Stepdad

Stepdad makes me feel as though I’m being tossed back in time; a time when video cameras weighed as much as miniature automobiles and headphones invaded bystander's personal space.

The music created by Stepdad is a fashionable version of the 80's. I’m not saying that Rubik’s cubes, the Ninja Turtles, legwarmers, and bump-it bangs are not trendy, but Stepdad captures the prime attributes of that generation- the synthesizers and tacky sweaters- and adds a touch of humor. They layer synthetic music, drums, antique keyboards, and their patent high-pitched dyadic choir to create something inventive for today's indie music scene yet strangely familiar to those who lived through the 80's.

On a side note, I deeply appreciate their love of cat's, their beautiful yet archaic way of creating music videos, and their face paint. It reminds me of all those amazingly trendy and creative hipsters that I was always jealous of. Maybe I still am jealous.

This group is dear to my heart because it represents my tender town of Grand Rapids. The two members, Ultramark and CobraZebra (whoever they may be) traveled from Chicago and landed further east in a small town. They then started growing brilliant music from the ground beneath my feet. And I am grateful for this.

Stepdad's first EP Ordinaire which was released this year has changed my life. They make me want to dance like it was 1980. Allow it to change yours. So you can dance like it were the 1980's too... for free. Download it here. Do it.

Favorite Songs:

Jungles

My Leather, My Fur, My Nails

Cutie Boots

We belong to place, to places

strong and brave, courageous

our tiger faces

Keep your eyes peeled for their first full-length album, “Wildlife Pop” which will be released hopefully by the end of the year!

Photo Courtesy of http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=491108186&albumID=0&imageID=12844333

Toro y Moi

I want to skip fireworks across a flat pond. I want to be a pyro starting things on fire just to cause a vibrant fog. I want to venture out into the endless autumn wilderness. I want to successfully rock-out colossal circular frames. But most importantly I want to be as cool as Chazwick Bundick, the lead singer for Toro y Moi, in his video “Talamak.”

This 23 years old pioneer in the chillwave movement is similar to the likes of some of my favorites; Phantogram, Washed Out, Neon Indian, and Small Black. Chaz’s newest album, "Causers of This" was released in January 2010 but has since then started up a side-project under the name of Les Sins

Toro y Moi- a puzzling name with enlightening music- is the concoction of playful yet whimsical background beats and distorted, dreamlike chants that have had a heartbeat injected into their veins.

Favorite Songs:
Talamak
Low Shoulders
Blessa



I feel another timer,
With my life, slow down.
Slow it down.
It's my body's plan


Check out Chaz’z photography blog here
Check out other chillwave artists here

photo courtesy of www.prettymuchamazing.com

Mumford & Sons

Fall is approaching. Summer is wrapping up and standing next in line is that prevailing autumn wind- resulting in a flood of kaleidoscopic leaves- leaving many yearning for warmth once again. Fortunatly, I am prepared with the perfect fall album specifically designed to help those cope with this michigan season transition.

Mumford and Sons, a group started in 2007, is causing a stir in the London music Scene and is now saturating North America. Their most recent album “Sigh No More,” was finally available in the US in February of 2010.

This is music for the passionate. It's a collaboration of beautiful lyrics, rich instrumentals, and a memorable vocals. The infusion of folk, country and bluegrass create a perfect recipe for powerful music. What I find most intriguing about this band (apart from the animated and purposeful use of instruments) is their ability to rotate who plays what. Each member is musically talented in several instruments that they can simply switch instruments in the middle of a concert; this group is a true collection of passionate musicians, which is hard to find these days. I couldn't imagine a better combination in music.

“Sigh No More” is currently on repeat on my beloved record player and I doubt I will ever get enough of it. These rich folkey tunes are a simply perfect pair with apple cider, cozy sweatshirts, and pumpkin carving. So cuddle up, drink up and turn this brilliant music up. :)

Favorite songs on the album:
Little Lion Man
White Blank Page
Winter Winds

Lead me to the truth and I

will follow you with my whole lie.

photo courtesy of www.thebluewalrus.com