The Doug-out #104: Cut Copy "Free Your Mind"

CUT COPY
"Free Your Mind"
Free Your Mind [Nov. 5, 2013]

Cut Copy - "Free Your Mind"

I'd normally write a lot more for a song, but I'm away at a wedding. I doubt you're reading this anyways because you probably CAN'T STOP DANCING! Cut Copy's fifth album arrives in November and it looks like it will deliver.

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The Doug-out #103: George Harrison "My Sweet Lord"

GEORGE HARRISON
"My Sweet Lord"
All Things Must Pass [1970]

George Harrison - "My Sweet Lord"

Over the summer, I was somehow lucky enough to see Paul McCartney three times in three states (Tennessee, Wisconsin and California). The Beatles were one of the first bands I ever got into, but I never delved as deeply into their catalog as I eventually would with bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and U2. This summer that is exactly what I did. Seeing how much the band evolved, both musically and lyrically, is astounding, especially considering how suddenly it all happened. This triple-album was the first solo venture after the Beatles break-up and it quickly went platinum. This song would introduce Harrison's slide guitar technique which would quickly become his signature sound. The song interchanges "Hallelujah"s with "Hare Krishna"s while praising Hindu god Krishna. The passion in Harrison's voice is what truly makes this song unforgettable.

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The Doug-out #102: The Avalanches "Stalking To A Stranger"

THE AVALANCHES
"Stalking to a Stranger (Planets Collide Remix)"
Crucible - The Songs of Hunters and Collectors [Sept. 27, 2013]

The Avalanches - "Stalking To A Stranger"

While I spent the weekend eagerly awaiting the release of the new Arcade Fire song, my jaw dropped to the floor when I saw that Pitchfork was reporting The Avalanches had released a new song. If you are unfamiliar with the Avalanches, they are an Australian electronic group that released one of the best albums of the last decade. Comprised of over 3,000 vinyl samples, the album seamlessly weaves together genres and although each song can vastly vary from the sound of the previous track, the album blends together to create a distinct sound. Released in late 2000, the album serves as the missing like between the older artists who created their beats and sounds out of samples (Beastie Boys' Paul's Boutique) to the current generation of mash-up artists (Girl Talk).

Although rumors have been abound since 2005, the past year has given hope to anticipation for the Avalanches' sophomore effort. First we received word Danny Brown was recording with the group and now we have our first official release. The song comes off a tribute album to fellow Australian rockers Hunters and Collectors and remixes their hit "Talking To A Stranger". While the first two minutes don't stray too far from the original, when the Avalanches take over the song takes on a new life. The "talking to a stranger" clip sounds so Australian, every time I hear it I'm flooded with memories from my trip there. If this is any indication of things to come, the Avalanches can take their sweet time releasing their next album.

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The Doug-out #101: Arcade Fire "Reflektor"

Welcome to a new music series by our writer Dougy.  Instead of throwing half a dozen songs in a weekly post, we'll keep it to a couple songs spread out throughout the week.

ARCADE FIRE
"Reflektor"
Reflektor [Oct. 29, 2013]


Arcade Fire - "Reflektor"

So it turns out this is a great week to return to SnoTap. The largest of the week's stories is the return of Arcade Fire with the first taste of their forthcoming fourth album, entitled "Reflektor". Over the summer, promotional graffiti was found across the country featuring a design that spelled out "Reflektor" (I was pretty excited to find one when I visited San Francisco). This being the Internet, the mystery of who was behind this campaign was solved in a matter of hours. Then the band teased a major event was happening at 9PM on 9/9. About a week ago, it was announced that it was the bands new single that would be released and the picture above would be the singles artwork.


Before releasing the official video, Arcade Fire released an interactive short film, which I found extremely innovative and a lot more fun than I initially thought it would be. (You can find it here). Then the band revealed that Reflektor would be a double album and disclosed the album artwork:

As for the song itself, it is certainly Arcade Fire at their most dancey, which should be no surprise considering it was produced by LCD Soundsystem mastermind James Murphy. In my opinion, the song is a "grower" as I've found something new to enjoy after my first taste left me in disappointment. David Bowie comes in for a line or two around the five minute mark. All I know is I cannot wait to hear the rest of this album.


Unless you were lucky enough to have recently been in a Montreal salsa club, you can expect Arcade Fire to premiere the song live on Sept. 28 when they appear on the SNL season premiere with Tina Fey.

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