dirty projectors

   Dirty Projectors played at Made in America Festival fairly recently. This is a name I have been hearing for years but never took the time to listen to. My friend that saw them at M I A Fest said they were the best act there and gave me their last album Swing Lo Magellan so I could give then a listen. The first time through I wasn't sure what to think because they have progressions and changes that one might normally hear in Classical music, not some modern indie band. I can't stop listening now. This record is amazing (I still haven't even listened to their others , all with rad titles I might add). Singer and main composer, David Longstreth has an amazing grasp on music theory and shows this in his intricate and progressive song structure. The lovely ladies in the band also provide layers of dreamy harmonies for Longstreth to croon over. These babes are taking the fluff out of pop, and looking very unassuming while they do it.

This is my favorite track from Swing Lo Magellan, released last July.

real estate / big troubles

Shins, eat your whimsical little hearts out. Real Estate wants to put you in a new home today and sing you softly to sleep in your warm bed. These Jersey boys will be playing tonight in Philly at Johnny Brenda's with a little help from Big Troubles. I just recently started listening to this band and I am smitten. Light-hearted , catchy guitar jams with clean lead lines that will take you by the hand and bring you on a walk through the park. They released their self-titled album in 2009 on Woodist and released their follow up entitled Days (Domino) on October 18th of this year. Nothing too flashy, just lo-fi pop sing-alongs about dogs, small town life, and introspection. This is the musical equivalent of a picnic on the beach spent reminiscing about the past year. The song "It's Real" immediately pulls you on board with a great three measure phrase that keeps the song gliding gently along. It's hard not to enjoy this video, especially if you love dogs (I do).