Wouter De Backer, aka Gotye, is a Belgian Australian multi-instrumental musician and singer-songwriter. I just discovered him yesterday. Obviously I am a little behind, the video for Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra), has had over 22 million hits on you-tube! Great video, very creative, literally human art!
Vic and Gab
This indie pop sister act happens to be from Milwaukee, WI. Just a few miles down the road from my doorstep in Madison. Could they be the next Tegan & Sara?
Low Roar
Ryan Karazija is calling his latest project Low Roar. Native to San Fransisco, he made the audacious move to Iceland. He apparently spent a lot of time soul searching in the foreign land, allowing the country, as well as his personal journey to inspire him. His music reverberates the struggle of picking up and starting fresh.
The Tindersticks
The Tindersticks are an indie rock band from Nottingham England. Medicine is the first single from the forthcoming album, The Something Rain, due out February 2012.
Shearwater
Breaking The Yearlings is another new single from Austin Texas's indie rock band, Shearwater. Their new album, Animal Joy, is also expected to release in February 2012.
When I first saw the preview for the movie, Snow Flower And The Secret Fan, and realized it was based on a Lisa See novel, I rushed to get my hands on the book! I previously read Peony In Love, also by Lisa See, which accompanied me on my trip to Puerto Rico. I had enjoyed Peony In Love, so I found myself anxious to Read Snow Flower And The Secret Fan before watching to movie. I must admit, I was by no means disappointed! In fact, I enjoyed it much more than the previous Lisa See novel I had read!
Snow Flower And The Secret Fan delves into the Chinese culture of the nineteenth century, where women were viewed as unimportant and good only for providing sons. Traditions surrounding women included foot binding, arranged marriages, and concubines. However, the book focuses on two unique female traditions practiced in Hunan (a province of South-central China), laotongs, and nu shu.
Laotongs could perhaps be understood, in our terms, as "kindred spirits". The Chinese translation of laotong is "old same". It is a relationship which bonds two young girls together for life. The characters in Lisa See's novel, Snow Flower and Lily, were bonded at the tender age of seven. Other relationships between women in China were common, such as sisterhoods. Laotong relationships, however, were rare and formal, the two girls often chosen carefully by a matchmaker. Such things as the girls' astrological signs, their foot size, and the prosperity (or lack thereof) of their natal families, were taken into consideration. Laotong relationships were made formal by the actual signing of a contract. These special bonds were put in place to help them cope with the hardships of their lives.
Nu shu, which means "woman's writing" in Chinese, was a form of writing developed specifically for women. It used about 600-700 syllabic characters (each character representing a syllable). Since in ancient China the culture was male-centered, and forbid girls from formal education, nu shu was derived out of secrecy in order for women to share their deepest feelings, emotions, experiences, and secrets. Snow Flower and Lily shared their nu shu on a fan, which they discreetly sent back and forth between them.
Snow Flower And The Secret Fan is a window into the often horrifying, yet intriguing ancient Chinese culture. It is also a heartfelt tale of the lives of two Chinese women, bonded as laotongs in their youth. I highly recommend the book for both the educational aspect of it, as well as the story that will draw you in from page one.
Old laotongs.
Nu shu writing.
Bound feet. Fortunately, this tradition died out in the early twentieth century. It usually resulted in lifelong disabilities and occasionally death. For more information on Chinese foot binding, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_binding
I am proud to offer another batch of what I consider to be the best independent music of the year!
Enjoy!
Alexander
Album: s/t, released March, 2011
This folk album is the first solo act from the talented Alex Ebert. You may recognize him as the lead singer and songwriter from Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, who I had the luxury to see perform live in Madison, WI. He resides in L.A. California.
Here, Alex performs on Conan.
tUnE-yArDs
Album: w h o k i l l, released April, 2011
The Connecticut based band's "sounds" are categorized as Lo-fi, R&B, and experimental. I feel that Merrill Garbus's project is in a class by itself! Wait until you hear her uncanny but amazing vocals layered with drum loops, ukulele, saxophone, and bass guitar!
Agesandages
Album: Alright You Restless, released February, 2011
This group from Portland, OR consists of seven-part vocal harmonies, which is why it is classified as Raw Choral Pop. It is also referred to, get this, Brisk Indie Folk... that's a new one for me! The definition of brisk is: active, fast, and energetic, which truly is accurate. Alright You Restless is a fabulous album in it's entirety!
Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi
Album: Rome, released May, 2011
Producer/songwriter Danger Mouse and Italian composer Daniele Lupi combined talents to create Rome, which is intended as a "soundtrack without a movie." The music is inspired by spaghetti western, or Italo-western movie music from the mid-1960's. A bonus is the fact that Norah Jones and Jack White's vocals are featured on several tracks.
The Head and The Heart
Album: s/t, released April, 2011
Yet another great folk band sure to please those who are fans of Mumford & Sons. The Head and The Heart are based in Seattle, WA. Amazon.com describes their songs as, "multicolored threads of leaving home, finding home, and through that process of deconstruction, finding yourself. These are songs about crossing rivers and roads to get to the one you love, about family far away, and the desire to chase Technicolor dreams down foreign horizons". Wonderful!
Sondre Lerche
Album: s/t, released June, 2011
Sondre is a singer-songwriter from Bergen, Norway. And ladies... he's rather easy on the eyes, and happens to be married to Norwegian model and actress, Mona Fastvold.
This final track is not from his 2011 album, it is a cover of an Animal Collective song. I couldn't resist sharing because I absolutely love it!
Today's discovery in the world of indie music takes us to Denver, CO, the current home of the Lumineers. They are an up and coming folk band that is sure to draw attention from fans of bands such as Mumford & Sons and The Head And The Heart. They have a few goals for the new year: “Get a bigger van—we’re in a soccer mom van with LUMINRS vanity plates. Make music that makes you smile, cry and stomp your foot simultaneously. Make music for years with these dear friends of mine. Be proud of our music. Play Letterman and Europe.” -Wesley Schultz (lead vocal)
As 2011 winds down to a close, I would like to take some time and reflect upon the year's best independent music (in my opinion). This is the first post of several I am intending throughout December. The year's best includes a wide variety of genres within the indie spectrum, from folk to electronic. There is bound to be something to suit everyone's music taste!
Enjoy!
Lykke Li
Album: Wounded Rhymes, released March 2011
Lykke Li is a 25 year old singer-songwriter from Sweden. I absolutely adore her!
I Follow Rivers is a beautiful, romantic song.
Get Some takes a completely opposite approach as the previous track. Here we get a whole-lotta naughty & sassy!
Ezra Furman & The Harpoons
Album: Mysterious Power, released April 2011
This U.S. folk rock band offers a large dose of wit and humor, delivered by the eccentric, quirky lead vocal, Ezra Furman himself.
Title track: Mysterious Power
The Antlers
Album: Burst Apart, released May, 2011
Brooklyn New York indie chamber pop band which was originally born from Peter Silberman's (lead vocal & guitarist) bedroom after he isolated himself.
My favorite track from Burst Apart, No Windows has a very chill yet dramatic vibe.
Givers
Album: In Light, released June, 2011
Lafayette Louisiana indie pop band whose songs are on my "Happy" playlist. Their tracks have a cheerful, upbeat feel!
If you're feeling down, listen to Up Up Up! It will uplift you!
I'll bet there is a good chance that over the holidays some leftover turkey, stuffing, or mashed potatoes may end up lurking in the corner of your refrigerator. Once you've become bored with the side dishes, you can hardly imagine taking another bite! You may decide to freeze them, or even contemplate throwing them out! Don't do it! I have a couple of suggestions to use up those lingering leftovers, giving them brand new life!
Turkey Pot Pie
serves 8
Ingredients:
1 lb leftover turkey, shredded
1 C carrots, sliced
1/2 C celery, diced
1 3/4 C low sodium chicken broth
1 C frozen green peas, thawed
1/3 C unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 C all-purpose flour
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 t celery seed
2/3 C milk
2 (9 inch) ready made pie crusts
1 T olive oil
1 egg white, beaten
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
In a saucepan, combine carrots, celery, and chicken broth. Cover, bring broth to a boil, then allow to simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until veggies are tender. Remove from heat, add peas, and set aside.
In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and saute for a few minutes until tender and translucent. Add the garlic and saute for another minute or two. Stir in flour and season with salt, pepper, and celery seed.
In small portions at a time, add the broth & veggies, and milk to the flour mixture, stirring to combine. Once combined, add the shredded turkey.
Lightly brush one side of a single pie crust with olive oil. Place the olive oil side down into a deep dish pie pan.
Pour the turkey & vegetable mixture into the crust.
Top with the second pie crust and seal.
Lightly brush the top crust with egg white. Using a knife, place a few slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Alow to sit for 10 minutes prior to serving.
Stuffing Breakfast Frittata
serves 6
Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
2 1/2 C leftover stuffing
1 1/2 C shredded monterey jack or cheddar cheese (or combination)
8 large eggs
1 C milk
1/2 t mustard powder
1/4 t ground nutmeg
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 T fresh herbs, finely chopped (such as sage, parsley, or scallions)
Directions:
Preheat broiler.
Lightly brush a cast iron or ovenproof skillet with olive oil.
Place the stuffing into the skillet.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the stuffing.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, mustard, nutmeg, salt & pepper.
Pour over the stuffing and cheese.
Cook on stovetop over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes .
Transfer the skillet into the broiler and broil for another couple of minutes, or until frittata is cooked through and top is golden brown.
Sprinkle with fresh herb of choice.
Mashed Potato Pancakes
serves 6
Ingredients:
4 C leftover mashed potatoes
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 C all-purpose flour
1/2 C fresh green onion or scallion, diced
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2/3 C shredded cheddar
4 T canola oil
seasoning salt to taste
katsup or sour cream for serving
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine first 6 ingredients.
Form the mashed potato mixture into mini cakes, about 5 - 6 inches.
Heat canola oil skillet over medium heat.
Fry on each side for about 4 - 5 minutes or until golden brown.
Transfer to a paper towel to drain oil.
Season to taste with seasoning salt (Lawry's is recommended).
Serve with katsup or sour cream.
These mashed potato pancakes are a great substitute for hash browns with breakfast. May serve along with Stuffing Breakfast Frittata.
I'm in the "Twilight zone"! I find myself getting more anxious as Saturday draws near, when I will finally go to the theater to see Breaking Dawn Pt. 1. Yes, I'm one of those... "Twilight obsessed freaks". I've read all of the books, watched all of the movies (over & over again). Another Twilight related pleasure I indulge in, is the music. Stephenie Meyer, the author of the successful series, just so happens to be an avid indie music fan! The soundtracks are inspired by her music preferences. As I prep for this Saturday, I delve into the Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 soundtrack. I eagerly anticipate the soundtracks because I always discover unknown or indie artists/bands that are new to me. I would like to share a few of the tracks:
Iron & Wine performs Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Wedding Version)
Imperial Mammoth performs Requiem On Water
The Features - From Now On
Turning Page - Sleeping At Last
Theophilus London - Neighbors
By the way... in case you are curious... am I team Edward or team Jacob? Well, I can't decide... it's a tie:o)
