By Jed
1) Old Toy Trains here premieres, exclusively on RFSL, their new video for their dreamy new song "Kitty Corner" (expect more about OTT later this week). The video features passing trains, tall grass, the backdrop of downtown L.A., a carnival (is it Santa Monica? I don't know!), hop skipping and jumping, and a sign for Crow's Landing, California. Click here for etymology of the phrase "Kitty Corner".
2) I've been wrong many times before, but I have a really good feeling about the future of San Fernando Valley trio HAIM. They've got that rare combination of relateable but heartfelt lyrics, danceable beats, "indy edginess", and that high quality production that comes with having well-connected parents. At worst, I'd say their live performances are SLIGHTLY uneven, but given their ages, they have plenty of time to tighten it up. Their recording of "Forever", and for that matter, the rest of their Forever EP (free download, I highly recommend) is one of the best from a local band I've heard in a long time. If I were to compare HAIM to anything, it would be the Dirty Projectors at their most R&Besque. The video is fine enough -- features motorcyclists performing wheelies, as well as home video of the girls, in addition to them executing some artsy dance moves in a barber shop, although it risks overly emphasizing their youth. Great song, A+!
3) Lauralaura, the new project from multi-instrumentalist Jacob Dillan Summers (formerly of the Rhone Occupation), and recently interviewed by RFSL, has released a live video performance of "All Your Words Are Gone". It features Emily, Jillinda and Britney from the Damselles on backup vocals, and John from Seasons on backup instruments. The lyrics appear to consist largely of advice, as far as I can tell, mostly good.
5) Echo Park's NO recently played a live secret show at the Silver Lake Old Style Guitar Shop, and released on HI DEF VIMEO a video of their performance of "Another Life". "Another Life" refers to where NO will see you. They'll pretend that they don't think of you.
NO | Another Life | Live at Old Style Guitar from NOMUSICFORME on Vimeo.
6) L.A.'s Body Parts's new video for "Doing Things" is inspired by Kate Bush's dance moves, which makes it more than okay in my book. Follow along with the closed captioning to be reminded of watching the news at the gym. Don't tell anyone, but their vocals remind me vaguely of Manhattan Transfer.
Body Parts / Doing Things from Body Parts on Vimeo.
7) The 17th of June is Iceland's Independence Day (from the cruel tyranny of Denmark no less!). And look, United States Secretary of Hillary Rodham Clinton sent her greetings two years ago. Back in Iceland the day will be celebrated with many parades and parties. Hæ Hó Jibbí Jei!!
What? I missed something? What tragedy! Email me at RFSLJed at gmail dot com and aggressively correct my errors.
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