Here's an interesting article about a new music genre that is sweeping across our country. It's been coined "The Soft Revolution" (it's also been termed "avant-folk" or "freak-folk"). I'm quite familiar w/ Sufjan Stevens (& I love his current recording "Illinois[e]"), but I'm gonna be checking out some of the other artists they mention. For music lovers like myself, I always keep an ear/eye open to "new" genres. Also, I'd like to know if anybody here at Outsports has heard some of this music & what are your thoughts and/or recommendations (or not).

http://www.latimes.com/features/printediti...dlines-magazine

[ August 28, 2005, 11:58 AM: Message edited by: SCTrojan ]

I totally recommend the Iron + Wine records, particularly the last LP, Our Endless Numbered Days. Beautiful. He also did an absolutely jawdropping cover of The Flaming Lips' "Waiting for a Superman" (I can send the mp3 to anyone who's interested).

As for Antony and the Johnsons - stunning stuff, particularly live, but I find I admire his work more than actually love it. It can be slightly...uncomfortable to listen to at times (not unlike Xìu Xìu). Which is, of course, a good thing, but it'll probably never be in heavy rotation here at Chéz Jimbo.

Slightly less awkward (yet still in the "acquired taste" column) is Devandra Banhart. I haven't heard a great deal of his work yet, but what I've heard I like. Very much.

If you're really digging on Illinois, I'd suggest you seek out the debut (and only) album by Cardinal. It's just been given a deluxe reissue treatment after being out of print for the last few years. It's another perfect combination of singer-songwriterly folk and bedroom chamber-pop. Both members went on to have interesting solo careers (especially Richard Davies, whom I had the privelege of working with for a few months back in my rock and roll days), but neither produced anything quite as consistent as the Cardinal LP, in my opinion.

[ August 28, 2005, 12:41 PM: Message edited by: Jim ]

Originally posted by Jim:

...He also did an absolutely jawdropping cover of The Flaming Lips' "Waiting for a Superman" (I can send the mp3 to anyone who's interested)...

I'd love a copy. My email is in my profile. Thanks a mil! :cool:

PS ...but it'll probably never be in heavy rotation here at Chéz Jimbo. ..

Chéz Jimbo???

Done! Check yr. e-mail.

Uh...my house. wink

Ooh, I love the Lips! Do I need an MP3 player to hear it? (Is that a dumb question?)

Well, do you have anything on your computer that can play mp3s? Like iTunes, or Quicktime?

Uh, I think Quicktime is working. (This ain't my computer so I don't want to mess with anything.)

Jim,

Something I bought about a year ago was the Sparks "Lil Beethoven". Don't know if you've heard it. And if you haven't I'd recommend getting the import from England (it has a few extra tracks). It's an album that is more upbeat (then say "Illinois"), but WELL produced. It's also the type of album where you have to listen to the whole thing. The entire album is a piece of art in and of itself. But you HAVE to read the lyrics while listening to it. It is TOOOOOOO funny. They've always had a great sense of humor. I hadn't liked their last few recordings until I heard Lil Beethoven. Got turned on to them again. Anyway...

PS Thanks for the mp3 & I too love KCRW. Listen to it all the time

[ August 28, 2005, 02:30 PM: Message edited by: SCTrojan ]

I guess Quicktime can play mp3's. I know Windows Media Player, Real Player, and the like, play them. There's probably some program set as a default player so when you click on the mp3 file something will start playing it automtically.

I realized after I sent it to you that DUH! Of COURSE you'd know KCRW. You live out here! *smacks forehead*

And yes - LOVE Sparks and LOVE LOVE LOVE Lil' Beethoven! Hilarious. I'm so bummed I missed their show at the Henry Fonda last year. O, to be cursed with a husband who hates going to concerts.


FeverDog - Send me your e-mail address. I'll shoot the mp3 over to you, and hopefully it'll work.

[ August 28, 2005, 02:40 PM: Message edited by: Jim ]

My husband too doesn't like going to the concerts I would want to go to. He loves R&B much more. I do like R&B, but he likes more mainstream music. My point being I guess there couldn't be no harm in going to a concert together. As long my bf met you he'd be cool w/ it. But don't know about yours being cool w/ it. I've been wanting to meet a friend who likes the same music as I do who lives in LA. We live in the Studio City area, not too far from Pasahhh...danahhhh. Anyway, just a thought...Think about it.