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"

STOP THE PRESSES! WHAT? NEW HOT CHIP?!?!?

So, I'm my way to work... and what comes my way? A JESSE ROSE REMIX OF A NEW HOT CHIP TRACK...

Thought bubble: Bwahhhh???

Yeah, it made my head spin in 12 different directions too!

Here's the info...

‘READY FOR THE FLOOR’
RELEASED 28TH JANUARY ON EMI RECORDINGS

‘Ready For The Floor’ is the first single to be taken from Hot Chip’s forthcoming album ‘Made In The Dark’ released 4th February.

Hot Chip created a huge buzz earlier this year when they released the very limited Todd Rundgren sampling 12” 'Shake A Fist'.

As a firm live favourite it has been a staple of the Hot Chip set for some time, so much so that it has taken over from ‘Over and Over’ as the show closer.

For the video they have once again collaborated with Nima Nourizadeh, who directed 'Over and Over' and 'Colours' from last years’ ‘The Warning’.

Ready For The Floor features Remixes from Jesse Rose and Soulwax, Diplo remix of Shake A Fist is available on commercial formats.

To herald the release of their new album and in keeping with their tireless work ethic Hot Chip will be taking their thrilling live show all over the UK throughout the month of February.

February

14th – University, Leicester
15th – University, Leeds
16th – Academy, Manchester
18th – Pyramid Centre, Portsmouth
19th – Academy, Oxford
20th – UAE, Norwich
22nd – Wulfun, Wolverhampton
23rd – 53 Degrees, Preston
24th – Academy, Bristol
26th – ABC, Glasgow
27th – University, Newcastle
28th – Corn Exchange, Brighton
29th – Brixton Academy, London

Hot Chip - "Ready For The Floor (Jesse Rose Remix)" Rapidshare

Hot Chip - "Ready For The Floor (Jesse Rose Remix)" YSI

Hot Chip - "Ready For The Floor (Jesse Rose Remix)" zShare



Pre sale tickets for those gigs are available now at Gigsandtours.com

Make sure you pop by www.hotchip.co.uk and their Myspace.

Leave comments if you would... I'm interested to see what you guys think!

Make Model are too cool for school... and so are their remixes...

I really love the internet. As though it were a person. Seriously. Because I get hooked up with stuff like these Make Model remixes and I just wanna spazz out. It's all too good to be true! I was actually just downloading some autoKratz on good old eMusic and I realized "OH SHIT! I still have those remixes I haven't posted!"... it's been a rough day today... my grandma is in the hospital, my really cool new boss who was into Amy Winehouse got canned, and I'm just lonely are irritated... and these remixes saved my day...

The first one is a mix of stutter choppy lyrics and ice cold hollow synths (that actually feel very close to home, yeah Sam?)... this shit is totally going to be in our Traktor queue for a while...

Make Model- "The Was (autoKratz Made To Scale Mix)"

Make Model- "The Was (autoKratz Made To Scale Mix)"

...And the second starts out WAYYYYY happier and then goes full tilt buzzsaw bloghouse synths and before you know it you're naked singing into a banana table dancing for yourself... which is a pretty wild experience that I didn't know could come about from hearing a song! But just you watch... at 1:24 the pants they go a'flyin'!

Make Model- "The Was (Deal Soul Brothers Dub)"

Make Model- "The Was (Deal Soul Brothers Dub)"

Here's a video..............
The Was

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Here are the bullet points of things you MUST know about Make Model...

Artist: Make Model
Title: “The Was”

Remixes by: Dead Soul Brothers, Autokratz
Release date: 19th November
www.myspace.com/makemodel www.makemodel.co.uk

* Make Model are a Six piece from Glasgow. Aimi, JC, Ray ‘The Biz’ Black and Ken joining original members Lewis, ex of Glasgow maths rock combo Fickle Public, and Gordon
* They have been described as sounding like David Gray on methadone
* They formed in 2005
* Following the release of their debut single ‘The LSB’ on their own imprint, The Biz earlier this year, ‘The Was’ will be Make Model’s first release with EMI
* Remixes by Dead Soul Brothers (aka Hervé and Seba)and
Autokratz (Kitsuné)
* Untitled debut album to follow early 2008


After reading that do you see how hard I hooked you guys up? Ever since my boy Larry Tee had the fucking club popping off crazy with a Herve remix I've known that everything he touches turns to gold... and then you get a remix from a Kitsune artist on top of that... it's crazy! There is no way in hell to find a bio for these guys thanks to their non-Google friendly name... but thankfully Make Model actually have stuff on eMusic... so if you enjoyed this sign up via this blog and help a brother out as well as your new favourite artists! There is a ton of new dubstep shit on eMusic, Kitsune releases, even new Ghostly International shit (which you know I rep to the fullest... I think I'm going to get a Ghostly tattoo... will you sign me then SVIV lol?)

I told you I'd follow up big... new shizz from Marv The Marsh

I told you guys I'd have to take it up a notch seeing as the last post was FIRE (courtesy of Robot Koch from Jahcoozi)... and I've got the goods kid... I got some BRAND new shit from Marv The Marsh! How fucking hot is that?!?! He's on tour with Lethal Bizzle at the moment and getting ready to unleash his shit on the world, and frankly I'm loving it...

To be truthful, outside of Roots Manuva, Bizzle, and errr maybe Kano I'm not too into British "hip-hop". I mean I'm all about grime, and all of the sub-genres that come off of that, but Brithop doesn't seem to usually pack the punch that American rap or grime do. HOWEVER, if Marv Da Marsh may fall under the Brithop tag, he falls under it in a way that will hopefully reverse many people's opinion of what Brithop is. Instead of aping maybe Wu Tang, or East Coast/West Coast, as most rappers British (and even American rappers) choose to, Marv takes it WAY the fuck out there bringing him closer to Gorillaz than say... uh I dunno... because none of their names stick with me lol (ok ok ok I like Klashnekoff too... but step it up UK!)... it's like he's from a different universe of awesomeness though... I guess he is a Martian...

Here's the low down on his new single ‘Get By (Be Good)’...

Released December 3rd 2007

“a grindie pioneer….. grimier than a pigeon” NME

“…category defying but era defining….” DJ Mag

Brixton hip-hop pioneer Marvin (formerly Marvin The Martian) releases his new single ‘Get By (Be Good)’ on No Carbon Records in the UK on December 3rd 2007.

Get By (Be Good) spearheads a new wave of British hip hop and its assault on the long time US dominance of the genre. The track opens with bells and chimes, which give way to bass heavy driven beats and lyrics that are spat with controlled aggression, intelligence and a self-awareness that highlights the day to day frustrations and jeopardies of life in South London.

Marvin first came to the public’s attention for the mixtape single ‘Stay Off the Kane’, a rework of Art Brut’s Emily Kane, which saw a tickled Eddie Argos invite Marvin and his rap crew Why Lout? to support them at London’s Koko in 2006.

Get By (Be Good) is the first single to be taken from the much anticipated debut album, Devil In The Distance which the now solo Marvin recorded with his producer & DJ Jack Nimble, alongside the considerable knob twiddling clout of Bristol platinum-selling producers Bob Locke (Massive Attack, Tricky) and Andy Jenks (Alpha).

Track listing:

1. Get By (Be Good) Album version / 2.Get By (Why Lout?) High Alert Remix / 3.Get By (Nimble Remix)

Marvin performed at this year’s Camden Crawl, and has been busy touring the country with a number of acts including recent Mobo winner Akala, Yes Boss, and Goldie Lookin Chain. Steve Lamacq at 6music, John Kennedy at XFM & Bobby Friction have all lent their support on the airwaves and he just finished up a string of dates touring with Lethal Bizzle!

Hell just the fact that he worked with Bob Locke and Andy Jenks has got me wanting more (I'm a Bristol lover... in fact if I could move to Bristol I would... I loved it there... ask me to tell you the story someday if you're interested)... I'm super fucking stoked!

Marvin The Martian- "Get By (Why Lout High Alert Remix)"


Marvin The Martian- "Guns Of Brixton (Rough Desk Mix)"


Marvin The Martian- "C'Mon Baby Freesytle (Saigon Instrumental)"

So see I had a sweet follow up post! I know we'll be keeping tabs with Marvin and letting you know what's up as things go forward...

On another note I just sent some questions off to Hot Club de Paris asking them about their new album they are recording in Chicago, and am working on an interview with Frank Musik and Kash which will no doubt be entertaining. Check back and keep your eye out for new shit! HOLLA!

JACKPOT! Jahcoozi beats to make November hot!

Isn't that a fly ass hoodie/shirt/whatever he's got on? I want it



There are some days where things are so super fucking awesome that you can't believe it, and days where things suck so fucking badly that you want to put your head in a trash can. I expect this day to be both. Don't worry I'm only going to give you guys the good side lol...

So, I every once and a while I get an email that makes my head spin. South Central, Frank Musik, To My Boy's emails and shit have all made me totally lose my cool and show my true fan-boy-dom in the past... today's example might just take the cake.

I'm really really big into Jahcoozi... as in, when my DJ partner and I are working on songs we say things like "No, a little more like Jahcoozi" (even though we're working on a dubstep song lol). But seriously, I fucking love them. Their most recent album "Blitz'n'Ass" has been a constant fixture in my car stereo and my work computer, I'm always running around trying get everyone on the bandwagon, and I can't express enough to the world how much I love this band. ONE HITCH THOUGH... I always subconsciously think of them as being a German band. And literally am dumb enough to not put the pieces together and note that Sri-Lancan born MC Sasha Perera is FROM LONDON. Durrrr durrr durrr. I'm sitting here like "Did I ever actually listen to the lyrics of 'BLN' or was I just trying to mix it into another song?" (I think the problem is that most of the music listening I do is at work where I have the volume turned down low so as not to offend the person next to me lol)... Total disappointment in myself because I could have posted them a long time ago!

HERE'S WHERE THE GOOD NEWS COMES IN! Robot Koch from Jahcoozi just hit me up with some songs. And given the fact that they have an "international" lineup I can now slide them in under the "Bands-that-aren't-exactly-British but-we-pretend-like-they-are" tag. TO MAKE IT EVEN BETTER this means you get an AMANDA BLANK REMIX and a remix from RUSTIE that I swear is fucking fire (and he's from Glasgow so it wraps everything up and puts a nice little bow on top of the post)... both remixes will have y'all motherfuckers hungry for more I PROMISE! But first... just in case you don't pay attention to current music trends here is some bio info on Jahcoozi...

"Jahcoozi is a Berlin-based multinational trio comprised of Sri-Lancan/British MC Sasha Perera, Robot Koch and Israeli born Oren Gerlitz. The group's sound has been described as consisting of abstract electronic beats within ragga, hip-hop, blip-hop, re and electronica.

In 2003 Jahcoozi starting playing on the Berlin underground circuit and made a name for themselves with their live performances. The trio's debut ‘Fish’ EP which came out on the Berlin club label WMF Records in July 2003. After John Peel played Fish on his BBC radio show and the De-Bug listed the EP as one of its favourites, Jahcoozi were invited to play at Marke B, a Berlin music festival. The band has also opened for Big Dada Soundsystem, Aphex Twin, DAT Politics, Chicks on Speed, Airborn Audio, Kevin Blechdom, Jamie Lidell, Tiefschwarz and Mocky."

Ok... now is a much more fun press bit about Robot Koch...

Music Lover, Food Lover, Insomniac, Jazz Drummer, Metalhead, Producer of JAHCOOZI, THE TAPE, AUTODRIVE, Remixer, Collaborator....

Favourite records:
1. john coltrane – a love surpreme
2. slayer – reing in blood
3. wu tang clan – enter the 36 chambers
4. beastie boys – check your head
5. motörhead – no sleep till hammersmith
6. radiohead – amnesiac
7. mr. Oizo – analog worms attack

Favourtie animals:
1. shark
2. eagle
3. dog

Favourtie food:

1. indian vegetable curry
2. indian vegetable curry
3. indian vegetable curry



Berlin based producer Robot Koch is the mastermind behind the critically acclaimed Jahcoozi and post rock/hiphop outfit The Tape vs RQM.
If he`s not on tour with Jahcoozi or Djing somewhere in the world he still finds time to produce and remix other people and write music for film scores.

He made beats and remixes for artists like Infinite Livez (Ninja Tune/Big Dada) Justine Electra (City Slang), Raz Ohara (Kitty Yo), Data Mc (Hamton), Al Haca (Klein) and Christopher Wiltis (Ghostly International), Rustie (Stuff Records) and Amanda Blank (downtown rec).

He`s also know for wicked DJ sets and mashups and for not getting a lot of sleep.


Quotes:
“Wonderful and strange --- pop music from the future” ( John Peel/BBC about Jahcoozi)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Robot Koch is Berlins hottest beatmaker....the guys in east london better dress warmer" (Goon Magazin)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It would make sense to call Jahcoozi's stuff Grime for Björk...this might please both fans of Aphex Twin and Roots Manuva.”
XLR8R, USA

Seriously, wasn't that the most entertaining press blurb you've ever read? Ok, now on to them fire tracks...

Amanda Blank- "Get It Now (Robot Koch Remix)"

Amanda Blank- "Get It Now (Robot Koch Remix)" YSI

Rustie vs Cerebral Vortex (Robot Koch Remix)"

Rustie vs Cerebral Vortex (Robot Koch Remix)" YSI

I swear, y'all motherfuckers are going to pass out when you hear this shit! I have no idea how I'm going to top this post... I'm really going to have to rally and get some stars on the line for the next one! I've been meaning to get some interviews going, y'all know that, but I just get so damn busy NOT blogging lol. I'm not a 'blogger', so to speak, I'm some dude who has a blog that just happened to get way more attention than I thought it would. So I'm still busy trying to pay the bills like the rest of you lol... pardon me if it takes a couple days to get something new up. But, hopefully if things to go plan, then I'll have some crazy shit up for you guys in a few days. Word.

Go buy some Jahcoozi over at eMusic... from this link! PLEASE!

Where is home? (Burial, Quarta 330, Metronomy Remixes)

Gosh... I'm not even sure where I've been.

It's... I've been crazy busy. More like I've been crazy. Whatever... this time of year is kind of fun for all of us that don't have normal families. Or it's crazy for those of us that don't have normal work situations and get blamed for things we couldn't have possibly done because we don't even have the permissions in the programs that these alleged things happened in. *COUGH* I'm real sick of getting blamed for things I didn't do. Just in case you were wondering WORK.

ANYWAY... since there is no coherent theme to anything I'm saying... lets do the same with the post!

I'm fucking super mega stoked about this AWESOME 8 Bit insanity that Quarta 330 is dropping on Hyperdub. Those guys can do no wrong... as you know from my Last.fm account, Burial is like all I'm listening to... and I'm one of Kode 9's top listeners... I'm all about that Hyperdub! BECAUSE OF THAT I'M NOT GOING TO BE KEEPING THIS UP LONG! YOU SHOULD SUPPORT QUARTA 330 AND DOWNLOAD THIS SONG ON eMUSIC!

Quarta 330- "9 Samurai (Quarta 330 Mix)"

Gorillaz are releasing another b-sides collection, this time called "D Sides"... there is a remix disc, and come on, who doesn't love remixes... if you read this blog I know you LOVE em... I'm all about Metronomy...

Gorillaz- "El Manana (Metronomy Remix)"

Gorillaz- "El Manana (Metronomy Remix)" YSI

And while I'm talking about Metronomy... they were on the first Kitsune Maison album... and Kitsune is NOW ON FUCKING eMUSIC!!! HOW FUCKING INSANE IS THAT!?!?!? Get it while it's good (Ed Banger made it like one month and then took all their shit off)... Check it out... just search of Metronomy and click on the only link and it will take you there... you know... after you sign up via my banners :)

And... uh... what else? How about more Hyperdub... I love Bloc Party so you need to go buy the "Flux" single to get this little gem. Why you ask? Because a) this music is supposed to be for evaluation purposes only and deleated 24 hrs after it is downloaded and b) the fucking single looks awesome. Also as people keep buying less and less and less from the music world the singles are going to become crazy collectible because no one is going to have th physical copies. Have you seen "Flux"? IT LOOKS FUCKING AWESOME!

Bloc Party- "Where Is Home (Burial)"

Bloc Party- "Where Is Home (Burial)" YSI

And that's that. I'm just going to have a depressathon for now and figure my life out really really quickly. Sorry if you don't reach me in that time. I'll be back soon... I've got so many other blogs I'm working on, songs I'm writing, family members I'm helping, people I'm trying to entertain, things I'm getting blamed for that I didn't do, that I forget sometimes to give you guys love. Just ask my girlfriend. It's not easy. But I love you... you'll get your music... don't worry... everybody else may not get they shit though... ya heard?

WORK! YOU AIN'T GETTING MY NECK YA HEARD! I DIDN'T DO THAT SHIT... BLAME IT ON THE PEOPLE WHO REALLY DID IT (hint: It's not me, or the other person you are blaming it on even though all the circumstantial evidence points there; have you ever read a detective novel? Or, you know, recognized that it's possible that everything isn't always as it seems... and people DO try to frame people? Well my easy target ass is sick of that... seriously... leave me alone... I do a really good job, especially given the fact that you blame everything that goes wrong on me. Funny thing to do to the guy who just got Employee Of The Month lol...)

REMIX FEVER! More Late Of The Pier action!

Looks like Late Of The Pier are going to be the Arctic Monkeys of the Klaxon generation.. or something... or the Radiohead of the new rave generation... or... no, none of those are right... well they are fucking awesome is the point. I love em. Thom Yorke loves em. We all love em. There is very little I need to say about them because if you read blogs you already know everything... just in case...

Late of the Pier are an alternative electro pop band from 'home of metal' Castle Donington. Their main success has been throughout London and the new clubs and scenes in the area. Especially in the under-18 scene with shows such as Way Out West and the more recent All Ages Concerts. They have been met with considerable interest over the past year and released thier bedroom recorded debut single Space & The Woods/Heartbeat.Flicker.Line on Way Out West Records.
LOTP finally look set to take off with new single 'Bathroom Gurgle' on Moshi Moshi Records to be released in August 2007.

Band Members:
Rouge Dog Consuela - Drums
Jack Paradise - Akai 1000 Sampler
Francis Dance - Bass Guitar/Synths
Earl Samuel Dust - Lead Guitar/vocals/synths

LA Priest is a related project, whose electro instrumental 'Engine' was released on Erol Alkan's Phantasy Sound label.

Word. They are fucking fire. They are now signed to Regal (and the MP3 is courtesy of dear Katherine over there!) which means we can be looking for a full length in the not too distant future. Remember Babyshambles singed to Regal and BAM they had an E.P. out... so hopefully that's on it's way. Anyway, this verions of this song is way more sedate that I expected but I like it... I'm going to back it up with the remix my boys South Central did a couple months back of the same song that will make your brain boil it's so hot. Caliente! Is that how you spell that?

Late Of The Pier- "Space In The Woods (Primary 1 Remix)"

Late Of The Pier- "Space And The Woods (South Central Remix)"

Late Of The Pier- "Space And The Woods (South Central Remix)" YSI

Get that South Central remix while you can. HURRY!

In the meantime help make me some money and keep this blog open by opening an eMusic account from here and downloading some other band LIKE LOTP (since they aren't on eMusic yet lol)... maybe the Black Ghosts? Friendly Fires? Talk to you soon...

The great British "forgotten songs" post (Simian, So Solid Crew, and more)...

Seeing as I didn't "do" Halloween, this picture is my attempt at making up for it. Me in a bright coloured LRG-ripoff hoodie in a Detroit parking garage two months ago...

But anyway, I haven't been around much. You guys know why. School problems. Work changes. Girl issues. Two parents with serious problems. Just TOO MUCH STRESS! But during all this I've had a chance to listen to LOADS of music and find some stuff that I forgot about.

First off, y'all know how I love Simian Mobile Disco. I loved them when they were Simian. My ex, Megan, and I took a long drive to northern Michigan once listening to Zero 7, Princess Superstar (close friend of my future friend Larry Tee), and the first Simian album. Since it was such a long drive we drove these CDs into the dirt but it was a fun time. Then I didn't listen to any of those albums for quite some time... NOW I have rediscovered all three but, much to my excitement, I also rediscovered this gem. Simian did a remix of Zero 7's mega track "Destiny" giving it the most bizarre (and interesting) rework imaginable. Here I present it to you in all it's glory! From what I can tell the blogosphere has ignored this one entirely so bask in it's awesomeness...

Zero 7- "Destiny (Simian Remix)" YSI

Around that same time I was torturing this girlfriend with lots of rap music, and even more So Solid Crew. See, I liked that poppy MJ Cole 2 step stuff, but I also liked the insane macho craziness of the Crew. I recognize most people in the UK actually hate them because they started fights with other artists, half of them went to jail, and brought fan violence to new never before seen levels. In fact they may have ruined the country that year there were so many of them. BUT I really really loved them at first in an "ironic" way and eventually in a a real way. I'm no Ali G but we used to drive around Chicago BANGING this Playgroup remix like what. The Kelis one also got CONSTANT rotation. I used to play them on my radioshow all the time and... well if you disliked them back then, maybe this will give you new perspective, because it's good stuff (p.s. if anyone knows how to get a copy of the album in mp3 form please let me know!)...

Kelis- "Young Fresh and New (So Solid Crew Remix)"

Playgroup- "Number One (So Solid Crew Remix)"

Then in the 'new arrivals' corner we've got dear Kate Nash doing a cover of Black Kids' "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You" which is fucking crazy awesome. I've really been getting into Ms Nash recently which is refreshing because I haven't been listening to enough music made by girls for whatever reason. I like her, I dig that she's dating a Crib because I like them as well (which you know, of course, since I posted that CSS remix after I met them at Lollapalooza) and I feel like she's taking music in the right direction... more person, more authentic, and more awesome :)

Kate Nash- "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You (Black Kids Cover)"

LASTLY... and this is kind of random but bare with me... My good friend Caitlin got canned a couple weeks back at work. It hurt because she is one of my closest friends and I spent more time with her than anyone around me. I take my job VERY seriously (always want to be the best, work like it's my own company always trying to do what's best, basically trying to beat my own record week after week) so it was hard to see her go. I still miss her quite a bit but thank GOD the person who replaced her is awesome... I just wish she had gotten to stay and work with him. His name is Pat... he's a white, suit and tie man, over the age of 35 who at first glance would make you worried that you couldn't meet up to his standards. In reality he's the nicest guy I've ever met, a fantastic mentor, and the type of boss who gives us hope even when the chips are down (no matter how rough the situation is). Thing is he really has a thing for R'n'b, especially bluesy stuff. This ranges from Keisha Cole to Billie Holiday. He had mentioned he really loved this song by Martha Washington called "Teach Me Tonight", which was more or less her signature song. While I couldn't get my hands on that I played him Amy Winehouse's version from LATER... with Jools Holland (presumably recorded during her first album since she was sans beehive) and he loved it. I threw Audacity up and grabbed the audio from the video for him to satiate his love for this song. Now I've got him very much into Mrs Winehouse SO much so that he played the album until I BECAME a fan of Winehouse lol. Anyway, here's the song in all it's glory...

Amy Winehouse- Teach Me Tonight (Martha Washington cover from 'LATER...')"

And that my friends is that for now. Join eMusic and make me $6. It's awesome trust me. Their new layout is great, they have shitloads of dubstep, random shit you'd never imagine, newly added audiobooks of like EVERYTHING and... it's a good buy where you support the artists you love and care about... as well as me lol... see you soon!

Well, I've got some good news and some bad news (the good news is new Burial!)

Well... within the last two weeks we've seen two massive positive changes in the music industry. First, obvs, Radiohead put out an album for ______ amount of money (which was huge)... then, whether you care or not, NIN decided to potentially go the same route in the future and are now sans-label. Both fucking awesome things to hear.

Then yesterday after a lot of moving forward in the digital realm... we all fell backwards.

Oink's Pink Palace was raided and closed yesterday. What is/was it you ask? It was an invite only place where pre-release (or even pre-mastered in some cases) material was leaked, which would then trickle down to say a blog like this where someone like me might post one track from the album (in hopes of promoting it not ruining anyone's life). It was VERY tight lipped and, I won't lie, I tried for MONTHS in vain attempting to secure an invite. Problem is, between that lady who got slammed with the $222,000 fine, and this, the digital world is going to be walking around with their tail between their legs. My fav spot fuk.co.uk closed yesterday (well its 'yousendit.com' thread, which was where people posted links to music new and old alike) and I think we are going to see more and more of these shutdowns over the next few weeks. After years and years of "us" (the record *or non-record* buying public, depending which side of the fence you are on) getting to run around the candy shop uninterrupted... it may be over.

Now I've posted this little rant a million fucking times on various forums but let's have a little go again... I buy records. I buy vinyl records every fucking Friday. Usually a stack of singles and then one or two new releases. I also buy CDs at Best Buy (just bought the Kenna album.. you gotta go buy that shit, that album is amazing) and at my local little cd shop (which is actually a CD Warehouse but it has that nice 'small record shop feel'; for example they recently had a Joy Division 'Warsaw' bootleg on sale). IF I WANT A COPY OF AN ALBUM (such as Alpha- "Come From Heaven") that I used to have and have since lost and CANNOT FIND TO SAVE MY FUCKING LIFE IN ANY RETAIL OUTLETS, I should be able to download that shit for free! Sorry Alpha, I love you, but I'm not buying your album twice! I've had to do that a million times between 1991-2003. Then I stopped and started downloading. Point is... I used to own that and I should have made a digital copy, but anyway you cut it I paid for that album.

NOW... there are are albums I have downloaded before they came out (Bloc Party, Fiona Apple, Justice, Simian Mobile Disco, Lady Sovereign, etc) and I immediately went out and bought those motherfuckers the first week they came out. Why? Because I wanted to hear their album, I got it three months earlier, I liked it and I know they will lose money... I bought it! And I have seen all of those bands (minus Justice) in the last year and a half. BOTTOM LINE HERE... Am I a criminal if I download someone's album? No. Unless I don't end up buying it... then I'm a criminal and an asshole. Just in case you didn't know guys even major acts aren't making SHIT because of all the downloading (that's why the RIAA is out for blood... I mean, not the artist's money but theirs), so you sure as shit can't think that downloading that new Boys Noize or Bangers & Cash, and then not buying a copy is ok... IT'S FUCKING NOT! That's bullshit!

How would you like it if motherfuckers ran up in your job and stole a bunch of shit that you were working on to make you money and left you with nothing... then they never even bothered to say hi or reimburse you or apologize or nothin'. You'd be walking around with an AK-47 trying to find these people.

THE BOTTOM LINE FINAL POINT IS: download music. If you like it buy it. Don't be a punk fucking bitch and prove the RIAA right by not purchasing anything. You're fucking yourself and you're fucking Spank Rock, and LCD Soundsystem and all these people you "admire". Eventually we will start missing out on innovative amazing music because motherfuckers can't AFFORD to be musicians. The next Kurt Cobain will just end up being a dishwasher at Dennys... think about that one HARD...

Now that I've gone ape shit how about some music to lighten the mood? Well actually the music might make you want to slit your wrists but it's great! I got it from Ill-ec-tro-nic, so I'm totally just stealing but I wanted to post something that would make people take notice of what's going on... and promote Burial. COP THAT SHIT NOVEMBER 5th!

Here's the Burial track list... make sure to buy a copy from Hyperdub OR you can probably get it at THE BEST PLACE TO GET MUSIC... eMusic! Show them the system works kids... thanks, and bless you all who buy records...

Burial- "Etched Headplate"

Burial- "Etched Headplate" YSI

Burial- "Near Dark"

Burial- "Near Dark" YSI

1. Untitled
2. Archangel
3. Near Dark
4. Ghost Hardware
5. Endorphin
6. Etched Headplate
7. In McDonalds
8. Untrue
9. Shell Of Light
10. Dog Shelter
11. Homeless
12. UK
13. Raver