Husky Rescue

There is no greater disappointment then missing out on a great album. And the shame only snowballs when it just so happens to have been put out by a little band that you've been trying to champion to all your friends and mere acquaintances.

But better late than never, non?

Husky Rescue's sophomoric Ghost is not Real avoids the expectant slump, and instead challenges their first effort Country Falls. 11 months on and I finally became aware of its existence, so I'll be the first to admit fouling up, and do what I can to get the word out to others who may be missing out on this beautiful piece of work.

A few favorite tracks off the new album (and one old, for kicks) follow:

Husky Rescue - Caravan
Husky Rescue - Hurricane (Don't Come Knocking)

From Country Falls -

Husky Rescue - Rainbow Flows

Brazil

When I think of the movie Brazil, I first think of the Visa Checkcard commercials that completely ripoff the movie and am torn on whether or not I actually like them. The internal debate most adequately makes my head feel much like the man's in the poster on your left. Second and more importantly, Brazil reminds me of the Ary Barroso song that it's named after. The first time I heard the song Brazil was the first time I watched the movie. Now I realize how bizarre that must be given Brazil's worldwide popularity. I want to blame the U.S.'s indifference towards the song but that would just seem unfair given the numerous covers of it by American musicians including Sinatra, instead, I blame my age. Terry Gilliam's Brazil came out slightly less than two years before I was born and the song predates it by 47.

The exact reason Gilliam decided to name his film 'Brazil' is not certain but some say that Gilliam imagined a man in his extremely bureaucratic future society sitting on a shore with an old radio finding solace in the song. However given the extremely patriotic aspects and history of the song, I like to think Gilliam used it in a more troubling manner. The song could very well represent the patriotic propaganda used by the Orwellian government but also the main character, Sam Lowry's means of escaping the horrible world he lives in. His reliance on the song for his fantasy world shows just how entrenched the government is in the lives of its citizens.

The song itself is quite entertaining and its interesting to listen to the many variations of the classic. Here are three of them:

Michael Kamen - Brazil (from the Brazil OST)
Frank Sinatra - Brazil
The Arcade Fire - Brazil

Note: I may have dismissed America's indifference towards the song, however last summer I traveled to England for three days and heard the song on the radio twice. Coincidence? Or do the Brits truly have a greater appreciation for Brazilian fanfare. I have no idea.

So it goes, twinkletoes. Music for winter/finals

First snow today, here at Mason. First 10 page paper final too. It's times like these I need the appropriate music, a bit of chill to balance the caffeine. So before heading out to stock up on Mountain Dew FRESCA, here's a few tracks that I got on rotation these trying days.

Vince never does me wrong, and his Charlie Brown tunes only get better with the depressing darkness of winter's night.

Vince Guaraldi Trio - Heartburn Waltz

Broken Social Scene make you dance. Broken Social Scene make you cry. Broken Social Scene helps me out when the snow's in my eyes.

Broken Social Scene - Guilty Cublicles

Architecture in Helsinki throws a curveball, and adds to the mix.

Architecture in Helsinki - Rendezvous: Potrero Hill

Get it yet? Picking up what I'm putting down?

Gonzales - One Evening (Piano Solo)

It's all instrumental! Helps me focus, and its a good turn from having Last of the Mohicans and The Fountain OSTs on repeat.

To round it out, here's a new track I've recently found, and (almost) fits the rule of my little playlist.

The Clientele - The Dance of the Hours


Hope you enjoy the tunes, do let me know. I'm here for you!
All of you!

DC, out.

Sigur Rós - Heima

In celebration of the US DVD release of Heima today, here is one of my favorite Sigur Rós songs with accompanying music video.



Sigur Rós - Hoppípolla

Hot Track

I've been listening to Justice lately, they are a French band discovered by the same man who found Daft Punk (or so they say!). I see a lot of promise in the new up and comers. Lets see if they can put on a live show like Daft Punk (Alive 2007, anyone?). The music video is one of the best I've seen this year though, really entertaining.



Justice - D.A.N.C.E.