Need a Change?

Elmgreen & Dragset - Marriage (2004)

Michael Elmgreen & Ingar Dragset are the closest thing I have to parents in the thought-provoking, large-scale, clean-aesthetic, conceptual-art family. I dreamt that we packed up the family car and took a vacation to a Prada store in the middle of the desert. Then I realized it wasn't a dream, but a reality. And that this place where art and life mix is where I need to move.

Aside from having the best name in music, Planningtorock is also in the running for the strangest music videos (watch the kaleidescopic "Changes" and DIY "The Havers" for example). Janine's acoustic art pieces are distinctly noble (e.g. Fischerspooner's "Odyssey") and creepy (e.g. CocoRosie's "Noah's Ark"). Sweeping synths invite you to a grandiose marbled gala tinged with the off-kilter dissonance of a confusing drug haze. Listening is like viewing the world 45 degress askew, but with such a fascination that you never want stand up straight again.

Planningtorock - Changes (mp3)

If you're looking for something a little easier to digest, The Changes and Tahiti 80 are both making buzz with mild pop(rock). The Changes' track When I Wake reminds me of Brat Pack dance parties full of restrained flailing and naive romance. I do have to say that the quintet's amateur, acoustic cover of Sexy Back is pretty entertaining. Yeah. If you like what you hear, see them in Madison on November 17th at the Rathskellar. Tahiti 80 is pure pop to enjoy with your little sisters... while always being able to defend yourself with the production involvement of N.E.R.D. and Outcast. Their song Changes comes from the upcoming album "Fosbury" to be released in November.

The Changes - When I Wake (mp3)

The Changes - Sexy Back [live on Indiana's 91.7 WEEM courtesy of My Old KY Blog] (mp3)

Tahiti 80 - Changes (stream)