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).

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.