Musicians are linguists

…and probably have to be, if they are to be widely recognized? It is hardly surprising the whole world is eager to release pop music in English and, for certain romantic styles, French/Spanish too. Market rules. Not that I am complaining at all, though sometimes I do wish to hear a Swedish indie pop band sing in Swedish for once. ;-)

For the day I'm recommending three indie pop bands (I vow to take a break from twee soon) hailing from Japan, Brazil and China, who sings (exclusively?) in a language other than their own.

First up, mondialito. A two-piece Japanese band established in 2002, they are closer in style to their Swedish counterparts than their indie pop compatriots (ref. the more experimental and quirkier Spangle Call Lilli Line). Fueoka Toshiya's gentle guitar picking coupled with the airy vocals of Junko who sings in French with a lovely accent gives their sound an all too dreamy feel. A perfectly melodious and quiet companion to bedtime reading (or whatever you see fit!)

Download mondialito - cher mon amoureux. (Link valid for 14 days.) If YSI asks you to sign up I guess you'll have to, but it's fast really.

Summer time is almost over (though not much difference here in the tropics, *pity self*) a little late for an album named 'Summertime' perhaps? Well, only if you are the kind that fails to be moved by happy beats and jangly guitars--what kind of miserable are you then? ;-) Well I really like this band, its easy and bright-as-Brazilian-sunbeam sound and soft vocal...(the album was released two summers ago actually...I'm forever late.) wonder why they call themselves Pale Sunday?--a reference to Gloomy Sunday, I suppose not? Click on the album cover to read a better review.

Download Pale Sunday - Summertime. (Link valid for 14 days.)

Last but definitely not least, a strong 2002 debut album comprising of 10 English tracks, composed and performed by the very talented Tian Yuan (田原) with band Hopscotch（跳房子) released when she was still in high school. I still feel awed thinking that this girl is of my age, from my hometown (a frustrated megacity in central China) have soared up all like a strong, lone bird and already left such an awesome trail behind (and still much under-appreciated). But that's another story. This trip-hop and punk rock(? or so they claim) influenced album is unabashedly experimental, (sometimes I cringe a little at the monologues) sharp like a freshly cut lemon yet sports a sophistication and stuns even without considering the age and language and debut factors. A great shame I hunted it down only now!

Download Hopscotch - A wishful way. (Link valid for 14 days.)

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Now playing: 彭靖惠 - 呆瓜
via FoxyTunes

Sarah Blasko - Explain

Sarah Blasko is a popular Australian artist. Wiki her.

I love her draggy nasal voice. 'Explain' is from her 2nd album 'What the sea wants, the sea will have'. There's a strong warning sign to the tempo, which I adore...

Dylan Biopic trailers

Just read this from Uncut (I am dying! to subscribe but being bankrupt, either the pound depreciates pretty damn soon now or I must just die) --

The first teaser trailer for Todd Haynes' Bob Dylan "biopic", I'm Not There, has gone online.

The film stars six actors as Dylan Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett (pictured above), Marcus Carl Franklin, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Ben Whishaw.

"I'm Not There" debuts at this year's Venice Film Festival on September 4.

It's a rather old piece of news really, I remember reading (and squeaking) about it in production like ages ago. Long gestation baby eh Todd? But of course this being from Haynes (Velvet Goldmine! among other acclaimed pieces) about the pure brilliance Dylan and starring those names (for Bale alone I'd have elatedly gone for it--he also starred in Goldmine. Rock on Bale! and yeah you've read it right, Cate Blanchett as Dylan too, *grins*) it incites some pretty lofty expectations (and let's hope deservedly so)...Without further blabbering, some clips for your perusal--

Official 1 min trailer


A doubly long unofficial teaser


A Cate Blanchett clip -- boy she's excellent! But still finds her trademark sharp chin+thin lips+those grooves under the cheeks (what do you call it?) combination an amusing distraction...you just can't hide your Blanchett-ness with those features out and about, Cate. Should have done a Kidman trick à la The Hours. ;)


And erm...some other trailer that caught my eye--again quoting Uncut

The first trailer for Martin Scorsese's Rolling Stones concert doc, Shine A Light, is now online. The documentary, shot last October at New York's Beacon Theater, features the Rolling Stones, plus cameos from Jack White, Christine Aquillera and Bill Clinton - as well as Scorsese himself.

Filming captures the band - at the peak of their worldwide spectacular 'A Bigger Bang' tour - at the end of a year which included many band related mishaps, including Keith Richards 'falling out of a tree.' Originally due for release in the UK in September, it is now scheduled to open next Spring.

What a rock cinema feast the coming months would be~~~~~~~~~~*droolz*

Random stuff: what do you listen to when everything seems to leave you cold and uninspired (like now for me)? me: probably Love Psychedelico. Or Philip Glass. And via last.fm I stumbled across this advanced addict——chart’s all but exclusively Philip Glass! Dude.

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Now playing: Philip Glass - Liquid Days, Part One
via FoxyTunes