10 Favourite Albums of 2009

well since there's one more day left before the new year, more like less than 6 hours to go. I'm gonna cobble up a list of my favourite albums this year. 10 albums. Here goes. Alright, enjoy your new year folks!


Kings of Convenience - Declaration of Dependence



The xx - xx



The Black Atlantic - Reverence for Fallen Trees



Miike Snow - Miike Snow



Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix



Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion



The Antlers - Hospice


Atlas Sound - Logos



Fever Ray - Fever Ray


Florence + the Machine - Lungs

50 Favourite Songs of 2009: Part V

Miike Snow - Animal
I think opinion was pretty polarised on this one, but right here where Animal is coming off the speakers, I'm pretty hooked on this track. Swedish pop at it's best, slick/sleek arrangements by Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg and catchy, fun lyrics by vocalist Andrew Wyatt. While I'm going "bounce, bounce", I'm pretty sure this will get stuck in at least half of the heads that listen to it.

official ,myspace ,last.fm


Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy
This one here is a bit dodgy. No, not the quality but rather whether it actually is a 2009 track. Technically, the album was released in 2008, however, it was re-released in 2009 and also featured a reworked Skeleton Boy. So I figured, what the heck.

”I close my eyes on the dancefloor/forget about you./I lose myself in flashing colors/I’ve got to see it through” Beginning with this, you know this is gonna be a fun ride. There's the bleeps and bops, immensely catchy lyrics in short cuts (why do I sound like I'm repeating what I said for Miike Snow's Animal), electro drum beats, plus such an awesome video which the guys over at current say isn't all too original. Sorry folks, but it sure seems original and interesting to me. Don't stop yourself from filling the air with this light dancey number. Get going!

official ,myspace ,last.fm


St. Vincent - Actor Out of Work
Just hitting the halfway mark of the 3rd minute, Actor Out of Work might seem short, but boy is it brimming with energy and pace. The intense drums and the fuzzy guitaring drives the song, as much as her beautiful vocals - don't the oooh oooh oooh's sound so nice? But what takes the cake is the magnificent orchestration at the end using the horns, drum and guitar. Don't you feel it's almost like taking an awesome ride at the amusement park that ends as soon as it started, and you want to take it again and again? Well, this certainly feels like that, no doubt due to the fast pace of the song.

official ,myspace ,last.fm


White Lies - Unfinished Business
Unfinished Business manages to show McVeigh's extended range of vocals for what I feel is him at his best. The lyrics tell a story, of betrayal and forgiveness, as a woman murders a man (presumably the husband) and he comes back as a ghost to haunt her but realises he's still in love with her. All he wants is to forget that she murdered him, and to be with her again. His voice is powerful and suited to the dark but brilliant lyrics, and unwittingly sends shivers up my spine. I think he'd sound fantastic live.

official ,myspace ,last.fm


White Rabbits - Percussion Gun
Well for those expecting something else, it sounds just like what the title says. First off, you have two people playing the drums (at least in the video), and there's the disturbingly enchanting pounding of the lower octaves of the piano. It's a flurry of activity, fast and furious which stirs up the atmosphere and I wouldn't be surprised finding myself in the 60s Sicily, with two rival mafia gangs having an intense face off.

official ,myspace ,last.fm


One For The Team - Best Supporting Actress
Sweet and melodious acoustic indie pop. It feels so charming and certainly not out of place at a bonfire with a group of friends listening to them playing. Lovely lyrics and vocals, clear strumming of the guitar. It's really no frills, just honest singing and awesome stuff from the rest of the team.

I know I said I would miss you
But now I think i'll make a mess of you

Get this free from their label which was incidentally founded by Ian Anderson, their vocalist.

official ,myspace ,last.fm


Florence + the Machine - Dog Days Are Over
Don't you think Dog Days Are Over has a soul of it's own? It's as if it has wings and would spread them anytime and take off. Her strong vocals resonate as their scale enormous heights. The supporting cast does a brilliant job of supplementing her vocals in this piece, as it takes you through all the cork screws and double cork screws and even the 360s before settling you for a straight (coinciding with the soft lull) before it springs you with yet another trip through those twist and turns. She's really impressive and indeed, this song takes you on a whirlwind ride which is both a delight and joy.

Btw, she's coming here (to Singapore) with The xx. Get your tickets if you haven't!

official ,myspace ,last.fm


The Low Anthem - Charlie Darwin
Breathy vocals that permeate the dreamy soundscape which engulfs you while the slow acoustic strums accompany the chorus as this magic slowly unfolds. Eerie and taut while the lyrics reek of despair "Spooning water from the broken vessels/As far as I can see there is no land", it belies the lyrical depth later in "Lords of war just profit from decay/And trade the children's promise for the jingle". Absolute stunner of a track.

official ,myspace ,last.fm


Atlas Sound - Quick Canal (feat. Laetitia Sadier)
Bradford Cox certainly knows his way with music. This song is really wonderful, almost lugubrious. Aurally, it's soothing via the use of the keyboard, and Laetitia certainly has that sort of lush voice which envelops you entirely. A kaleidoscope of sounds, at times foggy, at times hazy, at times lush and full, it fills the space you're in. I really really like this song, and it's highly recommended that you take a listen, and you won't even feel like 8 minutes has passed after listening to the song.

official ,myspace ,last.fm


Headlights - Get Going
Light acoustic strumming of the guitar coupled with wistful vocals, certainly got me going. A tad short for such an awesome track, but still love it all the same.

official ,myspace ,last.fm


And so, this marks the end of a pretty long and fun journey, anyhow here are my 50 favourite tracks for 2009 as a new decade beckons in less than 2 days time. It definitely heralds more good music in the coming year and decade, while the lines of mainstream and indie is looking to be blurred, evidenced by the mainstream movie New Moon (Twilight Saga) with their indie soundtrack. Enjoy.

50 Favourite Songs of 2009: Part IV

YACHT - Psychic City (Voodoo City)
Ever felt that a song worms it's way into your head and stays there? Well, Psychic City is a classic example. Bubbly and fun, the handclaps and the guitar make up this song. They sing of the tale of three cities, Psychic, Voodoo and Heartbeat. What's the link? It's for you to listen and find out. Nevertheless, I totally love the chorus, in that it's both different (lyrically) and same (beat and rhythm wise). One thing to note though, throw all logic out of the window when you listen to this song, or YACHT for that matter, and just enjoy their music.

official, myspace, last.fm


Neon Indian - Terminally Chill
Right off, you're plunged into a world of 80s psychedelia, a hodgepodge of synths, haziness, nostalgia and what not. Do you hear those birds chirping in the background? Like who incorporates that into their music - Alan Palomo it seems (and it even sounds appropriate for the song). Whatever the case, let loose your inhibitions and and get "caught in the tide" (of Neon Indian). Meanwhile, I'm just drifting in and out of this woozy, intoxicating and echo-ey dope track.

myspace, last.fm


Tycho - Coastal Brake(mp3)
Pure ambient bliss. The idyllic feel, the reverie one could be almost put in. Such beautiful music, I feel inspired to create such music (if I could). Oh well.

official, myspace, last.fm


Animal Collective - Bluish
A little ghostly as he sings of getting lost in a girl's curls. It's not as "over the top" as the other tracks, more understated. I honestly tried, but I really can't put my finger to what makes this song one of my favourites, as a song and amongst MPP. Maybe it's that after all that electronic and synths, I just want something more subtle and simple. And to call an AC track simple is really hard to do so because if you listen to their stuff, you'll realise simple isn't a word used to describe their music.

I like your looks when you get mean
I know I shouldn't say so
But when you claw me like a cat, I'm beaming

It's lovely and sweet but yet positively funny at the same time. And check out this piano cover. It's damn good.

official, myspace, last.fm


Handsome Furs - Radio Kaliningrad
Myspace -> Click song. Youtube provided a shitty recorded version of their live performance. Personally I thought they were pretty under-listened for the year. They cut a pretty good album "Face Control" and Radio Kaliningrad's a frenetic blast that I love. Tight with cool synths and powerful drum machine, while Dan Boeckner's guitar does not let down too.

official, myspace, last.fm


The Decemberists - The Rake's Song
As usual, it's lyrical creativity with The Decemberists. The "narrator" speaks of entering a marriage and how he's saddled with three pests as his wife dies on delivery of the fourth kid. He sings with maniacal glee as he recounts how he kills his three kids and chants "alright, alright, alright".

official, myspace, last.fm


Little Dragon - My Step
Slick disco-esque chorus that certainly reminds me a little of Vitalic's Poison Lips which incidentally is also on this feature. Also the sensual vibe + vocals and the deep groovy beat. Doesn't it already make you wanna move to it? Yukimi Nagano reminds me a little of Yuki Chikudate (Asobi Seksu), both of mixed descent.

official, last.fm


Violens - Doomed
The song has a bit of that choir sound to it, only that you don't have millions of other vocals backing it, but catchy drumbeats and awesome bassline. They dive right in from the get go, immersing you in whimsical and dreamy pop. They never let up throughout the song, giving this good vibe that resonates deep within you. This has to be a must listen for today (coupled with the fact they have a fantastically directed video by Mateo Ramirez). And when they quote influences such as seashells, dreadlocks, gems, sand, veins, ribbons and steel, I know I'm gonna like them.

official, myspace, last.fm


Fanfarlo - I'm A Pilot
Lush orchestration and well crafted coupled with beautiful melodies. That's what I'm A Pilot is about. Deft piano playing at the beginning as the song builds slowly whilst the string-laden crescendo makes it feel grandiose yet affectionate at the same time. Infectious and compelling, they truly sound like a less angsty Arcade Fire and I'll definitely be listening to their brand of chamber indie folk for a while to come.

official, myspace, last.fm


Noah and The Whale - Blue Skies
This is a song for anyone with a broken heart
This is a song for anyone who can't get out of bed

Well, Charlie Fink has explicitly stated who this song is for. But NO! This song is so awesometastic, wonderbulous, not only for the emotion he's portraying, musically I think it's brilliant.

official, myspace, last.fm

Note: My brain and literary skills have been milked to the max trying to give apt descriptions for each track (and even then, a couple were quoted or reused from older posts). I don't think i'll do a write up for 2010's music. Look out for the final 10 tracks for this feature of the year.

50 Favourite Songs of 2009: Part III

Asobi Seksu - Thursday (Acoustic)
For those familiar with Asobi Seksu, Thursday was a track of their 2006 album "Citrus". This is an acoustic reinterpretation of that wonderful track cut at famed Olympic Studios in London, amongst other reimaginations of their best work which makes up "Rewolf". Much more sparse and their sonic layers stripped, leaving Yuki's warbling to power the song. It's more affecting but not as strong musically as the original. However, the warm feeling one gets from James' guitar and beauty derived from the emphasis placed on her vocals in this sparer version makes this an enjoyable and repeatable listen.

Listen to the original here.

official, myspace, last.fm


Miike Snow - Black & Blue
This totally slow-groove ballad makes me go ape SMD style. Plus, there's a totally wicked official video. A very old man with pretty old school music instruments and stuff, with his weird contraptions playing them (which appears to play accordingly to the beats/sounds of the song, like the mechanical hand tapping the piano at the appropriate moments). Seems to me he's all trapped up in his house (of his own volition), and all of a sudden he decides to make it out that door. And as he does so, he hugs a stunned teen, walks down the street, tosses his seemingly permanently on headphones and then sheds his robe, embracing the sunlight. All while the trio that is Miike Snow are in the car staring after him.

I won't waste your time with my revelation/Hello my friend, I see you're back again/Hello mystery, don't bother to explain

Embrace this number (like the old dude) along with it's plethora of remixes and hold on while I leave this on repeat.

official, myspace, last.fm


Vitalic - Poison Lips
Sensual dance song, with the synths working overtime. The song is tight and not overdone, coming in at nearly 4 minutes - so it doesn't give you that overdose of synths and heavy beats that if not done well (think steak) leaves a bad aftertaste. It swirls and loops and infuses you with all that psychedelia that I'm not sure I want to make the trip back. Enjoy this song, and the video for dessert.

official, myspace, last.fm


Camera Obscura - French Navy
First single from awesome album "My Maudlin Career" does not fail to delight with it's lightness and comfortable beat and rhythm. French Navy is an upbeat story of meeting a new lover in a dusty library “by a trick of fate”. Tracyanne Campbell croons "You make me go, "Oooh"/With the things that you do, you do, you do" before chorus kicks in. It may sound like yet another love song, but this is a Camera Obscura love song, besides it's not all weepy and heartbreak. There's some happiness amid all that gloom which makes this a pretty neat musing that still manages to sound fresh.

official, myspace, last.fm


Passion Pit - Little Secrets
These guys would prolly remind everyone else of MGMT. Enjoy this electro-funk coupled with falsetto vocals plus wonderful production of a gem called Little Secrets which ironically wasn't that little, seeing how it was blogged about by nearly every another blog when it was leaked prior to it's official release.

official, myspace, last.fm


Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls
BBC: "...this is a very typical Franz Ferdinand song. It's slinky, it's a bit disco, it's a bit guitary, it's anti-macho, but also quite blokey in the chorus. The lyrics point toward sexual politics, and the lack of understanding between boys and girls..."

It nearly sounds like Take Me Out but manages to stand out on it's own with sleeker productions.

official, myspace, last.fm


Phoenix - Rome
Well, if you're wondering what's another Phoenix track doing here, it's because they damn well deserve it. This track is also just as awesome, it starts off upbeat and rampant, going all out to have their fun singing about "Who's the boy you like the most/Is he teasing you with underage?" The signature pop hooks and catchy lyrics that make you want to sing along is present, as is the word silhouette which seems to appear in a couple of the tracks in "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix". Almost midway, the
track drops tempo and eases you into muses of heartbreak before breaking out into it's glorious final chorus.

official, myspace, last.fm


Beat Radio - Stranger Flowers(mp3)
This is an mp3 link from their official site. A melancholic love song that sounds every bit like a lovelorn boy singing his heart out to... no one. It's really emotive (and the lyrics are hackneyed to some extent) and it's just Brian Sendowitz pouring his heart out in this acoustic track, which more than makes up for the "hackneyed" lyrics. Really sweet and lovely song and watch out for Beat Radio, they've certainly got more beckoning for them.

official, myspace, last.fm


fun. - Be Calm
Fun is the name of the game and it's also in their name. This track is full of carnival-esque joy and showmanship and lyrical genius. It's a joy to listen to this track on it's own and it's a wonder how he manages to cram all those whopper of lyrics into all of a little over 4 minutes.

official, myspace, last.fm


Memory Tapes - Green Knight
This is pretty much their website and it's where you can find a download of their fantastic track Green Knight. I'm not putting up their own mediafire link, because the previous time I did, I gotta into a shitload of trouble and I'm not keen on getting that all over. Hint hint: It's the October post.

official, myspace, last.fm

50 Favourite Songs of 2009: Part II

Phoenix - Lisztomania
The term "Lisztomania" was coined by the German romantic literary figure Heinrich Heine to describe the massive public response to Franz Liszt's virtuosic piano performances. There were allegedly screaming women at these performances, and the audience was sometimes limited to standing room only. In this case, the same could be said of Phoenix - the legions of fans they're gained from the release of "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix", and subsequently the release of Lisztomania as a single. The catchy pop tunes reverberate as with the effervescent killer hooks this French outfit are making theirs. The ebbs and flows characterise this feel good indie pop number that makes us wanna dance on air.

official, myspace, last.fm


Delorean - Seasun
Tight, beach side dance song, groovy have been used to describe this track from Delorean, hailing from Barcelona. Not as frenzied as one would like to call it, nor as frenetic, it's more apt to call this house(?) track exuberant. The deep bass beats coupled with the synths, builds this song up, as it bides it's time to bloom into full glory. It doesn't throw you headlong into the vortex and let you stand on your own - it nurtures and ensures that once the awesomeness that this song is engulfs you, you would be standing and dancing to and basking in this gorgeous thing called Seasun.

myspace, last.fm


Bibio - Lover's Carvings
Pretty obscure track for the year which I feel deserved more. The lovely instrumental intro could stand on it's own. However, the song abruptly ends one third of it's way through. For a split second, one couldn't be faulted for thinking something's wrong. But as abruptly as it stops, it suddenly breaks into a upbeat musing of love and carvings on the wall. The folks-y feel blends seamlessly with the electronica employed by Stephen Wilkinson. Go ahead and feel totally at ease listening to Lover's Carvings for I too, am doing so.

maybe they're telling us
that the end
never was
never will

myspace, last.fm


Bon Iver - Blood Bank
This is what Jagjaguwar has said the following about the content of the EP: "As much as Emma is about the cold, the Blood Bank collection(or if you'd like to think, just the track) is about the warmth that gets you through it. You can feel the air move. Like a fire you've been stoking for hours and finally got to sustain itself, the heat blisters your face while your back is frozen solid." Sentimental and deeply intimate, it's almost as if Justin Vernon is baring his soul. Gentle and melodic, it's like wine. Tasted and drunk slowly, so that you can savour every bit, the nuances and the subtlety. Enjoy.

official, myspace, last.fm


Fever Ray - When I Grow Up
When I Grow Up evokes a certain rawness, coupled with measured insanity, "i put my soul in what i do/last night i drew a funny man/with dark eyes and a hanging tongue" You would give your all say, in your favourite sport, or maybe in rigorous academia, or even drawing. Yet all her soul was put into what she did, drawing a funny man with dark eyes and a hanging tongue. In the video, the tribal feel to her songs are nearly reproduced in most songs from her debut album "Fever Ray", and is clearly evidenced by her in the video. The almost manic, demented and catatonic air to the song is supplemented by an eerie soundscape which in my opinion is excellent experimentation.

official, myspace, last.fm


The xx - VCR
The xx have managed to squeezed something so delightful and wondrous into under 3 minutes. The intro piques your interest as it's almost as if the cutesy beats skim the surface of the water, begging you to catch them. They break into minimalist lo-fi instrumentation that has been the main stay of quite a number of bands, only that they exemplify this. Melancholic Romy Madley Croft has her turn, before the laidback droll of Oliver Sim takes over, and they merge together with all that samples going "I think we're superstars, you say you think we are the best thing". True to that, they're (one of) the best thing(s).

official, myspace, last.fm


The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Young Adult Friction
The lyrical content of the song starkly contrasts with their band name. Young Adult Friction muses in catchy pop hooks and frantic beats of a romp in the library "among the dust and the microfiche", but one realises it's only a girl using the guy as she probably is trying to get over an ex in "you're taking toffee with your vicodin/something sweet to forget about him". Lastly, she realises it's not working and they "go your own way i will go my own way". While Kip's vocals almost borders on twee, their fetching, whimsical pop that never fails to delight the listener seem so effortless on their part and I love it, other than their ridiculously long band name which is a hassle to type.

official, myspace, last.fm


Röyksopp - Happy Up Here
The bleeps and bloops dot this funky upbeat soundscape by Norwegian duo Röyksopp. Short of being cutesy, Happy Up Here is like an opus on how to have fun. (As you can see, I'm getting tired and lazy. Gee. )

official, myspace, last.fm


The Antlers - Kettering
A brilliant song about a guy who's hired to look after this patient in a hospital, it is littered with vivid descriptions - which evokes desolation right to the very bone. The video is just a collation of photos. But that's where I'm wrong. It is not JUST a collation of photos, but a very elegant and masterful one. A lot of thought must have been put into choosing the photos (the person who uploaded the video is not the person who took the photos). That said, most of the credit must be given to the photographer for the beautiful photos. The song and video doesn't just tug at your heart strings, it resonates deep within your soul, making you wonder how and what could have sparked such loneliness, devoid of hope as the songs tails off with "and i didn't believe them when they told me that there was no saving you."

official, myspace, last.fm


Aeroplane Pageant - Stars Still Pretty
Aeroplane Pageant have come up with a lovely track in Stars Still Pretty which goes on about what exactly I'm not sure. Amid all the cheeky playfulness as they seem to have fun, Brian Kelly's vocals stand out as unique along with that nice bass.

Things and people, things with wings
Things that scream, things that won’t

official, myspace, last.fm

50 Favourite Songs of 2009: Part I

Merry Christmas to all my readers (a very small number I suppose). Well, for the next five days including today, I will be doing a feature 50 Favourite Songs of 2009. It will be divided into 5 parts, 10 songs for each day. Why I'm not doing a ranked list - it's because I don't think I have that discerning a ear yet to rank the songs, and personally for me, good music is good music, there's no real need to rank them. Besides, it's gonna be a real huge headache trying to rank 50 songs, and the best ones at that, what with all the good music dropped this year. So, the 50 songs listed in this feature are my favourite songs for 2009, and are in no particular order.

Thought to self: To actually just fit 50 songs is gonna be crazy, I mean, I don't even know where to start. Gotta thank my procrastinating self, I knew I should have started earlier.

Muse - Resistance
The almost title track of the album, immediately reminded me of 2006's Starlight from "Black Holes and Revelations". The short piano-infused intro bears slight resemblance, and that chorus of "it could be wrong, could be wrong...." mildly reminiscent of "hold you in my arms/i just wanted to hold/you in my arms". A balladic rock anthem taking it's place amongst my Muse favourites such as Time Is Runnng Out, Starlight, Map of the Problematique, Knights of Cydonia amongst others.

official, myspace, last.fm


Kings of Convenience - Boat Behind
How is anyone not to enjoy their brand of laid back acoustic songs that totally lull you into singing along and feeling so good? Well, that's this Norwegian duo for you.

official, myspace, last.fm


Animal Collective - My Girls
My Girls is almost a compendium of sounds that can be used from the synths. Ok, it's an exaggeration, but clearly, a myriad of electronic sounds can be heard in the song at any point in time. Psychedelic euphoria at best, electronic noise at worst, much has been said of AC's much vaunted single from "Merriweather Post Pavillion". However, I believe that detractors are far too few and in between, and with a well produced song as such, it's not hard to see why. Approaching new grounds and yet retaining some elements of old, this will clearly remain a favourite for the years to come.

official, myspace, last.fm


Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks
Four of them looking goody-two-shoes, glowing even brighter than the early morning sun. Before long, sparks are flying and their heads catch fire. The same can be said of the song, hot out of the studio, the album leaked amid the hype surrounding "Veckatimest". The song building up gently with the keyboard and some choir-like vocals. Sounding almost like a church-choir, the song seems to be crawling out from under it's shelter, stretching well and good before hitting the ground running. It's apt that when they start off with a lilting "whoa-oh-whoa-oh-whoa-oh", they hit their stride midway with "whoa-oh-whoa-oh-whoa-oh", the fragmented phrases Ed Droste sings of distance and love, fall in place nicely; like the end where their heads burst into fire, one can bask in the song's full aural glory.

official, myspace, last.fm


Reverie Sound Revue - Walking Around Waiting Downtown
A really fantastic song set to a poor video. I mean, a very fast-forwarded Harry Potter? Lisa's well toned voice sings of something most people do everyday, literally of walking around and waiting downtown. A suitably paced song filled with ambient sounds, they do not feel like they're rushing through anything, taking their time with the song, walking and waiting. RSR have a delight that never fails to set one in a good contemplative mood.

official, myspace, last.fm


Simian Mobile Disco - Cruel Intentions (feat. Beth Ditto)
When you have a song featuring Beth Ditto of Gossip, you know you're gonna have a song with solid vocals that's not going to let you down. Someone of her stature with
a duo who are known for their heavily stylised tracks, you can immediately turn up the dial and start grooving. SMD's background arrangements are nearly outdone by her vocals, but with deadly hooks like that, they go head to head with each other; at times competing yet complementing each other, it's one pretty good dance song.

official, myspace, last.fm


The Black Atlantic - Madagascar
This little known group hailing from Groningen, Netherlands leaves us wanting more with a pleasant, affectionate track titled Madagascar. I've not been to Madagascar, but if this song embodies what this country is about, I can perfectly envision a quaint country with so many little things to love. A particular line in this acoustic number keeps returning to me, because it seems so apt "whether man needs the lie like air to survive". I would like to pose this question to myself, but I think I wouldn't be able to find an answer.

official, myspace, last.fm


The Polyamorous Affair - New York City
The track in question is New York City pulled from their album "Bolshevik Disco", so click "full track" and then the play button at the top right hand box. Reminiscent of retro disco, complete with thumping electronic synths, this is pure decadence and lush melodies, nothing short of what you'd expect from glam-pop harkening from the 70s and 80s. They generally have quite short songs, ranging from 2:30 to 3:30, but this is slightly longer at 4:01. Escape into a world of fantasies and soak up the "inspired dance beats of Giorgio Moroder and the raw sexuality of Serge Gainsbourg’s collaborations with vixens, Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot, plus a twist of Marc Bolan-esque hooks and Goldfrapp’s technological pagan naturist ways." (as said on last.fm) This husband and wife duo(remember Handsome Furs) are definitely one to keep on your playlist and radar. Why this seems so familiar is because it was from my previous post and I just cut and paste. Sorry for being a little lazy. Hah.

official, myspace, last.fm


Inch Chua - Devotion in Reality
This is actually a link to her official page where you can do a download of the lovely EP of which this track is part of. And shoot me, but I'm reusing the write up of this song from an older post again, partly cause I've got no time, and there's really way too much to write.

Devotion In Reality delves deep into her past, musing about lost love. Of (broken) promises and heartbreak, you realise that this album could be about personal experiences. Well paced, with what sounds like a xylophone(?) in the background, the song slowly introduces you into her world, where the lack of lyrics mid song coincide with the opening to the door into that cosy, intimate world of hers and moves on, as if she's showing you around this wonderful place. I'm reminded of The Little Prince written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, where the title character lives in a really tiny world (actually an asteroid), which is just about as big a house could be.

Listening to it again has made me realise this could be actually a very nice song to listen to if you're all alone on this Christmas where it's supposed to be a day of joy, love and giving.

official, purevolume, last.fm


Au Revoir Simone - Shadows
An emotional song which sees the trio going on about a break up, and how it affects both parties. The keyboards and synths are but only partners in crime in this intimate song. The dulcet yet at times appealingly flat sound of Erika's voice (I think) makes me want so much more.

official, myspace, last.fm

i refuse to let anyone through

Ok, the poll has closed BUT there's only 3 votes. Maybe I should have never started the poll in the first place. HAHA!

I don't know whether this counts as an attempt at a Christmas Eve playlist, but I tried! It's really just a mish-mash of whatever songs I'm listening to.


Acrylics - All Of The Fire

Bon Iver & St. Vincent - Roslyn

Tycho - Coastal Brake
This is just brilliant. Take my word for it.

Local Natives - Airplanes

Great Lake Swimmers - Stealing Tomorrow
Beautiful song, really really wonderful. Well crafted, apt use of strumming to create the mood, and certainly the excellent vocals as well.

Sufjan Stevens - Joy To The World
This is obviously the most Christmas-y song there is here, rather, the only Christmas-y song. Should check out his new album "The BQE", which is a mixed-medium artistic exploration of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.


Note: I'll be doing a favourite songs/albums list. I won't and can't do a ranked list because I'm still not discerning enough.

they say they'd change though they never did

The Soft Pack - C'Mon
Very short and sweet song by The Soft Pack. Little nugget here, they were called "The Muslims" initially, but for obvious reasons they changed their name.

Cue Homer, "Doh!"

This year, they opened for Franz Ferdinand, toured with White Lies and Friendly Fires, did their own small tour to promote their "Extinction" EP and will be opening 2 shows in the US for Phoenix.

Goodbye Kumiko - We Die On Ordinary Days (mp3)
A song with an intro that immediately brings to mind those old gramophones while sound quality would be a little scratchy. Subsequently a short "interlude" with just one line, and the piano comes on with the guitar strummed rapidly in the background, before everything makes way gradually to the keyboard. Neat piece of work. I love their name as well. Goodbye Kumiko brings a sort of warm and reminiscent feeling, it's got something to do with the japanese name, like how I love Murakami's books (like even if he wasn't a good writer, i'd still like his books cos he's japanese.)

Goodbye Kumiko - The Tigers (mp3)
Here's another one by them. They're pretty good eh? However this one has a festive folksy lilt, which is refreshing. There's a very subtle underlying mysteriousness about the song too.

like a wall of stars, we are ripe to fall

Alright, today's weather was pretty awesome, the sky constantly threatening to rain with semi-dark clouds looming, but ultimately giving way to clearer skies. The breeze felt good, it wasn't humid at all (like it usually is), nor was the sun scorching. Solid weather.

On to the music for today, having heard this song on the latest episode of Gossip Girl "The Debarted", I felt it deserved a post unto its own. So hauntingly beautiful, evoking a sort of epiphany in me when I heard it. Curiously, I was wondering which band could the song be from, which led me to Explosions in the Sky (but they're more rock-oriented) and the more I thought, the more I was certain that it must be those musicians that make tracks which land on CDs featuring serene tranquil songs. BUT to my utter surprise, it was M83. I was honestly quite taken aback, the M83 who gave us Couleurs, Kim & Jessie, Graveyard Girl and Don't Save Us From The Flames plus so much more, came up with Too Late. But I was so wrong, I haven't really listened to their older stuff, from like their debut self-titled album or even the subsequent album, so upon closer listen, they are indeed capable of making such excellent emotive music.

I have to thank Gossip Girl for showing me this side of M83 which I totally didn't know of, and applaud the person in charge of selecting accompanying music for using the song so appropriately (and also the good music in general). The entire episode builds up, more or less, to this very moment, the crest of the whole episode - so emotionally charged and intense, depicting Chuck as vulnerable, suddenly stripped of all his defenses. This is a stark contrast to the ex-frivolous, now mature and strong Chuck we know who seems like he doesn't need anyone. Beginning with him walking through the plain and drab corridors of the hospital (this is where the song starts) to visit Serena who got into an accident, he passes the room in which his father had his dying breaths. He flashes back to that time that he walked into the room, seeing his father's lifeless body, and he can't take it - leaving the hospital, running away. This leads to the present moment Chuck, recounting that his father used to think he was weak, and Chuck agrees, that at the very moment that was needed of him to be strong, he was weak by running away. Thereafter, Blair says that Chuck used to be unable to handle feelings, but he's no longer that way. Now, he carries people, he carries her, and lastly that he's becoming a man that his father (Bart Bass) never was.

The emotions it stirred up in me was tremendous, but that's still an understatement. The song is so powerful and extremely well-crafted. It starts with a piano intro which is so affecting. The piano which is also played throughout, becomes the soul of the song. Setting the entire mood of the song, it draws you into this surreal world, where you could be staring at the sky but only that it's not the sky, it's the vast emptiness that is space; asteroids streaking across infinity or even a planet becoming a supernova. Synths sparsely punctuate the song to good effect, and each time I think I'm reaching out to grab what is the song, it becomes wisps of nothingness - ethereal at best, almost as if there was nothing there. The song fills this void in you, yet at the same time serves to remind you of the emptiness within you, at times even amplifying it, and throughout the song vacillates between both. Oxymoronic, but that's how I feel.

Despite all this, I'm still not doing justice to the song - only listening to it will suffice.


M83 - Too Late



Note: Vote for best album of 2009 here.

The Saturday Mix #29

Monarchy - Gold in the Fire (Diamond Cut Remix)
Remember Monarchy from yesterday? Diamond Cut's here with a remix of Gold In The Fire. The remix has more depth, but less buzz. I think I like the original better; the deeper beats sort of take away the allure that his voice gives to the song.

Penguin Prison - A Funny Thing
Penguin Prison as a name, certainly makes you think twice about whether you want to take a listen or not - I mean Penguin Prison? BUT, nowadays there's all sorts of quirky, kooky, random names that you can't let the band name affect you. And it helps that there's been some hype surrounding this one man show. As with his previous single Animal Animal, his brand of electro-pop certainly gets you moving.

another day has come and gone/i feel the same/i can't be wrong

Penguin Prison - A Funny Thing (Monarchy Remix)
And now, we have a Monarchy remix on the above song. Pretty interesting outcome, hear that distinct but not overtly overwhelming beat in the background? (some remixes turn on the beat so deep and intense such that it totally drowns out the original) Kinda nice - sounds like the electronic.

Delphic - This Momentary (ALGERONICS Remix)
This is a not bad remix, but I had to settle for this cos I couldn't find the one I wanted. Still, quite a decent mix by ALGERONICS. Very trance-ish.

Thieves Like Us - Drugs In My Body (Designer Drugs Remix)
I bet it's no coincidence they decided to remix this song. I mean Drugs in the song title, and Drugs in their name? HAHA! The original was way trippy if you've heard it (or if you haven't, click the Thieves Like Us label at the end of this post and you can prolly find it in one of the posts), and this remix is uber sleek. It's like taking ecstacy on the first song, and the remix is taking ecstacy plus weed. It's not overwhelming, it's bass-y, in one word - DOPE (pun intended, totally).

Mayer Hawthorne - Green Eyed Love
The video is really really funny, and his voice is cute/pitchy/wtf? I mean how can he keep it that way for the entire song?! Unless he sounds like that normally which I doubt so.

Mayer Hawthorne - Green Eyed Love (Classixx Remix)


Note: Vote for best album of 2009 here.

these things are fathomlessly out of our hands

Fyfe Dangerfield - When You Walk in the Room
I think the whole thing about him, is his unpolished voice. It lends a sort of rawness and sincerity, a bit like Jamie Archer from X Factor UK. It's unique and certainly grew on me.

i want youuuu endlessly/i love youuuu endlessly

Kings of Convenience - Misread
Don't you find their lyrics always ring so true, surely striking a chord within you? Such earnestness, he's literally pouring his heart out, even laying it bare, as seen in

All throughout history
The loneliest people
Were the ones who always spoke the truth
The ones who made a difference
By withstanding the indifference
I guess it's up to me now
Should I take that risk or just smile?

no accoutrements, no whim wham, nothing. just the guitar and their voices.

Monarchy - Gold in the Fire
The moment I clicked |>, the solid 8 beat (I think) just hit me in the face. And when lyrics started rolling, I wasn't expecting it. It's a bit balladic, plus some house thrown into the mix, that awesome falsetto. Now, who's Monarchy really? I can't find anything on their myspace nor last.fm !!!!!!

Monarchy - Black, The Colour Of My Heart
The lyrics could prolly stand on it's own, being sung just as it is. Adding the deep bass and electronic is a dash of freshness which goes down well with me. These guys are really good, and I need to know more about them.

i heard it's getting windy and we'll all be blown away

Sunset Rubdown - Idiot Heart
I like the strong bassline that punctuates the song regularly. interesting lyrics as well. And with a title like that, it's gonna be tough not to like this song.

No, I was never much of a dancer/but I know enough to know you gotta move/your idiot body around.

Nurses - Technicolor
Nurses are made up of cosmic troubadours and best friends Aaron Chapman and John Bowers, and only recently did they become a trio as percussionist and visual artist James Mitchell joined them. The vocals in the track isnt outstanding, but somehow, combined with quirky electronics, the perceived emptiness, and the entire mood, the song morphs into something alluring. But, this was only felt upon the second listen. Sweet.

fun. - All The Pretty Girls
Well, their name pretty much sums up their sound. Unadulterated fun with catchy lyrics and smart hooks - funkypop's the mantra of Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff.

Page France - Dogs
A really wonderful song full of emotive lyrics, and the harmonica seems like a good addition to the song.

the elegant present comes at dawn

Here's a poll for what you think is the top album for this year. Please vote once only and it's closing a week later. (Not that I expect many voters.) However, that said, there's prolly tonnes of good albums out there but I have to make a top 10 list to vote from so inevitably a lot get the cut, so you could just drop a comment with your favourite albums if they aren't in the list.





Atlas Sound - Shelia
Oh sweet, RCRDLBL has dropped a free download of this fantastic track off "Logos". Go get it!

Music Go Music - Warm In The Shadows
Oooh, it makes me feel so good. And swanky guitar riff 2/3s through the song, interesting! I like the voice, that hollowness present in it. This is what is said of them, "Music Go Music have the simple syrup of pop extravagance running through their veins. These arena-sized songs are composed with such savage efficiency that you find yourself humming along before two bars have gone by."

Yeasayer - Ambling Alp
I think this song is damn awesome. Looking forward to "Odd Blood". Dips on it to be a best album of 2010.

Phoenix - Girlfriend
This is Phoenix, nuff' said.

when my memories ring like telephones

As of Sunday, X Factor UK (Season 6) actually ended, with Joe McElderry clinching top spot, while Olly edged Stacey out for second. In the final face off, they had to sing their favourite song and the winner's song The Climb originally by Miley Cyrus. Olly Murs had his Twist and Shout pitted against Joe's Don't Stop Believing. The results reflected Joe's overwhelming support and fan base, garnering a massive 61.3%. This however, by no means, reflects Olly's mediocrity. Olly was outstanding as well, the usual slick dance moves, awesome stage presence and pretty good voice. He put in his all, which was evident. And so, at 18, Joe's become UK's next singing sensation. Will he be like Leona Lewis, breaking out into a mega star, or fade into oblivion ala Steve Brookstein? Only time will tell. I still hate it that Lucie was booted so early - still a little bitter about Simon ending her dreams so prematurely.


Lindstrøm & Christabelle - Music In My Mind
Just listen and lay back to chill.

Maria Mena - Just Hold Me

Fyfe Dangerfield - She Needs Me
Nice and polished pop song. However, at some points when he wants to go pretty high, it seems like his voice is about to break.

and i like to play piano but it's often out of tune

30 Seconds To Mars - Kings & Queens
Pretty epic video, and an even more epic song. Seems like more bands are starting to use mass cyclists in their videos. This is from their 3rd studio album "This Is War", since 2005's "A Beautiful Lie".

Sun Airway - Swallowed By The Night(mp3)
Sun Airway is the new project from ex-A-Sides Patrick Marsciell and Jon Bathmus. Head down to their site for a free download of their lovely EP "Oh, Naoko".

Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You
Yeahhhh, I'd love to be just chilling on a good day with a loved one listening to good music, this song included. Stardust was a one-time musical collaborative effort consisting of producers Thomas Bangalter (from Daft Punk), Alan Braxe (worked quite a bit with Fred Falke), and vocalist Benjamin Diamond.

"i feel like the music sounds better with you/love might bring us back together"


Polly Scattergood - Please Don't Touch
Very cutesy feel good pop song. She looks a little like Anya Marina don't you think?

The Saturday Mix #28 - i wanna breathe that fire again

It's high time I changed the picture of this weekly fixture.

The Sound of Arrows - Danger!
maybe you're in danger, and you don't even know it. don't talk to strangers and know when to quit. such cute lyrics!

The Sound of Arrows - Danger! (Mr Pedro Remix)

Animal Collective - My Girls (Gigamesh Remix)
Yes, fabulous mix of a fantastic song. The psychedelic of the song is still present, but Gigamesh throws in quite a fair bit of ravey and turns it out into a fairly danceable tune. I like it. Speaking of AC, I was actually wondering if I should even do a poll of best album of the year. But I don't think anyone would vote. HAHA.

The Killers - Read My Mind (Gabriel & Dresden Remix)
Josh and Dave take one of the hottest track's off "Sam's Town" and turn it into a trance beat. It runs a whopping 10plus minutes, with an intro and outro.

The Killers - Mr. Brightside (Jacques Lu Cont Mix)
Jacques Lu Cont, also known as Thin White Duke but his real name is Stuart Price, does his stuff on a song from their debut album "Hot Fuss"

Muse - Undisclosed Desires
The second single of "The Resistance" is smashing. Not the usual rock, more balladic but smashing nonetheless. The lyrics are so damn good as well. Top notch Muse. I really can't wait to see them in Feb.

I want to reconcile the violence in your heart
I want to recognise your beauty is not just a mask
I want to exorcise the demons from your past
I want to satisfy the undisclosed desires in your heart

Muse - Undisclosed Desires (Thin White Duke Mix)
Quite a decent mix, but I still like the original better.

in the sky the birds are pulling rain

Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Killers are coming down to Singapore, with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs having sold out their tickets and The Killers almost running out. But but but, that's not all.

It appears that The xx and Florence & The Machine are still headed down to Singapore despite the cancellation of St. Jerome's Laneway Festival according to an article in the Today newspaper. Anyhow, look at this. Go here. Right click the page and "View Source" or "View Page Source", you can see a Singapore link right at the bottom set of links (but it's not working, it just redirects you back to the same page), amongst the other Australian cities.

Also, I just found out that the Mosaic Music Festival held at The Esplanade is gonna have a whole host of acts that will make this festival to die for, especially these 3 acts that I'm looking out for, namely Kings of Convenience, Shugo Tokumaru and St. Vincent. I'm so excited!



Florence & the Machine - You've Got The Love (The xx Remix)
You've got the love, you've got the loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Shugo Tokumaru - Green Rain
This is what one guy commented "It's pretty amazing how subtly the song changes from 7/8 to 6/8. That's why the verse is so unsettling and jumpy and the chorus section flows so well." The only thing I know about 7/8 or 6/8 is that it's some time thingy to do with the beats, but other than that, I'm clueless. But I don't have to know that to like this song. Shugo is very creative, overflowing with those juices really. Listen to his songs, the first thing that came to my mind was really of him painting with his music as the paint.

Kings of Convenience - Toxic Girl
The lyrics totally remind me of the latest How I Met Your Mother Episode "The Window".

"You're waiting in the shadows for a chance
because you believe at heart, that if you can"

Kings of Convenience are superb. And so is Kings of Leon. Anymore Kings coming up?

enter a world special made for kings

Washed Out - Feel It All Around
Slow mesmerising beat. Just nice.

Vitalic - Poison Lips
oh my god, you have to listen to this. absolutely. this is really dope stuff by Vitalic. but i need to get this out first, the asian girl that first appears in the video looks like a porcelain doll, right out of a production line. ok, the synths are working overtime with intense pulsating beats that thump away. it's like a jackhammer, but it feels like heaven. very nice video to boot - the drawing of the word V with smeared lipstick takes one back to "V for Vendetta". poison indeed.

Little Dragon - My Step
the singing is very stripped down (mostly), but is accompanied by an electronic rhythm that is reminiscent of.. damn, can't remember what it's called but if i do, i'll make sure i let you guys know.

today's songs have just wormed their way into my system, the beats are just going off in my head like sirens, and anymore intense i could probably see the lights pulsating to it. i totally love it. if this was facebook, i'd prolly like this post a million times.

constant conversations with myself

A brief update on X Factor UK since it's about to end. Next week would conclude the end of Season 6 (I think) with the finals, with Stacey Solomon, Joe McElderry and Olly Murs slugging it out. Alright, I wouldnt call it slugging out, the 3 of them are prolly the nicest people you'll ever meet. For those who might not have been following, Danyl Johnson was only just eliminated this week, i.e. the last contestant to be booted before the finals. I don't know and don't support any particular final contestant - cos they're all good, and worth supporting. Stacey is the most humble person one could ever meet, and the sweetest thing there'll ever be, plus quite good vocals to boot. Joe is the young chap (he's 18) trying his luck with his Irish charm and solid vocal range (most of the judges say he's the best vocally), but more suited to a Josh Groban like audience, and lastly Olly, with his slick dance moves and the right image to capture the hearts of all young women in UK. And I must give some props to Danyl who pretty much exited the show on a high, singing MJ's Man in the Mirror, which was pretty damn good. He was gracious in his exit and certainly pulled all stops to sing Man in the Mirror after his exit was announced - to which all 4 judges gave a standing ovation, his second in the entire competition. Fitting I say. That said, I hope the 3 finalists give awesome performances that would make it difficult to decide who to vote for.

The Futureheads - Struck Dumb
I like how the guitars drive this song.

Deerhunter - It Never Stops
Typical vocals that barely make it out above the cacophony of instruments, is the mainstay of various bands right now, and Deerhunter is no exception. They do it well with appropriate hooks and a lovely intro.

Telekinesis! - Coast of Carolina
Not bad a song, considering Telekinesis! is only Michael Benjamin Lerner on the drums, guitar and vocals. But he's joined by Chris Staples, David and Jonie Broecker for live shows.

HEARTSREVOLUTION - Dance Till Dawn
Nice and groovy. I WANNA DANCE TILL DAWNNNNN!

you wear your every last disguise

All Wrong and The Plans Change - Hey, Hey
This is a free download offered on their site. A very lovely down-tempo song, suited for a good day to listen to whilst reading at home or just chilling.

Annie - I Don't Like Your Band
Yet another solo electropop singer, but she's been around much longer than the likes of Lykke Li, Ladyhawke, Little Boots etc. So funky, she's prolly dissing somebody (in a particular band, or even the band itself) she knows.

Gregory & The Hawk - Boats and Birds
Gregory & The Hawk is mainly Meredith Godreau's solo project, collaborating quite often with her many musician friends. Very very very beautiful song, just like Grey Weather which I featured quite a while back. This song is basically her vocals plus guitar plucking and some bass - very stripped down.

"But you can set sail to the west if you want to
And past the horizon till I can't even see you"

Erin McCarley - Love, Save The Empty

BTW: Inch Chua's Christmas EP titled "Peace, Love & Mistletoe" is out on her site. Go get your hands on it right now! Lovely 4 track to listen to leading up to everybody's favourite holiday! And anyhow, congrats to Inch, she was invited to SXSW '10 at Austin, Texas.

The Saturday Mix #27

Cut Copy - Hearts on Fire (Aeroplane Remix)
This Belgian duo would be coming down for ZoukOut 2009.

The Big Pink - Too Young To Love (Delorean Remix)

Ellie Goulding - Under The Sheets (Jakwob Remix)

Crystal Fighters - I Love London (Qoso Remix)
There've been quite a number of remixes floating around on this awesome dance number and here's one by Qoso.

Florence & The Machine - You've Got The Love
Damn it, I totally missed out this song from her album "Lungs", very nice powerful sounding rock song. She's really got that voice don't you think? It stands out. Hmms, a bit like Beth Ditto. Only found out about it after hearing the remix, which is just as awesome.

Florence & The Machine - You've Got The Love (The xx Remix)
A remix by one of the most under-rated/understated acts of the year. But thing is, it sounds more like The xx covering this song, because throughout the remix, I can't seem to find traces of the original. If anyone can clarify if it's a remix or cover, please do get back to me.

Gossip - Heavy Cross (Siriusmo Dub)
This is a wicked Siriusmo putting his own spin on a Gossip song.

chance and sow, nothing changing

Delphic - Doubt
Remember Delphic? Yes, and they are back. More epic, more intense, more futuristic. As the lyrics come spilling out, an intense gaze burns into your soul, as if etching the lyrics into you. Bullets, bubbles, crystalline shapes and whatnot, slithering over taut beautiful bodies, the various "metallic lifeforms" vibrating to the wicked beat. One is almost reminded of Michael Jackson's metallic glove as the bullet like objects cover one woman's hand. This is definitely gonna be an uber dance floor anthem, taking us humans by storm. The monotone and expressionless faces adds to the allure, and everything culminates in the explosion of these things flying off the bodies.

Missing the life gone by that I have lost/I'm missing the better times that I had lost

The Antlers - Kettering
A brilliant song about a guy who's hired to look after this patient in a hospital, it is littered with vivid descriptions - which evokes desolation right to the very bone. The video is just a collation of photos. But that's where I'm wrong. It is not JUST a collation of photos, but a very elegant and masterful one. A lot of thought must have been put into choosing the photos (the person who uploaded the video is not the person who took the photos). That said, most of the credit must be given to the photographer for the beautiful photos. The song and video doesn't just tug at your heart strings, it resonates deep within your soul, making you wonder how and what could have sparked such loneliness, devoid of hope as the songs tails off with "and i didn't believe them when they told me that there was no saving you."

Sia - You've Changed
Here's some dance from Sia. Not the usual goods from her, but fresh and dancey. It's free too! Click here.

Grizzly Bear - Cheerleader
Damn it, I always have this problem, the last few songs don't get any write up at all cos i always get lazy. It's definitely not because the song isn't good or what, i'm just LAZY. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

what you want is just outside your reach

Neon Neon - I Lust U (feat. Cat Le Bon)
Neon Neon is a collaboration between Boom Bip aka Bryan Charles Hollon and Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals. This is apparently a one-off, since Rhys says "I don't know about making another Neon Neon album because it was quite a specific record about (John) DeLorean's life story. If we did something in the future it would have to be something different. But it's nice that it did well and we get to play it live."

John DeLorean is the founder of the DeLorean Motor Company and the album "Stainless Style" is a loose concept album based on the tumultuous life of him. And according to Rhys, I Lust U is about a dark period in DeLorean's life when he was having lots of affairs. And true to this album, the song is every bit the frivolous electro-pop. Cat Le Bon's voice in this song is a bit deadpan, but it somehow adds to the robotic laid-back attitude and intended stripped down feel.

Tiësto - I Am Strong (feat. Priscilla Ahn)
Hah, I never expected Priscilla Ahn's voice in a dance song. But to say I'm not pleased with this outcome is wrong. Her voice is magnetic and melds with the deep solid beats nicely. The whole house feel to this song - I love it.

I can't recall where I heard/read this, but Tiësto's collaborations with so many different artists such as Nelly Furtado, Emily Haines of Metric/Broken Social Scene, Tegan and Sara, Jónsi of Sigur Rós, Kele Okereke of Bloc Party, and Calvin Harris amongst others, is due to him wanting to break into various markets (of other countries) and such collabs may increase the exposure to these markets.

Tiësto (with Sneaky Sound System) - I Will Be Here
cool video. How can anyone actually walk like that? Must be lots and lots of training, or maybe just talent. It's like popping, which I think is my favouritest street style of dancing. Speaking of Japanese and walking, I was at the Uniqlo fashion show yesterday and I was taken in after seeing the female models and their unique way of walking. The model strut is so powerful and striking.

Real Estate - Beach Comber
What a nice summer song. Maybe if you'd replace the guitar with the banjo, wonder what it'd sound like.

i like songs about drifters, books about the same

Modest Mouse - The World At Large

Lissy Trullie - Boy Boy
She did a cover of Hot Chip's Ready For The Floor.
I see some comments saying it's definitely better than the original. I think it's quite a good cover, you've gotta give her some credit, but no way is it better than the original. Take a damn good listen to the original, and compare. The original just takes the cake. I mean, even the video was sick.

Deastro - Light Powered
Totally out of an MS-DOS game (the start that is). Brings back those memories of Duke Nukem, Hocus Pocus, Keen, Lost Vikings, Sonic the Hedgehog and millions more.

THIS MONTH: Music of 2010

It's been a long road, 2009 was a bumper year for music, with so many fantastic albums being churned out by bands, but I won't be going into that. There will be more of that in the month to come, as I might be reviewing albums and songs of this year. That said, I'll be discussing releases for next year, whether some bands are going to live up to their billing, what we could be looking forward to etc.

Here's a couple I'm looking forward to.



Vampire Weekend - Contra (12 Jan)

First up, there's New York indie rockers Vampire Weekend with sophomore effort "Contra". Their much fancied self-titled debut album received rave reviews, and stand out tracks included Oxford Comma and A-Punk. This is what some people said,

Rolling Stone: On their debut, Vampire Weekend mostly earn points the old-fashioned way: by writing likable songs you'll be glad to revisit next month.

The Guardian: Behind the penny loafers and songs about commas, there's a bold band that can balance dextrous originality with an innate pop sensibility.

Boston Globe: At its best, Vampire Weekend takes the exceedingly familiar template of indie rock and invigorates it with a chiming guitar sound that suggests the band has been spending its downtime browsing afropop.org.

Personally, I quite liked the fresh and preppy feel, and it was injected with so much fun. And with Horchata, also available as a free download at their official site, their sophomore effort is really one to look out for.




Beach House - Teen Dream (25 Jan)

Victoria Legrand (fresh off her collaboration with Grizzly Bear on Slow Life, off the soundtrack of Twilight: New Moon) and Alex Scally present to us "Teen Dream". Also included is the single Used To Be released in Oct 2008 and the leaked track Norway that has gotten many raving about their third outing. And I take back what I said previously "I don't actually always pick out their songs to particularly listen to". They're nearly on constant rotation right now. Peachy!

Beach House Norway



OK go - Of the Blue Colour of the Sky (12 Jan)
OK go of Here It Goes Again fame (remember the treadmill video?), is back with a new album titled "Of the Blue Colour of the Sky", taken from the book The Influence of the Blue Ray of the Sunlight and of the Blue Color of the Sky, about how illness can be cured by blue light.

OK go - Skyscrapers


Spoon - Transference (19 Jan)
How exciting is this, Spoon's new album after their 2007 awesome release "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga". I'm pretty ooshed just thinking about their new album.

Los Campesinos! - Romance Is Boring (26 Jan)
Los Campesinos! - There Are Listed Buildings

Lifehouse - Smoke and Mirrors (2 Feb)
Lifehouse - Halfway Gone

Hot Chip - One Life Stand (8 Feb)
With dancefloor hits Ready For The Floor and One Pure Thought, the slow groove Over and Over, I'm all set for "One Life Stand".
Hot Chip - Alley Cats (Live)

Shearwater - The Golden Archipelago (End Feb)

Frightened Rabbit - The Winter of Mixed Drinks (Early Mar)

A few others, such as "Congratulations" by MGMT, un-named albums by Secondhand Serenade, Panic! At The Disco and a couple more, are to be released in first quarter of 2010.


Note: I apologise for the sloppy post, been a bit busy with stuff.