This is where I post my music. One of my great loves in life. It's something I cannot be without. Carnival is my place to post what I'm listening to. It's really a blog for me, as I have rather eclectic taste in music and don't really expect many others to be right there with me! However, I do love when someonedoes find something that speaks to them, as has happened. Nowthat makes me so happy!
And please do take a peek there, just there above, where it says 'Music and Me' to see why I do.
A new discovery for me (via Spotify) is this band from Ontario Canada, Evening Hymns. They are essentially main man Jonas Bonnetta, and 'a rotating collective of musicians which includes members of Ohbijou, The Wooden Sky, The D'Urbervilles and Forest City Lovers.'
I've been listening to their album 'Spirit Guides' over the last couple of days and while there are echos of Fleet Foxes, I do think there is enough here that is totally their own to make this a really nice listen.
Take a moment to check them out here. Love the slow build into something quite joyous and uplifting.
And I really love this lovely live performance by Jonas and an uncredited lady friend. Very sweet.
When it comes to finding out about new music, something that is a bit of an obsession for me, I have a few favourite means. I did mention here before my favourite music magazines and Spotify as two places I go to, but I'd now like to share with you a new, very firm favourite.
Folk Radio UK is an online radio station and blog run by husband and wife team Alex and Amanda Gallacher, that is a daily musical Aladdin's Cave. I now keep a notebook handy for jotting down names that catch my attention throughout the day and then later on off I go to youtube or Spotify to check them out further. Nothing beats hearing music you love on someone else's playlist, and combined with endless new-to-my-ears artists, well, it makes for one endless happy experience!
I first discovered Folk Radio UK when booking tickets for a gig which I will blog about very soon, and since then have been listening almost every day. Do check it out if any of what you see here is up your street.
So here is one gorgeous lady I have discovered thanks to FRUK. And there is many more to come!
Kathryn Calder is a member of The New Pornographers and this song is taken from her solo album 'Are You My Mother?' And you can hear more of this gorgeous album here.
I think this may well have been where it all started. And with song titles like "Perfect Neglect In A Field Of Statues", and "An Accidental Memory In The Case Of Death", of course I was bound to want to know more.
Who: Matthew Robert Cooper, here known as Eluvium.
Where: Now based in Seattle, Washington.
What: His 2004 album 'An Accidental Memory In The Case Of Death', and 2006 EP 'When I Live By The Garden And The Sea'.
Listen here for more devastatingly beautiful melancholia.
Continuing on this most lovely of ambient soundtracks of summer, I became lost somewhere in the ice fields of this impossibly young man's impossibly beautiful mind. His music described as "beautiful in the same way the Arctic is..."
Who: Ólafur Arnalds.
Where: Iceland.
What: His 2009 album 'Found Songs'.
Listen here for more exalted loveliness, including from his 2010 album "...And They Have Escaped The Weight Of Darkness". And read here for a lovely review of him performing.
At some point in this summer I found myself on a beautiful winding gossamer path of ambient loveliness, thanks to Spotify and my own curious mind. I can't even remember where it began, but I'd like to share with you some of the gems I found.
Who: Balmorhea.
Where: Austin, Texas.
What: Two of their albums in particular, River's Arms, and Constellations.
Described as a 'minimalist instrumental ensemble', they create music that is both evocative and visionary. I find listening to them sets off a visual transportation of the mind! Wonderful and sublime.
As I mentioned in my last post, I've been listening to so much incredible music over the summer. So, over the next week or so, I'm going to give a taster of what has been the soundtrack to this most lovely of summers. I hope you enjoy!
~*~
Who: Band Of Horses.
What: New album, Infinite Arms, out last May.
Listen to more: Here.
(This song from their previous album Cease To Begin.)
It's been such a fun, busy summer in so many ways with lots of beach days, visiting and visitors, catching up with friends old and new, near and far, that this ol' blog has been sorely neglected. (Though I do think I may be blogging here for myself alone! Something I'm more than happy to do and which takes the pressure off me when I am more than sporadic!)
So, Autumn is approaching fast, as is evident in the cooler evenings, although we have also been having some of the loveliest warm summer days too. Summer is tenacious.
The list of new music has been growing longer and longer and I will be getting around to posting some over the next few weeks, and I also have some delicious new clothing sites to share with you.
Here's to the coming home that Autumn brings, to turning my focus inwards and to increasing my output of creativity!
I've been listening to so much great music over the last couple of months that I hardly know where to begin. But I think I might stay in the Northlands for this next installment that is my personal soundtrack. A common theme for me, I know, but there is something about Nordic music that brings a flurry of magical imagery that is all sunlit lakes and trees and snow and wild mountains.
I actually discovered this guy, Emil Svanängen also known as Loney, Dear, late one evening while following a lovely thread of 'related artists' on Spotify. I'd never heard of him, and from the opening track I was spellbound. What intrigues me is that I can start off listening to their 2004 album Citadel Band and be immersed in the beautiful folky feel to his music, and love every song, and then as the play list moves on to his more recent album (2009) Dear John, there is a distinct but seamless crossover into electronica, which only then do I realise was actually shimmering through the surface of Citadel Band and his earlier albums all along.
He has released 5 or 6 albums, with another one on the way, and if they are anything to go by, then he can do no wrong.
Below is a rather beautiful fan made video of one of the songs from Dear John.
It's been a while, I know. But I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't post any more music posts until I had done one about clothes as it's been too long since I have and that, after all, is one of the reasons I started this particular blog! But then, I've been so stoney broke that I haven't bought a stitch in what feels like aeons. And I haven't been looking either as it's just too depressing when you're so broke! So at last, here is a post that is not about music.
Pics by Jay.
So when I finally found a wee bit of cash to indulge myself in a bit of retail therapy, (because let's face it, that's exactly what it is!) I headed straight to Penney's. For those readers who are not Irish, Penney's is the life saver of students and the broke! Affordable clothes that includes up to the minute fashion and all the basics and more. What's not to love? And with a party in mind I knew what I was looking for. A guna was needed. A dress. Definitely. And just look what I found! For €17! The minute I spotted it I had to have it...
I can tell this guna deas (lovely dress) will be getting a lot of wear over the summer!
And look! This divine blouse was either €5 or €7, definitely under a tenner. I've been living in it.
And then, today, I had one of those moments of madness where I threw caution to the wind and bought a cardigan that I spotted on the sale rail in Avoca. It was originally €98.97 (I swear!) and reduced to €37.89. Now I never, ever would have paid the original price in a fit, but as I looked at the sale tag I thought of two dear friends of mine, Lisa and Carole, who with perfect guile and gumption, will have no qualms of asking for another reduction at the cash desk, even in places as snobby as Avoca. Every time. So I sent a surreptitious text message to Carole and asked 'What's your line?' and received back a quick 'Is this going to be reduced any further soon?' So I tried it. And without batting an eye the woman said 'I can reduce it to €30 for you now, if you like?' So out came the dusty visa card and swipe away madam!
I think I'll love it even more because as a result it feels slightly naughty and misbegotten!
Sometimes the pain is just too sweet to let go of, that clutching emotion that seizes you when you are surprised by something that takes your breath away. It is almost like a grief, but a joyous one that sears to the very heart of you. This man from Iceland has done this to me so many times.
The first time I ever heard Jónsi's voice was ten years ago when Sigur Rós released their second album 'ágætis byrjun'. I was working in an unfurnished room in the house that had no light other than a lamp, when Jay came into the room and said 'Turn on the radio!' and hurried out. So I unplugged the lamp and plugged in the radio, and I sat in the darkness and listened to a song called Svefn-g-englar, which you can listen to an incredible live version of here. I will never forget it. The sky was that deep, deep just-before-night blue, and on the horizon, slung low on the pink mountains, the clouds rolled across in golden waves. And in the distance the lights in the village twinkled like orange stars. It was something heavenly to behold. And this music! I was stunned by it. It was one of those unforgettable moments, and it impressed their sound deep into my heart.
I have loved everything they have done since. Take a listen to more of their music here. And it's not just the music. They have a uncanny ability to make videos that make me cry! Every time. Have a peep here for the video for the above-mentioned song. Or here for my very favourite one: oh that final scene! Or one more here. I really do cry.
And now, Jónsi has brought out a solo album. And it is a glorious, joyous affair that has enraptured me all over again. You can hear some of these marvelous tracks over here. And while the video below is not, unfortunately not the official video as embedding has been disabled on it, I still wanted to let you hear what I am talking about.
However you can view the wonderful video for it here!
I hope someone out there reading this gets what I am talking about. And if you ever get a chance to see either Jónsi, or Sigur Rós live, then do! Seeing them play in Dublin many years ago was one of my live highlights of the decade. And can I also recommend the gorgeous girls Amiina who play strings for Sigur Rós, another wonderful live experience.
I could go on all night here, talking as well about their beautiful film Heima. But I won't. I'll just recommend you take the time to watch it if you ever get the chance. You won't regret it.
There are times I am so very grateful for that magical glimpse of heaven that we call music...
Sometimes an album comes along that it is so sweetly unexpected it takes you thoroughly by surprise, and as the days go by and you listen to it again, and yet again, your sense of joy and wonder grows with each listening.
I hate to draw comparisons. I do. Because it seems so unfair. And as with a lot of people starting out James Vincent McMorrow has had his fair share of them, and while I do see why they have been drawn I also have to say that he has achieved something really extraordinary with this his debut album, Early In The Morning.
I never thought I'd say this, but this is an album that is now jostling with Bon Iver at the top of my all-time-favourites. Every time my favourite song ends and my finger hovers over the repeat button, the next one comes on and I think, 'Oh! No, this one's my favourite...' There is not a single song on it that doesn't make my heart soar or skip a beat. It is sweeping, it is cinematic, and somehow at the same time it is understated and subtle.
I am hesitant about saying this but in my book...this is perfect. And I am amazed at myself saying this, truly, but as time goes by and I continue to listen to it my wonder only grows. It may be the fact that he is from Dublin and for all the incredible music that has come out of this country there has never been anything like this. I think that may be what makes it so unexpected. I agree with whoever it was that said it's the best thing to come out of Ireland in the last ten years.
And did I mention the fact that he plays every instrument on the album? But it's his voice that does it for me. An incredible voice that at times soars heavenwards like Jeff Buckley's, and then like a swallow it swoops into a husky tenderness that is heart wrenching, with melancholic undertones of someone like Ray Lamontagne.
But for all the comparisons, this man has found his own voice, and his songs are undeniably remarkable.
Truly James Vincent McMorrow has added something beautiful to the world.
This is a rather lovley fan made video of one of my favourite(!) tracks: ~If I Had A Boat~
Here is a lady I fell in love with the first time I heard her insanely unique voice back in 2004 when her first album The Milk-Eyed Mender came out. I could not believe Joanna Newsom was only 22, so confident and distinct was her sound. Today I cannot recall where I heard of her, but I have a suspicion it was a review in a magazine upon the strength of which I dropped heavy hints to Jay as my birthday was approaching. And bless him he came up with the goods and I have been a huge fan ever since.
Her second album Ys came out two years later and while it didn't have the same impact on me it's still an incredible album.
And now, four years on again she has brought out what I think is her best album to date, Have One On Me. I am completely smitten all over again. And I have to say the four years were not wasted at all, as there is a new maturity to her sound which is stunning.
Even though as a fan it's very annoying, I kind of like the fact that she doesn't have a website, or a myspace site, although there is a plethora of fan ones! And I cannot begin to tell you how ridiculously upset I was that she came as far as London on her European tour and didn't come to Dublin this time...*sniff*
So I'll leave you with this fan video of one of my favourite songs off the album.
I've been enjoying so much new music lately that if I could find the time I'd have a song a day to post here. But given that I don't, I have to be content with once or twice a week, and in doing so I invariably skip over songs that I was enjoying earlier in the week.
So, it's Sunday afternoon, and the sun is shining and the children are running around the garden in the hazy light that teases us with memories of summer. And this here is what is playing in my kitchen. A sweet, soulful, dreamy song that makes me feel as though we have all the time in the world.
Hear more of The Low Anthem here. The second song 'To Ohio' is another favourite I have on repeat, along with the above 'Charlie Darwin.' There is also a gorgeous stop-animation official video to this too which you can see here, but my love of live music overrides even that, and I just had to post a live video.
Well, a few weeks ago I was alerted to the fact that my favourite shop in the world now has a blog. I can't remember when I first discovered Pedlars, it was certainly a few years back and may have been in an interiors magazine that I first saw it mentioned. Over the years, from the time I first received their lovely catalogue into my letterbox, although I would not necessarily have been a big spender, I have bought a number of things and poured longingly over many more.
I'm not sure what it is they have that makes it so appealing, but I suspect it has a lot to do with their manifesto: Stuff We Love That You'll Love Too. In other words, they buy and sell stuff they they love, and they happen to have the most amazing taste in the world, which in turn makes it so appealing to the likes of me!
One thing I immediately loved when I first flicked through their catalogue was not just the diversity of products, or the overriding sense of fun, or even the downright coolness of it, but the broad range of prices. Here was a shop that had divine lighting that cost hundreds, but they also had pocket-money stuff that not only could the kids afford, but that they actually really wanted! Of course a bit of investigating showed that of course they had lots of children themselves. And they lived in a beautiful house in the wilds of Scotland. As well as the most amazing holiday home which you can rent. And lots of dogs. And all I could think was, darn it, these guys have it perfect. (I'm sure they would laugh at that, but we have to have heros, don't we?)
(By the way this is NOT the holiday home!)
In their own words: 'we also have an organic farm in Scotland and a Christmas Tree farm, too. We have six children, four dogs, lots of horses and ponies and three chickens. We live in Scotland and in London and we have a fruit and vegetable farm in Wales. We are constantly on the look out for things that interests us.'
Sigh...
I love everything about Pedlars. They have amazing Vintage finds, fantastic homewares, brilliant fun stuff for all the family, as well as a music club that is right after my own heart. In fact there is so much more to see that I have to just recommend you take yourself on over there and have a look.
And I do think what they are doing must be the greatest job in the world. Imagine!
So if you get a chance do pop over and become a follower on their blog, and you never know but you might actually win one hundred pounds to spend in their shop! (Because they are very clever.) And even though it's lame to say I was planning to do this post anyway, ever since discovering their blog, and definitely before I did win that very amount yesterday, it is true.
Nothing more satisfying than finding something for next to nothing is there? Our local town recently had a new addition of a charity (thrift) shop! This is a very telling sign of the times and rather something as this particular well-to-do town is more home to the likes of up-market boutiques and I never thought I'd see a charity shop there. But there it is, and I have to say the quality is delightfully up-market! But of course. And even better, the prices are proper charity shop prices, unlike certain other ones who have been taking the you-know-what of recent years.
So I popped in the other day with very little in my purse and no intention really other than to have a look. But I did spend. A little.
This sweet cardigan is so perfectly Julia Childs that I
couldn't resist it at just €3.
I think it's the colour as much as anything.
And although this skirt (for €5) doesn't look so great on a hanger,
it's lovely on. It's years since I wore something so long
and I bought it thinking I would alter it in some way,
but it's too nice as it is!
But then, part of my intention not to spend was because earlier in the week
I had (fatally) gone to my favourite shop, Avoca for breakfast and as
usual stopped to look at their sale rail on the way out. Shopping with friends
can be bad for you. Persuasive friends. Friends who insist you try on that
dress that made you gasp when you saw it, and then rave about how perfect it is
on you...sigh... I am weak...I am. So I bought it. And, yes it was on the sale rail,
but this is Avoca we are talking about...
So I won't be telling you how much I paid for it, even when one friend was cheeky
enough to ask them to knock a bit more off it (which they did!).
It wasn't huge. It was less than €100. But still more than I would usually spend.
But I had to. And I'm glad I did. Because it is just so lovely.
A friend said it is like something out of Bagpuss,
which is so apt because that is a world that still exists in my head.
Some days I think in my head I am in that little shop: Bagpuss & Co.
It's perfect. A shop that doesn't sell anything.
It's just a place for lost things...
Take a little peep here.
This is my childhood, this is all that makes me who I am today.
I cannot think of anything that captures it better.
Here's a band we've been listening to over the last week or so, and I really wanted to share this video with you. I don't think it's an official video, I think it's probably fan made. But from the first time I watched it I've come back to it again and again.
Because it is just so incredibly moving.
It's such an uplifting song, and coupled with footage that is simply people dancing, it somehow breaks my heart, in a good way. Dancing is such a human thing, and done with such quiet joy and confidence and honesty, with no self-consciousness, that it becomes a thing of great beauty.
And watching it my heart is filled with such great love for humans. I can't explain it. But maybe one of you will get what I mean too. And even if you don't, it's a joy to watch, regardless.
I can't believe I haven't posted here about this band before now!
Back in November I was thrilled to read that on the back of their new album, Midlake were on tour, and coming to Dublin. I was still feeling grumpy that I had missed out on no less than four gigs by bands I would love to have seen, so I was determined not to miss this and bought tickets the day they came out.
I've been listening to the new album and it is just gorgeous, with echoes of English Folk that just rolls over you like warm water. I wondered if I would like The Courage of Other's as much as I loved their previous album The Trials of Van Occupanther which is on my list of Albums I Never Get Tired Of, and so far I am loving it. (The above song is from the Van Occupanther album).
Have a listen here for some more songs from The Courage of Other's.
So, that's where we'll be tomorrow night, and I'm looking forward to it, to a night of meeting and eating with friend's, a night of live music, of being transported away for the evening.
Happy Valentine's Day to you all, and I hope you get to do something lovely, wherever you are!
Update:
It was amazing. They were brilliant. It really is something else to see seven incredible musician's up on stage, playing together like one fluid entity, each playing one unique layer of sound, yet knowing exactly where everyone else is, all in a perfect, seamless fusion of beautiful music.
And they did take beloved songs and bring them to another level, and it was everything a live show should be.
I have to say, the above song was one of the highlights for me. The drumming alone on this song was heady stuff, and just gorgeous.
So, a happy girl I am. This will keep me warm for many weeks to come!
I was never one for fashion magazines. Although if someone produced a Vintage/Thrift fashion magazine I would no doubt be a fan. The only exception might be the Irish magazine Prudence which is not only aimed at people who are broke, but it doesn't have a ridiculous price tag like most fashion mags do. I like that!
This may be why I love places like Etsy and ebay. But of course that takes time to browse, something I don't have an awful lot of. Which is why magazines are great, I guess!
I do go through phases of buying Interiors magazines when I need inspiration, my favourites being Homes and Antiques, and Living Etc.
But my absolute, all-time-favourite, can't-live-without magazines have to be my monthly music regulars Uncut and Mojo. I just love to hide away with these and a cup of coffee for an hour or so and devour every word I can. It's never enough, but there is a month's worth of reading in them and by the time the next one is out I have just about finished it. And you get a free cd each month too.
My favourite pages are the music review pages, which is where I find all sorts of jewels, both new and old, new bands, new singers, new albums, rereleases. It's all there. And if I like the sound of it I'll take myself off to Spotify to check them out. (Although sometimes you have to wait a couple of weeks for a new album to be available to listen to.)
One thing I have discovered from reading these two magazines is the record label Jagjaguwar, which is host to some of my all-time favourite bands like Bon Iver and Volcano Choir. This months Uncut included a cd of songs from bands on this label, some of which I have heard of, some I haven't. And I wanted to share the one that jumped out for me, the one I am listening to on loop.
Their sound reminds me somewhat of Mazzy Star gone somewhat gospel, and someone else I can't put my finger on. Last year's album 'Outside Love' is just gorgeous. Have a listen here. (The title track in particular is sublime).
So, let the middle of the week just slide right on by us. I am focused on the weekend, with the right kind of laidback sounds to keep me company. And plenty of reading material, which I've no doubt will furnish a number of posts here on ~Carnival~.
Hope your week is going swimmingly for you too. And what might you be listening to?
On loop in my kitchen, in my car, is 'July Flame', the new album from the lovely Laura Veirs. A number of years back my sister, Emma, gave me a copy of 'Carbon Glacier' which she had picked up in the US. I loved it. From the first listen. And the following year went straight out and bought her follow up album 'Year of Meteors'.
When she played in Whelan's the week before Emma went back to the states for good, we went to see her, sat right up the front, and I cried at least twice. She was amazing. And yes, I was emotional about saying goodbye to Emma. But Laura Veirs rocked. In a sweet sort of way.
So, when I read the reviews in my favourite music magazines, Mojo and Uncut, and words like enchanted, suffused, and mysticism were used, I just had to check it out. And it didn't disappoint me. As I said. I have been entranced. And the inclusion of the likes of Laura Gibson and the mighty Jim James of My Morning Jacket just sends me into raptures! There is hardly a wrong note on the whole thing.
Laura is on tour at the moment, though I was very sad to read they won't be coming to Dublin this time. But seeing as Laura is very pregnant I figured it wouldn't be fair to make a fuss!
Do check out her blog over on her website. And while there you can have a look at some of their other videos too. You can also listen and buy her (six) other albums, as well as a recording of a young French choir who recorded nine of her songs, the result of which is a strangely moving experience.
If you think you might be interested you can also listen to more from Laura Veirs here. And read reviews or download songs here.
I so wish I could post the track called 'Little Deschutes' here for you to listen to. I am listening to it as I write, with goosebumps. It truly is sublime. But the album is so new I haven't found it anywhere that can post here. So have a listen if you come across it.
As I mentioned over on Milkmoon, myself and Jay managed to escape for a long weekend to visit some friends, Marta and Sam, in Madrid. And as everyone knows, there is nothing better than having someone who knows the city for finding the best of everything!
So, there was endless wanderings around the streets of Madrid, and on Saturday myself and Marta took ourselves off and we found a number of vintage shops which I was very excited about. And let me say, the prices were amazing.
This sweet dress was €18, and it's in mint condition.
I am loving tweed and plaid at the moment, and I couldn't resist
this rather school~mistressy kilt for €10! It's 100% wool and so warm, which was
just what I needed as we traipsed about in the snow.
And this gorgeous leather bag which we both admired in the window, Marta bought,
and then gave to me (sweet thing that she is!) was €5.95!!
I love it so much!
I could have filled an entire suitcase with fabulous finds, but as we were restricted both financially and in terms of baggage I had to limit myself, sadly. But I am already planning my next trip, hopefully in June for Finn's 12th birthday. I promised her a Mum~and~me trip somewhere, and I think it might just be Madrid!
Something quiet I have been listening to on these frosted, hushed days, as our world continues it's restful pause. All to soon the clatter and chatter will return. But in the meantime we wrap ourselves up in a coccoon of sweet sounds that carry me through the everyday.
