I Hope Your Ears Bleed » the national

Sufjan Stevens & Bryce Dessner – “Pleasure Principle”

Nathan — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:46:28 +0000

One of the most epically awesome songs of 2010, Sufjan Stevens’ 25 minute long “Impossible Soul”, ends with a very sweet acoustic lullabye known as “Pleasure Principle.” This little section of the song wraps it up quite nicely and is one of the highlights of Age of Adz. Sufjan recently appeared on WNYC and took the time to play this song with the help of The National guitarist, Bryce Dessner, and fortunately for us it was recorded on video for all to enjoy. Gosh I wish he would come to Oklahoma.

The Age of Adz is on sale on Amazon for only $5 for just a few more days. If you haven’t bought it yet, I suggest you get it here now!

Bon Iver and Adele Both Cover Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me”

Nathan — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:40:45 +0000

So 2011 has been a phenomenal year for new music so far and both Adele and Justin Vernon are doing their darndest to help make sure it continues. Each of them have released a brand new full-length that are both likely to end up on my year end “Top 10 List”. And then in the past couple of weeks they each decided to bless us with their own take on the legendary Bonnie Raitt ballad, “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” I have been a fan of this heart-rending song for quite some time and each of these artists have rendered a cover that is both true to the original and to their unique musical stylings. The National, if you could please follow their lead and give us your rendition next, that would be great. Matt Berninger, your deep crooning voice would suit this tune quite well. I’ll be waiting patiently.

Bon Iver – I Can’t Make You Love Me/Nick of Time

Adele – I Can’t Make You Love Me

The National Write a New Song for ‘Win Win’

Nathan — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:55:57 +0000

Actor/Director Thomas McCarthy (The Visitor) has a new film coming out this weekend starring Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan ( from The Wire & The Office) about a disheartened attorney who is moonlighting as a high school wrestling coach. It looks like it will be a pretty interesting film, but that isn’t why I am interested in it today. Like most Sundance films, the soundtrack seems to be filled with great indie music including a new song from The National written just for the movie. The new song is everything we have come to expect from them. “Think You Can Wait” would easily fit right in with everything on High Violet. It’s a hauntingly beautiful sound with a fantastic arrangement that has the gorgeous Sharon Van Etten on background vocals. Take a listen below.

The National – Think You Can Wait

And if you are in the Tulsa area you should come and join us at Cain’s Ballroom on April 19th, cause for some reason there are still tickets available. If I were you I would snatch them fast, because there is a good chance this is the one time they come and play in Oklahoma.

Bradley’s Top 10 of 2010

Brad — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 04:35:16 +0000

So, I thought I’d put together a little list of my favorite albums of the year. I never feel quite right about where I cut off the list, so to cope with my feelings, this year I’ve made an honorable mention consisting of…

Connect the Dots by Stacy Clark was an incredibly fun singer/songwriter album that crept up on my play counts. The Suburbs by The Arcade Fire had some standout tracks, but I couldn’t completely connect to the alt rock ensemble’s overdone anthem. Teen Dream by Beach House was at times truly haunting, Down the Way by folksters Angus & Julia Stone was charming, and undoubtedly Contra by Vampire Weekend was a strong effort for the indie-pop troupe. Eyelid Movies by Phantogram had more sultry angst, catchy beats, and hooks than nearly any other album. And, folk mainstays Josh Rouse, Rocky Votolato, and Josh Ritter each put out respectable albums. Lastly, my number 11, just outside the magnificent 10, was Go by Jonsi. This album explores emotional highs and lows as well as the best Sigur Ros albums, and come quite hook laden to boot.

10. Good Old War – Good Old War. This folksy Philly trio reminds me a lot of a lighter-hearted Fleet Foxes. Their harmonies are tight and their story-telling is captivating. Check out my favorite track “That’s Some Dream”

That’s Some Dream

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9. Treats – Sleigh Bells. There’s no getting around the fact that this album is weird. But, I found its uniqueness refreshing and after letting it grow on me (substancially, I might add), I ended up really getting into the hardcore + beats + girl with beautiful voice combo. Standout track “Riot Rhythm” brings it home.

Riot Rhythm

8. Broken Bells – Broken Bells. I’ve always been a fan of James Mercer when I came across his team up with Danger Mouse man Brian Burton, I fell in love – quickly. The album borrows bits and piece from The Shins sound, yet making its own and keeping it interesting. It has impressive highs and lows and sufficiently enigmatic lyrics to warrant a spot in my top ten. My favorite track has to be “Ghost Inside”.

The Ghost Inside

7. Gorilla Manor – Local Natives. I was introduced to Local Natives through a free download of ”Sun Hands” early in the year. I enjoyed the song, but didn’t see a need to investigate much further. Throughout the year, though, I kept seeing their name crop around LA (their hometown as well) with shows and eventually my interest was peaked enough to get Gorilla Manor. I definitely do not regret it. They are an indie rock outfit with hints of folk scattered here and there, which I love. Both catchy and smart, it’s a find.

Wide Eyes

6. Halcyon Digest – Deerhunter. It’s the dark mystique of Deerhunter that keeps me coming back. One of the artists of which I never tire and really connect. No song is overdone or skimped on. What impresses me is the album as a piece with just the right amount of ambience to tie it all together. They’re subtly inventive and never overwhelming.

Don’t Cry

5. Foreign Tapes – Parades. This album had me hooked from the beginning. The male/female paired vocal, ranging delicate to powerful guitars, and creative drumming did it. Really a captivating album with tons going for it. I’m surprised I haven’t heard more about this group. “Marigold” is a gem and really caps a well jelled album. With many favorites it was hard to chose, but enjoy another take-away – “Past Lives.”

Past Lives

4. Age of Adz – Sufjan Stevens. I’m a Sufjan fan and always look forward to how he’s morphed. His innovation is admirable and if it weren’t for his beliefs I think reviewers would be slobbering over him at every turn. When you consider Age of Adz in combination with All Delighted People, this guy did work this year. Truly a hero of the singer/songwriter, he, yet again, doesn’t disappoint. The album finishes especially well, and since “Impossible Soul” was too big to attach, enjoy “I Want to Be Well.”

I Want To Be Well

3. Tourist History – Two Door Cinema Club. This was my indie pop mainstay album this year. A definite “go-to” for a pick me up. The Irish Trio falls somewhere between the Arctic Monkeys and Passion Pit for me. This album is quick, smart, and energetic. No dull points, and no throw-aways. Really a great debut. “Something Good Can Work” is one of my favorite songs of the year.

Something Good Can Work

2. The Wild Hunt – The Tallest Man on Earth. One of greatest song writers of not only today but all time. At one point I actually found myself looking up what “cadejo” are. (It’s actually pretty interesting!) He’s a master of the story and a master of conveying emotion. His voice is raw, yet beautiful. I had the pleasure of seeing him live earlier this year and the experience really solidified it all for me. This will be an album I play for a long time. If you love Bon Iver, folk music, or just story telling, The Wild Hunt is a must.

King of Spain

1. High Violet – The National. Brilliant, moody alt rock. Few bands relay the human experience better than The National. It seems that with every album since Alligator, The National has been ebbing its way closer to my favorite of all time. Though the body of work doesn’t yet merit replacing Radiohead, if they have another decade keeping with this trend I don’t know if I could deny them the honor. It may take you a while to “get” The National, but the rewards are worth the wait. High Violet is about as real as it gets. I could honestly pick any song to put on here, and it took me a while to settle on “Anyone’s Ghost.” I truly do hope you enjoy.

Anyone’s Ghost

Bleed on friends!

Bradley

The Weekly Reaping (9.May.2010)

Nathan — Sun, 16 May 2010 03:39:38 +0000

So it was an awfully slow week as far as music releases go. But when The National release a new record, it doesn’t really matter what else is going on. Because you are going to want as much time as possible to dedicate to devouring that album. Because you know it will be as slow-cooker, but you know that it will only be a matter of time before you absolutely love it. Fortunately, or unfortunately; however you want to look at it, there really isn’t anything else worth mentioning. But don’t worry. We have plenty of great May releases yet to come.

11.May.2010

The National

High Violet

Full album Stream (courtesy of Spinner.com)

New Sufjan Stevens Record…Sort Of

Nathan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:07:34 +0000

Asthmatic Kitty has just recently announced the release of a tribute to Steven’s sophomore record Enjoy Your Rabbit. The Osso Quartet, who contributed string arrangements for both Stevens’ heralded Illinois and My Brightest Diamond’s Bring Me the Workhorse, have rearranged and recorded Enjoy Your Rabbit for the string quartet. The album is titled Run Rabbit Run and set to be released on October 6th by Asthmatic Kitty.

Enjoy Your Rabbit, a collection of electronic instrumental pieces inspired by the different animals of the Chinese Zodiac, has been the only Sufjan Stevens record that has been difficult for me to get into. It’s just such a unique and different album compared to the rest of the Stevens’ canon. That’s not to say that I haven’t found songs on here that I enjoy or don’t have any respect for the record. This just happens to be the last record of his that I am likely to put on. All that to say, I am really excited to hear The Osso Quartet’s interpretation of the record. These guys are just so talented and I have loved everything that they have done with a Stevens song so far. Each of thes band members, Rob Moose (violin), Olivier Manchon (violin), Marla Hansen (viola), and Maria Bella Jeffers (cello), have traveled and recorded with some of the greatest artists and musicians in the business, from the New Pornographers to The Polyphonic Spree to The Orchestra of St. Luke’s at Carnegie Hall.

Accompanying the album will be a series of artwork that draws its influence from the song and its corresponding animal of the Chinese zodiac. All of the artwork was done by Jessica Dressner, big sister to Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National. I haven’t had the chance to listen to this year, but I am jus so thrilled to hear new music that originated from the mind of the brilliant Sufjan Stevens. Take a listen to a couple of the original tracks off of the album that started all this fuss, Enjoy Your Rabbit.

Sufjan Stevens – Year of the Ox

Sufjan Stevens – Enjoy Your Rabbit

Tracklist

1. Year of the Ox (arr. Michael Atkinson)
2. Enjoy Your Rabbit (arr. Michael Atkinson)
3. Year of the Monkey (arr. Michael Atkinson)
4. Year of the Tiger (arr. Rob Moose)
5. Year of the Dragon (arr. Nico Muhly)
6. Year of the Snake (arr. Olivier Manchon)
7. Year of the Horse (arr. Rob Moose)
8. Year of the Sheep (arr. Maxim Moston)
9. Year of the Rat (arr. Olivier Manchon)
10. Year of the Rooster (arr. Gabriel Kahane)
11. Year of the Dog (arr. Rob Moose)
12. Year of the Boar (arr. Michael Atkinson)
13. Year of Our Lord (arr. Michael Atkinson)

Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs of Mark Mulcahy

Brady — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:07:44 +0000

Mark Mulcahy fronted two bands in the late 1980s: Miracle Legion and, later, Polaris, better known as the house band from The Adventures of Pete & Pete. The musician’s wife, Melissa, died suddenly in September 2008, leaving Mark to raise their 3-year-old twin daughters.

Turns out Mark has quite a following. He’s a musician’s musician, wooing critics and peers with sincere, confounding pop songs. A number of notable artists have showed up to support the Mulcahy family in the forthcoming tribute album, Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs of Mark Mulcahy, the proceeds of which will allow Mark to continue his music career (Mulcahy’s 2005 solo record, In Pursuit of Your Happiness, was met with much acclaim).

The first two songs from the tribute leaked this week: Thom Yorke’s cover of “All For the Best” and the National’s rendition of “Ashamed of the Story I Told.” The former is a meloncholy, LCD-Soundsystem-sounding trek down memory lane, the latter a strummy, piano-leaden regretfest. Both find the artists channeling Mulcahy’s sadness through their own respective brands of misery, and both succeed wonderfully.

Here’s a taste: Thom Yorke – All For The Best

Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs of Mark Mulcahy is out September 29^th, courtesy of Shout! Factory.

Best Albums of 2007

Nathan — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:07:03 +0000

i realize that i am extremely late on this, but i think it’s ok because i just started this a couple months ago. plus i feel like i need this much time to process. had i made this list back in january, a couple of these well-deserving albums would have been left off the list. so here it is.

10 Wilco – Sky Blue Sky

like most great albums this one took a little while to grow on me. but i am glad i gave it the time, because i have definitely found some great gems on this album. if you love wilco already just listen and enjoy. if not i suggest you see them live, it will surely help you to appreciate this album. at least it did for me.

wilco – hate it here (removed 2/13/09)

9 Beirut – Flying Club Cup

balkan music at its best. seriously. if you have never listened to this one man band you are missing out. each track has just gorgeous horn and string arrangements, and condon’s voice accompanies the music so well.

beirut – in the mausoleum (removed 2/13/09)

8 Derek Webb – The Ringing Bell

easily the best christian album of the year. webb continues to write enjoyable pop candy that is not only enjoyable to listen to, but challenges out way of thinking at the same time. i cannot tell you enough how much i love this guy. oh and did i mention he is giving this album away for free?

derek webb – can’t be without you (removed 2/13/09)

7 Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

spoon has outdone themselves. by far the best that they have put together thus far. lots of intricate but simple instrumentation if that makes any sense at all. they didn’t try to hard, they have just taken what they do and brought it to the next level

spoon – you got yr cherry bomb (mp3 lost during a site crash 7/23)

6 The National – Boxer

Be patient with this one. It took a while before the national had a regular spot on my playlist, but once it got there it hasn’t left. Most of the songs on this album have very complex but very addicting rhythmic pattern. Give it a chance to entrance, for it surely will.

the national – fake empire (removed 2/13/09)

5 Band of Horses – Cease to Begin

Despite the loss of their co-founder, Mat Brooke, this stellar band not only managed to avoid the sophomore slump, but with their song “No One’s Gonna Love You” they managed to put together what is, in my humble opinion, the greatest song of 2007.

band of horses – no one’s gonna love you (removed 2/13/09)

4 Iron & Wine – The Shephard’s Dog

This is definitely one of those cases where change isn’t so bad. straying from his lo-fi acoustic roots, sam beam churns out another batch of songs that will last us a lifetime. it’s very rhythmic and has a much fuller sound than we’re used to, but it works.

iron & wine – flightless bird, american mouth (removed 2/13/09)

3 Rilo Kiley – Under the Blacklight

These former child stars have never sounded better. Lewis’ voice is as gorgeous as ever and Sennet’s guitar sounds like it has been in the 70′s for a while and came to show us a thing or two. An incredibly catchy album. Anything but a disappointment.

rilo kiley – give a little love (removed 2/13/09)

2 The Once Soundtrack

This incredible soundtrack to one of the best films of the year is a must. Glen Hansard (The Frames) and Marketa Irglova star in and provide the soundtrack to this modern day musical that tells the story of two people whose lives collide just once. Watch the movie and you will surely have to buy the album.

glen hansard & marketa irglova – when your mind’s made up (removed 2/13/09)

1 Feist – The Reminder

Leslie Feist has yet to let me down. I have loved everything that she had done so far. Especially this incredibly catchy album. Easily the record that I listened to the most this past year. It is infectious, once you start you can’t stop. Trust me.

feist – past in present (removed 2/13/09)

Honorable Mention: The Shins – Wincing the Nigh Away, Josh Ritter – The Historical Conquests, Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha, Arcade Fire – Neon Bible

well i hope you enjoyed my list. and just to help clarify this list was based on a combo of what i thought was the best musically and lyrically and then also what i simply enjoyed and listened to the most. but still feel free to let me know if there are any albums that you felt should have been on the list. i am sure there are still some great ones that i missed.

also the plan is for this to be the first of many. i am starting a project of creating a list like this for every year dating back to the year i was born (1985). should be fun. until next time…