Subpoenaed in Texas. Sequestered in Memphis.

Since when does Sesame Street have crane cams? Or Leslie Feist? Read more about this here.

In my day, Sesame Street’s counting videos looked more like this:

In case you didn’t know, Balmorhea are playing tonight at the Mohawk here in Austin with Fleet Foxes, The Duchess & The Duke and The Lovely Sparrows. The show is sold out, so I hope you bought tickets already, because it’s probably the best lineup in months.

Now, I’ve never seen Balmorhea live, but I loved their album Rivers Arms, which came out on Western Vinyl earlier this year. The all-instrumental songs are mesmerizing and gorgeous in their melancholy piano, guitar, “found sounds” and other instrumental arrangements. Needless to say, I haven’t yet gotten enough of it.

Combing the internet for tracks to post about the band, I stumbled on this video called “Afterlife,” which features the Balmorhea songs “Baleen Morning,” “En Route,” and “San Solomon (Reprise). I can’t tell you too much about it, other than that I found it on the Balmorhea website, and that it’s by some guy named Jared Hogan.

The story centers around the concept of recently deceased persons committing to video their most cherished memories before moving on into “eternity.” Heavy stuff huh? Well, the Balmorhea music is perfect for it. It’s also visually stunning, and I really suggest you watch it in HD on the Vimeo website. A smaller version is after the jump.

Continue reading Video: “Afterlife” (featuring music from Balmorhea)

It’s been far too long since we’ve heard anything from Brightblack Morning Light, who’s 2006 self-titled album sent shivers up our spine with dreamy Rhodes sounds and a whole lot of ‘verb. Their new album is FINALLY coming out this September on Matador. Check out the video for the new song, “Hologram Buffalo” after the jump.

Continue reading Music Video: Brightblack Morning Light - “Hologram Buffalo”

Pitchfork may have poo-poo-ed all over the new Mates of State album Re-arrange Us, but here at Big Diction, we think it’s pretty good. Actually, I didn’t consult anyone at Big Diction before employing that “we”, so perhaps I should say: I think it’s pretty good. But trust me/us, it is.

The single, “My Only Offer,” aside from being extremely catchy, also makes for a great video. Set in what appears to be a clothing store, Kori and Jason (possibly the best married duo in rock music) play their respective instruments as ball pits for around them. Another thing we like here at Big Diction: ball pits. Maybe Pitchfork will think twice about downgrading an album whose video representation evokes all kinds of amazing memories from my childhood. Then again, maybe not.

Don’t miss the awesome trumpet lines either!

Catch the video after the jump.

Continue reading Music Video: Mates of State - “My Only Offer”

Catchy and animated as ever, here’s the video for “Swimming Pools” by Thao with The Get Down Stay Down. If you missed these guys last time they came through Austin, they’ll be back with Rilo Kiley on June 16th, this time at Stubb’s. And do check out her album, We Brave Bee Stings and All, before you go.

Get the video after the jump.

Continue reading Music Video: Thao - “Swimming Pools”