Islands, Vapours Review

Posted in Islands, Record Reviews, The Unicorns on July 1st, 2011 by Willie

Nick Thorburn, leader of Islands and co-founder of the now deceased Unicorns outfit, is my favorite young songwriter.  His 2009 LP, Vapours, is my favorite record of 2011, and the more I play it, the more I love it.  In the world of indie rock, Islands is big but have yet to transcend the “scene,” whatever that is.  It’s a shame because Thorburn and his gang should all be big pop stars.  He’s watched groups like Arcade Fire and Vampire Weekend achieve mainstream success and cultural breakthroughs when he knows he is just as good, if not superior.  He’s jealous, and he’s justified.  Take a look at this clip where he tears into Vampire Weekend with dry sardonic viciousness.
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Islands, Rough Gem

Posted in Islands, The Unicorns, Youtube Favs on June 15th, 2011 by Willie

Part 90 of my countdown blasts forward with one of my favorite group, Islands, and there video “Rough Gem.”  From their debut record Return to the Sea, “Rough Gem” is a beautiful kaleidoscopic indie pop song that swirls, spirals, and cyclones all over your ears.  It’s a gorgeous cacophony of genius modern pop.  I’m not entirely sure what the song is about, but I’m guessing its Islands leader Nick Diamonds mission statement about his soul or his fake last name.  I just discovered the video this morning, and I think its great as well.  Its a nice lo-fi astronaut adventure where the Islands spaceship is shot by a floating laser diamond.  Pretty typical of the group spawned from the legendary Unicorns.  Check it out.  SPECIAL MESSAGE:  This post represents the first of the last ten posts in my youtube favorites countdown.  When I hit #100, there will be a special retrospective look at the entire list, so get ready!

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