Dead Kids will sleep with your mum!

Yeah, Dead Kids are fucking awesome. They sound like a summer drive back from the beach, drunk, driving in the wrong lane at 100 miles per hour, trying to read "A People's History..." while getting road head. No really, I'm not going for graphic, that's what it sounds like. It sounds raw but decadent in a political way without being obnoxious... they rock so hard it's insane. And the fact that I can play Dead Kids songs when I DJ makes me even more happy... this "America Mix" below will have you losing your mind until next winter comes. Then you'll have a vast collection of Dead Kids mp3s, a sweet handmade medium sized tee shirt, and a picture of you and Dead Kids with Iggy Pop... I'm fucking bringing the power this week... read on...


ISoA:So hi there Mike. How's life at the moment?

Dead Kids:its pretty good..im just waiting for spring to get kickstarted. im not a stay in and get cosy by the fire human being. i want to be out there in the sun. i only wear t shirts. i went for a walk the other day and a bird made a funny noise and then a squirrel walked alongside me. spring makes me feel like im in a disney movie. its cool.


ISoA:One would think it's going pretty well. Dead Kids are really making waves at the moment. What's the most balls out crazy thing that's happened so far as a result of gigging up to this point?

Dead Kids:i got to run across crowd of people in paris who then lifted me upside down and hoisted me up by shoulders so that i could run across the ceiling and then flip down and avoid smashing my head on the concrete floor by centimetres. that looked pretty good apparantly. i try not to do anything too balls out since ive had a few falls and a and e experiences. the adrenalin turns you though. you end up living in that moment with no fear. we are getting to play with iggy pop soon too so thats going to be a mission to say hello.


ISoA:Niceeeeeeeee... ok. Did you have any other names before Dead Kids? If not just make some shit up...

Dead Kids:ill make some up for you right now.

mother!, little dead babies, battle scar gallactica, we are the world, mr mortimer


ISoA:At least one of those will be the name of one of my children provided I ever have any... it would be warped to name your child "Dead Kids" you know. Anyway. You've had some stellar remixes so far... anything in the queue coming up that you'd care to let us know about?

Dead Kids:we've given a song I LOVE AMERICA that we wrote recently to some people in LA called Villains and basically there are tonnes and tonnes of people in their bedroom wanting to do remixes so i send them out the stems whenever they ask. this happens alot in brasil for some reason. i love brasil.


ISoA:Everyone has fucking amazing things to say about you. That you sound like "Dead Kids are the spitting electrocuted baby of PIL" and "this is a band capable of redefining contemporary music as we know it"... what is the most obnoxious thing you've read about Dead Kids up to this point?

Dead Kids:i dont know..dead kids will eat your children and sleep with your mum. i sprayed that on a wall in coventry. does that count? (ISoA Note: this is the coolest thing I've read in weeks)


ISoA:If you could be in one band for one day to teach them a lesson what band would it be (and it can't be Keane because that's too easy)...

Dead Kids:who am i to teach lessons? i'd shake the hand of anyone doing it because its pretty tough right now and if you can make money doing it then good for you. there is so much identikit music out there though that it hurts. if you watch mtv2 any one of those bands could be singing the other bands songs. there are no personalities. no charisma. it seems to me that if you go to university or if you've ever watched that SKINS programme then you have to be in a band. this means we get loads of good-looking and clueless bands with future managing directors of SHELL OIL on bass. the record industry are all looking around at each other thinking what the hell are we going to do? they are not spending half the money they were in the past. yet with all of this uncertainty i think this is still a good time. you baton down the hatches. you write music. you get out there. you deliver. i know there is a lot of blood but god told me to do it. i give everything ive got.


AND THAT KIDDIES IS IT! Except for this fucking anthem of a song. Once again, it actually is an anthem. It may actually make you feel something other than entertained so be prepared. Maybe put on a condom and listen to this song?!? You don't want to get your pants pregnant (I know you don't wear underwear either so that would be pretty obvious if you busted one)... my favourite French word phrase is "Super cool"... I just love saying it... "Soup-airrrrr kew-uhl"... and it almost always sounds like you're disgusted with something unless you say it like Borat... and then you sound like a twat... anyway... Check out Dead Kids Myspace and go to a show if you can. Support awesomeness.

IMPORTANT EDIT: There was a little confusion between Mike and myself about who did this song and what this song was called etc... THEN I GOT IN A FUCKING CAR CRASH RIGHT AFTER I WROTE THIS POST, GETTING T-BONED BY AN 80 YEAR OLD WOMAN WHO FORGOT SHE WAS DRIVING APPARENTLY, TOTALLY DESTROYING MY CAR and making so that I have no way to get to work (amongst 20 other awful fucking things)... ANYWAY IT IS A DEAD KIDS SONG! Not Villains! But they are remixing it! So there you go... now it's fixed 12 hours later because I was in the casualty department all night...


Dead Kids- "I Love America"

Dead Kids- "I Love America"



What a fucking great interview right? Keep it tuned for more awesomeness... I'm trying to get through the PR machine to bring you an interview from someone who has graced these pages and has been repeatedly given props by Klaxons... but you'll just have to guess for now :)

Frankmusik is the future of music. Period.

I know I rave about most people/duos/groups that get type on this blog. That's how it works! I won't write about shit I don't like!

But Frankmusik is different. I literally think he's the future of pop music. Literally. So having had the chance to talk to him on and off over the course of the last year or so has been fucking awesome... I consider him to be more of a acquaintance than a "contact" because I've had the chance to get to know him a little... and he's not a pretentious twat like some of the other people I've been involved with. He's a very genuine person, a true artist, and the type of guy whose talent is so plentiful that it is impossible not to gush about him!

It's not an understatement to say that I'm
always going to post how fucking amazing Frankmusik is so.... I'm going to get right into the interview... It's a little more involved and overzealous than my normal interviews but... that's I so fucking stoked to bring this to you guys... I'm not afraid to cross the fanboy line and geek out on this one... so... TA DA! Here we go...

ISoA: I first heard your music through Heads We Dance who had approached me about posting some tracks. Then I heard the remix you had done for them and was blown away. THEN you were on the front page of Myspace the next day and I thought "I better contact him before he takes over the world!"... things have changed a lot since then I imagine. You got signed, has that dramatically impacted your life?

FM: Since I got signed to Universal / Island records all that has changed is my bank balance. I still work in the same studio with the same equipment I have used since I was 17 and I don't see any need to change my creative process just because of a major signing. I got signed on the merit of my original work therefore I shall carry on working within my limitations rather than saturate my creativity with new shiny gear just because I have the money to.

ISoA: I've noticed quite a bit of fan art and what have you on your Myspace, it seems that people go pretty fucking mental for you and your tunes. You could easily make shitloads of money being a bloke behind a mixing desk, but you're out there singing, DJing, and producing all whilst leading the pack for a pop movement that is still in it's early stages (I'll get back to that bit in a min). Do you enjoy that attention or is it a tad overwhelming?

FM: There really isn't that much in the way of attention I feel. I have a good team of people who work with me and support me to the nth degree so I feel that what ever happens, as long as I have these amazing people beside me I will be level headed and grounded in my work rather than my ego.

ISoA: Now this is a pretty throw away question but just for the sake of dreaming teenage girls (who tend to make up a large portion of my radio and blog audience lol) are you single at the moment?

Sort of....

ISoA: Right then, back to serious questions. So... the type of music you're writing really is sort of an amalgamation of a lot of things but also so fucking different it defies categories SO FAR. Would you be ready to be the face of a whole new movement? Like if some NME journo put a label on you (Peter Robinson made note of you in his column, what, about 5 months ago? I've stopped reading the NME since lol) and your music, could you handle being a trailblazer and that level of attention? Like how would you handle something like the media landslide that happened to Klaxons? Because I can see that happening to you... Or has this already happened since I stopped reading the NME lol?

FM: I am just doing my thing. I have always tried to do things differently. Like while everyone else was trying to be football fanatics at school I was bombing around on a bmx. I don't know I would just rather think that there is more to life than what we are already faced with. NME magazine is something that I have never really payed much attention to due to the fact that I am an electronic pop act rather than one of the guitar based bands that they seem to go for normally. If I am starting a new movement or the media grasp onto something then great but I really could not give a dandelion due to the fact that it means that I am only going to have to change my style again to rebel against another journalistic label.

ISoA: Since we're talking about bits and pieces put together... who are your influences? I hear like Missy Elliot, a happier Aphex Twin, pinches of New Order, good pop like Annie and Justin Timberlake (edit: So, with Missy Elliot and JT mentioned, I guess that really just means shades of Timbaland lol)... that would be my five second five name description for someone who had never heard you... that's a bit daft so give the readers a better idea lol...

FM: Vangelis taught me how to ride a bike. Daft Punk took me to my first day at school, Bobby Caldwell was my playground best friend, Masta Ace taught me about the streets and Boards Of Canada used to read me bedtime stories from what I can recall.

ISoA: Similar note, what has inspired your music on a personal level?

FM: Oh that is easy. I just love to write about the fact that I have never managed to fall in love and to try and conquer its meaning through my songs which is of coarse an impossible task due to the fact that love is an abstract term to start with.

ISoA: "Swings and Roundabouts" that you produced for Kash is one of the most amazing pop songs I've heard in my whole life full stop. It's the type of song I can listen to over and over and over. (The original idea was to do an interview with both of you at the same time but I can't find time to coordinate that lol! You know my life got derailed like 6 months ago lol). Are you guys friends or how did that come about?

FM: I met Kash a while back through the London club circuit. We just kind of hit it off and decided that making music as a good idea. He also lived round the corner from my studio and so the logistics were quite easy. Kash is a great song writer and also a good produced in his own right. I have a lot of time for his eats (sp) meets west style.

ISoA: Southern Fried sent me the Black Ghosts Mixtape for my birthday and of course I was really excited to see you were on there. That song "Three Little Words" is fucking infectious. When can we expect to see the album now that you're on Island, you're touring this next month, and there are songs in the can?

FM: Project "Finish The Damn Album" is going really well. I am producing it and have one of the best mixers in the world working on the mix. Oh and I have the best programmer too so there will be some nice surprises in the final versions of my tracks for the album. I want to get a couple more tours done before the album comes out next year. But do not fear as there will be singles out before then!

ISoA: Speaking of, care to let us know what you've released recently and what you have coming up soon (either as Frankmusik or as a remix or production for someone else) just so we can scoop them up before they sell out...

FM: I have a new Alphabeat remix coming up soon. A Go:Audio remix, Barringtone remix, The Coolness Remix and a Paige Remix. Oh and I have just finished a collaborative track which feature Alphabeat, Leon Jean Marie and Frankmusik. Its a cover of a famous daft Punk song and sounds pretty amazing!

ISoA: Good good good. We'll you will get nothing but love from this blog. Make sure you stay in touch, we art school drop outs have to stick together lol... Any parting words?

Stay in the Heath but always be looking outwards.

THEN KIDDIES NOT ONLY DO YOU GET AN INTERVIEW BUT YOU GET REMIXES STRAIGHT FROM THE MAN HIMSELF! ENJOY!

Frankmusik vs Go Audio- "Go Audio Re-edit" YSI
Frankmusik vs Go Audio- "Go Audio Re-edit" Rapid


Frankmusik vs Barringtone- "Barringtone Vs Frankmusik" YSI
Frankmusik vs Barringtone- "Barringtone Vs Frankmusik" Rapid

Ok kids, go over to eMusic and buy Frankmusik's first E.P.
Frankisum or I won't be your friend anymore. "Three Little Words" may be one of the top 100 songs ever written.
I'm gonna try to still do an interview with Kash, I've got Dead Kids on the line, and there are a couple others that have sort of been put in limbo but check back for more interviews music and over all Arcadian madness!

Super super super SUPERGRASS return! And it's my birthday!

Some of you have probably already seen this (I CAN'T GET TO EVERYTHING OKKKKKKAYYY?), but I thought it was still worth posting... I mean the album doesn't come out for a week so it's still fresh yeah?

Whilst on the Hoo Ha Men tour, Duke Diamond and Randy Hoo Ha were followed by men with audio visual recording equipment. This is the trailer to their forthcoming documentary 'Glange Fever'. I warn you now, those with an aversion to pale nakedness need look away now. If anyone was worried that the band had grown up……the good times still roll...




Download
Stream

And there's more...'Rough Knuckles', a belter of a track from the new album 'Diamond Hoo Ha' - This video was made by the band from footage they shot while recording the album at the legendary Hansa Studios, with producer Nick Launay (Arcade Fire, Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, Nick Cave).



Stream

Then here is the oldest new Supergrass video "Bad Blood"...

Stream

Big ups to Parlophone for that! Sorry I didn't get to it earlier!

Today is my birthday and despite the fact that it's glum as fuck out I'm rather chipper... ESPECIALLY because Southern Fried sent me a copy of The Whip and The Black Ghosts new stuff, an album and a mixtape respectively, and they are both fucking awesome. The new "live reversion" of "Something New vs Lindstrom" is fucking out of this world... like I can't have that track in enough different versions (outside of a 320 kbps version of the original bootleg lol)...

ON A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT NOTE... ANY OF YOU ARCADIA READERS GOING TO SEE JUSTICE IN CHICAGO ON THURSDAY NIGHT? If so hit me up at Facebook... the banner to my page is on the side...

And to all of you famous Arcadia readers... I'm finishing up a grip of interviews today so HOPEFULLY you'll all be getting them in the mail soon... After hearing the Frank Musik track on the BG Mixtape last night I cannot fucking WAIT to have a chat with him lol...

Come back round soon... cheers!

NEW VIDEO FROM THE WHIP!

So I think Southern Fried Records is pumping out the fucking jams right now. They've got one of my fav bands period The Black Ghosts up there... and they also have loads of Britblog friendly stuff like Crookers 'Knobbers', Armand Van Helden 'Je T'aime' Simian Mobile Disco Remix, Mighty Dub Katz 'Just Another Groove' (aka Fatboy Slim) that I'm loving. I gave up on Armand Van Helden but I guess I was way off... that Simian Mobile Disco remix is balllllllahhhhhhhh...

Well anyway, you all know I love my Manchester bands (you all know I'm a Joy Division nut, and an Oasis/Factory Records/Smiths freak, and I obviously just posted about Mancunian up-and-comers Lowline) and here's another band I'm all about from that long linage of amazing fuckers... The Whip!

Yeah, I realize I'm acting like I've never posted them before or something (it's for dramatic effect lol) but seriously I really like them a lot. That Black Ghosts remix of "Muzzle No 1" had me getting crazy behind the decks and that Crystal Castles remix of "Divebomb" was fire. Like five alarm fire intense.

Or like rape whistle on the back stairs of the Funky Buddha intense (that was just for you Sam)...

Ummmmm... but anyway... The Whip are back with more fire for you and I've even got the video in downloadable formats! I know right?

The song has a rough sort of feel to it like I dunno... like it should be on the soundtrack to The Doom Generation (which is like the greatest movie ever... which means you should go watch it... you can borrow my copy... the colors are similar to this video... interesting yeah?).

I really like his voice on this song... they all look so awesome... with their rad girl drummer... getting attacked by neon monsters... it's like a weekend in Detroit...

I think you can convert that shit for your iPod (although I always mess up the sound) if you add it to your library and then hit convert for iPod. Tell me if that works for any of you lol...



Go see it on YouTube @ http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ3eeRCoIBY

Here it is for you Apple folk in Quicktime

And you Windows folk in Windows Media...

Then once you've pick up that part of the goodies follow up with a listen over at their their Myspace...

AWESOME... so much greatness put so closely together. I've been doing lots of posts for you guys! I've got more awesomeness but it may have to wait a second... I'm contemplating having either a day of the week that I post NON-Brit stuff along with Britbands OR maybe I'll just really put some energy into the "City Full Of Neon Lights" blog... because I've got SO much material (like some promos from Fabric etc, that are not ALWAYS British but I want to share them with you guys. We'll see. Maybe the site needs a makeover first. Seems like even the young-buck-just-started-a-blog-yesterday-people are droppping hundreds (or lots of time) on their layouts! Maybe it's that all bloggers are actually art/design students lol... anyway... check back soon for more Brit-tastic-ness!

Hadouken!

I like Hadouken. I really do. They are however one of like... nope, I was gonna say more but strike that... the only group that has not responded to me with regards to promo request/interview/etc. THE ONLY GROUP. Do you realize how many people I contact or have contact with because of this damn thing?

There are even other artists/bands who have clumsily fucked up interviews and liners, or have pushed me off on their A&R people never to be heard from again, but no one has just blown me off... Hadouken are the only group that have stone walled me. I mean, seriously don't ask me how because I don't know, but I got Klaxons to do a liner damn near a year before I even got anything other than a newsletter (I signed up for) from Hadouken.

But, all bitterness aside, I still like Hadouken... we play them on the show... their music is good... and they've gotten a couple posts on the blog here despite my frustration with nuffin coming from their end. So this song (which was leaked a while ago) will still get posted... I love you Hadouken... now have your people contact me lol...

Hadouken!- "Get Smashed Gate Crash"

Hadouken!- "Get Smashed Gate Crash" YSI

I'd write more but... there is nothing you don't know about Hadouken by now. I wish the album would come out here in the U.S... or maybe they should tour here... hmmmmmm ... good idea...



Check out their Myspace

I did mention I love The Black Ghosts?

I love The Black Ghosts... I mean, I love them as much as I love like Simian Mobile Disco... in fact... well, holy shit! Doesn't that make a lot of sense!

I don't know how many of you kiddies out there remember... not KNOW, but literally
REMEMBER... how awesome Simian were, but they were fucking sweet. I really got into their "Chemistry Is What We Are" album and the follow up (as well as the Simian remixes like the Zero 7 one I posted a couple weeks ago) and thought they were amazing. And then, like all good things, they came to an end...

BUT then we got Simian Mobile Disco into the public eye (and truly Justice) from the tidal wave interest stemming from "Never Be Alone (We Are Your Friends)" and life seemed good again! It seemed extra super fucking great when I realized that familiar voice in the Black Ghosts songs was homeboy from Simian and that he would be featured on a song called "I Believe" on Attack Decay Sustain Release!

Then life got even better when we got "Anyway You Choose To Give It" and all the remixes... then even better with "Some Way Through This" (whose Skream & Plastician remix is one of the best of 2007... State Crime is actually putting into a mix right now that is gonna make you guys totally shit yourselves).

NOW YOUR LIFE SHOULD BE ALMOST PERFECT... Black Ghosts are releasing a reupped and redone version of their Summer mixtape just a day befor a certain Britblogger's birthday (*cough*)... this version is out of control, with songs from our beloved Rustie and State Crime/Arcadia friend Frank Musik... along with like a heap of bangers that you'll totally lose it for...

The Black Ghosts- "Something New (Galactic Lindstrom Mashup)" Rapidshare

The Black Ghosts- "Something New (Galactic Lindstrom Mashup)" YSI

The Black Ghosts- "Something New (Galactic Lindstrom Mashup)" zShare

Here's the tracklisting...

1. Boy-8-Bit - The Suspense is Killing Me
2. Armand Van Helden - Je T'aime (Switch Remix)
3. SMD – Cliktrak
4. Ben Westbeech - Hang Around (Karizma’s Kaytronic Dub Mix)
5. The Black Ghosts - Something New (Galactic Version)
6. Rustie - Pendulum
7. Frankmusik - Three Little Words (The Black Ghosts Mix)
8. BOY 8-BIT - Fogbank
9. Trabant - The One (The Black Ghosts Remix)
10. Siriusmo - Discosau
11. Proper Villains - Trick Baby
12. Lord Skywave - Something
13. Alter Ego - Fuckingham Palace
14. Gossip Listen Up - (The Black Ghosts Remix)
15. The Black Ghosts - I Want Nothing (Extended Mix)
16. Fil OK "Wink Wink" (Touché remix)
17. The Black Ghosts - Some Way Through This (Replicants Remix)
18. Bonde Do Role - Marina Gasolina (Fake Blood Remix)
19. Fake Blood - Mars
20. The Black Ghosts - Face (Switch Mix)
21. The Whip - Muzzle No.1 (The Black Ghosts Remix)
22. The Black Ghosts - Anyway You Choose To Give It (Extended Mix)
23. The Black Ghosts - Anyway You Choose To Give It (Fake Blood Remix)

Boy 8 Bit? The Whip? The recently disbanded Bonde Do Role? Fake Blood? Seriously. If you don't cop this stop reading my blog... we have nothing in common lol... in the meantime if you want to download some goodies from Black Ghosts and The Whip head over to eMusic via the image below and help make a broke dude some money lol...

OH YEAH... btw... check out the most awesome Lego video ever for "Some Way Through This"...


Oh and what the hell... how about a 128kbps copy of last Summer's mixtape to whet your whistle?

Black Ghosts Mini-Mix July 2007

And while we're talking free music... did you happen to catch this over at XFM?

Download Charlatans New Album For Free!

I guess you'll be able to pick that up later in March in physical formats... I love how everyone is giving their shit away for free! It totally makes me wanna buy it.. no lie! If an artist trusts me to pay for what I think they are worth I'm gonna make good on my end... it's like if someone opens the first door to a building for you, then you open the second innermost door for them right? Right.

And also The Boy Least Likely To are releasing their new single for free download on their Myspace!

Ok kids, I've got a lot of catch up this week... but leave some comments telling me what you think of the track if you haven't heard it before. IT'S SOOOOOO EPIC. See you soon.










P.S. Does the 4 bar Aphex Twin piano loop used in Saturday Night Live's "Iran So Far Away" make anyone else want to cry? Regardless of all the gay references and Adam Levine singing? NO? Oh, ok then I'm just a weirdo... it's just so pretty... even if they are singing about gayness and Iran lol! Maybe I'm having my man period lol...

I take back what I said about Brithop... and give you GTA

Remember when I said British hip-hop was mainly a load of shit... that I love grime, but "British hip-hop" (of "Brithop" if you will) too often sounds like an awkward off shoot of American rap (which mostly sucks)? Well, yeah, I sort of have to take that back... at least for these two...

I got an email from a duo called GTA and... um... their new single is effing (I'm trying to get a new job shut up) great. I mean it's really really fun... and I mean that in a good way... like Muscles "My Friend Richard" fun, not watching SpiceWorld fun... you just have to hear it for yourself! It's a good summertime jam that you play over and over in the car with the windows down and the system turned up...

Check the video... you kind of have to or you'd be missing out on half the fun... as Chima said in his email "Considering the UK spends on average £250,000 on each
medical graduate it could be argued this video cost about
£1,000,000 to make..."



Anddddd here's the bio:

Having met at Gosford Hill School (Kidlington) in 2000, Neill Timms a.k.a Ineffable (22) and Chima Anya (23) quickly created a vibe that excited anyone with a vague musical interest in the Oxford vicinity.

Now a fully qualified Practicing Doctor and Assistant Accountant, Chima and Neill, respectively, have embarked upon releasing their debut album, "The Way", with the hope of adding some much needed charisma and sophistication to the UK's "urban" scene.

Drawing influences from the aforementioned hip-hop legends and their cohort, GTA have the substance of old school hip-hop spliced with the cutting edge swagger and charisma of what hip-hop is evolving into. A quote from Chima's facebook:

"The exuberance of the O’Jays, the grandeur of Mozart, the swagger of Jay Dilla, the soul of Al Green, the sentiment of Elton John, the golden tone of early Stevie. Ladies’ and gentlement, I give you… GTA”

Despite Chima moving to Birmingham for 5 years to complete a Medical degree and Neill going on to Oxford Brookes to study Business; they managed, during their student years, to be invited to support legends such as KRS 1, Amp Fiddler, Flavour Flav. They also put out their debut EP, "Love is Here", in conjunction with Blunted Records - a venture hampered both by Blunted's incompetence and GTA's own naivity.

Yikesssss... sounds like they aren't happy with Blunted Records... pause and really take that one in... hmmmmmm... anyway here's the track...

GTA- "Wanna Be Myself"

So yeah, I implore you to buy this if you like it because it's RARE that an artist gives us a high bit rate copy of their single before it comes out... or least downgrade the copy to like 128 for your friends and be like "Yeah, it's sounds great like that but you should hear it when it isn't torn to shreds... go buy it" lol... this is a duo that deserves serious support... you know I don't post crap...

Their Myspace has a few more downloadable tracks and an awesome design so I suggest you check it out.

Until next time... keep your ears and eyes on this space...

Joy Division forgotten gem...

The nice part about working at a radio station with a SERIOUS record collection is that you can easily get your hands on things like this. I never realized it before but the b-side to my favourite Joy Division song (my fav band next to Babyshambles... I know... that's a huge difference in musical taste but that's how I roll) is TOTALLY different from the version you are used to...

First off the production and instrumentation are more stark and cavernous... then there is a bunch of extra lyrics at the end of the song... it's fun stuff to find that this exists! When a band hasn't released (and can't release) an album for 25 plus years it's the little things that matter lol... like those Martin Hannett Mixes that came out... anyway enjoy this... sorry about the distortion at the end!

Joy Divsion- "She's Lost Control (Single FACUS2 Version) Vinyl Rip

So yeah... just a little treat to tide you over. There's such a renewed interest in Joy Divsion because of Control that hopefully this will reach some new ears... anyway, make sure you check back because I've got a nice slice of Brithop for you in the next post..

Lowline are on the riseeeeeeeeeeee...

So... as you know... I'm not a huge fan of posting without an MP3. It's just... I dunno... it's an mp3 blog?!?!? Right? (Maybe I should rethink this, flesh out the site, and make it more than that... yeah? Maybe... someone want to be a contributor? Perhaps someone who actually LIVES in England lol?)... But every once and a while there comes something that deserves mention even if I can't get you the content RIGHT then.

My feeling about this is that if we "the listeners" are patient we will be rewarded by the labels in the long run. Obviously, they decided that the "blogosphere" is here to help and not to hurt, and since they are willing to extend an olive branch I'm willing to play ball as well.

Is that selling out? Nah, because if I don't like the song, or anything about the band, I'm gonna let you know right off the bat lol... there have been PLENTY, I mean PLENTY, bands that have NEVER hit this page because regardless of how free, or "cleared", the content maybe I'm not here to advertise for record companies. I think I've maybe made $18 dollars off this blog the whole time I've been doing it... trust me, no one is lining my pockets lol... in fact I'm so poor I can't afford to think right now lol...

SO ANY DAMN WAY... I posted something about Lowline a few weeks back mentioning they had a release in the near future... and the future is coming up on us quickly now.

They first started to pique my interest when Nick McCabe of The Verve played with the guys and gave them his blessing... I mean we all fucking love The Verve so his opinion means something. I mean, whenever like Adam Ficek from Babyshambles recommends something I listen... anytime anyone I admire recommends something that isn't JUST commercially based, my ears perk up...

So I did a little post about that... and now I guess I'm basically reviewing their track "Monitors" in hopes that I can get some goodies for you guys once the record gets released. Here we go... first you have a listen, then I'll tell you what I think...



"Monitors" strikes me as being a nice piece of the type guitar rock that I really miss. There aren't bands like this anymore that don't have some stupid agenda behind their music... everyone is trying to turn their stuff "new rave", or they are still aping The Libertines, or they are trying to break ground to the degree where they are doing the exact opposite. Lowline have managed to write an upbeat guitar song that isn't overly complicated... they aren't trying to be Interpol (although a little bit of that Manchester Joy Division seems to have seeped in there somehow lol), and they aren't trying to ensure they will be on the soundtrack of "Grey's Anatomy", they are just having fun and rocking out like bands from a more peaceful era. Basically "Monitors" strikes me as having been written in a "pre-911" era, totally devoid of extremely depressing angst (despite there being a bit of that in the song), and full of energy. Best comparison I can make is think Editors+Sunshine Underground+We Are Scientists-whining&pretentiousness= "Monitors". It reminds me of the the late Nineties, which, is something I sorely miss. It's not Coldplay, it's not Travis, it's not U2, and it's not The Verve lol... it's something that you will play repeatedly because despite being just under 4 minutes, it feels like it's only two. The chorus is super infectious and Owen Morris' production is superb. They may not have re-invented rock'n'roll but that's what I really like about this song... it just fucking rocks without overthinking things... and the world needs some of that right now (without being toss-away garbage)... if this is the single I bet the album will be a total fucking gem...



Here's the press on it...

LOWLINE – MONITORS (1-2-3-4 Records)
RELEASE DATE: MONDAY 17th MARCH 2008

In search for a prophecy of 2008’s new order of rock and roll, British music need look no further than LOWLINE, as they begin their assault on the UK.

“More Manchester greats” - NME
“The best new band in the country" - Tom Clarke, The Enemy
“Lowline make timeless music like no one can at the moment. music with balls” Nick McCabe, The Verve

Monday 17th March 2008 sees the debut release from Lowline, arguably the most exciting new band to have emerged from Manchester in recent times. Monitors is a timeless indie anthem, the first yield from Lowline’s own youthful and uplifting brand of rock and roll. It combines addictive melodies, compulsive rhythms and an unforgettable chorus to create what some are already regarding as one of 2008’s most significant releases. The B side is Last Chance, a relentless and driving powerhouse of a track, which goes further to show the intensity, depth and urgency of Lowline’s sound.

Owen Morris (Oasis, New Order, The Verve) fell in love with the band, and was so convinced by them that he paid to take them into the studio to produce this; a remarkable, razor sharp record that brims with energy and promise. We see flashes of Manchester alongside notable references to Joy Division and My Bloody Valentine, but it is the bands ability to create a sound that is genuinely new that makes them so thoroughly exciting.

They have honed their craft playing a rift of raucous live shows and impromptu warehouse parties across the UK and release this single amidst a continuous touring schedule which has seen them develop an ardent and dedicated fan base.

This single is to be released amidst a massive level of radio and press interest, with major support already emerging from NME and XFM.

The word is out and Lowline are quickly becoming one of the UK’s most exciting new prospects, and in 2008 Mike, Andy, Sam and Robbie are intent on carving their own unique place in rock and roll.

Check out their Myspace

‘Monitors’ 7” is available for pre-order. Digital version will be available from itunes on March 17th from HMV.

And here's the bio for those of you who missed it last time. AS I said hopefully next time I will have a nice b-side or a live track... but I think these guys are gonna be huge... the single comes out the day before my birthday so maybe we'll have something rad for you by then! TO CELEBRATE lol...

LOWLINE BIOGRAPHY

“Lowline make timeless music like no one can at the moment. music with balls” Nick McCabe The Verve
“More Manchester greats” NME
“The best new band in the country" Tom Clarke, The Enemy
"One of Manchester’s new hopes! Explosive & energetic live, combining Oasis, Primal Scream, Joy Division & a touch of Kasabian at times. you need to see these boys live to fully understand the Lowline vibe; driving guitars and bass lines with amazing drums & electric vocals & a touch of synth capturing the dark underbelly of the city" Kav, Happy Mondays
"History in the making" Owen Morris, producer – Oasis / Verve / New Order

BIOGRAPHY
Manchester is a funny place. Few places are so full of musical heritage, and with that comes expectation; something which has been unfulfilled in recent times. Enter the cities newest heroes: Lowline.

Lowline are intense and sinister yet totally up lifting. A group of mates in their early twenties who formed in the spring of 2007, they spent the rest of that year writing, locked away in a warehouse in Manchester’s less-than-glamorous Ancoats district. There are flashes of inspiration from cult legends The Jesus and Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine, but they strike a rare balance between razor sharp rock and roll, and epic shoegaze. Lowline’s intense guitar sound is underpinned by tribal house tinged drums and fuzzed up bass lines, all combine to make something with energy, atmosphere and spirit.

Their sound embodies the atmosphere of their City, whilst remaining distinctive and innovative, a combination that sets them apart and shows that this is the start of something special. Their sound impressed renowned Oasis and the Verve producer Owen Morris so much, that he immediately took the band into the studio and recorded some tracks over many late nights. The first yield from this session is their debut single ‘Monitors’, a timeless indie anthem which harbours Morris’s distinct style. It is set to be released on March 17th on 1-2-3-4 Records (Whitey, The Bishops) with the reverse side being taken up by the driving and relentless ‘Last Chance’. This massive debut has already begun to grab the eye of DJ’s, journalists and audiences alike, with NME and XFM showing great support for the band from the outset.

Live, the band are immense. They have crafted a rip-roaring show and brim with energy and confidence, which combined with their dance sensibility that has seen them demanding attention at shows across the country. Tours with The Enemy and Happy Mondays have seen Lowline continue to cultivate an ardent fan base, and as tales still spread about their recent warehouse party in Manchester (which guested close friend Nick McCabe - The Verve, on guitar) many more have sat up and taken notice. They now embark upon a vigorous touring schedule throughout the next few months as well as returning to the studio with Morris to continue to work on their debut LP.
DEBUT SINGLE - MONITORS - OUT MARCH 17 2008 - 1-2-3-4! RECORDS

GIGS
27 February Manchester Academy3 w/ Dragons and Exit Calm
7 March Glasgow ABC with Inspiral Carpets
8 March Oxford Academy with Inspiral Carpets
9 March Sheffield Leadmill with Inspiral Carpets
10 March Northampton Roadmenders with Inspiral Carpets

Ok kids... I have an inbox BRIMMING with new shit so you know I'm hustling trying to get it to you... make sure to check back, and leave some comments to let me know what you thought!

OVERLOAD... A bunch of stuff you need to see/know... LOTP, South Central, Cazals, and errrr... KT Tunstall?

I like how 'yours truly' is in the lower right hand corner of their top friends :)



Ok this isn't a song.. but it's just as cool... trust me... Parlophone just send this gem from Late Of the Pier out a couple days ago...

THE BEARS ARE COMING!!!!
Watch out here as a stream here or here


Speaking of LOPT... See when Sam and I (as State Crime) try to write a song we try to write songs that sound like you're so fucking dementedly wasted that you can't function... either something really evil and powerful, or something so off base it's like you're falling down the stairs... (even though we are both like the two most sober people on earth lol)... Like you ever get that feeling that you're coming up so fast that you might fucking die? Like you might literally pop right through the fucking ceiling... like that scene where Willy Wonka is in the glass elevator? In my opinion that's how songs should sound if they're gonna capture your attention (or way understated like Burial). Well the last people who really achieved that in song for me were my boys South Central when they did their remix of Late Of The Pier's "Space And the Woods"... which I was reminded of today when their page for that remix popped up as having a birthday on Myspace... which made no sense because it said something about September?!?!

But it reminded me of this mysterious video hyping that awesome bootleg... did you get your copy?


If you didn't make it over there when it first came out check it out over at XIII Myspace. Or go cop their free XFM mix over at Last.fm.

UPDATE:
And back on the bootleg tip... I saw a post about, what? Like a week ago? Saying they were shooting a video for The Count & Sinden - Beeper from my boy Curt from Flosstradamus and thinking.... "Errrr what the fuck does Floss have to do with the "Beeper" record?!?!" (check the last post on Herve's 'Cheap Thrills' Label if you're way confused)... and now I know... the mega bootleg from last year has turned out to be the party anthem of this year with Kid Sister filling in for FamLay and Pharrell... and she does a fucking wicked job too... I know it's not British but it ties back to a prior post and... well it's hotness...



Now... this isn't an track either but rather and annoucement...

So I guess get ready to cop that and keep your eyes open... And lastly... I'm just trying to post a bunch of stuff now... and this is not my normal fare... BUT... it is Bloc Party... do what you will with it... I'm not even gonna link it up... just cut and paste kids...

title: KT Tunstall
author: The Prayer (Bloc Party cover) - Video
copyright: Virgin Records

14 The Prayer (Bloc Party Cover)_128k.wma http://del.interoute.com/?id=ceafa5a3-c786-4dc8-9db0-0420cecf334a&delivery=download
http://del.interoute.com/?id=ceafa5a3-c786-4dc8-9db0-0420cecf334a&delivery=stream
14 The Prayer (Bloc Party Cover)_32k.rm http://del.interoute.com/?id=cda87e8e-e6c5-4105-a60a-b5f345247d49&delivery=download
http://del.interoute.com/?id=cda87e8e-e6c5-4105-a60a-b5f345247d49&delivery=stream
14 The Prayer (Bloc Party Cover)_32k.wma http://del.interoute.com/?id=d037b629-dd9f-425c-9b81-9f9d9211567e&delivery=download
http://del.interoute.com/?id=d037b629-dd9f-425c-9b81-9f9d9211567e&delivery=stream
14 The Prayer (Bloc Party Cover)_96k.rm http://del.interoute.com/?id=6e0ef4b1-5e9d-4e14-803c-de8b0b2c8f7d&delivery=download
http://del.interoute.com/?id=6e0ef4b1-5e9d-4e14-803c-de8b0b2c8f7d&delivery=stream

Ok... I've got too many things to do today... be back soon...

Sweet Wednesday luck... new Róisín Murphy... with a TODDLA T REMIX!

You guys remember Moloko yeah? I mean, those of you who live in the UK would have to have brain damaged to forget! But those of us in the U.S. who remember them, remember them mostly from warehouse raves with "Sing It Back" and "The Time Is Now"... well I suppose the latter was actually more of a club song even here in the U.S. but whatevs. POINT IS... you all know the voice of Róisín Murphy... she's got a new one out, after her success with "Overpowered", you know it's going to be a bruiser... AND THE MIX I'M GONNA POST IS FROM TODDLA T! How did this kid blow the fuck up over night?!?!? I dunno but it's hot... it's hot...

‘You Know Me Better’
Released: 31st March on EMI

New single released as 7”, CD, enhanced CD and download.

The track is a collaboration with Groove Armada’s Andy Cato

From top 20 UK album “Overpowered”

Mixes come from Samim, Trevor Loveys, Guy Williams and Toddla T.

Sold-out London show at Camden’s Roundhouse, London on March 8th

Headline set at the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square to an estimated audience of 75,000 people on March 16th

Róisín made a very special guest appearance at the Elle Style Awards on February 12th; the first live performance in the 11-year history of the awards

Live: London Roundhouse, March 8th – SOLD OUT
Trafalgar Square, March 16th
Rock Ness, June 8th

And here's the goods...

Róisín Murphy- "You Know Me Better (Toddla T Mix)" YSI

Róisín Murphy- "You Know Me Better (Toddla T Mix)"

I'd post the Trevor Loveys remix but you really should buy the single... And just to tie it back to the last post... with Herve...

Róisín Murphy- "Overpowered (Herve & Róisín In The Secret Garden Remix)"

I love how that song is pure fucking sleaze at the beginning... like the feeling of having drugs coming out of your sweat... and then it turns into shimmering wonderfulness... and then he busts out the fucking awesome drums again... and then back with the hip grinding buzzsaw synthlines! Oh Herve, how awesome are you...

Check out her Róisín over at...
http://roisinmurphy.com/
www.myspace.com/roisinmurphy
www.myspace.com/roisinremixed

Everybody gotta work it out... Herve gives you 'Cheap Thrills'...

Me in a bad jean-short/visor/sweat-soaked-combo with my friend the legendary Larry Tee

SO here's a fun post where I get to tell you guys about a great memory. I mean a great memory. And I get onto Herve starting his own label... Trust me it will all tie together...

Ok. For those of you who have been reading for the last year, you may remember me telling you about all the fun that was had in Miami during the Winter Music Conference... alas, I will not be going this year, BUT all the awesome shit that happened last year makes up for it.

SOOOOOOO... the last day of the 'conference', Sunday, was a pretty down day. My partner was totally worn out from the whole week and not trying to deal with the world. I had some new found friends call me out to kick it at Remix Hotel insuring me they had badges lying around and I wouldn't have to pay. At the end of the afternoon I found myself standing on Collins waiting for Anya (aka Womso... the only girl I've never slept with who almost ended my relationship doing nothing!) to come out and get me because there was a SUPER long line (she was waiting to come out when she knew she could sneak booze back in)... while I'm standing there waiting my buddy Curt Autobot (of Flosstradamus fame) just happens to walk down the street after having just flown from SXSW...

...so I tap him on the shoulder and he's like "Yeah, dude, I'm so wiped. We've just been moving non-stop. Josh (J2K of Floss) got stranded at some airport, I just met MSTRKRFT like two seconds ago and was too tired to talk, and I'm fucking starving. Everything is just too intense right now and I feel like shit. I gotta get something to eat... walk and talk." So we walk a few blocks down some really crowded area I didn't know existed (really how much of Miami, or rather South Beach, do you see when you go to WMC?) he runs into some people and I begin to feel a little out of place...

...see, Curt and I came up in the same town in Michigan, played the same weird ass warehouses, both went to school in Chicago at the same time, and even worked on songs together for a while... as in we were close enough that I stayed at his house while my roomie and I were finding a place in Chicago... but eventually I moved out of the Chi, which is one of the things that caused us to stop talking/working/hanging out together (we reconnected at Intonation Festival right before Flossy D BLEW UP)... but if you find a copy of my first demo you'll find that Curt's the first person I thank... but frankly you're never gonna find that unless well I dunno you're Larry Tee, or Errol formerly of Astralwerks, but I think I retrieved all the other existing copies!

...so anyway, here I am with my newly anointed "international-jetset-superstar-dj" buddy (he was on the cover of URB that month) walking with his friends I totally don't know and I start to feel weird. I mean REAL weird. He, although very tired, keeps trying to engage me in conversation and I start to become more and more uneasy. I release he's headed somewhere NICE and here I am, Midwestern Retard, dressed in a wifebeater, a black visor, JEAN SHORTS (which trust me I have since given up), sweating like a crack whore in a sauna from nervousness/heat...

...and we arrive at, exactly as I thought, a fucking really nice cafe! And I hesitantly walk in with him ...and I feel the air conditioning hit me and I'm like thinking "Ok, maybe I can hang. I just need to relax." So, the hostess takes us to a table that seats about 12... I can see most of the people have been sitting for a little while, and there are two seats left! Sweet right? So, Curt sits down and I go to join him BUT I suddenly look up and see Naeem Juwan at the other side of the table... I mean, that's probably what you'd call him if you knew him well like Curt does... but to me, my sweaty stupid looking Midwestern ass is staring at Spank Rock... and despite having met him two nights previous at the Turntable Lab party, I knew I couldn't sit around and chill with someone whose CD I listen to like every fucking day... no seriously, I'm man enough to admit I couldn't hang! I was in over my head... Now Benny Blanco is apparently trying to fuck my ex-girlfriend seeing as she "accidentally" sends me emails about it all the time but I digress (I guess go gettem Benny!)...

So I immediately bail and find a slew of mean text messages from Anya about how I left her in line and she saw me walking off and how I was a motherfucker for making her come out for nothing... she was REALLY pissed. I hauled ass back to the Remix Hotel gig and we all danced like retards... or at least I did... I was wearing an inflatable duck on my head...

Then blah blah blah we went to this Oakenfold thing and got past the wait, which despite the fact I don't care for him anymore was really fucking cool to bypass a three hour wait and a velvet rope! PROBLEM was Anya didn't have her ID... I mean I dunno??!? She's Russian! I don't know how that all works... but she couldn't come in with us... so I was there for like 10 minutes and declared "I gotta go to downtown Miami. My friend Curt is playing down there. I'll see you guys next year!"

And off I went. Patrick and Anya drove me to a corner where I knew I could catch a bus and that was that. I took the bus downtown and walked to the venue. It was REALLY fucking tiny and both Curt and Pase Rock were playing... there were like maybe 20 people there and I could tell both of them were like "Who fucking roped me into playing this place on a Sunday night in Miami?"... I went to talk to Curt but he was going on and... what was I going to do? Hang out with Pase Rock? Nope nope nope nope... I listen to Five Deez and his solo shit quite a bit so that's not happening. Some people I can do that with and some people I can't (that's kind of where this story is heading). So I stand in a corner and slowly make my way backwards to the bar. I figured "Hey, I'm gross, out of place, still wearing an ill advised beater and a visor, and I probably just need to go home. Just like earlier. Blah."

So I depart from this bar that is JUST far away from the bus station to be scary. There are literally crack heads walking around like zombies and then start coming closer to me. Every time I look over my shoulder they get closer, every time I speed up so do they! As I think I'm about to get dragged into the crackhead underworld a silver two door comes speeding up to my side, the door flings open and who is it other than my mentor Larry Tee!

He says "Do you know where Karu & Y is?", without even looking up at me.

To which I said "Larry, I'll get you there but you've got to take me with you!"

When he looked up and saw it was me, he leaned forward, I jumped in the back of the two door and we ran off to this club...

...which was the greatest thing ever because Larry didn't play which meant we got to hang out all night. Top five best nights of my life ever and I was totally sober. Amazing. I could tell you all about it again but I think I did last year.

Anyway, it comes time for the night to end and Kevin (Larry's friend and assistant) drops Larry off, and then goes to drop my ass of (because it's SO not safe to take the bus that late). Kevin turns to me and says "Have you heard the song?"

"What song?"

"Have you heard the song he did with Concetta? Off Larry's Sampler that he gave you?" (FYI: Concetta is Princess Superstar)

"Well, no, because he just gave me I copy. He hasn't had them on him all week because I always see him when he's relaxing or it's the end of the night."

"Holy fuck. You have to hear this..."

AND THIS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN IS WHERE THE STORY TIES BACK TO HERVE! We're driving down the highway at god-knows-what-o-clock and I'm hearing "Gettin' low low on the ground" thinking "Awwww fuck. This is why Larry is a fucking genius." And then Kevin goes "Hold on, I gotta turn it up." And then I hear...

"L-i-Licky-c-k-Licky-y-L-i-Licky-c-Licky-k-y"

AND THEN A BASS LINE AND A SYNTH THAT MAKE THE EARTH SHAKE. Which of course resulted in my jaw hitting the floor. And Kevin goes "I know right? This is the Herve remix... it's so fucking good". That drive back to my hotel on 72nd was fucking amazing... best WMC ever... how can you top moments like that? I waltzed into the hotel at like 5am and said "Hey, Electroboy, guess what you just missed out on?"... (FYI: Electroboy is Larry's nickname for Sam)... and, of course, he knew he realllllly missed out... especially if my lame ass is coming home at 5am because I'm usually in bed by 10pm lol...

When he finally got to hear the Herve remix the next day we were like "How did we ever end up in the position where we have a copy of this before everyone else?"... sometimes you're just lucky I guess...

AND today my friends you are luck too because I'm gonna get you hooked up with some good shit fer reals... here's the info on Herve's new label...

New label launched by Joshua ‘Hervé' Harvey aka The Count

Featuring new releases by all the alter ego’s and new talent including Action Man, Voodoo Chilli and Detboi

The Count & Sinden’s “Beeper” released in the UK on Domino Records on 24th March 2008

The Count & Sinden debut album out in summer 2008

www.MySpace.com/hervespace

www.MySpace.com/thecountofmontecristal

Maybe this is "DJ snobby" of me but errrr hasn't "Beeper" been the hottest shit on wax for 12 months? How is it JUST getting released? PLEASE tell me this doesn't have to do with red tape from Star Trak (seeing as the vocal is from a FamLay song... I jumped on his back once... but that's a different story for a different place... it's been easier to explain that story since the "Beeper" song came out)... still just as hot 12 months later though...

ANYWAY... here's the goods kiddo... I tried to keep it as British as possible... so here's a Herve remix of the Chemical Brothers that is fucking soooooooo sick... from 2:30 on it's like a weird Prince song and then the drums are sooooo fucking dope....

Chemical Brothers- "The Salmon Dance (Herve Remix)

And here's a mini mix Herve would like you to have... enjoy.....

The Count of Monte Cristal EP 2 Martelo Mini Mix

So see.. there, you got a fun story where I make an ass out of myself multiple times and we get to hear one of the greatest songs like ever... you wanna hear the Larry Tee song? Go to his Myspace and buy the damn thing... or swap that new Steve Aoki because it's on there with Santogold rapping... I'm not giving it to you for free... sorry kids... hotness... see you soon...

Clear ear space for Air Traffic...

So my dear friends over at Astralwerks recently turned me on to one of their recent releases that is bound to bring out cadre of Radiohead fans that miss "The Bends" era, and all the Muse fans that, well, like Muse lol... there's about 10,000 other comparisons I could use though and none of them would be fair... but Air Traffic, have just released 'Fractured Life' and trust me it's going to be that album where you're like "Yeah, I told you they were the new ______"... I've given you my first impression association... you give me yours... here's some background...

"Air Traffic are an English indie rock band from Bournemouth. The band's name originates from when they used to practice next to a runway at Hurn Airport, where air traffic control signals could be picked up on their amplifiers.[1] Their music features heavy use of piano, and they have been described by NME to be like "Supergrass covering Little Richard".[2] The band have received mainstream success due to the re-release of their single "Charlotte", and the release of their debut album, Fractured Life."

Here's the song they won't sue me for posting but I hope that it excites you enough to go out and buy a physical copy... seriously though, Astralwerks are one of the last labels that deserve blind brand loyalty despite having changed their format a little... every album they put out is ace really and they bring most of the good music from across the pond to the U.S... I mean, yeah it weirded me out to see Babyshambles on what had been a primarily electronic label, but it made me realize Astralwerks are America's XL Records (or equivalent thereof). Look at their track record... seriously I'm a lifer...

Air Traffic- "Come On" YSI

Air Traffic- "Come On"

For whatever reason the embedding is disabled (any reason for that guys?) so you're just going to have to trust me when I say you should check out the video for Charlotte...

Check out the whole Air Traffic album at Spinner (via AOL)...
Air Traffic, 'Fractured Life' album stream on Spinner

Also, on a totally different subject, if you've been dying to get away from that water mark, check out a stream of the new AMAZING album from Arcadia favourites Hot Chip over at Spinner...
Hot Chip, 'Made In The Dark' album stream on Spinner

And on the streaming tip... Dev from Test Icicles (who have been retired for about what 2 years now?) released a Bright Eyes-esque solo album as Lightspeed Champion that is really awesome... you should totally check it out... even though he's an American... because a) he used to be in a Britband and b) it's awesome and c) he worked on material in Grand Rapids (where I'm actually going tomorrow). Maybe if you leave comments I'll dig out some of his demos?!?!

Lightspeed Champion, 'Falling Off The Lavender Bridge' album stream on Spinner

Anyway, hope you dug this. I've got some posts I want to do for my new friends and I also want to do a post on Cage the Elephant because I haven't thus far lol... so keep the eyes and ears peeled... until next time...

We've got a live one... Eugene Francis Jnr...

It's been a while since we've posted something from someone who isn't on a major (or a major indie) so I was figuring it was about time for us to get some fresh talent on the board... after all I've got like a 90% success rate on people I've gotten to before they've gone big and I wanna keep that up lol... and I had one cross my inbox today that made my jaw hit the floor...

Meet Eugene Francis Jnr... now usually if you used the word 'hippy' anywhere in your press released I might seek you out just to slap you... but Eugene's music is this amazing blend of acoustic strumming and tide-like synth washes rushing over the melodies. In this frigid bitch of a winter it took me right back to summer... actually the summer of 2005 driving listening to Bright Eyes and songs from The O.C.... I would have to say that this sits RIGHT in between those two things (and I say that in a good way because I fucking LOVE BOTH... hey The O.C. was a good show asshole!)...

Here's the background...

The history:

On March 8th 1977 at 8.13am Eugene Francis Jnr emerged into our world, for 2 reasons

a. to make music
b. so that 'International Women's Day' would be officially recognised

9 months earlier it is believed that a chivalrous, Apache Indian made love to an exquisite, Inuit Eskimo under the timid Welsh sun. The couple were very much in love but also very much in hiding.

They travelled with Eugene from continent to continent, in search of work and enlightenment. They were stubborn nomads, who in turn raised an unshakable hippy…but their taste in music was impeccable

Eugene Francis was raised on Country, Blues and Folk Music, although when he misbehaved his parents made him listen to 80'Synth-Pop or Ambient.

After returning to London to study the stars and the planets at University, Eugene Francis decided to capitalise on being in the nation's capital and got busy playing in as many different bands as possible:

Eugene Francis played and wrote songs in 'the fantastic super foofs' (releasing 3 singles 'bilo boss', 'devan endo' & 'timmy zuckermann' on Floating Toast / Fuzzbox) which were championed by Lamacq and Sir John Peel for there loungey melodies. Their lack of musical depth however, meant that they also lacked record sales.

Eugene Francis played and wrote songs in 'kaptainblack' (releasing one album 'in fertility' on Mighty Atom) which was saluted in Europe as gravel-throated 'Blunktry' music. However, it didn't take long to find its way quickly and surely to the discount bin of most UK independent stores.

Eugene Francis got paid to play and write songs with 'dirty perfect' (releasing one EP and one single 'quarterback hairdo' on Sound Foundation Recordings) which was giving the thumbs up by teenage girls and boys. However, in his own words 'the publishing salary and the novelty of having a GPS in the van outshone the experience itself.'

Bored and fed up. Eugene Francis packed his little, junior guitar, and some threads and headed off to America on a Kerouac. During a late lock-in @ The White Horse Tavern (NYC) under the watchful eye of Dylan Thomas. Eugene Francis was enlightened by a friend who told him to move away from the pop-rock music he had been making and look for something to call his own.

Up to the challenge Eugene Francis headed back home to the Welsh Hills to start work.

Just like the construction of chitty-chitty-bang-bang, he disappeared to work on his project behind locked doors. He emerged 4 months later holding in his hand the proposed album 'The Golden Beatle' and the word 'Folktronica' would never be the same.

Now he needed a band, to reproduce the layers of instruments and percussion…

Not just any old band, an elite band, a concept band: 'The Juniors'

Drawing from some of the best bands / musical individuals of the current Welsh Music Scene (Vito, Broken Leaf) Eugene Francis Jnr has assembled a democracy, which he calls 'a harmonious, beatnik-supergroup'

And now they plan to take over the world, this one and the next

With Poor Me / Kites being the double A-side Ltd Edition Vinyl, due for release in June and with The Juniors currently re-recording the album, this could be the year where even the heavens will hear about 'Eugene Francis Jnr and the juniors' x

I have to say outside the previous two references I made the other thing that sticks out to me... is that he would be right at home on the roster over at Ghostly International... he's vocals are maybe more straight forward than Christopher Willits or something like that but tell me "Poor Me" couldn't be one of Ghostly's 'avant pop' releases?

Here's the goods...
Eugene Francis Jnr- "Poor Me" YSI

I'm not going to upload it again... when it's out it's out... the man just gave us his single! I would ask that if you guys like it you go buy it!


Go pick up all things Eugene Francis Jnr @ www/legionpresents.com/shop

and

The Golden Beatle over here at Amazon

Hope you all enjoyed... I have an inbox so full I can't attempt to handle it...

Cazals, EVEN More Koch, and the greatest post of all time... plus my doppelganger!

Some days are better than others... today has been a mixed bag.

I don't have to explain it but... you can't get it like a bitch unless you let people give it to you that way... that's what I've learned this week...

...but then over here on the Internets life was perfect! My Internetville life was amazzzzzzzzzzing. I got new tracks from Cazals (via Kitsune) and that started the chain of events... read on...

Cazals are the shit... I mean the fucking shit for real... and they are on Kitsune... and they opened for Daft Punk! In fact I know someone in the room while I type this that was there at the show... hmmmmmmmmm... anyway...



Mmmmmmm Kitsune... how we love you! Or at least how I love you... surrrrrrrrreeeeeusssssssly. I've downloaded everything eMusic has to offer because I wanted to scoop it all up in case they pulled an Ed Banger (try to search for Uffie, or Justice, or anything of the sort now on eMusic... it's a shame I tell ya) which I really hope they don't! Don't do that please Kitsune! We love being able to get your stuff over there when it comes out...

Anyway... we all know that Kitsune is like so white hot that they don't REALLY need an introduction but here it is anyway for those who aren't blog addicts or uber hipsters here's your "get-you-up-to-speed" bio...

Kitsune Music (taking its name from the Japanese for 'Fox') is a French electronic music record label created in 2001. Based in Paris and partly in London, the label is also a division of the Kitsune Fashion Label created by Gildas Loa'c (Roul') and Masaya Kuroki.

The label has featured the following artists: Klaxons, Wolfmother, Digitalism, Captain Comatose, Black Strobe, Manhead, Freeform five, Zongamin, Cosmo Vitelli ,Gonzales, Man with Guitar, Tom Vek, VHS or Beta, Volga Select, Simian Mobile Disco, Chikinki, Joakim, Hot Chip and others.

Fucking amazing right? Here's the Cazals info...

Cazals: a short history

OK, so let's begin with some things you may already know about Cazals: 1. They've known Pete Doherty since they were boys, and have toured with Babyshambles. 2. On account of living in London and - y'know - knowing how to dress well, some people think they're fashonistas; 3. All five of 'em used to live together. In Whitechapel; 4. A couple of them made cameo appearances in Nathan Barley. 5. They used to put on all night warehouse parties – most notably Cazalaid, organised to raise money after ALL their equipment got stolen – in London's east end. Bloc Party played. It was a great night.

Got all that? Good. Now please forget it. Cazals are as bored of it as you should be. For Cazals, as you will see, are a band who, in every respect, are all about the future.

"There's so much more to this band than that," Says lead guitarist (& manager!) Daniel. This is true. For example: rythm guitarist Luca makes a healthy living DJ'ing electronic music (he recently played at various electro festivals and events around Europe alongside people like Sebastian and kissy Sellout), Phil, the singer, has been cast in a number of up-coming British Independent films, while bassist Martin is a re-mixer and producer of some repute. He's the man mainly responsible for making 'What Of Our Future?' - his band's debut album due out in the new year - sound like one of the most forward-thinking guitar based albums in ages. His recording implements include drainpipes (as in actual pipes, not the trousers), bits of paper being ripped and effects pedals he has made himself out of Gameboys. But anyway, we're getting ahead of ourselves here…

Cazals are signed to French record label Kitsune. It is an electronic music label, home to Digitalism, Simian Mobile Disco, Crystal Castles and other such forward thinkers. You may know them from their excellent Maison compilations or for releasing vinyl only singles by Klaxons, Foals and Late of The Pier. They are not normally interested in guitar bands (especially those with retrogressive tendencies), but they made an exception for Cazals. This is significant.

"Basically they heard our track 'Poor Innocent Boys', and put it on their Maison 2 compilation," says Daniel (It's worth pointing out here that the bouncing, razor-sharp, handclap-assisted rhythms of said former single resided on this record between a Boyz Noise remix and a track by Azzido Da Bass). "They were ringing us up to ask what label we were on, and we were like, 'Erm, none!" "They've been amazing for us," enthuses Phil. "It's not a huge label, so they haven't got a huge amount of money, but they had no problems with us taking our time to make sue the album was perfect. Perfect as far as we were concerned, and them."

The investment of time by both band and label has paid off massively. One only has to listen to the first minute of 'What Of Our Future?'s opener 'New Boy In Town' to realise it is a record of tremendous depth. There are spiky guitars, a rasping vocal and an unforgettable melody, for certain, but there are subtle textures here, too – at points you'd be forgiven for thinking Daft Punk were recording in the next room. 'To Cut A Long Story Short' continues in this vein, and by the time the breakdown in the middle of the synthline led 'Somebody Somewhere' arrives, it's anybody's as to which instrument is making which noise.

"We spent a long time on the arrangements," Daniel continues. "We're not one of those bands who just bash out a song." It shows. 'A Big Mistake' is driven by lo-fi electronic drum loops; 'We're Just The Same' a gorgeous, half-paced pop song that exhibits the French influence that has seeped into Cazals' music; 'Comfortable Silence', meanwhile, is – frankly – bonkers experimentalism, the likes of which few British guitar bands would dare even attempt. Even in the more conventional moments here – the frenetic 'Life Is Boring', the aforementioned 'Poor Innocent Boys' – are awash with layer upon layer of unconventional noise. And then there's closer 'Time Of Our Lives' – a song that begins its life as a genuine, piano-led weepy, then builds and builds into a waltzing mini-epic. For all the musical adventure that precedes it, it's, y'know, moving. "That's another thing which is important," points out Phil, "Every song on the record is a true fucking story."

So no, not Shoreditch trendies. Not fashonistas. Just one of the most forward thinking British guitar band in Britain today.

by Hamish MacBain (from NME)

So there you have it... and now that I have my pick of tracks which shall I give you?

How about the autoKratz one? That shit is pretty hype because those guys are wayyyyyy awesome...

Cazals- "To Cut A Long Story Short (autoKratz 80's Heartthrob Mix)" YSI

Cazals- "To Cut A Long Story Short (autoKratz 80's Heartthrob Mix)"


Speaking of awesome.... this is just as awesome as the remix... check out what Luca did!

http://download.yousendit.com/15453E321D7B8D81


1 - looking for love - The Cars
2 - Scoundrel days - A-Ha
3 - Told you so - Depeche Mode
4 - here is the news - E.L.O
5 - Duel - Propaganda
6 - it's my life - Talk Talk
7 - The Riddle - Nik Kershaw
8 - The things that dreams are made of - The Human League
9 - Party all the time - Eddie murphy and Rick James
10 - Rydeen - Yellow magic orchestra

http://www.zshare.net/download/6784533762da4f/

Now you're ODing on awesomeness yeah? Well I have more...

The Koch just keeps bringing the pain... check out these jem...

Robot Koch vs Cerebral Vortex- "Cookies"

Robot Koch vs Cerebral Vortex- "Cookies"

EDIT: GO BUY COOKIES ON VINYL! IT'S OUT AS OF April/May 2008!

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST! DID YOU KNOW THERE WAS ANOTHER PATCH IN TOWN?!?!? YEAH OVER AT WAVESATNIGHT! HOW CRAZY RIGHT? You should go over there... his blog looks way better... but we are sister blogs now I think... kind of like how Kalamazoo and like Noomazoo or some shit are sister cities

More Koch for you... Jahcoozi treat from the Robot himself...

We all know Robot Koch is the shit. Well, at least all of you who caught the FIRE ass motherfucking remixes he gave me a month or so ago know he is... and the rest of you should know that shit as well seeing as you read blogs right? How could you not all be huge Jahcoozi fans? See, I knew that was a question I didn't need to even ask...

Robot Koch was nice enough to send over Jahcoozi's BLN E.P. (which you can purchase over at eMusic and make both and I some money) and let me pick which ever track I wanted to post. I think you would have gotten a MUCH higher bitrate if I posted the ones he sent (and maybe I'll post a high bitrate version later) but the internet at school sucks and since I already own BLN I'm just going to upload the same mp3 from my collection :)

I've decided to go with the CLP (Chris de Luca vs Phono remix) seeing as that's our mutual favourite track that you too, I'm sure, will love if you don't already have it...

Jahcoozi- "BLN (Chris de Luca vs Phono Baby Like N____z Remix)"

Jahcoozi- "BLN (Chris de Luca vs Phono Baby Like N____z Remix)" YSI

Here's a wicked video of "Black Barbie"... I like how the note on the video says "europe's best band in ages"...


Seriously though... both BLN and Blitz'n'Ass are over at eMusic (that's where I got em)... keep your eyes and ears tuned to this blog because I'm a Jahcoozi "lifer" (meaning they make a song full of fart sounds and I would think it was fucking brilliant... although didn't Venitian Snare's do that a couple years ago?) which means you can bet your ass you'll see more from them here...

Lowline & Nick McCabe of The Verve

You guys know I like to be ahead of the curve... and sometimes I can't pass up good news... even if it doesn't have an MP3 that comes with it! I know you all shit your pants when you heard The Verve were getting back together, so this little nugget of info will surely ignite your interest as well...


14th January 2008


THE VERVE'S NICK MCCABE JOINS RISING MANCHESTER BAND LOWLINE IN GUERRILLA GIG

Verve guitarist Nick McCabe joined rising Manchester band Lowline in a secret guerrilla gig in a disused mill on the outskirts of Manchester on Saturday.

The band were at Brunswick Mill, Ancoats to record the video for their debut single ‘Monitors’. Once filming had finished, the 300-plus crowd were treated to a full warehouse gig with McCabe taking to guitar alongside the band. It’s one of those gigs which will go down in Manchester folklore in years to come, in the same ilk as the Stone Roses starting out all those years ago.

Already tipped by The Enemy’s Tom Clarke as “The Best New Band In The Country” and only 30 gigs into their career, Lowline are about to drag Manchester back to the top where it belongs.

‘Monitors’ recorded by Owen Morris (Oasis / The Verve/ New Order) and paid for out of his own pocket after being blown away by the band, will be released March 3rd on 1-2-3-4! Records.
www.myspace.com/thisislowlife
link.

I mean... come on... it's coming out on 1-2-3-4!... Owen Morris? Nick McCabe? The Enemy? If you don't go to their Myspace you've got crack rocks for brains. Check back in the future and I promise you will hear more about these guys and I will certainly get an MP3 next time... until then...

If you just have to listen to something new and British check the new Ringo Starr?
Ringo Starr, 'Liverpool 8'

Late Of The Pier (Portasound Remix) is awesome...

I have very little to say about this... except it's really fucking good. Portasound sent this to me after my open invitation for new music (and there's other stuff from other people I need to get up here too) but you REALLY have to hear this. Late Of the Pier are obviously getting remixed to fuck so you've gotta separate the good from the bad, and this actually falls into the great pile.

And this is a little morsel of interestingness from their Myspace just in case you questioned their awesomeness...
THEY HAVE RECENTLY 'SHARED THE BILL' WITH THESE LOVELY FOLK:
Metronomy
Friendly Fires
Primary 1
Get Cape Wear Cape Fly
The Lost Boys

Which means that they are obviously on the rise... ON THE RISE YA HEARD!!! We've got lots of those type around here. Hopefully at the end of the year we can look back and say "Man, Arcadia knew what was going down!??!" right? I certainly hope so...


Late Of the Pier- "Broken (Portasound Remix)"

There is a WHOLE FUCKING E.P. OVER AT THEIR MYSPACE that you need to check out.... get over there now... the link is in their name above...

"Like a phoenix from the ashes..."
I'll try to be back soon... I've got loads to post... Thanks for tolerating my absence...


Oh yeah... and join eMusic... they got that new Cool Kids which ain't British but it is fire... you know you heard it on that Rhapsody (barf) commercial that's on TV... hotness...

Hiatus?

Just in case you hadn't guessed... the blog is sort of floating in space... I have no internet access really so I can't really write. Work is insane. I'm having massive family turmoil that is threatening to ruin everything on both sides. There's always a silver lining but... in the meantime I sort of out of the loop and don't have the hookup on much. Hot Chip leak? You've already got it... anything else? I dunno. Somebody send me something and get me back in the saddle! Parlophone or Southern Frieds or somebody hook me up! Until then... I guess chew on this... wish me luck... and thanks to you loyal readers who keep coming back...

Babyshambles- "Unbilo titled"