By Stephen O’Shea (CIVL DJ) – Email
Print Edition: February 22, 2012
Stephen O’Shea is a dedicated “man about town.” He’s the host of Popularity Contest on Fridays at 11 a.m. He plays bass in You Say Party! and more recently in Real Boys.
Air – “Space Maker”
Just the opening two bars of this song set the simplistic mood of the entire album by Air. This French duo started out as a blissed out down-tempo electronic act in the late ‘90s but with this record they presented an album intended to be listened to as a meal instead of just a snack.
These New Puritans – “We Want War”
A seven minute exercise in perfect audio art, this four piece British post-punk band brings a deft understanding of the studio to a bizarre and inventive song-writing approach. My hair stood up on end the first time I had heard this song.
John Maus – “Believer”
John Maus’ 10-year career comes into focus with the album and this album closer sends the listener off into the world stronger and braver. Uplifting and drenched in reverb, there’s no better way to look on to what tonight will bring.
Portishead – “The Rip”
A hypnotic gauntlet of confusion, this Portishead track pulls the listener further down into an audio rabbit hole. The voice of Beth Gibbons begs you to follow her as the rhythm pushes you further down and reminds you there is no turning back.
