we are falling straight down so don't lose hope

Bear in Heaven - Lovesick Teenagers (mp3)
A synth cascade opens this seemingly simple and straightforward track. But the song is really much more than just 'lovesick teenagers'. It's more about hope. The persistent electronic ba-dump in the background seems lulling, while Jon Philpot's vocals seems to be treading with caution. Almost as if it would culminate in a climax as the pace hastens, bringing about a glorious eruption of what not, the song halts abruptly, leaving you hanging.

Caribou - Odessa
An intriguing song with seemingly Middle Eastern influences, Dan Snaith sings ponderously about a girl tired of crying and all her man's lies. There's something intangible about the song that ensnares you, compels you to put yourself into the shoes of this young girl, as she stands up for herself and decides to leave him.

Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM

Class Actress - Careful What You Say (mp3)
Not a direct link, get it via RCRDLBL. A class act indeed, doling out pop ditties with graceful ease, controlled vocals melded with sparkly synths is definitely a recipe for guilty pleasure. Someone mentioned somewhere she sounded uncannily like Karen O. Anyone agrees?

the coffee's never strong enough

Like what my friend said, it was puzzling that the concert started at 9pm, seeing how she could have started earlier. But what was even more puzzling was how she came on stage the moment the lights dimmed, wearing (gasp) only a top and jeans! What happened to all her eccentricity and interesting headgear (not over the top like Lady Gaga, she takes the cake man.)? Only for her to introduce Ryan Breen aka Back Ted N-Ted. He did a couple of electro-acoustic songs like 999 Buttons, The War Is Over and 2 others on the electric guitar and up next was Tim Shaw aka Tim Exile, also part of her supporting cast of merry men for this leg (and the previous) of her Ellipse tour. He was pretty interesting with his red blazer, jeans and running shoes, engaging the crowd right from the get-go with his merriment. He got the crowd to do 3 different pitched ahhs, for him to record via his joystick like device which is pretty damn amazing and can do bad-ass stuff. He mixed those into his own song which just shouted wow. Loved his DJ set, seeing him work the console from above was something new and intriguing - a flurry of hand movements and tiny body spasms. With a song like Don't Think We Are One, we can be sure them DJs have a romantic side to them. And so this marked the end of the opening acts, and he gave way to Imogen Heap.

Walking on stage with a glass of water, she started "scratching" the rim, giving off different pitches and sang her introduction. Oh, and she changed into a dress! Got all twirly with it right after her first song First Train Home. She commented on how the concert hall was like a big cave, and how her props seems so small in comparison. A teeny childlike innocence and the soft gentle way she spoke belied the impressive vocals packed within her. Without fail, there would be anecdotes about how she was inspired by certain stuff to write some songs, like how she was lying beside a man, in that moment kind of thing, to which she wrote Between Sheets - loved that song by the way. Full of emotion and pensieveness, she sang it with elan and poise. Wait It Out was inspired by a trip to Hawaii. She was pretty hyper, and seems like she was having fun, even managing to her dance with a curtsy after Bad Body Double. Speaking of that, Ryan even made a cameo on stage as her doppelganger! It was a pretty comical sight, him with the wig and the shirt that screamed Bad Body Double. Little Bird was introspective, and the heartfelt lyrics were brought out by an extremely graceful woman named Imogen Heap - even a tinge of loss could be felt as she sang the last verse.

She introduced the next song as something from Frou Frou, and everyone prolly knew what song it was gonna be, but whatever it is, when she started the lovely Let Go, everyone whooped in utter joy. Aha! marked the introduction of a 'local' cellist (she was actually born in England, but based here I think), which she said was a friend of a friend of a friend (cue hand actions depicting them), to laughter for the umpteenth time that night. She said the video link by which she would audition the local cellists broke down, and couldn't do any auditions, and only at the very last minute managed to get the english lady. She does this local (of the place where she's performing) cellist everywhere she goes since some songs need a cellist live. Aha! felt like a mad caper, I wouldn't be surprised had they started chasing each other around on stage. Chirpy and fast paced, a sense of urgency and a little mystery like those you see in musicals. Hell, this song actually feels right out of a musical thriller. Love it! Subsequently, Canvas was played over a sample of a fire started out in her garden. The song evoked a zen feeling, and at that very instant, I thought she actually transcends musical boundaries. Finishing her songs, she actually did a bow (very formal I thought) with her 3 backups and the cellist, which included a Chris Vatalaro who actually did a lot of the various instrumentation, including playing on a saw for Tim to record as a sample. At this point, she obviously hadn't done Hide and Seek so the encore was very staged. Haha. She left the stage only for 15 seconds or so before she came back on.



Sorry for the really blue hue. The lights were that blue, and I don't know how to correct it in-camera and post processing as well.

Regaling us the story of how she actually thought of opening her set with this song, her manager told her if she did that, everyone would have left after that song. Well, obviously she wasn't about to try that out and enthralled everyone with the brilliant song that almost outshines her. Not before starting off on a bad note, and telling the audience it wasn't good, and that she needed a sip of water first. I really like her. I think it was pretty much the consensus of everyone present. Next song for her encore was Just For Now which she needed our help since her looper wasn't working. So we as audience would be her loopers, and thus we were split into 3, singing different pitches of "just for now". Pretty fun I must say, and everyone was really game. She rounded off the night with The Moment I Said It which had a mystical quality to it, almost like a fragile veneer that can be easily broken, yet it remains unscathed, as if protected by an aura.

My friend commented that it was the best performance he's been too this year, and I certainly concur. Singularly brilliant and well supported by a wonderful cast, who played a vast array of instruments and how they do it so well is simply beyond me. The entire coordination and orchestration is just wow. Replete with 2 props, a white oak tree made out of cardboard from which certain instruments hung, and a huge banner/cloth hung as a backdrop on which visualisations were played. The whole hall was transformed into Imogen's own little fantasy world, or her cave in her own words, where her words danced amongst us as beautiful melodies wafted from the gang. It really felt like The Little Prince's world too, just that the centre piece of the tiny planet wasn't a house but the big cardboard oak tree. Twinkly lights lent the wondrous and warm feeling, certainly helped by her endless chatting and little anecdotes. Time seemed to crawl and yet when we exited the hall totally enamoured with her, it was already slightly past 12. Every minute was well spent in that little world ensconced with beauty and unfettered brilliance, I definitely went home a happy man.

First Train Home
Wait It Out
Between Sheets
Headlock
Bad Body Double
Speeding Cars
Little Bird
Let Go (Frou Frou Song)
Aha!
Canvas
The Walk
Swoon
2-1
Tidal (Ellipse)
Encore:
Hide and Seek
Just For Now
The Moment I Said It

i'll be right on the train

Fink - If Only
Excellent musician who dabbles in electronic to jazz to house. I really dig the slow laidback melody of this song, like taking a stroll along the streets of the city, under the glow of the streetlamps, shadows lengthening and shortening. The silence of the night a comforting feeling.

The Dutchess and the Duke - Living This Life (mp3)

Darlings - Teenage Girls
Quirky song and love it much!

Air - So Light Is Her Footfall

all i am is a body adrift in water, salt and sky

Check out the goodies from indie favourites Phoenix and MGMT.

Phoenix Live in Sydney free here and stream the entire new album, "Congratulations" from MGMT here.


Peasant - Well Alright
Like the bright morning light that's awash, the song sweeps over you, incredibly soothing and comfy to the ears. You suddenly find your foot moving slowly, before breaking into a tentative jiggle and moments later, you embrace the song in it's entirety as you let loose and dance your heart away. But just as you settle into the beat, the song ends. You wonder, "Is it over?" With a little disappointment you stop, but you get an idea. Hit play and here we go.

Alcoholic Faith Mission - My Eyes To See
The name of the band is more of an ironic corruption of “apostolic faith mission,” than a nod to the over-indulgence it implies. It’s from a neon sign in Brooklyn from which Thorben Seierø Jensen and Sune Sølund set off on their search for a musical road-less-traveled.

I like the piano backed rhythm and chorus, with pretty strong vocals melded with creaky electronics. Yet there's the rock beat as the solid drum beat rings off into space. There's a certain sense of nakedness and vulnerability amidst all the mishmash of sounds, a rawness possibly evoked by the drawn out electric guitar.

Frightened Rabbit - Swim Until You Can't See Land
I adore Frightened Rabbit, they are indie rock at it's best. Be it curiously introspective lyrics, fun and lively riffs or that Scottish accent, I just love to indulge myself in them.

Local Natives - World News
Seemingly about everyday life, they go on about changing lanes as you are too impatient to wait for it to move, and just as you complete the merging, the lane you were in starts moving. How true. About bombs going off in the sunni market and your mother ringing you at 5 or 6 in the morning as your brother can't be found, everything belies the impressive percussion and catchy-ness of the "doo-doo-doo-doo-doo".

But you've gotta love the last line, the hope it brings, the smile on your face as he sings "the bad feeling so bad makes the good so good". Absolutely brilliant round off to the song.

i can tell just what you want

Smile Smile - Beg You To Stay
A love song set to a darkly humourous video. I like their blend of pop which mixes melodramatic riffs with complementing vocals.

Fink - Pretty Little Thing
Lush, liquid and smooth. Down-tempo beat that feels slinky, like a little black dress. Absolutely gorgeous.

Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know
Pop ditties going on about not being alone. Simple and catchy.

Kisses - Bermuda
This is what users had to say of the song.

sounhip - "So intoxicating it should be illegal"
injuredguitar - "he's got the bass rhythm of Cut Copy, the poppyness of the Smiths, and the voice of Ed Droste. perfect"

Amazing song with a very slight droll and feels utterly laidback. Let's drown ourselves in this stunning song right now.

they sit on an old grey porch and watch foxes play

Brazos - Day Glo
Sunny fetchy song that lifts my spirits. Upbeat and catchy as chirpy strumming on the guitars go with Martin Crane's lyrical inclinations.

Aeroplane feat. Kathy Diamond - Whispers (Original Mix)
Very danceable song, slow-groovish, really good.

OK Go - Wtf?
Doozy song set to a really whacky video. Are these guys trying to best themselves in the area of music videos? And right into the song, the lyrics exactly sums up what's going on in the video.

I've been trying to get my head around,
what the fuck is happening?
I'm trying to make some sense out of
what you're doing with my head.

The Saturday Mix #40

Vibrasphere - Tierra Azul (Nordlight Remix)
Sensational and mind numbing. Stunning soundscape complemented by a perfect image.

Kyoto Jazz Massive - Endless Flight

Kyoto Jazz Massive - Endless Flight (DJ Kawasaki Remix)
Groovy and cosy all at once. Jazz craze hits me like a train. But heck, I'm loving it.

Passion Pit - Little Secrets (Letting Up Despite Great Faults Remix)

Vitalic - Second Lives (The Bloody Beetroots Remix)
Second Lives gets the Bloody treatment. It's gonna send everyone on the floor into a mad tizzy.

Little Dragon - Scribbled Paper

Little Dragon - Scribbled Paper (Floating Points Remix)

the loneliest people were the ones who always spoke the truth

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and the largest in Western Norway, with a population of 256,580 as of 1 January 2010, and Norway has a similar total population as Singapore. What's the link one might ask. Well, none actually. Random fact of the day. So anyhow, Norway, particularly Bergen, has Kings of Convenience while Singapore has... soon, someone will be as good as them soon.

Kings of Convenience played their second of two sold out shows earlier this evening. Two very different guys, one lanky while the other's more solid, one pretty much more extroverted and vocal, yet have this chemistry unrivalled by anyone to make one of the most affecting music. Armed with 4 guitars (though they didn't quite use the extra ones they each had set beside them on stands), their voices, affability and simple charm, they captivated every single person present that night.

You should have heard the roars as Erlend and Eirik stepped out of the darkness. It's no wonder Erlend quipped that we were louder than [the audience] yesterday to grins and laughter. If it was anything to go by, it sure was a sign of what an awesome night this would be.

Kicking the night off with the song with unfathomable meaning My Ship Isn't Pretty, the slow and pensive tune was a good start to a Friday night. It allowed everybody to settle in and get comfy for the 17 song treatment, peppered with generous doses of engaging humour, quite unlike the 18 song onslaught (not that it's bad, it's just different types of music should be approached differently) by Muse earlier this year. After the song ended, Erlend starts peering into the darkness of the curtains and around, after which he says to no one in particular (not verbatim), "If any of you work here or knows someone who does, tell them the airconditioning on the stage is pretty strong and it's kinda cold." More laughter. My, amusing isn't he. They followed up with another 2 songs from latest album "Declaration of Dependence" before they pulled out crowd favourite I Don't Know What I Can Save You From. And there he was showing off his nifty footwork which everyone laughed at because he did so in such a comical manner, and also snapping his fingers and got the audience to do so as well. Everyone was pretty game and snapping of fingers to the tune was pretty audible and that was the first but not the last of audience participation. Gentle arpeggios contrasted by intense riffing at the chorus, the delightful duo worked the crowd into a frenzy.

Time seemed to pass so much slower as they pulled no stops with a variety of songs from all three albums. Vocals so disarmingly sincere, belying a certain gravitas they possess, they plucked away delicately singing about things such as a bearded man with his canoe, about love lost as the woman uses pregnancy to trap the guy, and even about misunderstanding between friends. Poignant and mellow, at times upbeat and singalong, they have dimension and depth to their songs, and they convey that with earnestness. One thing strikes me about this duo - they are very down to earth and quite laid back. Pretty sure they lead the simple life of music making and family and friends.

Throughout, they entertained us with small anecdotes and larger engagements. From Erlend the conductor for Peacetime Resistance where he conducted oohs and ah-ah-ahhs from the floor and balcony audience respectively to Erlend the dancer and finger snapper, even Eirik chipping in with his bit on how they don't actually have much love songs, and yet when they perform, people still tell them that "my boyfriend and I like to listen to you love songs" and he deadpans again, "we don't have many love songs really". Oh how can anyone not love them both?

And of course, no show is complete without an encore and we got one after a short disappearance. After Singing Softly to Me, there was the cheery I'd Rather Dance With You, which Erlend did the most unexpected, he got off the stage, climbed over several front row seats as the crowd opened up like Moses splitting the red sea, and started dancing. Cue flashes (camera flashes that is) and screams as the fans when wild. He danced and cajoled the others for a good minute or so, before going back on stage. And just as they seemed like they were gonna leave the stage, the two conferred for the briefest of moments before Eirik declared that they were gonna play a last song, which was Homesick. Were they inferring that they missed Norway, since they're on a tour right now? Well, only they would know.

Kings of Convenience really showed why quiet is the new loud, attested by a marvellous show of vocals and showmanship. With a third album of even more down-tempo intricate tunes with finely crafted lyrics, one wonders if anyone will tire of them. The answer would have been a resounding no.




The setlist for 19 March is here.

My Ship Isn't Pretty
24-25
Me In You
I Don't Know What I Can Save You From
Little Kids
Cayman Islands
Renegade
Thirteen (Big Star Cover)
Second To Numb
Mrs. Cold
Peacetime Resistance
Rule My World
Misread
Boat Behind

Encore:
Singing Softly to Me/Girl From Back Then
I'd Rather Dance With You
Homesick


I was kinda hoping they would play Toxic Girl. One of my favouritest KoC songs.

watch the birds in the airport gathering dirt

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

- T.S. Eliot


I find it fascinating how some people can go to lengths to challenge themselves, yet some of us are content just being in our comfort zone. I am guilty of the latter. Do I want to go out and experience everything the world has to offer, what life really is or continue leading this prosaic existence of mine?


The Raveonettes - Heart of Stone
I love the guitars here, so very reminiscent of old rock bands. But damn do the lyrics ooze heart wrenching pain and if I may use this word, emo.

MGMT - Flash Delirium
Sneak peak into their new album "Congratulations". Fresh and appealing, clearly not reusing the same recipe (electronic stuff) that gained them mainstream adulation. Kudos to trying out new stuff, and I must say I kinda like this song - it grows on you. Such random fun with witty lyrics that mindfucks you. Kinda.

Smile Smile - Tempo Bledsoe
Dandy and fine love song that tickles and charms you all at once. They were actually together when they first formed the band and wrote their first songs. However, they broke up just as people started noticing them, to which they channeled this experience as inspiration for their album "Truth on Tape".

Beach House - Lover of Mine
Nothing better than Beach House for a lovely rainy morning. Some say they don't change their style of dreampop, but heck, if one can do what they do really really well, why change? This is their third album and I'm still loving everything. Most.

In a wide open field we know we can feel
Awake and unreal, off to nowhere
Off to nowhere

Perfect imagery. Dandelions floating through the grass field, warm sunlight filtering through big oak trees, casting a golden hue on the dandelions which make them seem like fireflies in the daylight. The fleeting shimmer, mesmerising; that gentle breeze, caressing your face.

i feel like i'll never fall but there're no defenses if i'm right

SXSW 2010 is starting tomorrow, 17 March. It'll last till Sunday. Two Singaporean musicians will be there performing, Inch Chua at The Ghost Room at 10pm on Thursday while The Pinholes play at BD Riley's at 9pm on Friday. Let's hope they do Singapore proud by dishing out their best stuff!



Do Make Say Think - Chinatown
Beautiful. Stunning. Let the ambient sounds seep into every crevice of your soul; searching for it's resting place. Serenity defined in 5:30.

Javelin - Oh! Centra (mp3)
Cutesy voice with 8-bit beats reminiscent of 90s DOS games.

Letting Up Despite Great Faults - Our Younger Noise
Warm hazy shoegaze. I can't really catch the lyrics, but who cares, this is music!

The Pass - Colors
Catchy riffs with very intriguing lyrics about falling hard and fast in love.

my pockets hang out like two surrender flags

Well, back from St. Vincent's performance. Annie Clark and her partner-in-music, Daniel Hart, were simply brilliant. I would have led the standing ovation had I not been trying to take pictures as she was leaving since getting a picture was so hard with the eagle-eyed personnel who were making sure they'd approach anyone who were taking photos to tell them to not do so. So firstly, I didn't expect such a lithe and tall singer as Annie Clark strode in and with all the equipment lying around, I thought she had a band tagging along with her, but was surprised to see only Daniel.

We were greeted with a simple hello and she proceeded with The Strangers. Seeing her go all jangly and fuzzy with the electric guitar, while at times strumming wistfully was an odd juxtaposition to Daniel's masterful performance with the violin. One would have expected a reversal of roles in a more 'traditional' or stereotypical pairing, but the duo were anything but. I couldn't help but notice that both of them had an array of whatnots they had to fiddle with, be it the pedals, knobs etc. What was in front of us, or rather who, were two immensely talented people, vocally led by Annie Clark. As the night wore on, she warmed up to the crowd, engaging us with ease. Definitely treating us to a wonderful performance, she displayed such finesse on the guitar, almost seeming like a dancer as she moved back and forth 'tap dancing' on the pedals. It takes two to tango, and tango she did, not only with the pedals but Daniel too. His violin a perfect foil to her guitar, almost antithetical, as haunting strings moulded a perfect atmosphere where these two take centrestage and shine.

Introducing Just The Same But Brand New, she recounted her inspiration for this song, where her friend told her about an elderly New York socialite who wanted her new home renovated, BUT all the furniture has to be exactly the same as that of the old apartment. To much laughter from the audience, she said she liked the story for 3 reasons, the first being it was absolutely cool, the next was that the woman must have been bonkers, and the last was something I can't remember. Turning to look at Daniel almost conspiratorially, they burst into smiles. As she sang, with such exquisite panache, I was left thinking that I didn't want the night to end, as did many others I'm sure.

When she set down her guitar and sat herself at the piano, it only served to remind us how wonderfully talented this woman is, as she broke into "marry me john, marry me john, i'll be so good to you". A love song yet a lonesome ballad, she croons "I'm as fickle as a paper doll being kicked by the wind/when I touch down again I'll be in someone else's arms". Reaching the part where she goes "We'll do what Mary and Joseph did/Without the kid" there was yet more laughter, to which she paused and quipped that she likes it when people giggle instead of awkward silence, kinda shows that people get it. It's instances like these, that she endears herself to the audience and makes the performance all the more fantastic. She indulged us in a couple more songs and just before Black Rainbow, she mentioned that it would be her last song and that she too didn't want it to end and the possibility of turning it into a slumber party. Talking to us for a few more minutes and thanking us for being such wonderful audiences (plus many other superlatives), she finally started her song. Of course, she had to come back after raucous shouts of encore and clapping, treating us to the final song of the night before bowing off stage to rapturous applause, and some standing ovations.


Beneath that seemingly fragile veneer is actually a talented woman who graduated from supporting Sufjan Stevens to making it out on her own - Sufjan must be very proud of her. St. Vincent single-handedly made our nights, the performance was worth every penny and more. Brilliant showmanship, and at times eccentric with her spasmodic movements, the ebb and flow of her music, varied by distorted guitaring/electronic violin-ing and melancholic plucking/haunting strings, her full array of talents on display and leaving everyone in utter awe of a marvellous performance.



Sorry for the poor photos, couldn't look into the viewfinder to set the photo and pretty much couldn't use flash too so I had to set for long shutter.

The setlist for St. Vincent's 7.30pm performance is as follows.

The Strangers
Save Me From What I Want
Actor Out of Work
Jesus Saves, I Spend
Just The Same But Brand New
The Party
Dig A Pony (The Beatles Cover)
Marry Me
The Bed
Black Rainbow
Marrow
Encore: These Days (Jackson Browne Cover)

we discovered one another stumbling through the summer

Came back from Au Revoir Simone's performance. A singularly fantastic and awesome set. The moment the stunning trio walked in, they were greeted with wild cheers which they seemed a little taken aback by. Seeing them for the first time, beautiful with girly innocence, they dazzled us with deft hands at the keyboards complemented by dulcet voices which if anymore alluring, they would have become Peter Pipettes. Dishing out melancholic lyrics starkly contrasted with uplifting synths that seem to be led by it's nose by their nimble fingers on instruments of choice - keyboards, they were in perfect control of the night.



No time was wasted as they walked on stage, immediately starting with Another Likely Story followed by perennial favourite Sad Song (or at least mine). At various points throughout the 1 hour performance, ARS interacted with the crowd quite a fair bit. Annie mentioned that her mom would be pretty happy for her to be playing here in Singapore. She was also griping about the expensive baggage costs which prevented them from bringing at least 5 casios here, and they had to settle for 1 which had to be shared amongst them, to much laughter. It was quite a funny sight, seeing them transfer it around. Oh and boy would I be glad to trade my dslr for her keyboard as she replied that she didn't mind trading her keyboard for one of the cameras in response to Erika's quip that she sees many cameras around (and then breaking off into a wide smile which was quite a common sight just now). Laughs abound as they talked to us, and pretty much not expecting such a lovely reception. They charmed the socks off us in the crowd, who were left shouting encore as they left the stage, coming back to perform Through The Backyards Of Our Neighbours before leaving the stage for good. Their keyboards seemingly brought to life on stage, sounding much more dynamic and driven compared to studio tracks, and in fact there was one song, can't remember which, where Erika actually played the guitar!

While they played mostly stuff from "Still Night, Still Light" and of course I loved it, it would have been a nice touch to have songs from "The Bird of Music", like The Lucky One, Dark Halls and Don't See The Sorrow. I was mesmerised by their deft hands and affecting voices, awash with joy at being able to see them perform live. Throw in a pinch of wistfulness, generous helpings of warm and delicate melodies on electronic paraphernalia, and everything dovetailed wonderfully into a delectable delight. They say too many cooks spoil the broth, but clearly three is just the right number, even more so if they're named Annie, Erika and Heather. This winsome and graceful trio contributed to an indelible memory of a performance that I'll certainly recall fondly.



Here's the setlist for their performance at 7.30pm. There was another one at 10pm I think, not sure if they played the same songs.

Another Likely Story
Sad Song
All or Nothing
Anywhere You Looked
Shadows
The Last One
Take Me As I Am
Trace A Line
Only You Can Make Me Happy
Knight of Wands
Tell Me
Encore: Through The Backyards Of Our Neighbours

The Saturday Mix #39

Music Go Music - Light Of Love

Music Go Music - Light Of Love (diskJokke Remix) (mp3)
Up and coming Norwegian dude with a penchant for making some pretty dope remixes.

Foals - Olympic Airways (Supermayer Remix)

Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance (Buraka Som Sistema Remix)
Those loops sound delicious as hell. Love that deep pulsing beat. Is that a genre that sounds like that? Pretty sure there is.

Hercules & Love Affair - Blind (Hercules Club Remix)
Interesting take on the song. They turned the horns part into something more electro sounding. You feel the bounce? Yeah, it's there.

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Cassette Club Remix)

Holiday for Strings - Two of You (The Toxic Avenger Remix)


Au Revoir Simone tomorrow night!!

i still feel the pain even after the prayer

Here we have an entirely free album offered to the masses by Fear of Tigers. Check it out here. So far, the only thing I've managed to glean is that Fear of Tigers is a one man electronic band from London, who is producer and former dolphin trainer Benjamin Berry.

You see that picture right up there, it's perfectly apt for this entire album. As you hit play, the image opens up and like a black hole, sucks you right into his fantasy world of happiness with 80s feel-good disco resonating from the trees. And if you see the trees bopping to the beat, funny looking beings that seem like oompa loompas going wild in this discobeat paradise, don't be surprised - it's natural. It's pure aural sugar rush, jazzing up your synapses as you need to start moving. Moving those feet right to that pulsating beat. Not moving is criminal, the biggest crime one can commit in this land of euphoria.

The title track is right where it belongs, in this lush soundscape made possible with samples. Disco muzak with catchy synths that rise and fall, clearly mimicked by your heart rate, it's still not the best there is in this solid album. Please Don't Leave has a solid driving beat with vocals by him(?, not sure) whilst I Can Make The Pain Disappear is the sonic equivalent of morphine, echo-ey vocals backed by a four-on-the-floor beat. Mr Berry here even manages to sneak in a little sweet surprise, as The Rich Cry Too with all that Daft Punk-ish keyboards might seem like just another song in happyland, but voila, a jazzy segment out of nowhere (prolly a sample) sets this well apart from the rest. Female vocals grace What Did I Do?, and if I had to answer that, I would be hard pressed not to tell Mr Berry that he made such a fantastic album. An oddity is Calling Your Name, it's very trance (but how does the rain and thunderstorm fit in? - I wonder) aka Groove Coverage yet manages to retain that nu-disco beat.

A fantastic album with 10 tracks each individual unto it's own, but listened together, you feel the all-too-familiar 80s disco infusion which reminds you that this is an album. A marvelous debut, an with none too few remixes under his belt which have been well-received, this man is gonna create planet Cossus or Snufsigalonica (whichever you prefer) where we'd wanna join him and his ragtag bunch of oompa loompas and grooving trees. Here's some magic for you to sample.

Fear of Tigers - The Rich Cry Too (mp3)

Fear of Tigers - Please Don't Leave (mp3)

Fear of Tigers - Calling Your Name (mp3)

brave men tell the truth

Vitalic - Second Lives
This is a way too awesome song. The doowop at the start, leading into a mysterious out of this world beat before spacing off. Fantastic beats punctuate the air, lent some oomph by the sick bassline. Vitalic is a maestro.

Vitalic - Trahison
A very simple song, yet it seems to elicit in me a vivid image of a person pondering by the wharf as waves crash upon the shore. Odd but yes, that's how it is.

Thievery Corporation - Until The Morning
Jazzy lounge sound. Very smooth and lush. Reverb adds a lovely ambient effect.

Röyksopp - Remind Me

cause you're the one that i put on a pedestal

OK Go - This Too Shall Pass
They were known for their treadmill video. And here they are with yet another viral video for This Too Shall Pass from their latest album "Of the Blue Colour of the Sky". An extremely elaborate Rube Goldberg machine, it ended with a bang, literally. This had to come on because of the spectacular video, much less for the song. There was nothing special about the song, just decent. But real props for the preparation involved in the making of the video.

The Dandy Warhols - Bohemian Like You
Really old school, like literally. Song came out in 2000. That's 10 years ago! Real dapper song with catchy riffs and lyrics. Woo ooh ooh. Their name's a play on Andy Warhol.

Hayley Taylor - No More Wishing
Really romantic song heard on HIMYM.

The Swimmers - A Hundred Hearts
Oh dear, I'm so in love with this song. The video has fantastic art direction, but that's just a bonus. It's perfect foil for this brilliant song, catchy and melodious yet serving to make one feel contemplative at the same time as they sing of broken hearts. Chiming keyboards and clapping hands (which seems to be a mainstay of songs now) coupled with a strong beat takes this song up a notch.

and i need someone to call my own

Jazz is a good barometer of freedom. In its beginnings, the United States spawned certain ideals of freedom and independence through which, eventually, jazz was evolved, and the music is so free that many people say it is the only unhampered, unhindered expression of complete freedom yet produced in this country.

- Duke Ellington


Been in the jazz mood lately, soaking up the jazz beats on a good afternoon is the next best thing to standing by a lake observing the mist lifting as the warm light filters through, bouncing off the placid surface of the water, the hues of light bathing the entire surrounding.


Koop - Come To Me (feat. Yukimi Nagano)
Koop is the Swedish electronic jazz duo of Magnus Zingmark and Oscar Simonsson from Sweden. Though the music may sound as if it is played by a tight jazz group, it is actually sample-based. Thousands of small clips of drums, strings, horns, and choirs are taken from old records and pieced together into new songs. This time consuming production process is one of the reasons Koop’s albums are released 4-5 years apart. So take your time to marvel at this painstaking process that a duo dedicated to their craft go through, whilst you soak in the ambient jazz feeling; or get transported back into the 30s/40s. Nagano's vocals are excellent, giving off that unmistakable jazz vibe. Absolute stunner of a song, really.

Parov Stelar - Kiss Me Twice
Lush and smooth. Certainly one for the senses.

Micatone - Shake It Baby
Uber sensual song, it's oozing appeal.

Kyoto Jazz Massive - Eclipse
Wordless paradise, heaven in sound.

Jazzanova - No Use (feat. Clara Hill)
Like wine, best savoured chilled.

The Saturday Mix #38 - asleep for twenty years with this feeling

Sebastien Tellier - Divine (Danger Remix)
Oh so divine. What do you get when Danger does a mix on divine music? You get a dangerously divine song. (Cheesy I know, but had to let it out.)

Mille - Crysteena (Fear of Tigers Remix)
Mille means 1000 in French. Wonder if it's derived as such.

Fear of Tigers - The Adventures of Pippi Longstrump (Diamond Cut Remix)
Who is Pippi Longstrump? I have a feeling it's Pippi Longstocking, a fictional character in a series of children's books by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, and adapted into multiple films and television series. In Swedish, it's Pippi Långstrump; Pippi Langstrømpe in Norwegian; and Pippi Langstrumpf in German.

Scanners - Salvation (Don Diablo Remix)
Just how do you turn a rock song into a dancefloor mix?

Metric - Sick Muse (Adam Freeland Remix)
I'm in love with this remix, it's way too dope. NOO! He broke up the "I'll write you harmony in C".

The Radio Dept. - David (The Rice Twins remix)
This is going down with me as slow and purposeful. Good beat, could be semi chillout too, for a change of pace.

Beni - Maximus (Harvard Bass Remix)

if you're vaguely attracted to rooftops

Eels - A Line in the Dirt
I felt like I've heard this somewhere before, but I can't put a name to it. I hate this feeling. Nevertheless, nice piano driven song with hoarse vocals from Mark Oliver Everett. But I'm pretty sure the high vocals are not from him. Or is it? Fantastically talented man he is, almost a one man band.

Kings of Convenience - Scars on Land
Listening to their songs always make me wonder how just two of them can sound so magical and affecting with just their guitars and their voices. They seem to transcend everything, lyrically and musically. This particular song seems to be about urbanisation, what with "the weight of lead, on floors of sand" and "still untouched, no stain of hands". Meaningful and melodic, they never cease to amaze.

Freelance Whales - Hannah
Damn awesome song. Lovely and absolutely amazing. Right off the bat, they sing the equivalent of tapdancing, racing through lyrics of grabbing a martini and meeting at the rooftop where they can argue where and when the cymbal hits should be. Whimsical pop at it's best, definitely.

Freelance Whales - Generator ^ Second Floor
Previously, it was the first floor, now enjoy the second floor, yet another wonderful song from these Big Applers.

Metric - Gold Guns Girls
Alliteration plus rapid fire singing with "ba-ba-ba-ba-ba" drums.

if it's a dream i wouldn't know if it's worth dreaming

"People see rock and roll as youth culture and when youth culture becomes monopolised by big businesses, what are the youth to do? Do you have any idea? I think we should destroy the bogus capitalist process that is destroying youth culture."

- The Radio Dept. in Heaven's on Fire


She & Him - Thieves
What a pretty song. Vocals contributed by Zooey Deschanel and main accompaniment by M. Ward. Disarming country song which is lovesick to the bone, she oozes every bit of charm and sincerity as she belts out line after line of heartbreak and longing.

The Radio Dept. - Heaven's on Fire (mp3)
Very pop feel to their new song, part of their new album "Clinging to a Scheme" which is slated for an April 21 release. And yet another song with a narration which goes as above. Very interesting and insightful comment, leading right into a breezy keyboard riff. That hazy feel, I can imagine myself bathing in the warm glow of sunlight as I traipse down the street by the beach. It leaves that lingering taste of the salty air on the tip of your tongue; definitely looking forward to their new release. Is it me or do I feel a little jazz infusion here with all that sax sound?

when i look at you/my heaven's on fire

Laurel Music - Dreams and Lies (mp3)
Short, simple, sweet and heartfelt, in the vein of Zooey Deschanel, it's beautifully written.

Daniel Zott - Living A Lie!
Chuck has the most awesome music choices currently. They find such appropriate music for the scenes, it amplifies everything by a million times. This [articular song plays at the part where Chuck has to break up with Hannah for her own good, but cannot tell her the truth. And she says he's the best liar she's ever met. Absolutely heartwrenching and gut-tearing. They were pretty sweet together. I was moved and totally felt for Chuck.

"cause every good thing i do is a selfish act" - this line is so apt for Chuck's conundrum.

forever journey on golden avenues

Photo from YSL Collection Femme SS10


Fashion could be more relevant. It needs to be understood rather than just consumed.

- Stefano Pilati, Creative Director YSL


Luke Vibert - Electrophy
What got me was the speaking in the front, that 'intro-ed' the song. It sounded a lot like the narrator in BioShock. Very interesting creation here.

The Honeydrips - Fall From a Height
The narration in the song, again is mysterious and alluring all the same. Much less needs to be said of the ethereal soundscape, almost psychedelic and otherworldly. Fantastic. Just realised where the narration comes from - sample quotes from Annie Hall (starring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton) and Rebel Without a Cause (starring James Dean). At only 2:35, I wish it were half a minute longer.

Sebastien Tellier - La Ritournelle
Loosely translated as 'the jingle', don't be surprised at the extended "intro", which has the sole purpose of setting the mood for the song. Four entire minutes dedicated to pure craft, with which he ensures you absorb everything, ready to embrace the latter half of the song. And he doesn't let down, with simple lyrics about love, it complements the keyboard wonderfully. However, the 48 seconds or so of one chorus seems to pass by so fleetingly, as the song dwindles to an embracing warmth.

Class Actress - Journal of Ardency
“sweetly spectral vocals over lush ’80s synths and beats.” – NYLON

I have to concur. First thing I was thinking, female solo version of The Polyamorous Affair? She's awesome!

high heel boots just for kicks

Kidstreet - Song
I love it when I watch some video and there's some awesome song backing the video. Kidstreet was a Canadian kids game game show that aired from 1989 to 1992, and yes, this trio hails from Ontario, Canada. I never expected Canada cos electronic music seems to be the mainstay of the swedes, norwegians, brits, americans even. The song is so hyper and ecstatic. it's like rushing around hurriedly on tip-toe, It's almost like a ballet dancer going around on pointe hurriedly. Yet at times, it's almost unelegant, like a big burly man rushing around on tip toe with urgency. Brilliant composition.

Kidstreet - Penny Candy
If a machine gun could sing, that's how it'd go. The blinking lights at the start was so hypnotic and trance-like. Sick beats going on there.

Fear of Tigers - The Adventures Of Pippi Longstrump (mp3)
Get the entire album "Cossus Snufsigalonica" here from their myspaceblog. Rehosted individual song. This is a veritable smorgasbord of electronic sounds and samples and looping and what not. Totally catchy and with that operatic "ehhh" and "oohhhhh", this fine track definitely shows what Fear of Tigers is capable of and epitomises "Cossus Snufsigalonica" best. Will get on with an album review sometime soon.

Holiday for Strings - Two Of You (mp3)
Pony dropped an email with the promo album, and I must say I'm quite enamoured with their brand of experimental electronic infused with touches of kraut, retro etc. Take Two Of You for instance, there's the 70s disco feel to the vocals, and notable driving beat. Wait for the album review of "Favourite Flavor" too. All coming to you at allthesesounds soon.