By Keir Bristol

Neon Indian’s “Psychic Chasms Possessed,” the reissue of “Psychic Chasms” is streaming live on AOL’s Spinner. It is available today, August 31 via digital download, and will be available physically on September 28.

Neon Indian's "Alan Palomo"

For those unfamiliar with Neon Indian, it’s a psychedelic chill-wave electronica band fronted by Alan Palomo (VEGA, Ghosthunter). The band has been on the rise since 2009 when they released their first single, “Deadbeat Summer,” and has since been named one of Rolling Stone’s Best New Bands of 2010. The debut album, “Psychic Chasms,” has been named Best New Music by Pitchfork.com.

Enter the reissue. It includes all of the songs on the original album, plus nine remixes. The overall sound of the album has not changed at all. Psychic Chasms Possessed is just an extention of the chill electronica lo-fi sound that is the original. Use Memory Tapes, Washed Out, or Toro Y Moi as a reference for Neon Indian’s sound.

There is no need to break the original album down song by song, because the whole album is made up of psychedelic, feel-good jams. Simple melodies, layered in the background with strange sound effects with an 80’s vibe. The highlights: “Deadbeat Summer,” “Should Have Taken Acid With You,” and “Mind, Drips.”

Skip past the “7,000 (Reprise)” to get to the remixed part of the album. It starts off with a “Toro Y Moi” version of “Deadbeat Summer,” meaning more psychedelic, tempo slowed down, much calmer and less harried. “Should Have Taken Acid With You (Body Language Remix)”; same lullaby synth overtones, new bass undertone, and same regretful chorus line, supposedly about Palomo’s ex-girlfriend and a date they had (to take acid) that he missed. “Terminally Chill (Yacht Remix)” starts with rhythmic clapping and broken down synthetic vocals. The only song that has two remixes, appropriately, is “Psychic Chasms,” first with the (Twin Shadows Remix) which starts out slower. Palomo’s vocals are more reminiscent of Echo and the Bunnymen. The second “Psychic Chasms (Anoraak Remix)” starts off with a piano-keyboard sound, and the end of each line echos.

Don’t confuse Neon Indian with a dance band… it’s not exactly that. In fact, it is just what it’s “genre” describes it as. Chill. Listen to them with a drink in hand as you enjoy the last days of summer.

Watch Neon Indian’s music video for “6669 (I Don’t Know If You Know)” here.

Picture courtesy of Hipsterwave.com

By Keir Bristol

Last week, I came across a delightful discovery, thanks to Pitchfork.com. Sufjan Stevens’ new album was finally released, and is streaming for free online.

awesome, right?

Sufjan Stevens is an amazing songwriter. He manages to write poetic sad songs without seeming emo. His songs are intricate and the harmonies are simple, yet rich. When people envision heaven, with clouds and angels blowing horns and strumming harps, the music they would be playing would be pretty similar to Steven’s work.

Sufjan Stevens – All Delighted People

His new album, All Delighted People is no exception. It is a short album for Stevens; it’s an hour long, but it’s only eight songs. It begins with the song for which the album is titled, “All Delighted People,” backed with a haunting chorus and full orchestra. After 11 minutes and 38 seconds (yes, that’s how long the first song is), we move into “Enchanted Ghost,” a song that combines the sounds of Nick Drake and the lyrics of Elliott Smith. “From the Mouth of Gabriel” combines classic Stevens songwriting with the angelic chorus from the first track and even a touch of electronic sound effects that sound as if they could have been inspired by UFO’s. And before the album ends with the electric guitar-tinged “Djohariah,” at a whopping 17 minutes, we are graced with a shorter rock remix of the title track.

All Delighted People is available for download here for a mere $5 dollars! If you like what you hear, buy the album!

• Stevens is on tour to support his new album. For tour dates, click here.
• Stream Sufjan Stevens’ new album, All Delighted People, here.

Music News For This Week:

• New Beach House – “White Moon” [click here to stream]
• New Of Montreal Music Video – Coquet Coquette [click here to watch]
• New Music Video From The Roots – “Dear God” Featuring Jim James [click here to watch]
• New MGMT Music Video – “Congratulations” [click here to watch]
• New Toro Y Moi Music Video – “Low Shoulder” [click here to watch]
• Joanna Newsom Announces Tour
• Jose Gonzalez’ Documentary Film
• Man Commits Suicide At Concert In California

By Keir Bristol

Last week, the Arcade Fire’s new album “The Suburbs” leaked.  It probably will not hurt the sales, because there are eight different album covers, and so fans have a choice of what cover(s) they would like. But here is a look at the album itself.

For those who are not familiar with the Arcade Fire’s music, they are a bit of a cross between Modest Mouse and Broken Social Scene. They are an alternative rock band with a touch of chamber pop, headed by Win Butler and his wife, Regine Chassagne. They premiered in 2003 with “The Arcade Fire EP”, but it was their critically acclaimed debut, “Funeral” (2004) that made a splash on the alternative rock scene. They followed up with “Neon Bible” (2007), which was still a solid album, though not as strong as “Funeral.” And now, they have a new album due for official release on August 3 in the United States.

The Arcade Fire – "The Suburbs"

For those who are familiar with the Arcade Fire, “The Suburbs” is more “Funeral” and less “Neon Bible.” But as every Arcade Fire album, there is a slight change in style. “The Suburbs” is a more cynical album, in which Butler becomes critical of his fans. Yes, the songs are still catchy and well-constructed, but if a fan were to listen to the words they may find that the negativity of Butler’s lyrics take away from the album. After all, who wants to hear lyrics like, “By the time the first bombs fell, we were already bored,” in reference to themselves?

That of course, is not to say that the album doesn’t deserve a listen. The beautiful thing about the Arcade Fire is that they aren’t a primarily guitar, bass, and drums band. In addition to those staples, they also incorporate piano, keyboard, violin, viola, cello, harp, accordion, French horn… you name it. It makes for a richer sound, something more intricate and beautiful. Every time you listen to an Arcade Fire album, you will discover a new detail that you never heard before. Not to mention, Chassagne’s vocals are absolutely superb, and add an ethereal quality to any song she lends her voice to.

The verdict? The album is beautiful in terms of musical composition, but the lyrics, although interesting, metaphoric, and poetic in style, leave something to be desired in terms of tact and respect. The Arcade Fire has an incredible sound, but if they continue insulting their fans the way they do, even subtly, I’m not sure their popularity will last too much longer.

Other important news worth mentioning:

The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Release New Concert Film “Live In London” [See the Trailer Here]
Spin Magazine Throws 25 Live Shows in New York Within One Week, Stream Concerts Online

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia.com.

Click here to watch our Arcade Fire Youtube playlist!