Author: Jessica Romera

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Music

Local Natives appreciate both work and play

Photo by Bryan Sheffield
Photo by Bryan Sheffield

What started out as a snapshot of the members of Local Natives climbing onto the roof of their practice space turned into the band’s cover art for their latest album Hummingbird.

“It almost happened accidentally,” said Ryan Hahn, the band’s guitarist and keyboardist. “We were just climbing on the roof of the rehearsal space and someone took a picture.”

The band mixed the photograph with the desktop background on one of their computers and haphazardly concocted the album cover for Hummingbird. “We just thought it was a really striking image,” said Hahn. “Matt [Frazier] and I do most of the graphic design and the rest of the band just kind of argue about it until they’re happy with it. It’s a healthy dysfunction.”

The band formed in 2005 in Orange County, Calif., their hometown. “We’ve always been obsessed with music from an early age,” said Hahn. “There was a healthy music scene growing up in California and we were into mostly punk stuff; loud, aggressive, fast music.”

Regardless of their earlier musical influences, Local Natives’ sound is not something that is easily classifiable under one specific genre and Hummingbird proves just that.

Although their debut album Gorilla Manor was praised for its youthful energetic sound, Local Natives have ventured off into new creative territory: the album has been reviewed as being much darker than their first. “The album goes deeper beneath the surface; in a lot of ways it’s more honest, more direct,” said Hahn.

“The image of a hummingbird kind of encapsulates the whole album,” he said. “It’s a little frail creature with hollow bones that also beats its wings a million times a second and is always on the move. We agreed that it really fit the rest of the album.”

The title of the album comes from a lyric in “Colombia”, arguably the most emotionally-charged track on the record, where vocalist and guitarist Kelcey Ayer pays tribute to his late mother.

“There’s a very personal meaning in it,” said Hahn. “It’s a really important emotional song for us, especially for Kelcey. The album is a lot more expanded, with more intimate moments.”

But despite the general tone on the album, the guys from Local Natives are anything but dark and serious. On the rare occasions where the band gets time off from rehearsing or touring, they jump on the opportunity to unwind.

“Whenever I can, I like to go to the beach and surf and hang out with friends,” said Hahn, adding that it was really important to them to stay active. They have also recently discovered the joys of ping pong.

“We’re actually trying to get a league going with other bands, since a lot of bands on tour actually already have ping pong,” laughed Hahn. “We toured with Arcade Fire and they have a team and they’re really really really good!”

Since the tour, Local Natives have been receiving the acknowledgment that the California band so rightly deserves. “We played the Latitude Festival in 2009 and it was our first festival, the first time we ever played in the UK and the first time we played overseas at all,” said Hahn. “We didn’t really expect anyone to be there for us, but we showed up and the tent was just full to the brim and people were just singing along. It was just one of those memorable moments that I think we’ll never really forget.”

This summer, Local Natives will play the Latitude Festival once again along with the Coachella Festival in California, the Governor’s Ball in New York and Bonnaroo in Tennessee; some of the most internationally renowned festivals.

Having recorded part of Hummingbird in Montreal, the guys are eager to play next here next week. “We had an amazing time and it was surprisingly not unbearably cold,” joked Hahn. “We just had so much fun.”

 

Local Natives play Le National with Superhumanoids on Friday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. The show is sold out.

 

 

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Music

Top 10 [Non-Musical] Movie Soundtracks

10. Trainspotting (1996)

With a film as raw and twisted as Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, it’s necessary to have a matching soundtrack. Boyle combines classic rock tracks from David Bowie and Lou Reed with funky electronic music to create a chaotic score that highlights the harsh reality of drug addiction in Scotland during the ‘80s.

 

9. Wayne’s World (1992)

It’s almost impossible to dissociate this Mike Myers comedy with its soundtrack; the film is fueled with monster hits like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady”. From the classics to the characters’ own musical creations, we can’t help but sing along every time we watch.

 

8. RockNRolla (2008)

Guy Ritchie’s gangster pic has got one slick, edgy score: with fast-paced head-bangers like The Subways’ “Rock and Roll Queen” and mellow mood-setters like Lou Reed’s “The Gun”, Ritchie handcrafted a perfect soundtrack for his Cockney crime film.

 

7. 500 Days of Summer (2009)

This summer hit was packed with awesome jams; the film features tracks from the likes of Feist, Regina Spektor, the Temper Trap and The Smiths and not a single song seems out of place in any scene. This smorgasbord of great artists makes for one killer soundtrack.

 

6. PS I Love You (2007)

This film adaptation of Cecilia Ahern’s novel by the same title makes us laugh and sob uncontrollably not only because of the heartbreaking story, but because of the beautiful soundtrack. It combines tearjerkers from James Blunt with folksy Irish tracks to create a completely heart-wrenching yet uplifting soundtrack.

 

5. A Night at the Roxbury (1998)

It’s hard to tell what the best part of this movie is: the genius comedic combination of Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan, or the perfect retro dance soundtrack. Every single song makes us wish we were at the Roxbury circa 1998 in some tacky monochromatic outfit with sky high, matching platform shoes.

 

4. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Quentin Tarantino is known for having amazing music in his films, but Pulp Fiction definitely takes the cake for soundtracks. Every song blends perfectly with each scene, making it as essential to the film as any dialogue between characters. Try picturing the dance scene with any song other than Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell”, I dare you.

 

3. Inception (2010)

In true Hans Zimmer fashion, the German composer delivers a soundtrack of epic proportions. Each track is designed to send shivers down our spines and succeeds in doing so, propelling us into an eerie dreamlike state of our own.

 

2. Blow (2001)

This amalgamation of musical genres makes Blow’s soundtrack incredibly entertaining. Disco, rock and mariachi — this soundtrack leaves literally no genre untouched. The film spans several decades, each of which is represented musically, resulting in an extremely well-crafted soundtrack.

 

1. Snatch (2000)

The genius story and cinematography of Guy Ritchie’s Snatch is rivaled only by its epic soundtrack. Each song enhances its respective scene, even stealing the limelight on some occasions. With tracks covering every musical genre, the soundtrack for Snatch is quirky, captivating and just plain awesome.

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Music

Spring break recovery mixtape

As students, we are naturally inclined to want to relax or blow off a little steam after weeks of hellish midterms. Some of us like to party, while others prefer to stay in watching entire seasons of their favourite television shows with hot mugs of tea. Although we wish we could do anything but look at a textbook, we are faced with the ominous reality that we have mountains of readings to get through before the week’s end.

Couldn’t decide whether to dance the night away or bury your face in books? To acknowledge the Party Patty you’ve recently been, Side A is filled with happy fun-time tracks that are sure to make you forget about school for the week. Now that you’re back to being a Studious Sam, flip over to Side B for a calming selection of tracks that will help you get back on that study grind. Enjoy!

 

SIDE A: Party hardy on Spring Break

  1. Beastie Boys – “Fight For Your Right” – Licensed to Ill 
  2. The Kooks – “Always Where I Need to Be” – Konk
  3. Chromeo – “Bonafied Lovin’” – Fancy Footwork
  4. Franz Ferdinand – “Do You Want To” – You Could Have It So Much Better
  5. The Strokes – “You Only Live Once” – First Impressions of Earth
  6. The Vaccines – “Norgaard”- What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?
  7. Missy Elliot – “Pass That Dutch”- This Is Not A Test!
  8. Arctic Monkeys – “Dancing Shoes”- Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
  9. Julian Casablancas, Santogold, Pharrell Williams – “My Drive Thru” – Welcome To Converse
  10. The Rolling Stones – “Get Off Of My Cloud” – December’s Children (And Everybody’s) 

 

SIDE B: The study grind

  1. The Beatles – “Mother Nature’s Son” – The White Album 
  2. Trevor Hall – “Well I Say…” – This Is Blue
  3. Pink Floyd – “Us and Them” – The Dark Side of the Moon
  4. Benjamin Francis Leftwich – “Atlas Hands” – Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm
  5. Fleetwood Mac – “Never Going Back Again” – Rumours
  6. Jack Johnson – “Belle” – In Between Dreams
  7. Modest Mouse – “Perfect Disguise” – The Moon & Antarctica
  8. Andre 3000 – “Vibrate” – The Love Below
  9. Timber Timbre – “We’ll Find Out” – Timber Timbre
  10. The Fray – “Ungodly Hour” – The Fray   
Categories
Music

Top 10 Red Hot Chili Peppers Music Videos

10. “Fight like a Brave”

This video is arguably the band’s cheesiest. It includes everything from the band driving around Los Angeles in a convertible, to them playing in a dark room with both the walls and their bodies covered in glow-in-the-dark paint. What’s not to love?

9. “The Zephyr Song”

This video is just as trippy as the song; it features the band playing in front of a green screen with dozens of random images being projected onto it. The whole video kind of feels like a colourful Rorschach test, but is perfectly in tune with the psychedelic nature of the song.

8. “Californication”

Here we have the band featured as shirtless characters in a video game, complete with awful ‘90s graphics and a sweet soundtrack. This music video made fans around the world wait in vain for the release of the Californication video game.

7. “Look Around”

This recent video showcases each of the band members’ individual personalities. Filmed in one continuous shot, the guys are each in a separate room doing whatever the hell they feel like doing; bassist Flea dances around with his girlfriend while Anthony Kiedis plays with his son and his dog. All-around good times.

6. “Scar Tissue”

In this video, the band is driving down a desert highway, completely covered in blood and bruises: Kiedis’ ear looks he got into it with Mike Tyson while Chad Smith’s head is completely bandaged up. Bruised and beaten, the band nonchalantly keeps on driving down the

highway.

5. “Dani California”

Here we have the band performing on stage while dressed as musicians from different periods in rock’n’roll history: from The Beatles to Nirvana, the guys pull off every wig and tacky outfit that’s thrown at them.

4. “Desecration Smile”

In one of the rare videos where Kiedis keeps his shirt on, the band plays on a mountain top. They genuinely look like four longtime friends who have been through hell together. Things get emotional for Flea and he even sheds a tear, even making RHCP haters go “Awe!”

3. “By The Way”

Here, Kiedis gets into a cab with a driver who turns out to be a crazed super fan. He kidnaps Kiedis and endlessly drives him around LA. Finally, John Frusciante and Flea come to his rescue and all is well for the guys, except for Smith, who unknowingly gets into the cab next with the psycho driver.

2. “Can’t Stop”

Absolutely nothing here makes any sense at all; Kiedis is dressed as a metallic tent and Flea is wearing a purple hippo’s head. None of this really matters, though, because we just can’t help but love every single second of it.

1. “Give it Away”

In true RHCP fashion, this video also makes little sense. The guys are half naked, completely covered in metallic paint and are dancing around in the desert as if they’ve all just taken way too many pills. “Give it Away” is at number one because of how amazingly weird and fun the entire video is.

Categories
Music

Quickspins: Brian Eno, Charli XCX, One Direction, Aerosmith

Brian Eno – Lux (2012; Warp)

The Latin word for “Light,” Lux is a return to Brian Eno’s ambient roots and a continuation of his ‘Music For Thinking’ project. This 75-minute, 12-part, four-movement ambient composition was commissioned as a sound art installation for the Great Gallery of the Palace of Venaria in Turin, Italy.

Much like the experience of entering a gallery and immersing yourself in art, Lux transports the listener to a contemplative mindspace that continuously shifts and morphs in on itself, changing yet remaining constant. Relaxing, all while being compelling, Lux creates a soundscape of delicate synthesizers, strings and light piano notes that does not demand your attention, but lures you into a half-lucid state like the whisper of a dream.

Eno is also releasing an app to accompany his new album. “Bloom” is an interactive composition program that allows the user to create a Eno-esque sound art installation of his or her own.

Trial track: “LUX 1/2/3/4”

Rating: 8/10

– Paul Traunero

 

Charli XCX – Super Ultra – Free Mixtape (2012)

The 20-year-old British singer-songwriter Charli XCX is back with a crazier-than-usual mixtape, Super Ultra. The mix, which includes both original music and covers, is a strange blend of pop, rap, hip hop, indie and a touch of techno, all somehow coming together into what the singer calls “Angel Pop.” The intros are inventive, one of which even includes a dialog from Cruel Intentions.

With their perverted lyrics and strange beats, her tracks are incredibly catchy. Lyrics go from angst to rebellious teenager. In “2 Moments in Love” she is a rebel, saying “I just want to get high with my best friend/kiss her on the tongue just like I’m your boyfriend.” But other tracks, like “Forgiveness,” have a little more depth.

Although it is clear that Charli XCX is still trying to find her voice, she seems to be on to something. It’s a sugarcoated mess, but still worth a listen.

Trial track: “Cloud Aura” ft. Brooke Candy

Rating: 6.3/10

– Nathalie Laflamme

 

One Direction – Take Me Home (2012; Syco Records)

Despite being trite and formulaic, One Direction’s second album Take Me Home is painfully addictive. The tried and tested formula of cheeky guitar riffs, crowd-pleasing choruses and five-part harmonies creates an album that is essentially identical to their first one, except for deeper voices and riskier lyrics.

The album’s strengths lie in irresistibly cheesy pop tracks like “Kiss You” and “Heart Attack,” which are the musical equivalent of over-indulging in sugary junk food. Meanwhile, most of the ballads feel out of place, including British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran originals “Over Again” and “Little Things.” Although they are the best-written songs on the whole album, they are awkwardly dissonant with the rest of the tracks.

There are no surprises on this boy band’s latest effort. It is neither musically nor lyrically creative, but it is undeniably enjoyable if you don’t let your pretensions get in the way.

Trial track: “I Would”

Rating: 6/10

– Suzanne Lafontaine

 

Aerosmith – Music from Another Dimension! (2012; Columbia)

After an eight year hiatus, Aerosmith is back with their 15th studio album, Music From Another Dimension! In a year filled with comebacks from the likes of Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith has managed to maintain its signature sound thanks to Steven Tyler’s energetic and unmistakable vocals, paired perfectly with Joe Perry’s stellar guitar riffs.

The first track, entitled “LUV XXX,” leads us to believe that the band is opting for a younger, more modern sound. Despite the tacky title, Aerosmith still possesses the same great energy and musicality that made them famous back in the ‘70s. Tracks like “Legendary Child” could easily be off of their classic album Toys in the Attic alongside the anthems “Walk This Way” and “Sweet Emotion.” From the opening track to the closing track, Music From Another Dimension! will not disappoint diehard fans or even new listeners.

Trial track: “Legendary Child”

Rating: 8/10

-Jessica Romera

Categories
Music

Quickspins: Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Calvin Harris, Macy Gray, Luke Lalonde

Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Psychedelic Pill (2012; Reprise)

After almost half a century of making music, Neil Young is back with Crazy Horse for his 35th studio album, Psychedelic Pill. The album delivers over an hour of brand new material with the same soul of earlier, classic Young albums like Everybody Knows This is Nowhere. Throughout the album, Young pays homage to the decade where it all began for him: the ‘60s. In “Twisted Road”, Young reminisces about the ‘old-time music’ and the first time he listened to Bob Dylan’s monster hit “Like a Rolling Stone”.

The entire album has a nostalgic feel that will take those who lived through the decade back to a time where peace, love and rock ’n’ roll reigned supreme. For those of us born not so long ago, Psychedelic Pill allows us to back-track to a different time. Regardless of age, Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s new album allows us all to feel like a part of the psychedelic sixties.

Trial track: “Twisted Road”

Rating: 8.5/10

– Jessica Romera

 

Calvin Harris – 18 Months (2012; Columbia)

Over the past year, few DJs have experienced as much commercial success as Calvin Harris. The Scottish-born pop-star-turned-DJ burst onto the North American scene with club anthem “Feel So Close” and monster hit “We Found Love”. His third album, entitled 18 Months, is a collaboration of all his recent singles and features international stars Rihanna and Tinie Tempah.

Harris’ style of combining catchy hooks with talented vocals is one that Brits have known about for years and is now attracting a North American audience. The only problem with 18 Months is that it is a collection of songs that electro-pop listeners have heard repeatedly over the past year or so.

For the most part, 18 Months is more pop than it is electro, with few exceptions. Songs such as “Mansion”, “Iron”, and “Awooga” don’t rely as heavily on vocals and show Harris’ potential as a rising EDM producer.

Trial track: “Bounce” (feat. Kelis)

Rating: 7.5/10

– Alexandre Beaubien

 

Macy Gray – Talking Book (2012; 429 Records)

Teamed with Hal Willner, who also produced Gray’s last album, the R&B songstress returns to reinterpret Stevie Wonder’s multiple Grammy Award-winning album, Talking Book. Originally released in 1972 by Motown Records, Talking Book is celebrating its 40th anniversary on the day of Gray’s release.

While showcasing her distinct vocal style, the “I Try” singer sincerely reworked every track from the acclaimed album as a ‘love letter’ to Stevie Wonder. From “Superstition” as a slowed-down ballad, to “I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” as a gospel masterpiece, Gray takes liberties with several songs from Talking Book, changing styles, tempos and instrumentation, but her devotion is clear.

If imitation is the highest form of flattery, reinterpretation is the expression of love.

Trial track: “Blame It On the Sun”

Rating: 6/10

– Paul Traunero

 

Luke Lalonde – Rhythmnals (2012; Paper Bag)

Frontman of Born Ruffians Luke Lalonde proves he’s quite capable of working solo in his aptly named debut album, Rythmnals. Rythmnals is a whimsical collection of spacey and nostalgia-inducing tracks, bound to make just about anyone sway quietly and peacefully.

The songs themselves are early Born Ruffian pieces that never quite made the cut. Fans of the band will enjoy listening to these tunes, revamped by Lalonde to reflect his own personal style. Considerably softer than the average Ruffians tracks (like the 2008 hit “Hummingbird”), Rythmnals boasts cleverly placed piano and violin punches tied together with electronic beats. The two flow together with a surprising smoothness, notably in the impressively catchy “Red Wagon”.

Taken individually, the songs are new and creative, but taken collectively they lack one crucial characteristic: diversity. The ingenuity of the style is drowned by a limited tempo and repetitive sound throughout the whole ensemble. While this new side of Lalonde is pleasant to the ear, a change of pace once in awhile would have been welcomed.

Rating: 7/10

Trial track: “Grand (Rythmnals)”

– Victoria Kendrick

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