in broad daylight, hulot is dancing

I just have to share this gem which I unearthed in a random shop in Seoul. Made up of singer-composer Maya and lyricist Kazuma Yano, Mamerico blew me away with their brilliantly light compositions, like butterflies flitting from flower to flower in the warm sunshine. But apparently, full recognition should be given to their producer - Johan Christher Schutz from Sweden. Nonetheless, it doesn't matter who makes up Mamerico or who produces the album, just give me more of the damn good music please.

Mamerico - Waltz for Hulot
The first 30 seconds into this track - gentle coaxing of the piano, wistful vocals wrapped around and all, was sufficient to tell me that the album would be stealing the attention of both of my ears for a while. Absolutely no regrets. Said to be a tribute to Jacques Tati, the delectable mishmash of English, French and Japanese adds to the charm of a waltz that I can't tire of.

Mamerico - A Border
Unhurried and unfettered, just like a walk through the rock gardens of Kyoto. But it belies the slow Brazilian (or South American?) vibe evident in the beat; the barely discernible maracas coming through. How they manage to blend the two distinct styles so seamlessly and intricately is probably a mystery, but one that I would gladly welcome.

yesterday i had the longest ever dream that the world was endless with possibilities

The Sound Of Arrows - Magic
For those who've heard this song before, and wondering why the name is slightly different, it's because the band has renamed it from M.A.G.I.C to Magic for it's new release as a single. It also comes with one of the most amazing music videos I've ever seen.

A real sugary electropop ditty, it's catchy with all the prerequisite hooks and lyrics you can easily sing along to. Cue a video about 2 kids who wake up to realise they are the only ones left in their town; the adults are all gone. They go about their deserted town doing various things kids would do. The childlike innocence makes you smile inside, and it explodes into full blown fuzzy warmth when you see them packing for a road trip on their own. They meet other kids and "Where The Wild Things Are" type creatures. Pure pop bliss at its best from, you've got it right, a Swedish duo.

Yes Giantess - You Were Young
Bright synths and and a melody that just screams fun.

The Radio Dept. - Domestic Scene

we are under control from forces impossibly remote

Apparat - Black Water(mp3)
Definitely something very different from his trance/techno roots. Vocals bordering on ethereal along with a thick goosebump-inducing electronic soundscape, it's a magnificent and subtle song at the same time. It's got me hooked.

Mates of State - Maracas
A quirky infectious sample of their new album "Mountaintops" which will be released in September. The husband and wife duo seem to have taken a time machine back in time, what with bouncy synths lending a bubblegum vibe, reminding me of colourful 2D cartoons of yesteryear.

Handsome Furs - What About Us
Again, a new track from yet other husband and wife duo, from their soon to drop album "Sound Kapital". Yes, you saw that right, with a kapital K. Taking inspiration from the electronic and industrial music of 1980s Eastern Europe (pitchfork), it pulls no punches with the bass and it's got the gritty punk feel right down to a T.

all that you want from me you can take it away

Lusine - Double Vision
With a track so ridiculously chill, I just might get double vision once I get high on this drug called good music. A distant beat that palpitates in the quiet of the night, lingering for a while and drifting away just as you think it has settled. Fantastic for a late night jaunt.

André Obin - Soft Rain
It has a intro very similar to another song but I just can't put my finger to it. Whatever it is, sparkling lux synths dominate this outstanding track, along with whispered lyrics that you can't quite decipher its meaning. Multi-layered electronic sounds draw you magnetically into its glorious procession, providing a sort of secret warmth that you'd like to embrace.

Susumu Yokota - Tobiume
This is like dope from the land of the rising sun. I think one can vaguely sense the progression towards the end amidst the constant repetition of hollow synths.

we become tired of hearing people lie

Maybeshewill - Ixnay On The Autoplay
Short but nevertheless sweet instrumental song from Maybeshewill. Hailing from Leicester, the band was formed by Robin Southby and John Helps from when they first met at university.

Maybeshewill - Co-Conspirators
As most instrumental rock songs go, they like to add vocal samples from movies and whatnot, to add atmosphere and meaning to the song, and this song is no different. Taking the closing speech of Frank Galvin, played by giant of a man Paul Newman, in the movie "The Verdict", it adds a sort of gritty undercurrent to the song.

65daysofstatic - Weak4
Distancing themselves from their post-rock label, they throw in more electronic elements and actually don't sound too shabby. This urgent pounding track gives me the vibes of a post apocalyptic world where half of the world is in ruins and where most of the people of this world inhabit, dealing with daily struggles and it's a fight to survive. On the other end of the spectrum, there's the futuristic advanced half of the world where the rich minority live, with advanced technology and nary a concern in their day to day living.

As The Stars Fall - As Far As The Eye Can See

i will hold on to you like a fool till my hands go blue

Think I'm just gonna do a Monarchy post. They've released tons of songs without actually releasing a full album, but they've finally decided to do so. Their debut album "Around The Sun" which will drop in about 6 days is a chockful of goodness, almost all of which has been released or floating around the interweb already. Pardon my excessive posting of Monarchy stuff (I've posted almost everything they have I think), but I really love their music. Don't think I'll ever tire of it.

Monarchy - You Don't Want to Dance With Me
This track has actually been around for quite some time, I'm surprised I didn't listen to it before. Big fat drumbeats invite you into this council of sound, curated by none other than the two kings of spacey electronic sounds behind their masks. Toss in some snazzy electrowork and scratching, with some cheesy (well, it works all the same) lyrics, you've got a sure fire hit among Monarchy fans.

Monarchy - Call
Heady mix of twinkly samples, fat beats and casual vocals in a part downtempo, part trance-ish dance track.

Monarchy - Floating Cars
I would hazard to say that Monarchy are synonymous with atmospheric spacey sounds incorporated into very catchy dance tracks. They do it with such panache and as much as some might say it gets boring, I'm sure they're getting themselves heard.

the way you move is a mystery

Benny Benassi - Spaceship (feat. Kelis, apl.de.ap, & Jean-Baptiste)
Really lush and sexy vocals from Kelis here, with fantastic electro work by Benny Benassi. I would like to avoid using this, but it's quite out of this world.

Breakbot - Fantasy (feat. Ruckazoid)
I actually thought the girl in orange was as pretty as the "model". Loving this retro disco number, totally sensual and hip-swaying inducing.

Justice - D.A.N.C.E
As huge fans of the King of Pop, they did this as a tribute to him, sampling various songs such as P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing), Black or White, Workin' Day and Night, and Whatever Happens along with the Jackson Five song ABC (from wiki).