German house producer Zwette has reworked a track by Tom Odell, the sensitive singer-songwriter and pianist from the UK who won Critics Choice at the Brit Awards earlier this year.
While the original, “Another Love,” can be found on Odell’s debut studio album Long Way Down, take a listen to this emotive edit that serves as the perfect blend between electronica and wistful piano-driven pop.
How this accomplished artist managed to slip under my radar until 2013 is beyond explainable — Andrew Bird, the classically trained violinist and one-man band originally from Chicago is a truly gifted musician. His brooding and improvisational vocal style is reminiscent of Rufus Wainwright. Thankfully through Indie Shuffle — who reposted the Four Tet remix this year — I’ve been introduced (better late than never?).
NPR describes his music as “an eclectic mix of gypsy ballads, jazz, folk and rock.” Interestingly, Bird also claims to rewrite his songs for the audience every night, which is apparent just by listening to a few different versions of his live tracks. I’m partial to the acoustic version of “Imitosis” below.
“Imitosis” is a track off his acclaimed 2007 album Armchair Apochrypha – and Four Tet does a nice job on the remix, keeping it close to the original with a slightly updated feel.
Stream his live concert from 930 Club circa 2007 over at NPR.
And if you’re lucky enough to be anywhere close to Bird’s upcoming tour destinations, do yourself a favor and go see this insanely talented man live.
Tour Dates:
7/25 Bearsville, NY
7/26 Bearsville, NY
7/28 Newport, RI
8/2 Happy Valley, OR
8/3 Happy Valley, OR
8/17 Sterling Heights, MI
11/14 Davis, CA
11/15 Santa Cruz, CA
11/16 Santa Cruz, CA
11/18 Arcata, CA
11/19 Chico, CA
11/21 Santa Barbara, CA
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.
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.”
poetry in an empty coke can 