For whatever reason I've been anticipating Cut Copy's third release, Zonoscope, more than any other album so far in 2011. I have no good reason to be this excited about the album. While I loved 2008's In Ghost Colour, the album was something I put on when I didn't want to think--when the weather was warm and I wanted good dance-pop to listen to on a long jog. Even as I enjoyed their last album, I wondered how Cut Copy would possibly make another album that didn't sound essentially the same. And while this is partially true of Zonoscope, the band has managed to work in some more classic pop elements (check out the second track below, "Where I'm Going," which seems to owe something to Beach Boys harmonies and structure), as well as some light psychedelia ("Strange Nostalgia For The Future"), 80's cheese (Hanging On To Every Heartbeat), and LCD Soundsystem inspired percusive electronic work ("Corner Of The Sky). But their pulsing, danceable predictability is still there, as in "Take Me Over," also posted below. I do like the album, but don't think it will get nearly as much play as In Ghost Colour. I'll likely spend more time staring at the album cover and zoning out to the 15 minute closing track, "Sun God."
UPDATE: After spending some more time with this album, I really like the moments of extended instrumentals/electronics without vocals. In fact, some of the lyrics in this album are so cheesy, I can't really stand listening to them (even if the point is to be cheesy). At its best it reminds me of something Fuck Buttons might put together if they had "dance" in the back of their mind).
Cut Copy - Take Me Over by cutcopymusic
Cut Copy - Where I'm Going by acid stag
While I don't know too much about this Nashville native, I do know that he used played on records by both The Silver Jews and Bonnie Prince Billie, and he has recently started his own record label called Sebastian Speaks. Behold The Spirit is a an instrumental avant-folk record, with four of its seven tracks clocking in at over six minutes. My initial fear was that the record would be too monotonous--long tracks, one guitar: boring! But Tyler is incredibly imaginative with a few subtle effects and additions, and he is masterful enough with the guitar to keep me interested throughout. The record's delicacy is relaxing and, at times, almost meditative. Enjoy.
Artist: William Tyler
Album: Behold The Spirit
Year: 2011
Label: Tompkins Square Label
Click here to listen
Tracklist
Terrace Of The Leper King
Missionary Ridge
Oahspe
To The Finland Station
The Cult Of The Peacock Angel
Tears And Saints
Signal Mountain
UPDATE: After spending some more time with this album, I really like the moments of extended instrumentals/electronics without vocals. In fact, some of the lyrics in this album are so cheesy, I can't really stand listening to them (even if the point is to be cheesy). At its best it reminds me of something Fuck Buttons might put together if they had "dance" in the back of their mind).
Artist: Cut Copy
Album: Zonoscope
Year: 2011
Label: Modular
Click here to listen
Tracklist
Need You Now
Take Me Over
Where I'm going
Pharaohs & Pyramids
Blink And You'll Miss A Revolution
Strange Nostalgia For The Future
This Is All We've Got
Alisa
Hanging Onto Every Heartbeat
Corner Of The Sky
Sun God
Cut Copy - Where I'm Going by acid stag
While I don't know too much about this Nashville native, I do know that he used played on records by both The Silver Jews and Bonnie Prince Billie, and he has recently started his own record label called Sebastian Speaks. Behold The Spirit is a an instrumental avant-folk record, with four of its seven tracks clocking in at over six minutes. My initial fear was that the record would be too monotonous--long tracks, one guitar: boring! But Tyler is incredibly imaginative with a few subtle effects and additions, and he is masterful enough with the guitar to keep me interested throughout. The record's delicacy is relaxing and, at times, almost meditative. Enjoy.
Album: Behold The Spirit
Year: 2011
Label: Tompkins Square Label
Click here to listen
Tracklist
Terrace Of The Leper King
Missionary Ridge
Oahspe
To The Finland Station
The Cult Of The Peacock Angel
Tears And Saints
Signal Mountain
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