PurrView #40 - Random Sunday Playlist

http://yuya-yo.deviantart.com/art/Ruki-Beautiful-Dark-Flower-176383064

It's a completely calm, bright, and 64-degree Winter's day in sunny Las Vegas.

Today I'm feeling a little dark, yet electrified.

Here's a nine-track taste of my afternoon playlist:

"Lights" - Ellie Goulding - Nasty, beautiful Bassnectar dubbish remix. Perfecto!

"Islands" - The Xx - How can you not love these kids? They're entertaining.

"Not in Love" - Robert Smith/Crystal Castles - Not an actual video, but great tune nonetheless.


"I Won't Let Go" - Monarchy - Monarchy has a certain je ne sais quois about them... especially live.

"Hold On"- Rusko feat. Amber Coffman (Sub Focus Remix)  A nice take on the original cut by Rusko.

"Windowlicker" - Aphex Twin
   I will always be baffled and slightly disturbed by this video-- especially the full 10-minute original cut of the video… But this tune gets so, so dope at 4:20 (…and I DO mean four minutes and 20 seconds into the video ;).

 "Raspberry Swirl" - Tori Amos   An old favorite. Bittersweet memories of my formative years. 


"Around the World" - Daft Punk Really, truly, honestly.... the best video EVER!

"Soul Vibration" - J walk  If I had background music, it would sound  like this.

~Meow~
Pennies

PurrView #39 - Gotye

(image borrowed from splendourstudio2011.boudist.com)

Hailing from Australia, with Belgian roots, 31-year-old singer-songwriter and proficient instrumentalist, Wouter De Backer, known as Gotye (pronounced "Go-tee-yay"), is surely working his way into the American music scene and the hearts of its listeners. Fans of acts like Bon Iver and Iron & Wine have taken a liking to Gotye, however, his folk-rock sound sets itself apart from other acts under the indie music umbrella today.  

Gotye takes a musical approach that is both analog and digital, with a focus that finds beauty in beats and multi-sampling. In the short documentary for the upcoming album "Making Mirrors" Gotye divulges, "I've always got an ear out for any sound that elicits an immediate reaction from me." He experiments by sampling forgotten instruments like the autoharp, xylophone, and the home organ. He samples household items like old music boxes, and admits that in making his latest album, he "couldn't resist the lure of sampling old vinyl." In addition to sampling and making beats, Gotye also has an ability to layer and warp his vocals in tasteful ways.

(From the video "Somebody That I Used to Know")

Gotye also takes as much attention to detail in visual artistry as he does in musical artistry. His visually appealing and entertaining videos incorporate performance art and animation with heart-rending melodies and sheer, relatable emotion. As you'll find by checking out Gotye's videos, they are each a conflagration of melody, powerful lyrics, life-art, and a beat that fluctuates and adjusts in ways much akin to the changing, reactive pulse of the human heart.

Who can't relate to lyrics like Gotye's?:

"...and I don't even need your love,

but you treat me like a stranger and I feel so rough..."

http://youtu.be/2ZXLyeatI0s <-- "Making Mirrors - A short documentary"
http://youtu.be/le34ygtODfI <-- "Bronte" - dreamy animation
http://gotye.com/  <-- Official Gotye website

Don't cheat yourself by not checking out Gotye at the above links!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #38- Young the Giant

Young the Giant is like a teaspoon of honey-- added for sweetness-- to the cup of tea that is today's Alternative Music. The band has a light, yet percussive sound that is innocent, satisfying and carefree. I'd describe Young the Giant as a happy medium between Mumford & Sons and Vampire Weekend. The success of their musical output lies-- among other elements-- in their proficient use of percussion; harmonized vocals that blend beautifully with lead vocalist, Sameer Gadhia's smooth alluring voice; and easygoing California riffs and rhythms that just make you want to lie in a hammock with your eyes closed, listening to their album from the first track to the last.  

Released by Roadrunner Records in 2010, Young the Giant's single, self-titled album consists of 12 fascinating and endearing tracks like "Cough Syrup" and "My Body."

                                                            Album Cover 

"Cough Syrup"- This video's a beautiful exploration of water, movement, and colors

"My Body" -- A tune that's simple, catchy, pleasing

 Their former band name being The Jakes, the act formed in 2004 in Irvine, Calif. They have since undergone an obvious name change that I personally think has a better ring to it. Their handsome and charming vibe and stage presence are just as beautiful to watch as they are to listen to. They've been showcased on TV spots like Jimmy Kimmel Live and the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards; as well as at live performances like Sasquatch and South by Southwest.

Young the Giant at SXSW - photo borrowed from pollstar.com

There are some bands out there-- like The National, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and The Black Keys-- whose each and every song is captivating and un-skippable. And at this juncture, I don't feel that it's presumptuous to add Young the Giant to the aforementioned group of bands (knock wood). If they release subsequent tracks, videos and albums with the same musical talent and creative passion as their first album, I will gladly continue to listen to this young, beauteous act. After checking out their entire album, I've been left wondering, "Why isn't this band more popular?"

~Meow~

Pennies