Friday, January 22, 2010

HIPSTER RUNOFF

HIPSTER RUNOFF

Do u like the Hot Chips?

Posted: 22 Jan 2010 08:05 AM PST

I remember back in the bloghousish days, there were two electro bands who were ‘more than just another blog house electro band.’ LCD Soundsystem and . I still feel confused by their high level brand and critical acceptance. I think it is because they use ‘real synths’ or something.

’s hit song “Boy From School” is from the year 2k6, possibly the most critical years in the formation of the current indie-perception-sphere, back when the mechanisms for distributing modern ‘critical acclaim’ were being formed. I think back then, there were still tangible ‘barriers to entry’ in the indie music industry. Back before ‘the Macbook explosion of 2k_.’ Never really vibed 2 hard on , but I think I felt pressure to enjoy/appreciate them for a while. Have heard mixed reviews of their live show.

Wonder if this ‘chilled out’ version of that song by the Grizzly Bear band is more in line with my modern personal brand than the original version of the song. I feel sorta distant from the whole ‘electro vibe’ these days. Would rather mellow/chill out. Get a little bit vulnerable.

[MP3]
Grizzly Bear Boy From School (Hot Chip Cover)

Do u think this cover is ‘better than the orig’, or has our consumer ear morphed over the past 4 years?

Really just been getting vulnerable, listening to Grizzly Bear. Saw this PSA from New Zealand that utilizes GB tunes, mixed with a cool dad with a beard wishing he could do something for his sick son. Seems ‘heavy’, like a pants-shitting emotional situation.

Wonder which band from The War of 2k9 will ’sell the most albums’ when their next album drops? The xx? AnCo? Neon Injun? Washed Out? Dirty Projjies? Probs GrizzBear.

Apparently the has a new album coming out. Wonder if it will ’skyrocket’ 2 #1 on billboard charts like the Vampy Weekend. Probably just in the UK, or some other foreign microscene. Do yall think that their title track ‘One Life Stand’ is n e good?

Seems like the usual formula. Lil bleep bloops, lil guy singing, zany video filmed in some conceptual studio.

Still searching for ‘a new vibe.’ Wanting to ‘ease into’ 2k10 without getting too consumery [via VampWeek#1]. Might be mildly worried that the new album is going to ‘blow’ based on the initial live footage/bootlegs. Maybe if it critically flops, we will learn that Avey ‘Avatar’ Tare is truly the most important member of Animal Collective.

Not sure if AnCo + will ever be able to be taken to ‘the mass market’ like more traditional bands. Tween parents might associate them directly with drug culture. I think Vampy Weekend/GrizzBear have more appealing back stories because they are associated with groups of bros who united to create something beautiful at a relevant American university. Seems like the ’stay in school’ message is important. AnCo might be ‘too old’ to be ‘young adults who set a good example.’

Part of me wishes I could go back to the blog house era, and just have fun again.
Might just listen 2 this song ovr & ovr again. It seems like conceptual Scandinavian electro pop with falsetto bros might ‘come back’ in 2k10.

Also wanted to give a shout out to MGMT and Arcade Fire in this post. Maybe a lil bit of M.I.A., and some Feist?

2k10. Feels really consumerwave.