Autumn Special - The End Of The Road

Chip's Blips went on holiday this summer. Maybe it was a lack of summer sun, maybe it was a lack of inspiration, but the music just wasn't flowing. I'm not going to lie, I was scared. Yes reader, scared. Scared that the music had left me, and I'd never get it back. Then I went to a festival, full of bands that I'd never heard of before (and some I had). It gave me ammunition to fill my ears with joy and wonderment once more.

You could probably call it the aural equivalent of a vision quest. A listen quest if you will (not the right part of speech but hey it sounds good).

It was a journey into folk, mostly. And my oh my, once you break through that hemp-covered, slightly crusty exterior, you discover that all the stigma attached to the genre (the sniggers from people when I told them I was going to a folk festival) is more often than not completely unfounded. As you will see from this playlist, there are some utter gems lying in the mossy musical undergrowth. I've just dusted them down for you to gaze at. If you don't believe me, just listen to the first track on the playlist. Then try and tell me that isn't heart-meltingly good.

Anyways, I am back and that's all you care about! You don't want to hear any more from me, you just want the music. So without further ado, 9 folky belters:

I've also made a Spotify playlist of similar tracks, but with slightly better quality (and with a song from Skinny Lister in there - you must click only for this.)

END OF THE ROAD

1. Sam Amidon - Saro

I think I could listen to this forever. His voice has the same mesmerising timbre as Bon Iver. One of those sounds that makes you both sad and happy in equal measure. Bee-yootiful.

2. Fresh & Onlys - Waterfall

Another brand-new band for me here. I'm a sucker for this kind of airy sound; splashy drums, ghostly whooping, simple catchy riff. It's all there!

3. This Is The Kit - Two Wooden Spoons

Stunning, stunning song this. The quality on the Spotify version is the real deal, so if you like the YouTube one then it's fairly safe to say that the other one is going to blow your socks off. Have a listen to "Our Socks Forever More" if you like this.

4. Beirut - Vagabond

Many of you will I'm sure be familiar with Beirut already. So was I, but I had never seen them live before and hadn't had the chance to listen to their new album beforehand. This was the standout track live. Amazing brass section. Sure, it's a bit odd, but who isn't?

5. Joan As A Policewoman - The Magic

Right, now if this doesn't make it onto an iTunes (or other suitably cool brand) advert soon then i'll eat the proverbial hat. Poppy goodness. Similar to Lissie a year or two ago. Like.

6. Treefight For Sunlight - Facing The Sun

Another happy, sparkly indie number. One for the headphones when you're walking through the park on a cold, sunny day.

7. Twin Shadow - At My Heels

Without a doubt the highlight of my festival. I've been a massive fan since the first track I heard. I fell in love with the album, and the live set was equally good. This is my favourite song off the album, and tellingly was the one song that stuck in my head when the festival finished. If you haven't bought this album yet, I implore you to do so. [Lies prostrate on floor trying to look as imploring as possible]

8. The Walkmen - The Rat

Slightly out of place band at a folk festival, but obviously wasn't complaining given that I got to hear the famous Rat live.

9. Wild Nothing - Summer Holiday

Another set of dreamy American songstrels (no, I don't mean attractive, I mean.. oh you know what I mean) that I was really keen to see. Well, they were slightly disappointing, but I think that probably had something to do with the fact that it was raining outside. I get the feeling that if you saw these guys sitting on a patch of grass in the blazing sunshine you'd just want to float away on a tiny joyful gondola, whistling merrily.

Sounds good to me.

That's all folks (see what I did there). I'll try not to be so long next time.

Chip's Blips - June 2011

Balls. I'm one minute late with no time to write blurbs.

I will write some tomorrow evening!

In the meantime, here is my wonderful June playlist, full of summer delights.

Enjoy

1. The Sea And Cake - Covers

2. Boards Of Canada - Roygbiv

3. Geographer - Original Sin

4. Little Dragon - Blinking Pigs

5. Hypnolove - Holiday Reverie

6. Destronics - Symptom (From The Crisis)

7. Radiohead - Separator

8. Bibio - The Ephemeral Bluebell

9. Fleet Foxes - The Shrine / An Argument

Crikey there are some good ones in there!

Adam's Blips - June 2011

Evening all and welcome back to another Guest edition of Chip's Blips. The days are long and the nights are heavy, so what we all really need are some real summer bangers to get those juices flowing. Well, it's no coincidence that this honorary Blipper is bringing you just that. Sit back and relax. That is, sit back until you are forced out of your chair by an uncontrollable urge to dance.

"Because All The James Blake Songs Were Taken"

1. Sebastian – Embody

Most folk will remember him for embodying the big French distortion-house "movement" of 2006-2008 with huge tunes like 'Ross Ross Ross' and 'Dog'. For reference see: Justice. Big Seb's debut LP 'Total' is out in the next few days on Ed Banger and this is the first single. It's got all the hallmarks of a SebastiAn record - chunky slap bass and cut-up samples, but it's learnt a few new tricks along the way. Namely vocals, and soul. Cracking video, too.

2. Woodkid – Iron

I have no idea who this guy is or where he came from, but he's produced a big, beautiful track with absolutely flawless production. Can't get enough of the drums in particular. Quite mournful in a lot of ways, but puts a big smile on my face regardless.

**edit – Sinc I first read this, this track has beenn featured in the new trailer for the Assassins Creed Xbox game and he’s blown up somewhat. It’s a great choice of song for the trailer, search youtube for ‘Assassin’s Creed Revelations’.

3. Pavement – Carrot Rope

An oldie. One of the greatest bands of all time with one of my favourite Summer tunes. Absolutely no idea what the lyrics are about, mind.

4. SBTRKT – Living Like I Do

You can't get away from SBTRKT at the moment. You can't even switch on Radio 1 without 'Wildfire' being all up ins. This is the single from before that, and it's a lush slice of two-sep goodness with a great vocal from Sempha (as usual). It's close to grime, I suppose, but it's a clean, pure sort of grime. Shiny grime. Or something.

5. Siriusmo – Wow

Possibly my favourite producer at the moment. Extraordinarily talented, this guy knows how to craft a mean beat, and has a fierce grasp on earworm melodies as well. His work rate is also second to none - he's got a 4 disc album coming out with over 80 (80!) tracks on it. Check out some of his work with Modeselektor if you want to get initiated but also try his remix of Breakbot's 'Baby I'm Yours' or his original track 'Mosaik' to get an idea of just how varied and exciting this guy's output can be.

6. Hot Natured – Forward Motion

Hot. Fucking. Jam.

7. Andhim - Extragold

A very sexy, soulful house tune from this talented duo. Their tunes have a tendency to all sound very similar, but I think this is the pinnacle of what they've achieved so far. Listen if: You like deep, bouncy, pulsing but smooth bass. It's fairly sparse in it's arrangement but it still manages to feel chunky enough so get people going on the dancefloor.

8. Broken Bells – The Ghost Inside

The lead singer of the Shins, and Dangermouse. A potent combination. The whole album is a delicious slice of wonky indie-pop, and this is my highlight..

9. Danny Daze - Your Everything (ft. Louisahhh)

Hello record label of the year. I like you.

10. The Tallest Man on Earth – A Lion’s Heart
Chicks dig acoustic guitar: fact. They also dig dudes with weird voices. This ticks both those boxes. Imagine Dylan and Paolo Nutini's bastard child and you're getting close. And disturbing.

11. Louis La Roche – Prick Stick

Whenever people use the term 'Funky House', this is the sort of thing I wish they would be talking about. Instead, they're talking of useless shitty music that you shouldn't be listening to at all. Punchy as fuck once that lead guitar kicks in.

12. Goat – Sugar We’re Going Down

Shout out to Damola Timeyin, who is constantly sending me track after track on Spotify. It's all garbage, of course, but I found this browsing his private library. Yeah it's a cover of a Fall Out Boy song, what of it? It's an acoustic, beachy song with, bizarrely, a drum and bass beat. A subtle one, though. I'm not explaining this very well am I? Damola also wears nice shirts.

13. Phoenix – If I Ever Feel Better

It's Summer! Celebrate!

14. Everything Everything – Final Form

Apparently I’m quite slow off the mark on this one. I like to watch it at the same time as those extreme sports videos where someone jumps off a cliff but he’s wearing a suit that lets him glide for miles. It helps me forget that I get the tube to work.

15. Apparat – Circles

Because it just came on iTunes randomly. Gorgeous.


EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS SONG


Datarock – Computer Camp Love

A touching (and amusing) indie-dance song about a guy who met a slutty tramp called Judie on Computer Camp. Just kidding, she's a nice girl. The song even says so!

Damola's Blips - June 2011

Well, good evening all and welcome to another edition of Chip's Blips. This has been a long time coming, but finally Mr Timeyin has stepped up to the plate. For that I am grateful, and I'm sure you will be too once you finish listening to this gem of a playlist. Some real discoveries on there for me. That's what this site is all about - spreading the love!

I bring you Damola's Blips:

1. Maverick Sabre - I Used To Have It All

This guy is reminiscent of an early Finlay Quaye; whatever happened to that guy? His the sound of voice betrays the exterior of the man, but one must never judge a book by it's cover.


2. Michael Kiwanuka - Tell Me A Tale

If I didn't know better, this voice, production and quality of music could only come from the studios of Motown decades before many of us reading this were alive. Surprisingly this comes from the here and now and retains a classic quality.


3. Ashin' Kusher-Kid Cudi

I had very little time for Kid Cudi and his music, his attitude sucked and his swagger was just a bit off key. Then I happened to listen to his latest album Man on the Moon II on a day where I was pretty pissed off with everyone and everything. That's when I suddenly understand what this kid was doing, why his swag was so unruly and why Kanye West rates him so highly. Best alt-hip-hop out there musically right now.


4. CREEP - You (feat Nina Sky)

Nina Sky were as bubble gum Hip-Pop as we were ever going to get, then they grew up.


5. The Budos Band - Adenji

When I get married I want them to play at my wedding. Their brass cuts through, hits hard and makes you want to do something, anything. If this music put down roots it would grow in to one hell of an oak tree.

6. AU79 - Tyler

His album was highly anticipated, and quite frankly over rated in my opinion. I feel the stand out track is an instrumental that is brilliant and definitely worth skipping a few songs to get to.


7. Jay electronica - San Pellegrino with lemon

Jay Electronica is my favourite rapper of the last 10 years and the man has not released an album. His eloquence and gravitas is unrivaled in the rap game. His music makes sense, it's has impact and relevant.


8. Pushing Hands - He's Still Here

These guys are new and forging a nice sound that leaves you pretty damn satisfied at the end. I like what they do and how they do it.


9. Gonzales - Overnight

Please listen to this and the rest of the Solo Piano album, it is littered with the best post modern classical/polystylistic piano music I have heard. The entertainment in the delivery and the sheer quality of the composition is outstanding.

May 2011 - Girls

And the deluge of musical wonderment continues.

Today we have Chip's very own Blips; they've been stewing in the pot for a long time, I just haven't had the time to write the pesky blighters up. But now I do. It's a Bank Holiday, the sun is hidden behind a grey wall of sludgy cloud and it sure ain't coming out anytime soon. So what better activity than bringing you my first ever themed Blip!

And the theme is girls. We all like them, some of us are them, and it turns out that lots of bands like them enough to name a song after them.

Here are 12 of my favourites:

(YouTube embed not working. Argh. Please open the link in a new tab/window and I will try to embed the playlist asap.)

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?p=PL5B9B5FABBBEB1016&feature=mh_lolz

1. Javelin - Susie Cues

A great little intro track here from NYC oddballs Javelin. The album is a bit of a mess if I'm honest (have a listen to Moscow 1980 if you like this), but this tiny slice of sunshine is a welcome edition and a fitting start.

2. Miike Snow - Silvia

Teeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeellll meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-eeeeeeee-ooooooooo-eeeeeeeeeeee. I love singing that. Most of you will have heard this already (and if you haven't then you're in for a treat) but that doesn't make it any less brilliant.

3. Friendly Fires - Paris

This has probably been the most featured song in the history of Chip's Blips. And for good reason. 3 minutes and 51 seconds of top drawer (socks/cutlery) poppy goodness. The hazy chorus never gets old. I haven't bought their new album yet but I'm looking forward to it.

4. Million Young - Cynthia

A brand-spanking new track for you Blippers, and the track that inspired the theme. Quite a similar sound to Friendly Fires actually, but with much cleaner electronic gurgles and less feedback. A lovely little number. And the video only has 323 views (and it's not even on Spotify), so that automatically makes it cool. Doesn't it?

5. Soap & Skin - Cynthia

Ahh I'm messing with your heads - 2 songs in a row called Cynthia? WHAT THE DEVIL IS GOING ON. Crazy business that's what. I put this song up way back in 2009, tipping her for greatness, but it sadly didn't happen for her (I tipped Ellie Goulding though - hey you can't win 'em all). And if her songs were this sad back in 2009 then I dread to think what her next album is going to sound like. Beautiful stuff though.

6. Yeasayer - Grizelda

Grizelda! Brilliant! Why oh why aren't more people called Grizelda? Such a strong name. So much character and mystique. Actually, sod it, I'm off to the Deed Poll offices.

7. Kings Of Convenience - Mrs Cold

Sweet relief. Kings of Convenience somehow manage to remove all stress from my head and replace it with a serene, zen-like state of tranquility. My mind is a millpond. Shhhhhh.

8. Mystery Jets - Lorna Doone

If you haven't bought the Eel Pie islanders' latest album Serotonin then you really really should. Gone are the meaningless indie tinklings. This is proper music. Innit.

9. Sleigh Bells - Rachel (Atrium Remix)

I hate Sleigh Bells. I really do. If you listen to the original of this, you'll understand. If you combine an average voice with some really average 'rave sounds' then the end-product is guaranteed to be, well, average. I don't care if Zane Lowe was drooling over it like a 14yr old with his first porn mag, it still doesn't make it good. Yes, they are doing something different, but why should 'different' automatically constitute good? It's admirable that they decided to step out of the line most-trodden, but unfortunately for them they stepped out of the line right into a freshly laid, steaming, musical cowpat. It seems the line was most-trodden for a reason. Luckily, this remix manages to rein in the scratching, shouting and general bollocks. Which suddenly makes it sound quite good.

10. Pantha Du Prince - Asha

Just to demonstrate how shit the last band really are, I've put 2 electronic masterpieces in to follow them. Yankee Nu-Ravers: hang your heads in shame, because this is what real talent sounds like. Bleepy German talent. And yes, Asha is a real girl's name. Facebook said so.

11. Ellen Allien & Apparat - Jet

If Sleigh Bells haven't killed themselves yet, they will by the end of this. Techno wonderment from one of my favourite albums of all time, Orchestra Of Bubbles. If you like this, try Rotary. Pure class. And yes, Jet was the name of a Gladiator. It definitely counts.

12. M83 - Kim & Jessie

Some ethereal dreaminess to finish from M83. And we get two girl's names for the price of one. What more could you ask for?

-----------------------------------------------------

So there we have it Blippers, the first themed playlist comes to an end. Did you enjoy it? Have I missed any girl's name songs? Any other themes you would like to explore?

As ever, please just get in touch if you want to do a guest Blip or have requests for themes. Anyone with 9 songs and the ability to write a sentence for each song is welcome.

We have another Blip on the way next week, so stay close!

Over and out.

Bear's Blips - May 2011

Been a long time / i should'na left you / without a dope beat to step to / step to step to step to / step step step / wickiwicki

That little ditty sums up my feelings about the recent paucity of Chip's Blips action. I can only apologise, and placate you with promises of some exceedingly lovely music arriving on your cochleal doorstep in the very near future.

And here's the first example, a wonderful selection from a wonderful bear!

Sit back and enjoy.

1. James Blake - A Case Of You (Joni Mitchell Cover)

Is it me or is Blake starting to sound a lot like the transgender dude Hegarty from Anthony the Johnson’s? No, maybe just me then. But who cares, this cover of ‘A Case of You’ by Joni is a real good sound for the ears.

2. The 2 Bears - Church

Well I do love a nice Bear, and these two chaps are real nice. Raf Rundell and Joe Goddard (Hot Chip dude) keep releasing endlessly saaweet tunes. Keep your eyes peeled for The Bearhug EP which is set for release in June with Southern Fried Records.

3. Digits – Lost Dream

Probably one of my fave tunes of the year to date. The Lost Dream E.P is a great listen, Toronto based Digits has a way with base and his music is described as ‘undisciplined pop’. Couldn’t agree more.

4. Oberhofer - I Could Go

Oh hello Bradley Oberhofer, you really know how to chime. This has indeed been doing the rounds for quite a while now, however, it is great and reminds me of my bike. So here it is.

5. Dominik Eulberg - Die 3 Millionen Musketiere

It was hard to pick a key track from Eulberg’s new album, but this one sure is a belter.

6. Okkervil River – Rider

‘And I fly out on my silver, scissoring wings’, well why not, when you have this in your head you can’t help but flap about.

7. Gang Gang Dance – MindKilla

This new album (in my opinion) is going to be one of 2011’s greats. The video is also vaguely terrifying, so check that out too

8. SBTRKT - Wildfire

Apparently Zane has hailed this ‘the hottest track in the world’; I will form my opinion when the full album is released in June. Still pretty hot none the less.

9. Junior Boys - Banana Ripple

Hello Summer, nice to see you, you are most welcome here.

10. Holy Ghost! – Slow Motion

Finally! I have been waiting in eager anticipation for this album, and it doesn’t disappoint.

11. Blackbird Blackbird – Hawaii (Niva Remix)

This is just good. An odd occasion that the remix in my eyes (or ears) is streets ahead of the original. And the original aint half bad.

12. Junip – In Every Direction – Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr Remix

Another beaut of a remix. I want a magic feather....

13. Ghostpoet – Cash and Carry Me Home (Original)

Amazing tune, Ghostpoet has a natural talent for taking everyday observations and turning them into A+ UK Hip Hop.

14. Santigold Ft. Karen O – Go

Where has Santigold been since like 2008? I don’t care, because this is worth waiting for.

15. Theme Park – Milk

Another summer suntime song. I bet this will be going round in your head all day. I will leave you with that.

HC's Blips - April 2011

Hi-de-ho campers, we are back again for another instalment of Chip's Blips. This time it's a whole nine songs of gloopy magic from our very own Dubmaster General. Some real belters in here.

So sit back (or forward - your choice) and enjoy!

1. Home Park - Beatdown (Joy Orbison's Narcissimix)

So now they call him Joy O?

2. Hackman - Blacksnake

Loving this one from Leeds based dubstep turned funky producer Hackman

3. George Fitzgerald - We Bilateral

One of my favourite producers right now.. hasn't failed yet, all his tunes are huge.

4. Jacques Greene - The Look (Koreless Remix)

Mellow vibes as always from 19 year old Koreless.

5. Alpines - Ice and Arrows (Dark Sky Remix)

2011 is Alpines' year.. these two will be big! Heres a solid remix of their debut track from Dark Sky.

6. Julio Bashmore -Around

This guy has been over the place in the last few months so I had to throw at least one of his tracks in.

7. Basement Jaxx - Red Alert (Steve Gurley mix)

A really nice remix of this one from back in the day.

8. Pariah - Crossed Out

Just a bit of a banger really..

9. Throwing Snow - Un Vingt

A real nice groove to this one.

April 2011

Good evening campers, and welcome to the latest springtime edition of Chip's Blips. As usual, we have 9 nuggets (actually, while we are on the subject of words ending it -ets, I bought some sweetcorn in a tin today. Bear with me. It was Green Giant, and underneath the logo, instead of a tagline like "crunchy yellow corn", they had decided to go with SweetNiblets. SWEET NIBLETS! Outrageously bad. Anyway, back to business) of wonderment for you this month, hopefully they will bring you joy, happiness and musical enlightenment. Or just keep you entertained for an hour. I'm happy with either outcome.

So press play and enjoy!

1. Mountain Man - How'm I Doin

3 mystical ladies to start us off this month. If this song was a carrot, it would be the one covered in mud, still with the stalk on. 100% organic. You can't get much purer music than this: three voices creating beautiful sounds. For those of you who pay attention, they are covering the Mills' Brothers version that I Blipped last year.

2. The Naked And Famous - Sun

Got the album by these Antipodean funksters last week and it's been in my ears for most available waking moments. This is my favourite track on the record; a dark and broody slow-builder, reminiscent of Radiohead in full flow. Spot on, top notch, full marks, thumbs up and plenty of other two-word statements of approval.

3. Kurt Vile - Ghost Town

The USA is churning these lo-fi minstrels like, well, a Galaxy Minstrel factory. This time it's Kurt Vile, another long-haired shoegazer, who is jumping on the bearded bandwagon with a delicious slice of dreamericana (just made that up, consider it copyright). Vile it most certainly isn't. (A little bit long it most probably is though)

4. Stealing Sheep - Mountain Dogs

From long and sad to short and perky. There's something sexual about that sentence but I'm not going to explore it. 2 minutes and 20 seconds of fun. That's longer than... Oh dear. And we're back with the innuendo. Shit. Help! This is embarrassing. Sorry. Ah. Umm, nothing to see here, move on. Ahem.

5. Swimming - Sun In The Island

It's the chorus of this song that gets me every time. One of those anthemic ones that just does something to your stomach and makes you want to belt out "Hold on for dear life/ if it feels riiiiiight!" at the top of your voice (really badly). I'm getting a lot of Placebo here. That's a good thing.

6. The Balconies - Do It In The Dark

Remember The Virgins? Remember the funky basslines? Welcome The Balconies, Canada's answer to those New York upstarts. If it doesn't get your foot tapping then it isn't connected to your body. Or you are dead inside. A shell of a human. The video is silly (so don't watch it), but who cares when the song is this good? A perfect pop song.

7. Dels - GOB (David Sitek Remix)

"I won't get swallowed by the gob/ swallowed by the darkness/ swallowed by the fog". What is the gob? I definitely don't want this to happen to me. Anyway, it's a brilliant re-work here by Dave Sitek (of TV On The Radio). The strings on the chorus and the slow bass make it for me; such a simple touch but so effective. Simple simple simple. That's the way to do it.

8. Julio Bashmore - Battle For Middle You

Two dancey numbers to finish. The first is Julio Bashmore who, as those in the know like to say, has been "tearing up dancefloors" for the past year. I don't say that, they do. I copied them to try and look cool. So, now that I do indeed look/sound cool, I can describe this track as a "banger" and make the affirmation that it is "guaranteed to melt faces" and "should come with a health warning". As in it is so good it could be bad for you. Like cake. No, not that kind of cake. Yeah ok, I don't get it either, this is all stuff that the people in the know talk about.

(Ask this guy, he definitely knows)

9. Vandroid - Master & Slave (Van She Tech Remix)

What an absolute monster to finish. Don't be scared by the beginning, it's just a silly intro. Try and listen to this really really loud, and just wait for 1min34 to arrive. This makes my brain tingle so much that I'm not really sure I could handle it for an extended period of time. It reminds me of the Rex The Dog numbers that were being churned out while I was at uni. Absolutely brilliant. Although the person in the know above probably wouldn't like it: it's totes not dubby enough.

And with that horrendous word-murder (if you really say that word you should be ashamed of yourself - obvs) I'm out.

-----------END OF TRANSMISSION-------------

AutoReplay's Blips - March 2011

Here we go again campers! Another guest Blip here to captivate and hopefully educate your ears. This week, your teacher will be AutoReplay. He will be lecturing mainly around the theme of Dub, and other well known UK-reared meat products. So without further ado:

Here is a random selection of noises and sounds, which, if listened to in the order specified below, actually resemble music. Good music.

1. Mount Kimbie – Before I move off

No relation to any mountains so I am told. Mount Kimbie mainly do music for the ears. Sound music. It’s also relevant here due to its title. Which is sort of like starting. The bit just before the start i guess.

2. Baths – Lovely Bloodflow

A classic song. Good listened to in, or out of, a bath.

3. Daphni – Ye Ye

Yeahyeahyeahyeah – just have a listen. It’s that bloke who is also called Caribou – ah! that got your attention.

4. Light Asylum – A Certain Person (Motherland Remix)

This is a big one. Check out www.soundcloud.com/msmsmsm for more like it

5. Creep – Days (Soul clap remix)

More breathy goodness from the XX's Romy. So fans will like this – and indeed are likely to have already played it to death. Sorry about that. I like this remix of it though. Soul Clap Clap Clap (round of applause)

6. XXXY – You always start it

Oh no you always start it...

7. Canblaster – Clockworks (Teki Latex & Para One remix)

I have a lot of time for the bravado of the protagonist. He is so confident in his ability to sleep for one hundred years and wake up a minute later, with no mention of alarm clock or funeral arrangements, that he commits it to song.

8. Fleet Foxes – Mykonos (Young Montana Remix)

This is a monster. If you are at work careful – you are likely to spill your nice cup of tea onto an approaching colleague. Otherwise crank it up.

9. Arkist – Only If you Mean it

Big rich sounds, a lovely song.

10. Nicholas Jaar – Keep me there

Only 20 years old - Is there anything this guy can’t do! Apparently he is rubbish at astrology. I mean, really bad.

11. Moon Wiring Club – Slumberwick Dreams

There is more recent music out by these ‘chaps’ but I enjoy this one hence its inclusion.

12. Telefon Tel Aviv – Sound In a Dark Room

Similarly this is quite old but I enjoy the noises made. It’s like ‘so’ chilled.

13. Hounds of Hate - Trident

Dark and dirty. Great video too. Maybe do a few mins of forced smiling after listening.

14. Actress – Maze

A good song to end on – 1. turn it up, 2. turn off the lights and 3. get lost in the maze that is your own house. Unless you have a good spatial awareness in which case you’ll probably be fine – just move around slowly. In fact, just to be safe, make sure that any obvious obstacles are removed before part 2 (wine glasses, Ming vases etc)

Mack's Blips - March 2011

Ahoy there!

I'm not going to beat around the bush here- this is a cracking Blip. So, without further ado, I bring you Mack's Blips:

1. PAUL MCCARTNEY - TEMPORARY SECRETARY

And so it starts. With a song which would forever be consigned to the list of musical oddities were it not so amazing (I forgive you if it takes a couple of listens).

A fun game I like to play is putting this on in the car and making whoever's with me try and guess who it is. No-one's EVER guessed right.

2. FICTION - BIG THINGS

This infectious little number makes me want to dance like an idiot too.

3. ANNA CALVI - SUZANNE & I

I don't think anyone's made music which is truly as epic as Anna Calvi's for quite a while. Please please listen to her album, it's scarily grown-up and properly atmospheric music. Believe all that hype!

4. MADVILLAIN - ACCORDION

A little bit of effortlessly deft hip-hop from Madvillain, aka MF Doom and Madlib. My friend Luke once told me he thought Doom's voice sounded 'all dry and sandy like a skeleton', and ever since I've never been able to visualise him any other way.

5. FLYING LOTUS - TEA LEAF DANCERS

OK. Don't listen to this on little laptop speakers. Use big old headphones if you have to. Turn it up and up until it makes you feel all seasick and wonderful.

6. THE KINKS - I'M NOT LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE

The further I move into "responsible" adulthood the more time I seem to spend, alone, rocking gently on the corner of my bed with my eyes closed singing along to this at the top of my voice and holding on desperately to the belief that it's true.

7. FRANZ FERDINAND - LUCID DREAMS

Yes! Every second of this record is heaven. I love how it begins a slightly off-kilter Franz anthem then gradually evolves into a glorious synth-knob-measuring contest.

8. WARPAINT - ASHES TO ASHES

I am happy that this David Bowie cover happened. I hope you're happy too. How sick is Warpaint's drummer, by the way?

9. BAUHAUS - BELA LUGOSI'S DEAD

The "first ever Gothic Rock song"? Yes please.

10. JANELLE MONAE - TIGHTROPE

The first time I heard this, I couldn't believe how funky it is. I literally could not believe. I had to attend a funk Alpha course and everything to set my belief back on the right track.

11. PETE AND THE PIRATES - COME TO THE BAR

Remember Mr Understanding? It was so catchy that I didn't think Pete and the Pirates had another one like that in them. But lo, this arrived and has managed to worm its way into my ear and, just like a sonic Swampy, is refusing to budge until they stop building new runways at Heathrow. Or something.

12. WOLF GANG - BACK TO BACK

Wolf Gang are one of my favourite new bands, and this is one of my

favourite Wolf Gang songs. You do the math, as they say. Annoyingly.

13. RATATAT - SHILLER

There are other, more upbeat tracks I nearly chose, but this here is

the first I heard of the amazing Ratatat, after buying 'LP3' on vinyl

purely on the basis that I thought the cover art was amazing. Well, it

worked - I knew I'd done good as soon as that backwards-mellotron got

all drenched by autoharps.

14. LORN - CHERRY MOON

I've saved a real absolute gem till last.

This sounds like fizzy midnight. Like melted starlight. Like rain on

Knight Rider's windscreen. In the future. Like the hundred other

clumsy and grossly inadequate similies I could reel off and bore you

to tears with. I'd rather just shut up and let you listen to it.

February 2011 (I know I know...)

Yes yes yes, it isn't February anymore. Well it's my blog, and February is a stupid month anyway. I mean, what kind of freak puts 28 days in a month? Gregory, that's who. And what is a day? What is a minute? Why do we need to measure everything; labelise our entire existence?

I've had it. I for one am making a stand, right here, right now. February - you 28-day long (but sometimes 29, every 4 years you SADISTIC BASTARD) pustule of grey skies and almost-springtime dashed hope - you are going down.

WHO'S WITH ME?

[silence]

Yeah, fair enough, you probably just came to listen to some music. Well that's fine too.

Here we are then, 9 battle-hardened, February-hating behemoths for you.

Ready?

CHAAAAAARGE!

1. Zoo Kid - Out Getting Ribs

A sad slow one to start, written by a 16yr old ginger hipster. Turns out it's rather good. Amazing what you can do with 2 guitars, an interesting voice and a few shiny knobs. Ack, shhh, you know what I mean. I'm trying to be your serious music correspondent here. You're spoiling it.

2. The Low Suns - So Tired

Oooh I love acoustic songs. Very dangerous thing to do as a band; if anyone can't sing, it's going to sound absolutely horrific. Luckily, the vocals here are a perfect balance of subtlety and strength, exactly what you need in a slow sleepy one like this. Thumbs up.

3. Miami Horror - Moon Theory

Very Hercules & Love Affair this one. Probably why I love it so much. Partly that, partly the video. The lone horseman, embarking on a Peyote-fuelled vision quest. Can't imagine that riding a horse whilst tripping balls on Peyote is that clever an idea, but this guy seems to have it down to a fine art. What this video doesn't show though is all the coyotes and rattlesnakes that hang around in those Utah deserts. But it ends happily: he wakes up and finds some kind of alien power station, so clearly all is well and he found what he was looking for.

4. Small Black - Sun Was High (So Was I) (Best Coast Cover)

Another song that was clearly written whilst under the influence of a mind-bending substance. Big, lazy soundscapes and a sleepy drawl over the top. Put a bit of echo/reverb/[insert geeky effect] on top of that and you've got yourself another tasty morsel of American Slo-Fi. I just made that genre up by the way, so don't anyone go getting any ideas. Just look what happened to February.

5. James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream

This is a beauty.

However - and it is quite a big however - the album is incredibly hard going. It feels like you are reading Mr. Blake's musical dissertation: chock-full of footnotes, 200 word sentences and big scary words like "jectigation*".

There's an easy solution to this problem though - just listen to this on repeat, and sob into your pillow.

6. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

From sad sobbing to happy sobbing. This song is full of some sort of mystical force that rushes good thoughts to the top of your head and makes you want to swell up and explode with joy, sadness and amazement at the beauty of the world, love, and every experience you've ever had. Five minutes and four seconds of perfection.

(There's a chance you won't like it as much as that I suppose.)

7. Digits - Rachel Marie

Oh Digits, please stop being so fucking good. You aren't being fair to all the other new bands. Give them at least a small chance.

It's like Hall & Oates had a sexy little electro baby that used to get dropped off at New Order's house for after-school tutoring. (Can you hear the Blue Monday homage?)

Rachel Marie is a lucky lady that's for sure. Maybe she is the surrogate mother that Hall & Oates used...

8. Gross Magic - Waiting For You

Ahhhhh YES, this is a good playlist! Starts off sad, takes you up and before you know it you are bouncing around to yet more 80s inspired goodness. This time it's a chirpy synth with a little MGMT small-boy vocal over the top. Add a bit of Lo-fi fuzz and you're off. It works. Hoh yes by golly it works.

9. Metronomy - She Wants

The difficult final track. How to end it? Take it back down to Sadville, or keep everyone in Happyland?

Well, the answer is neither. We are going down a winding country road, just as the daylight is fading, to the sexiest, sultriest place you've been to since you visited the town of XX a couple of years ago.

It's Metronomy, and it's one of my favourite songs this year. So moody and complex, full of some kind of very painful longing. The hours just keep coming, and the lonely guitar keeps on hopefully plugging away, waiting for something to change. It is mind-alteringly good.

Wow. I could listen to that on repeat for a good few days.

------

We are done for the month Blippers. Hope you enjoyed it. I must say I did.

I'll try and be back soon to bring you some more of my latest loves.

In the meantime, keep on keepin' on.

*For the curious souls amongst you, 'jectigation' means "a trembling movement"

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Triple Cooked Blips and The Dirty Wizard - February 2011

Another Guest Blip winging its way towards your very-nearly-springtime eardrums. Sit back and enjoy these 13 delicacies from Triple Cooked Blips and The Dirty Wizard!

1. Toro Y Moi - Go With You

Oooh…mmm. From his album Underneath The Pines just out. Also listen to ‘Blessa’ from his old album, about which someone commented “did someone just have sex in my ear?’

2. Jai Paul – BTSTU

A mucky, angelic, sneaky little dubby number.

3. Man Like Me – Carny

Not summer yet but when it is….(very underrated group, also listen to ‘London Town’)

4. James Blake – I Only Know Now (What I Know)

If you’ve ever visited an old house that you used to live in, or met with an ex-girlfriend, this song is a bit like that feels. This song’s from an older EP but his debut album just came out. He’s no longer underground but the poster of his album is.

5. Warpaint – Billie Holiday

Building and rolling, a bit like a wave…(the wave sound effects probably appropriate then. actually I think they’re cars…whoops.) Also, Sister Act lyrics just thrown in there casual like. Right good. See also their album The Fool.

6. Burial – Shell of Light (Album – ‘Untrue’)

A couple of years old but for those who don’t know and a reminder for those who do: a special one from a special album. This is the sound of London. Him n’ Banksy, yeah, should like…

7. Adam F (feat. MC Conrad) – F-Jam

A real oldie: this was before he started producing heavy rap. From the album Colours, the finest drum n’ bass album, where he merged New Age with d n’ b. Get familiar with the intro and say it whilst cycling and then when the base kicks in pedal really really hard (if you have a bike).

8. Oneohtrix Point Never – Returnal (voice by Anthony Hegarty)

Spine-tinglingly beautiful. Almost holy. This is actually a different version (with the guy from Anthony & The Johnsons singing) of a song that is more synthy and blade runnery, which is just as good. Be sure to listen to that version too.

9. Simply Red – Something Got Me Started

Naughty.

10. Dan Deacon – Snookered

Wakey-uppy, everything-will-be-okayy and then a fairly intense shift. This guy, if you ever catch him live, is great.

11. Destroyer – Kaputt

Prefab Sprout -esque. Hey there little fella! (watch the video). Do you remember turning from a child into a teenager? Will turning from an adult to an old person be a similar feeling? Whales.

12. This Must Be The Place – Talking Heads (MGMT Remix)

Live so sound quality not good but a nice rough and ready version of one of the greatest songs ever…sing into my mouth!

13. Pepe Bradock – Deep Burnt

And to finish - a classic deep house track that transcends space and time.

Jocelyn's Blips - February 2011

Here to hew the rough edges off a past that was probably never as good as it seems like it was once, Parisian-based journalist and filmmaker Jocelyn offers you some sepia soft focus..

Some may be new, some may be old, but all of them point back to those (possibly fictitious) golden days. It’s grim in February. You need to forget that there’s no time like the present.

So here is Jocelyn’s béatifique haute-couture nostalgia from the camembert capital.

1. SATYAJIT RAY – CHARU’S THEME

Forget the Darjeeling Limited. Satyajit Ray’s melodies have a deeper filmic history than to soundtrack quirky journeys of Western self discovery round the subcontinent. In the days before Bollywood’s garish technicolour, Satyajit Ray was responsible for bringing international recognition to India’s film industry. He even wrote the music for his own films. A compilation of his soundtracks is one of my favourite records of all time. His films are pretty cool too.

2. DEERHUNTER – DESIRE LINES

“Wa-oh.”

3. ANN STEEL – MY TIME

Mental electro-pop from the past. Woozy liquid rhythms and strange every-day lyrics about Einstein and the Eiffel Tower put Ann Steel on a path stretching right up to the door of Animal Collective.

4. PANDA BEAR – ALSATIAN DARN

Speaking about Animal Collective… it’s the B-side to Panda Bear’s You Can Count on Me single. Trippy.

5. GROUPER – HEAVY WATER/ RATHER BE SLEEPING

Like floating on a lilo in a really, really cold river.

6. ANDREW BIRD vs KONONO NO 1 - OHNONO/KIWEMBO

When indie and likembé combine... a rare gentle moment from last year's hit-and-miss but nonetheless awesome Tradi-mods vs Rockers.

7. oOoOO – BURNOUT EYES

Crunk Cocteau Twins sippin on codeine.

8. R STEVIE MOORE – I GO INTO YOUR MIND

Before Ariel Pink there was R. Stevie Moore. This arthritic lo-fi lord has been peddling wonky music in New York for decades, but has remained firmly under the radar. This tune, made along with Krys O. and Yukio Yun, is one of his most expansive, and most beautiful.

9. JULIAN LYNCH – IN NEW JERSEY

Break out the psychedelic clarinet and let’s get INTIMATE.

10. MARK MCGUIRE – BRAIN STORM (FOR ERIN)

Beguiling, mysterious guitar blips from the Emeralds guy.

11. BON IVER - FLUME (LANNY MAY REMIX)

Might have been remixed in a backwoods hut in Wisconsin.

12. DAS RACIST – AMAZING (FT. LAKUTIS)

Amazing.

13. ATLAS SOUND – QUICK CANAL

Sexy krautrock from Bradford Cox (the guy from Deerhunter) with Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadler in tow.

14. STEVE GUNN – DUSTED MIND

Intricate American primitivism to round things off. A bientot.

FIN

January 2011

....And..... you're back in the room! Welcome back dear reader, to YET another January edition of Chip's Blips (do we like this new format? I do). After a corker from Rafflestop, a disco blinder from Paco and a tour de force from Aquila, I must admit I've been feeling more pressure to deliver than a midwife on her first day! After much umming and arring, chopping and changing, and huffing and puffing, I've finally arrived here with a list of 9 absolute belters. I don't want to sound overconfident but I think this is one of my best. That was overconfident wasn't it. Damn.

Bon, without further ado, I present January's edition of Chip's Blips. Disfrutez-vous!

1. The Joy Formidable - Austere

A Welsh trio to start us off, with an album just out and currently on a UK Tour. The song starts off with a catchy Klaxon-esque shouty thing, and then gradually descends into a lovely chaos.

2. Ida - Road To Ruin

Another CB discovery for you here; the video's only got 236 hits, so you can tell all your friends and get some (more) street credit. I stumbled upon Ida on one of my late-night YouTube binges. It was a shimmering jewel in a sea of shit; a sad little nugget in an ocean of faux-emotion. I like the idea of going "rowing/ on the road to ruin".

3. We Are Animal - 1268

They are Welsh (again! What's occurrin'?!) and the lead singer looks like Colin Farrell. It's definitely a good start. A menacing little track here, full of distorted guitars and cowbells for the intro, constantly building momentum. Great video as well. Been following these guys for a while and they are definitely going in the right direction. Loving it.

4. World Champion - Dream

Alas, when you google "world champion dream", the last thing you are going to find out is anything at all regarding these Australian (i think) songstrels. No Google, I am not interested in Mark Selby ending Ken Doherty's World Championship dream. This song is so good it gives me goose pimples; just the right amount of everything in it: snappy drums, hazy vocals, lazy guitars, ethereal piano-tinklings and a few cheeky breakdowns and drops. Purr-fek-shun.

5. Brown Recluse - Impression of a City Morning

Very Simon & Garfunkel this one. Lovely summery vibe, short and sweet. Hopefully it brightens up your wintry day.

6. Digits - Lost Dream

Wow. Wow. Wow. This is AMAZING. My favourite song of 2011 so far. Reminds me a little of Hurts, the 80s voice&beat combo, but I think this takes it to another level. The lyrical ability in the chorus (first one on 1.05) is incredible - I still can't work out what he's saying, but the sounds that it makes do something very strange and pleasing to my brain. More please Mr Digits. More.

7. Sebadoh - Skull

A soothing little Indie number coming in at number 7. I'm not sure that the kind of girls I hang out with would be interested in a guy asking them to "gently take my skull/ for a ride", but I guess it has worked for this lad. Pretty big move that. Only going to attract one type of girl but if you have a type then stick to it!

8. Coma Cinema - Whatevering

I'm getting hints of Willy Mason here. Anyone else? I think it's better though; interesting lyrics, twinkly melodies, hand-claps (the essential ingredient to any good song in my humble opinion) and a bit of euphoric house piano (another essential!). I like the concept of Whatevering. Pretty sure I do it a lot already but just never worked out what to call it.

9. Bag Raiders - Snake Charmer

The last track of January, and HOHHHHH YES Blippers do we have an absolute belter to finish things off. I've played a couple of Bag Raiders tunes on here before, but this one really takes the biscuit. One of those songs where you are thinking "what the fuck is this?" for the first minute, and then before you know it (about 1min and 15 seconds in) you are dancing like a lunatic round your room doing snake charmer impressions and funny Egyptian hand movements. If there was ever a song that encapsulated the phrase "intoxicating beat" then it's this one. I can't help myself. The power of the snake is inside me! In a way it is a shame it didn't come out a couple of months later because i'm pretty sure it would've been an instant summer classic. Just keep it hush hush for now and we will release it into the world in May. Deal?

Well well, that was an eventful one. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, and I'm glad I could finally write a little bit more about each track. It has been a while. All this competition has made me up my game!

Also, if you're interested in doing a playlist for Chip's Blips (can be based around a genre like Paco's disco one, or just a selection of your favourite new music), get in touch. Come one, come all!

And remember, if you want to be kept in touch with all the latest goings on, you can follow Chip's Blips in the sidebar ----->, follow on Twitter @chipsblipsblog, or join the Facebook group "Chip's Blips".

See you in February, over and out.

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Aquila Rose's Blips - January 2011

They're coming thick and fast now as we wade through January's gloomy mire. Here to brighten your spirits this week is "Aquila Rose; part of the almighty Gaggle, a 22 strong all-female alt-dubstep choir (www.myspace.com/gagglespace). She makes music in her bedroom and sometimes airs it out in places, you can find one of those places at www.myspace.com/aquilarosemusic. She makes films, music videos, writes a blog of her own, (aquilarosethrills@blogspot.com) and lives in New York and London."

I've had a sneak preview (one of the perks) and I can tell you it's an absolute belter. Enjoy!

1. Sound of Bees- Gnomes

There is something a little magical about this lazy mouthed woman. It makes my toes thaw out and makes me feel I’m wearing cashmere instead of polyester.

2. Bobby Bridman- Weighty Wait

It’s sub-pop at it’s best. Should have hear about him so long ago as he plays with the likes of Bonnie Prince Billy and Ratatat but alas, he’s in your head now. And if your in love he makes it even sweeter.

3. How To Dress Well- Decisions (Feat. Yuksel Arslan)

This guy is all over the US at the moment and just about to release his debut in Europe. Unfortunately really shit live but the thick layers of vocals and reverb with the really lo-fi production makes for the bench mark sound of this year.

4. Olof Arnalds- Crazy Car

She’s from Iceland. Nuf said.

5. Thieves Like Us- Drugs In My Body

If your life looked like this when you were a teenager I want to know you. This is just one of a string of beauties from this French band.

6. Mountain Man- Animal Tracks

Like magical witch sisters spinning their voices round you like a whip.

7. Active Child- Wilderness

Some spiritual wide open vocals and standing-on-cliff-tops sound. The winter is long, but if you have this everything will be OK.

8. Dirty Beaches- Shangri-La

It’s like listening to the ghost of Elvis smoking crack. He’s from Vancouver and his LP is out in March and Alex is super hot…just thought you should know.

9. Ghoul- Dreambeat

So smooth. So menacing. Digging the thrust of the guitar and the (I’m sorry to do this) Jeff Buckely-esque vocals. Sydney band, you better watch out.

10. Simian Mobile Disco- I Believe

They have just released their new album and it is a stonker but if you haven’t yet heard this track from back in 2007 I’ll pee on your shoes.

11. Pebbles- Girlfriend

Oh Pebbles, Pebbles, Pebbles, she always tells the truth, oh oh oh. Still fresh over twenty years on, fuck Rihanna, Pebbles rocks 4eva.