waxfruit

The Voice Of Lightness - Tabu Ley Rochereau

2008-02-07T19:44:00.000Z

I do like going out on a whim on a album and listening to something completely new, and granted I have got some absolute stinkers but this time I am really glad to say that I have struck fried gold!

On a desperate last minute search on Emusic a couple of months ago trying to use some downloads I found The Voice Of Lightness a best of collection by Tabu Ley Rochereau one of Africa's most respected singers and Jazz performers.

He is a fantastically gifted guitar player and makes his instrument sound incredibly sweet. I love this style of music, its so easy just to drift away too especially when it is performed by someone as gifted as Tabu Ley Rochereau, a true trailblazer of his time and spread over two cds you are really spoilt for choice.

So here is a lesson to learn, next time you are on Emusic or doing a spot of record shopping why not take a chance and go for something new, you might be pleasantly surprised or you might accidentally buy a BBMak record again.

Tabu Ley Rochereau
"Karibou Ya Bintou" (mp3)
from "The Voice Of Lightness"
(Sterns)

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Dengue Fever - Venus On Earth

2008-01-27T21:12:00.000Z

Venus On Earth, the latest album from La based band Dengue Fever is an interesting listen. It combines traditional Cambodian music with psychedelic lounge rock, jazz, surf rock and a hint of South East Asian pop to create a blissed out, groove heavy sound.

I can imagine myself enjoying this a lot more when I don't nearly take flight outside in gale force winds and bask in weather that is a little bit more sunny but listening to it in the warmth of my living room is pretty pleasant.

Chhom Nimol sings mostly in Cambodian, with the odd chorus sung in English which creates a really nice variation to the tone of music, especially when it is normally split between Nimol and Zac Holtzman. This mixture of Asian styles with more a conventional Western backing creates something which is unique and incredibly listenable.

Venus on Earth is a delightfully sexy collection of songs with a fantastic chilled out tone and really shows that world music is something that can be enjoyed by the cool kids.

Woman in the Shoes is a great example of the loose laid back sound the group has with rasping horns mixed with the most laid back guitars this side of Jack Johnson's hammock.

Dengue Fever
"Sober Driver" (mp3)
from "Venus on Earth"
(M80)

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Howlin Rain

2008-01-20T20:53:00.001Z

This summer I am lucky enough to go to ATP versus Pitchfork which like Versus the Fans has another killer line up. This is what has been confirmed so far:

CHOSEN BY ATP
WEEN »
SEBADOH »
FUCK BUTTONS »
PISSED JEANS »
APSE »
THE BLACK ANGELS »
SHIT AND SHINE »
MEAT PUPPETS »
DEERHUNTER »
WOODEN SHJIPS »
MARISSA NADLER »
REDD KROSS »
EVEN »
BLACK MOUNTAIN »
HARMONIA
CAR SICK CARS »
HOWLIN' RAIN »
BORN RUFFIANS »

CHOSEN BY PITCHFORK
DIRTY PROJECTORS »
OF MONTREAL »
CARIBOU »
MAN MAN »
GLASS CANDY »
LOS CAMPESINOS! »
NO AGE »
LES SAVY FAV »
HOT CHIP »
BLACK LIPS »
THE HOLD STEADY »
YEASAYER »
A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS »
JENS LEKMAN »
THE CLIENTELE »

Quite a varied and interesting list, although I was a bit disheartened recently when I have been checking the other ATP weekend, curated by Explosions In The Sky and noticing that bands like Liars, Battles, the National had been added to the bill I was hoping for some exciting new bands to be added to the pitchfork bill. When I got home on Friday I had noticed that some new bands had been added, I was a bit concerned that I had only heard of The Clientele and Black Mountain and not really much of the others. After listening to the new Black Mountain album, which is amazing and also Harmonia and Howlin' Rain I am not concerned what so ever.

Howlin Rain by Howlin Rain is a side project from Comets On Fire frontman Ethan Miller, this is old school rock and roll in the style of Creedence or Lynard Skynard but giving it that more modern Comets on Fire style drone. I can't wait to hear this music live,its pure genius. Some real tasty bad boy boogie to get down to this summer now bring on some more additions!

Howlin Rain
"Roll On The Rusted Days" (mp3)
from "Howlin Rain"
(Birdman Records)

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Si, Para Usted - The Funky Beats of Revolutionary Cuba Vol. 1

2007-12-02T20:48:00.001Z

You might have guessed if you read this blog regularly that I really like a bit of world music. I feel a bit guilty that I have not written about any for a while so here is a funky collection of rare tracks from Cuba. Mmmm Communist Funk. This album really breaks away from the normal plain bossa nova sound which is connected to the country and gives a spice of Soul, Jazz, Psychedelia and even a dose of electronic experimentation.

The album was compiled by Waxing Deep Radio DJ Dan Zacks who decided to share some of the music played on his show following huge listener demand.

The album is a real treat to behold as most music from Cuba, obviously except the huge Buena Vista Social Club, is impossible to get hold of. The tracks on this album have been remastered from dusty originals found in a Havana warehouse. This is a great album, although it is not up to the standard of the recent Tropocalia collections there is certainly enough great music on this album to spice up any Christmas party.

Irakere
"Bacalao Con Pan" (mp3)
from "Si, Para Usted - The Funky Beats of Revolutionary Cuba Vol. 1"
(Waxing Deep / Light in the Attic)

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Pre - Epic Fits

2007-11-26T20:55:00.000Z

London based Punks Pre are loud... really loud. If you like your music fast, angry and noisy then this is a welcome addition to your record collection. Singer Akiko "Keex" Matsuura is also the singer of Comanechi who I saw at the woeful Tales Of The Jackelope festival. Comanechi were not that great, I think Pre are definitely the stronger of the two bands.

The album blasts through 15 tracks in just over 20 minutes, if you like your songs long this is not really for you, but if you like crunching riff heavy punk then this is pretty great. The album is pretty low on melody but high on passion and bass heavy dronage, I think after listening to the albums opener Drool you have a good idea whether you are going to love or hate this album. It takes a Erase Errata/ Liars sound and pushing the sound to its absolute limits.

Im really into punk/metal at the moment, I find it a really inventive genre and if you like something even heavier I would definitely seek out the new Dillinger Escape Plan album, Ire Works which is awesome, I will hopefully be going to see them very soon.

Epic Fits carries on with some of the tribal moods which featured heavily on the recent Health album I wrote about a few weeks ago, altough this album is much shorter it has some amazing funk/punk/metal moments, it can be a hard listen to get into but when you hear it enough it clicks into place how exciting this band is.

If anyone has seen Pre live or have any recommendations for me drop me a comment!

PRE
"Drool" (mp3)
from "Epic Fits"
(Skin Graft Records)

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PRE
"Popping Showers" (mp3)
from "Epic Fits"
(Skin Graft Records)

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Burial - Untrue

2007-11-18T20:33:00.000Z

To be honest I have never considered myself a huge fan of dub step, I have dabbled every so often but after hearing this album you might not need to hear another dance record ever again.

Untrue is a fantastic piece of work, dark brooding music but a huge sound this is an album not to be missed. This album is too niche to get too much cross-over success but it definitely worth seeking out even if you are not a fan of dub, this album is not far off a masterpiece.

Sorry about the briefness/lack of recent posts I have been really busy at the moment. Enjoy this track and I will be back soon.

Burial
"Ghost Hardware" (mp3)
from "Untrue"
(Hyperdub)

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Efterklang- Parades

2007-10-28T17:50:00.000Z

Efterklang's second album, Parades is an absolute delight, very rarely do you hear an album that is so epic yet beautifully personal. Imagine Illinois by Sufjan Stevens with elements of Arcade Fire and Sigur Ros and you are kind of there. Oh and sung in Danish.

The band have managed to create such a huge sound it is amazing to think the band have only five members. The orchestration of the album is absolutely fantastic and it really is a crime if this band is not heard by everyone. It is near impossible for me to draw a highlight from this bunch but the albums second track Mirador is near perfect.

Although Efterklang's music might be grand for some peoples tastes but if you are a fan of the bands mentioned above Parades is definitely worth checking out, Parades is definitely a sign that this band has much more to offer, I cant wait to see how these songs are translated live.

Efterklang
"Cutting Ice to Snow" (mp3)
from "Parades"
(Rumraket)

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Here is a beautifully animated video for the track Mirador

Nina Nastasia & Jim White - You Follow Me

2007-10-14T15:21:00.000Z

On her latest album Nina Nastasia has collaborated with Dirty Three Drummer Jim White and also re-enlisted the production expertise of the amazing Steve Albini, I will never forget walking past Steve's Challet every night at ATP seeing him playing a huge game of poker with various other band members.

Considering other Albini produced albums I have heard You Follow Me is a very mellow affair. I was new to Nina Nastasia's music before hearing this album and I have to admit I am really impressed. She has a really listenable voice with a lyrical flair that her contemparies really lack. Even though the albums production is very stripped down, just consisting of a guitar, vocals and drums there is a great deal of power in the music especially through Nastasias emotive vocals and Whites drumming. Considering the albums quiet sound Whites drumming is very powerful and almost experimental. At some points the drums work as a lead instrument as well as percussion which is very rare with this style of music.

Nina Nastasia's voice is a joy to listen to and has a breathy melody which really grabs your attention, working on different tones and harmonies in songs she really is a fantastic artist. You Follow Me is a really interesting listen, you wont here this level of experimentation in such a stripped form in many albums this year.

Nina Nastasia & Jim White
"I Write Down Lists" (mp3)
from "You Follow Me"
(Fat Cat Records)

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Health- Health

2007-10-14T14:32:00.000Z

Health's music is nuts, absolutely crazy and I love it! This is not bedtime/ Sunday hangover curing listening this is tribal Drums not Dead era Liars with an electric make over.

The first three tracks scream past you like an earthquake, primal rage in short bursts its not until the forth track in you get some vocals. The vocals seem part of the music rather than leading the songs and it works really well. Crimewave shows this really well, screaming vocals, grinding guitars and drums straight from the Amazon. This is not a tame listening experience for anyone...

The albums 11 tracks clocks in at just over 30 minutes and that is about what you can take before your head explodes, the drumming in this album is exceptional and it really holds the album together. If you are not a fan of the more melodic sounds of the new Liars album and want to hear something a bit more biting this is the album for you. Just don't listen if you have a headache coming on.

HEALTH
"Crimewave" (mp3)
from "HEALTH"
(Lovepump United)

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Video for Crimewave: This is a Crystal Castles remix which gives the track different twist. Funky.

Future Of The Left- Curses

2007-09-26T21:04:00.000Z

Featuring members of Mclusky and Jarcrew there is certainly enough talent in Future Of The Left to do something pretty special, they certainly do not disappoint. This album will definitely keep any Mclusky fans happy, to be honest it surpassed my expectations by some way.

To be honest it is great to hear Andy Falkous writing new lyrics, if you are not familar with Mclusky you really should buy Mcluskyism, the best of album released a few years ago. There is not a bad track on there and you can hear a band who can say something as meaningful as Dylan whilst making you laugh at the same time, there really isn't anything like it.

Curses rocks like an absolute mother! It is easily one of the British Rock albums of the year, this is an album which every Indie fan should own, to be honest any album with lyrics like “46 seconds in your company or 94 years in a frozen wasteland, 38 minutes in a chickens nightmare” is bound to be a winner.

MP3: Plague Of Onces

Buy it!

Video of the fantastic The Lord Hates A Coward at SXSW:

Plastic Operator- Different Places

2007-09-18T09:43:00.001Z

First off, sorry for the elongated delay in my return. Im sorry. Im glad to say that I have now moved from London to Leeds and am ready to continue writing... It was a mixed summer for music, ive been listening to some great stuff which i am looking forward to writing about over the next few weeks.

Although my experiences at the incredibly poorly orgainised Tales of The Jackalope festival had definitely put a tarnish on my summer, Fucked Ups set was cut short due to the over running over the many shite Hoxton based bands earlier in the day which meant Gang Gang Dance couldnt go on. To make matters worse ESG (who have now stopped playing live) and Too Many DJ'S didn't turn up. Im sure the next time these Hoxtoners come back to Norfolk I will be at the front of the queue with my pitchfork, blast those city types.

I almost forgot, to give my experience an even more bizarre slant around about 6 o clock our one hours sleep was interrupted by a familiar yet incredibly irritating voice, that of T4's Miketa Oliver who had decided with her group of incredibly posh friends to throw gravel and wrestle each other on everyones tents. Oh the horror.

Anyway....

If you are a fan of Electronic indie/pop in the vein of the Postal Service or Casiotone for the Painfully Alone then the music of Plastic Operator will be definitely be right up your alley.

The band take a mainly european Electro pop sound ala Erasure or the Pet Shop Boys and give a more modern make over. It isn't the most groundbreaking music you will ever hear but its fantastic listening to make you think of the summer when the cold nights are drawing in. Highlights for me include Folder which was a big hit on Rob Da Banks Sunday Best Label and Parasols which uses guest vocalist Sarah Ferri's vocals to great effect and makes a great break to the rest of the album. With Robyn finally making the big time after years in the Wilderness hopefully this could be time for groups like Plastic Operator to make the step up and make pop music more interesting again.

Home 0207 (mp3)

Plastic Operator
"Home 0207" (mp3)
from "Different Places"
(Fine Day Records)

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Waxfruit Hiatus

2007-07-19T20:04:00.000Z

Hi guys,

I will be taking a few weeks break from writing on the site, so I can really can catch up with some great new music to write about and get ready to move this week.

Thanks for reading and I will speak to you soon.

Animal Collective

2007-07-19T20:00:00.001Z

Here is a track from the new Animal Collective album "Strawberry Jam", its bound to be one of the albums of the year so enjoy before the album is released in September!

Pig Destroyer- Phantom Limb

2007-07-10T19:27:00.000Z

Im would never call myself the biggest metal fan, when I was a youngster I was certainly a metaller. I like Slipknot before the rest did, yeah, I liked Soulfly and so many more. It makes me laugh when I see the bands I used to like about six or seven years ago playing the same tracks I used to love without any growth or variation. I think the only growth that bands like Korn have shown recently is the size of singer Jonathan Davis's waistband.

My lost faith in metal isnt helped when I get sent the occasional stinker to review for Glasswerk.co.uk my other music journalisty writing thing I do. One of my favourites being a review for Breed 77's last single which was truely the worst thing I have ever heard. Here is a link to the review if you are interested.... reviewage

I think the fact that I am so sceptical about Metal music really sets me up to be blown away when I hear something amazing. Recently I was well and truely blown out of the stratosphere by an album so extreme it makes Breed 77 look like the 20th Century Girls...

This album is Phantom Limb by Pig Destroyer, the title is a pretty good indication of how extreme this band is, this is the good stuff, proper amazing metal music.

The songs are incredibly short, occasionally some tracks clock in over three minutes. The songs merge together with effortless ease and the vocals echo with pure unadultrated rage, this isnt a teenage My Chemical Romance teen metal this is the real deal and its amazing. The band has a swagger in their musicanship even an element of funk, Kerry King meets Bootsy Collins. Even though this isnt for everyone, if you are a fan of metal or grindcore this is an essential release.

If metal isnt your scene I will post again later this week with something a bit chirpier.

MP3: Loathsome

Blitzen Trapper

2007-07-03T17:14:00.000Z

Blitzen Trapper new album Wild Mountain Nation is an absoutle master stroke of genius. It takes elements of Super Furry Animals at the loopiest, with added prog and a huge dose of white man funk.

Although it follows a loose indie sound it is almost impossible to place under a genre, it covers so many boundries from rock, electronica, indie, alt country. It is a fantastic album.

If you are looking for something new for this summer I would definately considering checking out this album, this is summer indie pop at it's greatest.

MP3: Sci-Fi Kid

Tales Of The Jackalope

2007-06-26T20:37:00.000Z

If like me you hail from the UK's booty also known as the East Of England you would definately notice that there is a distinct lack of musical festivals. The music scene in Norfolk, well Norwich has got tons better in recent years.

Last Year we had the start of the Latitude festival which is a huge step in the right direction even if the line up is a little bit dull this year, if Arcade Fire weren't playing it would be pretty unexciting.

Ive decided to invest my hard earned money in another new festival, Tales Of The Jackalope at Kimberly Hall near Wymondham. Where? I hear you ask.

Vice magazine have moved the festival down from Derbyshire to sunny Norfolk with a pretty sound line up which promises to grow in the next few weeks. It proves to be the best 24 hours you could possibly have in Norfolk.

Here is the confirmed line up so far....
Dizzie Rascal
THE FALL
2MANYDJS
ESG
CHROMEO
FUCKED UP
UFFIE & FEADZ
FOALS
SHY CHILD
THE RUMBLE STRIPS
GANG GANG DANCE
THESE NEW PURITANS
CHRIS CUNNINGHAM DJ set
LATE OF THE PIER
THE HOURS
DANANANANANYKROYD
LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION
GET SHAKES
ERRORS
DJ MEHDI
AUTOKRATZ
CHOW CHOW
OX.EAGLE.LION.MAN.
THE MORE ASSURED
COMANECHI
STRIKEN CITY
CONNAN & THE MOCKASINS
FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE MUSIC
INVASION
TURBO WOLF
THE PHANTOM BAND
ECONOMY WOLF
MATHS CLASS
LE TETSUO
DEAD PIXEL
MAMASHAMONE

I cant wait for Dizzie Rascal, The Fall, ESG and Gang Gang Dance. Im also pretty excited about seeing Chris Cunningham.

Tickets are £35 for a short period so get you're tickets now!

Website

Flight of The Conchords

2007-06-19T20:29:00.000Z

Flight of the Conchords - Pilot

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New Zealand comedy folk duo Flight Of The Conchords first TV show for HBO was on this weekend, it has been available on the HBO website for a while now. I had heard some good things about them so I decided to check out the show.

I really enjoyed it actually, the humour is really British, it follows elements of huge British shows, I saw parts of Peep Show, The Mighty Boosh and The Office in there. The best part of the show is easily the songs it pushes the show from being an better than average comedy to something quite special. Uptop is the shows pilot entitled Sally. Enjoy.

Parts and Labour

2007-06-19T19:45:00.000Z

Mapmaker by Parts and Labour is a fantastic effort, it captures the hardcore intesisity of bands like Oneida and Lightning Bolt and giving it a more dancey edge, album opener Fractured Skies has been cemented in my mp3 player for several weeks. It opens in s pretty grand style but nothing prepares you for the horn section that kicks in towards the end, blimey o' riley.

If you are fan of loud music with an edge then this will certainly take pride of place in your music collection, this is a loud thunderstorm of an album but with enough melody and texture to bring you back for more.

MP3: Fractured Skies

A Sunny Day In Glasgow

2007-06-12T19:52:00.000Z

Scribble Mural Comic Journal is the new album from A Sunny Day In Glasgow,the Montreal is an album which is a fantastic effort. Truely original yet capturing a familar sound almost Moon Safriesque meets Shoegaze but with the originality to keep it high on my playlist this last few weeks.

An album filled with the electronic sounds, dreamy sound scapes and pure pop heaven.

Myspace

MP3: The Best Summer Ever

MP3: No 6 Von Karman Street

Sorry about the briefness of this post, I have just started a new job which has left me constantly tired. I will buck up my ideas this week with some super postage. Got plently of great new music to unleash on you guys!

Dan Deacon, Spiderman of the Rings

2007-06-02T09:54:00.000Z

Not that I am one for brandishing the tag Nu-Rave on bands, its a bit lazy and its also a horrible name for a genre but if any artist that I have heard recently is truely what Nu-rave should be it is Dan Deacon. His debut solo album Spiderman of the rings is a fusion of happy hardcore, Gabba, Rock, and Electro pushed to epic proportions.

Deacon is a breath fresh air in a sadly tiring musical sub-genre where a band just seem to throw in a keyboard with a few bleeps and can throw themselves into an already overcrowed scene. This was perfectly displayed at my visit to Bristol's Dot To Dot Festival last week, every band were throwing beats and synth into their music where they didnt really need to. Anything to help you get a record deal I guess.

Spiderman of the Rings is an amazing album, it took me several listens to really get to grips with it as it is so original but when it clicks it is an amazing musical experience.

MP3: The Crystal Cat

Myspace

Antibalas: Security

2007-05-23T19:01:00.000Z

Afrobeat collective Antibalas' forth album Security expands their previous work to make a fantastic party funk album. Taking classic funk grooves and employing elements of hip hop, reggae and electronic music to create a huge full sound.

Its truely refreshing to hear music so funky and raw yet sounding so modern and fresh, production comes from Tortise cohort John McEntire this gives the music an injection of something completely new, it doesnt sound post rock but you can feel the raw energy that post-rock music encapsulates in their own sound.

MP3: Beaten Metal

By the way ATP was fantastic, there was some great performances I am just waiting to get my photos processed and I will attempt to review it.

ATP build up! part 3 Cornelius

2007-05-14T11:01:00.000Z

'The Japanese Beck' Cornelius has a truely original electronic sound which im sure will transfer to a live show really well. I have heard on many accounts how amazing Cornelius is live and after watching a few videos on you tube I so excited about seeing Cornelius live. Video screens, live instruments, my god this will be amazing.

Here is a live video of Gum from Cornelius's latest album Sensous and it is a pure feast for the senses.

Biog

Myspace

ATP build up! part 2 The Capricorns

2007-05-11T19:27:00.001Z

Featuring former members of two huge UK metal acts Orange Goblin and Iron Monkey, the Capricorns make one hell of a noise. Its a good noise, in fact its a chuffing amazing noise.

Taking the stage on Sunday from 10-45 to 11-30 the plenumiate act before Grizzly Bear it should be a real treat. Their latest album ruder forms Survive is one of the best instrumental metal albums I have heard in a long time, superb. I cant wait to see these guys.

Myspace

MP3: 1977- Blood For Papa

Trans Am, Sex Change

2007-05-10T19:22:00.000Z

I apologise for the sparseness of recent posts on Waxfruit, my recent listening has mostly covered the bands who are playing at ATP next weekend. I cant think of any festival in the world which has a better premise or line up than ATP versus the Fans, I cant wait.

I think to be totally honest any posts that I will make before next Friday will almost certainly be about ATP bands.

The first album that I will look at in this mini ATP build up is the new Trans Am long player Sex Change....

I know this album has got some mixed reviews which did deter me at first from giving t a listen but now I regret not listening to this album months ago, I have a feeling that Trans Am will pan out to be one of my bands of the festival as they much such diverse yet fun to listen to.

I think the fact that Trans Am's music doesn't tend to stay in one place puts off some people, their music covers a lot of bases in a short space of time but that's why I like this album so much. It might sound a bit strange but it almost sounds like the best 80's cop movie soundtrack ever, Jan Hammer and Sonic Youth mixed together, dear god! You know its going to rock like a mother live!

There is something for everyone on this album the albums first couple of songs really encapsulates a electro/kraftwerk sound where later tracks like Shining Path and Triangular Pyramid really rock it up several notches.

If you are a fan of serious post rock or electronic music then its probably best that you stay away from this album as you dont really get the best of either. If you like music with a sense of humour and perhaps a more digestible version of Mirrored by Battles then certainly look Trans Am up.

Its best to put a couple of tracks up on here to really pick up what im saying about how different some of these tracks are, first up is video to 'Consipracy of the gods' worth checking out because its an amazing music video.

You dont get stuff like that on E4 music I tell you what.

MP3: North East Rising Sun

Mtree at the Lark in the Park

2007-05-10T11:57:00.000Z

Only £5 on the door with live music from...

And his voice became :http://www.myspace.com/ahvb

George Coutsoudis: http://www.myspace.com/georgecoutsoudis

Happy Penguin Hungry Bear: http://www.myspace.com/happypenguinhungrybear

Daz Ringo

The Electric Dolls http://www.myspace.com/electricdollstracks

Doors open at 7.30 see you kids there!

D.A.N.C.E

2007-05-05T18:59:00.000Z

Forthcoming single from French electro duo Justice, is pure Daft Punk meets Sesame Street. I mean it in the best way possible, this song is sure to be a huge hit this summer and damn right I say. The video is also one of the best I have seen for a while, certainly better than the Justice vs Simian We are Your Friends video and that won awards, to Kanye West's disgust.

Heres the video if you missed it when it happened, the man has an ego the size of Jupiter.

The Reminder

2007-05-05T18:37:00.000Z

Singer songwriter and member of the amazing Broken Social Scene, Feist's first major label album The Reminder is a collection of strong songs with enough diversity to keep you coming back for several listens. It will certainly be the soundtrack to many of my lazy Sunday afternoons this year.

The albums second track "I feel it all" is indie stomper that bands like Rilo Kiley could only dream of writing, this album is an essential for any fan of indie music.

MP3: I feel it all

Myspace

Mtree Live at the Purple Turtle, Camden

2007-04-29T19:22:00.000Z

The Lucky Pennies
The Delaners
Exile Parade
The Stocks
Mickey P and The 45'S

Phone: 07944858715
Email: info@Mtree.biz
myspace.com/mtree

Trains : Mornington Crescent tube (30 seconds walk)
Camden Town tube / Euston Station (5 mins)
Buses 134 / 253 / 214 / 24 / 29

Hope to see you there!

Segu Blue

2007-04-27T20:26:00.001Z

I thought I would write about something a bit different yet quite brilliant, im not overly familar with African music let alone Malian music but this is a really interesting and original album, especially compared to a lot of Western music.

Bassekou Kouyate is a musician who specialises in an instrument called the Ngoni which is basicly an African version of a lute and it makes an amazing sound. Kouyate has teamed up Ngoni Bar to create album packed full of raw soul, melody and invention.

You get really drawn into the music through the live produciton which makes the music sound like its being performed around you, a truely great album, natural and spirtual as anything as you will ever hear.

MP3: The River Tune

The Field

2007-04-27T17:24:00.000Z

Currently the highest rated album on www.Metacritic.com Here we Go Sublime by The Field Aka Stockholm based Trance producer Alex Willner is clearly one of the Dance albums of the year and probably one of the albums of the year from any genre.

I wouldn't really call myself much of a dance fan but recent releases from The Field, Soft Circle and Pole have really got me interested in dance music, to the extent where making compilations recently for friends I have found it much easier to make dance mixes compared to indie and rock which I would normally consider my personal preference. You might have noticed Everday mixed with Spank Rock on my Easter mix I posted a while back.

The Fields music is relatively simple but really accessible and has left me coming back for several listens. There is plenty of subtle variation in the music to really grab you in and several parts of it are really dreamlike yet keeping you in the mood to boogie.

This is easily an album which please clubbers and museos alike, a truly great dance record and anything that doesn't sound like "Put your hands up for Detroit" is a masterpiece in my book.

MP3: A paw in my face

London Is The Place For Me Vol 4

2007-04-20T16:25:00.000Z

The Weather is really coming out now which means I can reach for some real summery treats, my favourite at the moment is the sensational London Is The Place For Me Vol 4 which is a fantastic collection of Caribbean calypso music, its a really refreshing listen to hear such rich tales black culture of a time of oppression and also such fantasic music.

It is also gives me a chance to get more in touch with the city I have recently made home, I felt incredibly Londony walking around Finsbury Park today listening to this album, much more than "LDN" by Lilly Allen could ever do.

Tracks from well known calypso artists such as Lord Kitchener mix perfectly with African Styled Bossa from Dorothy Masuka, also tracks like African dream by Young Tiger story of his love and hate of London.

This album is a summer essential, especially if you are interested in London culture, world music or just music in general.

The album also has one of the best songs about cricket ever (I dont think I have heard one before actually) Young Growlers V for Victory which tells the tale of The England Cricket Team being thrashed by The West Indies captained by Garfield Sobers. Its a real musical treat.

Buy it here, please!

MP3: Young Growler- V For Victory

MP3: Ginger Folorunso Johnson - African Jazz Cha Cha

Lark In The Park 25/4/07

2007-04-20T16:16:00.000Z

If you are around Islington next Wednesday (25th) come and check out some of the best unsigned acts at The Lark In The Park, Islington. Its my first project with Mtree events and it should be a great night, so come down and say hello.

Wednesday 25/4/07 Lark In The Park 60 Copenhagen Street, Islington
LONDON N1 0JW

Live Music From:

Roxxie Lee www.myspace.com/roxxielee

The Brink www.myspace.com/thebrinkband

Swallow http://www.myspace.com/swallowuk

Green Phoenix http://www.myspace.com/thisisgreenphoenix

Girls Girls Girls www.myspace.com/girlsgirlsgirlsuk

More info on future events at www.myspace.com/mtree

Eluvium

2007-04-13T16:37:00.000Z

If you are not aware of Eluvium aka Matt Cooper you make yourself aquainted with his work as soon as possible. His latest album Copia is nothing short of a masterpiece, very rarely do you hear ambient music as beautiful and live enhancing.

The use of classical piano on tracks like radio ballet is nothing short of stunning, there is a huge diversity in the instruments used in the album, each ones works perfectly to build mood or lead the song unlike any album I have heard in years.

If you like being drifted away to another world by music, seek out this album its lovely...

MP3: Prelude For Time Feelers

Full Length Battles Gig

2007-04-11T20:07:00.000Z

As ATP draws nearer, I get more and more excited. This video I think has taken me to the brink, im giddy.

Happy Easter

2007-04-05T07:16:00.000Z

Im going home for my Birthday for five days so there will be no posts for a little while so I thought I would post a short mix I have been working on, I have only recently started doing mixes but im quite pleased with this one. Hopefully there are not too many mistakes on there.

There is a pretty crazy mix of songs on here but see what you think:

Tracklisting:

Metric: Ellen Allien and Apparat
Tits and Acid: Simian Mobile Disco
Everyday: The Field
Far Left: Spank Rock
Hey Shelia: Ready For The World
Dare (Soulwax Mix) Gorillaz
Hot Mama (Bonde De Role Mix): Edu K
The Reflex 12" mix : Duran Duran
Outcaste Records: Hum Kiesise Theme
Human After All: Daft Punk
When Smokey Sings 12" mix: ABC
Get Lucky Dance Mix: New Young Pony Club
Time To Get Away: LCD Soundsystem
Dancing In The Dark Remix: Mike Mareen
Pump Up The Jam: Technotronic
Puppet On A String: Sandy Shaw
Somebodys Watching Me: Rockwell
Theme For Great Cities: Simple Minds
Snake Me: We Are Wolves
Al Naafiysh (The Soul): Hashim
Trash In Vain: The Clash

Malajube

2007-04-02T17:03:00.000Z

I really like Malajube, the Montreal based indie rockers sing all their songs in French which gives their music a real edge over their contemparies. Their latest album Trompe L'Oiel is a really fantastic indie pop album, its really bright and original, there are some elements of other bands big in the Canadian scene which you can here in their music like Wolf Parade and Arcade Fire. This is why I like the music so much, my favourite bands mixed together with a little bit of extra gaelic extravertness, its a wee bit special.

Uk dates are completely London based at the moment with the band at the Spitz on the 8th of May and The Scala on the 5th of June.

Here is plently of stuff to wet your appetite:

Pate Filo Video

Download "ton plat favori" (mp3)
from "Trompe-L'Oeil"
by Malajube
Dare To Care

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at RealNetworks / Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from RealNetworks / Rhapsody
Buy at Insound

More On This Album

Download "montréal-40ºC" (mp3)
from "Trompe-L'Oeil"
by Malajube
Dare To Care

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at RealNetworks / Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from RealNetworks / Rhapsody
Buy at Insound

More On This Album

Thunderegg

2007-03-30T15:45:00.000Z

Thunderegg's album Open Book is easily the best value CD ever in the history of time, a cd with the bands first eight albums recorded between 1998 ad 2004 and also includes an 108 page illustrated book with all the songs lyrics therein and some rather lovely drawings also.

Considering the quanity of the songs on this release the quality is fantastic, I was really impressed with how good the songs are. Its really interesting to hear the bands growth from the original albums which were a solo project of guitarist/singer Will Georgantas to the later albums where the band are expanded to a sixpiece with a fuller more ambiant sound.

There is a good deal of varitation in the songs which is really important considering the volume on offer in this package, personally I prefer the more acoustic based songs to the more up tempo pop rock songs but there is easily enough good songs on here for the listener to return many many many times.

This is the kind of band that the Indie scene is all about, a great band giving it all back to the listeners. This band deserve your love!

Myspace

Website

In The Dog House

2007-03-27T21:38:00.000Z

Family man, humanitarian and all round good egg, Snoop Doggy Dog has been bizarely denied a Visa to bring his musical revue to the UK. I think the poor man has been understood by our Government, he has been wrongly branded as a "gangbanger" by our press where he has done nothing wrong ever in his entire life.

I mean denying a man entry to our country for such minor offences as ownership of fire arms, drug use, violent disorder and scuffles with police leading to "minor injurys" is really laughable.

Im only joking of course, its no surprise. Im no fan of Snoop Dog but I dont think it is a good idea not allow a man entry to work in the UK with a criminal record longer than an anaconda, when musicians from this country like The Views Kyle Falconer is denined entry into the US for Cocaine possesion, far less serious than several of Snoops previous offences. Still it was really funny when he swore at Live 8 in the middle of the afternoon wasnt it?

To be honest the real reason I dont want Snoop in the UK is the fact that he did this to a Metallica song, perhaps the worst crime off all.

Cheeseburger

2007-03-26T20:40:00.000Z

I love Cheeseburger! Check out this video for their single Tiger, this is party rock of the highest order. I will be back tomorrow for some postage as I have been a bit lax recently. Byeeeeeeee for now.

The One AM Radio

2007-03-26T20:05:00.000Z

The new album by the One Am Radio is an introspective release, an interesting collection of acoustic and electronica.

This too will pass is a purely autobiographical release which makes it an emotional listen but also a rewarding experience that you share Hrishikesh Hirway's live journey through the writing of this album. This is a beautiful album which will linger with you for several hours after listening.

MP3: Our Fall Apart

Secret Mommy

2007-03-16T18:11:00.000Z

A year in the making, Secret Mommys new album Plays is some a slice of electronic genuis considering that no electronic instruments were used in the albums recording. Original parts of guitar, drums, horns etc have been pasted together to make a fantastic, challenging record.

Its a little too much take in all in one go but one song at a time will blow your mind, this is so clever it deserves an honoury degree at electroniclever University, charming.

Here is a video for Kool Aid River which is an interesting Electronic take on an EMO song...

MP3: A bear at hotel Cuba

Atlas

2007-03-16T18:09:00.000Z

Here is Battles new single Atlas, its pretty mental, but fuggin amazing! I cant wait to see these guys at ATP!

The Bird and The Bee

2007-03-16T17:36:00.000Z

As the Weather is getting mildly warmer, I have been drawn to some summery electronic music this week. The Bird and The Bee who feature vocalist Inara George and multi instrumentalist Greg Kurstin and its a sweet listen. The album picks up on Tropicalia grooves and throws them into the present day with some funky electronic production.

The songs are relatively simple with keyboard and vocal arrangments appearing prominately, the use of Beach Boy style harmony gives the album a real summery bliss. The tunes are catchy and simple yet multi-layered enough to bring you back for several more listens. Pop perfection.

MP3: Fucking Boyfriend

MYSPACE

Ce

2007-03-12T16:26:00.000Z

Ce, Caetano Veloso's 40th album is a ridiculous premise, over 60 years old and makes a desicion to move away from his later pop and Jazz work, his last release was his first English spoken album where he recorded some "classics from the great American song book."

This is quite a departure from this style as Ce is a album of brazilian post-punk, his voice has tremendous soothing quality which seems to blend with the music surprisingly well and makes it really easy to listen to.

Veloso featured on the album Tropicalia I wrote about a couple of weeks ago and elements of funky bossa nova which made that album so great shines through on this release but with a modern twist which makes it a memorable and unique listen.

MP3:Outro

Besnard Lakes

2007-03-05T17:35:00.000Z

Another day another hotly tipped Canadian band, question is do they have what it takes to rise above the hype?

The answer is a big fat yes, because this album is amazing! On the first listen the album did seem to drift me by, but when I put it on for a second time something clicked. The albums opening track "Disaster" is a Brian Wilson tinged track with wonderous production, swelling with strings and harmony.

The albums picks up a level on track four Devistation which leads with a strong riff and reeks of 70's psych-metal, the next track, long brewing ballad "Because tonight" forms an effective counter balance to devistation and doesnt lose the albums grip on the listener even though it is a slight change of tone.

"Are the Dark Horse" is a fantastic record and it is quite remarkable how varied and multifacted it is considering its relatively short running time.

UK Tour

18 May 2007