For a group that has sounded so methodical for so long, this new, Tennessee Waltzy pace is nearly euphoric. Likewise, there’s a sonic sheen to “Fill Me With Your Light” that seems almost…polished. But beneath all of the unassuming hoopla is the same old song: the guys who come across as more down on themselves than anyone else have this strange power to make us feel a whole lot better about ourselves.
Bibio
A funny thing happened while listening to Bibio’s exquisite, organic guitar arrangement: I accidentally opened it up in two browser windows and let both downloads play simultaneously…and it was beautiful. Rather than a clash more disconcerting than a skipping CD, the lilting loops — and here’s where I’m going to say something I try to never say about sound — danced with each other in perfect harmony. The great thing is that playing the track just one at a time is an equally calming, inspiring, uh, dance. If only there were more downloads to get us through the weekend.
Low
Over seven albums, Low have collected praise and fans from all over the world. Their sound has grown and expanded, from the gentle stillness of I Could Live in Hope to the strong melodies and warm harmonies of Things We Lost in the Fire, and from the pure genius of their cover of Joy Division’s “Transmission” to proving they can make some noise with best of ’em on “Monkey” from their Subpop debut, The Great Destroyer. Simply one of the best bands out there. Enjoy.
Note: Their wonderful ode to the Misfits that was previously featured on 3hive is no longer available from their revamped website. It’s time to start a letter writing campaign to get it back!
Sweet Billy Pilgrim
I discovered Sweet Billy Pilgrim from their remix work on David Sylvian‘s new remix album, The Only Daughter. Both artists share lush vocal treatments and an ethereal quality about their music. On tracks like “Ain’t No Jesus in Here” Sweet Billy Pilgrim go the pop route not unlike Grandaddy or Sparklehorse, and “God in the Details” sounds as if Nick Cave chilled out and toned it down a bit. Comparisons aside, Sweet Billy Pilgrim hold their own and are definitely newcomers to keep your eye on.
Jeniferever
If you’re not familiar with WOXY.com, start listening TODAY. They’ve been setting the musical standard for alternative radio for 20+ years. Program Director Mike Taylor and I recently traded a couple music tips. I turned him onto Giant Drag, and he pointed me in the direction of Jeniferever: slow, sparse, and epic rock ‘n’ roll.
David Sylvian
I have a couple confessions to make. First, I feel asleep during a U2 concert. I’ve never been a big fan. I respect the band tremendously, but their music, and that concert in particular, just don’t do it for me. My second confession: I cried at a David Sylvian concert. Not that I wept out loud or anything, but his voice, its rich timbre, literally brought tears to my eyes. He has a long musical history, beginning with the band Japan, then his solo work. The first track, “Mothlight,” is an ambient piece composed as an accompanyment to a group of photographs. The remaining tracks include vocals and give a better sense of David Sylvian’s well-honed craft.
StafrÊnn H·kon
The moment I mention StafrÊnn H·kon resides and records in Iceland, one or more of the following artists will come to mind: Bj–rk, Sigur RÛs, M™m. Once you hear his music, references to the former artists would be redundant, however the music itself is anything but: drum loops and percussion awash in introspective guitars and the tempo, just above the speed at which ice melts in Iceland.
Spaghetti Western
Sometimes melancholic, sometimes dimly hopeful compositions perfect for drives through the Mojave at dusk. The suggestion comes with a warning: Spaghetti Western may induce hallucinations of a Parisian circus circa 1890, slow-mo, black and white, flashbacks to a dizzy meal at La Mela in Little Italy, or of rainy Sunday mornings in a dark bedroom, illuminated by a PowerBook G4, eating Hershey’s Kisses, keying MP3 reviews into Movable Type.
Arco
I find myself holding my breath, waiting, riveted, for each word uttered by Chris Healey. His is a still, small, wavering voice accompanied by a stripped-down band. Comparisons from Nick Drake to Radiohead all fit the bill here. But Arco is even more fragile than Drake, more quiet than the quietest moments from Yorke and company, and absolutely stunning.
The Transmissionary Six
The Transmissionary Six’s arresting, gravel road narratives draw their power from Paul Austin’s measured licks and found-sound textures, and find life in Terri Moeller’s whispery twang of a voice. Each song packs such wonderful snapshot lyrics, it’s hard to pick favorites. But, given the season, you gotta like the opener to “Happy Landings”: “Put a wishbone in the window, dangle it on a string…”