new: Squarehead, Ginnels, John Legend, Bullion, O'Death, Eli Paperboy Reed, Burial and Sea Sessions festival.

Before we start, this is very funny.



Daily playlist.

Two tracks today from Those Geese Were Stupified, a title that's taken from a line in the song Jake Summers by Fight Like Apes. I would have gone for FuckingDisappointmentToTheHumanRace personally but each to their own (Fight Like Apes lyric) at the end of the day. Anyhow, he posted the new Squarehead tune a few days back. It's out now on Richter Collective.

Squarehead - Midnight Enchilada by Nialler9

While Squarehead are rocking the "lo-fi sound", they are making very listenable music. Ginnels on the other hand make music that initially sounds listenable. And once you're deep enough in they bombard you with a blast of beats and braun. Don't let my poor alliterations put you off. Play their punky, pounding pieces of (musical) pie and ponder the poignancy of it all.



One of my favourite tracks of the year (and one that I'm nowhere near sick of) Rolling In The Deep by Adele, covered by John Legend. You've almost certainly heard this already but I'm posting it for posterity. It's a keeper.

John Legend - Rolling in the Deep (Adele Cover) by johnlegend

And of course there's something from Nialler9. He's great for finding all these mad sounds and today is no exception. Bullion are the act, and I'm enthralled. London producer, bloody brilliant stuff.

BULLION / Magic Was Ruler by Young Turks

LAisthenewNY's new music posts are a must in the new music bookmarks, always on the ball. Here are two I picked up from there.

Trying to get my head around what O'Death are doing. It's magical.

O'Death - Bugs by cityslang

And then there's Eli Paperboy Reed. His voice is off the radar. One of the best soul tunes I've ever heard.



Clicked play to hear the new Burial tune, but accidentally click on this song by Yacht. Needless to say I was confused by this new synth-pop direction Burial was taking ...turns out the Yacht song is pretty good and that Burial hasn't run back to the 80's but is continuing to make all those crazy blips and beeps and high pitched vocals and atmospherics and all that.

Burial - NYC by isaidahip

And finally ...

 ...One of my fondest memories from years gone by is of one glorious weekend in Bundoran Co. Donegal, pitching a tent and lounging about in the sun for a weekend at Sea Sessions festival. From humble beginnings it's grown considerably and this year boasts the likes of Charles Bradley (who we posted a few weeks back), Ziggy Marley, Grandmaster Flash, Go! Team, Villagers, Japanese Popstars, Bell X 1, Cashier No. 9, Norman Jay and loads more. It's set right on by sea, with cliffs nearby from which you can dive into a beautiful lagoon, the beach is lovely. The town itself is a seaside town from days long gone and everything is convenient. Highly highly recommended.

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new: Gil Scott/Jamie xx, Death Cab For Cutie, Justice, Crystal Fighters, Childish Gambino, Bill Callahan, Avalanche Ammo, Stealing Sheep, Casanova Wave and Nicholas Jaar.

Daily playlist.

Salacious Sounds have posted their 10 favourite Jamie XX remixes. You can't deny that the guy is talented, a Diplo for the post-dubstep generation or something like that I guess. And Gil Scott-Heron? Gil Scott-Heron for the post dubstep generation maybe.

Gil Scott-Heron - I'll Take Care of You (Jamie XX Remix) by Posh Magazine

Oh yes, Death Cab. Codes & Keys May 31st. Can't wait.

DEATH CAB for CUTIE - You Are A Tourist [Album Version] by ATL REC.

Here goes. New Justice. She's a beast.

Justice - Civilization by thebluewalrus

And check out the video, an Adidas commercial, directed by Romain Gavras, who we posted about on the blog a few months back.



I read about Crystal Fighters in the Guardian today. Could wait to check them out, with all the nice things that had been said about them. They weren't wrong. It takes you somewhere warm and carefree.

Crystal Fighters - At Home (Radio Edit) by Crystal Fighters

The World of Underground Hip-Hop catch on to another gem, this one from Childish Gambino.

The Longest Text Message by Childish Gambino

Two now from Pitchforks forecast. You can say what you like about em, but as one stop shops for good new music goes it's consistently excellent. Here's Bill Callahan's wonderful new song. New stuff from http://pitchfork.com/news/42041-new-boris-riot-sugar/ and Fucked Up too, both amazing!

Bill Callahan - "Baby's Breath" by One Thirty BPM

At Nialler9's blog I heard Avalanche Ammo. Bloody brilliant stuff, well described as "The Redneck Manifesto on speed".

Owl Speak by Avalanche Ammo

Over to Breaking More Waves for a listen to the gorgeous sound of Stealing Sheep.

Stealing Sheep - Shoot The Ducks To Win by Red Deer Club Recordings

Nice interview here with Casanova Wave, who's well worth checking out.



After hearing lots about Nicholas Jarr, I've finally gotten around to having a listen. Palms Out Sounds have posted about him. One of my sounds of 2011 for sure.

Nicolas Jaar - Space Is Only Noise by CircusCompany

Finally, for larfs, here are a few nice things I found interesting/funny today. Frank McNally sums Ireland up in A History of Ireland in 100 euphamisms. Kay Burley from Sky News gets into the romance novel business ...truly odd ...and Pitchfor are to stream LCD Soundsystem's last ever show in Madison Square Garden live at 2 a.m GMT on Sunday morning. Might be a late on. Give me a shout if you're up for a few beers and watching it! Would any of the mansion squatters around London care to do something useful, like putting on a live stream LCD party? Would be nice to be hearing the last ever All My Friends with other people! ...or anything from their amazing back catalogue for that matter.



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new: So Cow

This evening I got worried wondering about music blogging, how important what I do is, whether there was any point and whether my posting about music does anything for new music as a whole. And then I heard a new Brian from So Cow song and it all made sense again. If I get to write about the handful of bands that I like that aren't too well known and share them with the world then it's all worthwhile.

GMT by BrianOfSoCow

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new:Austra

And the trawl through the SXSW recommendations begins. First out of the bag is Austra ...which kinda screws it up for everyone else cos this is bangin'.



Back with more over the next few days.

And a heads up for any of you London cats, I'm DJing the Good Ship in Kilburn on Saturday night, I've missed DJing a lot and can't wait. For an idea of what I'll be playing, check out the Dancefloor Magic feature or listen to the Spotify playlist

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....few days off for blue collar blogger

While SXSW is on I'm taking a few days off blogging. No matter how much of an appetite you have for new music, reports from the annual Texas festival should satisfy you for the week.

On top of that I'm just getting used to early starts, long commutes and long hours of lifting shit. At least Bruce cares about the working man. Thanks Bruce, you're my hero.



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Beardyman covers Queen

...you may already know about my love of Beardyman. What he does is just so bloody interesting.



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Dancefloor Magic Vol. 18

Tonight, thanks to a "fluke of orbital mechanics" we will see the biggest full moon in 18 years. Ever noticed that a full moon brings out the crazy in people?

For the moment, I'm hungover, but if Ireland beat England in 6 Nations I may be back in action.

Here are a few bangin' anthems to rawk out to, have a great night!


Kool & The Gang - Jungle Boogie


Billy Idol - Dancing With Myself


Hot 8 Brass Band - Get Up (Deisler Remix)

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new: TV On The Radio, Yeh Deadlies and Elaine Mai

Another new TV On The Radio song. Really great band. This is a soulful bluesy jam. Listen here and download below. Nine Types of Light is out April 12th. In other T.V.O.T.R news, the band have announced that bassist/keyboard player Gerard Smith is battling lung cancer. Read more here. Our very best to him.

I'm finally getting around to writing about Yeh Deadlies album. I've been listening to it a lot, and it's an absolute gem, one of the finest albums of the year. So very cute and catchy, interesting and fun. It's got everything, so you'd be best to have a listen yourself and see what you think.

04 Disk Jockey Blues by yeh deadlies

And then we come to the beautiful, mesmerising tones of Elaine Mai, Galway musician, member of Go Panda Go and maker of fine music herself. Take note, this is a keeper. More please.


Elaine Mai - Softly


Elaine Mai - I.O.U




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new: Win WIn

This is a beast. The band are called Win Win. They're made up of Spankrock member XXXChange, DJ Chris Devlin and visual artist Ghostdad. I think you'll like them.

Win Win featuring Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor – Interleave by Hypetrak

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new: Justice (teaser)

Justice, one of the few bands in the world who will create massive hype with a teaser. In a time when to amount any sort of excitement you need to give away at least half of your album it's nice to see some old school hype.



If you haven't already, watch A Cross The Universe. Best tour movie I've ever seen.

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Dancefloor Magic Vol. 17

I am finally fully appreciating Saturdays ...Half day today, and I'm ready to take on the world. Boom!

I had trouble tracking this down. I knew it was the Source remix of You've Got The Love by Candi Staton but it's not that simple. I knew what it sounded like but it took ages to figure out which one it is. On top of the confusion and conflicting reports of what's what on the internet, the backround to song itself and subsequent mixes and covers is baffling. The Guardian summed it up well last year but I think I've managed to sum it up.

The song was written by Anthony B. Stephens, Arnecia Michelle Harris and John Bellamy. It was recorded by Candi Staton a-capella for a docuementary about a fat man losing weight. In 1986 it was remixed and released by The Source. In 1991 it was remixed by DJ Eren, sampling the Frankie Knuckles and Jamie Principle house classic Your Love. In 1997 the New Voyager remix of The Source version was released, and re-released again in 2006. This is the one you'll often hear on the radio. Then in 2009 it was recorded by Florence and the Machine and became a massive single. Finally (for now), The xx released a downtempo, dubby remix Florence's version, again to fanfare around the blogosphere in particular. But anyway, it was the DJ Eren edit I was looking for ...and I found it. Here it is, a gem if ever there was one!


Candi Staton - You've Got The Love (DJ Erin's Bootleg Mix)

...and here are two more anthems to, I hope, get you in the mood for the old knees up tonight!


Fatboy Slim - Renegade Master (Fatboy Slim Old Skool Mix)


DJ Shadow - Six Days (Soulwax Remix)

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Electric Picnic 2011 lineup

Electric Picnic lineup. Oooooh. Iiiiiinteresting.

Here are whole host of reasons why one should go.

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new: Yuck, Gypsyblood, The Dodos, Oh Land, Okkervil River, Explosions In The Sky and Wild Beasts

Ok. A quick run through of what tracks have popped up over the past few days. I haven't had as much time of late as I've started a new job nigh on every hour there is in a day.

First off a video for one of the best tunes this year, from one of the better bands of late, the delectable Yuck. Such warm and pretty sounds.

Lost Chord E.P

Guest post from the delightful Ciara O Doherty.

Hear ye, Hear Ye!

Celebrated Galway band Lost Chord have released their latest musical offering, to coincide with their upcoming tour dates at Canadian Music Week, the international music festival.

This aptly titled "Canada E.P" features brand-new recordings, not to mention a re-vamped version of their previous hit Drunk & Unspoken a song already much salivated-over by Galway music lovers. The boys set sail for Toronto early yesterday morning, and my sources can confirm that they have arrived safely, and are having just about all the craic.

With support from Imagine Ireland and First Music Contact, the quintet, who have been listed as "Top 5 Irish Bands to Listen to Right Now" on Nialler9's blog, are now bringing their acclaimed live shows to a whole new continent, and will no doubt cause quite a stir on their travels.

For anyone who finds themselves nearby, shows in Lees Palace (9th March), and Parts & Labour (11th March) have been confirmed, with more to follow.

Here's the E.P, feel free to see what all the fuss is about.




Lost Chord - Drunk and Unspoken

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London Band of the Week no. 7: Belleruche

I was late in delivering a London band of the week last week so I'm getting back on track today with one for this week.

The band are called Belleruche. It is adventurous, trip-hopping, mesmerising music. There is so much I like about this. Indie rock basslines, groovy laid back drumming, angsty 90's alt-pop vocals. Not surprising giving their style that they're on the stellar Tru Thoughts label. Check them out in Koko on May 14th, and at SXSW if you're lucky enough to be going. I'm new-music-mecca based next year, it has to happen, who's with me?! K, have a listen to Belleruche, quality band.

Belleruche - 3 Amp Fuse by Mud Hut Digital

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new: Admiral Fallow, Films and Blueprint

I heard this on BBC 6 Music the other morning. Lauren Laverne is just back from maternity leave. I'd missed her on the radio over the past few months so huzzah and all that. The band are called Admiral Fallow. They're not unlike many bands out there at the moment, but bear with me. It's the rawkous rumble of Mumford and Sons, the strong Scottish accents of Frightened Rabbit and the soothing folk tones of just about every other band about at the moment. But these things belong to no bands, and these guys have nailed a wonderful sound that I wish to hear more and more of. "indie/nu/folk/rock" acts are a dime a dozen at the moment, but I like this in a way that I like Frightened Rabbit and Tallest Man On Earth. It's the best of a pretty good lot truth be told.



Their debut album Boots Met My Face is out now. This is what it sounds like ...(grab this one, tis a beaut)

London Band of the Week no. 6: Fiction

Oh London I love you.

Fiction are this weeks London band of the week. I've seen them compared to Vampire Weekend and Talking Heads. Accurate alright, but they have a strong pair of creative legs of their own to stand on too. Bright and clear sounds, chirpy and well put together.



Check them out April 30th and May 1st at the Gaymers Camden Crawl.

new: Cocophone

Picked this up on the excellent Bitter Fingers blog. They're an Irish band called Cocophone, a two piece comprised of Fin and Freya, making melancholic, rich and wholesome music. Check them out in Roisin Dubh, Galway on Friday.

Here is there E.P they released in November.




They didn't even make this video, it's an unofficial fan video. Good stuff then!



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new: Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys musical direction was always going to be an interesting thing to watch. Their debut was one of the greatest albums of our time. For me it was the soundtrack to the summer I finished school. It's a whopper of an album. But we all knew they couldn't and shouldn't write another album like that. And they didn't. But the following two albums were pretty hit and miss. Not bad but not nearly as good as their debut. So here is the first taster from their as of yet untitled fourth album which is being produced by James Ford from Simian Mobile Disco. If they were to continue in this garage/psych-lite vein I would not complain.



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Dancefloor Magic Vol. 16

I start a new job on Monday. I will now become a true weekend warrior. Saturdays are gonna get heavy!

Let us get our swagger on.


Captain Planet - Lagos Speedway


The Primitives - Crash


Kool & The Gang - Jungle Boogie


The Slew - 100%


Fatback Band - Do The Spanish Hustle (Danny Krivit Edit)

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Lemmy: The Movie

Watched this this evening. Absolutely brilliant documentary. It proves that Lemmy is the most rock n' roll man alive, that he'll never change and that he doesn't give a flying fuck what anyone thinks.

The tagline is crude: 49% Motherfucker 51% Son of a bitch, but anything less does not do justice to this gambling, drinking, swearing, smoking, speed freak. Going on that it should be safe to assume that he's a stumbling, mumbling, delusional shell of a man, but not so. Lemmy is interesting, funny, candid and charming in a gruff and grumpy manner.

Dave Grohl sums Lemmy up best "...Fuck Keith Richards, fuck all those dudes who survived the sixties. Flying around in private jets, living up their gunslinger reputation as they fuck supermodels in the most expensive hotel in Paris. It's like: you know what Lemmy is doing? Lemmy is... probably drinking Jack n' cokes and writing another record.

Two Door Cinema Club win Choice Music Prize!

Congrats to Two Door Cinema Club for bring chosen as the best Irish album of what was one of the finest ever years for Irish music.

Undercover Martyn by Two Door Cinema Club

They beat 9 excellent albums from the following bands. Check out my previous post on the prize to have a listen to each band.

Adebisi Shank
The Cast of Cheers
Cathy Davey
Fight Like Apes
Halves
James Vincent McMorrow
O Emperor
Imelda May
Villagers

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new: Ghostpoet w/ Kano

Since I posted about Ghostpoet last month I haven't been able to put down his debut, Peanut Butter Blues and Melancholy Jams.

Now he's teamed up with Kano for a Red Bull studios remix. Find out more here.






Ghostpoet - Cash & Carry Me Home (feat. Kano) by ghostpoet


You can say what you like about big business and music but fair play to Red Bull, they put their money where their mouth is. I've heard great things about the Red Bull Music Adademy, to find out more watch this video. Looks amazing.


How To Apply For The Red Bull Music Academy from Red Bull Music Academy on Vimeo.

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new: White Denim

So after 5 years of living in Galway I move away ...then Roisin Dubh announce that Black Lips are playing May 27th. The fuck like!? ...may have to take a trip home.

...but then this came along! I made me want to rent a convertible and drive across the U.S.A. Rock n' roll as you would expect from these absolute heroes. White Denim's new album D is out May 24th on Downtown Music.


If you've never listened to this band before get on board, they are fucking amazing.


White Denim - Drugs

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new: Strokes

Though I liked The Strokes "comeback single" Under The Cover Of Darkness it didn't leave me wanting more. Yesterday I spotted that they were offering 30 second samples of their upcoming album but I just wasn't bothered. Today this turned up and I'm more excited again.

New album out March 22nd. Very excited about seeing them tour again.

The Strokes - You're So Right by weallwantsome1

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