The Kills - The Last Goodbye

The Kills seem like a throw-back to simpler day in music-making. Their songs are often basic in composition, as you might expect from a duo, though their raw talent is still ever-present and undeniable. Something near macabre is sprinkled over their sound, whether it be a rock song or something more subdued, like the following (starting at 0:45):

Well, I’m sure it’s not the last we’ll be hearing from these two songbirds. So, until next time, readers…

The Kills on Facebook

Hans Zimmer - You're So Cool

Hans Zimmer has a long history of Hollywood’s film scores, though they don't include the iconic third trailer for Inception. In 1993, True Romance came out with a mind-blowing cast of stars, however, Hans's score is the only part of that film that I would hold onto today. Cue the theme:

Here he lays an youthful, optimistic tone for a lovely journey that is still ultimately delicate. I think its exuberance only loosely fit the movie, but it's beautiful anyway.

Perfume Genius - Normal Song

I was introduced to Perfume Genius not long ago and have had the privilege to attend a concert. His voice is amazing, though unfortunately the sound system was too too poor to truly capture it that night. Often I feel like I need a song like this to carry me on. Might you rest your wary bones upon it. I always feel lucky to run across a song that I can find solace in, and there's a few on this album.

At the show I saw, a few people in the crowd pleaded he play a song twice... and he did! I'd never seen that before, so I'll just include that second performance.

Perfume Genius on Facebook

Architecture in Helsinki - Escapee

While a bit of a turn from their previous styles, Architecture in Helsinki deliver a stellar performance in this clip. The song is like a compilation of the 80's disco scene, while the camera is placed on what also appears to harken back directly to the 80's New Wave band, The Talking Heads. Though it could just be me.

I can't decide whether the audience in the foreground add or detract to the ambiance of the obviously fan-made recording. I also am not so sure I normally go for something so influenced by what I would call "dance" music, but it's just too catchy not to drag me along.

AIH on Facebook

Devendra Banhart - Foolin'

Devendra hits a home run with this slow-ballad take on his normally reggae-rock tune Foolin'. While enjoy the original just as much, I felt like track hit a more universal note. I also don't think I could begin to explain that video, which probably gets the NSFW stamp.

This was among a few others recorded for NPR and there seems to be something special in those performances.

Devendra Banhart on Myspace

Sufjan Stevens - I Walked

You wanted a little dance, right? What we have here is the most somber track, and my personal favorite from an amazing album by Sufjan Stevens, Age of Adz. I suggest you check out the whole album, it’s a dousy. I pulled this live performance off a great list of songs from last year I found here.

There is some sort of indescribable cadence used to wrap Steven’s lyrics in something magical. Amazing vocals, minimalist synth, and a dash of drums; what else could you want in a song?

Sufjan Stevens on Myspace

Austra - Lose it

Simple and sublime, this tune got caught in my head almost instantaneously. Amazing vocals and a solid saturated song have me hypnotized. It’s hard for me to believe the vibrato heard throughout isn’t digital driven, but upon hearing the spot on live version there is no doubt.


I feel the video actually takes away from the listening experience, but there is some raw moment captured in cinematography. If you liked it the first time, try again with your eyes closed.

Austra on Myspace

The Irresponsibles - In This Shirt

This bizarre video seems to reflect somewhat the puzzling feelings I have for this song. There’s a lot to gain if you really offer your ears to being taken… somewhere.


I feel like I’m concurrently being pulled through a tunnel of suspense while been downed by a lullaby; even so I think it’s a successful juggling act.

The Irresponsibles on Myspace

Josh Pollock - Books About UFOs (cover)

Evidently, Josh Pollock is currently writing and performing in conjunction with a local theatre group, produced by the Shotgun Players. Not long ago he performed a solo act at the very same venue. With a little help from his sampler he delivers a truly stellar song, so turn it up.


This continues a streak of posted covers far beyond their original recordings, which unfortunately aren’t worth mentioning on their own accord.

Ben Middeldorp - L'amour Toujours (cover)

Recently I’ve developed a great appreciation for the traditional pipe organs as an incredible instrument. However, it’s this interpretation of a sub-par electronica piece that floored me.



One can only imagine what it must be like to hear it preformed in person bellowed out by this colossal, 50-foot beast. I’m overwhelmed.

Villagers - Becoming A Jackal

This is a particularly dynamic live performance by Conor O’Brien of the Villagers at a Seattle radio station. I’ve definitely become a fan their heart felt tunes, especially when done unplugged, though you may wish to compare it the album version.



The film quality surprised me on this one, though I don’t think anything would surprise me coming out of those pipes; this guy is always daring vocally.

The Villagers on Facebook

John Butler Trio - Ocean

If you ever wanted to know what good guitar picking is, here you go. This lovely instrumental tune blisters off 12 well-used strings starting at 0:31.



I'm not a fan of this band in particular, but some things can't be denied. What I see here is the kind of performance that awakens the mind to just what is possible.

John Butler Trio on Facebook

Palais Schaumburg - Telephon

This bizarre track ran smack dab into my sensibilities (as it starts in at 0:40.) With a nice dose of ironic loo-la'ing (the kind you'd expect from a muppet song) this 1981 recording delivers a juxtaposition between sugar-pop and hardcore punk. Even if you get music, just don't expect to get the lyrics, they're German.


I realized it has some semblance to more recent art rock bands, like The Horrors. I only wish I could hear more of the thrashing laid down on that high hat. Rad.

Palais Schaumburg on Myspace