Download: SF's John Vanderslice and Magik*Magik Orchestra Collaborate on 'Sea Salt'

By Ian S. Port Wed., Jan. 5 2011 at 4:34 PM

Categories: MP3 of the Day

In a demonstration of just how intertwined the various facets of San Francisco's music scene are, indie troubadour and Tiny Telephone studio owner John Vanderslice recorded his upcoming album, White Wilderness, with his friends in the classical-inclined Magik*Magik Orchestra. What's that? You don't know what the Magik*Magik Orchestra is? Well, gee. Rather than shame you, we'll just point you to "Sea Salt," the first free single from White Wilderness. Learn from experience, people. (Oh, and if you're familiar with Magik*Magik, check out this song anyway; it reminds us of everything we like about Vanderslice and his moany folk-pop.)

At its core, "Sea Salt" may be just a swaying, somber -- and quite beautiful -- folk song. But you hear that nifty, eerie piano teeter-totter? You hear those layered, atmospheric strings? That, friends, is Magik*Magik Orchestra a youthful, S.F.-based assemblage of supremely talented musicians that has worked with all sort of famous people, including Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood. We think they sound excellent with Vanderslice on this track. And when White Wilderness comes out on the Dead Oceans label January 25, you can hear their full collaboration. (Check out a preview of the album made by S.F.'s own Yours Truly in the video above.)

MP3: John Vanderslice with Magik*Magik Orchestra -- "Sea Salt"

For those of you hardcore Vanderslice fans, Dead Oceans is offering a deluxe pre-order package of the album that includes a signed one-of-a-kind photo from Vanderslice himself, a tour-only, hand-stamped 12-inch EP called Green Grow the Rushes, two more 7-inch singles, and some other rare stuff. See about all that here.

Meanwhile, play this track again and savor the Magik.

(Sorry, we couldn't resist.)

----

Follow us on Twitter @SFAllShookDown, follow Ian S. Port @iPORT, and like us at Facebook.com/SFAllShookDown.