This Monday I am loving me some "Love Letter" by Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes.
Let me just start by saying I am super excited about thisband from the land down under! Definitely a new favorite for me! Ms. Browne's voice fills a void in me previously only reserved for the likes of the late Amy Winehouse. I am sure by now you have grown tired of hearing me go on and on about my love for 60's Soul/R&B and specifically female vocalists of that era or that resemble such, so without further ado I give you the incredibly talented ensemble that is Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes:
Btw, if the song sounds familiar, it may be due to a Heineken commercial that recently featured the band and the song.This is actually where the hubby first heard/saw them, but didn't even realize they were an actual band.
Oh
, and if you're really digging their sound and are wondering when and where you can catch them live, be prepared to get beyond excited because they are actually on tour right now in the U.S.! Their official website www.clairybrowne.comhas the rest of their tour dates.
Hope everyone has a fabulous week!
-Lesli My pick for this week is a band I've been digging for some time now. Unfortunately, there isn't a video for my favorite song, so we'll just make do with audio. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Fleet Foxes!
So, we have decided to do something a little different for this Music Monday. Instead of our usual individual song/artist picks, we decided to collaborate on a single post dedicated to a mutually beloved artist and debut what we hope to be the first of many "Artist Spotlight" posts. Now, from the beginning of What's Bippin, Michelle and I agreed we would never blog about certain topics, specifically certain artists, artists that we both feel very protective and passionate about. I think this was due in part to us being in denial and believing if we never talked about it publicly than we could somehow keep them all to ourselves (ridiculous, I know) and also due in part to us feeling there are just no words worthy of describing our feelings towards them.
As silly as this may sound to some, the impact these artists have had on us has made it very difficult for us to share with others and even though we still don't feel 100% comfortable writing about all of them (there are still some we will NEVER talk about on here), we decided since this blog is about US, we could not and should not withhold these things that make up a huge part of who and what we are.
With that being said, we have decided to loosen the reigns a little and dedicate an "Artist Spotlight" to one of our biggest music and fashion icons: Lana Del Rey.
Here are the facts: Michelle loved her first, now we fight over who loves her more but agree that no one loves her as much as we do combined. Don't get us wrong, we love our fellow Lanatics, but only those who discovered her on their own and have no relation to us. Otherwise, we feel like a child at the playground whose toy has been stolen: "Give her back, she's mine!". Obsessed much? You could say that.
Even as the hardcore Lana fans that we are, there are still lines we simply will not cross. For instance, we strongly dislike blatant and direct imitation out of the profound respect we have for her. Which means that covers of her songs, recreations of her looks/photos and impersonators better nail it to a T (in other words, you better have us fooled for the real thang, mkay?), otherwise in our opinion it is an insult. One might argue that imitation is the highest form of flattery, to which I would repeat, if you can pull it off then fine, but most cannot and here is where the problem lies. We don't blame people for trying, I mean, naturally we all want to be her.... but unfortunately we cannot and if you are a true fan, out of respect for the artist, you would be able to recognize that.
Now, that is not say we are not cool with anything "inspired" by Ms. Del Rey. That is perfectly okay with us. In fact, it's more than okay, we love it! We are guilty of it ourselves! She is our muse in many different aspects.
What makes her so special you may ask? This is probably the hardest question to answer being that it's of a more personal nature, since we could both answer that completely differently. We both love her for a lot of the same reasons and then also for our own reasons. So, instead of trying to explain it, we thought it best to compile some of our favorite Lana works and let you see for yourselves.
Our picks:
I know, I know, we probably should have cautioned you before viewing this that your may explode by all the amazing-ness that is Lana Del Rey. It is too much even for us to handle at times. Please take as long as you need to compose yourselves.
Today I am incredibly excited to share with you all my pick.
Mainly because it's from a band that both Lesli and I adore, and have had the privilege of seeing.
That being said, today's pick is Austra's brand new single Home.
If you've never heard of this band, please do yourself a favor and listen to some of their other songs. They're amazing. Lesli and I discovered this band, each on our own, and were SO excited when we found out we both liked them. We agree that their dark Synth-Pop paired with Katie Stelmanis classically trained voice is the most stunning combination. And not to mention that hearing her sing live is simply breathtaking! That's why we are eagerly awaiting their new album, but until then, we'll make due with the singles! :D
I hope you all have a swell Monday!
-Michelle
So, I know the Black Keys are currently all the rave and not that it matters and I know this is going to be such a hipster thing to say, but I really did like them before they were trendy. Ever since the release of Brothers I've been obsessing over their cover of Jerry Butler's "Never Give You Up". Covers are really one of those hit or miss kind of things for me, and I know not everyone feels the same, but I happen to think they nailed it. So my pick for this Monday is "Never Give You Up" as performed by the Black Keys. Enjoy!
Fitz & The Tantrums: saw this band live before ever even hearing a single song of theirs.
We all know how fond I am of 60's soul and R&B singers, especially female singers. Although the lead singer of Fitz & the Tantrums is Michael Fitzpatrick, for me the back up singer, Noelle Scaggs, steals the show. She is a insanely talented vocalist! She rocked it live! Again, I'm super into their sound sorta being a throwback to the 60's and excited that they're doing their own thing and don't really sound like anything out there right now. So, now I give you "Breaking The Chains Of Love"...
-Lesli
Ever since the day I came across Sky Ferreira's video for 'One' about two years ago, I knew she was special. Even though I didn't particularly like that song, I liker her. I really even know why, but I think she's really pretty(in that hot mess kind of way). Recently I've decided to give her music a second try, and luckily I liked a couple songs. 'Everything is Embarrassing' is probably my favorite song of hers, although when I first found it the name weirded me out. I'm glad, however, that I didn't let that stop me! Without further ado:
This Monday I decided to take a more psychedelic route with my pick. I re-discovered my love for The Velvet Underground and specifically The Velvet Underground with Nico. Really, what is there not to love about this Warhol Superstar? In my opinion she was a 60's icon.
So, the song I chose is "Femme Fatale". I feel it displays Nico's unique deep, husky voice perfectly!
Hope you enjoyed and wish one and all a fabulous Monday!
-Lesli
My pick for today is The Flaming Lips' Vein of Stars.
There are so many great songs of theirs but this is my favorite.
Once again, I've gathered inspiration from my weekend to decide on my pick for Music Monday. I feel my pick is pretty self explanatory and needs no introduction, however I will say this: this came as a result of being stuck in someone else's vehicle for over an hour while we played round robin (everyone in the car takes turns picking one song off the iPod and it gets passed around until you reach your destination). Needless to say, this is a fantastic way to get to know your friends better, but I must warn you, sometimes you run the risk of knowing too much and being disappointed, shocked and maybe even appalled at some of the songs you may find. Use caution! ;)
Alas, I give you "The Poopsmith Song" by Over the Rhine
So, there it is. Just in case anyone needed clarification.
Happy Monday guys!
Lesli
My choice for today is my favorite driving song, Crystal Castles' Vanished! This song just reminds me of driving at night and seeing all the lights whirled around you. Aside from that, the song needs no further introduction.
Continuing with the fun and exciting vibe of the weekend; today's pick is Class Actress!
Elizabeth Harper of Class Actress.
With songs drenched in synth and and laced with catchy beats, it's hard to ignore Class Actress. Elizabeth's music has the power to make you feel like you've been transported back in to the 80's, and makes you want to just get up and dance...
or at least it makes me want to do so.
I seriously love her whole album Reproacher, therefore, I find it difficult to pick just one favorite song. I suppose though, if I had to, it would be Bienvenue (meaning 'Welcome' in French).
Watch and Enjoy!
Btw, this video is visually amazing!
-Michelle
Holiday! Well, for me anyway, don't know about everyone else.
So, I'm out and about enjoying this gorgeous sunny day and the song that is serving as the soundtrack for this is "Something Good Can Work" by Two Door Cinema Club. Love this band, love Alex Trimble (GINGER!) love this song and although I know what the correct lyrics are, I still always choose to sing it this way: "Let's make this happen girl, we gonna showtheworldthatsomethinggoodc
aniruhgfisdgerkwvbkaurfhvksdhvbs for youuuuuuu, and you know that it will..." Ha!
P.S. My cat looks like the kitty on the cover of Tourist History. :)
My pick for this Monday is Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago album.
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.
I've been absolutely swamped with school work, chores, and things to do for What's Bippin' that I've been a bit stressed. This album, however, has been my go-to album to help me wind down after a long day. I simply pop in my earphones, sip on some tea, and relax. I haven't been familiar with Bon Iver for very long, and honestly, this is the only album of theirs I own, but I'm definitely going to give their other work a try. So far, I have three favorite songs off this album: Skinny Love, For Emma, and Re: Stacks.
Happy Monday!
-Michelle Monday, bloody Monday! Today was honestly quite dreadful. The epitome of a "Manic Monday". We have all had these days I'm sure, where you just can't wait for the day to be over and you just want to scream "to hell with it all!". Who better to help me channel my frustrations than The Clash? Hooray for old skool punk!
Have a listen and feel the instant calming effect.
Lesli:
My pick for today is "Crave You" by Flight Facilities feat. Giselle. Although the original version is good, I am obsessed with the Adventure Club Remix. Pandora pretty much shoved it down my throat enough times that it grew on me and now I love it. So, for your listening pleasure, I give you...
This Monday I'm super excited to share with you all one of my most treasured discoveries; Widowspeak.
I found out about this band last year and fell in love with them the instant I heard their cover of Chris Isaac's 'Wicked Game'. The band has a page on Bandcamp.com on which I had downloaded their first album that is self-titled. I liked it a lot, which is why I'm SUPER excited to have had a listen of their new album 'Almanac'.
It's due to come out tomorrow and I can't wait to get my hands on it! If you're not familiar with them I'd definitely recommend you hear 'Harsh Realm' (my favorite song). You can also preview 'Almanac' in entirety on NPR's First Listen (CLICK HERE to do so).
Hope you all enjoy your Monday!
Michelle
When most people hear the name Amy Winehouse they automatically associate it with drugs, alcohol and a tragic death. Most people totally ignore the fact that she was a very talented individual. Of course she was troubled, but sometimes I feel that's part of what makes these type of artists work so good. It's deeper, more meaningful and more soulful. A former manager of mine once said of her, "she has more soul in her pinky finger than Alicia Keys has in her entire body" and I happen to agree. I was a fan of Ms. Winehouse's long before her passing and continue to be, which is why my pick for today's Music Monday is "Valerie". Enjoy!
This Monday I am loving me some Foster the People.
They have been around for a while now. So, it's not that I just discovered the band, however I did just discover how in love I am with their song "I Would Do Anything For You".
Although, they are best known for "Pumped Up Kicks", which is also a great song, I feel that it does not accurately portray the rest of the band's work which is much more positive, up-beat and overall feel good stuff.
"I Would Do Anything For You" is sweet and simple which is exactly how a love song should be.
You can tell the composer(s) was/were in a good place when it was written.
The feeling is contagious, you just can't help but be in a good mood when you hear it.
"I said it I don't know what the plan is but you can share with me
'Cause I'll be listening here to everything you say
I won't turn away and I'll listen, open up my heart and I must say that I love you"
Wishing one and all a lovely Monday! <3
Lesli
I'm a bit sad this Monday because I'm sick. So one of the best ways I know to liven my mood is listening to music. Therefore, the song that I chose for that is Devendra Banhart's - Santa Maria De Feira.
This song automatically transports me to a sunny day on the beach. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I do! Happy Monday!
Michelle
My artist pick for this Music Monday needs no introduction, it is none other than the extraordinary Florence + The Machine.
I am such a big fan of Ms. Welch and friends and had the awesome privilege of seeing them live back in October of this year and may I say they did not disappoint. The talent behind this lady is so incredible. Her voice was just breathtaking in person which is so refreshing nowadays in the era of studio manufactured artists who sound bloody awful live.
It is very difficult to pick a favorite song by Florence + The Machine (there are so many good ones), however I must resort back to the one that made me fall head over heels in love with them: Swimming.
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, I fell asleep listening to Pandora and was awoken by my sub-conscience when this song came on, instantly becoming captivated by it's beauty. I recognized Florence's voice but had never heard this particular song. I had to have it! Next day I purchased it on Amazon.com off of Lungs: The B-Sides and was one very happy girl.
Some of my other favorites off the Lungs LP include: Cosmic Love, of course, Howl, Drumming, Falling and My Boy Builds Coffins.
Off of Ceremonials: Heartlines, What The Water Gave Me and Only If For A Night
Ms. Welch also inspires me fashion wise. She has a very ethereal style, with lots of gorgeous flowy dresses and the wrap around braid hair do inspired me to give it a try on my own hair, however it did not come out as successful as hers (with more practice I am sure I will eventually nail it).
"Because falling's not the problem, when I'm falling I'm at peace
It's only when I hit the ground it causes all the grief"
Michelle:
My pick for this week is Wild Nothing.
Jack Tatum - vocals, guitars, bass guitar, various instruments
I first heard of Wild Nothing on Urban Outfitters 2011 Pitchfork compilation which featured the EP Golden Haze. I instantly fell in love with the track.
Deciding to hear more of Wild Nothing, I looked up their album Gemini on Youtube. The first song that came up was Living in Dreams. Upon reading comments I noticed that a few people mentioned that they sounded a bit like The Smiths.This immediately peeked my interest (I am a HUGE Smiths fan). I must say, although I personally didn't see the correlation between the two, I did really like what I heard. I went along and bought the album off iTunes. I loved that album to pieces. Seriously, it was on repeat the whole fall/winter of 2011. A few of my favorite songs off Gemini are: Summer Holidays, Pessimist, O Lilac, The Witching Hour, Chinatown, and Our Composition Book.
Earlier this year there was word on Tumblr that Wild Nothing was coming out with their second album Nocturne in August. When the release date came up, I was very excited but also hesitant to hear it. I thought maybe they would change their sound and I would hate it. So, I previewed the whole album on Spotify. The first track that caught my attention was Only Heather. I knew right then and there that I even if I didn't like the rest of the tracks, that one would make up for it. Eventually I bought Nocturne and it grew on me. Now I love it equally if not a little more than I did Gemini. I love the whole thing so much that I don't have a favorite song because they're all so good!
If I had to choose though, I think I'd say Paradise.
Gather round boys and girls because today is Music Monday! Lesli and I are going to share with you our music obsession of the week.
Michelle:
Megan James (Vocals) and Corin Roddick (Instrumentals)
This week I had to go with Purity Ring's new album Shrines. I kid you not, this album has been and will be on repeat for a while. It's pure amazingness. If you aren't familiar with Purity Ring already, they are a Canadian electro-pop duo from Montreal. Shrines is their debut album and was released in July of this year. I like the whole album but of course, everyone has their favorite songs and 'Obedear' is mine. The combination of Megan's sweet voice mixed with the dark synthy-electro music is just perfect. If you don't believe me, have a listen:
Lesli:
Lykke Li is my artist pick for todays Music Monday.
I am really into "Jerome" off of her Wounded Rhymes LP.
I was introduced to Lykke Li a few years back via The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack.
Regardless of how I feel about the books and movies, I must admit, the soundtracks have provided
countless eclectic indie bands and musicians, most of which are pretty fantastic.
Going along with the overall mood of the book and movie, the songs featured on the soundtrack
are of a much darker tone. Lykke Li's "Possibility" instantly hooked me. I found the combination
of her child-like tone of voice and dramatic piano very somber and haunting.
As described by Wikipedia, "her music often blends elements of pop, indie rock and electronic;
various instruments can also be found in her songs, including violins,synthesizers,tambourines,
trumpets, saxophones and cellos". Some songs have a retro sound to them which
is another reason why I am a big fan. Take for example the intro to "Youth Knows No Pain"
also off of the Wounded Rhymes LP.
Michelle prefers Lykke Li's debut album Youth Novel, which I also love, but personally have
obsessed over more songs on the Wounded Rhymes LP.
In the end, we are both fans of Ms. Lykke Li for her edgy lyrics and captivating music style.
Definitely on my to see live list.
"Come and get down, come and get down, make amends, make a vow"
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