tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-213730262024-03-16T04:04:02.957+11:00OFF THE RECORDOff The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.comBlogger419125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-59361073967048315852009-05-15T14:20:00.009+10:002009-05-15T19:33:31.278+10:00'Getting Wise' by Yves Klein Blue<center><object width="520" height="421"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8duiPF7Iesg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8duiPF7Iesg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="520" height="421"></embed></object></center><br /><br /><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/dg5a14.png" align="left"><div align="justify">You might remember I introduced to the <a href="http://marchonelectricchildren.blogspot.com/2008/03/yves-klein-blue.html">blog</a>, Brisbane indie rock band <a href="http://www.myspace.com/yveskleinbluemusic"><b>Yves Klein Blue</b></a>. Other than busy being played in <a href="<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjQrApTOW-M">car ads</a> and touring everywhere, they've settled down to release their first full length album this June, called '<I>Ragged & Ecstatic</i>'. The track '<I>Getting Wise</i>' will be the first single released off the new record. And in their 50's reminiscent nature, neon signs and surge of lights and colours; '<I>Getting Wise</i>' is a nifty swagger pop shamble (yeah I think I just made that up) number with plenty of nods, grooves and beats to tune into. One thing I'm not sure about is the slight religious connotation... I'm not going to go into that, as many have with Cold War Kids. But as the title track suggests, the young band are, musically, finding their feet, shifting between rockabilly and um... soul; but really, it does work. Yves Klein Blue are inventive without having to be orchestral or use a lot quirky instruments. Instead it's nothing more than basics of guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice and a whole lot of heart and enthusiasm.<br /><br /><b><u>Single launch shows</b></u>:<br /><LI>Wed 27 May – The Toff In Town, Melbourne - <a href="http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=26628">tickets</a><br /><LI>Thur 28 May – Supper Club, Sydney - <a href="http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=26490">tickets</a><br /><br />And if you're interested in the band playing a gig at your next house party, you can sign <a href="http://www.dew-process.com/ykbpetition/index.cfm">this petition</a>. Good luck!<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.dew-process.com/media/Getting%20Wise.mp3">Yves Klein Blue - Gettting Wise</a><br /><br /><HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=100% NOSHADE><center>Futher Information:<br><a href="http://www.myspace.com/yveskleinbluemusic">Myspace Site</a> | <a href="http://www.dew-process.com/merchandise.cfm">Purchase <i>Drawn To Themselves EP</i></a> | <a href="http://hypem.com/search/yves klein blue">More MP3's</a></center><HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=100% NOSHADE></div>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-29285948774280594532009-03-31T10:01:00.005+11:002009-04-03T13:51:50.385+11:00Papa Vs Pretty<center><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2ed8s93.jpg"></center><br /><br />Every little now and then a new band emerges with sounds of something fresh and promising. Slipping into that radar is a very young band and one of Sydney's own, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/papavspretty"><b>Papa Vs Pretty</b></a>. Catching on quickly is their described 'soaring, beat-afflicted post-gaze new-wave', but anything goes, really. Their music is a vast mixture of band's influences from Talking Heads, Radiohead, Beck, Joy Division to Grizzly Bear, blending sombre sounds of haunting synths, pulsating guitar build ups and the guileless vocals of frontman Thomas Rawle. Having reformed last year with their current line up, the band have graced the airplay of Sydney's FBi radio and played numerous shows throughout the country and at some big festivals like Laneway, Peats Ridge and Parklife alongside some like-minded Dappled Cities, Temper Trap, The Devoted Few and Seabellies. Papa Vs Pretty, however exert an extreme amount of talent and energy of their own, showcased through their live performances with such flair and exuberance; making an incredible impression of a definite band to watch. They've just released their second and latest EP comprised of some of tracks I'll let you have a taste test listen to below.<br /><br />Papa Vs Pretty <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/lezly4eej1">Arrestem</a><br />Papa Vs Pretty <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/ipoxo2f29x">Sleep (Again)</a><br /><br /><center>Purchase <I>Papa Vs Pretty</i> and watch <i>Ballad</i><br><a href="http://www.mallmusic.com.au/pages/mod.php?mod=cart&op=details&viewitem=CD95552"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/15np26s.png"></a> <object width="152" height="125"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HHq5rcYDYFk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HHq5rcYDYFk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="152" height="125"></embed></object></center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-8919711706823371342009-03-01T18:55:00.003+11:002009-03-01T19:09:25.094+11:00Moscow Olympics<center><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/2aad47s.jpg"></center><br /><br />Named after an Orange Juice song and the 1980 summer games, is little known Fillipino indie pop quintet, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/moskva80">Moscow Olympics</a>, whose amazing debut '<I>Cut The World</i> ' was one of my favourite albums of 2008 that I never got around to introducing because I either was procrastinating or consumed by books, or both. At first upon listening you could easily mistake this band of being of a shoegaze, post-punk British band from twenty or so years back. But Moscow Olympics wear their influences proud with Galaxie 500, Blueboy, New Order and Sarah Records favourites, yet sound entirely their own in this current moment in time. Much like contemporaries of The Radio Dept., their airy space soundscapes and subtle jangly melodies are gapingly entracing, at the same time painfully pretty. A very fine craft work of indie pop greatness at its best and even more so special from an emerging band from this part of the world. With bands like these it makes me excited about music from all broad of the spectrum, like the discovery of a rarity. <I>Precious</i>.<br /><br />Moscow Olympics <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/12/2/449126/Moscow%20Olympics%20-%20No%20Winter%2C%20No%20Autumn.mp3">No Winter, No Autumn</a><br />Moscow Olympics <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/12/2/449126/Moscow%20Olympics%20-%20Cut%20The%20World.mp3">Cut The World</a><br /><br /><center>Purchase <I>Cut The World</i><br><a href="http://www.darla.com/catalog/desc.asp?id=13848"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/6pz4mr.png"></a></center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com248tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-71298201242632128692009-01-22T23:38:00.002+11:002009-01-22T23:43:26.387+11:00Damn Arms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTaVCNsOlTiDVBHu0068B2zMNzc0maSGevBPnNfdNiFE1a4uKO50PPkjFXDL5H_UWxXitWVwVb4aJvxf7SoE1fjkm3mjzjgWXX-s8GBcTcLl6sPXjP_r3kGbVlhrxA1VEcZOjHg/s1600-h/Damn+arms.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTaVCNsOlTiDVBHu0068B2zMNzc0maSGevBPnNfdNiFE1a4uKO50PPkjFXDL5H_UWxXitWVwVb4aJvxf7SoE1fjkm3mjzjgWXX-s8GBcTcLl6sPXjP_r3kGbVlhrxA1VEcZOjHg/s400/Damn+arms.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294097565931588770" border="0" /></a><br />Its pretty sweet how this band has gone from kinda cool "synth thrash" band to "totally amazing space disco epic". I heard a few months ago that they broke up but apparently my sources are wrong.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.inthemix.com.au/freedownload/get/40809">Damn Arms - Destination Part II</a>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com113tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-26375324599456930442009-01-01T20:42:00.020+11:002009-01-01T21:26:32.494+11:00James' Top 20 Albums of 2008<img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/othumu.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/j8kvhc.jpg" align="left" width="50px"> <b>Fuck Buttons</b> | <i>Street Horrrsing</i><br />(ATP Recordings)<br /><br />I don't get why everyone made a big who-ha out of the whole "fuck" thing that some artists have chosen to place somewhere in their names. There's a naughty word in the name; big whoop, move on. This album was bound to get noticed, and for numerous other reasons than just the band's name. One reason being the production work done by Mogwai member John Cummings, another being it's odd name, and on top of that! The actual sound and end product Andrew Hung and Michael Pincott have managed to pull out from some mysterious place. It's unlike anything around today, or even anything in existence. It has this post-rock hypnotic feel about it that's helped favorously by it's build up's, it's climaxes and the constant repetition of drone music. Most definitely a major eye-opener for me.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?hzdiwymti3j">Fuck Buttons - 'Okay, Let's Talk About Magic'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?wwmlmmmz0my">Fuck Buttons - 'Colours Move'</a><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/8ze4pi.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/a3jvqv.jpg" align="left"> <b>Scarlett Johansson</b> | <i>Anywhere I Lay My Head</i><br />(ATCO Records)<br /><br />From reading the promos prior to the album's release this looked like it was going to be a winner in just about everyone's eyes. With all songs being Tom Wait covers, David Bowie featuring on backing vocals, Tunde Adebimpe also featuring on backing vocals, Nick Zinner performing guitar work, and David Sitek doing production work! What went wrong? Why did people just not agree with this album? Most people believed that the album was just too "obscure", "impossible" or "drowned" but in my eyes I see it as this: "obscure" yes, definitely but in a way that's intriguing and engaging, "impossible" perhaps but the challenge Scarlett set for herself was something completely something she could pull off, and as for "drowned"! That's the whole effect. It's as if Cocteau Twins and Mercury Rev were picking a bar-fight with Sonic Youth. It just works. That's all there is to it.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?mjzyjmmnedw">Scarlett Johansson - 'Anywhere I Lay My Head'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?j2nwzyvwjdz">Scarlett Johansson - 'Song For Jo'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/20pf38g.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/e6yww2.jpg" align="left"> <b>My Disco</b> | <i>Paradise</i><br />(Stomp Records)<br /><br />My Disco's second effort, 'Paradise', was something of a complete turn-around to that of their debut, 'Cancer'. It's different in the fact that the album quite literally has nothing going on at all. It's not as hectic as some might have hoped but this album reveals so much more energy then that of it's predecessor. From listening you can tell it feels more comfortable. With Steve Albini behind the decks this time around the band I think were able to accomplish more then what they had originally set out to do. This is Albini's effect; he has this with everything he touches. It's incredibly hard to pigeon-hole a band like My Disco, and that's why it's best not too. But a band that manages to produce just simple beats and simple structures, and still manage to make a song that's more infectious then that of a dance-floor filler amazes me. They should forever remain a mystery.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?yywnytdzb1i">My Disco - 'You Came To Me...'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?ymrft4cmzgl">My Disco - 'An Even Sun'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/2cgj0aw.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/t9ywqx.jpg" align="left"> <b>Bon Iver</b> | <i>For Emma, Forever Ago</i><br />(Jagjaguar Records)<br /><br />This album was so close to perfect it wasn't funny. It was simply irresistible and an absolutely astonishing debut album. From the moment 'Skinny Love' caught the attention of mainstream airwaves there was going to be success written all over the album. There's personal trouble, love, heartache, guilt and regret. It had the essential traits for an enjoyable and thought provoking listen and it was an album for all to take in, and feel in some way, a relation to the stories. 'For Emma, Forever Ago' was the only album this year to actually send chills down my spine and make my hair stand tall. It's both chilling and comforting, it makes you feel welcome but yet still haunts your ever move. It sticks with you for hours afterwards and just begs to be listened once again. Although this album was one of the most played albums on my stereo this year, it lacked only one thing; sustainability.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?wnfmdexomqj">Bon Iver - 'Skinny Love'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?gmltqnytmwn">Bon Iver - 're: Stacks'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/nl8jn4.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/mjqnps.jpg" align="left"> <b>Brightblack Morning Light</b> | <i>Motion To Rejoin</i><br />(Matador Records)<br /><br />Brightblack Morning Light's second album, Motion To Rejoin, was one of the most simplistic and easily enjoyable manners. But in saying that, it was also the most obscure and magnetic. The album is covered with this sort of south-western psychedelic rock feel with infectious lazy instrumentation and minimal BPM. It's the perfect hangover cure! It just wakes you up, gives you a nice affirming smack to the face, and then brings you back down to it's level and fills you in. This is a band that is happily planted within their Utopian beliefs and this album - compared to their debut offering - is one that shows they have reached a stage in their music that truly reflects this. It's atmospheric, undeniable heady, and spiritually awakening (if your not already involved in that). The album works in one continuum and comes at you at a very slow and inducing pace.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?finmjtldynd">Brightblack Morning Light - 'Gathered Years'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?digkouyzfid">Brightblack Morning Light - 'Past A Weatherbeaten Fencepost'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/dfd8uu.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/xq9uzt.jpg" align="left"> <b>Cheap Time</b> | <i>Cheap Time</i><br />(In The Red Recordings)<br /><br />Out of all of the discoveries I made this year, I was extremely happy to come across this little unknown band from America. But in saying that, it's hard to take in the fact that they really are unknown. This three piece youth-infused Ramonds loving group has taken punk music to a new level. But it's not the punk music that most kids have come to love and know today, I'm talking about Ramones style, the 70's; where punk really stood out. This album is probably the most catchiest and fun-loving 30 minutes of music you'll most likely listen too all year.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?zznwzdyy4zj">Cheap Time - 'People Talk'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=F4WB1W1K">Cheap Time - 'The Ballad Of Max Frost'</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/10sf60z.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/n1wcb8.jpg" align="left"> <b>Witch Hats</b> | <i>Cellulite Soul</i><br />(In-Fidelity Records)<br /><br />This album makes me smile. Witch Hats debut album, Cellulite Soul, was just one of the albums where from the very first note of opening track 'Before I Weigh' to closing track 'Doors Film' you could only do nothing but sit back, relax, have a chuckle, and try and believe what your hearing. This isn't because the album is terrible, just listening to this album makes me wish I had of taken up an instrument when I had the chance to. It's this grunge downpour with hugely distorted everything that would make Sonic Youth start scratching their heads. Kris Buscombe has one of the best voices in Australia; it's croaky, it's crackly, but he somehow manages to sing melodies so smoothly. It's an enjoyable album and proves that although The Scientists and other Australian rock bands of the yester-era may now be distinct, the legend still remains.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?k2hhwwygyy0">Witch Hats - 'Before I Weigh'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?gewyjwzwawm">Witch Hats - 'I Can't Stay At Home'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/24bw01f.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/x3h0te.jpg" align="left"> <b>Mercy Arms</b> | <i>Mercy Arms</i><br />(Independant)<br /><br />This was one of my most anticipated releases for this year. There just seemed to be a lot riding on it, and there were a lot of expectations in which a lot of people were hoping the band were going to meet. They did exactly this, but not only did this just meet expectations they also went that little bit further. There are influences all over the place, and some of them do shine through but what bands these days don't have influences that creep through in their music? It's just natural, and there are some Jesus And Mary Chain lovers out their hopefully appreciating Mercy Arms' music. This debut album most differently solidifies the group as a must see and a must heard band.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?ykmxagyo2jm">Mercy Arms - 'Down Here, So Long'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?0n5wmjfyjzn">Mercy Arms - 'Shine A Light Down'</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/vywggz.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2873b60.jpg" align="left"> <b>Black Mountain</b> | <i>In The Future</i><br />(Jagjaguar Records)<br /><br />This album was possibly the most perfect follow-up to any other debut around in these last handful of years. It was the return of Canada's psych and prog-rock spiritual leaders Black Mountain and just like their first, and self-titled album, it was just another huge roller-coaster of gigantic monster riffs, swirling cosmic rock and incredibly powerful ballads. The band have once again stuck proud and true to their classic rock calling and have come up with more songs of fantascism. I wouldn't call them revivalists now; they've moved way past that and can definitely be classed as being in a genre of their own. 'In The Future' is something only measured in epic proportions and can only be fully described in a ten page booklet. There's a lot of depth to this album, and a lot of emotion, that it's really hard to dumb down the effect this album has on listeners to one paragraph.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7GWCQ867">Black Mountain - 'Stormy High'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?nzymkqm5dyz">Black Mountain - 'Evil Ways'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/1ikgn8.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2pu0e2s.jpg" align="left"> <b>Foals</b> | <i>Antidotes</i><br />(Sub Pop Records)<br /><br />What a year it was for this group! So much love behind these guys right now it's really not funny. I did try to not let all this attention to the band get to me but for people who know me well, they will know that when people around me start loving an artist, I start drifting away from them. And unfortunately, that's what sort of happened. I did my best but when you have every second person coming up asking if you've heard 'Cassius', then it gets annoying. But, in saying all that I still really enjoyed this album when it was released. Just the fact that the band had the balls to reject Dave Sitek's mix of the album and go with their own was definitely attention-seeking. Seriously? Who in the right mind has the balls to reject that man? It's crazy. Anyway, call these guys what you want but they really know what they are doing and have one fine debut release under their belts.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?btmzy5monnf">Foals - 'Olympic Airways'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?02n5znzmnju">Foals - 'Two Steps, Twice'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/24g244h.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/20zsdgg.jpg" align="left"> <b>The Ruby Suns</b> | <i>Sea Lion</i><br />(Popfrenzy Records)<br /><br />A real late contender for me; only due to the fact that for some reason I put off listening to the album up until about a month ago. God knows why. I guess that perhaps there were just other albums I was looking forward to listening too more. I've learnt from my mistake now. In saying all this, I think my opinion of the release could be in order, yes? There's some real distinctive influences ranging throughout this album - moreso then their prior release - with African tribal beats taking control but also their homeland of New Zealand taking a shine with 'Tane Mahuta' sung completely in Māori. With these influences and the blend of calm, reverbed psychedelic pop making up an album filled with exotic sounds and unique instrumentation, how was this album not going to be good?<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?emdwzzzoiwm">The Ruby Suns - 'Ole Rinka'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?zzbmkwgbonr">The Ruby Suns - 'Morning Sun'</a><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/iftle8.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/ouwcie.jpg" align="left"> <b>Wavves</b> | <i>Wavves</i><br />(De Stijl Records)<br /><br />Did this guy become huge or what!? It took like a week, tops, for everyone in the blogesphere to just eat this guy up. I don't blame everyone though, I can say that I am quite happily sitting on the same boat and enjoying every second of it. Nathan Williams has quite literally pulled some kind of a miracle out of his backside. It seemed that nothing was going to able to outshine this whole eletronic/rave craze that has quite literally taken over the world and formed this new "trend" but with the help of Wavves and other acts such as No Age, Jay Retard, Women and countless others this whole lo-fi/no-fi/fuzzed out music has really started to take off. This album is fantastic. It's just a huge wake up call and was completely unexpected. It's distorted to the extreme extent that distortion can reach, it's incredibly hard to understand the lyrics, and it's the best damn fun ever.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?hjuyjndodzy">Wavves - 'California Goth'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?gnvhzk2dxuo">Wavves - 'The Boys Will Love Us'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/1z3msf7.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/339t951.jpg" align="left"> <b>Beaches</b> | <i>Beaches</i><br />(Mistletone Records)<br /><br />Speaking of artists taking off from quite literally no where, Melbourne's very own all girl psychedelic rock group, Beaches, is another one to add to that list. This group of ladies, and somewhat a super group featuring Antonia Sellbach (Love Of Diagrams), Alison Bolgar (Panel Of Judges), Gill Tucker (Spider Vomit), Ali McCann and Karla Way, have pretty much taken Melbourne and the whole of Victoria over, and soon enough all the other states. The self-titled album is unlike anything around today, and is smothered with endless jams played out to perfection. The whole album has this cosmic feel to it and is hauntingly and jaw-droppingly brilliant.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?otn1n4hmmzt">Beaches - 'Sandy'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QUGRJ3A0">Beaches - 'Free Way'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/s3imtg.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/28k4r9u.jpg" align="left"> <b>The Drones</b> | <i>Havillah</i><br />(ATP Recordings)<br /><br />There's a lot that's different with Havillah compared to that of The Drones' stripped back 2006 album, Gala Mill. Mainly, it's a little bit more upbeat which is something fans haven't heard from the group since Here Comes The Lies all those years ago. But something that hasn't changed at all, not one bit, is vocalist Gareth Liddiard who still has this deep and dark thoughts on his mind that brings out a lot more emotion within each of the group's songs. This makes the album ironic, seeing as though it's a lot more enjoyable and easier to get into, but it seems to be the darkest album they have written in their career. I love this album because it's just noise; just straight up and in your face noise. There are a few acoustic numbers for good measure though.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?2x4nnywlimw">The Drones - 'The Minotaur'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?z3zj3znhjyj">The Drones - 'Luck In Odd Numbers'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/28tdnbn.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/2ezu6f7.jpg" align="left"> <b>Bodies Of Water</b> | <i>A Certain Feeling</i><br />(Popfrenzy Records)<br /><br />This is an album that made me re-think my snobbish-ness towards music, and to go by the saying "never judge a book by it's cover". Although it wasn't the cover that put me off, it was the critics. Just about every journalist out there who was in charge of writing up a review for this album claimed them as the next Polyphonic Spree. This statement put a complete downer on the album and for some reason or another put me off listening to it. That was, until the wave of unjust reviews died off. I haven't looked back since giving this album it's much deserved and overdue listen. Yes, there are little glimpses of The Polyphonic Spree here but who cares, seriously. It's a phenomenal album, with hand-claps, sing alongs and catchy beats, but all in a high-pitched, rock opera sort of way.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?2q2k0ymhegm">Bodies Of Water - 'Under The Pines'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?rkt1mmmmxhx">Bodies Of Water - 'Even In A Cave'</a><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/fuq7ic.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/eqnmg0.jpg" align="left"> <b>El Guincho</b> | <i>Alegranza!</i><br />(Mistletone Records)<br /><br />If ever there was going to be a party record to define the year 2008, I would be putting all votes on El Guincho's debut effort, Alegranza!. With every listen of this album I find something new to love about it and there is always a different song that I feel some sort of a connection with and give it the nice repeat treatment. There are so many hints of what we thought were pretty much dead genres, including Tropicalia but with blends of afro-beats, instrumental samples, and a feel-good vibe around the whole album I would imagine it would be extremely difficult to not even get a foot tapping along to this. It's infectious in a very good way, and is already getting the multiple plays this Summer and will most likely continue to do so.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?nhnwrmznkjm">El Guincho - 'Palmitos Park'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?wj0netor055">El Guincho - 'Kalise'</a><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/r083zp.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/2vlkx04.jpg" align="left"> <b>Abe Vigoda</b> | <i>Skeleton</i><br />(PPM Records)<br /><br />This album is a complete rarity. Purely for the fact that right from the very first note strumming by all members in the band for the opening song Dead City/Waste Wilderness, you just knew that this album was definitely going to be something different. It's impossible to pigeonhole this band, no one could do it. One minute their punk, another their rock, but then they throw in this tropical feel which is revealed through the drum beats and guitar work, but on top of all this there's this real experimental thing going on with little gadgets. It's mind-bottling just how good the end product sounds. It's almost as if Battles and The Ruby Suns are the parents of a child who digs only 80's guilty pleasures and flamboyant punk. If ballets were done in punk form, this album would be the soundtrack.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?zcn2wtymk3i">Abe Vigoda - 'Dead City/Waste Wilderness'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?g20nhudmmhk">Abe Vigoda - 'Skeleton'</a><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/xoe42f.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/2ni5tew.jpg" align="left"> <b>Beach House</b> | <i>Devotion</i><br />(Mistletone Records)<br /><br />What a phenomenal album this is. I can safely add this to the list of albums that give me chills and make my hair stand tall. It's hauntingly beautiful chamber music at it's finest. The albums is covered in this elegance, but it still has the effect to creep you the hell out. Which turns out to be a really good thing as it helps me remember which tracks did what. What this duo does with their music is both moving and relaxing. It's Sunday morning music, it's depressed music, it's probably the only album from this year that can actually put me to sleep at night (I'm not too big on the whole listening to music whilst you sleep, but this album I can let slide). It's a stunning follow up to their debut a couple of years ago, and this album is anything to go by then the future is looking pretty good for Baltimore duo.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?zyimmjifzgd">Beach House - 'You Came To Me'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?vuoz2iotugg">Beach House - 'Heart Of Chambers'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/2dtu7i1.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/16hn1o8.jpg" align="left"> <b>Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds</b> | <i>Dig, Lazzurus, Dig!!!</i><br /><br />Could their be any other album released this year that was as cool as this one? Seriously, this album was really one that defined 2008 for me (Why wasn't it #1 then? See what's #1 to find out). It's obvious to see now that Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds have a made a pretty change in their music and their overall image with a lot of Grinderman project sticking with Cave as he was making this record. Which is not a bad thing at all! And that's why this album is so far up the list. Don't get me wrong, I love just about anything Nick Cave touches, and the Bad Seeds albums that have been released in the past are all amazing in their own unique way, and Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! just shows listeners of perhaps a glimpse into the future of the direction in which the band is heading next. The album had me from opening riff. Oh! And just for the record, Midnight Man is hands down the best song of 2008; nothing topped it.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?dt3nyzkmq2t">Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - 'Albert Goes West'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?dlmgatynytu">Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - 'Midnight Man'</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/doxtlw.jpg" align="left"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/2nk6w5c.jpg" align="left"> <b>Kes Band</b> | <i>Kes Band</i><br />(Mistletone Records)<br /><br />Welcome to the record that truly made up my year. With all the descriptions I have given to the other albums that made up my top 20 for this year, this album combines all those together and doubles it. This album is everything to me; it's almost as if it's prized percession. The project features lead vocalist and extroadinaire Karl E. Scullin (aka KES and ex-Bird Blobs member), and other well-known Melbourne musicians Paddy Mann (aka Grand Salvo), Oliver Mann, and Laura Jean amongst a whole host of others performing in a very communal effort. Their music is entertaining, as not only does it really tug at all emotions whilst truly exploring some indifferent and abstract structuring but the album also highlights Scullin's lyrical ability more so then his solo-work and shows off his almost elfin voice. This album will forever remain a favorite of mine.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9DRZD7O3">Kes Band - 'Eventually'</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?j5edeemumyt">Kes Band - 'Kids Of Equador'</a>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com114tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-25918109808380347322008-11-28T13:00:00.003+11:002008-11-28T13:21:43.358+11:00'Skeleton' by Abe Vigoda<object width="520" height="421"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4odrEGm3MYc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4odrEGm3MYc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="520" height="421"></embed></object><br /><br /><img src="http://i35.tinypic.com/2mq9klu.jpg" align="left"><div align="justify">To this day I can honestly say that I have never really given much thought about Mimes. It's not that I have a distaste for them or don't appreciate what they do; their just people who have never crossed my mind or I've spared a moment to give a though too. That is until now because I can tell you that after just witnessing <a href="http://www.myspace.com/abevigoda">Abe Vigoda</a>'s video for <i>Skeleton</i> I'm officially spooked. The way the group portrays these Mimes - whilst still rocking out to the tune, might I add - is eerie to say the least. There's glimpses of freaky smiles, weird hair-do's and extreme close ups of the members faces just starring blankingly. It's enough to give a small child nightmares. On top of this though, the film-clip is actually really incredibly brilliant. I'm sort of lost for words in just how to describe it but the way the camera shakes with each members bopping, the way it chops from one side of the group performing to the other and just the cross fades really keeps the interest level at a high. You have no choice but to watch, it's hard to look away. Even if the band does look their thinking about killing you. This is a stunning track from a stunning album, and if I were to recommend a "tropical-punk" album to someone whose interested I would hands down go for <i>Skeleton</i>. I'm also well aware that <i>Skeleton</i> may be the only "tropical punk" album in existence but that doesn't mean it's not crap.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?nmt5li0ozbm">Abe Vigoda - Skeleton</a><br /><br /><HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=100% NOSHADE><center>Futher Information:<br><a href="http://www.myspace.com/abevigoda">Myspace Site</a> | <a href="http://www.postpresentmedium.com/home.php?records=ppmrecords">Purchase <i>Skeleton</i></a> | <a href="http://hypem.com/search/abe%20vigoda/1/">More MP3's</a></center><HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=100% NOSHADE></div>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-81325399687402240332008-11-20T22:56:00.004+11:002008-11-20T23:26:17.152+11:00Kim Salmon and The Surrealists @ Ding Dong Lounge<center><img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/2a62fjb.jpg"><i>Photos taken by Mandy Hall and can be viewed <a href="http://www.pixels-bandwidth.com/images/salmon/">here</a> along with her other work.</i></center><br /><br /><img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/2vx175h.jpg" align="right"><div align="justify">Opening up the night was <a href="http://www.myspace.com/pistonsmisfire">Pistons Misfire</a>, a ‘supergroup’ of sorts, containing members from various bands such as Kamikaze Trio, Group Seizure, Digger & the Pussycats and The Cheats. This band was loud and brash, with a clash of distorted guitar and deafening drums, as if the result if Jay Reatard collaborating with Wolf & Cub. It was punk, with psychedelic undertones but still maintaining a contemporary appeal. I admit that the Wolf & Cub comparison may appear to be somewhat lazy, as this band too had two drummers booming their way through an electric set.<br /><br />Second was one of my favourite bands <a href="http://www.myspace.com/witchhats">Witch Hats</a>, showcasing some new material. With hectic lyrics about everything and nothing at all, matched with static, manic guitar and crashing drums there is a genuine punk brutality in this band live performance, matching that of punk predecessors such as the Birthday Party. Placed amongst the newer songs were <i>Summer of Pain</i>, <i>Jock The Untold</i> and <i>Hellhole</i>, the live renderings of these dirty, sharp songs coming to life even more so, possessing a real viciousness, though hearing some of the new, unknown songs was a great indicator as to what is to come from this amazing band.<br /><br />Coming into this gig, I know very little of <a href="http://www.myspace.com/kimsalmon">Kim Salmon</a>. I knew of how influential his music in its various form (The Scientists, Beasts of Bourbon, The Surrealists) has been not only on Australian bands, but world-wide, but basically went into this blind, not knowing what to expect. The songs has a muddy distortion to them, with Salmons vocals traveling from barely-there whispers to deafening screeches and growls, with the music often doing the same, with moments of bass heavy riffs, to barley-there, almost silent spaces, strung together with piercing guitar. I was watching, and could see how this man and all of the musical catalogue he brings with him has influenced so many over the years, I could see how this band had influenced Witch Hats, who played just before them, though for some reason something about his performance just went straight over the top of me head. Whether it be that we’re just too many generations apart for me to be able to fully appreciate what he was doing, or maybe it was just a genuinely shrug-worthy performance, I am not sure. I feel somewhat disappointed in myself for not seeing what many people there obviously had seen in the past and continued to see this night, but something was just not happening for me.</div>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com98tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-70350593342189137202008-11-18T00:22:00.005+11:002008-11-19T23:59:54.795+11:00'The Bismarck' by Lost Valentinos<center><img src="http://i36.tinypic.com/2a7wf9k.jpg" /></center><img src="http://i35.tinypic.com/25a0qr7.jpg" align="right" /><div align="justify">The Lost Valentinos have finally returned after many many countless months in somewhat hiding, and what a surprising return it has been. <i>The Bismarck</i> is the name of the group's latest single. Their remix own under the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20%20http://www.myspace.com/theknifemachine%20%20">Knife Machine</a> moniker reminds me of <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/New+Order">New Order </a>and how they always did their own extended remixes - which a lot of the times were actually better than the original. I guess maybe, its a personal thing but for some reason I really prefer it if there are less vocals and the track is 50 percent longer. Its good that I can still be a little excited about an "dance punk" band in late 2008 but the Lost Valentinos' new single just gets it right. Bismark is a pretty sweet glimpse into what the group could be producing next. It's been too long since the release of their last single <i>17 Death</i>. Hopefully this time we wont have to wait as long for the album to arrive.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/lostvalentinos">Lost Valentinos - The Bismarck</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.inthemix.com.au/freedownload/get/40443">Lost Valentinos - The Bismarck (Knife Machine Remix)</a><br /><br /><hr noshade="noshade" size="1" width="100%"><center>Futher Information:<br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/lostvalentinos">Myspace Site</a> | <a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=3975244&blogID=444889576">Purchase <i>The Bismarck</i></a> | <a href="http://hypem.com/search/lost%20valentinos/1/">More MP3's</a></center><hr noshade="noshade" size="1" width="100%"></div>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com93tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-10141489845442703202008-11-13T15:24:00.002+11:002008-11-13T17:05:16.567+11:005 Songs with Children Collide<center><img src="http://i36.tinypic.com/2ugexhw.jpg"></center><br /><div align="justify">It's been a little since I've posted one of these (which I really should start doing a lot more frequently seeing as though there are so many more yet to be posted) but now that I'm trying to get things up and rolling on this website once again - and introducing some new features in the not-to-distant future - it's pretty much a perfect time to be doing this. So, all excuses aside, it's time to push forward. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/childrencollide">Children Collide</a> is possibly one of the most talked about Melbourne bands at the moment. What with a debut album now released, a stellar live reputation, and some incredible music to go with it; it was only going to be a matter of time for these guys. <i>The Long Now</i> is the name of the album and starting tomorrow night the boys are set to tour around Australia promoting it. The tour dates and supports are available at <a href="http://www.crucialmusic.com.au/images/TLN-NAT-FULL.gif">this link</a> but I also managed to steal some time from lead-vocalist Johnny Mackay for a quick interview and a '5 Songs with...' which he was only more then happy to take part in.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=F1RMIF37">Children Collide - Skeleton Dance</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U8ZL77TY">Children Collide - Chosen Armies</a><br /><br />- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br /><br /><b>JOHNNY MACKAY OF CHILDREN COLLIDE'S 5 CURRENT FAVORITES</b><br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=04EVZL9W">NEU! - Hallogallo</a><br />I’m obsessed with this band at the moment. I love the use of the driving or “motorik” beat, something I really want to explore further in my own music. Hallo Gallo embodies what I love about the feel of NEU!<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FXWDPJS8">Peter And The Wolf - Safe Travels</a><br />Cute sentimental folk from Austin, Texas. This guy writes songs that make me feel like being a character in a fairy tale. I really wanted him to look like a medieval lumberjack, but he looks more like a pro tennis player or something…anyway, check him out.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HBH35JWS">Bridezilla - Saint Francine</a><br />One of the best new bands in Australia at the moment. I love this song, recently got passed their EP and listened to it a bunch of times in a row. This song especially sticks out to me. I hope they do well.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/spacemen3">Spaceman 3 - Ecstacy In Slow Motion</a><br />This is basically the same sound repeating itself for about 9 minutes. It put me into another world the first time I heard it, so meditative and beautiful. It’s off a weird record called Dreamweapon that I had to order once I’d heard this song.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BP6QRYMS">The E.L.F. - Billie</a><br />After a tour with this brilliant man I couldn’t get this song out of my head for weeks. He knows how to write a tune, he also knows how to be a funny bastard and when he’s not dropping beats in Port Moresby he’s making videos of himself in his bedroom.<br /><br /><HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=100% NOSHADE><center>Futher Information:<br><a href="http://www.myspace.com/children collide">Myspace Site</a> | <a href="http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Product/356946/THE-LONG-NOW-%28Collector%27s-Ed-Cover%29-%28CD-And-Shirt%29">Purchase <i>The Long Now</i></a> | <a href="http://hypem.com/search/children%20collide/1/">More MP3's</a> | <a href="http://marchonelectricchildren.blogspot.com/2008/04/5-songs-with-architecture-in-helsinki.html">Watch <i>Social Currency</i></a></center><HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=100% NOSHADE></div>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-65645160504003256612008-11-08T20:55:00.002+11:002008-11-08T22:19:05.001+11:00Bodies Of Water<center><img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/2vv29f5.jpg"></center><br /><img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/14m3upd.jpg" align="right"><div align="justify">It probably seems that with every post I put together and publish I'm always speaking about bands that I absolutely love to death and couldn't live without. Well, in some cases, this is true and this one today most definitely fits under that category of "if they didn't exist, I might just die". I have to admit, I'm a late bloomer to this prog-rocking gospel-folk group but as cliched as it always sounds, it's always better late then never. It wasn't until this year's release of <i>A Certain Feeling</i> that <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bodiesofwater">Bodies Of Water</a> grabbed my attention, and every bit of it. They quite literally just blew me away, I was stunned by the creativity and the brilliance that this band is just smothered with. <br /><br /><i>Gold, Tan, Peach, and Grey</i> is this majestic churchy Arcade Fire-esque killer of an opening track that just simply sets the mood for the rest of the album, and has this flow about it that makes you want to take in what's being put in front of you, do some kind of tribal dancing, or just simply sit there in awe. And with proceeding tracks <i>Under The Pines</i>, <i>Only You</i> and <i>Water Here</i> the album just keeps on transcending through different emotions. It's really hard to pin-point just the kind of effect this album has on you. I don't know, I think for once I could just be completely lost for words and unable to describe how unbelievable <i>A Certain Feeling</i> really is. <br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?32nw5fmity2">Bodies Of Water - Under The Pines</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?tmwmmikemmm">Bodies Of Water - Darling Be Here</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?juyzkjdtjmy">Bodies Of Water - If I Were A Bell</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/2jbl4kk.jpg" align="right">There's influences coming from everywhere with this group; from 80's classics, theatre-esque bands such as <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/queen">Queen</a>, and of course, some straight up traditional prop-rock. With this album winning me over from the first listen I had to investigate their previous release <i>Ears Will Pop And Eyes Will Blink</i>. It's now obvious to see how <i>A Certain Feeling</i> got it's sound but what I like about this first release from the group is that it was actually a little bit more different and they are group who have/are progressing with their sound. This comes across as almost something <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thepolyphonicspree">The Polyphonic Spree</a> could've whipped up.<br /><br />The song-writing for this album really takes the limelight away from everything else, it's incredibly distinctive and written so exceptionally well. They incorporated all these whimsical lyricism into a blend of songs ranging once again folk to prog-rock but what really entertained me with a couple of songs is the occasional Spaghetti-Western opening's and even bridges. Bodies of Water are perfect, that's all I can say about them now. They just have everything down pat and perform it so pleasantly. Only a handful of artists can put a huge grin on my face, and I can happily add this band to the list.<br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?m2dt0noezmq">Bodies Of Water - These Are The Eyes</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?kzoi4l351z2">Bodies Of Water - I Guess I'll Forget The Sound, I Guess, I Guess</a><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?gzmjmmerawe">Bodies Of Water - It Is Familiar</a><br /><br /><HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=100% NOSHADE><center>Futher Information:<br><a href="http://www.myspace.com/bodiesofwater">Myspace Site</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=bodies+of+water&x=0&y=0">Album Catalogue</a> | <a href="http://hypem.com/search/bodies%20of%20water/1/">More MP3's</a> | <a href="http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=rlzucqre8ro"><i>I Heard It Sound</i> Video</a></center><HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=100% NOSHADE></div>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-11181428966290094522008-11-06T22:22:00.012+11:002008-11-06T23:30:32.817+11:00'Into The Chaos' by Howling Bells<center><img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/20awawg.jpg"></center><br /><img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/29d9s7t.jpg" align="right"><div align="justify">I don't know if I could be anymore excited at the moment. Not only have I managed to find some motivation to try and get Off The Record back up and running again in much a better way (did you notice the "single review" stamp on the above picture? a sign of things to come people) but in doing this, and searching around for something new and pretty damn good to post about, I happened to just visit the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/howlingbells">Howling Bells</a> website at just the right moment as their new single <i>Into The Choas</i> has just been let out into the world for people to enjoy and love. In the midst of all these "follow-up" albums that have been coming in flourishes this year, somewhere in the minds of people the question of when the Howling Bells would release a new album surely would have been floating about, somewhere. I know for me it certainly has been, and although there is no official date for the release of the next album all I can say is let the countdown begin.<br /><br />With tours coming in every direction for the band, from headliners to supporting big acts (<a href="http://www.myspace.com/thekillers">The Killers</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/placebo">Placebo</a> and currently <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mercuryrev">Mercury Rev</a>) the four-piece has seen nothing but positive feedback. I pretty much fell in love with the Howling Bells from first listen of their 2006 - and breaking - single <i>Low Happening</i>, and the self-titled album that proceeded. But with a couple of years passed by and now this hot new single in everybody's hands, this are only going to take off dramatically once again.<br /><br />The single is probably what most have come to love about the band as it takes a similar path to that of the previously mentioned song <i>Low Happening</i> and even <i>Wishing Stone</i> with it's flamboyant but structurely (yes, I made up a word) perfect drumming and guitar work. Juanita Stein's vocals are once again the stealer. There are not a lot of female vocalists around today that can really pull off the sexy rock 'n roll voice but by god Stein has got this so far down pat it's not funny. I can honestly see this single taking off, and it most certainly remind people once again that although the group has been hibernating for some time, they are still together and most definitely back with that certain something to get the senseless tingling again. <br /><br /><b>(MP3)</b> <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?tmj1zdydmxg">Howling Bells - Into The Chaos</a><br /><br /><HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=100% NOSHADE><center>Futher Information:<br><a href="http://www.myspace.com/howlingbells">Myspace Site</a> | <a href="http://independiente.greedbag.com/buy/into-the-chaos-0/">Pre-Order <i>Into The Chaos</i></a> | <a href="http://hypem.com/search/howling%20bells/1/">More MP3's</a> | <a href="http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=tPr9Zk2jiQo">Watch Live Recording</a> | <a href="http://marchonelectricchildren.blogspot.com/2008/07/5-songs-with-howling-bells.html">5 Songs with...</a></center><HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=100% NOSHADE><br /></div>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com248tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-33574956942839435212008-10-20T11:57:00.000+11:002008-10-21T12:14:47.300+11:00'Ritual' by Tic Toc Tokyo<object width="520" height="421"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IyYaoW3jaG4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IyYaoW3jaG4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="520" height="421"></embed></object><br /><br /><img src="http://i33.tinypic.com/30hudzc.jpg" align="left">This video came as a bit of a surprise, a good surprise at that. The boys in <a href="http://www.myspace.com/tictoctokyo">Tic Toc Tokyo</a> have once again shown that they are the hottest unknown thing going round Melbourne, and this video only encapsulates that even more. With news of an album coming early next year, it looks like the group could be in for some exciting times ahead. For now though, we have to make do with their single, <i>'Ritual'</i>, which isn't necessarily a bad thing at all. Try not to enjoy this.<br /><br />Tic Toc Tokyo <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1849888">Ritual</a>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-68128619821835612972008-10-07T17:45:00.003+11:002008-10-07T18:53:00.837+11:00Portugal. The Man<center><img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/m7de1w.jpg"></center><br />If you look up at the above picture you'll see a band who look like they have a bit of fun. That band, in case you hadn't picked by the post-title, is <a href="http://www.myspace.com/portugaltheman">Portugal. The Man</a>. And that photo is probably the only time you'll see the band being anything but serious. They are just one of a handful of artists that I have been following ever since their beginning and have witnessed, this one in-particular, only continue to rise up and up with each release and secure a spot safely as one of my favorite bands. Their now three albums into their career, and with their latest (and most definitely their most creative) album, <i>Censored Colors</i>, we (well, I) have noticed a band that has matured from their roots and have taken on exploring directions that people probably wouldn't have expected the band to look down at all. It's worked out superbly for them, and I think with the album being released through their own label (but also having that extra support from Equal Vision) has given them that freedom they were most likely after all along. <i>Censored Colors</i> is a huge step-up from last year's release, <i>Church Mouth</i>, and sees the group taking in influences from just about everywhere from 70's rock (they most definitely found/rediscovered the Led Zep records), vintage folk, and just about every other genre out there worth messing around with. I've spent the last couple of days just trying to think of a way to describe the sound of which Portugal. The Man have found themselves doing, and this is what I could come up with (poorly, might I add); A piano/acoustic-based less-experimental Mars Volta with shorter songs sort of. The vocals sound nothing like <a href="http://www.myspace.com/themarsvolta">The Mars Volta</a>, but I made that comparison due to the fact that the group have incorporated a wide-range of instrumentation and new structuring of their songs that has that familiarity (just listen to the fade between <i>'New Orleans'</i> and <i>'Never Pleased'</i> and you'll see). <i>Censored Colors</i> is probably one of only a handful of albums released this year that I have not gotten sick of at any stage of the album's progression, and definitely one I'm not shy of putting on repeat. I was by no-means disappointed with <i>Church Mouth</i> last year, but I did see some struggles and worrying signs and it pleases me to say that this is a band that has truly found themselves now. Their confident, their rousing, their everything I want at this current moment, and produced a 15-track album worth more then just one listen. Album of the Year contender? You better believe it.<br /><br />Portugal. The Man <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1825478">Lay Me Back Down</a><br />Portugal. The Man <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1825489">New Orleans</a> / <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1825496">Never Pleased</a><br />Portugal. The Man <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1825501">1989</a><br /><br /><center>Purchase <i>Censored Colors</i>.<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Censored-Colors-Portugal-Man/dp/B001DSNG0Y"><img src="http://images.livedaily.com/artists/cd-portugaltheman-censored.jpg" height="125"></a></center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-60934986263437146922008-10-06T14:24:00.006+11:002008-10-06T17:36:00.246+11:00Voltaire Twins<center><img src="http://i35.tinypic.com/2be87a.jpg"></center><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/voltairetwins">Voltaire Twins</a> are from Perth and are a sister/brother duo. They make pretty catchy rudimentary pop music. They have recently supported <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ladytron">Ladytron </a>and played Parklife. Their early demos consist of two tracks, <i>'Disco Inteligence Light'</i> and <i>'London</i>. <i>'Disco Intelligence Light'</i> will probably get most people's attention with its charming <a href="http://www.myspace.com/glasscandy">Glass Candy </a>meets <a href="http://myspace.com/crystalcastles">Crystal Castles </a>aesthetic. Personally I'm beginning to despise the whole "8-bit" glitchy sound but I think I'm part of a minority, so I'm sure people are going to love this. Where they really shine is <i>'London'</i>, with its brooding synth patterns interceding delicate boy/girl vocals. It has a real vulnerability and honesty to it that is rare.<br /><br />Voltaire Twins - <a href="http://www.triplejunearthed.com/GetFile/356592/Disco%20Intelligent%20Light%202.mp3">Disco Intelligence Light</a><br />Voltaire Twins - <a href="http://www.triplejunearthed.com/GetFile/294476/01%20London%21.mp3">London </a>(highly recommended)Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-34938023035970761862008-09-23T20:46:00.003+10:002008-09-23T22:16:43.208+10:00Ladytron<center><img src="http://i33.tinypic.com/14j3g2b.jpg"></center><br />Winston's post yesterday has reminded me that I needed to post this <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ladytron">Ladytron</a> one I wrote up months ago, better late then never, hey? It's been three years now since Ladytron's last (and arguably their most definitive) release, <i>Witching Hour</i>. The foursome return with their new album <i>Velocifero</i>, which has taken just under a year to structure, produce and officially release. The group haven't expanded too much on their sound, still sticking with the echoing electronic-noir sound, but also having delved deeper and thrown in a few noticeable gimmicks here and there. It works off a treat; it leaves an impact with each synth angsty beat that comes with each track and leaves us just as curious for the next song to follow. The albums opening tracks <i>Ghosts</i> and <i>I'm Not Scared</i> both reek of single material, and could both do the same wonders as what 'Seventeen' did for the band back in their hey-day. Helen Marnie's vocals are eerie and ghastly but at the same time have this softness and rocky attitude within it. Helen provides that extra edge for the group and in the final outcome blends in the flow and stir of the album. Overall, the album wont stir already fans but will welcome new fans quite persuasively. Catch Ladytron as they head around the Australia in the next week, and also taking in Adelaide's Parklife Festival as co-headliners with Peaches.<br /><br />Ladytron <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1803510">Ghosts</a><br />Ladytron <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1803535">I'm Not Scared</a><br /><br /><center>Purchase <i>Velocifero</i> and watch the video for <i>Ghosts</i>.<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Velocifero-Ladytron/dp/B0017V7GLC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1222171760&sr=1-1"><img src="http://mescritiques.be/IMG/arton668.jpg" height="125"></a> <object width="152" height="125"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9yaEwcmrR4Q&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9yaEwcmrR4Q&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="152" height="125"></embed></object></center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-85060633177940356622008-09-22T13:11:00.000+10:002008-09-23T20:10:11.941+10:00Fluorescent<center><img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/2j27qtu.jpg"></center><br />The fact that I wasn't aware of <a href="http://www.myspace.com/fluorescentmelb">Fluorescent</a> until this morning is really a testament to the diversity and strength of the Australia music scene. Their style is somewhere between <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/mybloodyvalentine">My Bloody Valentine</a> and <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/New+Order">New Order</a>. This is most obvious in their track Unfamiliar with begins with a primitive synthetic drum sequence which slowly begins to segue into a dense drowning wall of guitar. Really endearing stuff.<br /><br />They have been on the scene for a few years and have played with <a href="http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=3&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myspace.com%2Fmidnightjuggernauts&ei=tmnYSMbMCqCSsQOK4bH5DA&usg=AFQjCNE29xEWH0Yf03qKt8RtkgE9S9mvsQ&sig2=1KxHGvPQ4zvzk9EfGcc3pQ">Midnight Juggernauts</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprofile.myspace.com%2Findex.cfm%3Ffuseaction%3Duser.viewprofile%26friendid%3D85315961&ei=2WnYSO-HB6CSsQPU4cn5DA&usg=AFQjCNHU_0Q18tzS7VVr92Izdy2E0COzdg&sig2=2dhR9GC6tG0x50Zf-alErA">PNAU</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/cutcopy">Cut Copy</a>. You can catch them on the 4th of October supporting <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/ladytron">Ladytron</a> at their third and final Show in Melbourne at the Esplanade Hotel (I know I will be there).<br /><br />Fluorescent - <a href="http://www.triplejunearthed.com/GetFile/352663/02%20Sleeping.mp3">Sleeping</a><br />Fluorescent - <a href="http://www.triplejunearthed.com/GetFile/354361/08%20Collapse.mp3">Collapse</a><br />Fluorescent - <a href="http://www.triplejunearthed.com/GetFile/337157/Unfamiliar.mp3">Unfamiliar </a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Their Album Winter is available for free from their <a href="http://www.fluorescent.com.au/">website</a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://download141.mediafire.com/mlij5mzmpvng/yfwgny51vx8/FluorescentWinter.zip"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryultS35TOO7pIoyFLJBX6GS-udA6rZujOw2ofYKlUdIy7fCi4cRmE4FsdLQC2YDwfq2LOrfNuInNoS_bNxFHYnysPxGdbAxdPp0cT3f3ueamXFy_VA0cWVRiYMcd6Yi2AfJZvg/s200/08003_Cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249058936114063410" border="0" /></a>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-54682761031049518962008-09-20T16:45:00.000+10:002008-09-23T21:03:41.230+10:00Pepi Ginsberg<center><img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/f0rlld.jpg"></center><br />There's just something about <a href="http://www.myspace.com/pepiginsberg">Pepi Ginsberg</a> that has me infatuated. With every listen of this singer/song-writer's album, <i>Red</i>, I find myself only going back for another listen, and then another listen on top of that. The album was produced by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/drdog">Dr. Dog</a>'s Scott McMicken and with his expertise behind the desk he was able to expand Ginsberg's vintage feel and make it a compelling album. Her vocals are invigorating and layered with emotion that only further encapsulates whoever listens. Pepi's influences range from everywhere, most notably being that of Bob Dylan, but also the likes of Jolie Holland (perhaps a little more upbeat) and vocal influence (most notably through <i>In My Bones</i>) has got to be from Patti Smith. She creates the sort of music that's nostalgic, covered with this analog feel and would even fit nicely into the soundtrack for a Gondry film. <br /><br />Pepi Ginsberg <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1799266">The Waterline</a><br />Pepi Ginsberg <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1799284">In My Bones</a><br />Pepi Ginsberg <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1799292">Ghosts Of Perdition</a><br /><br /><center>Purchase <i>Red</i> and watch the video for <i>The Waterline</i>.<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Pepi-Ginsberg/dp/B00154GEG4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1221981052&sr=1-1"><img src="http://images.jambase.com/bands/Wednesday/Red.jpg" height="125"></a> <object width="152" height="125"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wJ4l6UOrozU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wJ4l6UOrozU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="152" height="125"></embed></object> </center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-21848160207277630432008-09-17T22:40:00.004+10:002008-09-21T17:31:11.882+10:005 Songs with Whitley<center><img src="http://i36.tinypic.com/dyaiag.jpg"></center><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/whitleymusic">Whitley</a> is one of those indescribable artists that only comes around very rarely. It's astonishing to believe how much he (Lawrence Greenwood) has achieved in such a short span, and at a young age (and it's even sweeter that his Victorian). His won fans world-wide, and sold out shows at just about every pub and venue to fit a decent sized crowd around Australia. It is with this that it is no surprise that Whitley he soon to pack up the bags and head off to America for a monthly stint with everybody's favorite pop-folk dream boy, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/benkweller">Ben Kweller</a>. Whitley plays one more show (and it's sold out, who would have thought?) before heading off but prior to this taking place I manage to grab some time and convince Whitley to compile a '5 Songs with' for everybody. Enjoy.<br /><br />Whitley <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1752226">I Remember</a><br />Whitley <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1752233">Lost In Time</a><br /><br />- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br /><br /><b>WHITLEY'S 5 FAVORITE SONGS</b><br /><br />Arcade Fire <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1792201">Intervention</a><br />I love the way that it lulls you into it's tune. Then there is this rise and a KEY CHANGE! I'd never go there. Key changes can sound so dubious, unless you're in a cool jazz lounge, and really jazz is not cool. So, the chances of good key changes are pretty minimal these days.<br /><br />The National <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1792215">Fake Empire</a><br />The timing, I'm not sure what it is, is cool. It's like the three into four vibe. It's been recorded by Peter Katis so well. The vocals are beautiful. The lyrics are nice too. I want to see a one man band perform it.<br /><br />Rufus Wainwright <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1792253">The Art Teacher</a><br />A great song of forbidden love and admiration. I feel like a schoolgirl when I listen to this song. A very manly, very straight schoolgirl.<br /><br />Washington <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1792269">Lightwell</a><br />She wrote this song about a homeless musician who lived in a lightwell in a house in Carlton. I don't think her album is out yet but from the tracks I've heard, it's going to be a cracker.<br /><br />The Panics <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1752250">Get Us Home</a><br />When I toured with these guys, I would hang out for this song every night. Great arrangements, great strings, awesome lyrics. They are so powerful when they play this live. Myles looks like he's going to snap his arms, he hits the drums so hard. Myles is also like a schoolgirl, he has very soft skin, like a princess.<br /><br />- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br /><br /><center>Previous '5 Songs with'.<br /><a href="http://marchonelectricchildren.blogspot.com/2008/09/5-songs-with-mew.html">Click Me</a> <a href="http://marchonelectricchildren.blogspot.com/2008/08/5-songs-with-liars.html">Click Me</a> <a href="http://marchonelectricchildren.blogspot.com/2008/08/5-songs-with-animal-collective.html">Click Me</a><br /><img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/14j5kbn.jpg"> <img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/nqpvfa.jpg"> <img src="http://i35.tinypic.com/ra7zty.jpg"></center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-53276584613199001832008-09-14T18:59:00.003+10:002008-09-14T19:48:38.401+10:00Fan Death<center><img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/w7ixdz.jpg"></center><br />I'd like to introduce everyone to a group that will be the most talked about in 2009. They go by the name of <a href="http://www.myspace.com/fandeath">Fan Death</a>, and these past couple of weeks have been popping up on just about all of the well-known blogs around the world. There's always an artist that comes along out of nowhere and just creates this massive hype around them, and become one of the most talked about items (take MGMT for example). I'm getting some real Kate Bush cross Goblin vibes about this duo, which actually is really refreshing to hear. They do a nice little take on that weird sort of 80's pop, and just to further creep you out, include some eerily spooky vocals that are unbelievably deep and invigorating. There's not much music around to judge the group by, but from the looks of it Erol Alkan has snapped the duo up and is releasing a 7' inch through his label in the not to distant future. <br /><br />Fan Death <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1786479">The Constellations</a><br />Fan Death <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1786490">The Son Will Rise</a><br />Fan Death <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1786496">Veronica's Veil</a>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-53134098690129014442008-09-11T11:09:00.001+10:002008-09-13T11:42:55.118+10:00Jeremy Jay<center><img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/2vt2v4o.jpg"></center><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/jeremyjay">Jeremy Jay</a>'s music is one of a story-telling nature, much in the same vein as Jonathan Richman's solo work. His songs are short and sweet and, as described by himself, "influenced by dreams and the more fantastic surrealist sensibility linked with the French New Wave". His intriguing to say the least, for there's obvious influences ranging from Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, to even the likes of Francois Hardy and David Bowie (<i>Hunky Dory</i> days) but this textural blend of slow dance ballads and over the top fuzzed-out guitar work is something worthy of an applause. Jeremy is backed by a three piece band containing none-other then the extraordinary Yasmine Smith (ex-Lost Kids), Ilya Malinsky (well known rock-critic) and Nick Pahl who all come from diverse backgrounds. <i>A Place Where We Could Go</i> is filled with teenage fantasies, childish lyrics, and moody pop. He is America's answer to Jens Lekman, and tracks such as <i>'Hold Me In Your Arms Tonight'</i>, <i>'The Living Dolls'</i>, and <i>'Oh, Bright Young Things'</i> are perfect examples. This album is for the lonely, the together and everything in-between. It's a trip down nostalgic lane and an album of unprecedented instrumentation. Most definitely one to hold on to.<br /><br />Jeremy Jay <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1784258">Hold Me In Your Arms Tonight</a><br />Jeremy Jay <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1784264">The Living Dolls</a><br />Jeremy Jay <a href="http://www.savefile.com/files/1784271">Oh, Bright Young Things</a><br /><br /><center>Purchase <i>A Place Where We Could Go</i>.<br /><a href="http://popfrenzy.com.au/records/48:a-place-where-we-could-go"><img src="http://popfrenzy.com.au/img/releases/jeremy_jay_album_cover_pic_site.jpg" height="125"></a></center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-34586860580916105902008-09-08T19:12:00.003+10:002008-09-08T20:27:53.735+10:005 Songs with Mew<center><img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/2ai2bef.jpg"></center><br />Mew is probably one of the most interesting bands I have come across, and to be honest if it weren't for Jacq (a previous Off The Record contributor, and a Mew fanatic) I might not have even come to know the band at all. Their a band focussed deeply in the music they create, and aren't happy unless it's 100% up to their standards. Their prog-rock at it's finest and most experimental with instrumentation that sends readers into a sense of loss. With all the love and worship for their music aside, it is with great pleasure I post one of my favorite '5 Songs with...'. Jonas Bjerre, lead singer of the band, was very kind enough to take some time out from the band's heavily induced studio recording time to talk a bit about what's happening at the moment in the Mew camp and of course, put together this 5 song playlist for everyone. There's not a lot more I can say, so without more writing space wasted, let's get on with it.<br /><br />Mew <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/05%20Apocalypso.mp3">Apocalypso</a><br />Mew <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/06%20Special.mp3">Special</a><br /><br /><br />- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br /><br /><b>JONAS BJERRE OF MEW'S TOP 5 SONGS.</b><br /><br />Scott Walker <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/Scott%20Walker%20Raining%20Today.mp3">It's Raining Today</a><br />I really admire him for taking what was essentially popular music to a much darker place. This song is a beautiful one in itself - but what really makes it interesting are the discordant strings in the right speaker (or is it the left one?). And of course, his voice is mesmerizing.<br /><br />Stina Nordenstam <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/Stina%20Nordenstam%20-%20Little%20Star.mp3">Little Star</a><br />This is a perfect pop song if pop music was actually allowed to be this perfect.<br />Her voice is so haunting and unique and her lyrics conjure up nightmares and difficult situations. That whole album is tremendous. It's hard to pick just one song. Somehow the Scandinavian moody jazz tone in the production of this album works wonders. Any other artist and I probably would not like it. She also made albums with much wilder, more raw production, but this is my fave.<br /><br />Pixies <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/Pixies_No._13_Baby.mp3">No.13 Baby</a><br />Who can choose one Pixies song? It's impossible. What a band they were, their blend of incredible pop tunes mixed with that strange aggression and surreal, violent (and often funny) lyrics which all unite into what only they can do. I chose this track because there is a magic moment in which a Mexican-sounding fairly aggressive song about a girl with a tattooed tit suddenly and unexpectedly changes into a hauntingly beautiful and sad guitar theme, the kind you want to go on forever.<br /><br />The Swirlies <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/swirlies_san%20cristabal%20de%20las%20casas.mp3">San Cristobal de las Casas</a><br />They are one of our biggest influences. This rather progressive and noisy, yet strangely melodic song is one of the best tracks off their second album.<br /><br />Laurie Anderson <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/LAURIE_ANDERSON_-_O_Superman.mp3">O Superman (For Massenet)</a><br />"So hold me mom, in your long arms"<br /><br />- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br /><br /><center>Previous '5 Songs with".<br /><a href="http://marchonelectricchildren.blogspot.com/2008/08/5-songs-with-liars.html">Click Me</a> <a href="http://marchonelectricchildren.blogspot.com/2008/08/5-songs-with-animal-collective.html">Click Me</a> <a href="http://marchonelectricchildren.blogspot.com/2008/07/5-songs-with-howling-bells.html">Click Me</a><br /><img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/nqpvfa.jpg"> <img src="http://i35.tinypic.com/ra7zty.jpg"> <img src="http://i33.tinypic.com/k13lo6.jpg"></center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-81440217018119879522008-09-06T20:24:00.003+10:002008-09-07T20:57:04.596+10:00Tilly And The Wall<center><img src="http://i35.tinypic.com/35jid0i.jpg"></center><br />I remember two years back when listening to <a href="http://www.myspace.com/officialtillyandthewall">Tilly And The Wall</a> was something so innocent and nostalgic. It's amazing what two years can do to a band, and their music, it's not so clean and fun now; this band is serious. With their third album <i>(O)</i>, they have so much more attitude and angst it's really hard to believe your actually listening to them. There's still the sing-a-longs, the fun loving, and dance-crazed toe-taps but there's just so much more layers now. It's phenomenal to listen too. They've transformed their energy of declarative exuberance in another direction. I mean come on! There's saxophones now? And an actual drum-kit (only in a few songs)? And this whole Americana-Western feel? There's even swear words!? What's going on here? Okay, this really does need to be listened too to fully understand. Tilly And The Wall's hard working lifestyle has completely paid off for them, it's a given. I'm just gobsmacked at how much this group has changed. I need to sit down, this is too much.<br /><br />Tilly And The Wall <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/02%20Pot%20Kettle%20Black.mp3">Pot Kettle Black</a><br />Tilly And The Wall <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/04%20I%20Found%20You.mp3">I Found You</a><br />Tilly And The Wall <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/07%20Dust%20Me%20Off.mp3">Dust Me Off</a><br /><br /><center>Purchase <i>(O)</i> and watch the video for <i>Pot Kettle Black</i>.<br /><a href="http://www.dew-process.com"><img src="http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9981/image002ec8.jpg" height="125"></a> <object width="152" height="125"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/E7HjBr_QMXI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/E7HjBr_QMXI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="152" height="125"></embed></object></center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-76084973286861629902008-09-05T19:45:00.003+10:002008-09-07T20:23:36.120+10:00Scary Mansion<center><img src="http://i36.tinypic.com/1hr0k6.jpg"></center><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/scarymansion">Scary Mansion</a> is a recent discover I made by accident. You know when your checking out music on Myspace (the cool and hip way) and you just find bands through bands that just extend into other bands? Well, that's how it happened. Don't ask me the direct path I took to find Leah Hayes solo project but it's turned out to be one of those small miracles. Hayes is also a novelist, so it's with any wonder why her music is so complex and each song told to such a great detail which makes her debut album, <i>Every Joke Is Half The Truth</i>, a new and in-focus listen. It's intriguing, it draws you in from the very beginning, and above all it's just flat out weird and gloomy. It's not depressing though, which just adds more confusement, but go with me on this. Hayes fits nicely into the anti-folk genre, that as of late seems to be making quite the comeback. If your a fan of Cat Power, or even My Brightest Diamond, and don't mind a bit of story-telling you really should go past this girl.<br /><br />Scary Mansion <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/Scary%20Mansion%20-%20Sharkish%20Sea.mp3">Sharkish Sea</a><br />Scary Mansion <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/Scary%20Mansion%20-%20Scum%20Inside.mp3">Scum Inside</a><br /><br /><center>Purchase <i>Every Joke Is Half The Truth</i>.<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Every-Joke-Truth-Scary-Mansion/dp/B00126U240"><img src="http://media.prefixmag.com/site_media/uploads/images/reviews/s/scary-mansion/150x150_scary-mansion-every-joke-is.jpg" height="125"></a></center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-77473331348647829842008-09-04T19:27:00.002+10:002008-09-07T19:51:33.092+10:00'Keeping It Clean' by Songs<object width="520" height="421"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wuMyAou4JCE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wuMyAou4JCE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="520" height="421"></embed></object><br /><br /><img src="http://i36.tinypic.com/xl9dlt.jpg" align="left">For those of you who are completely unaware of who <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ssongsssongs">Songs</a> are, and what they are all about; firstly I say for shame and secondly I say it's never too late. With just an EP under their name, and split EP on the horizon with <a href="http://www.myspace.com/loveofdiagrams">Love Of Diagrams</a>, this Sydney four-piece are making waves and huge impressions. Their a band that knows what they are really doing and doing it incredibly well, and it shows so much in their recordings. <i>'Keeping It Clean'</i> is the lead single off the self-titled EP (which was released through Pop Frenzy a few months back), and it is exactly that. It's nothing to bewildering but it has just as much of an effect as something out of this world. For some reason I'm getting vibes of mellow Sonic Youth and Go-Betweens. Each to their own I guess.<br /><br />Songs <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/02%20Keeping%20It%20Clean.mp3">Keeping It Clean</a><br />Songs <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/01%20KC%27s%20In%20Trouble.mp3">KC's In Trouble</a><br /><br /><center>Purchase the self-titled EP.<br /><a href="http://www.popfrenzy.com.au"><img src="http://a258.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/58/l_e53bea7c79ec91de3f9cfc797231f079.jpg" height="125"></a></center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21373026.post-29183962582105996432008-09-02T15:26:00.003+10:002008-09-02T16:38:33.854+10:00My Morning Jacket<center><img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/2isk1gn.jpg"></center><br />I don't think it's hard to figure out that Off The Record is in-fact named after the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mymorningjacket">My Morning Jacket</a> song of the same title, which featured on the group's stunning 2005 release <i>Z</i>. So in saying that we here all have a little soft-spot for the band, whether we be huge fans or not. Today marks some exciting news, as it's finally been announced (after being rumoured for so many months) that the boys will be heading down to Australia in January to take part in the Big Day Out Festival. With that though, comes even more exciting news that they will also be supporting <a href="http://www.myspace.com/neilyoung">Neil Young</a> on his sideshows (who has just been announced to headline BDO as well). I couldn't be more happier with this. Both artists are such an obvious pairing, and with a new album, <i>Evil Urges</i>, under MMJ's belt that just throws you around with emotion teasers, flamboyant jams and a signature sound fans have come to love, there's no doubting MMJ are going to be some crowd favorites this coming Summer. Start counting down the days now, this is definitely going to be something special.<br /><br />My Morning Jacket <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/03%20Highly%20Suspicious.mp3">Highly Suspicious</a><br />My Morning Jacket <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/08%20Librarian.mp3">Librarian</a><br />My Morning Jacket <a href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/31/2074376/05%20Off%20The%20Record.mp3">Off The Record</a><br /><br /><b>NEIL YOUNG & MY MORNING JACKET AUSTRALIAN SUMMER TOUR '09</b><br /><br />Jan 21: Entertainment Centre, Brisbane<br />Jan 24: Entertainment Centre, Sydney<br />Jan 28: Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne<br /><br />Tickets on sale 19 September.<br /><br /><center>Purchase <i>Evil Urges</i> and watch the video for <i>I'm Amazed</i>.<br /><a href="http://spunk.com.au/shop/index.html"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/02/MMJ_EvilUrges.jpg" height="125"></a> <object width="152" height="125"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AzdoOGUsEKg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AzdoOGUsEKg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="152" height="125"></embed></object></center>Off The Recordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13723101887863792777noreply@blogger.com3