Monday, April 30, 2007

Long Time Coming

As the post header suggests, it has been a long time coming. Unintentionally, I have not made a post for about two weeks, I honestly have no idea why. But too make up for my long absence, and poor excuses, here's some music that I have been flogging in that period of time.

Pop Levi is a saviour. He's a artistic machine, both musically and mentally. He's music screams pop and catchyness (yes, that is now a word) from the last four decades. When receiving this cd, it had a huge sticker slapped on the front saying "Combining the spirits of Bolan, Dylan, Syd Barret, and Prince". That sticker could not be more spot on, with ever song you can definitely hear those comparisons. But does it mean it's a great record? Hell yes! With every song, comes a new layer of Pop Levi to take in and enjoy. Plain and simple, it's an album that keeps you interested from start to finish.

Pop Levi Pick-Me-Up Uppercut
Pop Levi Sugar Assault Me Now

Sandra has mentioned this band in a previous post, so there's not much more I can add on to what she's said. I have been hooked like you wouldn't believe on The Bird And The Bee's debut album, and have been running it non-stop. Who would have thought that the combination of jazz and electronic could work?

The Bird And The Bee Again And Again
The Bird And The Bee Because

I'm gonna say it right now, Land Of Talk will explode into something so huge it will knock everyone over. Bringing back the old grunge sound of the late 80's and early 90's and mixing with the influential indie sounds of the 00's, this band is a force to be reckoned with. This group will be unstoppable, and the release of the debut mini-album, Applause Cheer Boo Hiss, has already proven that this band is truly something.

Land Of Talk Sea Foam
Land Of Talk Breaxxbaxx

The Cops have finally released their new album Drop It In Their Laps and boy oh boy, what a party starter this is. Besides the band looking, well, nerdy and dressing rather, well, nerdy the band couldn't be any cooler. It's no wonder their packing out venues across Australia and if lucky, who knows, the band might just make it overseas, time will tell.

The Cops The Message
The Cops Cop Pop

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Sunday, April 29, 2007

Guten Tag!

Hello! I am the new girl! Molly is the name, and I am here to give you something to smile about when you turn to your iPod or MP3 Player. I have collected a few great tracks to get you through the week that is to follow. They will have your feet taping, your head bopping and the people sitting next to you on the train jealous of your fabulous tunes!

Hot Chip – My Piano
Hot Chip’s new single My Piano to be released 4th June is most certainly a foot tapper of a song if I have ever heard one! This track is exclusive to the brand new DJ Kicks CD, compiled and mixed by none other than the fella’s themselves! DJ Kicks is released to the world 21st May.

Peter, Bjorn & John – Let’s Call It Off (Girl Talk Remix)
If listening when walking, you may find yourself skipping to the candy-like melody, all the while loving life.

Feist - Mushaboom
A beautiful melody, paired with a beautiful artist. Leslie Feist’s track is a piece of artwork that will leave your head full of beautiful thoughts and memories., it will cry for you to sing along. Great listened to loud, driving, with the windows down. Who cares if you don’t know the words!

Muscles – Ice Cream
“Is gonna save the day.. again” Another great, spectacular, up beat song. Supposedly about the Cronulla Riots in Sydney’s Southern Suburbs, a great track that makes you miss the beach (go figure), riding bikes, and the smell of the long gone, summer air!
Sorry guys, i gave you the wrong link for the song. It's all fine now!

Sufjan Stevens – Chicago (Acoustic Version)
A lovely, calming track to bring you home after a long hard day of class, work, or simply milling about the place.

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Saturday, April 28, 2007

The Most Serene Republic

What is the correlation between Venice and The Most Serene Repbulic? Apart from the band name being taken from Venice's moniker during the Renaissance period, TMSR has also enjoyed a vibrant flourish. The first band signed to label Arts & Crafts that had no relation to Broken Social Scene, The Most Serene Republic have truly played their cards right. Leaving school to pursue artistic endeavours, the Canadian sextet is a dreamy fusion of synth based arrangements, melodic guitar segments and lengthy song
titles. Inevitably, they draw comparisons to BSS due to the band adopting non-linear song structure and being on Broken Social Scene's flagship label, but, I sense a fun, nerdy aesthetic that I don't find in any other A & C band. Producing a full, lush sound as such, the factor that makes TMSR even more appealing is the unpolished and relaxed production values that came about while recording. Proposition 61 was built on sporadic handclaps and clicks and included shouts at one another across the room. Whimsical and energetic in all its glory, Underwater Cinematographer is a shimmering effort that reclaims child-like innocence while touching on tight manic tendencies. Hopefully they can hone the youthful enthusiasm into their second record they are currently working on.

The Most Serene Republic Content Was Always My Favorite Colour
The Most Serene Republic Proposition 61

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Friday, April 20, 2007

Soft Tigers

These days lo-fi cassettes are rarely produced let alone played, yet here we are in 2007, (originally Canberra but now...) Sydney band Soft Tigers have put out their debut album "Gospel Ambitions" on tape. Started as carefree school friends, in hoping to create something new. They've been getting loads of radio play since sending in their demos to stations such as FBi and JJJ late last year and there is no denying their successful tracks "Mr Ice Cream Introduces" and "M.A.R.I.A" are insanely catchy involving hand claps, electronic beats, riff raff guitars, fun singalongs and shout outs. If I could think of a genuine young hearted Australian band, I would give the title to Soft Tigers. They've got that larrikin Australian touch that make you want to like them. Record label Below Par have sent us Soft Tigers' video to latest single "M.A.R.I.A", filmed by the band themselves. Throwing in mention of the Gaslight Inn on Crown Street, Darlinghurst; "M.A.R.I.A" is in response to reconcile differences with a girl named Maria. If you're after a fun Friday, check them out. Hopefully supporting Architecture In Helsinki next month should gain more fans.

Soft Tigers M.A.R.I.A / watch video
Soft Tigers Mr Ice Cream
Get Gospel Ambitions and M.A.R.I.A 7" single over at their myspace

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Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Lush, swaying summery acoustic pop from Springfield, Missouri four-piece band Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin are back with a new little two-track green seven inch record "Not Worth Fighting". Like SSLYBY's debut album "Broom", this one is a nice little number with those catchy hooks that keep you wanting more. Since then, they've probably been labelled one of the most blogged about bands, but that doesn't stop me spreading some love for this world wide web discovered treasure. Last year they caught the ears of Polyvinyl Records; home of other pop gems such as Mates of State, Saturday Looks Good To Me and Of Montreal. They played at SXSW recently and was dubbed band with the best name. SSLYBY are working on some new material for a full length record due some time later in the year. You can get your hands on "Not Worth Fighting" on May 22nd.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Not Worth Fighting
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Half-Awake (Deb)
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yelstin Non-album tracks
Pre-order Not Worth Fighting via Polyvinyl Records

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Tuesday, April 17, 2007

You Keep An Eye On Those Artists (Part Three)

Welcome to the last post of YKAEOTA feature. The last two posts have received much attention and appreciation from almost everyone, for those of you who have missed the first two posts you can find them here and here. Please, keep the comments coming. I am always interested in what our readers think about the music we post.


I'll say it right now, Noah Lennox (aka Panda Bear is a musical genius. Although his newest solo release, Person Pitch, is his third album this will no doubt see Noah Lennox rise into stardom, well not super stardom or MTV stardom, but he'll be up there. Panda Bear music is filled with some real feel good futuristic pop. As much as I love Animal Collective, I think if Noah made the decision to leave the band to follow his solo career, I wouldn't be dissapointed. At the moment though, his doing pretty well juggling both projects.

Panda Bear Comfy In Nautica (Highly Recommended!)
Panda Bear I'm Not (Highly Recommended!)

Panda Bear
Myspace | More MP3's | Buy Person Pitch

Archie Bronson Outfit are possibly the most sexiest, sleaziest, and most importantly dirtiest all man band since Eagles Of Death Metal. Everything about them has "Hey ladies" written all over it. The beard, the music, and the best choice of words. Although the band has been around for a little while now, they haven't received the attention they deserved since last years release of Derdang, Derdang which saw the band travel down under for the first time this year for the St. Jerome festivals.

Archie Bronson Outfit Kink (Highly Recommended!)
Archie Bronson Outift Got To Get (Your Eyes) (Highly Recommended!)


Archie Bronson Outfit
Myspace | Official Website | More MP3's | Buy Derdang Derdang

Most people by now are well aware of who The Blow are and just how magnificant they are, but what most people aren't aware of is Jona Bechtolt has a solo career. He goes by the name of YACHT and over the last year or so has been making a real name for himself, remixing songs here and there, put on some real entertaining shows (especially at the recent SXSW), and producing some really catchy tunes.

YACHT See A Penny (Pick It Up) (Highly Recommended!)




YACHT
Myspace | Official Website | More MP3's

It's no secret that The Scare are one of my all favorite bands. I have loved this band from the very beginning. A few years back the band released their debut EP, Masochist Mimes, and have had nothing but good news since. They supported TPTBUTET and Blood Brothers, then soon went back into the studio to do their follow up EP, Vacuum Irony, which only made things better. A slight line-up change and relocation to London have broaden the bands horizons and fanbase. With their debut, yet to be titled, album hitting stores sometime in June, this boy here is in very high anticipation.

The Scare Stop! (Highly Recommended!)
The Scare If I'm Choking, Make A Scene (Highly Recommended!)

The Scare
Official Website | Myspace | More MP3's

Elk City is a band that I have only just become interested in as of late. The band have just dropped their new album (as of yesterday), New Believers, on us and one is hoping that the band will become the hot new band on all the indie scenestars lips. The band mix a real soft indie pop that only Camera Obscura and them can pull off. Get onboard now, before you fall behind!

Elk City Cherries In The Snow (Highly Recommended!)
Elk City Los Cruzados




Elk City
Official Website | Myspace | More MP3's | Buy New Believers

For those of you who aren't aware of New Buffalo I have 6 words for you, you-should-be-ashamed-of-yourself. Sally Seltmann (aka New Buffalo) has been around now for just on 7 or so years and in that time has made peoples hearts world wide drop, she's an absolutely stunning artist that cant be kept a secret, she needs to be shared with the world. Much like The Concretes and El Perro Del Mar, Sally blends real soft pop melodies, with a touch of that 60's feel, that can really put you to sleep or make you dance. Heres some tracks off her new album, Somewhere, Anwhere.

New Buffalo It's True (Highly Recommended!)
New Buffalo Cheer Me Up, Thank You


New Buffalo
Official Website | Myspace | More MP3's

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Sunday, April 15, 2007

Get On Your Dancing Shoes

Whilst people are waiting patiently for the next part of YKAEOTB, i'll put some people out of their misery by posting some new tracks by Arctic Monkeys. These tracks are extremely hard to come by these days, seeing as though the label has cracked down on Blogs posting them. So no doubt these tracks wont be up for long, grab them whilst you can!

Arctic Monkeys Teddy Picker
Arctic Monkeys Fluorescent Adolescent
Arctic Monkeys The Bad Thing
Arctic Monkeys 505
Arctic Monkeys Temptation Greets You Like Your Naughty Friend


I told you they weren't going to last long...

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Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Motocade

Fresh from the mail today I received Motocade's EP "Into the Fall". Just by looking at the EP cover I can visualise the montage of that desolated feeling in a cinematic frame of sinking into a bathtub drowning in plight of fear after being chased by something really terrifying. Although it’s an old slide of rays of light in the midst of the city at night, the hidden image becomes clear after listening to this seven track EP. Apart from my interpretation, what strikes me is their video to Bomb Squad, there's that same emotional encounter by a character as he takes on forms of many personas to capture the attention of his daughter from a hospital window as noted from the lyrics "Cut the red wire, cut the blue wire, she if she blows". Formed in 2005 is New Zealand, Auckland quartet Motocade, who’ve just released their second independent release "Into the Fall", its blistering falsettos and metrical driven beats are in similar to the sounds of those of British post-punk indie bands, in particular Bloc Party. Inspired by personal events, the record embellishes intense soundscapes. There's nothing resonantly complex but it's well collected and down right audible pleasure.

Motocade My Friends
Motocade Into The Fall
Into The Fall is available through smokecds.com

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Monday, April 09, 2007

Do Make Say Think

I inadvertently discovered Do Make Say Think through a CD my friend kindly burnt for me. I didn't explicitly ask him to burn DMST for me, but I'm glad he did. Now truly illustrious with relative bands, Constellation Records and the indie goer scene, 'twas not easy from the start. DMST formed with humble beginnings and in a primary school room. When they released their first record, it was slanted as formulaic and unoriginal material compared to other post-rock contemporaries such as Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Fly Pan Am on the Constellation roster. Out of anything generally considered or haphazardly tagged 'post-rock', Do Make Say Think is superlative. While relaxing in the daedal dynamics they are recognised for, DMST employ a broad spectrum of influences from free jazz to electronica; even shifting from elegant tortuosity to roaring, boisterous clicks and clacks. Steeped in culture and pensiveness, DMST have a musical depth to them you can only find in only a few bands and artists. The epic songs elicit feelings of ambient spaciousness. Recording and playing flows with spontaneity. Everything is complacential, which easily allows the listener more to enjoy.

Their fifth album, You, You're a History In Rust is out now on Inertia Records.

Do Make Say Think Bound To Be That Way
Do Make Say Think Executioner Blues
Do Make Say Think The Universe!

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Saturday, April 07, 2007

You Keep An Eye On Those Artists (Part Two)

Part One of YKAEOTA received such a tremendous response, and a hell of a lot of downloads might I add. I wanted to put a bit more effort into Part Two, i choose really carefully the bands I wanted to feature and some of the bands I choose were bands I had only gotten into as of yesterday but have made a huge impression already. I hope everyone enjoys Part Two and who knows, the way this thing is going it could even turn into a four post feature. Would everyone like that?


Oh Los Campesinos! how you bring joy to my face. This band has got it down pat, they know what they are doing and I can definitely see the band making it so huge your grandmother will become their groupie (sorry in advance to people whose grandmothers have passed away, my bad!). Besides their delightful song names and their highly infectious bouncy attitude, this band are completely serious about what they do.

Los Campesinos! We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives (Highly Recommended!)
Los Campesinos! You! Me! Dancing! (Highly Recommended!)



Los Campesinos!
Myspace | Official Websites | More MP3's | Buy We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives

I only discovered Tiger Stripes just yesterday and both the songs that are up for download today have caused such an absolute fit with me. It's really hard to describe their style, they're are hints of punk, pop, indie, but the band i think have put it spot on, "A Punk-Schooled Mountain Goats." Besides the fact that they sound very similar to pop punkers The Matches, the band offer up something that the Australian public is unaware of.

Tiger Stripes Halloween (Highly Recommended!)
Tiger Stripes Emergency Lover



Tiger Stripes
Myspace

Could Yeo be Australia's answer to Timberlake? You bet your sexy back he is! His got the moves, the beats, the grooves that would make anyone melt at his feet. His songs are just sexy, theres nothing more to it. The man plays every instrument and from what I've heard and read, he puts on a show that shouldn't be missed! Please, do yourself a favor, listen to Yeo.

Yeo Two Sides Of The Door (Highly Recommended!)





Yeo
Myspace

Don't you just hate it when you think your band has the best name in the world but then a band that has been around longer than you, made more money, and are from the other side of the world burst your bubble by telling you that you can no longer have that name because it's theres? I'm sure it would suck. But for Cut Off Your Hands (previously known as The Shaky Hands) it was almost a blessing in disguise. Since the change of name, the band have skyrocketed into stardom, underground stardom that is. The band have been receiving rave reviews worldwide and are getting the much deserved attention.

Cut Off Your Hands You And I (Highly Recommended!)
Cut Off Your Hands Expectations (Highly Recommended!)

Cut Off Your Hands
Official Website | Myspace | More MP3's | Buy The Shaky Hands

I'm loving Bears at the moment. Much like the band name, you just want to get close to these guys, sip a nice warm cup of hot coco and cuddle up with them. Their brand of acoustic/pop is something these haven't come across much these days, but it's nice to hear it back again, and more inviting then before. Grab them whilst you can, all the kids will be loving Bears soon.

Bears When You're Away (Highly Recommended!)
Bears Still The Same




Bears
Official Website | Myspace | More MP3's

I'm not much of a techno fan, actually I was really against it growing up and having to listen to my older brother constantly "pump" out his tunes, but this year I've made a bit of change. I'm giving techno a chance, i cant be a snob all my life, and well, I have discovered one band that has made an impression on me. That band would be Simian Mobile Disco, forming out of the remains from Simian, these make techno look like childs play, something anybody could do. There songs are so simple, yet genius pieces of work. Some of the boys out there might find their video for Hustler quite enjoyable.

Simian Mobile Disco Hustler (Highly Recommended!) taken down by request
Simian Mobile Disco It's The Beat (The Teenagers Remix) taken down by request


Simian Mobile Disco
Official Website | Myspace | More MP3's

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Friday, April 06, 2007

We Got Issues

There's just something about Sweden that I love. From happy children's literature, H&M and Ikea, the music scene is a cut from the same cloth. To be more specific, Irene. Part of what makes Irene so catchy and charming is their love of '80s and '90s guitar pop. It is easy to fall in love with their cheery lyrical goodness sung to effortless and delicate melodies that never becomes saccharine. Their album, Apple Bay, is out now on Popfrenzy Records.

Irene Little Things (That Tear Us Apart)


I recently got my hands on Sound of Silver, the sophomore release from DFA Records co-founder James Murhpy's musical project, LCD Soundsystem. A tight and streamlined effort, Sound of Silver is a consolidation of rock values and dance music dynamics, while blending in a touch of pop aesthetics. I wouldn't expect much lyrical poignancy from him but surprisingly, emotion is alive in his rich songwriting. With the opening track Get Innocuous, Murphy exercises his appreciation for Brian Eno. He reaches new ground with Someone Great. It holds profound sadness in a meticulously set electro pastiche, about loss. Such a contemplative memory is blasted out by the lyrical polar opposites of the record. In no way patriotic, North American Scum is a part sardonic funk-punk reflection about the degenerate image of his country. All My Friends is an asseverate realisation about the cusp of adulthood, kicked back with pianos which soon rolls into a climatic explosion of earnestness and tightly knit energy. New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down echoes The Velvet Underground, while plotting Murphy's love of the currently dirty ranks of the city.

Murphy has grown, as a lyricist and perfected his production sound with his second record. Sound of Silver is deep and coalesces euphoric production values and lyrical sorrow which acquiesce with each other to work on the previous template of LCD Soundsystem's previous record. Thus, bringing a potential contender of the Album of 2007.

LCD Soundsystem Get Innocuous
LCD Soundsystem North American Scum

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Sunday, April 01, 2007

You Keep An Eye On Those Artists (Part One)

I was going to make this feature based on artists I thought people should be aware of in 2007, but is a bit late for that now considering where four months into the year. YKAEOTA is more for in the next couple of years and not so much this year. I'm hoping to span this feature out to at least 3 Parts, each equally filled with great artists. So, enough time wasting, lets get to it. Here are the first batch of artists that have rocked my socks and undies so far this year.


The Teenagers, so far this year, have been my discovery of the year. The band seem to be focusing more on remixing the likes of Au Revoir Simone, The Black Ghosts, and New Young Pony Club, but when they come together to form their own music, it's just full of dancing goodness and such creativity, it's impossible not to like this band.

The Teenagers Homecoming (Highly Recommended!)
The Teenagers Starlet Johansson
The Teenagers We Are The Teenagers



The Teenagers
Myspace | Myspace (Remixes) | More MP3's

The Parson Red Heads are one of the most intriguing bands I've come across in a while. The band consists of Evan Way, his sister Erin, wife Brette Marie and longtime friends Charlie Hester, Sam Fowles and Dane Garrard. The band combine Indie / folk in a way that seems so easy and fun. King Giraffe is their first release and I'm hoping that it will gain the band the recognition they so much deserve. Enjoy the smooth stylings of The Parson Red Heads.

The Parson Red Heads Punctual As Usual (Highly Recommended!)




The Parson Red Heads
Official Website | Myspace | More MP3's | Buy King Giraffe

I absolutely can't get enough of Bang Gang (aka Bardi Johannsson) at the moment. During my long periods of time doing homework, his music has helped me think a whole lot clearer and better. It's dance music, but it's good. His spin on dance is unique, completely atmospheric. Word of warning, don't go searching Bang Gang on Google, you'll get a different sort of Bang Gang.

Bang Gang Find What You Get (Highly Recommended!)
Bang Gang Find What You Get (Shout Out Out Out Out Remix)




Bang Gang
Official Website | Myspace | More MP3's | Buy Something Wrong

Kid Sister, the next female rapper on everyone's lips. Like Uffie, Kid Sister is straight to the point with her beliefs and gets it across clear and simple. She's catchy, she's bouncy, and she's pure entertainment. She's been leaving people sweaty and hypo recently with shows at this years SXSW, after maybe she might make her way down under. This little boy hopes so.

Kid Sister Damn Girl
Kid Sister Pro Nails




Kid Sister
Official Website | Myspace | More MP3's

A couple months back I accidentally discovered this band whilst searching for another band on Myspace. The name Gameboy/Gamegirl got me interested straight away. Then I heard Sweaty Wet/Dirty Damp and I immediately thought "who the hell are these guys!?". What made this band even more sweeter to me is the fact that their Australian and damn, do these guys know how to get you going.

Gameboy/Gamegirl Sweaty Wet/Dirty Damp (Highly Recommended!)




Gameboy/Gamegirl
Myspace | More MP3's

Now brings me to the last band of the post, Dear And The Headlights. This band has made such an impact on me and I've only one song! It was enough to get me hooked and I wanted to find out more. Turns out no where in Australia sells their stuff, major downer for me. Anyway, It's Gettin' Easy, is definitely up there on the best songs I've head in my life list. The piano and the vocals are just spine tingling.

Dear And The Headlights It's Gettin' Easy (Highly Recommended!)




Dear And The Headlights
Official Website | Myspace | More MP3's | Buy Small Steps, Heavy Hooves

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