First, a really alarming piece from the Wall Street Journal a couple of weeks ago about the U.S. visa program for touring foreign musicians. It boils down to government bureaucrats determining which artists are “culturally unique” enough to be allowed to play for us.
Over at ethnomusicologist Wayne Marshal’s blog, there’s an interesting discussion going on about “nu world” music. He frames it as the combination of different types of music – electronic, cumbia, reggae, techno, hip hop, dubstep – from all over the world. All of these genres have been able to combine and mutate through the Internet, online mixtapes, and MP3 blogs. There are some interesting questions about authenticity and mediation that arise, which I think are important to think about.
I’m not dead – I promise! I’ve been backed up with school/finals, but now I’m done and I have a lot of neat stuff saved up to share with you. I’ve got music articles, videos, sounds, and other ephemera for days!
First off, this is the best song ever. It’s by Althea & Donna and it was a big hit in the U.K in 1978. Just try not to groove to it!
Edition 5 of Twin Tones pairs the hazy sounds of Washed Out with 80’s one-hit wonders Kajagoogoo. After I heard “Olivia” on the new Washed Out tape, I spent about an hour of Googling variations of “shy shy 80’s song.” I finally found the video for “Too Shy” (which is sooo legit) and slapped the two tracks together. Here you go:
Washed Out – “Olivia” High Times [2009]
Kajagoogoo – “Too Shy” White Feathers [1982]
The other day I came across a wonderful set of illustrations depicting awesome things. It turns out they’re done by Monsieur Cabinet, a dude named Dave from Leeds. We invited him to the Porch so he could tell us a little more about what he does. BONUS: he says stuff like “a bit shit” and “having a go!” (more…)
I’ve been finding really wonderful blogs recently. Here are some real gems:
Awful Library Books
This blog collects the weirdest/most outdated/worst books from libraries around the world. I’m now on permanent lookout for a copy of Jewish Chess Masters on Stamps.
Continuo’s
This is an amazing collection of obscuro releases, but unlike some other places on the Internet they delve into the history behind the recordings. They recently partnered with weird stuff powerhouse Ubu Web, so prepare for big things!
but does it float
Honestly, I have no idea what is going on at this blog most of the time, but it’s chock full of all kinds of amazing art. Hold your breath – dive in!
This installment of Twin Tones pairs kindred tones, both old and new. “Don’t Just Stand There,” a track from the previously mentioned High Places/Soft Circle split brings the sound of early 80’s stalwart Liquid Liquid into 2009!
Liquid Liquid – “Optimo” Successive Reflexes [1983]
Soft Circle – “Don’t Just Stand There” High Places / Soft Circle Split EP [2009]
Here at the Porch we’re into all kinds of hazy psychedelia. And though we’ve had a lot to choose from lately, South Carolina’s Toro y Moi has stood out from the pack. Chaz Bundick, the man behind Toro y Moi, melds together layers of washed-out samples and sings with an earnestness that places him right between Ariel Pink and Panda Bear on the musical spectrum. We recently spoke with the 23-year-old Chaz about his wobbly, nostalgic jams, being a music blog sensation, and his near future.
