HYMNS: múm - "Green Grass of the Tunnel"

From Ryan from Swaziland:

If anyone out there read my last HYMN detailing my relationship with Hood’s “You are Worth the Whole World” you know my affinity for electro-acoustic bands from the early 2000’s and the brittle sputter of a drum machine over a piano’s minor chord progression plunked from within the bowels of some forlorn lighthouse atop some Bronte-esque crag half-hidden by Iceland’s Volcanic clouds. Actually, that is exactly how this song was recorded. The Icelandic collective nested inside a lighthouse during the writing and recording of Finally We Are No One. Sometimes things are just too precious.

Mum - Go Go Smear The Posion Ivy

Mum
Go Go Smear The Poison Ivy
(09.2007, Fat Cat)
9.0/10

For Go Go Smear The Poison Ivy Mum found themselves paired down to only two of the original founding members. Kristin Anna Valtysdottir (aka Kria Brekken) finally followed her twin sister Gyoa's (who left the band in 2004) footsteps. Mum fixed the problem by recruiting five new members. I'm not sure such a large number was necessary for an album that still feels slightly minimalist at times, but I'm not complaining since Go Go Smear The Poison Ivy is an absolute charmer and a great addition to 2007's amazingly large list of great releases by already established bands. Go Go Smear The Poison Ivy is a warmer, more playful side of Mum. Male vocals have been added to the mix as well as a new female vocalist. Most songs have multiple vocals happening simultaneously, a stark contrast from earlier Mum work which was haunted by Kristin's ghostly whisper. Go Go Smear The Poison Ivy sounds like the soundtrack to a miniature French cirque. It's childish and innocent, gentle and mellow, reminiscent of the bands first introduction of meeting while working on a children's play. The tracks are so delicate its feels like you would break them if you could hold them in your hand. This is Mum's funnest album to date. It's delightful right down to the creative packaging. This is an album that you will definitely want to physically purchase.

-Sassigrass

Mum - "Dancing Behind My Eyelids"

Goodies

GOODIES

As you may have noticed, I really love music videos. So, today's goodies are all going to be videos that I have been into lately. Hope you enjoy!

The new Mum is coming out in October and an absolutely intriguing new video for "They Made Frog's Smoke 'Til They Exploded" has surfaced. Not only is the art awesome, but the new sound is too. I can't wait for this one!



I just stumbled across this Besnard Lakes video. I think it was an odd choice of song ("For Agent 13") to make a video for, but it definitely created a beautiful mood for it. Check it out for some gorgeous cinematography.



Don't skip over this awesome new Beach House video for "Master of None." (you are going to like this Mr. Thistle)



Next up, Eugene McGuinness' "Monsters Under The Bed." Watch this one all the way to the end, you'll think twice about sleeping with your teddy bear.



And, as if I hadn't already given you enough to watch, here is a little video comparison. We here at Forest Gospel are slightly addicted to sweet little France Gall. Turns out the regime that we call The Arcade Fire likes her too and will be covering one of her more serious songs "Poupee de Cire, Poupee de Son," (which translates from French to "Wax Doll, Sawdust Doll") for their new split 7" with LCD Soundsytem. Here is a live video of them performing the song along with France Gall's 1965 original Eurovision performance. (thanks GvsB) You can decide which one you like better.






-Sassigrass