2010 April | SHOPELLEMM.COM

Music We Love: The National- Bloodbuzz Ohio

Artist: The National

Album: High Violet

Genre: Indie Rock

Label:  4AD

Release Date: May 11, 2010

Available: Amazon(pre order)

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Brooklyn band The National will release its much anticipated follow-up to “The Boxer” on May 11th titled “High Violet”.  There had been rumors that the album was going to be a pop album.  Maybe lead singer Matt Berninger got happy from all the success?  Well rest assured,  its not, and Berninger’s vocals are just as hopeless and sullen as before.  ” High Violet” is similar to “The Boxer” in the sense that they both are big tension builders.  You almost expect a moment of rage somewhere.  Where they differ is “High Violet” actually does explode somewhat…in into an instrumental crescendo, as heard in “England”.  The album is so carefully constructed and each song so well written.  It was said that there were over 80 productions of “Lemonworld”  before the band actual had one they were happy with.  Every song on this album pulls serious weight and would be considered a leading single of any other band.  But, its not, It’d The National, would you expect anything other?

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Trend Alert: Satchel Bag

For what seems like a million years we have been carrying excessively large over-sized bags, frequently confused with overnight bags and luggage.  Ladies, it is time to pack them away!  This season satchels are the new go to bag.  Most of the satchels for the season are either rectangular or square and come equip with an extra long strap.  Satchels are extremely versatile and while coming across as conservative at times, they can be worn with virtually anything!  To give the bag a more modern and care-free look, sling the strap over your shoulder like a messenger bag.  For a slightly dressier look try one with a chain strap.

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Music We Love: The Black Keys- Tighten Up

Artist: The Black Keys

Album: Brothers

Genre: Garage Rock

Label:  Nonesuch

Release Date: May 18, 2010

Available: Amazon(pre order)

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The dynamic duo from Akron OH , Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, better known as The Black Keys, will release their highly anticipated album “Brothers” May 18, 2010.  Since the release of their last album “Attack and Release” the boys have been very busy.  Both Dan and Patrick have worked on solo projects and also extended their creative efforts to collaborate with hip hop greats RZA and Q-Tip on “Blakroc” in 2009.  Brothers was self produced with the exception of “Tighten Up”, which was produced by none other than Danger Mouse.  The Black Keys have had large shoes to fill having been lumped into the same garage rock category as such greats as the White Stripes and The Kills.  Instead, the boys blow them out of the water with this album.  ”Brothers” is a classic rock album at best with soulful vocals and throw backs to legends Gary Glam and Led Zeppelin.  We think “Brothers” is a shoe in for best album of 2010.  Simply put, this album kicks ass!

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Trend Alert: Festival Dressing

The weather is getting warmer and that only means one thing!  It’s officially music festival season!  With SXSW just ending in Austin, Coachella in Cali, and Bonnaroo right around the corner we are seeing a trend in comfy casual summer ensembles.  Hipsters and festival attendees have been spotted in this seasons staple floral print rompers, mu mu-like frocks in crazy tribal prints, and cut off jean shorts.  Even with the heat, the go to shoe has been the boot, and yes, heels!  Remember no outfit is complete without  a pair of 80’s or cat-eye shades! 

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Attendees from Coachella 2010
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Music We Love: Broken Social Scene- World Sick

Artist: Broken Social Scene

Album: Forgiveness Rock Record

Genre: Post Rock

Label:  Arts & Crafts

Release Date: May 4, 2010

Available: Amazon (pre order)

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Toronto indie rock/post-rock bands Broken Social Scene will release  “Forgiveness Rock Record” after five long years since their last full length album.  Occasionally considered a Baroque Pop band with over twenty members, only six of the members mainly contribute on this album.  Its only fitting that BBS collaborates with former mates Fiest, and Mertic’s Emily Haines on the album, amongst others.  This album really delivers with a wide range of sounds and plenty of juicy guitar riffs.

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Trend Alert: Southern Belle

Ralph Lauren, Christopher Kane, and Stella McCartney all looked like they raided Sookie Stackhouse’s (True Blood) closet.  Southern Belle inspiration is a huge trend for this spring and summer. Think Laura Ashley circa 1990.  Calico prints,  overalls,  eyelet crop tops, and ruffled denim mini skirts all are key coveted pieces this season.   Try pairing a calico sundress with ankle socks and saddle shoes.  The perfect look for a down home Louisiana Bayou shindig! 

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Music We Love: Madita- Et

Artist: Madita

Album: Pacemaker

Genre: Electronica

Label:  Couch Records

Release Date: February 2010

Available: Shop Madita

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Madita is an Austrian singer and actress. She started acting in 1999 and got her break in 2002, playing a role as a singer, and the rest is history. Her first self-titled album was released in 2005 to moderate success in Austria. Her next album “Too,” climbed the top of the itunes world charts, and now we have the follow-up to “Too.” “Pacemaker,” finds Madita sticking to her catchy and witty lyrics over, more electronic driven beats and melodies. The lead single, “Et,” finds her scatting over the chorus, which could easily find a home on a Fiest record. Other album highlights include the album opener, “Hey You,” which finds Madita singing, “But I want you, and I need you, I’ll keep you down, I’ll kill you.”  The synthesizer heavy, “Cruising,” the electro rock “Too Dark,” and “Synchronize,” provide a little something for everyone. Whether you want to rock out, get down, or just be carried to another place, all you have to do is throw on, “Pacemaker,” and that will do the trick.

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Trend Alert: Analyze This!

With the hopeful upswing in today’s economy, we have noticed that fashion trends are starting to take on different professions.  Could this a direct reflection on the country’s unemployment issue?  We are keen on one in particular, The Shrink!   Graphic prints have been huge for this season and we will continue to see them well into fall.  So it wouldn’t be too far fetched to see Psychology inspired prints hitting the runways.  Most popular is the Rorschach inkblot pattern.  Designer have been using different variations of this print from Brian Reyes, Jason Wu, to Akirs.  Relax, you have nothing to hide in these prints!

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Music We Love: Melissa Auf Der Maur- Out Of Our Minds

Artist: Melissa Auf Der Maur

Album: Out Of Our Minds

Label: PHI-MAdm Music

Genre: Rock

Release Date: 04/06/10

Available: Amazon(pre-order)

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It’s ironic that Courtney Love and Melissa Auf Der Maur are dueling up against each other this month, with the release of their new albums.  First up is Melissa Auf Der Maur. We all remember her as the bassist for Courtney Love’s little band by the name of Hole, as well as the bassist (for a hot minute) for Smashing Pumpkins.  She then ventured on with a solo career with the release of her major label, self-titled release.  The album was definitely solid but didn’t live up to commercial success.  Six years later we get the follow-up to her debut. “Out of Our Minds,” is the title and it does exactly that.  It takes you on a trip out of your minds and into another galaxy.  She sticks to the same sound of her first album but to the next level. The album’s highlights include the title track and first single, “Out Of our Minds.”  The electro-rock sound of “Follow The Map,” is another one of the albums standouts. “Meet Me On The Dark Side,” sounds like something that belongs on a Poe record and takes me back the good old days of 90’s alternative music.  Overall, Melissa Auf Der Maur sends us on a pleasant hour-long trip out of our minds.

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