New Ladytron

So about a month ago I dedicated an entire post to Ladytron, they had just announced their new album, Velocifero. Last week they unleashed their lead single from the album entitled Black Cat and it is amazing! I can tell I am going to like this album alot more than Witching Hour. Take a listen to it, if you haven't downloaded it somewhere else already...

Ladytron - Black Cat

How erie is the elongated intro? I love it! The synth and guitar work well together, bouncing off each other until the vocals come in. The entire song is entrenched with that uncertain type of fear one gets on a cold dark night, the type of night you'd expect to encounter a black cat. Now that I've heard this, I just want more.

The Juan MacLean - Happy House

And now for an epic house jam, courtesy of DFA's Juan MacLean. This thirteen minute track sees the inclusion of piano chords, pulsating synths, housey drums and Nancey Whang's cheerful vocals. Seriously, she always sounds so happy when she's singing, listen to Dance With Me or Munk's Kick out the Chairs, always happy! This song is a bouncy tune filled with enough musical variety to keep your interest throughout the entire 13 minutes. I love Juan's longer songs and can't wait to hear the new album and maybe see him live again this year!

Klein and MBO - Dirty Talk (A Touch of Class Re-Edit)

Here's a remix of an Italo Disco heavy weight. I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Italo Disco, it's my dark dirty secret, I'd take a good Italo song over any other type of music any day of the week. I can't say I like this remix as much as the original, but it is done well and gets the job done.

Booka Shade - Planetary (Club Mix)

And finally, the newest release from electronic superstar Booka Shade. Again, I can't say I like this as much as his earlier work. (Mandarin Girl is epic!) But this is something you shouldn't pass up. Check it out for yourself. I actually like the B-Side to this release, City Tales (Neon Dub) alot more, but don't feel the need to post it just yet.

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.

Shitty Rip, Oh well!

So I saw The Teenagers a few nights ago and all I can say about their performance was that it was not as bad as others make it out to be, but it did let me down. I guess I felt that it was lacking in certain spots and could have been better. Let's hope that they improve with time.

Cut Copy - Lights And Music

Here is the new cut copy song. I like it a lot more than So Haunted, but not quite as much as Hearts on Fire. Cut Cupy have a very distinct sound that sounds all too familiar. It sounds a lot like 90's pop based off of 80's new wave. They may not be creating the most innovative music but they are fuckin awesome! This rip is low quality, I promise I'll post a higher quality as soon as I can. In the meantime we're forced to wait for In Ghost Colours, which is sure to be a great album due to the involvement DFA's Tim Goldsworthy.

Dondolo - Dondolisme

Here's a song from French electro-pop act Dondolo. The album is quite an undiscovered gem and has diversity between each of the songs. The vocals strangely sound like The Teenagers doing italio-disco, in part because of the thick accented deep voice speaking lyrics in the same manner that The Teenagers song are executed. However, Dondolo sounds nothing like The Teenagers and this may be a good thing for many of you. Download this and prepare to be surprised at how hype-worthy Dondolo is. Oh yeah, it's entirely in French.

Lo-Fi-Fnk - The End

I'm still in love with this album, it consists of all the ingredients necessary when creating the perfect pop album. Catchy hooks, cute lyrics and musings filled with optimism and frivolous fun. Want proof? Here, Watch this...




How adorable is that? They look my age and confused, as if they are trying their hardest to make a music video. Defiantly gotta see them on tour when they come here.

Stop The Rain!!!

It's raining today which has totally ruined my plans. I was going to go for a long run and then come back and do some homework. I would follow through with the run if it wasn't raining so hard. Well I can't do that so instead I'll post some songs I've been listening to over the past week.

Still Going - Still Going Theme

First up is a 2007 release from DFA's sub label, Death From Abroad. This is a vocal-less piano guided track that keeps things relaxed, mellow and consist ant. DFA has been putting out some great electronic tracks in 2007 and I'm confident that they shall continue to do so in 2007!

Hercules & Love Affair - Athene

This is another DFA release with a slightly different vibe. Here's more of neo-disco electronic music from New York's finest, Hercules and Love Affair. If you're a fan of Blind you'll like this song for sure, but be advised it is a bit more laid back. I think the theme I'm going for with today's post is a laid back and chilled feeling. I guess it matches the dreariness of the outdoors with all the rain and clouds I see when I look out of my window.

Thieves Like Us - Drugs In My Body (Pornophonics Remix)

Here's another slow builder which once again matches the atmosphere in today's skies. I like the original more, but this remix does it justice. It starts of slow and quiet but builds to a pulsating finale that the original does not have. That is it's only strength over the original. Now onto my homework.

Top Electronic Music of 2007

OK, so this year I've decided to split my lists into 2. I've listened to so much music this year that I would have trouble creating just one list. I'll be splitting it into 2, Electronic music and Popular Music (which includes indie rock, pop, hip-hop and r&b), lists upon which I will post the top 10 albums and top 25 songs. Today I will post my favorite Electronic music from the year and some mp3's to go along with it.

Top 10 Electronic Albums

10. Teenage Bad Girl - Cocotte

This release from one of the many French Filter House DJs who is not on Ed Banger is packed full with pulsing synths, exciting drumbeats and bad ass production. A very underrated album that should have received more press. It would have probably gained more attention had it not been for the explosion of Justice, but I'm sure in time this album will come to be regarded as a very solid release.
Teenage Bad Girl - Hands of a Stranger

9. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver

I was surprised with the unanimous high placing of this album on year end lists across the net. Yes, it is a great album. James Murphy has outdone himself once again with this release, but for me the album grew boring quickly. While this phenomenon usually occurs with all music for me, my ebb for this CD has yet to recede. I have yet to come back to this CD for another round of listening. I guess, while more expansive and mature, it reminds me too much of 2005's debut CD.
LCD Soundsystem - Time To Get Away

8. Air - Pocket Symphony

Many say this album is not as great as Air's previous releases, however I find it to be quite a memorable CD. I was addicted to it throughout the summer and would often find myself listening to it on summer mornings as the sun rose and I prepared for my dreadful summer classes. The somber tone throughout the CD resonated with my discontent in having to partake in a summer session. This should have been on more Best Of lists.
Air - One Hell of a Party

7. Shinichi Osawa - The One

At the time of constructing this list I placed this album at number 7, it's been about a week since then and I'm thinking to myself how much higher this should have been. I've been listening to this album more and more and it's appeal grows on me each time. I find myself humming some of the lyrics from this album, a feat usually only achieved with pop albums. I could see this having an immensely longer listening life than the Justice CD. For now I feel 7 is a good spot for it.
Shinichi Osawa - Star Guitar

6. Daft Punk - Alive 2007

Oh my god, when I close my eyes and allow the music to immerse itself around me it feels as if I am back at the Greek show (or Vegoose, whichever) enjoying the greatest concert ever. As I listened to this album on my iPod for the first two weeks I had it a smile was always present on my face. I must have looked like a mad man, sitting on BART slightly smiling and bopping my head to big beat electronic. I didn't care! This album is great, and is a must have for anyone who attended their live shows in 2006-2007.
No Song Available

5. Boys Noize - Oi Oi Oi

A friend of mine who is not into much electronic music, with the exception of the Punks and Justice, described this as a boring album with Justice sounding synth that never stops. If only he knew how wrong he is! This album is far from boring, and while the sounds may be similar to Justice, it in some ways is a lot superior. The only failing aspect of this album is it's incredible length. I can never make it through in just one listen. Still a solid release, I definitely look forward to hearing more Boys Noize in the future. (His remixes are insane!!!!)
Boys Noize - The Battery

4. Digitialism - Idealism

Who knew Germans could be so catchy? When I listen to other German electronic music, which is quite good, I find it slow, relaxed and atmospheric. This is in your face poppy electronic music, in the vein of Daft Punk and Junior Jack. This album is best when listened to in full and unlike Oi Oi Oi, I was able to do so on a number of occasions. Pogo is pure pop bliss, Idealism is pop indifference and one of my favorite tracks Home Zone pays homage to the art of throwing and promoting a house party.
Digitialism - Zdarlight

3. Justice - †

Justice first gained widespread attention with their remix of Simian's never be alone. A superb remix by any definition, but to ever imagine the developments that have occurred throughout their careers since then would have been unfathomable. Justice have done what every other electronic act since Daft Punk have failed to do. They have become mainstream, they were able to break America, they were able to put Paris back on the map. While † may not be the greatest album in terms of innovation and musical genius, the hype and acclaim that surrounds it warrants it a top spot on this list. Just look at many of the reviews prior to this, Justice is used as a reference point musically more than once, for proof. They have become icons in the Electronic music scene, there is not one act who wouldn't want to follow in their footsteps. 2007 was the year Justice was brought upon the world!
Justice - DVNO

2. Burial - Untrue

This is an album that I discovered late in the year and fell in love with. I had not heard Burial's self titled debut prior to this ( I since have and it is great too) and found this to be a gem. I listen to this while falling asleep, it mystifies the silence of the night and allows for a peaceful sleeping experience. There's not much more I can say about this that hasn't already been said. The voices are beautiful, the crackling is enchanting the mystic surrounding the music is truly wonderful.
Burial - In McDonalds

1. Simian Mobile Disco - Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release

Fuck Mezzanine, I wanted to see these guys when they came here but I am not 21, yet. Their live show looks interesting, and it would surely add to the greatest of their music. I began listening to this album around the same time as † and I do truly feel that this album is a lot better. I've listened to † more, but can honestly say I would rather be stranded on an island with this instead. This album did not place as high as I would have imagined on other Year End lists, which is understandable. Justice was the token Electronic act this year, however I expect these guy's sophomore release to become as mainstream as justice. Listen to Hustler and tell me that couldn't take the place of Smack My Bitch Up in American popular culture!
Simian Mobile Disco - Love

So how much do you disagree with my top 10? Whatever, at least mine is different from the other lists I've read. It's truly how I feel too. I wasn't feeling LCD as much as everyone else and I really liked SMD! Okay, now onto the top 25 Electronic singles. Sorry NO descriptions for these.

1.Simian Mobile Disco - Tits & Acid
2.Feist - My Moon My Man (Boys Noize Remix)
3. Modeselektor - Silikon (Siriusmo Remix)
4. Justice - DVNO
5. TEPR - Minuit Jacuzzi (datA Remix)
6. Boys Noize - &Down
7. Daft Punk - Face to Face/Short Circuit
8. Justice - D.A.N.C.E.
9. Boys Noize - The Battery
10. Klaxons - It's Not Over Yet (BONDOWSKI Remix)
11. Digitalism - Pogo
12. Cut Copy - Hearts on Fire
13. Efdemin - Knocking At The Grand
14. LCD Soundsystem - Get Innocuous
15. Hercules & Love Affair - Blind
16. Sebastian - Walkman Re-edit
17. Does It Offend You, Yeah? - We Are Rockstars
18. Bag Raiders - Fun Punch
19. Danger - 11h30
20. New Young Pony Club - Get Lucky (MSTRKRFT Remix)
21. Bot'Ox - Babylon By Car
22. Dead Disco - You're Out (Frank Musik Remix)
23. TEPR - Coke & Crème
24. Metromony - Radio Ladio
25. Chromatics - I Want Your Love

2008

Happy New Year everyone, 2008 is finally here and I am defiantly looking forward to some new music this year. Here are a few albums to be hyped for in 08:

M83 has a new album coming out, and there is no way it will be anything less than awesome.

The Presets are at work on a follow up, My People, the new single was just unleashed

throughout the Internet. It sounds great and I now am more excited for their next LP.

London based, Does It Offend You, Yeah? are going to release their debut album this spring.

This is one of my most anticipated albums so far, I love all of their songs. They do a great job mixing both rock and electronic elements with their songs and I'm sure no track on the album will be considered filler. Now if they would only tour the US.

The Teenagers, a band from both Paris and London, will be releasing their debut LP in 2008 as well. I've heard all of their demos which will be featured on the album and though stripped down and minimally produced sound full.

There are plenty other bands coming out with records in 2008 that I am definitely looking forward to. Cut Copy, Sebastian, The Cure, Morrissey, Hot Chip (although you've probably already heard that) and a whole list of others. Dancing definitely will not cease in 2008!

Now onto some music already out there, on the Internet at least, for your years to listen to. First up is an unreleased single from DFA's newest act Hercules and Love Affair. This is a disco tune featuring Antony, of Antony and the Johnsons fame, that will surely cause you to get up and dance. It sounds like a 70's disco tune with modern production. James Murphy's DFA label never fails to deliver some great dance music, they truly are a label you can trust.

Hercules and Love Affair - Blind

Okay, if you've been dancing to every tune I've posted here you are probably in dire need of a break. Your legs are probably tired, your heart rate is unusually high and you need to find some coke...too drink. (What's wrong with Coca Cola?) Lightspeed Champion is perfect music for the morning after a night of partying. Listen to this and your hang over will be that much easier. Disclaimer: While it is the solo project of Dev from Test Icicles, it is a completely different genre of music. It is just as amazing as Test Icicles were, but totally different. You have been notified.

Lightspeed Champion - Waiting Game

Finally, catchy pop music from a Sweedish duo known as Lo-Fi-Fnk. I've just discovered them and find their album the perfect mix of pop, new wave and rock. This is their lead single from their campy album called Boylife, which was released on Moshi Moshi in 2006. I don't know the status of the group, if they are working on a new album or not. But they are playing a few shows, keep your eyes open for them.

Lo-Fi-Fnk - Wake Up

That's all for now, however I am planning on posting my best of 2007 lists next time. I know I'm late but I've been busy and only now have the time to post them. See ya then.