They'll Suck You Dry Until You Bleed.
Labels: Molly
Please do not assume the length or the manner of this post reflects the purpose or the brilliance of the artists mentioned. If anything, the collection of these songs I am sharing with you, dear readers, are the most beautiful, creative, and amazing songs that make you think "wow.. music can make everything alright". You know when you get that tingly feeling that doesn't subside until you have listened to the track, about .. 50 times? Well I know these tracks do it for me.
These songs leave me speechless, please also check out the artist's websites for info. Enjoy.
Sparkadia
The Last Thing You Need
Clatter Clatter
Just To Say
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson
Buriedfed
Isaac De Heer
Visiting Hours
You little ones in Melbourne are most certainly lucky, you can catch Isaac de Heer, tomorrow, and on the 18th June;
1st June Edinburgh Castle: Brunswick, Melbourne
18th June 'The Spot': Brunswick, Melbourne
What…? Is it 10PM on a Saturday night? Why yes it is. And I, Molly Frances Blain, am home. Maybe I am just a grumpy ol’ woman (I'm only 20! Haha). I just find going out these days to be a total let down. I don’t even begin with hopes to crash. Rather end with an early cab ride home with frivolous conversation with the cab driver. They are always so friendly. "Left here please, right here thank you". You’d be surprised how many cab drivers DON’T have GPS Navigational Systems. Labels: Molly
Labels: Molly
Labels: Molly
Labels: Molly
Labels: Molly
Labels: Molly
As people may or may not have noticed, one valued member of the Off The Record team has been absent from posting this year. Although she has tried her hardest to make posts here and there, and add in her little thoughts as well, she has been extremely overwhelmed in her life at the moment, and thus she has decided it was time to leave the website to pursue a career. For those of who who may not know who I'm talking about, I'm talking about our Singaporean writer Jacq. She has been with the team for a long time now, almost since the beginning, and has contributed some real interesting and extraordinary posts over the months. Everyone here who is apart of Off The Record would dearly like to Jacq for her contributions and hopes that whatever she may choose to do in life, she does it with flying colours. She will most definitely be missed around here. Thank you Jacq!
This week brings a far more relaxed and chilled mix. I hope it tantalises everyone’s tastebuds all the same! I have not specially recruited these tunes, in the hopes of finding something to share – rather these come from my private collection. I hope these songs will bring you safely home from your daily activities; happy, sad, or whatever it may be. Labels: Molly
Labels: Molly
Labels: Molly
Molly's Tracks
Yes I am blabbering. Sorry, sorry. I will stop now.. Or not. I may insert absolutely hilarious commentary every now and then.
As you may have realised I have not posted in a while. Yes, I slap my hand for you. Naughty Molly. However I do have a bunch of tracks that I KNOW you will love. Today I have found some great tracks in the midst of procrastinating from university projects, studies, yadda yadda. It kept my day moving (however this leather jacket I found today was another ingredient in my ploughing forward through my academic studies, strange huh?).
Gnarls Barkley Going On
Alright, so as you may have noticed I am not one who will say “_____ is releasing their debut album late May”. I’m not one for informative, uhh information? I may do a little search-er-oo occasionally for the pleasure of my readers – not today, not tonight. This track has been doing the rounds on the blogs worldwide. I am not AT ALL a past Gnarls Barkley fan. This song has made me think otherwise. I very much look forward to hearing the album. From what I’ve heard you can actually listen to the FULL-LENGTH album on Barkley’s MySpace. Guess what fool, it’s BACKWARDS. Haha.
Primary One Hold Me Down (Shoes Remix)
So this track has been flogged across FBi, and I am sure a few of you have heard it. Despite the almost “saturation of the market” (a marketing term, I am applying my university knowledge into this post, wow), I am still going to share it with you all. It’s an upbeat track that will enable some foot tapping, head bopping movements. Again, a good Gym Playlist track. It gets you going, and KEEPS you going.
Patrick Watson Drifters
Ok, we are going to slow it down ladies and gentlemen. This track is simply orchestrated in harmony with itself, and the lyrics. I received Watson’s album “Close To Paradise”, and instantly fell in love with this track, and “Luscious Life”. The build up in presence and tempo really allows for a powerful song, paired with such a subtle and comforting voice – it really is special. The only thing bad about this song, I can think of; is that I have listened to it far too many times. Those little parts in the track get me every time, right at 3:00 minutes – the effect of his voice through a distorted, almost megaphone like contraption. Purely superb!
The Notwist Boneless
I just found this track, within about 30 minutes. I have heard it floating about, yet now I have my little hands … Well, ears, on it. It’s rawness and honesty really allows for the friendliness twanged with sadness to flow through. The traditional instruments of percussion are intertwined with more electronic and technical insertions, which rid this track of any predictability. Pity it only goes for 2:55 minutes.
Bad Veins Fake Baby
This track is amazing. It’s so great, and much like FBi’s Dan Zilber explained, this is definitely going to be seen in some episode of Grey’s Anatomy, or perhaps even home-grown Underbelly (wait that’s over.. right?). This song is so wonderful. “I know you would run away with me, you know you can count on me completely. No matter how.. I got you fake baby”. Not much into analysing lyrics too much, nor am I going to start now, however this track really is so almost painfully slow, but this simply adds to the intensity of the tracks. Do enjoy!
Also just a quick note: Check out this Website. It’s amazing, it’s basically an online record label (as the name suggests!), with a whole bunch of great artists: RCRDLBL.COM. Some of the tracks I have posted actually direct you to this website, a few tracks I have myself are from this website – I don’t like to re-host them on my own accord, given it’s their handywork that enabled me to have them!
Until next time...
P.S. Scarlet Johansson’s Tom Waits’ covers aren’t too bad. A little dry and sad, but perhaps she’s channelling Tom Waits?
PARADES
Hello strangers, haven’t seen you all in a while! I must apologise for my lack of presence in Off The Record, however I will make a conscious effort to post a mix every fortnight, Molly’s Sunday Mix will be back!
I have a little something special for you all today. PARADES are a testament to what beautiful Sydney has to offer. Hailing from Sydney’s North-West, PARADES provoke a sense of vividness through their combination of Guitars, keys, computers, glockenspiels, drums, and other assorted household items. Their explosive material is concocted in their “stately garage”, adding to the presence and adventure of listening to their beautiful music.
They are getting a fair bit of airplay through Sydney’s FBi radio, after they dropped in their demo to the station’s open day! PARADES are also playing a set at the Annandale for the Jager Uprising. This band is very promising, very promising indeed.
You can check PARADES out at these upcoming gigs:
Sunday 6th April at SPECTRUM, Sydney
Tuesday 15th April at Annandale for Jager Uprising
Friday 16th May for MUM at World Bar in Sydney’s Kings Cross
PARADES Shut Up & Be Young
PARADES Invaders
PARADES MySpace
We're Catching Bullets In Our Teeth...
Hello all. Another lengthy absence from me. Again, duty calls with what is known to us as life – however, here is a lovely mixture of what I fill my existence with. The sounds that accompany the movements of my body through minutes, hours, days and weeks.
Liam Finn Second Chance
This boy has been causing a slight ruckus amongst forums and blogs. Whether being Neil Finn’s son is a blessing or a curse – is beside the point, despite past criticism. Finn’s Kiwi accent lingers through out various songs and you can hear that twang of Neil Finn in there in the undercurrent of beautiful music – however what do you expect, like father like son. In this case, we have a very talented and almost magical musician on our hands.
Shout Out Louds Tonight I Have To Leave It (Kleerup Remix)
Now to get things a little more … uhh exciting? Here is a great track; you all know I love my remixes. The SOL’s always give me this ‘the cure’-esque feeling to them. The intensity of the vocals at some points are very Robert Smith-ish (2:48 mins) – to be precise! This song will keep you moving, I guarantee you – if it can have me running on the treadmill for ten minutes – I can’t imagine the future possibilities for all of you!
Scott Matthews Elusive
Back to another dreamy slow song that I can’t seem to stray away from. Such a great track, Elusive will have you just sitting still in the beauty of the subtle and simple sounds. This song requires no additional notes. Download, listen, and merely enjoy!
Tunng Bullets
Another UK artist, you’ll hear Tunng all over the airwaves these days, & why the hell not? This track is the second single from ‘Good Arrows’. Tunng play a mesmerising mix of folky acoustics and busy electronica, overlaying electronic crackles, gorgeous harmonies, bewitching mantras and synthetic beats.
The Panics Don’t Fight It
A few days ago I purchased Aussie band, ‘The Panics’, latest album; Cruel Guards – and what the album! It came as a double CD set, with the second CD, ‘Join the Dots’, compiled of 5 tracks of cover songs. Covers include ‘Just Like a Woman’, a great track from Bob Dylan and a few other treasures. This song, however is their first single from the album, again you might hear this little jewel floating amongst the airwaves!
Black Kids I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
Ok so I have gone all AWOL and decided to give you a whole bunch of tracks to keep you moving through the rest of the week! I know which tracks to give you – based on the response my body gives while listening to them at the gym. This song is a sure hit with my muscles! A slinky, sleek and almost amusing track to talk with, dream with, or to even get on the cross-trainer with!
I hope you enjoyed this instalment of my fabulous – or not so fabulous – mix! I have mashed this one up a little bit with ups & downs and arounds! Right, that doesn’t make sense but what the hell. A mix to match the weather, a girls mood, or even how a day can be so bad, but then oh so good!
You Were Pulled Away From The Ocean...
YES! It’s yet another installment of Molly’s Mix! I know you kids miss my tracks very much! I am the fire in your loins! Haha no? Well that’s alright. Here are some fabulous tunes to get you through this hectic week ahead! May you walk with a bounce in your step and a sparkle in your eye!
The Shins Australia (Peter Bjorn and John Remix)
As many may know, I in fact do not like The Shins. I am sure many of you will be proclaiming obscenities through your computer screens at me. Yeah well too bad, I don’t like them! BUT, this track is amazing. It is very Peter, Bjorn & John-ish; much like you’d expect.. I am pointing out the clearly obvious aren’t I? Well this track will have you so happy that you have me to tell/suggest fabulous tracks for your listening pleasure!
Feist 1234 (Van She Technologic Remix)
Yes it’s the track that you hear on FBI & JJJ all the time, AND the track featured in Ebay’s commercials. A clear choice for VS Tech for such a track to remix. This song is upbeat, and perhaps slightly flirtatious. I can’t help to think, however, that it is slightly out of date. The booming beats and bass driven undertones are slighty (shock horror) last season.
Rilo Kiley Silver Lining
This song is simply marvelous. The music is so subtle and comforting. I love sitting on the train to & from the CBD, looking out the window – listening to this track. The serene vocals and accompanying enchanting instrumental masterpieces are beautiful. MySpace seem to have their act together – I noticed Rilo Kiley as a featured artist on the main page! More & more people are becoming more and more music literate! I don’t know whether to rejoice or to cry!
New Buffalo Cheer Me Up, Thank You
Fiest’s pal, Sally Seltmann – has the most incredible voice, as you all must know. I actually used to think of her as boring, how dare I!! This track is an illustrious song to come home to, to sing to your lover or to sing to yourself. The pureness and elegance that connect seamlessly is very much a magnum opus! (I have always wanted to say ‘magnum opus’ – so transformers hahaha)
Enjoy!
Wowza !!!
Bonjour!
Or shall I say “HI I HAVE NOT SEEN YOU IN ABOUT A MILLION YEARS?!” Ok so maybe not a million, but hello! I have basically been on hiatus – ok not really I just really wanted to use that word in a sentence. Right so I know you have all desperately missed my beautiful, lyrical and musically ingenious weekly/fortnightly/yearly (ha!) blogs/posts. But I cannot really say you missed me, actually, now can I? I must say all the music you little chaps are being graced with by my lovely co-bloggers are nothing but miraculous!!
Enough chat and more music right?
The Klaxons My Love (JT Cover)
As many have heard; Klaxons had to cancel their tour to Australia. Yes, that means cancellations on the beloved Splendour in the Grass. Never fear; Hot Chip has gladly stepped in to fill the set with a DJ set. I know it will be amazing. Expect to hear tracks off their DJ Kicks compilation (features My Piano – which I posted quite some time ago, which might I say got an absolute beating in downloads). As for this track – like a pal of mine said: this would be amazing if it was properly recorded. It certainly shits on JT’s version regardless.
Spoon The Underdog
Spoon’s new instalment “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga” is a sure hit. With mentions in many mainstream newspapers (mX to name one), it is all but smooth sailing for Spoon. This instalment in short – the album only accumulates to just over a half hour of tantalising music. Do not let that fool you – in this case; it is certainly quality over quantity, which many musicians over look with their additions of “fill-in tracks”. You know what I’m talking about – Uh-huh.
Silversun Pickups Lazy Eye (Curtis Vodka Remix)
Everyone (who knows me) knows how I adore fabulous remixes. Don’t get me wrong – there are some that turn out horribly wrong. This song takes this track to a new height. A typical indie track – which is usually not in my taste – however my mother and I quite enjoy watching the Drummer with his head down, fringe long just beating his skins (drums) like there is no tomorrow – in their clip for Lazy Eye. The introduction of great African inspired conga drums and other percussion instruments interlock amazingly for this track.
Hot Chip No Fit State
Right so you all know I have a fond uh, let’s just say likeness towards Hot Chip. They are regular participants in my blogs. This track is.. I suppose indescribable. The beat, the voice, the melody – it all simply works. We all constantly listen to albums and hear one track that just - works. Everything seems so timelessly and uniquely connected into a string of 4-minute brilliance. This is one of those tracks for me.
Smile, breathe and simply live.
I know you missed me!
I know, I know, I know. I stink. I haven’t been around all that much. But I am here now, so be happy! I am rewarding your patience with a fabulous mix. These tracks have been guiding me through my strenuous activities, and I hope they do the same for you!
Barbara Morgenstern The Operator
This fabulous compilation of beautiful symphonies and electronic adaptation, is what makes Berliner, Barbara Morgenstern so damn great. Her beautifully united beats and mixed language assemblage is simply gold to the ears!
Whiskey Go Gos 2 Cent Girl
Hello, Kings of Leon. I know, we all hate wanna-bes, but these guys you cannot simply ignore. This track especially. These all Australian boys, have this rustic southern American aura to them. Whether this is a good thing or not, I am not sure. But they sound pretty damn good! I dare you not to tap your feet and hands to this song. I dare you!
Johnny Cash The Wanderer
Again, I know. Johnny-bloody-Cash. We all know he is a genius, we have all seen the movie (minus myself). I grew up with Johnny Cash and Neil Young. It reminds me of my parents when they have people over (which seemingly, as of late; is a lot!). Sometimes out comes “Essential: Johnny Cash” [squeezed between Kraftwerk and The Eels – what a mix!], and this song is just beautiful. I enjoy sitting next to the heater with a big glass of red wine, just em-basking in the beautiful unity that is this amazing song.
Tom Waits Martha
Considering we are on the same page as Johnny Cash, why not go all the way and include Tom Waits. Another genius – that I am sure is before all of our time (unless you have musically literate parents, like myself). This song brings shivers, and goosebumps to my skin. All I want to do is meet Martha, and ask her some questions. This song is especially unique, as it was prior to the almost over-the-top rustic, deep and croaky voice, that is Tom Waits. I like the innocence and honesty in this track. All songs can adapt to each and every one of us, whether they are meant to or not. Interpretation is a very magical thing.
Men Without Hats Antarctica
I simply couldn’t help myself with this track. Given Kraftwerk was mentioned before – this song just came to mind. A great track to just ask “what the fuck” to. What are they talking about? The psychedelic beats and vocals scream 80s hysterically. Just think; Digitalism, Tiga, Uffie’s beats, Cut Copy, The Presets all had inspiration and guidance from some where. At least they didn’t fuck it up like “The Living End”. Slowly adapting their traits and growth [from America] to be Australia’s own Green Day.
Goodbye and Hello
With the leaving of one member, it has pretty much forced me and the rest of the team to consider where Off The Record will be heading in the future. I'm sure I speak for the team when I say that we need a new writer to fill Jacq's shoes. With that, people can start emailing us as soon as they want. We're looking for someone that would be willing to at least make one post every couple of days, or even everyday (that would be nice), we're not picky with gender (although the website is mostly female orientated) or country your from, but we are looking for someone who is around the same age as all of us other writers (Me 17, Sandra 16, Grace 13, and Molly 19) and if possible, handy with some HTML. If you think you can fill those specifications, then please, drop me or Sandra an email and we'll see what we can do.
Now, just to let people on a bit of an insight as to the direction the website will be taking here are the following improvements the website may possibly be taking:
- Posting makeover (more info, more songs, more viewer friendly, and possibly streaming)
- Sidebar makeover (not sure how yet, but I'm sure the team will figure something out)
- Possible Template makeover (Highly unlikely, Sandra is the template designer and may not have time.)
- Hosted website (we're looking into finally hosting Off The Record, officially making it a "dot com")
- More posts (I'm always promising this, but we're all trying our hardest.)
Who knows what the future will bring to this website, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Oh, sorry, no music today as well. I will make a post as soon as possibly can.
Happy Mother's Day all!
Enjoy!
Elvis Perkins While You Were Sleeping
A romantic, sensual experience. Words simply cannot express the beauty of this song, and the feeling you get when actively listening to the amazingly articulated lyrics.
(After listening to it for a while – I can’t help but imagine what it would sound like if Conor Oberst sung this song. His style of music is there!)
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Open Invitation
An old favourite of mine, always nice to listen to and unwind to. I like to listen to this track as I am driving home from somewhere. I associate sadness and pain with this song, a true sign of a song well executed I think.
Denison Witmer California Black and Blue
A pal of Sufjan Stevens, the essence of material Witmer portrays is very rich, and calmingly upbeat. This song is best enjoyed when the late afternoon sunbeams are bouncing off your favourite room’s walls – highlighting all the little lost particles of earth.
Joseph Arthur Enough To Get Away
A great track to escape the daily grind with. If you have had a good day – it will emphasize this. If you have had a bad day, it will make you smile and kick yourself at wasting your sadness on silly daily happenings.
Explosions in the Sky The Birth and Death of Day
A beautiful track to end with. Words again, cannot describe the exquisiteness of this perfectly composed masterpiece. Listen, smile and appreciate the things our ears, and our souls are so lucky to savour.
(P.s. I arranged the tracks in the order by which I suggest you listen to them in)
It's Sunday!
Another week has passed us oh so rapidly, and it is the dreaded Sunday; the afternoon before we must resume our weekly activities – whether they be class, college, university or full day 9 to 5 jobs. What better way to celebrate the evening before our dreaded or perhaps potentially rewarding week, than to prepare ourselves with some extraordinary tunes and play-lists to cope with what is ahead!
Thee More Shallows Night At Night School
San Francisco based three piece, Thee More Shallows, successfully produce a sound that is very real, raw and most certainly not over produced. Night At Knight School is a great track, slightly depressing, however a great listen. (Sounds like: Ben Gibbard in yet another side-project)
Au Revoir Simone A Violent Yet Flammable World
Brooklyn based, all-female three piece put the fab in fabulous. With their inspiring vocals and cheerful yet meaningful beats, it gives depth and substance to the issues they portray. (Sounds like: Girls who know what they are doing)
Jeremy Warmsley Dirty Blue Jeans
I seem to always catch myself listening to this track on the train ride home after a busy day of the city life. Quite fitting considering the lyrics. A great happy track that will leave you thinking, especially the next time you see that cute guy/girl “sitting across” from you. (Sounds like: A fantasy that only exists in your head)
1990s See You At The Lights
You will most likely walk with a spring in your step, and your head bopping in beat. It’s great to listen to this track while walking through sunny parks, past angry people who are too focused on their downhill heading lives, than to find some quality music. Unlike you guys of course, you all have a fantastic means to source your tunes!! (Sounds like: This track should be in a movie)
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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