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.

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.

time shoots on by

Apologies much for the unintentional hiatus. Busy with stuff regarding school, couldn't wait to get back to share some awesome stuff here.

Rue du Soleil - Troya
Loosely translated as Sun Road, this quartet of D. Jakovljevic, Y. Uslu, A. Bianco and C. Montuoriis produce some stunning music. Seemingly, I like ambient stuff with jazz influences.

Morcheeba - The Sea
Lush vocals bloom as a liquid rhythm slides in your eardrum.

Another Fine Day - Lazy Daisy

Passengers - Beach Sequence
Not sure why it's entitled as such but it certainly brooks no images of sand, sea and sun. Nonetheless, lovely stuff by U2 and Brian Eno.



Sunlight squeezing it's way through the fluffy clouds carelessly pasted on blue canvas. Ensconced in the grubby couch. The whir of the fan; the drone of passing trains. The clouds inch east; the chirp of a sparrow. Nestled in the tree. Glass of ice water. A droplet trickles slowly down the glass; without direction. The glare of sunlight. The ring of the postman - breaks the tranquility like a drop of water on the stillness of the lake. Ripples.

you're the piece of gold that flushes all my soul

But the iniquity of oblivion blindly scattereth her poppy, and deals with the memory of men without distinction to merit of perpetuity. Who can but pity the founder of the pyramids? Herostratus lives that burnt the temple of Diana, he is almost lost that built it. Time hath spared the epitaph of Adrian's horse, confounded that of himself. In vain we compute our felicities by the advantage of our good names, since bad have equal durations, and Thersites is like to live as long as Agamemnon without the favour of the everlasting register. Who knows whether the best of men be known, or whether there be not more remarkable persons forgot, than any that stand remembered in the known account of time? The first man had been as unknown as the last, and Methuselah's long life had been his only chronicle.

- Hydriotaphia by Sir Thomas Browne


Kidstreet - X (mp3)
Go to their myspace for a free download of new song X. Exciting and full of electrofunk, dotty synths twinkle off as vocodered vocals sing of "wanting you so bad". Midway, sensual vocals take over and mesmerise you. Further emphasis on "I want you so bad it's wrong" clearly shows it should take it's rightful place on the dance floor.

Air - Playground Love
You can trust the French to come up with such affecting music, and for a film adaptation of the splendid book "The Virgin Suicides". Gently stirring up an ambient mood, Thomas Mars' (of Phoenix) drawl and the slow pace combine fluidly to evoke a dreamy yet lustrous sheen to the song. Jazz samples punctuate the chorus, amplifying the underlying romantic theme of the song. Sensual at best, perfunctory at worst, this song is a definite treat for your senses.

Phoenix - Playground Love (Air Cover)
Check out the acoustic cover by Phoenix. It just serves to reinforce the stereotype that French are romantic and sentimental, and are capable of awesome music.

Air - Alone in Kyoto
No wonder I thought this song was familiar. It was part of the soundtrack for another fantabulous movie, Lost in Translation. And if anyone notices, both Lost in Translation and The Virgin Suicides were directed by Sofia Coppola. And she's in a relationship with Thomas Mars. Extremely soothing and calming, if not retrospectively caused by the title of the song, I could imagine walking through the bamboo groves in Kyoto, chancing upon a quaint shrine by a stream. Brilliant composition.

come and sing along with me

Plej - You
Well, like a user who said it's perfect for a sunday morning, i have to differ (personal opinion of course). I like my loungey chillout tracks on a solid lazy late sunday afternoon. Uber perfect. Sax samples? Oh boy, this just shot up my list of favourite tracks. Subtle trace of jazz-funk that makes this liquid track oh so delicious.

Phonique - For The Time Being (feat. Erlend Øye)
Mr Awesome-Half-of-KOC lends his vocal prowess to this song. One fine lush track with electronic beats contrasted by Erlend's languid vocals. It's like rushing to work because you're late, yet taking time to savour the awesome baguette you're eating on the way.

Astrolabe - Atlantic Surf
Love the house vibe, seemingly downtempo yet with an urgent beat that does send adrenaline rushing into your head and resonating synths that go swimmingly well together. Maybe if someone did a remix, tuning it down by 2 or 3 notches plus more spacious sounds, it could well be an awesome ambient track.

Hird (feat. Yukimi Nagano) - Love Again
Ms Nagano here has featured in many songs and this is among them. Lush vocals suited to jazz beats to a T. Awesome stuff that makes me want to open a jazz lounge too!