The Tao of Monty Has Relocated to Better Digs!

All -

I have changed my blog to the following site!

cmontaguehermann.wordpress.com

Please check out the new home of the Tao of Monty!

Thanks,

Monty

Weekend Tunage

Music to set the mood for the long weekend. Enjoy!

Sufjan Stevens - Age of Adz

After a long hiatus, Sufjan Stevens has released a new album entitled Age of Adz. Since his purported early retirement, this is a welcome album that proves a worthy follow up to Illinois, although VERY different. It represents a nice blend of sounds, but retains that uniquely Sufjan sound.

The Samples

Feeling a bit nostalgic, I have recently done some scouring around for a few good Samples videos. The Samples, a Vermont/Colorado-based band that derives its name from King Soopers grocery store niblets, is an euphoric band that has been representing a unique rock influenced reggae sound since the early 1990's. One of my favorite shows in college, with my buddy Jack, was played by The Samples at the local concert hall. Without question, one of the greatest concerts I have been a part of - it allowed me to reframe the next four years in a different light.

Thought I would share a few tracks that have made an impression:



when I saw the churches
the stained glass was gone
and the boxes were empty
I wondered how long

when I saw the blind man
who can't see the sun
he talked of his army
and some war they won

he prayed for the future
and he prayed for the past
and he said his heart still bleeds
for the wife he once had

when I told the blind man
we're all here alone
he said the strong wind
was taking us home




when years pass between us
and the light shines on the water
I ask please for one thing
leave shelter when it's raining

decisions in blueprint
so nervous and deceiving
in concrete these structures
that our small hands
just keep building

through towers and phone lines
connections to each other
I wonder who's watching
as light shines on the water

when the stars fall beyond us
and our small eyes
just keep watching
I ask please for one thing
leave shelter when it's raining
when it's raining





we were children in our places
with the world beneath our feet
and growing up was on our faces
I remember yours so sweet

did you ever look so nice

every turn became our future
there for us to make our bet
that the longer I remember
you're the hardest to forget

did you ever look so nice

and if we make it thru
these changes
to find that nothing was in stone
but the glance of our exchanges
did they ever look so nice

did you ever look so nice

Li Yundi and Fabio

Not sure why he was formerly known as Yundi Li, then Yundi, now Li Yundi, but let us not get distracted. What really irks me is the video for Schumann's "Traumerei." When you are lauded as one of the world's greatest musicians (as is Yundi/Yundi Li/Li Yundi/LY LoveMachine/Looooww Ryyyder), it is almost a responsibility to make an awesome music video. So what happened with Yundi's/Li Yundustrious's video for "Traumerai?"

Since I don't wish to make enemies, I will simply state that I am less than impressed with this particular video. Frankly, whomever is doing PR for YL/LY should be fired immediately. This video is so contrived, cheesy, and just disconcerting in many ways. I guess what really bothers me is that classical music needs superstars to help revive popularity amongst the masses. But is a video of one of the world's most exciting pianist portrayed as Milli Vanilli going to draw crowds? It remains to be seen...but it has the power to quickly make one nauseous.

Please watch and be be less than excited:

Lloyd Miller and the Heliocentrics

What a treat on an overcast day here in NY!

Definitely going to looooove this from Kurosh Ali Khan and his crew the Heliocentrics:

Stornoway Tonight

Just happened to stumble across an interesting, relatively new band from oustide of Oxford, England called Stornoway. They have blended your classic, love-sick pop music with a crooning folk sensibility that makes for a refreshing combo.

I like a couple of their songs tonight, so I will post three that intrigue me: "Fuel Up," Zorbing," and "I Saw You Blink:"

Weekend Tunage

Go enjoy Labor Day! Spend that cake!

Arvo Part Does His Part!

I think it has been several months, if not longer, since I last wrote something about Arvo Part and Estonian classical composers. But I stumbled across a gem of a find tonight - a preview of Arvo Part's most recent piece "Cantique." I am listening to it right now, mesmerized by the polyphonic Tintinnabuli. What is tintinnabuli? In his own words:

I have discovered that it is enough when a single note is beautifully played. This one note, or a silent beat, or a moment of silence, comforts me. I work with very few elements —with one voice, two voices. I build with primitive materials —with the triad, with one specific tonality. The three notes of a triad are like bells and that is why I call it tintinnabulation."

Arvo Part, born in Paide, Estonia in 1935, established his musical voice behind the gates of the Soviet Union, exploring several opposing musical dialects. Ultimately, he became entranced with the origins of Western music and Gregorian-style chants and found his calling in tintinnabuli, most notably with the release of Fur Alina.


NPR has graciously uploaded his latest master work for your listening pleasure. You can grab an official copy in September when it will be released, coinciding with Arvo Part's 75th birthday.

Listen below to "Cantique" in its intirety.

Enjoy!

Boards of Canada - Bocuma/RoygBiv

A weekend send off from some old friends on my iPod. Enjoy!

LeGone

I thought the following piece of news was very relevant to what just happened to Cleveland:

GREENWICH, Conn., July 8, 1990 -- Michael Jordan announced on national television he's leaving Chicago to join the Detroit Pistons. Jordan said it was tough to bolt Chicago, where he was the most popular athlete in many years, because he thinks he has a better chance to win a championship if he plays with Pistons star Isiah Thomas. Jordan said by playing together, he and Thomas "won't have the pressure of going out and scoring 30 every night."

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/michael_rosenberg/07/08/lebron.event/index.html?cnn=yes&hpt=C2#ixzz0tBsGQblK

New Choral Sounds

As always, John Schaefer has raised the bar for me this week.

This past weekend, I was listening to his exceptional radio program "New Sounds" and discovered another batch of incredible choral music that ranges from this century back to the 11th Century. What I love about John Schaefer is that he combines the new and the old, and its seamless, wonderful, and better than anything you could every expect. The man is a musical genius.

Since most of you are not fortunate to have New Sounds on your local NPR station, I have posted a recent episode (#2811) for your listening pleasure. In this episode, you will hear the following artists:

ARTIST(S)	RECORDING	CUT(S)	SOURCE
Hilliard Ensemble & Jan Garbarek	Officium	Parce Mihi Domine [6:30]	ECM #1525 www.ecmrecords.com *
Alfred Schnittke	Concerts for Mixed Chorus	Sabran je pesen sikh [8:00]	Chandos 9332 www.chandos.net OR Download from Emusic.com
Hilliard Ensemble & Jan Garbarek	Officium	Beata Viscera [6:30]	See above.
Eric Whitacre	Cloudburst	Cloudburst [8:30]	Hyperion #67543 www.hyperion-records.co.uk*
Einojuhani Rautavaara	Sacred Works for Mixed Chorus	Canticum Mariae Virginus [7:30]	Ondine #935 ** www.ondine.net*
Sequentia	Saints-Music of Hildegard von Bingen	O Euchari, in leta via ambulasti [7:00]	Deutsch Harmonia Mundi #77378 Available at Amazon.com*
Shirley Rumsey	Music from the Time of the Templars	Viderunt Omnes, excerpt [3:00]	Naxos 8.503192 www.naxos.com OR Download from Emusic.com

Enjoy!

And Now for Something Completely Different...

I am from Cleveland, and there is nothing like a little bit of Bone Thugs on the cusp of the weekend...

Enjoy this little didy from the Austrian dub-trance group Kruder + Dorfmeister, inspired by my friendly neighbors Bone Thugs 'N Harmony:

Charlotte Gainsbourg's New Album "IRM"

I think the reason I really like the relatively-new Charlotte Gainsbourg album IRM is because it was almost entirely written and produced by Beck. I think Pitchfork, in their infinite wisdom and smarminess, is right to say that this is the best album he has produced in seven years - Sea Change was produced in 2002…

Although Sea Change was clearly my favorite Beck album of all time (it is incredible, you must pick it up), this album is clearly enhanced with Gainsbourg’s vocals which add a level of indelible beauty – something contrasting with Beck’s sorrowful, frank voice. “Voyage” and “Trick Pony” are excellent tracks on IRM

Go here to listen to the album

Ravel’s Rapsodie Espagnole

On such a dreary, drizzling afternoon, I can’t help but get lost in a little of Maurice Ravel’s dreamy Rapsodie Espagnole. Ravel, one of my favorite French composers, wrote this little didy in 1907 and in so doing, successfully captured the essence of Spain from the foreigners perspective. Having a partly Swiss, partly Basque background, Ravel was always torn between his father’s pragmatic background and his mother’s more sensual side, ultimately reveling in the sensual – the reason he composed such incredible works in the Spanish idiom.

For those who are new to this piece, here it is – in two parts – for your enjoyment:

Part 1: Prélude à la Nuit and Malaguena

Part 2: Habanera and Feria

Big Boi and The Physics

So I haven't been listening to much hip hop lately, but I figured I would do a run through of a couple noteworthy hits/groups.

First, Big Boi's song "Shutterbug" is about as good as commercial hip hop can get. This song reeks classic Outkast, but incorporates a nod to George Clinton-esque/Morris Day and the Time-esque funk that makes you want to shake your shack:

In an entirely different vein of hip hop is The Physics, a west-coast (the best coast) group that harks back to the days of A Tribe Called Quest and People Under the Stairs. You can't help but turn into a Jello Mold after hearing the opening beats of the track "High Society"

Enjoy these!

Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

On my ride into work today, I popped in what is becoming one of my favorite albums for this summer. The album "Gorilla Manor" is by Local Natives, an indie band from Silver Lake, LA. Their sound is perfect for the summer, as it incorporates ambient vocals and heady guitar riffs. A really good pop album.

Listen below to "Gorilla Manor" in its entirety. My favorite tracks are "Sun Hands," "Wide Eyes," and "World News":

The Tallest Man on Earth

I have been interested in singer-songwriters lately, particularly those that are blending their sound with classically trained composers, such as Nico Muhly. There are countless folk musicians out there, fusing their mellow, introspective temperament with the austere and complex harmonies of up and coming “post classical” composers. However, I want to talk about one who is not doing this.

Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson, known as The Tallest Man on Earth, has been sticking to a more raw and simplistic folk-revival. Although he is obviously a super talented and complex musician, he has embraced a pure approach to his music, opting not to collaborate with others and instead to stick with what works: his captivating voice and his guitar.

Some of his guitar riffs sound like those done previously by Harry Taussig or Bert Jansch, showing that he has taken a lot from both American blues and English folkstyle, but his voice is something new to me. His voice, along with his impressive guitar skills, are a complete package. I guess some people think he is trying to emulate Bob Dylan. I just think I like him better than Bob Dylan.

Here is a great track, "The Wild Hunt," from an impressive album that he just released "The Wild Hunt:"

New Jonsi Album!

Jonsi, the front man from Sigur Ros, has released a solo album "go" and is hitting the road to tour.

Here is the album in its entirety for online streaming, enjoy!

Debashish Bhattacharya and Bob Brozman

Hello All -

So, I stumbled across the following musicians - quite serendipitously, I might add - while listening to my favorite late night music show "New Sounds" with John Schaefer on WNYC. I had been looking into slide guitarists earlier in the day and craving some slide guitar music, only to discover two new incredible guitarists.

Bob Brozman, a strange guitarist who seems to have bounced around the world and played with musicians on practically every continent, spent a little time in India with India's preeminent slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya to record a very unique album.

They recorded one track in particular that makes my hair stand on end: Tagore Street Blues.

I highly recommend a listen below:

New Ariel Pink: "Round and Round"

Check out this new tune from Ariel Pink. Reminds me of the soundtrack from Whit Stillman's "The Last Days of Disco," but with a touch of optimism:

Horse Feathers New Album

While I am in the mood of posting some quiet and beautiful songs, I am going to share another tune that is rather striking. This one is "Thistled Spring" off the new album "Thistled Spring" by Horse Feathers, due to release next week.

Enjoy...

Sarah Siskind

Thankfully a friend pointed out Sarah Siskind the other day, and this song is blowing my mind.

Enjoy.

New Band Alert: Gayngs

I never have been to Minneapolis, but I beginning to rethink my position on Minnesota as a haven of merely cheese and football. Luckily, I stumbled upon a new band from the city of lakes, called Gayngs. They are releasing a new album "Relayted" early May 2010 which promises to be the album of the summer.

The band is a project led by Ryan Olsen, Zack Coulter, and Adam Hurlburt. However, the group is made up of so many people, its kind of a family band:

M. Vincent Vaughner Noyce: vocals
Katy Morley: vocals
Maggie Wander: vocals
Channy Moon Casselle: vocals
Justin Vernon: vocals, guitar
Ivan Howard: vocals
Phil Cook: keys
Adam Hurlbert: bass
Brad Cook: bass
Jake Luck: keys
Maggie Morrison: vocals
Joe Westerlund: drums

Enjoy the track below: "The Gaudy Side of Town"

The Sacred Mushroom

I am here at work, cranking out budgets for one of my initiatives, and am being blown away by a solo on a song by the Cincinnati, OH based The Sacred Mushroom. The song, “Lifeline,” is about 6 minutes of super impressive bluesy/psychedelic rocking, played to perfection.

The album was released in 1969 and, just like the band, never received a widespread audience, although the guitarist Larry Goshorn later joined the Pure Prairie League. Unfortunately, this was to be the Sacred Mushroom’s only album. It is definitely a catchy, well crafted album for anyone who loves sixties psychedelic rock and blues.

Check out “Mean Old World”

How To Fix Advertising

Although not the most enlightened speech, I find JWT's Sean Boyle's lecture on "How To Fix Advertising" rather informative on perhaps where many traditional ad agencies have stumbled. Overwhelmed by concerns to appease nervous clients and anticipate consumption behavior, many firms have allowed themselves to transform from bold, idea-driven shops into risk-averse, cautious, and therefore mundane places of employment, ultimately impacting the work.

The basic tenants of his argument:

1: Start Telling The Truth
2: Stop The Politics
3: Start Having Fun Again
4: Stop Overthinking Things
5: Start Doing Something
6: Stop The Incessant Research
7: Start Doing Good
8: Stop Banging On About Digital
9: Start Ups Again Please
10: Stop Using Animals In Commercials

It is a cautionary tale that too many agencies have ignored, so check it out:

The Clash and Kate Simon

The Clash

I am sitting here, enjoying a bowl of killer soup, and listening to the Clash’s “Straight to Hell” and “The Call Up.” It is in moments like these that make me feel like I am tapped into the world, that I have a purpose. I can’t say there are many bands out there making music that makes you want to shake your shit while concurrently forcing you to acknowledge – and act – upon global injustice. Both songs are fervent anti-war ballads, but could easily be misinterpreted as club hits (at least back in the 70’s and 80’s). I suppose M.I.A achieves this level of success with “Paper Planes,” but I take away frustration and anger from that adaptation of “Straight to Hell” instead of a sense of purpose.

On a related note, I just want to share a photo or two from my good friend Kate Simon, one of the closest photographers of the Clash. She has shot everyone – Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop, William Burroughs, etc., etc. – and her work speaks for itself. If you haven’t explored her world, I highly recommend it. Word on the street is that she will be publishing a memoir in the next year or so, highlighting her extensive career.

Bob Marley and Kate Simon

Robert Plant, 1975

Joe Strummer, 1977

Eastern European Choral Legends

Thanks to Nico Muhly's "Mothertongue" album, composer Philip Glass, and some late night programing from John Schaefer on New Sounds WNYC, I have recently rekindled an interest in choral music. My knowledge of choral music was previously limited to Handel, Mozart, and Carl Orff; however, I am currently discovering a surplus of incredible choral music, particularly coming from Eastern Europe, that has reinvented the category in the past several decades.

A few of the artists that I have been listening to over and over are Veljo Tormis, Giya Kancheli, and Einojuhani Rautavaara. Tormis, considered one of the greatest Estonian choral composers alive, was born in 1930 and has written over 500 pieces, most of which found airtime outside of Estonia until the mid-1990's, given their exclusion by the Soviet Union in Eurasia. His music is based primarily on Estonian folksongs that, in Tormis' words, "makes use of me," referring to his desire to preserve and share Estonian folklore and culture with the world. Most of the work is layered with complexity, adding in very few instrumentals, and focusing primarily on the vocals.

Do yourself a favor, if you haven't already, and go pick up one of these masterworks. They are perfect for a quiet weekend at home or for exploring in the park in a snowy day.