I wrote once before about the song “Home,” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and since then, the song has been listened to more than almost any others on this site. I was struck then by how the song moved me, and I’m even more struck now by the fact that it continues to do so. And as though the band knew to add fuel to what is already a growing fire of enthusiasm, they have now released a video for the song.
The video is mostly shot in a nostalgic 1970′s era documentary style, and seems to trace the band’s various exploits while touring. And while it may not be the most thought evoking or moving video ever made, it is effective and certainly echoes the cheeriness and coziness that makes this song so wonderful. It’s easy to get lost in that joy as you watch this video, and almost impossible to watch it only once. And in the end, that’s what matters…the song, the video, the band all seem to lift the spirit. You can’t help but feel happier and sing along, and who can say no to that?
We’ve come at last to the Final Four! This round will decide the final two songs, which will pit the Needle against the Groove (let the trash talk begin!). The new match-ups are below, so be sure to get your votes in, and as always, spread the word. You can vote by clicking here, or getting in touch with one of use here.
The Needle, Round 3:
(4) “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
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It seems that my half of the bracket has become a battle of the mid-majors. Neither Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros nor Vandaveer are what I would consider well-known bands. They both have loyal followings, but Edward Sharpe has only recently begun to explode onto the scene. Following appearances on late shows and substantial touring, the group definitely has the popular momentum heading into the Final Four.
(5) “A Mighty Leviathan Of Old” – Vandaveer
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This was definitely the closest match-up of Round 2. Vandaveer just barely pulled off the victory over Fanfarlo. It’s hard to deny that the people of Roanoke love the group, and why not? On their last tour, they started and ended their travels with great sets in Roanoke. It will definitely be hard for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros to compete with the hometown favorite, but Vandaveer comes in as the 5 seed, so they will have their work cut-out for them.
The Groove, Round 3:
(1) “Empire State Of Mind” – Jay-Z (ft. Alicia Keys)
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No big surprise here, as the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys duet makes it to the Final Four. The New York ballad came behind from an early deficit and overcome the upstart Chiddy Bang. Could Empire State of Mind’s consistent radio play be hurting it now? We’ll have to see as it matches up with Wale in the Final Four.
(2) “New Soul” – Wale
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No major upsets this round, as Wale moved on to the Final Four as well. Again, as my favorite song of the year, New Soul bumped out Kid Cudi’s “Alive” in fairly overwhelming fashion. Though Kid Cudi had an overall more successful debut album, Wale will be facing Jay-Z for the right to compete for the song of year title.
Let the first round begin! Below are each of the songs matched up for this week. Just leave a comment or contact us to let us know who your picks are. Vote early, vote often…and as always, feel free to share.
(1) “In The Flowers” – Animal Collective
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The Animal Collective are the clear favorite for this half of the bracket. Their most recent album, Merriweather Post Pavilion, was picked as album of the year by many music critics, and while “My Girls” is more commonly considered the best song on the album, I can’t help but disagree. “In The Flowers” is that perfect mix of moving lyrics, and more importanly, moving sound.
(8) “Julian Of Norwich” – Bombadil
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Bombadil is definitely the sentimental favorite…a real Cinderella story. Not only were they fellow Duke students, but they seem like all around nice guys. There music mixes a broad spectrum of sounds (including a minstrel break in “Julian of Norwich”) and great lyrics. Their win may be a long shot, but what is March Madness without a Cinderella story?
(4) “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
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It’s hard to believe that Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros jumped to the 4th seed so quickly, but their first album, Up From Below, was pretty amazing, and I just heard this song on the trailer for some movie. There aren’t a lot of “love songs” worthy of the sweet sixteen, but there aren’t many love songs as impressive as this.
(6) “When They Fight, They Fight” – Generationals
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If there is any song that will give the upbeat, cheery “Home” a run for it’s money, it is the equally catchy, even more rambunctious “When They Fight, They Fight” by the Generationals. Picking just one song from their debut album Con Law was tricky, but in the end, this is the clear choice. Just try to listen to this without singing along, and while you’re at it, listen to the rest of the album as well.
(3) “Ambling Alp” – Yeasayer
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There was no question in my mind that Yeasayer’s “Ambling Alp” would make this bracket and with a high seed. I never would have imagined that their follow up album, Odd Blood, could have surpassed their debut album, All Hour Cymbals, but here we are. And with lyrics like these, it’s not hard to see why:
Now, the world can be an unfair place at times
But your lows will have their complement of highs
And if anyone should cheat you, take advantage of, or beat you
Raise your head and wear your wounds with pride
(5) “A Mighty Leviathan Of Old” – Vandaveer
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I was blown away the first time I heard Vandaveer’s “A Mighty Leviathan Of Old,” and every time I listen to it, it just gets better. Vandaveer is definitely the local Roanoke favorite, and you can’t help but have a little hometown pride. So to Mark, Rose, and their worn out boots, best of luck.
(2) “Harold T. Wilkins, Or How To Wait For A Very Long Time” – Fanfarlo
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Fanfarlo’s “Harold T. Wilkins, Or How To Wait For A Very Long Time” is without question the most listened to song I have ever posted. This song comes from the band’s debut album, Reservoir, and once again, it was hard to pick just one track to use. The entire record is fantastic, and the band dangled a man in a straight jacket from the ceiling during their show in New York! If that doesn’t earn you a 2 seed, nothing will.
(7) “222″ – Those Darlins
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The saddest day of my year so far was not getting to see Those Darlins live in Charlotesville because of the crazy snow storms in Virginia. I can only imagine how much fun they would be live, but this song should give you all a pretty good idea. Just be sure to turn it up loud, and always remember, you have to have respect for a band that releases their music on a hot pink vinyl.
Oh, and this is our 100th post! So to all of you that have kept us going with your support, we thank you…and we look forward to the next 100!
So the Groove and I recently got a little bit of press from the folks over at Cinema Romantico, a film blog out of Chicago. If you’ve never checked out their site, you should definitely do so…and we just want to send out a hearty thanks! So, in recognition of those of you who dwell in the realm of the cinematic, I thought I would put up some recently released music videos. So settle in, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the show.
I’ve written before about Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. As if their music wasn’t great enough, the band has decided to start releasing music videos as well. Everything about the group is epic (for example, the tour with as many as ten members), and why should their videos be any different?! Rather than release a one-off, typical, run of the mill music video, they have embarked upon a feature-length movie musical extravaganza. The movie is being produced in 12 parts, and so far “Desert Song” and “Kisses Over Babylon” have been released. I can’t say I fully understand any of this yet, but hey, it’s only parts 1 and 2! Can’t wait for the next ten!
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Part 1: “Desert Song”
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Part 2: “Kisses Over Babylon”
Ok, so I’m aware that both of those are a bit heavy…and frankly, a little odd, so I thought I would lighten it up a bit with the next two videos. The first is the song “Aerosmith, Take Me To The Other Side,” by the San Francisco based, “hammjamm” band Still Flyin’. Don’t ask me what a “hammjamm” band is…Still Flyin’ made up the term…but no matter what it means, it’s a good time, and I think this video proves it. And yes, that’s the band dressed up as Aerosmith. And I have to say, this song fully captures my own idea of Hell…Aerosmith, ugh.
Still Flyin’ – “Aerosmith, Take Me To The Other Side”
It’s hard to know exactly how to lead in to this next video…but here goes: Michael Cera giving a drug induced cosmic hug to Nicholas Thorburn. What more can I say?!
The Islands – “No You Don’t”
Well to finish up, I thought I would move away from officially released music videos and share some some fantastic, fan-filmed performance videos. All of these come from the music site, La Blogotheque, which is easily one of my favorite music blogs. Now I realize that it helps to be able to read French when you visit their site, but you don’t have to know a foreign language to enjoy their Les Concerts A Emporter series. They have dozens of these sessions, and they are all amazing…here are just a few of my favorites. Enjoy.
The Antlers – “Two/Epilogue”
Vandaveer – “Woolgathering/Roman Candle”
Tallest Man On Earth – “The Gardener”
Vive le cinéma!
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