New music Thursday: What is Biophilia?

Ok guys, I've got some big news for you. And you know it's gonna be big when Sir David Attenborough is involved.

But Brendan, how in what possible way could Sir Attenborough be involved in new music?

Excellent question Brendan. Let me explain. See there's this wonderfully quirky Icelandic musician named Björk. And even though she's been making music for over twenty years, she continues to innovate. Her new "album" is like nothing I've ever seen before. In fact it's not just an album. It's also an iPhone app.

What!?

Hang on. An iPhone app?

That's right. And the app ain't just the songs. It's a universe you can explore. And on this exploratory adventure you take, you are apparently going to learn a little bit about how music interacts with nature. And who better to talk about nature than Dave?

Enjoy.

björk biophilia app intro narrated by david attenborough from Björk on Vimeo.

Oh, and also, the app's free!

The full album is rumoured to come out sometime in September, with two singles already released: Crystalline last month, and Cosmogony two days ago. Check them out! The video for Crystalline will premiere on July 26. Get excited!

Le Tour de.. Brendan?

Yesterday marked the beginning of the next chapter in my pursuit of what seems to be eluding me this winter - reasonable fitness. Or rather, the motivation to do what takes to attain this.

This week sees me house-sitting for my parents, which means I'm no longer within walking-distance from work (unless I leave before 6am to get to work at 9am). As a result of watching Le Tour de France for the first time this year, a combination of inspiration and ambition (and probably naivety) led me to set the goal of riding my bike to and from work this week.

To ensure I didn't bail out at the last minute, I left my car at my apartment and rode to my folks' place yesterday. Short of chucking a sickie, I had to ride this morning.

Canberra winters can be pretty brutal, and this year it has been especially cold. So I made sure I had plenty of layers: this morning I was wearing two pairs of leggings, a thermal undershirt, shorts, thick woollen socks, a woollen ski jumper, a wind-jacket, two pairs of gloves and a ski balaclava (with a sweet visor). I was well and truly ready to do battle with sub-zero temperatures.

So naturally it had been raining, was overcast, and it never got even close to sub-zero last night. In fact it was quite muggy. Plus a lot of the route to work is uphill. As a result I was way too hot. Good times.

Over-dressing aside, even though the ride this morning was pretty tough while I was doing it, my legs actually feel pretty fresh. I'm ready for the rest of the week! Although I reckon my legs may start to feel the burn towards the end of the week.

I guess the irony is that in order to ride to work and back, I'm going already in bed before Le Tour starts each night. And it's watching Le Tour that inspired me in the first place.

New Music Thursday: Simple ain't always stupid

I came across this video from Kiwi Indie-rockers The Naked and Famous courtesy of rage, and was pretty impressed. Anyone who's ever used a beat-maker on their computer or iPhone will know where I'm coming from.

Anyways I thought I'd share the video with you. It's a pretty basic concept, but they've done a great job with it!

The Naked and Famous are currently touring in the USA and Europe, but will be in Australia in September for the Parklife Music Festivals that are happening around the country.

Enjoy!

The Naked And Famous - Girls Like You from The Naked And Famous on Vimeo.

New Music Thursday!

Hrmm it's been a long time since my last post, and I really don't have any excuse. I'm just lazy.

In a bid to make my blog somewhat regular, I'm gonna endeavour to at the very least post a music video every Thursday (but hopefully I'll have other posts too).

So the first post is of Gotye's new single "Somebody That I Used To Know", which is very cool. The album is set to be released August 19, and I can't wait. This guy is a genius, something that was proven to me when I was lucky enough to see him at Groovin' the Moo Canberra, and I should be seeing him again pretty soon at Splendour in the Grass.

Another awesome thing about the song is it's featuring Kimbra, who's also playing at Splendour.

Oh and Gotye's album "Like Drawing Blood" only just missed out on a top 10 placing in Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian Albums of All Time. I was rockin' out to it this morning as the Js played the album in full. Awkward seated dancing ensued.

Anyways enough rambling from me. Enjoy your video, you crazy kids.

Gotye- Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)- official film clip from Gotye on Vimeo.