Podcast
From Across the Pond
Hosted by storms · EN
A variety mix of musical exploration intertwined with incoherent rambling.
6episodes
Episodes
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Better Late Than Never...Or Not: 2010 Year In Review
Jan 13, 2011Tap to summarizeIs it too late for 2010 music reviews? No, I say! If people are still going to insist on tedious 'Happy New Year" salutations 13 days into 2011, then I feel justified in posting my thoughts on the state of music in the last 12 months. As always, comments/thoughts/suggestions/insults are always welcome. Happy New Year!...10. Sleigh Bells – Treats: The debut album from Brooklyn’s Sleigh Bells comes out of the gate hard and never relents, making the album’s name, Treats, an understatement at the very least. Each song brings with it wave after wave of feet off the floor fury, taking only the slightest, contextual breath of air on album favorite ‘Rill Rill’. Make this one for the all-time summer rotation.9. Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Before Today: Ariel Pink (aka Ariel Rosenberg) has been working the underground scene of Los Angeles for over a decade, but Before Today not only marks his large-esque label debut with 4AD (along with all the trimmings such as recording in a studio for the first time), it also represents his first opportunity to bring the baroque aspects of his lo-fi mastery to a wider audience. The opportunity is not wasted. You only need to listen to the 70’s funk fueled, psychedelic glory of song of the year ‘Round And Round’ to understand why. ‘Bright Lit Blue Skies’, ‘Beverly Kills’ and ‘Can’t Hear My Eyes’ are also very much worth a listen.8. The Morning Benders – Big Echo: This Grizzly Bear co-produced album came from a favorite ‘new’ (it’s actually their second album) band out of San Francisco. Big Echo is an amalgamation of quasi Grizzly Bear soundings and a subtler version of Cymbals Eat Guitars. Reverberating guitars and echoing vocals flow throughout, sprinkled with enough knocks and clacks to keep even the most ADD amongst us intrigued. Listen to ‘Excuses’, ‘Stitches’ and ‘Sleeping In’.7. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs: This is the album that anyone who ever read Andreas Duany’s Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and Decline of the American Dream, always wanted to write. It is at once an observant diatribe on an underlying driver of the decline of Western society, while remaining head-noddingly pleasing. By album’s end, the recurring theme may have grown tired, but songs like the powerful ‘Suburban War’ and Blondie-infused ‘Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)’ keep you coming back for more.6. Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest: Following up the excellent Logos from 2009 under his solo-moniker, Atlas Sound, Bradford Cox returns to Deerhunter for full band duties, while retaining his familiar pysch-punk, shoegaze wavelength on Halcyon Digest. Album favorite, ‘Desire Lines’ begins with an almost Arcade Fire, ‘Rebellion (Lies)’ like intro before settling into its own washed out stride that slowly builds back up again with an increasingly urgent, guitar spun vortex of a finish. Also check out ‘Revival’ and ‘Helicopter’.5. LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening: With rumors abound that This Is Happening would represent the final chapter of the improbably dance-tastic rise of LCD Soundsystem, James Murphy and Team DFA had their work cut out for them… how to top an album that included arguably the greatest song of all time (‘All My Friends’ off 2007’s Sound of Silver). First the bad news; the album they came up with includes the tedious piss-take ‘Drunk Girls’, which was subsequently and unfortunately released as the first single, adopted by the masses and reiterated ad nauseum by commercial and non-commercial radio alike. The good news? The rest of the album represents the culmination of what it means to be alive in the 21st century. Yeah, it’s a rough, spoiling world, but This Is Happening is a reminder that even if we’re all going down, we can go down dancing on our own grave. This becomes immediately apparent at the 3:05 mark of opening track ‘Dance Yrself Clean’, when that killer synth hammers home for the first time. ‘All I Want’ takes the mood in a different direction with a sarcastic take on breaking up by somehow turning it into a sing-a-long. However, it’s on the orient under-toned, music industry shunning ‘You Wanted A Hit’ that Murphy makes clear his reasons for moving on. He’s grown up; he’s got his own ideas on who he is, what he is and how his artistry will evolve. Unfortunately, in a world of mindless ‘Drunk Girls’, his ideas no longer sell.4. The National – High Violet: Can Matt Berringer and Co. do no wrong? After three straight brilliant albums combined with an always engaging live show (which, on a personal level, was best represented at a special High Violet preview show at Royal Albert Hall in May, when during the penultimate song of the night Berringer rallied out the anthemic ‘Mr. November’ (from 2005’s Alligator) while he swam his way through the crowd to the back of the iconic venue before ultimately climbing up into one of the private stalls and throwing the mic into the second level, the final chorus being fulfilled by the all too lucky few packed high above him… an incomparable moment), it would appear not. The follow up to 2007’s excellent and politically charged Boxer was always going to bear the burden of high expectations. That follow up, High Violet, succeeds on multiple levels. Berringer’s somber baritone and intricate lyrics still persist, but political discourse is refrained and a more introspective dialogue is melted overtop a polished, complex accompaniment, that still comes off as feeling intimate, an aspect attributable to the album being recorded in Aaron Dessner’s garage. From opener ‘Terrible Love’ to follow up ‘Sorrow’ through ‘Afraid of Everyone’ and ‘Runaway’, the heavy themes endure, leaving the listener emotionally drained but thoroughly satisfied.3. Joanna Newsom – Have One On Me: The warmest feelings are not always the result of an open fire or a cherished lover. Harpist, pianist, singer-songwriter and overtly talented Joanna Newsom proves as much on Have One On Me. Her voice, often playful, always ease-inducing, layers fable-like lyricism in an unabashedly intimate manner over classically inspired, folk rooted songs, the effect of which overwhelms your heart before it even reaches your ears. All the more impressive is her ability to carry such an uniquely powerful style over two-plus hours of a triple-album, the pinnacle of which rests ‘In California’ with soul bearing realizations such as, ‘Well, I have sown untidy furrows across my soul, but I am still a coward, content to see my garden grow so sweet and full of someone else’s flowers’, which lead not to reconciliation, but to the ominous questioning of, ‘My heart, I wear you down, I know. Gotta think straight, keep a clean plate; keep from wearing down. If I lose my head, just where am I going to lay it?’ With 18 songs for the choosing, other favorites are a plenty, but ‘Baby Birch’, ‘Go Long’, ‘Esme’, ‘Autumn’ and ‘Kingfisher’ consistently stand out.2. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy: Kanye West has never been known as a subtle guy (the obvious exhibit A being his dead-on call out of George W. Bush during the live, nationally broadcast Hurricane Katrina benefit concert in 2007). On top of that, he’s probably misunderstood by 99% of the people that pay attention to him. Together, the man is a lightening rod for controversy. No shit, you say… but just in case you’re drinking the Matt Lauer amateur hour juice, you might have missed that he’s also someone who is so far ahead of his game musically it’s scary. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy expertly weaves soul, rap, pop, rock and even comedy through a loom erected (ahem) of soul searching and man v. world sentiment. Yeezy is supported throughout by some little known contributors, such as Jay-Z, RZA, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Chris Rock and, no joke, Mr. Bon Iver himself, Justin Vernon. The album is relentlessly impressive from start to finish, but favorites include ‘Power’, ‘All Of The Lights’ and ‘Blame Game’. Despite all of Kanye’s perceived self-gratification, it’s perhaps ironically appropriate that he should conclude this magnum opus with the words of Gil Scott-Heron, his questioning words being just as, if not more so, appropriate today as they were in 1970: ‘Who will survive in America, who will survive in America, who will survive in America…’1. Sufjan Stevens – The Age Of Adz: The simplest way of describing this complex, impressive angle on the Sufjan of old is a metamorphosis. This is a man whose music never floated along a level of simplicity, but with 5 odd years to mature, the 50 state project boasts of yesteryear were blown up, reconfigured and evolved to take on a whole new genus i...
Transcribe →Bon (O)ver?
Oct 14, 2009Tap to summarize'Bon Iver plays last show for the foreseeable future'...so says the band's official website: http://www.boniver.org/. While that is sad news for flannels and beards everywhere, the hiatus is much deserved. Over two years on since its initial self release, Justin Vernon and Co's heartbreaking debut, For Emma, Forever Ago and follow up EP, Blood Bank, has kept them in near constant tour mode. Obsessed punters (like myself) unwilling to let go of the beloved singer songwriter can continue to follow Mr. Vernon's side project with Collections of Colonies of Bees, Volcano Choir and their debut LP, Unmap (which includes the song 'Still', a beautifully harmonized twist on Blood Bank's 'Woods'). Bon Iver can also be found releasing one last new song, 'Rosyln' in collaboration with St. Vincent on the indie-music-sign-of-the-times New Moon OST. No matter how long the break, should the results of which foster a follow-up LP even half as good as their debut, the wait will have been well worth it. In the meantime, we're left with one last treat...Bon Iver, live at Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI, 11 Oct 2009Powered by Podbean.com
Transcribe →Fall Into Autumn
Sep 14, 2009Tap to summarizeFrom Across the Pondcast - Volume 2After multiple attempts, a severe bout of lethargy, and months of uncertainty... for better or worse... it's BACK!With another summer in the books, this mix is meant to ease the transition into 2009's golden season. Summer grooves become autumn's reflection and prepare us for the looming, stagnant chill of winter. Strap the headphones on, find a wide open green space and watch the sun set on a time where every last moment is worth savoring.Playlist:1. Beggin' (Pilooski Edit) - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons2. Be The One - Jack Penate - Everything Is New3. Deli - Delorean - Ayrton Senna EP4. Everybody Somebody - White Denim - Fits5. The Living North - Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains6. Release - She Keeps Bees - Nests7. Cosmic Love - Florence & The Machine - Lungs8. Swimming In The Flood - Passion Pit - Manners9. Stillness Is The Mood - The Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca10. Autumn - Bombay Bicycle Club - I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose11. Kettering - The Antlers - Hospice12. Stars - The xx - xx13. Noah And The Whale - The First Days Of Spring - The First Days Of Springa2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl="http://froma-xthepond.blogspot.com/";
Transcribe →Dark Was the Night
Feb 11, 2009Tap to summarizeNEW MUSIC: The greatest compilation ever made?4AD's Dark Was the Night compilation hits the shelves 16 Feb and benefits AIDS/HIV funding. Produced by The National's Aaron and Bryce Dressner, it features pretty much every great artist/band of our time... including, most importantly, (sort of) new, Radiohead-ified Sufjan Stevens! A brief sampler...
Transcribe →A Dark Day For Podcasting
Feb 2, 2009Tap to summarizeDEBUT: From Across the Pondcast - Volume 1Moments throughout history can be generally summarized into three categories: significant, unmemorable, and detrimental. What you are about to hear can only be considered a part of the latter. I've decided to disgrace the art of DJ'ing with my own venture into the podcasting realm to share some of, what a great man once called, 'my moments, other people's art'.Still working out the kinks as to how best to distribute it, but hopefully the player below works. Also, you can subscribe to the podcast using 'SUBSCRIBE TO' (on the right). If I've done things correctly, you should eventually be able to find it on iTunes as well. Let me know if it's inaccessible and I'll try to keep sorting it out.Playlist:1. Lost In Music - Sister Sledge - We Are Family2. Guys Eyes - Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion3. Devil's Trident - Telepathe - Dance Mother4. Magic - Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke5. Daylight (mashup with Daylight Outro Mix) - Matt & Kim - Grand6. Lovesick - Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires7. Strange Overtones - Brian Eno & David Byrne - Everything That Happens Will Happen Today8. Blood Bank - Bon Iver - Blood Bank EP9. Not A Robot, But A Ghost - Andrew Bird - Noble Beast10. Venice - Beirut - March Of The Zapotec & Realpeople - HollandAlso, the blog is new and still a work in progress. Check back for updates...
Transcribe →Previously Posted: 2008 Year In Review
Dec 21, 2008Tap to summarizeA brief look back at the year that was...(original post link embedded above)10. Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer: Listening to this album can really only be quizzically described as what it would sound like to visit Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory if only it resided somewhere in the depths of the Never Ending Story. When Spencer Krug’s endless chants of “We’re not at home!” on ‘Language City’ or his crooning question of, “Well you burn your bridges down… you turn away. How can you turn away?” on ‘Bang Your Drum’, it’s difficult not to think about the land of which has been left behind. However, ‘An Animal in Your Care’, brings a new dawn of wonder that invigorates the soul and gets the fists in the air. If there was such a thing as operatic indie rock, ‘Kissing the Beehive’ would be at the forefront. A top song of the year for sure.9. Sigur Rós – Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust: Sigur Rós make beautiful music. Whether you understand Icelandic or not (I do not myself), there is no argument. You need to merely see them live if you’re in doubt. On this particular go, the Rós have produced a more uplifting set compared with previous albums. From the raging horns and thumping drums of second track ‘Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur’, it is clear that this effort was made for an introspective celebration. One best served upon the sun’s glowing erasure of a spring rain. Maybe it happens in Fairmount Park, maybe in Victoria Park… either way, the moment is one that comes along like a long lost friend. In a world that constantly feels like it’s being torn apart at the seems, Jonsi Birgisson’s dramatic falsetto brings a hope that globalization, at least on the musical front, can bring a hope to the citizenry and calm the madness.8. Department of Eagles – In Ear Park: This Grizzly Bear spin off is something special from the first bass line of ‘No One Does It Like You’. The album masterfully mixes thumping beats, electronica, acoustic guitar and folk lyricism to form a unique sound that’s somewhere between Lennon, Beirut and the Chemical Brothers. Sentimental favorite ‘Floating Down the Lehigh’ is a reminder of near forgotten memories of a simpler time when only a rubber tube separated myself and the murky waters of the Lehigh River slowly ‘floating on to Bethlehem’.7. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend: The hype machine for this album kicked off early in the year, and it didn’t disappoint. This so-called ‘whitest band’ in the world produced one of the most original sounds in years. A cross between Ivy League pretentiousness, folk, indie rock, and afro pop, there’s no doubt that this quartet are genre bending. With an energetic live show, VW are a band that have no trouble getting the white kids hips swinging and sing-a-long highlights include, ‘Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa’, ‘One’ and ‘Walcott’, but VW are at their best on ‘Oxford Comma’ and ‘I Stand Corrected’. 6. MGMT – Oracular Spectacular: When an album kicks off with the hands-down song of the year, you know you’re in for a treat. ‘Time to Pretend’ is a life=defining composition for every cog in the machine. For anyone who feels like their childhood ended too quickly and misses the simpler times when life wasn’t ‘real’, when life was only bound by the vastness of a young mind’s imagination, then this brilliant four and a half minutes of escapism is all-time worthy. The rest of the album joins the queue in turn, with reflections on youth, life, mind-exploration, relationships, and the future. Music has always been used as an outlet for that which we strive for and/or need to forget and this electro, head=nodding fest is everything you could ask for from an album.5. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes: This mesmerising, reverb induced debut LP is everything you wanted My Morning Jacket to be five years ago. MMJ never quite put all the pieces together, but thankfully Fleet Foxes have. A defining album of the summer and one in which the seed...
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