When I first saw the album cover of "Stranger In The Alps", I was worried that it would be just another "acid rock, tech trip band" that "wants to be the next big thing." I won't name any names, just to be fair, but lets just say certain members of the chillwave genre that were hyped and gone in several months seem to come by. And, with the vast powers of the internet that may be, anybody can load up garage band with a microphone and claim themselves to be attention worthy. Thankfully, Soft Speaker actually proved to catch my interest. Turns out, the waves that are on the cover of this five song EP are not just chill, but spectacular.

Soft Speaker is a four piece, Chicago, Illinois based group that in themselves are hard to classify. With a cryptic self biography that suggests the ideas of musical reincarnation, old traditions, and assassination plots, this group is seemingly as creative in their work as their sordid tale of earthly existence. Its difficult to say what Soft Speaker is trying to project in their work, but their releases thus far prove to be as interesting as their tale. While only forming as recently as 2008, they have already developed a sound that is certainly catching the attention of many, including myself, in and out of the Chicago music scene.

"Stranger In The Alps" is not the first release for Soft Speaker, but is the most recent. The group has had one release before this, which was the "Conditions" EP released in the middle of last year. That work is great in itself, and has smatterings of comparisons from Pavement to Wilco. However, I would say "Conditions" has more of a straightforward rock release, while "Stranger In The Alps" seems to have more of tha experimental/folk type feel. Pick either one for your taste, but you certainly couldn't go wrong with either one. However, for my personal vote, "Stranger In The Alps" seems to be willing to push more of the limits and settle onto the flame at the end of your lighter. For their second release, they have already created a sound that could destined for a big arena. Fans of bands such as Interpol, Hawkwind or Band of Skulls, you have definitely found your next ipod upload.

There are a few favorite tracks of mine on this recent release. As I began to listen, the first track that stood out,and was the first of the EP, was "Tennyson Tea". Its difficult to say why it struck me so well, perhaps the tambourine that immediately brought some hip shaking to my mind, or the smooth vocals that have me sailing easily through the caverns of  Nick Rocchio and Paul Foreman's mind. Another favorite of mine was the last track of the EP,"Weathervane", which reminded me a lot in the beginning of "Cape Canaveral" by Conor Oberst (one of the best artists of all time in my opinion.) While the song ended up taking a more streamlined, rock approach, it definitely was not a disappointment. While these two songs were my favorites, the rest of the EP,  featuring the compelling percussion of Joe Daley and the haunting use of the Theremin by Blair Douglass, are all worth your time and attention.

So, where can you listen to Soft Speaker and jusdge for yourself? Normally I would direct to their website or myspace, but both seem to command you to check out Musical Family Tree. According to their own description:

"Musical Family Tree is an online music archive featuring mostly Indiana bands from the Punk scene through the present. Its also an online community and a store"

So, if you happen to be a fan of Soft Speaker, I would definitely encourage you to check out some of the other bands that are represented on their website. Here is the link specifically for Soft Speaker themselves:

http://www.musicalfamilytree.com/band/soft_speaker

Also, if you happen to be in the Chicago area this Friday, the group has a show coming up at one of my haunts, the Darkroom. It is their official EP release show, and will be accompanied by artists Yukon Blonde (Vancouver) and Moxie Motive (Chicago). Perhaps I will see you there, enjoying the crisp sound of Soft Speaker.

Have any comments for me or the review? Got an idea for who I should talk about next week? Leave them below! Otherwise, you can  find me on Twitter, where I occasionally make  music recommendations, share music news, and will let you know when I have  a new blog up instantly. My handle is @MarkWellMyWords. Also, I don't want to just be a random music critic, so want to get to know me more? You can ask me a question, or say anything, on my formspring page!

http://www.formspring.me/thesimpleson

When it comes to the idea of Love, people have many different ideas about what truly defines it. If you are in high school and dating a week, you can apparently love somebody. Or, some people believe that you must be dating for several months and await a blessed wave to wash over you that tells you that you are truly in love. Or maybe she just laughs at that one joke, or he picks up on that on detail, and you just know.  Some people think that there is one person in life you can ever love, the one true person who has been set out on a course of Fate, just for you. Our entire lives are dedicated, in one way or another, to persuing the reality of being in another persons loving gaze, forever.

Forget all of that.

In my mind, love doesn't have to involve just one person, but many. And no, I'm not talking about polygamy. I'm talking about the love that you can have for bands, artists, and music scenes. The individuals in the groups, who spend hours writing, recording, producing, and even many more touring the country and spreading their message, just for your entertainment. I don't know about you, but my last girlfriend wouldn't even buy me a sandwich. And yet, these total strangers are with us through our darkest and brightest moments, creating what is essentially the soundtrack to our lives. They give us advice on the concepts of the world, tell us how to deal with certain problems, and maybe even get us to at least tap our foot a bit. This is why I firmly hold on to the belief that music is true love, not some other person with their own complicated agenda. The enjoyment of music, the comradery of a music scene, the soft crooning of a weathered tale, this is what we should seek to always be in love with.

And just like my therapist says, all feelings need to be shared. Therefore, I decided that today would be a good day to show you some new recent loves of mine to help you get through this mushy weekend. If you do have a date this weekend, maybe you can show off some new music knowledge on Valentine's Day. Don't worry, you can thank me later.

1. The Dig

The Dig is an indie pop group from New York City that caught my attention when I saw them on a current bill with The Antlers and The Editors. They also have shows coming up in the future with Portugal the Man and Port O'Brien. Needless to say, with those kind of wolves running in your pack, it seems that success can only be the future. Their sound is progressive, the vocals of David Baldwin and Emile Mosseri are haunting, and are certainly going to be making their way to my ipod as soon as I can grab a CD. Check out their myspace below:

http://www.myspace.com/thedigisup

2. Florence and The Machine

While Florence and The Machine has been on my radar for some time, I wanted to be sure that I was able to share this beautiful, talented woman with you. Florence and The Machine is one of those rare breeds, where the sound has that heart stopping, jaw dropping kind of a sound. To me, I feel that if you mixed Imogen Heap, Feist, and maybe even a little bit of Madonna, you'd be able to get a feel for her sound. Still, Florence and The Machine is definitely a force of her own and with bands like The XX covering her work, she is definitely worth taking notice. Want to hear for yourself?

http://www.myspace.com/florenceandthemachine

3. The Bloodsugars

I first met the Bloodsugars a couple weeks ago, and was so happy to have done so. They came in for an interview at Fearless Radio, and performed some acoustic versions of their songs. This in an indie (what is that anyway?) group that upon their in studio performance, I couldn't hide the sheepish grin on my face. It was like the first time I heard Pearl and The Beard or Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps. They just have this raw, soulful energy that makes the writer in me at a loss for words. These are four men who are looking to not only explore their own purpose, but invite you to do so along with them. I would definitely take that chance:

http://www.myspace.com/thebloodsugars

Hopefully you will fall in love with these groups as easily as I have. They are life partners that don't ask for much, except your support. Keep the crappy card and stale chocolates for someone else.

Have any comments for me or the review? Got an idea for who I should talk about next week? Leave them below! Otherwise, you can  find me on Twitter, where I occasionally make  music recommendations, share music news, and will let you know when I have  a new blog up instantly. My handle is @MarkWellMyWords. Also, I don't want to just be a random music critic, so want to get to know me more? You can ask me a question, or say anything, on my formspring page!

http://www.formspring.me/thesimpleson

I promise you that it's an accident that I keep choosing artists that remind me of summer. Honestly. Even though as I sit here writing this, I see flakes of snow flying out the window and winds that could make the teeth crack in your skull. While Beach House doesn't do anything to change the weather, the group certainly finds a way to make it bearable. Entering their sixth year as musicians and with a recent album drop "Teen Dream" on Sub Pop Records, they are finally getting the attention of music critics alike (myself included)

However, despite the recent build up of their newest album, Beach House has a very extensive body of work for their six years that they have been around as a group. While Alex Scally (guitar/keyboards) and Victoria Legrand (vocals/organ) have been a group since 2004, their first EP, "Beach House" (Car Park Records) didn't drop until 2006. This EP contained their first single "Apple Orchard", and through soaring reviews, was placed on Pitchfork's Best Albums of 2006 list. Their second album, "Devotion" (Car Park Records), gave the group even more attention and won fans such as Grizzly Bear and MGMT. Infact, Grizzly Bear was such a huge fan of the group that they had Legrand do back up vocals on their very notable single, "Two Weeks" in 2009. It is also good to note that, if you are a Twilight fan, Legrand also worked with Grizzly Bear to do vocals on the track "Slow Life" for the film Twilight: New Moon. Needless to say, the duo has amassed great musical connections and a body of work that brought us begging for another release.

Thankfully, "Teen Dream" came out yesterday (January 26th, 2010) on Sub Pop Records. This release contained their 2008 single "Used to Be" (#27 on the UK Indie Charts) as well as their newest single "Norway." "Norway" was made available as a free download on the band's website on November 17, 2009 and promoted on iTunes as the Free Single of the Week starting January 12, 2010. As with most of Beach House's music, it reminds me of a pop album that was covered in a fog of molasses and mystery. Their music is something that is hard to comprehend right off the bat. But, remember those images in the cartoon section that if you relaxed just right, the scooner would pop up amidst the fuzziness and seemingly miscellaneous bits? That is exactly what you have to do in order to enjoy their music; don't try to understand, just relax and let it all come to you. Eventually you realize the joy in the journey of the seemingly free fall of a musical compilation

While this vivid imagination for orchestral creation has been in demand for Beach House music, Teen Dream is certainly no disappointment or completely off the wall. On this album, the guitars match the emotion that flow through the vocals that have kept us tangled in Legrand's vocal chords. And as Scally continues to mold the ivory to his will, we bend in shape with each note that his playing emits. And with influences like Neil Young, Brian Wilson, and The Zombies, all awhile evoking comparisons from The Pixies to The Beatles on certain tracks, this is a group that should not escape leaving their mark on your yet to be dazzled eardrums. While their previous releases have been solid, "Teen Dream" is the album that finally brings the group past echoing melodies and making the group even more buzzworthy in the blogsphere than ever before.

Needless to say, and while there is little yet to compare, "Teen Dream" is first in my favorite releases for 2010. However I know that this album will definitely stay in the number one slot for a good amount of time. Even if you are not a fan of the chillwave/ dream pop/ amazing genre, this album is at least a great album to sip the morning coffee to, greet the sun, and put a smile on your face before you trudge through your day. And, as our winters are getting colder, our lives a little busier, and our pockets a lot shallower, who wouldn't mind an easy going trip to the Beach House? If anything, Beach House performed with Grizzly Bear a few months back on Conan O'Briens now defunct late night show. And we all know, Team Coco is where it's at. If you wish to hear some of their music, order the album, or see when they are coming near you (as they are on tour), here is a link to their myspace below:

http://www.myspace.com/beachhousemusic

Have any comments for me or the review? Got an idea for who I should talk about next week? Leave them below! Otherwise, you can  find me on Twitter, where I occasionally make  music recommendations, share music news, and will let you know when I have  a new blog up instantly. My handle is @MarkWellMyWords. Also, I don't want to just be a random music critic, so want to get to know me more? You can ask me a question, or say anything, on my formspring page!

http://www.formspring.me/thesimpleson

The celebration of the new year has come and gone, leaving us wonder what is next in this decade of mystery. 2010 was supposed to be the year where we all had our jetpacks, robotic dogs, and food that all came in pill form. Instead we are plowing along as usual, waiting to see what this year really has in store for us. If anything, I am more anticipatory of what the summer will bring. While I hope to have a natural, orange, chicken wing glow abound on my skin, I'm also excited to see what musicians will be the ones that ring melodies to my memories. Fortunately, I believe one band I have come across recently, known as The Orange Peels, will add their summer time sounds from "2020", their newest record released on November 10th, 2009

The Orange Peels, from Sunnyvale, California, have a sound remiscent of the beach pop scene that was so prevalent in the late 1960s. If I was to place any band on a mixtape with them, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and The Polyphonic Spree immediately come to mind. However, don't misplace their easygoing sound with something that might otherwise be deemed gimmicky or stale. The Orange Peels have had a great amount of success in the years that they have been together, with their single "Hello Goodbye" from Circling The Sun (2005) being recently featured on an iPhone commercial. Other songs from album,  including the title track, made commerical debut and landed the band on the indie radar. While corporate sponsorship has traditionally been looked down upon by the indie music scene, you can't help but smile and sing along with their music.
Off of their more recent album, 2020 (2009), The Orange Peels have a song called "Birds of a Feather" which has also been raved about by music critics alike. The song was initially written for an animated film, although not chosen for it, but still made quite a fluster after being written, recorded, and produced in under 48 hours. This work ethic proves the great lengths that The Orange Peels are willing to go in order to have a successful career. Here is a small exerpt from the band that describes not only the band themselves, but the sound that has currently captivated my ears:

"After laying in the tracks from Portland, I started working out the harmony parts, adding four tracks of call-and-response backing vocals to the choruses, and two tracks of Queenish, ELO-inspired harmonies to the second part of verse 2. A touch of Mellotron strings here, some handclaps there, and some swoony oooohs and aaaas and lalas later, the song was DONE. We were calling it “Let's Stick Together,” but at sometime during my restless sleep, it occurred to me “Birds of a Feather” was way cooler sounding and actually did a better job of conveying the message of the song."

Handclaps? Call-and-response? Before hearing the song and reading this description on their myspace blog, I was immediately sold. What surprised me the most was that The Orange Peels aren't just a random start up, but actually have a catalog of music dating back to 1994! After going back and listening to the various records, I haven't had anything that left a bad taste in my mouth, even when it was just Allen Clap (vocalist) while under the title "Allen Clap and His Orchestra". Despite label changes, producer swaps, and lineup twists, The Orange Peels have remained true to their indie pop sound and have provided the California indie music scene with nothing but smiles, feverish toe tapping, and warmth radiating from the complex notes that they dare to deliver night after night. This is a group that will remind you of why there is reason to smile on the first spring days, the beauty in a strangers smile, and where the music scene really should be in a time where it seems to be mucked up by such atrocities as autotune and shallow lyrics.

So, is it safe to say that I like The Orange Peels? Well, is Zooey Daschenel the best looking thing on the planet? (the answer is yes, incase you do happen to lack any bit of eyesight.) "2020" is all around a beautiful combination of melodic pop, hopeful vibes, and wonderful stage presence. All I know is that as far as creating a summer playlist while I lay lazily in the sun, this group will be quite near the top of my list. While they currently do not have any tour dates posted, hopefully they will be kind enough to grace us in the near future. Want to hear some of the tunes for yourself? Feel free to check out the link to their myspace. The Orange Peels, a sweet musical fruit that survives the growing frost of winter temperatures and blues.

http://www.myspace.com/opeels

Have any comments for me or the review? Leave them below! Otherwise, you can find me on Twitter, where I occasionally make music recommendations, share music news, and will let you know when I have a new blog up instantly. My handle is @MarkWellMyWords. Also, I don't want to just be a random music critic, so want to get to know me more? You can ask me a question, anything, on my formspring page!

www.formspring.me/thesimpleson