What better way can there be to finish off the month than by grabbing another dose of great tracks from around the blogs to see out March out and take you into April. The new track from veteran indie italo-disco duo Glass Candy, 'Feeling Without Touching', kicks off the blog selection with the interplay between Johnny Jewel's dark synths and Ida No's awkward yet cute vocals typically evident. We've also included the video that accompanies the track. Postsynthrockers Trans Am are set to release their eighth album, Things, on May 20 and have just put out the first track from it, 'Apparent Horizon'. While we await the new album from The Radio Dept. next month, another Swedish band are set to give us their debut a week later. Palpitation are from Gothenburg and have released the track 'What If' as a first taste of the album which is out on April 28 through Luxury. The manic Casey Mercer led experimental rock outfit Frog Eyes, are set to release Paul's Tomb: A Triumph on April 27 and have just let the second track for download out of the bag 'Lear In Love', a more straight ahead number than 'A Flower In A Glove'. More ramshackle old school lo-fi rock from the Woodsist label will be unleashed when the new album from White Fence also drops on April 27 and 'I'll Follow You' is available for download. To finish off the selection, Washington D.C. indie rock band No Second Troy, have given music blog Knox Road three mp3s off their forthcoming LP, Colors, the link to the best one can be found below.
Feeling Without Touching
Glass Candy (USA)
From the single, 'Feeling Without Touching', Italians Do It Better.
The man who took some of the most famous photos in music history, Jim Marshall, died at 74 last Tuesday. He leaves us with a vast amount of imagery familiar to many. There at some of the peak moments through the decades, he was the chief photographer at Woodstock, behind bars at San Quentin with Johnny Cash, and the only photographer allowed backstage at The Beatles last gig. Marshall took the famous burning guitar photo of Hendrix and of Cash giving the finger. Dylan, Joplin, Jagger, Morrison, Franklin, his list of subjects was formidable and many he had friendships with. Looking at his work you can see the person beyond the poster or cover art, he managed to capture that special thing which made him the music world's photographer of choice.
DEBUTS FOR THE NATIONAL, GAYNGS AND... THE FANNIES ARE BACK
This week saw three new tracks come into the Top 30 countdown led by the new indie supergroup Gayngs with their track 'Gaudy Side Of Town' (21). The National also landed in the chart this week with their advance mp3, 'Bloodbuzz Ohio' from their forthcoming and much anticipated album, High Violet. Goldfrapp's catchy Fleetwood Macesque opener to their new album, Head First, 'Dreaming' sneaks in at Number 30 while adding to the list of debuts is the first track off Scottish indie pop/rock legends Teenage Fanclub's new record and first in five years, Shadows which is set for release late May early June. The exquisite Norman Blake penned 'Baby Lee', is a dose of quinessential Fannies. Links to download each track as well as video and audio clips are available in the Latest Top 30 section or simply by clicking on the link above.
FEATURE ALBUM: CASEY DIENEL JOURNEYS INTO THE ELECTRONIC HINTERLAND
In Greek Kairos, the title of White Hinterland's new album means literally "supreme moment', one which exists in a sort of suspended animation where time is cyclical not linear and from the sounds of Casey Deniel's new direction that title is pretty appropriate. A little gem of an album, Kairos reveals itself carefully over the first few listens and then blossoms into something pretty special. Deniel has largely left the piano and orchestration of Phylactery Factory and her debut Wind Up Canary behind her and delved head first into an electronic adventure as the 11 tracks click and whirr synthing and sequencing themselves around her unique and fragile vocals. Its the contrast between machine and human that makes Kairos work so well.
From the first few echoed vocal seconds of album opener 'Icarus', there's a telling feel that something special is about to unfold. Full of subtle power and replete with reverbed rimshots, a pulsing bass and echoed coos, 'Icarus' gives way to the haunting, icy almost otherworldly 'Moon Jam'. 'No Logic', an album highlight, possesses a tripped out bass line amidst handspun beats and a jam like feel at the end. 'Cataract' is a soulful number that positively soars while the hypnotic percussive repetition of 'Huron' swaps beautifully for the album closer, 'Magnolias', where Deniel's swooning vocals sit atop sparse and brittle guitar chords. It's the carefully crafted creation of soundscapes that hint at the thought of a desolate winter wonderland but at the same time they possess a great deal of warmth and invitation that is indicative of inspired songwriting that has elevated Deniel's and partner Shawn Creeden's musical reputation beyond expectation. Kairos is a definite winner in all departments.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
CHILL OUT TO THE SOUNDS OF GAYNGS
Well over a year in the making, Gayngs, the Ryan Olson led project that sports the contributions of over 25 American musicians from a plethora of genres, is set to release their debut album, Relayted, through Jagjaguwar on May 11. Olson teamed up with Solid Gold members Zack Coulter and Adam Hurlburt and enlisted the contributions of Justin Vernon and Mike Noyce (Bon Iver) Megafaun's Joe Westerlund and Brad and Phil Cook as well as Ivan Howard (The Rosebuds), P.O.S. and Dessa from the Doomtree group, Jake Luck and Nick Ryan (The Leisure Birds), songstresses Channy Moon-Casselle and Katy Morley, jazz-saxophonist Michael Lewis (Happy Apple, Andrew Bird), retro-pop duo Maggie Morrison and Grant Cutler (Lookbook), and slide-guitarist Shön Troth (also of Solid Gold). All in all, over a dozen people did vocals on the album. Ever since the announcment of the album's release date, anticipation has been building for a listen to exactly what Gayngs would sound like. So its with gusto that we announce Olson has just made the first track, 'The Gaudy Side Of Town' available for download. You can access it through the link below. Pre orders for the album begin on April 20.
Tracklisting
1. The Gaudy Side of Town 2. The Walker 3. Cry 4. No Sweat 5. False Bottom 6. The Beatdown 7. Crystal Rope 8. Spanish Platinum 9. Faded High 10. Ride 11. The Last Prom on Earth
The Gaudy Sign Of Town
Gayngs (USA)
From the forthcoming album 'Relayted', Jagjaguwar.
This week saw a stack of new releases and for a change most of them were not from the United States. One of the highlights undoubtedly though is the release of the new High Places album, High Places vs. Mankind. The east-west coast duo's track 'On Giving Up' is still in the Indie30 Top 10. England leads the way in terms of numbers with albums from Goldfrapp, Bonobo, Autechre, Archie Bronson Outfit and Let's Wrestle, whose album finally saw a US release. Check out new albums from Canadians Woodhands, Yukon Blonde (US release date) and Holy Fuck (Canadian release - Out May 11 US) as well as a mini-Scandanavian deluge from Sweden's Love Is All, Denmark's Quadron and Iceland's Sigur Ros frontman Jonsi Birgisson. Dutch veterans Bettie Serveert's album finally sees the light of day in the US while that country itself gives us the M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel combo, She And Him and the latest effort from Jim Putnam's project Radar Bros. A link to a track from each is available below.
On Giving Up
High Places (USA)
From the album 'High Places vs. Mankind, Thrill Jockey
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE - LOCAL NATIVES SUN HANDS REMIX
LA collective Local Natives who impressed us with their LP 'Gorilla Manor' bring us Sun Hands beefed up with some extra beats and the busy layering that has a distinct good-time party feel about it. Very beachy summer track, especially this version by Russian remixer, Russian Adults, who somehow manages to capture that bikini feeling. He must have been on holiday when he did it.
Sun Hands (Russian Adults Remix)
Local Natives (USA)
Original track from the album 'Gorilla Manor', Frenchkiss.
Remixed by the guy who drums for Beach House on tour, this is a lush version retaining the sweetness and light of the original. So many great tracks on 'Teen Dream', it bodes well for more beautiful remixes to come. Lover Of Mine has chilled out Sunday written all over it.
Lover Of Mine (Roma Ruins Remix)
Beach House (USA)
Original track from the album 'Teen Dream', Subpop.
Retro is what you would have to say about this remix. A real old school disco vibe is going on thanks to Alex Letric's great work. Albarn's vocals always sound great on whatever project he is working on (check out his contribution to Massive Attack's new LP Heligoland)and here they sit gracefully amongst the beats and mirrorballs.
Stylo (Alex Letric Remix)
Gorillaz (ENG)
Original track from the album 'Plastic Beach', Parlophone/Virgin
The recent snow storms in NYC have been a right pain in the ass to some (believe me, JFK airport is not fun after 36 hours!). But it gave Passion Pit's keyboardist and his girlfriend (who collectively go by the name Aislyn) some time to have a go at this Freelance Whale's track. Starting off sounding somewhat mutued and muffled, it gives way to a poppy / electro / glockenpieled mix. Featuring sweet vocals amongst the synths and textures, look out for the original on their upcoming debut LP 'Weathervanes' or live around NYC, well worth it!
Generator (First Floor Aislyn Remix)
Freelance Whales (USA)
Original track from the album 'Weathervanes', French Kiss/Mom+Pop
Freelance Whales (USA)
Original track from the album "Weathervanes', Frenchkiss / Mom + Pop.
HOLD STEADY AS HURRICANE J HITS - NEW LP TO DROP MAY 3
With their highly anticipated fifth studio album a few weeks away, fans can now get into the new single Hurricane J to whet the appetite. Sounding as good as ever Hurricane J lyrically follows Craig Finn and the girl he wants to make out with, Jessie, around for a boozy night as he declares...'You're a beautiful girl / and a pretty good waitress'... the track packs the punch and atmosphere that fans love about The Hold Steady. It has an immediate high energy feel and if anything has a bit more pop to it in sections. Very catchy, and we very much look forward to what the rest of the album has to offer. 'Heaven Is Whenever' will be out in Europe May 3 (Rough Trade) and the USA May 4 (Vagrant).
The Hold Steady are ready to hit the road from early April, taking in the US and Europe over three months. Definately a band to check out live if you get half a chance.
Hurricane J
The Hold Steady (USA)
From the forthcoming album 'Heaven Is Whenever', Rough Trade / Vagrant.
1. The Sweet Part Of The City 2. Soft In The Centre 3. The Weekenders 4. The Smidge 5. Rock Problems 6. We Can Get Together 7. Hurricane J 8. Barely Breathing 9. Our Whole Lives 10. A Slight Discomfort
COMEBACK FROM ALCOHOLIC FAITH MISSION, BIG DEBUT FOR FANG ISLAND
'My Eyes To See', the track from Danish five piece Alcoholic Faith Mission looked down and out last week as it found itself at number 30 and heading for an imminent exit from the chart. This week sees it make a miraculous recovery and nearly bounce into the Top 10. A track that did bounce into the Top 10 on debut was the raucous 'Daisy' from Brooklynities Fang Island (8). They were joined by three other tracks, a thumper by Panic Bomber called 'Discipline' (17), an exquisitely chilled out song from London artist Simon Green who goes under the name Bonobo. 'Eyesdown' (19) is the best of the collaborations with Brighton songstress Andreya Triana on his new fourth album Black Sands. Rounding out the debuts is the new track from Philadephia's indie disco funksters Disco Biscuits (27). The Go Find remain at Number One. Click the LATEST TOP 30 link in the centre tab above to access the chart from 30 to 1 with links to download every song. Each track also has either an official clip, live performance of the track in question or audio track to stream via youtube.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
FEATURE ALBUM: THE GO FIND SOME SPACE ON THIRD ALBUM
The third album by Belgian electronica wiz Dieter Sermeus Everybody Knows It's Gonna Happen Only Not Tonight can seem a little underwhelming at first with its after dark minimal feel. However, that what makes it so special as Sermeus is a master at utilising time and space. Those who are initially underwhelmed will only need to give it another one or two listens to get that very point. Laconic and laid back is the order of the day but Everybody Knows... is never dull and never boring and while its been labelled simple, it really isn't. Making music like this is never easy. There is enough subtle innovation on this record to keep the critic and fan alike coming back for more.
The sprawling title track which begins the album is a perfect example of that utilisation as a pulsing one chord guitar note is surrounded by a slow building array of atmospheric guitars, bass, synths, loops and sonic blips while Sermeus take us back 'Ooh, let me take you back to the nineties, when we were teens'. The song is topped off by the perfectly minimal use of saxophone sitting amid swirling synths exentuating its nostalgic theme. The track is a hard act to follow but The Go Find manage to more to keep your attention. 'Its Automatic' is a catchy pop tune with a compact melody, 'Neighbourhood' has a simple chord progression that will remain embedded with you for days, 'One Hundred Percent' includes the vocals of Few Bit's Karolien Van Ransbeeck and together with Sermeus's deadpan delivery they make quite a duet. The washes of synth on 'Stay' will leave you starry eyed while the pulsating bass, off beats and out of nowhere chorus of 'Running Mates' is an album highlight. The closer 'Heart Of Gold' is a slow burner to die for and when Sermeus's vocals meld beautifully together with the understated yet powerful synth notes over the chorus, you find yourself looking ahead at no-one in particular knowingly with a smile on the face.
Everybody Knows Its Gonna Happen Only Not Tonight is an album, despite its deceptive simplicity, that will last the course. Take it for a spin in a few years time and you'll find yourself enjoying its comfort and handling just as much as you did on first listen. A subtle masterpiece.
James Stocker - March 8, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
IN MEMORY: BIG STAR ALEX CHILTON DIES AT 59
The enigmatic and brilliant singer/guitarist Alex Chilton, the main protagonist of the immensively influential 70's pop/rock group Big Star died of a heart attack on Wednesday at age 59. Chilton was due to play with a reformed Big Star with drummer Jody Stephens and bass player Andy Hummel at SXSW in Austin on Saturday night and already bands at the event are filling the void by lining up to play Big Star covers in tribute. The music world thought it had lost Chilton two years ago in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when he was missing for almost two weeks and the outpouring of concern at the time indicated how Chilton was regarded by many. While Chilton never enjoyed the success he was due while Big Star were around proper, the influence the music that he and Chris Bell (co-writer on the debut #1 Record, 1972 and contributor to two tracks on Radio City, 1974) had on groups such as R.E.M. and Teenage Fanclub as well as inspiring a huge swag of generation X fans to get into the band a decade after their demise speaks volumes for the importance of Chilton's legacy. He even received a tribute in the US House Of Representatives yesterday. Big Star, along with Love before them were probably the very first indie bands in that they did things their way and refused to compromise with the music establishment. Although both were looking for commercial success, they were looking for it on their own terms. Probably the greatest legacy Chilton has left to this end is the third Big Star album Third/Sister Lovers, a never officially named, shambling, idiosyncratic, dishevilled but brilliantly and organically crafted album he wrote in 1974. His refusal to compromise his artistic integrity and producer Jim Dickinson's willingness to let him shine despite being roasted for it and ignored by record labels stands in hindsight as an iconic action of the times. The lingering frustration and anger at major label Columbia's spiteful refusal to properly release Radio City may also have had something to do with the non-commercial nature of the record and Chilton's general mindset at the time. The album was finally released in incomplete form by PVC with the tracklisting out of sequence in Europe four years after its completion in 1978 and has become a indie classic with much critical acclaim since. The allmusic guide sums up Chilton's duality and often hard to penetrate personality perfectly 'Alex Chilton never made himself easy to love...but that hardly stopped him from being loved'. Indie30 sends its heartfelt condolences to Chilton's family and friends, for the music world has indeed truly lost a big star.
From the album 'untitled', (Third/Sister Lovers), PVC (1978), Rykodisc (1992).
Thursday, March 18, 2010
THIS WEEKS NEW RELEASES: DRIVE BY'S, EDDY CURRENT S.R., HAPPY BIRTHDAY, THE DELTA MIRROR
The smorgasbord that is the SXSW Festival usually means a famine of new releases in the US and this week is no exception. However, the best of them will be enough to sustain those of us who don't live in Austin. Country indie rock veterans Drive By Truckers brought out their new album, The Big To-Do this week to follow up 2008's seminal long player, Brighter Than Creation's Dark. Melbourne indie retro rockers Eddy Current Supression Ring released their second record worldwide, Rush To Relax while new Sub Pop faves Happy Birthday released their self titled debut. Los Angeles electronic experimentalists The Delta Mirror put out their hospital themed Machines That Listen and too finish the pick of new releases, another Melbourne outfit, The Summer Cats released a single, Your Timetable and New York electro-rockers hermajesty released their first EP, Images From the Vanishing Night. Links to download a track from each of these releases appear below.
Addition: Veteran electronic jammers Disco Biscuits released their new album as well this week, the bloatedly (is that a word?) named Planet Anthem. Check a track below.
On alternate Wednesday's Indie30 brings you the latest pick from around the blogs. On the other Wednesday you'll get The Remix Fix. This week sees links to download tracks from Brooklyn punk rock outfit with a difference Fang Island who released their debut album on Sargent House a few weeks back. Harlem are an indie rock band based in Austin whose promise last year saw them sign with Matador. 'Gay Human Bones' is the second advance track from their forthcoming second album, Hippies due out in April. Canadian techno DJ producer Jake Fairley, who has gone under the nom de guerre of Fairmont in the past has recently put out the EP Evaporator under his own name. In a similar vein French based DJ producer Paul Ritch has released an EP called Canniballs. We have a link to 'Evaporator' and 'Suffolk' respectively courtesy of fluokids. Shins singer/guitarist James Mercer and producer multi-instrumentalist Brian Burton's (Danger Mouse) collaboration Broken Bells has received a massive amount of blog love recently and released their self titled debut album last week. We have a link to the Beckesque track 'Citizen' which we think eclipses some of the more well known on the album including the single, 'The High Road'. Indie pop veterans Apples In Stereo have their new album, Travellers In Time And Space coming out in April and Songs... features the catchy and somewhat uncustomary sounding electronic number from it 'Dance Floor'. The blog Knox Road has our last two tracks and two more Brooklynite acts. 'I Want You' by Color Of Clouds and one from ex Harlem Shakes guitarist Todd Goldstein who has been going great guns since that incarnates demise and has a new self titled EP coming out this week. Check out the track 'Heat And Hot Water' and download the entire EP at filesdropper.
The Dessner and Devendorf brothers and the croon on Berniger are back again as feted Brooklyn five piece The National are set to drop their long awaited follow up to the brilliant 2007 release The Boxer on May 11. High Violet will be released through 4AD and will include eleven tracks. The slow burn turned rollicker of an opener 'Terrible Love' debuted on Jimmy Fallon last week. Check out the album's cover art, tracklisting and the excellent performance below.
Tracklisting
1. Terrible Love 2. Sorrow 3. Anyone's Ghost 4. Little Faith 5. Afraid Of Everyone 6. Bloodbuzz Ohio 7. Lemonworld 8. Runaway 9. Conversation 16 10. England 11. Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks
Terrible Love
The National (USA)
From the forthcoming album 'High Violet', Out on May 10/11 UK/US.
Kings Cliffe electronic quartet and new Kitsune darlings Fenech Soler have recently been on tour with Groove Armada and are set to make their first appearance at the huge SXSW in Austin, Texas this weekend. They're playing Pianos in New York tonight and have just released the video for their forthcoming single 'Stop and Stare'. Check it out here.
Stop And Stare
Fenech Soler (ENG)
From the forthcoming single 'Stop And Stare', Kitsune. Out on April 19
THE GO FIND FIND NUMBER ONE WHILE FOALS AND ARIEL PINK MAKE BIG DEBUTS
Indie 30 has its first official Number One from Belgium as the Dieter Seameus led project The Go Find land there this week with the cumbersomely but cleverly titled 'Everybody Knows It's Gonna Happen Only Not Tonight'. Up from three last week, it replaces Joanna Newsom's 'Good Intentions Paving Company. Big debuts this week to the new songs from Foals, 'Spanish Sahara' (6) and San Francisco funkster Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti (8). Brooklyn's Tanlines surface for the first time at 15 with 'Real Life' while Neon Indian return the the chart with the track 'Sleep Paralysist'. Click the LATEST TOP 30 link in the centre tab above to access the chart from 30 to 1 with links to download every song. Each track also has either an official clip, live performance of the track in question or audio track to stream via youtube.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
FEATURE ALBUM: THE BESNARD LAKES ARE THE ROARING NIGHT
The Montreal indie music scene is a diverse and prolific one, giving us such gems as Plants and Animals, Wolf Parade and Arcade Fire. The Besnard Lakes are no exception with their unique atmospheric take on the world around them conveyed through the lens of their music. Husband and wife Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas have been making their bittersweet brand of music since 2003 with their first LP 'Volume 1' released with only 1000 copies (it has since been re-issued in 2007). They released their second album also in '07 with the title 'The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse' which saw it nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, based entirely on merit regardless of sales, genre or label.
This third album sees a beautiful mix of orchestral pop, prog rock, harmonies, honeyed vocal lines, and shoegaze with guitars blazing in one track, languid and (David) Lynch-like in the next, sitting superbly side by side in a way that shouldn't fit but just does. 'The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night' captures the feeling and essence of their LP title literally, both musically and visually, with the album cover art despicting a blazing inferno reaching into the dark skies, in a painting that could have been done by Turner (however a massive electricity pylon amongst the flames is a giveaway it wasn't painted in the early 1800s). The music on this album has the feel of the painting, a kind of anxiety and urgency about it. The apocolyptic, introspective nature of it builds with each listen like an approaching storm.
The album starts with a crackle and static from a radio in part one of Like The Ocean, Like The Innocent, giving way to Lasek's falsetto and Olga's sweet vocals in part two. And This Is What We Call Progress show cases Lasek's vocals and stands out with its catchy, sexy riff, probably the most energetic upbeat track on the album. It's with the etheral slower tracks that build and build that The Besnard Lakes shine brightest, however. Chicago Train is a delicate thing, utilising strings, flute and omnichord to great affect. Land Of The Living Skies is the second two-parter track on the album and is another example of how many tracks from The Besnard Lakes have a timeless quality to them. The album was recorded in Lasek's own studio (Breakglass) using a 1968 mixing desk apparently previously used by Led Zeppelin. Maybe this contributes to the epic classic feel of the album.
Besnard Lake exists, near Regina, Saskatchewan where Lasek grew up. He and a friend started travelling there every summer, and he describes it as 'secluded and hard to get to. You feel like you are the only people there'. Their music isn't quite as hard to reach, but once you find yourself ensconced amongst the roaring guitars, sweet harmonies and walls of sound it's just as special. The night is roaring and so should your stereo with this album.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
FOALS ARE BACK WITH NEW RECORD - FIRST TASTE REVEALED
Oxford five piece Foals returning with a new album, Total Life Forever set for release on May 10 through Trangressive and Sup Pop Records in the UK and US respectively. Putting out a very impressive early taste in the form of the track 'Spanish Sahara', the actual first single will be 'This Orient' and will see the light of day a week earlier than the album. Total Life Forever is reported to be a less angular spiky affair and the promo track certainly bears that out. Download 'Spanish Sahara' and a remix of it by London DJ duo Mount Kimbie at the links below through Quarter Life Party and Pehjy.
Spanish Sahara
Foals (ENG)
From the forthcoming album 'Total Life Forever, Transgressive/Sub Pop. Out on May 10
Los Angeles DJ's Tyler Blake and Michael David, otherwise collectively known as Classixx recently toured Australia in February bringing their blend of disco, pop and balearic to the dancefloors of five cities. Their first original single 'I'll Get You' made a huge impression on us last year and was high in our Top 100. So it's with great pleasure that we have the link to download their entire retro based Sydney DJ set spanning some three decades below via soundcloud. Enjoy.
1. Bobby Caldwell - Down For The Third Time 2. Carly Simon - Why (12") 3. Hot Toddy - I Need Love 4. Maxi Priest - Close To You 5. Sade - The Sweetest Taboo 6. Hall & Oates - Maneater (12") 7. J.J. Cale - After Midnight 8. Pool - Jamaica Running 9. Rolling Stones - Beast Of Burden 10. Kool & The Gang - Too Hot 11. Rufus & Chaka Khan - Ain't Nobody (Remix), 12. Walter Jones - I'll Keep On Loving You 13. Yazoo - Only You (Remix) 14. Phil Collins - I'm Not Moving 15. Peter Townshend - Let My Love Open The Door (E. Cola Mix) 16. The Cure - Friday I'm In Love 17. Donald Byrd - Love Has Come Around 18. Slave - Just A Touch Of Love 19. Greg Kihn Band - Jeopardy, 20. Michael Jackson - I Can't Help It (Tangoterje Remix) 21. Chemise - She Can't Love You, 22. Walter Jones - Living Without Your Love 23. Flash And The Pan - Midnight Man 24. Edwyn Collins - A Girl Like You 25. Lou Reed - Take A Walk On The Wild Side 26. Daft Punk - Veridis Quo, 27. Shalamar - Over And Over 28. Chic - My Forbidden Lover
Friday, March 12, 2010
WE HAVE BAND SET TO DROP NEW ALBUM, WHB, APRIL 5
The first LP from the London based dance - pop - rock trio is set to hit the stores and the 'net in a few weeks. Out through Naive, Gareth Jones who has produced the likes of Interpol and Grizzly Bear is on board with the hard working band. They have been touring their asses off over the last two years and are currently playing gigs across Europe. Made up of former EMI employees Thomas WP, Dede WP and Darren Bancroft (all sharing vocals) they made an impression with their first singles 'Oh' and 'Hear It In The Cans' and an even bigger one last year with 'You Came Out' (on the album) which featured in our Top 100 of 2009. We Have Band have been sampled by the Friendly Fires and the twelve track LP is sure to be lapped up by those waiting for this album to come into fruition. 'Honey Trap' is an energetic catchy track destined to be a hit on dancefloors across the scene. With a plethora of remixes (which it lends itself to perfectly) it's a good indication of what's to come from the rest of the album.
WHB tracklisting
1. Piano 2. Buffet 3. Divisive 4. Love, What you Doing? 5. Oh! 6. How To Make Friends 7. Honeytrap 8. Hear It In The Cans 9. Centrefolds & Empty Screens 10. You Came Out 11. WHB 12. Hero knows
THIS WEEKS NEW RELEASES: THE BESNARD LAKES, ANGUS AND JULIA STONE, FRIGHTENED RABBIT, TITUS ANDRONICUS AND MORE
In comparison to last week's trickle, this week has brought a veritable hailstorm of new releases led by the new album from Toronto based indie rockers The Besnard Lakes, the Australian release of brother and sister Angus And Julia Stone's second record, the follow up to The Midnight Organ Fight by Selkirk quintet Frightened Rabbit and the third release from New Jersey quartet Titus Andronicus. These standouts are joined by new albums from the chilled out electronica of Sweden's mysterious jj, the minimalist pop of the ethereal Casey Deniel's White Hinterland project, Damon Albarn's popular UK animated outfit Gorillaz and the punk pop of Ted Leo And The Pharmacists. This week also saw the welcome return of Aloha, the new album from Broken Social Scene member Jason Collett and the debut EP from Brooklyn duo Tanlines. Download a selection of tracks from these releases below.
Chicago Train
The Besnard Lakes (CAN)
From the album 'The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night', Outside Music/Jagjaguwar
IN MEMORY: MARK LINKOUS OF SPARKLEHORSE TAKES OWN LIFE
In sad news, Sparklehorse architect Mark Linkous took his own life via a self inflicted gunshot wound in Knoxville, Tennessee last Saturday. He was 47. It is well known that the reclusive Linkous had a troubled history with depression and had a near death experience in 1996 in London after an overdose on a number of substances.
Linkous was responsible for four albums in his stellar career, the last of which appeared in 2006, Dreamt Of Light Years In The Belly Of A Mountain. He has played with a number of luminaries Tom Waits, Vic Chesnutt, PJ Harvey and Danger Mouse among others who have lent their support to his albums. He had recently collaborated with the latter and David Lynch on the audio/visual collaboration Dark Night Of The Soul and was thought to be working on a new album when he died. The music world has lost an vitally important figure.
His family have released the following statement;
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today. We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There’s a heaven and there’s a star for you.”
Comfort Me
Sparklehorse (USA)
From the album 'It's A Wonderful Life', Capitol (2001)
Monday, March 8, 2010
GET YOUR REMIX FIX WITH REGULAR NEW INDIE30 FEATURE
Love a good remix? Who doesn't?! Well now you can check out the latest and best remixes from the indie music scene right here, in a regular new feature on Indie30. Here are five to get the ball rolling.
Hot Chip - I Feel Better (Kid Cola Remix)
Hailing from Cambridge, England, KiD COLA is starting to make big waves on the DJ scene after only being in the game for a short while. He recently played a gig in Copenhagen, his first international booking and by all accounts he tore the place up. Working from a laptop (and proud of it) he says it gives him freedom to create real time remixes in his sets. With the 'I Feel Better' remix he brings the female vocals in at the 1:30 mark after a nice energetic build up, loses the violins and the male vocals from the original and delivers a remix that retains the essence of the original. KiD COLA is one to look out for.
The first single off Goldfrapp's forthcoming album Head First (released March 22 in the UK, a day later in the US) has had the Richard X treatment and it's a beauty. Sounding somewhat less 80s than the original version, the 'Rocket One Zero remix' begins with slow droney build up rather than the Van Halen inspired keyboards (they do feature to a lesser degree throughout the track however). Richard X has made a name for himself after beginning his career by producing underground bootleg mashups. Getting the attention of Island Records after they heard 'We Don't Give A Damn About Our Friends', the track ended up being re-recorded in his flat by the Sugarbabes and made it to number one on the UK singles chart.
With two albums, fourteen EPs/ singles and a swag of remixes under his belt, Gui Boratto is a busy man. The Brazilian has remixed the likes of the Pet Shop Boys, Goldfrapp, Bomb The Bass, Moby and more recently Massive Attack. 'Paradise Circus' from Heligoland features Hope Sandoval as MA's guest, with her whispery and silky vocals over a beautiful bass and a beat that kicks the track along nicely without taking away the charm of the original.
The Barcelona based DJ collective Buffetlibre have turned the Antler's track 'Two' into a whole new experience, a total reinvention. After hearing the original, it isn't one that you would instantly think 'remix!' but Buffetlibre have pulled it off nicely. The DJs have forgone the plucky acoustic guitars and added synths and piano to create one of the most catchy remixes that I've heard in ages.
MillionYoung - Cynthia (Letting Up Despite Great Faults remix)
Florida based MillionYoung (Mike Diaz) has the feeling of summer firmly embedded into his tracks and 'Cynthia' has it in spades. Letting Up Despite Great Faults, from the opposite coast in LA, take this track and add another layer to it, not creating anything strikingly different, just putting their own stamp on it. A slightly different opening, bringing in the beat after the main vocals but retaining the general feeling of the track. The far away sounding vocals mixed in amongst the synths and loops makes for a nice chilled tune for a lazy Sunday. The atmosphere of an endless summer in MillionYoung's and LUDGF's respective hometowns has helped create a seamless collaboration and a standout remix.
JOANNA NEWSOM TO NO. 1 WHILE THE BESNARD LAKES ROAR INTO THE CHART
Feature album artist (see review immediately below) Joanna Newsom took the number one spot from Four Tet on the week's Top 30 with her track 'Good Intentions Paving Company'. It ends Love Cry's three week run at the top which had to settle for second place. There were moves by Antwerp outfit The Go Find with the hypnotic and spacious title track from their album 'Everybody Knows It's Gonna Happen Only Not Tonight' (up from 12 to 3) and Gothenburg's Radio Dept with their deceptively sunny number 'Heaven's On Fire' (up 10 to 4). The Besnard Lakes, in an appropriate move given the title of their new album roared into the chart with the interestingly titled seven minute music explosion that is 'Like The Ocean, Like The Innocent Part 1: The Innocent. There were three other debuts this week, MillionYoung's track 'Cynthia' at 21, Angus And Julia Stone's 'And The Boys' at 23 and it was case of one in one out for Frightened Rabbit as the rollickingly new single 'Nothing Like You' came in at 25. Click the LATEST TOP 30 link in the centre tab above to access the chart from 30 to 1 with links to download every song. Each track also has either an official clip, live performance of the track in question or audio track to stream via youtube.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
FEATURE ALBUM: WE'LL HAVE ONE ON JOANNA ANY DAY
The new triple album from Joanna Newsom, Have One On Me, all things being fair and equal, should put her high up among the very best solo artists of all time. Sure, she's not going to sell truckloads of albums but critically Newsom has hit the upper stratosphere with this recording. Put quite simply, Have One On Me packs more into a record lyrically, musically and emotionally, than any artist has, male or female, for many years. While the harp is still the central element and there are many references to debut The Milk Eyed Mender and the ambitious follow up, Y's in both a vocal signature and musical sense, structurally and melodically, this third effort stretches beyond both of those releases in its depth and clarity. There is also something organic and natural about all eighteen tracks and nothing seems forced or overdone.
Just take a listen to the epic eleven minute title track on which Newsom's harp is accompanied by what only can be described as a mini orchestra with instrumentation as widely diverse as the artists imagination. A Bulgarian Tambura, a Kaval, a Tarhu and a Kemence sit alongside the more tradiitional piano, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, horn and violin. With Ryan Francesconi at the helm arranging and conducting though, the relentless arrangements of Van Dyke Parks have been replaced by time and space, giving the track the room to breath that is necessary to feed Newsom's emotionally driven lyrics and vocal arrangements. What also transpires in thinking as the track travels along is the subtle percussion arrangements by Neal Morgan, a highlight on the album throughout.
'The Good Intentions Paving Company' is a standout among standouts and one of the more accessible and straight ahead tracks on an album that still, as Newsom is want to do, confounds and eludes. Her piano provides the base as Neal Morgan's drums pound along interspersed with with quiet and poignant moments giving creedence to the space aforementioned as Newsom plays on words in lines such as 'It had a nice ring to it, when the opry house rang, so with a solemn auld lang syne, sealed, delivered, I sang'. Vocal dexterity is also on display as she alternates between four or five incarnations of tone.
Other highlights include the exquisite ode to her home state 'In California' which carries evocative imagery and delicate vocals that hint at the nodule issues she reportedly had last year. But far from affecting her voice negatively, the recovery has actually added another dimension to it. 'Jackrabbits', a gorgeously sparse song with just harp and vocals is a perfect chaser with a chorus that threatens to open up the tear ducts as Newsom's intonations insist somewhat unconvincingly that she can move on from a past mistake and love again. The strong second side continues with the heartfelt 'Go Long' that speaks of the inpenetrability of relationships.
The third side suffers little in comparison the with the first two and if taken on its own merits as an album in itself it would still attract high praise and be more than worthy of it. 'Esme', with its lovingly crafted imagery will stand the test of time and 'Kingfisher' reminds of what attracted us so much to Y's. Have One On Me is a very special recording from a very special recording artist - a triumph of musical and lyrical intelligence and lasting piece of music history that in twenty or thirty years time will be looked upon as having a place high up in the pantheon of the best albums of all time. It's just that good.
James Stocker - March 1, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
PHOSPHORESCENT REVEALS DETAILS FOR NEW ALBUM
Alabama born and now New York City based Matthew Houck is set to follow up last years tribute album to Willie Nelson with his first album of original Phosphorescent tracks since the releases of Pride back in 2007. The album will be called Here's To Taking It Easy and will feature more than just Houck himself. His live band joined him in the studio for the recording at Headgear Studios with Alex Lipsen and then Houck took the raw material to Stuart Sikes for the mix. The first mp3 to be shared is the aptly titled country hoedown of 'It's Hard To Be Humble (When Your'e From Alabama)' which you can download at the link below. Here's To Taking It Easy will see the light of day on May 11.
Tracklisting
1. It's Hard To Be Humble (When You're From Alabama) 2. Nothing Was Stolen (Love Me Foolishly) 3. We'll Be Here Soon 4. The Mermaid Parade 5. I Don't Care If There's Cursing 6. Tell Me Baby (Have You Had Enough) 7. Hej, Me I'm Light 8. Heaven, Sittin Down 9. Los Angeles
It's Hard To Be Humble (When Your'e From Alabama)
Phosphorescent (USA)
From the forthcoming album 'Here's To Taking It Easy', Dead Oceans. Out on May 11.
THIS WEEKS NEW RELEASES: THESE NEW PURITANS, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, GOLDEN TRIANGLE, AND JAPANTHER
Although there is little in the way of 'name' bands, whatever that's supposed to mean in indie circles, there were still some gems among this week's new releases. The track 'Attack Music' by London based electronic rock band These New Puritans recently entered the Top 10 on the Indie30 chart and the band released their album, Hidden this week to satisfying reviews. The long awaited debut by Bangor indie electro-popsters Two Door Cinema Club, Tourist History finally hit the stores in Europe and the UK, (not sure about U.S., anyone?) Brooklyn indie noise pop outfit Golden Triangle were joined by fellow Brooklynites Japanther, who we featured in our Songs In The Key Of Blog section last month in releasing Double Jointer and Rock 'n Roll Ice Cream respectively. Sheffield retro 60s pop duo Slow Club, after contributing to some commercials released their first long recording of any substance in the US in the way of Yeah So (out last year in the UK) as did Oakland's Rogue Wave, who dropped their second album for Sub Pop, Permalight. The releases of note are completed by Bryce Dresner's original project Clogs putting out album number five, The Creatures In The Garden Of Lady Walton with the EP Veil Waltz simultaneously, Portland's unusually named A Weather with Everyday Balloons and Auckland trio The Ruby Suns third album Fight Softly.
Florida duo Ben Cooper and Alex Kane have been making introspective, confounding and bittersweet indie pop for a few years now and seem to have been noticed more in European circles than in their homeland. Their third album, The violent Blue was released last week and is a continuation of the contradiction inherent between the bands chilling and intense lyrics and their warm and inviting music. The tracks 'Safe And Sound' and 'Feathers' available for download at the link below are perfect examples. The Violent Blue is out now through Fake Four.
The seemingly affable and modest Chicago youngster Colin Caulfield who goes under the rather apt moniker Young Man, given the fact he is just 20 year of age, recently completed recording seven tracks that will appear as a self released vinyl mini album called Boy later this month in Europe where he recently supported Local Natives at La Maroquinarie in Paris. According to his myspace site, Caulfield is currently working on gaining a US release. The track 'Five' was first posted on Pitchfork back in early January and you can download it from there at the link below. Simply on the basis of its retro lo-fi serenity and one man aural harmonies we don't think a US release will be far way. A special offer for the first 80 pre-orders that includes the 12" vinyl, mp3s and a screenprint poster can be found here.
Tracklisting
1. Five 2. Hands 3. Home Alone 4. Bedtime 5. Playtime 6. Just A Growin' 7. Up So Fast
Five
Young Man (USA)
From the mini-album 'Boy', Self Released. Out in late March (Europe only)
ANGUS AND JULIA BACK WITH NEW ALBUM TO BE RELEASED WORLDWIDE
The rather special brother and sister singer/songwriter folk/pop duo from Sydney, Angus And Julia Stone are back with a new album and follow up to the impressively strong 2007 release A Book Like This. Down The Way is set to drop in Australia on March 12 through major EMI with the UK and Europe to follow three days later on the 15th through Flock. The United States and Canada get their turn on March 30 on Nettwerk. It's great to see the duo getting much deserved recognition globally and this album enjoying an almost simultaneous worldwide release rather than being dribbled out over a two year period like the last. Containing 13 tracks, the first single 'And The Boys' is an example of a more straight ahead pop approach with no folk influence in sight and features Julia's ever incandescent yet on this occasion restrained vocals. It will be interesting to see what the rest of the album brings. Tracklisting and the Australian tour dates link appear below along with a link to download the aforementioned track where you can also watch its excellent Kiku Ohe directed video.
Tracklisting
1. Hold On 2. Black Crow 3. For You 4. Big Jet Plane 5. Santa Monica Dream 6. Yellow Brick Road 7. And The Boys 8. On The Road 9. Walk It Off 10. Hush 11. Draw Your Swords 12. I'm Not Yours 13. The Devil's Tears
Toronto based indie folk rock trio Born Ruffians have announced that their new and second album, Say It will be released on June 1 worldwide through Warp Records. It contains ten tracks and was recorded in Toronto and brought down to Brooklyn to be mixed by Rusty Santos. The first single is 'Sole Brother' and we have a link to download it from through Stereogum below. Nice!
Tracklisting
1 Oh Man 2 Retard Canard 3 Sole Brother 4 What To Say 5 The Ballad Of Moose Bruce 6 Higher & Higher 7 Come Back 8 Nova-Leigh 9 Blood, The Sun & Water 10 At Home Now
Sole Brother
Born Ruffians (CAN)
From the forthcoming album 'Say It', Warp. Out on June 1.
If you are new to Indie30 or just haven't checked out the whole site yet, a reminder of what's in store if you check back through our February news archives.
Links to download 115 brand new tracks released in 2010 including the Top 30
View 17 official videos and seven live performances including Caribou's new video in the Top 30 section for 'Odessa'
Four reviews of new albums by Owen Pallett, Beach House, Four Tet and Local Natives
A pick of the best album's released each week
Loads of news about upcoming album releases, tours and other topics of interest
So do yourself a favour and take some time to check back through the February archive here. You'll be glad you did.
FOUR TET STAYS AT THE TOP WHILE THE TOP 30 WELCOMES FIVE NEW TRACKS
The third Indie30 chart for 2010 was as you were at No 1 with Four Tet's nine minute epic 'Love Cry' remaining entrenched in the top position. Joanna Newsom had a huge debut with 'Good Intentions Paving Company' coming in at number two while High Places 'On Giving Up' marched into the Top 10 at 6. Other big debuts saw The Radio Dept 'Heaven's On Fire' enter at 10 and Belgium's The Go Find with the self titled track from their new album do the same at 12. Broken Social Scene's long awaited recoding return saw the first track 'World Sick' off their forthcoming album debut at 16 while San Francisco indie folk rock songstress Emily Jane White entered the Top 30 at 22 with her track 'Liza'. Click the Latest Top 30 link in the centre tab above to access the chart from 30 to 1 with links to download every song. Each track also has either an official clip, live performance of the track in question or audio track to stream via youtube.
If you are an independent artist or record label or a promotional or management company that represents an artist please feel free to send us updates about forthcoming news, releases, events. Digital audio samples of single tracks or albums are welcome and there is no need to fear any negative press about what you send. Quite simply, if we like what we hear we will feature it, if we don't we won't.
DISCLAIMER
All media on Indie30 is for sampling purposes only. If you like what you hear we implore you to purchase the said album and support the artist concerned. If you are an artist or label who wants something removed please contact us asap and we will remove it.
