New Takka Takka Video - "Silence"
In this Amy Finkel-directed video for Takka Takka's "Silence," the Brooklyn quintet's dreamy little song (with guest instrumentation via the National's Bryan Devendorf and Lee Sargent of CYHSY) is transformed into the backdrop for a war between Lilliputian toy soldiers and their various forms of weaponry (cannons, helicopters, guns). It's a bit reminiscent of Ratatat's "Mirando," but played by the plastic cast of Ben Folds's "Hiroshima." Toward the end, a group of woodsy animals who find themselves in the path of destruction get together for a little end-of-the-world party, which can't help but echo Bowerbirds' "In Our Talons." All to say: Very zeitgeist guys. The most interesting move: The miniature war takes place on/against actual bodies and their skin, armpit hair, toes, imperfections, inhalations. Listen closely to the lyrics and you'll get it. (((Continue reading)))
Quit Your Day Job: Human Highway
Unless you were born with one of those silver spoons, you likely work a day job, sneaking time for your own business when not taking care of someone else's. You're not alone. Every week, Brandon Stosuy finds out how our favorite indie artists make ends meet...
Human Highway is the collaboration between Islands' Nick Thorburn and Royal City-associated songwriter and solo artist Jim Guthrie. Their debut Moody Motorcycle is out next week. A little while ago we posted about two of the album tracks, hushed toe-tapper "The Sound" and HH's foray into '50s/'60s prom dancing, "Sleep Talking." Today I offer up Moody Motorcyle's catchy, road-ready, appropriately "moody" title track after my discussion with Guthrie, who goes into detail about his job writing jingles and otherwise soundtracking commercials. Importantly, he reminded me that the jingles for those My Buddy and Kid Sister dolls were "insanely catchy" and noted that he's not so much a fan of "bright orange cheese sauce being poured over chocolate bars." (((Continue reading)))
