Monthly Archives: January 2015

Free Man In Paris (Joni Mitchell cover) – Sufjan Stevens

Today’s weekly weirdness comes from an artist that never fails to confuse, amaze and disgust me at the same time. Sufjan Stevens gives no fucks about what you like in music. He just writes or performs whatever he wants. Today’s song is one of his many diamonds in his rough collection of artistry. Be prepared for many uncomfortable and challenging approaches to music if you get this guy’s discography.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a cover of much higher standards than the original song (sorry Joni fans). Turn it up and shut the fuck up because this song is dynamic, well performed and beautifully arranged.

Tycho – Awake

This album is best heard through headphones or some decent monitor speakers. Listen and you will hear so many great subtleties with top notch production value. It’s no surprise his name is appearing in many of the major festivals of late. When listening to this artist one gets a feeling of utter control. Nothing you hear is out of place even as the sounds move around in your spacial perception so vividly. After all this sonic experience there’s still the great design of his covers. Tycho is definitely an artful experience.

Ag Oppi pleeze…*

After the epic year of international acts that came to South Africa in 2014 I have decided to be cheeky by being very specific about a few overseas acts I would like to see at Oppikoppi 2015 with three reasons each. One can at least dream. Here goes…

Balthazar

1. This Belgian band has won two NME awards.

2. They have been to South Africa before (in 2009, Just before the release of their incredible album ‘Applause‘).

3. They’d be the surprise international act of the year.

Tame Impala

1. We have to appease the hipsters. (NAAAAT)

2.  This.

3. I want to laugh at jocks trying to dance to Apocalypse Dreams.

All Them Witches

1. The way these guys play rock ‘n roll, it would be a crime to not have them at Oppi.

2. I want to see the sea of mouths on the floor (and the smile of the sound engineer) when everyone hears that epic guitar tone of theirs.

3.  This band deserves to get the fans oppi will bring to them.

The Dead Weather

1. Jack White

2. Alison Mosshart

3. All of the above.

Mute Math

1. Darren King will melt faces off with drumming from another dimension.

2. They are the best live band you will ever see and I know that even though I’ve only seen live recordings on YouTube.

3. I want to hear newer songs from them. It’s been almost 4 years now.

 

So there you have it. A man can dream and I have a feeling that somehow at least one of them will come true. Whatever you do, Oppi, I’m sure it’ll be epic. Ag Oppi pleeze would you bring one of these bands in?*

*Use your best cape afrikaans accent.

I leave you with one of the many awesome things from OPPI 2014.

 

Ten times you should stop listening to electro/hardstyle/jockpop.

1. When you don’t want a girlfriend that has implants, dead orange hair and an affinity for abusing ritalin.

2.  When you’re tired of waiting for the damn song to drop.

3. When the DJ has forgotten to pretend to do something because he’s had his hands bouncing up and down like a lumo preacher for the last 30 minutes.

4. When you want to hear acoustic instruments.

5. When you’re sober.

6. When you suspect your repeat button was on but it wasn’t.

7. When you’re playing music from phone speakers. (That said, don’t do it with any music. Seriously, dude. Just hum or something).

8. When a cop pulls you over.

9. When your ears ring with a side chain compression dip going 120BPM.

10. When you have to ask who The Black Keys are.