051 - Big Blood (live)

-skip to 1:15-

Early nineties feel; pronounced female vocals; borderline-hypnotic (yet effective) simplicity.

40 - Jens Lekman

- A beautiful performance of a beautiful song -

Jens knows how to craft a sense of intimacy for his audience. He's made a habit of personally engaging with his audience, partly in order to establish rapport,  partly so as to provide him accompaniment. Although modest and unassuming, he subtly moulds the crowd to his needs like a true professional.

38 - Local Natives (La Blogotheque)

La Blogotheque is an inspirational project. A collection of musical performances shot in a distinct manner - regularly featuring artists playing and walking - in unconventional spaces all around the world, but predominantly in Paris: Grizzly Bear in a bathroom, Arcade Fire an elevator; Yeasayer on the Metro, Phoenix the Trocadero - the list goes on. What I find so alluring, however, is the humanness contained within. Although highly professional, these films do not gleam like items in shop windows: they are intentionally left rough around the edges. We see the artists' uncertainty leading up to the performance; the relief, joy or melancholy directly thereafter. Such moments privilege the viewer a rare insight into not just the quirks, habits and mannerisms of their revered musicians; but the life of the performer, as well. A real sense of what these films are - musical moments in history, captured - is successfully conveyed through original camera-work and choice of setting. Ultimately, though, the project would be nothing were it not for a sustained engagement with the vanguard of guitar-based music. This installation - one of over a hundred - features Local Natives making their way through one of Paris' more ornamental arcades: a feast for the eyes and ears.

032 - The Unicorns (Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?)

The Unicorns are markedly lighter than most - they evidently don't take themselves too seriously. Jangly riffs, comical lyrics and a recorder combine to create some happy, energetic and original indie. 

The Unicorns - I Was Born (A Unicorn)

The Unicorns - Sea Ghost

019 - The Tallest Man on Earth (The Wild Hunt)

Certain vocalists' style causes a negative reaction in their audience: The Decemberists, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, Phoenix and Bob Dylan are but some examples - Kristian Matsson is another. Although not cause for celebration in itself, unconventional voices often bear the stamp of originality and can add a uniqueness to the total sound. As well as having an interesting voice, Matsson is also a highly talented guitar and banjo player.

The Tallest Man on Earth - Love is All

The Tallest Man on Earth - King of Spain