indie rock – Page 5 – Crash Chords

Posts tagged "indie rock" (Page 5)

CCP Ep. #134: What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World by The Decemberists

Described as indie folk, indie rock, and baroque pop, most genres fail to capture the plethora of avenues used by The Decemberists to spin fanciful yarns to their devoted fans. Often celebrating antediluvian themes with modern sensibilities, The Decemberists have become the paradigm for making the old-timey “à la mode”. Let’s take a trip through their latest work, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World for today’s much-awaited analysis. Also stick around for a chat on what it means to employ research in the course of band-diving. Should the discography of a band be calling the shots?

CCP Ep. #130: Evermotion by Guster

Prepare yourself for the smoothest vibes from the punchiest band name. We have GUSTER for you today! Staples of the alternative community since 1991, Guster’s craft is matched only by their humor and stage prowess. What should we be on the lookout for in their latest album, Evermotion? Listen in and join in the discussion! Also stick around for some topical thoughts on the impact of award shows, namely the Grammys. What distinguishes “awards” from “critical acclaim?” On what merits should we award… And who’s looking?

Ep. #15 – Feat. ShyBoy

Matt is invited behind the DJ booth for this exclusive interview with the singer-songwriter, producer, and DJ/mashup artist, meekly known as ShyBoy. Once a member of the band Hypnogaja, ShyBoy discusses the band’s dissolution but reaffirms a working relationship with its members. His solo work, however, has taken flight with two LPs, Lost In Space and Water on Mars, not to mention his newest EP, Daisy Pusher. Solo work aside, his career is complemented by a recent residency at the club, Bootie, at the Echoplex in Los Angeles, which he discusses alongside his fondness for making mashups. Fielding a vast array of musical tastes (and an ode to Donna Sommer), ShyBoy leaves time for a chat on Sci-fi and comic books for his & Matt’s “spinning” dialogue.

CCP Ep. #127: Painful by Yo La Tengo

With the recent release of Yo La Tengo’s Extra Painful (a bonus-happy re-release of their 1993 album Painful), we thought we’d use the opportunity to explore the ’93 album as if they’d released it today — since, after all, they technically have. In doing so, we experience the prime of “Shoegaze” as a stylistic departure from the heavier rock of the era. Following that, we discuss another vestige from the past: the ever-substantial “double disc.” Useless holdover? Artistic tool? Let’s hear your thoughts!

CCP Ep. #122: Seeds by TV on the Radio

What is Art Rock? Well, we won’t be answering that question today, but we will be examining the latest work by a band to whom the genre has often been attributed. Listen in and hear how TV on the Radio’s Seeds stacks up against the work that propelled them out of Brooklyn and into the public eye. Then, stick around for a discussion on the nature of “excusing” bands’ artistic choices. What are the challenges that artists face deeper in their careers?

CCP Ep. #120: This Is All Yours by Alt-J

Happy Thanksgiving from Crash Chords! (If today’s album & analysis should find its way into your extra-long weekend, we’ll be giving plenty of thanks indeed.) Ripe for the picking, we look at an album that debuted at #1 in the U.K. this September, the plaintive This Is All Yours by the English band Alt-J (or “∆”). Then, following the album, we briefly discuss the impact of varying an album’s style as opposed to its mood.

CCP Ep. #118: Hungry Ghosts by OK Go

Today we find out what happens when Indi Power Pop goes electronic! However you choose to categorize them, the four-piece rock band OK Go is clearly dabbling into new areas with their latest album, Hungry Ghosts. Early in Crash Chords history, Matt had the priviledge of conducting an interview with OK Go’s drummer, Dan Konopka, while also reviewing their previous release, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky. For their new album however, we administer the unadulterated CCP treatment, so hop on board and share your own opinions! Following that, we shift to a more lighthearted topic: quite simply, the nature of “rocking out!” Can this primal urge ever mingle freely with the stoic world of critical analysis?

CCP Ep. #114: Ohio by [DARYL]

For our third fan request, courtesy of Jose (Nokjaw), we are pleased to analyze the album Ohio by [DARYL]. A throwback of about a decade, Ohio takes us back to the impassioned roots of Indi-punk. With its garage-born atmosphere, we explore the album’s theme, style, and structure. Just another day on Crash Chords! Following that, we discuss the use of common sound effects and textural practices. Why do some things grow stale, while others stay timeless? And who gets away with it?

Ep. #4 – Feat. Coolzey

If you’ve never heard an interview from a gondola lift before, now’s your chance! The Indie rapper/rocker Coolzey took some time out of his sky-high excursions to speak with Matt about his current musical endeavors. Having released his latest album Hit Factory, Coolzey now also has two new music videos to promote: “Want It The Most” and “Glasses.” The latter features his fellow rapper and touring mate, Schaffer the Darklord, who accompanied him on the Fam Fiction Tour along with MegaRan and Fresh Kils & Uncle Fester. Listen in for discussions on nature, horror flicks, and of course for the gondola portion as this guest is surely taking interviews to new heights.

CCP Ep. #108: They Want My Soul by Spoon

Raise your glasses and call a toast with today’s musical homage to silverware! (The reference is Spoon.) Having established themselves as a staple of the Alt Rock community, Spoon has released their eighth studio album, They Want My Soul, which we take on for this week’s review. As Alternative Rock often harbors some of the most diverse artists, we then take some time to discuss Alt as both a name and a movement. Is the genre merely an aggregate of misfits branded under a careless label, or has it in fact grown a definitive character of its own?

Music is Life… and Life is Good!

Tag: indie rock