Kimbra: My Faith In Pop Music Has Been Restored

Audial Aweomeness: Audio Wishlist

AIAIAI Tracks Headphone Series

This is, just simply, pretty cool. In the past headphones were the size of small plates and did a pretty good job of muting the entire outside world. The audio was pretty great but you sweated profusely because of the generous foam padding. And to be quite honest you looked stupid. Through time and some evolution we then ended up at the other extreme, with tiny "earbuds" that nearly vanish in your ear — and you still looked stupid.

Now, we have moved on to “audio fashion wear” that combines the best of all worlds. Copenhagen’s AIAIAI and its design partners at Kilo has come up with the stylish, light-weight Tracks Headphone Series that combines toned-down nostalgic looks with superior sound quality. A leather version of Tracks, in natural and black, is apparently in the works as well.

In another 5-10 years I'll be saying these look stupid on me as well. But for now they have a great style and look to them. They'll set you back 80 bucks but style don't come cheap.

iPod Dock + Speaker + Bed Light

Note that, sadly, this is only in it's conceptual stage. This is the iPod Dock + Speaker + Bed Light. Its a pretty basic idea. Nothing to it really. But it's subtle yet brilliant design makes it desirable. This dock would have hidden speakers in the device's panels, a sleek smooth finish that comes in many colors and a handy night light fixed in the overhead panel above the dock station. Its the perfect device for someone with little space with an eye for great design.

Zikmu

Zikmu are wireless speakers designed by Philippe Starck for Parrot. Standing at 2.5 feet tall, these speakers are an iPhone/iPod docking station with surround sound technology and a range of wireless capabilities. The two speakers, which radiate sound from both sides, can be placed anywhere in a room and work without wires. Speakers can also stream audio from mobile devices such as a PC or a Mac using Bluetooth A2DP or Wi-Fi. They also have remote control and very trendy minimalist look.

Radiofonografo

I am really excited about this though it is way out of my price range. From the Italian brand Brionvega, the 60s and 70s are back, or that at least some of the design sensibilities of the era have new life. The classic, groundbreaking Radiofonografo, divined in 1965 by two of the three Castiglioni brothers, Pier Giacomo and Achille, is making a comeback as RR226. In 1965, the 'musical component robot' was an electronic marvel that in one groovy designed device included a radio, amplifiers and a record player (for both 45s and 33s).

This modernized model also has a CD and DVD player but other than that it is as close as possible to the original. The amplifiers are moveable which makes it possible to create different configurations both for visual and listening pleasure. It was showcased at the Salone del Mobile in Milan in April, it may be a while before coming to a store near you. But like so many of the Castiglioni brothers' product marvels, still produced and/or displayed by Zanotta,Flos, Artemide and MoMA, the Radiofonografio is most likely going to stay with us for yet another long period of time.

Links: aiaiai.dk, cultofmac.com, zikmu.parrot.com, brionvega.it

Music Highlight: Biffy Clyro

Time for another music highlight, which I haven't done in months. After a friend asked me about the band last night I had another listen to their music and loved it more than when I had first come across them. These guys are Scottish and it shows in some of their vocal melodies. There is just something about this band that makes me want to toss it all to the wind and let life take me where it wants to. Take a listen to a few songs of theirs below.

Biffy Clyro - Bubbles


Biffy Clyro - Many of Horror (When We Collide)


Biffy Clyro - God and Satan

Deion Sanders: He Can Sing Too? Oh, He Can't?

Did you know that one football's legends also moonlighted as an R&B star in the early 90s. He actually made it to #70 on the Top R&B Hip-Hop Albums list. Bad Lip Reading needs to do a cover of this song.

Bad Lip Reading: Music Videos

This is both funny and genius. Just watch.



If you didn't catch on I'll just go ahead and say it: This is not the actual song or lyrics that go with the music video. Some of the comments on these videos crack me up because people don't realize this is a joke. I guess that just speaks to how well these videos are done if they can trick people into thinking they are genuine. But to be honest I like these songs they come with much better than most of the pop music they are dubbing over. This is like Weird Al for the mod-generation and done much better I might add. They have several "bad lip reading" videos on their channel but with lines like "And braid his show-dog, Tiny Timmy Tokyo... and I'm pregnant" and "Please help me down from this swing... I got my plasma sword and I'm ready to crank it!" this video is my favorite so far.

"Let's buy two big industrial windmills. I already got one. Who needs three? Well, the first one... I broke it."

Check out more at youtube.com/user/BadLipReading.

Monday Music Highlight: Edison Glass

These guys have been doing their thing for a few years now so it's nothing new. But if you have never heard them it's about time you check them out. These guys are music geniuses. You don't have to like their music but their understanding of composition and music theory has to be appreciated. And the drummer... if I didn't know any better I'd think he injects "perfection" and "creativity" into his arms and hands. His timing is unbelievable and he rarely skips a beat. And the bass player... well, let's just say I could write a blurb about each of their talents but I'll let the music speak for itself. I will say that their live performance is shadowed by their great work in the studio but just to watch them is worth the price of a ticket.

Interesting fact: Their name is taken from the names Thomas Edison and Philip Glass.

Check out www.indievisionmusic.com for an interview with the band.




Check out more at www.myspace.com/edisonglass

Monday... er Tuesday Music Highlight: Sarah Jarosz

So, I am still trying to get into the habit of keeping a writing schedule. So, to make up for my forgetful memory I am posting what I had intended to post yesterday.

I saw this chick a few weeks ago on Austin City Limits. I can't say I was immediately blown away by her performance. But after watching through three songs she, and her accompaniment, began to plant a seed in my mind. I could begin to hear the potential in the arrangements. By the end of her set I was scrambling through the internet trying to find all her music. I have to say her live performance is slightly lacking; it left me wanting. But her studio work is amazing. I won't say much more. I'll let this video interview say the rest.

Here are six of her songs that I think are great examples of her studio work.

Check out more at sarahjarosz.com.


On another note: I have been using Grooveshark for years now. I found it shortly after its launch. It has become my favorite online streaming player. If you don't know about it check it out. I also discovered the Grooveshark widget (music player) recently. I think they did a great job with it. Its design is simple but good and the colors are customizable to fit your site. It's also a functional player which is more than I can say for some other player widgets. I have yet to see any problems with it. If you use widgets you should definitely check it out.

Grooveshark.coom

Monday Music Highlight: States

In this music post I am going to highlight a band that is a phoenix from the ashes of two bands that have made huge impressions on my own music. Those bands are Copeland and Lydia. I was sad to see the end of Lydia and even more upset (understatement) to see the demise of Copeland. But there is redemption in the form of a brilliant new sound coming from a new band called States. This collaboration is made of former guitarists, and brothers, Bryan and Stephen Laurenson (Copeland) and vocalist and keyboardist Mindy White (Lydia).

Line 'Em Up is their first release and is already making its way to the top of playlists. Anxious seems to be the flag ship song garnering the most exposure but the rest of the EP is not to be skipped over. In fact there is very little criticism to be had with this first release. Line 'Em Up is a solid introduction for a band with a great deal of potential.

www.statesmusic.com



Here is their song Anxious. Check out the rest of their EP on www.myspace.com/states.

Bonnaroo: Can Hip Hop and Folk Be Friends

With one of the best music festivals in the world coming up in June I have just one question. Bonnaroo what has happened to you? I am not one to turn a shoulder to talent. I'll give credit where credit is due. Hip hop and rap have been driving forces in the music industry for decades now and have earned the right to be taken seriously. But does it belong at a Manchester, TN music festival that has its roots in the indie/folk scene?

Last year Noel Gallagher (of Oasis) raised some hell in reference to Jay-Z's invite. He had quite a number of people follow him on a tirade about hip-hop not belonging at Bonnaroo. And, though, I was inclined to agree with Mr. Gallagher, that hip hop didn't fit the festival's "image", I didn't feel the need to lead a boycott against that stage. However, you give the powers of the music industry an inch and they'll take every mile they can get their hands on. This year 'Roo is going full tilt rap. Its not one, not two, but this year's hip hop is getting a grand welcome at the festival with Eminem and Lil Wayne headlining along with several others in the lineup such as Atmosphere, Wiz Khalifa and Chiddy Bang. I think its safe to say that Bonnaroo is no longer the festival that it used to be. There will of course be some great acts that maintain the spirit of 'Roo like Arcade Fire, My Morning jacket, Robert Plant & Band of Joy, Mumford & Sons, The Strokes, The Decemberists, Ray Lamontagne, Iron and Wine... to name a few.

Rap might not belong at Bonnaroo but for all those complaining about the compromised integrity of the festival, myself included, I don't think we can deny that Bonnaroo still gets the best lineups around.

www.bonnaroo.com

Monday Music Highlight: Walk The Moon

WALK THE MOON "Anna Sun" OFFICIAL Music Video

Now I need a keytar. I'll be keeping my eye on these guys. I have a feeling they will be making an impact sometime in the next couple years.

www.walkthemoonband.com