Darin was in a debating mood today. We debated the word “indie” while longboarded to the IGA so I could pick up some milk. Darin felt it was ridiculous to call music “independent” when the band was signed to a major record label. Being a zealous (near snobbish) indie music fan, I took offense to this. At the time I thought that TV on the Radio was signed to a major record label, but they were the essence of indie music. So we debated like Sophists for a while. When I got back home I jumped online to do some reasearch. This research led to my recant in the debate (I found out TVOTR was not in fact signed to a major record label). During this ‘research’ time I discovered some interesting information. Most interesting was the information on the Nu Soul movement. The Neo Soul movement mirrors; and precedes, the current indie music movement. The Neo Soul movement came about from the underground soul movements of the various traveled cities. This movement was in response to the radio’s biased focus on the marketing, promotion, and airplay or pop and hip-hop music. Artists of the Neo Soul movement favors lyrical substance, real instrumentation, and soulful integrity in comparison to pop’s sensibilities. They considered themselves educators, artists, and musicians. I feel that today’s indie music is fueled by the same passions and desires. Independent labels unable the artist to be self governing and concentrate on making music rather than the less noble aspirations of the major record labels.
So why don’t I give you another taste of this indie music? The following is three video’s by a group called “Cursive”. All three songs are from the album “Momma I’m Swollen” released earlier this year. I Love all the songs but especially appreciate their ambitious and high concept music videos(to quote stereogum).
The first is called “I couldn’t love you”
This song is called “Let me up” and it’s the most recent video. I Love/ am surprized by the stunning ending. (Sorry I couldn’t place it right in but heres a link)
http://stereogum.com/archives/video/new-cursive-video-let-me-up-stereogum-premiere_091411.html
The final is my favorite. The song is called “From the Hips”. A warning, this song is … an interesting case study on an individuals personal morals of sex and relationships. Basicly it isn’t about a good Christian guy.
I end by quoting a friend: “My throat feels like an anus!” person 2 “How so?” person 1 “My throat is swollen tight like an anal sphincter.”
