Soundboard

May 29, 2012

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2,287 plays
(Notes: 96)

The National - Castamere

I’m a big fan of The National. I’m also a big fan of George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series, as well as its HBO adaptation, “Game of Thrones”. Needless to say, I was extremely excited when I heard that The National did a version of this song from the books for the show. Originally titled “The Rains of Castamere,” it’s referenced many times throughout the novels. While Martin wrote the lyrics, the guys from The National do an absolutely wonderful job in bringing it to life. This isn’t the first time that they’ve branched out to do music for other forms of media, as last year they also did a fantastic track for Portal 2.

As I write this, I’m listening to Castamere on repeat. There’s a thunderstorm going on outside, and the lightning flashes and patter of rain are a superb compliment to the music. And to think a friend’s dad once told us that we knew nothing about ambiance…

Enjoy!

-Andrew
(Source: soundboard)

May 28, 2012

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43,608 plays
(Notes: 57)

Alt-J - Breezeblocks

I was hooked within the first ten seconds. It’s a rare occurrence.

Another British gem, these fellows hail from the beautiful Cambridge. I was wondering about the origin of their name, so in my short investigation I found this comment from the guitarist/bassist, Gwil Sainsbury:

“In mathematical equations (∆) it’s used to show change, and the band’s relatively new name came at a turning point in our lives.”

If you haven’t already, you must watch the music video to this, it’s a piece of art. Go to their Soundcloud now where Alt-J have uploaded the separate tracks from this record; you can download them and remix them yourself! Cool!

Happy Mondays.

- Rosie

May 27, 2012

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327 plays
(Notes: 18)

Hudson Mohawke - Thank You

A couple of weeks ago, Andrew posted the song ‘Jumanji’ by newcomer Azealia Banks, who’s name I’m finally learning to spell without a reference. The track, produced by Scottish Electronic DJ Ross Birchard, a.k.a. Hudson Mohawke, has earwormed it’s way into my head almost every day since. Kind of like the “Pocket Full of Sunshine” scene from Easy A but less adorable. It’s really fun and I recommend listening to it if you didn’t already.

I first heard Hudson Mohawke when the song Cbat was used in an episode of Workaholics and I immediately had to download his Satin Panthers EP (which plays really well alongside just about anything by Rustie) and it’s been great listening ever since. There isn’t a ton of lyrical content but why talk when you can dance?

- Max

May 26, 2012

KK can’t make it tonight.

So, here are some links since the Eurovision finals were today. The winner of best song went to Sweden for Euphoria. Although my personal favorite was the babushkas from Russia. And I’ll give an honorable mention to the dancers from Maldova.

This is the first year I heard of it even though it’s been running since 1956. All countries that are part of the European Broadcasting Union submit a song to be performed on live television. Then each country has to vote for a different country to determine the most popular song of the year. Pretty awesome.

Check out the rest of the grand final videos here; I spent a good hour watching them.

-Zach

May 25, 2012

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529 plays
(Notes: 81)

Brett Dennen - Ain’t No Reason

I guess I wrote this song to speak about, you know, humanity and the horrible things that we do to each other as people. I believe the most atrocious crimes against humanity happen every day, and we allow them to not because we agree with them but because it’s our routine. We do what we do because things have always been done that way. Instead of trying to change them, we’re all waiting for some sort of savior or someone else to come and change and bring us salvation when we’re the one who are gonna make change. You know, we have these things imbedded into the framework of our society, into our institutions, like prisons and war, and these are systems that are unfair to some people and fair to other people. Most of the people in prison are people of color and getting younger and younger by the day. We make laws that put these people in prison. Our school systems are set up, you know, so that some people can succeed and other people can’t—other people are forced to turn to other ways to succeed. And it just keeps happening over and over again on a small community level and on a global level. I just think it’s not only crazy that this is the way we live, but it’s also crazy that not enough people, especially not enough young people, are speaking out against it, and I wrote this song, ‘Ain’t No Reason,’ through that perspective. I mean, it’s partly in the perspective of someone saying you know, ‘We gotta stop this; this is insane,’ but it’s also—I’m writing it from the perspective of someone who’s caught up in the routine of their day-to-day life, you know. As someone who’s very privileged in this world, you know, I have a lot to be thankful for, and it’s easy to just neglect all the people in the world who have suffered or are disadvantaged because of my own personal privilege. It’s easy to forget about them, and it’s also hard to think about: ‘Well, what do I gotta do to change the world? That means I’m gonna have to be very brave; that means I’m gonna have to be very bold; that means I’m probably gonna have to give up a lot of my privilege; that means I’m gonna have to make a stand; I’m gonna have to speak out for other people.’ And I think that scares a lot of people. And so I want these things to be talked about, especially amongst us young people, I want us to talk about ‘em more. And that’s what this song’s about. -Brett Dennen

I tried to shorten what he said about this song but everything was just so poignant.

-Zach

May 24, 2012

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380 plays
(Notes: 50)

Aerosmith - Walk This Way

Every time this song plays I can’t think of anything else but Eric from That 70’s Show (I am a big fan of the first seasons of this show) as Steven Tyler, and the moment when he attempts to open Donna’s room door by kicking it and he falls onto the floor.

Maybe it’s because of that simple image or maybe it’s the music, or maybe it’s the mixture of the two, but this tune automatically sets me in a good mood.

Enjoy it!!

—Viu.
(Source: soundboard)

May 23, 2012

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449 plays
(Notes: 55)

Gold Motel - “Perfect In My Mind”

If the voice on this track sounds familiar to you, then you’re probably already a fan of The Hush Sound. After THS split/went on hiatus in 2009, vocalist and piano player Greta Salpeter formed Gold Motel. The folky, upbeat feel of most of their songs might remind you of Hush Sound songs like “Sweet Tangerine” or “The Lions Roar”, and I know that at least for me, it’s a welcome association. Look out for their self-titled sophomore album, which is due to hit shelves this fall!

See you next Wednesday!

- Callie

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