Broken Bells -"The High Road"

I'm about to move up the road and for that reason I have to spend more time packing and less time on the computer.... so I may be offline for a few days. Here is a great song "The High Road" by the 'Broken Bells' to celebrate the move.

will be back as soon as possible.

Eddie Vedder - "Stuff and Nonsense"

The international success of Split Enz opened the door for New Zealand artists, unfortunately not too many followed. But the remnants of Split Enz were the better for it and built reputations greater than the band in question. Crowded House, The Swingers and Tim Finn solo are a few examples. Split Enz albums always had a stunning Tim Finn ballad and on the 'Frenzy' album he delivered a beautiful piano led classic called "Stuff and Nonsense." In 2001 Neil Finn played a week long season at The St James Theatre in Auckland with guests including his brother Tim, son Liam Finn's band Betchadupa, Johnny Marr, a couple of Radiohead members and Eddie Vedder. I was lucky enough to be there one of the nights and it lived up to all expectations. Eddie Vedder sang "Stuff and Nonsense" with Tim Finn in piano.... it was one of many special moments that night.

CocoRosie - "By your side"

CocoRosie is the musical project for sisters Bianca and Sierra Casady. They were born and raised in America but by the time they recorded their debut album 'La maison de mon rêve' they had met up, after years apart, in Paris. Initially recorded for their circle of friends, it was pursued by 'Touch & Go Records' and they released it in 2004. "By Your Side" combines a lot of their attributes... experimental, classical, broken beats, bird/insect sounds, folk-pop and irony... lots of irony. In fact, it plays like a beautiful and heartfelt love song, however, the more the sentiments of the dutiful housewife are played out, the more the suggestion of irony becomes clear. It all hits home with "I'd wear your black eyes/bake you apple pies." What is likely a song about domestic violence, is a captivating and unique piece of music. Their musical naivety at this early stage of their careers, is a big part of the charm here.



Lyrics to By Your Side :

I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out
I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out
I just wanted to be your housewife
All i wanted was to be your housewife
I'll iron your clothes
I'll shine your shoes
I'll make your bed
And cook your food
I'll never cheat
I'll be the best girl you'll ever meet
And for a diamond ring
I'll do these kinds of things
I'll scrub your floor
Never be a bore
I'll tuck you in
I do not snore
I'd wear your black eyes
Bake you apple pies
I don't ask why
And i trys not to crys
I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out
I'll always be by your side
Even when you're down and out
And its nearly midnight
And all i want with my life
Is to be a housewife
Is to be a housewife
'Cause it's nearly midnight
And all i want with my life
Is to die a housewife
Is to die a housewife

Xerophonics

After the Bicycle Samba song yesterday, which featured music using bicycles, I decided to keep with that theme of unconventional instrumentation. Today we have a band called 'Xerophonics' who released an album of music created by photocopiers. The album is 'Copying Machine Music' and has 13 tracks... all named after the copy machine used. It has much more credibility than someone just recording a copier in their lunch hour or a field recording assignment. The songs created can easily be construed as actual songs and some of the results are quite exceptional. Best filed under ambient industrial rather than dance music.

Bicycle Samba

It may be election day on saturday but here in Taupo there is another big event. The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is about to take over our town. The cycle challenge is a 160km ride around the great lake and consistently attracts around 10'000 riders. It also has many other cycle related events on the day and in the week beforehand. So on that note, here is an interesting musical note from the cycles themselves.



Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge

Slow Club - "Two Cousins"

Sheffield indie pop/folk band 'Slow Club' recently released their second album 'Paradise' and "Two Cousins" was the first single. Their debut album 'Yeah So' was a young quirky band showing plenty of potential. 'Paradise' is them close to realizing that potential and building on it with much more confidence. This duo featuring Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor are quickly becoming a Bitter FM favourite and "Two Cousins" is part of the reason why.

Kora - "Politician"

Kora's "Politicion" is an obvious song choice as we are now half way through the final campaign week before our general election on Saturday. The politicians are out there debating, meeting constituents, kissing babies and rolling out the cliches... and this song is a reminder to all the successful candidates about doing the right thing.



Lyrics


Poly poly poly politician
Can you make the right desicsion
for all of us
for all of us

Poly poly poly politician
Can you make the right desicsion
for all of us
yea ah
for all of us

Poly poly poly politician
Can you make a right desicsion
for all of us
for all of us

You can talk the talk
But will you walk the walk
Will you bring us comfort
will you bring us comfort

You can talk the talk
But will you walk the walk
Will you bring us comfort
will you bring us comfort

Poly poly poly politician
Can you make the right desicsion
for all of us
for all of us

Poly poly poly politician
Can you make a right desicsion
for all of us
Yea ah
for all of us

You can talk the talk
But will you walk the walk
Will you bring us comfort
will you bring us comfort

You can talk the talk
But will you walk the walk
Will you bring us comfort
Will you bring us comfort

Poly poly poly politician
Can you make the right desicsion
for all of us
for all of us

Poly poly poly politician
Can you make the right desicsion
for all of us
Yea ah
for all of us

Poly poly poly politician
Can you make a right desicsion
Oh ah
oh ah ah
Can you hear me
mr politician

You can talk the talk
But will you walk the walk
Will you bring us comfort
Will you bring us comfort

You can talk the talk
But will you walk the walk
Will you bring us comfort
Will you bring us comfort

Poly poly poly politician
Can you hear me
Can you make a right desicsion
mr politician
Can you hear us
Can you hear us

Poly poly poly politician
Can you make the right desicsion
for all of us
for all of us

Bob Dylan - "Motorpsycho Nitemare"

"Motorpsycho Nitemare" is classic Bob Dylan wit. Released in 1964 on his 'Another Side of Bob Dylan' album it is as close as he got to a parody, in a time of protest songs. The parody here is the Hitchcock movie 'Psycho'. The protagonist is a traveling salesman who finds a farmhouse as a place to spend the night. His plan is not so straightforward when the farmer opens the door with a rifle in hand. He tells the farmer he is a doctor and is allowed to stay on two conditions... he milks the cow in the morning and he stays clear of his daughter Rita. It goes horribly wrong when Rita invites him to shower with her. In the end, to get out of milking the cow and off the farm, he tells the farmer how much he likes Fidel Castro, to which he gets chased off the property by the farmer in a rage. It is a hilarious tale in a style that only Bob Dylan could deliver. The Psycho references are everywhere.... from the "looking like Tony Perkins" line, the offer of a shower with the reply of "been through this movie before" and the mention of being in the swamp without the freedom of speech... the swamp was where Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) dumped the car with the body after the famous shower scene murder. This was early on in a career that went from height to height.

Battleme -"Hey Hey, My My"

A case of channel surfing brought me to this song via the 'Sons of Anarchy' TV series and I had to go to iTunes to buy it instantly.... that is a good example of how convenience has superseded sound quality in the way we purchase music now. In fact, it is a compromise I never expected to accept so quickly. Anyway, back to the song. I have heard the Neil Young original many times and I can't fault that at all. This 'Battleme' version of "Hey Hey, My My" is sparse with low tempo piano but with vocals that lift it to another plateau. Not unlike Neil Young's high pitch singing... but there is an obvious enough difference between the two.

David Lynch - "I Know" (Jon Hopkins remix)

Film legend David Lynch has just released a solo album 'Crazy Clown Time' after releasing two of the songs from it last year as singles. "I Know" was one of those early singles and it got the usual remix treatment that is now common. The remix by Jon Hopkins is the one we play on Bitter FM. "I know" is as dark as Tom Waits' darkest moments, but that isn't a real surprise for any fan of his movies. Although, in saying that, he has been involved in other musical projects that weren't so dark, like his collaboration with Angelo Badalamenti on a couple of Julee Cruise albums... which were more surreal than dark. David Lynch announced a music video competition for the singles and I have included the announcement video along with the winning entry below.



Music video Competition announcement



The winning video

Seelenluft - "Manila" (Headman remix edit)

Seelenluft is the stage name for electronica producer Beat Soler from Switzerland. This (Headman remix) version of "Manila" was on a French compilation album from the early 2000's. The double CD was full of gems and most of them were unknown to me at the time.... but it was "Manila" that always stood out. The vocals are from Michael Smith, a 12 year old boy from Compton, Los Angeles. It is hard to believe this song is nearly 10 years old. A dance classic already.

The Watson Twins - "How Am I To Be"

The Watson Twins are a Los Angeles based Alt-Country/Folk duo. Identical twin sisters Chandra and Leigh Watson first came to my attention in 2006 when they collaborated with Jenny Lewis on 'Rabbit Fur Coat', which was one of my favourite albums of that year. "How Am I To Be" is from their 2008 album 'Fire Songs' and the album was proof that they could be as impressive out front as they were as backing singers. Their strength is obviously vocals and harmonizing and on "How Am I To Be" they play homage to the old soul sound of the 60's, while still keeping true to their alt-country/folk traditions. A little bit on the soft side.... but definitely worth a listen.

Dusty Brown - "This City Is Killing Me"

Dusty Brown are an electronica/drum n' bass trio from Sacramento in California. Consisting of Dusty Brown himself, his sister Jessica Brown and cousin Zac Brown. They released an EP 'This City Is Killing Me' last year and it is full of captivating soundscapes. Main man, Dusty Brown is a producer of great talent and like many other electronica artists played on Bitter FM, there is a definite indie rock under current in his ambient and often unconventional creations. The new EP is available as a free download on their website - www.dustybrown.com - although, you can donate something if you wish. Download it and share it around.

Phoenix Foundation - "Hitchcock"

Driving along State Highway 1 can be a bit dull. There are a couple of ways to make it more interesting, though. Number 1 is to play some Phoenix Foundation.... Number 2 is to drive one of the cars featured in The Phoenix Foundation's "Hitchcock" video.

Danny Bhoy - Comedy

I'm away in Auckland... so not much time to put a blog together. Here is some comedy from Danny Bhoy instead.

Mëstar - "Konked Out"

Mestar originally formed in Dunedin and are now possibly based in Wellington. The Arch Hill Records band released the album 'Shut The Squizwot Factories Down' in 2006 and it featured an assortment of tales of fantasy and other worlds. Possibly a concept album... I don't know. But if it is, then "Konked Out" may be the part of the tale where the protagonist tires and nearly gives up, only to be persuaded to pursue and it all ends happily. Although, I don't think Mestar's John White writes songs as simple as that. So I'll just say it is a great pop song and leave it at that.

Prototypes - "Gentleman"

Another French band on high rotate at Bitter FM is 'Prototypes' from Paris. Their self-titled album from 2006 was their first international release after signing to Minty Fresh. However, it is a combination of tracks from their two previous French released albums. The song that I can't get enough of is "Gentleman"... for it's sexy French pronunciation, catchy hooks, and even background vocals that are very cool.

Prototypes - "Gentlemen" - official music video from Franck Annese on Vimeo.

Apparat Organ Quartet - "123 Forever"

Don't just start a new band... start a new genre! That is exactly what these Icelandic musicians did. Although the genre of a quartet of organs may be new, their instruments of choice are not new in any way. They use antique, discarded and downright cheap organs and synths... along with the odd farfisa and hammond as well. It's their love of old and salvaged keyboards that helps them create a unique sound. The addition of a drummer actually makes them a five piece... although an organ quartet does make up the balance. "123 Forever" is from their second album 'Pólýfónía.' The robotic vocals recall Kraftwerk but the real drums keep that relationship more distant. Why hadn't anyone thought of this before?

Baths - "Aminals"

'Baths' is the musical name for Will Wiesenfeld. "Aminals" is from his debut album 'Cerulean' released in 2010. If you like your electronica a bit unconventional like I do, then look no further. "Aminals" is like a room full of ideas that have been cut and pasted with such skill... by a classically trained musician, rather than a computer geek.

Johnny Thunders - "You can"t put your arms around a memory"

Johnny Thunders was an original member of 'The New York Dolls' until 1975. He left the New York Dolls to form 'The Heartbreakers' until 1978 when he released his first solo album 'So Alone'. The album featured guests including Chrissie Hynde, Phil Lynott, Steve Marriott, Peter Perrett and a couple of Sex Pistols' Steve Jones and Paul Cook. The album is regarded as his greatest collection of songs and one such song "You can't put your arms around a memory" would have to be his defining moment. His death in 1991 was said to be drug related... but there are many other theories. Another rock n' roll star taken much too soon.



(Lyrics)

It doesn't pay to try,
All the smart boys know why,
It doesn't mean i didn't try,
I just never know why.
Feel so cold and all alone,
Cause baby, you're not at home.
And when i'm home
Big deal, i'm still alone.

Feel so restless, i am,
Beat my head against a pole
Try to knock some sense,
Down in my bones.
And even though they don't show,
The scars aren't so old
And when they go,
They let you know

You can't put your arms around a memory
You can't put your arms around a memory
You can't put your arms around a memory
Don't try, don't try

You're just a bastard kid,
And you got no name
Cause you're living with me,
We're one and the same

And even though they dont show,
They scars aren't so old
And when they go,
They let you know

You can't put your arms around a memory
You can't put your arms around a memory
You can't put your arms around a memory
Don't try, don't try

The Bank Holidays - "Save Silence"

'The Bank Holidays' are a four piece indie pop band from Perth, Australia. "Save Silence" comes from their second album 'Sail Becomes A Kite' released last year. The album is melody and harmony rich and here on "Save Silence" the sweet vocals from Bekk Reczek add to its all-round beauty.

Verlaines - "Slow Sad Love Song"

Someone on youtube commented about the Verlaines being the best band you have never heard of.... which is appropriate, I suppose, for everyone other than a New Zealand Indie rock follower... or a fan of the Flying Nun label. However, for us Verlaines fans, this is a classic Verlaines track. I remember seeing them live years ago and a friend mentioned this song, in the hope they would play it, and I misheard them and argued that there was no fucking way they would play a slow sad love song. Well done... 1 to the Verlaines and 0 to me.

The Wombats - "Bleeding Love" (Leona Lewis Cover)

Can a bunch of drunken indie rock stars turn a mainstream radio hit into a rock-out indie classic? Well, the answer is an obvious yes and here is the proof.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Henry Lee"

"Henry Lee" is a traditional folk song with it's origin in Scotland from the 18th century. It became part of American folklorist Francis James Child's traditional folk collection named Child Ballads. The song was originally known as "Young Hunting" but became known as "Henry Lee" and "Love Henry" as well as other names.... which is common for old traditional folk songs as they go through the generations. The song tells the story of Young Hunting (Henry Lee) telling his woman, possibly the mother of his child, that he is in love with another woman and is leaving her. She convinces him to get drunk and stay for one more night before he leaves her. She then stabs him to death and throws his body in a well, with the help from a friend, whom she enlists with a diamond ring. She even gets taunted by a bird in a tree that witnesses the dumping of the body. His body is eventually found and she is later burned at the stake.... classic trad murder ballad, methinks. Dick Justice recorded it in 1929 under the "Henry Lee" name and Nick Cave's version was based lyrically on this. However, musically it is quite different and is more of a Nick Cave composition.... with some slight similarities to the original. PJ Harvey guests and takes the roll of the scorned woman. Nick Cave and PJ Harvey were in a relationship at the time and that is evident in the video.




Dick Justice - "Henry Lee"



Dick Justice version (Lyrics)
"Get down, get down, little Henry Lee, and stay all night with me.
The very best lodging I can afford will be fare better'n thee."
"I can't get down, and I won't get down, and stay all night with thee,
For the girl I have in that merry green land, I love far better'n thee."

She leaned herself against a fence, just for a kiss or two;
With a little pen-knife held in her hand, she plugged him through and through.
"Come all you ladies in the town, a secret for me keep,
With a diamond ring held on my hand I'll never will forsake."

"Some take him by his lily-white hand, some take him by his feet.
We'll throw him in this deep, deep well, more than one hundred feet.
Lie there, lie there, loving Henry Lee, till the flesh drops from your bones.
The girl you have in that merry green land still waits for your return."

"Fly down, fly down, you little bird, and alight on my right knee.
Your cage will be of purest gold, in deed of property."
"I can't fly down, or I won't fly down, and alight on your right knee.
A girl would murder her own true love would kill a little bird like me."

"If I had my bend and bow, my arrow and my string,
I'd pierce a dart so nigh your heart your wobble would be in vain."
"If you had your bend and bow, your arrow and your string,
I'd fly away to the merry green land and tell what I have seen."

Nick Cave version (Lyrics)
Get down, get down, little Henry Lee
And stay all night with me
You won't find a girl in this damn world
That will compare with me
And the wind did howl and the wind did blow
La la la la la
La la la la lee
A little bird lit down on Henry Lee

I can't get down and I won't get down
And stay all night with thee
For the girl I have in that merry green land
I love far better than thee
And the wind did howl and the wind did blow
La la la la la
La la la la lee
A little bird lit down on Henry Lee

She leaned herself against a fence
Just for a kiss or two
And with a little pen-knife held in her hand
She plugged him through and through
And the wind did roar and the wind did moan
La la la la la
La la la la lee
A little bird lit down on Henry Lee

Come take him by his lily-white hands
Come take him by his feet
And throw him in this deep deep well
Which is more than one hundred feet
And the wind did howl and the wind did blow
La la la la la
La la la la lee
A little bird lit down on Henry Lee

Lie there, lie there, little Henry Lee
Till the flesh drops from your bones
For the girl you have in that merry green land
Can wait forever for you to come home
And the wind did howl and the wind did moan
La la la la la
La la la la lee
A little bird lit down on Henry Lee

Rowan Atkinson - "The School Master"

Here is a classic from Rowan Atkinson.... as heard on Bitter FM. I think I first saw this on 'The Secret Policeman's Ball' movie quite a few years ago. Timeless.