Sketch 1-29-11

I think it's safe to say that David Fincher's upcoming The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is my most anticipated film of the year. Even before Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross signed on to compose the score, this was something I knew had potential. After all, who could resist Fincher returning to the crime/noir genre with such an exciting franchise? Yet, with TR and AR officially on board (which excites me to NO end), and the first photos of Rooney Mara (who you may remember as Mark Zuckerberg's girlfriend in The Social Network) as the title character revealed, I'm frothing at the mouth. So I couldn't resist doing a sketch based on this recent W cover.

Sketch with type/"tattoo"



Sketch without

Sketch 1-28-11

Headshot of my Cowboy character. I included a Black & White version for fun. If my layers were more methodical, I'd post a progression, but we'll save that for another time. Enjoy!

Self Portrait 1-26-11

My first self portrait on the iPad! Don't know why I didn't do this sooner.

The original:



A crop that I like (maybe prefer). Which do you like better?

Sketch 1-26-11

Gonna try to do one Sketchbook Pro sketch every night for as long as possible. I've neglected this app for too long. It ain't gonna be easy (this piece went in about 3 different directions before I went with what you see), but I feel the need to try.

New music (yay!) ...by me (boo!)

I recently completed two songs in Logic that I'm pretty happy with - the first called "Bearded Simon LeBon" and the second called "Drunk Simon LeBon" (both titles inspired by a Duran Duran article in New York magazine). These two ended up being an experiment in transitions (they're meant to be played back-to-back as a pair with "Bearded Simon LeBon" as the intro) and instrumentation ("Bearded" is almost exclusively live recorded audio tracks).

My favorite moments on "Drunk" are when the digital tracks made completely in Logic are juxtaposed by the sounds I played out of my microKORG. I want to explore this more in future songs - it can be an enormously satisfying aural experience.

I have a few versions of each, all of which I've included below.

I'm still trying to finish the definitive versions, but this should give you some insight into the process, and how things are more often Different from version to version, rather than Better.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/137ert

Hope you like them!


As a bonus, here's something I did in Sketchbook Pro yesterday...

Best Music of 2010

I can't help but feel that even critics (who make a living digesting music year-round) inevitably miss albums, songs, or artists due to one reason or another. As such, there's still a few LPs from last year I want to check out, or delve into more: I think we can all agree that some of the best albums take multiple listens to "click." I just had to make this list now or I was never going to. Enough with the ado - on with the music!

Top 10 Albums of 2010


10. Jenny and Johnny: I'm Having Fun Now
Simply put, Jenny Lewis (of Rilo Kiley) and her singer/songwriter boyfriend Jonathan Rice have crafted an effortless, catchy, funny and intelligent album of Pop Rock cuts that wouldn't feel out of place in the Sun and/or by the beach. I'm Having Fun Now's greatest success is its back-and-forth wordplay (not to mention its flawless harmonizing) between the couple, which never feels saccharine, but is almost always self-depricating or lyrically melancholy. Even if the words weren't so clever, there'd still be some undeniably great songs here.


9. Deftones: Diamond Eyes
Arguably their best album, which is saying a lot. Is it my personal favorite? Not quite - the rewarding experimentation of 2006's Saturday Night Wrist still holds a place in my heart. That said, Diamond Eyes tightens the band up like never before. They're not fucking around here. These songs have no fat, or extraneous bits: almost every note of every song feels deliberate and intentional, all while maintaining a sincere sense of spontaneity. Furthermore, Chino Moreno's lyrics reach a new level of evocative imagery, his thoughtfully abstract phrasing causing you to feel and think at the same time.


8. Chromeo: Business Casual
How do you follow up a funky, electro-dance masterpiece like Fancy Footwork? You focus on songwriting. Dave 1 and Pee Thugg could have easily made a sequel to their ridiculously listenable sophomore album, but instead, they actually began most songs on piano, and it shows. "Don't Walk Away" is a toe-tapping ballad complete with bursts of authentic disco strings and chunky palm-muted guitar. The bright, bouncy "The Right Type" also shows the duo expanding their songwriting chops - it's like they took "Momma's Boy" from Fancy Footwork and turned it into a fully fledged synth-pop nugget that would do their buddy Daryl Hall proud. Rest assured, the relentless dance monsters that Chromeo do best are in perfect form here, just listen to opening tracks "Hot Mess" and "I'm Not Contaigous" for proof.


7. Robyn: Body Talk
This is a tough one to place, since it is essentially made up of Robyn's 3 preceding Body Talk EPs. Speaking as someone who experienced those mini-albums as they came out, it's hard for me to be perfectly objective about the final tracklist and sequence of this collection. My biggest complaint is that 3 of my favorite tracks from those EPs were omitted (make sure to seek out "Include Me Out", "Cry When You Get Older", and "Criminal Intent"). That said, even without those excellent tracks, Body Talk represents Pop music at its peak. These songs kick ass. Working with an array of talented producers, including Royksopp on the dark and curiously dance-y "None of Dem", Robyn moves from funny to sexy to heartbroken without ever missing a beat. She has a sincerity (and a charisma derived from that sincerity) that feels severely diminished in any of her contemporaries. Did I mention the songs kick ass? "Fembot" just might be my favorite song of 2010, and is quite possibly the best song about being a robot EVER (sorry Gary Numan).


6. Autolux: Transit Transit
Autolux's long overdue sophomore release pushes the band in all the best ways. Satisfying, creative production compliments what are already great songs, no doubt honed on the band's many tours in between albums. The title track is unexpected (no guitar? is that a trumpet?) yet feels like the only possible way we could be re-introduced to the band without things feeling overly predictable. Even on the tracks where they rock the fuck out, the band manage to pull out a few new tricks to keep your ears attentive - and make no mistake, this is music that deserves your full attention.


5. The Black Angels: Phosphene Dream
Whereas on previous albums the Angels had no problem including a 10 min.+ closing track to leave you feeling woozy, Phosphene Dream sees them making a concentrated effort to reign in their more psychedelic tendencies focusing on what makes them great. It pays off. They've never been this concise or varied. Opener "Bad Vibrations" (one of the best songs of the year, also one of the best Beach Boys references of the year) encapsulates what the Angels always did best: mine 60s psych-rock and throw it into a dark, trippy blender. When singer Alex Maas screams two thirds of the way through the song - signaling a transition into the loud sped-up finale - it's like he's willfully exorcising the demons beneath his chest.

Enjoy listening to those demons for the next 9 tracks.



4. UNKLE: Where Did The Night Fall
Despite the plethora of guests, including Autolux on the devastating "Joy Factory" and Mark Lanegan on the beautiful "Another Night Out", UNKLE's latest feels remarkably cohesive. Perfecting a futurstic psych-rock sound that was vaguely present on 2007's War Stories, James Lavelle and Co. mix synth textures and organic live instruments to great effect. Just as impressive is WDTNF's ability to uplift you ("The Answer") and seduce you ("The Runaway") without ever sacrificing the greater narrative. An ideal soundtrack for all your midnight adventures.


3. BT: These Hopeful Machines
Though I still favor 2007's This Binary Universe, These Hopeful Machines is still a massive achievement (also, This Binary Universe is one of my all-time favorites). Over 12 tracks, 2 discs, and almost 2 hours of music, Brian Transeau executes his amazing knowledge of gigantic choruses ("Suddenly", "Love Can Kill You") with his own never better vocals, while deftly indulging in his instrumental trance side ("Rose of Jericho", "Le Nocturne De Lumiere"). As should be every artist's goal, Transeau always attempts to marry his unmatched production skills with an emotional counterpoint. Without it, his songs would be technically impressive, but lacking a soul. Though not everything here perfectly upholds that idea, the ones that do will knock you to the floor. The 11 minute "Every Other Way" doesn't waste a second - rather, it breathes, and establishes a connection with you, never rushing to a crescendo or chorus. The quieter moments become just as beautiful as the bombastic ones. Without a single human voice present, "Le Nocturne De Lumiere" manages to be even more affecting. It's a sonic metaphor for BT's philosophy of Production vs. Emotion, which is even more impressive when noting that this particular track started as an experiment in shifting time signatures. "Le Nocturne" must be experienced while driving on an empty highway at 3am during a warm night. It is life affirming, much like These Hopeful Machines as a whole.


2. Warpaint: The Fool
I was first introduced to this all girl quartet when they opened for The xx on their last North American tour. With no prior expectations, I can confidently say that they nearly upstaged the headliner. The LA based 4-piece displayed a unique chemistry and moody energy that is rare. Much to my delight, that chemistry is perfectly intact on their debut.

The Fool doesn't reveal itself to you immediately - the haunting melodies of co-lead singers (and guitarists) Emily Kokal and Theresa Wayman quietly get under your skin, their layered vocals essential to Warpaint's musical signature. Just as important are bassist Jenny Lee Lindberg's tight, unexpected basslines and how they interact with drummer Stella Mozgawa's excellent rhythms. No better are all these attributes expressed than on the self-titled 2nd track, "Warpaint." The first 2 minutes alone are a brilliant exercise in atmosphere, the guitars swirling together to create an almost Tool-esque backdrop while Kokal and Wayman's frail, weathered voices lure you further in. The peril fades on songs like the triumphant first single "Undertow", while elsewhere, Kokal laments on the chilling, strictly acoustic "Baby." Though Warpaint prove they can art-rock out with the best of them (and they can), it's perhaps on "Shadows" and "Majesty" that the girls strike deepest. Singing with a vulnerability that is gorgeous and heartbreaking, Wayman belts out "What was the answer you wanted to find out?" as if she knows her question will bring no greater peace of mind. You're a fool if you don't listen to this album.


1. Blonde Redhead: Penny Sparkle
It's hard to talk about this album without repeating myself too much, so I guess I'll talk less about why it's good, and focus on why it's better.

Overall, the emotional content simply trumps everything else I heard this year. Blonde Redhead singer Kazu Makino laces the reverb-y guitars and cold, arpeggiated synths with a sense of melody that is unlike anything on this list - her every word a step further into a psyche weighed heavily by melancholia. When she sings "I leave next weekend / I'm not ready to go" on "My Plants Are Dead", the loneliness is so genuine that you can't help empathize. It's this feeling that defines Penny Sparkle. As depressing as that sounds, the beauty of each song overshadows any reason to stop listening.



Honorable Mentions (this could go on forever so here are the first few that come to mind):

-Gorillaz: Plastic Beach
-Massive Attack: Heligoland
-Neon Trees: Habits
-Sleepy Sun: Fever

Soundtracks & Scores

-Daft Punk: Tron Legacy
-Hans Zimmer: Inception
-Nigel Godrich: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
-Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross: The Social Network

-The Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack (it felt incredibly dirty typing that, but it's a fucking good soundtrack)
-Scott Pilgrim vs. The World soundtrack



And now, if you're still here, my favorite EPs, Singles, and Remixes of 2010. Enjoy!


EPs:

All of the following EPs (which are also all debuts) are EXCELLENT - seriously, check 'em out. When they come out with full-lenghts, you'll be ahead of the game.


-AWOLNATION: Back From Earth
The solo project from Under The Influence of Giants singer Aaron Bruno. A killer mash-up or rock, electro, and pop influences. This guy knows what he's doing.


-Big Black Delta: BBDEP1
The current focus of Mellowdrone's Jon Bates, Big Black Delta's sci-fi inspired tunes (which he plans to release individually as often as possible) are fittingly harsh, spacey and electronic. As an added bonus, "The Zebrah" features Sonoio's Alessandro Cortini and "Dreary Moon" features White Sea's Morgan Kibby.


-How To Destroy Angels: self titled
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Mariqueen Maandig. You do the math. There's obviously a lot of NIN-ish elements here, but I'm fully expecting the band's first full-length (due this year) to push their sound into a place that is uniquely HTDA. Very excited for that.


-Sonoio: self titled
Former NIN synth/keyboard player Alessandro Cortini crushes it on his first entirely solo venture. Though it's technically an EP, Sonoio's first release plays like a mini-album and shows an incredible amount of promise. Cortini has melded his experience in previous projects Modwheelmood and Blindoldfreak into one of his best releases yet. Definitely seek this one out.

p.s.

Big Black Delta's Jon Bates does some exceptional backing vocals on the standout "Houdini."


-Versant: Heartbeats
The new band from former Shiny Toy Guns singer Carah Faye, who hasn't lost any of her spark. These synth-tinged cuts are satisfying and enjoyable without being too close to Shiny Toy Guns. She's definitely creating her own sound here.


-White Sea: This Frontier
Where are my M83 fans at? Morgan Kibby, who you may remember singing on "Skin of the Night", "Graveyard Girl" and others on Saturdays = Youth shows that she's more than a pretty voice. Ms. Kibby changes it up on every song here, and does so without ever breaking a sweat.


Some of my favorite Singles and Remixes of 2010. I decided not to include anything from the above artists since this list would probably include well over 100 songs.

-Bomb The Bass: Up The Mountain (Gui Boratto remix)
-Chromeo: Don't Turn The Lights On (Aeroplane Remix)
-Holy Ghost!: Say My Name (U Tern Remix)
-Massive Attack: Paradise Circus (Gui Boratto remix)
-UNKLE: The Runaway (SQUARE1 Remix), The Runaway: Lupe's Revenge (Lupe Fiasco vs. UNKLE Reconstruction)

-Aeroplane (feat. Chromeo) - She's a Superstar
-Chemical Brothers: Don't Think
-Crystal Castles: Not In Love (feat. Robert Smith)
-Dark Horses: Alone
-iamamiwhoami: O, T
-The Internal Tulips: 9 Tomorrows
-Isis: The Pliable Foe
-Glasser: Apply
-The Glitch Mob: Between Two Points
-Gorillaz: All Played Out
-N*E*R*D*: Hypnotize U
-Metric: Black Sheep, Eclipse (All Yours)
-Nine Inch Nails: Theme for Tetsuo The Bullet Man
-Pendulum: Salt in the Wounds, Watercolour
-Solar Bears: Trans Waterfall
-Tamaryn: Love Fade
-Trentemøller: Shades of Marble, Sycamore Feeling
-65daysofstatic: Debutante