Si esto fuera Stereogum esto sería una Premature Evaluation de las suyas, pero de momento aquí somos un poco más modestos y nos limitaremos a darle un espacio al nuevo disco del dúo francés Herman Düne, Next Year In Zion, que ya corre por la mitad de blogs y foros del mundo. Teníamos curiosidad para ver en qué afectaba la marcha del tercer miembro del grupo, André Herman Düne, mudado a Nueva York y convertido ahora en Stanley Brinks, y estamos en disposición de afirmar que ésta ha sido la separación más fructuosa que el anti-folk recuerda.

Y a pesar de que no hay ningún pildorazo como 'I Wish I Could See You Soon' o '1, 2, 3 Apple Tree', del anterior Giant (Source Etc., 2006), Next Year In Zion entra y es bastante mejor que aquél. De hecho, el álbum respira calma y tranquilidad por todos los poros y tiene el mismo efecto narcótico que el Dank U de Brinks, publicado hace unos pocos meses. Next Year In Zion se publicará este martes en Francia, así que si no pueden aguantar por tenerlo en las manos en un momento siempre pueden plantarse en Perpiñán y en noviembre y diciembro estarán girando por el país vecino.

french band herman dune is often mistaken for being swedish, and it's not hard to see why, looking at the light, quirky pop they've been consistently producing through the years. this month, their upcoming album new year in zion will be released in france and following month in the states, and i can't wait to get my hands on it especially after picking up quite randomly their "i wish that i could see you soon" single in paris last year. while the title might suggest it, this is no sobby, whiny affair. instead, lead singer david-ivar breezes through the tale of distant love, telling it like it is and confronting it directly with a humorously endearing dialog with the angels in his head. so here it is, paired with the matching b-side, which of course isn't complete without a reappearance of our very lovely angels.

mp3: herman dune - i wish that i could see you soon

mp3: herman dune - i wish i had someone that i loved well

MP3 Stanley Brinks - Song Of Hassan
MySpace: Stanley Brinks
Compra Stanley Brinks - Dank U: iTunes

Das Herman Düne allerdings gar kein Bürger der USA und sich wahrscheinlich auch gerade so wie ich im Urlaub befand, wurde mir jedoch erst vier Tage später wirklich klar. Dann sah ich den Musiker nämlich auf der Bühne des Union Pools. Ein kleiner Club, der sich ebenfalls im Prenzlauer Berg von New York City befand.

Kurz zuvor hatte der eigentliche Anlass meiner Anwesenheit, der Anti-Folk-Held und Comic Zeichner Jeffrey Lewis, bereits eindrucksvoll bewiesen, wie man doch noch aus alten Musiktraditionen neue Facetten heraus holen kann. Ich verdankte den Zutritt zum restlos überfüllten Club glücklicher Weise einem ergaunerten Gästelistenplatz von Lewis’ Plattenlabel. Ohne diesen wäre mir anschließend bei subtropischen Temperaturen die französische Indiepopband Herman Düne sicherlich entgangen.

Aufgrund der für New York typischen Klimabedingungen schwankte ich während des Konzertes zwischen dem mit Bläsersektion und Frauenchor angereicherten Bandsound im Innenraum und den Adam Green Lookalikes außerhalb im Hinterhof hin und her. Als einzigste Konstante blieb vor meinem geistigen Auge das über beiden Theken befindliche Schild mit der Aufschrift: "We’re still waiting for the guy who said he’ll tipp us later" hängen. Die Band spielte jedoch trotz der Umstände einen begeisternden Auftritt und verbreitete mit ihren melancholischen Liedern gute Laune unter dem 20-Something-Publikum.

Herman Düne begann ich jedoch erst nach meiner Rückkehr aus dem Land meiner Träume wirklich zu schätzen. Als ich nämlich nach dem Konzert erworbene CDs richtig auswertete und relevante Web 2.0 Anwendungen penible untersuchte. Dann fand ich heraus, dass Herman Düne gar keine Amerikaner, sondern oftmals mit Schweden verwechselte Franzosen sind. Trotzdem ist meine Zeit im Williamsburger Untergrund irgendwie unzertrennbar mit Herman Düne und deren wunderschöner Musik verbunden. Der für mich wohl multikulturellsten und trotzdem amerikanischsten Band der letzten Jahre.

Herman Düne: “I Wish That I Could See You Soon”:

Depuis sa sortie, il y a deux ans, j'écoute sans relâche l'album Giant d'Herman Düne. Avant ce disque, j'aimais bien les enregistrements de ce groupe, mais sans jamais éprouver le même attachement que pour celui-ci. Peut-être était-ce simplement une question de contexte, de moment de vie ? A moins que ce ne soit la production, qui me paraît plus luxuriante, plus claire et vive sur Giant qu'auparavant. A moins, encore, que ce ne soit, l'immense sincérité qui coule de chacune des chansons de l'album, de chaque petite histoire qui s'y dissimule. Il y a là comme une immense carte personnelle qui se dresse dans les oreilles, une sorte de joie qui s'installe, de sentiments inhabituels qui se font entendre. Pas un morceau à oublier, pas un instant inutile. Un disque tellement chargé, qu'il semble comme autobiographique à la manière de Daniel Clowes, peut-être, avec un même ton indolent mais renversant, distancié mais hanté, qui habite les meilleurs comics américains. Depuis, les deux frères Herman Düne se sont séparés : l'un des deux est parti à Berlin s'est rebaptisé Stanley Brinks et écrit toujours de belles chansons qui frappent l'esprit - celle qui porte le titre même de Stanley Brinks est une merveille... L'autre frère continue le groupe et sort à la rentrée un nouvel album, Next Year in Zion. Mis à part le titre, qui fait penser à un t-shirt de touriste pas très inspiré, cet album est très réjouissant. Je n'y décèle pas encore la même fracture que dans Giant, les mêmes chansons mi-fragiles mi-alertes, mais ce même sentiment d'être au coeur d'un grand disque de chansons émouvantes commence à me saisir. Finalement, c'est en faisant des chansons qui parlent de l'Amérique, sous influence de Gram Parsons et Will Oldham, qu'Herman Dune s'impose comme un groupe français d'envergure, qui parle bien de notre état présent, ici et là. Un groupe qui agit avec ses influences et ses amours comme le faisaient les Stones avec le Blues : en le réinventant, ils ont rajeuni l'Angleterre. En réécrivant l'Amérique, c'est nous, notre présent, notre présence au monde et à la musique, qu'Herman Düne ravive.

I Wish That I Could See You Soon

I read a little about him on last.fm. He's worked with Kimya Dawson and from his sound I can see how that would work pretty well.

Me pareció una idea estupenda, los vídeos eran bastante bonitos, una actuación en vivo bien grabada, con alta definición de imagen y sonido aceptable (menos cuando cantaba la pobre Christina, pero creo que no era culpa de Macadamia). Pero al poco tiempo descubrí que no era una idea genuina sino que estaba tomada de los grandes genios de La Blogothèque.

¿Quienes son esos? La Blogothèque es un weblog francés integrado por "amantes de la música" que en abril de 2006 decidió crear la iniciativa o sección "Concerts à emporter" (conciertos para llevar, show to take away). Cuando un grupo o cantante que les gusta visita la ciudad (París), le graban tocando un par de canciones en algún rincón de la ciudad, bien sea un bar, un apartamento o una lavandería. En muchos de ellos la gente que se encuentra en el lugar acaba cantando con los artistas y en general, los vídeos son una alegría.

Como dicen los creadores de estos conciertos grabados en la calle, muchos realizadores del resto del mundo decidieron hacer su propia versión, como la gente de Macadamia Jam en Barcelona. En el caso de Beirut, La Blogothèque filmó cada una de sus canciones en Brooklyn y colgaron el resultado final en el blog francés.

Los vídeos pueden verse en streaming en la página de La Blogothèque y en Youtube (menor calidad y no se si están todos). Alguno de ellos, como el de los Arcade Fire tocando en un montacargas se han hecho bastante famosos, al menos en la Red. Tienen una luz característica, un tanto amarillenta y en todos ellos la gente que participa, tanto los grupos como los viandantes y los realizadores aparenta estar pasándoselo genial y el sentimiento se contagia al espectador.

Mis preferidos son los de Beirut y Herman Düne (conocerles es amarles). Buscad los vuestros (¡y contádmelos!)

Demnächst spielt die Band zusammen mit Jeffrey Lewis einige Konzerte in den USA. Vorher nahmen sich Herman Dune aber noch die Zeit für eine Daytrotter-Session. Die vier Songs - darunter das bisher unveröffentlichte "Don't You Worry A Bit, Try To Think About Me" sowie die Favourites "I Wish That I Could See You Soon" und "I´d Rather Walk Than Run" vom letztjährigen Album "Giant", stehen hier kostenlos zum Download bereit.

Weiterlesen: Ina-Simone Mautz über "Giant"

So the great Stan Winston died yesterday.

The Deerhunter game is going online.

Just a political note, Al Gore formally endorsed Obama today. A little late but he's did it.

The next Hulk movie may be put to the fans for guidance.

Spoon dropped by Daytrotter yesterday and Herman Dune checked in today.

Why aren't McFly considered a serious rock band?

Here's a piece about Journey's resurrection. They never went away in my mind.

Check out these learning t-shirts.

This unseen poster for Teeth is... make up your own mind.

Sam Raimi has reportedly signed on for a Denis Lehane adaptation.

PopSugar, the blog network that The BETH works for, is featured in Time Magazine's fifty best websites 2008.

Here's an interview with Silver Jews-genius David Berman.

William Hurt is joining the cast of Damages.

Len Wiseman is to direct the Gears of War film.

So I've heard some runblings about this,

but it looks as though this might actually be a go for this upcoming Saturday ?!?!

Not too sure of the details but to the best of my knowledge

WRUV and possibly Tick Tick are hosting

Herman Dune w. Nosebleed Island!

this coming Saturday June 21st at the Fire House Gallery. 

Out of no where!

I think its just suggested donations of $5 and up at the door, first come first served. 

(*** I might be wrong so Ill try my hardest to find the actual $)

I'll post a bit more when I find out a bit more. 

I stumbled across Herman Dune about a year or two ago on the intraweb and instantly fell in love

with their album Not On Top, followed by Turn Off The Light.

When I couldn't get more I went to the solo releases from emusic.

Their latest full length Giant & EP i Wish i Could See You Soon are great but can't compare to Not On Top.

Definitely seek that out if you can. 

Two guys make up the French Anti Folk band Herman  Dune. Those two gentlemen are David-Ivar Herman Düne (guitars/vocals) and Neman Herman Düne (drums/sometimes backing vocals). Though these are the two major folks, they do flesh out the piece with additional musicians depending on the show or the tour. A few notable folks are Turner Cody. Julie Doiron and Lori Sean Berg (The Berg Sans Nipple). 

The verse from the title track of Not On Top has been running thru my head since this past August 22nd.

I feel a little strange,

it feels like I'll never get my shit together,

27 and I'm fucked.

Well its ten years from teenage and that's a freakin lot.

I think I'm getting old!"

If folks find out additonal info and want to share. Feel free. We'll see how it all plays out!

Herman Dune- This Will Never Happen

Herman Dune- Not On Top

And yet another La Blogoteque clip from the ever reliable youtube.

photo stanley et freschard < ici

en décembre 2006, andré herman düne donne son dernier concert au sein du groupe herman düne. le groupe continue sans changer de nom en partant à l’attaque d’un plus large public (album sur une major, grosses salles, attaque en règle du royaume-uni… ) tandis qu’andré se rebaptise stanley brinks (dans un passé plus ancien, il s’était déjà fait faire de faux passeports sous les identités de ben dope, ben hashisch, john trawling… ) et écume en couple (en compagnie de sa mie clémence freschard) et en rythme lent (pas de grandes tournées, quelques dates éparses de-ci de-là… ) appartements et petites salles intimistes…

il y a environ un an et demi, lors d’un concert dans un appartement chic du bas de saint-gilles, stanley brinks nous avait charmé par une (ou deux?) reprise(s) de calypsos. on se souvient en tout cas du morceau parrot (un homme en train de séduire une femme mariée et surpris par l’arrivée subite du mari de celle-ci “while [they] were in romance“, se cache sous le lit mais manque de “passer à la casserole” par la faute d’un perroquet trop bavard, un “old talking parrot“). le soir-même ou en lèger différé, par courrier électronique, andré/stanley m’avait précisé que l’original de la chanson était de/du growling tiger (les chanteurs de calypso ont presque toujours des pseudonymes assez incroyables: attila the hun, lord invader, roaring lion, king radio…!!!).

dimanche passé au [schip], rue des mariniers à molenbeek – c-à-d. dans le salon de maxime de matamore – stanley brinks et freschard ont prouvé que leur attrait pour cette musique née dans le contexte du carnaval de trinidad (caraïbes) au début du vingtième siècle (avant de devenir internationalement très populaire et de bien s’exporter, quelques trente ou quarante ans plus tard) n’était pas un caprice fugace ou une passade. dimanche, c’est carrément un des trois sets (après les sets de leurs morceaux respectifs) qu’ils consacrent à ces chansons d’observation sociale à la fois drôles et profondes (un certain art de l’ironie et de la satire). les deux amoureux-musiciens vendent même sous la bannière de “kreuzberg museum” un cd-r sobrement intitulé “calypso” [cf. ci-dessous]. lors de la pause cigarette dans la ruelle entre le concert de freschard – où andré a fait des merveilles dans la ponctuation et le surlignage discret mais efficace des mélodies de sa compagne - et le sien, andré me parle de ses recherches compliquées de cd’s de calypso à berlin, à new-york, à londres, d’un collectionneur mondialement renommé de 78 tours d’origine vivant en islande, de leur second albums de calypsos qu’ils sont en train d’enregistrer avec des musiciens de passage à new-york…

ce qui est bien avec leur projet, tant en concert que sur disque c’est qu’on est dans le respect sans être dans la muséification (malgré le titre du cd-r), leurs versions sont à la fois totalement calypsos et très proches de leurs propres chansons, au point qu’ils sont arrivés à glisser au sein de leur florilège de reprises un ou deux calypsos contemporains, bien à eux, qui arrivent à presque ne pas se faire remarquer…puis, les onze reprises du disque proposent autant de rebonds vers les versions “originales” – ou en tout cas, des versions plus anciennes – de seven skeletons found in the yard, shango, i don’t know how the young men living, the parrot, theresa, new york subway, exploiting, monkey, shop closing ordinance, women are good and women are bad, edward the viii…

> lien 1 [un calypso par freschard et stanley brinks, live à barcelone]
> lien 2 [mine d'infos – bios de musiciens etc… - sur un site d'une université de floride]
> lien 3 [article en français - encyclopédie canadienne de la musique]

> pour vous procurer le cd-r

Les Savy Fav - The Sweat Descends
The Housemartins - Happy Hour
Portishead - Machine Gun
Box - Untitled 13
Eric B & Rakim - Microphone Fiend
The Wedding Present - Palisades
Björk - Desired Constellation
Half Man Half Biscuit - Give Us Bubblewrap
More Fire Crew - Oi
Watercolor Paintings - Tender Loving Care
Portishead - The Rip
Ulf Lohmann - Lai King Est
Pizzicato Five - La Dépression
Hayman, Watkins, Trout & Lee - I Should Have Told Her
Hotpants Romance - Shake
Islands - Abominable Snow
The Birthday Party - Release The Bats
The Marshmallow Kisses - My Dear Giant
Half Man Half Biscuit - Lord Hereford's Knob
Modeselektor - Dancing Box
Herman Düne - I Wish That I Could See You Soon
Bearsuit - Muscle Belt
The Pop Group - Snowgirl
The Fall - Wolf Kidult Man

É tão tosco quanto o Gali the alligator e o vídeo “La masturbación”.

Herman Dune's "I Wish I Could See You Soon"  5 song Ep is a cute one (released off Everloving). It’s puppy-love… feels so real, sincere and all around enjoyable. He sounds like a Swedish version of Jonathan Richman. The Woo-Woos are the accompanying female vocals and they provice a lighter and even more romantic mood to this very light EP. “I Wish I Could See You Soon” and “Take Him Back To New York City” are my favorites. The latter, especially reminds me of Jonathan Richman when he talks directly to the Woo-Woos mid-song. The horns and the easiness of the whole EP makes this release practically seasonal! How can you listen to this without wanting to sip on some lemonade on either a porch or a city rooftop?

Track listing:
1. I Wish I Could See You Soon
2. When The Water Gets Cold (and Freezes On The Lake)
3. Take Him Back To New York City
4. I’d Rather Walk Than Run
5. I Wish I had Someone That I Loved Well

Bio Wikipédia

A ma grande surprise ce sont des frenchies

Herman Düne est un groupe antifolk Français^[1] qui a officiellement sorti son premier disque en 1999.

//

Présentation [modifier]

Le groupe est composé des frères André Herman Düne (guitares et voix) et David-Ivar Herman Düne (guitares et voix), nés d'un père Français et d'une mère Suèdoise ce qui a longtemps porté à confusion sur la nationalité du groupe. Ils jouent depuis des années avec Neman Herman Düne (batterie, percussions et parfois chœurs), qui a remplacé Omé à la batterie en 2001. Leur jeune sœur Lisa chante parfois dans leurs chœurs. Le groupe aime multiplier les collaborations et on retrouve ainsi Julie Doiron sur Not on Top (2005) ou Baby Skins sur Giant (2006).

Leurs influences vont de Lou Barlow à The Mountain Goats en passant par Cat Power et Silver Jews.

Bien qu'ils n'aient sorti « que » 8 albums studio, le groupe revendiquait en 2005 l'écriture de plus de 400 chansons, et les voir sur scène est toujours une surprise tant le groupe y prend du plaisir. Il a l'habitude d'y « tester » ses nouvelles compositions avant de les enregistrer^[2]. Ils ont aussi l'habitude de s'y faire accompagner d'autres artistes comme Julie Doiron, Turner Cody ou The Baby Skins.

John Peel les invita à enregistrer 12 Peel Sessions sur la BBC, comme assez peu d'autres groupes, et aujourd'hui ils enregistrent encore pour la BBC de temps en temps. Le groupe prévoit de sortir un disque à partir de ces sessions^[2].

Après un album salué par la critique (Not on Top), leur dernier LP Giant est sorti le 16 octobre 2006 sur le label Source Etc, distribué par EMI, le premier single tiré de cet album est I wish that I could see you soon. Après la sortie du disque, André décide de ne pas participer à la tournée qui suit, laissant le reste du groupe interrogatifs quant à la forme que celui-ci prendra dans le futur^[2].

Sur Not on top puis Giant, le groupe enregistre avec Richard Fromby en Angleterre. Ils font le choix d'enregistrer en analogique et en direct, le plus près possible de la première prise pour insister sur la spontanéité^[2].

Les membres du groupe vivent aujourd'hui séparés à Berlin, New York et Paris mais se réunissent le plus souvent possible. Chacun est par ailleurs très actif sous une multitude de pseudonymes, seul ou accompagné, pour autant de sorties en CD-R (Ramahuset, Temple Temple, Kungen, Satan's Finger...). André et David-Ivar ont chacun contribué à une chanson de l'album de Françoiz Breut «Une Saison Volée» (2005).

Discographie [modifier]

• Turn Off The Light (Prohibited Records - 2000)
• They Go To The Woods (Shrimper Records - 2001)
• Switzerland Heritage (Prohibited records - 2001)
• The Whys And The Hows of Herman Düne & Cerberus Shoal (North East indie - 2002)
• Mas Cambios (Track And Field - 2003)
• Mash Concrete Metal Mushrooms (Shrimper Records - 2003)
• Not on Top (Track And Field - 2005)
• Giant (Source-etc - 2006)

Stanley Brinks at The Jug of Ale, Moseley, Birmingham on march 14th 2008.
(aka Andre herman Dune) Tickets will be £7 on the door or £5 in advance. Doors 8pm.

Stanley Brinks is the new identity of André Herman Düne, original member of the "Herman Düne" trio. He also recorded and played shows in Europe, the UK and the US under various other names: Ben Dope, Ben Haschish, Klaus Bong, John Trawling, John Andreas, Lord Stanislas... Now based in Berlin, he's mostly recording and playing as a solo act.

Review: "Having toured and recorded all over under different guises ranging from Ben Dope to Klaus Bong to John Andreas, this former member of the French anti-Folk Herman Dune trio has done it again: step forward the now Berlin-based Stanley Brinks. New single ‘Fox Trot’ is dark and broody, lurching forward like the pissed fall guy in a 1950s crime caper; Brinks’ lyrics are exquisite, slowly painting his story with effortless flamboyance ("My father was a doctor but he played the guitar/On the day that you are born you know who you are"). He states his intentions: "The only thing I learnt was what no-one said to me/You better live now and stop getting ready." The results could prove intriguing."

Stanley Brinks tours in March 2008 with two opening acts, who he also makes music with.

The bill will be

Stanley Brinks (fka André Herman Düne)
+
The Purple Organ (demented one man band from New York, used to play in DUFUS)
+
Freschard (she's french but sings in English)

www.myspace.com/therealstanleybrinks
www.myspace.com/freschard
www.myspace.com/purpleorgan

Jug of Ale, 43 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham, West Midlands, B13 8AA

SHOWS IN MARCH 2008 UK

Birmingham, March 14, the Jug of Ale, Alcester Road, Moseley
Manchester, March 15, 47 Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury Village
Nottingham, March 17 , the Bodega Social Club (ex Social), 23 Pelham Street, 8 p.m.
Brighton, March 18, the greenhouse effect, 63 Church Rd
London Brixton, March 19 , the Windmill, 22 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton

FRANCE

Lille, March 13, La Malterie, 42 rue Kuhlmann, Wazemme, 20:30
Rouen, March 20, Emporium Galorium, 151, rue Beauvoisine, 21:00
Saint-Ouen, March 21 , Mains d'Oeuvres, 1 rue Charles Garnier, 93400, 20:00
Annecy, March 22, with Coming Soon
Lyon, March 23, La Marquise, 20 Quai Victor Augagneur 69003, 21:00

GERMANY
Darmstadt, March 11, Oettinger Villa, Kranichsteinerstr. 81, 64289

HOLLAND
Maastricht, March 12, Take Five, Bredestraat 14, 6211, 10pm

Review: ....There is something about this single that is both disquieting and utterly compelling – Once he starts to emote you cannot switch off.

Autobiography is a dangerous form to base a musical career around but if this is anything of an indicator it is going to get a huge uplift.

This is one of the most off the wall recordings I have heard in years, with strummed acoustic guitar, strangulated trumpet, and a vocal style that couldn’t be more bohemian or Parisian if he tried.

He simply tells his story, without subjectivity or any moral sense and it is a good story – a boy is born, grows up and becomes 'himself’. He fought with his sister, wandered the streets of New York, loves movies and the ocean and tells us all about it.

This guy is the missing Jazz Poet who died out after the beats grew up and became folkies and he is destined for something great.

About Herman Dune: Herman Düne is a French Anti-folk band, formed in 1999. Originally a trio, the band now consists of David-Ivar Herman Düne (guitars and vocals) and Neman Herman Düne (drums and sometimes backing vocals). Néman, who is from Switzerland, replaced former drummer Omé in early 2001. On December 13th, 2006, André Herman Düne played his last show with the band, and subsequently changed his name to Stanley Brinks. The band are often joined by other musicians on live performances.

Some of Herman Düne's influences include: Daniel Johnston, Lou Barlow, The Mountain Goats, Cat Power and Silver Jews.

HD has worked with several other bands and singers such as Turner Cody, Julie Doiron, Leah Hayes, and Laura Hoch.

Although the band has only five official albums, they have worked on many side projects, some of which include Kungen, Ben Haschish, Ben Dope, John Trawlings, Fountain Boats, Satan's Fingers, and Fast Ganz. They have also played as the backing band for recordings by Julie Doiron (ex-Eric's Trip) and Kimya Dawson (ex-Moldy Peaches). Both André and David-Ivar have also released numerous solo CDs (mostly self-released CDRs). André and David-Ivar each contributed a song to the 2006 album by Françoiz Breut, Une Saison Volée.

This song "I Wish That I Could See You Soon" was #89 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.

You could ask Lily Savage and Dido why they changed their names but their answers are probably very different to Stanley Brinks (a.k.a. The Artist Formerly Known As André Herman Düne). In the autobiographical ‘Stanley Brinks’ he explains that he changed his name “in the fall of 2006” (the time he was leaving Herman Düne), the new name being heralded by a pause and then a toot on a trumpet. It’s a strange but enchanting song for many reasons: the description of it on the record as a “foxtrot”, the blasts of muted horns sounding like they’ve eloped from ‘Baby Bigger’ on the Giant album, the weird and wilful lyrics and the fascinating verse structure.

‘French Leave’ is softer, just voice and minimal percussion, but is in the same melodic and melancholic style that defines most of André’s - sorry, Stanley’s - songs. It’s also described as a dance on the sleeve, a bolero this time, but I don’t see Torville and Dean twirling to it anytime soon. For all his new name and solo status, it looks as if André/Stanley hasn’t lost any of the gift that made his songs for Herman Düne so memorable.

Review: Brinks's solo work is just as quirky but still resonates from a classic new york songwriting background, with waltzy grooves, balkan influences, bar-room horns and swing elements all shining through. in the autobiographical 'stanley brinks' he explains that he changed his name 'in the fall of 2006' (the time he was leaving herman dne), the new name being heralded by a pause and then a toot on a trumpet. it's a strange but enchanting song for many reasons: the description of it on the record as a 'foxtrot', the blasts of muted horns sounding like they've eloped from 'baby bigger' on the giant album, the weird and wilful lyrics and the fascinating verse structure. 'french leave' is softer, just voice and minimal percussion, but is in the same melodic and melancholic style that defines most of stanley's songs. it's also described as a dance on the sleeve, a bolero this time, but we don't see torville and dean twirling to it anytime soon. limited 7" only on ciao ketchup recordings.

Stanley Brinks at The Jug of Ale, Moseley, Birmingham on march 14th 2008.
(aka Andre herman Dune) Tickets will be £7 on the door or £5 in advance. Doors 8pm.

Stanley Brinks is the new identity of André Herman Düne, original member of the "Herman Düne" trio. He also recorded and played shows in Europe, the UK and the US under various other names: Ben Dope, Ben Haschish, Klaus Bong, John Trawling, John Andreas, Lord Stanislas... Now based in Berlin, he's mostly recording and playing as a solo act.

Review: "Having toured and recorded all over under different guises ranging from Ben Dope to Klaus Bong to John Andreas, this former member of the French anti-Folk Herman Dune trio has done it again: step forward the now Berlin-based Stanley Brinks. New single ‘Fox Trot’ is dark and broody, lurching forward like the pissed fall guy in a 1950s crime caper; Brinks’ lyrics are exquisite, slowly painting his story with effortless flamboyance ("My father was a doctor but he played the guitar/On the day that you are born you know who you are"). He states his intentions: "The only thing I learnt was what no-one said to me/You better live now and stop getting ready." The results could prove intriguing."

Stanley Brinks tours in March 2008 with two opening acts, who he also makes music with.

The bill will beStanley Brinks (fka André Herman Düne)
+
The Purple Organ (demented one man band from New York, used to play in DUFUS)
+
Freschard (she's french but sings in English)

www.myspace.com/therealstanleybrinks
www.myspace.com/freschard
www.myspace.com/purpleorgan

Jug of Ale, 43 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham, West Midlands, B13 8AA

SHOWS IN MARCH 2008 UK

Birmingham, March 14, the Jug of Ale, Alcester Road, Moseley
Manchester, March 15, 47 Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury Village
Nottingham, March 17 , the Bodega Social Club (ex Social), 23 Pelham Street, 8 p.m.
Brighton, March 18, the greenhouse effect, 63 Church Rd
London Brixton, March 19 , the Windmill, 22 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton

FRANCE

Lille, March 13, La Malterie, 42 rue Kuhlmann, Wazemme, 20:30
Rouen, March 20, Emporium Galorium, 151, rue Beauvoisine, 21:00
Saint-Ouen, March 21 , Mains d'Oeuvres, 1 rue Charles Garnier, 93400, 20:00
Annecy, March 22, with Coming Soon
Lyon, March 23, La Marquise, 20 Quai Victor Augagneur 69003, 21:00

GERMANY
Darmstadt, March 11, Oettinger Villa, Kranichsteinerstr. 81, 64289

HOLLAND
Maastricht, March 12, Take Five, Bredestraat 14, 6211, 10pm

Review: ....There is something about this single that is both disquieting and utterly compelling – Once he starts to emote you cannot switch off.

Autobiography is a dangerous form to base a musical career around but if this is anything of an indicator it is going to get a huge uplift.

This is one of the most off the wall recordings I have heard in years, with strummed acoustic guitar, strangulated trumpet, and a vocal style that couldn’t be more bohemian or Parisian if he tried.

He simply tells his story, without subjectivity or any moral sense and it is a good story – a boy is born, grows up and becomes 'himself’. He fought with his sister, wandered the streets of New York, loves movies and the ocean and tells us all about it.

This guy is the missing Jazz Poet who died out after the beats grew up and became folkies and he is destined for something great.

About Herman Dune: Herman Düne is a French Anti-folk band, formed in 1999. Originally a trio, the band now consists of David-Ivar Herman Düne (guitars and vocals) and Neman Herman Düne (drums and sometimes backing vocals). Néman, who is from Switzerland, replaced former drummer Omé in early 2001. On December 13th, 2006, André Herman Düne played his last show with the band, and subsequently changed his name to Stanley Brinks. The band are often joined by other musicians on live performances.

Some of Herman Düne's influences include: Daniel Johnston, Lou Barlow, The Mountain Goats, Cat Power and Silver Jews.

HD has worked with several other bands and singers such as Turner Cody, Julie Doiron, Leah Hayes, and Laura Hoch.

Although the band has only five official albums, they have worked on many side projects, some of which include Kungen, Ben Haschish, Ben Dope, John Trawlings, Fountain Boats, Satan's Fingers, and Fast Ganz. They have also played as the backing band for recordings by Julie Doiron (ex-Eric's Trip) and Kimya Dawson (ex-Moldy Peaches). Both André and David-Ivar have also released numerous solo CDs (mostly self-released CDRs). André and David-Ivar each contributed a song to the 2006 album by Françoiz Breut, Une Saison Volée.

This song "I Wish That I Could See You Soon" was #89 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.

You could ask Lily Savage and Dido why they changed their names but their answers are probably very different to Stanley Brinks (a.k.a. The Artist Formerly Known As André Herman Düne). In the autobiographical ‘Stanley Brinks’ he explains that he changed his name “in the fall of 2006” (the time he was leaving Herman Düne), the new name being heralded by a pause and then a toot on a trumpet. It’s a strange but enchanting song for many reasons: the description of it on the record as a “foxtrot”, the blasts of muted horns sounding like they’ve eloped from ‘Baby Bigger’ on the Giant album, the weird and wilful lyrics and the fascinating verse structure.

‘French Leave’ is softer, just voice and minimal percussion, but is in the same melodic and melancholic style that defines most of André’s - sorry, Stanley’s - songs. It’s also described as a dance on the sleeve, a bolero this time, but I don’t see Torville and Dean twirling to it anytime soon. For all his new name and solo status, it looks as if André/Stanley hasn’t lost any of the gift that made his songs for Herman Düne so memorable.

Review: Brinks's solo work is just as quirky but still resonates from a classic new york songwriting background, with waltzy grooves, balkan influences, bar-room horns and swing elements all shining through. in the autobiographical 'stanley brinks' he explains that he changed his name 'in the fall of 2006' (the time he was leaving herman dne), the new name being heralded by a pause and then a toot on a trumpet. it's a strange but enchanting song for many reasons: the description of it on the record as a 'foxtrot', the blasts of muted horns sounding like they've eloped from 'baby bigger' on the giant album, the weird and wilful lyrics and the fascinating verse structure. 'french leave' is softer, just voice and minimal percussion, but is in the same melodic and melancholic style that defines most of stanley's songs. it's also described as a dance on the sleeve, a bolero this time, but we don't see torville and dean twirling to it anytime soon. limited 7" only on ciao ketchup recordings.

The bill will be

Stanley Brinks (fka André Herman Düne)
+
The Purple Organ (demented one man band from New York, used to play in DUFUS)
+
Freschard (she's french but sings in English)

www.myspace.com/therealstanleybrinks
www.myspace.com/freschard
www.myspace.com/purpleorgan

Jug of Ale    Buy your tickets here

43 Alcester Road
Moseley
Birmingham
West Midlands
B13 8AA

http://www.ironmanrecords.co.uk
http://www.ironmanrecords.wordpress.com

Un petit cover en ce mercredi gris et déprimant.  Ne soyez pas surpris, il n'y a rien ici pour égayez votre quotidien ou mettre un sourire sur votre visage.

I See a Darkness est une pièce tristement magnifique écrite/interprétée au départ par Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy) et reprise par Herman Düne & Clemence Freschard sur un album contenant que des reprises de classiques folk (Cohen, Oldham, Cave) paru en 2006 intitulés Kreuzberg Cafe.

Herman Düne & Clemence Freschard - I See a Darkness (Will Oldham Cover)
[audio=http://basementbeatz.wordpress.com/files/2008/01/06-i-see-a-darkness-will-oldham.mp3]

Well you know I have a love, for everyone I know
And you know I have a drive, to live I won't let go
But can you see this opposition, comes rising up sometimes
That is dread full imposition, comes blacking in my mind - Will Oldham

Herman Düne Myspace
Clemence Freschard Myspace
Will Oldham Myspace

Picture from UnderExposed

Stanley Brinks plays at The Jug of Ale, Moseley, Birmingham on march 14th 2008.

Tickets will be £7 on the door or £5 in advance.

Stanley Brinks will be touring in march 2008 with two opening acts, who he also makes music with

Stanley Brinks (fka André Herman Düne) Listen to a song here
+
The Purple Organ (demented one man band from New York, used to play in DUFUS)
+
Freschard (she's french but sings in English)

www.myspace.com/therealstanleybrinks
www.myspace.com/purpleorgan
www.myspace.com/freschard
http://www.myspace.com/ciaoketchuprecordings

Venue address:

Jug of Ale
43 Alcester Road
Moseley
Birmingham
West Midlands
B13 8AA

There is a group for Stanley Brinks on Facebook.com and an event page for him too. Join in.

Listen to a Stanley Brinks song here

"Musique qui réchauffe le coeur"

Ben mon pauvre lecteur! Qu'est-ce qu'il t'a fait, ce salaud < oh le vilain parti pris!

Qu'est-ce qu'on a bien pu vous faire pour que vous soyiez désespéré au point de n'avoir plus que Gougueule à qui demander du réconfort?

Votre patron vous maltraite? (ça arrive à des gens très bien)
Personne ne vous a invité pour le jour de l'an?
Votre moitié vous néglige?

Allez, je vois bien que ce n'est pas de remuer la plaie sous le couteau dont vous avez besoin. J'arrive telle Super Lysi au secours des pauvres mélomanes en détresse avec des chansons riches en tendresse :

I wish that I could see you soon - Herman Düne :

The perfect lovesong - The Divine Comedy :

Il est fortement conseillé de dépasser les doses prescrites de The Divine Comedy dont les mélodies enchanteresses sont un avant goût du bonheur.

Somewhere only we know - Keane :

All the same - Sick Puppies :

Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks :

A défaut de pouvoir regarder le soleil se lever au dessus de la gare de Waterloo, aussi longtemps qu'on peut écouter cette chanson, on se sent déjà au paradis, n'est-ce pas? ;)

Tender - Blur :

This is a low - Blur :

Si vous n'êtes pas tout chamallow, peace, love and understanding après Blur à Glastonbury, moi, je ne peux plus rien pour vous. Mais je suis sûre que mes Super Lecteurs vont se précipiter pour suggérer d'autres pistes en renfort. La blogosphère, ce monde merveilleux où la solidarité est érigée en valeur absolue!

Alors, heureux?