sxsw preview: bell

olga bell. of bell. stacking papers.

Although I was initially slightly underwhelmed by this year's SXSW showcasing artist list, you can always bet there'll be a few unknown gems that emerge in the weeks leading up to the festival. Near the top of that list this year is New York's (via Alaska via Russia) Bell, who I've added to my "must-see" shortlist based mostly on the strength of a hand-drawn, six-song cd-r that she sent over recently. A cursory listen to the debut EP makes it clear why the Bjork comparisons are rampant, but the last 3 minutes or so of the record's closer are more engaging and affecting than anything Bjork has put out in a (few) minute(s).

mp3:
Bell chunk. [link removed]

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Buy the six-song EP here for only five bucks. Bell is playing a number of shows at SXSW, so I'm sure you can catch her/them at least once. Here's a Radiohead/Thom Yorke cover that Ms. Bell performed recently for PRI's Fair Game:

mp3:
Bell Videotape/The Eraser