Sometimes when bands go on tour together, all that bonding and time together produces something magical. An example of such a magical thing is the video below for “Stranger’s Kiss” on which resident moody boy Alex Cameron and powerhouse Angel Olsen combine forces for the greater good. The video is star-studded as well and mocks Cameron’s personae of cool-guy a bit. As far as the song goes, I’m reminded of 80s rock with the arcing chorus and Cameron and Olsen’s voices meld together quite well. Check it out below.
Alex Cameron has a new album called Forced Witnesscoming out on September 8 via Secretly Canadian.
Jaye Bartell has been crafting poetic tunesfor a while now, spinning new tunes to match the passing of time. 2017 sees him recording new material, including these two tracks you can take a listen to below. While both feature his distinct vocals and elegant songwriting, each has their own strengths. The first song, “Dance With Me,” includes the beautiful addition of vocals from Angel Olsen to harmonize with Bartell’s dulcet tones. It’s a gorgeous track that reminds me a bit of some Silver Jews tunes. If you stick around and spin the second song, “Slow Going,” you’ll be pulled in by the storytelling that Bartell brings to the table. Take a listen and enjoy these beautiful tunes.
Angel Olsen brought the hype to Austin– selling out not only one, but two nights at the Mohawk. With her entourage, she touring act Chris Cohen, coordinated suits and matching bolo ties, and the overall trappings of a lovely evening. Read on after the jump to hear my thoughts on how the night unfolded.
Tonight and tomorrow you have the chance to catch one of the biggest names in the indie rock world at one of the best venues in town. Angel Olsen was originally slated to only play one night at The Mohawk, but due to overwhelming demand and a fast sell out, another night was added to soothe the desires of our town to catch this lady and her band touring in support of 2016’s boldMy Woman.Perhaps we’ll be treated to full evenings with some back catalogue hits from the spectacularBurn Your Fire For No Witness, or maybe even a few fromHalf Way Home. (I’ve got my fingers crossed that by some strange chance I’ll get to hear “Lonely Universe”). Regardless of potential setlists, you can bet that if you’re lucky enough to be at The Mohawk tonight or tomorrow night, you’ll be in for a songwriter in her prime– surely Olsen’s unmistakably powerful vocals will dominate the night, followed closely behind by the ferocious guitar that has accompanied her on her more recent albums. Tickets may be sold out, but there’s always craigslist, right? Word on the street is they may be going for a pretty penny– and you can see why by checking out the video for “Shut Up Kiss Me” below. Do you really want to miss out on this?
Oh, and Chris Cohen will be providing the opening act for both evenings, so that gives you another reason to show up and show up early after the 6:30 door times as to not miss out on his even-tempered indie rock. Check out “Torrey Pine” below as well.
You’ve all been waiting, anxiously. Waiting for our arbitrary list of the opinion of four folks who run this site, and what we think were the best albums of 2016. It’s really really important. We’re going to make our site great again with this list. We’re going to win, bigly. But really, it’s just a list of the stuff we loved the most that we covered throughout this year on our site. The comment section is open, so feel free to tell us where we’ve gone wrong or what we’ve got right or anything else fitting. Read more
“Maybe you know that its been too long.” Yes we do, Angel. It’s good to have you back.
At this point in her discography, I assumed that I knew what to expect from a new Angel Olsen album – confessional folk music that explores the uncomfortable dichotomy of relationships while occasionally picking up an electric guitar. In fact, I had the intention of analyzing the albums meaning and lyrical intentions when I initially dived into it, but I was constantly sidetracked by the range of emotions this album reverberates through its variety, production, and songwriting. Angel Olsen of the past, as a songwriter, seemed to deliver her message carefully and quietly. Now she’s writing unique pop and rock songs with confidence and conviction in her delivery; whether it’s a background vocal laden in effects, a climactic guitar solo, or a keyboard subtly peeking in, Angel relies more on the instruments around her and her tools in the studio than her voice to manipulate her listeners emotions. Read more
It’s possible you’ve encountered this video elsewhere on the internet today, but just in case you haven’t, it’s time for you to sit down and let Angel Olsen have your attention for a few minutes. This video for “Shut Up Kiss Me,” features Olsen in a glittery silver wig essentially throwing a tantrum on roller skates while spitting out her attitude filled lyrics. While I was already excited for her upcoming album, this single shows Olsenexploring more into the rockier side of her garage aesthetic. It’s a great track with tons of energy, and I implore you to take a listen and let it get stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Also, preorder MY WOMAN right here from Jagjaguwarand get ready for its August 19th release.
When I first hit play on this track from Alex Cameron‘s newest video for the track, “Take Care of Business,” I’ll admit that it took me a bit of time before I could really get into this minimalistic approach to dark pop. It’s a definite grower of a song, so you’ll need to have patience when you listen to this one, and make sure you hold on to the end, where the instrumentation picks up, and the sinister vocal growl of Cameron really becomes a croon. He’s releasing his Secretly Canadian debut later this year calledJumping The Shark, and his hitting the road with the likes of big names like Angel Olsen and Mac Demarco, so you should probably keep your ears peeled for more from this gentleman. Watch the video below.
These lists are everywhere, so you’ll be excused if you just roll your eyes and skip on. But, that being said, we always seem to be way off the mark when it comes to our Top 50 Albums of the Year. Sure, we have some of the sure fire hits on this list like Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten, but don’t even read on if you’re look ing to see where Run the Jewels made it…they’re not there. Sorry not sorry. So, if you’re into arbitrary lists by people who like to push their own agenda, then this list is for you! Read more
Earlier this year, Angel Olsen put out her great album, Burn Your Fire For No Witness, and you thought you’d have to survive off this for awhile as far as tunes from this lady go. But you’re in luck! She’s announced the deluxe version of said album and it includes this extra track, “May As Well,” which has this sleepy, almost lullaby vibe going for it. It’s a short little number, but in its two and a half minutes, Olsen manages to encapsulate an old-timey sound with her emotive voice, that’s nostalgic to say the least. I’m really enjoying this number, and so you should be to. Have a listen and pick up Burn Your Fire For No WitnessDeluxe Edition on November 18th.