Pause the Music

Well folks I'm off to serve the Lord in the Japan Tokyo Mission. Unfortunately this means that Chill Tunes will be put on pause for two years. I realize that this news will most likely cause revolt and great lamentation so I've decided to post one last song to ease the process for my thousands of followers. Today's song is a long time favorite. As always happy listening. Chill Tunes will resume in two years.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDtrU_B2i4o

Sleep on the train to Tokyo

Discovery is a group I've been wanting to write about since before I started my blog. The group is a super duo composed of Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend and Wes Miles of Ra Ra Riot. Being a huge fan of both bands, I had expected some kind of a mashup of the two styles. What I got, instead, was something much different, something much better. The two began playing around with different ideas and sounds back in 2005 and by the summer of 2010 they were finally ready to release their debut album "LP". The album combines styles like R&B with the cool effects and synthesizers that electro offers, as well as the ever present feel of an Indie rock influence. This combination of styles and influences has created a sound that is satisfying, beautiful, and really really cool. What's more? Some of their lyrics seem to be Japanese inspired (see "Orange Shirt" and "Osaka Loop Line"). I would go as far as to say that Discovery is my number one pick for 2010. If you only listen to one album from 2010 make sure you listen to Discovery's "LP". I promise it won't disappoint. 

 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3UC7yFoqL4

Better Late Than Never

Today I'm going to write about a group whose debut album I finished listening to for the first time about 10 minutes ago. Before I go any further I should mention that today's band came as suggestion from Michelle Cahoon (a devoted chill tunes follower). She told me to check them out in the Summer and, being the good listener that I am, I waited about 5 months before taking her advice. The band goes by the somewhat ironic name of Sleigh Bells. They are a experimental noise pop duo based out of Brooklyn whose unconventional mix of styles and vocals made them one of the most talked about bands of 2010, and for good reason. Their debut album is overly impressive to say the least. Their sound is a combination of Derek Miller's heavily stressed and distorted guitar riffs with the poppy yet calm female voice of Alexis Krauss. This combination is quite a bit heavier than most popular indie groups, however, with hooks in all the right places and just the right amount of edge, Sleigh Bells will have no problem holding your undivided attention. Having just discovered them I won't write anymore except to say that, after just one listen, Sleigh Bells have quickly risen to one of my very favorite bands of 2010 (I realize we're now in 2011 but if it weren't for my negligence I would have written about this fantastic duo in 2010). Be sure to give them several good listens because while they're music is incredible it is a little much to take in on your first go. Happy Listening!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViBt55HRkXw

P.S. As usual do your best to listen to all the music I post with the best speakers/headphones you have available.