popgoestheradio

popgoestheradio has moved house ...

2012-01-18T20:51:00.002Z

Blogger has finally done me in, I gave tumblr a go, and I'm sold. The fun continues, here! xoxox

Another 3: Ships, Alt-J and Spoek Mathambo

2012-01-02T10:22:00.000Z

Save for Shit Robot and Japanese Popstars Ireland isn't too well known in terms of dance music. Electronica, sure, but when it comes to dancefloor music it's a sparse world, which is why I'm excited by this first offering by Ships. Two Hearts is a belter, and I hear they rocked the arse out of Block T on New Years Eve. Good stuff then, can we have some more?

Two Hearts by Ships

I posted this song before, but in the interest of acknowledging a name change and an exciting future I'm reposting along with more stuff from the addictive listen that is Alt-J. I initially heard Breezeblocks when the band were called Films. Hard enough as that was to google, the band then changed their name, not to the words "alt j" but to the symbol created when one hits the "j" key once the "ctrl" key is pressed on a keyboard ...if it were for furthered obscurity it has far from worked, given that they've popped up all over the top 100 tracks of the year lists, including a number 7 in The Recommender. And why all the noise about em? Cos they knock together a thoroughly interesting sound that should garner them much interest in 2012. For the moment, here are their demos on Soundcloud.

Tessellate (demo) by alt-J

After reading an article yesterday on the ongoing forward thinking of legendary Seattle label Sub Pop I had a listen to Spoek Mathambo. Since the release of his debut Mshini Wam in 2010 the Johannesburg electro-rapper has toured Europe, South America and the US, picking up accolades for his futuristic take on, as he calls is, "township tech". Put Some Red On It is the first single from his forthcoming second album Father Creeper.

Spoek Mathambo - "Not Yet Uhuru" by welikeitindie

(Film makers Pieter Hugo and Michael Cleary won the Young Director Award at Cannes last year for this video)

SPOEK MATHAMBO - CONTROL from spoek mathambo on Vimeo.

SPOEK MATHAMBO - CONTROL by Spoek Mathambo

Superpost! ...and Tim Minchin rant

2011-12-30T11:53:00.000Z

Bumper post Christmas uber-post...

Posted the youtube link last week but the soundcloud link is up so in the interest of better quality, here it is. The Cast of Cheers second album out in Springtime.

The Cast Of Cheers - Family by barrygruff

I didn't post a top songs or albums list this year. It was a funny year, I didn't post much at times, work got hectic and I started listening to a lot of older stuff, lot of dance music, lot of old hip-hop and briefly lost touch with what was in itself and odd year for music. It would have been incomplete to say the least. For example I only heard Black Joe Lewis last week. I mean, this is better than nearly everything I heard last year. It's ballsy as all hell, funky, sexy, dirty and very addictive. Scandalous, by Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears is out now.

Yet another "only properly listening to now" with Unknown Mortal Orchestra ...goodness knows what stopped me hearing the rest of their debut album once I'd heard Ffunny Ffrends but now it's done and I wholeheartedly endorse this product or service. Fuzzy noise, hippedy-hop beats, airy-fairy vocals and a firm, likeable groove. Self titled debut out now.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - How Can U Luv Me by guil-laume

Fela Soul, yet another album mashing hip-hop and an act or style together to make something very fun and listenable. Put together by Gummy Soul records fellow Amerigo Gazaway, it's hearing both acts in new ways, which is always good. Also worth checking out are Wugazi, Mos Dub and Ghostfunk.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://gummysoul.bandcamp.com/track/ooh-feat-redman"&amp;gt;Ooh (feat. Redman) by Amerigo Gazaway of Gummy Soul&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://gummysoul.bandcamp.com/album/fela-soul"&amp;gt;Fela Soul by Amerigo Gazaway of Gummy Soul&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Some new Rubberbandits jams, from their double disk debut, Serious About Men. It's very good, you should get a copy. Also, check out their "comedy blaps" for Channel 4, fun and games galore. Check out a review from State, and have a read of their guest spot with Nialler9, picking 5 acts for 2012.

Finally, it has come to my attention in a major way, just how talented, intelligent and funny Tim Minchin is. Last week he was due to appear on ITV's Jonathan Ross show. He wrote a festive song for the occasion, an alternative take on the character of Jesus. This was all well and good until after the show when ITV's director of television Peter Fincham demanded that Minchin's slot be cut from the broadcast. Tim himself has an opinion on this:

"He did this because he's scared of the ranty, shit-stirring, right-wing press, and of the small minority of Brits who believe they have a right to go through life protected from anything that challenges them in any way."

Well said Tim. But thankfully Tim had a copy of his performance and has put it online so we can see for ourselves firstly how funny the man is, and secondly what a spineless toad Peter Fincham is. Enjoy.

Fun in 2012: The 2 Bears, Azealia Banks, Trippple Nippples and the ultimate music related Christmas present EVER!!

2011-12-19T11:41:00.000Z

Listening to these acts has me giddy with excitement for a year of music that's nowt but fun. May be a year to drop out and party. Thinking of setting up a wee stall selling knick-knacks and living in a tent in the park for the summer.

For now I'm dosed up on the couch, it's bleak and wintery outside, but on the stereo, it's SUMMERTIME BABY!!

What can I say about The 2 Bears? More music that's falling right into my lap. Dance music that's also music itself. I found no joy in Deadmau5, prog-house or 00's electro. It all sounded like heavy machinery. I do love Nico Jaar style electronic music but when I'm out I do want that bit of oomph, a thick beat with melody, style and fun. The 2 Bears are just that, can't wait for the debut album, Be Strong which is out January 30th.

Work by The 2 Bears

The 2 Bears - Curious Nature E.P. by The 2 Bears

....Kim Jong Il dies and Azealia Banks releases new music, at the same time. The internet rejoices. A new one from the mysterious Harlem songstress/rapper/cool cat. Hate to make outrageous statements too early but she'll be massive if she wants to be, and there's an Azealia shaped hole in pop music. I'm sure at some point she'll mention filling a hole in one of her songs. She's playing the NME awards tour soon with the wonderful Metronomy and Two Door Cinema Club ...and the musical turd that is Tribes

LIQUORICE by Azealia Banks

Japan's Trippple Nippples are out-flipping-rageous. You'll be left scratching your head wondering what you just heard. Flaming Lips vs. Shoned Knife vs. Adebisi Shank maybe ....listen enjoy and catch em touring with Devo now!

LSD Trippple Nippples by trippplenippples

Finally, look at this! If you're stuck for something to get your music-mad partner, friend or family member, here's something they'd love (well I would anyway). Produced by We Are Dorothy, a collective of like minded artists who create thoughtful and interesting pieces or art, all worth checking out.

new: The Cast of Cheers, Blawan and Jewellers vs. Patterns

2011-12-12T20:15:00.000Z

The Cast of Cheers new single got it's first play the other evening on the Zane Lowe show. Such was the jocks excitement that he played it twice in a row. Today it found its way to youtube, so have a listen, and if the band are new to you check out their debut album, Chariot, which has notched up 150,000 plays since last year.

Going through the Irish Times lists of the year I had a listen to Blawan, based on ents editor Jim Carrolls suggestion. This track is immense and I'm on the hunt for more ...I had decided not to do a best of the year, based on the shoddy output over the past while, but all this lisztomania has me excited. The ipod is working overdrive, listening and relistening, I may do up a wee list after all.

Blawan - What You Do With What You Have by ProxyChen

Jewellers Vs. Patterns. I loved Jewellers E.P, Sleep Education which came out earlier this year, and can't recommend them enough as a live act. Now they've teamed up with Patterns, a new act for me to remix each other for this online release. Nice idea, thoroughly worthwhile listen.

Throwing Stones (Jewellers Remix) by Musicalpatterns

Forward Life (Patterns Remix) by Musicalpatterns

The "how am I only hearing this now" post.

2011-12-04T22:50:00.000Z

There's nothing like a crippling hangover to knock your perspective off kilter and open your mind to new ideas. Like trying tomatoes again, and listening to lots and lots of buzz bands you've been ignoring for ages to see if they're any good. Some of them are.

Before we start, this weekend the annual Other Voices festival took place in Dingle, Co. Kerry in Ireland. Each year sees a host of excellently chosen acts play the 80 capacity St. James church in the town. The current crop includes Band of Skulls, Edwin Collins, Wild Beasts, James Vincent McMorrow, SBTRKT, Spiritualized and loads more. Catch up on the weekends events here and watch this clip from a few years ago of a fresh and excited Amy Winehouse.

Don't know if the song is up to much but the latest Duck Sauce video is mad as a bag of spiders.

Only recently heard the amazing Azealia Banks! I haven't been clubbing of late so missed this banger.

212 by Azealia Banks

Off kilter filthy hip-hop from Danny Brown, this whole lot released on Fools Gold Recs.

Danny Brown "XXX" by foolsgoldrecs

This track is mind blowingly good. Erika M. Anderson, aka EMA, this years The xx, Warpaint/whatever came before that? Past Life Martyrs came out in May.

EMA - The Grey Ship by souterraintransmissions

new: The Roots - Undun

2011-12-01T05:55:00.001Z

Relearning how to devour new music made all the sweeter with a new album from The Roots. Undun is a concept album from the supremely talented Philadelphia hip-hop act.

The story follows Redford Stevens life and eventual death, a victim of the drug trade. NPR's Charlie Kaplin puts it well:

"Along the way, no verse is wasted, no optimism is spared; each line is like a shovelful of dirt on Redford's coffin. At 39 minutes, undun feels like a lifetime, because it is one."

Hear the album in it's entirety at NPR. Undun is out December 6th.

The Roots - One Time ft Phonte & Dice Raw by Punablog

new: Waters, Civil Civic and Avicii

2011-11-30T23:04:00.000Z

Very little blogging of late. Upturned laptops don't take kindly to being trodden on early in the morning. Will have to make do with DIY technology for the next while.

But being cut off from new music for two weeks was actually quite nice. Fresh perspective and all that!

My initial thoughts were on whether or not I'd like Waters if their production was more polished. But I would, the songs stand up on their own. The songs are by Van Pierszalowski, former Port O Brien frontman, which says enough itself.

WATERS - For The One by cityslang

I've posted about Civil Civic many times before ...because they're bloody brilliant. And their debut Rules has just been released. Listen to the whole lot on bandcamp.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://civilcivic.com/track/airspray-2"&amp;gt;Airspray by CIVIL CIVIC&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

As I said, been away from the internet so all I've heard that's recent is what's on the radio and X Factor. Though not usually one for stratospheric superclub electro house I've been grooving along to this big style. Nice use of Etta James sample too.

Also, massive props to this guy. Would love to see what else he's got up his sleeve.

Live, London: 2:54, Cerebral Ballzy, Fanzine and Kid Koala

2011-11-08T22:14:00.000Z

Brief blog. Moved house this week so back in my old place raiding the broadband. I've finally moved to east London so I'm planning to go to every live music event the city has to offer. Here are a few bits from bands I may plan to go see over the next few days.

Some lovely foreboding and grim music from 2:54. They're playing The Corsica Arms tomorrow night with the wonderful Novella.

2:54 - Got A Hold by 2:54 Band

The Macbeth in Hoxton plays host to the filthy punk stylings of Cerebral Ballzy, also tomorrow night.

Insufficient Fare by Cerebral Ballzy

Fanzine release their new double A-Side in the Shacklewell Arms in Dalston on Thursday. It's free in. Can't wait to see them live.

My Stupid Brain by Fanzine

I can't believe I hadn't heard of Village Underground. Amazing live shows and from the looks of photos a beautiful creative space. Gonna go see Mr. Scruff there on the 19th.

...and between now and Friday I'll be working on blagging a ticket for the sold out Kid Koala gig on Friday. Ticket fairy, do me a solid!

Kid Koala - Fender Bender by greenlaces

Autumn Mix: Anthems

2011-10-30T22:16:00.001Z

I only post new music on the blog but I've put together a mix of songs that I love to play when DJing and will have me bouncing off the walls if I hear them live. Have a listen!

anthems by Josh Clarke

Taking bookings in London for parties, pubs, clubs, village halls, anywhere that'll have me. Took a break for a while, rearing to get back into it again! Mail me at "mailjoshclarke@gmail.com" or hit me up on twitter if you're interested.

new &/ newish: Anchorsong, Lisa Hannigan, Darcy James Argue's Secret Society and Zara McFarlane

2011-10-30T12:04:00.000Z

Before we start here's a little goodbye to DJ Jimmy Saville. A bizarre and loveable ball of energy who passed away this week. A British institution, the original DJ, TOTP presenter, marathon runner and tireless charity fundraiser. Watch this and acquaint yourself with a fascinating human being.

Anchorsong is a Japanese producer based in London on Tru Thoughts who's released a new single, Ghost Touch, along with a free B-Side, Plum Rain, available for free here. Check out the live video (keys, samples, beats, all properly live) too.

Ghost Touch by Anchorsong

I had never really warmed to Lisa Hannigan before hearing today when I listened to here new album Passenger. It's terrific. Perfect for a Sunday spent indoors reading the paper. Watch the video too, as Lisa sings and plays through paint storm.

Lisa Hannigan- Knots by MMMusic

Started reading about steampunk this morning, literature, art and music set in steam-powered Victorian Britain. From the wiki I linked to Canadian composer Darcy James Argue and his orchestra, Secret Society. I downloaded Infernal Machines, their jazzy, orchestral 2009 album on New Amsterdam Records. I had a look into what they're up to now. As it happens they're about to unveil an epic musical fable, about a master carpenter commissioned to build a carousel on the tallest building in the world being constructed in Brooklyn. Featuring visuals from Danijel Zezelj, live animation, projections, video and of course music, Brooklyn Babylon is set to be a spectacular spectacle. Find out more here. It runs Nov. 9 - 12th in Brooklyn's BAM Harvey Theatre. Fingers crossed for dates in Europe.

BROOKLYN BABYLON trailer from Danijel Zezelj on Vimeo.

Darcy James Argue's Secret Society - Transit by merkinconcerthall

And finishing with yet more jazzy sounds is news of a debut album by Zara McFarlane on Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Recordings. Her voice blows me away. One of the finest records I've heard all year, can't wait to catch her live.

Zara McFarlane - Chiaroscuro by Brownswood

Karin Park live, London.

2011-10-25T20:58:00.001+01:00

This looks insane. Can't wait. Karin Park playing Jajaja at the Lexington, London this Thursday.

KARIN PARK LIVE TEASER from FLAGSTONE on Vimeo.

new: Liturgy (and a boring article about black metal with a link to a better article about black metal)

2011-10-23T19:39:00.003+01:00

As a teenager I loved metal. Slayer, Maiden, Sabbath, the usuals. Once I delved further in I became fascinated by the goings on of Norwegian black metal, reading stories in metal magazines about Varg Vikernes, Mayhem, Gaahl, church burnings, murder, pagan ritual and on stage animal slaughter.

Since then I've found it hard to keep on top of what's been happening in metal. There are only so many hours in the day and something had to give. I didn't have the rage any more and finding art in metal was only going to drive me to distraction. I culled it, along with Q Mag rock, modern punk etc, hanging on to Opeth, Mastodon and old Slayer albums. This evening, to my delight, I find Tim Jonze has delved into that murky world and come back with treasure, a new wave of American Black Metal. Read his article, it's very good.

It lead me to a band called Liturgy, whose singer Hunter Hunt-Hendrix has written one hell of an essay on "Transcendental Black Metal". I can't say I've read it all but flicking through it would suggest this is all this guy thinks about. The gist is that BM need not be so negative. Given that metal as a genre is conservative, fucking with it's foundations is always going to cause ructions ...add that that this guy is a pretty wuss looking Brooklyn type and you've got the internets version of a stoning. I don't care a huge amount but I do rather like his response to some of the binary mud slinging:

"A lot of people don’t take metal seriously as art, and a lot of people don’t take art seriously as ethics. That’s fine, I guess — but as for myself, I do both. These days, when people detect ambition in someone they leap on that person like hyenas. The label 'pretentious' is unquestioned as categorically damning. But I think musical culture could use a whole lot more pretension, if anything. It suffers from false, dishonest humility, and from a lack of ambition to be more than either entertainment or a badge of identification with a group."

Well said. Has lead to a bit of soul searching for me (do I really hate big band production or do I just associate it with successful acts and dislike accordingly. Do I really hate big choruses? Do I actually like Pavement or do I just like the idea of cult figures. Do I even like music or is it just a way my way of finding a niche in the world)

...worrying to an extent but yeah, I do like music, although there may be some truth in the worry.

The point of writing all of this is (I think) to suggest you: read more Tim Jonze, read the Guardian on music, don't dismiss entire genres, don't dismiss art as pretentious (unless it is) and question the music you listen to I suppose.

The other point is, Liturgy are fucking excellent and only some of their stuff sounds like black metal anyway.

Generation by Liturgy

new: Erato (Robyn cover)

2011-10-23T18:35:00.000+01:00

Props to my buddy Louise for posting this, and introducing me to Robyn. I knew all about Robyn, knew the radio singles but it wasn't until I saw her at Lovebox this summer that I got it. Fell in love right there and then.

This group are called Erato, they're a Swedish vocal trio. Check out more on their facebook page.

new &/ live: Sacred Animals vs. Owensie, Karkwa & Nico Jaar remixing Azari & III

2011-10-23T15:25:00.000+01:00

Two of Ireland's finest, Sacred Animals and Owensie have collaborated to oh so affective effect. Creating an unsettling electronic atmosphere, Sacred Animals sets the tone for Owensies haunting lyrics and lost boy vocals, both melting into each other like two forlorn ice creams, dying in each others arms (the shit I write sometimes). Check them both out and enjoy this one off! Here's Owensie's album, including the original of this tune, and here's Sacred Animals soundcloud page, with his own lovely sounds and remixes by other talented folk like Holy Roman Army, Kohwi and Strands)

Sacred Animals vs Owensie - Cat and Mouse by sacredanimals

Cat & Mouse // Sacred Animals VS Owensie from Feel Good Lost on Vimeo.

Karkwa are an indie rock band from Montreal, who, owing to their singing in French are pretty unknown here while massive in Canada. On first listen I remember that French is a much more beautiful language than English. Despite knowing the difference between librarie and bibliotheque I cannot pass comment on the lyrical content. Musically however their sound is confidant, organic and atmospheric in a cult art flick intro kind of way. Though not recent I wanted to post this for anyone in London tomorrow to come along to see them in Brixon at the beautiful Windmill venue (the one with the dog on it). Have a listen, check em out on La Blogotheque and get tickets here.

1 - Le Pyromane by Williamson

Azari & III remixed by Nicolas Jaar, delightful. I used to say silly things about dance music just being for clubs and not for daytime listening but as I sit on the couch, full of greasy spoon breakfast, battling the dog for space, there's nothing I'd rather listen to. Builds beautifully, chunky beats complimenting lazy rich piano sounds, only to be attacked by squelchy blips and beeps.

Azari & III - Into The Night (Nicolas Jaar Remix) by BLINDO

new: Phantogram, Il Abanico, Inspired & The Sleep and Elaine Mai

2011-10-17T22:23:00.000+01:00

New Phantogram folks, a collage of beats, brass and electronics, complimenting Sarah Barthel's stellar vocals. It's one of my favourites this year, and will feature on the Nightlife E.P, out Nov. 1st. Can hardly wait.

Phantogram - Don't Move by Hypetrak

Sweet, quirky E.P from Il Abanico. The Columbian duo released the Crossing Colours E.P in February picking up quite a bit of notice since, in their adopted hometown of Boston and further afield. Here's the E.P as well as some recently posted Soundcloud tracks. Sharp, odd indie rock, they're one to hold on to.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://ilabanico.bandcamp.com/album/crossing-colors-ep"&amp;gt;Crossing Colors EP by Il abanico&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Black and White. by il abanico

African by il abanico

Inspired & The Sleep. Flutes, rough vocals and what sounds like a football boot being smacked off a kerb, oh the joys of homemade psychadelic pop! From San Diego (U.S love this evening), this track is from the E.P of the same name, available through bandcamp.

While We're Young by Inspired and the Sleep

Finally, good buddy of the blog, Elaine Mai has recorded a cover of Massive Attack's Teardrop. Hardly a cover for the faint hearted, if it's not up to scratch it's going to bomb. Of course Elaine nails it, all on her own, guitar, loop pedals and a voice haunting and smooth. Listen to more of her stuff here and check her out at Strange Brew's 450th night along with a beast of a lineup of Irish bands, this Thursday in Roisin Dubh Galway.

new: Au Palais, Altered Hours & Mano Le Tough

2011-10-17T20:49:00.000+01:00

I can't get over how soothing this song is, even at ear splitting headphone levels. It's tender and sweet, but also full, meaty and juicy. Imagine M83 as a delicate steak.

From the ever impressive Sounds of Sweet Nothing label (Gross Magic, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Jewellers) comes Au Palais. Originally in Toronto, now based in London, they've ticked all the boxes to becoming a "hot musical commodity", Pitchfork, hip label and, London wise, a gig at the Shacklewell Arms. It seems any decent London band I hear have just played a gig there. Checking the listings in advance may be the only thing for it.

Get the Tender Mercy E.P here (digital or 10").

Au Palais - Tender Mercy by TheSoundsOfSweetNothing

This one also via. The Sounds of Sweet Nothing, this time just a blog post from their Tumblr. But yeah, I'm digging this massively! From Cork, Altered Hours are journeying to the centre of the mind on an epic rambling psychadelic journey. Music to get lost in for sure. Interesting to see where this goes!

Garden of sonic children by alteredhours

Daydream Parade by alteredhours

Tasty electronic sounds from Mano Le Tough. Here's the title track from his new E.P as well as snippits from said E.P, which is out now.

Mano Le Tough - In My Arms (soundcloudsnippet) by manoletough

Liz Vayda, White Birds and Ghosts You Echo

2011-10-05T21:30:00.002+01:00

Oh Liz Vayda, thank you for your email. This music is delightful! Oh everyone else? Listen to this. Homely, clear sounds, natural and mesmerising. All the info I have is the album and that's she's from Baltimore. And this facebook page but I'm thus far the only other fan. Join me!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://lizvayda.bandcamp.com/album/liz-vayda-2"&amp;gt;Liz Vayda by Liz Vayda&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

White Birds, currently on tour with Asobi Seksu. They'll be selling 100 copies of this E.P on cassette while on tour so get out and see them and pick up and a nice bitta plastic to blast out on your car stereo. (you can get it online too) Out on Grizzly Records. It's lo-fi and harsh, but soothing at the same time.

Floating Hands by White Birds

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://grizzlyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/white-birds"&amp;gt;WHITE BIRDS by White Birds&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

White Birds - Hondora from White Birds on Vimeo.

And finally, an update on Drop-Out #2 (Powers, Kilburn, Thursday October 13th). With great excitement do I announce the final addition to the lineup, it's the spellbinding Ghosts You Echo! Listen to their recently released second E.P, get excited and come along on Thursday to check them out live, along with Le Galaxie, Jewellers and Birthday Sex!

3.) Heart of Stone by Ghosts You Echo

Ghosts You Echo - "Lifeline" 2ND EP by Ghosts You Echo

new: Last Days of 1984, Tunabunny, Pet Scenes, Mood Rings, Owensie and Lorum Ipsum

2011-09-26T23:08:00.000+01:00

Lineup confirmed for the next Drop-Out in Powers, Kilburn! Will post links and mp3's and info but just a heads up for the moment that it'll be Birthday Sex, Jewellers and Le Galaxie on October 13th for free!! More info here.

Now down to business.

Last Days of 1984 sound like blips, beeps and beats made by whales. For a sweet party "under de sea" sample some delightful tuneage on Soundcloud. Woods is getting a nice bit of attention at the moment and rightly so.

▲▲L▲ST D∆YS OF 1984▲▲ - WOODS by ▲▲L▲ST D∆YS OF 1984▲▲

Picked this one up via Great Pumpkin Records (Tom is the only music blogger I've met in real life, he's lovely, we had pints) ...Tunabunny are the band, have a listen to their sweet alt/90's/lo-fi sounds and then check his blog out for the proper rundown.

Julia Of The Sun Mud by Tunabunny

Missed Pet Scenes at 1234 in Shoreditch during the summer, which I was gutted about as it's just my kinda thing. Foreboding, on edge and sharp, for fans of Fugazi, Nine Inch Nails, Grinderman or anything that would sound at home in a dingy basement lit by a single naked lightbulb. Can't wait to see them live soon, they're playing The Borderline on Sept. 29th and Old Blue Last on Oct. 14th. This is their new E.P, Idle Children.

What Friends by Pet Scenes

Idle Children by Pet Scenes

Mood Rings make the kinda music I'm listening to loads of at the moment (Gross Magic, Fanzine, Sea Pinks), jingle jangle, slacker whatever. Sure it's pastiche or throwback or whatever but, ya, whatever.

Mood Rings- Promise Me Eternity by doublephantom

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://moodrings.bandcamp.com/album/sweater-weather-forever"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Sweater Weather Forever by MOOD RINGS&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Heard Owensie a while back but never wrote about him. Organic instrumentation, tuneful and sweet, complimented with his rich vocal tones. Debut album, Aliens out now on Out On A Limb. Dates in the UK up on his bandcamp page, I hear he's well worth hearing live. Also, check out his Soundcloud page for some excellent remixes by the likes of Sert One, Lar from Adebisi Shank and this one from Toby Kaar.

Ronda - Toby Kaar's Junebug Mix by owensie

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://owensie.bandcamp.com/album/aliens"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Aliens by Owensie&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Finally, Lorem Ipsum: On hearing Ruwluk I didn't know what to make of the rough cut cassette destruction before my ears, but once it kicked in I was instantly enthralled. All of his stuff is well worth checking out. Catch them at Hard Working Class Heroes in Dublin ...Owensie is playing two, as are many many other excellent Irish acts but more about that soon.

Rawluk by *Lorem Ipsum

new: Botched Fairytale, The Fierce And The Dead, cfit, Gross Magic, Pree and David Thomas Broughton

2011-09-13T21:10:00.000+01:00

Midweek post. Heard too much good new music today not to write excitedly. Each one of these acts is amazing.

Also also, Drop-Out update. Have just added the magical and delectable Le Galaxie to the lineup for October 13th in Powers in Kilburn, London. We posted about them last week on the blog and are very very excited to be adding them to the bill. They'll be joining Prairies and Niteflights for a night of magical noise. Check out the facebook event page and pop it into the calendar.

Botched Fairytale. From Longford, in Ireland's midlands came to me as an utter surprise this evening via. Ray from Wingnut Records (check out his awesome store and go visit when you're in Galway next). Lyrically bold, sonically engaging, aesthetically pleasing to the max. I'm just gutted that 6 Music caught on to a band from Longford before I did! Really great music, glad it's out there.

The Law of Gravity by Botched Fairytale

The Fierce And The Dead. It's all about the warm, comforting bass tone. That's not to diminish the sweet lead, at times rabid energy and general atmospherics of this London three piece. Just what I was looking for in a Tuesday evening!

Fierce And The Dead - Snow Part 1 by mattstevensguitar

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thefierceandthedead.bandcamp.com/album/if-it-carries-on-like-this-we-are-moving-to-morecambe"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;If It Carries On Like This We Are Moving To Morecambe by The Fierce &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; The Dead&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

It's loud, it's loud, it's loud, it's ...gone quite in a satisfying and calming way. It's cfit, from Dublin. A little bit louder now, a little bi...you get the idea. Their debut Triage is a powerhouse, traversing all manner of styles and should be picked up and listened to right away.

01 Great Pressure by Cfit

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://cfit.bandcamp.com/album/triage"&amp;gt;Triage by Cfit&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Gross Magic. Dream land gutter-pop. Possibly my favourite new band of recent times. From Brighton, one man band Sam McGarrigle feeds rainbows and fun through brutal, battered effects making a musical wall of sugary noise.

Gross Magic - Sweetest Touch by TheSoundsOfSweetNothing

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thesoundsofsweetnothing.bandcamp.com/album/teen-jamz-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Teen Jamz EP by Gross Magic&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Finally a few tracks from AWESOME New York label Paper Garden Records. Been getting through their Soundcloud page over the past few days and have found nothing I don't like. I'll post a few here but dig into their entire roster, you will not be disappointed.

Pree. Tinkley pianos, rolling melodies like a ship at sea at night, steered by a powerful vocal from frontwoman May Tabol. From Washington D.C, check em out on facebook, twitter, soundcloud.

Pree - Lemon Tree by Paper Garden Records

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://pree.bandcamp.com/album/folly"&amp;gt;FOLLY by Pree&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Ultra tuneful and sweet sounding David Thomas Broughton will be bringing his brand of New York Spring time sound to my headphones for the wet, cold 6 a.m London morning walk to work. It's escapism but it's cheaper than booze and probably safer in the morning time. This song is from the Paper Garden Rec's page but his album, Outbreeding is out now on Brain Love Records.

David Thomas Broughton- Ain't Got No Sole by Paper Garden Records

David Thomas Broughton 'Ain't Got No Sole' from BROWN BREAD FILMS on Vimeo.

new: Tieranniesaur, The Strange Boys, Django Django, S.C.U.M, Graham Coxon

2011-09-11T18:27:00.001+01:00

Sunday business post! Thanks to all who came along to Drop Out in Powers on Thursday, next date is Oct. 13th with Prairies, Niteflights and more to be announced, will keep you posted. Now, down to the nitty gritty.

Tieranniesaur is awesome! I heard Sketch last year and was sold. Delightful debut, fun, loud and fresher today's milk, a blustery day and Will Smith combined. Listen to the album and check out Yeh Deadlies, Annie Tierney's other band and just about everything else on the Popical Island collective which she's a part of.

Tieranniesaur - Sketch! by Nialler9

TIERANNIESAUR! by tieranniesaur

The Strange Boys (via. Folk Radio UK) Like the likes of Cold War Kids and Spoon, this Austin five piece have uncovered and mastered the power of the rich piano tinkle. When it's done right, it's perfect. "Live Music" is out Oct. 24th on Rough Trade, produced, funnily enough by Jim Eno, drummer with Spoon.

Strange Boys - Me and You by Folk Radio UK

Welcome back Django Django. WOR was one of my favourite tracks last year. This, is an interesting song. Bring on the album! Come see them on Friday at the Shacklewell Arms in Dalston, London.

Django Django - Waveforms by Django Django

S.C.U.M. I'm majorly impressed by this album. Epic acid era vocals, industrial darkness, post-rock attitude, all done with their own original touch. This one's a keeper. U.K touring kicking off, sadly no London dates, bar one supporting Wolf Gang. For you lucky Briton's elsewhere check facebook for dates. Their debut Again Into Eyes is out tomorrow on Mute Records.

S.C.U.M - Whitechapel (Single Version) by Mute UK

Graham Coxon played a new song on Jools Holland's show the other night. His last album The Spinning Top was a beautiful acoustic affair and my first introduction to his solo work. Following that I become acquainted with his louder material and fell in love. Based on this I'm looking forward to a noisy album from the Blur guitarist.

Graham Coxon - Advice (Live on Jools Holland, BBC Radio 2, 29/08/11) by barrygruff

new: Mega Bumper Giganto-Blog!!

2011-09-04T11:58:00.004+01:00

Booster, bumper, bonus blog!!! It's been building up inside, live a volcano made of notes, chords, beats, binary and love. All week I've been house hunting (cheap, 4 bed, east London, hook me up!) so I've had all the music and none of the blog time. Here it is, an unstoppable musical beast.

p.s: London kids, PGTR is embarking on it's first outing into bookings in London. Drop-Out launches this Thursday in Powers on the Kilburn High Road. Listen to I Am Lono's cracking E.P and come check them out for FREE from 9 p.m.

Been hearing Joe Goddard (of Hot Chip)'s new single a lot of 6 Music of late. It's a creepy, hypnotic, building piece. The other tracks on the E.P on DFA are well worth a listen too. It's all out Sept. 19th

Joe Goddard - Gabriel by DFA Records

Joe Goddard feat. Valentina - Gabriel (Official Video) from Greco-Roman on Vimeo.

These tracks by Fritz Kalkbrenner aren't new but a mate mailed me some and I've been listening to little else. Hear more on Beatport.

Fritz Kalkbrenner - Facing The Sun by suol

Fritz Kalkbrenner - Grove by Antonelita

Le Galaxie never pushed my buttons in a big way til this year. M83 massiveness, soothing synths and pop hooks to beat the band have elevated them to things of greatness in my mind. I hear they played a blinder at Electric Picnic yesterday afternoon. This is their forthcoming single and the whole album to stream. Feel the synth power!!

04 - Powers Of Miami by Le Galaxie

Laserdisc Nights 2 by Le Galaxie
- I thought I'd blogged about Bastille already but turns out I hadn't. Well here they are, wonderful indie pop from London town.
FLAWS by BASTILLE
Nicolas Jaar. Missed him in Fabric last month. According to all who I spoke to who were there I made a mistake of gargantuan proportions. Next time then I guess. This is a wonderful classic sounding piece. Recently I heard Larry Levan's remix of Stand On The World by the Joubert Sisters for the first time. It blew me away. This reminds me of it a little bit.

Nicolas Jaar - Hey Boy Bluewave EDIT by Clown and Sunset

Toby Kaar (similarly named, excellent electronics) has remixed the new Funeral Suits single. So too has ex-Galway, now London based bedroom wizard This Mellow Party. Here are all three.

Funeral Suits - Health by Funeral Suits

Funeral Suits - Health (Toby Kaar's Drizzle Mix) by Funeral Suits

Funeral Suits - Health (This Mellow Party remix) by Funeral Suits

I'm listening to more dance music. Even still I'm way behind the program. I'm the fresh faced kid on his own in the nightclub with glowsticks, a whistle and an oversized smiley t-shirt. A tourist if ever there were one. Listening to a lot of Jacques Greene. He's on the bill with Caribou (DJ set) and Four Tet on Sept. 23rd in Fabric.

Jacques Greene - Another Girl by EdBanger

Radiohead - Lotus Flower (Jacques Green Remix) by lyletruman1

Little Green Cars. Kids from Dublin. Just out of school I hear. Making me feel inadequate, small and under accomplished. I'll write that novel yet you like feckers ...while I'm working on that however I'll be listening to your devilishly sweet sounds.

The John Wayne (Radio Edit) by littlegreencars

And finally, Lana Del Rey. There you go. You've heard this already. But it's good, it really is.

new: New York City Cops, White Wives, Jape, Fruit Bats

2011-08-28T16:18:00.002+01:00

This tune ain't new but I came across it on 2UIBestow, a blogger who writes solely about Irish music, with unrivaled knowledge and passion. It being in Gaelic it's unlikely many blogs would post this, being back in Ireland for a week has knocked my patriotism and love of unhinged trad/world/fusion into overdrive. For further listening to songs in Irish (and many other languages) check out Cian O Ciobhainn's radio show of the same name (An Taobh Tuathail means The Other Side) on RTE's Irish language station RnaG Mon-Fri from 11p.m - 1 a.m. Great for picking up odd new stuff you'd be unlikely to come across otherwise.

On Taobh Tuathail Amach - Kíla by Ronan O Snodaigh

New York City Cops ...as the "modern era" slowly fades into the past certain bands take on mythical status and new bands name themselves after their songs. We eagerly await demos from North American Scum, Digital Lovers and The Obstacle Ones.

Summer Sun (DEMO) by New York City Cops

Picked this up from Sonic Masala today. The band are called White Wives, they're former members of Anti-Flag, Dandelion Snow and American Armada. They've got that urgent anthemic euphoria you'll find in Gaslight Anthem, Two Cow Garage and at times with Mountain Goats ...latter day anthem-punk that's listenable I suppose.

Indian Summer, Indian Summer by WHITE WIVES

Yesterday I posted a Jape remix of the new ASIWYFA single. Today I am happy to post a new Jape tune, ahead of the Sept. 30th release of his forthcoming Ocean of Frequency album on Music/Is/For/Losers (also home to awesome Sun Glitters, check em out). It premiered on No Fear Of Pop earlier today.

Jape - The Oldest Mind

I am floating away on this song. Fruit Bats seem utterly delightful thus far. They're on Sub Pop and have been featured on Drowned In Sound so expect to hear more over the next while. Tripper, their latest album, is out now.

Fruit Bats - You're Too Weird by subpop

new: Lecs Luther, Overhead The Albatross, And So I Watch You From Afar

2011-08-27T19:24:00.000+01:00

Terrible news. Irish math-rock act The Cast of Cheers who moved to London last month have had lots of expensive gear stolen from their Stratford house. If you can at all please donate a few quid via paypal. Musicians in London can help out by keeping an eye out on ebay or markets. These are the items stolen.

MACBOOK Pro 13”
Line6 - M13
Digitech Whammy Pedal
Korg Microkorg Keyboard

For more info read this post on the Richter Collective site from And So I Watch You From Afar.

Derp by The Cast of Cheers

Lecs Luther, Dublin based rapper, appeared on Nialler9's blog a few days ago with a track uploaded by First Second Label. Interesting to see what happens next!

Lecs Luther - Luther by FirstSecond Label

New stuff from Overhead The Albatross. Heard it this morning, nice listen. More info on these Dublin instrumental rockers here.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://overheadthealbatross.bandcamp.com/album/mr-dog"&amp;gt;Mr. Dog by Overhead, The Albatross&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

And So I Watch You From Afar. Single from amazing second album (Gangs) out Sept. 16th and remixed by Jape who himself has a new album, Ocean of Frequency out Sept. 30th. AU Magazine have tracklist and artwork.

7 Billion People All Alive at Once by Richter Collective

new: Slothbear, Civil Civic, Trey Brown & Girls

2011-08-24T14:32:00.000+01:00

Today I put up marquees, cycled about my hometown and washed the windows. Little time have I for blogging ...here's a mishmash of music I heard today. Best be off soon, I'm heading to kick a ball against a wall with me mate and then maybe have a pint.

Here are a few internet things that are worth checking out.

Factmag's 10 Producers to watch 2011 part. 2

1,2 FU. A Jonathan Ross documentary about British punk rock 1976-1977.

Florence + The Machine has a new song out.

It being Reading and Leeds weekend, let's watch the greatest bottling of all time, it's Daphne and Celeste!

Getting back to absolute basics, is an explanation of what sound is with lovely pictures, for the scientifically challenged like myself.

...And now for some streamed and downloadable mp3's with some brief words and information. Enjoy.

Foul noise from Slothbear.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://slothbear.bandcamp.com/album/seventeen-once-7"&amp;gt;Seventeen Once 7&amp;amp;quot; by Slothbear&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

More of the usual from Civil Civic. Fabulous sounds for the unhinged amoung you.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://civilcivic.com/track/street-trap"&amp;gt;Street Trap by CIVIL CIVIC&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Trey Brown, him from uber talented cross genre maniacs White Denim has a tune out all on his lonesome.

Trey Brown - At Midnight by Low Life Inc

Last summer I posted my disappointment at a Girls show. Christopher Owens took umbrage with my words and wrote a well considered response. Neither of us were wrong but fair play for taking the time to retort on this, as lowly a blog as blogs get. Given the quality of music the man makes I can see myself returning to write about him for much time to come. This is from Father, Son and Holy Ghost, their latest.

New Window

new: Gold Beach, We Are Losers, I Am Lono, Charleston

2011-08-14T19:42:00.000+01:00

From Texas, Gold Beach make soothing Sunday morning music, soft and soulful, but with an urgent and exciteable undercurrent, suggesting that it's going to be a good day. Here's some Soundcloud and Bandcamp full album action (I really love Bandcamp).

Skin Of Yours by Gold Beach

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://goldbeach.bandcamp.com/album/habibti"&amp;gt;Habibti by Gold Beach&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

I Am Lono. From "Paranoid pop songs influenced by Suicide, John Carpenter, The Doors, Bukowski and Bowie Low era." ...I never quote from press releases but it's a nice list of influences. Good E.P. Check em out on facebook.

They'll be playing live in Powers Bar, Kilburn on Thursday Sept. 8th. It's my first step into promoting bands in London and have booked bands for the next few months. Follow me on twitter for further updates. All gigs are free in and will be running second Thursday of ever month.

I AM LONO - Why Everything is Made of Fives by robmccleary

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://iamlono.bandcamp.com/album/i-am-lono"&amp;gt;I AM LONO by I AM LONO&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

I've posted stuff from We Are Losers before, this post is a gentle reminder that they're playing The Old Blue Last on Great Eastern St. in London this evening. It's free in and also features Bearsuit, Dimbleby and Capper, Air Castles, The Racket & The Complete Short Stories. Fair play to Werewolf Promotions, tis quite a spread to put on free!

We Are Losers - Sunset Song by barrygruff

Charleston are a North London act making dark electronic pop. It's sexy groovy stuff, looking forward to hearing more from them.

Piece by Piece by Charleston UK

Real Scenes: Bristol

2011-08-09T21:30:00.000+01:00

More of this please. Informative, snappy scene documentaries from the folks at Resident Advisor with Bench. This is the first installment, taking a look at the cross pollinated dance music scene in Bristol. A charming bunch of characters excitedly discussing the truly unique group of electronics enthusiasts.

the second is about the Detroit scene, and features some twisted and beautiful cinematic scenes, and takes you deep into techno in Detriot past and present.

Real Scenes: Bristol from Resident Advisor on Vimeo.

new: Scroobius Pip

2011-08-06T13:15:00.002+01:00

New Scroobius Pip. Was a little disappointed by the second album he did with Dan Le Sac. This is more to my liking. Bonus points for having to shoot this video in one take (unless he's got some magic beard and hair growing powers). Bonus bonus points for the R. Kelly PISS t-shirt.

The Current State of Copyright and Culture

2011-08-02T23:30:00.010+01:00

A friend from Ireland, now living in Sweden, recently posted about an interesting piece of documentary-making from America which details how everything we see, hear and experience in the creative arts is, in one form or another, a remix from something else. We are as the saying goes, standing on the shoulders of giants. There are numerous examples of this: Henry Ford didn't invent the assembly line, interchangeable parts or even the automobile. However, he did manage to combine all of these elements in 1908 to produce the Model T. Mark Zukerberg didn't invent social networking: Myspace, Friendster and others got there years before Facebook. Even so called 'pioneers' of new musical genres borrow heavily from their predecessors to create the latest 'new' sound (check out 'Tecno Brega' from Brasil for example). While this concept is nothing new, it raises yet another interesting question: that of copyright within our culture today. If the idea of copyright is to protect the creator of the composition, where are the lines drawn on covering, borrowing from or blatantly ripping off other people's work? To go a bit deeper, check out GOOD COPY, BAD COPY from Henrik Moltke from Denmark. Made in 2007, Moltke and his team interview a range of players in the music industry - from big time label bosses in the US and small time pirate distributors in Russia to producers like Girl Talk and Danger Mouse who have made their names remixing other people's work. The questions raised in this fascinating documentary still hold true today: what is the role of copyright and what can artists and copyright holders really hope to achieve by copyrighting their work?

new: Niteflights, Ghost Estates, Hello Moon, Just The Architect and Ghosts You Echo

2011-07-31T21:21:00.000+01:00

Niteflights. I could listen to this all day. Darn good pop music from London.

Put It On - Niteflights. by niteflightsmusic

Ghost Estates. Indie rock n' roll. Former members of 8 Ball and Sickboy, standards on the Irish scene a few years back.

Paris by GHOST ESTATES

Hello Moon. Twee C86 era sensibilities, a pleasure to listen to. Another "formerly" Irish band, they had a few singles out as The Tender Trap, an unfortunate name for a band releasing music just as Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap blew up. I like Hello Moon better as a name anyway.

Vanity by Hello Moon

Just The Architect is a one man band with a cracking album, based around the violin but featuring all manner of tasty electronics, beats and all that stuff that makes up songs these days. Just a lovely all round atmosphere to it.

Latest tracks by justthearchitect

Jonathan Chan, the guy behind Just The Architect also plays with this band, Ghosts You Echo. Check out their most recent E.P, it's full of shuddering clicks and bleeps, organs, sinister sounds and a beautiful voice.

Ghosts You Echo - "Lifeline" 2ND EP by Ghosts You Echo

new: Ghostfunk (Max Tannone)

2011-07-28T22:40:00.000+01:00

Separating the wheat from the chaff in the world of mashups is tough work but when you unearth a gem, it's worth it. Max Tannone has what many don't, taste and skill. It's a simple formula: take a genre/style and a rapper. Mash them together with love, care and attention. Release it for free online. For anyone fascinated by The Grey Album, 2ManyDJ's, Girl Talk etc.

His latest sees Wu Tang Clansman Ghostface Killah mashed into some old African funk grooves.

Check out his Mos Dub (dub reggae, Mos Def), Dub Kweli (same again with Talib Kweli) and Jaydiohead (Jay Z with In Rainbows ...not my favourite but worth a listen). On top of all this it's a world of African music that's completely new to me. Exciting!

Ghostfunk by Max Tannone

Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest

2011-07-24T21:48:00.000+01:00

Here's one for the Book & Movie Club. Can't wait to see it.

new: Tenaka, Binary, The Drums, M83

2011-07-24T20:42:00.000+01:00

Irish act Tenaka has put together an exclusive mix of new tracks, remixes and reworkings for State.ie (I write for State, check out my scribblings). Erethral, subdued electronics, tasty reworkings, an all round stellar collection and a worthwhile listen. Get your ears around this bad boy. (also worth checking out are collaborators and remixee Daithi and Elaine Mai. Big up the Galway massiiiiive)

Tenaka - State Mix by Tenaka

Tenaka - Open Out by Tenaka

For a proper introduction to Binary read the comprehensive summation of their work and sound in The Recommender. For an introduction to that here's a video and Soundcloud links (cos you may have missed it elsewhere ...not cos I'm a lazy thieving bastard). Come along to their debut live show on August 11th in the Shacklewell Arms in Dalston ...which by the way is simply the best new music spot in all of London (that I've discovered so far). Since seeing Civil Civic there a few weeks back I've been more than impressed with their listings. That and it's a lovely little bar with a great live room out slightly off the beaten track.

Turquoise by BINARY

Dynamo (Demo) by BINARY

Twas on State.ie that I first heard the new single from The Drums (chosen for State's weekly Office Stereo by Elizabeth Rushe). Apart from the E.P and the singles from the album I gave up on The Drums. The album didn't live up to my expectations, it was a little flat from what I remember. I like this though, sticking to the formula but with an dancing energy similar to Vampire Weekend and Darwin Deez ...and I loves me a bit of indie pop I do.

The Drums - Money by WorkItMedia

I love M83. They fill my heart with 80's electronic love and pump my veins full of melancholic euphoria. It's music like this that sums up entire parts of my late teens and early 20's. Delighted they're back with more great new music. G'wan M83! New album, Hurry Up We're Dreaming is out October 18th.

Midnight City by M83

new: White Denim (remix), Hourglass Sea, Fanzine

2011-07-24T20:15:00.000+01:00

New stuff, some of it getting 'round all the blogs. Some of it odd new stuff that I've stumbled across online or have had sent to me.

Bjorn (Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John) has remixed one of my favourite songs of the year, Drug by White Denim. He turned a rock n' roll powerhouse to a trippy bakefest and premiered it on RCRDLBL this week. I'm not even sure which version I prefer. (Get White Denim's D, it's a beaut)

I picked this song up from The Pigeon Post. The band are called Hourglass Sea. Listening to them is perfectly apt following an afternoon spent watching The Karate Kid (old one) or any 80's movie for that matter. "They" are in fact one guy from Bradford. Check out a song and video. Can't wait to see and hear more.

Hourglass Sea 'L.A Lights' [Music Video] from Jack King on Vimeo.

Purple Diamond by Hourglass Sea

Fanzine have been likened to Yuck, The History of Apple Pie and other slacker/alt/sludge rock influence bands around London at the moment. Not quite a movement but some great bands making whopping good music. Have a listen.

Low by Fanzine

Running Around by Fanzine

Rough Trade documentary

2011-07-24T19:30:00.000+01:00

Essential part of the history of modern music.

Rough from Django's Ghost on Vimeo.

new: Cheerleader

2011-07-16T10:24:00.000+01:00

Busy weekend. DJing the Amplify Destroy summer boat party this evening with Matt Tanner and Dave Seaman (no, sadly not to legendary Arsenal goalkeeper) on the Thames. Tomorrow, Lovebox (Blondie, Scissor Sisters, 2Many DJ's, Kelis, MEN, Robyn, Shit Robot Live and loads more). Then off to Brighton for a few days. I've never been, please pass on suggestions. Here's a good band.

Lovely dreamgaze melodies from Cheerleader. Loving these tunes at the moment.

New Daze by CHEERLEADER

Dreamer by CHEERLEADER

new: Ifan Dafydd

2011-07-13T23:25:00.000+01:00

I missed this a few months back. This track is lovely. The folks over at Horrorshow Tunez have it sussed.

Ifan Dafydd - No good (Original) by Svimp

The 1-2-3-4 Festival London, recommendations part. 3

2011-07-07T23:24:00.000+01:00

Quick one this evening ahead of Saturday's 1234 Festival in Shoreditch Park in London. It's been a long time since I've seen Black Lips. I can't wait to hear their new stuff. This is the song that got me into them. I heard it years ago in my Gran's house on MTV. Not completely useless then, is MTV.

The 1-2-3-4 Festival London, recommendations part. 2

2011-07-06T23:40:00.000+01:00

The 1234 Festival lineup is turning into a feast of new music for me. I took a break from listening to anything new for the past two weeks, just nice to detox on giving a shit what's going on. But checking this lineup out makes me feel like a tarantula, starving myself so I can ingest more when I finally gorge ...this Saturday in Shoreditch Park. See the lineup here and get tickets here.

The History of Apple Pie is the sound o college-rock guitars and classic pop beats under sundown vocal melodies. London based, and the new discovery for me I'm most looking forward to seeing!

The History Of Apple Pie : Science For The Young by Beatcast

You're So Cool by The History Of Apple Pie

While some touting of the "return of grunge" in some quarters turned out to be bunkum of the highest order (save for the inexplicable popularity of Tribes), I'm hearing a lot more of the LA punk inspired psychadelic rock n' roll sounds of the early 90's. Quiet general I know but it's a start when trying to describe Pet Scenes, a terrific London band. These guys would have made my teenage years ...had I been not listening to nothing but Slayer. Lovely noise, lovely noise.

Habit by Pet Scenes

Living The Dog by Pet Scenes

Echo Lake, yet again from London, are an act whose sound you can get lost in. I can wait for this Saturday!

Young Silence by Echo Lake

Another Day by Echo Lake

New Window

The 1-2-3-4 Festival London, recommendations part. 1

2011-07-05T23:07:00.000+01:00

Very much looking forward to The 1234 Festival this Saturday in Shoreditch Park, London. It's my first festival of the season, (Lovebox and Bestival yet to come too!). There are still some tickets available. As value for money goes they're an absolute steal at £22.50. Black Lips, The Raveonettes and more amazing new music than you could possible fit into your ears in one day. I've been continually impressed as I make it through the lineup.

For my review of the days shenanigans check back to State.ie next week. For now here are three of my picks of the weekend. I'll be posting a few more tomorrow.

Fair Ohs, London three piece. Debut album Everything is Dancing came out on June 6th on Honey High Records.

Fair Ohs - Eden Rock by Sleep All Day Records

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://fairohs.bandcamp.com/album/everything-is-dancing"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Everything Is Dancing by Fair Ohs&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://fairohs.bandcamp.com/album/summer-lake-7"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Summer Lake 7&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; by Fair Ohs&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Rainbow Arabia are an LA based act who make beautiful electronic pop sounds. Here are a few tracks from their album, Boys and Diamonds.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rainbowarabia.bandcamp.com/album/boys-and-diamonds"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Boys and Diamonds by Rainbow Arabia&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

RAINBOW ARABIA - WITHOUT YOU by rainbowarabia

Christian AIDS may be the highlight of my weekend. Dark dance beats, mysterious and instantly loveable. Manchester act well well well worth checking out.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://christianaids.bandcamp.com/album/stay"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Stay + by Christian AIDS&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Christian AIDS, "Young Luv" by The FADER

new: We Are Losers

2011-06-25T19:54:00.000+01:00

Disgraceful lack of posting of late. More tomorrow!

Londoners, if you're partying hearty tonight I'll be spinning some records in the Good Ship in Kilburn from 11:30 til 4 a.m. Fun and frolics, soul, pop, rock n' roll, maybe even some electronic mumbo jumbo, see you there!

We Are Losers have released a single on UK indie/dance label Dance To The Radio. More excellent Irish bands breaking out into the wider world. Happy days! It's been great to see a band go from bedroom demos, to recordings, gigs, signings and acclaim. Have a listen to this, it's a beaut. Check them out on bandcamp. Here's a track called Moany and the single, Cheerleader:

Moany by wearelosers

We Are Losers - Cheerleader by Nialler9

new: Jimmy Screech, Fucked Up and Pillars and Tongues

2011-06-13T11:38:00.001+01:00

Fucked Up return with cracking new album, David Comes to Life. You've probably heard all about this, but I feel I need to get my little bit in about it. It's a terrific noise. Imagine if Green Day weren't annoying perpetual teenagers spouting weak political slogans? And made much better music? Fucked Up are top notch.

Fucked Up - Queen Of Hearts by snipelondon

Reading this great regular update on British hip-hop at Bearded Magazine I came across Jimmy Screech. You may have heard Jimmy before as a member of Roots Manuva's Banana Klan. His new album The Remedy is out now on Map music.

Jimmy Screech "Divine (Wrongtom's Divine Intervention)" by wrongtom

I really like this and will be checking more of their stuff out over the course of the day. They're called Pillars and Tongues. The Pass and Crossings comes out on June 28th on San Francisco label Empty Cellar.

Pillars and Tongues - The Making Graceful by Music Fan's Mic

new: Emmy The Great, Popical Island compilation, (old) Das Racist and The Feelies ...and the Sunday Smile playlist

2011-06-12T13:22:00.001+01:00

Until yesterday I'd only heard of Emmy The Great, but after reading a piece on her new album in the Guardian I checked her out. She's excellent, looking forward to hearing more. Check out gig shots of her three night residency in St. Pancras Old Church on The Camden Store. The new album is about the breakup of her relationship after her fiancee found God. Virtue is out June 13th. Get this track free from rcrdlbl. I'm falling in love with her songs.

A Woman, A Woman, A Century of Sleep by Emmy The Great

Popical Island strike gold yet again, compiling the very best in Irish pop music. This is the second installment, 18 tracks that will be released June 25th on CD and download. Here is a taster of what it will sound like along with a bandcamp stream of the first compilation. Head over their Soundcloud page for a listen to a track from Tieranniesaur, a groovy jam called Here Be Monsters.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://popicalisland.bandcamp.com/album/popical-island-1"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Popical Island #1 by Popical Island&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Relax is set to be the title of the next Das Racist release on August 16th. I've listened to their tracks here and there but hadn't come across this yet. Listening to more of their stuff is getting me excited for their first proper (paid for, full release, not mixtape etc.) album. I'd missed out on this tune first time round, it's top notch!

Das Racist - Fashion Party feat. Chairlift by blackmarketborn

Here are their first two, free stream/download mixtapes. Quality business.

Mishka Presents Das Racist - Shut Up, Dude Mixtape by dasracist

Das Racist - Sit Down, Man Mixtape by Hypetrak

The Feelies are new to me. They were on the go between 1976 and 1992, garnering much acclaim and legendary and influential status. They reformed in 2008 and recently released their "comeback" album Here/Before on Bar/None Records.

The Feelies - Nobody Knows by Song of the Day

Every Sunday morning my buddy Byron and I post 20 odd tunes on 8tracks for our friends to listen to over breakfast and general Sunday morning relaxing. Here's this mornings offering. Chilled, upbeat and fun ...even if it is pissing down outside.

new: Ungdomskulen, Glasser/Jamie xx (new to me), Ty Segall and Little Black Ant

2011-06-08T23:17:00.001+01:00

Blogging? On a schoolnight? Good grief.

Last month Ungdomskulen released a mini LP of tracks, all under a minute long. If you're in London tomorrow night I'd recommend checking them out in The Shacklewell Arms near Dalston with the spectacular Civil Civic, who we may have mentioned once or twice before. I know people flying over from Ireland for this. It's gonna be a hoot 'n a half. See you there?

Elle by UNGDOMSKULEN

djnodj is one of my favourite blogs. Wisdom and poetry, great dance music and pictures of beautiful women and skateboarding. First listen to this earlier this evening, very good indeed.

Glasser / Tremel (Jamie xx remix) by Young Turks

Picked this up on Stereogum. I have a real soft spot for Ty Segall. He makes such joyful noise. Has garage/lo-fi/pop changed completely of late? Mark Ronson producing Black Lips. White Denim creating a multi genre masterpiece. Thee Oh Sees sounding like a haunted fairground. And this Beatles-in-a-filthy-pub sound from Ty Segall. I'm far from an authority on the subject but I quite like a lot of these bands, it's nice to see sounds developing. Goodbye Bread is out June 21st

Ty Segall - You Make the Sun Fry by One Thirty BPM

Hop skip and jump over to the, as-usual, excellent Real Horrorshow Tunes for some upbeat and soothing electronics. Little Black Ant is the act. Orchestral, danceable, smooth blips, beeps and beats. Excellent stuff. This is her latest release, with some remixes below. She'll be DJing the first ever London show by Christian AIDS too on June 30th according to RHT. Will have to check these Christian AIDS out, they sound like a jolly nice bunch. Will report back.

LBA - I'm happy to be sad by LittleBlackAnt

Disclosure - Carnival (Little Black Ant Remix) by TransparentRecs

Sun Glitters - Find Your Way (See) (LittleBlackAnt Remix) by LittleBlackAnt

If you like my writing but consider it brief, I've started writing reviews for the excellent State.ie. I've been reading State since its days as a print mag and am delighted to have gotten the chance to have my reviews posted to their site. Well worth a read, a really good team of brilliant writers involved. I've recently reviewed Black Lips, White Denim, The Indelicates, Battles and a cracking Summer Camp gig in London.

new: Bodi Bill, Blue Scholars & Teens

2011-06-05T15:51:00.001+01:00

Well this is turning into quite the blogging Sunday ...I was supposed to get my hair cut today but it's drizzling out so I'm drinking tea and listening to loads of music instead.

...New band to me, are Bodi Bill, a Berlin electronic folk act. This is the second release from their debut album What? Can imagine these guys making waves over the next few months.

Bodi Bill - Pyramiding (Edit) by Sinnbus

You will have seen them if you've been keeping an eye on the excellent Noisey project from Intel/Dell and Vice Magazine. High quality live videos from some damn good acts including Oberhofer, Those Darlins, Cults and Mogwai.

...I'm loving Blue Scholars. I get a real kick out of finding decent hip-hop. Suppose it's down to what I'm used to, if I hadn't listened to lots of indie music over the years I can imagine listening to rock radio would do my head in. There is a lot of shit indie music but I can zone out. I can't zone out on bad hip-hop. That Eminem/Rihanna tune drives me crazy, it's just terrible. So do Dr. Dre, Chris Brown and LMFAO.

On the downside, they have collaborated with Macklemore, an "Irish" rapper who wrote the worst hip-hop tune I've ever heard, ever. Check it out here, but be prepared, it's rough.

Their album Cinemetropolis is out June 14th.

Blue Scholars - Cinemetropolis by The Wounded Jukebox

Blue Scholars - Chief Sealth by The Wounded Jukebox

...Scummy, dirty and a lot of fun, ladies and gents, it's Teens. Summertime pop, poorly recorded but full of joy. Put together in a disused Cold War era bunker in their hometown in Idaho.

Props to Barry Gruff for getting me onto this. Pick it up for free on Barnowl Records.

TEENS - O'lay.mp3 by user9508841. Uploaded with BandPage by RootMusic

TEENS - Die With You by user9508841. Uploaded with BandPage by RootMusic

TEENS - White Devils by user9508841. Uploaded with BandPage by RootMusic

new: Chad VanGaalen, Tasseomancy, Cass McCombs and Benjamin Taylor Leftwich

2011-06-05T12:19:00.000+01:00

I posted about Chad VanGaalen the other day ...I needed to revisit him on the back of this AMAZING video. I picked it up from Anika In London ...good read.

Chad VanGaalen - Peace on the Rise (OFFICIAL VIDEO) from Sub Pop Records on Vimeo.

I picked this up too. Canadian sisters Sari and Romy Lightman make up Tasseomancy. Their current album is called Ulalume. Gorgeous sounds.

Soft Feet by tasseomancy

I started listening to Cass McCombs recently, knowing that he was seen as a living legend and wanting to decide for myself whether or not the fuss was warranted so I picked up his latest, Wit's End. I found something incredibly delicate and gentle about his music. It had a real calming effect on me. Here is a new video from him for County Line from that album. You can stream the album over at Guardian Music.

Finally, today I will be listening to more Benjamin Taylor Leftwich. I checked a few tunes out on a recommendation this morning. Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm is out July 4th.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Box Of Stones by dirty hit

new: Ed Sheeran plays a song on a boat

2011-06-05T11:36:00.000+01:00

We spoke about Ed Sheeran recently on d'blog. He's really very good. Here's a video of him sitting on a boat in Camden and playing a song. Good stuff Ed.

new: three top London acts ...Super Best Friends Club, Disclosure and Grass House

2011-06-05T08:59:00.006+01:00

With working and commuting a lot I've been laying off the features, better to blog when I can than bust my balls sticking to a regime, so instead of a London band of the week here are a bunch of great bands from London worth checking out.

Super Best Friends Club create a groove, then make a mess of it in an outstanding display of musical destruction. In parts it sounds like The Postal Service and Beirut got drunk, stole some traffic cones and ran off whooping and hollering into the night.

On the very interesting Hakisac Records. Will be posting more of their roster in coming times.

Super Best Friends Club - Sunshine SUPER MEGATRON

Much of my beef with dubstep thus far has been it's grating womp and often disjointed alienating feel (which I appreciate is a massive part of the appeal), but as it evolves (and an exciting evolution it has been) it's shed some of that with acts like Disclosure. Very danceable too, which is exciting. I suppose they're just taking the framework and filling the interior with delightful electronics and samples. Teenage brothers from South East London, expect loads more great stuff from them.

Live: Tonight (June 5th), Lock Tavern, Camden with Filthy Dukes. Til 3 a.m.

Carnival by Disclosure.

Disclosure - London Town by The Big Beat

And lastly we have Grass House, a cracking band whose E.P we discussed back in December. This new track, which will be released as a free download from June 27 is a conscious effort to create something lighter than their usually darker material. So they do light and heavy well. They're a bloody brilliant band, one of my favourites in London, follow them on facebook and twitter and listen to more stuff on their Soundcloud page.

Live: June 28th, Old Blue Last

A Cradle a Short Breath by Grass House

new: Beirut, Matias Aguayo, Is Tropical and Retarded Cop

2011-06-04T22:06:00.000+01:00

Ah Beirut, you are so so loveable. A new track from Zach Condon and co. The first is a track he wrote when he was 17, has played live since and has now decided to release on an album. Run out of inspiration and stuck for tunes? Not likely, this is a beauty, and another great example of a band who seem to get nothing but joy from playing music together. A heartwarming delight fit for a sunny Saturday evening.

Beirut - East Harlem by Revolver USA

Weird wee tune here from Matias Aguayo who I first encountered recently as a guest on the excellent Ice Cream by Battles, the highlight of their most recent album, Gloss Drop. While this track is worth a listen and warrants further checking out of his E.P of the same name, at 7 minutes it kinda drags. It may need a few more listens and is worth a little boogie along to.

Matias Aguayo - I Don't Smoke by Kompakt

Loving this London based act, Is Tropical. Their debut album, Native To is out June 13th. Check them out at XOYO June 17th for their album launch as part of the Kitsune clubnight, also featuring Yuksek, Jupiter and Age Of Consent.

Is Tropical - The Greeks by The Recommender

Finally, Dublin's Gaz Le Rock, aka Retarded Cop, following months of hilarious hype on facebook and twitter, has released his debut album, You Have The Right to Remain Retarded. It horrid pretty noise from a guy that you instantly want to go on the worlds greatest bender with. Gav, come visit, we'll relive Copvan ...

The album is “a mixture of Marshall amps, Gibson guitars, unemployment, sexual objectification, fast food, parenthood, police, celebrity winners and squirrels." Get it and go see them live.

RETARDED COP - OBJECTIFY ME by RETARDED COP

new: Civil Civic, Those Darlins, Holger ...and Blondie (but are you bothered?)

2011-06-03T19:19:00.000+01:00

New tune and video from the fabulous Civil Civic. Two Aussies in the UK making lovely noise. They're all set to release their debut album but since they're releasing it independently they need a few quid for pressing and mastering. Check out their page for donating, you will be rewarded depending on your generosity. I'm heading along to see them next Friday in London, I'm all kinds of excited. Leave a comment if you're coming along, we'll have a pint!

...here's what they're at.

In a "my favourite things" Q&A in Spin, Bethany Cosetino from Best Coast mentions Those Darlins as her favourite new act. I had a listen. This is the title track from their most recent album. Get on this, it's excellent!

Those Darlins - "Screws Get Loose" by terrorbird

Listen to this. It's bloody brilliant. Holger is the name of the band, they're from Sao Paolo in Brazil and blend Latin, Carribean and African music together in a palatable western indie pop style. Nothing not to love. Summer music sorted! $5 for the album? Absolute steal.

Holger - Beaver by MyHolger

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://myholger.bandcamp.com/album/sunga"&amp;gt;Sunga by Holger&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

And finally, some new Blondie. Not bad I guess. Sounds like The Sounds. I still don't know how I feel about old bands and new music. Good for them but I don't know who buys new Stones, Blondie, McCartney albums ...there are a few exceptions, Paul Simon for one, but it's a funny market. Do have a listen to this clip of her cover of Sunday Smile by Beirut though, this is more like it.

new: Deadboy, The Horrors, Chad Van Gaalen

2011-05-30T12:59:00.000+01:00

Laid low in blogsville last week. DJing and work took precendence over blogging and sleep. That will be reversed this week. Here's what I missed (...and you missed if this is the only blog you read!)

via. Real Horrorshow Tunes for this one, it's a simple house tune, sampling Woods by Bon Iver. Deadboy is the producer and you can have a taste of his E.P entitled Here, here!

Deadboy - Down On My Mind (Stream) by Numbers

Deadboy - HERE (Preview) by Numbers

Well the Horrors keep getting better and better! Their last album was a massive shock in that it was actually good. I was far from taken with their cartoon drainpipe goth days, but when I heard Sea Within A Sea my distaste was dispelled and I became a fan. Now they've announced that they will release a third album, Skying, on June 11th and going on this, their first taste from it I cannot wait. It's a lumbering 80's synth and drums epic, beautifully atmospheric with an uplifting and satisfying chorus, if that makes any sense. I think it's super, so does Barry Gruff whose blog I grabbed it off. Et tu?

The Horrors - Still Life by 1FTP

Every so often I hear an act that I know will be a project. I know I've caught them mid career and to understand them completely I will spend much of my future weeks and months digging through a back catalogue. These are the acts that stay with me, that I'll fork out more than a tenner to see live, that I'll bore the shit out of people talking about at parties, that I'll get indignant about bad reviews over. This is the first time I've ever heard Chad Van Gaalen. Diaper Island is out now on Sub Pop. Props to Jamie at Kissing Cousins for the heads up on this.

Chad VanGaalen - Sara by subpop

new: Grinderman video, Casanova Wave video, Funeral Suits, Nodzzz, Fionn Regan and Jape

2011-05-22T16:27:00.000+01:00

New Grinderman video. NSFW. From Grinderman 2 which came out last September. After this I want to hear no more about Primavera mkay? But you guys have a real swell time.

The Casanova Wave, electronic project of Waterford man Brian McCartan on Bluestack Records, has released his debut video.

Here is is debut E.P:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://thecasanovawave.bandcamp.com/album/the-casanova-wave-ep"&amp;gt;The Casanova Wave EP by The Casanova Wave&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Funeral Suits are the band. I saw them play a while back to rapturous review and ongoing adoration from my friends and contemporaries in Galway town. I didn't get it. Hearing this I feel differently. They're just back from The Great Escape. I hear things went well. We'll hear much more soon.

Funeral Suits - Colour Fade by IASCA

Nodzzz. Where have you been all my life? This San Francisco band have made music just for me. Warm, fuzzy, tuneful pop music. It's not gonna change the world but it's made my week a little better. Innings came out a few days back. I wouldn't say buy it because the are donating a portion to charity but if you do get it know that a portion of each sale is going to Swords to Ploughshares, a charity helping veterans.

Nodzzz - Heyday Past Heyday Due

New Fionn Regan. One of Ireland's finest songsters is back with a captivating strings and shimmering cymbals affair. Get it free from his website, check his tour dates and await his third album, 100 Days of Sycamore which is out in August.

Fionn Regan - 100 Days of Sycamore

I posted Jape's new single a few weeks back, now it's all set for release and sees this beauty as the other side of this double A. It's out on brand new Dublin label Music/Is/For/Losers. Ocean of Frequency is out in Sepetember.

The Worry Fades by Jape

Viva Irelande

2011-05-22T13:01:00.002+01:00

Irish music lovers. I need a hand with something. One morning a while back I started compiling a list of important people, news outlets, venues, labels etc. in the Irish music scene. The list started growing and all of a sudden I couldn't stop, it had to be complete (though I knew it never would be). So obviously I can't know everything that goes on. New labels start up each week, basement clubs start booking great talents and festivals are falling out of the sky and into muddy fields all over the place.

I'm doing this cos the quality of music coming out in Ireland at the moment is spectacular. If there's anything I can do to promote that to a bigger audience I will. I'm working on putting an Irish music podcast/radio show together. I don't want to miss a thing.

So here's the list. Please mail me, comment below, hit me up on twitter and please send this around, I want everything in here. And if this would be useful to your website, blog etc. mail me and I'll send on the html for all the links (but please leave a little credit in there somewhere, we all has egos!)

(I will point out that I am the UK booker for Bluestack Records in Dublin. I'm pointing this out as I don't want anyone thinking that this is a massive glorified effort to promote them. I promise to be completely impartial. It's just a list, nothing more, nothing less. If I promote their acts it's cos I like them, I wouldn't be working voluntarily for them otherwise.)

Finally, I'm based in London, so if I can help you with anything in London in any way please mail. As I said I'm booking for Bluestack so as such they get priority but I've been in contact with some excellent venues so with regard to advice and passing on contacts I'd be more than happy to help ...not to mention drag a few kids along to your shows. Two friends and I went to see Adebisi Shank in The Old Blue Last, a cracking club in the East end two weeks ago. 400 odd inside, packed to the rafters. Heartwarming. Would love to see that happen for a whole load more Irish acts. You can reach me at mailjoshclarke@gmail.com or gimme a call on 00447597713394 (after 7, I work in a warehouse with no phones rules!).

Let's Take It Back to The Classics (formerly Dancefloor Magic) vol. 26

2011-05-21T19:55:00.001+01:00

K, so I've decided to abandon Dancefloor Magic on a whim. I don't go out so much no more. And I'd like to have a feature posting about the great old music I come across each week. Broadening the spectrum so to speak. And it's a new music blog so one oldies feature will do. But it will feature some dancefloor heavy stuff from time to time.

Each morning I leave my house at the crack of dawn with some fresh sounds ready to be heard. Gonna write about what I've heard each week.

This week my buddy Brian recommended me two albums, from two acts that I was aware of, but not intimately.

Firstly the first Roots Manuva record, Brand New Second Hand. For three reasons. Witness (One Hope) is one of my favourite tracks of all time. I've never tired of it and I hum it and rhyming along to it in my head as I wander down the street often. For the first time in my life I'm living in a big city, hip-hop rarely comes from the sticks. It's often the soundtrack to concrete and hardship, not only lyrically but in the harshness of the rhythm. And that city is London. The more I meet the people the more I pick up on the mannerisms, slang and topics. I'm feeling more a part of it. I'm getting Roots Manuva more and more. His debut is intelligent, minimal and at times truly beautiful.

Roots Manuva - Dem Phonies

Brian then said that I should listen to the first Gil Scott Heron album. I joked that I can imagine him and his girlfriend sitting about all day, curtains drawn, smoke thick in the air, beret'd and bespectacled, clicking joylessly and nodding. Of course at this stage I hadn't heard this album. It's affected me. It's shone a new light on lyricism and hip-hop in general for me. If it's affected me, a white, rural boy who's never known want, how important was this to the disaffected impoverished black community of New York in the 70's? The more of this I hear the less I want to listen to indie rock music. (of course that's just right now, I'll be back bopping about to meaningless drainpiped tales of breakups in 4/4 time by Tuesday).

Gil Scott-Heron - Brother

Finally for this week, I've watched the first part of No Direction Home, Martin Scorsese's 2005 bioepic on Bob Dylan. It's fascinating. Like many people delving into Dylans work, given the sheer volume of work he has produced, and the quality contained is terrifying. This year I will get through it. I promise. I won't go into the documentary, safe to say everyone of importance who's still alive is interviewed, all of the great archive footage is shown and in terms of enjoyment it's entirely captivating. Catch it on BBC4 at the moment or buy the DVD. I'll revisit this next week when I've watched some more.

Bob Dylan - Tangled Up In Blue

Also, Happy 70th Birthday Bob. If you are a reader of shoddy new music blogs (as I'm sure you are) and you've dropped in to hear your old tracks again, I would love a ticket for London Feis for my birthday (in two weeks!), drop me a text. Love, Josh x

new: DJ Shadow - I Gotta Rokk

2011-05-19T00:07:00.000+01:00

I listened to the I Gotta Rokk E.P on my way to work this morning. DJ Shadow releases la lot of music. Some of it for the general music fan. Some of it for the sample junkies, the big Shadow fans, the crate diggers, the people that matter to his music. He's also made some iconic popular music. We all know Organ Donor, probably Six Days and Midnight in a Perfect World too. And now it's time to get acquainted with another. But is it any good?

On the title track he gets to grips with that pre-glam metal prog guitar sound and a stompalong beat. Nothing interesting happens. Track 2, I've Been Trying, is as dull and uneventful now as it was 6 months ago when it was played to death by BBC 6 Music. It still sounds like a poor Zero 7 album track. And then it gets interesting. Menacing modern hip-hop sounds on Def Surrounds Us create a chaotic aural subterranean wasteland which leads nicely into the Irn Mnky Swagger Remix of I Gotta Rock. It's got a Pendulum feel about it, which for once is no bad thing. Meanwhile, the Rockwell Remix of I Gotta Rokk wraps the E.P up nicely. Reckon it's a strictly for the Shadow junkies release but if you like a bitta drum n' bass pick up the Rockwell and Irn Mnky Swagger remixes.

....but none of this matters. Shadow doesn't give a shit. He'll sample, record, produce and DJ til he dies, whether bloggers care or not ...though that could be said for any decent music maker so I'll leave it at that.

Def Surrounds Us (Rockwell Remix)- Snippet by djshadow

I Gotta Rokk (Irn Mnky Swagger Mix)- Snippet by djshadow

new: Black Lips & Bon Iver (best day ever?!?)

2011-05-17T06:00:00.001+01:00

Running out the door to work but can't wait to properly wrap my ears around this to on my way. Both of these are via Rollo & Grady.

Good morning!

Bon Iver - Calgary by stickytunes

Black Lips - New Direction by One Thirty BPM

Sunday Smile # 2

2011-05-15T11:45:00.000+01:00

Started this last week with my buddy Byron. Lots of soul, beats, grooves, indie rock and all that kinda thing, two hours of it for a Sunday morning jam about the house. Enjoy!

Dancefloor Magic Vol. 25

2011-05-14T20:07:00.004+01:00

This evening I will playing the Eurovision drinking game. I will not, however, go as far as to post any of these songs. Here are a few classics, as we are wont to post of a Saturday.

Enjoy!

Primal Scream - Loaded

Doves - There Goes The Fear

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Just Dropped In (Kenny Rogers Cover)

new stuff from: Alphabet Backwards, Fever Fever, Little Scream, Trophy Boyfriend & Soft

2011-05-13T18:52:00.000+01:00

Breaking More Waves picked up on this one, and their thoughts on it are much more insightful than anything I'd manage so link it open there in another tab and have a read. Good eh? Cannot fault this band, it's fun, snappy and nice to listen to. What's not to love!
They're called Alphabet Backwards, their E.P is called The White Russian and they're from Oxford.

Elton John by alphabet backwards

Bratty accents, crunchy riffs, spazz out drumming. Fever Fever are the band, and I've been reading about them on Sonic Masala (great blog if you like your music loud and gritty). Fever Fever are Norwich, they're just back from SXSW and have been garnering much well deserved publicity since. Get this track free on their bandcamp.

And have a listen to an older track and check out their Soundcloud.

Fever Fever - Monster by FEVER FEVER

Currently falling in love with Little Scream. Montreal based singer, with floaty folk melodies and strong, clear vocals. I get a warm, cosy feeling listening to this. Her album, The Golden Record was produced by Richard Reed Perry from Arcade Fire and features guests from Belle Orchestre, Arcade Fire, Stars, Silver Mt. Zion and The National. It's out now on Secretly Canadian, check it out.

Little Scream 'The Heron and the Fox' by Fred Hystere

"Cannons" by Little Scream by DOJAGSC

Chillaxed electro from Irish producer Trophy Boyfriend. It's got a rich synth, 80's pop feel about it, not unlike Cut Copy or Tiga. Get more on facebook and bandcamp. The single was co-produced by Misk of Arveene and Misk fame and the single features a remix by the excellent Casanova Wave.

Feels Like Autumn by Trophy Boyfriend

Finally, a band called Soft. Big love to un-googl'able bands! I have a feeling Soft will be a part of my future, and may drag with them albums by Weezer, Death Cab for Cutie and Ash that I haven't listened to in a bit. Their album is called Dogs and it's a delightful listen.

Soft - Bleary Eyes by SoftBand

Soft - Fall Into Sand by SoftBand

new: UNKLE & Nick Cave

2011-05-11T19:54:00.000+01:00

Must be quick. Off to see Adebisi Shank at the Old Blue Last in Shoreditch this evening with &U&I and Talons. Woo!

From the forthcoming E.P, Only The Lonely. It's UNKLE and Nick Cave! Cracker.

new: Michael Kiwanuka, Battles, Tom Vek, White Denim and Overhead, The Albatross

2011-05-10T23:44:00.000+01:00

I hear Bryan Adams bring played loudly upstairs. Headphones on, lots of music to get through.

We posted about Michael Kiwanuka recently but now we have an mp3. "Nu soul" or whatever you want to call it is rather hot right now, what with Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings and the likes making lovely noise, Cee Lo Green with one of the biggest records of the past few years, Plan B's take on soul receiving acclaim critically and in the charts and the much talked about return of Amy Winehouse on the cards. It doesn't look silly, it's not a shameless revivalist throwback. It's just lovely music to listen to.

Michael Kiwanuka - Tell Me A Tale by Stayloose

New video for the new Battles tune. Had a listen to Glass Drop this morning. It's out June 6th/7th on http://warp.net/. Check back for full review soon.

A few weeks ago I got a shock at the reaction to news of a new release by this guy, Tom Vek. Twitter was abuzz and I was confused. I'd never heard him, and was disappointed as I like to think that I'm an astute follower of modern indie music. He's very good. Leisure Seizure, his second, is out June 6th.

Tom Vek - A Chore by fadedglamourblog

There are a few bands I will pretty much automatically post anything by. White Denim are most certainly one of those bands. Here's a new track, a cover of a song by an old rock band, Hard Stuff. To get this track free the band would like you to:

1. Listen to the record titled Bulletproof by the 1970’s English band Hard Stuff.
2. Listen to this podcast.
3. Have kind of a slightly minorly but mostly harshed buzz from listening to this jam.

Done, done and done. New album, D, out June 3rd in Ireland, 6th in UK and 7th in US. Five (-ish) albums in and they've yet to disappoint.

White Denim - "Jay Time" (Hard Stuff Cover) by One Thirty BPM

An Irish band who I've finally gotten around to listening to. Overhead, The Albatross make tasty melodic epics, not unlike God Is An Astronaut ...another post-rock spectular. Catch them May 20th in the Unicorn in Camden with Orders of the British Empire.

Lads with Sticks by Overhead, The Albatross

And here's a Phantom package on the band. Phantom is a great rock station in Dublin, worth a listen.

The Listening Post - Overhead, The Albatross by i-con

And lastly, part of the making of Bromst by Dan Deacon. Mindblowing stuff!

Playlists, mixes, mashups, and dancefloor magic (vol. 24)

2011-05-08T12:23:00.001+01:00

The blogging has taken a minor hit over the past week or so but I promise, I have pages and pages of bookmarked pages and e-mails with tracks to post! I have been putting some mixes and playlists together.

Firstly is a weekly playlist my friend Byron and I have been putting together called Sunday Smile. Byron is an incredibly talented hair stylist with an amazing taste in music. He already had an encyclopedic knowledge of 50's & 60's soul, psych, R n' B, Blues and Rockabilly when I met him first when he was 18. An interesting cat if ever there was one. Check out his One Record project. People anonymously writing about an album that changed their lives. Get involved, I did one, it's pretty therapeutic!

Secondly, I never posted any Dancefloor Magic tracks yesterday. I've been working 6 days a week. I did nothing after work yesterday and promptly fell asleep on the couch in the evening. I'm feeling refreshed this morning so here are a few tracks to pop onto the old "iPod" and dance about the house to. (I've been getting a bit of a Go-Go Girl 50's shuffle going on myself this morning).

99 Problems. One of the greatest songs of all time. Lyrically it's simply sublime. The more I listen to it, and the rest of Jay Z's back catalogue the more respect I have for the man. Also, there are a million mashups and covers of this track out there, many of them very good (note, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings edit, Aloe Blacc's cover, Hugo's cover, Philadelphia Grand Jury's cover) ...and many of them very bad but we'll leave it at that.

I got The Grey Album during the week and listened to it over and over. It's Dangermouse's mashup/bootleg/remix of Jay Z's Black Album with The Beatles White Album. One of the best albums I've ever heard. Get on to it lively if you haven't before.

Jay Z - 99 Problems (Dangermouse Grey Album)

Max Tannone is another wonerfully talented mashup/remix/bootleg artist. He has created some of my favourite albums of the past two years, mashing http://www.maxtannone.com/projects/jaydiohead/, and creating two gems, Mos Dub and Dub Kweli, mashing Mos Def and Talib Kweli with old dub and reggae grooves. Well worth checking out and a great introduction to both mens work. All links above are to these albums, and all are free to download. The world of mashups is a murky hell hole. These are diamonds in a sea of turds.

Mos Dub by Max Tannone

...and while we're on mashups, you better not be taking yourself too seriously!

Gold Mahna Mahna (Kanye West Vs. The Muppets) by BitCandy

Finally, while on the playlists and DJ theme I've knocked together a 15 minute mix of some of my favourite tracks to DJ. Getting back into "the game" at the moment, got a few gigs coming up over the summer. If you need a DJ and can afford a 6 pack of a nice German beer and are happy with a few hours of soul tunes, The Clash and some profane 80's hip-hop gimme a shout. (offers of money will be given priority, I wanna get me some sweet decks you see ...and buy a new pair of shoes, these Converse are on their last legs!)

minimixsummer2011 by Josh Clarke

new: B I G S L E E P

2011-05-04T23:17:00.001+01:00

If this band aren't indie rock demigods in 6 months time either the music industry is completely dead or I've picked the wrong line of work. Nice sounds like.

B I G S L E E P - SEX by B I G S L E E P

new: Black Lips video and Trinity Orchestra play Daft Punk

2011-05-04T05:50:00.000+01:00

Morning! Here are a two new videos worth checking out.

New Black Lips. New album, Mark Ronson produced Arabia Mountain out June 7th. Can't wait. Playing The Garage, London on May 19th.

And I got a real kick out of this. It's the Trinity College Dublin Orchestra, playing a medley of Daft Punk tunes. On the evening they played Discovery in it's entirety and finished with this. Great stuff.

Dancefloor Magic Vol. 23

2011-04-30T20:26:00.002+01:00

Saturday again! My how the week flew. Yesterday we went to Buckingham Palace for royal wedding shenanigans. Today I soldier through the pain and tonight travel to Kilburn for my monthly slot at Good Ship, kicking off at 11 or so, wrapping up late at 4 a.m. I'll be using those many hours to plough through various genres and bpm's. Expect classic British rock n' roll, golden age hip-hop, pounding electronics and massive soul, garage, reggae, pop and, y'know whatever comes along.

If you'd like discount £2 guestlist, mail names to MAILJOSHCLARKE@GMAIL.COM.

Quincy Jones - Soul Bossa Nova

De La Soul - Eye Know

Ms. Dynamite - Dy-Na-Mi-Tee

The Fugees - Ready Or Not

March/April 2011 mix

2011-04-30T12:43:00.000+01:00

Just started messing about with 8 Tracks.com. Very handy for publishing playlists.

new: And So I Watch You From Afar album, Gangs, stream

2011-04-27T23:26:00.000+01:00

It's out. And So I Watch You From Afar's new album, Gangs. I'm excited.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://asiwyfa.bandcamp.com/album/gangs"&amp;gt;Gangs by ASIWYFA&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

new: Kauf

2011-04-25T21:22:00.000+01:00

Just got a new track from Kauf. It's a dark, electronic, trudging dance pop epic. Listen to it and imagine throwing down some zombie moves on the dancefloor. L.A based Kauf has two tracks up to listen to. We posted the first a while back. Can't wait to see where this one goes.

When You're Out by Kauf

new: White Denim

2011-04-25T12:25:00.000+01:00

More new White Denim. I'm having one of these moments. We heard Drug a few weeks back. Today we have a video for that song and a new track called Anvil Everything.

The album will be called D and is out May 24th in the UK, June 3rd in Ireland and June 6th elsewhere. I can't wait.

Anvil Everything by WhiteDenim

Dancefloor Magic Vol. 22

2011-04-24T21:50:00.000+01:00

It was supposed to be a quiet bank holiday Sunday in but plans have changed and I'm off to check out some northern soul, ska, reggae, motown etc. in Fox & Firkin in Lewisham. Fun will be had. If you so happen to be about I'll be the white lad with a bad beard in a De La Soul t-shirt dancing like a bellend.

As I said yesterday, bank holidays mean double dancefloor magic so here goes some of the finest music ever to grace our ears with its existence .

Smart E's - Sesame's Treet

Ol' Dirty Bastard ft. Kelis - Baby I Got Your Money

Musical Youth - Pass The Dutchie

The Prodigy - Wind It Up

new: Friendly Fires ...and isn't it about time we had a summer of love?

2011-04-24T14:16:00.000+01:00

Missed this last week. New stuff from Friendly Fires. The song is pretty good. But the video? Youtube clips of the golden age of acid house and rave culture. People under 21 ...these gurning, chewing, wide-eyed, baggy jumpered rave kids, who were changing the world one party-in-a-field at a time are your parents. Yes, the video is amazing.

Friendly Fires - Live Those Days Tonight by ListenBeforeYouBuy

At the end of the video the band discuss the video with Zane Lowe, mentioning the frustration as a dance music fan, of never getting to experience that golden age of dance music. I've got to say I completely agree. I'd love a resurgence of chemically induced hands-up-in-the-air lunacy. Us 20-somethings have never had a sorted for e's and whizz in a field phase. We've never had a summer of love. We're due on every 15 years or so. Every generation has one. Music is great at the moment, but no music over the past few years has seemed to capture a collective audience in a way that would spark off a few months of collective creativity and initiative that would culminate in a mythical series of events one could call a "summer of love". Not sure exactly what I mean but if anyone has any thoughts hit me up for a chat and we'll figure all of this out. Josh.

new: Rona Pano, Booker T Jones and The National

2011-04-24T10:50:00.001+01:00

Fuzzed out indie-pop? I guess we have room for one more! They're called Rona Pano, they're from Leeds and if you like lo-fi pop not far from Dinosaur Jr. or something like that give em a go. It's a free download on bandcamp.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://ronapano.bandcamp.com/track/you-stole-the-laces-from-my-shoes-2"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;... You Stole The Laces From My Shoes&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; by Rona Pano&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Booker T., him of Green Onions fame with the M.G's, and more recently a stellar album back in 2009, is back with a list of stars and a promising new album. If this track, featuring the excellent Sharon Jones (of the Dap Kings) and Matt Berninger from The National is anything to go by it'll be a delight. The album will host the likes of Lou Reed, Jim James of My Morning Jacket and The Roots. The Road From Memphis is out May 9th.

Booker T. Jones - Representing Memphis (feat. Matt Berninger and Sharon Jones) by antirecords

Speaking of The National, here are two new tracks from them, one for a film, one for a video game.

They strike me as an ideal film soundtrack band, epic moments defined by a line or the introduction of a violin or just the overall heavy emotive feel of what they do. They're far from average. This track has Sharon Von Etten on guest vocals and will feature on Thomas McCarthy directed "sports comedy drama" Win Win which based on this writeup in the LA Times, I'm gonna check out soon.

The National - "Think You Can Wait" by AwkwardSound

The other National song is croonful, strings-and-melancholy affair for the soundtrack to Portal 2, a science fiction puzzle game. I picked this up on We All Want Someone To Shout For who hit the nail on the head saying ..."If you say that you’ve thought of putting The National on the soundtrack to ANY video game, then I say you’re a liar." Spot on!

The National - Exile Vilify by weallwantsome1

Dancefloor Magic vol. 21

2011-04-23T22:38:00.000+01:00

Not just a Saturday, but a bank holiday Saturday! Not just that but I'll be posting another edition of Dancefloor Magic tomorrow for the weekend that's in it. Not just that but next Saturday I'll be playing Good Ship in Kilburn, London from 11 p.m til 4 a.m! I played a few weeks back and had a great time so looking forward to getting back. Hit me up during the week for £2 guestlist too, come along, fun will be had.

So it's St. George's Day today, and next Friday is the Royal Wedding here in smoggy London town so next Saturday I'll be posting many great British dancing tunes. For today it's international fayre, three soul classics and three modern grooves.

Del Shannon - Runaway

Gloria Jones - Tainted Love

The Ronettes - Runaway

Heard this during the week. Got the album. Enjoyed it in the sunshine. G'man XV.

XV - That's Just Me

I'd been looking for an excuse to post this. Gold Panda has made my day on more than one occasion. I sometimes like to pretend I'm in a music video bopping along on my commute to work ...then I find I'm dancing to myself on a crowded train.

Marriage by Gold Panda

...speaking of I had a moment last week where I found myself dancing fairly obviously on the tube. I was momentarily embarrassed before realising I'd never see any of these people again and who knows, my demented shuffling may have amused a fellow commuter so what harm? Wait til this kicks in and go wild!

Divine Comedy - Gin Soaked Boy

Vice stream Nobunny live and loads more

2011-04-23T20:51:00.001+01:00

So after all that electronic music it's time to get back to nitty, gritty business ...corporately sponsored nitty, gritty of course. It's a Vice initiative with Dell & Intel, streaming live shows all over the world called Noisey. It features the likes of Mogwai, No Joy, Das Racist, Jeff The Brotherhood and loads more. Here's Nobunny's show. The guy is all kinds of awesome.

*update ...I've had to put a break here cos the video automatically plays when you open the page and is a pain in the arse. Click below to watch (it's very good).

(not all that) new: Chase & Status, Devlin cover & Now, Now Every Children remix.

2011-04-23T20:42:00.000+01:00

I've avoided this act for a while, their remix of Death by White Lies was pretty sweet, but I never gave them much thought after that. I heard this on the radio this morning. I know I'm late to this party but this tune, and what I'm hearing from No More Idols is all kinds of top-notchery.

Chase & Status - Blind Faith by SmushMusic

Two more hip young things have covered this track for a BBC Radio 1 session, Ed Sheeran who we featured here recently and Devlin, who's nailing it in the grime world. Listen on Soundcloud

....it's an electronic kind of evening here at Pop Goes Manor, which brings us along to a track I picked up on What's The Ruckus, which is one of my faves. It's a radical overhaul of a remix of this beauty of a song from last year, Jesus Camp by Now, Now Every Children.

The remix is by the bands drummer, Brad Hale. It's a warm and erethreal, yet banging, in a having-a-momentarily-lifechanging-moment-on-the-dancefloor kind of way. Pretty nifty then.

Now, Now - Jesus Camp (Remix) by nownowmusic

new: Beastie Boys

2011-04-23T16:29:00.000+01:00

Yes! New Beastie Boys music and movie. Say it is the tune, it's from Hot Sauce Committee Part II which is out May 3rd.

Say It by Beastie Boys

And then there's the 30 minute movie, here's the blurb/quote thing:

"finally [revealing] the epic tale featuring Beastie Boys of the past, present and future for the world to see. The tale, of course, is the 1987 saga involving the fighting of one's God-given right to party."

Here's a list of who's in it. Best cast for anything ever? Enjoy.

new: Chilly Gonzales

2011-04-22T21:14:00.000+01:00

Chilly Gonzales is releasing an orchestral hip-hop album on June 6th. More details on Nialler9. Mega.

The Unspeakable Chilly Gonzales Medley by danielgap

Dancefloor Magic Vol. 20

2011-04-16T20:04:00.000+01:00

I hope as many of you as could made if out for Record Store Day today! I found me a new shop, Casbah Records in Greenwich, London. Lovely staff and some really nice records.

I picked this up on 7". Worth owning for all the great memories it brings up, dancing, trying to mime to the French lyrics, howling "woo-ooo-ooo-ooo" at people ...y'know, boys will be boys and all that.

...and here are a few boogie-on-downable tracks to plague the DJ for tonight. (or even better, bring along a record you bought today and demand to hear it)

Arrested Development - Mr. Wendal

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son

Frank Wilson - Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)

new: Santigold

2011-04-14T19:31:00.003+01:00

New Santigold. Featuring Karen O on vocals. This is huge.

No direct stream yet but check out the track and interview with Santigold on Life and Times

Will be posting audio as soon as I get it!

Update: Listen Before You Buy have posted a Soundcloud link.

Santigold feat. Karen O - Go by ListenBeforeYouBuy

new: J Rocc, mix & live!

2011-04-12T21:32:00.002+01:00

Fact Magazine is new to me but it's opening up a whole new world of music already. The regular Fact Mix series is brilliant. This is this weeks mix, from Beat Junkies member and all round turntable and hip-hop legend, J Rocc.

His new album is Some Cold Rock Stuf. It's a head bopper for sure, lush and full beats, spaced out sounds creating a warm late-night in summer atmosphere. It's out now on Stones Throw Records.

He's touring Europe at the moment. If you are on the island of Ireland get down to Kelly's in Galway on April 29th. It's a great little club with a killer soundsystem. J Rocc is playing Shack Up, their Friday night hip-hop, soul, funk, beats clubnight with Graham Dolan. It's €10. You'd be mad not to.

Here's a track from the album and the mix.

J Rocc - Chasing The Sun

FACT Mix 238 - J. Rocc (Apr '11) by factmag

new: Cashier no. 9, Titus Andronicus, Pharoahe Monch, Black Lips, ASIWYFA, The Knux, Bastardguise and TV On The Radio

2011-04-12T20:10:00.000+01:00

I recently started a job working crazy hours and commuting far far away. I no longer have the time to post lengthy articles on how I feel about songs. I'm still listening to a lot of music, just now the results will be coming at you quick fast like a cheetah in the long grass. Happy listening.

Spin have compiled their list of 10 Must Haves for this Saturdays Record Store Day. Check out the full list of special releases and participating stores.

Cashier No. 9 I am sorry. I never gave you a chance. I feel like an ass. Barry Gruff has put me right. Their debut album Goldstar was produced by fellow Belfast native David Holmes and is out now.

Cashier No. 9 - Goldstar by snipelondon

The AV Club is a brilliant idea. 25 songs, 25 bands to cover them. They're on their second round of songs. A real treat if you've a few minutes to spare. This is a treat for me, one of my favourite bands of the past few years covering one of my favourite songs of all time. Here's the cover and the original. (I will say, if you're a fan of the song but not the band you may not like this!)

Titus Andronicus covers They Might Be Giants

The 405 have posted this as their mp3 of the day. It's rough as a bears arse, as they say. But delightful too of course.

The Beets - Dead

Soulful, organic sounding new hip-hop. Thanks Pharoahe Monch. W.A.R (We Are Renegades) is out now.

Pharoahe Monch "Black Hand Side" feat. Styles P & Phonte' by duckdown

New Black Lips tune. Been meaning to post it myself since it turned up on Awkward Sound a few days ago. It's got the classic Black Lips attitude. Arabia Sound is out June 7th and is produced by Mark Ronson of all people. Will reserve wild claims of greatest album since Pet Sounds til I actually hear it. In fact when it does come out ignore me for a week or two cos if it's in any way good I'll make outlandish and unsubstantiated claims. I just like 'em a lot is all (read same for ASIWYFA's Gangs and Civil Civics debut).

Black Lips - "Modern Art" by AwkwardSound

Got this one last week but so far listening to it involved skipping through a radio show to hear its debut. Now we have it in a neat little soundcloud package, thanks to The Line of Best Fit who debuted it yesterday. I'm feeling a little "creepy superfan" posting this music ASIWYFA but they just blow my mind and are continuing to do so in new ways all the time. This is indeed a beast. Gangs is out May 2nd.

And So I Watch You From Afar - BeautifulUniverseMasterchampion by TLOBF

Truly one of my favourite tracks of the year, it's a rockin', shuffletastic sing-along of spectacular proportions, it's She's So Up by The Knux! They've dropped the video so they have. And they're very cool. Met them briefly at Oxegen last year. Most definitely very cool.

A New Band A Day is right. A great band name is essential to getting anywhere. If it sounds vaguely witch-house/electro mashup/bitches&bling rap I'm gonna have an auto-bias. Sounds shitty but again, there's just way too much music out there. I feel like a dick even admitting it but a clever name appeals to my vanity in thinking that I'm a clever guy and would like to listen to clever people with clever people. Bastardguist then, a mesmerising listen.

Bastardgeist - Cabbageheads by brainlove

Treblezine have reported that TV On The Radio have released a full length film to accompany their excellent new album Nine Types of Light. Here it is. Don't watch it now, bookmark it first. Then have some dinner, get your chores done, then set an hour aside and watch it. That's my plan anyway.

Porductive evenings blogging then. Hope you got something new out of it. That's what it's here for. Now, finally getting around to watching Easy Rider.

Dancefloor Magic Vol. 19

2011-04-09T20:12:00.000+01:00

Beer in the sunshine? Good call. Here are a few beauties for the soundtrack to your evening. Have fun!

Notorious B.I.G - Party And Bullshit

DJ Mujava - Township Funk (Sinden Remix)

Rihanna - Pon De Replay

David Bowie - Suffragette City

CSS - Let's Make Love And Listen Death From Above (Spank Rock Remix)

Harry Belafonte - Jump In The Line

new: Ed Sheeran

2011-04-07T23:01:00.000+01:00

Ed Sheeran seemed a name that keeps popping up all over the place at the moment so I checked him out ...and was blown away. Gospel, hip-hop, r n'b, smooth pop, acoustic, beat boxing ...it's all here from this 20 year old English lad. Listen and hunt for more!

Ed Sheeran - U.N.I by EdSheeran

Ed Sheeran - Wayfaring Stranger by EdSheeran

Ed Sheeran - You Need Me by EdSheeran

new: And So I Watch You From Afar

2011-04-05T21:52:00.000+01:00

New ASIWYFA! This is new age old school, linking to a radio show to listen to new music. It's like passing you on a tape and telling you to fast forward to 20 minutes in to listen to a song I taped off the radio. Well skip 7 minutes in, new tune from the Belfast lads. And listen to the rest of Steven McCauley's show while you're at it, the guy plays some fucking excellent music!

This is the first play of the second track to be released from Gangs, which is out May 2nd. Hear the first track, Search Party Animal here.

They also posted this, a video from a day they played three gigs. Deadly band.

ASIWYFA / XMAS / 12 / 10 #001 from Bandwidth on Vimeo.