News for the ‘sufjan stevens’ Category

Expression

While we’re all still waiting for Sufjan Stevens ‘50 States Project’ to wrap itself up, the Detroit singer and multi-instrumentalist has kept himself busy with side projects, helping the label Asthmatic Kitty and recently release the BQE, which, according to sources is “symphonic and cinematic exploration of New York City’s infamous Brooklyn-Queens Expressway”. A strange exercise no doubt but it nonetheless captures the child-like wonderment and harmonious beauty so characteristic of Stevens’ work, and while it’s no “Come on Feel the Lone Star State” it’ll tide us over until then.
Sufjan Stevens – “Movement I: The Countenance of Kings”
Sufjan Stevens – “Movement II: Sleeping Invader”
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Posted: September 21st, 2009
Categories: asthmatic kitty, sufjan stevens, the bqe
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Goin’ Out West

BALMORHEA TO TOUR WEST COAST W/ TINY VIPERS

A lot is happening in the world of our favorite local neo-classical group Balmorhea. For starters, according to singer/guitarist Michael Muller, the band, once a duo, then a foursome, is now a sextet. Also, not only is the band planning an upcoming tour with the excellent local experimental artist Bexar Bexar and Seattle’s Tiny Vipers (a fantastic solo artist we featured here), but is also recording a new album. Good snap that’s a lot to digest! The tour begins August 5th and swings up through Marfa, Texas before going out West (where the wind blows tall!). They have at least six dates with Tiny Vipers along the West Coast so you know we’ll be keeping an eye on the group as they travel. Good luck guys! Here are some pictures from their recent show at Mohawk.

Balmorhea – “The Summer”

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MEG WHITE REAPPEARS
According to this Stereogum story Meg White of White Stripes fame reappeared briefly during a Raconteurs set, but didn’t play anything and scurried offstage as Brendan Benson and co. filed back on stage. Wrong band Meg! I feel this is worth mentioning because you’ll remember when Meg White bailed on last year’s ACL festival, causing much ire in frustration in festival promoters and concert goers alike I’m sure. The Raconteurs are on the schedule for this year’s ACL fest – can we expect another Meg White appearance? You know we’ll be there…

The White Stripes – “Cold Brains (Beck cover)”

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SUFJAN HATES VAMPIRE WEEKEND?
When reviewing the new Cryptacize album on his Asthmatic Kitty Records website, our favorite pseudo-religious solo artist (not to be confused with Bodies of Water) Sufjan Stevens appears to take a little pot-shot at Cape Codders Vampire Weekend. Here’s the quote:
“Sometimes I worry that the ever-increasing trend toward excessive innovation has pushed the art and music world into a slapstick exhibition of dog breeding, generating increasingly newer, more contemporary fashions: gothic folk, for one. Or Afro-beat Ivy League pop.”

None too subtle I suppose. But he makes a point – maybe some people don’t prefer the melting pot of music. Maybe the more liberal interpretation of the American (music) mosaic where each musical genre retains some sort of allegiance to its past unspoiled by other styles is what Sufjan is looking for. Either way, it goes without saying that while Vampire Weekend writes a good pop-hook or two, the fucking sweaters and boat-shoes are getting a little old. Thanks Sufjan for saying what we were all thinking (I think?).

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Sufjan Stevens – “Chicago”

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LUCERO COMING TO AUSTIN

Alt-country holds a special place in the Cannibal Cheerleader heart (MMJ, Rilo Kiley, Whispertown2000, etc, etc.) and so it’s with great excitement that we announce Lucero will be holding court at Emo’s July 16th. You know we’ll be there with bells on.
To celebrate here’s a video of Lucero live in North Carolina. Enjoy!

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