AWmusic

I was quite aware of the 1st project and checked it out like I did this one but I finally gave it up after being disappointed with some of the covers. It definitely takes a lot of work to gather up a group of artists to record an older song that is favourite song of theirs let alone to make sure there was a standard of excellence. It’s really a chance to look back at older stuff and find out about some of these unknown bands. Most of the bands I like (or absolutely love) can do a great cover as it’s something fun to do live and it’s a mark of the artist to better something.

A lot of the bands included in this project…might be recognizable then again maybe not. Some fellow bloggers and music junkies might recall: Au Revoir Simone, Division Day, Headlights, The Ruby Suns and much much more.

Some artists that were covered in the rewind (to name just a few): Echo and The Bunnymen, Cindy Lauper, Talking Heads, Pet Shop Boys more recently Weezer and Marcy Playground.

While I won’t guarantee that you’ll like the covers, there’s likely something for you when you go through it. A rating for this project would get somewhere around a 3 to a 4 as it’s still difficult to find some great songs within this project.

Another interesting to note is the loss of meaning when Buffetlibre asked if the cover was a tribute or nostalgia. Some responses were one word answers or sometimes more interestingly an “a nostalgic tribute”. I just feel like the question tribute or nostalgic? Is an odd one to ask unless they have a special story…

Here’s the list of tracks I really liked. I was pretty picky, I didn’t like any of the remixes after going through so many cover songs (using your own vocals and structure was key in deciding which were standouts). Also, I compared the song to the original and to see how it was better. I think a cover song should be better.

Here are my favorites from the list:
Amiina – Souvenir (OMD cover)
Good Books – Only You (Kazoo Cover)
Amiina is from Iceland and used to (most recently this August) play as a backing band for Sigur Ros.
The Botticellis – Here I Go Again (Whitesnake)
A 180 degree change from the original by The Botticellis, the cover is barely recognizable from the arena rock “classic”.
Setting Sun – You Got Lucky (Tom Petty)
I liked the original quite a bit but Setting Sun does make it better. Both are equally impressive.
The Picture – Bring On The Dancing Horses (Echo and The Bunnymen)
* I need I need to get a hold of some of The Picture’s material, really like their stuff more then this cover.
Electric Youth – Lying Still (Level 42)
A pretty good cover by Toronto/Hamilton duo, Electric Youth.
What She Wants – Jealousy (Pet Shop Boys)
Not sure if I’m a fan of Pet Shop Boys but I like this cover by What She Wants.
Little Pictures – Buddy Holly (Weezer Cover)
I am thoroughly impressed by Little Pictures, they keep making great music.
La Chansons – Sex and Candy (Marcy Playground)
La Chansons creates an electro version with a female singing instead. It works well.
Mojib – Paranoid Android (Radiohead)
Awesome string arrangement to this song by Mojib who unfortunately doesn’t have more material. I feel like I would be a fan of this based on this song alone.
I’m not sure if its kosher to host these mp3s but thanks to BuffetLibre for working hard on the project.

Previously:
#76-100

Next in the series:
Part 3: #26-50
Part 4: #1-25

Numbers #51-75:
#51 Creator by Santogold w/ Switch and Freq Nasty (myspace/video -unofficial was canceled?)
The intro is risky, brave and wildly effective.
#52 Crystal Stilts by Crystal Stilts (myspace)
A song should be good if it’s your band name.
#53 I Wish I Could Keep You by Little Pictures (myspace/live)
This song makes me wish I was a kid again.
#54 In The Kitchen by The Pomegranates (myspace/live -poor visual quality)
A song I want to play on the guitar.
#55 Never Miss A Beat by Kaiser Chiefs (homepage/video)
The kids on the street, are scary! Shiiet.
#56 Death To The Los Campesinos! By Los Campesinos! (myspace/video)
“I’ll be control-alt-deleting your face with no reservation”.
#57 Marry Me Annie by Matthew and The Arrogant Sea (myspace)
Hey Annie, I’m serious, MATAS is a great band.
#58 Whiite Fantaseee by Slim Twig (myspace)
How about an Asian fantaseee?
#59 Dance Dance Dance by Lykke Li (myspace/live with Bon Iver)
Lykke Li’s hips lie and she’s shy. I’m in love.
#60 Galaxy Of The Lost by Lightspeed Champion (myspace/video)
Emmy The Great makes this song gold. Weird video.
#61 Skinny Love by Bon Iver
Bon Iver should try BBW. Morbidly Obese Love anyone?
#62 Good Time by Brazilian Girls (myspace/video)
I just want to have a good time too.
#63 Can’t Shake It by Kate Miller-Heidke (myspace/video)
I can’t dance either though this song is danceable…
#64 New Soul by Yael Naim(homepage)
I’m a new ipod product with a new catchy song.
#65 Boneless by The Notwist (homepage)
Great song off a slightly disappointing album.
#66 Shadow Falls by Hello, Blue Roses (myspace/live)
Awesome duet, too bad they were bashed by Pitchfork.
#67 Get Better by Mates of State (myspace/video)
“Forget your politics for awhile”. 2008 was a tough year.
#68 Xavia by The Submarines (myspace)
The Submarines don’t let me down in this song.
#69 Home Sweet Home by Those Dancing Days (myspace/video)
A perfect holiday song.
#70 Not Your Savior by Peasant (myspace)
Peasant keeps it honest, leave him alone.
#71 Call It A Ritual by Wolf Parade (myspace)
I enjoy Spencer Krug’s metaphorical writing.
#72 Black Rice by Women (myspace/live)
Best Song that ends in a whimper.
#73 The Rip by Portishead (homepage/video)
Just beautiful.
#74 That’s Not My Name by The Tings Tings (myspace/video)
Wait..what is her name again?
#75 Gila by Beach House (myspace/live)
Giiiiiiiiillllllllllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

While, Nancy makes me feel as if I give positive reviews to every band, some bands maintain their status much longer after I’ve reviewed their album and the only thing I can honestly say is that these 6 bands are some underrated and under the radar acts of the year.

5. Little Pictures
From: New Zealand
Album: Owl + Owl
Rating: 4 out of 5
Why are they unknown? New Zealand is a world away and when it’s considered to be successful as a Kiwi Indie band to sell just 500 records, that’s a bit of hinderance.
What makes them so good? Simple lo-fi do it yourself romantic indie pop. The music itself is simplistic yet Little Pictures take it so far by being fun and cute. It’s really a pure joy to listen to even if the quality isn’t that high. Definitely music that appeals to the masses.

I Wish I could Keep You by Little Pictures
Hopeful and Hopeless by Little Pictures

4. Bridges and Powerlines
From: Brooklyn, New York
Album: Ghost Types
Rating: 4.75 out of 5
Why are they unknown? Not enough press has picked up their album despite strong reviews (Pitchfork reviewed the track Calibrated) and while there are a lot of powerpop bands, indie powerpop bands do have a tough go when it comes to being “cool”. Especially in Hipsterland that is Brooklyn, New York.
What makes them so good? Well I believe the album is almost more then justified. Sure it’s a little high and should warrant some consideration in a top 20 list but it honestly just missed the cut. B&P made a record that features some very solid powerpop
*I know it happens a lot but I sent in 10 questions to the band only to be ignored as I wanted to do a quick interview. In that sense I’m still kind of bitter but the music is still good.

Uncalibrated by Bridges and Powerlines
The Thieves, They Are Everywhere by Bridges and Powerlines

3. Kinch
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Album: Advances
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
Why are they unknown? Determined to take the trek as a Southern rock influenced do it yourself indie band. To take this path is tough and is a road that is well traveled with many bands not succeeding like Kinch has.
What makes them so good? While I didn’t think their album was “that” good, it really grew on me that it became an album I liked to listen to on the Zune (which is busted!!) every now and then. I actually feel like Kinch’s music appeals the masses and maybe it isn’t the best financial deal to be a DIY indie band no matter how talented they are. I believe they could big with a proper push.

Long Protracted Wait by Kinch
Memphis by Kinch

2. Anthem In
From: Brooklyn, New York
Album: Self Titled
Rating: 4.75 out of 5
Why are they unknown? New band. New bands have to get their foot in the door when it comes to playing shows. No shows, no ability to gain fans (as good as posting about them helps, playing gigs is the number one way to get hardcore fans). I would say I’m a big fan of them and during the summer they probably had one show.
What makes them so good? While danceable indie pop is thrown around with their band, their debut disc features both pop sensibilities and proficiency using the guitar. While some songs are structured more as pop songs, you find bits and pieces that you are more likely to find on a Les Savy Fav record. Add in the Wurlizter used by Ashley Profitt, you have a refined sound that main indie bands strive for. While they can definitely be better, and I may overrate them a little, they are pretty talented and it would cool to see what the future brings them.

Five Minutes by Anthem In
Down by Anthem In

1. Matthew and Arrogant Sea
From: Denton, Texas
Album: Family Family Family Meets The Magic Christian
Rating:: 4.5 out of 5
Why are they unknown?: Life being a folk artist can be tough especially if you aren’t receiving absolutely rave reviews from Pitchfork and many other news outlets. No matter how much the blogs like you. A lot of the reviews for MATAS’s FFF Meets The Magic Christian were very positive but nothing over the top.
What makes them so good?: #21 on my best of the year. An excellent experimental folk album. They seem to have a midas touch when it comes to songs. Songs like The Wizard which is limited lyrically is downright amazing musically when “He Is The Wizard” is shouted constantly. This band can literally do anything and they went a multitude of ways on this record and culi

Mock Origami by Matthew and Arrogant Sea
Marry Me Annie by Matthew and Arrogant Sea

Their myspace page includes of picture of Johanna kissing the cheek of Mark who’s holding a Hello picture. This picture is almost fitting on how I perceive the album, they seem quirky and undeniably cute together (maybe too cute?).

When checking out their first track, “I Wish I Could Keep You” immediately won me over. It’s a simplistic song that could be looked at a love song but it’s more so the vision of a child not letting go of a toy, doll, or stuffed bear perhaps. It’s a lovely infectious song.

Little Pictures’ songs are quite simplistic pop, they aren’t going to wow you on the creative front but I can’t help but like them. It’s a bit lo-fi and I must compare it to Suburban Kids With Biblical Names but more on the cute/lovely side then strange.

Watching their videos, it’s really great to watch them. They are just having a great time, laughing more times then not and their attitude goes well with their music.

The best part is that this music remains consistent and extremely catchy throughout the album. According to Einstein Music Journal they spent two weeks recording the album at their home and one can only wonder what they can do moving forward.

I’m trying to be critical towards pop music these days but I can’t help. They’ve managed to put a smile on my face on a rather busy weekend and I have to thank them for that.

If you love simple but fun pop electronic music this is worth checking out!

Check out their video for “This House Can Fit Us All”:

Rating: 4 out of 5
Buy the album here.
They have 4 songs available for free on their myspace too.

I Wish I Could Keep You by Little Pictures

Tips for Domestic Bliss by Little Pictures

This House Can Fit Us All by Little Pictures