Written by Fense
We’ve seen a slew of bands like this lately and I believe it’s a good thing. Groups like Sufjan Stevens, Anathallo, Sigur Ros, and Efterklang (MySpace) are all highly orchestrated and emphasize melody and musical prowess. Where your standard band can easily be self-taught, groups like this generally have a bit of training and thus the skill and output shows it. Read More »Efterklang: Cutting Ice To Snow [Video Feature]
Written by Fense
So I don’t really drink champagne, but I’ll enjoy me a thick stout or juicy lager any day. And dry red wine tends to go down a bit smoother than it should. So, as I pop open a bottle of Chilean Carménère, I am ready to compile my top ten music videos of 2008.
The image above is a picture I took last week of The Edison Eye, the art gallery for the town in which live during the week these days. I think it’s a fitting header for the top videos of the year…Read More »Fense’s Top Ten Music Videos of 2008
Written by Fense
Pop fans of the world unite. Well, make that past tense — united. Pop fans of the world united for this video. Moscow Olympics is not from Russia, as the name might suggest. They’re from the Philippines. Their video for “Second Trace” was put together by a pop fan from Brazil. And now this little piece was written by a guy in the states. See, music does have the ability to unite the world! Read More »Moscow Olympics: Second Trace [Video]
Written by Fense
So, I guess I better just come out and say it: Na Na Ni by Fredrik (MySpace), out in Sweden on Jezebel Recordings and in the states on The Kora Records, will be snagging the ultimate spot of Best Album of 2008. This should not be a surprise to you, as I’ve likely said it since receiving the LP in the mail many, many months ago. I imported the CD from Sweden. Well, today I just picked up the vinyl version, out in the states (The Kora also released a US CD version). Read More »Fredrik: 11 Years [Video]
Sometimes the best music videos don’t really have a point. Sometimes there’s no plot, no storyline. Sometimes they’re just a collection of clips taken while out on the road, slapped together in a way that’s aesthetically pleasing. That’s pretty much what you get with Hari and Aino‘s “Gold (Or Something Just As Nice”.
Read More »Hari and Aino: Gold (Or Something Just As Nice) [Video] 
Written by Fense
All this video includes is awkward people dancing. Of course, were I to be in this video, I would be just as awkward as these people — if not moreso. Summer Cats hail from sunny Australia, but in a rare moment they came onto my radar when they released a split 7″ single with Portland’s Eux Autres. Read More »Summer Cats: Lonely Planet [Video]
Written by Fense
Hm… I wonder if the lady and gent in Log Lady Train are fans of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. The Log Lady was one of the more bizarre characters in the series — a series packed with bizarre characters. Somewhat similarly, Log Lady Train’s music is fitting for a Twin Peaks-ish spinoff, despite its generally upbeat nature.
Read More »Log Lady Train: Fireworks [Video] 
Written by Fense
Today’s feature video is a Christmas tune by my favorite French pop band from the US, Eux Autres (MySpace). It’s a lovable little pop tune that emphasizes the good Christmas brings out in people (at least some of it); whether you believe in celebrating it or not, it’s an enjoyable time to be with family that loves you and friends that care. Wishes are made and merry times are had. There’s always a little drama, but in the end you remember the good times (the lyrics may fade but the upbeat pop remains). Read More »Eux Autres: Another Christmas At Home [Video]
Written by Fense
I was hooked in the opening moments of this video just like I was hooked the moment I heard Lukestar’s high-pitched, Mew-like vocals. Even the backing music has the punchy, almost orchestrated sound of Mew’s And The Glass Handed Kites. Lukestar (MySpace) hails from Oslo and their recent release, Lake Toba, which hit late September, doesn’t appear to have hit in the states. Read More »Lukestar: White Shade [Music Video]
In the song they slapped onto the Garden State soundtrack, Coldplay sung We live in a beautiful world repeatedly. But really, do we? Everything around us is subjective — science tells us that, when even the most noteworthy, respected theories, like the theory of gravity, remain just that… theories. Ethics are subjective — I was recently reading about the killing of a homosexual as not being a hate crime; something I find absolutely ridiculous. When some sound-minded person responded Why can’t we just accept people for who they are, another with contradictory views responded Sure, why don’t we just accept murderers because that’s what they do, and they went on to list a few other undesirables.
Read More »The Beach Boys And The Satan [Film Review]
