Epitonic Newsletter: Vol. 5, No. 12 - 'So Long, 2003'
12/19/03
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Hello boys and girls...

2003 was another chaotic year, both for Epitonic and for the world, with a lot of downs but plenty of important ups as well. As 2004 approaches, we're feeling a curious & slightly delirious sense of optimism. There are plenty of issues to feel stressed and distressed about (some of which we've broached previously in this space, to the displeasure of a few of you), but when we look at the last year's developments in art, activism, and the culture of ideas, there's a lot to take heart in too. Perhaps most significantly, we believe we saw a new engagement with society this year on the part of young people and the young at heart which bodes well for the future of all of us.

As you've no doubt noticed, we haven't been with you as fully this year as in past years, but we are still here and we aren't going away. We think independent music right now is more interesting and exciting than ever. It's one of the most significant outlets for all of us to be engaged, outspoken, and alive, and we're happy to continue providing a platform for independent music -- and independent thought. Our playlist in this newsletter features some of our very favorite Epitonic tracks from the last calendar year (look for more 2003 faves to be added in early '04). We wish you all a happy holiday and a productive new year.

XOXOXO,
The Epitonic Gang

New Pornographers
"The Laws Have Changed" by New Pornographers
This esteemed British Columbian power pop outfit has an awesome ability to craft perfect pop confections that are sweeter than sugar but never seem to get stale.

Ted Leo/Pharmacists
"Where Have All The Rude Boys Gone?" by Ted Leo/Pharmacists
Former Chisel frontman Ted Leo gets behind the wheel of a new rock band, the Pharmacists, with buddies from the Make Up, Warmers, and Secret Stars. Raw, soulful, and sometimes political punk-inflected rock in the vein of The Jam.

The Capitol Years
"Japanese Store" by The Capitol Years
Initially The Capitol Years was the spacey pop-rock alter ego of the ever-enigmatic Philadelphia Shai, Son of Eli; after he recruited a full band, The Capitol Years became a glorious rock and roll beast -- glorious in their swooping harmonies, beastly in their fierce, ragged vigor.

Earlimart
"We Drink on the Job" by Earlimart
Earlimart taps into the dreamy, rural gestalt of California's Central Valley with an arty, moody brand of indie rock that employs post-punk structures, gently psychedelic atmospherics, and a big helping of folk-tinged pop melodicism.

Cat Power
"He War" by Cat Power
Over the course of a half-dozen albums, Cat Power has mesmerized and haunted her ardent fans. With a languid, smoky, Southern vocal style, a challenging lyrical style, and a knack for beautifully unconventional compositions rooted in blues and country, she has established herself as one of the most significant singer-songwriters around.

Cul de Sac
"I Remember Nothing More" by Cul de Sac
One of the most unique groups of the last decade, Boston's Cul de Sac shapes a heady brand of experimental, (mostly) instrumental music derived from a broad palette of influences ranging from the ethno-eclecticism of avant-garde folk music to the groove-driven psychedelia of '70s Krautrock. Cul de Sac's extraordinary, perpetually evolving style is consistently thoughtful, engaging, and touching.

Young People
"El Paso" by Young People
New York City's Young People combine a love for classic Americana and a passion for the avant-garde into a whimsical, nostalgic, and oddly lovely kind of experimental rock.

Matmos
"The Struggle Against Unreality" by Matmos
John Fahey meets Aphex Twin? Autechre at a banjo contest? These are just two of the images that jump to mind upon hearing Matmos's beautifully perverse digital reconstructions of acoustic music.

Midwest Product
"A Genuine Display" by Midwest Product
Ann Arbor's Midwest Product orchestrates a strange fusion of analog and digital with deeply rhythmic electro-acoustic compositions that stun with their languid beauty even as they unsettle with their unpredictable atmospherics.

Daedelus
"Girls (Nstrmntl)" by Daedelus
Santa Monica-based Daedelus is a representative of the new breed of bedroom artists, a cut-and-paste wizard with his thumb on the pulse of the future. His whimsical brand of abstract electronic is deeply nostalgic for bygone eras while maintaining a stunning originality that looks decades ahead.

Radiohead
"There There" by Radiohead
Ever since Radiohead got famous on the strength of their memorably self-deprecating single, "Creep," they've shown themselves to be as full of surprises as they are pathos. They're one of those rare bands that can transcend labels, genres, and expectations and still appeal to just about everyone.

Animal Collective
"Slippi" by Animal Collective
With such a name as The Animal Collective, it would make sense that much of this group's music is comprised of various organic sounds. But while straight animal noises and other natural elements do pop up frequently, the Collective is most primal in its processed emulation of the organic.

Need New Body
"Show Me Your Heart" by Need New Body
Philly's Need New Body offers exciting and bizarre stew of sounds and ideas unlike pretty much anything else going on today. Featuring former members of Bent Leg Fatima, the group sounds like Beefheart by way of '70s Germany.