Music Archive - The Fox Is Black

‘Penny Sparkle’ by Blonde Redhead

Hiding inside your ear there lives three tiny bones: the malleus, incus, and stapes. It’s not important that these are the smallest bones in the body but they are about to become ear boners when you listen to Blonde Redhead‘s 8th album, Penny Sparkle. Depending on your location, the album is released either today or tomorrow; I have been listening to the album on repeat all weekend and it’s excellent ear excitement.

If you’re unfamiliar with Blonde Redhead, they have given birth to great records for the past 15 years. Their sound is described across a spectrum of “Baroque Pop,” “Dream Pop,” and sometimes “magical melancholy;” I’ve been a huge fan since I first heard the album Misery is a Butterfly.

Alex

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Alex Dent

September 13, 2010 - See more posts by Alex

The Power of Music

I listen to music on a constant basis. If I’m at home working, riding my bike to work or travelling on the bus I always have my computer/iPod playing. It’s not that I don’t enjoy silence, it’s the fact that music is an outlet for my moods. If I’m feeling sad I can put on Bright Eyes, or if I’m happy and want to dance I’ll throw on Erlend Øye’s Dj Kicks album… these sort of things enhance a feeling I already have. The video above is similar in many respects.

Two men on different sides, fighting for different reasons, but feeling the same emotion despite the differences. I watched this video on the bus the morning and I honestly got teary eyed. I suggest you turn the volume up loud when he begins to play, close your eyes and completely soak it in.

Via Coudal

Bobby

Text by

Bobby Solomon

September 9, 2010 - See more posts by Bobby

Broken Bells Tour Graphics by Brainbow

The folks over at Brainbow released a bunch of new projects recently but these visuals for Broken Bells are great. Working together with photographer and videographer Ignacio Genzon they created a crazy collage of colors, shapes and images that enhance a live concert. I’m a big fan of visuals like this, a lot of great bands like Radiohead, DJ Shadow and The Books have impressive or unique video presentations and they just make the experience even better.

If you dig this stuff be sure to check out United Visual Artists who are the kings of live performance graphics.

Bobby

Text by

Bobby Solomon

September 9, 2010 - See more posts by Bobby

Toro Y Moi Spring Tour 2010

I have a small confession to make: I have a slight aversion to live gigs. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not that I don’t like hearing my favourite bands play live, it’s just that something always happens to spoil the experience. I tend to wind up standing behind the tallest guy at the venue and see little to nothing. I was, on one memorable occasion, drenched in someone’s beer after they rocked out so hard they sent it flying across the room. I have stood next to people who do not sing along to the band’s songs, but scream along in an unbridled frenzy of hideousness.

It for these reasons that I am much obliged to Jordan Bee for following Chaz Bundick and his band as Toro Y Moi embarked on their spring tour of America. Not only does the video feature footage of the band performing, but is also chock full of behind-the-scenes vignettes and fun moments. I almost felt like I was there, but without the post-gig malaise.*

Part two can be viewed here. Parts three, four and five are on their way.

* I should state that if Toro Y Moi ever come to Australia I will definitely brave the beer sprays and pushing fans to see them live. Heck, I’ll even through them a party.

Editors Note: Don’t forget Chaz did a couple of great wallpapers for The Desktop Wallpaper Project!

Danica

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Danica van de Velde

September 6, 2010 - See more posts by Danica

St. Catherine’s Home for Lazy Infants

Over the weekend my buddy Phillip tweeted about this ambient band called St. Catherine’s Home for Lazy Infants, which is in fact an Irishman that goes by the name Alex Synge. It’s perfect working music, as most ambient music is, with lots of acoustic guitar and droning sounds that are like a simplified Explosions in the Sky, but y’know, without the loud parts.

The preview above is for his album Old Ghosts which has 9 songs on it and is only €5, which is roughly $6.43 for us Americans. To sweeten the deal even more you can get it for 20% off by using the coupon code “LAZY”. Take a listen to the tracks above and if you enjoy what you hear be sure to buy it and support this guy.

Bobby

Text by

Bobby Solomon

August 30, 2010 - See more posts by Bobby