Dancing With the Devil

Song: Dancing With the Devil
Artist: Wolf Gang
Album: Dancing With the Devil EP






Wolf Gang is a very promising new band from the U.K. from musician Max McElligott.  They have opened for the likes of Florence and the Machine, Miike Snow, and Metric.  Their debut album, "Suego Faults," was written solely by McElligott and was produced by Dave Fridmann.  It is set for release sometime this year on Atlantic Records, but in the meantime the band have released an E.P. prior to the albums release.

The E.P. consists of the single "Dancing With the Devil," and track "Lions in Cages," plus demos "Back to Back" and "Something Unusual," as well as an acoustic version of "Devil" featuring a vocal duet with Kyla La Grange.

"Dancing With the Devil" is a (semi) epic Brit Rock track with a hint of 70's Meatloaf and a touch of Glam.  I really really dig it... going for some real rock and roll drama, something that has been missing from rock.  "Lions in Cages" is also really stellar, adding a solid beat and some sweeping piano into their rock and roll grandeur.

While Fridmann's production is a star in their music, the two demos show that the jewel is really McElligott's songwriting.  I'm really excited by this band and look forward to "Suego Faults." There's a Shoes remix of "Devil" with other current UK up and comer Cocknbullkid that adds beats and additional vocal drama and a rap!  Very very cool.  Check it out below.

Check them out.

Enjoy.

Dancing With the Devil

Lions in Cages

Dancing With the Devil (Shoes Remix ft Cocknbullkid)

Groove is in the Heart (Gigamesh Remix)

Song: Groove is in the Heart (Gigamesh Remix)
Artist: Deee-Lite
Album: Groove is in the Heart







I loved Deee-Lite, and am proud to say that that their debut "World Clique," was the first compact disc I ever got.  I wrote about that album way back when and still pull it out to listen to it, as well as their much maligned sophomore album "Infinity Within."

But the band never really overcame their biggest hit in the eyes of the popular public, despite releasing three pretty great albums of "Global Village" the-world's-a-party dance music that grabbed elements of the past with a positive nod to the now growing-distant future. (Why do the 90's seem so far away now?)

But the track that put them on the map, "Groove is in the Heart" has transcended time (and space) and now fills a great place between a culture-shift relic of the past and wedding staple.  It just never gets old.

For this Friday I thought I'd share this insane light-house remix of the classic track by Gigamesh, whom I know very little about aside from specializing in taking older songs and giving them the house treatment.  Apparently a proper Gigamesh EP is set for release this summer, you can read more about the one-man production unit here on his official website.

I love this remix, and in researching find that he's done really great mixes of odd alternative rock choices like Radiohead's "Everything in it's Right Place," and even Lykke Li's "Little Bit."  His take on "Groove is in the Heart" does in fact have a new killer groove that I do deeply dig, pitching the vocals at different speeds and  rejuvenates the song to something new and exciting.  This alone made Gigamesh someone to watch.  And then... there is this.  Whoa.

But if you only know "Groove is in the Heart" from Deee-Lite I highly recommend their debut, but you can also start with their greatest hits package linked on the left.  See... only $1.37 on Amazon.  You can't lose!  I'd argue that they no longer sound even a bit dated given today's look-back-to-yesterday style of grab-bag indie-dance.  Long live Deee-Lite!

Enjoy.

Groove is in the Heart (Gigamesh Remix)

Everything in it's Right Place (Gigamesh Remix)

Dancing Machine (Gigamesh Remix)

Summer Kisses Winter Tears

Song: Summer Kisses Winter Tears
Artist: Elvis Presley
Album: Elvis By Request





This one is a little random.

I first heard this song as part of the Soundtrack to the 1991 Wim Wenders film "Until the End of the World."  In the film it is sung by Julee Cruise, best known for her work with composer Angelo Badalamenti and Director David Lynch.  In the film the protagonist, Claire (played by the enigmatic Solveig Donmartin,) sings along to Cruise's version as the film opens and she is driving, fleeing the city, because a rogue satellite threatens to crash and kill all electricity on the planet on the dawn of the new millennium in 2000.  Despite that being only a minor point to the kooky plot, I highly recommend the movie.

So anyhow, yesterday Julee Cruise came up for another reason... but it led me back to "Summer Kisses Winter Tears," which I knew was originally recorded by Elvis, but knew nothing else.  Well, it turns out that there is very little info on the song itself, though I did find it and find it as surprisingly mysterious as Cruise's version... and somehow seemed to fit in this odd Is it Winter/Is is Spring? thing we have going on in NYC.

The song was recorded in 1960 and was written by Ben Weisman, Fred Wise, & Jack Lloyd."  It was intended for the Elvis film "Flaming Star," and was one of four songs recorded but was cut from the film.  It subsequently was put on the E.P. "Soundtrack" entitled "Elvis By Request" which included the title track to the film, but dropped the second song that made it into the film, ("A Cane and a High Starched Collar") and added Elvis hits; "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" and "It's Now or Never."

I've always liked this song, love the melancholy, and again the mysteriousness of it.  Cruise got both down perfect, but so does Elvis... whom I can't say I'm a huge fan of.  Don't dislike, just never got into his music.  But this is a great song, check it out.

Enjoy.

Odd, the Julee Cruise version isn't on YouTube or any linkable site.  You're only getting the King...

Summer Kisses Winter Tears - Elvis

Actually... I did find Julee's version used in this short film I know NOTHING about:

summer kisses winter tears from Cremance on Vimeo.

Contact High

Song: Contact High
Artist: Architecture in Helsinki
Album: Moment Bends





It was a little over a year ago I was introduced to Australia's Architecture in Helsinki.  I first heard their single "That Beep" via my friend Rob, which was released back in 2009, and then the excellent "Heart it Races" via an inter-office reel's background music.  It made me get their last album, 2007's "Places Like This" which I liked, though thought "Heart" was the standout by far.

The band is releasing their long waited follow-up "Moment Bends" this month which includes first single "Contact High" as well as "That Beep," previously released as a stand-alone single.  It seems the band has fully embraced the electropop sound, as "Moment Bends" seems to stray away from their more experimental pop leanings.   And that's not a complaint.

Opening track "Desert Island" is a tropical slice of pop that has traces of Matthew Wilder's goofy 1983 hit "Break My Stride," but stands alone as a laid-back, Caribbean-influenced party starter.  "Escapee" ramps up the energy, bringing an indie-pop sensibility to the new found electro bliss.  Aforementioned first single "Contact High" is next which was admittedly a grower... but I quite like it.  Synths mix with the beachy vibe that they established with "Desert Island."  Processed vocals and a persistent beat keep the whole thing afloat.  Fun.

Despite not having a track that is as mind-blowing as "Heart it Races," I think "Moment Bends" is a better album as a whole than "Places Like This,"  It's more consistent, but also more accessible... which could be a debt if you prefer their more out-there experimental leanings, though it is not a radical departure by far.  I recommend this album, a perfect slice of summer... when it's all I'm thinking about!

Enjoy.

Contact High


Desert Island


Escapee

Out of My Mind

Song: Out of My Mind
Artist: Tyson
Album: Die on the Dancefloor






I always like a good mystery, and even better when it's steeped in modern-day, retro-sounding disco.  (Haha)  Making a bit of a splash across the blogosphere is a mysterious unknown named simply "Tyson" who has released just a couple mind-blowing dance tracks that truly sound like classics.  He's opened for A-Trak, Chromeo, Boys Noize, and Justice... but who is this guy?

You won't find much info on his MySpace page, and while I've 'liked' him via Facebook, his posts have just consisted of links to music, moody photos, or odd phrases like "Dressing good is a way of life!" or most recently, "Man is man!"

But without these killer tracks we wouldn't care, and thus far I've managed to find just three amazing songs that all sound like throwbacks, yet in different styles, the first of which being the Giorgio Moroder-meets-Sylvester epic "Die on the Dancefloor."  It starts with a familiar sounding beat, and then Tyson's amazing falsetto-dipped vocals appear.  It's quite amazing, filled with as much disco drama as you can pack into seven minutes.  (I'm referring to the extended version, but you can listen to the edit on the MySpace page.)

"Out of My Mind" has an 80's vibe to it that is so familiar yet I can't place it.  I hear a little Laura Branigan... but mostly I see it being played over scenes in the Karate Kid with William Zabka's nasty Johnny. (Despite not making sense lyrically for Mr. Sweep the Leg.)  Recent leak "Ran for Love" sort of splits the different between the two songs, but is equality brilliant.

Hard to pick just one but you can listen to all three tracks below.  There has been a handful of remixes I haven't checked out yet, so this guy is making the rounds... but who is he?  I'm going to keep on the look out for new info and new songs, but in the meantime, we'll let the retro-disco mystery be.

Enjoy.

Out of My Mind


Die on the Dancefloor (Extended)


Ran for Love

Make Some Noise

Song: Make Some Noise
Artist: Beastie Boys
Album: Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2





The Beastie's are back!  And returning a bit to form after the disappointing "To The Five Borough's" from 2004. (2004!  Well... that's if you don't count the good but instrumental "The Mix-Up" from 2007.)

It's sort of hard to wrap my head around the fact that the Beastie Boys have been together since 1979.  That's thirty-two years as the court jesters of hip-hop, fusing rock, punk, surf, samples, you name it into a completely unique sound.  Nobody sounds like the Beasties... certainly not before, and not since.  I've been a fan of theirs since their debut "License to Ill" from 1986 but was, as many were, a bit underwhelmed with that last proper album... but when I first heard official first single "Make Some Noise" from their upcoming follow-up, it's hard not to feel it... this shit is pretty raw.

With a killer groove, the Boys trademark wordplay, blips, bleeps, and crazy rhythm's throughout... "Make Some Noise" has all the elements of vintage Beasties for our modern times.  Exciting!  The band had already released two other songs from the upcoming record, "Lee Majors Come Again," a buzzy rock track that will remind you of the harder punk on "Check Your Head" as well as "Too Many Rappers" with Nas, a pretty hardcore rap track that still feels unmistakably Beastie.

I'm totally confused about exactly how many albums the boys are releasing.  They stated that they were working on "Hot Sauce Committee," but recorded too many songs... so they recorded more to make a "Part 2."  But Part 2 got finished before 1, so they are releasing that first... and then the tracks on Part 1 became Part 2, which is coming out on time... but Part 1 is "indefinitely delayed."  ??? Actually, see if you can suss this out.  From Mike D during a Drowned in Sound interview:

"Pt. 2 is pretty much done. Basically we were making ...Pt 1, had too many songs, so we recorded some more songs. Which sounds bizarre but it actually worked out, because it made it clear to us which songs were going to be on ...Pt 1. Then we had this whole other album of songs: ...Pt 2. ...Pt 1's going to be your regular CD in the stores and to download, but ...Pt 2 is going to be released in...we're still figuring it out, but a different way. More of a 2009 style. You could get in the shower one day and, boom, all of a sudden you're showered with MP3s. Or we might send people a seven-inch every few weeks, so you have a whole box set."

From the Boys email list:

"In what can only be described as a bizarre coincidence, following an exhaustive re-sequence marathon, Beastie Boys have verified that their new Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 will be composed of the same 16 tracks originally slated for inclusion on Hot Sauce Committee Part 1. The record (part 2 that is) will be released as planned in spring 2011 on Capitol. The tracks originally recorded for Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 (which now are actually back on Part 1) have now apparently been bumped to make room for the former Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 material. Wait, what?"

"I know it's weird and confusing, but at least we can say unequivocally that Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 is coming out on time, which is more than I can say about Part 1, and really is all that matters in the end." says Adam "MCA" Yauch. "We just kept working and working on various sequences for part 2, and after a year and half of spending days on end in the sequencing room trying out every possible combination, it finally became clear that this was the only way to make it work. Strange but true, the final sequence for Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 works best with all its songs replaced by the 16 tracks we originally had lined up in pretty much the same order we had them in for Hot Sauce Committee Part 1. So we've come full circle."

You got me.  Regardless, they have a new record out.  It sounds like they are invigorated.  "Make Some Noise" is like totally dope.  What more do you need to know?

"Hot Sauce Committee Part 2" is scheduled for release on May 3rd.

Enjoy!

Make Some Noise


Too Many Rappers


Lee Majors Come Again

Heart Attack

Song: Heart Attack
Artist: Raphael Saadiq
Album: Stone Rollin'






I was a big fan of Raphael Saadiq's last album, 2008's vintage soul-sounding "The Way I See It."  He hit all the right notes in capturing that old time sound, but more importantly, he just wrote some great songs.  I was excited to hear that he had a new record out and it seems that the style is carrying over as "Stone Rollin'"keeps that sound, but adds a little modern touch.

Things start off strong with the rocking "Heart Attack."  Cymbals, chugging guitar, and then Saadiq's pleading vocals, it's all very propulsive and infectious.  That flute cracks me up in the middle, and yet it totally works.  Things slow down on "Go To Hell" which turns into gospel-esque Age of Aquarius psychedelia.  "Radio," which was the album first single, has a rockabilly vibe and matching urgency.  By track three, I was hooked.

The album continues with one quality throwback after another.  The title track is a bluesy rock number that's slinky and sexy. (there's that flute again!)

These songs sound like they're from another era, but have a modern sensibility that reminds me, in a different way, of Winehouse's "Back in Black."  But this type of throwback isn't a walk in the park, Saadiq just happens to make it look easy.  There is real emotion and vitality in these songs that overcome "the concept."  But I suppose the man himself would argue that there isn't a concept here, there's just music.  And damn good music.

Enjoy.

Stone Rollin'


Good Man


Preview of "Stone Rollin'"

Civilization

Song: Civilization
Artist: Justice
Album: Civilization







French electronic duo Justice burst onto the scene in 2007 with their debut album "†."  They had a hit with their third single "D.A.N.C.E.," which I fell in love with, but couldn't get into the rest of the album, despite the world falling in love with them as the second coming of Daft Punk.  They are prepping their still untitled sophomore album for sometime this year, but have released the first single, "Civilization."

I suppose my confusion over Justice, was that "D.A.N.C.E." was sort of a sunny single, compared with the pummeling beats of the rest of the album, it didn't seem to represent what they were actually like.  I immediately liked "Civilization" though, and while catchy, it does seem more in line with their other work on "†."  Regardless, I think I need to take another listen to that debut.

The band have quite a lot to live up to with their sophomore album based on the splash they made from their debut, which made them instant scenesters.  "Civilization" certainly has me interested.... what do you think?

Enjoy.

Civilization

Sound of Love

Song: Sound of Love
Artist: Husky Rescue
Album: Ship of Light






A reader introduced me to Helsinki's Husky Rescue a little over three years ago.  I'd sort of forgotten about them, despite loving their sophomore album, '07's "Ghost is Not Real," so much.  Well, it turns out they released a third studio album in January... of 2010.  Whoops.

"Ship of Light" came out on the Catskills label just over a year ago.  Lead singer Reeta-Leena Korhola's vocals immediately brought me back to the chilly vibe of the bands music, and yet it seems they have gone even more towards a "band" sound, versus the trip-hop/ambient vibe of their debut "Country Falls."  That's not to say that "Ship of Light" isn't atmospheric and loses any of their chill out vibe... it just sounds a bit more organic than they have in the past.

I immediately connected to the second single released from the record "Sound of Love," a very pretty yet propulsive track, that shows the band at their mysterious and almost mystical best.  Again, Korhola's vocals really shine here and once again I'm reminded of the Cardigans as her vocals share the same girlish but sexy quality Nina Persson's does.  Magical.

The rest of "Ship of Light" is moody and "cinematic" sounding, much like their previous work.  I'll be honest; I didn't connect with this album as much as I did their previous efforts, but still think it is worth the listen.  A little quirky, a little scary... Husky Rescue are certainly an interesting band with an interesting mission.  But I dig it... and if for nothing else, "Sound of Love" is 100% worth a listen.

Enjoy.

Sound of Love


They Are Coming


Fast Lane

No One

Song: No One
Artist: Federico Aubele
Album: Berlin 13






I'm a fan of chill-out and "lounge" music but often have a hard time keeping it straight.  A bit like jazz... which I like a lot, but since I relegate it to more background music (vs. something I's listen to with headphones, or even traveling in the car) I never seem to remember song titles or artist name, let alone the album... this has much more to do with me than the music itself, but because of this I tend to really go for full albums with a sound that's great for the background from start to finish.

I recently discovered the new album, "Berlin 13" by Argentinian singer-songwriter Federico Aubele, a continent-hoping mix of global influences that borrows from his roots in Buenos Aires, his many years (as the title suggests) in Berlin, Germany, as well as his current city/county, Barcelona Spain.  The album is about his move to Berlin, yet also seems to be more about his acceptance of his South American roots. The album starts out on a pretty but somber note, with tracks like "No One" and "In Your Name" using deep electronic beats and Spanish guitar to create a moody vibe that while exotic, hints at a bit of melancholy.  The music is still sexy, but a significant turn happens with instrumental track five; "Kreutzberg."  Things seem to pick up a bit, and the remaining songs on the album are sung in Spanish, many including vocals by his wife, Natalia Clavier.

Aubele moved to Berlin in 2001 during the Argentinian crisis and emailed a demo to the Thievery Corporation whom quickly signed him to their label.  He was soon releasing his first album, "Grand Hotel Buenos Aires," which was produced by Thievery Corporation.  That band is a perfect touchstone in terms of understanding Aubele's global trip-hop/lounge sound.  They also roduced his follow-up, 2007's "Panamericana."  "Berlin 13" is his fourth album.

In some ways, given what I mentioned before, the songs themselves are indistinguishable from each other, aside form the shift from English-sung to Spanish.  That should not be considered a debt by any means, because from start to finish, "Berlin 13" has an entrancing, transcendental power that's perfect for an early quiet morning, a romantic dinner, or just a chill-out vibe for late-night conversation.  I'm really digging this one.  Check it out.

Enjoy.

No One


Bohemian Rhapsody in Blue


"Berlin 13" Introduction

United Province of India

Song: United Province of India
Artist: Cornershop
Album: Cornershop & he Double 'o' Groove Of







I became a big Cornershop fan immediately upon hearing their incredible 1997 single "Brimful of Asha," and the very very good album it lived on, "When I Was Born for the 7th Time."  I liked their side project Clinton and the subsequent album, "Disco and the Halfway to Discontent," as well as the Cornershop follow up, the genre-hopping brilliance of "Handcream for a Generation."  But their last album, '09's "Judy Sucked a Lemon for Breakfast" was ultimately a disappointment given the powerhouse albums that proceeded it.  They've gone in a different direction for their follow up.

Back in 2004, Tjinder Singh the leader of the band, discovered the unrecorded New Delhi-born, Lancashire-raised housewife Bubbley Kaur singing in a laundromat.  He convinced her to record a song with the band and they released the track "Topknot" (which included M.I.A.) as a single.  It proved popular, with legendary DJ John Peel saying he "played it to death."  After the release of "Judy," Singh contacted Kaur to begin work on an entire album with her singing in Punjabi... hence, "Double 'o' Groove Of."

I was intrigued, as I am with anything that Cornershop do, but was surprised at just how much I connected with it.  The band keep the hip hop beats and electronic/dance elements to their music, a global stew that continues to unfold with each listen, but this time they focus in on their Indian influences, married with Bubbley Kaur's beautiful voice... it's quite magical.

Opener "United Province of India" jumps right into the sound you can expect throughout the album.  An infectious mix of sitar, tabla, and then subtle synthesizers.  Very cool.  "Topknot" is next, though a prettier, M.I.A.-less version.  Kaur's vocals are pure in this version, which I like a bit better.  I really dig the next track, "The 911 Curry," which has a great 80's hip-hop beat and some trippy keyboard work, as well as "Supercomputed."  I don't have a clue what Kaur is singing about on any of these songs, and yet I feel them somehow.  It's hard to explain.

This obviously won't be everyones cup of tea, but if you like the sound of "United Province of India," you'll enjoy this record throughout.  It's got me smiling about Cornershop again, and I plan to get their very first records, which I haven't heard to see where it all started.

Enjoy.

United Province of India


Supercomputed


Topknot

School Night

Song: School Night
Artist: Bodega Girls
Album: Et Tu, Bootay?






I recently discovered the Boston-based band Bodega Girls, who have a kitchen-sink approach to music, a mix of musical styles, and a wicked sense of humor.

The trio are all Bostonians that came from other bands, hearing about each other long before they actually met.  On their Facebook page they describe themselves as "Morris Day & The Time meets Echo & The Bunnymen."  And as far as influences, they site; The Clash, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Michael Jackson, Jenny Lewis, Kurtis Blow, Rick James and Lionel Ritchie, amongst others.  Obviously, they are a bunch of jokesters.

The band just released a four track E.P. which you can find here.  Each song is radically different, and yet they certainly have something special going on... I was immediately taken with them, and these four tracks have me quite excited for a full length debut.

The E.P. opens with the moody groove of "She's Into Black Guys" which REALLY grows on you the more you listen to it... and lyrically is as interesting as it is attention grabbing.  Next comes the arena-ready sing-a-long that is "School Night."  This is one huge track that rides a distorted guitar line through some "woo-ho's" into a huge chorus that will have you chanting along by songs end.  Twice now I have caught myself singing along to this with headphones on while commuting to work.  I love it.  Next comes the disco rock of "Ain't That Cold" that also has a soulful tinge to it... I hear a bit of The Walkman, and maybe a little Rolling Stones.  There's a lot going on in this track... and I can't quite name all the influences.  And yet... what you're left with is just a killer song.  The album ends with "Operator," a slow jam of sorts that again brings the soul, distortion, and even some strings... it's crazy, and totally effective.

I think we're about to hear a lot about the Bodega Girls, keep an ear out.

Enjoy.

School Night


She's Into Black Guys


Ain't That Cold

Drive Me

Song: Drive Me
Artist: Blancmange
Album: Blanc Burn






About three years or so ago I reached out to my readers as I wanted to have a more obscure 80's week (I with the penchant for 80's music) with the goal to highlight some good 80's music I'd never heard of.  I was then introduced to under the radar acts like Method Actors, Hilary, Godley & Creme, Shona Laing, and Q-Feel.  During that time a reader (apologies I don't remember who) told me about British synthpop band Blancmange who I read about, listened to some singles, etc.  The band broke up in 1987, but reformed and just released an album last month... and it's good!

"Blanc Burn" is Blancmange's fourth album coming twenty-six years after their last, 1985's "Believe You Me."  They first rode to prominence in 1982 with the surprise breakthrough track, "Living on the Ceiling" from their debut "Happy Families."  They had a slew of relatively successful singles over the next three years, though none reached the highs of "Living on the Ceiling," though "Don't Tell Me," from sophomore set "Mange Tout," came close; reaching #8 on the UK charts. ("Ceiling" reached #7)

The band is composed of duo Neil Arthur and Stephen Loscombe, who each released an album in the long break between Blancmange records.  I don't have info on what brought the band back together, and while I am not familiar with any prior albums as a whole, "Blanc Burn" is a pretty assured effort, a mix with a variety of styles from Synthpop, more straight up dance, as well as Indian and other various world music influences.

The album is a bit quirky, and lead single "Drive Me" will give you an indication of what to expect.  The album is refreshingly laid back, not in-your-face, and is certainly worth a listen, especially if you're an old fan of the band.  Check it out.

Enjoy.

Drive Me


The Western


By the Bus Stop @ Woolies

Too Young To Be In Love

Song: Too Young To Be In Love
Artist: Hunx and His Punx
Album: Too Young To Be In Love






Listening to the new Raveonettes album it immediately reminded me of another band I recently discovered, that do look back to a the same 50's/60's greaser era, yet with VERY different results.

Hunx and His Punx are an Oakland, California-based band lead by "Hunx" aka Seth Bogart whom use to front the electro-queer outfit Gravy Train!!!!.  He formed Hunx and His Punx back in 2008, writing punk-tinged retro-rock with Arizona songwriter Nobunny.  Hunx also co-owns a hair salon called Down at Lulu's in Oakland with fellow Punx member Tina Lucchesi.

"Too Young to Be in Love" is the band's sophomore album after the release of "Gay Singles" from last year.  I haven't heard it... but there are several videos made form the tracks which you can see on YouTube. (See a couple below.)  The music is very DIY and underproduced, yet has an immediate charm that puts a smile on my face every time I listen.

Lead track "Lovers Lane" really sets the tone for what you're going to hear, a look back to the 50's/60's girl group sound mixed with the attitude and aesthetic of the leather/greaser/chain gang vibe.  Add a heavy dose of John Waters and you've got Hunx and His Punx.  The album is pretty consistent, and again is buoyed by a charm that keeps the entire enterprise afloat even if the gimmick wears thin.  But songs like "Keep Away From Johnny" and title track "Too Young To Be In Love" are not only cute winks back to another time, but story-songs that keep you interested.

Bogart sounds like quite a character, and if you catch some of the videos below you'll see what I'm talking about.  But in the age of the internet, I'm always pleasantly surprised to come across someone who is doing there thing, putting it out there, and has amassed quite a body of work already.  Fun stuff.

Enjoy.

Too Young To Be In Love


You Don't Like Rock & Roll (from Gay Singles)


Tears on My Telephone (from Gay Singles)

Recharge & Revolt

Song: Recharge & Revolt
Artist: The Raveonettes
Album: Raven in the Grave





Danish rock band The Raveonettes are set to release their fifth album, "Raven in the Grave" on April 4th.  The first single from the album will be lead track "Recharge & Revolt."

I'm a much more casual fan of The Raveonettes, a noise-rock duo from Copenhagen, that specialize in buzzed-out guitar rock heavily influences by The Jesus & Mary Chain as well as The Velvet Underground.    Since the one-two punch of their debut E.P. "Whip it On" (with each song in B-Flat Minor) and their first full length "Chain Gang of Love" (with each song in B-Flat Minor) the band expanded their sound a bit on their excellent, (and personal favorite) 2005's "Pretty in Black."  I'd lost a little interest from their third album "Lust Lust Lust," and missed their last, 2009's "In and Out of Control" altogether.  Whoops.

Well, it was no surprise to me that the bands latest, "Raven in the Grave" is more of the same.   That said, nobody's really doing what the Raveonettes are doing, and the retro-rock 50's leather cool vibe never tires completely right?  Plus, "Recharge & Revolt," that opening track and first single is hard to resist.  With its jangle guitar, ethereal synths, and muted vocals... it's not the peppy fun of a single like "Trash Can of Love" but it has a dirty, immediate charm that's very cinematic to me.

The rest of the album is slow and dark yet pretty in the Raveonettes way.  I really like the dramatic "Apparitions," which is filled with white noise and washed out melodies.  "Summer Moon" is the kind of track that's really the band's bread and butter; slow, guitar-based ballads that remind me A LOT of some of the tunes Angelo Badalamenti wrote with Julie Cruise for "Twin Peaks," harking back to the same era that The Raveonettes do in their music.  The connection to that time period is key to getting their aesthetic.

This might simply be "another album" if you're not exactly gaga for the band, but fans will surely enjoy. While I might think they are held back slightly by their sound, "Raven in the Grave" is a nice reminder that they do do it well...

Enjoy.

Recharge & Revolt


Apparitions


Evil Seeds

Faith

Song: Faith
Artist: Boy Least Likely To
Album: The Best B Sides Ever







So now that the week is wrapping up and I sort of fell into a mini-covers week, I was scratching my head as to what to end the week with.  I had been really digging the Ellie Goulding and La Roux songs from this week for the last month or so, and the Bette cover I first heard just a wee ago seemed a perfect fit... where to go?

Well I have been listening (and cringing) to George Michael's new single "True Faith," (listen below) a cover of the New Order classic.  I just am not feeling it... he slows it down, and has altered his gorgeous voice for what?  Initially I thought he was auto-tuned, which seems crazy because again... that dude can sang.  But I've actually found out it's a vocoder, like Cher (another actual singer) used on "Believe."  Okay... but why?  My friend Geoff pointed out how topical the lyrics are with his recent string of drug-related troubles.  Okay... but I'm still not feeling it.

Well, quite apropos... it was Geoff who clued me in to today's song, a cute acoustic-at-the-toy factory take on the George Michael classic "Faith."  I've kind of been on a "Faith" jag as of late due to the recent reissue.  This fits in all rather nicely no?

I don't know Boy Least Likely To very well.  I got their last album, "The Law of the Playground" but it didn't completely grab me.  BUT, I am realizing that since I tear through so much music... a lot of good stuff slips by.  I'm human!  And actually now that I have "Playground" bopping through my headphones this AM I think I need to go back to it.  AND, if you like the sound of their "Faith," it might be worth checking out.

The Amazon link is for that album, but you can get "The Best B Sides Ever" at this link here.

Enjoy... thanks Geoff!

Faith - Boy Least Likely To


When Life Gives Me Lemons I Make Lemonade (single from Law of the Playground)


True Faith - George Michael


What do y'all think of this?

Beast of Burden

Song: Beast of Burden
Artist: Bette Midler
Album: No Frills





So, speaking of Rolling Stones covers...

I'm in this bar on St. Patrick's Day downtown just off the West Side Highway that usually has bands play, OR the DJ spins pop-rock music from the 70's and beyond including the videos projected on every screen in the place.  I'm not sure exactly how it works... is it satellite?  Anyhow, middle of the night and the familiar strut of "Beast of Burden" comes through the speakers, but it's a little different... and then, 'no, that's not Mick...' I look up to see... Bette Midler?

Well, I have somehow successfully avoided ever hearing this version of the song, which was included on her 80's pop-rock album "No Frills" from 1983.  And what a shame.  I can't profess to be much of a Bette Midler fan... well, music anyhow, I have always LOVED her 80's movies "Ruthless People" and "Outrageous Fortune," which I practically know by heart.  But homegirl sings the shit out of this song, I quite like it.

It does help that "Beast of Burden" is just, well... like "Under My Thumb," a killer song.  So oddly... in that bar last week, the video I saw was this one...



The video basically just has Bette (who looks great) in front of a stage curtain giving a pretty hard, thought also kind of funny, performance of the song.  Then about halfway through it (sort of) goes color and some costumed weirdos show up... man the 80's were crazy.  But upon reading up on the album, I read that the video featured a cameo from Mick Jagger himself and that it was nominated for MTV Video Awards in the Best Female Video, Best Video Choreography, and Best Stage Performance Video categories.  Huh?  Where's Mick?  Is he in one of those costumes?

Ah... no, take a look below and you'll see another video altogether that does include Mick and a funny spoken word bit between the two of them in the beginning. (And here you see Bette's brash, 80's persona that you see in the movies I mentioned above... and I suppose in the middle of "Beaches" before it gets all cancer.)  It's worth a look.

I haven't heard the rest of "No Frills," her sixth studio album, though apparently was a surprise low charting effort for her here in the States (four years after the success of "The Rose," and "Divine Madness!") aside from being well received (and her most successful to date) in Continental Europe and Scandinavia.

I also never heard the ballad "All I Need to Know" which appears on the album, and was later recorded by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville just five years later as "Don't Know Much," which went to #1 on the Adult Contemporary charts (Bette's version peaked at #39) and was an international hit.

Apparently the album also flirts with a little New Wave, maybe I need to track this down...  PLEASE check out the video below for lead track "Is This Love?" which is a live performance for an HBO special.  Holy 80's!

Enjoy.

Beast of Burden (w/Mick)


All I Need to Know


Is This Love?

Under My Thumb

Song: Under My Thumb
Artist: La Roux
Album: La Roux - Gold Edition






I was going through a playlist of my favorite songs of 2009, and came across some killer singles by La Roux and Little Boots, two of my favorite new electro-pop acts to come out in some time.  Both have begun working on their sophomore albums, but I was reminded that La Roux had released a couple different versions of their debut, as well as a compilation album in the year and a half since the release of their self-titled album.

It had become part of their live set on tour, but the band also recorded a studio cover of The Rolling Stones' "Under My Thumb," which landed on that compilation "Sidetracked," but also made the tracklist to the bands re-released/remixed version of their debut released just last month entitled "The Gold Edition."

The album mostly contains more icy/dark versions of tracks off their debut (with some singles appearing twice) but adds the Stones' track, which works seamlessly in with the other tracks.  It's simply the song in their style... yet it works so well and almost sounds so much La Roux you might think they just wrote another killer track if not familiar.  I think that speaks to the level of songwriting they achieved for their debut.

"The Gold Edition" as a whole doesn't add up to much more than just a remix album, yet the piano-based "Abbey Road" version of "Bulletproof" is worth hearing, stripped down and raw, as well as the lounge version of "In For the Kill" that finishes the album.  Again, hearing the songs in a different context really highlights the songwriting.

I'm quite ready for that new album straight away. ;)

Enjoy.

Well... it turns out that the version on "Sidetracked" isn't the same as the version on "The Gold Edition." It's a bit harder edged and dancy...

Under My Thumb


Which do you like better?

Bulletproof (Abbey Road Sessions)


In For the Kill (Vevo Lounge Version)

Only Girl (In the World)

Song: Only Girl (In the World)
Artist: Ellie Goulding
Album: Only Girl (In the World)





Ellie Goulding was the next big thing in the U.K. last year, and yet her debut album "Lights," (which was re-released as "Bright Lights") never really took off here in the States, even with an added cover of Elton John's "Your Song" as the lead single.  I couldn't get into the album, which was a surprise as the folk meets electronic vibe is usually right up my ally.

Despite all of that, I have been playing Goulding's cover of Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)" quite a bit, which she did late last year on the Radio 1's famous Live Lounge show.  She transforms the dance hit into a pleading acoustic guitar/piano/strings ballad, and like many slowed-down "re-imagined" takes on an upbeat pop song, really highlights just how great a song the original is.

But even the Rihanna version has certainly remained strong with airplay.  I keep hearing this song whenever I'm out, despite being three singles ago for the singer.  I must admit that I liked this song when it came out and yet didn't feel it had the punch of an "Umbrella."  And yet this seemingly silly dance-pop song has some true emotional weight, and I suppose just as I was realizing that... Goulding came along with this pretty cover.  Very very nice.

It's obviously making a bit of impact here and was released as an iTunes single.  Not sure if this is the thing that is going to bring her to the front of the pack, but she's already got a sophomore album being readied for this year... so we'll wait and see.  I gave "Lights" another listen and it is quite lovely. (and much more electronic than folk from what I remember.)  If that's your thing, and you missed Ellie the first time, take another listen.

Enjoy.

Only Girl (In the World) - Radio 1 Live Lounge


Guns & Horses


Your Song

Do it Again

Song: Do it Again
Artist: Holy Ghost!
Album: Holy Ghost!






Holy Ghost! are a New York City-based duo (Nick Millhiser & Alex Frankel) who initially formed a hip-hop group called Automato.  They recorded a debut album produced by James Murphy and Tim Goldsworthy of the DFA before the band fell apart.  Millhiser and Frankel continued to create music, and soon Holy Ghost! were formed, though they moved toward a more electropop sound over the hip hop of Automato.

In November of 2007 the duo released their first single, "Hold On," and came up with the name "Holy Ghost!" just prior to its pressing.  They've released a handful of singles since then, as well as done remixing work for the likes of Moby, MGMT, and Cut Copy, and toured with label mates LCD Soundsystem.  Their self-titld debut album is scheduled for release in early April on DFA.

I immediately connected with Holy Ghost!, their music sounds like a mix of a variety of groups; Empire of the Sun, Chromeo, Cut Copy, etc.  They write catchy electropop with a focus on songwriting over production tricks.

Lead track and recent single "Do it Again" was an instant favorite.  Do I hear a little "The Look" by Roxette in there?  Regardless, it's a good one.  "Wait and See" starts off a lot like the Scissor Sisters cover of "Do the Strand" and then goes into Empire of the Sun territory, beginning the 80's sound of the record.  "Hold On" is a perfect slice of Italo Disco with a throbbing beat, trickling piano, and sexy-deadpan vocals.

This is a solid debut and has me interested in that Automato hip-hop album.  Anyone heard it?

Enjoy.

Do it Again


Hold On


Wait and See

Buttercup

Song: Buttercup
Artist: Lucinda Williams
Album: Blessed






After her highly acclaimed third and self-titled album from 1988, and its follow-up, 1992's 'Sweet Old World,' it famously took Lucinda Williams six full years to perfect what became her masterwork, 1998's 'Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.'  That album is start to finish amazing, and since then, she's only let three years come between each new album.  I personally loved the quiet 'Essence' from 2001, and was into about 90% of '03's 'World Without Tears,' (the country rapping lost me.)  But her most recent albums 'West' and 'Little Honey' didn't grab me the way her music used to.  On her 10th album 'Blessed,' it seems that the old strong-songwriting Lucinda is back.

'Blessed' was produced by Don Was (of Was Not Was, but also famous producer of Bonnie Raitt's 'Nick of Time') and right from the start with crackling single "Buttercup" you realize that there is a re-charge in Lucinda, and it's evident throughout.

When I love an artist, and consider albums of theirs the best I've ever heard, it's tough hearing one that I don't connect with initially... I try giving it a second, third, or tenth chance and yet... don't feel it.  Is it me?  That's been the case with the last couple R.E.M. albums (though their new one is getting a LOT of play lately) and the same with Lucinda.  But like R.E.M.'s 'Collapse into Now' 'Blessed' grabbed me immediately.  Either the straight rock groove of "Buttercup" and "Seeing Black," or the beautiful ballads "I Don't Know How You're Livin'" or "Born to be Loved" which show Lucinda at her best... using her gravely voice and penchant for the perfect line... the emotion just seeps through.  This is strong, assured songwriting at its finest.

This album honestly brings me back to the 'Car Wheels'/'Essence' hay day of her songwriting, where a song like "Copenhagen" seems almost tossed-off in it's brilliance, where the good moments of her recent work felt forced.  I could have used a couple more rockers... but, it's not what 'Blessed' is.  And I'm reminded that 'Essence' is still one of my favorite albums of hers... and her most quiet.

The songs on 'Blessed' are still unfolding for me.  And it's been good so far.

Enjoy.

Buttercup


Copenhagen


Seeing Black

New Beat

Song: New Beat
Artist: Toro Y Moi
Album: Underneath the Pine





Toro Y Moi is the moniker used by South Carolina's Chazwick Bundick, whom has positioned himself within the "chillwave" genre that has recently become popular.  "Chillwave" is just another term for loungy dance music... and has something to do with the region it's from.  I don't know... I often find it very silly these ridiculous sub-genre's... but read all about chillwave here.

Regardless of the name, I've been enjoying 'Underneath the Pine's' laid-back beats and charm, especially single "New Beat" which has a soulful vibe to it... reminded me a touch of Miami Horror's "Holidays," though they don't really sound all that much alike.

'Pine' is Toro Y Moi's second album, quickly following his debut 'Causers of This' which came out just last year.  I haven't heard that one, but 'Pine' is getting the band, and the man, quite a lot of buzz.

It's a downbeat, vibe record, that's great for either really really late at night or early early in the AM.  "New Beat" is actually a bit of a misnomer as it's a bit more upbeat than the rest of the record.  But dramatic songs like the instrumental  "Divina" or the pretty, acoustic guitar-based "Before I'm Done" are so beautiful and spacey... it's worth the listen.

Check this one out.

Enjoy.

New Beat


Still Sound

Shark Ridden Waters

Song: Shark Ridden Waters
Artist: Gruff Rhys
Album: Hotel Shampoo






While working together, my old co-worker and friend Rob tried as he could to get me into the Welsh band Super Furry Animals.  I took a listen to a couple of their albums and just couldn't get into it, and yet I knew he was trying to share with me something he cared deeply for, and I've often thought I needed to go back and give them another chance because he has excellent taste in music.  (Thus far... I haven't.)

BUT, longtime readers may recall that I had a Mercury Prize nominee/winner week some time back and through that discovered a side project by lead Furry Animal, Gruff Rhys called Neon Neon and their excellent, 80's inspired 'Stainless Style,' a concept record about the self-destructive DeLorean Motor Company founder John DeLorean.  I discovered that record several years after-the-fact, but fell in love with it, and Rhys' song craft.  The man just released a new solo album called "Hotel Shampoo," an odd little record that honestly didn't grab me the way 'Stainless Style' did, but none-the-less has been on heavy rotation for me over the last month and a half.

As I learn more about this man, it's clear he has a penchant for a concept for an album, and dives into that concept with serious, wild, psychedelic indie-pop abandon.  And 'Hotel Shampoo' is no exception.  Intended as a piano and saxophone-based lounge record, the album features that idea, but also bursts at the seems with all kinds of instrumentation and ideas... it's an odd little record that can best be described as Burt Bacharach on a psychedelic drug binge.  (And that's not a lazy description... it's spot on.)

While it doesn't have the electronic pop of 'Stainless Style,' it's not only Rhys' voice that connects the two... I hear a lot of similar songwriting tricks in the two albums, despite the complete difference in genre and tone.  It's hard to deny opener "Shark Ridden Waters," which starts with a handful of odd sound samples only to explode into a 60's inspired splash of trippy pop.  The more I've listened to it, the more I think it's kind of amazing.  It sounds classic and new all in one gulp.  The groovy "Sensations in the Dark" has to be heard to be believed, and "Christopher Columbus" marches along confidently... very go-go 'Valley of the Dolls.'

Songs like "Take a Sentence" and the odd little love ballad "If We Were Words (We Would Rhyme)" really lay into the Bacharach influence, and exude a charm that takes a couple listens to feel.  This is an album that bears much fruit on repeated listens.

And with THAT being said... yes Rob, I will take another listen to them Super Furry Animals. Promise. ;)

Enjoy.

Shark Ridden Waters


Take a Sentence


Christopher Columbus

Strange Condition

Song: Strange Condition
Artist: Morgan Page
Album: Believe






Last week I took an extended weekend and escaped the snow and oppressive winter of the Northeast for some fun and sun in Ft. Lauderdale.  I tend to keep my ear to the speakers wherever I go to see if anything jumps out at me, and while this trip wasn't very fruitful in that regard... I did hear one song that stopped me in my tracks.

I stayed at a very nice guesthouse and one lazy day at the pool I was drying off so I could grab something from my room when a song being played through some satellite radio grabbed me.  I knew the lyrics... but was thrown by the house beat and female vocals for a while.  But then it hit me... is this a house cover of Pete Yorn's "Strange Condition?"  It was.

As I am who I am, I wasted no time and looked up the song to find out who it was immediately in my room.  To my surprise it was from a remixer that I'm a fan of, L.A.-based DJ Morgan Page.  A couple years back I'd gotten a remix compilation by him called 'Cease & Desist' which included very cool mild-house takes on Coldplay's "White Shadows," Tegan & Sara's "Walking with the Ghost," and Bowie's "New Killer Star."  I also really dug his mix of Stevie Nick's "Stand Back" which was released in 2007 and became a pretty big club hit.

Pete Yorn, the Springsteen-esque singer-songwriter captured my heart with the release of his excellent debut album, 2001's "Musicforthemorningafter," in which the original "Strange Condition" can be found.  After a so-so follow up, Yorn went off the deep end and has released album after album of increasingly boring material.  Pretty sad.

So it was with some surprise to hear such a great song done in a different way, it totally put a smile on my face.  It turns out that the song, and the Page album it's from, "Believe" is now a year old. (Keeping it fresh here!)  And "Strange Condition" was the second single form the album, released in January of last year.  How have I not heard this?  Giving "Believe" a listen, I was struck by how concise the album was.  As I've only heard remixes in the past, it was nice to hear how the man put together a full album, and this is his second, after 2008's "Elevate."

"Believe" is filled with a handful of female vocalist including Samantha James, Natalie Walker, Jan Burton, Angela McCluskey, and Elisabeth Maurus (aka Lissie) whom Page had his biggest hit with, "The Longest Road" (Who's Deadmau5 remix was nominated for a Grammy.)  Maurus' songs really seem to connect the best with his sound, but I did also really dig McCluskey's assisted "Tell Me Why."  The album itself is more middle-of-the-road house that's actually perfect for pool-side listening.  Haha.

Enjoy.

Strange Condition


Tell Me Why


The Longest Road (Deadmau5 Remix)

Last Dance

Song: Last Dance
Artist: Clare Maguire
Album: Light After Dark






Here's an album that's not my usual thing but grabbed me right away... Clare Maguire is an English singer-songwriter who was signed to Polydor Records back in 2008 and is just now seeing the release of her debut album, "Light After Dark."  She's only twenty-three, and after listening to the album, it's not surprising that even a little research shows that she's poised as one of the next big things of 2011.

At just 17 Maguire was demoing songs on MySpace and traveling to London to make industry contacts which garnered enough attention for her to meet Jarvis Cocker & Jay-Z, which lead to the Polydor contract and work with producer Fraser T. Smith. (Kylie & Adele)

Maguire writes grand semi-orchestral pop music and has a voice similar to Stevie Nicks or Cher, though I am hearing a strong Annie Lennox vibe to both her voice and sound of music.  Some big names to throw around in comparing a twenty-three year-old, but one listen and you hear what I'm talking about.

I immediately loved first proper track (after a brief intro) "Shield And Sword" which again is strong and grand in all the right places.  Second track, and second single, "Last Dance" was written soon after the death of Michael Jackson, yet rings true for taking on the loss of anyone in your life.  It's pretty amazing. First single "Ain't Nobody" (which is NOT a Chaka Kahn cover) is a darker declaration of love with intense background synths, swooping strings, and that voice... man, the more I listen it's like the second coming of Annie Lennox.  Really something.

Certainly not for all tastes, but I connected with this record immediately.  It's not the typical kind of pop music that's being made today, yet is pretty undeniable right from initial listen.  The album just came out this Monday in the U.K., and while I haven't heard much about her from mainstream music venues... I think it's inevitable.  Keep an eye out on this one.

Enjoy.

Last Dance


Shield And Sword


Ain't Nobody

Rope

Song: Rope
Artist: Foo Fighters
Album: Wasting Light





I used to be a pretty big Foo Fighters fan, especially during the beginning of their career.  The band has been pretty prolific over the years, though aside form a Greatest Hits album that featured two new songs, they've been silent since the release of 2007's "Echos, Silence, Patience, & Grace."  They are breaking that silence in April with the release of their seventh album, "Wasting Light."

Reading that the their new set is their seventh album proper, I was reminded that poor Dave Grohl was always working on outliving the shadow of his former band Nirvana, and Kurt Cobain.  The Foo Fighters certainly never matched the cultural relevance of that band, (which is yes, debatable Grohl fans) but what put an end to Cobain, popularity and rock stardom, Grohl has always had fun with.  And hey, he's still around making music.

Not that I haven't liked their more recent material, I just sort of wasn't that interested.  But the last album I did really like of theirs was the double-album "In Your Honor," which contained a hard rock disc, and an acoustic one of original songs.  I'd known how far Grohl came as a songwriter over the history of the band, but that album really proved it.  It also highlighted how nice his voice was.

Well, the band just released the first single off of the new record, "Rope," and it immediately reminded me of their early material that I liked so much.  It turns out that former guitarist Pat Smear, who has played with them live in the past but hasn't been an official member since 1997's "The Colour and the Shape" (my favorite album) is returning.  AND the new record is being produced by Butch Vig of Garbage fame who really made his mark producing a little album called "Nevermind."  (He had also produced two new tracks for their Greatest Hits collection that I never heard.)

Also of note is that the album was recorded entirely analog in Grohl's garage until post-mastering.  I'm not sure I necessarily hear that in "Rope," but I am really digging the song, which has a chorus and spark that's as electric as some of their best tracks.  I'm intrigued by this new record.  I've been looking for a killer rock record to enjoy as of late.  Maybe "Wasting Time" is it...

During the making of the record a documentary crew shot the band for a career-spanning film which includes the recording sessions.

Enjoy.

Rope


White Limo