Tag: Computer Perfection

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The Strange Echo “We Can Weather Winter” (2019)

Self Released
Buy: Soundcloud (FREE!)

After a long absence, Detroit’s The Strange Echo (fka Computer Perfection) have begun making fun noises again. Earlier in the year, they shared 2 tracks they recorded with Camelot Six, including a fantastic cover of the Talking Heads’ “This Must be the Place (Naive Melody).” I saw this come through my Soundcloud feed, got very excited, but then saw that they were originally recorded back in 2010. Crestfallen, I sunk back into the Soundcloud black hole… hoping for a light to flicker once more. Then, a few weeks back, some instrumental tracks began showing up on their profile (since deleted). From the title… it really suggested a holiday/Christmas song. Well.. what do you know. The indiepop goodness of “We Can Weather Winter” was released today, and I’m quite happy to have The Strange Echo grace my blog once more. The steady drum beat, the walking keyboard melody, and the slow swing of the bassline evoke the calming slow repetition of falling snow. What a lovely return – may we have many more visits from you.

Bottom Line: In a day of comebacks (Cherry Ghost), The Strange Echo has returned with a beautiful wintery gift.

LISTEN

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The Strange Echo “Just Like Christmas” (2015)

Self Released
Buy: Stream

Wait a tic! This isn’t a new Computer Perfection song! Let me introduce you to The Strange Echo. It appears that this is a CP side-project, or a new project, or something of the sort. Either which way… it is being released under “The Strange Echo.” You’ll recognize the title no doubt – it’s a cover of Low’s classic, and my person favorite of theirs, “Just Like Christmas,” but with the little eccentricities that make a Computer Perfection (or… Strange Echo?) song! While I do prefer a CP original, a solid cover of a great song with electro-pop touches will most certainly tide me over till next year.

Bottom Line: Very solid cover of a truly wonderful song. That Detroit crew can really do some quality indiepop Christmas. Perhaps they should get together with the Fika/Allo Darlin’/Sunturns crew next year… do some tunes across the Atlantic…

LISTEN

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Computer Perfection “When the Key Turns” (2011/2015)

Love, Detroit Vol. 02

Self Released
Buy: Stream

What can I say? I am super-connected. I have been talking to the folks over at Computer Perfection for about a week, and we are totally the best of friends. How can I make such a wild claim? Well, they’ve invited me to Christmas dinner (they don’t know this yet) and they sent over a new mix of their wonderful 2011 Christmas track, “When the Key Turns.” Originally released on Love, Detroit Volume 2 (still available for free download!), this new mix is absolutely beautiful; it shimmers out of the headphones. Computer Perfection fancies this song to be their most beautiful work to date, and I would not argue them on that fact.

Bottom Line: Absolutely beautiful indie pop from masters of the craft. 5/5

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Computer Perfection and Friends – Christmas Party (2008)

VA - Christmas Party - Computer Perfection and Friends (2008)

Romantic Air Recording Company
Buy: A Gift from Me (and Computer Perfection), to You

Many moons ago, a group named Computer Perfection was born from the ashes of Pas/Cal and released a Christmas record, Christmas Party. The indiepop world rejoiced, for the Christmas-loving band of Detroit musicians had not lost the urge to make delicious, loving, interesting Christmas music. This record disappeared from the internet, to the dismay of myself, and any other self-respecting, indie Christmas music fan. But alas… it has returned!

Lets run through my favorites…

The leadoff track, “Winter Las” by the 1900s is a wonderful piece of indiepop. There is something about good songwriting and tasteful production that can shield a good song from the ravages of time – this song is as wonderful today as it was when I first heard it. “Try to find forgiveness in your heart.” Beautiful.

The second track is the first by our hosts, Computer Perfection, and my personal favorite of theirs. This cover of the Marvin Gaye semi-classic “Purple Snowflakes” adds enough electro-flourishes and indiepop sheen to create a sparkling world of their own.

The fifth track, by LTD, “Whenever Snow Starts Fallin’,” is a great, soulful song that plugs into that age-old Christmas scene… the snow is falling in the lonely city, and he just wants his baby to come back to him. “Whenever snow starts falling / that’s when my heart is calling.” Very nice.

The final track is yet another cover by the wonderful Computer Perfection, this time trying their hand at “Feliz Navidad.” There is just a sense of joy that oozes out of this song. I’m not much of a fan of this tune normally… but Computer Perfection have found a way to bring out something in this song that I did not expect. Thanks.

There are 9 tracks in total on this record, and while I did not go in-depth on the other 5, they are all very much worth a listen. From a reworked Beyonce song, to a hushed electro “White Christmas,” this record is most certainly worth your time and attention. Thankfully, with the blessing of Computer Perfection, I offer my readers their very own, nicely tagged copy.

Bottom Line: Computer Perfection can bring their friends over to my house anytime to sing Christmas songs. 4.5/5

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Here is one sample track… Computer Perfection’s wonderful cover of “Purple Snowflakes.” Enjoy, and download (Links above)!

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Computer Perfection “Little Drummer Boy (Funky Drummer)” (2014)

Computer Perfection "Little Drummer Boy (Funky Drummer)"

Self Released
Buy: Free!

Those quite familiar with indiepop Christmas tunes know how wonderful those early Pas/Cal Christmas singles were. Then, when Pas/Cal was no more, Computer Perfection and Casimer & Casimir were born from the ashes. Both bands have contributed to the Christmas cannon, with Computer Perfection & Friends’ “Christmas Party” back in 2008 and last year’s Casimer & Casimir’s Soundcloud release “C&C does Margo for XXXmas.” Well, it looks like Computer Perfection are at it again, with “Little Drummer Boy (Funky Drummer).” Originally I thought it might be a James Brown song – but I think it may be their own mashup of “Little Drummer Boy” with Brown’s “Funky Drummer.” Readers of this blog may remember that “Little Drummer Boy” is my least favorite Christmas song ever, so please take the fact that I’m even mentioning this song as a reason to listen to it. Its funky & fun, with a splash of indiepop. It certainly deserves more listens than the 3 it presently has… 2 of which are mine. 

Bottom Line: No download (yet) DOWNLOAD! and this funky tune and its falsetto deserve a spot in your Christmas party playlist. 3.9/5

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