My favorite song of the year. The recorded version from Aviary is nothing short of swoon-worthy. This live version ain't too bad, either.
(3 votes, average: 9.00 out of 10)
Loading... I know she's been played here a number of times already (h/t Bootsy) but whatever, she's awesome. And I couldn't find a good video of something else I wanted to play.
At least this is one performer I have managed to see live this year. Same night this video was recorded, in fact.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r64DDnkVyz0
Heading into the elevator on the way back to my car that night this dude asked if I'd been at the Wolves game. I was like, "Nah, bro, First Ave." Then he was like, "Aw yeah, I heard them playing on the Current tonight!" And I was like, "Yeah man, Julia Holter!" Then the door shut. That's the end of that story.
(5 votes, average: 8.40 out of 10)Loading... It pretty much came down to a tie between Ms. Holter and Joanna Newsom for album of the year.
Both were records I had eagerly awaited and neither disappointed. Just incredibly lovely music.
A stripped-down version of the beautiful closer to Have You In My Wilderness
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd94q_jHblA
I saw Joanna on Thursday night at The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, my first visit that venue. Gawd, what a dump. 🙂
In all seriousness, truly one of the best concerts I've ever seen--and I've seen a few in my day.
This baroque country western(?!) number from Divers was one of the many highlights.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTOREKA4DiA
Best of 2015
1. (tie) Julia Holter Have You In My Wilderness
Joanna Newsom Divers
Gorgeous genre-defying, dare I say, masterworks. Seriously. Both sound timeless to my ears. Well done, ladies.
3. Kurt Vile b'lieve i'm going down<
Another artist who has quietly become a favorite of mine. Mellower than anything he's done, this one didn't grab me like some of his earlier records but it grew on me big time.
4. Giant Sand Heartbreak Pass
Like a letter from an old friend. Cult artist Howe Gelb has been recording for over 30 years and this is one of of his best. Sadly, but not surprisingly, slipped under most folks radars.
5. Sleater-Kinney No Cities to Love
Northwest power trio returns with a more mature sound that still takes names and kicks ass.
6. Beach Slang The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us
Cut from the same cloth as Japandroids, but with a heavier Replacements vibe than the latter's Husker Du leanings. Still, it scratches that same itch.
7. Destroyer Poison Season
Dan Bejar releases a record, I'm in.
8. Sufjan Stevens Carrie and Lowell
Full disclosure, I'm a longtime fan but I only listened to this one a few times before setting it aside. I just found it way too sad for me to enjoy at the time. I also heard enough that it will likely become another important record in my life. Giving the guy the benefit of the doubt.
9. Kendrick Lamar To Pimp a Butterfly
Picked up because both Ms. Holter and Ms. Newsom have cited it as a fave. Still digesting, but headphones are quickly proving them right.
10. Floating Points Elaenia
Like Bitches Brew Miles Davis fed through somebody's laptop and reconfigured as dance music for replicants.
(6 votes, average: 8.17 out of 10)Loading... Live at her alma mater: Cal Arts, June, 2015.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCy7X5bzlis&list=PLk1bxwjXwDYZKl_Q2RZmMLHAlynmxOxCN&index=6
This song will appear on her highly anticipated fall release Have You In My Wilderness. Video for the first single from the upcoming album after the jump Continue reading Julia Holter – Silhouette
(3 votes, average: 8.00 out of 10)Loading... Ed: Many thanks to Zack for a kickass week. It was so good, the painter wanted to pay tribute, which we will happily tag on.
The most romantic song about a nightclub fire as you'll ever hear. KEXP, 2012.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0UpQkmLIoA
Ms. Holter is indescribable. Avant Garde? Classical? Pop? Ambient? I dunno. Just call her brilliant.
And because she can't be pigeonholed: Continue reading Julia Holter – City Appearing
(2 votes, average: 9.00 out of 10)Loading... With her stellar combo (cello, violin, horn and drums) in London, 2013. My favorite new artist. She's definitely not easy listening, but if you have an adventurous ear-you just might fall for her experimental mix of dream pop, classical and free jazz. I sure did. Call it space age chamber music.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra1Cj_ac2fc
This whole Cecil Sharp House show is excellent. After the jump, a few Continue reading Julia Holter – Four Gardens
(3 votes, average: 8.67 out of 10)Loading... and now, back with the crazy beats that keep you kids dancing!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65eVLEG3-Dc
(3 votes, average: 9.00 out of 10)Loading...