Since the 2010 Foxes in Fiction full-length effort, Swung from The Branches, we have seen a number of small releases from the Toronto solo artist. The EP Alberto was the most notable, as it was a significant progression for Warren Hildebrand under his band’s moniker. Showcasing his ability to experiment with atmospheric, lofty synths and guitars overlaid with his reverb-laden vocals, Hildebrand created coherent, memorable songs.
Late in 2011, Hildebrand put his trademark dreamy spin on the Felt track “The World is as Soft as Lace.” All too often we hear covers that remove elements of an original that made it great to begin with, but on this track we hear the complete opposite. Hildebrand somehow accentuates the slow, romantic, whispery feel of the original, making his attempt arguably better. At this time it’s not clear whether this is a stand-alone track or if it will be included on an official release, but never the less it is a sign of great things to come for Foxes in Fiction in 2012.
Was there ever a more obvious cover than The Flaming Lips doing one of the stranger songs from The Beatles? Sure, Coyne & Co. turn up the guitar on it, and drop the reading of King Lear from the end, but otherwise, it’s a nice version of the classic that was recorded in the band’s home base of Oklahoma City.
I don’t have a good explanation for why this particular post on Saskatchewan is so tardy, but as is somehow frequently the case, I’ve lucked into selecting a time when there is an additional bit of topical news to spruce up the mention. I’ve written about the Orlando based, Canadian province tribute band previously when mentioning their track “Beast Coast” this past summer, and used words like languid and breathy. They aren’t really a tribute band, but those adjectives still apply to a (no longer really) new A and B side affair they’re calling a 7″ sans the wax. According to the band it’s simply a digital 7″, but these tracks are the finishing touches for a pending physical release that will go by the same name. I prefer the second track, entitled “Cabin Fever.” It starts out sounding like a Joywave song about a Canadian city that just regained a hockey team, before veering off into its own direction with echoing vocal harmonies, subtle synths and an interesting drum beat. The title track is no slouch either, and both reside in the hazy dream pop realm the band has hinted at previously.
As for the topical bit of news, on the band’s site there is a large picture of George Michael in a wondrous sweater, signifying their cover of the Wham! Christmas classic “Last Christmas.” Suitably within their own sound, the cover is also surprisingly true to the original. I won’t say much else and will leave the rest to you.
At the band’s Bandcamp page there are some more songs for $yourchoice, including the title track of the new digital 7″, as well the previously mentioned “Beast Coast.” Be sure to check out the band’s site for some other choice nuggets.
After hearing and subsequently putting Walter Sobchek’s remix of Bastille’s “Flaws” on repeat sometime over the summer, I went back to the original track and did the same thing. I even ordered myself the vinyl single all the way from Young & Lost Club in the UK, ignoring the totally unfavorable exchange rate for a song that has brought me a lot of joy over the past few months.
Last week the London artist sent out his cover of the 1999 City High track, “What Would You Do?,” which had been relegated to the recesses of my brain. It earned the original group a Grammy nod, and while it might not garner Bastille the same hardware nomination, it’s certainly an interesting take on a track that was everywhere back when it was released.
In other, non-cover related Bastille news, his new EP, entitled Laura Palmer, will be released in the UK on November 14th. I’m not sure if it will be out in the States that week, but you can pre-order it right now on iTunes if you have access to the UK store.
Lockett Pundt may be the most integral part of Deerhunter, perhaps more so than Bradley Cox. Coming from someone who considers Deerhunter his favorite band, that may or may not be saying much depending on your perspective. Considering I also adore Atlas Sound, Cox’s Pundt-less side project, I think it says a lot.
Pundt – under the guise of his own side project Lotus Plaza – recently covered Cut Copy’s “Where I’m Going,” for a 7″ featuring two covers of the track done up by a pair of bands (also Architecture In Helsinki). If you question anything stated in that first paragraph, one listen to the cover will remedy all doubts. A gorgeous, slowed down take, the version sounds like vintage Pundt-styled Deerhunter with a relaxed several minute long outro that is superb.
001: Joywave - Ridge/Traveling At The Speed Of Light 7"
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Upcoming Western NY Concerts
NOTE: Concerts are in Rochester unless otherwise noted.
1/5: Les Racquet
1/12: Joywave with Old Tapes, Dave & Marissa
1/13: The Dads
1/14: My Brightest Diamond
1/17: Josh Netsky Band with Cuddle Magic
1/18: Tycho (Buffalo)
1/26: Avicii
1/26: A$AP Rocky (Buffalo)
1/28: The Crystal Method (Syracuse)
2/11: Blind Pilot (Ithaca)
2/22: William Fitzsimmons
2/24: Mike Doughty
2/25: Charles Bradley (Buffalo)
2/29: Summer People
3/3: Matthew Good
3/5: Evening Man
3/23: The Men
3/30: tympanogram’s 3rd Birthday with Born Gold, Old Tapes, TBA
4/20: fun.
4/23: Cults (Buffalo)
5/6: Bear In Heaven (Ithaca)
5/7: M83 (Buffalo)
an examination used to test the condition of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum, and the conduction bones by creating variations of air pressure in the ear canal.
Basically, it sounded like a cool name for a blog intended to be primarily about music. We’d both had other blogs previously, but over beers it was decided that more damage could be done as a joint venture. And here we are.
We share a passion for the undiscovered and under-appreciated, and hope that you’ll be able to find something you love as well.
Disclaimer
The music offered on this blog is for sampling purposes only. If you enjoy something you hear here, please go out and buy the music, see a show, or purchase some merchandise. Posted mp3s are available for a limited period of time only.
If there are any materials featured here that are your intellectual property, and you would prefer them removed, please notify us and we will be happy to oblige.
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About the Author: Dave
I like music. I can't describe how I came to like the music I do, because I don't know how or why, I just do.
Many years ago, Napoleon's brother, my great-great-great-great-great-great Grandfather, came to America. He was asked his name on Ellis Island while being processed as an immigrant. Not understanding English, he was under the impression that he was being asked how he had arrived in the new land. So he turned around and pointed at the sea vessel and said, 'LaBarge.'
About the Author: Andy
I come by my music taste of my own free will. My friends listened to 2Pac, my parents to contemporary Christian and me? Sunny Day Real Estate. I can’t explain it.
“Music, true music, not just rock ’n’ roll, it chooses you. It lives in your car, or alone, listening to your headphones…” - Lester Bangs
![foxes in fiction [mp3] Foxes in Fiction // The World Is As Soft As Lace (Felt Cover)](http://tympanogram.com/files/foxes-in-fiction.jpg "[mp3] Foxes in Fiction // The World Is As Soft As Lace (Felt Cover)")
![saskatchewan lastchristmas [mp3] Saskatchewan // Cabin Fever + Last Christmas](http://tympanogram.com/files/saskatchewan-lastchristmas.jpg "[mp3] Saskatchewan // Cabin Fever + Last Christmas")
![bastille [mp3] Bastille // What Would You Do? (City High cover)](http://tympanogram.com/files/bastille.jpg "bastille")
![cutcopy whereimgoing722art [stream] Lotus Plaza // Where Im Going (Cut Copy cover)](http://tympanogram.com/files/cutcopy_whereimgoing722art.png "[stream] Lotus Plaza // Where Im Going (Cut Copy cover)")
