audio – Page 56 – poetry in an empty coke can

Junip – Your Life, Your Call

Posted on April 23, 2013January 21, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Long before José González made a name for himself as a critically-acclaimed solo artist, he was cutting his teeth with the folk rock group Junip, which consists of the Swedish–Argentine singer-songwriter on vocals/guitar, Elias Araya on drums, and Tobias Winterkorn on the organ/moog. The trio have reunited for another collaboration on their third and self-titled album, which released today. Listen to their single “Your Life, Your Call” below.

José and his hushed pop lay at the heart of Junip, however, with his seductive bossanova sound and haunting vocals ever-present. So hard to pick just a few, but check out a couple of choice solo efforts below — including one of my favorite covers of all time.

Junip will be performing at the Highline Ballroom in New York June 13th, followed by a show at the 930 Club in DC June 15th. For a full list of tour dates, visit their site here.

The Neighbourhood – Alleyways

Posted on April 21, 2013December 30, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

The Neighbourhood is a new alt-pop group out of California that has been embraced by the indiesphere after releasing a succession of singles in anticipation of their April 23rd drop of debut LP, I Love You.

And while I’m not sure I would requite the album’s sentiment, I am wildly in-like with their song “Alleyways” (shit gets real at 0:52 in the bridge). If you’re intrigued and want to hear more, the album can be streamed in its entirety via Rolling Stone here.

*Update: The Neighbourhood will be embarking on a US tour with The 1975 June 4th!

The Postal Service – Turn Around

Posted on April 17, 2013February 4, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

The Postal Service are back from a long hiatus with a 10th anniversary edition of their immensely popular 2003 debut album, Give Up. Released April 9th last week, the reissue contains a number of rare b-side gems, PS covers and two previously unreleased tracks – “A Tattered Line of String” and most recently “Turn Around” (audio below).

The group that originated as a side project for Death Cab For Cutie‘s Ben Gibbard, Rilo Kiley‘s vocalist Jenny Lewis, and producer Jimmy Tamborello has just embarked on a reunion tour in celebration of the release – the dates of which can be found here. I’m pleased to report that I will be seeing them in June at the Merriweather Post Pavilion, with opener Ra Ra Riot (who I was remiss for having not seen at 930 club!). Kismet.

Also check out the following remix of “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” (on the reissue as well) and one of my favorite original tracks, “Clark Gable.”

I want so badly to believe that there is truth, that love is real
And I want life in every word to the extent that it’s absurd.

Ben Howard – Only Love

Posted on April 8, 2013April 29, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Ben Howard is the adorable Brit and singer-songwriter, whom I first discovered via this Moonlight Matters Rework of his 2010 single “The Fear.” His debut album, Every Kingdom, released October 2011, and has been steadily climbing the charts ever since — peaking at #4 on the UK Albums Chart in February this year after landing two BRIT Awards.

While it’s hard to stand out in the vast singer-songwriter genre, Ben Howard manages to do so with his unique vocal stylings and haunting musical sensibilities. His sound reminds me of José González, which frankly, the world could use more of.

Upcoming US tour dates include Coachella next weekend, The Fillmore in SF directly thereafter, and then finally at Central Park Summer Stage in NY July 29 after a number of stops abroad (including Glastonbury in June!). Check out “Only Love” below, along with a mellowed out and remarkable rendering of “Call Me Maybe.”

Alesso – ‘If I Lose Myself’ Mix

Posted on April 4, 2013April 8, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Alesso (born Alessandro Lindblad) is a DJ/EDM producer from Sweden. Achieving worldwide recognition with progressive house hit “Years” in 2011, the Swede recently dropped this anthemic remix of OneRepublic’s “If I Lose Myself.” With its catchy vocals, captivating synths and dramatic build-up, I find myself unable to stop from bursting into song whenever I hear it.

He also paired up with Dirty South last year to release explosive pop ballad “City of Dreams,” included in my best of list for 2012 — it’s that good.

Alesso will be playing at DC’s Echostage April 19th. Although I have yet to experience this venue, given the amount of energy the Swedish producer packs into his music I’m sure it is to be an exhilarating show.

Dan Croll – Compliment Your Soul

Posted on March 31, 2013April 1, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Dan Croll released latest single “Compliment Your Soul” a couple months back, and it just happens to be the perfect feel-good track to compliment your Sunday.

Cayucas – High School Lover

Posted on March 27, 2013June 20, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Cayucas is a California-based group, whose namesake is a seaside town in San Luis Obispo with a sound to match. Channeling the likes of Beck and Tame Impala, “High School Lover” is a laidback lo-fi number with a nostalgic feel. Pick up a FREE download of the track off debut album Bigfoot below, which will be out April 1st next week.

Sam Smith – Lay Me Down (Todd Edwards Vocal Mix)

Posted on March 24, 2013March 24, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Last we heard from London-based singer-songwriter Sam Smith, he was laying down the vocals on Disclosure’s hit track “Latch.” Now he’s back with soulful single “Lay Me Down,” which renowned house producer Todd Edwards has worked into a great electronic mix below.

Local Natives – You & I

Posted on March 21, 2013March 26, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Local+Natives+8

In case you haven’t heard, Local Natives and their gorgeous harmonies are back on their new album, Hummingbird, released January 29 via Frenchkiss records (and I insist you visit the label’s previously linked fb page, for no other reason than to view the absurdly awesome cover photo). The LA-based band does not disappoint with their sophomore effort, retaining their original melodic appeal while putting forth some new introspective material.

Local Natives are playing two sold-out shows at 930 Club in DC next month – April 5th and 6th. Sad to say, I do not have a ticket. If someone wants to remedy this, please contact me immediately. I was also delighted to see that directly following their DC stop, the group will be headed to my hometown, Tulsa for a performance at Cain’s Ballroom on the 9th. Nice!

Sample a couple of tracks off the new album – “You & I” and “Heavy Feet” – below, along with another favorite off the debut album Gorilla Manor.

oh what a fool I was to think / that I could get by on a smile and a wink

Dillon – Thirteen Thirtyfive (Christian Strobe Remix)

Posted on March 14, 2013March 14, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

While I won’t try to dissect the lyrics on this one, let’s just enjoy the rad remix that is German producer Christian Strobe’s take on “Thirteen Thirtyfive.” You can catch the original on the Brazilian-born, but Berlin-based singer Dillon‘s debut album, This Silence Kills.

File this under ‘nu disco trap,’ according to Strobe’s Soundcloud page. And grab the free download for your weekend playlist by liking him on facebook.