Haha.. not to perpetuate this topic, but in my own defense, I don't read pitchfork every day, though I do check it a few times a week, almost exclusively for news updates and occasionally for the interviews. I greatly prefer Stylus for reviews (I like the ability to post comments on their articles and writers seem more "down-to-earth" in general). Furthermore, Stylus has actually also explicitly denounced Pitchfork's reviewing of albums/singles strangely, inexplicably early. To provide an example, Pitchfork claimed Annie's 'Heartbeat' to be the best single of 2004, though it was currently only available as a promo in Europe, only being officially released as a single there in February 2005 and even later here in the US. Stylus commented in their listing of the singles of 2004 that there was, in fact, only ONE Annie single from that year - 'Chewing Gum,' NOT 'Heartbeat.'

I guess I just felt that Pitchfork's hasty review of Silent Shout was a simillar attempt to prove that they are FIRST to unveil new, sure-to-impress music. This "I heard it first" attitude I believe to be pretentious, and I see Pitchfork to be more guilty of it than any other ezine. I suppose you could view my finding of the music early to be pretentious, and perhaps my earlier post where I state finding Silent Shout in advance could perpetuate this stance, but it was not intended this way. I apologize.

All opinions on ezines aside, I think many of us can agree that Silent Shout truly is one of the year's greatest achievements thus far.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Platypus Quest,

I have yet to hear The Knife's album, but I'm looking forward to hearing what all the hoopla is about.

quote:

All opinions on ezines aside, I think many of us can agree that Silent Shout truly is one of the year's greatest achievements thus far.

Yeah, i apoloigize too if my argument was stupid, but now, on to the music. If anyone could direct me to a place where i could hear this album, I'd be grateful, even if it was just samples. It seems like a lot of people are really into it, and, well, sometimes that doesn't mean anything, but sometimes it means a lot.

You can watch the video for the single, also titled "Silent Shout," at this website:

http://www.gigwise.com/contents.asp?contentid=13431

As for the rest of the album, you can download it in its entirety in torrent or zip form from a lot of different places...

If you don't quite know what to expect, I would suggest listening to clips of songs from iTunes. They have their older albums for sale there. Though they boast some wonderful tracks, those albums in their entirety can't hold a candle to Silent Shout.

Nevertheless, "Heartbeats," "You Make Me Like Charity," "Girls Night Out," and "You Take My Breath Away," are pretty great (especially "Heartbeats" - - it's incredible).

TV: glad this didn't become a shouting match. And you're right, TMT is way too jokey.

Pitchfork may just be trying to get in on the Knife, but I think that mainly they're really excited about the album. Also, they love Swedish music: the Knife, Dungen, Jens, Jose Gonzalez, Love is All, I'm sure there's some more. Look out Canada! If the Swedes win hockey gold too, all will be lost.

Out of curiosity, would anyone here have downloaded The Knife album if it weren't for Pitchfork?

I don't want this to get ugly again, but I had it before Pitchfork commented on it. News was going around on the net about a week or so about their new music video being out, and soon after I discovered that the album had leaked.

I picked up their last album Deep Cuts at the end of '04 after hearing so much about "Heartbeats," which is truly (read: easily) one of the best singles (in any musical genre) of the 'aughts so far. It's easy to convert even your most "stubborn" friends into fans with just this one song. It's simply wonderful.

quote:

Originally posted by m.leland:
Out of curiosity, would anyone here have downloaded The Knife album if it weren't for Pitchfork?

I probably won't buy or download it, and I generally don't have taste in common with Pitchfork, but all this talk and the various descriptions provided by the folks in this thread have made me curious. I guess I'll find some samples and see if it floats my boat.

quote:

Originally posted by m.leland:
Out of curiosity, would anyone here have downloaded The Knife album if it weren't for Pitchfork?

I wouldn't have, because I still don't know who they are.

quote:

Originally posted by m.leland:
Out of curiosity, would anyone here have downloaded The Knife album if it weren't for Pitchfork?

I downloaded it from another board I read on the suggestion of a few posters, and an 05 single of theirs I liked (I think it was Pass it On, haven't heard Heartbeats yet). This was a little over a week ago, although I still haven't listened to it.

Although I GREATLY prefer The Knife's version of "Heartbeats," the José Gonzalez cover is featured in a wonderful commercial. Many of you have probably already seen it, but in case you haven't, here is the link:

http://www.bravia-advert.com/commercial/braviacommhigh.html

The Gonzalez cover is very nice, though I think it's a little benign - at least compared to the original version. Still, the commercial is simply incredible. Also, I found that the advertisement uses nearly 250,000 "bouncy-balls" - so it isn't done with CGI effects. WOW.

quote:

Steve Wynn's new one is the best thing so far this year. I'm surprised no one has mentioned it.

I'm pretty excited about this one. I haven't been able to find it anywhere near me, but I think I might just order it online if I can't find it while I'm out today. I already like the album just for making me go back and listen to Wynn's other music. Days of Wine and Roses is always so much better than I expect it to be every time I put it on, as are his last couple solo albums. Anyone have this one yet? Also, I'm really looking forward to Low Skies new one. I really like their 2003 album 'the bed'. They sort of sound like a more Americana-influenced Nick Cave, or maybe a less overtly religious 16 horsepower.

Also, after being pulled in by the 'Star Witness,' I broke down and downloaded Neko Case's next album. I can't get over how good it is. I think it is probably better than Blacklisted, which is one of my very favorite albums of the 2000s. I can't wait till it is released so I can get a real copy and figure out who is playing on what.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: keylimetrev,

quote:

Originally posted by Platypus Quest:
Although I GREATLY prefer The Knife's version of "Heartbeats," the José Gonzalez cover is featured in a wonderful commercial. Many of you have probably already seen it, but in case you haven't, here is the link:

http://www.bravia-advert.com/commercial/braviacommhigh.html

The Gonzalez cover is very nice, though I think it's a little benign - at least compared to the original version. Still, the commercial is simply incredible. Also, I found that the advertisement uses nearly 250,000 "bouncy-balls" - so it isn't done with CGI effects. WOW.

I Never realized that was a cover, but I thought his version the song was great (maybe influenced by how visually impressive the commercial is).

I watched the Knife video. Perhaps they can get Slipknot and GWAR together and revive the Monsters of Rock tour. They could all wear their scary costumes and it would be so cool.

quote:

Originally posted by Platypus Quest:
Although I GREATLY prefer The Knife's version of "Heartbeats," the José Gonzalez cover is featured in a wonderful commercial. Many of you have probably already seen it, but in case you haven't, here is the link:

http://www.bravia-advert.com/commercial/braviacommhigh.html

The Gonzalez cover is very nice, though I think it's a little benign - at least compared to the original version. Still, the commercial is simply incredible. Also, I found that the advertisement uses nearly 250,000 "bouncy-balls" - so it isn't done with CGI effects. WOW.

Jose is great and so is that song he redid. That song is beautiful. I wasn't crazy about The Knife, but maybe I need to give them another chance.

quote:

Originally posted by Platypus Quest:
Yeah... I could never explain why The Knife makes for such good hiking music, but I come back to it often.

But yes, I also like more 'pastoral' music... Fennesz's Endless Summer is the PERFECT (yes, PERFECT) album for relaxing outside or going on a hike. I still can't figure out exactly HOW the album was made... It feels like it just came to be, naturally, organically falling into place rather than being assembled by a human being. It's so incredibly nuanced that to imagine it just being put together by somebody else is exhausting... But it's a very special recording. You can picture it being the sound of plants growing, clouds floating, people talking - - in essence, the sound of life.

That has to sound ridiculous, but I'm serious. No other album has rewarded so many listens as that one. I know Endless Summer came out like 5 years ago and that this is a Best of 2006 post.... I apologize. I got a little carried away.

And thanks BobtheSpirit for the info on Silent Shout. Good to know.

I am really looking forward to the new Wilco recording. I [heart] them.

God, do I agree with your assessment of Fennesz's Endless Summer. I bought it about a year ago, and I still listen to it at least once a week. I hope he follows it up with something a little more powerful than Venice, even though I like that just fine.

Hallelujah!! I always get excited when people respond to Endless Summer like I do...

And yeah, Venice is pleasant enough (especially "Château Rouge" - I love that song), but it's not nearly as rewarding as Endless Summer. I can't wait for his next album...

I watched that video you gave the link to, and i reall didnt hear anything special. It actually sounded like a bad 80's Kraftwerk b-side or something. When that bass on every beat came in, it almost felt like a joke. It might just be me, but I'm really really particular about my electronica, and that song did nothin for me. Thanks a lot for the link though,I'll try not to give up on The Knife after one song, so I'll keep trying.

I'm surprised nobody here has mentioned the new Streets album. I'm really really excited for it, especially after pitchfork's good review of "when you wasn't famous." That is probably my most anticipated release this year, right up there with radiohead.

quote:

Originally posted by Platypus Quest:
Hallelujah!! I always get excited when people respond to Endless Summer like I do...

And yeah, Venice is pleasant enough (especially "Château Rouge" - I love that song), but it's not nearly as rewarding as Endless Summer. I can't wait for his next album...

I justed posted a poll topic under Indie rock regarding Endless Summer. I really want to know what others think.

"All Your Things Are Gone" ...the new album by Victory at Sea

This is the first release of 2006 that has me really, really excited.