FULL POST
If you’re as obsessed with Arctic Monkeys as I am, you probably already know that they’re set to release their “Black Treacle” B-side in February, which will feature the songs that didn’t make the cut for the album. The following linked song “You and I” finally leaked the interwebs and it’s pretty fantastic. It’s more brooding than anything on the actual album. Some of my favorite Arctics songs came off of their B-sides so I’d strongly recommend you check ’em out.
To put it simply and a bit crassly, Asteroids Galaxy Tour are weirdos (which could explain why I love them so much). They’re all over the place, but simultaneously anchored in pure awesomeness. With two records and an EP to date, they’ve consistently released a sound that sounds like psychedelic retro-dance-pop from the future. I know I just completely contradicted myself but they’re confusing that way. Their second LP, “Out of Frequency”, is set to officially drop January 31 and it’s fantastic. It manages to be both seductive and funky, like a vodka-spiked syrup if that kind of stuff existed. Fourteen tracks long, it’s got enough hooks to catch the kraken. With massive horns stabbing into synthesized melodies, their music is an ecstatic catapult through time and space in every which way. You’d think you’d get motion sickness but instead you find yourself crying out “Do it again!” It’s the kind of stuff that’s impossible to sit still while listening to. Be on the lookout for this album in the upcoming weeks. It’ll be a psychedelic light source for the remainder of the year.
1. Gold Rush Pt. I
2. Dollars In the Night
3. Gold Rush Pt. II
4. Major
5. Heart Attack
6. Out of Frequency
7. Cloak & Dagger
8. Arrival of the Empress (Prelude)
9. Theme From 45 Eugenia
10. Mafia
11. Ghost in My Head
12. Suburban Space Invader
13. Fantasy Friend Forever
14. When It Comes To Us
FULL POST
To put it simply and a bit crassly, Asteroids Galaxy Tour are weirdos (which could explain why I love them so much). They’re all over the place, but simultaneously anchored in pure awesomeness. With two records and an EP to date, they’ve consistently released a sound that sounds like psychedelic retro-dance-pop from the future. I know I just completely contradicted myself but they’re confusing that way. Their second LP, “Out of Frequency”, is set to officially drop January 31 and it’s fantastic. It manages to be both seductive and funky, like a vodka-spiked syrup if that kind of stuff existed. Fourteen tracks long, it’s got enough hooks to catch the kraken. With massive horns stabbing into synthesized melodies, their music is an ecstatic catapult through time and space in every which way. You’d think you’d get motion sickness but instead you find yourself crying out “Do it again!” It’s the kind of stuff that’s impossible to sit still while listening to. Be on the lookout for this album in the upcoming weeks. It’ll be a psychedelic light source for the remainder of the year.
1. Gold Rush Pt. I
2. Dollars In the Night
3. Gold Rush Pt. II
4. Major
5. Heart Attack
6. Out of Frequency
7. Cloak & Dagger
8. Arrival of the Empress (Prelude)
9. Theme From 45 Eugenia
10. Mafia
11. Ghost in My Head
12. Suburban Space Invader
13. Fantasy Friend Forever
14. When It Comes To Us
Tennessee-spawned Jordan Kelley and Jason Huber are the two dudes that make up indie-funk/electronic-pop/howeverthefuckyouwannacategorizeit outfit Cherub. Since forming in 2010, the two have performed with the likes of Pretty Lights, Alex B, Miami Horror and Bag Raiders. I’m expecting them to explode pretty soon because they are awesome, releasing their vibrantly catchy debut EP last fall, which you can download for free from their facebook. Expect to see a lot more of these guys.
FULL POST
Tennessee-spawned Jordan Kelley and Jason Huber are the two dudes that make up indie-funk/electronic-pop/howeverthefuckyouwannacategorizeit outfit Cherub. Since forming in 2010, the two have performed with the likes of Pretty Lights, Alex B, Miami Horror and Bag Raiders. I’m expecting them to explode pretty soon because they are awesome, releasing their vibrantly catchy debut EP last fall, which you can download for free from their facebook. Expect to see a lot more of these guys.
FULL POST
Arctic Monkeys is a band that needs no introduction. They’ve released five music videos from their most recent album “Suck It and See” since September, three of which are the continuation of the same story. Mostly they’re just drummer Matt Helders being a badass. They’re some of the best music videos that I’ve seen in a while (not that I’d expect anything less from Arctics or from Focus Creeps, who directed them). I’ve put them in the order that makes the most sense to me chronologically. Motorcycles, crossbows and jail weddings if you’re into that kinda stuff. Warning: these are not G-rated so parental guidance is not suggested.
Skinny Genes’ recent post about the Strokes’ demos prompted me to write about another one of my favorite bands, Hockey, and the songs that didn’t make it to their album. The Portland-based indie-pop outfit has been around since the early-2000s but only ascended to popularity in 2009 with the official (albeit delayed) release of their debut and thus far only album Mind Chaos. Mind Chaos has since been one of my favorite albums; it’s one of those albums that I continually go back to. They’ve got this Bob-Dylan-meets-The-Strokes vibe mixed with their own funk. They’re overall talented musicians. Supposedly they’ve been in the studio recording what will be one of my most anticipated albums ever. Meanwhile the album and the following songs will have to tide me over. “Bullfight” and “Reading to an Elephant” were both released on a mixed tape in 2005, separately from Mind Chaos so they were pretty easy to miss. These songs are pretty different from anything you’d find on the album but they’re super catchy in their own ways. “Mercenary Days” was released in an early version of Mind Chaos but not with the official album, though I don’t know why. It’s great and the lyrics are awesome.
Bullfight
Reading to an Elephant
Mercenary Days
This version of “Work” was recorded live at Wendyhouse and I much prefer it to the album recording (which is still great); this has a little added umph.
For a while I refused to listen to any sort of remix of a Hockey song. It was blasphemous to me. I don’t think you should mess with something that’s nearly perfect on its own. However this RAC remix (sort of) changed my mind. It’s the only remix that I think can even touch the original track, probably because RAC doesn’t try to remaster a song, he just embellishes it a bit in such a way to compliment the song instead of destroying it. It’s still probably the only remix of a Hockey song I can appreciate though….
FULL POST
Skinny Genes’ recent post about the Strokes’ demos prompted me to write about another one of my favorite bands, Hockey, and the songs that didn’t make it to their album. The Portland-based indie-pop outfit has been around since the early-2000s but only ascended to popularity in 2009 with the official (albeit delayed) release of their debut and thus far only album Mind Chaos. Mind Chaos has since been one of my favorite albums; it’s one of those albums that I continually go back to. They’ve got this Bob-Dylan-meets-The-Strokes vibe mixed with their own funk. They’re overall talented musicians. Supposedly they’ve been in the studio recording what will be one of my most anticipated albums ever. Meanwhile the album and the following songs will have to tide me over. “Bullfight” and “Reading to an Elephant” were both released on a mixed tape in 2005, separately from Mind Chaos so they were pretty easy to miss. These songs are pretty different from anything you’d find on the album but they’re super catchy in their own ways. “Mercenary Days” was released in an early version of Mind Chaos but not with the official album, though I don’t know why. It’s great and the lyrics are awesome.
Bullfight
Reading to an Elephant
Mercenary Days
This version of “Work” was recorded live at Wendyhouse and I much prefer it to the album recording (which is still great); this has a little added umph.
For a while I refused to listen to any sort of remix of a Hockey song. It was blasphemous to me. I don’t think you should mess with something that’s nearly perfect on its own. However this RAC remix (sort of) changed my mind. It’s the only remix that I think can even touch the original track, probably because RAC doesn’t try to remaster a song, he just embellishes it a bit in such a way to compliment the song instead of destroying it. It’s still probably the only remix of a Hockey song I can appreciate though….
The Tarot Classics EP is the first formal compilation Florida-based indie rokkers Surfer Blood have released since their debut album Astro Coast. Four tracks long, each sun drenched song sounds like it could fit right in with their debut with its hollowed guitar riffs and crisp melodies. It’s the same sunburnt melancholy indie that I kept on repeat two summers ago. The lyrics are a tad jaded, probably wrought from the past year on the road. Yet they strike a tactful balance between achingly morose and stoically confident. It’s a promising indication of where they’re headed. I’m looking forward to their followup LP.
1. I’m Not Ready
2. Miranda
3. Voyager Reprise
4. Drinking Problem
FULL POST
The Tarot Classics EP is the first formal compilation Florida-based indie rokkers Surfer Blood have released since their debut album Astro Coast. Four tracks long, each sun drenched song sounds like it could fit right in with their debut with its hollowed guitar riffs and crisp melodies. It’s the same sunburnt melancholy indie that I kept on repeat two summers ago. The lyrics are a tad jaded, probably wrought from the past year on the road. Yet they strike a tactful balance between achingly morose and stoically confident. It’s a promising indication of where they’re headed. I’m looking forward to their followup LP.
1. I’m Not Ready
2. Miranda
3. Voyager Reprise
4. Drinking Problem
Jeg snakker ikke norsk, og heller ikke du. Hvis du kan lese dette har du sannsynligvis brukt en oversetter. That’s Norwegian for “if you didn’t chuckle a little at this band’s name you are more mature than I am.” Just kidding. But really, I love when a band has a good sense of humor and humor just so happens to be at the core of Kakkmaddafakka’s music. They’re the kind of band you want to be friends with. They released their debut “Hest” last February and have gained a bit of attention for their funky music and energized live performances. Their sound is derived from a number of influences but its general appeal is carefree indie pop/indie rock. This is feel-good music. They’re not taking things too seriously (clearly, I can’t say their name out loud without laughing). Pick up the album and put on your dancing shoes cause this is the kind of stuff you’ll wanna wiggle to.
1. Restless
2. Your Girl
3. Self-Esteem
4. Make the First Move
5. Is She
6. Touching
7. Heidelberg
8. Gangsta
9. Dro So
FULL POST
Jeg snakker ikke norsk, og heller ikke du. Hvis du kan lese dette har du sannsynligvis brukt en oversetter. That’s Norwegian for “if you didn’t chuckle a little at this band’s name you are more mature than I am.” Just kidding. But really, I love when a band has a good sense of humor and humor just so happens to be at the core of Kakkmaddafakka’s music. They’re the kind of band you want to be friends with. They released their debut “Hest” last February and have gained a bit of attention for their funky music and energized live performances. Their sound is derived from a number of influences but its general appeal is carefree indie pop/indie rock. This is feel-good music. They’re not taking things too seriously (clearly, I can’t say their name out loud without laughing). Pick up the album and put on your dancing shoes cause this is the kind of stuff you’ll wanna wiggle to.
1. Restless
2. Your Girl
3. Self-Esteem
4. Make the First Move
5. Is She
6. Touching
7. Heidelberg
8. Gangsta
9. Dro So
