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).

i'm too busy keeping track of all the things that could go wrong

Tessa & The Typecast - Straight On 'Til Morning
Hailing from Aussie, Tessa and her merry band make boisterous music that showcase her strong vocals, not least supported by urgent catchy melodies.

The One AM Radio - Credible Threats
Here's Hrishikesh Hirway as the centrepiece of a quirky video that's kooky as well as creative. Pairing twee melodies with synths and instrumentation sure seems like a recipe for instant love.

Bon Iver - Calgary
The same haunting vocals from Justin Vernon. Affecting lyrics which take a while to decipher, and then you're still not sure whether you're right. But as you listen to the song again and again, you realise it's not so much the meaning of the lyrics, but the utter craft that goes into the song. Anyhow, I feel that the song is about a couple growing old and going through all that together regardless of what may happen.

The Cinematic Orchestra - To Build A Home
Somehow, the song title reminds me of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes' Home (other than the fact that there's the same word in it). Whatever the case, this is an extremely enchanting song that buries its way deep into your bones, fills the atmosphere and sweeps you off your feet.

i've been listening to your music for a while

Non Tiq - Quiet
Real name Nora Lindqvist and hailing from Stockholm, she brings about the usual fresh poppiness of Swedish music with her in this number. With lyrics that hint of relationship issues, she sings with melancholy, in contrast with the bounciness of the song's melody. On a side note, I think it's a perfect waste of a nice tee in the otherwise random video.

Priscilla Ahn - Vibe So Hot
My call has been answered! In this post, I made a wish that she would come to Singapore, and now she is! On her facebook page, she asked for song requests for Singapore. How awesome! Front row seats please.

Anyway, it's a neat little song about her insane want for a guy. A little contrasting with the tender melody and warm vocals. If I recall correctly, this album was written around the period she was going to be married so this song might be about her husband.

Priscilla Ahn - City Lights (Pretty Lights)

Hauschka - Cube
I love his music and this new piece from his latest album "Salon des Amateurs" is no different. Like a new person to a foreign land, wandering about and gleefully discovering the boisterous local market fair, the cobbled streets lined with quaint shops, the castle over yonder as well as the forest with verdant trees and beautiful flowers just on the outskirts of town.

The Saturday Mix #47

And it is back, after a long hiatus.

Monarchy - I Won't Let Go (Bag Raiders Remix)
Really digging this nice tweak by Bag Raiders.

Bag Raiders - Sunlight (GLOVES Remix)
Sexy as hell.

Bag Raiders - Sunlight (Armand Van Helden Remix)

Jamie Woon - Lady Luck (Royce Wood Junior Remix)
Some oomph and funk in a sensual soulful original.

Metronomy - The Look

Metronomy - The Look (Fred Falke Remix)

silence speaks for you

A post of curious listens that would definitely polarise opinions.


James Blake - Lindisfarne
Eerily poetic and thought provoking.

Austra - Beat and the Pulse
Dark macabre beats with operatic singing makes for goosebumps. Feels ritualistic and gives me the feeling of a cross between Fever Ray and White Lies.

Austra - Shoot The Water
The quirky staccato piano lends a noir movie vibe, not least helped by her good vocal control.

jj - No One Can Touch Us Tonight

i could stick around and get along with you

Feeling really sluggish today so the post will be short.

Austra - Lose It

Martin Solveig - Hello (feat. Dragonette)
Main characters of video: Martin Solveig and Bob Sinclair
Cameo: Novak Djokovic

Martin Solveig - Ready 2 Go (feat. Kele)

the city glimmers underneath the fading light

Monarchy - Gold In The Eternal Fire (mp3)
Having grown up in the time when bubblegum pop ruled the airwaves, by the likes of Westlife, Backstreet Boys, N Sync, Britney Spears etc, so it's natural that I remember Eternal Flame as it is - sung by Atomic Kitten. So, when Monarchy called it a classic, I was perplexed. So a quick google told me it was originally by The Bangles, an all female band harking from the 80s. Fastfoward 31 years later, Monarchy has taken it and meshed it with parts from Gold In The Fire to come up with something really amazing. And apparently they did it to commemorate the royal wedding between a young man and his fiancée (The Economist with not so subtle humour). Anyhow, really flowing piano that ripples gently through like a silent murmur; the duo evoking everything they can with such elegance.

The One AM Radio - Witness
I'm totally digging Hirway and gang. First introduced to me by the show Chuck (it's really got awesome music selections), their latest album has more production - like more elaborate synths, bass and whatnot, but this one from his sophomore album leans towards intimate and personal. It's as if he's singing to a small group of friends gathered around the porch of his house. Very tender vocals that remind me of Kings of Convenience along with a chill vibe that makes you all relaxed, quite apt considering how it helps you enjoy the song even more.

The National - Exile Vilify
The song that was created specially for the computer game Portal 2 reflects how music transcends boundaries. Another piano based song, but grander in scale and complements Berninger's signature baritone very nicely. Somehow it feels very pensive, as if reflecting on something, what with giving up, feeling like a trial and being like marbles on glass.

i put a spell on you because you're mine

A girl at the young tender age of 14 and drawing comparisons to Adele and Florence Welch covering king of stripped down and vulnerable songs; a New York threesome taking on a dreampop favourite; an indie darling showing her vocal prowess via a classic.

Enjoy folks.

Birdy - Skinny Love (Bon Iver Cover)

Yellow Ostrich - Zebra (Beach House Cover)

She & Him - I Put A Spell On You (Screamin' Jay Hawkins Cover)

drawing pictures with some chalk

Priscilla Ahn - When You Grow Up (mp3)
One of my favouritest artists, Priscilla Ahn, has released her new album just a few days ago, and she has given a free download to all on her bandcamp page. Click the link to sample the song first, then you can download it for free after.

Ahn's same effortless style we heard in "A Good Day" is back. Delicate dulcet vocals that seem perfectly tailored for singing, added to really carefree lyrics has already made this into a song that has been played more than 5 times as I'm about to be done with this short part on her song. I wish she would come to Singapore.

The One AM Radio - In A City Without Seasons
Total bedroom pop you'd make with friends. The twinning of guy (Hrishikesh Hirway) and girl vocals just add to that whole making-music-is-fun-with-friends vibe. The keyboard is used to great effect here, providing delightful backing rhythms that hook you in immediately.

The One AM Radio - Ticking Heart
Saccharine vocals take centre stage in this bass heavy song which utilises deep trumpet samples; somehow the song reminds me of Au Revoir Simone with more oomph. The frazzled background sounds seem to be by design - as if trying to make it sound like it's played out of the cassette.

we gonna celebrate one more time

Here's to a trip down memory lane.

Benjamin Diamond - In Your Arms
Good ol' house music from 2000. I have heard this song quite a number of times when I was younger, but didn't know what the title was. Really love this.

Daft Punk - One More Time
One of the many Daft Punk classics.

Modjo - Lady (Hear Me Tonight)
No need for introductions I think.

when i see your face it's like sunlight dripping

Tricky - Murder Weapon
Super funky song by Tricky. Interesting to know that he was part of Massive Attack back in the 90s for a while. Somehow the entire gloom and doom is given an upbeat twist; and the beat and lyrics unconsciously catch on.

Eskmo - Cloudlight
I featured this on my tumblr sometime back but somehow forgot to mention it here. I mean this is one psychedelic trip that way is off the charts, so how could I forgot? That aside, hair-raising tribal-esque beats, vocals that seem to have been run through a vocoder and random samples adding to the soundscape, all add up to one hell of a wicked song.

Eskmo - We Got More
Yet another one by Brendan Angelides, replete with an even trippier video. This Cyriak dude, the guy who does the video animation, is super ace. Big bass beats that match to the changing of animation plus the same glitchy sound makes for a delectable listen.

Bag Raiders - Sunlight
They are a house duo from Sydney that my friend asked me to give a listen to. Gotta say it's a good recommendation. Really love the freshness of the pop imbued into this club number. And we have yet another interesting albeit quirky video today, which a youtube user sums it up quite aptly as "act like monkey = get hot chick". Super groove-worthy.

you want the moon but you've got the sun

I miss HK, it was a blast over there.

Pulseprogramming - First They Fire
Loving the synthy beats and vocals awash in 80s nostalgia. The song just latches onto your subconscious, be it the gentle cooing or how it invokes foggy memories of yesteryear.

Jatoma - Little Houseboat
Fancy little song here that's quite trippy, a generous helping of electronic bleeps and bloops before evolving into gorgeous deep bass beats. Sexyyyyy.

Digitalism - 2 Hearts
Electronic married to pop-bliss.

she got me in a trance just by the way she danced

Alteria Percepsyne - All You See Is A Ghost
Deep brooding dubscape. Just appreciate this magnificent one.

Hauschka - Early In The Morning
Beautiful photos and beautiful music, nuff said.

Hauschka - Children
The previous song by Volker Bertelmann (aka Hauschka) was beautiful, understated elegance if you'd like. Contrasted against that, this is glorious and full of pomp, well, just utterly brilliant. And a fucking ingenious video too. Like a director conducting a virtuoso orchestra, he makes the music come alive; dancing and twirling along to the ebb and flow. I'm enamoured and words really don't do this piece justice.

Modjo - Chillin'
Don't know why I felt like listening to this. But it's a good late night song.

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.

how your fire grows hermosa caldera glistening

The Strokes - Under Cover Of Darkness
The Strokes are back with another album "Angles", with the last one in 2006. And they herald their return with much aplomb, spilling delightful riffs in the gleeful intro. And Mr Casablancas seems like he never left, partly due to his solo outing in 2009. Utterly infectious and bouncy, this is one tight number that's bound to keep you on your feet.

TV on the Radio - Will Do
Fancy video about virtual reality. Really like how the melody plays second fiddle to Adebimpe's strong vocals. The arrangements are pretty sweet, but it's the lyrics that are clearly about love that stand out. There's a particular verse that even verges on poetic. Beautiful.

Niva - Boy From The Sun
This is a really affecting beauty. Christian Niva from Stockholm wields his wand and in a flourish, conjures a wonderful foggy dreamscape where we'd like to nestle ourselves in. Supremely exquisite dreampop that really swept me off my feet on first listen; more people should be listening to his stuff. Check out the rest of his entire brilliant EP here.

we will sink and be quiet as mice

Been neglecting the blog yet again due to school, but here's a post I managed to squeeze in during this break week.

Radiohead - Lotus Flower
Geniuses at work. It's been a while since Radiohead's last opus "In Rainbows" in 2007, and now they've finally released another album, "The King of Limbs", which clocks in at just over 37 minutes. This particular track features Thom Yorke dancing/moving awkwardly/spasming/insert-what-you-think-is-appropriate. It's nothing overt, a really ordinary beat in the background, such that you won't think much of it. However, Thom's almost permanent falsetto brings a sort of emotive counterbalance to the normalcy of the backing rhythm. Don't expect something massive that would blow you away when listening to this track, more a gentle prod in between ebbs and flows, against your conscious. The first listen is good, but give it a few more listens, it'll warrant infinite repeats.

Peter Bjorn and John - Second Chance
Really fetching track from the guys most famous for their iconic tune Young Folks. Some elements of pop catchy-ness as well as rock riffs abound, it seems right up their alley. And as many have said, the cowbell is a neat touch.

Jamie Woon - Lady Luck
Dedicated an entire post on him a while back, and he's just released a single of his debut album which drops in April. Lady Luck is a downright wicked tune - slick and sensual. Echo-ed and on a loop as the words 'lady luck' rolls of his tongue, the bass beats intertwined with his extremely soulful voice, this is one tune that will make people go all over each other on the dancefloor. I expect some remixes to roll in soon. Pity he didn't win BBC's Sound of 2011 poll. Check out his Al Fresco version here. It's basically him and his vocals while he's on a sampan in a swamp in Cambodia. Exquisite.

Interview: The Temper Trap

Managed to nail this email interview with Temper Trap after speaking to their drummer, Toby Dundas at the media tent during Laneway. Here's the interview, word for word. It's pretty short though so don't expect much. Italics are my comments after getting a reply.

How did you feel about performing at the debut Laneway Festival in Singapore?

It was a great honour for us to headline the first Laneway Festival in Singapore. Our first festival gig was at Laneway, we were first band on and it was that gig that really kickstarted things for us back in 2006, so we have a lot of love for the festival. The Singapore audience was fantastic, to stand in the rain all day and go crazy for every band takes a lot of dedication so i know all the bands just wanted to get onstage and give the crowd a great show.


Was this your first time in Singapore? If yes, how did you find it here?

We came for a couple of nights last year for the media launch of the festival, so this was our second time. We came in a few days early to rehearse and work on some new songs and i had an awesome time again. Ate some amazing food, caught up with a few friends and had some fun nights out (thanks butter factory!) and it was all topped off with the festival.
We really wanted it to be a special gig as it was the last show after 2 years of touring and we weren't disappointed.

Oh yeahh! Thanks guys, it was an awesome way to round off the night!


How did you guys meet?

Jonny and Dougy were longtime friends and Lorenzo and I were friends since we were 12 or so. Dougy and I met through work and stared practising together with another guitarist and then Jonny. Loz joined after a year or so and we brought in joseph about 2 years ago.


What was it like initially when you guys first started out and were trying to get Conditions together? How does it compare with the immense popularity you guys have now?

Back then we were just rehearsing a lot. We had a little room where we could keep our stuff set up so we would go out there 3-4 nights a week and write songs and work on the set.
We did a lot of demo recording so we could work on adding more electronic textures and beats and stuff with computers and samplers. Back then if we played a gig to 400 people we thought it was going great so we really had no idea that the album would connect with so many people around the world.


There's an increasing number of bands from Down Under that are getting more well known (or are already known), such as yourself, Tame Impala, Architecture in Helsinki, Empire of the Sun, The Presets and Cut Copy. So what's it like for the Australian music scene in the years to come?

I think Australia's always had a great music scene and it's cool that a lot of the bands around at the moment are getting noticed overseas as well.
Tame Impala are amazing and bands like the Midnight Juggernauts and The Drones have been putting out great albums for years.
In the new crop of artists i really like Cloud Control and an electronic act from Sydney called Seekae.

Certainly gotta check Cloud Control and Seekae out. Certainly have a thing for electronic bands.


Lastly, what are your 5 favourite albums of 2010?

in no particular order

Gil Scot-Heron I'm New Here
Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Menomena Mines
Arcade Fire The Suburbs
Gareth Liddiard Strange Tourist

Thanks a bunch Temper Trap, especially Toby!

in the parking lots of these endless nights

TWO MORE FUCKING DAYS! I'M GOING CRAZY WAITING FOR SATURDAY! I never dreamed I'd see them in Singapore, much less in the same day.

Beach House - Silver Soul
Their brand of hazy dreampop already imprinted in us as their signature, they deliver it with the usual panache. Pouring their entire soul into this one, the syncopated keyboards dovetailing nicely with Legrand's ethereal vocals.

Lotus Plaza - A Threaded Needle
With a persistent rhythm and tinkly sounds, how can I not be hooked into the song? The rhythm subsequently forms the backing of the song, over and above the barely heard vocals. Elegiac in a rough way, the entire song feels hazy amidst a microcosm of intimate sounds, and it runs out amidst a dishevelled blast of intense repetitive sounds.

Deerhunter - Agoraphobia
A thoroughly enjoyable listen; comforting and warm. A slow tender piece that takes delight in its measured pace, preferring to let the music speak for itself.

Deerhunter - Desire Lines
Accompanied by a fat reverby guitar line, Cox reminisces about the nostalgia of youth, awash in careless freedom. And just when you thought what could get better than the first 2 minutes of awesomeness, a good 4 minutes of instrumental takes over. It's ponderous yet urgent, slowly seeping into your consciousness. Going on and on, you're sinking deeper and deeper, only for you to be jostled out as it gradually ends.

when i look around i can feel it spinning

Simon Hinter - Take Care
What a myriad of sounds this track presents - a certain eye, or ear-opener for that matter. A winding road, tall firs looming. Blinding white light. Streets of nowhere, a dull thud. Mesmerising blinking light, in the distance.

Deerhunter - Fountain Stairs
Super swell and loving it. Warm fuzzy guitar lines and warbly vocals from Lockett Pundt.

each day takes you some place i can't find

Ducktails - Killin' The Vibe
Oh so chill. A sweet laconic vibe with a backing piano? that sounds a little like Bibio's Lover's Carvings. I totally agree with the comments on the video that it's a great driving song. I can picture myself in a old Dodge, just clunking and cruising down the countryside roads.

Azure Ray - Don't Leave My Mind
Damn, I missed out on this release last year, which would have definitely made my 2010 list. A seven year hiatus as a duo clearly did nothing to diminish their fantastic chemistry. Testament to their craft, the two best friends have given us an exquisitely gorgeous song to savour. The electronic beat and lush melody provide a lovely complement to Orenda's? spectral vocals - stunning.

no pockets full of grain and crumbs

Flying Lotus - MmmHmm (feat. Thundercat)
Aural pleasure with a soundscape put together with such panache. Flying Lotus is Steven Ellison, and he has carefully arranged a wonderfully crafted piece with influences I can't put a finger to. Almost balladic, the electronic nature of this tune does not really settle in entirely as the vocals serve as an elegant distraction.

Flying Lotus - Zodiac Shit
Trippy stuff filled with psychedelic imagery that would just blow your mind into the stratosphere in the first half, before abruptly going into electro-funk stuff that juxtapose nicely against the first half. Amazing shit.

Jenny Wilson - Like A Fading Rainbow

together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail

Broken Social Scene - All to All
Exquisite gem led by Lisa Lobsinger. It lost to Sweetest Kill by just a handful of listens. The intro is a soft delight, with a short and deft touch of trance. Led by the wonderful Lisa Lobsinger, her lush voice graces our ears, complemented by a back drop of electronic elements which seem in an urgent rush to somewhere. The strings are a neat touch as well. Very similar to RSR's stuff, but it's prolly due to her voice.

Broken Social Scene - Puff, the Magic Dragon
I've known the original version by Peter, Paul & Mary for quite a while, but only chanced upon this version by BSS recently. What an awesome find. Heavily slowed down, with more purposeful enunciation of the words, they infuse a whole lot more mood here, no doubt trying to elicit a reference to the "subtle drug referencing" many people speculate that is present in the original.

Tennis - Marathon
What summer bliss. A little hazy nostalgia here, a bit of hooky hooky there, a perfect recipe for a fabulous song. Don't count out the soft oooohs as well. As she coos so wistfully, I wonder if I could be the one on that yacht out yonder on the sapphire sea instead of being buried in my books.

i only go where you won't be

A short post to welcome the new year!

Plasticines - Pas Avec Toi
It's a pretty straightforward fist-pumping song that gets you going. From what I surmise, it's about a guy chasing after a girl after she decides to leave him, and the chorus basically just means "time passes but not with you".

Plasticines - I Am Down
Quite a down-tempo song good for an evening listen. These girls are not half as bad as many people say actually. I really like this song, very simple and listenable(?) on repeat.

Those Dancing Days - Fuckarias
Check out those insane drums - machine guns gone berserk; the orangey lips too, sweet. The chorus jams come a close second as well. All these from a quintet of girls from Stockholm. Absolutely catchy rampant feisty garage pop that will knock the socks off anyone, maybe a teeth or two as well. Free grab from the band here.