Friday, February 29, 2008

Listen to These Ting Tings


The Ting Tings - Great DJ

Apparently the NME is already all over this band, I've only purchased that magazine a few times in my life, so I wouldn't know. I guess a band is big when NME loves them? Maybe that applies to England and the rest of Europe but here in the States most bands that NME champions are relatively unknown. The Ting Ting's may be unknown here for longer, they write catchy Dance-Punk, which seems to be en Vogue once more, and have a hot female vocalist. Bands with female vocalists usually explode, and with the exception of No Doubt, fade away after only one or two hits. (The Donnas, Northern State, The Cardigans, and soon to be Paramore) Hopefully this doesn't happen to The Ting Ting's, they are too good to fade into obscurity.

The Ting Tings - Great DJ (Calvin Harris Remix)

Here's a remix from a man whose been getting plenty of mentioning on my blog, Calvin Harris. You may not approve of his LP, but this remix is ace. You can't deny it's greatness. It makes the song even more of a club worthy track, hyping it with a harder drum track, more shouts, echoes and synth. What I like about it most is that it still manages to keep the rock and roll feel too it. You know, the organic feeling that comes when a song is recorded in lo-fi and production isn't as slick as mainstream rock or electronic music.

Kylie Minogue - In My Arms

In My Arms is by far my favorite Kylie track off of X. It possesses the same amount of playfulness as WOW without the annoying WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW, which allows the track to reach new heights of superiority. This was the track that led me to speculate Calvin Harris's involvement on X. Contrary to the title, which reminded me of Mylo.

Kylie Minogue - I'm In The Mood For Love

That's not to say British DJ and producer Mylo was not involved with X. He was in fact a producer for Kylie, however his tracks did not make it onto the album. Luckily for us, they appeared on the net a few weeks ago. Here's one of them. I can see why they might not have been chosen. This song is very good, it's just not in line with Kylie's type of music. Her music is less serious and much more playful. It's still a very good track, just not right for her.

Teenage Bad Girl - Ghost House

With posts featuring Kylie, Rihanna, and Calvin Harris I'm beginning to feel as if my blog is getting a little to poppy. I need to bring focus back towards the music that made me want to start this in the first place. Here's a solid track from Teenage Bad Girl's 2007 album Cocotte which was featured on my best of list. This is a medium tempo track which ideally would play in your car as your race past a city skyline on a dark and chilly night. It reminds me alot of Kavinsky in the sense that it doesn't really go anywhere. No real climax, no noticeable changes in the song, yet it refrains from becoming boring and tedious. One of my favorite tracks from the album.

Kissy Sell Out - Her (Touche Remix)

This track is an absolute onslaught of Filter House. It's got all the dynamics a song in this genre should possess. It's actually quite old, but I've been listening to it alot again recently so I felt like sharing it. Definitely check out more Kissy Sell Out, it's all so good.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Pre-Weekend Post


Hey, it’s time for another post. And in honor of the beautiful few days of 60 degree weather we’ve been having here in the bay area I’m going to post a bunch of videos. This way you can stay indoors and out of the sun.

Let’s push things forward with a collaboration of mdmAmazing proportions. I’m sure you’ve seen this already, but if you haven’t it’s definitely worth your time.




Rihanna – Umbrella (Featuring Klaxons)


This live versions of umbrella is astoundingly catchy, and for Klaxons, alarmingly poppy. We should have all seen this coming; they’ve stated their mainstream ambitions countless times. From wanting to work with Dr. Dre to pontificating about their follow up album, Klaxons have shot for the limelight. They still sound great, and if this is a taste of what’s to come from their next album all I can say is that I’m down.

How fucking sweet was it that they used the pyramids? I don’t want to hear about them ripping off Daft Punk, they opened for the robots throughout Europe and have earned the right to use it for one performance. You people complaining about this are probably the ones complaining about Daft Punk’s appearance at the Grammy’s, you’ll never be satisfied, just shut up already.






Todosantos – Acid Boys and Acid Girls

What an EP, the entire Acid Grilzz ep is terrific. This is arguably the best track from it. Sure the remixes would fare better in a club environment, but this is the most diverse. It kicks right in with the danceable beats and features many tempo changes, build ups and break downs. This is a banging track with a horrendously confusing video accompanying it.

My Robot Friend – Understand Your Man (Steril Remix)

This track is pounding; it features an acid backing bass line. The percussion is ace and the synth plays a perfect role for a song of this caliber. I have no clue what or who Steril is but I’ll be on the lookout for more of his, her, it, whatever’s work.

NAVEL4EVE – Freakshow

This is some pretty cute electro-pop. NAVEL4EVE is from Canada and just released an EP that shares the name of this song. Every song could pass for a single, it’s all so good. The songs are synth heavy and dependant on female vocals delivered in a cheeky manner. I wonder how big they will get in 08? And if you like anime...



Little Boots – Stuck On Repeat

You’ve probably already heard the song, but have you seen this?



Yeah, that’s pretty awesome. Which do you prefer? That’s all for today, later.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Disco Themed Post

I'm back, with only a day in between the last post, I believe that is a first for this blog. I'm really wanting to get on Hype Em so I'm going to change up some of the dynamics of the posts. I guess I'm trying to sell out to the mannnnn, man. Anyways, I've been in a good mood all day there have been plenty of reasons to feel great. It was sunny here in San Francisco for the first time in a week, I've got a great line of concerts coming up and music is just so good right now. So why not post some DISCO, well OK not disco but disco themed music. Every song in this post can be connected to disco, so let's get started.

LCD Soundsystem - Freakout / Starry Eyes

Being totally amazed and surprised with each new song I hear by this NYC band is something I've come to expect. James Murphy is a musical genius, he is the elite, there is no one better today. This blog has featured many DFA acts before and will continue to do so in the future because everything James Murphy does is grand. (Can I become an intern at the DFA Studios now?) Seriously though, this song is really good. It's pure disco and so great. It's an authentic tune as well, it would fit right in on the studio 54 soundtrack. The DFA are perfectionists who always put out quality work and this double track b-side proves it.

I think we can all figure out the disco connection here.

Dead Disco - Automatic

I've been into this band for quite some time now. Apparently the lead singer left and is now doing solo elctro work under the name Little Boots. I'd post that track but I figure everyone has already heard it as it's exploded across the net. So are Dead Disco still together? Whatever the case may be the few songs they do have are off the chains. This is another solid single, do check out the video as they are hot as hell. I'm really at a loss for words in regards to comparing them with another band, they aren't innovative but they do have a distinctive sound. And the disco connection is in the name. Even though it is the proclamation of disco's death.

datA - 7 Months To Forget

Here's some electro from remix extraordinary datA. This is part of a 4 song EP that is nothing short of amazing. Some really great beats are presented on this release and this happens to be my most favorite song from it. The song has a great 2 minute build up which leads to a bridge that is climatic. Defiantly invokes laser imagery which is what what the ep is called. And that is the link to disco, lasers were often utilized at disco techs.

Calvin Harris - I Created Disco

Finally a true disco tune. If disco sounded anything like faux electro. I always find it funny that this album is entitled I Created Disco when it possess electronic sounds. But then again electronic music is somewhat based off of disco, so it works. And I'd like to correct myself, in the last post I stated that Calvin Harris was from Ireland when in fact we all know he's really from Scotland.

That's all for today. Later.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

How Many Days Until Justice?

Justice have embarked on something epic, something corporate and something great, the MySpace Music Tour featuring Justice, Diplo, Fancy, Busy P, and Chromeo. It's coming to the bay area, I've got my ticket and I can't wait! I was unable to attend their last show here (I HATE YOU MEZZANINE!!!) and have been iterated ever since. I'm psyched, pumped, jazzed, whatever adjective you wish you use is fine, I just want Justice.

Justice - Phantom Part III (Boys Noize Vs. Fraulein Edit)

Here's one of the best Justice remixes ever! It sounds like something from Daft Punk's Alive 2008. It is a pounding edit that has the intensity of a live set. When I listen to this I get restless to hear something of this caliber live. Boys Noize has had a stellar 2007 and with remixes like we can all understand why. How great is this tune?

Chromeo - Fancy Footwork (Surkin Rogue Teens Remix)

I usually hate sirens in music, I find them loud and annoying. I mean, it's not like if I'm out dancing and I hear a siren I'm going to throw a fit but at home I tend to stray away from songs that rely on them. Surprisingly this song, that features a distorted siren for the entire song (even relies solely on it for melody for the first few minutes), is not annoying to me. I don't know what it is, I guess the distortion applied to it, or how subtle it is, it just lacks the annoying qualities other siren songs possess. The synth's don't even appear until the last third of the song. Amazingly it manages to remain interesting. Too bad Chromeo isn't scheduled for the San Francisco date, I've been wanting to see them for quite awhile now.

Kylie Minogue - Wow (CSS Remix)

Wow, what can I say about this song? Kylie's X is a great pop album! Tons of fun and it feature's tracks produced by Irish electro-pop superstar Calvin Harris. I know there is a substantial amount of hate out there on the net for him, but if you take his work light heartily, it is a lot of fun. It's nothing new, and I don't think (no matter how ironic his lyrics may be) he intends it to be taken as such. Well, that's another debate for another post but I guess the point I'm trying to make is that I was able to tell which tracks he produced even before ever reading that he was in voled in production. This CSS remix adds more punch to the pop and makes it even dancier and a lot more fun.

Cut Copy - Lights and Music (Boys Noize Happy Birthday Remix)

As promised, here are some Cut Copy remixes, this should complete the entire Lights and Music single. Starting things off is an excellent Boys Noize remix of the song. This is how a textbook electronic remix should be conducted. Longer buildup, more epic and a lot jazzy. Almost as good as the original.

Cut Copy - Light and Music (Superdiscount Remix)

Blah, too much siren. DO NOT WANT!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Quick Update

Just a quick update before I head off to school and finish up the week. First up is an update I promised awhile back. Here's the higher quality version Cut Copy's single Lights and Music. It's entirely too good and I haven't stopped listening to it since I've had it.

Cut Copy - Lights and Music
Updated Higher Quality Version

Bitchee Bitchee Ya Ya Ya - Fuck Freind (CSS Remix)

Here's another great synth filled song I've been listening to for the past few months. The Kitsune comp leaked back in December but I haven't posted many songs from it. It's a great compilation for sure, featuring, until now, exclusive cuts from an wide array of artists. This comp and the previous one before it have been so compelling I've been driven to find all their previous comps. Although dated now, they still provide a decent mix of songs you may have never heard before.

The Kills - Hook and Line

I'm posting this because I saw them last Thursday on Valentine's Day. What better way to spend the day of love than to watch a band that reeks of sex appeal? It was a solid performance, both members sounded great doing their respective tasks. I liked being up close with The Kills my only lament is the mystique of the first show I witnessed of them is gone. I first saw them a few years ago with Bloc Party at the Warfield. The ominous stage overshadowed the lone two members and as steam began to engulf both members I felt a sense of awe. I was excited and entranced, their performance was, simply put, captivating. This one was good too.

That's all for now, I'll post some Cut Copy remixes next time. For now I'll leave you with this, a
Nylon interview with The Kills where Alison almost refers to The Killers, lolz.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Bangalter is the Master


To my surprise I awoke with an mp3 in my e-mail inbox. My friend supposedly had sent me a brand new Thomas Bangalter track. I listened to it and instantly fell in love. It sounds like Discovery era Daft Punk, and one can never go wrong with pure pop perfection such as that. I did hold some apprehension towards the track, my doubts were imminent. Why would Thomas Bangalter release a track? When would he have the time, between the Alive 2007 tour, releasing the live cd and rehearsing for the Grammys? (Note: Did you guys see that, that was neat!) I guess when you're in love with music and possess the talent that Bangalter has, you'll always be producing tracks.




I did some research and it turns out the rest of the nets are just as mystified by this track as well. Apparently someone under the handle TB and the website of daftalive.com post a zshare link on the electronic music blog Headphone Sex. Since its open posting, it virtually could have been any amateur producer looking to hype up his or her music. But it's really really good! It has to be Bangalter and even if it isn't I wish to know what the TB stands for becuase I'd definatly want to hear more music from this artist.

Roule is back in 08!!!
UPDATE: So it's not reallly Bangalter. It's this guy. Stilllll, very good.



Here's an electro jam similar in sound to the Bangalter track that I just posted. I am hooked on this song and have been looking for more Strip Steve since I acquired this track a few days ago. The last 30 seconds see the execution of a perfect outro for a dance floor banger. This will be big.




Let’s not forget another great track consummated through love. Simian Mobile Disco's Attack Decay Sustain Release LP still has me dancing every time I listen to it. This track falls in order with everything posted here today, so why not draw attention to this excellent track once more.

That's all for today, enjoy that Bangalter track. Hopefully 2008 will bring many more.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Some Stuff I'm Feeling



Ladyhawke apparently are from England, Australia and New Zealand. Whatever. She makes good music that totally sounds like it’s from the 80s. It has that 80s teen movie feel, that sense of entitlement and arrogance. This song utilizes the vocal technique of 'Na, Na, and Na’s’ to lead into a pounding chorus. I just wish the production was a little fuller. I suppose when she gets signed it'll improve until then I'll make do with this.

Hot Chip just put out another great album. To ALLLLLL the haters (MATT, DAN) I feel the urge to offer some advice. Lock yourselves in a padded white room and listen to the album on repeat for 3 days straight. By the end of this experiment you will begin to literally bounce off all of the walls. The album is crazy, it's powerful, and it’s hot. You won’t be able to keep from moving while listening to it. This is a great cut from the album. At first I found the synthy breakdown towards the end annoying but now that sequence refuses to leave my mind.

Here's a chilling remix from Minimal Techno superstars Ellen Allien and Apparat. They defiantly do create some great music; I can see why they chose to work with each other so often. This song clocks in at 5 minutes and is exactly what you'd expect from a remix entitled XTC of a textbook minimal techno track. This song possesses the effect to calm one down after a rave or night at the club.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Velocifero


Today wasn't that great, I just got a new phone which totally sucks because I can't figure out how to use it, I waited at a BART station for over an hour and now I'm pretty tired but have a concert to go to. At least I have something to cheer me up on this dismal day. Ladytron have just announced that June will see the release of their fourth LP entitled, Velocifero!

Witching Hour wasn't as great as I had hoped it would be, don't get me wrong I enjoyed it but when compared to the first two Ladytron albums it feels quite rushed. However, after reading this list of people involved with LP number four my expectations are now high. Just take a look at this, "he new record was produced by Ladytron with additional production by Alessandro Cortini (Modwheelmood, NIN), and Vicarious Bliss of Ed Banger Records (Justice, etc), and mixing courtesy of Michael Patterson (Beck, P. Diddy)." If that doesn't get you excited, well then I don't know what can! This album cannot be a disappointment, the mere involvement of these people won't allow for it.


Ladytron will be hitting up the entire USA, check out the tour dates here!

In honor of this development I shall now share with you some Ladytron.


This is by far my favorite Ladytron track. I remember buying 604 in 2004 at Amoeba records while on a field trip for my Sophomore English class in high school. My friend had no clue who they were and till this day does not. I guess he's just not into electro-pop. I remember picking this album because the band's name reminded me of the Roxy Music song. My thought process was something along the lines of, Ladytron is a Roxy Music song which is from the 80's and everything from the 80's was great, well with the exception of hair metal, but this can't be hair metal because they all have uniformly short haircuts and sleek black jumpsuits. I checked the date the album was published, 2001, and concluded that this must be some sort of band that draws from all that was good in the 80's, and sure enough I was correct.




One of the good songs from Witching Hour. Hopefully the new album isn't as lackluster.


Vicarious Bliss - Theme From Vicarious Bliss (Justice Remix)

And here's a song from Vicarious Bliss, who apparently did the mixing on Velocifero. The original is ace but the remix by Justice is even better. But doesn’t sound cast this music just yet; this isn't your typical Justice remix. They bring something new to the table with this remix. Defiantly check this song out!