This is his 2008 video and is a compilation of 42 countries, and is surprisingly gorgeous and moving. It shows joy, harmony, and somehow exemplifies a true appreciation for the beauty and diversity of each culture. Additionally, it is dubbed by a song entitled “Praan” which was written just for this video, and I think is beautiful and absolutely perfect for this video. You can buy it at the Amazon mp3 store.

Well done, Matt!

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Hit play.

Now then. These guys have three albums prior to “Keep Your Eyes Ahead,” none of which I’ve heard. However, thanks to Rob, I am now in love with “Keep your Eyes Ahead.” It’s got a Bob Dylan inspired style, but maybe not as folky.

I would describe it as accessible Interpol. And the crazy thing, it’s just two of them.

They blend minor with major, bring melodies out of nowhere, and his voice is just rad. Check out this NPR article as well. The minute I steal $7.90 I’m buying the whole thing.

The Album Leaf first broke into the public eye with the album “In a Safe Place.” Tracks from that disc hit The OC, amongst a few other TV shows. That album also consisted of guest appearances by Sigur Ros and Amiina (if you haven’t heard them, check out Sigur Ros here and Amiina here). The most recent disc, “Into the Blue Again” is what inspired this blog post. It’s gorgeous.

After my friend told me about these guys, I listened to a few tracks and then purchased “Into the Blue Again.” I recommend buying this disc as it has quickly become my go to album when I need to think, work, be alone, seek depression or just be happy about life (I know those two seem contradictory; but they’re not). I also just realized the both albums are at the Amazon mp3 store for $7.90 a piece!

Check out “The Light” (this takes awhile to get going–it’s a quiet intro) and “Red Eye” off “Into the Blue Again.”

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In Google’s words…

In this new video, there were no cameras on set. Instead, two scanning technologies were used to capture 3D images. Geometric Informatics scanning systems produced structured light to capture 3D images at close proximity, while a Velodyne LIDAR system that uses multiple lasers was used to capture large environments such as landscapes. In the video, 64 lasers rotating and shooting in a 360 degree radius 900 times per minute produced all the exterior scenes.

I love this song! And I love this album! This video is yet another way in which Radiohead is shaping the music industry.

This is a really old side project of Jim Atkins from Jimmy Eat World. It’s interesting to note that the first track of “Chase this Light” is actually “Big Casino.” OOOoooo

Go Big Casino - Richmond Again

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Amiina - Sexfaldur from the album Kurr:

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I’ve said before that Sigur Ros was the best show I’ve ever seen. When I saw them a few years ago, Amiina was their opening act and they were gorgeous. Four girls, also from Iceland, who make such pretty music. When I saw them, they only had their EP out, so I’ve been waiting anxiously for a few years for their first full length, and I finally picked it up the other day. You should download it for $7.99.

At their live show, they added layer upon layer as they each walked from one instrument to another and built music in front of my eyes. It’s absolutely captivating to watch them work together. They play everything from the xylophone, to violins and cellos, to glasses, to the saw.

I had seen a band play the saw before I saw Amiina, but not like this. Amiina actually made it add something to the music, rather than playing the saw just to play the saw.

One of my favorite parts of their show, was when they came on stage with Sigur Ros and played a quartet of strings through one song after another. It was just amazing!

I you like the sounds of the song above, and you’re not sure what it means to “play the saw,” check out this video of their song “Seoul.”

I can prove it…

Just click the play buttons, this is the full album in it’s proper order.

Life in Technicolor
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Cemeteries of London
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Lost!
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42
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Lovers in Japan
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Yes
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Viva La Vida
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Violet Hill
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Strawberry Swing
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Death And All His Friends
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Now go buy it from Amazon!

Whaddya think of the new disc people? Especially you, oh Coldplay hater.

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Big, hard thanks to Nick for exposing me to this band. Man, they are just really, really good! It’s just so sad when you come across a band that makes your life better, and then you find out they broke up and played their last show in 2005. Balls!

They started in 1991, and I loved 90’s rock. Sorry; but I do. Collective Soul was at their peak, Better than Ezra, Tonic, Gin Blossom’s, Weezer…what wasn’t to love? They certainly have that 90’s feel in some of their sound. Just check out their album art. That is pure late 90’s early 2000’s.

But honestly, this music is worth purchasing. His voice is really, really smooth. And I dig how much of it is acoustically driven; but it has such a driving rhythm, you wouldn’t quite notice it. You know, there’s something about it that reminds me of Burlap to Cashmere. Remember them?

Does anyone have anyone similar that still exists? I’m interested in picking up their earlier stuff as well.

Leading Off: Jack Johnson - Sleep Through the Static
Next: Angels and Airwaves - We Don’t Have to Whisper
Closing: Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs

I care deeply for each and every one of these CD’s. If you haven’t heard them yet; go check them out. Jack’s new CD is different; but it still has the same ability to make you believe you don’t have a care in the world, and just “be.” I have a feeling that of the above three albums, Jack’s will get a lot of playing time on the beach…he’s just the perfect beach music.

If you’re interested…you should let me know what you’re spinning this weekend…after all, the weather is changing, so should our music.