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?

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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.