Earlier in the month New York painter Richard Phillips released two (very) short films which in some way paid tribute to two controversial Hollywood figures that I absolutely love. To tickle my fancy even further he used new tunes from two musicians that I ridiculously love as well. The clips were part of his exhibition "Commercial Break” which made it's debut a couple weeks ago at the international art event Venice Biennale.
The first comes soundtracked by gothy-shoegazer Tamaryn, whose album The Waves continues to transfix me every time I listen to it. The subject and star is paparazzi target Lindsay Lohan and the film is a chance for her to show off her swimming skills and freckles. Yes indeed, I love that milkaholic Lindsay. In all seriousness, I am a huge fan of hers (don't judge). It may come as a surprise that littered on my walls, along with a Cat Power show poster and My Bloody Valentine LP covers, is a poster of Ms Lohan. Again, don't judge. I like girls with freckles.
In other Tamaryn news, a new 7" single from her side project Les Demoniaques is available for pre-order. Then in other Lindsay Lohan news, she seems to still be picking up gigs while on house arrest. Good for her?!?!
Phillips' other short film features Sasha Grey. Yes, that Sasha Grey! Sasha seems to be everywhere these days: Eminem videos, new photo book published, prepping for her next aTelecine album, and when you follow her on twitter you will realize she is actually friends with every single person you ever wanted to be friends with. Here we get quiet serene Sasha in a piece that (i think) abstractly looks at her rise to fame. The music comes from Grey's Pendu Sound label-mate Chelsea Wolfe. The song is "Moses" and is featured on Wolfe's soon to be released, spectacular sophomore album Ἀποκάλυψις. [Correction: this version of the song actually comes from Wolfe's debut The Grime And The Glow, a revamped version appears on Ἀποκάλυψις. Either way, I recommend both.]Twitter also tells me that Sasha Grey and Chelsea Wolfe recently did a photo shoot together. For what, I'm not sure. But I'm eagerly awaiting the full results. For now, the Phillips film below is enough to indulge in.
Here is a clip of the gorgeous Ms Tamaryn performing "The Waves," the title title song off her debut full-length album, this past Tuesday at Emo's. Also see a couple pics, including show headliners The Raveonettes, after the jump.
Raven in the Grave, the latest album from The Ravonettes, is possibly the band’s darkest and most gloomy effort to date. And those of you familiar with the Danish duo know that is saying a lot. Calling the Raveonettes dark is like calling water “wet,” or describing outer space as “big.” After all, their previous release In and Out of Control contained dance floor anthems regarding drug overdose and rape. Now this time out Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo treat their melancholy lyrics with equally as melancholy beats. In their 10 years the Ravonettes have continuously found ways to morph their two-part harmonies over a growing palate of genres. They’ve been surf-guitar rockers, a synth-driven electronic band, and shoegazers. What has stayed consistent is their ability to make you feel cold to the bone after listening to them. For example, Raven in the Grave standout “War in Heaven” rides its atmospheric melody with only two barren lines of vocals appearing/reappearing in the song. The video for the album’s first single “Recharge & Revolt” is posted below.
This Tuesday, 04.12.11, the Raveonettes make a stop in Austin when they play Emo’s outside stage. Accompanying them is up-and-coming band Tamaryn. Beginning the show will be locals Shapes Have Fangs.
Based out of San Francisco, Tamaryn is among the recent group of goth revivalist making noise these days. They released their debut The Waves last year on the Mexican Summer label. The duo consists of vocalist Tamaryn (from whom the band takes its name, obviously) and producer Rex John Shelverton. Much like the headlining band, they fuse fuzzy guitars to their shadowy poetics. The title track from that release, my favorite of the album, can be heard over here.
