Flock of Dimes - Everything Is Happening Today

So I watch the sun go up
And I watch the sun go down
And the horizon hovering
Like a missing piece
That can never be found
And as the seasons lie in wait
Like a secret you already know
Winter is behind us now
It is ahead of us, also

Flock of Dimes is the side project of Wye Oak's Jenn Wasner and it's producing some really delightful music. I first heard Flock of Dimes on the Crowded House cover collab of "Don't Dream It's Over" with Sylvan Esso, which is an interesting and groovy take on a classic hit. Flock of Dimes' album, If You See Me, Say Yes, out back in September, is whimsical, well constructed, moody and dreamy. It's also infused with the spine-tingling vocals and production that made Wye Oak's Civilian so compelling. 

RIYL: Wye Oak, Lucius, Eisley, First Aid Kit

Upcoming Shows

OK Go - Upside Down & Inside Out

Upside down and inside out
And you can feel it
Upside down and inside out
And you can feel it, feel it
Don't know where your eyes are
But they're not doin' what you said
Don't know where your mind is baby
But you're better off without it

Inside down and upside out
And you can feel it
Don't stop
Can't stop
It's like an airplane goin' down
I wish I had said the things you thought that I had said
Gravity's just a habit that you're really sure you can't break
So when you met the new you
Were you scared?
Were you cold?
Were you kind?
Yeah when you met the new you
Did someone die inside?

OK Go is a quirky, artsy, nerdy, smart, indie (despite two albums earlier on with a major label, and MANY sponsored videos) rock band. I like their lyrics and sound, but it is their amazing one-take videos that remind me to listen. Thursday they released their latest, for "The One Moment": a fun, colorful, mathematically designed feat of slowing down 4.2 perfectly choreographed seconds to fit a four minute song. We spent a good chunk of time, while our Thanksgiving pie was digesting, watching their YouTube channel and marveling. One I hadn't seen before that especially delighted me was the video for "The Writing's On the Wall". Today's Most Important Song had it's video released last February - filmed in zero gravity. They also seem to be a kind-hearted bunch, frequently diverting proceeds from a single, a performance, or a video to causes such as the homeless, Hurricane Katrina, animal shelters, and political issues (like net neutrality). I'm now, finally, convinced that I should try to see them live sometime. Hopefully they'll have a new album to tour (and create videos) for next year. 

RIYL: They Might Be Giants, Vampire Weekend, We Are Scientists, Spoon, Hot Hot Heat

Upcoming Shows

Colony House - You & I

Lately, what's the problem?
What's the headline, this time?
Somehow, we're okay with
All these differences leaving us blind, blind, blind

I'm not scared of fighting
I'm just a little bit over this conversation
I'm not trying to hide it
I'm just thinking slowly
Maybe you and I could live together if we ever learn to ease the tension
Maybe the world isn't crazy
Maybe it's you and I, I, I

I like this song. And I also think the lyrics are apropos for this year's Thanksgiving. Here's hoping very few of us have to deal with unpleasant, tension-filled conversations about the headlines. But if you do, maybe try busting into song to change the subject? A friend of mine has an actual plan in place with her teens to use the viral "U Name It" song. Or there's last year's suggestion from SNL...

RIYL: Grizfolk, COIN, Night Riots, The Mowglis, Cold War Kids

Upcoming Shows

Future Islands - Balance

And the sun will leave a wound
And leave you to the night
And that's alright
Because before the moonbeam comes
There's a certain calm
And then there's light

I woke up this morning with "Back in The Tall Grass" by Future Islands stuck in my head. This is a fairly common occurrence. In talking with Kerri about it (ok, singing it to her) I learned that she wasn't familiar with it, or Future Islands. Which, when I think about it, is fairly unacceptable. So, here we go with today's Most Important, going back all the way to 2011 and "Balance" a bright and groovy example of what makes Future Islands great. I'm not sure where they're at, but hoping for some new music from them soon.

BONUS! Here is a great KEXP live rendition of "Back in The Tall Grass", good luck keeping it out of your head. :)

RYIL: Twin Shadow, The War on Drugs, Passion Pit, Neon Indian, Tame Impala, Warpaint

Upcoming Shows

Woodlock - Something Broke That Day

There's something 'bout the way he looks at you
If looks could kill
Never you mind, I say

Woodlock, who we featured a few months ago with their folksy rock ear-worm "Sirens", is back with another fine new cut. This one is a bit more nuanced and electronic than the straight-ahead catchiness of "Sirens" but captures that sound that makes the Melbourne band such a pleasant listen. I'm looking forward to more from them, and have a suspicion that there'll be an album out soonish.

RIYL: Wintersleep, Of Monsters and Men, Mumford and Sons

Upcoming Shows