Cut Copy Update

Following on from Jamies last Cut Copy post, another sneak preview of the new album Zonoscope has made its way across the web over the last couple of days. It's an improvement on the last teaser, so fingers crossed they can at least match the quality of In Ghost Colours. Take a listen to Take Me Over below...

Cut Copy - "Take Me Over" (Radio Edit) Premiere by modularpeople

IS Tropical

A nifty little number from UK trio IS Tropical. They seem to be doing a few laps of the concert circuit of late, but primarily playing second fiddle to the headlining act - both NYPC and LCD Soundsystem providing the platform. I would warm to them a little more if they would just lose the leather jackets and bandanas and any of the other nu-rave accesories which they have packed en route to South Pacific.

Stream and download for free (via arrow pointing down)

Myspace here, official here.

Best Coast videos

Anyone not familiar with Bethany Cosentino's lo-fi, hazy, adolescent pop owes it to themselves to check out Best Coast's debut album Crazy For You which will surely find itself in many end of year top album lists. These videos for 'Boyfriend' and the bonus track 'When I'm With You' are a damn good starting point if you are yet to fall under her spell.

The Roots & John Legend :: 'Hard Times'

The Roots have teamed up with John Legend to release 'Wake Up', an album of soulful covers from the 60s and 70s, including one of my all time favourite funk-soul tracks, 'Hard Times' by Baby Huey. The Roots are one of the tightest bands around and here they manage to rework the track with even more tension and urgency than the original.

John Legend and the Roots - Hard Times (feat. Black Thought) by throw parties not knives

Introducing... Little Loud

One of my favourite new artists of 2010 has been the Brighton-based Little Loud, who has produced a string of consistently great remixes for high profile acts like Yeasayer, HEALTH and Goldfrapp this year. 'Chill-wave' is a term that has been thrown around a lot recently but is an apt description for his bright, cosmic sound and warm, delicate synths. The Goldfrapp remix is particularly beautiful and can be downloaded via the 'down arrow' on the right hand side.

goldfrapp - believer (little loud remix) by little loud

health - nice girls (little loud mix) by little loud

memory tapes - bicycle (little loud remix) by little loud

yeasayer - madder red (little loud remix) by little loud

Duck Sauce :: 'Barbra Streisand'

It's been a year since Brian first posted about Duck Sauce (Armand van Helden and A-Trak) and now they're back. They're new single is inexplicably called 'Barbara Streisand' and is a throw back to the late 90's club house bangers that made Van Helden famous. The video is by Justice and Kanye colaborator So-Me and features a huge roll call of famous faces (Kanye, Pharrell, Santigold, Chromeo...) amid some raucous New York party footage.

Glasser :: 'Home'

Glasser is the alias of LA-based Cameron Mesirow and her laptop copy of GarageBand. Her debut album Ring is out tomorrow and is generating lots of attention for its' rich, multi-textural sound and the dramatic atmospheres she creates. At times stark and gothic, tribal and elemental, comparisons to School of Seven Bells, Telepathe and Homogenic-era Bjork are deserved if insufficient.
'Home' is a useful introduction to her sound, progressing from a tumbling child-like rhythm in the beginning to a glorious wave of synths, strings and aching vocals.

Download: Glasser - 'Home' (via Pitchfork.com)

Buy the album Ring here.

Aeroplane remix their remix

Aeroplane have had a succession of impressive tracks and remixes over the past year, none more so than this perfect intersection of disco, house and pop. Having already remixed Friendly Fires' Paris a few months back they were clearly impressed by the beautiful vocals on Australian group Flight Facilities' superb single 'Crave You' and saw an opportunity and the two fit together perfectly.

Stream and download the track below by clicking the little downward arrow on the right-hand side.

I Crave Paris by Aeroplane (Official)

Gold Panda - Lucky Shiner. Stream entire album!

Lucky Shiner is the debut album from London electronic producer Gold Panda and is streaming in it's entirety online. It's a really thrilling piece of work that's part minimal techno, part chill-wave electropop. Imagine the hypnotic loops of The Field meeting the hazy warmth of an Air France record. Lovely.

New Jamiroquai Material

I'm sure if you were to dust off both Jamie and my now defunct CD collections you would find a wealth of Jamiroquai releases. I've always been a fan of their early work, but Synkronized really was the turning point for me. They had done their bit by then and I wasn't really that bothered with A Funk Odyssey and Dynamite, apart from the singles that were presented to me in the charts.

So there's been a five year break, and they've decided to back to their early style; how many times have I heard this from bands who are really just looking for old fans to take note so they can have one last shot in the limelight? Umpteen - and they usually disappoint.

However, I've given their first single, White Knuckle Ride, a good listen, and they have actually gone back to that classic Jamiroquai sound, with a pinch of Fred Falke/Chromeo synth styling. The new album, Rock Dust Light Star, is out November 1. Lets hope it's more of the same.

Site here, myspace here, pre-order here.

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Ra Ra Riot and a Re Re Remix

Ra Ra Riot released their second long player last week entitled 'The Orchard'. Not bad for a second attempt, and worth a listen if you are into the whole Vampire Weekend or Arcade Fire sound. The first single from the album, 'Boy', will leave you hungry for more, but nothing else satisfies. If you like what you hear below, best to check out their debut album, 'The Rhumb Line', for a more consistent produce.

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Download:

Ra Ra Riot = Boy (RAC Remix)

Myspace here, official site here, buy album here

I Like Country.

Caitlin Rose stood at the alter last night in Kilkenny and converted me; I love country. Like Homer discovering Lurleen, I was completely mesmerized by this wee Tennessee marvel. Her voice, personality, strumming and lyrics captivated me throughout her 70 minute set and has started me on a path into the unknown abyss of country music. Her album received album of the week in The Sunday Times a fortnight ago, coupled with a very very rare and much coveted, but thoroughly deserved, 5 stars - I've had it on repeat since 10am this morning. Buy it and you too will see the light - unfortunately 'Will You Bunk With Me' didn't make the cut!

Buy her album here, myspace here, and official site here

Catch her in the next two days in Ireland:

Crawdaddy, Dublin - Tonight (23rd Aug)

Cypress Avenue, Cork - Tomorrow (24th Aug)

Gamble & Burke

A modern day Hall & Oates meets an unpolished Chromeo meets a synthesized WHAM! If that ticks all the right boxes for you, then get a load of this pool-side beauty. The song is best consumed along with the video which is priceless; rinky-dink models, champagne poppin' and cheesy moves from Daniel Burke and Kaz Gamble. I just hope there is more to come.

Myspace here, official site here, facebook here

Download:

Gamble & Burke - Let's Go Together

Four Tet remix and remixed

Four Tet returns the favour after John Hopkins' subtle and delicate remix of the wonderful Angel Echoes. Kieran Hebden turns Hopkins' Vessel into a shimmering and hypnotic swirl of bleeps and tones not unlike his remix of Matthew Dear's Deserter from a few years ago.

Jon Hopkins - Vessel (Four Tet remix) by Four Tet

Angel Echoes (Jon Hopkins remix) by Four Tet

Broken Social Scene - Meet Me In The Basement

An anonymous Broken Social Scene fan recently sent this video to the band which he/she made for their song Meet Me In The Basement. In a recent interview with Pitchfork.com, BSS front man Keven Drew offered this assessment on the state of society in 2010 - "It's getting worse. Every day. It's actually coming to a head and it's going to be very, very, very, very, very bad. Thus the need for all the distractions".

The fan in question seems to agree and the video is a frantic mashup of footage from riots at this year's G20 in Toronto with the 'distractions' of pop culture that Drew alludes to.

Even if you don't buy into all that, it's still a pretty awesome video.

Brand new Cut Copy material. Free download!

Just a quick addition to Brian's Cut Copy post below. Here's the first song from their as-yet-untitled third album. The track's called 'Where I'm Going'. Like it, learn it and sing it tomorrow night.

Get it here for free.

Cut Copy LIVE!

For those about Dublin tomorrow night (Tues 20th July), grab yourself a ticket to Cut Copy in Tripod. These guys are by far one of the most talented bands of the last decade and will be showcasing songs from their unreleased, third studio album. Below you can download 'Out There On The Ice', which a personal favourite from 2008's In Ghost Colours and 'Sands Of Time', which wasn't finished in time to make that album - hopefully it's a sneak preview of more to come. See you there!

Download:

Cut Copy - Out There On The Ice

Cut Copy - Sands Of Time

New album from The Roots

The Roots are a band I have taken for granted in the past, happy to cherry pick a few obvious tracks from their hefty back catalogue but their new album 'How I Got Over' is probably the first that I have really listened to in its entirety. Thankfully they're on top form here and give a masterclass in funk, soul and hip-hop with real depth.

Notable contributions come from Joanna Newsom and John Legend but the real highpoint is the title track. The Roots know their way around a catchy hook or two by now and the organ and drum arrangement give it the uplifting feel of an old Curtis Mayfield song.

Buy the album here

Download: The Roots - How I Got Over (feat. Dice Raw)

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

I heard my Dad playing this nice little number the other day. It's one of those songs that you just warm to immediately and has a real summer festival sound to it. As for the band, I don't know too much about Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros other that there's ten of them. Get ready to whistle along...

Myspace here, buy here

Download:

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Home

Broken Social Scene live on Fallon

Broken Social Scene on Jimmy Fallon's TV show on tuesday night. It's insane how many great bands they get on that show. BSS play 'Texico Bitches' and a bit of 'Meet Me in the Basement' off the fantastic new album Forgiveness Rock Record.

Primary 1 feat Nina Persson

A beautiful pop duet between London boy Primary 1 and Nina Persson of Cardigans fame. It's really quite lovely!

Download: Primary 1 - The Blues feat Nina Persson

Jay-Z mashup part 2

Picking up where Brian left off a few weeks ago here's another fine Jay-Z mashup, this time with the hotly-tipped Javelin. The mashup comes courtesy of Dave Wrangler and its a pretty inspired combination of Jay-Z's Roc Boys and Javelin's Intervales Theme. Fans of this tune should head straight for Javelin's album No Mas which is full of funky jams like this.

Download: Jay-Z vs Javelin - Roc Boys (Dave Wrangler mashup)

The photo features Bill Gates and Jay-Z in an equally odd mashup. What the hell could they be talking about?

Example

Elliot Gleave (E.G. = for example = Example) has been causing a bit of a stir so far this year with Won't Go Quietly and Watch The Sun Come Up both breaking into the top 20 for a few weeks or so. A new album is on the way later this month, but prior to its release, another single is out next week. Dreamy synths, catchy hooks alongside Examples light-hearted and likeable personality makes me wonder will he be filling Dizzee and Calvins shoes this summer?

Example - Kickstart

Relaxez-vous

Most of our posts are usually pretty full-on so here are a trio of some of the more laidback numbers I've been listening to of late...

This very short song is from New Yorkers The Duke and The King. I was lucky enough to catch them twice in my hometown a few weeks ago as they arrived for the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots festival. I don't know too much about Americana, but I know I like these guys. If you're looking for something different that bridges the gaps between Dylan, Fleetwood Mac and Sly and The Family Stone, then try catch them on tour.

The Duke and The King - I've Been Bad

Next up is from one of my all-time favourite duos - Bent. They are possibly the finest chill-out producers going, and in my mind, are only really rivalled by Air. Unfortunately, they've only ever had an underground following, with no real mainstream success apart from soundtracking ads for drinks companies. Sample some of their unique and quirky music videos here and buy the 'Best Of'...

Bent - Always

And one more for the mini-playlist... Boardwalk Theme by Desolation Wilderness. A bit of an unknown band here, and this type of surfer-psychedelic rock might not be everyones cup of green tea, but picture yourself soaking up the sun on the US west coast, brewsky in one hand, beautiful babe in another and sand crackled speakers pumping out this reverb-heavy melody...

Desolation Wilderness - Boardwalk Theme

Jay-Z meets Phoenix

Following the underground and mainstream successes of Danger Mouses Grey Album and Linkin Parks Collision Course, there has seemed to be a neverending stream of mash-ups using acapellas from Jay-Z's Black Album over the past few years. I usually try to steer clear of most of them, but this one put together by Dutchman Don Diablo is a real gem.

Download:

Don Diable vs Phoenix vs Jay-Z - 99 Fences

Aloe aloe aloe

Just a quickie post again. This little ditty is from Californian Aloe Blacc, and slightly reminiscent of Gill Scott Heron. It has gained quite a lot of airplay in the US due to the fact it's the theme song to HBO's How To Make It In America, however it's not actually released until June. Thought it was an apt choice considering I've three days left in work.

Myspace here, official site here, pre-order here

Download: Aloe Blacc - I Need A Dollar

Hot Chip cover Shakira

This cover is from last weeks BBC Radio 1 live lounge sessions. There are subtle differences between this and the original and it's not so much that Hot Chip make it their own, but it sounds like it could actually be one of their own. On another note, this photo of them from the recording looks pretty awkward.

Download:

Hot Chip - She Wolf

The Return of NYPC

It's been a long 3 years since the release of Fantastic Playroom, but thankfully New Young Pony Club decided to get back in the studio and record a new album. The Optimist was released on the 8th of this month, and though it may not be as consistent as their debut, it still warrants a listen, especially if you're a fan of the quartet.

I went to see them play in Newcastle last night, and though I probably say this about every band, but this bunch of guys and gals put on an immense display. They are playing the following dates in Ireland:

Cork - Cyprus Avenue - May 28th
Dublin - Button Factory - May 29th
Belfast - Stiff Kitten - May 31st

Please go see them, you won't regret it.

Myspace here, Official site here, Buy The Optimist here

The following is my fave from the new album:

New Young Pony Club - We Want To

Delphic

A bit late off the mark, but I've been listening to Delphic's debut long player over the last couple of weeks and am beginning to understand why it has been tipped to make many critics 'Albums of 2010' list. From start the end, this 10 track wonder reeks of electronica not far off Leftfield, with catchy choruses and riffs not far off Klaxons (except these Mancunians are actually talented). Catch them while on tour and at many a summer festival this year.

Buy their album here, myspace here, official site here

Delphic - Halcyon

Delphic - Remain

Casiokids

This Norwegian outfit have been knocking about for the last year or so and are on the books at London based Moshi Moshi records (which boasts an impressive roster of Florence + The Machine, Hot Chip, Bloc Party and Friendly Fires). They're currently touring with Hot Chip so if you have tickets for any of their dates, make sure you get there early to catch the warm-up act. Their live show is extremely infectious, with each member rotating and doing the rounds on each others instruments. Expect twinkles, synth progressions and lots and lots of cowbells.

Below is by far my favourite, and like some of their other non-instrumental tracks, it's sung in Norwegian. Fantastiske ting!

Casiokids - Verdens Storste Land

Check out their myspace here, their official blog here and buy their music here

Introducing... Javelin

If you've been enjoying the feel-good, lo-fi sounds of Neon Indian or Memory Tapes or even The Avalanches (any sign of a comeback, lads?) then you'll surely dig this. Javelin tick all the right boxes for success in 2010. Obsessive record diggers? Tick. Signed to a cool label? Tick. Collage-style artwork? Tick. From Brooklyn? Tick. They're currently supporting Yeasayer on their UK tour and finally get round to dropping their debut album No Mas on the 20th of April.
Opening track 'Vibrationz' is 2 minutes of wobbly electro-funk that gives a small hint of Javelin's eclectic sound.

Download: Javelin - Vibrationz

Missing Mylo

It's hard to believe that it's now nearly 6 years since Mylo released one of the albums of the decade. Last January, he sent the following track into Radio 1 as a taster of what was to come. Over a year has drifted by and it still sounds amazing but no sign of any official releases.
After popping up for a few DJ dates here and there over the last while and compiling the cover CD for this month’s edition of Mixmag, maybe this year will mark the return of Myles MacInnes.

Check out this tumble dryer of chopped pianos, hi-hats and gulping bassline which irons out into an absolute stomper. Unfortunately Annie Macs voiceover slightly ruins the ending so hopefully it will feature in its entirety on the album, whenever, if ever, it gets released.

Download below.

Mylo - I'm Back

View his myspace here and buy his music here.

Miike Snow & Ali Love

I went to see the awesome Miike Snow last Friday night in Newcastle. If you are a fan of their album in any shape or form, definitely try catch them while they are on tour at the moment. Below is a short video from Fridays show (apologies for the poor sound quality)...



Supporting Miike Snow was Ali Love. This is another act who had fallen off the radar since his first release back in 2006. I checked out some of his new material before hitting the concert, but there was a lot to be desired. It's mediocre, whiney electro-pop that really only has something to offer when played live. So if I were you, don't bother checking out his new stuff unless you are planning on catching him live.

So why mention him? Well, before being dropped by Columbia Records and resorting to these self-pity ditties, Ali produced some very slick pop tunes that would have given Calvin Harris a run for his money. Unfortunately they didn't perform too well on the charts, which resulted in him losing his record deal and subsequently, his way.

However don't let the bland aftertaste of his latter work stop you from appreciating some his more sumptuous produce from two years back.

Download below:

Ali Love - Secret Sunday Lover

Ali Love - Late Night Session (The Phones Filter Fromage Edit)

Two Door Cinema Club

Every now and again, an Irish act emerges outside of the boring and generic singer/songwriter scene that Irish music has been synonymous with over the past decade. Unfortunately, a lot of them fail to live up to the hype and fade into oblivion (Humanzi, Director and Star Little Thing to name a few).
Two Door Cinema Club are a bunch of Bangor boys hoping to break the mould in 2010. From what I’ve heard, their sound is a cross between Foals and early Bloc Party, combined with the amicable and candid nature of Vampire Weekend.
The French have certainly taken a shine to them; they are currently signed to Kitsune, Philippe Zdar of Cassius is part of their album's production team and they have already remixed Phoenix’s ‘Lasoo’ and are due to support them on some of their European dates.

Checkout their myspace here

Downloads removed.