- August 27, 2012
- No Comments
- Videos
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti- “Only In My Dreams”
“Only In My Dreams” is one of those rare moments in the Ariel Pink discography where his melodic pop genius completely transcends any sense of irony or humor in the music or lyrics. It’s simply a really great song, with an unrelentingly catchy hook, hummable backing harmonies, and a trebly power pop guitar lead that sounds like a crisp Autumn day. The song itself could have easily come out of the 70s, but this new music video is distinctly 90s-influenced, featuring plenty of grainy VCR-style footage that could have come out of a home movie. The video tells kind of a dreamy love story between Ariel Pink and a revolving cast of girls, including one to whom Pink gives a CD copy of his new album Mature Themes with a wink. It’s pretty funny to watch Pink posture himself as a big time rock star in this video, and calls into question once again whether Pink is sincere or serious in his music making. Normally I’d be interested in answering that question, but this song is too good for me to care.
Mature Themes is out now on 4AD. Watch the review of it here.
- June 7, 2012
- 3 Comments
- MP3s & Streams
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti- “Baby” ft. Dâm-Funk
Featuring synth funk powerhouse Dâm-Funk, self-recording eccentric Ariel Pink has dropped a new song with his band, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti.
The track comes from the band’s next album, which will be titled Mature Themes. It’s slated for an August 21st release, and I’m liking what I’m hearing so far. “Baby” seems to bring a bit of the filthiness that I think was tampered APHG’s last album, Before Today, which was a fitting title considering much of the material had been previously released. Before Today was Ariel Pink’s coming out party, and he essentially revamped some oldies for the occasion, while batching them with some new material as well. Mature Themes will be nothing but tracks Pink has recently written, and it could lead to some new sounds as well. Exciting!
- October 3, 2011
- 4 Comments
- Musings
R. Stevie Moore Just Sampled Me?
It seems my voice turns up in a big way on R. Stevie Moore’s latest Bandcamp release, Space Bar. I’m all over the last track for some reason. I know I name-checked him in the review, but I’m pretty sure the guy knows I’m a fan. I mean, I’ve even bought music off of him via e-mail.
I dunno. I just think it’s hilarious. And to be honest, I’ve partially forgotten what review he’s even sampling, hah. I think it’s my Ariel Pink review, but I could be wrong.
- June 30, 2011
- One Comment
- MP3s & Streams
Part Time- “I Wanna Take You Out”
Coming out July 5th on Mexican Summer, Part Time’s debut album, What Would You Say?. Fronted by singer-songwriter David Speck, this release should lovingly seduce the ear drums of anybody who is into the nostalgic hip swaying of Ariel Pink or John Maus.
Dig on a video for the track “Living In Pretend (My Girl Imagination)” right here, too.
- May 16, 2011
- No Comments
- MP3s & Streams
Eleanor Friedberger- “My Mistakes”
I haven’t heard the voice of Eleanor Friedberger since the 2009 Fiery Furnaces album Take Me Around Again. That’s too long if you ask me!
Well, she’s back, but the track above features Eleanor in a solo capacity. The ‘Furnaces haven’t broken up, so no worries.
The forthcoming Friedberger album is titled Last Summer, and the track above, “My Mistakes,” is the first to drop from it. It’s just a nicely built piece of piano pop with some acoustic backing and quirky synth melodies. The fuzzy bass parts are a nice touch, too. Pretty fun track!
Last Summer is coming out July 12th via Merge.
