Worth a Listen - Heavenly Beat

Former bassist of Beach Fossils, John Peña, makes wonderfully under appreciated music. At least it didn't really make any "best of"-lists. So this record is truly a gem of a record. All the songs are very coherent and filled with great bossa beats, I'm sure, you'll love it.

Worth a Listen - Jim James

Jim James - of My Morning Jacket and Monsters of Folk - released the his solo album titled, Regions of Light and Sound this year and in my opinion it's definitely one of the best albums released in 2013 so far. Now I know there's plenty left of 2013, but I'm sure this is one of the albums I'll remember when this year is coming to an end.

Give-away - Hell is in Hello "20.000 Leaks Under The Sea"

Here is the first After the Denim give-away ever. Hopefully the first of many. And you don't even have to like the Facebook page or follow the Twitter (because there isn't one just yet) - this gift comes with no strings attached.

I originally intended to upload it this as a Christmas present, but I figured, that you were all sick and tired of presents at that point. Then it struck me, when did you last receive a New Year's Eve present? Not very often, eh? 

So without further ado I would like to present the record "20.000 Leaks Under The Sea" by Hell is in Hello, which is a very interesting Danish project by Rasmus Hedeman. This record was self-released some time ago and I remember listening to the songs intensely. I was really surprised by the stunning quality of the music. When I contacted Rasmus recently concerning allowing you guys to download the Album via ATD, he gave me permission straight away, so this is actually not a present from me, but more of a present from Rasmus.

I won't go into details about this project other than it is definitely one to watch for the future. If everything goes according to my premonition, that I'm making just now, it will at some point become something big. Until then enjoy the fact, that Rasmus Hedeman is probably the friendliest musician around. If you are lucky, he'll even send you one of his records, if he still has any in stock.

What should I say about this record? Again, I won't say much, other than I like it quite a lot and you should form an opinion of your own. I think it has some absolute lo-fi gems (some of them might be called hits, if you like music and not Lady Gaga) in songs like "So Miserable", "Deep, Deep Sleep" and "I'm Surprised by Your Eyes".

So please do go ahead. Download it. It's free. Not only is it free, it's also an amazing listen.

Mediafire

Filesonic

From Hell is in Hello and After the Denim with love.

Oh, while I'm still able to write somewhat properly, I would really like to wish you all a happy ending and a new beginning. 20-12 will be a great year, I'm sure. And I promise you, that I'll do my absolute best to push the boundaries of After the Denim.

It's been great and I never anticipated the response, that I've had so far. I would like to thank you all for coming back and commenting. You make me want to do more and so I will.

Real Estate - Days

I loved the first album by Real Estate, but for some reason I don't think it gathered much of a following with their first album, which was self-titled. However it was probably the album, that I listened to the most last year. They recently released a new album called, "Days", and I'm quite sure, that this might become their big break, as it's a bit more accessible. The sound has changed slightly from their first album, but I like the progression, so I have been playing the new album non-stop.

And no, ATD isn't becoming a music blog. I just think music - as well as good books and good films (or series) - is essential for a good living and at the moment, I'm really listening to a lot of music.

What are you listening to at the moment?
- If you have any recommendations, I'm more than willing to give just about anything a listen. 

Toro y Moi

I figured, that ATD could do with some more music recommendations. The thing is, I also just feel like writing really short posts, which is why I should probably start using Twitter or Tumblr...

I first came across Toro y Moi, when the first album, "Causers of This" was released. I figured, that I wouldn't like it because it was very associated with the chill-wave scene, but I got to listening and I really enjoyed that album. I liked it very much. When his second album "Underneath the Pine" came out, that like-like became love. After watching some of the Toro y Moi videoes on Youtube, I also got the feeling, that Chazwick Bundick, who is the brain behind Toro y Moi, is a very friendly guy. 

So if you like it, go buy the music in your favourite record store or buy it online. And if you want to recommend some music to me, then please do so. I'm always on the hunt for good music.

Listen: Ephat Mujuru & Dumisani Maraire

Yesterday, I recommended that you gave Wu Lyf a listen.

It made me think. After the Denim is not a music blog and it never will be. If you were to classify it, I would be honoured if you were to call it a blog about style. To me there is nothing more stylish than being surrounded by good music. So what is good music? I have no idea really, but somehow I guess I do.

Therefore I'll try to occasionally write about the music that I like to listen to in no particular order what so ever. It's going to be both old and new. Some of it you might know, and some if it, you might not. Hopefully, you'll like some of it, and hopefully you won't like it all. My biggest hope is that you'll form an opinion.

I can't remember how I came across the record Masters of the African Mbira by Ephat Mujuru & Dumisani Maraire, but I like to listen to it some times - especially while reading before going to sleep.

Worth a watch and a listen: Wild Combination

Last week I watched "Wild Combination" for the second time. It's a documentary about the late Arthur Russell, who was a musical genius.

After watching it the first time a long time ago, I have been listening to Arthur Russell's' music intensely ever since. I especially like the album called "Calling Out of Context" and generally how he managed to experiment with a lot of different genres.

One of his most famous songs is called "This Is How We Walk on the Moon", but you should definitely spend some time browsing through some of his other songs. Or maybe even buy one of his records. And while you are at it, listen to Jens Lekman and When Saints Go Machine.