Longest 2 Days, EVER!

With Justice in only TWO days, it's going to be very hard in remaining occupied. What am I going to do to pass the time? The next two days are going to be very hard to cope with. I know, I'll listen to some Justice and get fuckin psyched for the show!

Justice - DVNO (LA Riots Remix)

Wow, LA Riots know how to make an already hard hitting dance song even more hard. This remix packs more punch into the danceable DVNO, yet unlike other remixes manages to posses enough funk. The vocal edits are done really well, and add to the formulaic build up of the song. This is by far my favorite DVNO remix.

Just A Band - We Are

Here's some fresh Electro for you guys, all the way from France. We Are is a 4 and a half minute jam layered with smoothly flowing synths and elaborate pasted vocals. A few tempo shifts throughout the song allow for maximum interest to remain. This song is amazing.

Massive Attack - Mezzanine

This song is quite old, going on ten years! Why am I posting it? Because it's so good! If you don't have it, or have never heard it, please download this. Massive Attack are a vital link to the electro scene, I know the music is totally different but these guys have been making music for a long time and respect has been deserved. This is one of my favorite Massive Attack songs.

Massive Attack - Live With Me

This is off their best of CD entitled Collected, if you want to get into Massive Attack, start with that. It's a round up of all their hits and best work, plus two new songs you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else(except here). Today was cloudy and dim out, this song fit the mood perfectly. I was listening to it and felt the need to share it, I hope you enjoy.

Cut Copy - Lights And Music

Now, I know this is the third time I'm posting this song, BUT there is a valid reason. The first time this song was posted on here, it was a shady version with very poor bit rate. I wasn't proud of it and needed to post it as soon as I was able to obtain a higher quality version. The single came out and I was able to post a respectable quality version. But upon listening to the album I can tell that a much more layered and overall better version is available. I want to share it because it's so great! Download this for a new take on the already monster of a hit, Lights and Music.

Happy Meal

With only a week until Justice, I feel it's time to post some new tracks from one of the boys of the Ed Banger crew. These will surely get me in the mood for the cross, truly great.

Feadz - Suck It

This track is worthy of praise. This is real gangster electro, I say that because, as with most Feadz songs, gunshots can be heard intertwined with the music. It's a shame iTunes doesn't allow you to preorder the Happy Meal EP, it's definitely worth the money. So head here on a daily basis until they have finally upped the entire EP until you have bought it.

Justice - DVNO (Justice Remix)

Justice remixed their own track and the results were astounding. It's a much rawer and rougher version of the delightfully poppy freshly released single. It reminds me of that new Sebastian track, Motor, that appeared on YouTube last month. I wonder if they are going to include this in their set? I haven't seen Justice before, so I am at a loss when I even begin to try and comprehend what a Justice set includes. I don't want to know, it will ruin the surprise.

You probably already own every Justice song, but in case you don't log onto iTunes and complete what will become an essential collection.

Midfield General - Disco Sirens

Now, I know Klaxons weren't the first band to utilize the very rudimentary disco siren feature equipped on most keyboards. But they were the first band to do so in a while, so it comes without surprise that whenever I hear this song I think of Atlantis To Interzone. I know that's unfair, this song takes the sirens in a totally different direction. A much more electro direction. This is an excellent electro track. However, I do have a remix of this song that is ten times better, maybe I'll post that next time.

If you like that song, be sure and purchase some more of Midfield General's work.

The Teenagers - Love No

I can't believe it's been a year since I first stumbled upon Homecoming. I remember listening to the song and chuckling, thinking that I would never hear anything by The Teenagers again. The song was so cheeky that I couldn't imagine them writing anything else that would garner attention. They would become the blogosphere's first One-Post Wonders. I would have never expected to still be paying attention to this band a year later, I even saw them perform on my 20Th birthday, which was really amazing. Their album just dropped, be sure and pick it up, it's filled with only the smartest of songs. Here's the video for the song, I love all of The Teenager's videos as well, they are all so creative.

Get Reality Check here!

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!

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.

Ladytron - That Was The Way That I Found You

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.

Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch

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!

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