Sleepy Sun - Fever

A couple weeks ago I wrote a review of Sleepy Sun's latest album Fever for Stereo Subversion. It was pretty much a random pick that paid off. There's some good stuff on here.

Here is a snippet... The video for Sleepy Sun’s “Open Eyes” is a psychotropic blend of horror and confusion. Its opening sequence of astrological imagery gives way to four participants (one male, three female) coming together for what seems to be one hell of a supernatural séance. They sit around a circular table with tarot-like cards spread out before them. By the end of the clip the four have had their essence extracted though their mouths, each spiraling to the center of the circle in a white tornado that revels pagan representations within (think goat head with horns). The song itself starts off with muffled vocals, which sound like they were sung underwater. As it progresses the words become clearer. By the time the guitars kick it up a notch in time for that spiritual departure, we get a distinct declaration of “open your eyes.” The video takes a couple of views in order to grasp all the elements.

And here is the full review...

[SSv Review: Fever]

And here is the video for "Open Eyes" which I reference...

Amanda Palmer Sings the Songs of Radiohead... For Only $0.84!!!

I don't shy away from expressing my love for Amanda Palmer. On top of being an artistic visionary with her music, she is an prolific songwriter whose literal lyrics have always been direct windows into her personal life. Additionally each musical venture of her career has expanded her palette. I was a huge fan of the Dresden Doll albums, and hold her solo debut, Who Killed Amanda Palmer, in even higher regard. I gave praise earlier this year to the art/performance project Evelyn Evelyn, an interesting (and semi-controversal) release that had Palmer playing the role of a siamese twin. Now with Ms Palmer being dropped by her record label (this is a good thing) she has self-released an EP that continues to show her diversity for music.

The title is pretty self-explanitory, Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead on her Magical Ukulele. It's up for download at 'name your own pricing' with a minimum donation of $0.89, which basically covers the bandcamp and paypal fees. So Palmer is pretty much giving this away.

Click Here To Grab Yours

Now while the word 'ukulele' may deter some some, I challenge any of them to listen to her version of "Idioteque" and not be blown away.

Paul Helps Ringo Celebrate His Birthday..

How cool is this...

Answer: Very Cool, indeed.

The Kills cover "Pale Blue Eyes"

It's good to see while Alison Mosshart has been busy making two impressive albums with Jack White, and Jamie Hince has been busy trotting about with Kate Moss, that The Kills have found time to give us some new material. Even if it is just one song for now. The duo has covered Velvet Underground's "Pale Blue Eyes" for the Levi's Pioneer Sessions. The song is up as a free download here. See the vid below for some in the studio footage from the recording.

Also check out other covers tracks on that site from other Trinity Stardust favorites She & Him, and John Legend with The Roots.

Evelyn Evelyn, the Album

The Evelyn Evelyn album is one that is bound to stir up some controversy. Actually, the concept of it already has people talking. But that's to be expected when two musicians dress up like carnival sideshow freaks, in this case conjoined-twins, to sing show tunes.

I'm not going to shy away from saying how much I love Amanda Palmer, but when I heard about Evelyn Evelyn I was a little skeptical. It's obviously a novelty act. And novelty acts can really come off on the corny side. Fortunately Palmer (and project co-twin Jason Webley) didn't shy away from everything that makes the concept gimmicky, because within its hokeyness lies its heart. I say that Evelyn Evelyn notches up another success for Palmer, who in my opinion is one of the most innovative musicians in indie today.

excerpt... Modeled as a carnival attraction itself, this Vaudevillian act is filled with show tunes, boisterous instruments, and silly lyrics. I dare to say, it all works magnificently.

Click over to Stereo Subversion to read my entire review:

[SSv Review: Evelyn Evelyn]