Spree, Serveert & Sewing

Last Tuesday, when I was gonna post this, an EP and CD from two bands I truly, truly have enjoyed in the past were released: Polyphonic Spree and Bettie Serveert.

The Ep from Polyphonic Spree was titled, "Wait." Honestly, it didn't overwhelm. I loved Together We Are Heavy, I just thought it was genius in concept and also just tremendously listenable. I know, people love 'em or hate 'em and I get that, I could see how the whole uplifting choral thing could be annoying but I dig it. Tim DeLaughter's lyrics aren't anything to write home about either, I mean, sometimes they make me cringe, but still, I love the SOUND. The EP has three covers: Nirvana's "Lithium," Psychedelic Furs' "Love My Way" and a cover of De Laughter's old band Tripping Daisy, the song being "Sonic Bloom." I like the latter just fine, but the first two sound like bad novelties, just awful. They really are better just doing their big orchestra get-happy sweeping walls of sound. So here is the song that most sounds like it could be on Together. Don't get me wrong, I'd love for them to "grow" and "change" but not in the direction of oh say, a marching band covering today's popular hits. The EP has another new one, and the Tripping Daisy song is nice, so go get those at iTunes, where I believe it is housed exclusively, for now.

Polyphonic Spree, "I'm Calling"

Bettie Serveert put out one of my favorite CDs, Palomine on Matador. I loved Carol Van Dijk's voice. She sounded gorgeous and a little drunk. She sounded like she'd be daring and proper at the same time. I bought their first two CDs and then heard something bad and really didn't give them another listen. But I go back to Palomine all the time. Then I heard this track, from their latest, on Minty Fresh, and thought they were worth another listen. I have the EP from this CD they released in July. And this is the best song. But the CD is now out and worth a spin.

Bettie Serveert, "Hell = Other People"

More about: Polyphonic Spree, Bettie Serveert

In other news:

Hipster Sewing Patterns
I came across this and freaked out. Built By Wendy and Simplicity patterns have teamed up to make sewing patterns that are yes, Built by Wendy. If you're at all familar with Wendy Mullin's clothing line then you know this is a wonderfully inspiring thing. There is a pattern for a swing coat that is to die for adorable and I'm giving it a swirl. Even te graphics on the patterns, at left, are cool. Pick up her book Sew U. if your sewing skills aren't up to snuff. Oh and if you're here from my (sm)all ages site and have a new little on the way, she makes a couple of baby duds that are oh so chic. Can I say enough cool stuff about this girl? No, she also makes, and has made for years, coolio guitar straps. I want the tweed one.

And Since We're Talking Sewing...
Remember, I have a book that is for the youngins' all about sewing by hand and crafting cool clothes out of their old snarky ones. I Wanna Make My Own Clothes is the ideal back-to-school gift, hostess present or kids' party inspiration. Go nab it.

The Best Fabric
I think by now everyone and their grams knows about this place, but since we are talking sewing today, ReproDepot.com has amazing fabric, if not stellar customer service. I'm particularly fond of this one and plan on making my kid a dress out of it soon. They have a few cool patterns there too.

Back to my favorite songs of late.

Heather at Fuel brought this lovely band to my attention and when this song comes up in rotation (and it does a lot because I put it in a "songs of august" folder that I keep hitting) I'm stopped for a moment by the simple piano and then the Beatles-esque vocals come in and then the chorus turns the song wholly modern. He sings the words "Los Angeles" just whiny enough (in a good way.) I could listen to this over and over. And I do. When the first Thrills CD came out, I felt similarly. They both give off such a cool Cali vibe. Course this band is from NYC and the Thrills are from Ireland. Could have fooled me.

Rosewood Thieves, "Los Angeles"

This one I got from I Guess I'm Floating. Strangely, this reminds me of my childhood, of the 70s and growing up in Florida. Which is where these two guys spent their childhood, although I suspect in the 80s. (Or even, later? That's them to the right.) You'll see this posted again on (sm)all ages I suspect.

Ivy League, "London Bridges"

Another from IGIF, but hey, this band is everywhere. The Kooks are at the top of the pops in their native UK. I'm a sucker for the accent, it's deployed rather well on this lovely little song, and when they harmonize they remind me of the UK pop I loved in the late 80s and early 90s. Fluffy pop that makes me skank and sing along at the top of my lungs. And hey, they're named for a Bowie song. That works.

The Kooks, "She Moves In Her Own Way"

More about: The Rosewood Thieves, Ivy League, The Kooks