Tag Archive for 'Northampton'

HEADY MEDS

winterpills
There’s a certain sort of music that any self-respecting indie lover keeps loaded on the iPod for the most emotionally sensitive of situations. Like when you’re facing your first makeout session with a new sweetheart, or recovering from a bad breakup that leaves your black-rimmed glasses fogged with tears. Bon Iver, Iron and Wine, Fields —any of these soothing salves work wonders on aching hearts, frazzled nerves or restless sleeps. Here’s one more to add to your playlist: Northampton, Massachusetts’ Winterpills.

Vivid and visceral, Winterpills create spacious slowcore rife with romanticism. Led by the gossamer vocal harmonies of singers Philip Price and Flora Reed, the band takes listeners through songs of sad boys, chamomile breezes and bee-stung hearts. The arrangements are minimal and organic, but never too sleepy. The electric whinny of guitar, analog crackles and shifting rhythms keep the mood dynamic, if low-key. Next time your Elliott Smith CD skips, or you’re sick of Fleet Foxes, give these guys a spin—they’re sure to seduce and sedate.

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Young @ Heart @ Newport Folk

I’ve seen a lot of good shows this year. But I’m not sure if anything compares to the performance of the Young @ Heart Chorus at the Newport Folk Festival this morning. And it wasn’t just the novelty of watching a group of elderly people singing Sonic Youth’s Schizophrenia (though that was pretty incredible).

The fact is, the chorus displayed more musical range and emotional depth than any of the other performers at Newport. From a tear-jerking rendition of Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” to the uproarious take on James Brown’s “I Feel Good,” Y@H left no melodic or emotional stone unturned.

Other standout performances included a bittersweet version of “All We Have is Now” (Flaming Lips), a stunning medley based around “Walk on the Wild Side” (Lou Reed) and a mischeviously fun interpretation of “Heaven” (Talking Heads).

Stay tuned later this week for a video interview featuring members of the chorus and their fearless leader, Bob Cilman.