Just a quick one this month as I am rushing around trying to festivitise myself.
First, some admin. As promised I now have a Spotify Account - ask and you shall receive peoples! My username is catratbat and the December 2010 playlist is now up on my profile. If anyone is experienced in this field and knows if there is a way to link Youtube playlists to Spotify it would save me a lot of time on the back catalogue! So just 'follow' me or whatever you cool kids do and hopefully you should be able to listen (although one track - the Jim O'Rourke one - isn't available on Spotify)
Secondly, Chip's Blips is now also on Twitter (@Chipsblipsblog). This will supplement the monthly playlists, and hopefully give you more instant access to CB's favourite songs of the day/week.
So if either of those things mean anything to you - fantastic.
If they don't then fear not; I have a wonderful selection of Winter Warmers for you, to tide you over this frosty festive period. No time to write about each song, but there are some old, some new and all beautiful. I hope you enjoy it as much as me.
Much love and a very Merry Christmas to one and all. Until we meet again in 2011.
Welcome to the coldest edition of Chip's Blips this year! It's so bloomin' freezing outside that you might as well just put the kettle on, make yourself a nice cuppa and relax to the dulcit tones of this month's edition. Over and over again. Possibly with some other stuff in between, but obviously depends how much you like the playlist.
Speaking of playlists, I've had multiple requests from Blippers that I create each month's se
lection on Spotify as well as YouTube. Well, you will be glad to know that I am listening to the people and there shall be Spotify versions from December onwards (no time this month - exam hell).
So, what have we got this month? Well you're just going to have to click 'play' to find out aren't you!
1. Sun Kil Moon - Alesund
One of my favourite artists and albums (Admiral Fell Promises) of 2010. For all of you Bon Iver fans, this is an absolute must purchase. He has an unbelievable voice, the melodies are soft and delicate and the guitar is creative without being too complicated. Perfection. Hopefully this slow, sleepy beauty will get you off to a flyer.
2. M83 - Graveyard Girl
An o
ld one, but M83 seem to be one
of those bands that have accidentally passed a lot of people by who should absolutely love them. Well if this is you, you're in luck! This is from their amazing album 'Saturdays = Youth' and without wanting to sound like a broken record, this is another one that should most definitely be in your life in hard-copy form. The Twilight-esque girl talking over the track halfway through is admittedly a little odd, but I promise it doesn't happen again on the album and what's more, it contributes to an amazing break. (p.s. ignore the video!)
3. Bear In Heaven - Lovesick Teenagers
Another product of the American Lo-fi Factory rolls off the assembly line. When they're good, they're really really good. I lo
ve the switch from menacing intro to the dreamy middle whilst managing to keep to the same riff (cheeky change of instrument). And the chorus line: "Lovesick teenagers/ don't ever die/ they will live forever", is a scary prospect indeed.
4. Catwalk - (Please) Don't Break Me
Another (sorry!). This time they've gone a little bit Beach Boys on us, with plucky guitars and faded vocals. And it's another sub-1000 views tracks for all you lovers of fresh fresh music that no one else has heard in your circle of friends, allowing you to use it as a cool badge and hopefully get some respect/a
doration/sex.
5. Matthew Dear - Honey
From his new album 'Black City', the master of ambient techno unleashes his synthetic juices all over Chip's Blips. "Matthew! Clean that up!"
It's a slow, moody number that builds slowly and then fades away as slowly as it started. A snapshot into Mr Dear's glitching cerebellum. (wow)
6. How To Dress Well - You Won't Need Me Where I'm Goin'
"Girl/ you don't ever have to worry bout me no
more" - you fool! Girls want to worry about you, that's what they like doing! Jeeeez, hasn't this kid learnt anything? Well apart from how to play musical instruments and start an awesome band that make awesome songs? No, didn't think so!
7. Smith Westerns - Weekend
Remember when I put that Two Door Cinema Club track 'Undercover Martyn' on here (before they were famous *ahem*)? Well, I did, and I remember saying that all you need to make a corker of a song is a catchy but mind-blowingly simple riff. Here is another example. The only way I wasn't going to like this song after hearing the first 8 seconds was if Billy Bragg had come in 'singing' (the loosest possible definition) over the top of it. Thankfully, he didn't, and I love it.
8. Crystal Castles ft. Robert Smith - I'm Not In Love
HELL FRICKIN YES. What happens when you put nu-rave geniuses in a studio with frizzy-haired ex-Cure genius Robert Smith? This ABSOLUTE MONSTER. LOVE IT.
+
=
9. The Books ft. José Gonzalez - Cello Song
One of my favourite ever songs, covered by one of my favourite artists. What could go wrong? Well, as it turns out, absolutely nothing at all. It is from an album called Dark Was The Night - cover tracks from every single amazing band in the world (nearly): Arcade Fire, Grizzly Bear, Bon Iver, The National, Feist, Yeasayer, Sufjan Stevens... And all proceeds go to charity. Everyone wins!
Well, that's all i have time for this month.
Until we meet again in December for a Christmas 'fireside edition'. Prepare the mulled wine!
Ahoy there, one and all! Chip's Blips is back again to bring you another smattering of melodious musical merriment. Quite an Indie-heavy playlist this month, with lots of new things and a couple of familiar faces as usual.
Sit back, put those headphones on and crank that dial!
1. Twin Shadow - I Can't Wait
Wow, the 80s the 80s! The ghost of Freddie Mercury rears his mustachioed head here in the form of Twin Shadow, another Brooklyn funkster who enjoys facial hair and stripey t-shirts. Never mind all that though, this song is genius. Pure sunshine, and that chorus: "you know she loves my moves" is just ridiculously catchy. Two thumbs up! (would be 3 if I had another thumb)... (N.B. If you really really like it then he is playing tomorrow - 28th Oct - at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen. Go!)
2. Deer Hunter - Desire Lines
Now the beginning of this song may sound exactly like this Arcade Fire song, but fear not, it morphs into something original and very lovely in it's own right. And what indie band hasn't been influenced by those Canadian visionaries? This is taken from Deerhunter's new album, which is apparently an absolute gem, so if you like this, buy that. Their last album Microcastle is very good too. And let's talk about the track name. Do you know what desire lines are? Well, I'm going to tell you. They are the lines that you see on grass in parks where multiple people have walked the same line to get somewhere faster. Good huh?
3. Obel - Just So
I think this was on an advert at some point but I don't care, it's beautiful. A winter classic. [Makes mental note to do a December playlist full of cosy, sad and slow beauties].
4. Maximum Balloon ft. Theophilus London - Groove Me
From the sublime to the very nearly ridiculous. This is one of the most original songs i've heard since I wrapped my ears around Everything Everything back in June. If you don't like it on the first listen, be a little bit patient and I promise this will get to you eventually. It builds so nicely, has so many different little sub-songs within it that you can't really be bored listening. Brilliant.
5. The Walkmen - Angela Surf City
Pretty sure this will have a few people sitting on the Chip's Blips Cyber Fence. I quite like his shoutiness and the drumming throughout is spot on; it gives it the energy it needs and keeps you tapping your foot. Well, either that or you've already skipped to the next track. Can't please 'em all!
6. Shit Robot - Losing My Patience
Wooowwwwwww, now THIS on the other hand I defy anyone not to like, even from the very first listen. An absolute corker of a track. One of those rare beasts that you hear once on the radio and all you care about from then on is finding out who it is and where you can listen to it again. The best thing though listeners is that you can just press play again, which I am pretty confident you will. Nigh on a perfect dance track for me, and Alexis Taylor (of Hot Chip) singing over the top just caps it off in the best possible way. Again again!
7. Chad Valley - Portuguese Solid Summer
Stumbled upon this guy deep into a YouTube binge one afternoon. He has already featured back in August I think, but this track is equally good. I don't even think he's signed yet, so you're listening to some seriously fresh material here! It's another one of those Balearic numbers that I love so much. Hope you like it too.
8. Hooray For Earth - Surrounded By Your Friends
Only recently discovered this band (thank you Sophie) and therefore know nothing about them, save of course for the fact that they make rather wonderful music. The video freaks me out a bit, but that chorus "in the end/ you're surrounded by your friends" is a lovely thought. I hope it's true.
9. Tanlines - Real Life
Another bopper in the mould of Shit Robot, but not even close in my eyes. Still, compared to the majority of songs it knocks them out the park. Actually, maybe that's a bit harsh, I'm listening to it at the moment and it's definitely a grower. Love the swirly synths.
10. Miike Snow & Vampire Weekend - Kids Don't Stand A Chance
A little ray of sunshiny fun to finish us off this month. I've played the Chromeo remix of this track on here before, but I absolutely love the wibbly bits that Miike has slapped on (you'll understand after approx. 8 seconds of the track). Good clean fun for all the family.
Well, that's all we have time for, hope you enjoyed yourselves. And remember, feel free to spread the musical gospel according to Chip's Blips far and wide! If you aren't a member of the Facebook group then join, and if you want to invite friends too then the more the merrier!
Right, self-publication over. See you in November.
Evening all. It's another bumper special this month- I've got a ton of foot-tappers, head-nodders, and probably the odd chin-stroker in the mix. Hopefully at least one part of your body will be stimulated upon pressing that little triangle of joy below. ENJOY.
1. Musée Mecanique - Our Changing Skins
A nice little sleepy one to get us all in the mood for lovin'. The most exciting thing in this song (and i mean 'exciting' in the loosest sense of the word) is definitely the guy playing the saw. Don't ask me how, but it sounds lovely and wibbly.
2. & 3. Everything Everything - Leave The Engine Room & My KZ UR BYF
Definitely one of my favourite bands of 2010, if not my favourite (close tie with Steve Mason and Chief and a couple of others)- these guys are unbelievably good. I have gushed aplenty about them already on here so I will just leave you to bask in the glory of Mike Everything's voice and his magical melodies.
4. Driver Drive Faster - They May Talk
I wanted to put a different track by these Mancunians on here ('It's All Over (It's Everywhere)'), but alas this was the only one on YouTube. Not to say that this isn't bloomin brilliant - it is. I love the tempo breakdown half-way through and the FourTet style ending. Ones to watch for 2011 for sure.
5. Javelin - Moscow 1980
Firstly, don't buy their album, it's fucking weird. Nevertheless, this is nice isn't it! Far and away the most normal song on Javelin's record and clearly the best. If you want some weirdness though then try "Oh Centra".
6. Muscles - Ice Cream
Oh Muscles, how did you never make it?! He had an EP out a few years ago, but this track only ever appeared on his Myspace. I honestly believe if they had put this gem on, we would be queueing to see him at Wembley Stadium next week. Well, maybe not Wembley, but definitely the Brixton Academy. Ok ok, the Barfly.
7. Janelle Monáe - Cold War
I know Pitchfork have already waxed lyrical over this, but I have to agree with them. One of the best pop songs since Crazy In Love. Big call, but this will be in your head for days.
8. Chief - Mighty Proud
Another belter from the Chieftains. Why this isn't on their album is beyond me. It's their best song by a country mile, and I defy anyone not to be singing "Prow ow ow, Oh oh oh, Ay ay ay, oh oh oh" by the end of the first listen.
9. Egyptrixx - Drive Me Crazy
I sort of wish this track would never drop. It has that amazing Balearic groove that just makes everything ok. Even on a horrible grey rainy day like this one. But I guess all good things must come to an end, and if they all ended like this little footstomper then life would be just swell.
10. Digable Planets - Where I'm From
11. J-Live - Them That's Not
12. Souls of Mischief - 93 Til' Infinity
3 old-school hip-hop tracks for you now, from back when it wasn't about hos and cash cash money. I love them all, although 93 Til' still remains my fave track in this genre of all time. Apart from 50 Cent - In Da Club of course. Yehhhh, Fiddy. (No)
13. Friendly Fires - Paris (Aeroplane Mix)
This has been in before but I don't care. It's my joint favourite remix of all-time. And it's my blog so nehh.
14. Tallest Man On Earth - King Of Spain
People will moan and say: "But he's copying Dylan!"
I will reply: "Yes, but isn't that a good thing?"
They will be silent.
15. Ahh bollocks this Youtube playlist thing is rubbish. Skip this (unless you want to listen to it again in which case, be my guest!
16. Whitest Boy Alive - Golden Cage (Fred Falke Mix)
One of my favourite bands remixed by one of my favourite remixers. What could go wrong? Well, as it turns out, absolutely nothing. Perfection.
17. Strokes vs Aguilera - Stroke of Genius
Found this again the other day after I remembered it on a 2manydjs mix. I know, I know, it's Christina Aguilera, but I can definitely see that foot tapping!
And so it was, another Blips came to an end. Thanks for listening. Until the next time.
Given i am writing this with less than an hour to go before the month's deadline, i would like to apologise profusely for lack of textual body, wit and mirth in this post.
Hopefully the quality of tunes will make up for it!
We have a cracker from Junip (José Gonzalez's band before he got famous on his own - with a new album out in September), a real unkown for you with Chad Valley, another slice of beauty from Active Child, some disco wonderment from Midnight Magic (I defy you not to want to dance to this!) and one of my real favourites of 2010 from TEETH.
Enjoy, and sorry again for general disorganisation. Rest assured, the only way is up!
Chip's Blips is back in the nick of time (who's Nick?) to bring you another veritable feast of bass, beats, bumps, boops and of course a few blips. Another 9 crackers for you, so here we go:
1. Wild Nothing - Chinatown
If you are the kind of person that gets sad easily, just listen to this song without watching the video because it's really sad. The poor little lad! He lost his dog, and couldn't find it. What a shit story, I mean who does that appeal to? Why is that entertaining? Well those were rhetorical questions in case you missed it, because the answers are clearly 1. No one and 2. It isn't. Anyway, never mind the video - the song's a corker.
2. Kendal Johansson - Blue Moon
Another one of those Scandinavian fun sponges. Jeez, cheer up love, it's not that bad! Maybe love only comes in the unrequited variety in Sweden, who knows. Nevertheless, I know you don't read this blog for songs by The Saturdays. You want proper music. This is undeniably that. I love it. It's short, sad, sweet, and another one for that little hut in a snowy Scandinavian wood.
3. Chief - Night and Day
I first saw these awesome guys supporting the Middle East - another Chip's Blips favourite - and was absolutely blown away. I think I enjoyed them more than the headline act. Their harmonies are spot on, they are tight as any band out there, and their melodies are straight outta the sock drawer. As in the top drawer. The cutlery drawer? That better? Anyway, look out for them, they're going to be ma-hoo-sive as they say in Cheshire, Norfolk and a small area of Rutland.
4. Villagers - Ship of Promises
Another new band on the Domino label (they're churning them out). Very much in the style of Arcade Fire, possibly with a bit of Bright Eyes chucked in there? Whatever they've put in that musical potage, it tastes good to me.
5. Melodica, Melody & Me - Piece Me Back Together
Crikey England, calm down! Yet yet yet yet yet another lovely little folk band emerge from the musical shrubbery, covered in moss, woodlice and carrying only violins and accordions. I don't know whether there is much more room for them in the mainstream, but I do know that this song makes me smile. It's a start.
6. Ceo - Come With Me
Finally, a little boppy one for you, before you descend into a pit of doom and start howling "WHY?" at the moon. Catchy number from this band that I know nothing about. (I am such a good blogger.) However, I knows what I likes, and hopefully you'll like it too.
7. Ramadanman - Don't Change For Me
Doctor doctor, I think I'm sick. This is the second dub track I've put on in a matter of months. I can't help it, it's just too good. That little little twiddly bit where her voice goes eheheheeeheheheeee gives me strange yet delightfully pleasurable sensations. Is there a cure or am I cursed with this affliction for life? Help! Yours faithfully,
8. Chromeo - Don't Turn The Lights On
Love these disco funksters. Another belter. 'Nuff said.
9. The Dream - Yamaha
For some reason this won't upload to the main playlist, so here is a separate embedder jobby (that's the technical name). Listened to this on Pitchfork after reading that he sounded like Prince. I love Prince, he loves Prince.... and waddyaknow, I love this. Funny that. Yes it's a little cheesy, but it's also really really good. You'll have "Yamahaaa Wooah Yamahaaa" stuck in your head in no time.
That's all we got time for folks, hope you've enjoyed yourselves. I certainly have.
I thought I would soften the blow of news that we will play Germany and then Argentina (if we make it that far) rather than Ghana and Uruguay - thanks USA - with the latest edition of Blippage.
It is one of my favourite editions of 2010 so far, so I hope there's something in here for everyone. Well, not exactly everyone. Oh come on it's an expression.
Annnnyway..Onwards, onwards, and hopefully upwards! Press play and read on.
1. Everything Everything - Schoolin'
Probably my favourite song of the last few months. It is definitely a grower though, I didn't like it all that much when I first heard it. But but but, now it just fills my ears with pleasure. So original and creative; it manages to be a pop song whilst at the same time sounding like no other band around. Brilliant.
2. The Tallest Man On Earth - The Gardener
Very Dylan-esque stuff going on here from a Swedish (i think) songstrel. Simple and effective, his voice gets less abrasive and more emotive with every listen.
3. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
New one from the GENIUSES Arcade Fire (apologies too for the live version - this track is so hot off the press that the recording isn't on Youtube yet!) I think they could've released an album that was just one 58min long nose-flute solo and I still would've fallen in love with it. This band has a hold over me, bigtime. As far as I'm concerned they make some of the best music around. So much stuff that I (we) listen to now - Local Natives, Wild Beasts etc. - have all been inspired by what these guys did. After a slightly trickier 2nd album I am really hoping they can produce something like Funeral again. It would make my year.
4. Tame Impala - Solitude Is Bliss
This one is doing the rounds on Pitchfork and getting a lot of love. There is quite a Beatles vibe in there I reckon. It might be a bit too psych for some of you but hey, I am a fan, and we can't all like the same stuff can we? That would be boring. And Justin Bieber would be out of a job.
5. Mystery Jets - Dreaming of Another World
Blinkin' Nora this is one hell of a song. Gets in your head from the first listen and stays there stubbornly like that annoying guy at house parties that no one knows but for some reason is always the last to leave. Just piss off random guy, no one knows you, go home. Anyway, this track is definitely a contender for song of the summer so far. Happy, light, great chorus and good singability factor. Done.
6. The Good Natured - Your Body Is A Machine
New signing to Kitsuné records, which basically tells you 2 things from the off - she is 1.) fucking cool and 2.) makes awesome music. And thankfully that watertight theory has not been disproven with this one. Very good stuff, surely destined for the charts a la Florence & The Machine and Ellie Goulding (broken by Chip's Blips in October 2009 if you remember). Look out for this one.
7. Evil Nine - Ultimo
The latest track from Evil Nine here, going a lot less breaksy and a lot more, well, awesome. An absolute banger. Nothing else needs to be said really.
8. Crystal Castles - Baptism
Another entry for these shouty mouthers, and the same stands for last month's track. I hate all the screaming, but you can't really argue when it sounds like this. Earth-shatteringly good.
9. The Mills Brothers - How'm I Doin
Oh for groups who still did stuff as good as this. There is just so much talent in this 2min track it is unreal. The harmonies, the timing, the pitch-perfect voices, the guitar work, the vocal instrument work (the little trumpet at the end!).... I just love it. Makes JLS look like the warm-up act at the Chattanooga Falls Tone-Deaf Convention. When Stephen Hawking is headlining. Be embarrassed you sacks of shite!
(On a side note - If anyone wants to form a group like this then I am game!)
Signing off with a "Tweet Tweet Tweet Twa Twao" -- Until July.
Worrrrrrrd up yo! I'm off to NYC on Monday so I'm just trying to get down with the lingo, bwoy. Can't wait to kick it with my homies. They're going to love my boombox and I know all the words to the Fresh Prince song so I'm sure I will fit right in.
Anyways, yes it's late but it is here and it is still the 5th month of the glorious Year Of Our Lord 2010, so that qualifies as a May playlist. Ain't no-one gonna be pulling me up on no technicalities this time, foooool!
9 more delightful treats for you to shampoo your ear drums with this month. We've got a little bit of everything, from Coco Rosie to Crystal Castles and the unbelievably sexy accent of Yelle somewhere in the middle, making one damn fine musical sandwich.
Without further ado:
1. Coco Rosie - Lemonade
This sounds like something from a 1940s Disney film, lots of scratchy vinyl sounds and classical piano. But then a Bjorkish vocal appears over the top and it all goes a bit spooky and wonderful, with a few soft trumpets thrown in, before swooning into pure sunshine. Ahhh listen to that! That is lovely. So we flit Jekyll and Hyde style back and forth between dark scandi and sunny swooning for the rest of the track. Can't really fault this one.
2. Lissie - In Sleep
There's something very 1990s Cranberries about this song (Zooombie Zooombie, Zom bay AY bay AY etc), but I can't stop listening to it, which I suppose means that I like it. Her voice has a lovely timbre to it, and given this is a live video it is pretty fucking impressive too. Any chorus that you know the words to by the end of the song is a goody if you ask me. Cracking guitar solo at the end too - if this had been released in 92 it would've been nailed on for number 1!
3. The Ghost Is Dancing - Louis Riel
Hopefully I'm bringing you a Chip's Blips exclusive here. Given that this video only has 180 views, I hope that's the case. The Ghost Is Dancing is the brainchild of Mike Mo, a famous skateboarder (apparently). I think it's pretty good. Might be too American and shouty for some, but at least you are expanding your horizons eh?
4. Active Child - I'm in your church at night
Holy mackerel, this is brilliant. I read a review of this that described it as "white winter hymntronica". Can't really do much better than that without feeling like I'm trying too hard. What I really really love about this track is that it is only 1 or 2 instruments away from being horribly depressing, but the harp (?) and that bit of synth hold it all together and turn it into something spectacular.
5. Savoir Adore - The Scientific Findings of Dr Rousseau
I don't know who Dr Rousseau is, or what his scientific findings were, but I hope it was something awesome like inventing nurofen or curing leprosy (2nd one slightly more awesome), otherwise these Brooklyn funsters (I will look them up next week) have just wasted a perfectly good song title on him. And a nice little ditty this is too.
6. Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work
These kids are destined for big things with the amount of ridiculously catchy and brilliant tunes they are churning out (see Undercover Martyn if you haven't heard that one). I saw them supporting Phoenix and they were damn good, especially the drummer. I'm a sucker for summery indie, and this one ticks my box.
7. Crookers ft. Yelle - Cooler Couleur
Without a doubt my favourite track of this month's blips. That little french voice ("shouldehrz", "whateveur") combined with that military step is a match made in heaven. I could listen to this over and over again for a good while. Come to think of it I have. And for anyone who is wondering what "dancing with la bouche en coeur" means, apparently (according to Sacha) it is how you say 'pouting' in french (literally mouth in the shape of a heart). So, not only am I bringing you cracking new music here at Chip's Blips, I am also educating you. For free. Can't get much better than that can you?
8. Crystal Castles - Celestica
New one from CC here, seemingly moving away from that horrible screaming mess that they have the cheek to masquerade as electro (although Crimewave is verrrrrry good), and maturing their sound into something more sophistiqué. I've caught the french bug...
9. Mobius Band - The Loving Sounds of Static
I'm sad that these guys never made it properly; I thought this song was absolutely mind blowing when it came out in 2006. Still sounds good today so I decided to dig it out in memoriam.
That's all folks, I'm off to NYC but will return with another 9 bundles of fun for you soon (one of which promises to be one of my favourite Blips of all time...)
(Oh and p.s. my The National album arrived a couple of weeks ago and it is fucking brilliant. I have to swear it is that good. Everyone needs to buy this.)
The stone wall was falling fast on April, and like the whip-cracking hero himself I have dived under it, escaped death's clutches and delivered a blog to the world. And yes, I even had time to reach back in and grab my hat.
This month we are back to the standard 9 songs I'm afraid. But fear not, they all have a hop in their gait and a spring in their step.
For Spring is upon us!
No longer will our poor ears have to be wrapped in beanies or muffs, no longer will we have to sit at home shivering next to our one lonely lump of dying coal, No! We can set them free into the world accompanied only by headphones (hopefully playing this month's playlist) on a quest to find that elusive 'Song Of The Summer'. I will do my best to find yours for you in the next couple of months.
But enough rejoicing, onto April's Blips!
1. Foals - This Orient
Foals are back with some new stuff. And it is gooood. Gone are the angry Oxbridge mathletes with their technical riffs and twitchy drums. Out of that IQ-rich chrysalis has sprung something altogether more clear and peaceful. I was going to say 'euphoric', but that word will forever remind me of skin-headed sweat-drenched Northerners dressed as babies, sucking dummies and gurning. So I didn't.
(not quite the image I have in my head, but he'll do)
2. The Drums - Forever And Ever Amen
Much-hyped band The Drums here, stars of the NME tour and probably covered by 90% of bloggers already. But hey, I just heard this one (didn't like the ones before) and I like it. Lots of New Order/Joy Division influences going on, just with a slightly speeded up indie outcome. That's not a negative comment, everyone has to sound like someone, don't they? I think I'm just paranoid that the 90% are laughing at me.
3. Philadelphia Grand Jury - 99 Problems
Aussie's Philly Jays (apparently this is their nickname. what does it say about the practicality of your band name that you need to shorten it and make up a shorter version?) doing a cheeky remake of Jay-Z's original. They do write their own stuff too, and it aint taa bead mayt. That was a horrendous attempt at a phonetic Australian accent if you were wondering...
4. The National - Blood Buzz Ohio
If you like Interpol, tune in. Reeeeeeal Amurkin music here (enough now) with lovely pianos, lovely vocals and a nice quick drum to keep it ticking along. I've ordered the album, so will let you know how that goes for me. Ah that reminds me: have a look on the right hand side because my list of Albums You Must Own has expanded.
5. Steve Mason - Lost And Found
This is probably my favourite find this month. Steve Mason hails from the now defunct (I think) Beta Band, known as one of the best 'unknown' bands never to make it. When I first heard this song I thought it was a little bit annoying. If this is your thought process as well then please, give it a few listens because right now I think it is pretty god-dang sensational.
6. Turin Brakes - Sea Change
Turin Brakes' 2001 album 'The Optimist' was the soundtrack for a large chunk of my teenage years. After that they faded out a bit, and I presumed they had split up and were doing something far more glamorous like collecting my bins every Tuesday. Well, as is fairly obvious, it seems they are still tearing up the folk scene (can you 'tear up' the folk scene?). This songs brings back waves of teenage nostalgia: awkwardness, low-self esteem, frustration and unrequited love. Ahhhh, happy times! 7. Delorean - Deli
Brazil's answer to Friendly Fires, I downloaded this EP (for £4 - do it) last month and am still thoroughly enjoying it. 3 definite candidates for 'Song Of The Summer' here; happy vibes, sing-able chorus and that little bit of X factor. Or as they say in Portuguese: factor X. It's a tricky language.
8. CHEW LiPS - Seven
Pop wonderment from this up'n'coming South-London-based Kitsuné-signed trio. When Kitsuné sign someone you can normally assume that they are pretty good, and this is no exception. Catchy? Check. Bleepy goodness? Check. Big lead vocal? Check. Breakdown? Check. You get the message. This song is destined for the mainstream.
9. Psychemagik - Where We Are?
A warm blast of spacey disco gurgles to finish this month's selection off. I heard a remix they did on the Rob Da Bank show on Radio 1, and this is the only track I could find. Given that the song only has 650 views, you can pat yourself and say you found these guys first when you are talking to that Gauloise smoking, purple jean wearing cool-cat (remember him from August?).
Well that's all for now. I do hope that you and your ears enjoyed themselves. Check back for another instalment in the merry month of May and remember, if you like it, buy the album!
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They said it would never happen. They said he would never write again. They said his sword was mightier than his pen. They said.. ahh well they said a lot, but all you need to know dear (and very deprived) reader is that it is time for a bumper selection of tunes to soothe your poor lonely ears.
Many of the songs I've picked on this list you might have heard of, but I'm going to put them on anyway. I will put some silly, new and obscure ones on too. Don't you worry your little socks about that.
I have 21 absolute belters for you. These are my favourite tracks of the past few months, so let's just call my 3 month absence a 'research trip' and be done with it.
(Edit: Reports that some people are only getting 18 songs on this embedded playlist. I don't know how to fix this. CLICK HEREand hopefully you will be transported to youtube's direct page. Hope this works.)
(Given that there are 21 tracks I hope you will forgive me for not writing my usual extended reviews of each track..)
1. Broken Bells - The High Road.
Amazing side-project/collaboration here. It's James Mercer, lead singer of The Shins, in a superb tag-team megathon with producer Danger Mouse. Suffice to say, it's really really good.
2. Yeasayer - O.N.E.
Only Nine Elephants? Originally Named Egg? Over Nourished Egyptian? Who knows. What I do definitely know is that you will be singing "yooo don't move me any mohohohhhhh" for hours after this. Even if you don't want to. So deal with it.
3. Holly Miranda - Waves
Unfortunately i could only find this version on YouTube (album is only just out), but this is still lovely. She has a lovely, sad voice. It's another one of those winter cabin songs. Yum.
4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps
I listened to this the other day and had forgotten how good it is. It is good. In case you had forgotten. Because I had. It really is! Enough. Listen. Stop. Typing.
5. Marina & The Diamonds - I am not a robot (Penguin Prison mix)
I haven't heard the original, but this one makes me happy. The breakdown is awesome, I like her voice and the little cowbells. And don't forget the piano - I LOVE the piano. Nothing like a bit of rave piano to get my juices flowing.
6. Laura Marling - Devil's Spoke
Ooooh Miss Marling, this is a corker. Angry and moody (and slightly Middle Eastern or is that just me?)
7. Miike Snow - Animal
You all know this track, you all like it. Yeah, me too.
8. Passion Pit - Little Secrets
So I bought PP's first album Chunk of Change when it came out. It had a few good tracks, but it didn't blow me away like some albums have recently. So to my surprise I found myself ordering their new album (sometimes my fingers just start clicking the mouse and there is nothing I can do...) 'Manners'. And blow me down if it isn't chock full of absolute belters! This is one of the best. Love the chorus so much.
9. Jonsi - Boy Lilikoi
This is one half of Sigur Ros, showing that the other half is just holding him back. Probably my favourite track of 2010 so far. Even though I heard it in 2009. Doesn't matter. I make the rules around here so just watch it. Can't wait for the album, and the gig in May.
10. Fever Ray - Seven
Only Karin Andersson could sing about dishwasher tablets and still manage to sound cool... Fever Ray is the alter ego of The Knife if you recognised the voice and were wondering. If you weren't apologies for wasting 10 seconds of your time. I owe you one.
11. Friendly Fires - Paris (Aeroplane Mix)
The Belgian remixers have done it again. This is bliss. It makes you feel like you should be lying on a beach in Ibiza as the sun goes down, drinking [insert cocktail of choice], surrounded by lots of lovely people. Could someone arrange this please? Many thanks.
12. Caribou - Odessa
Bought an old album of theirs, and it was about as accessible as a Mother Superior's undergarments. There is singing on this, which makes it a little better. I like the bassline. Do you like?
13. Hot Chip - Take it in
Always had a sympathy with these lads, given they named themselves after me. ;)
14. The Tough Alliance - A New Chance (Juan Maclean Remix)
Another little boppy one for all your crazy kids. Some more rave piano as well. I can't get enough!
15. Pantyraid - Get The Money
So after I decided that I liked this song, I read that it was dubstep. Is it? If it is then it's the first thing I have ever liked (and probably ever will again) in that genre. Apologies to all you 'DubSteppaz', or whatever you call yourselves, but dubstep is the biggest load of shit ever. Apart from this of course.
16. The Vanish - Hold On
Another little electro-pop number in the PonyPonyRunRun/Grafton Primary mould.
17. Frightened Rabbit - No One Like You
Can't really decide on this band. Some days I like them and some days I think they are whiny. Tonight I like them, so they are in.
18. Silver Columns - Brow Beaten
Like Bronski Beat? Like Silver Columns. Simple.
19. Two Door Cinema Club - Undercover Martyn
Shame about the video, but this is an undeniably catchy little song. The guitar riff is a prime example of the beauty of simplicity. 12 notes and you're hooked.
20. Tensnake - Coma Cat
Can't remember when I heard this track. Stick the intro out and you will be rewarded. That's all I have to say. Oh ok, XYLOPHONE goodness!
21. Opiuo - The Freaky Bean
Weirdy one to finish. Some nice squelchy noises here from Oipoiouoiuoiuoi or something.
WOWSERS. That was long. But good. I feel like I owed it to you. Now let's have a hug. Come on, c'm'ere. There we go. That's better.
Until the next time.
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Born in a rustly dustbin, London.
Feeding off scraps and wild chard, he began to lose control of limbs age 6. They have been flailing wildly ever since.
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