By Jed
1) VFSL is pleased to premiere the latest music video from L.A.'s Act As If's cover of Blink-182's "Pathetic" off of their 1997 release Dude Ranch (arguably pre-mainstream breakthrough, with the pre-Travis Barker drummer). Mind you, the original is a super fast punk song (can I fairly call it "hard core"?...or would "pop punk" be better?), but the cover is a ballad. In reimagining the song, lead singer Peter Verdell was inspired by memories of his 8th grade days listening to it on repeat: "It speaks perfectly to young angst; the mindset of constantly dwelling on romance, or success, and desperately wanting more than what you have." Good thing these emotions dissipate upon our becoming adults! It was directed by Chris Cullari and shot over 3 nights in downtown Los Angeles. All said, a very effective cover, and a reminder of the relevance of mid-90's punk; bravo.
The song can be downloaded for free here. The band will be playing a show at the Hotel Cafe on October 7.
3) Dawes' new video for "Time Spent in Los Angeles" (directed by Sam Jones) was filmed at what looks like a party in the Hollywood Hills.
4) Vanish Valley's latest "Races" (not to be confused with the band) from their record Get Good (released yesterday) features some extreme closeups of all of the instruments, including lead singer and brain Andrew McAllister 's face. They'll be playing October 5 at the Hotel Cafe.
Vanish Valley "Races" from Vanish Valley on Vimeo.
5) Steed Lord is the most successful Icelandic house collective living in Silver Lake. Their latest video "Bed of Needles" features (as usual), vocalist and stylist Kali in elaborate costumes (and wigs!), sometimes with images of Icelandic volcanic eruptions in the background, and sometimes in sillouette. And amazingly, the lyric "Show Me Love" appears to remain a reliable go-to in dance music. Directed, edited and "color correction" by Einar Egilsson.
STEED LORD - BED OF NEEDLES from STEED LORD on Vimeo.
6) I can't call myself a fan of Icelandic music and not post the new Björk video "Moon", right? She and Kali seem to go to the same hair stylist. I AM SO EXCITED THAT I GET TO SEE HER ON OCTOBER 16TH in REYKJAVÍK performing the new Biophilia album (on which this song will appear)!!!
björk: moon from Björk on Vimeo.
If you want your VIDEO posted on this site, which happens on WEDNESDAYS, email me at RFSLJed at gmail dot com. For anything else, email any of my other wonderful collaborators.
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