Filed under: Features | Tags: andrew bird, bird, bird parker, birdman, bowerbirds, by your side, charlie parker, city of echoes, cranes, Department of Eagles, Doves, earth angel, forever, hotel california, in ear park, jazz at massey hall, like father like son, Lil Wayne, los souls, nightingales, out of true, Pelican, Phoenix, Sheryl Crow, soundtracks for the blind, swans, the birda nd the bee, The Black Crowes, The Byrds, The Dodos, The Eagles, the last broadcast, the penguins, the swimming hour, the yardbirds, Visiter, wolfgang amadeus phoenix, younger than yesterday
Phoenix
Thanksgiving. For years it’s brought people together to feast on turkey. In honor of this joyous American holiday, 20 Watts has decided to elucidate you, fine reader, on the many bands named after a variety of fowl. We bring you our very special Thanksgiving 20, based on artists named after a variety of avian creatures.
So what’s the very best of bird-themed music? 20 Watts’ STAFF has the answer in our tenth 20 installment. Watch for new 20s each Thursday, only on 20 Watts, and check out our previous 20s below!
Filed under: 20W Magazine, Editor Picks, Emerging Artists | Tags: California, indie rock, Phoenix, indie, The Soft Pack, Fences, Answer to Yourself
Listen to The Soft Pack
PREVIEW: LISTEN The Soft Pack’s “Answer to Yourself,” on their Myspace.
In my search for some new music — my favorite method of procrastination — I came across a list of cover songs, one being a version of Phoenix’s “Fences” by The Soft Pack. I figured it was worth a listen since, you know, Phoenix is awesome and all.
The song instantly made me imagine walking around Urban Outfitters while it blasted so loudly my eardrums burst. But unlike most of the stuff they play, I didn’t mind it. That in itself persuaded me to listen to some of the band’s original tracks, such as “Parasites” and their new single, “Answer to Yourself.” I quickly felt like I stepped out of Urban Outfitters and into an episode of “The O.C.”
The San Diego-based band, formally known as The Muslims, fuse the conventional, laid-back California indie rock with a more high-energy, danceable sound. I’d say they’re a mix between The Strokes and Interpol — a match made in hipster heaven.
The Soft Pack’s funky sound is already gaining popularity in the indie rock world. Their recently self-released, untitled debut EP sold so many records it’s currently being re-pressed- with brand new tracks, I might add. They were even one of the most popular acts at this year’s CMJ festival, with shows that the New York Press called “no bullshit.”
If these credentials don’t convince you, take my word for it: The Soft Pack is definitely worth adding to your iTunes.
– Dana Mikaelian, Communications Director
Filed under: Editor Picks, Free 4 All, Playlists | Tags: Animal Collective, Atlas Sound, Ben Lee, Brazilian Girls, Bright Eyes, Broken Social Scene, Coldplay, Devendra Banhart, Dirty Projectors, Enrique Iglesias, Fleet Foxes, Gipsy Kings, Grateful Dead, Jose Gonazalez, Kings of Convenience, M83, Phoenix, The Shins
20 Watts' free beach mix is a perfect blend of warm-weather hits.
DOWNLOAD FREE 20 WATTS Beach Playlist AT MEDIAFIRE
I’m going to follow Alex’s lead, but not because I’m an unoriginal poseur, but because I sincerely believe in the power of a kickass playlist. There is absolutely nothing more precious than music perfectly coinciding with your surroundings, which is why I’m going to share my ideal beach playlist. Trust me, I tested it this past weekend, and a playlist capable of transforming the Jersey Shore into the ultimate island getaway is worth a listen.
Filed under: Features, Free 4 All, Playlists, The Mix Fix | Tags: Alejandro Sanz, Bob Sinclair, CSS, Daft Punk, Girl Talk, Jackson 5, Matt + Kim, Notorious B.I.G., Peaches, Phoenix, Simian Mobile Disco, The Cool Kids, The Killers, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
This workout playlist will help you shed those July 4th calories faster
DOWNLOAD: FREE 20 WATTS WORKOUT MIXTAPE @MEDIAFIRE
A study was released this month on obesity in America, titled F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing In America. According to the study, the Adult Obesity Rate in New York is 24.5 percent. That is just the beginning and I will spare you with other details of the study, because the basic idea is that Americans eat too much. Since I know many of you pigged out or drank too much booze over July 4 weekend, I have some workout music recommendations.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Au Revoir Simone, Crystal Antlers, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Grizzly Bear, Passion Pit, Phoenix, playlist, St. Vincent, Urban Outfitters
In case all you cool cats haven’t already heard the news, everyone’s favorite overpriced hipster franchise has just released its newest playlist.
LSTN #5 features songs by Cymbals Eat Guitars, St. Vincent, Grizzly Bear, Crystal Antlers, Au Revoir Simone, Phoenix and Passion Pit, among 16 others. It’s a grab bag of hype-worthy indie pop/rock, to say the least; trust UO to keep it trendy.
- Caitlin Dewey
It’s common knowledge that 90 percent of the time a DJ tries remixing a Top 40 hit, it stinks. Despite this, remixing continues. Granted, there have been some decent remixes this year so far, but it’s interesting how certain songs get more remix attention than others. Sometimes it goes too far and comes in waves. Here’s the list of songs that get remixed way too many times.
1) “Zero” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
This isn’t even the best song on It’s Blitz!, and yet it was remixed at least five times. For a stretch of two weeks this year, a new remix popped up. Not surprisingly, all of the remixes licked balls.
2) “1901″ by Phoenix
This song got the same treatment from DJs and various bands that “Zero” did, except for some reason, the remixes were way better. Nonetheless, there’s no reason to remix a song more than once.
3) “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga
This song has had some decent remixes too, especially with the one that has Queen Latifah rapping in it. Fortunately, the basic structure of this song isn’t usually tampered with like the others–most of the time the remixes only included new supporting singers.
Don’t get me wrong, I love remixes, but only when they’re done right–which means touching as little as possible. Mixers and DJs can’t help themselves, because they’re arrogant and think they can revamp any song into a totally new hot track.
Moral of this analysis: Don’t remix one song too much. It only makes us like the originals more.
–Jett Wells, Reviews Editor
Filed under: Editor Picks | Tags: Animal Collective, The Strokes, Peter Bjorn and John, Passion Pit, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Grizzly Bear, Camera Obscura, Metric, St. Vincent, Ted Leo, Phoenix
We’re almost at the half-year point, and so much good music has already exploded onto the scene. It seems only necessary to pay respects to the artists and the quality work they’ve exposed to the world so far. I’m not talking about albums with a couple of great songs, this list is about ensembles/full albums that work from head to toe.
(Not necessarily ranked in order)
It’s Blitz! by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
This could be arguably the most complete album with so many quality songs. It’s not just that the album has great songs–this was a transition album for the YYYS to synth-pop, and they pulled it off magnificently.
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix
This was my first time exposed to Phoenix, and I was romanced from the start. Phoenix’s new album is a hit-maker, and could called a success just because of its two big hits, “1901″ and “Litzomania.”
Fantasies by Metric
A very well-rounded album with quality girl-pop songs. “Help I’m Alive” is an instant pop classic, and really brings the whole album together. Plus, I really respect the fact Metric streamed their whole album before releasing it officially.
Living Thing by Peter Bjorn and John
PBJ pushed themselves to evolve their sound with new sounds and methods, and pulled it off pretty well with this album. This album has one awesome song with a handful of good songs. The Swedish trio are great at what they do–making weird pop songs.
My Maudlin Career by Camera Obscura
I think these guys are adorable, and I love the hit track “French Navy.” This album isn’t as complete as the rest, but still gets my respect because I think their sound is so retro and unique.
Notables: Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective, Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear, and Actor by St. Vincent
Projected Hits:
Manners by Passion Pit
the eventual Ted Leo album
the eventual Strokes album
–Jett Wells, Reviews Editor
Filed under: Editor Picks | Tags: bloc party, HEALTH, Litzomania, Now Now Every Children, O+S, Phoenix, St. Vincent
After finishing my finals last Friday, and I had to shed my skin, and buy some new music to start my summer off right. Some of the tracks aren’t new-new, but new enough. I usually do this by buying the tracks off iTunes to make it official. I know, I know. I’m old-fashioned. I buy music. Get over it.
Here are the tracks:
1. “Permanent Scar,” by O+S
-I love this song, because I’m a sucker for an awesome bass beat. This shakes you hard, and grooves with you. It’s got cool hip-hop elements but also has an indie guitar riff to go along with it. Thanks Stereogum.
2. “Everyone You Know,” Now Now Every Children
-This band has to have one of the awkwardest names I’ve ever heard, but I really like the singer’s voice. It’s soft and steady.
3. “Liztomania,” by Phoenix
-Everyone and their mother knows about this song, but I love it. Phoenix really hit a home run with their new album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.
4. “Strangers” and “Actor Out of Work,” by St. Vincent.
-This girl is getting bigger by the hour, and I really like what she does. She has great range without overdoing it, but what really sells me is her experimentation with electronic soundbites.
5. “Signs (Armand Van Helden Remix),” by Bloc Party
-I wrote about this remix a while back, but it just went on sale on iTunes yesterday. It’s about time! This is a fantastic remix by Bloc Party that always gets me jacked up. This song is a pain in the ass to play off YouTube since it has that lips-for-a-vagina sequence.
*********
P.S…Does anyone know why HEALTH’s new album isn’t available on iTunes yet? I really want to buy “Die Slow.”
–Jett Wells, Reviews Editor
Filed under: Free 4 All, Industry News | Tags: 1901, Andrew Maury, indie, Lisztomania, Phoenix, RAC, Radiohead, rock, Tokyo Police Club, tour, Wolfgang Amandeus Phoenix
Phoenix has been all over the media the past few weeks. These indie heartthrobs have earned themselves a stellar reputation since 2000 when they released their first album United. They created a melting pot of funk, electronica, and indie rock that had original and fresh smells to it when it first came out. They are releasing a new album titled Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (V2 Records) on May 25, 2009, although the tracks were leaked in March and have already gained a widespread fan base.
Andrew Maury, a Syracuse University graduate, remixed the song “1901″ under the DJ collaboration Remix Artist Collective (RAC). Maury has remixed countless other bands such as Tokyo Police Club, Radiohead and Bear Hands, and has created a distinctive remix sound for himself. Be sure to check out his other remixes as well, especially the Nintendo vs. Sega EP which is both fun and nostalgic to listen to.
Filed under: Industry News | Tags: Peter Bjorn and John, Passion Pit, Tiny Masters of Today, Grizzly Bear, Phantogram, St. Vincent, green day, Presidents of the United States, Black Eyed Peas, Placebo, Phoenix, Iron and Wine, Tinted Windows, Margot & The Nuclear So-Sos, Dave Brubeck, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Grizzly Bear
This is just as good a time as any to keep ya’ll up to date on upcoming records and nearby concerts before the semester comes to a close. Keep in mind, some of these albums were going to be reviewed in our print issue, but that’s the way it goes.
Ten upcoming albums to look out for (in chronological order):
1) Tinted Windows (debut album)—April 21st
2) St. Vincent, Actor—May 5th
3) Green Day, 21st Century—May 15th
4) Iron and Wine, Around the Well—May 19th
5) Passion Pit, Manners—May 19th
6) Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus—May 25th
7) Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest—May 26th [Even though it leaked weeks ago]
8 ) Placebo, Battle for the Sun—June 8th
9) Black Eyed Peas, The E.N.D.—June 9th
10) Tiny Masters of Today, Skeletons—June 16th
Nearby shows/Acts that would be worth the road trip (or quick car ride):
1) Margot & The Nuclear So-Sos—Buffalo, April 17th
2) Dave Brubeck—Buffalo, April 25th
3) Peter Bjorn and John—Toronto, Quebec, Montreal, April 25th-27th
4) Presidents of the United States—Syracuse, Aprl 22nd
5) Big Bad Voodoo Daddy—Verona, May 14th
AND…For those lucky bastards staying here in Syracuse for the summer:
6) Phantogram (w/ Flying Lotus, NAS and The Disco Biscuits)—Mariaville, July 16th
- Jett Wells, Co-Reviews Editor
