Van She – V

This post follows rather closely on the heels of my last. Van She are also from Australia. They also share a similar dance feel to their indie tunes. There’s a prevalent attitude of retro-coolness throughout. Maybe that’s why I like them. I can’t get enough of this sound.

To be fair though, I’ve been waiting a long time for their full length album. Listening to Cut Copy triggered something in the deep recesses of my mind and I decided to seek out Van She’s LP. Thankfully, it had been released – and my musical joys continued. I had downloaded and listened to Van She’s self-titled EP incessantly for several months.

V is a noble debut disc. It’s not quite as atmospheric or danceable as their EP but the new direction is certainly more mature and just as musically tasteful. I’d say the collection has more of a conventional rock sound – with guitars and drums – as one would expect. Yet, there’s still enough electronic extras to make this package so addicting. V is most definitely an album you want to listen straight-through. There’s no need to skip ahead. It’d hardly do the album justice…

I’m glad to see “Kelly” on V as it was one of my favourite songs of their EP and the LP version is just as satisfying. Their single “Strangers” is another standout track for me. As mentioned though, these songs have been wonderful as I travel around with my ipod – as they don’t really grow old – and surely not tiresome. Their retro-sound might have something to do with that – classic yet modern.

I know I’ll be listening to this compilation for quite some time. I hope you will as well.



Van She official site
Van She MySpace

Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours

I first saw this CD in the record store in Seoul. I even took note of it on my cell phone. Then, funnily enough, my co-teacher William supplied me with the physical reality, claiming it was the best thing ever. William knows music – and his tastes often align with styles I like as well. Presumably, I was excited to listen to the disc.

After adjusting my expectations somewhat (I thought it’d be more electronic), I was overjoyed. In Ghost Colours can be played throughout over and over – an endless stream of cool retro-styled background music. In fact, this album was being played in its entirety in a very modern and ‘chic’ bar in Hongdae here in Korea. Hongdae is near several universities so it’s a huge party destination with tons of fashionable bars and clubs. At this point, I was sold.

There is so much to like about In Ghost Colours. A feeling of happiness pervades the collection – bolstered all the way through by energetic and lively keyboards. The vocals flow along effortlessly, almost instrument-like and not in any way intrusive. Of course, there is a danceable aspect to most of the tracks – which simply cannot be resisted. “Lights and Sounds” absolutely must be danced to – anything else would be foolish. In spite of the album being very ‘cool’, there is a real heart-warming feeling about it all. Almost a naïve, innocent way to see the world and relationships.

So, I really do have William to thank for this musical escapade. I might not have sought out a band with such a poppy or electronic feel. I’m glad I listened. And listened again. This LP has been on repeat on my itunes for awhile now – especially as background music when people are over. It sets the tone just right.

Cut Copy are from Australia. They’ve been around since 2001. In Ghost Colours is their first major release. It actually went number one in its native Australia while debuting at a paltry 167 in the mighty US. The record has received highly favourably reviews, from indie publications to major media newspapers. Their sound is difficult to categorize, but some possible tags are ‘dance punk’ or ‘electropop.’ To me, it’s just good music. Check it out.





Cut Copy official site
Cut Copy official blog
Cut Copy on MySpace

The Walkmen – You & Me

I adore The Walkmen. They’ve always been comfort music for me. I can put on any album and know exactly what to expect. You & Me isn’t much different. I’ve been listening through the collection for some time…and it never gets old. I’d say that’s a sign of a good album…or maybe a good Walkmen album. As noted, You & Me isn’t that unlike its predecessors (Bows + Arrows/A Hundred Miles Off) and yet it has a flavour that is captivating.

I was first introduced to The Walkmen through Bows + Arrows and the first single “The Rat.” Immediately I was taken by its veracity and roughness. Before long, that track was on repeat everywhere I went. Soon after that I invested in the complete album. If I’m sincere, I was a bit sad. I was expecting more of the same intensity throughout the LP but the vast majority of the songs were slower and much less ferocious. Nevertheless, the album started to grow on me…albeit slowly.

Then along came A Hundred Miles Off. This disc took my heart by storm. It seemed a more complete, refined work. There was less of an indie feel (in my mind) and a tighter song-writing process. A Hundred Miles was played constantly for many months here in Korea. When I heard, then, that The Walkmen had finished another project (You & Me) I promptly searched it out. I then hastily read through the reviews on pitchfork before giving it a listen.

As I’m sure you’ll guess - I loved it. The first track “Dónde Está la Playa” caught me right on the chin. The first half of the disc carries on with the same loose, characteristic rock sound. There’s a bit of a slow down closer to the middle – but this doesn’t bother me. For me, Walkmen albums are meant to be played through – as though one art piece. Skipping a track would only hurt the flow of the album. Their first single “In The New Year” is a standout track, but there’s many other songs that are equal or superior on this amazing collection.

Some quick trivia: The Walkmen are from New York City. Also, they prefer the sound of vintage musical instruments, particularly the upright piano – which you can notice. The Walkmen made You & Me available for $5 at AmieStreet.com/thewalkmen, with all the proceeds from each sale being donated to a cancer center. During its first week of sales, the album charted at #29 on Billboard’s Top Digital Albums.

The Walkmen official site
The Walkmen on MySpace