you think you'll find yourself out there

Photo from Brian Ferry.

My Morning Jacket - Circuital
Delicious song from old boys MMJ. The first 2 minutes is dedicated to a very delectable synthy bop with an intermittent yet affecting Jim James. Right after, the whole song is caressed into a fine country-rock number. Of course, which rock song is without it's own mad solo riff - cue 5:16. And it rounds up just like how it started, the staccato beat like jumping little elves on your heart.

Monarchy - I Won't Let Go
I wonder if the 8-bit intro that totally reminds you of the games of old is for the video only, or it comes with the studio track. They rocked Coachella (love youtube for that), and now they've released another solid dance number, with the usual starry out-of-this-world beats, toned down here to fit nicely into the background. I'm loving the whole song, and again reaffirms my opinion that Monarchy seems to have the magic touch. Btw, raining cupcakes?

Edwin van Cleef - Lisztomania (feat. Jane Elizabeth Hanley) (Phoenix Cover)
This dance cover, which borders on a total remake, of Phoenix's hot song of 2009 is a heady mix of swirly sexy down-tempo beats and woozy vocals from Ms Hanley. Seems like there's some solid gold here from Edwin van Cleef, an upcoming House DJ based in London.

do i choose to be weighed down by gravity

Mr Jamie Woon is absolutely phenomenal. Just released two days ago, the album consists a spectrum of soulful sounds influenced by the dub production of Burial, the R&B vocals of John Legend and the like. Throw in a little house beats and synths into the mix, some computer mixes which play second fiddle no doubt, and you get "Mirrorwriting". We've had a preview of a few of the songs previously, which were a definite indication of his excellent vocal talent.

Jamie Woon - Spirals
A very down-tempo number that borders on chill if not for the amplified guitar strumming, very soothing vocals.

Jamie Woon - Shoulda
A very tight mix of R&B and electronic plus deep bass beats. Sensual and slick.

Jamie Woon - Gravity
He lets loose his John Legend-ish vocals here. Lovely.

Jamie Woon - Night Air (Normski Remix)
Thrown in a new remix of Night Air for good measure.

Coachella

For all those people who can't make it to Coachella this year, FRET NOT. YOUTUBE (who'd expect that) saves the day with fantastic almost lag-free live streaming. So don't hesitate further and just camp yourself in front of your computer for 3 WHOLE DAYS!
Live streaming of Coachella!

Vicarious enjoyment of such an epic festival is the next best thing. Pity it had to be during my exams.

Interview: Two Door Cinema Club

Their promo guy replied long ago actually, but it got lost in the multiple threads of email with him. Oops, anyway here's an interview with Irish indie bangers, Two Door Cinema Club. Quite restrained in their answers, but maybe it's because I asked lousy questions. Oh well, I learn. So here goes.

You guys met at university but subsequently dropped out to work on your music. Any regrets?

We never made it that far with education. We met at high school and then didn't go to university. It would be nice to have a degree in something but I don't think we would have been able to do both and I think we made the right choice.

Ok, this was kinda stupid. I misinterpreted them giving up their places for university as dropping out while they were in university. What a stupid waste of a question.


What other pursuits do you guys have outside of music?

We love watching movies and tv shows. Follow a bit of football. Recently we have started to get involved with a local charity which is exciting.


You guys are signed to Kitsune and they're well known for identifying bands. What's it like being signed to them and why did they sign you? Any pressure being under their umbrella, to produce good music for instance?

We have never felt pressured being with them. It is great to have been picked up by such an exciting new label who have been keeping up to date with new music and releasing singles of anyone they think is good. To have been signed for albums I guess means they really liked us.


Tourist History has been very well received by the blogosphere for it's insanely catchy lyrics and hooks which delight listeners. Any particular influences and what was it like getting the whole album together?

Nothing in particular. We all listen to lots of different stuff to each other. We all have an appreciation for melody though and love a good hook.


You're performing at Laneway but you've missed Singapore. You have many fans over here in Singapore, many lamenting the fact that you guys did not make this stopover. Have you heard of Singapore and any chance you'll be performing here?

I know. It is very hard to play everywhere. There are so many places still left for us to go. We may gave some exciting news coming soon for Singapore! They are on our mind....

Well, clearly we were since they're coming down on 11 August so get psyched up for it in the meantime!


Your 5 best albums of 2010?
Les Savy Fav - Root For Ruin
Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record.
Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Mew - No More Stories...
The National - High Violet

I thought "No More Stories" was released in 2009. No biggie though. Good stuff though, the list.

you look like you've been for breakfast at the heartbreak hotel

Photo from s909109.


Alex Turner - Piledriver Waltz
Part of a 6 track EP entitled "Submarine", which was done for a movie of the same name. A really gorgeous song with a curious title. An earnest, tender and heartfelt serenade, it's a completely pared down acoustic number compared to the rahrah of Arctic Monkeys. Very genteel and affecting, the wispy feel of nostalgia definitely makes its mark on the song. It's really hard to believe it's Alex Turner, but damn right it is.

Cults - You Know What I Mean
Sigh, what a beautiful piece. Whatever cut the song is set to is very apt, B&W love. Mixing wistful and intimate vocals with the larger than life chorus. Alas, sweet things last only this long.

James Blake - Limit To Your Love
I was wondering why it sounded so damn familiar, took me a while to recall that it was a track from Feist's "The Reminder". Both versions are fantastic; while Blake's version is pensive and brooding, Feist's original seems more personal and of course her vocals bring life to the song. But anyway, I love the soulful ponderous instrumentation, and of course, that deep pounding piano.