MGMT’s first studio album Oracular Spectacular was the soundtrack to my summer of 2008. I don’t know what it was, but something in that music that just made me smile until it hurt and dance my ass off, so much so I even created a dance with friends for ‘Electric Feel’. And yes as you may have guessed, it was beyond awful.
So, two years have passed, multiple remixes and re-hashed versions of ‘Kids’ by other artists have been released, radio stations have milked all of their singles so much so I think I actually hate them now, and finally, MGMT’s second studio release ‘Congratulations’ is to be released on April 13th.
I was told to go to their website, and what appeared was a message from the band stating:
Hey everybody, the album leaked, and we wanted you to be able to hear it from us. We wanted to offer it as a free download but that didn’t make sense to anyone but us.
YUM YUM YUM, right?
Well, if you expected the great psychedelic synth pop that was on Oracular and nothing else, then think again.
However, if you are like me and have an open mind, then you will actually really enjoy it.
When the band released ‘Flash Delirium’ a few weeks ago, on first listen I thought it was the biggest pile of shite that I had ever heard. This was because, like many other people, we were expecting the same kind of songs from O.S, the ones that gave our hearts to the band.
But as I listened more, I really grew to like it, and then I couldn’t wait to hear the rest of the album. Now I’ve had that chance I can say that I am totally in love. It feels as if MGMT have fused music from every decade since the 60’s, turned them inside out, made sure the psychedelic, surf pop esque feeling was the strongest in the mix and then blurted it all out. That explanation makes it sound terrible, but trust me, it is seriously good stuff.
‘Songs For Dan Treacy’, ‘Someone’s Missing’, ‘Brian Eno’ and ‘Congratulations’ are my favourites, but I’m 100% sure that everyone will have different opinions.
The band said they wouldn’t be releasing any songs from the album as singles, which I think is the right call, knowing how poor the majority of the UK’s music tastes are, then they wouldn’t even make the top 100.
Take it from me though, head over to their website and have a listen, because its great.
Esquire magazine has chosen their top64 selections for “Sexiest Woman Alive” and is holding a bracket championship.
In the categories of Music and Fashion, Sports, and Movies, they want you to make your own choices! Round 1 has begun (PRINTABLE BRACKET HERE) and Country Music artist [lastfm]Carrie Underwood[/lastfm] has been paired up with Pop artist, [lastfm]Katy Perry[/lastfm]!
These are in no order whatsoever, but are just numbered. Sorry.
Out of the Blue (1987) - Debbie Gibson. To many fans of the 1980’s, this is a pop gem. Also it must be noted that Gibson was the youngest person to ever help produce a record (the single Foolish Beat) at the tender age of 16.
Victory (1984) - The Jacksons.
Lead Me On (1988) - Amy Grant. This is perhaps the best Contemporary Christian album ever made. It has a timeless mix in both sound and lyric.
Thriller (1984) - Michael Jackson. Probably one of the best R&B/pop/rock albums ever. With such gems as Human Nature, Thriller, Beat It and Wanna Be Starting Somethin’ one cannot go wrong with this classic.
Kilroy Was Here (1983) - Styx. One of the great rock operas of all time. Rarely does a good album tell a moral story, and Styx knocks it out of the ballpark with the ever-popular Mr. Roboto.
Dreamboat Annie (1976) - Heart. One of the most underrated albums and groups of all time. Ann Wilson is one of the greatest rock vocalist of all time. Better yet, she still sounds good even now, despite her age. Nancy is also a talented guitarist. Nancy shows off her chops on the songs Magic Man, Crazy on You, and White Lightning and Wine.
God (1996) Rebecca St. James – Good things come out of Australia and Rebecca St. James is no exception. This album is better than her previous teen-pop album and has a style reminiscent of the grunge scene albeit with a twist: its Christian music. One noteworthy cover St. James does is a reworking of You’re The Voice, a song previously made popular by Heart. Other great songs to check out are God, Abba (Father), and Go and Sin No More.
Boy (1980) – U2. Arguably this band is the greatest Christian rock band. However, this them before they became Christians I believe but either way, they sound great. This is one that I want to add to my collection.
October (1981) - U2. Once again, U2 proves that they are one of the greatest rock bands, or even Christian rock bands, ever to chart. Only Bono, Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. can pull off such songs as Gloria, Rejoice and the hauntingly beautiful title track.
Tragic Kingdom (1996) - No Doubt. This is a great introduction to ska-punk. However, the pièce de résistance is none other than Gwen Stefani’s voice. Best songs to look out for are Spiderwebs, Hey You, Sixteen, Don’t Speak, Excuse Me Mister, and Tragic Kingdom.
Rhythm Nation 1812 (1989) – Janet Jackson. Smoothly produced R&B with a kick and a socially aware message.
Out of the Grey (1992) – Out of the Grey. The Contemporary Christian duo has an incomparable alternative sound which is only highlighted by Christine Dente’s Debbie Harry-style voice and the excellent guitar playing of husband Scott Dente. This album is nothing short of a classic with songs like Remember This, The Dance, The Only Moment, and the duo’s swan song Wishes. Also, the songwriting on this album is not cheesy, unlike some Christian music of the time.
Top Gun Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1986) – Various Artists. This is probably one of the greatest action movie soundtracks of all time. It is one action-packed soundtrack filled with such songs as Danger Zone and Playing With the Boys by Kenny Loggins – who shows he has some rock chops. Other great tracks include Mighty Wings by Cheap Trick, Lead Me On by Teena Marie, Hot Summer Nights by Miami Sound Machine and finally, the eponymous Top Gun Anthem.
Raising Sand (2008) - Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. Bluegrass meets hard rock. However, don’t be fooled because this album is more roots-rock with songs such as Gone Gone Gone (Done Me Wrong) and Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson.
Learning to Crawl (1983-1984) - The Pretenders. Chrissie Hynde is one of the greatest female frontwomen in rock music. Here she proves that she is also an accomplished guitar player and harmonicist with a song like Middle of the Road. However, this album only gets better with such songs like Back On the Chain Gang – which spawned a new meaning for the band after James Honeyman-Scott died of a drug overdose at the age of 25. Every song on the album is one of greatness; including Time the Avenger, My City Was Gone, and Thumbelina.
Here For the Party (2004) – Gretchen Wilson. In 2004, there was this little-known group in Nashville, TN called the Muzik Mafia. However, among them were such members as John Rich, Big Kenny, and Gretchen Wilson. Wilson burst onto the country music scene in 2004 with Redneck Woman, which went straight up to the top of the country charts. The whole album essentially revitalized the southern rock genre with songs like the title track, Homewrecker, and Redneck Woman.
Surfer Girl (1963) – The Beach Boys. Probably one of the greatest surf-rock bands that served to usher in the greatness of the music of California. With songs like In My Room, Surfer Girl, and Little Deuce Coup, you cannot go wrong.
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears (1966) – The Mamas and the Papas. The lush harmonies of “Mama” Cass Elliot, John Phillips, Denny Doherty, and Michelle Phillips are introduced to the world with such songs as Monday Monday and California Dreamin’.
Synchronicity (1983) – The Police. This album is probably the quintessential Police album with songs like Spirits in the Material World, King of Pain, Synchronicity II, and the ever-popular Every Breath You Take.
Are You Experienced (1967) - The Jimi Hendrix Experience. This album is the equivalent of standing on your head musically. It is great with such songs as the title track and All Along the Watchtower.
The truth is the music that is readily available to us everyday from Radio, TV, and Record Companies (CD’s, Electronic Downloads, etc…), for the most part, is not what “people” have chosen/want to hear. What is available is a “SOUND” (it changes slightly now and again) that the Corporations, mentioned above, have spent BILLIONS on researching and marketing to be sure that what “They” allow to be in the marketplace sells fast and meets their rediculous expectations. “They” then flood the market with “Their” sound and people, the sheep we are, believe that it must be popular so we listen to and buy what they offer. Some good music makes it through but it’s quickly shut down so we think it must have sucked (no demand for the song/group/band/individual) because we no longer hear it, but WE thought it was good, right? So did MANY others but it did not fit within the framework and it was removed.
The Muzik Machine – www.facebook.com/themuzikmachine – will take all the songs/groups/bands/individuals they can find and get that music to people, that may not have known it exists, and let them decide what they like. The Corporations (Radio/TV/Record Companies) WILL hear us. We no longer want “Them” to play/sell the Music “They” like, or even worse, what “They” tell us we like. WE know what Music we like to listen to/purchase and we’ll let “Them” know what that is.
We want everyone to have exposure to good music because we believe a good song/music can change your life. Ask any musician why they play the music they do and most of the time it’s because of a song they heard, a concert they went to, or a group – who’s music – made them realize how amazing music is and can be. Music is amazing and has the power to relax us, pump us up, make a bad day good, enhance the “Mood”, and bring millions together with one voice. Why would we allow anyone to completely control what, so profoundly (originating in or penetrating to the depths of one’s being), affects us.
I thought I would never see the day; maybe there is some hope for my moral fiber. Yesterday, after hearing about listening to, and re-listening to Lady Gaga’s songs, reading her lyrics, and reading her background on Wikipedia, I went to work on a post that displayed my, “in the heat of the moment,” feelings toward her. Those that read it should pay attention to what follows in this post, and those that did not get the chance, I regret to inform, will probably never get the opportunity, for I have tranformed the post back into a mere draft that will remain in my creative writing archives for…
Basically, in my post, I went into great detail about the components of Gaga and her music, and consequently, I did not speak too favorably of either, to put it lightly. Despite there being some conveniently, cleverly written blurbs, it was in poor taste. For the most part, I look favorably on things, food movies, wines, and songs, which impart a lasting memory within my mind. Gaga’s songs did that, whether i want to admit it, accept it or not, they did. Therefore, I must uphold my own integrity by stating that while what she created is far from transcendent, it does possess some characteristics with merit. Simply put, the sound of her songs, particulary Bad Romance, is catchy.
After typing my post yesterday, in between humming Bad Romance in my head, I thought about what I wrote about it and its creator. Though complexity and greatness can come together to produce some wonderful things, like a good bottle of aged Cab, simplicity and greatness are just as likely to occur together, as in Italian cooking. There is not much to the lyrics of her songs, in what they mean an how they make me think, but they blen well with the music and keep the song moving forward. Even the spoken sounds that are intended only to enhance the music itself, add something intangible, nevertheless, appealing to the song.
For a band, or musical group, to become popular and remain so for many years, across more than one generation, is a feat of note. However, it should not dichotomous; that is, one should not embark on a musical career with the sole intention of enduring the times. Make the music for today, put it out there today, get your fans to like it today, and if tomorrow the song(s) is forgotten, write another one. Live for the moment; like what is happening now. Of course, I did compose yesterday’s blog, given my immediate mood, ad that led to a bad aftertaste in my brain, but no philosophy is completely universal.
I said that Gaga’s songs sound no different than any other pop song out today. That is about as true as saying Black Dog and Free bird sound the same just because the primary instruments used were guitars. Though the style of Gaga’s songs is similar to that of many other pop songs blairing out of club speakers across the world, that is because they are songs from the same genre; they are supposed to sound the same.
Beginning a couple hours after I posted yesterday, I actually felt bad that I had made public such hateful feelings. It is not my right to put my values on to others; although it is unlikely that “Gaga Rules” will end up on the inside of my college ring (“Metallica Rules” is on the inside of my high school ring), that should not keep me, nor anyone else from enjoying a different flavor of music. “Heat” is not my favorite movie of all time, but I continue to re-watch it and I still enjoy each time.
So, I feel better. Though I do not believe in them, some might say my conscience is now clear. It is just more enjoyable for me to speak favorably about things I experience. That fact does not and will not prevent me from keeping my eyes open to the harsh truths of reality, but trying to see the good in most situations is healthy. Do not confuse that with the group of people who extract and distill good out of everything, which is impossible, illogical, and unrealistic.
Being one who does not like to rock the boat, if you are popular, keep comin, what the crowd deeming you popular, seeks.
Bascom Hill is a band I’ve been following around since late 2006. They debuted with their album “Maybe” in 2005 and the smooth mainstream pop/rock sound they displayed was of a very high level already. I remember feeling impressed with how natural it sounded. They have a sound similar to Vertical Horizon, The Fray, John Mayer, Lifehouse, and other contemporaries, but I would especially refer to Vertical Horizon, because Bascom Hill showcases that same sound that has the roots in the songwriting but still comes together as a band sound.
On “Inevitable”, the band showcases that mix of pop and rock influences again. The production of the album is very well done and the songs come out in a way that mainstream radio can only embrace them. Catchy, uptempo singalongs with relatable lyrics. With a bit of luck this could very well be the band’s break out album.
Starting with the very catchy Go On which has that alternative pop feel reminiscent of Vertical Horizon on “Everything You Want”, the album is off to a very good start. With energy and passionate vocals this song has the right inensity to shine on the radio. Bascom Hill continues with another catchy pop/rock song called Between Poses. The song has the radio-friendliness of a The Fray song and the vocals are from a very high quality. If you aren’t singing along to the chorus after two listens I think you’re doing something wrong.
Then on to one of my favorites. My World is another song that needs to be heard on radio. It was actually the first song off “Inevitable” I heard and I was instantly convinced of its potential. Very catchy and the chorus, once again, is money in the bank. On Ever Wish, the band takes down the pace and that results in a beautiful acoustic, mid-tempo ballad. The lyrics speak to you, because of the universally recognizable message in them and the combination of the ’smaller sound’ of the song and the soothing vocals give this song just the right character. The band sticks to an (semi-)acoustic sounds on Hello, but they combine it with the uptempo catchiness from the previous songs. A very laid-back, yet energetic (interesting, right?) track and when Charlie Victor sings “you had already walked away..” I can just feel what he’s singing.
On Mystified, Bascom Hill shows a more gritty, rock & roll sound and the added energy and power doesn’t take away anything from the song. Just like on their debut CD, the band shows that they know how to balance between a more poppy and a more alternative sound. Good placement of the song too! A more soulful, soothing sound is shown on Ivy, which is a song that grows on you. The arrangement is actually very strong and with every listen I start to like it a little bit more.
Everytime I listen to For You, I just get silent and let the music take over. The subtle instruments, the touching vocals and the impressive build up of this song are excellent. I like how the acoustic guitar and the piano bring out the mood of this song with near perfection. It may not be the jumpy, uptempo radio single, but musically this is quite impressive. My initial thoughts were that Prettiest Girl isn’t the most memorable track on the album. It doesn’t hold a lot of tension or excitement in the arrangement and while musically and vocally it is performed perfectly and the song is very soothing, it has more of a bonus track feel to it than an actual album track.
Then back to one of my favorites. Save Me is another radio single candidate if you ask me. The pointy, uptempo song has a modern rock & roll feel and is an instant foot tapper. It’s quite danceable and has a killer chorus. Good hooks and outstanding musical delivery. One of the very best songs on the album. The title track, Inevitable, is a very cool rock & roll track with a very good beat to it. Mix it, press it onto a CDS and release it to radio and both pop & rock fans should both start to request this on their local stations.
We then get to the interesting album closer. Where’d You Go has a little bit of an americana/blues feel to it, especially in the intro and in the vocal vibe. It is slightly (just slightly) reminiscent of a John Mayer-esque song. It is quite different from the rest of the album, and the demo feel of the song really works. It’s like a dessert after the main course. And it tastes very well!
Bascom Hill makes music that falls into the most crowded genre of music possible. So a lot of critics might say it sounds like this or that, say it is nothing we haven’t heard before, etc. etc. I tend to disagree. Yes, there are similarities with other bands, I named a few myself. But Bascom Hill manages to display a sound of their own, and they bring quality, intensity and enthusiasm to the table. They show they have what it takes to make it. “Inevitable” is a record that shows diversity within the genre and shows that the band can easily pull off that variety. There is a high level of songwriting, convincing and believable delivery of the songs and an overall class that makes them not only noticeable but also ranks them among the top acts in their genre.
You’re a falling star
You’re the getaway car
You’re the line in the sand
When I go to far
You’re the swimming pool
On an august day
And you’re the perfect thing to say
And you play it coy but it’s kinda cute
Oh when you smile at me you know exactly what you do
Baby don’t pretend that you don’t know it’s true
Cause you can see it when I look at you
And in this crazy life
And through these crazy times
It’s you
It’s you
You make me sing
You’re every line
You’re every word
You’re everything
You’re a carousel
You’re a wishing well
And you light me up
When you ring my bell
You’re a mystery
You’re from outer space
You’re every minute of my every day
And I can’t believe that I’m your man
And I get to kiss you baby just because I can
Whatever comes our way
We’ll see it through
And you know that’s what our love can do
And in this crazy life
And through these crazy times
It’s you
It’s you
You make me sing
You’re every line
You’re every word
You’re everything
And so la la la la
So la la la la
And in this crazy life
And through these crazy times
It’s you
It’s you
You make me sing
You’re every line
You’re every word
You’re everything
You’re every song
And I sing along
Cause you’re my everything
As a venue, the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay has few competitors in terms of its intimacy and charm.
Staunchly looking out over the glittering waters of the bay, its white structure is a lone beacon in the gloom of the night, offering a welcome shelter from the bitter wind.
The modest, virtuous structure played host to a gig which would never have had the same atmosphere if it had been held anywhere else: this was truly a case of the surroundings complementing the music perfectly.
Reykjavík-based Hjaltalín are chart-toppers back home in Iceland and produce beautiful, stirring music that could easily be mentioned in the same breath as Grizzly Bear. Without wanting to put a crude, Scandinavian spin on this, the Norwegian Church seems to be the most aptly-picked of venues for their Welsh debut.
*****
But first up were Newbury nu-folk quartet Dry the River.
“Soaring” has become a clichéd reviewphemism for particularly scintillating harmonies, but it really does best describe the collective vocals that are their trademark.
Singer Peter Liddle’s voice evokes the haunting vulnerability of Jeff Buckley in songs that, through their simplistic arrangements, are perfectly designed to showcase the fragile harmonies of Liddle, guitarist Matthew and bassist Scott.
Songs like Demons and Night Owls drew upon the folk heritage of either side of the Atlantic which lulled the audience, most of whom were sat on the wooden floor, into a blissful reverie.
This minimalist template was rarely broken by the odd more powerful burst, and finally by the (relatively) tumultuous Weights and Measures, which closed their six-song set.
Now the blissed-out folk of Fleet Foxes and Mumford and Sons et al is making steady inroads onto the mainstream, Dry the River have both the songsmithery and vocal prowess to get noticed, and when they get their chance they should fully deserve it.
↓ Dry the River play Weights and Measures at the Norwegian church
*****
I’ve heard Hjaltalín mentioned in the same breath as Sigur Rós, but in truth they are far more similar to Arcade Fire. Instead of icy soundscapes, their songs carry a raft of different inflections, such as Icelandic folk, gospel and chamber pop, but with a playful edge.
Their music’s main strength is its reliance on the full range of the band’s instruments: featuring a bassoon and violin as well as the usual suspects, they create a well-constructed collage of sounds that runs the whole gamut of emotions. Melancholy to euphoria and all the way back again, it’s all there and performed with gusto and soul.
While Hjaltalín’s two biggest songs – Traffic Music and Stay by You – are both beautifully rendered pop nuggets crowned by jubilant choruses, there is so much more to their sound.
While they are sometimes prone to orchestral sweeps, they are just as likely to go for beautiful understatement, and then a bit of jaunty folk for good measure. Their inability to rigidly stick to one sound is their greatest asset: songs such as Trailer Music for Rafskinna or the tender The Tree’s Don’t Like the Smoke showcase the huge range of styles they have absorbed.
Blonde singer/guitarist Axel and vocalist Sigga swap and share the vocal leads throughout, adding a soulful element to the ensemble’s sweep, and injecting some charm into the proceedings.
If the band do fall down anywhere, it’s on an ode to a topless British chef and, um, Frosty Jack’s. Despite being as musically adept as the rest of their catalogue, the lyrics of “kosher cider” and “Frosty Jack’s….” take away from the sweeping beauty of the music. Although it did make me laugh quite a bit.
But that’s a small, small gripe in a set that was a true joy to behold. Hjaltalín make music that is so gorgeously, unashamedly beautiful that it surely can’t be that long before people outside of their volcanic homeland start to notice.
↓ Hjaltalín play Traffic Music at the Norwegian Church
GIG #3 – M7 Street Fair, Central Phoenix, 11am-3pm, 03/06/10
Most Fairs have music whether they are art fairs, street fairs, or fairs in the park. The organizers of a fair contract certain groups to play on stages throughout the fair to provide a fun, energetic atmosphere. Also, certain booths will play music (live or off an ipod) to attract passersby. Music in these atmospheres is a necessity. Walking along, booth after booth gets monotonous and tiresome. Walking past booths or stages with music provides a release and shows the senses something different.
A contact we made through the networking event introduced us to some people who had a booth in the M7 Street Fair. They had a business along the route and were already looking for music to put in front to attract people. They had an open hour and told us to come by.
We set up on a sidewalk and just started playing. We definitely attracted attention and we drew people from the main drag down the side street to the business. Also, we got a lot of smiles. It is amazing how much people enjoy live music. Walking by, they would stop turn and enjoy the sounds for a few minutes. Occasionally people would even start to dance or bob their heads in time with the music.
When our hour was up, we had heard there was a car show at the end of the street and none of the music sounds carried that far down. We grabbed our equipment and started walking down the street fair. We passed a music stage with a band playing a Caribbean style song that quite a few people had stopped to enjoy. After that we passed kids games and booths and the music started to fade. By the time we got to the car show portion of the street fair, the air was dead- the only sound was a car starting up to rev it’s engine once an hour. We set up the music just in front and between two cars after telling the owners we were bringing them some music. As soon as we started to play, we saw everyone’s head turn to look. With our name on our equipment, everyone, also, knew exactly who we were. We also set out a stool with a few business cards on it so everyone who was interested in the music could learn more.
One by one, people came up to us and took business cards, complimented our sound, told us where else we should play, thanked us for playing, and on and on. Before we knew it, we had played 4 hours that day. Every minute of it was fun, enjoyable, and got us tons of exposure.
Lesson- Play Anywhere! Play to help out friends of friends. Play for the people. Play to brighten people’s day. Play to have fun. Play to play. Also, get a battery operated system to be able to play anywhere (or play acoustic) and if you do not know where or how to convert to a battery operated system, comment back and we’ll blog about that too!
According to Aili’s website, she is the Queen of Sound. That’s a bold and regal title.
So take her current digital single Shiny Shiny! which is an upbeat happy song, not sure she is truly the reigning queen, but we have a lot more to look forward to…
AILI’s Official website is showing her new album is dropping April 14th. So expect to hear more about her. You can preorder her CD from CDJAPAN.
Buy her single Shiny Shiny! where ever digital singles are sold.
Watch the video for Shiny Shiny! below and get all futuristic-piano-like!
Like everything in my life, I was late to the Drake game too. Figures. Here’s his new single, just released yesterday. I was having trouble figuring out if the Wayne was on the start of the track or not. I guess that’s what you get when Weezy’s your company.
<- To clarify this is a picture of Kana Nishino, NOT of me living under a rock.
Apparently Kana Nishino debuted with SME Records Newcome Inc. in 2008.
I saw her cover for her single “Best Friend” I thought it was cute and I liked the circle lenses (because THAT’s what makes a good singer. NOT XP ) so I gave it a listen and I remember thinking “Oh god! She’s climbing to higher notes! DON’T DO IT!!” But it wasn’t squeaky, it was strong, and… really good. O.O Haha, this is what happens when you listen to too much Momusu, you forget that Japanese artists actually can sing. and Kana Nishino is not exception, she’s got a really great voice.
Anyone interested in giving her a listen can go here: Japanese Music Dream it’s got a discography, and it’s on MediaShare (my FAVORITE server ) Remember to thank her/him (I dunno which) at the bottom uploading that much stuff takes time.
I can’t figure out who she sounds like, she reminds me of someone, but I can’t remember the name XP. Point is, she has fun songs, a REALLY good voice, it definitely leans towards pop to the point it’s falling over XP yeah, she’s pop. But it’s nice to hear pop with a good voice, finding that is almost as difficult as finding me outside in the sun. XD
Also, I’d like to point out her English pronunciation is quite amazing.
Some stuff from Wiki:
“Nishino studied English at Eikaiwa from an early age, and went to America twice. She then was interested in various genres of music, including hip-hop, R&B and reggae. But she also enjoyed Japanese literature, and started singing Japanese folk songs.” [My side note: I left the hyperlink in Eikaiwa for those who don't know what those are Knowledge = Power XD Sorry, I totally had to write that though.]
“In 2007 while preparing to be a singer, she was also studying English literature at university.” Well this certainly explains her ability to have great pronunciation when it comes to English.
Also, I just realized I haven’t posted her cover for “Best Friend” XP
Isn’t it cute? I loe it!!! It totally screams “AIR BRUSHED!” though, but hey, aren’t they all? Aren’t those great Circle lenses?
I’m glad that the radio at work and my sister introduced me to La Roux, because I really like the music. Although it sometimes can get to much or in certain moods I won’t like to listen to this pop music. Anyway, this song have been on repeat this morning. It’s not so… Intense… as some of the songs, rather comfy and cute. I really like it! Enjoy ≈!
International Music – The Price of Silence -New and improved – Introduction by Laurence Fishburne
United Nations – Bring Peace to our World.
AmnestyUSA Youtube Channel writes:
http://www.amnestyusa.org
http://www.linktv.org/
A music video that brings together 16 of the worlds top musicians—some of whom have fled oppressive regimes—in a rousing musical plea to guarantee human rights for all.
The track, donated by Aterciopelados and arranged by fusion music guru Andres Levin, combines the voices of Hugh Masekela, Julieta Venegas, Stephen Marley, Angelique Kidjo, Yungchen Lhamo, Aterciopelados, Yerba Buena, Natacha Atlas, Rachid Taha, Kiran Ahluwalia, Chiwoniso and Emmanual Jal with those of U.S. artists Natalie Merchant, and Chali 2Na of Jurassic 5. Introduction by Laurence Fishburne.
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON ITUNES
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-price-of-silence-ep/id297757598
Video produced by: Link TV: Television Without Borders for Amnesty International
Directed by: Joshua Atesh Litle
Music produced by: Andres Levin for Music Has No Enemies
Nacional Records
Photos courtesy of Magnum Photos
I think someone just made the dream come true for the guitarists among us and built the ‘rolex’ of guitar FX thus saving us buying dozens of not-so-cheap pedals tryin’ to nail the perfect driven sound. TC Electronics might want to send me one to…err..test..!
Reverendo Brown: Live Music Review Razzamatazz 3, Feb 2010, Barcelona, Spain
Tengo que decir que me gustan “Reverendo Brown“. Este quinteto de pop/rock de Barcelona, absorben influencias de diferentes estilos y tendencias musicales.
El resultado final es bastante agradable; sus animadas canciones tienen un toque oculto de tristeza que debera de emerger. Luego volver a esto. La banda ya ha demostrado su bro, pasando a las semi-finales del concurso de bandas Emergenza”
**Puntos lgidos del concierto
La segunda cancin de la noche, “Lucirnagas”, arranc con una intro de teclado genial, fundindose en un sonido de guitarra al estilo “Radiohead”. Unida a la energa y la confianza de la voz, esta cancin no defraud al pblico.
“Pupilas” me gust mucho. Esta cancin se desarrolla con un filo brit-rock de guitarra y bajo, encarnada con una bella voz a lo ” Siouxsie Sioux“. Creo que esta es una de sus canciones ms potentes. Aunque quiz la cancin podra ser aun ms potente con alguna voz masculina.
“El lado fresquito de la Almohada“. Personalmente creo que deberan entrar a concurso de Eurovisin con esta cancin. Es uno de sus nmeros ms rock espaol independiente, ante la cual el pblico se mueve, cabecea y baila inmediatamente. Las melodas melodas del teclado destacan especialmente, poniendo las manos del pblico en el aire. Rben a la batera pone toda su fuerza con la caja y el hi-hat. La cancin es casi perfecta. Aunque para mi, deberan dejar ms espacio entre estrofas, menos letra o espacios ms amplios. Me encantara escuchar una versin “house” de esta cancin. Enviadla a Paul Oakenfold… creo que ser un hit!
Reverendo Brown toc una versin de “Creep”, la famossima cancin de Radiohead. Esto mostr el lado mas serio de la banda. Lo mejor es que la llevaron perfectamente, la precisin de la cancin mostr un aspecto ms delicado y emocional de la banda. Se mostraron en armona con la cancin. La lnea de batera le dio el toque rtmico y familiar. Esto muestra que la banda promete a la hora de tocar canciones emotivas en su repertorio. Quiero ver ms de este tipo!
“Vampiros” es donde las melodas del teclado se ven orientadas hacia algo como The Killers.
Con el paso bien marcado, la banda se despidi de nosotros con otra de sus canciones mas potentes y con ms fuerza: “Malo Final“. Con esta cancin superaron, aunque por poco, “El lado fresquito de la almohada“
Yo dira que si estis en un escenario difcil, Reverendo Brown, tocad “Malo Final” la primera para animar al pblico desde el principio. Genial chicos!!
Puntos dbiles del concierto
No hay muchos defectos que destacar sobre el grupo. Como he dicho, creo que deberan empezar el show con un toque mas indie que les aleje de ser tachados de “tpica banda de pop espaol”. Reverendo Brown se merecen ms que eso y con sus dos canciones ms potentes y Creep, muestran una profunda musicalidad capaz de tocar emocionalmente.
Tristemente, las principales influencias tiran mas hacia el lado pop, lo cual esta bien, pero no lo suficiente como para que sobresalgan como alternativo o diferente.
Las lneas de guitarra Brit-Indie de Rafa me gustaron mucho; y la fusin entre este estilo y el pop rock espaol (vase la direccin de Vetusta Morla), toma mucha vida!
Estbaliz, la cantante, necesita moverse bastante ms en el escenario. Interacciona perfectamente con el resto de la banda, pero da una impresin esttica encima del escenario. Mi consejo es que se acerque ms al publico, entretenerse mas con el resto de la banda. Hubo interaccin entre ellos en el escenario pero se podra mejorar en las canciones ms lentas y con las voces masculinas que le dara otra dimensin de unidad en el grupo.
Sobre Reverendo Brown, sus influencias y sus componentes
Estbaliz notablemente muestra influencias de estrellas del pop/rock espaol. Su sonido es bastante parecido a la de bandas como “La Oreja de van Gogh”. Sorprendentemente, la voz, dirigida por el sonido del resto de la banda, a veces suena bastante a “Siouxsie & the Banshees”. Un buen toque! Habiendo dicho esto, aparte de la comparacin obvia, la guitarra se inclina hacia sonidos de Radiohead, o REM, o de la escena Brit/Indie de los principios de los 90.
Detrs de los teclados est Alfredo, principal compositor de las canciones, que aade magnficamente los ritmos y acordes ambientales, dando a la banda grandes himnos. Es difcil situar exactamente sus influencias, un poco de todo pero ahora mismo se me ocurre que asemeja a Brandon Flowers de The Killers.
Conceptual Effects: The diction employed in Lady Macbeth’s speech is dark and tormented, as she mentions blood and fear. There is a lack of figurative language in Lady Macbeth’s speech. Her statements are simple, as she cannot speak in verse, much less to form figurative language
Musical Effects: Lady Macbeth’s speech stands out in this scene as the most important, and it is notable that her speech is in prose, which is reminiscent of the porter’s speech, when he was drunk. This conveys to us that Lady Macbeth has been affected in the mind as well, as she is walking in her sleep. In her last lines, Lady Macbeth says ‘come, come, come, come…’ and repeats the phrase ‘to bed’ multiple times, this adds to the strangeness of Lady Macbeth’s speech.
Scene 2:
Conceptual Effects: Menteith and Caithness mentions ‘anger’, as well as ‘madness’ in reference to Macbeth. This clearly shows their revulsion at Macbeth’s actions. In terms of figurative language, Lennox states “Or so much as it needs, To dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds.” Referring to the amount of blood that has to be spilled, where the sovereign flower is Malcolm, and the weeds being Macbeth. This is also an example of the use of nature imagery once again. The distribution of lines in this scene is even creating a serious discussion between these nobles.
Musical Effects: The nobles are speaking in normal verse. Lennox, being the last speaker in the scene ends with a rhyme: “Or so much as it needs, To dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds.” Which has been fairly consistent in the play.
Scene 3:
Conceptual Effects: In this scene, Macbeth speaks the most. His speech consists of demands, and insults. This is especially surprising, as even though Macbeth had not always kept his composure, his most common reaction was fear, not anger. This may reveal increasing desperation of his situation, even though Macbeth claims otherwise. He calls the servant ‘villain’, ‘lily-livered boy’, ‘patch’ and ‘whey-face’ all of which would be considered insulting in the context of the play. In terms of figurative language, Macbeth states: “My way of life Is fall’n into the sere, the yellow leaf…” meaning the yellowing leaves of autumn. in this case, Macbeth compares his age to the aging of nature, once again.
Musical Effects: There are many breaks in Macbeth’s lines, as he is addressing two people, the doctor and Seyton. This creates language which seems rushed and hectic, as Macbeth is not addressing each of the individually, but in the same line (49-59). As per usual, the scene ends in a rhyming couplet spoken by the doctor “Were I from Dunsinane away and clear, Profit again should hardly draw me here.”
Scene 4:
Conceptual Effects: Malcolm takes on the role of leader in this scene, this is evident by the number of lines he has, and also the content, as he tries to inspire the soldiers with him. The scene is quite short, but from it, it seems Malcolm is more capable of inspiring, while Siward seems more realistic, as he knows this will end in violence (16-21).
Musical Effects: The final lines by Siward point towards the impending battle, and as it is the closing lines of the scene, they are spoken in rhyming couplet.
Scene 5:
Conceptual Effects: Macbeth’s remarks on the fear he no longer feels is backed by diction such as ‘fears’, ’dismal treatise’, ‘horrors’. He has become to accustomed and seemingly desensitized to fear, and he remains adamant that his castle will not fall to siege.
Musical Effects: In the closing lines spoken by Macbeth, they are almost all spoken in rhyme. The idea of equivocation is mentioned again in this speech, which is a continuation of what the porter had said. The way in which Macbeth speaks is noble, but what he speaks of is sorrowful and reckless. The repetition of ‘tomorrow’ (17-27) and the whole speech creates the feeling that Macbeth is growing weary of his life, as if tomorrow kept coming endlessly.
Scene 6:
Conceptual Effects: Malcolm speaks most in this scene, However, Macduff’s used of diction in the line “Those clamorous harbingers of blood and death.” Foreshadows the destruction to come later
Musical Effects: There is no rhyming within Malcolm’s line, however, there is in Siward and Macduff’s lines. The lines are short however, and it is seems to indicate that the mood is serious as these men are preparing to march to battle
Scene 7:
Conceptual Effects: The dialogue between Macbeth and young Siward is short and heated, and they speak rudely to each other. In Macduff’s speech, he is the opposite of Macbeth, he is serious in demanding a confrontation with Macbeth.
Musical Effects: Immediately before and after his confrontation with Young Siward, Macbeth speaks in rhyme, and he states that he laughs at the weapons held by a woman born man. This seems to make Macbeth careless and reckless, as even in a time of a battle, he is speaking with flair.
Scene 8:
Conceptual Effects: A lot transpires over the course of this scene. In terms of language, diction pertaining to blood, death and weapons reoccur. This suggests the conclusion of his life is near, and he bravely fights Macduff. For the initial segment of the scene, Macbeth and Macduff both have prominent speaking roles, and then, they fight. The play ends with a speech by Malcolm, which in effect summarizes and concludes the reign of Macbeth. In the speech, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are described as “…this dead butcher and his fiendlike queen,” and a sense of justice seems to be achieved in overthrowing them.
Musical Effects: The use of language becomes more positive after Macbeth is killed, The use of exclamation is not in shock or distress, but rather as celebration, and the final lines, as always end in rhyme.
Act Analysis:
Lady Macbeth:
Out, damn’d spot! out, I say!—One; two: why, then
’tis time to do’t.—Hell is murky.—Fie, my lord, fie, a soldier, and
afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our
pow’r to accompt?—Yet who would have thought the old man to
have had so much blood in him?
Macbeth:
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!’
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
These two speeches are similar, as they both signify the end of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, but the presentation of the thoughts are very different. In Lady Macbeth’s speech, she is speaking in prose, and in disjointed segments, this is significant when she says ‘Hell is murky.’, as if she was interrupting herself also, these lines are not even in length, and have no rhyme or rhythm to them, the lines often continue with enjambment, and it is clear to the reader Lady Macbeth is not well.
This is not the case in Macbeth’s speech. In terms of language, he is clear in his expression of thoughts, and the speech has a somber and melancholy rhythm to it. Opposed to Lady Macbeth’s speech, it is written in verse. Additionally, Macbeth repeats the word ‘To-morrow’ to great effect, as it expresses his boredom with life, as it seems to keep dragging on and on. Lady Macbeth does not have the opportunity to express herself so clearly and with such artistry.
This contrast reveals the difference in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s character, and solidifies the roles they play which have since been reversed. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth was shocked by the murder of which he committed, but now, the person to pay for it is his wife, who has encouraged Macbeth to follow with his murder.
Antarctica
The Glitch
Nothing Much
Forty Watt Friends
The Lines You Place
Theme Song
Versions of Me
Keeping Time
Sleeping Song
You Could Never Know
In Closing
There’s a lot going on with this cassette release, and it’s all incredible. There’s an honesty here that flows through every genre that’s on this, and there’s no excess of anything. Well paced, well structured and just lovely.
I’ve already been exposed to such great music this year and it’s not even been a full two months! And now that I am home for two weeks I’ve caught up on a lot of music as well as posts I’ve been falsely promising for months. Oops! Anyways, by far the best LP I’ve heard this year is without a doubt by the wonderful Four Tet a.k.a. Keiran Hebdan, the Londonite who perfected his album while having residency at Plastic People. His first single “Love Cry” remains one of my favorite songs released last year and on his recently released LP, There Is Love In You. So, this mixtape is named after the awesomeness that is Four Tet but is not fully composed of Four Tet themed music. This mixtape is full of everything, the Balearic, in a sense. The lo-Fi hip-hop goodness of Gonjasufi all the way to the classic tunes of Billy Idol. As with all my mixtapes, it’s gonna make you groove =)
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Download: ATM’s Mixtape – Love Cry
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Playlist after the jump!
Download: ATM’s Mixtape – Love Cry
Playlist:
01 Major Lazer – Pon De Floor (Diplo’s Mixmag Redo)
I never got into Major Lazer despite the fact that it’s composed of two amazing producers Switch and Diplo. I knew this single was huge but never once felt the need to hear it for some reason. And when I did, I realise this is the song that’s been everywhere, in the clubs, in the sets of some pretty amazing DJ’s that performed at Montréal’s Igloofest. It was the song I heard the most being dropped. It is pretty awesome. It is a crowd pleaser. I listened to the mix that Diplo did a few months back for Mixmag and it’s a nice shorter version of the original.
I love Amanda Blank. Fierce woman, even truer live. This song is a mix of instrumentals of “Pon de Floor” and Blank’s fast vocals. I wish redo existed in a longer version. It is aweeeesome!
03 Massive Attack ft. Martina Topley-Bird – Psyche
Another great album of the year. Heligoland doesn’t live up to old school Massive Attack but it remains an amazing album nonetheless. Definitely doesn’t fulfill the hype of this album, especially since it got pushed back every single year…but ugh! Still worth the wait! This is my favorite song off the LP. Check out my other post on them to download this track!
04 T.T.C. – Quand je claque des doigts
The 3 MC’s: Teki Latex, Tido Berman, and Cuizinier make up this super popular French rap group. I love French rap because lyrically, it’s much more political, the flows are fucking smooth, and the beats aren’t filled with auto-tune and washed out techno beats like American rap tends to be these days. Though T.T.C. isn’t all that political nor are their lyrics anything to aspire to as they are ridiculously misogynist, their beats are incredible and their rapping style is dynamic and their flow compliments the beats so well. They also have many collaborations with Modeselektor! This is one of my favorite songs off of their third album 36 15 T.T.C.
05 Tinie Tempah – Pass Out
His real name is Patrick Okogwu. This young South Londoner is an MC and a rapper since the age of 16 and made it pretty big not too long after. He had this amazing single “Wifey” back in 2005 which gained a lot of hype underground but after a few months, with no more songs made, the grime artist that everyone thought would make it big totally didn’t…yet. Five years later he comes out with “Pass Out”, a towering of a song that moves away from the historical soundscapes of hip-hop and grime and dips the production into a mix of house, grime and dubstep…it sounds AWESOME! He is to release his FIRST album THIS YEAR! called the Disco-Overy. Meanwhile, check out his two tracks! I reaaaaaaaaaaally hope he makes it big after the album drops!
06 Die Antwoord – Whatever Man
07 Die Antwoord – Jou Ma Se Poes In A Fishpaste Jar
If you haven’t already heard of these guys…you must be living in a box. Or living with no internet. Which these days, is pretty much a box. Sad, I know. Anyways, they randomly popped up from NOWHERE and as they say, are taking over the interwebs with two AMAZINGLY produced videos and songs called “Zef Side” and “Enter the Ninja”. This South African group is composed of DJ Hi-Tek (not shown in the pic), Yo-Landi Vi$$er (left) and the COOLEST NAME EVER, NINJA!!! He is so badass. I personally think ninjas are better than pirates. Ahem anyways, Die Antwoord is Afrikaans for The Answer. This song’s title is “You Mom’s Cunt is in a Fishpaste Jar”.Their forthcoming album $0$ is AMAZING and is STREAMING on their website! I feel like they are the Ali G version of Juiceboxxx. With crazy personalities, unconventionally awesome tattoos equipped with ballsy Pink Floyd boxers, mad hair, mad style, catchy South African vernacular, aaaaaaaaaaaaand incredibly well produced beats along with videos that are a total mindfuck, it’s no WONDER these guys got on every single blog in under a month. Eff, I love these guys. TURN IT UP!
08 J Dilla – In the Night While You Slept (I Crept)
I love Jay Stay Paid which was released last year. This year, a mixtape came out called DILLmatic which is pretty much J. Dilla beats mixed with one of the most classic albums of all time, Nas’ Illmatic. It is SOLID.
09 Gonjasufi – Ancestors
10 Gonjasufi – Candylane
Before, he was known as Sumach. He lived in a caravan close to Las Vegas. He came from the ghettos of LA and his singular and unique voice sounds of dispirited frustrations, the tales of the streets, and the history behind his knowledge. Gaslamp Killer came into contact with him after hearing some unreleased tracks and brought him to LA, in contact with Flying Lotus as well as Mainframe. And eventually, Sumach became Gonjasufi. He is to release his album on March 8th called A Sufi and A Killer. I managed to get my hands on it to give it many listens beforehand and it is aaaaaaaaaall that people thought it would be after hearing the killer track produced by Flying Lotus, “Ancestors”. It is an amazing album, filled with deep, dark, and disturbing beats with lo-fi realities and psychedelic sound experimentation. It is an album to chill to. All thoughts just leave. Each track works together to create an indescribable emotional soundscape. It is by far one of the best hip-hop albums of the year for me.Taken from lastfm: In 2009 a voice will materialize from the windswept void of the California desert. At once haunting and oddly welcoming, it’s not your mind playing tricks on you, it’s Gonjasufi. Combining international psychedelia and the new-school beat diaspora, Gonjasufi’s dark songwriting, affecting vocals and street-mystic vibe will leave an indelible mark, as witnessed so far on collaborations with Flying Lotus and Gaslamp Killer.
11 MillionYoung – Chlorophyl
He’s from South Florida and released his first EP just last year called Sunndreamm. This is one of my favorite electronic (dream wave) albums of last year. I can’t find anything else on the guy nor can I describe his music and his art better than this (taken from lastfm): MillionYoung hypnagogic, late night, loping pop loops bloom in the shadows of delirious dream territories; Mike Diaz’s aching, arching, always overhead vocals floating lonely above an effervescent, imagined coastal paradise of found tribal drum snippets, syrupy synth rushing and brilliantly colourful, drawn-out circular guitars that just absolutely refuse to fade or break, shading braincells in never-lived nostalgia; making stomachs shift with strange sickness in a beautiful, unshakeable way.Wow.
12 RjD2 – Games You Can Win
No need for a long introduction for this DJ veteran. Best known for his single “Ghostwriter”, RjD2 started up his own label, RJ’s Electrical Connections, last year and released his 2010 album, the Colossus, last month. It’s not a super creative album like I expected it to be, it took me about 2 listens to start to get really into it. It’s not a bad listen but nothing special either. It’s a great chillout album and this is one of my most liked songs on the LP.
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Download: ATM’s Mixtape – Love Cry
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13 Billy Idol – Eyes Without A Face
One of the classic artists of all time! My favorite song of his, yes, more than “Rebel Yell”. This is one of his first singles back in 1984 and can be found on his famous LP Rebel Yell. Love love love love love!
14 Black Moth Super Rainbow – Colourful Nickels
Who this band consists of, no one knows. It’s mysterious, like their music is. They go by aliases: Tobacco (vocoder), who does most of the writing and production, Father Hummingbird (rhodes piano and monosynth), The Seven Fields Of Aphelion (monosynth), Ryan Graveface (bass and guitar) and Iffernaut (drums). Sweet. They released their latest album last year called Eating Us. I la la la looooove this band and this album is such a go to ambient chill out album for me. Their music is filled with weaving synths and shroomed out psychedelia…”Deep in the woods of western Pennsylvania vocoders hum amongst the flowers and synths bubble under the leaf-strewn ground while flutes whistle in the wind and beats bounce to the soft drizzle of a warm acid rain. As the sun peeks out from between the clouds, the organic aural concoction of Black Moth Super Rainbow starts to glisten above the trees.”
15 Lady Gaga – So Happy I Could Die
Ugh I can sense some of your faces contorting and already dismissing this entire playlist for having Lady Gaga here. There is a strong love hate relationship for her…and me, I personally LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Lady Gaga. I didn’t know who she was until she got super super famous. I kept hearing all these songs on the dance floor and everyone went wild for them and I somehow knew all the words to the songs despite having heard them a few times each and STILL didn’t know who sang them. Seeing her perform on SNL just last year sealed the deal for me. I saw her perform live on award shows and I admired her performance, her lack of fear in wearing whatever she wanted in whatever way she wanted to make a statement, personal or otherwise.Her emotional investment in her fans, her openness of her sexuality, her support for the LGBTQ community, and her appreciation of how she came to be Lady Gaga, are strong, true, and genuine. She is unafraid to make people talk, think, and gasp. She reminds me of Madonna circa the 80’s and early 90’s. Her voice is incredible and there is no doubt that “Poker Face”, “Paparazzi”, and “Just Dance” are incredible pop songs, songs that brought pop BACK! “Bad Romance” is a KILLER pop track and I catch myself just humming “Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah! Roma-Roma-ma-ah! Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!” and I hear others doing this too on the streets too! Whether or not you know it, whether or not you want it, you will be affected by the Gaga.
16 Breakbot – Baby I’m Yours (Siriusmo Remix)
Alright, so you know that tingly feeling you get in your stomach when you see that perfect match? you know, love at first sight? well that’s feeling that Breakbot will give you. the “baby, i’m yours ep” is your latest crush, and believe me, she won’t let you down. TURN IT UP!!!
17 James Pants – We’re Through
I recently discovered this guy and got his album Welcome which was released in 2008. His music is tough to categorize as his influences range from electro boogie, disco, funk, soul, aaaaaaaaaand a bit of rap. This is one of my favorite songs because it is ooooh sooo funky!
18 Fax Yourself – Sunshine (Hercules and Love Affair Dub)
I couldn’t find a picture of these guys let alone a little blurb as to who they are. All I know is that they’re a group from the 80’s. And this makes sense because H&LA is aaaaaaaaaaaall up on that 80’s disco funk. Renaissance, a British club brand that has hosted massive club names like Eric Prydz, Steve Lawler, Hernan Cattaneo, Sander Kleinenberg, Danny Howells and James Zabiela, recently launched a new compilation series called Sidetracked.I’ve seen Andy Butler spin a few times in Edmonton and this compilation is exactly like his set, super old school disco, funk, and amazing house loops. What I like a lot about Sidetracked is that the first side is the DJ’s mix, and the second side are the original songs…so it’s great to hear the original track and the alterations in the mixed set.Sidetracked is a great compilation that can be put up there along with Body Language’s Compilations. The entire H&LA Sidetracked is amaaaaaaaaazing and this is one of my favorite songs.
19 Four Tet – Sing
I’ve already said a lot about Keiran Hebdan. Check out my many other posts on the guy. There is no doubt that There Is Love In You is my favorite album so far in the year. Chilling, haunting, yet overwhelmingly heartwarming. Please please by this LP, better yet buy it in vinyl! “Sing” is one of my favorite songs on the album. Also! Check out a great interview of Four Tet here!
20 Gramophonedzie – Why Dont You
Marko Milicevic (Gramophonedzie) has been working as a DJ for over 15 years. GramophoneDzie samples the 1940’s Peggy Lee track called “Get Me Some Money”. Reminiscent of Parov Stelar, the production blends some funk, tribal, and nujazz elements in making one of the catchiest dance tracks of this year. This is by far his most popular track and he’s shooting to the top of DJ sets as well as electronic charts. “Why Don’t You” is an infectious dance track…TURN IT UP!
21 Ellie Goulding – Under the Sheets (Jakwob Remix)
Taken from lastfm: Ellie Goulding is a British female singer-songwriter. Born in Hereford, she grew up in Kington, Herefordshire and currently lives in London. Touring since 2008 she released her debut single Under The Sheets on November 16th 2009. The track was produced by Starsmith, who she has been working with since the very beginning of her career. Her debut album will be released on the 1st of March 2010 and is named Lights.I can’t find much info on Jakwob but this remix is killer compared to the original.
22 Annie – Songs Remind Me of You
I love love Annie. Check out my previous posts for more songs and biographical bits. This is still one of my favorite dance tracks to start off my nights in 2010.
23 We Plants Are Happy Plants – Apollo
He is from Budapest. His name is Peter Bergmann. This track is epic. EPIC. In all senses of the word. This is perfect music for cruising in your car at night, going through tunnels and past nightlamps and speeding through the road, speeding through life and escaping whatever it is that you need to escape from. I think We Are Binary explains it best: This song is perfect for a night drive when you’re alone in your car. Just driving out to meet some friends at a bar in Hollywood feels like you’re on your way to save the world, or maybe to save a beautiful girl. You know what its like. You see/meet a girl/guy, and all of a sudden knowing them is the ONLY thing that matters in the world. Thats what music like this is really for.
24 Shane Koyczan – Atlantis!
OOOOOOOOOOO Shane Koyczan. He is a Canadian slam poet. He’s won tons of awards and if you watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics (Oh god it was horrible—and I also hate the olympics), you have already heard him. He was the best part of the ceremonies with his spoken word. He released his only “album” in 2007 called A Pretty Decent Cape In My Closet and it is filled with some of the most conscious, political, clever, and heartfelt spoken pieces I have heard in a while. I am a big fan of Poetry Slams and attended the huge annual Slam at the Bowery Poetry Club in New York not more than a month ago and heard from huge names but none of them, to me, rivals his Performance.Taken from Writers Festival: Shane Koyczan is a spoken word performance artist whose stage presence is legendary. He is where poetry, philosophy, social and political commentary, stand-up comedy and raw emotion come together. He takes audiences from pin-dropping silence to howling laughter to wild applause and cheering, and back again. This is poetry for people who think they don’t like poetry.
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Download: ATM’s Mixtape – Love Cry
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<- To clarify this is a picture of Kana Nishino, NOT of me living under a rock. 
) Remember to thank her/him (I dunno which) at the bottom 
XXXXX([]u[])y~
I think someone just made the dream come true for the guitarists among us and built the ‘rolex’ of guitar FX thus saving us buying dozens of not-so-cheap pedals tryin’ to nail the perfect driven sound. TC Electronics might want to send me one to…err..test..!
There’s a lot going on with this cassette release, and it’s all incredible. There’s an honesty here that flows through every genre that’s on this, and there’s no excess of anything. Well paced, well structured and just lovely.
