I love how you can just stumble into bands on YouTube from link to link. Soul Sister Dance Revolution really came out of nowhere. I know nothing about them, but their live set in the first video captivated me. For a completely unknown band, this set really rocks. Sweden keeps putting out these bands. Must be something in the water.
"Hold The Line" is the first single from their debut album Playground Kids. It's got a nice soulful backbone mixed in with that Swedish pop sensibility.
Here's the first video I caught of SSDR that got me to do the serious digging. I'm looking forward to giving their debut LP a listen.
Bands like Peace take me back to the days of Blur and Oasis. Just classic Brit-pop I used to jam to back in the school days. Their new EP Delicious has several tracks that deserve to be singles. Sometimes, you wish the band had just waited and released a full LP. It's like one of the slices from the watermelon on the cover of the EP was missing.
"Bloodshake" has the familiar sound that really takes you back to the
classic Brit bands from the 90's. I really dig a song that takes no
time for you to get to the meat. These guys look like their tour bus hit a warm-hole and trapped them in 1995. I'm going to have to dust off my Parklife CD now.
"Follow Baby" was an earlier track released in the summer. Unfortunately, this song is not on their new EP. I think it's nice to get a break from all the synth alternative with some good old fashioned guitar rock.
Concrete Knives have been making a name for themselves in France and finally their song "Brand New Start" came across my playlist. Looking forward to hearing their LP and seeing them in the U.S. if they tour. Their music is in the same ballpark of Los Campesinos! and The Lumineers. They have that same chant along energy as those bands with multiple singers. Here's a little pep for a gloomy Thursday afternoon. It ain't always sunny in Los Angeles contrary to popular belief.
I came across Diamond Rings a few months back and just got a hold of his new Free Dimensional album. After a few listens, I really think this is one of the more fun albums of 2012. Diamond Rings, which is John O from Toronto, crafts some of the years more thoughtful and fun synth-pop. He looks like Max Headroom and David Bowie had a love child. 2012 has become the year of the 80's synth alternative revival.
"I'm Just Me" is Diamond Rings' biggest single from Free Dimensional. I think it's got a more club sound than some of his other tracks which explains the decision to make it the first single. I like the Bowie homage going on with this video.
My personal favorite track and single from the Free Dimensional LP is "Runaway Love." It reminds of the Buzzcocks. This album is just a lot of fun. Sometimes that's all you want from your music. First time I heard this track, I had to hit repeat. And then repeat again. It's damn good.
Speaking of the Buzzcocks, here's one of my favorite tracks of theirs, "Promises." Music was so fresh back in the late 70's. Everything was new. This song is still great 30 some odd years later.
I've been a Rolling Stone reader for most my music loving days and I think they've gotten away from proper music coverage. They're still a great read for political articles and other investigative journalism but not music news. Most things left of center they don't even bother talking about. Honestly, for most my musical journalism, I read NME and Spin.
Anyhow, to the point of my rant. I was looking through the review section in issue 1171, which is currently on the news stands, and came across their thoughts on the The Weeknd The Trilogy LP. Opinions are truly like assholes and we all got one. Granted. But this review didn't even really give it a fair shake. The comment was this album could've used editing since it takes the last three mixtape EP's from The Weeknd and puts them together in one package. Well, isn't that the point of calling it The Trilogy? He would've called it Greatest Hits LP if he would've edited it down to the best of.
Not all artist want to whore themselves out. Some just want to put out their art to showcase whatever state of mind brought them there. It might not all be pretty but it's not about singles or hits. There's at least a half dozen songs on this LP that stand head and shoulders above most R&B in the market right now.
In that same issue, they go on to rave about the new Ke$ha Warrior LP. They gave it 3 1/2 stars and The Weeknd 2 1/2. Really Rolling Stone? This is what you've come to? You've lost your touch.
Here's a sample of The Weeknd and a song from the Ke$ha LP that Rolling Stone wants you to buy. Wonder who's paying their expenses?
The Weeknd's most popular song "Wicked Games." I'm sure everyone has heard of it but it's part of The Trilogy and worth posting. This originally appeared on the House of Balloons EP.
"The Birds (Part 1)" is another solid single from The Trilogy. This originally appeared on his Thursday EP.
"D.D." is The Weeknd's cover of Michael Jackson's song "Dirty Diana." One of the better covers to come out in a while in my opinion. This song originally appeared on The Weeknd's Echoes of Silence EP but now you can get it all in The Trilogy LP. If you like R&B, get this LP.
And here's Ke$ha's new single "Die Young" from her Warrior LP. Not my bag, but I'm sure there's an audience for this since she sells so many songs on iTunes. Sounds like heavy help from some kind of vocal processors to help her keep the tune. They gave this 3 1/2 stars and the above 2 1/2. Love to hear people's thoughts on that. I actually want to stab my ears when I hear this chick rap-sing. What is that called anyways?
I know there's a remix Bjork album going around but what caught my ear from Iceland this month is Retro Stefson. Their sound is a nice blend of alternative pop, electronica, and R&B. Their new album hits the streets internationally soon. I would imagine it's already available in their own neck of the woods. They're worth checking out if you like the two singles I will post from their new LP.
"Glow" is one of the first songs out from the LP and it's got a nice eclectic groove. I just had no idea this kind of sound was coming out of Iceland. Then again, I know so little about Iceland beyond Jonsi and Bjork.
"Miss Nobody" is another song that is on the new self-titled LP from Retro Stefson. This might be my favorite track from them so far. I like the breaks in the middle of the song with the mini jam session.
I wanted to just put up a few singles for today. No need to talk about any band in particular, but some songs to jam listen to while you sit back in a food coma. And to the international set, I'm sure there's plenty to be thankful for as well.
Daily Bread song "The River" is my first single to play. I just came across these guys and from the looks of it they're from California. I really dig the energy and the backbone to this song. Parts of the song give me a New Order sort of feeling.
Since some people are traveling this weekend this song is for you. "On A Train" by Yuksek came out last year but hey it's new to me. I actually dig this band and their worth a full mention but here's a quickie. Check out the rest of the songs from their Living On The Edge Of Time LP.
"Keep Up With You" by Teenage Bad Girl was just on my playlist this week and thought to make it the last video to link. Again, this is another older LP but hey I'm blogging my playlist so thought to give it a mention. Their French band and a lot of fun. This is from their Backwash LP. It's like an electro-hairband from the 80's had a baby with Justice.
I came across Stepdad because of the director of their video "Must Land Running." I honestly knew nothing about Stepdad prior to that and I was missing out. If you like synthy alternative like Passion Pit, then you'll be digging on some Stepdad. This Chicago based band is worth a listen and a purchase to your collection. Wildlife Pop LP came out in June and really put Stepdad on the map. It's a complete album with enough tracks that standout to make it one of my favorite summer LPs in 2012.
"Must Land Running" was the song that introduced me to the band and what a great introduction. This song just has the hooks and chorus to really grip you from the first listen. Doesn't take much to like this song and the video is great too.
"Will I Ever Dance Again" was from my knowledge, the first single Stepdad released from their Wildlife Pop LP. Or maybe the first video they put out? Either way, this is another memorable song with a nice dance pop backbone that had me wanting this LP.
If you're still not a believer, listen to "Jungles" from the same LP. Another nicely layered song with a catchy chorus. I think that's key to a good synth alternative song, a catchy chorus. Listen and learn kids. Don't try to complicate things, just give me a good beat with a decent chorus. I need something to pretend to know the lyrics to in my car.
The other day I was listening to Boys Noize "The Remixes" LP and came across his remix of Late of The Pier song "Focker." Honestly, I had only heard about them passing and the remix made me want to listen to the original. I have to say, I was late to the game with this band. Too bad they're now long gone. Their album Fantasy Black Channel is an eclectic mix of sounds with some nice spastic energy to get you going. I'm pretty bummed this band decided to call it quits after a clever first album and a few singles.
"Focker" was the remixed track that brought me to this discussion, so here it is. The video feels more like 1982 than 2008, gotta love it. I can see why this song did modestly on the England charts.
I spoke about the Boys Noize remix and wanted to go ahead and play that one too. It takes the more spastic part of the song in the last 30 seconds and jams it with extra bass. It's music I'd edit a car chase to.
"Heartbeat" is another single from Fantasy Black Channel that really stands out. It has a real Talking Heads sort of vibe.
"Best In The Class" was the last official single listed for Late of The Pier. If you have to close up shop, might as well do it right. I'm going to do some digging and see what these guys have been doing for the past two years. I hear they've formed other bands.
Just when I thought Twin Shadows couldn't be involved in any more projects before the end of the year, I'm introduced to the Rush Midnight's EP. Rush Midnight is made up of Russell Manning who played with Twin Shadows. This is his own solo effort helped heavily by the producing help of Twin Shadows. Although this is not a Twin Shadows project, his fingerprints are all over this solid debut EP +1.
"Crush" has a cool synth sound but with more funky 70'svibe than 80's. In the layering and the production, you can really see the presence of Twin Shadows. I think Russel Manning being a bass player gave this song a funkier backbone than Twin Shadows' own LP.
"The Night Was Young Enough" is another standout track from the EP +1. Again, you can see the bass playing in the background really driving the groove of this song. It's synthy rock with a bit more bass funk.
Swiss Lips have put out several singles thus far and all are quality. Quit teasing us with the singles and start releasing the LP. Hopefully there's something in the works for next year. It's pretty tough to get a hold of their stuff for us here in the US. They have a nice catchy electro-rock sound with memorable lyrics. I'm sure anyone that's heard "U Got the Power" can confess to having that song rattle around their head for hours after. And the video mashup of 80's breakdancing films is pretty rad too.
"In The Water" is the bands newest single. They're really growing on me with each song.
"U Got The Power" was their breakout single. It seems to have played at Forever 21. At least that's what the people say in the comments section on YouTube say. I don't shop there, so I'm the wrong person to comment. Whatever works to get music to the masses stuck listening to Bieber. This video makes me want to stream some breaking dancing films from Netflix tonight.
"Danz" has the best synth work thus far in any of their songs. The first ten seconds are enough to get you hooked. I'm not sure what song the guy in the video is dancing to. It's like someone's drunk uncle decided to make a dance video. Classic.
It seems like the Sweds are invading our homes not just through cheap made furniture but music of all varieties. I'm of course a self confessed addict of anything Lykke Li but it seems like the music invasion doesn't end there. For the last few weeks, I've been getting more and more entrenched into the Swedish music scene and now I've hit an all time low. Yup, the sugar sweet pop electronica they crank out. Namely in the form of Avicii and Cazzette. Lock up the kids, the Sweds are coming to town. Oh yeah, they also have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who just scored 4 goals against England in a friendly.
Cazzette just put out "Beam me up" this week and it's just blowing up on YouTube. It's probably going to hit 2 million views by the end of the month. They got a nice gimmick going too with the cassette tapes around people's necks. It takes me back to all the cassettes I bought as a kid. Run DMC being the first one I purchased or was it Europe. Hey, I was 10, don't judge.
I dig this video homage to District 9.
It seems like Cazzette come from the same hole that spawned Avicii. Might as well put up one of their extremely viewed videos. These guys must be printing money at this point by the ticket sales at their shows. If DJ's at raves is the Swedish version of boy bands, then I'm all in. This beats any Justin Bieber bullshit we have here imported from Canada. Hey Canada, take that dickbag back. Thanks. Now I just need to stock up on glow sticks and E tabs. "Levels" is probably the most known song from their catalog. This is the way they get down at the office in the land of Ikea.
City Calm Down sound a lot like an English band to me hailing from London and not their actual hometown of Melbourne, Australia. They have a mid 80's sound which is a huge compliment. Their new Movements EP is a perfect start for this band. Solid production value, good lyrics and some catchy synth rock to follow it all. I came across these guys and have liked this new EP more than expected.
"Pleasure and Consequence" has a New Order sound to me. This might be one of their better songs but I wish the synths would calm down just a tad on this track. Sometimes, it overwhelms the singing and even the drums. Just saying, I would've mixed this just a tad differently.
"Dare" is another standout track from Movements EP. I think this song works a bit better with the synth mix than "Pleasure and Consequence." There's more than just Temper Trap in Australia's music scene folks.
"Stay" really shows how much raw talent this band has. From the lyrics to the music itself, this is a great track. Definitely seek out this band and their new Movements EP when it's available. Thanks again to YouTube for bridging the distance for us music fans in getting things from foreign lands.
I honestly didn't know much about The Zolas till recently. Ancient Mars is their second LP and a really good entry in the jam packed 2012 calendar. Listening to them, you get a definite west coast vibe. They're from Vancouver, British Columbia, so I guess that still counts as west coast. Their music is in the same world as Two Door Cinema Club and just as catchy. I hope they get some videos up for Ancient Mars to give them more exposure.
"Observatory" is the song that really made me think of Two Door Cinema Club. It has that same catchy hook and lyrical style. "I want to read your book but don't want to break the spine." Can't go wrong with pop lyrics like that.
"Local Swan" is another stand out track from Ancient Mars. The piano on this song for me really is the driving force. It reminds me of an older Keane song. I'm a fan of any band that has lyrics that pull you in and make you sing along on a second listen.
I remember in one of my many trips to Canada, I was reminded that they play over 60 percent local music. Meaning, there was a gluttony of Bryan Adams and Celine Dion on the air. Thankfully, Canada has a ton of great new talent and playing local music doesn't mean that kind of torture. Anyhow, "Knot In My Heart" is another favorite of mine from Ancient Mars. The entire album is worth picking up.
If you know your dubsteb then you've heard of Benga from the Magnetic Man. And if you haven't heard of the Magnetic Man and like bleep bloop music, go and buy that now. That album deserves to be in every electronica fan's shelf. Anyhow, Benga from the band has had a damn good year in cranking pop dubstep back in the UK. It's way more pop than some of the other dubstep out there and I think more accessible for people across the pond. Unfortunately, there's no LP or EP putting all these songs together. You have to seek them out as singles for the time being.
"Pour Your Love" is his latest single. It hit around mid-summer in the UK and had a cool video following. There's a lot of similarities between this song and the beats from the Magnetic Man LP. This reminds of the tracks they did with Katy B. A bit like the song "Crossover" actually. It's more of a summer jam.
"Icon" is another single released mid 2012. To my ears, this song may be too pop. It's still a good beat and great production.
"I Will Never Change" is one of the more clever videos I've seen this year. It's so simple but it really works. Creating the wave form from records on a steel bar. The song is cut short but this is classic Benga to my ears.
I spoke of "Perfect Stranger" featuring Katy B from the Magnetic Man and I might as well hit a link to the live version. I've watched this multiple times back in the days. Just love how good it sounds live for electronica. Sometimes that genre of music can get lost in the recording studio and vocals using tons of filters. Katy B just rocks it on the vocals.
Another year in music is about to come to close but not before another LP by The Sword. These guys just know how to make that sludge metal rock straight from the 1970's. Their sound reminds me of Black Sabbath and Motorhead. If you're a fan of either of those, then go and grab all The Sword LPs. They're from Austin, TX so you know they can rock.
Their new LP is called Apocryphon and here's the title track. Don't really need to talk about it because it just rocks.
"The Veil of Isis" is not only a great title from Apocryphon but a damn rockin' song. The guitar rifs these guys play are killer. I don't know many bands that rock like these guys post 1980's. I tend to talk about much milder bands but sometimes you just want music to kick your teeth in.
"Tres Brujas" was from their LP Warp Riders. Just thought to play one of their older songs. I really dig this crazy journey through the desert with swords and guitars. Oh yeah, and attractive women. What's not to like?
Some bands really know how to make those grooves that crawl under your skin and rattle your chains. Zucchini Drive has that sensibility. Their music slams your speakers and drives your mood up and down on their newest LP. No Food But Lots Of Weapons was released this year and I'm surprised didn't make a bigger splash. Their electro-hip-hop fusion is damn addictive.
I seriously didn't expect Marcus Graap with pigtails singing the vocals on "Howler Than Thou." This track is probably my favorite from No Food But Lots of Weapons LP. A song about going for yours and these fellas do on this track. It's the kind of beat you'll want to hit replay as soon as it's over.
"Jaguar Sky" is a more reserved song that shows a different side of Zucchini Drive. These guys definitely have range and another solid track from No Food But Lots of Weapons.
"Life Coach" is another standout track from their new LP. This is definitely above electro-hip-hop as their defined by. I think they've evolved greatly since their first LP where they sounded more like Fun Lovin' Criminals.
For those of you that might have forgotten about Fun Lovin' Criminals, here's a refresher.
We all have that after election haze this morning. Who won, who didn't? Do pornstars have to wear condoms in LA county during filming? Which states will allow the legal distribution of marijuana? All the things that really matter to the voting public. So, I needed the music equivalent of caffeine to get me up and going this morning. Who knew the French would come to the rescue in the form Vitalic? Yup, a French band that knows how to make some electro noise.
"La Mort Sur Le Dancefloor" from Vitalic's LP Rave Age is club thumping tune that will give you a jolt morning or night. I have no clue what they're saying. I should probably look that up. Who cares when the beat hits this hard folks? Enjoy.
Yesterday, I was talking about cool videos from the band Alt-J. Here's Vitalic's entry into that cool video marketplace. "Stamina" is one of their most recent singles from Rave Age. It's the French way of saying we eat too much fast food I think.
Alt-J has blown up this year with their album An Awesome Wave. Their music is filled with depth and emotions. There are so many layers to each song and with third or fourth listen suddenly you catch on. No need to label these guys as the next Radiohead. I think someone called Muse that a few years back. They have their own place in the music world. Today, I just want to talk about how cool their videos have been so far this year. Talk about art.
I will start with my personal favorite video of theirs from the song "Tessellate." Something about the simplicity of this video yet the images of the social circles is fascinating. The dancing club girls is my favorite social circle. I think I saw a few of those in Hollywood last night.
"Breezeblocks" is one great song and the video isn't far behind. The video shown in reverse of the domestic battle is destructive and visually puzzling. Takes me back to the days music videos were a way for directors to get noticed.
"Something Good" video is the most cinematic attempt of theirs so far. The matador losing to the bull shot in this abstract visual style is art. I think I just watched a painting come to life. This is what music videos are supposed to look like. Take notes kids.
"Fitzpleasure" video was released by the band this month. It's the newest to add to their growing list of visually inventive videos. By the way, if you haven't picked up this album, you are missing out. Great stuff. That's one hell of a debut album.
Post War Years have put out several EP's. They're still hard to categorize. It's actually kind of nice not having to define their sound. It's eclectic, electric, and funky while infectious enough to have the beat stuck in your head. Their two EP's Glass House and The Bell are both worth a full listen and pick up.
"All Eyes" was the first song I heard from Post War Years released in late 2011 and is a great introduction to this band. It's hypnotic and eclectic. The video goes so well with the song and is hard to describe. Who knows what's going?
Their follow up EP Glass House contains the funky world from the previous video "All Eyes." The video gives me a Doctor Who vibe smashed cut with acid. "What chance in glass house have we?"
"The Bell" goes right with the other two videos to finish up the trilogy. I love their attempt to tie it all together. Not sure where it all goes. I've seen each video multiple times and still clueless what the images all mean. But who cares when the song is this good.
Elliot were around in the mid 1990's till early 2000's. They got mixed in the wave of emo and alternative bands but never really broke out. Their sound definitely would not define them from the city of origin listed for them. Yeah, hard to guess they were from Louisville. Anyhow, their sound was tough to define at the time and that probably hurt their marketing. On the LP False Cathedrals they hit a high and really showcased what they could bring to the scene at the time.
"Drive On To Me" is from False Cathedrals LP. It might arguably be the bands most pop song they ever recorded. This was one of my favorite LP's from 2000. As a frame of reference, this came out the same year as Relationship of Command from At The Drive-In. A great year for alternative rock. I know their sound might be too early 2000's for some but for me this still sounds great 12 years later.
"Calm Americans" is also from False Cathedrals. This song has such a great build up and flow. You have two completely different songs from where you start and where you end.
"Beijing(too many people)" was released on the LP Songs In The Air. This album was much more calm and somber than their previous work. The emotions ran deeper and lyrics seemed darker. Going back and listening to them all over has given me even great appreciation for their talent.
Went to the AFI screening of Rust and Bone tonight with Marion Cotillard in attendance. The movie was solid but the music caught a few people's ears. Had a nice eclectic use of songs from different decades. A friend was also interested in knowing what the Bruce Springsteen song was from the film. So, here are a few of the tracks from the film for those that might have seen it and not known the songs or the remix versions of the songs that appear in the film.
Remix of the song "State Trooper" by Bruce Springsteen appears during a montage in the film where Cotillard's character takes a ride on the wild side. The remix is actually pretty cool and for those none Bruce fans it might win you over.
They also played a remix version of "Follow" by Lykke Li. I love the original version of this song so not sure what I feel about this danced up remix.
"Wash" by Bon Iver seems to be the song used for the most emotional impact in the movie. It definitely does it's job. A bit too on the nose for my taste but a good song. This song might also appear in the trailer for the film. Don't quote me on that.
Active Child's debut LP You're All I See has really grown on me. For those of you that haven't heard them yet, it's a lot like Bon Iver but more melodic. It's surprising to read Pat Grossi lives in Los Angeles because this moody music reminds me more of somewhere far colder and darker. Maybe, that's his New Jersey roots coming through.
His video for "Johnny Belinda" makes me think of Bon Iver hanging out on the set of Valhalla Rising. You just have to watch the video to get that connection. This song is epic in it's mood.
The song "Playing House" features How To Dress Well. It's more R&B influenced than the other songs on his LP but most likely because of the influence of How To Dress Well. Either way, it's worth adding to your playlist.
Bastille's music was bound to start getting more attention and it finally seems to have caught on. I just wish there would be a full LP release instead of all these singles.
Anyhow, here's "Flaws." Another perfectly crafted pop song just like "Bad Blood." I guess when you die you get cute girls with skeleton paint following you around. Things could always be worse.
Here's an acoustic version of "Bad Blood" and it's damn good for hand claps and a guitar.
