October 2010

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.

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