Some of the stuff here is going to make you want to hop, some of it is going to make you want to hug. I shall call this my Hug-hop compilation.
We'll start hoppy and go huggy later.
1. Casio Kids - Finn bikkjen!
I have no idea what these Swedish scamps are singing about, but I'd wager 11 shillings and sixpence that it's not about someone dying. This is a happy, hoppy (last time) track that I really should've found at the beginning of the summer rather than the end. But hey-ho, who's to say this can't be your 'soundtrack to the autumn'... Not quite the same though is it...
If anyone speaks Swedish out there, I would love a brief synopsis.
2. Vampire Weekend - The Kids Don't Stand A Chance (Chromeo mix)
Turns out this is a special collaboration, not just some bootleg Chromeo rustled up in his shed. I heard this track before I heard the original. I don't like the original now. This is just a really, really top class tune. Simple, retro beat with some nice little gurgles and Mr Vamp's Police-esque ("Don't stand, don't stand, don't stand so close to me-ee") delightful vocals over the top. The breakdown is a bit of a corker as well - the fella's got a voice on him I tell ya!
3. The xx - Crystalised
I pre-ordered the album by these South Londoners in July and have literally been sitting with my face in the letterbox ever since. It finally arrived last week and I wasn't disappointed. I spent my entire walk home today trying to categorise it. I've come up with 'Space-age Slut Pop'. For those of you familiar with Fujiya & Miyagi, that's the closest comparison I can think of, although these slutboxes are streets ahead, and far less annoying. It's catchy as hell, but in a really dirty way. Crystalised is probably their stickiest track, hence why I have put it in (as your musical vicar I am hell-bent [sic] on converting you). I love the boy&girl vocals and the guitar on the chorus is so simple that it absolutely shouldn't be as fantastic as this. These guys will be huge.
Enough waffling, dig in (then buy the album!):
4. Passion Pit - Sleepyhead
This album came out a good while ago, but I still think this track is straight out the top drawer. I never understood that expression - isn't the top drawer always socks or cutlery?
Once you get past the fact that the guy can't really sing and just kind of shrieks his way through the track it's actually a mighty fine bit of electronic twinkling. And if - God forbid - you don't like it, then fear not! It's only 2.58 long.
5. Department Of Eagles - No One Does It Like You
Rob da Bank once said: "If it's American, and it's not from Brooklyn or Austin, it's not worth it's salt." I'm not sure that's exactly what he said, but you get the point. These guys are from Brooklyn, so by definition they must be good.
Sweeping quotes from my musical Yoda aside, these Noo Yoikers are definitely on the weird end of the oddometer. I've picked one of the most normal tracks for you here, just to break you in gently. If you like this, and you want to go weirder, check out their debut album. Unclassifiable stuff.
6. The Notwist - One With The Freaks
I met my favourite person over a conversation about The Notwist. Actually, it was more like an argument over how this it's pronounced. All those in favour of The No Twist say ayyyy. All those in favour of The Not Wist say yeeeeee. It's a tough one isn't it? I was thinking about emailing them for phonetical clarification...
This is from the album 'Neon Golden', and it's lovely. They are German, and I'm a big fan of foreign bands who sing in English (Kings of Convenience, Phoenix etc.) as they always write very 'almost-but-not-quite' lyrics. If you like this, then 'Chemicals' and 'Consequence' are my two other favourites.
7. Lisa Hannigan - I Don't Know
This is for all you Regina Spektor/one woman and a guitar lovers. Lovely voice? Check. Sweet melodies? Check. Songs about love? Check. I think this is the girl who made Damien Rice famous. It's not going to change the world, but those plinky violins are nice donchathink? They remind me of 'Dance With You' by Kings of Convenience.
8. Sweet Billy Pilgrim - Kalypso
Mercury-nominated, but they shouldn't win. This track is a melancholy masterpiece, but the album disappoints if I'm honest. Don't let that spoil your enjoyment of this little folky wonder. It's folking amazing. Oh dear.
9. Louie Austen - Hoping (Herbert's High Dub)
As with Blip tradition (is it tradition when this is only the second time?), my last track is an oldie. This is one of my favourite songs. Ever. It's a long intro, but don't get greedy, just stay calm and wait for the vocal. Try and listen to this on good speakers - the bass is really squelchy.
A faultless track (in my humble opinion).
Until we meet again.
-----------End of transmission------------
Posts
