year: 1989

Pioneers, fathers of another way of understanding (and making) pop in Spain (devoted to 80's British jangle bands, but with a French twist), and If you ask me, probably also another way of understanding life. Criminally underrated then (now with a cult status), Kirlian was the immediate precursor of Le Mans and La Buena Vida, but time hasn't affected the songs any bit: they remain as pure and irresistible as they were. "Un Día Gris" is pure twee pop, undeniably charming but natural, with an eternal chorus so simple (paparapá) you can't believe it's for real, appearing to propel Teresa Iturrioz's calmed vocals to another level. Hard not to smile. A comforting, mighty little tune.

The Indie Anthology 19: essential songs

The next song of our particular Anthology is the perfect tune for the days ahead. September is coming, so a new "natural year" arrives. It's time to think, evaluate what we have done and start again. It's it much better doing so with the help of one of the best Spanish indie bands. Hope you like it!

Song: Mi Año Natural
Artist: La Buena Vida
Year: 2006

I got angry easily when someone tries to convince lyrics don't matter. No, it's not necessary to make "high literature" references in every single verse, or to create a conceptual and dense album just for the sake of being interesting. But I do demand for lyrics that mean something, that can relate with people and people can relate with, and more specifically, to their feelings or/and state of mind. La Buena Vida were/are (it's hard to know whether the band is still active after the tragic death of Pedro San Martín) masters on that particular art. Condensing our thoughts, moods and feelings (some questions too) in the format of 3/4 minutes of  contemplative, delicate and beautiful indiepop/twee-pop. "Mi Año Natural" had all their trademarks: the whispering, sweet voice of Irantzu Valencia, gentle guitars, subtle brass and wind sections, with the accent put on the simplicity and disarming purity of an unforgettable melody. And a lyric capable of saying so much with so little. With the end of August, the time to think over, get up and mature, learning from our mistakes, has arrived...

Spanish indie 6: suggesting the best national acts

After a long hiatus with this section, we are back with new proposals. Enjoy!

Reina Republicana. Born in 2009, but really active in 2010, after two singles (one with Las Robertas) and several changes in the line-up (initially it was formed by members of Kokoshca, Tristessa and Half Foot Outside), by the end of 2011 they released their first, self-titled, LP. With the new voice of Maite Rodríguez, and the help from Banin Fraile, Florent (Los Planetas and Los Pilotos), Guille Mostaza (Ellos) y Paco Loco, the album flourishes as a wonderful collection of shiny indie-pop tunes. Here's great pop for everyone, from shoegazers to La Buena Vida fans or c86 lovers. Hail to the queen!.

Christina Rosenvinge. It was a matter of time Ms.Rosenvinge had a space here. Musically active since "la Movida Madrileña" (80s) she pursued a very personal career, working with Lee Ranaldo and Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth) during the 90s-early 2000s. Back to Spain from NY and from English to Spanish, her latest albums, the excellent "Tu Labio Superior" (2008) and "La Joven Dolores" (2011), have consolidated her status as a national indie muse. My advice? Check the exhaustive boxset, just out now, "Un Caso Sin Resolver", and enter the world of this unique artist.
Christina Rosenvinge - Mi Vida Bajo el Agua

Cosmen Adelaida. You'll always find interesting groups on El Genio Equivocado's roster, a Spanish label with a special nose to detect and recruit talent. Like this band born in Madrid in 2007, that after two EPs, at the end of 2011 released "7 Picos" their mini-album debut, an impressive and highly addictive small collection of the most diverse indie-pop. Ranging from gorgeous twee-pop (irresistible girl-boy vocals) to creeping guitars on a grunge style, to synths and loops that recall names like Stereloab, Cosmen Adelaida has created a unique pop caleidoscope. Band to follow closely.

Farewell Pedro San Martin (La Buena Vida)

Yesterday, Pedro San Martín, bassist and one of the main composers of La Buena Vida, one of the most important Spanish indie bands of all time, died on a car accident in Burgos. Pedro, 39 years old, was spending the weekend with some friends and that night decided who attend the gig of Nacho Vegas, another important name of the national scene, who already expressed his sorrow on his facebook page, as many other artists. My condolences to his family, members of the band and friends. Today is a very sad day for music.


Thanks for the songs, Pedro. Goian Bego.