Category Archives: on repeat

[on repeat] The Irrepressibles

So I was watching So You Think You Can Dance the other night (don’t mock me, the show is legit and it always features good tunes) and I was introduced to The Irrepressibles.

The song in question, In This Shirt, was featured in a stunning piece, choreographed by Stacey Tookey, and danced beautifully by some of the shows contemporary dancers (watch the video below).  Not to take anything away from Stacey and the dancers, but it was the music that truly made this piece what it was.

I’m a sucker for symphonic strings and fantastical lyrics, so it’s needless to say I was instantly intrigued upon hearing the music.  Once the dance had concluded, I immediately turned to world wide web for more and soon learned that The Irrepressibles is a ten-member orchestral ensemble led by composer and musician Jamie McDermott, described by The Sunday Times as “an enchantingly theatrical pop extravaganza.”  I couldn’t agree more with that description.

They have recorded one studio album, Mirror Mirror, and a seven track CD/DVD package entitled From The Circus to the Sea, both of which have garnered critical acclaim. As a group, they have been compared to, and cited influences from, David Bowie, Kate Bush, Antony & The Johnsons, and Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.  I would also compare them to the likes of iamamiwhoami, Yann Tiersen, and Musée Mécanique.

Enjoy the goodies below and be sure to check out more from these chamber popsters.  I guarantee, if you’re a fan of music, you’ll be a fan The Irrepressibles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hP8diaf10c

The Irrepressibles – In This Shirt
The Irrepressibles – In This Shirt (Röyksopp remix)

[on repeat] Savoir Adore

I can’t remember who (or what) first introduced me to the Brooklyn indie pop two-piece that is Savoir Adore, but i’ve been a big fan since first listen.

They haven’t really slowed down since their debut EP, The Adventures of Mr. Pumpernickel and the Girl With the Animals in Her Throat, was released back in November 2010.  They most recently played SXSW and have since headed back to the studio to “explore the unknown”.  In the meantime, checkout one of my favorite Savoir Adore tracks below and head on over to their site and take advantage of a free download of Loveliest Creature and check out their tour schedule.

Savoir Adore – MERP (Database Remix)

[on repeat] The Seedy Seeds

The best part about starting this blog are the many different artists and bands i’ve been introduced to and Cincinnati’s The Seedy Seeds are a perfect example.

Even though they’ve been making music since 1999, it wasn’t until earlier this week that I got my first taste of this part folk, part pop, and part electronic trio.  Their latest full-length, Verb Noun, was released last month and it’s been on repeat since I got a hold of it.

They’ve been compared to Mates of State, Freelance Whales, Au Revoir Simone, and The Postal Service (all favorites of mine) and last Summer, the band was selected as one of Paste Magazines Best of What’s Next, for which Paste described the band perfectly — “If you ever find yourself in a Cincinnati parking lot witnessing an impromptu concert by a band that seems to combine equal bits of folk, pop and electronica, chances are you’re watching The Seedy Seeds in action”.

Speaking of the Seeds in action, they just happen to be touring the US and they’re playing a show at The Mint tonight (3/25).  So all you Angelinos with nothing to do tonight, brave the rain and go listen to some great live music!  BUZZGRINDER’s Sean Cannon put it best — “I assumed that a band using an iPod, accordion, kazoo, guitar and banjo had to be kitschy and, well, not too great. I was humbled. They tore it up.” (complete tour info here)

Check out the title track from Verb Noun below and be sure to visit the band’s bandcamp page, where you can listen to and support their music.

The Seedy Seeds – Verb Noun

[on repeat] Dntel//Enya Mixes

I heard one these tracks on my way to work this morning and was instantly intrigued.

I’m a big fan of both Dntel (aka Jimmy Tamborello) and Enya (no joke, Only Time is the best way to cure a hangover), so obviously I searched the good ol’ blogosphere for more of this the first chance I got.  I was pleasantly surprised to not only find the song I had just heard, but the entire LP is available as a free download, courtesy of the good people at dublab!

Here’s what Mr. Tamborello had to say about the LP:
” I make music as Dntel, my last few releases have come out on Sub Pop. I’ve loved Enya since I was a teenager and I just finished this mini-album of remixes I did this past fall after a marathon revisiting of her records. I’m really proud of it, but unfortunately I couldn’t figure out a way to give it a legitimate release. I felt like if I tried to get it to her through any of the usual channels it would probably get shut down before it even made it to her ears. Hopefully nobody will mind it floating around, it was made with love and no money will be made off of it. I hope you enjoy it!!”

If you want a taste before you commit, check out my favorite track below.  Otherwise, download the entire LP here.

Dntel – To Go Beyond (Enya Mixes)

[on repeat] Hands Up High//Friendly Giant Mashup

The Friendly Giant is a 17 year old mashup artist from Los Angeles.  His latest mashup, Hands Up High, combines the catchy lyrics of Waka Flocka Fame ft. Wale and Roscoe Dash’s No Hands with the “make you want to move and dance” beats of Taio Cruz ft. Travie McCoy’s Higher.

I was traveling last week and ended up listening to this track quite a bit.  It was a great addition to my “keep me from falling asleep at the wheel” driving mix and couldn’t help from dancing in my seat as I drove through the middle of nowhere.  Give the track a listen below and I dare you to try and stay still.

The Friendly Giant – Hands Up High (Waka Flocka Fame ft. Wale & Roscoe Dash’s vs. Taio Cruz ft. Travie McCoy)

For more Friendly Giant, become a fan on his Facebook page and/or subscribe to his YouTube channel.  You can also check out more Friendly Giant mashups here.