Local/Indie Music - "Second Skin" by the Gits

Certainly on the indie side of this theme, 90's grunge/punk band the Gits could have been one of the best bands of their generation. Tragically, their lead singer, Mia Zappata, was brutally raped and murdered days before signing a record deal with Atlantic Records. Over 10 years later, with her murderer in jail, their music is slowly re-emerging and gaining the respect they never received, but so rightfully deserved.

Kerry O'Kane's documentary (available on Netflix) highlights the band's short-lived career with tons of footage and live recordings from the early to mid-90s.

No video available, but a tremendous song with powerful lyrics. Worth a listen, so get to it!

International Spotlight - "Animal" by Miike Snow

Originally from Sweden, the band Miike Snow certainly has some pop/rock appeal in their sound. Although this is certainly not my most favorite Miike Snow song, this video deserves to be highlighted at the very least.

I originally found this song via Blalock's Indie/Rock Playlist for July 2010. The link is provided on the right-hand menu under "Music Sites". Check it out - I get most of my new music from this website and their recommendations.

Recommended listening: "Silvia", "Plastic Jungle", and "Sans Soleil".

Miike Snow Online.

Shuffle Song - "Neon Bible" by The Arcade Fire

A classic Arcade Fire song and an amazing video concept by Vincent Moon. Shot in Paris and a part of the "La Blogotheque" video series. Filmed in a moving elevator. Why didn't I think of that??

Watch for the ripping of magazine pages being utilized as percussion in the video. Simply stunning.

Visit their website HERE.

Covers - "Kids" by Ben Lee

Original: "Kids" by MGMT

Ben Lee does my favorite covers. This is one of his best. I was not sure it was possible for me to like this cover version more than the original, but it's very possible this could be true. Truly beautiful.

Visit Ben Lee's website HERE.

Recommended Listening: "Float On" by Ben Lee (Modest Mouse cover)



The original by MGMT:

New Favorites - "Let's Go Surfing" by the Drums

Every once and a while I see a video that is so simple that I'm stunned at its brillance. This is one of those. It makes me want to direct/design music videos.

Great song, but some of the weirdest running ever captured on video. The Drums are skinny, awkward guys, but they make some sick tunes, if I do say so myself.

The Drums Website.