Palebear Archives

November, 2006

Luna
Penthouse

Luna’s slo-mo masterpiece Penthouse is one of my favorite albums of theirs… so I spotted their latest foray into music in commericals immediately – even though it’s the unlisted bonus track on the album. The music appears in a recent Cadillac Escalade commerical and fits pretty well into the vibe. They must’ve gotten someone who knows more about indie pop at Cadillac’s commercial music group, because lately their commericals have really been picking some good ones (there is one with a great song by M. Ward).

Unfortunately the snippet of song that is repeated omits what I think is the funniest part of the song, where in the background you can hear someone sing-speak “OOh-ooh” in a really high voice once in awhile. I can’t really explain it, you just have to hear the full song for yourself since it’s not in the commercial.

I’ve seen a lot of people mislabel this song. It’s true that Laetitia Sadier from Stereolab does sing the girl part on this song along with Wareham, this is not a Luna original. It’s a cover of a Serge Gainsbourg song where Brigitte Bardot sings the girl part. A great unlisted track on the album… unfortunately, I don’t believe they have the bonus track from Penthouse on Itunes… they do seem to have a version on Luna Live, though.

by Palebear | 7 Comments

The Album Leaf
Into The Blue Again

The Album Leaf continue their winning semi-instrumental ways with their latest offering “Into The Blue Again”. Well, we should really say that Jimmy LaValle continues the winning ways, since he’s the only member. And a busy one at that… he’s had his hand in the following other pies: Tristeza, Black Heart Procession and Iceland’s Sigur Ros. Good company he’s keeping there.

I like to describe Album Leaf as instrumental electronic music that doesn’t suck. It neatly avoids heavy beat-driven drivel while remaining musically coherent enough to stay out of the deep space Flying Saucer Attack end. A lot of people are going to say, “hmm… Chicago post-rock instrumental?” I don’t really hear that though.

LaValle subtle use of strings, piano and other live instrument textures seems to contribute well to the overall feel. The end result is a creamy soundscape that remains chipper enough not to drown you to sleep. Along with his trademark electric piano hallmarks sprinkled throughout the tracks, we’re now treated to honest-to-god vocals. And though still a rarity in the songs, having a few words now and then fits in pretty nicely with the overall soundscape.

Selected Albums on Itunes:

Into The Blue Again
In A Safe Place
One Day I’ll Be On Time

by Tyranosaur | Comments Off

Hi there. Just a quick note to let you know that the Palebear staff (all 1 of us currently) is going to be taking an extended hiatus until the new year. Yes, that is 2007 for those keeping track of such millenia. During this time, you can expect no new reviews – although depending on whether we happen to be in the “office” at the time, there may be some new material being put up. Sporadically. Maybe.

Ok, that’s all most of you need to read. Stop now, go and create more indie music. ETC.

However, for those of you interested (or for those who have a few minutes to waste (or for those of you who like listening to complaints (sorry for the multiple parentheses programmer’s habit))), here is a semi-diatribe of sorts:

Continue reading “We (I) Are On Vacation” …

by Palebear | Comments Off