Thursday, August 31, 2006

Sarah Blasko Explains All!

If you are a regular visiter to Off The Record you may have caught on that I am a pretty massive Sarah Blasko fan, I can't get enough of her. Today I finally received the news I have wanted to hear in an extremely long long time. Her new album looks like it will be titiled What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Get and it also looks like she will start getting back into touring again. Personally I can't wait for this new album to come, her debut release The Overture And The Underscore was my #1 album of 2004 (and still is one of my favorites, just look in the sidebar, I haven't stopped listening to it since i first laid my hands on it) and from what I've heard so far, this new album looks like it could be #1 for 2006. Actually, nope I put my life savings on it that this new album will be my #1 at the end of the year, guarenteed. Sarah has posted what maybe could be her new single called "Explain" on her Myspace page. Go visit and have a listen!

Sarah Blasko Explain

By: James

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Sunday, August 27, 2006

A Quickie With...Young And Restless

I haven't done one of these for a while and I think it was about time I did. Everyone has seemed to enjoy them at the moment which is really nice to hear. Quickie #4 was with Ash St Ives from Australian band Young And Restless. This was a very entertaining read.

Ash St Ives Quickie

By James

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Thursday, August 24, 2006

Where You've Been Hiding

From five to eight to six. Architecture In Helsinki have lost two members, Isobel Knowles and Tara Shackell who both joined the band to complete the line up and play on both albums Fingers Crossed (2003) and In Case We Die (2005). The band will continue to go on with their American tour with The Blow, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Takka Takka and will be releasing a tour-only remix album, We Died: They Remixed, featuring re-done versions of tracks from In Case We Die by Hot Chip, Mocky, Safety Scissors, Squeak E Clean, DJ Medhi, Dat Politics, Isan, and more, it should be out in Australia and the United States sometime in September/October, some will sell on tour in the States. AIH are still working on their new album which is tipped to be released sometime next year.

Architecture In Helsinki Do The Whirlwind (Metronomy Remix)
Architecture In Helsinki The Owls Go (Pandatronix Remix)

By: Sandra

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Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Summer Into Fall

Uh Oh! It's another cute band where boys and girls sing, clap and dance together, playing along with their keyboards, synthesizers, tambourines and jangly guitars. This three piece lo-fi pop band, The Besties are from Brooklyn, New York. They will make you feel just like that especially with their current single "Prison Song" along with all their other songs from their album "Singer" (released on 14th February 2006) which end in the word "song". Sweden Song, Pirate Song, Space Song, Zombie Song...you get my drift. "Whatever they lack in professionalism they make up for in melody, offering soft sweetness in a world gone loud." - From cnet.


The Besties Prison Song





If the video doesn't work, go here



By: Sandra

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That One Little Girl

I'm loving Lily Allen at the moment. I jumped on the bandwagon a little too late but I'm glad that I did now. Normally I wouldn't go anywhere near the sort of music Lily Allen does, but this girl's got some attitude and isn't what you'd expect at all. She's catchy, she's pretty, and it could she could be my album of the year. Have I sucked you in yet?

Lily Allen Smile
Lily Allen Friday Night

By: James

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Tuesday, August 22, 2006

There's Something About Sarah...

There's just something about female singers called Sarah, don't you think? In addition to the lovely Sarah Blasko and Sarah McLachlan, here's Sarah Slean, a singer-songwriter hailing from Canada with a voice as sweet as - you guessed it - maple syrup. Besides music, Sarah Slean also dabbles in poetry, which you can read on her blog, as well as painting and photography. Random trivia: Her middle name is 'Hope'.

Sarah Slean - Universe
Sarah Slean - Angel


If you're a big fan of Danish band Mew like I am, you'd be delighted to know that they've decided to re-release their debut album, 'A Triumph for Man'. The extremely rare original version of the album was released before the band was signed onto Sony and hence only about 1000 copies were printed. I'm not too sure when it will be released, but apparently it will come with an accompanying bonus cd, containing unreleased material. Speaking of Mew, the nice folks at Culture Bully had ripped their acoustic performance on AOL's The Interface, so here are two of my favourites.

Mew - The Zookeeper's Boy (live at AOL's the Interface)
Mew - Eight Flew Over, One Was Destroyed (live at AOL's the Interface)

By: Jacq

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Monday, August 21, 2006

Takka Takka

Possible one of the weirdest band names I've heard in a while. Takka Takka is a band that seems to mix a bit of everything, from your indie, to your pop, to your rock, to just about anything. The band will be doing a tour soon in the USA with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Australia's very own Architecture In Helsinki.

Takka Takka We Feel Safer At Home
Takka Takka Coco On The Corner

By: James

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Sunday, August 20, 2006

The Decemberists

The buzz is going around for The Decemberists because by the sounds of it, they are headed for a new direction with their fifth upcoming album and their first record to be released on Capitol Records, The Crane Wife is scheduled for October 3rd. This album is less folk and more pop/dance. It displays Colin Meloy's never ending storytelling of adventure and experimental of composition throughout the record. Unfortunately there will be no mp3's because of legal issues, but you can preorder the album on Amazon.com.

By: Sandra

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Saturday, August 19, 2006

Tic Tok Tic Tok

Let me introduce Tic Tok Tokyo. A Melbourne four piece band who sure know how to throw a party, with their dancable beats, catchy as hell lyrics, and just some damn fine music.

Tic Tok Tokyo Everything I Ever Told You Was A Lie
Tic Tok Tokyo This Is A Love Song
Tic Tok Tokyo Points Of Correspondence
Tic Tok Tokyo Action Time

By: James

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Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Angus And Julia Stone

I maybe could have chosen a picture with band band members, but i couldn't go passed this picture of Julia lying on the floor in a studio. You may or may not have heard of this Sydney band so i'll give you a brief introduction. As you know already the band is from Sydney, Australia and they are a brother / sister duo (they aren't married, they're not The White Stripes). The band recently has been snapped up by major label EMI and are set to go to the UK for three months to record their new EP.

Angus And Julia Stone Mango Tree
Angus And Julia Stone All Of Me

By: James

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Sunday, August 13, 2006

The Bronx

I've been listening to The Bronx's new album almost none stop the last week. It totally blows you away, I thought they guys would have a little bit of trouble making a follow up to their 2003 self-titled album, but I was way wrong. The new album is less hardcore-punk and more rock. Some people might be a little dissapointed with the slight genre change, but I think it's worked wonders for the band and they have really pulled it off with something really spectacular. Definately one of my Album's of the Year.

The Bronx Rape Zombie
The Bronx History's Stranglers

The Bronx White Tar
The Bronx Heart Attack American
The Bronx Bats!

By: James

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Audra Kubat

I came across Audra Kubat sort of accidentally. I was checking my weekly Last.fm recommendation list and she happened to be number 1 on the list. Anyway, Audra Kubat is really something different. She's been described as "the folk singer rock folk come to love." and "a force of nature." I can't seem to choose the right words to describe her music besides wonderfuly and delightful. Have a listen and enjoy.

Audra Kubat All Or Nothing
Audra Kubat Garden

By: James

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Monday, August 07, 2006

Let Me Introduce My Friends

One of my latest picks is the band I'm From Barcelona with their album "Let Me Introduce My Friends" which was released in June this year. The band has 28 or 29 members (depending on whether I can count or not properly) and they're from Sweden. Lead by Emanuel Lundgren (who I see a similarity to Ron Burgundy played by Will Ferrel in the movie Anchorman) who does the main vocals and writes the songs. It originally started in his apartment with friends and instruments such as banjos, accordians and kazoos then later turned into a homemade EP. They make fun music and you'll love them if you like Kite Flying Society, The Boy Least Likely To or Belle And Sebastian (with a large harmonic choir singing behind) or other Swedish bands such as Acid House Kings or Sambassadeur. Check out their CD.

I'm From Barcelona We're From Barcelona




If the video doesn't work, go here


By: Sandra

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I Want You So Hard, I Want So Good


Why is it only now people are getting into Eagles Of Death Metal? A few of my friends have come up to me in the last week or so and have said to me "Have you ever heard of EODM? There new song is really cool." and I would have a go at them. A band like EODM should have been loved by everyone from their first release Peace Love Death Metal, not from their newest release. Although dont get me wrong, their new release is excellent. But it peeves me off that this band wasn't loved earlier.

Eagles Of Death Metal Miss Alissa



Miami Nights latest CD arrived in my mail about a week ago and well, its pretty damn good. At first listen it wasn't really doing anything for me, but being the great guy that I am, I gave it a few more listens and now i've decided I really like their EP A Seaside Tale. If you love your screamo and electronic beats put togther, I dont see why you wont give these guys a go.

Miami Nights The Break In

By: James

Saturday, August 05, 2006

A Quickie With...The Mint Chicks

Because of Sandra and Jacq keeping everybody occupied with their posts recently, this gives me another chance to post yet another Quickie interview. This time with Ruben Neilson of The Mint Chicks. I promise music will come from me soon.

Ruben Neilson Quickie

By: James

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Trying Your Luck

Courtesy of Josephine HidajatIf you've seen The Strokes before you know how incredible they are live. There were just that, at the sold out show last night. The fans were imensly ecstatic all throughout the night. People waited impatiently for The Strokes to come on stage, chanting out "Strokes! Strokes! Strokes! Strokes"!

The band Mercy Arms opened up for them, a local band from Sydney, their set seemed slightly short. Sounds a bit like Starky. Originally the support band was going to be The Rakes but they pulled out a few weeks earlier. The guitarist/lead singer Thom looked like he was pulling out some robotic moves.Courtesy of Josephine Hidajat

The Strokes were to come on very shortly, soon the pushing started to emerge within the crowd. It took a while for it to kick in but once The Strokes were on it did not stop at all. In fact there was more pushing trying to get into the front then moshing itself. They swung into gear and started off with Juicebox. The atmosphere was so pumped up. 12:51 and You Only Live Once sounded amazing live, I enjoyed clapping to the parts in 12:51, the new songs made me want to listen to them more. The song Ask Me Anything, finally stopped all the pushing, shoving and elbow grinding when the fans were in a standstill just to watch as it settled everyone down. It was quite funny when Vision Of Division came on, a lot of people were exaggerating the part when Julian when screaming out "How long must I wait!". Also couldn't understand a thing Julian was saying in between the songs, his mouth was all over the microphone. A person near me yelled out, "Talk in English"! I think Julian was saying "I love you, I love you, I love you" to the crowd, heard him say "You guys were awesome" (but I'd disagree with that, the crowd was quite horrendous).

Set list:
Juicebox
The End Has No End
Red Light
Electricityscape
Ize Of The World
Heart In A Cage
Barely Legal
What Ever Happened?
12:51
Someday
Hard To Explain
Last Nite
Ask Me Anything
Vision Of Division
You Only Live Once
Reptilia
Evening Sun

Encore:
New York City Cops
The Modern Age
Take It Or Leave It

In other news guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. is going to a release a solo record very soon titled "Yours To Keep", it features an all star cast including Sean Lennon, Fountains Of Wayne's Judy Porter, Ben Kweller, Mikki James, Sammy James Jr. and band manager Ryan Gentles. Produced by former Thin Lizard Dawn vocalist Greg Lattimer.

The track listing for 'Yours To Keep' is:

'Cartoon Music for Superheroes (Goodnight)'
'In Transit'
'Everyone Gets A Star'
'Call An Ambulance'
'Blue Skies'
'Back To The 101'
'Bright Young Thing'
'Scared'
'Holiday'
'Hard to Live in the City'

'Yours To Keep' is out on October 9th.

Albert Hammond Jr. In Transit (Obsinate)
You can also stream three more songs on Albert's myspace.

Also speaking about Starky before, they're going to release a full LP which is self-titled in about a week's time on the 12th of August. They're going to be playing alot of shows coming up with Pony Up! Starky have formed alot of recognition within Australia over the past couple of months. I remember seeing them supporting The Cribs in February this year. Now Starky are headlining. Congratulations guys. You can catch some dates for Sydney over at Faster Louder.

By: Sandra

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A wall of crap from above?

Here's Minus Story, a band hailing from Lawrence, Kansas that isn't afraid to incorporate haunting vocals and seemingly incongruous effects into their music, producing what they call "a wall of crap" sound. Conjuring soundscapes that swing from being heartbreaking one moment to uplifting the next, Minus Story is definitely a band that deserves more attention. Here are two of my favourite songs by them, but do check out their official website for more downloadable mp3s. (Again, these are hosted on Sendspace, I hope no one minds.)

Minus Story Open Your Eyes
Minus Story You're My Air

Anyway, as you may know by now, Canadian noise/dance-punk duo Death From Above 1979 have officially broken up after a long hiatus. This greatly annoys me because I never got the chance to see them live, GRR! Oh well, here's one from You're A Woman, I'm a Machine that's guaranteed to make you get up and dance, so let them show you how they work, work, work.

Death From Above 1979 Sexy Results

By: Jacq

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Thursday, August 03, 2006

Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!

I'm excited for many things. One of them is always new albums to be released, another thing is seeing my favourite acts live. But one thing I'm not, is being busy.

The Mint Chicks are coming up with another LP titled "Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!" due out on August 28th. Their style of music is just wild but very well put together which makes me appreciate them so much. The album will be their second full length album. These guys will be touring very soon after the release, in particularly around New Zealand and Australia, but don't despair I'm sure there will be some international dates soon. If you ever get the chance, do take the time to see them. They will knock you off...literally as they did last month whilst supporting Yeah Yeah Yeahs in New Zealand. Their music was so loud, bits and pieces of the ceiling started to crumble down. The first song to be featured on their new album will be "Welcome To Nowhere" which has many concepts same as on the last album "F**k The Golden Youth". I just can't get enough of them. Join in.

The Mint Chicks She's Back On Crack
The Mint Chicks Welcome To Nowhere

Matthew Friedberger, the other half of The Fiery Furnaces has started working on his solo project. Not one album but two. "Winter Women" features more to the side of pop and "Holy Ghost Language" which displays more of the noise side, both are very different to one another but sample very similar to his work with The Fiery Furnaces. The 2 disc album will be released next Tuesday on the 8th of August through 859 Recordings.

Matthew Friedberger The Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company Resignation Letter
Matthew Friedberger Do You Like Blondes?




Emily Haines
, singer of Metric, part time of Broken Social Scene and soloist has been working three years on a record "Kinves Don't Have Your Back" due 29th September. It comprises 11 tracks of piano driven rock with her touch of soft melancholy voice. Compared to her first work with the 1996 record "Cut In Half And Double", her music has grown in many ways to come to what it is now.

Emily Haines The Lottery
Emily Haines Our Hell

I will be attending The Strokes sold out show tomorrow night at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney.
Will come back with some sort of review when I return and perhaps some photos if they are good enough.

By: Sandra

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A Quickie With...Deerhoof

Hopefully by now all the regular visters to Off The Record know what A Quickie With... is by now. For those of you that don't, well it's quite simple. I ask a certain band some pretty random questions and they answer back with some random answers. Pretty easy! First band to do have a Qucikie was Ryan Allen of Thunderbirds Are Now!. Now it was Greg Saunier from Deerhoof's turn.

Greg Saunier Quickie

By: James

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Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Cut Copy

Theres not many electronic bands i listen to these days (except for the older bands like Kraftwerk and New Order), but Cut Copy seems to do something for me. I mean they don't do anything thats really "new" or "different", but they've sucked me in somehow and i haven't been able to get their Saturdays song out of my head. Earlier in the year i did have a go at this band saying "they were the worst band by far at the Big Day Out" but now that i think back to it, they weren't entirely bad.

Cut Copy Saturdays

By: James






In other news, Off The Record has now reached past 20,000 hits! This is absolutely incredible, i'm so happy to see people are taking their time out from their other personal stuff (although they're most likely on Myspace...not that theres anything wrong with that!) and checking out Off The Record, I hope these sorts of visits continue to happen in the future and i'll make sure to keep posting the best music i can find (Leona and Jacq too). Who knows maybe in the future Off The Record might be up there with best blogs around. Thank you guys and gals!

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