at the age of 11 years old, going to a private catholic school and being shelter-shocked to any sort of reality, listening to music was my breakthrough to the other side. hole‘s album live through this was a favorite album to listen to during those early nineties. it was courtney love in her finest glory screaming victimization and wanting acclimation, dressed in ripped fishnet stockings, running mascara, and slips of satin and lace. listening back again, each track off live through this still feels so lustful, dirty, and imperfectly raw.

listen :: hole – jennifer’s body

pinup art by wendy ortiz

Muse have created their sixth studio album titled “The 2nd Law” which will be released on October 1st in Europe, and October 2nd for the rest of the world. Muse have maintained their own sound with influences of past genres, but seem to have fallen inbetween the lines of pop and usual haze of electronica. Brought down to a still enjoyable level, there are standouts on their new album that remind a fan of why they continue to listen. Their first single “Madness” is a slow sign of the times, crossing over to a commercial level of reaching all types of fans, yet Muse still continue the pure emotion that Matt Bellamy pours out of his core, showcasing the struggle of love and relationships. Although there is less chaos, angst and predictions for the end of the world than like Muse’s albums before, a powerful feeling can still be found deep within their music.

LISTEN

MP3: Muse – Madness

Photography by musicisart

Some people are die hard Wilco fans, and some people love one or two songs of Wilco. It’s for a certain taste of the indie rock persuasion. However Wilco’s song “I Might” from 2011′s The Whole Love could easily patch up the in between and make everyone a Wilco fan. As soon as one hears the happy energy of the organ in the background, it’s impossible to not smile and feel the sound swirl through.

when you gonna find out
..i’m all inside..
you still might

MP3: Wilco – I Might

Illustration by Josh Bryan

Another fall essential album is Interpol‘s Turn On the Bright Lights.

To initially hear and fall in love with this album is to feel yourself apart of New York City. Dark tall buildings under red, and purple streaming lights, the rush of Times Square, golden yellow taxi cabs, Lower East Side broken sidewalks, the colors of leaves falling in Central Park, all while walking happily alone down unknown city streets, finding your own way with a pair of headphones. This is Interpol at their very finest… it’s seamless in the way each track falls into one another. Each song takes on it’s own cold personality but maintains a high quality of brooding with a sincere depth that makes this album so imperfectly… perfect.

~*~

LISTEN

I had seven faces
Thought I knew which one to wear
But I’m sick of spending these lonely nights
Training myself not to care
The subway is a porno
Pavements they are a mess
I know you’ve supported me for a long time
Somehow I’m not impressed
But New York cares

MP3: Interpol – NYC
(Turn on the Bright Lights, 2002)

Photography by automatt

back to the east coast, back to the feelings of four seasons, back to the fall, back to the leaves changing colors, and back to the time of year when all the albums that sound so good especially as the weather changes come into our lives again. the months of september, october, and november are some of my favorite months as when they arrive, a special frame of mind comes into play. perhaps it’s being able to keep the windows open to let all that stale summer air move through, or the scent and taste of pumpkin and gingerbread spice lattes, and the excitement of the haunting halloween and warmth of thanksgiving holidays coming, but whatever it is and wherever i am, it reminds me of home.

everything pj harvey does musically works especially during this time of year however her fifth studio album released in 2000, stories from the city, stories from the sea is beyond fitting for the beginning of autumn. in order to fully appreciate, the album must be started from the beginning, and listened until the end. some highlights include the opening track big exit which tantalizes your mind as pj harvey screams “this worlds crazy, give me the gun“, then as we skip to the magic of connection inside the lyrics of one line “and i draw a line to your heart today to your heart from mine / one line to keep us safe“, back to the despair of human suffering in the whores hustle and the hustlers whore “speak to me of heroin and speed / just give me something i can believe“, and cradling down to the soft cries of the ending track we float as she gently sings “one day we’ll float / take life as it comes“. as you’re inside pj harvey’s music, the songs always unfold to provide a true life soundtrack to the storyboard and memories of a head-spinning brooklyn summer of excitement, love, and disappointment. this is pj harvey’s music on another level, taking the raw edge of her precessing albums and mixing it with toned, mature beauty.

so go enjoy now, open up your window, curl up under a blanket, have a harvest cup of coffee or tea, gently relax, imagine yourself on a rooftop overlooking the city lights of new york city, and listen to pj harvey’s stories from the city, stories from the sea. report back, and let me know if your thoughts resonate with mine…

mp3: pj harvey ~ a place called home

artwork by annita maslov

…oh my dreams, come back to me…

Montreal’s Purity Ring is the impressive collaboration of 21-year-old instrumentalist Corin Roddickhad, and 24-year-old haunting vocalist Megan James. With electro-pop beats and transfixing melodies, their debut album Shrines provides a subtle reason why they should be known as a bold contender for best LP of the year. Purity Ring provides a true darkness in their music depicted like a horror scene, where the lyrics speak of holes drilled in eyelids and fractured skulls, while sung in the childish whisper of an electronic fairytale.

Enjoy

Purity Ring :: Obedear (Shrines, 2012)

Artwork by Robin Eley
(Robin Eley was born in London, studied in California, and now lives with his wife in Australia. His work are oil paintings, not photographs,  mindblowing and hypnotic in every single way.)

“My paintings are essays of observation, born from a relentless examination of my mileu. Rather than shout, my paintings speak softly. Their messages, both personal and profound, audible only to those who make the effort to listen. By documenting time, I attempt to slow its quickening pace; such that for the briefest of moments there is just the viewer, my painting and the space between.” – Robin Eley

i’m on the pursuit of happiness
and i know everything that shines ain’t always gonna be gold
i’ll be fine once i get it… i’ll be good

This Kid Cudi cover of Pursuit of Happiness performed by Lissie is so raw, gritty, and spellbinding that it is easy to get lost in. Although nothing can truly touch Kid Cudi’s work, there is an assertiveness found in Lissie’s vocals that takes this song to another level. The way that you can hear her grab the lyrics and naturally force them into a pure intensity where she almost runs out of air, makes you reflect on just how damn good this song is in general.

~*~

Enjoy
Lissie :: Pursuit of Happiness

Artwork by Kris Lewis
(Kris Lewis is an amazing artist living in Los Angeles by way of New Jersey. His work is beautiful, and heartfelt.)

“Kris Lewis takes much of his inspiration from his mother who taught him the importance of hard work, dedication and a love of tradition. As an immigrant who had to flee from communist forces in her home country of Latvia, she instilled in her son a love of his heritage. Lewis combined this with an appreciation for the old masters, such as Hans Holbein, Albrecht Durer and Hieronymus Bosch, and such additional masters of portraiture such as Andrew Wyeth and Gustav Klimt.”