The Useless Critic 2.0

Danish singer-songwriter is here with the song for these quarantining times right now. Listening to Oh Land reminds me of a more innocent time in my life, and if you have been keeping tabs on the Instagram live shows that various musicians and celebrities have been doing, add her streams to your list.  This is heartfelt without being saccharine - give it a listen. I think a lot of us can relate right now.  Take care of yourself right now. 

Well I felt like this one came out of absolute no where. Oh Land, my beloved Danish Nanna, emerged three years after releasing "Wishbone" with a video for "Love You Better," which is a stark and very poignant, stripped-down ballad. The video depicts an rapidly devolving Oh Land, seeming fragile and somehow more withdrawn by the time the video concludes. Her eyes avoid the camera. It's subtle, but it works. On another note, I hope we get some new Oh Land music soon! I was a little underwhelmed by "Wishbone" and would be super happy if 2017 brought with it a new Oh Land EP. :)

NEW OH LAND ALERT I just need to tell you how much I adore this song. I'm digging it so much more than anything on "Wish Bone."  "Earth Sick" drops Nov. 11 and Oh Land has promised a sound beckoning back to her first album "Fauna." She's actually been using PledgeMusic to fund the album. (I obviously donated but you all know I had to keep myself from donating too much.) It's very dancey and synth-heavy, but it also plods along peacefully. And the hook! The hook is the hook is the hook, to paraphrase Gertrude Stein/Blues Traveler.  If the rest of the album is this good, UGH NO WORDS EVEN DESCRIBE. (Gwen's new single comes out tonight, but I'm not sure that's as good as this.)

Hi everyone! I've been a bit dormant lately, which is going to become more of a trend. Anyway, this Oh Land video is now slightly outdated (by like a week) but you know how I am about Oh Land. It's very well-filmed. I think Nanna and her team poured their hearts into this one. Adorbs! Also, that's Helena Christensen as the dance instructor. If you're of a certain age, you'll best remember her from here . 

Ahem Disclaimer: This year, a lot of music came out. I did not listen to it all. I stayed far away from Miley, though. Albeit the only time I heard "Wrecking Ball" it made me cry but that HAS NOTHING to do with her talent. Song That Was Everywhere That Did Not Suck When I get home, my Mom will be listening to this song (mark my words) and telling me how it is good walking music. I would bet money on this if I was a betting type. I'm glad Lorde is getting recognized by the Grammys. But: a.) The Grammys are like a grandma trying to be hip. b.) SECOND ALBUM CURSE. See: Alanis Morrisette . I know, somebody is saying "Why can't you be happy for her? She's just a kid!" BITCH I AM HAPPY I'M JUST WORRIED My personal favorite album of 2013: The National's "Trouble Will Find Me." I am sure this comes as no shock. And it was a grower of a quiet masterpiece. I wouldn't say it's their best, ...

oh hello Oh Land long time no see (haha, get it, because you are wearing an eye mask!) My love for Oh Land is eternal. I keep thinking I'm over her and I don't need to be so geeky about how much I like her music, but, let's face it: I am never over her. It's Sunday evening and I'm preparing for a week full of work with the added bonus of being sick. So I could sit here and write a very profound, thought-out review, or I could just spew words. I choose to spew words. Much love to my Nanna. And your mama, respectively. The last time I did this was to the Wild Belle album . Onwards: 1.) "Bird in an Aeroplane"- It's odd to admit this, but this is my favorite song so far. And I never really care for album openers! It's haunting, minimalist... it's very Oh Land in the fact it's so creative and so unique, it's hard to find another act to compare her to. Except Bjork. A+ 2.) "Renaissance Girls"- Ah, yes. The first big sin...

OH SHIT IT HAS HAPPENED. The new Oh Land album, "Wishbone," is streaming. Streaming! And not like MTV's website or some punk's blog (cough) but ON THE NEW YORK FUCKING TIMES . That is BADASS. And it features appearances by Dave Sitek (TV on the Radio), Sia and Dan Carey. All in all: This is fantastic. Expect a review soon; especially since we've started our Tweeting again. AHHHH I'M SO EXCITED HERE'S ANOTHER PICTURE

Song of the Day Dude, on Aug. 6 2013 Oh Land put out the video to her new single, "Renaissance Girls." OH LAND. In a culture saturated with bland singers who blend right into the next, Oh Land is a hurricane of fresh air.

Here she is again!  Annie's new song with Richard X- rave-happy one more times! - is now OUT. It's "Invisible" and you can listen here . Oh Land's dad helped her make a music video for "My Boxer." The result is an endearingly simple homemade video. And Fiona Apple CAME BACK AGAIN. She reunited with her ex (and Mr. Maya Rudoph), Paul Thomas Anderson, for the "Hot Knife" video. Check it out: *dies*

NEW OH LAND SONG NEW OH LAND SONG NEW OH LAND SONG I need a gif for this but I don't understand them NEW OH LAND SONG NEW OH LAND SONG NEW OH LAND SONG sweet GOD this morning I wanted to walk into traffic and now life is roses again So! How is it? Awesome! It's produced by Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio fame. Also, her new album is "Wish Bone." Like the dog.  ... Here's the song . Take a listen! Enjoy!!!

I saw this yesterday on Facebook and had to share with the world news about my beloved Oh Land: This is awesome! Congrats to Oh Land and I look forward to hearing "Renaissance Girls." For old time's sake: p.s.

SHHHH My friend Alyssa recently saw my old love Oh Land during her residency in New York. I wish I could have been there, as tickets were cheap, but I live far away. Alyssa (and others) had rave reviews about the shows. Here is a brief Facebook chat discussing Alyssa's specific experience: me:  so how was the venue Alyssa:  i've been to rockwood several times. it's a great spot, as far as space and design. very intimate. drink prices are pretty typical for the lower east side - not completely ridiculous, and sound quality is great. my only complaint about the venue is that i've often experienced a really obnoxious crowd. me: ewww was this crowd obnoxious? Alyssa: for the most part, everyone there was definitely there excited to see oh land, but per my usual experience, there were a few girls who talked obnoxiously loud throughout the whole show. me:  ugh how was the opener and then how was oh land and feel free to use every word in the ...

First of all, these guys were pretty nice!  SECOND Who are these good-looking boys? Why, they are the Young Digerati and they recognize the hankering you have for some 1980s synthpop. If you like things that sound good....and you should....you will like them! They recently toured the WEST COAST with Oh Land! Pretty dope, if you ask me. Oh wait; you didn't.  This is how they describe themselves:   Young Digerati are the architects of a synth-heavy, Anglo-centric, (small “r”) romantic sound that could have been built only in San Francisco (or in 1985) . read on to discover more.... because odds are, someday YOU HEARD IT (read it?) here first ;) So what's going on with you guys RIGHT now? - the dopes at the Useless Critic Suave Young Band: Right now we're writing, writing, writing. We've put together a nice collection of about 25 songs and are adding more to that number weekly. We perform in Northern California mostly a couple times a month and are in the pr...

I just drank a lot of coffee, so we can keep going for a while.  when in Denmark, people ride bikes a-lot pickings are getting SLIM as we circle Scandinavia. it's all good, though. Mother Denmark birthed us Oh Land. who can hate on that? And I love Oh Land. To get further into detail would be redundant. just click on the tag please. Next up! ALPHABEAT!  do you not listen to that and feel ecstatic? damn right.  The Raveonettes!  garage rock, jangly Jesus and Mary Chain lite, really. and don't forget what traditionally is the realm of Denmark itself...Danish rock! i.e. GO BACK TO THE ZOO and that's it for Denmark. see also: - happiness - LEGOS - Oh Land, again. what did you expect? SHE HAS A NEW VIDEO COMING OUT SOON. 

check her facebook !  it's free!  it's more poppy than her other stuff....if that makes sense? 

- the  Parks and Recreation last night was CLASSIC. don't think I have a TV. the internet is my god for a reason. - I'm wearing a black sweater and jeans tomorrow in honor of Steve Jobs. join me! maybe we can speak at podiums as well! - I really love podiums. - CALENDAR IS UPDATED GO CHECK - hey, do you live in New York City too? are you not sleeping on Wall Street tonight? because Holy Ghost needs extras for their music video next week! - Nicole Atkins dropped a free EP. she's really wonderful. I like her, but she never responds to my tweets. other celebrities that don't: - St. Vincent - The Antlers - BEST COAST. I tweet her ALL THE TIME and what do I get? ugh. WHAT DO I GET? sweet NOTHING - make Oh Land's cover of The National's "Bloodbuzz Ohio" NO. 1 on hype machine - I'm glad she chose that song to cover. It reminds me of my ties to Erie.  - there's a Lykke Li cover of "Unchained Melody" on there...

Okay, in a very unsurprising turn of events, I saw Oh Land again this week. I know I have a problem. I'M THE FIRST TO ADMIT IT. And as usually, she was phenomenal live- like she's a very good live performer. I think that's what made me such a big fan. Maybe?  Anyway, my dear Oh Land attached a song to the purely-exists-for-Taylor-Lautner-vehicle  Abducted  soundtrack. Abducted  is being panned, I am pretty sure, across the board.  BUT THIS SONG IS AMAZING ANYWAY I know it's a long way away, but God I am excited for her new album! <3 see you kids later

so I have never felt this way about a singer/band since No Doubt. thoughts?

I see mah gurl tonight: with Sia at Webster Hall. say hi if you see me because I'm going to spend 3 hours straightening my hair because I have PRIORITIES. that's right:  PRIORITIES.  their show for tomorrow apparently sold out! that's because they are awesome! 

I AM GOING TO MEET HER BROOKLYN BOWL @ 7 WITH RYE RYE AND SOMEONE ELSE (DELUKA) PEREZ LOVES HER SO DO I EDIT IT IS AT 11 I BETTER SLEEP ALL THE WAY BACK TO ERIE