#123 This town needs guns

I would describe the process of collecting stock exchange listing information for about 400 companies as everything but fun. Unfortunately (for me) that is how I spend my summer days so far, even though summer in the Netherlands is quite an abstract term.

Anyhow, the point of the short introduction was to lead to the essence of today's post. In order to keep myself NOT bored to death I've been listening an album from This Town Needs Guns (you gotta love the name of those fellas) - Animals. If I'm correct there you might be able to find their name somewhere in the blog, but my first encounter with that album was just a week ago and I'm totally digging it!

Personally, I love the artwork and the concept of naming all the songs after the animals you see in the picture (some of which I heard for first time, yeah didn't do my homework back in the days). Ok, I talked enough so let's just cut to the chase. Basically, my personal opinion of the album is quite positiveso if you have some time to waste - just dive in! My favourite "animals" are - the Pig, the Lemur, the Rabbit, the Crocodile and the Badger.

Enjoy!

#120 Lucidity

I've been waiting for the release of the album I'm about to quickly present you for a long, long time...meaning years. Frankly said, I will be quite biased in my comment because it is the second album of one of my closest friends. His name is Daniel - a great friend, multi-instrumentalist, producer and a musical inspiration (to me)... and  on top of that he is quite young given his musical maturity.  The guy plays ....God knows how many instruments and sings quite well (which you will hear in the album). Heptagram - a one-man project is his and it totally kicks ass.

Basically, the album Lucidity is recorder by him with the assistance of a few other musicians - you can hear very interesting combinations between the usual rock instruments and saxophone/kaval (a traditional Bulgarian instrument). You can find out more about it at his bandcamp site! Also, you can download the whole album for free or decide how much are you willing to pay for it - it is up to you. As far as I know from my personal conversations with him, he just wants to spread the music out there and... its for whoever you like it.

Regarding the album, I had the opportunity to listen to it 3-4 times and now I'm focusing on abusing the replay button of specific songs, but of course it is up to you whether you are going to like it. My only piece of advice and personal recommendation is to listen to it once from the beginning to the end - you won't miss out. Even if it is not your cup of tea, the album is pretty diverse in my opinion - there are various musical genre influences which you can find through the songs.

ps. my personal favourites so far are Boundless, Ten Foot Samurai, Heritage and Lucidity... just for the record ;)

#118 One hour before the trip /post-rock/

 I wrote the post few days ago (the italic part below), but I had no access to Internet so...here it is now, a few days later. I guess it turned out quite the post-rock post! By the way the purpose of the trip wasn't accomplished but...it was an interesting experience and I guess it gave me some food for thought to write in the future...and motivation! So I hope I am more active in the upcoming weeks! Salut.

So, I guess it will be one of those posts where I kind of pour my thoughts into the screen. For some reason feels the only possible and appropriate place at this very moment. And I definitely have the urge of pouring out the things I've got on my mind. Anyhow, tomorrow I'm leaving on a short trip the outcome of which would determine so many things in my life ...at least in short-term period, although I guess it would influence my life in general. It's a huge thing. And I really want to succeed. It feels (which deeply I realize is not correct) like the only possible next step for me. So, I'm not gonna lie that I feel a weird feeling in my stomach, like I've been punched. Then again, at least its a feeling. Ok, I'll go and do what I need to do. You? You can enjoy the songs I've been listening tonight, listed below.

One hour before the trip - Vagabond

Hammock - The Silence

[The] Slowest runner [In all the world] - As the Sea Swells She Bleats and Moans Like a Goat in Heat

#110 Climb Mountain, O Snail /post rock/

Just came back from a concert and the post-discussion which was related to the music ...development throughout the last 5-6 decades. Anyway, I am far from the idea to describe the interesting conversation I had today but ..it just charged me to drop a line or two. So, back to concerts. I saw the new project of Mark Lanegan (from Screaming Trees) and I must say I was more then pleasantly surprised. The thing I like about going to see live performance is that there is always something new to learn, see, even copy. I feel recharged. That's the thing I would probably always love about music, regardless the genre and the emotions brings up in me (you, her, him etc.) - feels like a fresh charge of electricity through the body. It's quite late and it just feels like post-rock, again. Enjoy.

Russian Circles - Xavii

We're from Japan - Black bag work

Tides from Nebula - Siberia

#107 The appleseed cast /indie, post-rock/

Some time ago I wrote about the debut album of Moving Mountains. Anyway, I've seen the name of the Appleseed Cast many times ago throughout the years but never paid much attention to their music, until recently, cause they were pointed as influential for MovMou.

Long story short, I had to check out their stuff and now it's hard to say which band I prefer more. So yeah, the Appleseed Cast. Some describe them as indie post rock. I think, they are good for  Sunday evening.

The Appleseed Cast - Fight Song

The Appleseed Cast - As the little things go

The Appleseed Cast - Innocent vigilant ordinary

If you liked what you heard, I reckon to check their music more thoroughly, which frankly said I should do as well.

#106 There is always hope

This is the story of Chris. Chris cannot see with his eyes. He sees with his heart. Chris cannot walk. Chris though has an imagination, so he can travel everywhere. And he stars speaking. He is well-mannered, relaxed and knowledgeable young man. He is noble. He speaks slowly and properly. There is no sympathy for him, there is just respect. There might be tears, but they are not tears of sadness. So I keep watching his story. He says he is happy. Why? Because he knows he makes people happy. And he does - he makes me happy. And he is happy as well - he feeds on other people's happiness and that's the most noble thing that can exist in our world.

 Fuck, I wish there were subtitles to the video I am watching now, so all can just grasp a tiny piece of this incredible Bulgarian boy. Chris is one of those miracles that stands there..above everything and ...just inspires with his actions and words. It might sound stupid to some people, but this is the way I experience this and I want to share it...that boy is one of the reasons I keep having hope and I do believe that watching this interview, in a way, made me a better person. It is cliche, but why do we complain? Especially for the minor everyday problems. Such a fragile (in first sight) physically boy is so strong on the inside. And that's possible for all of us. We face troubles, problems, pain but...

...one of the guests in the show said - "I want his will to live, his perspective about life, the power of his soul, his energy..."

Chris wrote a book and he sings. He sings very well. You don't need subtitles for that. THIS is the video. In case you don't know Bulgarian go to 4:00 and tell me I'm wrong.

Chris, I know you will never read this, but you are priceless. I can keep writing till the morning and it won't be enough. Thank you for being who you are.

You just inspired hope.

Regards.

There is only one song today, and its enough Grow on, grow up, grow out.

#104 Those who tell the truth shall die, those who tell the truth shall live forever

Although I have written about post-rock and Explosions in the sky before, its just one of those days. It's like.. the music is so relaxing, epic, aggressive... I am aware that it sounds controversial but the truth is that this kind of music (for me) can be anything - a background for your lazy Sunday or can just accompany you during a boring jogging session. Can  can make you sad, can make you happy or nostalgic, melancholic..everything. It's a blessing for those who are into that kind of stuff. 

The subject is quite vast on the other hand, there are many upcoming bands and I am glad post-rock is drawing some sort of attention of the public. It's not a hype, but people do enjoy the music.

So this is what I've been listening today. More from this band/genre will be posted in the blog without any doubt.

Explosions in the sky - The only moment we were alone the live version
  
Explosions in the sky - The birth and death of the day the video is..please see for yourself, my English is way too poor

Explosions in the sky - Green Death the real eargasm starts@1:10

Explosions in the sky - Yasmin the light


Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever.

#97 Post Rock is a Genre

I wasn't planning on posting anything anytime soon, but I couldn't help it because I think I just found the best post-rock song in the world. I've been listening to it for hours now and I think I'm even gonna play those guys on the radio. This is just out of this world. On top of everything, in addition to the epic piano, there is a nice shade of electronic music. So yeah, I have been neglecting post-rock a bit, although this is THE music. Might not be suitable for everyone, but screw that. So the reason for this post is Collapse under the empire - Intelligence.

 Jakob - Malachite

The Evpatoria Report - Eighteen Robins Road

ps. all three songs are <3

#96 A walk in the mist /various/

Was walking around the city today. I guess... around the late afternoon. There was a slight mist, which is not very surprising for this dark and gloomy place. So as I was minding my own business thinking about the everyday, not very remarkable things, a blind man passed me by...

uh..I had to rewrite the next couple of sentences cause it is really hard to express what exactly I want. But lets go back on the situation. You know, people always say that disabled people don't like compassion and people feeling sorry for them and I really do get them. I kind of try to inspire myself, because those people really deserve respect. They face obstacles beyond our imagination, cope with them, often win and keep pushing. I never paid much attention to the way blind people..deal with the everyday life and I don't know what made me pay attention to that particular man. He was also kind of going my direction (more or less) so I was walking behind him and was observing his movement. It was trully amazing. He was faster than many of the random people on the street and really precise in following..wherever he was going. That thing kept for like 5 minutes or so before we had to "part" ways - using his stick as a radar, he confidently took turn in a small street and I lost him out of sight. I don't know why I even talk about that but..such an everyday life thing, which I never thought before impressed me a lot. Kudos. Enjoy the songs.

Kings of Convenience - Peacetime Resistance

Dave Matthews Band - Crash into me

The best pessimist - Walking with happiness

#84 Moving Mountains /alternative, post-rock/

There are just a few occasions I devote a lot of time on the complete album of a band... although I am totally in love with music I never seem to have enough time to check out properly all songs in an album. Unless, the album kicks ass, which is the case with the next band I would like to present briefly to you.

So yeah, the band is called Moving Mountains and I might have posted some of their stuff before but I will focus on their last album - "Waves". Personally I can describe their music as a...weird combination between alternative rock with a slight post-rock flavour, the lyrics just blew my mind and the music in general is quite..serious/sad, I would say synchronized to my current mood. 

Always only for me

My life is like a chase dream

The Cascade

Where two bodies lie

..you can check the whole album in the following playlist, those four are just my current favourites.

Fear no more my son, because someday the trees will sing
And I know that someday will come,
Where the trees are growing roots among the place we used to
Sit and breathe the air.

#75 Rufus T. Firefly

Okay, so I finally decided to add a new post in the "Promising Artists" section! During my viaje in Spain I came across a young, but promising indie/alternative/post rock band from Aranjuez (a really cool city near Madrid). I had the pleasure of meeting one of the members and I got their CD so after listening to it for a while I decided it would be a good idea to try to spread their music around.

So the band is called Rufus T. Firefly and the name of the album is "My synthetic heart" which is also one of the tracks in it. The artwork is FUCKING MINDBLOWING and I dig some of the lyrics! I couldn't find most of the songs from this album online, but you can check their other songs on their web page and myspace page.

Some of the songs available online which I like - my personal favourite Inertia... also 8:24, Rational killer monkey

So, if you have time and you wanna listen to something new and not yet commercial, I think those guys deserve 15 minutes of your time.

"Tomorrow nothing will remain. Tomorrow will be time to think."

#74 First breath after come /post-rock/

I just checked my last.fm page and I noticed that there is a song I played significantly more than any other song..so I played it again. And again. People describe it as psychedelic math rock (The music is often intended to have a disorienting or destabilizing effect, or to otherwise act on the listeners’ sense of “normalcy”) - you gotta love that description, right? It is not really music for the masses but hey, its pretty cool once you get into it. 

The band is Giraffes? Giraffes! - When The Catholic Girls Go Camping, The Nicotine Vampires Rule Supreme. ...haha

Ok, now let's throw some post-rock in the mix.. Explosions in the sky, which hopefully I will see live in November - First breath after coma

aaaand something a bit more hard Russian Circles - Station

#52 Smoke on the balcony /pop-rock/

So, despite that the picture on the left is crappy..it's the first time I use my own as a cover of a post in this blog. Just wanted to show you where I spent my last couple of afternoons, including today. Was quite nice, just went there alone, put my bagpack on the ground and laid down watching the sunset. Despite the fact that we live in quite dynamic and interrelated world, being alone with your thoughts (and away of skype, facebook, twitter) is a must from time to time! I will post you some of the songs which accompanied me during my late afternoon nap on the roof.

Ginger ninja - Sunshine

Ginger Ninja link 2 (in case the video is not supported in your country)

Go back to the zoo - Smoke on the balcony

The two songs, which are a good representative of the modern pop-rock culture sound cheerful, but for some reason I get a bit gloomy listening to them. And the last one - a bit different genre, but definitely suitable for the occasion. Jakob - drive here and then

Something very beautiful that happened to me is coming to an end. I already had to close some of the pages and it does not feel right.. but that's life. Those songs, despite their difference will remind me of so many things. Too bad I can't explain with words. You - just enjoy them :)

#49 Amasae /post-rock/

It's one of those really melancholic nights, where post-rock is all I can listen to. Sleep seems so desired right now and yet... I just can't close my eyes. All this stupid questions that come to my mind for God knows what reason. I wonder why they always say that disappointment is bitter, sometimes you can just embrace it as a ... moment for seeing the truth? Or the people who think the second are just comforting themselves? And what's gonna happen tomorrow? Is there faith or it's all a mere coincidence?

Enjoy the songs. Jakob - Amasae, Maserati - There will be always someone behind you, Red Sparowes - The soundless dawn came alive as cities began to mark the horizon. I love that band!

Maybe I am biased, but there is so much beauty in that music, especially in moments like this. I just wish  I wasn't in my room, I wish I was outside in the nature...waiting for the sunrise and the red sparrows...

#37 Moving mountains /post-rock/

Apparently my desire to renew the daily posting is back. I like it. I had a request from a friend of mine to post more progressive/ambient/post rock things which made me quite happy actually. Sometimes I think I should take the blog into more specific direction, but then I just realize that it would limit quite a lot. But anyways. Enjoy!

I absolutely fell in love with that song/band. It is an interesting  combination of indie sound/post rock sound. Although, in my humble opinion this song  in particular is more post-rockish. I can't wait to finish my exams and check the whole discography more thoroughly. So without any further ado I present you Moving mountains - 8405.

This will destroy you - A three legged workhorse

...and the absolutely incredibly amazing mind-twisting Daturah - Shoal (part 1) and Shoal (part 2)

#23 Zodiac /post-rock/

Yeah, one of those nights... I've been thinking for a while to do another post-rock (#1) post.. but actually I have this weird observation that people in general do not like that music much. But.. if you give it a chance, at least for me, is pretty moving. That genre has been one of my main music preferences for quite some years. So tonight my mood is perfect for some post-rock.

I will definitely begin with some songs of the band which probably helped me the most to fall in love with that type of music - God is an astronaut (catchy name, huh). I'm not gonna post all of my favourite songs, cuz they are quite a lot.

God is an astronaut - A moment of stillness
God is an astronaut - All is violent, all is bright
God is an astronaut - Zodiac 
God is an astronaut - Forever lost


Another quite extraordinary name - If these trees could talk - whats in the ground belongs to you

If you enjoyed the past 5 songs, I guess I will advice you to do what I am about to do now - watch this set of a band called Tortoise (live in Werchter). Even if just to expand your musical culture a bit, cause those guys are something you do not see every day. Godspeed!

#1 The beginning aka "A quiet happiness" /post-rock, ambient/

So, the first post.

I suck with words and will try to keep it short. I started the blog (really hate using that word) because of a certain song I found yesterday, it took my two hours to track it down and finally when I heard the beginning, coming from the lovable youtube I just layed down in my bed and thought "Shit, thats a fucking awesome song, more people should hear it". Actually, I heard to song during a "Californication" episode.. umm..yeah..

Not quite sure if I will group songs with a similar sounding in a post, but that rule might apply for that post. Anyway, the band is called Hammock and they play melodic, ambient post-rock. If you are stressed or about to go to bed - this is your music.

Hammock - Andalusia

Hammock - City in the dust on my window

For those of you who are interested in that type of music I will recommend a couple more bands from that or similar genre. Personally, I find most post-rock bands extremely comforting, the perfect tune during the long study nights.

So lets proceed to Jakob, which I fell in love with long time ago. The three-piece band comes from that lovely place called Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand...

...someday, New Zealand, someday!




It was really hard for me to pick up just a few of their songs, because that band is trully amazing


Jakob - calmrock

Jakob - Nice Day for an Earthquake

After quick thought and even quicker hesitation, I decided that your final dose of post-rock will be Explosions In The Sky.

Explosions In The Sky - Your hand in mine

Well, I won't bore you to death so I think that was enough for a first post. If you got even a slightly more interested in that kind of music, than this place is not as useless as i thought :)