Junip is Jose Gonzalez’s (yes, that Jose Gonzalez) Swedish band. Intrigued yet? There doesn’t really seem to be any rhyme or reason to when Junip decides to release an EP. They’ve only put forth 2 EPs, and they’re about 4 years apart. But the truth is that these little gems are basically a way to get your Jose Gonzalez fix inbetween his sparse albums.

So if Jose Gonzalez is singing, and they’re basically playing the same instruments, what’s the difference between Junip and Jose’s solo work? Well, surprisingly there’s quite a bit. Junip is not so much Gonzalez’s alter-ego as it is a nice avenue for him to explore another side of his musical interests. A little edgier, more fast-paced, and generally more layered, Junip’s sound is intriguing and captivating.

I actually had this great post all written out, and it got deleted (damn you, inconsistent internet connection!). So here’s my quick shpiel, each song gets one line

“Rope and Summit” – Roped in to this sonic delight.

“Far Away” – Was that a Baba O’Reilly tribute at the beginning, or was that my imagination?

“At the Doors” – Clocking in at 8:18, this heavyweight is anything but: light and airy to the finish.

“Loops” – See title.

GUESS WHAT? Rope and Summit – EP is free. Get it here.

Listen to “Rope and Summit”

BONUS: Embee ft. Jose Gonzalez – “Time to Send Someone Away“

Gotta love him

As my brother would say, “REEEEE-MIX!”

My buddy J(O)(N)(A)(H)–that looks pretty cool–made me aware of a couple of remixes of some Jose Gonzalez tracks. And why wouldn’t you want to hear them? You have no reason. They’re awesome.

Listen to Jose Gonzalez – “Killing for Love (Beatfanatic Remix)”

Listen to Jose Gonzalez – “Killing for Love (Todd Terje Brokeback Remix)“

I figured that I would post a couple of tracks that I’ve been listening to lately, which have been floating around the world wide web over the past week:

Feist-1234 (VanShe Technologic Remix)

A well-produced remix that really reinterprets Feist’s cutesy 1234 as a legitimate synth heavy party anthem.

Jens Lekman-You Can Call Me All (cover)

Covering the well-known song by Paul Simon, Lekman does quite well with “You Can Call Me All.” Nevertheless, I still think this cover leaves something to be desired. But what’s average for Lekman is better than a whole lot else.

Jose Gonzalez – Four Forks Acre

A sparse acoustic (what else!) instrumental from the quiet, reserved Swede who can’t seem to do wrong. I can see why it’s a B-side, but he certainly could’ve added on to the 10-track In Our Nature!!
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642-642 series is usually considered an asset in an applicant for 70-526. Advanced credit like 70-296 does well too.

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Patrick and I most recently attended the Jose Gonzalez concert in Chicago (10/4), and perhaps there may be a review pending (but I feel that that just might be boring for you readers!).  Opening for Jose, though, was UK guitarist virtuoso James Blackshaw.  I noticed quite immediately that his instrumental guitar-playing didn’t match up with his seemingly boyish look or his nonchalance on stage.  Watching his blurring fingers, each one plucking the strings so effortlessly, quickly–as if each of his phalanges was operated by a different person.  And the sound produced by those nifty appendages was profoundly beautiful.

And so, as I prepare to go to sleep, I wanted to share a lullaby with you.  Sweet dreams.

James Blackshaw – “Running to the Ghost” (4.8/5)

I’ve always had an affinity for Swedish – Argentinian musicians. By that, I mean I’ve always had an affinity for Jose Gonzalez, the soft-spoken Swedish – Argentinian who has been releasing his sleepy folk sing-a-longs for a few years now. His debut release Veneer was met with critical and popular praise across the globe, for his knack for acoustic rhythms, unique vocals, and his timely songwriting. Not to mention his collaboration with Zero 7 on Futures or his various side projects (see Junip), Gonzalez has consistently put forth thought-provoking, intriguing folk arrangements that bedazzle the listener with its deceivingly simple guitar hooks and infectious vocals.

And Gonzalez’s 10-track long player In Our Nature is no different in that sense. His sophomore release (if you don’t count the Stay in the Shade – EP) certainly has a less lo-fi sound to it, but the intimacy of the record is more pronounced than ever. Gonzalez seems to be whispering the Southern twangy “Abram”, accompanied by his patient, insistent questioning in the slightly more melodic “How Low”. But as masterful as Gonzalez has become at portraying darkness in this world, he is perhaps just as talented at highlighting the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. “Time to Send Someone Away” (originally recorded with Embee) is as cheerful as any song he’s written, while “Killing for Love” is the high-charged lead track that rhetorically proposes, “Will you let [your heart] burn for hate or compassion?” In the end, it seems that Gonzalez’s heart burns for compassion. After all, it’s in his nature.

Buy In Our Nature. Now!

Listen to “Killing For Love” (4.8/5)

Listen to “Time To Send Someone Away” (4.8/5)

If you thought the wait was eternal, well think again my friends! Everyone’s favorite Argentinian-Swede is returning with his sophomore effort In Our Nature on September 25th. But if that is just too long (it is for me), here are two singles off the album that are sure to whet your appetite.

Go and pre-order In Our Nature.
Listen to “Killing for Love” (4.9/5)
Listen to “Down the Line” (4.5/5)