The Tape

Check out an AMAZING video of Miguel Atwood-Ferguson’s ensemble, doing Fly Lo’s “Drips//Auntie’s Harp”, before breaking into J Dilla’s “Take Notice.” Fly Lo’s in the background bobbing his head and messing around on the mpc, watching his creations come to life. You can download the mp3 here, and check out the video below.

While purists might attest that music is only music when listened to with closed eyes through a hand-coiled Koetsu cartridge/other signal chain luxuries, it’s hard to argue that cunning and fresh visual aesthetics are crucial to a bands image and ultimately popularity. It’s a huge risk to allow for your music to be put to visuals; marrying your own creativity to that of another artist and (for better, for worse), coloring (no pun intended) the original intention of the piece. Yet when tastefully executed, a visual aid can unearth emotions either subtly hidden or simply unaddressed in the audio format. More recently, videos have evolved away from the dreary alternation between cut scenes of the band and pantomime narratives of the song’s story and now employ advanced media technologies to create highly textural, omni-sensual expericenes. (Think Radiohead House of Cards vid, or Cornelius’ live set) The following are two newer productions, and while they are unrelated in style, they both employ innovative cinematic devices which enhance (without overpowering) their musical counterparts.

1. Baths – Lovely Bloodflow (dir. Alex Takacs and Joe Nankin) Homey, non-quantized and timidly soulful melodies contrasted with brilliantly cinematic visuals to great effect…

2. Arcade Fire – We Used To Wait (created by Chris Milk for Chrome Experiments) A highly personalized, technologically advanced walk down memory lane. (interactive!) Start your journey HERE

Explore the making of this idiosyncratic adventure HERE

Nat’s music has always been influenced by the late, great Arthur Russell, so it’s pretty cool to see him cover one of his tracks. Enjoy an absolutely beautiful version of “A Little Lost.” Thanks to Eardrum NYC for the video.

Arthur Russell- A Little Lost

Look at the boys going all high end and having a legitimate film star in their video! Who do they think they are, Broken Bells? In all seriousness, watch this video. It’s amazing.

Breathe Owl Breathe’s “Own Stunts” is absolutely beautiful. The chorus is haunting, featuring perfectly executed harmonies and Bon Iver-esque percussion. Lead singer Micah Middaugh channels his inner Kyle Field (Little Wings), bringing a sincere yet satirical vision to his vocals. This track could have easily been a cut off of Light Green Leaves, especially when the breakdown comes in and the lyrics are “Mustache covers my lower lip/No one can tell that I’m trembling.” You can find “Own Stunts” on their upcoming Magic Central, which is coming out September 28th courtesy of Home Tapes. Along with downloading “Own Stunts”, you can also check out a video for the same track. They’ll be doing some pretty random touring throughout the fall as well, so make sure to check them out if they’re coming to a city near you.

Breathe Owl Breathe- Own Stunts

Freddie Gibbs is exactly what rap music needs. He’s an artist who’s getting famous without a major label backing him up. He’s currently signed to Decon Records, a small New York label that simply doesn’t have the funds to promote the hell out of Gibbs. Tuesday night was a pretty monumental evening for the Gary, Indiana rapper, as he graced a couple hundred lucky folks with an EP release party. This wasn’t an industry event or some sort of showcase, it was simply people paying $15 to see a dude who’s only official release was a day old and eight songs long. There’s a song on Gibbs’ debut EP, Str8 Killa that sums up his situation nicely. It goes: “I got… Big balls/big paws/on a small budget.” Freddie is doing everything just as well as a seasoned veteran (if not better), but he doesn’t have nearly the backing that some of these dudes have. I see Gibbs’ mentality as a “every rapper is my enemy” type deal. His mindset is so rare nowadays, because he hasn’t had to rely on anyone to achieve his success. He has a line on “National Anthem (Fuck The World)” that aptly describes it, when he says “I built my name with no features or some expensive budget/Go for mine ‘cuz a co-sign can’t coincide with the shit I’m busting.” He’s built his career on his own, and it’s really refreshing to see – especially for a guy that really deserves it. Because we love Freddie so much, and because we love you guys too, we have a ton of treats for y’all. First, check out a rad video from the Freddie Gibbs/Black Milk show at SOBs Tuesday night. Black Milk played with a live band, which is something Mr. Gibbs should definitely look into in the future. Also, download the Str8 Killa No Filla Mixtape below, along with a track from the Str8 Killa EP.

Freddie Gibbs- Str8 Killa No Filla Mixtape

Freddie Gibbs- National Anthem (Fuck The World)

If all of this isn’t enough for you, head over to the great Yours Truly, who have been doing some great stuff with Freddie.

To be honest, I only checked out the Clogs record as a way to pass the time until High Violet arrived. “Last Song” featured Matt Berninger, and was essentially a National song that had a folk-y feel to it. As I listened to The Creatures in the Garden of Lady Walton more and more, I found it was best to listen as its own entity, trying not to focus on the fact that it’s the project of Bryce Dessner. Anyways, the band has just made a video for the aforementioned track, and will be releasing an EP as well – which was digitally released August 3rd. You can buy the EP right here, it also includes two exclusive b-sides.

Clogs- Last Song (Feat. Matt Berninger)

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In other super awesome video news, the always lovely Sharon Van Etten did a fantastic Take Away Show, which you can watch below. It’s long, but I highly recommend you watch all of it, as it’s a fantastic introduction to Sharon and her music. Her sophomore LP is coming October 5th, and I couldn’t be more excited. I gave you the first track “Love More” a little while back, but you can download it again if you missed it for some reason.

Sharon Van Etten- Love More

In the recent days, there’s been a veritable volley of Morning Benders media, with some truly quality stuff coming from, well, Yours Truly. The videography juggernaut followed up their iconic Excuses video with another similarly fashioned session for Stitches. Additionally, YT captured Chris Chu accompanying LA native and Tape favorite, Dawes…

Morning Benders – Stitches (w/ the Big Echo Orchestra)

Dawes – When My Time Comes (feat. Chris Chu)

Dawes – If You Let Me Be Your Anchor (feat. Chris Chu)

It’s tough to formulate an opinion of this quartet based on the resources available. True, they have a Myspace, but the tracks on there seem to be (very rough) demos. When contrasted with the comparatively hi-fi South Carolina, one gets the impression that the aforementioned myspace cuts don’t accurately reflect their aesthetic. Or, perhaps SC is simply a gem among rubble. Considering the confusing source material, and my own lack of research, it’s indeed difficult to predict the development of this fledgling ensemble. With that in mind, enjoy the made-for-vinyl muffled warmth of South Carolina, be it a sign of this to come, or simply a lucky shot…

Mike Hadreas’ debut record under the Perfume Genius moniker was released this past Tuesday on Matador Records. The piano driven record is a fantastic set of home recordings, with Hadreas’ delicate voice leading the way through an extremely personal journey. “Mr. Petersen” is the record’s true highlight, although every track is stirring and unforgettable in its own way. I highly recommend you pick up this record, it’s refreshingly honest and original. It’s easily one of the better records released this year, and I’m just getting started with my exploration. Buy the record right here, and download “Mr. Petersen” below. Also, make sure to watch the video for “You Won’t B Here.” Enjoy!

Perfume Genius- Mr. Petersen