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The Kills - “What New York Used to Be”
The Kills’ latest album Midnight Boom sounds like the late-night primal chantings of disaffected and world-weary lovers holed up in a seedy basement somewhere. For a minimalist band, guitarist Jamie “Hotel” Hince and vocalist Alison “VV” Mosshart provide a rather full and specific sound that speaks not only to jaded, well-dressed urbanites but to anyone that considers themselves a lover of rock-n-roll at its purest, its dirtiest. The band’s Big Apple eulogy, “What New York Used to Be” is a dark thrill-ride through the city’s romanticized and sordid past. The Kills conjure up some of the magic of “what used to be” while retaining their sharp, modern aesthetic.
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Holy Fuck - Latin (Daytrotter Session)
We love Holy Fuck, so imagine how excited we were to find a Holy Fuck Daytrotter Session this morning.
This track is the second song from their session, previously unreleased, called Latin. This is what Holy Fuck had to say about it:
A relatively new song. It hasn’t been released on anything yet and we’re not sure what will become of that song yet. We’ve been trying out different things on this one during this tour, and it’s starting to take shape!
There’s also a live version of it (you know, liver than a Daytrotter Session) here, recorded at this year’s SXSW.
The full Daytrotter Session can be found and downloaded on Daytrotter.com.
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Two Gallants - The Hand That Held Me Down
One of the best live acts I’ve ever seen, Two Gallants takes ‘awkward rock’ to the highest echelon. Looking most uncomfortable and almost upset to be there, Adam and Tyson bang on their instruments (guitar and drums, respectively) as would any punk-rock pioneer. The difference is, however, the depth of their compositions, impressive melodic sense, and Adam’s unique vocal. If I had to, I might just categorize this band as Dylan-Punk, or maybe even Folk-Punk.
How do you feel about wild categorization and reference points? Does Electro-Alt-Folk mean anything to you?
What’s the best or worst categorization of a band you’ve heard or can provide?
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Holy Fuck - Royal Gregory
Holy Fuck are a lo-fi improvisational electro band from Canada that have gained a huge following in the last few years, partly due to their ability to put on an amazing live show (their SXSW appearance this year could best be described as “face-melting”).
This track comes from their 2007 album titled, appropriately, LP.
