The Gramophone: December 2012
Reviews, Streams, and News about Fresh, New Indie / Alternative Music.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Band To Watch In 2013: Twigs

So now that we survived the apocalypse, everyone is trying to predict which new bands are going to get big in 2013.  One of my personal favorites is Twigs, which just came out with their first self-released EP of the same name.  Their songs slightly like quiet, slow-tempo (and far more lyrically deep) Rihanna single.  It comes with four tracks; Weak Spot, Ache, Breathe, and Hide.  Their frayed yet smooth electro-pop sound is beautiful, but has an underlying sinister feel.  "Breathe" sounds something like a ghost possessing your NES; it is electronic, intriguing and amazing, but is still slightly creepy none the less.  When watching the music video (which is black and white footage of a woman vandalizing a car), it distracts you from the melodic soundtrack and makes you wonder about the underlying darkness within the show.  "Weak Spot" is also equally noteworthy.  It's starts out sweet and seducing, but the lyrics send a message and a warning. I heard he's got a weak spot for you / He's gonna come. Gonna come running. "Ache" is slightly less dark, the lead singer lamenting her love for a man. I ache for you. 

Download Twigs here, or for you fancy schmancy hipsters, buy it on vinyl here.

Monday, December 17, 2012

The xx: "Last Christmas" Cover

I know what you must be thinking.  The xx? With a CHRISTMAS cover? It kind blew my mind at first.  Anyways, it's actually an enjoyable cover.  The xx's minimalistic and hushed style fits the song better, and (in my personal opinion) makes the song a bit more tolerable.  I mean, let's be honest.  "Last Christmas" is one of the cheesies and most annoying Christmas songs out there.  But the xx really nurtures and embraces the inner meaning of the song.  The tender, emotional tone really comes out with the xx cover.  Check it out and download bellow.

What other unlikely bands do you think should make Christmas covers?  My personal favorites would be Passion Pit and Dashboard Confessional. : )  Let me know your favorite in the comments bellow!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

New Review Ideas Wanted!

Hey guys, as you might know, I've been pretty busy lately, and haven't had a ton of time to write reviews and find new music to review.  So, if you have any bands, tracks, or albums you want me to review, leave a comment bellow!  I promise to review as many of the suggestions as I can! Thanks!

My Top 6 Love Songs

Sorry I haven't been posting lately.  But now that I'm on Xmas break, I'll be posting more often.  Anyways, I've been doing pretty good.  I've kinda had a crush on a girl for a while, and I found out she likes me back (:D).  But that's enough about my boring love life.  Since I was in the mood, I decided to put together a love song playlist for you guys.  Enjoy : )

Hot Air Balloon - Owl City

(This is basically my playlist from the past week)