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.

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.

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.

100 Favourite Tracks of 2010: Part X

"It's not their fault," she said, "if others love them for the wrong reasons."

"No, it's not their fault. And what are 'the wrong possible reasons'? I think you can love people for the wrongest possible reasons, I don't think that's got anything to do with it."

"But if you don't like people whose lives are exceptional, why do you want to hear about them?"

"Because those are the sort of stories I like best."

"Untrue ones?"

"No, interminable ones, if you like. Bottomless pits."

- Marguerite Duras' The Sailor from Gibraltar


Delorean - Grow
Somehow I felt a little of Friendly Fires' in the song. Nonetheless, they channel all their Basque-ness into this free spirited number that is as much a celebration as it is a journey of discovery. One might also be inclined to reply their question of "will you ever understand this decision i've made?" With Delorean, you can be assured of being in good hands, and just keep dancing under all that glitter and remind yourself you're on the beaches of Ibiza.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Menomena - INTIL
What a stunner. Immediately diving into a tender piano ballad, conveying vulnerability before smoothly graduating to sort of a soft post-rockish mood. The lines in the song "I never thought I'd lie" is abbreviated as the song title. Interesting huh.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Delphic - Remain
They revel in electronic spheres and this Mancunian trio slowly creep up on you with a soft balladic piece that works its way into your system with those keyboards, lulling vocals and pop magik.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Twin Sister - Lady Daydream (mp3)
By now, one should be acquainted with Twin Sister (having featured another of their song earlier). The dreamy atmosphere and ethereal vocals are to be expected. With seeming lassitude, the lyrics convey a certain sort of romanticism amidst the lushness, as Andrea sighs whimisically "if you can't find the sea, i'll take you there". I absolutely adore them.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

LCD Soundsystem - Dance Yrself Clean
Clocking in just under 9 minutes, just like many other lengthy songs in the album (i think it's bordering on insane), James Murphy slowly but not painstakingly (this man revels in his craft) builds layers upon layers in this song. An extended and almost repetitive intro that could have been a song unto it's own, I say almost because it has slight twists of lyrics that make it different in each verse. His easy speak-sing along with that regular tock totally doesn't prepare one for the ear-bliteration that occurs at 3:09. Here you see the legacy, of marrying new wave, 80s synths, electro-funk and what not artistically, that James has built.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

The New Pornographers - Crash Years
Catchy indie rock is definitely my cup of tea. A wonderful showcase of Neko Case's voice accompanied by fun whistling, uber poppiness and chugging chords.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - The Mighty Sparrow
Oh those intense riffs and whispery vocals. Blistering with tight hooks that similar punk rock bands might envy, these guys sure know how to dish out their rock - taut and ripping.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Glass Vaults - They Will Grow
Expansive ambient piece with haunting plaintive sounds and that extremely sporadic guitar strumming cutting that equanimity, sending ripples through the soundscape.
[bandcamp] [last.fm]

Robyn - Hang With Me
She does this synthpop thing with such finesse. Really catchy song, especially the beats and lyrics.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

A Sunny Day in Glasgow - Drink drank drunk
They engage in a little fun, with reverby repetitive words, before waddling deep in the throes of miasmatic haze. Delicate utterances abound, I feel firmly ensconced within the wonders of shoegaze as I struggle with wisps of fond memories. Treat yourselves nicely and head over here for a free grab of the entire album, courtesy of the band themselves.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

well, this marks the end of the list of my favourite tracks for this year. it was tough omitting some because i didn't want some bands to be significantly more represented. so capping it at 2 was what i felt was best. i'd really like to hear some of yours in the comments or emails. watch out for my favourite albums coming your way soon! meanwhile, enjoy what's rest of the year and the list as well.

100 Favourite Tracks of 2010: Part IX

He has too much good sense to be affronted at insults, he is too well employed to remember injuries, and too indolent to bear malice. He is patient, forbearing, and resigned, on philosophical principles; he submits to pain, because it is inevitable, to bereavement, because it is irreparable, and to death, because it is his destiny. If he engages in controversy of any kind, his disciplined intellect preserves him from the blunder.

- John Henry Newman on The Definition of a Gentleman, by Xu Ci En in AugustMAN


Merry Christmas to all readers!


Crystal Castles - Baptism
Wicked 8-bit beat with really warped vocals (or maybe a spoilt microphone, haha) and crazy electronics. Revel and dance away.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

The Morning Benders - Promises (mp3)
The Morning Benders have been quite the revelation this year, and Promises is another stand out track from "Big Echo". A light and wistful number that oozes nostalgia, its sing-along feel could be attributed to Chris Chu's pop sensibilities or Chris Taylor's touch (credited as a co-producer). Either way, it's fabulous.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Broken Social Scene - World Sick
This is like the opus of "Forgiveness Rock Record". It takes a good intro to get things rolling, and a sweet folksy tune seems pretty damn right for this one. Then it rolls right into a good ol' BSS song. The song seems like it's about being gay and standing up for it, especially in the context of religion. Insights anyone?
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Chief - Night & Day
That's a lot of hair guys and 100 marks for trying to look like vagrants. Traces of Fanfarlo in them? Somehow, the lyrics have an uncanny resemblance to the happenings in Vladimir Nabokov's Laughter in the Dark. The mellow sound and slight folksy lilt to the song makes this a delightful listen. Check out this more stripped down version here.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

of Montreal - Coquet Coquette
Smooth vocals and fun lyrics contribute to a rollickin' good time with this track by of Montreal. Don't forget the pacey drum beats and deep bass.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Arcade Fire - We Used To Wait
Petulant and urgent, the song opens with a piano led intro that progresses into a similar anthemic style Arcade Fire are known for. Win Butler's vocals shine through in particular, as he intones about how they used to have to wait for letters from their loved ones and is liberal with his falsetto. Just as how the song starts, the song ends similarly in a staccato of piano played keys.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

She & Him - In The Sun
Vocally led by everybody's favourite indie pop darling, Ms Deschanel and accompanied with a jaunty swagger provided by Mr Ward, this is one breezy tune.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Wild Nothing - Chinatown
I'm really a sucker for such foggy dreamy music. Maybe it's a throwback to the past of sorts, where everybody wants to hold on to something from yesteryears. Like analog cameras.
[myspace] [last.fm]

The Black Keys - Howlin' For You
Don't normally listen to blues-rock, but chanced upon this via Chuck and it is way too awesome. The fuzzywuzzy guitaring with that constant pounding beat gives you a silent adrenaline rush, to the ears.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Charlotte Gainsbourg - Heaven Can Wait (feat. Beck)
At 0:50, where the dude bats an incoming orange totally reminds me of years back, we had a friendly match with out seniors, they pitched a coconut and my friend smashed it clean. HAHAHA, what memories. I totally love this song just for that. Ok, that's not just all about it. There's definitely a kooky vibe, as if something is gonna spring from nowhere. I like the contrast between Beck and her vocals.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

100 Favourite Tracks of 2010: Part VIII

In the past I’ve used lemons for juicing. I make fresh juices with kale, carrots, apples, lemons, and you can put the whole thing in the juicer, with the rind and everything. I also make lemonade. In our English lessons in Sweden, they were talking about lemonade a lot. I was maybe nine. I’d never had it, but I pictured it as being sparkly and tangy. It took 10 years before I tasted some, but it was a dream come true. No one knew how to make lemonade back home. My mom tried to squeeze some oranges one time and put sugar in it.

- Elsa Hahne


Mackintosh Braun - Made For Us
I think Mackintosh Braun is to slow-dance electronic music where Monarchy is to all-out dance floor magic. Fine lounge vibe that's good for a slow dance with a partner. Enchanted.
[official] [last.fm]

Tokyo Police Club - Bambi
Try this for lyrical pop sensibilities with neat rock riffs and hooks. With a song title like that, and from an album entitled "Champs", it's hard not to be a favourite.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Tame Impala - Lucidity
"Lucidity,come back to me, put all five senses back to where they're meant to be"

Sounds like a pretty damn tall order after listening to this amazing eargasm of a song. Maybe they were being sarcastic, but I couldn't sense it through all that fuzzed out bliss.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Röyksopp - The Alcoholic
There's nothing to fault Röyksopp with, crafting such a brilliant instrumental song. The staccato tik-tak-tak and tik-tak, backing melody getting louder and louder. The plucking guitar strings(?), calming. Bird chirps, strange but beautiful.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Perfume Genius - Learning (mp3)
Piano + fuzzy vocals? Doesn't sound like a good combination. But Mike Hadreas makes it work as Perfume Genius, with an intoxicating but jarring truthfulness to the lyrics.
[myspace] [last.fm]

Massive Attack - Paradise Circus (feat. Hope Sandoval)
Just listen and enjoy. Massive Attack's masterful wielding of sounds and Hope Sandoval's enchanting and sensual voice a wonderful confluence.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

HEALTH - USA Boys
The only track on their almost-remix album to be a non remix, and a new song at that. It's got a amazing killer beat that led in the song, urgent and commanding your attention, specifically your feet. The vocals here lend a laconic vibe, unclear and prolly there for the sake of it. But it does not take the sheen off it's ripping bassline and the fact that this song would make you go crazy in a mushroom induced haze.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Parlour Steps - Little Pieces
They call this thought rock, I'm inclined to agree. Driven by guitar solos and riffs, it's quite the tender rock number.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Gorillaz - Empire Ants (feat. Little Dragon)
I feel like a kid who's being coaxed to sleep by fairy tales. I'm so taken in with this, never knew Damon could sing like that. Then comes the part where I'm dreaming, about being an adult who's at a ball, dancing with this sensual faceless lady. Gliding across the floor in tandem. But it's just a dream.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Emeralds - Candy Shoppe
Electronic with an old school vibe. Very 80s. Very delish.
[last.fm]

100 Favourite Tracks of 2010: Part VII

Moreover, Mr. Chirico, 26, discovered what other young men in New York have begun to notice in recent months: In the city’s more style-conscious ZIP codes, there has been a renaissance of that much-loved old neighborhood standby, the barbershop.

Proving Fran Lebowitz’s oft-cited dictum that “you’re only as good as your last haircut,” authentic-looking barbershops have popped up all over lower Manhattan. Done up with, say, vintage lighting fixtures, antique barber chairs and, of course, a big glass jar of blue Barbicide on the counter, they are offering good, solid haircuts and shaves for less than half the price of a fancy salon cut. And in a kind of tonsorial version of chicken-or-the-egg, their arrival is perfectly timed, coinciding with the twin desires among urbane young men to tame their unruly locks and look neater and sharper from the neck up, and do it in all-American, gentlemanly, modestly priced fashion, far from the salon smells of peroxide and perfume.

- The Barbershop Renaissance in NYT


The Mystery Jets - Dreaming of Another World (mp3)
Kooky and catchy, very driven indie rock laced with lazy dreams and another you.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Sufjan Stevens - Futile Devices
This song could play right out of a movie by Sofia Coppola and it would be so so right. The lyrics tumble out affectingly about a best friend, in that words are rendered useless in expressing the platonic love because it seems trite. The song just seems way too short though, beauty could be extended and appreciated. That said, I'm still in awe of his talent and would really want to see him perform live.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

jj - Let Go
Exquisite and serene, the initial electronic samples glossing over you like a constant warm breeze of air. It alternates with more pertinent drums and the entire time, you feel at peace, almost zen-like. Also, the harmonica sample starting and ending the song just seems... so right.
[myspace] [last.fm]

Ariel Pink's Haunted Grafitti - Round and Round
Ariel Pink's drone might put some off this song, but it seems very much in character with this freak folk song. He seems to have amalgamated distinct parts - monotonous drone, choir-like singing, muted beats, upbeat chorus - of the song into one cohesive package that somehow ticks.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Aska - There Are Many of Us
Such a beautiful song that tugs at your heart ever so gently.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Deerhunter - Earthquake
The creation of an ambience in this song is eerily effective. Fuzzy vocals like one out of a cranky tv, spooky lyrics that speak of waking up on a dirty couch in a grey fog, the short intermittent scratch. A slow and steady build up before it reaches a miasma of sounds like heckling of ghosts before settling down suddenly, and drifting to an end, leaving you in it's wake wondering what just happened.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Fear of Tigers - Cossus Snufsigalonica
Euphoric dance beat that would make your feet smile. One of the few tracks that was on heavy repeat during my long vacation in europe.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Puro Instinct - Luv Goon
These sisters used to be called Pearl Harbor, and with the name change, it seems more suited to their kind of music.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Hot Chip - Thieves In The Night
Fantastic synth dance number in full glory.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Toro Y Moi - Talamak
Comfort music, really.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

100 Favourite Tracks of 2010: Part VI

A great painter one day, high up on the scaffold, began moving backward to view better his finished fresco. The next receding step would have taken him over, and, as a warning cry might be fatal, his apprentice had the presence of mind to sling the contents of a pail at the masterpiece. Very funny! But how much funnier still, had the rapt master been left to walk back into nothing - with, incidentally, the spectators expecting the pail. The art of caricature, as Rex understood it, was thus based (apart from its synthetic, fooled-again nature) on the contrast between cruelty on one side and credulity on the other.

- Vladimir Nabokov's Laughter in the Dark


The Walkmen - Stranded
You look at the small puddles formed on the cobbled streets of somewhere in Europe, a gentle drizzle falling on your overcoat as you're trudging aimlessly. The evening sun casts a deep amber hue over the low rooftops around you while you ponder with a listless look on your face. Suddenly you hear horns so warm and regal in the distance, Hamilton Leithauser's vocals rising above the orchestration, seemingly coaxing you that everything is alright, and suddenly you know where you should be walking to.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

The Radio Dept. - Heaven's on Fire (mp3)
It really reminds me of The Honeydrip's Fall From a Height, but less use of vocal samples. Notably, they both are from Sweden. And where Fall From a Height was more pensive and romantic, Heaven's on Fire is vague-ish and seems to be indirectly criticising the music industry. The entire layered arrangement fleshes out the song as Johan Duncanson muffles hazily throughout the song. Love them swedes.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Spoon - The Mystery Zone
The feel good beat, well, feels good as you just bop to the song. Undeniably catchy in a reserved way, it kinda worms it's way into your consciousness and as the song ends abruptly, it still continues in your head "mystery zone, ooh! the mystery zone. maybe all he wants, maybe all he needs"
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Avi Buffalo - Remember Last Time (mp3)
With the spread of the memory-dulled hazy shoegaze/dreampop that has been going around, it's a nice reprieve from all that with one that actually recalls something - a past love. Excellent extended guitar jam preceded by a gentle solo strum accompanied by softly spoken words around the one third mark of the song.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Local Natives - World News
Oh yeah, it's Local Natives again, this time with World News. These guys are awesome I tell you, the lyricism present in the song is ingenious. An entire song about being inside a car, which is the most mundane thing one can sing about, yet made so meaningful, catchy and most of all, interesting. I adore the first stanza the most, thinking about where you first started. Of course, how can I miss out the do-do-do-do-do?
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

MGMT - Flash Delirium
Delving into the world of all things weird and mindblowing, they deliver a punchy pop rendition that graduates into delirious punk rock(?), with the video ending in a flash.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Basia Bulat - Once More For The Dollhouse
Folk-inspired and heart-achingly bittersweet.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Chew Lips - Karen
Groovy and catchy with slick guitars and bouncy drumbeats that give due weight to the song.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Teen Daze - Let's Fall Asleep Together
Sigh, it's songs like this that make a bland day seem blander than it should be. Life should be like the sunny carefree depiction in this swell number. He says, "I really came to fall in love with the whole lo-fi pop scene this summer, and I wanted to see what I could come up with. After writing “Let’s Fall Asleep Together”, the last three just sort of happened in the span of a few days." From an aptly titled EP "Beach Dreams", it makes me wanna return to the sprawling beach of Nice with fine sand between your toes and sunlight sparkling in the sea like diamonds.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Cults - Go Outside
The glockenspiel works up a delight in this charming cut from Brooklyn duo Cults. Semi-chanting, semi singing, it's a swell to be listening to this on a nice spring day. So, refrain from going outside until you've finished this song. That said, I'm pretty sure you'd be wanting to take this along your jaunt.
[bandcamp] [last.fm]

100 Favourite Tracks of 2010: Part IV

In the morning Brûlé (as in crème) will be off again—he’ll check in someplace else similarly well-lit—but for the moment, he is focused as can be on the topic at hand: old media. He loves it. Can’t get enough. “I don’t want to sound like a Luddite about it,” he says, “but …” But Brûlé sort of is. Not a Luddite, exactly, but a hard-core devotee of old-fashioned media: of magazines that are printed on paper, of news programs that dedicate hours to single topics, and of well-modulated, unhysterical coverage of things other than, as he puts it, missing white women. As the media conglomerates of the world attempt to figure out their plans for the future, Brûlé is hatching a tiny and very specific media empire from a lovely part of Central London called Marylebone.

- Planet Monocle by Amy Larocca in NY Mag


Tame Impala - Solitude Is Bliss
Ah, Solitude is bliss. I kinda subscribe to that. And such music to listen to while you're flying solo is way awesome. Rock on, guys from Down Under.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Röyksopp - Senior Living
I think this is a very sick tune from the revered (in some quarters) Norwegian duo. Brooding and poignant, listen to that wicked bassline take control.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man
Nice and folksy, with good ol' midwestern charm to boot. The banjo is a wonderful little instrument.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Efterklang - Modern Drift
A dose of piano-backed rock is always a good listen, especially one that feels tentative, like they're on a cusp of something bigger, but still not sure of themselves. Grand orchestration is more than welcome too. Call me old but it's a personal favourite of mine.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Ra Ra Riot - Boy
Hot off his Discovery release last year, Wes Miles is back with Boy from "The Orchard with Ra Ra Riot. Definitely a riotous number. Like I mentioned above, I always like strings or chamber instruments in my music. It brings a different sort of layering to the music. Refreshing.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Freelance Whales - Generator ^ Second Floor
Saccharine pop number.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Joanna Newsom - '81
Keep a lookout for this awesome singer, she's coming down to Singapore too, for the Mosaic Music Festival. Elegant song where Newsom easily soars to the higher ends of her vocal range. This song however, presents a peculiarity with regard to the lyrics. While on the surface, it seems to tread a little on hallowed ground, I still don't really understand it.
[myspace] [last.fm]

Deerhunter - Helicopter
This song is just fantastic. Bradford Cox says that he's a fan of the transgressive author Dennis Cooper, whose account of the shocking death of a teenage gay prostitute in Russia inspired Helicopter. The lyrics are meaningful once you know the context, and coupled with shimmery synths and fuzzy ambience, this is a stunner.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Twin Sister - All Around and Away We Go (mp3)
Super trippy and super 80s, All Around and Away We Go presents a dreamy world of neverending rainbows, nice puffy clouds and beautiful rays of light that warmly caress the fields and everything else. Andrea Estella's charming and sometimes purposely muffled vocals are superb.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Blackbird Blackbird - Happy High
Oh how literal the song title is. A euphoric journey that knows no bounds. But my only grouse, it's a tad too short!
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

100 Favourite Tracks of 2010: Part III

Ray: You wanna get deep on this shit? All them Catholic scholars say, Everything that we do depends on the free choice. But at the same time, they say we need the grace of God to do what's right and follow that Jeannie. If I do something wrong, it's because God didn't gave me the grace to do what's right. If this world stinks, it's His fault. I am only working with what I've been given.

Jean: So, that way, the people they found with bullet holes in their skulls, they're God's fault? Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

Ray: I'm ashamed of nothin'. I didn't make the world.

Jean: But you aren't doing anything to make it better.

Ray: Yeah, then I'll roast in hell

- vocal sample from The Funeral, (1996) between Ray (Christopher Walken) and Jean (his wife), in No Good Deed Goes Unpunished


ceo - Come With Me
Delightful uplifting synthy bliss. Mama-mia indeed.
[official] [last.fm]

Gayngs - The Gaudy Side of Town (mp3)
Amayzing. Supergroup Gayngs released this as the first single from the album "Relayted". This supergroup started by Ryan Olson features Justin Vernon of Bon Iver fame (he seems to be everywhere these days), members from Megafaun and Solid Gold, as well as psych-rockers Leisure Birds. See the entire roster here. Delicious music and it is incredible how all 23 people can coalesce into such a wall of sound - beautifully layered, resulting in a melting pot of rap-inspiration, falsetto highs, breathy ethereal vocals (seems to be a mainstay these days too) and R&B influences.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Crystal Castles - Vietnam
Needs no introduction. It's Crystal Castles, what more can I say?
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Delorean - Real Love
Balearic dance beats provided by Catalans Delorean, so awash in the bright rays of the sun it might make the sun retreat in favour of letting this song shine.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Sufjan Stevens - I Walked
What is Sufjan Stevens not capable of, one might wonder? I have no answer to that. Even more variety added to his increasing repetoire. A brooding electronic beat with reverby vocals.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

As The Stars Fall - No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
I love the sample used in this song, probably the inspiration for the title as well. Well used vocal samples are always appreciated by me. Evocative instrumental piece that conveys the sadness of the entire situation they are in, the sadness of Ray's and his family's warped view of Catholic grace (Waddell, 2003).
[official] [bandcamp] [last.fm]

Broken Bells - The High Road
Calm and collected guitar strumming that belies the seeming urgency as Mercer urges "Come on and get the minimum, before you open up your eyes." Danger Mouse aka Brian Burton makes up the other half of this illustrious duo.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

The Drums - Best Friend
Quirky indie pop.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work
Count on Kitsuné to identify an awesome band when they see one. Super catchy synthpop with upbeat hooks and rapidfire vocals.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Inch Chua - Hurt
Local dynamo gives us a treat with her first full length release "Wallflower" which you can get for free at her bandcamp site. Her heart on her sleeve, right there for all to see once again as she sings with such panache and as if she's trying to prevent all her emotions from spilling out of her diminutive body.
[official] [bandcamp] [last.fm]

100 Favourite Tracks of 2010: Part II

Indeed, when I would ask a tenant if they called 311, I would hear either a Daniel response — “I called 311 until I was blue in the face” — or a response that mirrors the behavior of Justin’s family — “I don’t call 311 anymore. Because I gave up.” In a certain way, both responses are saying the same thing. They are expressions of the demoralization and resignation that people carry with them. In the social universe I inhabit, there’s such a strong belief that you can change things, you can make things happen. But in the Bronx, behind too many of the doors I knocked on, people’s faces are bereft of that sense.

- Elizabeth Dwoskin in NYT


Kisses - Bermuda
Bright and uplifting toetapper, with soaring synths and warm vocals. There's a little balearic beat as well, similar to Delorean. Brilliant stuff from Jesse Kivel and Zinzi Edmundson.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Warpaint - Undertow (mp3)
Lovely post-punk beat, it helps that they are all girls, shrouded by hazy vocals. I love the lead in guitar particularly. The song alternates between a slow dreamy atmosphere with hollow vocals and splendid psych rock replete with guitar riffs. Check out the music video here which is directed by Shannyn Sossamon, who was previously with the band. Nice reunion eh.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Class Actress - Careful What You Say (mp3)
Lush 80s disco and 8-bit beats definitely a plus point in this song. With sultry vocals as well, that certainly scores with me too.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Local Natives - Airplanes
I've got a weak spot for folk rock, which explains Local Natives and Airplanes from "Gorilla Manor" along with the likes of Great Lake Swimmers, Fanfarlo and The Low Anthem. Stringing meaningful lyrics along with a mellow rhythm that soars and dips, it's a heartwarming rendition of a love for a grandfather.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Band of Horses - Blue Beard
This is Band of Horses, every album surely has hits that resonate deep and this is one of them, from "Infinite Arms". Very affecting midwestern-ish, with a grand backing rhythm that anchors this song.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Foals - Spanish Sahara
This is one epic track. It starts of with a tender melody that reeks of desolation and emptiness, and Philippakis milks that even further with raw and emotional vocals. The song builds, slowly, drawing you further into the vast expanse of desolation it portrays, then plateauing. It's joined by a dotty urgent synth beat audible in the background, matched by an increasing urgency in the song as well and the boiling pot of emotion spills at around 4:15. Enjoy.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

School of Seven Bells - I L U
Peculiar video set to less ethereal (read: clearer) vocals that was the hallmark of their debut album, I L U draws out it's atmospheric rhythm, playing up on that, letting it expand and fill the room.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Monarchy - Love Get Out Of My Way
Uber groovey dance floor anthem along with others that has marked Monarchy's arrival on the electronic scene under their new name, previously known as Milke.

Listening Directions: Press play and get moving, if movement is restricted, start bopping your head. Repeat.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Frightened Rabbit - The Loneliness & The Scream
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Best Coast - When I'm With You
A hazy miasma of jangly guitar drives this sun-drenched surf pop from the loveable Ms Cosentino and sidekick Bobb Bruno.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

100 Favourite Tracks of 2010: Part I

So the year is coming to a close again, and it's almost ritualistic that one has to consider his/her favourite songs in the past year. 2010 was quite a bumper year, different from 2009 though in the type of music that were released. 2009 saw it's fair share of experimental stuff and folk-inspired rock. Also, indie pop reigned while there was the usual electronic/electropop stuff. Contrastingly, 2010 would likely go down as a bumper year for a particular subgenre called chillwave/dreampop/shoegaze/hypnagogic/psychedelic/you-name-it, and this list clearly reflects that since I so happen to take to this genre. A lot. This year also saw the likes of The National, Spoon, Arcade Fire releasing solid follow ups while there's the same old indie pop and electronic stuff. Without further ado, I present to you my list of 100 tracks, in 10 parts and in no particular order, of 2010.

Note (i): These are my favourite tracks for the year, i.e. I checked my most played on itunes and sorted out those that were released this year. So they might not be the best songs around, but they sure were my most listened to. And I self-imposed a cap of 2 songs max per band/singer.

Note (ii): I was just musing over the fact that Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus can attain such fame from the general populace of the world, while honest to goodness awesome, fantastic, fabulous, you get what I'm saying, music can remain untouched and unappreciated. It's not to say indie music is better then mainstream music, it's just a little sad that only those who are signed to major record labels and are exposed to mainstream media that get such recognition, and many of them might not even write their own music. It's a very interesting phenomenon, that on Youtube, Bieber's highly watched videos, numbering up to hundreds of millions of views, have more dislikes then likes, obviously a concerted effort/campaign by detractors and haters. In a similar vein, many music videos that have garnered dislikes would be met with "x number of justin bieber fans?" So anyway, I have no idea why I have such an intense dislike for Bieber or Cyrus, maybe it just stems from the fact that indie music is definitely not inferior to their music, and yet they are not getting as much attention or regard. And to what end? Cyrus is spotted smoking salvia. Though legal, it does not set a good example to the young kids who idolise her, young American kids and kids everywhere else that the American culture has propagated to. Smoking is legal too, but is it encouraged or healthy? No, definitely not. But then again, if I think about it, quite a lot of indie artists engage in all sorts of raucous stuff which they would have to cut down or do without if they were in the spotlight. That way, they'd prolly rather stay indie, which renders my thoughts moot.

Tell me about your favourite songs or just drop some comments!


The Morning Benders - Excuses
This song really makes you feel warm inside. A wonderfully crafted indiepop gem that is beautiful as it is touching. And this Yours Truly session really shows how tightly knit the indie community is, surely eliciting a smile or two.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Spoon - Out Go The Lights
I love this stand out track from "Transference", very soft rock and tender vocals from Britt Daniel.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Beach House - Norway (mp3)
I still remember when Norway was dropped as a lead in to the album, definitely a huge teaser for the new album. I was extremely stoked too because the same dreamy evocative melodies were still there, better in fact, coupled by Alex taking the vocal lead in this song. Beautiful.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio
Matt's baritone is definitely one of the reasons why I listen to The National. And this mellow tune is deeply affecting. Maybe that's why it's often on repeat.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Broken Social Scene - Sweetest Kill
Soft with a little reverb, it's one of the awesome tracks in a fantastic follow up to well, Broken Social Scene.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Sun Airway - Put The Days Away
When this bliss pop outfit put out their little 4 track EP, "Oh, Naoko", I was pleasantly surprised by what they had in them. Their debut album, which features the entire EP, "Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier" definitely doesn't let down. The whole song feels very orchestral-ish with the strong backing which culminates in spectacular fashion at the end. It starts around the 3:15 mark, the strings? and everything else building up steadily to a crescendo and suddenly dips to a murmur after a minute plus. Mmhm.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Vampire Weekend - White Sky
What's Vampire Weekend without preppy catchy uber fun pop hits? White Sky doesn't detract much from their recipe and turns out to be a delightful sing-along song. The high pitch ows and oohs that punctuate a quirky twist in the song.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

The Pass - Colors
Delectable synthpop with catchy beats display dance music sensibilities that make The Pass an awesome boppy listen.
[myspace] [last.fm]

Small Black - Despicable Dogs (mp3)
One of the many in this whole chillwave movement, Despicable Dogs presents a trippy psychedelic journey to a fantasy land of huge mushrooms and fancy little elves that populate said land. They say, "Take a bite of them mushrooms." "Go on," as you hesistate. And then you realise these mushrooms are exactly what the song does, different means, same end.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

Toro Y Moi - Low Shoulder
Less dense than the above, featuring heavily on a strong bass that rattles my CPU instead, along with squeaky loops that might egg you into a dance. There's reason why these chillwave-y songs hit home with me. Much love.
[official] [myspace] [last.fm]

the distant hum that blooms as we run

Memoryhouse - Caregiver
Deeply affecting piano-based song, at once full of grandeur and excruciatingly intimate with surrealistic vocals that speak of ghosts and cracked spools. It is because of songs like that that I ache to be able to create such amazing music, yet I know I have no talent for such. I'm pretty sure even the most undiscerning ear can appreciate this precious gem.

Wolf Gang - Lions in Cages
Good song but I don't feel it as much as The King and All of His Men. I think it's really awesome and super catchy now, it's grown on me!

Wolf Gang - Back to Back
Curiously different from the kooky catchy The King and All of His Men, it presents a more mellow and emotional side of Mr McElligott, who seems to wear his heart on his sleeve in this number, as he hits an extended falsetto crooning "sleeping with my back to yours, back to back, back to back were strung out". Interesting stuff, keep a look out for his new album next year - "Suego Faults".

Click through the banner below the video for a download offered by the man himself.

The Vaccines - Blow It Up
Oh my, what awesome guitar skimming riffs that just ooze 80s rock.

Blow, blow, blow it up - this might just be the birth of a new rock band. Warbly guitars and hazy reverbs abound, they are certainly making known their arrival.

i promise it's easy you'll fade to black

Simian Mobile Disco - Aspic
From their latest drop "Delicacies", as the name implies, all their song titles are of food. But in this case, the songs take the name of an exotic, and often bizarre, delicacy from around the world. So what's Aspic? It is a savoury jelly made from meat stock and sometimes supplemented with gelatin to ensure that it sets. Don't know what the hell that is, but I'm having mixed feelings about it.

The same can't be said for this uber dancey number. The heavy beat comes right through, thick and fast, doowop-y and slick. Crank up the bass and let it rip for this one is one to be savoured.

Simian Mobile Disco - Sweetbread
Initially, I was like, what!? The video was not anything like what the titled might have suggested. And so, Wiki to the rescue. Sweetbreads or ris are culinary names for the thymus (throat, gullet, or neck sweetbread) or the pancreas (heart, stomach, or belly sweetbread) especially of the calf and lamb. Now I get it.

But seriously, I was laughing at the utter inanity of the video. It served practically no purpose unless you're a meat/butcher voyeur of some sort. And the man didn't even look like a proper butcher (where's the gloves!!!), save for his huge tummy. Anyway, the song's good stuff, sounds loungey yet sombre, yet with very heavy techno influences. And I'm pretty sure that whenever I listen to this song in the future, I shall be marred by this video.

Blackbird Blackbird - Pure
Right off the bat, the moment the twinkly sounds sprinkled itself all over my room, I knew I would love this song. It feels like what goes on in your brain when you have an epiphany - the sudden whirl of realisation. Or maybe, it's what it sounds like in space if sound can be heard in space. A cosmic revelation eh? Check out the entire Summer Heart LP here. It's absolutely wonderful.

Blackbird Blackbird - Fade To White (feat. Emily Reo) (mp3)
Another awesome track. Download provided by Blackbird Blackbird on his bandcamp. I'm such a major sucker for chillwave/dreampop/psychedelic/hypnagogic/whatever you call it.

your brown eyes are my blue skies

Beach House - Zebra (mp3)

Beach House - Heart of Chambers (mp3)
In light of Beach House coming down to Singapore to perform at the Laneway Festival, here are two of my favourite songs, which happen to be available for download as well, from their own website.

The undulating voice of Victoria Legrand never fails to draw me into any one of their songs. It's like a giant magnet, compelling you to listen to the song in order to put you into a dreamlike haze that you'll be glad never to lift. The passive synths seem so insignificant when you consider the hold her voice has over you, but you realise, it is a complement that serves to empower that ethereal voice.

Warpaint - Undertow (mp3)
I guess i'll just make this a Laneway post. Not sure whether by intention, Warpaint is a gorgeous all girl quartet that doles out exquisite rock with an undercurrent of psychedelia and haziness provided by hypnotic vocals, and not least a deep resonating beat. Put it this way, listening to this song is like being in a state of bliss. In some ways, they do sound like Beach House, just with the post-rock element. And you wonder what were they doing since 2004, only releasing their EP only in 2009 and debut album in 2010. Oh and I think they're anything but Warpaint, so don't take the name too literally.

Warpaint - Billie Holiday
Initially I thought this might be a Miike Snow cover, but just listening to the song and you know it's not. So I googled Billie Holiday and it turns out she is a famous jazz singer and songwriter. And this song is so damn exquisite and wonderfully crafted that it's like fine bone china. I could rave on and on about this song, but this song is one you just have to listen for yourself and be utterly transfixed by these girls. Amazing. Check out an acoustic version here which is just as beautifully done.

stopping you would stifle your enchanting ghost

The Golden Filter - Memorial Day
This was put up by the band themselves on youtube, stating that it was written and recorded in summer '07, pre golden filter. It's chockful of dreamy hazy vibes reminiscent of dreampop, quite unlike the electronic dance stuff they're known for currently. It's interesting to note that they've dabbled a bit in other genres, but I think they might have done just as well if they dove into dreampop. Maybe they might surprise us and release such an album after "Voluspa".

Dent May - Eastover Wives (mp3)
I absolutely love this song. Incorporating that oldies charm into Eastover Wives along with a lovely mix of emotive vocals and jazz elements. It's just like being in front of the warm comfort of the fireplace as the snow plunders everything outside the house, reducing all to just a pristine white.

Sufjan Stevens - Enchanting Ghost
A mercurial singer/songwriter of our time, he's suddenly dropped an entire EP of songs. Coming in just under 60 minutes, this is an EP of epic proportions since it is uncommon to have such lengthy EPs. Additionally, he's priced the EP at USD5 on bandcamp which is supremely value for money considering it's almost 60 minutes of awesome stuff. This is what's said on bandcamp, "All Delighted People is built around two different versions of Sufjan’s long-form epic ballad "All Delighted People," a dramatic homage to the Apocalypse, existential ennui, and Paul Simon’s "Sounds of Silence." Sounds delightful, yes! The song was originally workshopped on Sufjan’s previous tour in the fall of 2009."

Enchanting and pleasant, at times one would also feel for him as his heart-rending delivery on matters of the heart strikes a chord within. The simple plucking of the guitar drives this song, backed occasionally by the sweet staccato of the piano, he delivers us nothing but the best that one can expect from him.

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.

pretty girls don't just park where they want to

When romance is great, fine yes, there is no say there is no masochism to it. But love, can be terribly sadistic if it doesn't work out right. It can be one of the worst things that you can go through. It can be some of the biggest pain you'll ever feel in your life. So I do think there's a correlation between the two - we don't live in this kind of tactile sanctuous culture anymore where we feel things. Everything is digitised, including our love lives, including how we hook up with people, how we listen to music, read books, get our information. We end up creating a society full of narcissists who then adapt to the culture of narcissism and it's no longer cultural narcissism. It becomes the norm.

- Bret Easton Ellis in a Guardian interview


Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Sink/Let It Sway

Discovery - Swing Tree

Pantha du Prince - The Splendour (mp3)

Crystal Fighters - Xtatic Truth

i just wanna read your mind

It’s hard to imagine a more fundamental and ubiquitous aspect of life on the Earth than gravity, from the moment you first took a step and fell on your diapered bottom to the slow terminal sagging of flesh and dreams.

But what if it’s all an illusion, a sort of cosmic frill, or a side effect of something else going on at deeper levels of reality?

So says Erik Verlinde, 48, a respected string theorist and professor of physics at the University of Amsterdam, whose contention that gravity is indeed an illusion has caused a continuing ruckus among physicists, or at least among those who profess to understand it. Reversing the logic of 300 years of science, he argued in a recent paper, titled “On the Origin of Gravity and the Laws of Newton,” that gravity is a consequence of the venerable laws of thermodynamics, which describe the behavior of heat and gases.

...

What is new, he said, is the idea that differences in entropy can be the driving mechanism behind gravity, that gravity is, as he puts it an “entropic force.”

- A Scientist Takes on Gravity on The New York Times


Glass Vaults - Set Sail (mp3)
This is what is said on the band's label "Richard and Rowan have taken their guitars, voices, drums and dream-triggering gadgetry, drenched them in the vapour of clouds and given birth to an intimate and sentimental sonic experience. It sounds like nature is patient and melodious on the farm where this here EP was recorded! Five beautiful pop delights with the added bonus of lost-in-the-ocean vibes, all freely downloadable and soon to take physical form.". So all we know is that they are Richard Larsen and Rowan Pierce. And hail from Wellington, NZ. NZ was the last place I'd expect such music to come from, but boy, their precocious affecting music sure struck a chord with me. I see them deriving inspiration from the awesome scenery they have throughout their entire huge-ass country. Sounds like perfect music for a drive through South and North Island. Epic soundscape at best, haunting at it's worst, Set Sail soars through the clouds, untethered and unencumbered. Utterly spectacular, they meld the different layers with panache to deliver a song so beautiful and enchanting. Oh the pleasant shivers it sends up my spine.

Glass Vaults - They Will Grow (mp3)
An ambient instrumental piece that is sentimental and achingly affecting, the occasional plucks of the guitar reaching out and tugging at your soul. A muffled underlying hum is weaved into the fabric of the song, as the reverb of the guitar string echoes into oblivion with each tentative pluck, they display deftness of touch in creating this endless space that we yearn to reside in.

Get the 5 track EP here for free.

you love me like a bull in a china shop

Famous Italian designer Luciano Barbera and British designer best known for being the dress designer for HM Queen Elizabeth II and their take on men's fashion. Timeless advice indeed.


A man should own as many shirts as he wishes - the more the better. I personally have so many shirts that I sometimes walk into my closet, pull one out, and think to myself, “Now where did that come from?” Having lots of shirts will allow you to surprise yourself with your own good taste.

- Luciano Barbera


Approach to dressing is a delicate subject. A preoccupation with dress is unpleasant in a woman and repellent in a man; but both sexes should pay each other the compliment of giving the appearance that trouble has been taken if no more. A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them.

- Hardy Amies



Tesla Boy - Synthetic Prince
Tesla Boy is a trio of Russians, Anton Sevidov, Dima Midborn and Boris Lifshits, and for starters, they call themselves mind-blowingly good. Synthetic Prince is resonant with the 80s disco groove of yesteryears, reminding one of Giorgio Moroder and the subtle nostalgia of Tears for Fears. Despite this, they throw in a modern blend of electronic like The Golden Filter and Cut Copy. Epic and full of its own identity, it slowly takes root in your consciousness and demands your complete attention.

Dragonette - Easy
Hard as it might be to think, this is Martina Sorbara in a stripped down electronic ditty about a woman's simple love for a man. There's ample space for Martina to express her surprisingly lush vocals, without being overwhelmed by super synths and millions of layers of sounds. What's not to like about this electronic ballad?

jj - Ceo Birthday
Initially I thought it was their dedication to labelmate's ceo. But further listening yielded their own take of Jeremih's Birthday Sex. It was dropped on their label with an odd and mysterious message "here's to those moments when the illusions of separation collapse and we are one, we are life. here's to bonds stronger than blood. cin cin." A quick search shows that cin cin could be an italian way of toasting or saying cheers. (urbandictionary)

The song is astonishingly beautiful and ethereal if you ask me. Very simple yet larger than life, it is played out on the piano to an exquisite rhythm. Wonder why it wasn't released with "jj n° 3". Cin cin.

Get it from their label right here right now.