I spent the afternoon watching Once, an independent film out of Dublin featuring Glen Hansard of The Frames and Czech singer Markéta Irglová. The film is a brief little love letter, and more than half of it is just people singing songs bent around sweet, simple, urgent emotion. I sang Falling Slowly all the way home; it just stuck with me. You can hear the whole soundtrack and see the trailer at Once, and hear more by both of them on their collaboration The Swell Season.
(Incidentally, they remind me a little of Damien Rice when he was still singing with Lisa Hannigan-- and after looking them up, it turns out Glen and Markéta used to open for them on tour. Small world.)
The ladies of Au Revoir Simone let their lives be led by old maps, the wind, and feather compasses, and before I even get to their music I find them totally charming. You can hear more on the Hype, and watch them at the quickly-becoming-my-favorite-repository-of-musical-goodies, Blogothèque: Take-Away Shows.
Some lovely commenter remarked that Emily Loizeau has been touring with Andrew Bird-- and it was serendipitous, as Jewlie and I were unaware of this. But here's a pairing I am aware of: Rufus Wainwright and A Fine Frenzy. They're touring together, and you can hear Rufus' new album Release the Stars over at Spinner-- and discover the red-headed country girl hotness that is A Fine Frenzy at her website.
The wondergeniuses that are Oddica have teamed up with artist Blaine Fontana to create this amazing shirt. It comes in a regular tee, too, and they're having a May sale-- just $16 each when you pick up 3 shirts.
Good morning, Fabulists.
Blogotheque has some wonderful videos of Andrew Bird playing troubadour in the streets of Paris, performing "Weather Systems" and "Spare-Ohs". Tres bon.
You don't need me yammering on about these two songs. They're good songs, you'll enjoy them, and I actually have no time for yammering right now anyway. Have a wonderful weekend, friends.
If Raffi and Borat had a baby, it might turn out like Herman Düne -- this song is just silly and makes me happy. I also suddenly wish that I had a an invisible swing. (via)
There have been many renditions of “When Doves Cry.”
Some good: Quindon Tarver. Some bad: Ginuwine. But
most of them are nowhere near as engaging as The Be
Good Tanyas' version. There was actually an earlier
version of The Be Good Tanyas that included Jolie
Holland. Imagine the possibilities. Cover or no cover,
it’s hard not to love these ladies. begoodtanyas.com
I got a Tuesday treat today! (I originally typed "Monday"; it seems like the past few weeks I've just had no idea what day it is. ANYWAY.) I have a song to share with you from one of my favorite bands, Two Gallants, from their upcoming "The Scenery of Farewell EP". The tune is typical Two Gallants fare, which is to say totally excellent. Give it a listen.
Do you like white guys with raspy voices and an
undying love for Otis Redding? How about southern rock
that’s straightforward without all the ironic posturing
of “I’m-too-cool-for-you” hipster bands? Well,
discerning music lover, let me introduce you to
Catfish Haven. (Named after the trailer park that lead
singer George Hunter grew up in because that’s just
how “real” they keep it.) Although their studio songs
sound good I’m willing to bet they sound really great
live. When I find out I’ll let you know. Until then
try out a few songs. catfishhaven.com
I really hope this comes back. if it doesn't, you should hand it off to someone! I'm sure anyone (including myself) would love to take over fabulist and bring it back with a vengeance!
becca on 
