Matt's Track of the Week: "Blue Jay Way"

Song: Blue Jay Way

Artist: The Beatles

Album: Magical Mystery Tour

Year: 1967

Although at times his contributions to the group have been overshadowed by the work of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, when speaking of The Beatles, we can't overlook the number of classics which were authored by Mr. George Harrison.  Songs like "I Me Mine", "Something", "Within You, Without You", and my track of the week, "Blue Jay Way", are all standouts on their respective records, and some of my all-time favorite Beatles tunes.

"Blue Jay Way" was written by Harrison while he was waiting to be joined by friends on a foggy night, at a house on a Los Angeles street of the same name.  As the lyrics of the song suggest, his friends got lost in their travels, and he was left there alone, hoping it wouldn't be very long before they arrived.  Soon the minutes turned to hours, and before he knew it, it was almost morning.  It's hard to believe that such a simple idea could give birth to one of the more experimental songs ever to make it onto a full Beatles LP.  Unfortunately the audio for this one wasn't available on Imeem.  You can check it out in the video below.

Pre-Screening: Foreign Born

Album: Person to Person

Artist: Foreign Born

Label: Secretly Canadian

Due Out: June 23rd

Ever get a music tip from a friend that, no matter how much you try to thank them, it can never really do justice to the gift they've passed your way? That's borderline where I'm at with Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear. No, we're not actually friends, I just follow him on Twitter, but without his shout-out to Foreign Born back in February, there's almost no way I ever would have happened upon them. Mixing energetic folk rock with some popular indie rock sensibilities, the band created a fantastic effort with 2007's release of On the Wing Now. As good as it may be though, it pales in comparison to their latest work of art, Person to Person, which builds on those blocks set a few years back, and the results are an intelligent, and interesting flow of consciousness. Before continuing, I'd just like to thank Droste one more time. Really, for these guys, and of course, Veckatimest too.

"Blood Oranges" begins quickly with a fast-paced cadence and almost island-sounding riff. It really provides a nice introduction for those unaware of the band and its sound. The vocals tend to keep themselves in one range, but are very active, and trust me, it works out quite well in this instance. "That Old Sun" starts immediately afterward, as a bit of a change of pace, slowing it up a bit from the previous song. Still, even with the tempo change, you're taking in a similar amount of energy, and are reeled in by the very active guitar part. It almost reminds me of some of The Strokes work, but not enough to draw a direct comparison. "Vacationing People" kicks in next, speeding us up again to a quick run. Many fans may be familiar with the track, as the band released it to the public over a month ago to preview. The song is one of the best the record has at truly personifying the essence of Person to Person, so I'd say it was a good call making it everyone's first opinion.

"Winter Games" continues at a fast pace, bringing in a bit of a western feel as well during this very danceable, bouncy track that is almost guaranteed to get some airplay this summer, ironically. It's almost as if they're playing the drum part on pots and pans, or garbage cans in a back alley, which is, I guess, what makes this one memorable and likable too. No sooner is that over though, than you're caught by surprise on "Early Warnings" employs tropical drums, shakers, and some real beach-y guitar work to give us our second undeniably "beach-worthy" song on the album. Person to Person is at its best when the band's firing on all cylinders and pushing the tempo. This song has you thinking about an exciting vacation in the Bahamas from the get-go, and for me, for some reason, toucans and parakeets. Sadly, the image breaks, however, at the start of "Can't Keep Time"- a track that had me thinking Wolf Parade's "Shine A Light" throughout. There's tons of sound here, all steaming down the tracks at break-neck speed, but still quite easy and honestly enjoyable to take in as its careening off the walls.

And then "Lion's Share" finally allows for us to take a breath. Toned down, but still humming along, it does a great job of showing the real range of energy levels the band can maintain at a high level. Next, "It Grew On You" employs the first open use of electronics on the album, before heading towards a cowboy-esque vibe. The song, with its galloping percussion part in the background, picks up speed, and parts, as it runs. Its use of piano is also an excellent touch, as it provides for a more audible background part, and gives a different dimension to the track than the others may possess. Carrying on with the western theme, "See Us Home" makes it fairly obvious that we're headed toward the end. A ballad, of sorts, it adds a conservative string arrangement that provides some nice sunset imagery. Lastly, we have "Wait in This Chair". It's relaxed, and fairly stripped-down in comparison to the rest of the album, but is also very straight forward. It fades us out effectively, and easily. We're pleased with what we've listened to. It feels complete, but we're probably likely to just hit play all over again.

I've enjoyed quite a few records this year, but only a few have really made me sit back and admire what I'd just experienced. Foreign Born does not create a wall of sound, nor another world with Person to Person. There's nothing that you could jump to consider "ground-breaking" either. It's just good music. Not too emotional, never with too much intensity, and full of life, the entire album sends a comfortable message of ease, even with its frequent moments of very high energy. If you don't trust me, maybe you'll trust Droste. Either way, I'd say that anyone who's a fan of some good indie rock or folk could find themselves listening to this one on repeat. Similarities include the aforementioned Grizzly Bear, Annuals and Cold War Kids.

Rating: 8.5/10

Best Track: "Early Warnings"

New Cave Singers, "Beach House"

This one was actually intentionally pushed back to today.  If anyone read my Track of the Week feature this morning, it was of course about the same Cave Singers featured here, with a new song (which I alluded to earlier).  The Cave Singers' "Beach House" features a new chapter of growth and creativity for the band, and shows some very encouraging signs for their second effort, Welcome Joy, as a whole.  There's more confidence here, as well as a newfound sense of belonging.  It's warm and welcoming.  I'd highly recommend checking it out below, courtesy of Stereogum.  For those wondering about the album, Welcome Joy will be released via Matador Records sometime in August.

The Cave Singers- "Beach House"

Dirty Projectors' Bitte Orca Now Streaming

Occasionally, some news gets lost in the shuffle of our real lives. This is definitely one of those times. In all of the information we were trying to take in and talk about yesterday, I accidentally let this piece of information slip by. Dirty Projectors' new record, Bitte Orca, is coming out next week, and they've decided, like many other bands this year, to stream it online beforehand for their most dedicated/anxious fans. From what I've heard, it sounds like quite a bit of fun, in a quirky sort-of way. Check it out over at NPR. Bitte Orca is out June 9th via Domino Records.

John's Track of the Week: "Elephant Clouds"

Song: Elephant Clouds

Artist: The Cave Singers

Album: Invitation Songs

Year: 2007

Some may remember art-punk outfit Pretty Girls Make Graves.  Some may also remember that Derek Fudesco was part of said group.  Well, since PGMG disbanded in 2007, Fudesco's been making music with The Cave Singers, and the results sound nothing at all like his former band's work.  On Invitation Songs, The Cave Singers established themselves in the sometimes-crowded folky campfire scene with solid and interesting tunes about love, life and societal struggle.  At the time, Pitchfork suggested that Invitation Songs sound could just be a filler for something more profound on a subsequent record.  As much as that seems to be true- what we've heard thus far from Welcome Joy is definitely a marked progression, their debut effort is still a legitimate record in its own right.

The field which appears on the cover of the album is a very apt visualization of what you're experiencing with all of the songs, but "Elephant Clouds" in particular seems to attach itself the best.  Using a soft acoustic part, teamed with a rapid drum roll in the background, lead singer Pete Quirk's voice carries in a haunting echo until the mid-way point.  The mid-section provides a more intense vocal display, complete with background vocal support, before suddenly dropping down, and back to the more subdued mood of the beginning.  Quirk's best Bob Dylan impression works to perfection here, and creates a relaxing and soothing sound that almost makes you feel like you're at a religious revival.  Still, a great track that could probably make it into a summer playlist.  Check it out below.

New Circulatory System, "Overjoyed"

This will probably be the last news item on this busier-than-normal day here at Animal Noises.  For all of you Elephant 6 Collective enthusiasts, the long, long wait for some new material from Will Cullen Hart is nearly over.  Circulatory System, as you may remember, is one of the most notable acts from the Athens, GA-based label that made all kinds of awesome noise back in the late-1990s to early 2000s.  The band's kooky, psychadelic style was a fun mix of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, lo-fi, and other elements of noise, and still is for the most part, with a dash of electronic sounds added in.  This offering, courtesy of the band via Stereogum, is the first thing we're hearing from the guys since 2001.  Was it worth the wait?  Perhaps.  Still, an enjoyable first offering from the upcoming Signal Morning, out September 8th via Cloud Recordings.

Circulatory System- "Overjoyed"

New Portugal. The Man, "People Say"

If anyone read my article last week about Portugal. The Man's video for "Lay Me Back Down," or my glowing review of the band's 2008 record, Censored Colors, you probably assumed I'm anxiously awaiting their newest release.  You guessed right.  The Satanic Satanist will be the latest in a body of work that I have come to admire, and have enjoyed seeing grow positively from album to album.  Hopefully this new record continues that trend.  Though it's not out until July, we did get our first glimpse of the new sound yesterday, and if you haven't heard it yet, you can get it for yourself now.  The band has put one of the new album's tracks, "People Say," up for free download both on Last.fm, and on their website.  Through their site, you have the option of signing up for their mailing list too.  In my opinion, the track's an interesting one.  It seems to melt together a more country-twinged sound with some of the moods we heard at the end of the last album, to make an all-new, slightly toned down venture.  Still, don't take my word for it- go check it out yourself.  The Satanic Satanist is out July 21st via Equalvision.

New Kings of Leon Video, "Notion"

Kings of Leon aren't done yet capitalizing off their hit 2008 record, Only By The Night.  After garnering praise at the Grammys, and reaching many-a best of the year list, they're seemingly on to yet another success, this time from newest single "Notion".  One of the standout tracks from an album chock full of positive moments, "Notion" provides an explosive (you'll understand the pun come the video) look into a nervous breakdown, and a battle with personal insecurities.  Give the video a look below if you're interested in the band, brick walls, debris or fire.

Sonic Youth's The Eternal Now Streaming

As you probably recall, we recently spoke about Sonic Youth's latest effort, The Eternal. Well, now, still a week away from its official release, you can hear it for yourself, in its entirety. For those who are still undecided as to whether they'll make the purchase or not, perhaps this will sell you either one way or the other. Check out the stream over at iLike. The Eternal is out June 9th, via Matador Records.

Music Video Monday: "No Surprises"

Track: No Surprises

Artist: Radiohead

Album: OK Computer

Year: 1998

When talking about Radiohead's music videos, "weird" would be an apt description, but perhaps "thought-provoking" is a better term.  Thom Yorke and the guys are an interesting bunch, who love to push the envelope, get people talking, and overall, make fantastic music.  The following video seems to touch on some of those traits, as well as explore pieces of the band's songwriting mindset.  For those who don't know the story, the band had a very hard time dealing with the success of OK Computer back in 1997, so perhaps this video provides a good visual representation of the feelings involved with that.

The video for "No Surprises" is simple.  Yorke's head, in an astronaut-type helmet, is virtually the only image you see for the entire four minutes.  Scrolling in front of him are the words to the track, which he is singing for most of the video.  If you haven't seen it before, I won't ruin it for you.  However, I will just say that you shouldn't be alarmed by the images.  The worst, and seemingly probable, outcome does not, in fact, occur.  Still, it's a strange sight, but I guess that's what makes them who they are.  Enjoy.