Video: Icicle Sleeves/Kolnidur by Jonsi
Icicle Sleeves/Kolnidur by Jonsi as part of the Cemetery Gates series (via Pitchfork).
Icicle Sleeves/Kolnidur by Jonsi as part of the Cemetery Gates series (via Pitchfork).
I really hope a good live video surfaces of Jonsi performing his song ‘Grow Till Tall’ (another version of which can be heard in this trailer here). Easily one of the best songs I’ve ever seen performed live, Jonsi saved the best for last this past friday by performing this masterpiece as the 2nd song of the encore and last of the night. The song starts soft with Jonsi‘s angelic voice and minimal instrumentation, but as it continues and builds, a wall of sound emerges under a beautiful three note vocal loop. With each note or sound or effect added, we kept wondering how big the song could get. Way beyond the point of where I normally get goosebumps, I witnessed the song culminate in a barrage of stunning visuals and outstanding musicianship.
I guarantee everyone who attending that show would agree with me.
All in all, a very entertaining and enjoyable show. A good mix of softer ‘ballad’ style numbers to poppy, upbeat songs like ‘Go Do’ and ‘Boy Lilikoi’, there was something for everyone. A drummer who never plays anything less than complicated fill-ins. Stage backdrops reminiscent of what you’d see at a musical or play. Live visuals that enthralled.
Take a look at the video below of ‘Sinking Friendships’ (live from an earlier show on tour).
jonsi – sinking friendships (live) from Jonsi on Vimeo.
For a recent live session on the Jo Whiley Show for BBC Radio 1, Jonsi threw in a cover of MGMT‘s ‘Time To Pretend‘. This stripped down piano version differs greatly from the original dancy version, but its a nice way to start off the week. Stream the whole session/interview here (along with a performance of ‘Go Do’).
Speaking of MGMT, check out their new record either by heading to their homepage or clicking on the album cover on the right side of this site to stream their new album ‘Congratulations’ on NPR.
jonsi – “go quiet” from Jonsi on Vimeo. ‘Go Quiet’ is a film that will be included in the limited and digital special editions of Jonsi’s upcoming debut ‘Go’.
“the concept behind go quiet was simple: it’s new year’s day in reykjavik and jonsi awakens to a trashed house in the wake of his party. he avoids cleaning up and instead procrastinates by playing songs that reflect the night before, the bittersweetness of new year, and the melancholy of a year gone by” — director dean deblois.
Head here for more.
Well, I guess I’m not just listening to Jonsi‘s new songs, but learning a bit about the live show he’s taking on the road with him. I’ve got tickets, looking forward to it.
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From Boston comes Magic Man, a duo born from time spent on organic farms in the French countryside. I did a similar thing in 2002, as part of my trip around Europe and I’ll say, there’s something inspiring about that place. I remember the wine and food, the air, and inability to communicate well yet feel perfectly at home.
Sam and Alex finished the recorded songs over the net, from France to the United States. Check out Monster. Also, care of their labelArcade Sound ltd, you can download the whole record here.
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Thom Yorke‘s side project (original listed as Thom Yorke ???) has a name, Atoms For Peace. The band, consisting of drummer Joey Waronker, percussionist Mauro Refosco, Chili Peppers bassist Flea, and longtime Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, will be touring in April, hopefully coming to a city near you.
04/05 – New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom *
04/06 – New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom *
04/08 – Boston, MA @ Citi Wang Theatre *
04/10 – Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom *
04/11 – Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom *
04/14 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theatre *
04/15 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theatre *
04/17 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl *
04/18 – Indio, CA @Coachella Music Festival
* = w/ Flying Lotus