(via catbird)
Watch: PS22 Kids Chorus Covers Phoenix’s “Lisztomania”
We saw the School of Rock kids’ cover of Radiohead’s “These Are My Twisted Words” late last year, but check out this rendition of the debut track off Phoenix’s breakthrough record by the PS22 Chorus. First off, it’s amazing how well the songwriting behind both of these tunes holds up with new arrangements, but that’s only a fraction of why I’m so in awe of this video.
On a personal note, the spirit and execution of this cover has really brightened our day around here after last night’s sad Mark Linkous story has been on our minds non-stop. In fact, even Phoenix themselves were moved by this jubilant version of their song, as one of their managers, Simon White, wrote to PS22 (emphasis mine):
[J]ust wanted to say how much we all loved the performance of Lisztomania. I wept within the first 30 seconds! It’s absolutely stunning, the arrangement is fantastic and the singing is just incredible.
The band and I were absolutely blown away - WOW!!!!
It’s an absolutely astonishing version and definitely my favourite “remix” of any of their songs. Please give the chorus our best wishes and sincere thanks.Sincere thanks from TwentyFourBit, too.
Sparklehorse /// “King Of Nails” /// It’s A Wonderful Life
I was greatly saddened to learn of Sparklehorse frontman and hell-of-a-songwriter Mark Linkous’ suicide over the weekend, not least because he was an artist I admired but often overlooked. I was a freshman in college when I first came across his work and, overstimulated and falling in love, I only skimmed his thorny, lonely, broken-down sound. It wasn’t time for this; I had too much to do, too much to be happy about. It was only much later, on some day I found myself sick and bottomed out, too weary for my age, that I was allowed to rediscover him. I didn’t even pick him out; I had left iTunes shuffle going, spread out on the ground and begun breathing into my dirty carpet. That’s how I do depression, just lying someplace I usually wouldn’t and trying to mesh with the surface. Songs came and went, and they were wallpaper. Then, at some point, a sharp, insistent beat. An unforgiving acoustic guitar, followed by a scummy one. It was music to rattle your bones and prickle your skin. At last, I had a reason to move—I needed to see what this song was called, and who was behind it.
Beautiful writing accompanied by stunning photographs.
Annapurna Moonrise: Night Photography at Base Camp
Very nice article.
Archie Bronson Outfit - Shark’s Tooth
Bewared but watch your trebles on this track. Domino Record Company shared this rad track with me via SoundCloud. You too can listen to the entire album at SoundCloud. By the way if you ain’t on SoundCloud you ain’t hip.
SCHED*s Austin Venue Map custom designed by Al Kirby and myself. These will be available for download soon or you can grab a printed copy all over Austin during SXSW.
Nirvana: A little bit country, a little bit rock’n’roll. Spin’s original review of Nevermind (via Google Books)
