iPod Observer

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Wed, 02 Nov 2005 12:30:03 -0500

When I first got hooked to Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, the only place I could get their debut album, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, was through the band's Web site. I listened to the two tracks available, "Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood" and "Over and Over Again (Lost & Found)," over and over again waiting for the mail. Now the peppy indie-pop goodness is available on iTunes.

Lead singer Alec Ounsworth has been compared to David Byrne of Talking Heads and Jeff Mangum from Neutral Milk Hotel. To me he conjures the image of a ringleader conducting a crowd or circus. Singing, proclaiming, or slipping the lyrics into the melody it's hard to say. Whatever it is...it's mesmerizing.

If you're trying to decide whether to buy the album, I wouldn't start with the first track. The calliope, tambourine, and clapping take the listener one route whereas the majority of songs are in a very different dimension. Not that I would ever pass it up. As the title track, it fits in perfectly with the album's playful spirit.

Recommended Listening: Download the MP3s available from the band's Web site, "Is This Home On Ice," "Is This Love?"

Plans

Sat, 29 Oct 2005 13:58:34 -0400

With the introduction of Plans, Death Cab for Cutie became a new addition to many user's Artist list after the single "Soul Meets Body" became a hit on iTunes. Offering a fresh alternative to other indie-pop bands such as Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie delves into songs of love, relationships, and the effects of life. Ben Gibbard (who also does vocals for The Postal Service) sings with a warm and clean voice akin to many folk artists. Underneath, but never secondary, is the guitar riffs of Christopher Walla mixed in with an electronic atmosphere to create a wonderful rock-electronic mix.

Recommended Tracks: "Different Names for the Same Thing", "I Will Follow You Into the Dark", "Soul Meets Body", "Your Heart is an Empty Room"

The Dresden Dolls

Fri, 14 Oct 2005 13:17:38 -0400

The energetic duet of Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione that make up the Dresden Dolls have created a wonderfully haunting sound in their self-titled album. They have been able to construct an immensely full sound from a simple trio of piano, drums, and vocals. Palmer subtly interchanges between creating swells of melody to almost shouting and wailing her lyrics. The effect is stunningly beautiful. A note of caution: Their songs will stick with you throughout the day, so be prepared to be humming or singing well after the CD has stopped (not that this is a bad thing at all).

Their performances are often described as punk-cabaret. On stage, the music takes on a dramatic-performance style in a costume that is part goth, part mime. If you have the opportunity, a live show is something not to pass up. To check out their look, visit The Dresden Dolls website.

Favorite Songs: "Coin-Operated Boy","Girl Anachronism","Missed Day"

The Last 5 Years (2002 Off-Broadway Cast)

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 15:23:47 -0400

The soundtrack to this moving off-broadway musical is heart moving. The lyrics follow a couple in a relationship for five years, one point of view going forward in time, and the other tracing time from the end. While the story is great, for me it's the beautifully crafted harmonies which makes this album so high rated. The music takes you through a whirlwind of emotions and captures the essence of the relationship.