Song of the Day: Maps – Elouise

photo from MySpace

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Morning Show host John Richards, is Elouise by Maps from the 2007 album We Can Create on Mute.

Maps - Elouise (MP3)Maps AKA James Chapman decided it would be a good idea to stay in his bedroom for a while only to emerge with his debut We Can Create, an album that has received rave reviews and a spot on the shortlist for the Mercury Prize. More accurately, Chapman recorded most of the album straight to a 16-track recorder in his bedroom, finishing it up with the help of co-producer Valgeir Sigurdsson (Bjork, Bonnie “Prince” Billy) at his studio in Iceland. Ken Thomas (Sigur Ros) handled mixing duties, no doubt adding clarity to Chapman’s trip-hop and densely layered atmospheric rock blueprints.

Maps are one of several impressive bands gracing the upcoming John in the Morning at Night, taking place at Seattle’s Crocodile Cafe 9/22 (buy tickets now). Stay tuned the rest of the week as we feature the other bands rounding out this unbelievable lineup.

Meanwhile, check out Maps’ MySpace page and this live performance of Back and Forth: