[MP3]
Beach House Norway

Analysis of the Cultural and Critical Impact of this Song:
This mp3 is the ‘beginning/launching point/kickoff’ of the 2k10 music season. The first step on an annual cycle to attempt to understand ‘who is the best/most culturally relevant/buzzworthy/meme-able’ band of the year. It is this cycle which gives the blogosphere purpose, giving us a reason to live/evaluate/judge even though ‘time’ is irrelevant on the internet.

Beach House’s PR/marketing team should be commended for setting the tone for 2k10. In the post-chillwave era, we will be looking for meaningful music that has substance–lyrically, emotionally, musically. No more ‘going to the beach and chilling’ music by bands who we will never hear from again. 2k10 will be all about people ‘overcompensating’ and ‘wanting a full album experience’ after spending the last 2-4 years scavenging for mp3s in the hypemachine world. Wonder if the XX will be cited as the end of chillwave since their album was so meaningful/vulns.

2k10 will feature releases by the established tier 1 bands such as Arcade Fire, Panda Bear, MGMT, Of Montreal, and Vampire Weekend. It seems like Beach House is on tier 2 of the indie band power chart, with a ‘beloved’ 1st and second album. I think the Beach House Theory of 2k10 would predict that Beach House is ‘the front runner’ for 2k10’s album of the year because of the criticism-sphere’s desire to ‘anoint’ a band that they ‘created.’ It seems ‘too predictable/boring’ for most web outlets to continue to gush over the same bands over and over, unless they are AnCo/PandyBear. We love to ‘watch a band grow’ into ‘artists who can put together a complete album.’ We will reward them for their efforts, and their willingness to share with us. If they are good to us during their buzzband phase and don’t do anything too inauthentic/gimmicky, then ‘deliver’ on a second album that demonstrates progress, we will ensure that by their third album, we will grant them Alternative Tenure–our gift to them which includes ‘guaranteed coverage’ of releases/tour dates/miscellaneous tidbits, minimal negative/attacking coverage of your brand, and the promise to band that our website will link to the website that is selling their album for years to come.

Wondering if a major label/marketing team will see the appeal of Beach House, and attempt to turn her/them into Feist 2.0 + bro who plays guitar and has an interesting drum machine in a suitcase. Wonder if this post-TingTings era will ‘embrace’ them. Seems like they wouldn’t have a poppy/ghey girly song on this album, so their chances of ‘crossoverability’ are diminished. Dark tones/vulnerability will keep their appeal strong within the indiebrocriticismsphere during 2k10.

If u had 2 bet ur entire bank account, who would yall ‘bet on’ as album of the year creator in 2k10? Do u buy the theory that critics need 2 ‘pick something new 2 seem fresh’, or will they just have predictable favourites that demonstrate their unwillingness to move forward into our modern era. Is Ratatat the ‘wild card’ in the 2k10 album of the year race?

/////////

missing u.

Srsly tho… do yall feel like Ed Droste’s twitter suicide is the indie equivalent of Heath Ledger’s murder/suicide, Michael Jackson’s death, or Miley Cyrus’ internet suicide?

2 of the most relevant bands of the year, Phoenix and Animal Collective ‘collab’ to output a remix of some song. I feel like this takes me back to the bloghouse era, when the most relevant bloghouse bands would create alt-synergy by remixing one another. We have possibly never seen a collab on this level in the history of the indiesphere. Wish I could be an entry level music criticism bro so that I could ‘get pumped for hearing this mp3 for the first time’ and then ‘talk myself into the mp3 being 70% better than it actually is.’ Would possibly create a writeup that utilized the word ‘pop’ in some ‘descriptive’ phrase like ‘melted pop sensibilities.’ I will also use of the word ‘textural.’ In addition, this theoretical writeup/review would include commentary on the state of modern indie music and the effects of ‘internet hype’, eventually losing focus on analysis of the actual song. My writeup would include between 5-10 hyperlinks to previous AnCo+Phoenix content that my blogsite had generated.

I feel like this remix is possibly ‘forgettable’, or it is possibly ‘Phoenix in their natural form.’ While Phoenix’s songs are ‘catchy’, it is impossible to decipher ‘what the fuck they are talking about’ in their lyrics. This possibly has to do with a French to English language barrier. Imagine if u had to write ’smart-sounding’ pop lyrics in a foreign language and ended up making weird/forced/generic metaphors in every1 of your songs. Phoenix has sorta turned into Jonas Brothers tween pop for hi level music criticism bros.

Sorta miss Deakin. Since most of my readership became AnCo fans after MerriweathPostPavvy, you might not know that AnCo had a fourth member named ‘The Deakin’ a long time ago. He ‘left the band’ and no1 really knows what happens. Wonder ‘what really happened’ to Deakin. Seems like they must be hiding something. I feel like they hand him remix work ‘for sympathy’ just because they feel bad, and still ‘want him to feel involved.’ Seems like the remixes would be better if Panda Bear made them. Does n e 1 know what happened with DeakinGate?

It seems like I would hear this song in a local coffee shop when an entry-level barista selects a playlist to try to seem ‘authentic.’ They would also probably play something by the Knife followed by a Fever Ray song, just to prove that they ‘understand’ that the broad from the Knife is Fever Ray.

Relevant Band + Relevant Band ≠ Relevant Remix
-Carles, 2009

[MP3]
Au Revoir Simone Another Likely Story (Neon Indian Remix)

Does n e 1 remember the glory days of 2k7-2k8, back when ‘remixes’ were something to get ‘fucking pumped up about’ with your bros. Now that they have become such deliberate marketing strategies, it is more difficult to ‘get wrapped up in the spirit’ of two semi-related artists coming together to create one mp3 that would unite their fan bases, usually in some sort of dancey lil fun thing.

I am feel ‘happy’ about the opportunity to download this mp3. It seems like NeonIndian/Vega bro might be ‘poised’ to take over Classixx currently assumed position as ‘most bloggable remixer of the era.’ Fortunately, he is also a ‘live band’ so he can overcome the limitations of many ‘bedroom producers/synth collectors’ who tend to dominate the Remix Economy. It seems like Neon Indian will soon enter the ‘Passion Pit’ phase of getting ‘over-covered’ and possibly ‘resented’, but NeonIndian’s potential for non-gimmicky longevity seems ‘high.’

Wonder if we are watching another ‘legitimate scene member’ as he eventually ascends to being covered like ‘a real alt celeb who people take seriously.’ Kinda weird when altcelebs make ‘the leap’ from buzzband to ‘relevant alt celeb who is covered by blogs even when they take a lil poop.’ Might be wrong, and there might be a ‘huge ass’ backlash against the chillwave era. Artists who were tied to chillwave should ‘distance themselves’ from the label if they are interested in long term internet sustainability.

Another important thing for a blogger to ‘muse about’ is the existence of Au Revoir Simone. It seems like after this remix, we can definitively say that the band is best consumed in remix/electro form. While their ‘free spirited’ girly aesthetic appeals to lil indie girls and altbaguettes who live in an ‘alt dream world’, it seems hard to consistently empathize with the tone of their songs. This analysis might be ‘null and void’ since the voice of HRO is ‘a huge misogynist’ and finds women ‘close to impossible’ to authentically empathize with.

Myspaces
http://www.myspace.com/neonindian
http://www.myspace.com/aurevoirsimone

Have u heard any bloggable mp3s lately, or is the scene ‘fucking dry’? (sorta like a college campus during finals when I am trying 2 score some adderall) Ugh. Can’t study/concentrate without it. :-(

[MP3]
Trailer Trash Tracys Candy Girl (demo)

Last year in indie music has been kinda weird. There has been an emergence a bunch of bands that sound like they are ‘in a fuzzy garage,’ but I have never really ‘understood’ why I should like them. Sorta seem like a gimmick, like the Vivian Girls, or like they are meant to appeal to older people or something. Maybe I am growing older and this sound appeals to me, or maybe this is just a middle-market product, somewhere between ‘chillwave’ and ‘fuzzy garagey music with ambient ambient female vocals.’ Maybe this is ‘chillfuzz.’

It seems like fuzzy garage music is ’structured very simply’, meant for purgatory alts to ‘bob their heads along to.’ This chillfuzz song by the Trailer Trash Tracys seems to have ‘huge drums’ and ‘a meaningful post-pop guitar riff.’ Seems like they are an ‘actual band’ from the UK who might have an easier time performing live than most chillwave producers. (Do ppl from England know what ‘Trailer Trash’ is, or are they exploiting an American concept?) Not sure if I should compare them to My Bloody Valentine or Sonic Youth or the Jesus and Mary Chain since they seem ’shoegazy’/'vintage.’

The song ‘candy girl’ seems like it could be called ‘haunting’ in a formal review. I wonder if this song could be covered by Feist/Regina Spekty and become one of the ‘top songs of the year’ according to mainstream music critics.

TTT’s on the myspace
http://www.myspace.com/trailertrashtracys

MP3 hijack via
http://gorillavsbear.blogspot.com/2009/08/candy-girl.html

[MP3]
Taken by Trees Watch the Waves

I remember there was a girl who sang on the hit song ‘Young Folks’ by Peter Bjorn and John. Her name was “Victoria Bergsman” (had to google it). Damn. Can’t believe that song was released a blog century ago. The mp3 I posted seem ‘pleasant’, like I’d put it on my iPod and listen to it while I was studying for my Psych 101 course or something. Or possibly just hear some free-spirited girl say that ‘Taken By Trees is her favourite band’, or some other far fetched statement like that. Mainly just posted it to talk about YOUNG FOLKS.

Damn. Young Folks. Where were u the first time u heard that song?

Where were u the first time that u got ‘pissed’ that ‘mainstream culture’ had found out about the indie gem by the Peter Bjorns and Jean?

Wonder if it is the ‘best indie song of the last decade.’ Seems important, like it organically gained steam before the ‘backlash’ occurred. Seems like ‘every1 liked it’/'knew about it.’ Seems like every1 thought it was meaningful for at least 1 nite.

Seems like Victoria Bergsman might have ‘misplayed her career.’ She should have tried to ride her viral indie fame to become ‘the next Feist’ or something, or possibly some1 like Karen O. It seems like she is just content ’settling’ for being another conceptual broad, sorta like most of the women in the crowded ‘poor man’s Bjork’ genre. Feel like Bat for Lashes might be in there, along with Kria Brekkan. h8 the genre of underwhelming music by broads that spacey alt female high schoolers identify with 4 no good reason.

Will there ever be another song like ‘Young Folks’, or will we just have to ’settle’ for era-defining songs like ‘My Girls’/'Two Weeks’/'Use Somebody’/'Beautiful Day’/'Semi-Charmed Life’/'D.A.N.C.E.’/'Lights and Music’/'Billie Jean’/'One Headlight’/'Free Birds’/'The Boy Is Mine’/'Waterfalls’?

More relevant information about this artist/song
http://gorillavsbear.blogspot.com/2009/08/mp3-new-taken-by-trees-watch-waves.html

XX BONUS out of tune, off tempo ‘Young Folks’ cover at a talent show XX

(sympathy audience clap at 2:35)

[MP3]
Washed Out Feel It All Around
Washed Out You’ll See It

It’s kinda weird how the musicsphere is searching for a new ‘authentic, undergroundish product’ that isn’t a huge brand like AnCo/GrizzBear/etc. People who ‘love music’ need new music to ‘get excited about.’ It seems like these ‘conceptual, chill projects’ are really ’starting to become mainstream alt rock’ or something. Think that these are apparently the next artists who we will ‘go to see at music festivals’ before ‘every1 finds out about them.’

I think that it demonstrates that a ‘new band’ can’t have too strong of a ‘personal brand’. It seems like if you start out being ’somewhat mysterious’, then ppl can write abt u when they ‘unmask’ u. It’s too easy to ‘not take a band seriously’ if you see pictures of them, and they look like dweebs/people who are ‘trying too hard.’ It seems easiest to have a chill project, that is somewhat ‘conceptual’ but also demonstrates that ur band has ‘pop sensibilities’ or something. Not sure what the ‘ceiling’ for these types of bands are. Seems like they will probably have to build their ‘live brand’ as being something that is ‘artistic.’ Most of these bands exist with ‘a few strong singles’, but seems like they will get enough ‘promotion’ [via maltstream weblogs+webzines] to be relevant in the market of people who ‘buy songs off iTunes.’

Not sure if this genre has a name. Seems like it needs to have a name that is ’serious.’ Here are some ideas for this ‘genre.’

• no-fi
• post-AnCo rock
• post-bloghause
• GorillaVsBearcore
• Chill Bro Core [via Butterteam]
• Kewl Boring Music
• Music 2 smoke weed 2
• Synth Computer Pop Atmospheric Wave
• GazeWave
• ShitWave
• CumWave
• WaveWave
• ShoeWave
• Chillgaze
• Pitchforkwavegaze
• Blogrock
• No-gaze
• Blowgaze
• GazeStep
• post-electro
• conceptro
• ChillHouse
• Browave
• Conceptual Blog Core
• ForkcastRock
• Forkshit
• No-fork
• ZanyCore
• Industrial
• post-freakfolk
• freakgaze

Feel like I might call it ‘chill wave‘ music in the future. Feels like ‘chill wave’ is dominated by ‘thick/chill synths’ while conceptual core is still trying to ‘use real instruments/sound like it was recorded in nature.’ Feel like chillwave is supposed to sound like something that was playing in the background of ‘an old VHS cassette that u found in ur attic from the late 80s/early 90s.’

Not sure if this genre is ‘emerging’ or if it is only just becoming ‘properly monetized’ now that there is a ‘demand for it.’ Do yall prefer ‘Neon Indian‘ or ‘Memory Cassette‘ or some other chillwave band? I feel like Washed Out might be my favourite chill wave artist, so far, but Neon Indian might have the ’strongest brand’/'highest possibility of becoming a legacy indie artist.’

What’s yalls fave genre of music?

Washed out Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/thebabeinthewoods

[MP3]
Wavves Mickey Mouse

I have never actively listened to a Wavves song, because they seem to be ‘too fuzzy’ or something. Kinda like the ‘garage band aesthetic’ that I don’t ‘get.’ However, I listened to his new song ‘MICKEY MOUSE’ and it made me very confused. It sounded a lot like the band Animal Collective, particularly a song structured by the musical genius Noah ‘Panda Bear’ Lennox.

Sorta reminds me of ‘Peace Bone’ mixed with ‘Bros’ type of structure and hint of ‘Reverend Green/Fireworks.’ I think the lyrics are talking about ‘never wanting to be old’, then references some cryptic metaphor about ‘a thing in the back of your brain’ (science analogy trying to remind u how mortal we are), and then something about your brain telling u that u will ‘be safe.’ It seems like a very ’simple song’, like to the point that you could say it is ’stupid.’

I am not sure why Wavves is converting to the conceptual core aesthetic. Maybe he sees that the live brand that Animal Collective has established, and believes that he can make a longer, more fiscally empowering career if he makes songs that are meaningful, simple looped electronic conceptual core ballads. Probs questions the long term viability of ‘fuzzy guitar with droned lyrics.’ Feel like he possibly might be ‘making fun of every1′ for ‘liking AnCo’, and made this song to say ‘this type of song is easy to make, I can shit out a song like this as a joke.’ Suddenly felt insecure, like he is making fun of me for wearing a Merriweather Post Pavvy tshirt. Not sure if he just ‘deconstructed’ the state of the modern indie-musicsphere with this song, or if he is ‘trying to break into it.’

Wavves seems to h8 everything.

Seems like he has a ‘destructive personality’, even though people might call him ‘a genius.’ Maybe he is a talented, fallen-from-grace bro who is ’searching for something more’ out of life/’the arts’, and can’t help but feel ‘disconnected’ from the type of ghey rewards/ghey fans that come with ’success’ in any sphere of ‘the arts.’ If I could be a writer for Rolling Stone/SPIN/other dying music mag, I would start constructing a long profile piece, calling him ‘The Indie Kurt Cobain’ just in case he really is ‘trying to leave this Earth.’ Would make sure to emphasize that his soul is ‘beautiful’ and possibly ‘misunderstood’ even though we continue to hear his name in some what ‘destructive’ news stories.

Previous Wavves Coverage: I don’t ‘get’ Wavves
http://www.hipsterrunoff.com/2009/03/wavves-bro.html

Wonder if Wavves is HRO’s ‘next Justice’ in that I ‘don’t listen to his music very actively’, but enjoy analyzing his personal brand/aesthetic.

[MP3]
Atlas Sound Walkabout (w/ Panda Bear)

I heard that this song is possibly one of the most ‘relevant’ and ‘organically created + released’ mp3s of the year. From what I understand, the DeerhunterBro was ‘chilling’ with the Animal Collective, then Panda Bear (Noah Lenbro) ‘taught’ DeerBro how to use his lil conceptual music making gadget. Feel like this is ‘basically just a new Panda Bear song’ or something. Not sure if I really want to say it is an ‘Atlas Sound’ song, because I feel like I would ‘like’ it 40% more if it was just ‘a Panda Bear song.’ I’m not sure what Bradford Cox (Deerhunter/AtlasSound bro) is trying to do, branding-wise. Have honestly never heard Atlas Sound, but would think that he is like some sort of indie rock guitar bro or something. Might be trying to rebrand, and get more on the ‘conceptual bandwagon’ [via Neon Indian theory].

Seems like this mp3 is ‘good’ and possibly ‘transcendental’ in an mp3blog kind of way. Feel like it is a ‘good song’ but also has too many opportunities to ‘namedrop band names’ to pass up blogging about it. I think that if you blog about this song, your blogsite will show up when people google “what is a good indie song, yall?”

Can’t believe Panda Bear’s “Person Pitch” came out in 2k7. Can’t believe it is already 2010. Sorta just feel ‘overwhelmed’ by 2k9, since it was the year of MPP, and I just want to chill to some Panda Bear solo without Avey Tare ‘yelling all over the place.’ Feel just like this song reminds me of ‘back when I didn’t have to think so much about conceptual music, and what it meant‘, and my personal brand could just sort of ‘coast’ by saying that I like Panda Bear.

Feeling sad that I will soon have 2 turn my back on ‘the Panda Bear aesthetic’ (probs after his next album is released). Heard Noah Lennox charges like $20K for his solo show. Might get him for my Super Sweet 16.

[MP3]
Holy Ghost! I Will Come Back (Classixx Acapulco Nights Version)

I remember when Classixx remixed that one Phoenix song called “Lisztomania” and people listened to their version more than the original version. I think that is when they became ‘authentic remixers who were highly in demand.’ Feel like as time has gone on, there is a ‘power rankings’ of Authentic Remixers, and if you want your band to be ‘relevant’, you should pay $1k-$10K to secure a remix by this band. Seems like a better investment than ‘buying a huge amp.’

I think that Classixx and Holy Ghost! are both authentic products, but I don’t know what they look like/what their live show is all about. Feel okay with them ‘just being names on my iPod’ as of now.

Remix Chatter:
Industry insiders have relayed information to me saying that Classixx soon has a remix of DFA band YACHT coming out soon. Wonder if that will be as ‘in demand’ as the Soulwax remix of MGMT’s “Kids.” Have also heard that VEGA has ‘epic’ remixes coming out soon that will ‘basically be the last great MP3 that electro/mainstream mp3 blogs blog.’ Miss the days of getting ‘mad pumped up’ for a remix/mp3 instead of just feeling entitled to ‘good remixes’ and a ‘decent conceptual mp3′ every month. Wonder if MP3 blogs ruined everything. Miss the days of ‘driving to a CD store’ then being disappointed in your purchase as you listen 2 it on the way home.

Myspaces
http://www.myspace.com/classixxmusic
http://www.myspace.com/holyghostnyc

[MP3]
Jonsi & Alex – boy 1904

///MP3 via http://gorillavsbear.blogspot.com/2009/07/mp3-riceboy-sleeps-boy-1904.html

Then I read the ‘description’ of the song, and it features a sample by a CASTRATO SINGER. I had to google ‘castrato’ to see if it was some kewl indie trend:

A castrato is a man with a singing voice equivalent to that of a soprano, mezzo-soprano, or contralto voice produced either by castration of the singer before puberty or one who, because of an endocrinological condition, never reaches sexual maturity. Castration before puberty (or in its early stages) prevents a boy’s larynx from being transformed by the normal physiological events of puberty. As a result, the vocal range of prepubescence (shared by both sexes) is largely retained, and the voice develops into adulthood in a unique way. As the castrato’s body grew, his lack of testosterone meant that his epiphyses (bone-joints) did not harden in the normal manner. Thus the limbs of the castrati often grew unusually long, as did the bones of their ribs. This, combined with intensive training, gave them unrivalled lung-power and breath capacity. Operating through small, child-sized vocal cords, their voices were also extraordinarily flexible, and quite different from the equivalent adult female voice, as well as higher vocal ranges of the uncastrated adult male.

I guess this is basically saying that castratos are bros who had their peens chopped off so that they could have high voices, then the didn’t go through puberty, or something.

I am not sure if we should support ‘castrato indie music.’ I feel like it is sending the wrong message about ‘being alt.’ Like you have to do something extreme just to get attention. Some people get body piercings, and other ppl get tattoos, but I don’t think that there is ever a reason to mutilate your body just to achieve an aesthetic. I am worried that parents are going to ‘castratofy’ their children so that they have a better chance of ‘making it’ in the indie landscape.

Wonder how music would be different if some of my fave indie lead singers didn’t have peens.
We really need 2 take a stand, and stop glorifying this horrible trend of castration.
Worried abt kids from Iceland.

h8 trends that harm society, kinda like ‘huffing.’