Tag: the orchids

Last Week’s Jams, Today (10.10 – 10.14)

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There were a lot of great songs coming our way last week, as well as a lot of great album to spend time with when you got to Friday. We tried to make sure we got your ears on as much as we could, so hopefully you can revisit those posts from last week to grab a little bit of joy from those tunes. If not, then you can certainly stream all the tracks we had in this fun little weekly wrap-up. We had new stuff from Hot Tubs Time Machine, Shake Chain and Ribbon Stage; we then made mention of Reds Pinks and Purples, Winter, Chorusgirl and more in our album streams. Just sample the songs below; you’ll be just fine.

The Orchids Share I Never Thought I Was Clever Video

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Earlier this year, the Orchids made a bold return with their brilliant new Dreaming Kind LP; the record is full of great pop tunes, and we get a chance to reinforce that today by sharing the video for “I Never Thought I Was Clever.” The video captures a blossoming relationship, spliced with some live footage and a little political nod; it’s great storytelling if you’re here for that. Me, I just love the tune. It takes a minute to really dive into the meat of the track, offering a silky little vocal over light accompaniment from the group. Just as you creep towards the 1 minute mark, the drums pick up and the song turns into this wistful pop tune that will carry you into daydream nation. Spend time with the song, the video, then get a copy of the LP, which is out now via Skep Wax!

The Orchids Share Didn’t We Love You

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Now that we’re settled in with our playlist, let us focus on the great hits coming your way today, like this latest ditty from the Orchids. Honestly, this is pure old fashioned pop music of the non-commercial sort (sadly); it’s the sort you’d expect to hear from a classic indiepop act! Jangles are soft and sharp, with this bubbling bass line cruising underneath the softened vocal twists. It seems so simple, but there’s no way you can’t just bob your head and appreciate how classically good this is; it doesn’t need flare or drama, as it’s the purest of pop sounds…and I can’t get enough. Dreaming Kind will be out on September 2nd via Skep Wax.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (6.13 – 6.17)

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Well, we wrote up at least 25 fresh tracks last week, many of which we purposefully tried to make sure weren’t on all the other cool kid sites. That also might be why we missed a few that you’d expect us to cover. It was great to hear Cool Sounds taking some new risks for their new LP, plus we made sure we had that new Mary Onettes tune right up there. And, our old friends Big Bill dropped a new record, so we wanted to remind you of their gifts…and then, there were loads of other songs, meant to get you through those early Monday morning blues without having to think too much about what you’re listening to all day…just know it’ll be good.

The Orchids Return with New Album

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Guess it’s a Sarah Records sort of Monday, which I’m totally okay with over here. After the Useless Users announcement, let’s turn our attention to the Orchids. The Glaswegian outfit have announced a brand new LP, Dreaming Kind, their first record since 2014. For fifteen seconds they tease us, hanging with some wee ambient bits before the song just seems to drop in from the heavens, with James’ voice in particular embracing you as it crosses through your speakers. At times, the tones of the guitars and keys leave a darker note to the song, but one can’t escape the melody churned out, especially when that chorus hits you. Dreaming Kind will be released by Skep Wax on September 2nd. And, if you’re ordering from the States, the label’s worked out a deal with American distributor Jigsaw, so you won’t have to worry about shipping costs! Grab it quick!

Skep Wax Announces Under the Bridge

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I’ve made no secret of my affection for Sarah Records, so it’s great to see that our friends at Skep Wax (partners in our Swansea Sound release) are rekindling the Sarah flame with a new compilation, Under the Bridge. There’s 14 songs, many with original Sarah Records acts like Secret Shine and the Orchids, releasing exclusive content specifically for this compilation, with a few related acts like The Catenary Wires and Jetstream Pony also being thrown into the fray. I love that the collection points at what all these bands are doing now, rather than continuously praising them for all they’ve done before (but read that Bandcamp Guide HERE). Hopefully these new recordings give you a glimpse at what you may (though hopefully you didn’t!) have missed over the years…all leading up to the release of the LP on March 18th.

WIAIWYA Releases Holiday Compilation

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Our friends over in the UK will likely already be all over this one, but just wanted to make sure everyone was in the know on our end, as WIAIWYA just dropped an incredible holiday compilation titled 24. It’s 24 songs from some of the finest purveyors of pop music around; Pete Astor, Love Burns, the Orchids, the BVs, and a bunch bunch more of artists we’ve been covering on this site for some time. I have a feeling there’s a little something for everyone in this mix, so feel free to sample a tune or two below, then if you feel so inclined spread the holiday cheer by telling a friend!

Fresh Tune from the Orchids

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We’re just a year or so removed from The Orchids 30 Year Retrospective, and it’s great to see the band have new music on the very near horizon. In fact, they’ve recently released the first single from their forthcoming 7″ for WIAIWYA. It’s a mild-mannered pop song, mostly sitting back and allowing the harmonies to do the work over soft percussive elements. The vocal display, of course, has that luxurious contrast between male and female bits…James’ voice always sounds so friendly and familiar, like all those times my father sang with his guitar around the house. Anyways, another great Sarah Records survivor with new music for us; they’re new 7″ drops on August 7th.

New Music Premiere: The Orchids “Hey Sometimes!”

orchidsThose of you looking for something perfect, something pop better listen up.  Today you get to hear the first single from legendary indie poppers, The Orchids. The last time I heard from them was their marvelous 2010 LP, The Lost Star, but as they ready the release of Beatitude #9, we bring you this single.  It carries the band’s typical soft underbelly in its harmonies, winning listeners over with guitar parts that seemingly trickle in step with each melody.  There’s a simplicity to the approach, asking followers to let themselves be absorbed in the craftsmanship of the band.  Look to get your hands on the album on October 21st via Acuarela.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/01-09-Hey-Sometimes.mp3]

Download: The Orchids – Hey! Sometimes! [MP3]

New Music from The Orchids

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I’ve fallen in love with The Orchids over the past several years, so I’m glad my special order of their latest album, The Lost Star, finally came in the mail.  I haven’t spent a lot of time talking about this band, but rest assured that those of you in the know of twee pop will surely adore their work.  Now, for me, twee doesn’t have a negative connotation; it means sincerity combined with honest pop, and that’s always where my heart has been at.  Give The Orchids a chance here, and make sure to check out their back catalog if you dig the new stuff.  This isn’t going to let you down.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/The-Orchids-06-Shes-My-Girl.mp3]

Download: The Orchids – She’s My Girl [MP3]