Palebear Archives

Category : Soundtrack

Alexi Murdoch
Orange Sky

Awhile back, I had heard this really awesome folky song in the background of a Honda Element commercial. I instantly looked up from what I was doing (I had the TV on just for the noise) because I thought it was actually a Smog song. Indeed, the singer of “Orange Sky”, Alexi Murdoch, does sound a bit like Bill Callahan mixed with a bit of Mark Eitzel (from American Music Club).

The commercial is a really simple one, just some mountain bikers travelling along in their car. The song is what really makes it memorable, though i’ll admit that Honda is late to the game with the combination of porch folk rock and cars (i.e. Volkswagon and Nick Drake).

Continue reading “Alexi Murdoch – Honda Element Commercial” …

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Eux Autres
Cold City

Man, amazing. I’m back reviewing. What happened? I don’t know. Got bored. Decided to write in short sentences. Well.

At least some review packages have gotten through the post office blockade, so for now I’m keeping the address the same. Please let me know if you’re getting them returned.

Ok, so this is supposed to be a review. Here it is: the more I listen to Eux Autres the better they sound. How’s that for a major cliche-o-matic. Yay! The Portland band’s newest CD is Cold City and I have to admit I nearly put it aside until I heard a few tracks on SOMA and looked to see who it was. Shamefaced, I retrieved the CD from the “discard” pile.

Janet Weiss (a heroine of many) had a hand in the recording of their album. Not surprising there might be a few Sleater-esque moments starting with “Gratte-Ciel” and “When I’m Up.” But hey, before we even get into that I have to say that the initial 2 songs of the CD tread a different indie line: think Tullycraft plays Pants Yell! plays Masters of the Hemisphere for “The Deadball Era.” And for “Molly” let’s go That Dog plays with Slumber Party.

Whew, ok I used up all my references in one fell swoop. Oh what the hell, one more try: for “Anne Boleyn” let’s go Life Pursuit era Belle and Sebastian meets Field Mice. Regardless, the indie pop rings true on this album. I have to say that again that Masters of the Hemisphere RIYL really comes out on one of my favorite tracks, “Collision Theory.” Interesting Frenchiness also occurs occasionally. Overall: tres delicious.

Listen:
When I’m Up

Visit:
Eux Autres website

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Iron and Wine
Such Great Heights

I thought the world was coming to an end when I heard Sam Beam of Iron and Wine cover the Postal Service song “Such Great Heights”. Never mind that it’s an awesome song. I would have much rather him covered a DCFC song any day, but beggars can’t be choosers. The fact that it also appeared on the excellent Garden State soundtrack was pretty cool and I guess it didn’t hurt his publicity.

Continue reading “Iron and Wine – M&M Commercial” …

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