sampai sekarang masih terkesima dengan iklan toshiba edisi time sculpture ini… teknik pengambilan gambar yang hampir sama dengan bullet time yang terkenal dari film matrix, yang menggunakan puluhan kamera yang mengelilingi objek dan diambil berbarengan. ditambah lagi dengan soundtrack 8 bit catchy yang pas dengan ide video clip ini-dari crystal castles – air war: bahwa dengan menggunakan produk terkini dari toshiba maka akan mendapatkan gambar yang mulus dan audio yang jernih.. hal-hal seperti inilah yang membuat saya jatuh cinta dengan dunia produksi film.. arena bagi “pesulap” menunjukkan sentuhan magisnya…

Now Playing: stars – set yourself on fire – your ex-lover is dead

The electronica band Crystal Castles is like a brand, but so are many music groups nowadays. They try and promote an identity that involves what I like to call neo-feminism, a term describing a movement where a woman undertakes the persona and image of a strong, boy-like female — think a bold, angry attitude, accompanied with cropped haircuts and mismatching boyish tees with pencil skirts. Just take a look at lead singer Alice Glass.

It’s almost like a coming-of-age flapper. Same rebellious attitude, same perversion of dress. Seeing women not looking like women sends a confusing signal to the brain of the average women. Why does she look like this? Why do I suddenly want to look like her?

The neo-feminist is an all too common trend I observe on my college campus. Women that look like young boys prance around in leggings and band tees, surrounding themselves with primarily males. It’s almost snobbish. To an outsider, however, the trend is intriguing.

I say: Go get ‘em, bo — I mean girls.

Bloc Party were one of those influential bands that swayed me back to dance beats.  Even though I grew up with some form of dance music playing in the background hip hop and rock music dueled to compete for the most played genre in my library. Bloc Party were that in between… the little indie, little rock, little electro, little interesting, and a lot unique band.  At least when it came to four years ago, there was a lot to capture for someone listening to a BP track.

Typically, it was their hit banquet that took me by storm.  But not with the original- the Phones dance remix.  That remix was a beauty! So to pay a small tribute to the remix that made me seek out other remixes… we salute you and all the other BP remixes that knock our socks off!

Bloc Party – Zephyrus (Holy Fuck Remix)

BONUS!

Bloc Party – Signs (Armand Van Helden Remix)

Bloc Party – One More Chance (Alex Metric Remix)

Bloc Party – Hunting For Witches (Crystal Castles Remix)

Bloc Party – Hunting For Witches (Villains Remix)

Bloc Party – Banquet (Phones Disco Edit)

Recently I used the get album art feature in iTunes because I felt I was in need of every song having its album art. Some album art couldn’t be found, whatever, so I click okay, it’s not a big deal if some art is missing I’ll just find it later. Later I’m listening to music and Courtship Dating by Crystal Castles is playing and I look at the album art because I swear the album cover was the duo standing against a wall with their heads down. All I see is this chisel-jawed woman staring at me with the title “Crystal Rose”. What? Who the fuck is Crystal Rose and how did she get into my iTunes?

Some guy asked me about music today. He asked if I like Crystal Castles. Then Moving Units, and then finally The Faint.

I thought about Crystal Castles and how I did once like them and the culmination of that was when their album came out back in March of 08 (I checked). My response to the guy was a very unintentionally snippy “yeah I did when they first came out but they’re old now.” Not sure how he really took that, but oh well.

Today is the day I learned I was a music snob to the general public. The proof of this was the justification I just made (“but seriously… they’re so old and played out now”) in my head.

crazy video…

Day 2 of the festival proved to be slightly less pleasant than Day 1.  The morning was nice enough, but a blanket of dark clouds covered the sky by lunch.  By 1 p.m. the rain had come, lots of it.

But just like any good festival, the bands kept playing, and the crowd kept coming.  Standing just behind the mosh pit, we watched Youth Brigade.  Their energy seemed to be fighting the rain, daring it to rain harder.

And it did.

Car Stereo (Wars) performed in front of a packed crowd, and an even more crowded stage.  His mash-ups were entertaining for a while, but the rain had stopped and there was much more to see, including Coalesce, Strange Boys and Health.

The unbearable rain decided to come back just before dusk.  So we decided to take a break from the Fest to warm up, eat and dry our clothes.

When we got back to the Festival, we made our way to the Orange stages to see Crystal Castles and Of Montreal.  The rain had stopped and we all felt a little better about our situation.

Crystal Castles put on a really intense show.  The light show was blinding, and the performance was an unconventional rock show, the Castles were only equipped with a mic and DJ station.  But their sound was as big as a wall of Marshall half stacks.

Of Montreal put on a tamer-than-usual show.  But they still produced an entertaining show featuring background videos and live actors.  Kevin Barnes produced a show that lifted the mood of the festival after a long day of rain.

Electronic duo from Toronto. Their music pretty much sounds like a video game. Very distorted and glitchy video game. Even the name Crystal Castles is borrowed from an old Atari game. Ethan Kath produces. Alice Glass provides the vocals. NME named her number one on the “Cool List” in 2008. Right ahead of Jay-Z and Andrew VanWyngarden from MGMT. Crystal Castles also released their selt titled debut album in March 2008. Sixteen tracks, and over fifty minutes of 8-bit music. Some people will love it. Others will think it’s annoying ass noise. Even ear piercing at times. Been waiting for them to make a new album. I haven’t heard any news yet. Hopefully in 2010.

Alaska In Winter

Lucero

Bankrupt and the Borrowers

HEALTH

Crystal Castles

GZA

Kid Sister

The Black and White Years

Neiliyo

The Riverboat Gamblers

Brian Posehn

Fuck Trick or Treating, dressing up will suffice, and as for the candy…well a different type of candy. Spending Halloween with some of the greatest party DJs spinning right now was my choice for a good weekend vacation.This past August I attempted to attend HARD Summer Fest ‘09 because of its promising line up, but HARD just tried to do it too HARD, filling the Forum with over 18,000 people when its capacity is only nearly 10,000. For most fans this was no problem, as for LAPD they felt differently about the situation. Busy P opened up the night and put on an amazing performance getting the crowds hyped up as people were still flowing into the coliseum. At one point security attempted to stop people from accessing entrance onto the floor, which only lead to the fans jumping over the railing (about a one story drop). Following Busy P and unfortunately ending the night, Crystal Castles performed. Alice Glass really got into her performance and came down off the stage into the crowd to sing. Standing right in front of me and the rest of the crowd, everyone went crazy trying to lay a hand on her. Chromeo was scheduled to go on after this performance but at this point the crowd was way beyond crazy and wanting more, so much more that the  LAPD had to put a pause on HARD until everyone calmed down. Pardon me but I would like anyone to try calming 18,000 alcohol and drug induced people…it’s impossible! 2 hours of waiting, HARD was shut down due to the crowds not complying with LAPDs request and everyone was kicked out. This was such a devastation because we traveled all the way from Texas for this and I didn’t get to see the people I wanted to the most! (Dear Bloody Beetroots and Crookers, If you are reading this please perform somewhere in Texas! Love, Benny Havoc a.k.a. Sarah) Once the death of HARD was announced, police lined the stage and began to force people out. The crowds were furious and began to throw bottles and trash at the police; one person even began a fire in one of the bathrooms. Leaving the Forum was suppose to be the epic end to a wonderful summer, in return HARD did me wrong. (although upon leaving I did have the pleasure of meeting P Thugg from Chromeo at the airport)

Despite the big let down my friend who ventured to California with me for take one of HARD, decided not give up and bought a 2 day pass and plane ticket for HARD Haunted Mansion ‘09.
-ME (Sarah)

Big Names, Big Music, and Lots of Candy this halloween!
I went to see a few talents, but had the best Halloween experience I have had to date.
Good People, Good Vibes, and Bass Music!
Held at the Shrine this year in downtown LA, we were walking in P Diddy’s footsteps. It was a two day party, best thing I have ever done on a holiday. The energy at HARD blew me away! It might have been the narcotics, but everyone was having a blast and dancing non-stop. I couldn’t blame anyone for being completely inebriated but it was the right time and the right place to be obliterated and witness such a flawless lineup. I can die a happy man seeing the talent I saw that weekend. Although i missed the Crookers, which I am bummed about, I was mother fucking court side for Justice. So seeing the Crookers is still on my to do list, but youtube Justice at HARD Haunted Mansion and check out my pretty mug and huge pupils!
I encourage everyone to go next year! Ill be there same time, same place next year, to do it HARD!
by Aaron
Line up for HARD Haunted Mansion

HARD Summer Fest ‘09

HARD Haunted Mansion ‘09

B Breaks-I Like Her

DETROIT SOCIAL CLUB

If you like Kasabian, you are going to love this six piece. They may describe themselves as “big beat junkie folk“, but they’re wrong, they are the new Kasabian. It’s that simple. There’s a little bit of bluesy Primal Scream in there perhaps, possibly even a little bit of Oasis, but mainly Kasabian. We won’t be ending the critique there however, because they also happen to write fucking awesome tunes. Very much like Kasabian do actually. You know the sort of songs; absolutely giant, sing along, room-filling, killer, foot-stomping monsters. They even have that kind of “na na na na na” bit in the middle of a track, so that the inner football fan inside you can scream along at their gigs. Again, this is no bad thing. It’s music to get swept up and feel pumped by. There’s not a lot of re-invention here, as they musically look a little backwards, but there’s no denying their collective ability to write an atmospheric anthem that occasionally goes a little psychedelic (you know for the stoners, in the same way Kasabian did). It’s a big sound, as is perhaps expected from a band that lists five members as guitarists. And big is what they are going to get, to go with their big Polydor record label signatures and eventual big venues in which to play their big singalongs. However, if you don’t like Kasabian, it’s probably fair to assume you won’t be enjoying much from them. Saying that, if you don’t like Kasabian you wouldn’t have gotten past the first line in this review.      (MB)

Find them here:               Myspace

Hear them here:               DETROIT SOCIAL CLUB – SOLDIERS ysi

PARALLELS

I don’t know about you but I’m sure getting that jaded feeling from all these 80s obsessed synth bands that currently clutter up the music scene.  So it comes as some relief to find that Toronto synthesizer trio Parallels are obsessed with the 70s instead. To be exact, it’s that decades brand of light electronica, often seen being produced by the likes of Giorgio Moroder, or Sparks (circa their Terminal Jive LP).  They take both of these influences and use the pulsating, moving basslines and oscillating effects to blend them with a certain sexy knowingness. It’s similar to the type of irresistible lure that Ladytron mastered to perfection.  Arpeggiator-driven melodies underpin the sweet vocals of electro siren Holly Dodson, who has the voice of a young Madonna on the tunes Ultralight and Dry Blood. Additionally, she’s found turning on some enticing, breathless, emotional vocals with the broodier and darker soundtrack Ghost Machines.  They were formed in 2008 by Crystal Castle’s tour drummer, Cameron Findley, who has aimed for a more sophisticated blend of hi-NRG disco and electronic pop, making them sound like a synth band for grown ups.  An album is set for release at some point before the end of 2009, but for now you can hear tracks from their previous three EP’s on Myspace.      (DV)

Find them here:       Myspace

Hear them here:      PARALLELS – ULTRALIGHT ysi

THE LOOM

It seems like we write about bands from across the bridges and tunnels of New York every other post on this blog at the moment, so frequent are the arrivals in The Recommender’s inbox from that part of the world.  No doubt this is on the back of the awesome CMJ festival that recently occurred there.  A festival that opens many loft apartments and warehouses to the public as spaces in which to showcase contemporary music.  Recently spotted on our radars from this event include Freelance Whales, which we covered here, and Sleigh Bells, who we listed here.  So perhaps the final band that is to emerge on the back of all the blogging buzz is The Loom.  Already one EP in, At Last Light, they are rumoured to be currently recording their debut full length album, which they’ve requested fans to help fund.  This multi-instumentalist, (in the truest sense of the word), six piece from Brooklyn sit just the right side of folk music, but only just.  OK, so there’s banjos and ukulele and female vocals that seem straight out of the Irish sixties, but it’s the beat-claps and John Fanning’s vocals that lift it into a slightly more contemporary box. It’s got great melodic parts, in the essence of Arcade Fire and the aforementioned Freelance Whales, but without the pop or snare drum. It may be a little twee for some of you, but we think there’s still plenty in the locker to enjoy here. Perfect for the winter ipod.   (MB)

Find them here:     Myspace

Here them here:      THE LOOM – SONG FOR THE WINTER SUN ysi

On a totally separate note, we are looking for anyone who knows which sort of video camera films this sort of quality video? We want one. Badly…

After 3 years of not offering a solid reason to attend this event, Austin’s 4th annual Fun Fun Fun Fest is remaining consistent with yet another mediocre installment of its 2-day November music/comedy(?) festival.

Interested in has-beens?  Want to listen to a band you’ve never heard of for a ridiculously high price?  Want to laugh at yourself for attending a bad comedy show?  Then make time to visit Austin’s “weird” festival this weekend for a taste of why you should’ve stayed home.  Starting Saturday, November 7 at 12pm, the event will host over 75 different acts between 4 stages at Waterloo Park until Sunday night. 

Although the festival argues that attendees will pay less than $1 per band for a pass, the schedule is arranged in such a way that any given day of the event will feature at least 30 bands the average alt. music lover would not care to see, forcing him or her to spend even more on the 2-day pass.  And don’t forget parking.  And sustenance.  Quickly, the “value” departs.

Not to say that there aren’t some decent acts on the bill.  Yes, it may be 2009, but the Gorilla Biscuits were something in their day.  And what would The Misfits have been without Glenn Danzig?  San Marcos’ This Will Destroy You is quite an up-and-coming indie talent, and Ratatat and the Crystal Castles have made a strong name for themselves in the underground music circuit.  On the hip-hop scene, heavy-hitting Pharcyde will perform alongside one of Wu-Tang’s founding members, GZA. 

Otherwise, Austin’s 4th annual Unfun Fun Fest promises to be a poor excuse for lots of plaid, skinny jeans, patchouli, and weed.  But you have to see for yourself sometimes.  Visit www.funfunfunfest.com for information regarding schedules, rates, and FAQs.

Fun Fun Fun Fest
Waterloo Park, Austin, TX
November 7 – 8

Day Pass – $45
Weekend Pass – $75
PIP Weekend Pass – $150

28. When Did This Storm Begin (feat. Binary Finary) – Shiny Toy Guns
It was controversy a go-go last year over at Shiny Toy Guns HQ. After the first album failed to do anything in the UK (and indeed anywhere), the band chose to ditch lead singer Carah Faye in a stunt which was perplexing at best and downright stupid at worst. A number of STG fans were up in arms, and the creation of literally tens of groups on Facebook/MySpace etc pledging allegiance to Carah must have been worrying for STG, especially as they replaced Princess Carah with a reject from the Pussycat Dolls search programme – Sisley Treasure, if you followed it. Anyway, back on record, this song is the opening track from an otherwise shit album. And I’m only a little bit biased. It’s the only track which really shows much resemblance to the STG I used to know and love.

27. Epic Last Song – Does It Offend You, Yeah?
I do like DIOY,Y?, but their ridiculous name really irritates me. Their album – which I was really excited about – turned out to be a bit awful really, aside from We Are Rockstars and this little gem. It’s not really typical of DIOY,Y? but it’s a nice enough song. I like the drumming on it, it reminds me of Muse a little bit in places. It is a nice way to round off the album, but it doesn’t work so well on its own in my humble opinion, which is probably why you can buy the CD single for 60p on Amazon (2009 NOTE: pricing correct at time of writing. It’s probably even cheaper now), and that Wikipedia denies it was ever released.

26. See You Again – Miley Cyrus
Anyone who says this isn’t as catchy as crabs is either a. deaf or, b. really stupid. The lyrics sometimes veer on being a bit immature (sorry Lesley, it’s true), but as the song is being targeted at 14 year old girls who fuck up a bit in the company of someone they fancy, I can let it drop. Although it is worth noting that this is hardly a situation which is exclusive to 14 year old girls, let’s be honest here. I also liked Seven Things, but not as much, and the third single was pretty boring, which probably serves as proof enough that I don’t need to listen to the whole album to find the best of it – it is here.

25. Ready For The Floor – Hot Chip
This song is brilliant. It’s up there with Over & Over – you can’t help but start wiggling around a bit when you hear it, which is not such a fantastic side effect when you are on the tube on your own in the rush hour. I was a bit disappointed the whole album wasn’t up to this standard, but with a few more plays, perhaps it will click and everything will be okay (2009 NOTE: this did not happen). I can’t recall any of the follow up songs really doing much either, but Hot Chip seem to have a pretty strong fanbase, I wouldn’t say they have done a Sugababes (2009 NOTE: this was a reference to the Sugas becoming really tired and repetitive, and therefore alienating their fanbase, not to their roundabout of disposable members).

24. What A Catch, Donnie – Fall Out Boy
This song is my favourite from Folie á Deux so far. Not that anyone will know yet as the track-by-track review I have been promising to write has still not materialised (2009 NOTE: it never did). This features Gabe from Cobra Staship, Brendon from Panic At The Disco, and of course Wentz. It is like a Decaydance fangirl wet dream. I do find Stump’s vocals really hard to listen to sometimes, and this song is quite bad for nasal and annoying, which is a shame but that is life. That aside, it has a nice melody, and there’s also an applaudable uuse of tambourines and piano. Viva La FOB!

23. Everyone Nose – N*E*R*D
I don’t think this did well for reasons which I find odd. I have always had a bit of a soft spot of Pharrell though; I heart N*E*R*D even though it probably isn’t cool any more. My only niggles with this song are that I think the middle 8 sucks – there is no excuse for slowing the pace down and putting stupid winebar jazz piano in anything, ever. I also think the outro could be chopped significantly to make it a bit snappier, but I daresay others would disagree. Watch your back Mark Ronson, Max Martin, Rich Costey etc etc.

22. Courtship Dating – Crystal Castles
Some of the cool kids have been going on about Crystal Castles for ages, but until they shoved a song infront of my face that I wanted to dance to, I just didn’t care. It took me a couple of listens to really get in to this, but when I ‘got it’, it was a staple of every playlist I made for about five months. I think that the song is about taxidermy which is a bit bizarre, but I ignore that, and happily strut around with lots of glitter around the world and this on full blast.

21. Rise – Flobots
I don’t think this is one many people liked, but there we go. Flobots are like a watered down Rage Against The Machine for this generation. They’re upbeat and in your face and they also have some pretty good lyrics (take note, Cyrus). The simple but inspiring chorus is great, definitely one of the highlights on the album for me. I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys won a couple of awards over he next few years for the album (2009 NOTE: they did not).

20. Body Crash – Buy Now

The non-event of this release is one of the most bizarre events of 2008, or indeed the entire millenium if you ask me. This should have been absolutely massive; I don’t know what happened to it. It is absolutely fucking awesome, and would have/should have been appreciated by two massive social groups I am friends with.
Group A – The boring Eurovision fans who just love everything that comes out of Sweden, even if it is dire. I have been reliably informed that the artist (or 50% of, I’m not sure on this) is Swedish, therefore they should have loved it.
Group B – The boring dance music fans. Apparently this is house music. I don’t know what house music is; the dance lot confuse the hell out of me, and I have probably commited the biggest musical faux-pas since Kelly Clarkson released My December, but there we go. Anyway it is fucking amazing and that is all you need to know.

19. Stop And Stare – OneRepublic
Yes, I am well aware of how embarassing this admission is. I’m not sure if it is still as socially unacceptable to dislike Ryan Tedder post Bleeding Love and Halo, but whatever. This song is proper Radio 2 fodder, but for some reason, I really like it. I think it is less about the song, and more the fact that I heard it a lot at a certain period of the year which was good and holds some nice memories for me, but this is not a relevant side-gambit. Incidentally, I listened to the whole OneRepublic album last night, and the singles and one other song aside, what a dreary load of shit. Talk about knowing your audience.

18. I Thought It Was Over – The Feeling
This was another good pop song, my favourite moment being the bit with spazzy synths after the “DOES ANYBODY KNOOOOOOOOW?” bit. I seem to remember this was always on the radio at the start of last year, and I went and bought the album on the back of this song. Big mistake. It was terrible, and I only ever listen to this song. Damn you, The Music Industry reeling me in with your great first singles, then trapping me into buying a shit album. Oh well. (2009 NOTE: I have not listened to anything by the Feeling off my own back for the last 12 months. Forgive me.)

17. Up – The Saturdays
As much as I wanted to hate them for their terrible promo campaign before we had even got any music at all, this is a great song. There’s not much to say, it’s catchy, it’s singable and everyone seems to know it. I might add that I didn’t rate If This Is Love, and I also really don’t like Issues. Their generic b&w artwork with coloured lenses is really irking me too, but this is meant to be a list of positivity, not me complaining about everything I don’t like about them.

16. Sensual Seduction – Snoop Dogg
I don’t know why I like this song. This kind of generic top 40 r’n’b usually is the genre that makes me weep for our generation. I really love the Robyn remix of this too, I think it was a crying shame it was not released properly (2009 NOTE: Apparently it was. Hello journalism degree). I like the video for this too, tongue-in cheek music videos are always an easy way to earn points with me. Though it is a pointscore you will have to scout for yourself as I’m not embedding the video on here.

15. A&E – Goldfrapp
I really loved this song. Really, really loved it. The album was great, but this was one of the best from it. It is one of the saddest songs I have ever heard, and it is definitely one I have to avoid when I am feeling a little bit sad because it’s one of those songs which can push you from mild sadness into full blown depression. But that shouldn’t distract from the main point that it is a wonderful song, and if you haven’t heard it you absolutely must.

14. One Month Off – Bloc Party
This is my favourite choon from Intimacy by far. I also quite enjoyed Mercury, but the 12” remix of that was better, and I am not including that on this list because it was a b side or something, so this long and boring explanation means that One Month Off was always going to win at the end of the day. It is no Flux, that is for certain, but Kele may never better that beast of a song.

13. Behind The Sea – Panic At The Disco
Not many people liked this album, and I can understand why. Ze boys got a slight whiff of fame, took waaaay too many drugs, and found themselves holed up in Abbey Road. What is the next logical step? Make an album that sounds a bit like something the Beatles might do in 2008! Idiots. I’m the first to say that this album doesn’t have the sparkle that the first did, but this song does save it somewhat. I can’t work out what in the name of fuck it is about, but it’s probably something to do with LSD. My love for the Urie knows no limits.

12. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Incredibly, I had not heard this song or any variation on it prior to hearing Adele doing it in the Live Lounge a few weeks ago, and I fell in love. It is one of the most perfect love songs I have ever heard in my life, if not then the most perfect. I have done some research on the original by Dylan and subsequent covers but nothing really matches up to this at all. I love it, love it, love it. The arrangement is so simple, and it just adds to the atmosphere of the song, and makes it even more wonderful. She might not live up to this kind of beauty with her original stuff, but it doesn’t matter now we’ve got this out of her. Bye Adele!

11. Propane Nightmares – Pendulum
I’m sure many people will know this one, it did pretty well last year. I have still not tired of it. I found the whole album to be a bit samey, but this is just Laura heaven. They are Australian, it’s bass heavy, it has synths, fantastique drumming, and did I mention they were Australian? I will be listening to this for years to come for sure (2009 NOTE: I still am, hurray).

10. Megalomania (Live @ RAH) – Muse
Okay, so this wasn’t released last year, but the gig was in April and it was without a doubt one of the most special nights of my life. Seeing my favourite band in one of the best music venues in the world…I’m never going to forget it. With the massive organ there, fans were speculating for weeks as to whether we’d get Megalomania at all, but as the night went on and it didn’t surface, I lost hope that we were. Then after the encore…BAM! It was one of the high points musically for me last year. It’s never going to happen again, and I am so thankful that I was there. Literally amazing.

09. Please Don’t Leave Me – Pink
Some people have called this Who Knew pt II, but I don’t see the link at all. I think this is by far one of the best songs she has ever done. The whole album documenting her breakup with Cary Hart is so beautifully done – I’m sure some situations were exaggerated for the benefit of the album (I am sure she didn’t literally burn her house down, for example), but it is all so heartfelt and you almost feel like you were given access to the pair throughout the breakup.

08. 42 – Coldplay
I genuinely don’t get why more people don’t hear the genius that I hear in this song. It is one of my favourites on VLVODAAHF. It’s one of those Queen-esque songs that has lots of different little melodies to it, and lots of piano and Chris Martin who I love so much that it hurts a little bit. He is a very talented man, and he is a bit like a friend of mine I think in the respect that a lot of people don’t get his comedy, and just think he is a bit of a prick until they actually sit down and talk to him and realise that everything he says is said with a wry smile. You have to be of a certain finesse to get the pair of them I think. I am giving the impression Chris Martin and I are best friends here – alas, we are not.

07. Homecoming – Kanye West (feat. Chris Martin)
My most favourite Kanye moment ever. Chris Martin always adds a sparkle to anything he touches and this is no exception. I do like Kanye doing collaborations, I know I am on my own on this one but I just don’t love his solo stuff as much. I really liked Flashing Lights with Dwele also, but this pipped it to the post. I blame Chris Martin (I LOVE YOU CHRIS MARTIN). I have become a fan of Kanye’s absolute lunacy over the last year too – his CAPS FILLED BLOG RANTS are one of the best parts of the week. I actually read his blog yesterday where he was calling Lady Gaga ‘act of 2009’ as if no one had ever heard of her and it was his own discovery. He is kind of like the black American Jo Whiley.

06. In My Arms – Kylie Minogue
This song is another one of those which, if it comes on my iPod when I am in a public place, I will skip along to wherever I am going, blissfully ignorant of everyone else in the world. I really start stomping around when it comes on, and it is guaranteed to raise my mood tenfold. I don’t know what hand Kylie had in writing it, but whoever it is is a fucking genius (2009 NOTE: I think it was Calvin Harris). It’s amazing. The lyrics are feisty, almost arrogant, and I just love it to bits. I quite happily listen to it on repeat for hours.

05. Nude – Radiohead
This is one song which had one of the biggest hypes prior to release ever I should imagine. The original version was written in the OK Computer sessions in 1997, but the band never released it up until this point because they couldn’t get the arrangement quite right. I’m not sure what it sounded like to start, but it was definitely worth the 11 year (!) wait. I’d go as far as putting it in my top 5 Radiohead songs ever. It’s gorgeous, and if you haven’t heard it, listen listen listen.

04. Phonography – Britney Spears
WHY is this a bonus track. WHY? I don’t get it. It is one of the best songs on Circus. How did NO ONE at Sony hear this and think “Gosh, you know what, this would be better than that My Baby drivel, let’s put it on there and release it as a single with a video where we put Britney in some kind of scenario where she is stalking someone with a bluetooth phone. But making it sexy and not sinister. This would be the best idea we’ve ever had and would make us all a lot of money and add to the case that Britney Spears is better than Madonna”. Someone needs to be fired for not making that call.

03. Kids – MGMT
This is one of those songs that makes an art form of simple lyrics paired off with a really fucking catchy hook. I’d love to see MGMT live at some point, I imagine they would be great in a stuffy little venue where everyone is really out of it and dancing like twats in a cage on acid. The PSB remix which isn’t being released officially canes the Soulwax remix into the ground. Go and listen. It gets really epic at about the three minute mark if you can’t be arsed to listen to the whole thing.

02. A Dustland Fairytale – The Killers
Another one of those songs which I heard for the first time and I just fell in love. This is potentially one of the best songs they have ever done – it isn’t in the same arena as all of the other songs in their back catalogue. Some of those are fantastic and will be remembered forever but this is totally in a league of its own. I don’t know why but I don’t want to see this released as a single. I guess I am kind of protective of it and if it was released and didn’t do well, I’d have some kind of Britney-esque breakdown which would culminate in me being sectioned after purchasing the single 20,000 times on iTunes (forgetting that 19,998 of these wouldn’t officially count in the charts until after I bought them, then attacking Steve Jobs and the entire line up of the OCC in a murderous rage) (2009 NOTE: It was released, it didn’t do well, and I was very sad, but no one died and I was not sectioned). For the love of all that is holy, Island please do not release it. I don’t think any justice can ever be fully done with this masterpiece.

01. Come On Girl – Taio Cruz feat. Luciana)
HEY! This song is definitely in my all time favourite songs list, I will never ever stop loving it. It’s just so good -  one of the songs that you can put on and I will dance and sing my heart out like there is no one watching. It’s another song which is made by some superamazing synth action in the background, and a pretty sassy cameo from Luciana just finishes it off perfectly. I was well disappointed nothing else on the album was up to this standard, but I guess that makes this even more special or something. I seriously doubt Taio will ever make a song this good again but when he has just made #1 in my chart, I doubt he gives a crap about anything else in the world, he can die happy now.

YDP brings you Sleigh Bells, the unsigned fast growing sensation out of Brooklyn is playing at Andrew W.K.’s Santos Party House tonight with The Very Best. Kindof like a rock and roll Crystal Castles but instead of video game sounds they stick some intense guitar grooves and fuzz.

Not quite the Sleigh Bells you grew up with

More after the jump…

Their myspace page below:

http://www.myspace.com/sleighbellsmusic

Who would you rather?

Indie Girl

alice glass

Playlist

• The New Pornographers
• Yeah Yeah Yeah
• Crystal Castles
• Andrew Bird

OR

Metal Chick

metal chick

 Playlist

• Bleeding Through
• Devildriver
• Carcass
• Scar Symmetry

Personally, I would prefer an indie girl as I don’t like my gir l to look tougher than me, so the metal chick can be my best buddy with benefits(*wink). An indie girl would make a good girlfriend as she would have a relatively good taste in music, and so I can talk to her all day about music without getting bored. She would then send me a compilation CD she mixed herself with great indie tracks in it for me to listen to it all day. I would too return the love by creating a personal CD mix  for her, and this way we can express our love for each other through music. How romantic.

Anyway, if you are wondering I define indie.

Indie girl = Dressing style + (Good)Indie music taste

If you listen to rnb, or hip hop, or whatever pop shit like tranny gaga, your a poseur. Many local girls here in Singapore dress indie but when you look into their MP3s, all you find is garbage. A VERY big turnoff, unless you look like Denise Richards. You can then tell me my music sucks, and still share the same bed as me.

It’s amazing how a new song or a fresh artist can make completely turn your day around. Considering the fact that work blows and so does a lot of music, I’ve compiled a short list of songs, artists, music videos, or albums that will hopefully alleviate some of the wompness that shits on your day. Instead of wowing you with my intellect and describing music with ridiculous adjectives that you don’t have time to look up on dictionary.com, I’ve decided to make it easier for the masses to understand how this music makes you feel through elaborate imagery and ridiculous scenario’s where this music is appropriate. Each week, I will update LeDonFrancois.com with another short list of can’t miss music. Some of the artists I have written about, some I have not, some are well-known, and some are on their way– all have that vibe that will put some jelly in your doughnut.

1. Artist: Washed Out-   The subject of much recent buzz locally and nationally, Washed Out is taking feel good music to the next level. Washed Out seemingly transcends reality and engages the listener with hypnotic melodies, intoxicating vocals, and catchy eighties-esque beats that music lovers of any genre will enjoy. Instead of skipping from song to song when listening to an album, I find myself listening to Washed Out’s music all the way through, and many times taking it back to the top when the music stops. Being featured in Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and the New York Times, Washed Out certainly has not wasted any time gaining the spotlight.

How it makes me feel: Like I’m a fucking baller sitting on a beach in Belize with an 80’s, blonde flat-top while I pay 5 cents per cerveza to the nicest old waiter who tells funny jokes. There’s a beautiful broad that looks like shes from the future sitting next to me and she just keeps on telling me I’m awesome. There are some other people there, I like them, and they’re all groovin. Iguanas and shit. Win.

I don’t know what the f is going on but my myspace links aren’t working so go to www.myspace.com/thebabeinthewoods to listen to Washed Out

2. Album: “Manners” by Passion Pit- Soulful and passionate music that makes you want to dance like you are good at it and hug people instead of getting all emo and talking about feelings. Passion Pit is on absolute fire. Taking the United States and Europe by storm with their new album “Manners”, Michael Angelakos and his bandmates have experienced a meteoric rise over the past year. Their sound is like crack and their live performance is one of the best I’ve ever witnessed. If you’re not on the Passion Pit train, jump on it and ride because these guys are going straight to the top. Woop woop. I listen to this album pretty much daily when I get done with a long day of hard work. Windows down. Epic.

How it makes me feel: Like I’m walking down the street at a fast pace with a smile on my face and everyone I pass by is feeling the same way and “Manners” is playing as the background music (aka soundtrack). Everyone I pass I shoot them the guns (Zoolander style) and say “Yeah!” and they shoot them back and say “Alright!” and one of us does a spin move and we both keep on walking towards the next smiling face. Heavy bass in harmony with my footsteps. Euphoric.

Listen at www.myspace.com/passionpitjams

3. Song: “Feel Good” by Pricless the Kid- Stealing this track off his upcoming mixtape for Diamond Supply Co. called “Diamond Life”. Price was holding this banger for the tape but like all good music, it leaked so he went ahead and gave it to the public on the free free. “Feel Good” is a smash that PTK did with T-Pains newest artist, Doe Boy, and the ever-so-talented producers Ashanti “The Mad Violinist” Floyd and Chris Morgan. This track is one to get down to. Not only is the beat on point, but they lyrics make you want to live your life like it’s a weekend.

How it makes me feel: Like I’m on a big ol yacht with an ascot, white oxford with my initials on the sleeve, a navy blazer, and an ever-so-necessary captains hat on while I have a bunch of pretty ladies sitting there basking in the sun rolling me up government issues. A good looking Puerto Rican beauty asks me how I take my mojito. I tell her to make it how I like it dadgummit, and she just does it. I feel like I’m the man, and apparently I am, considering the yacht and the amazing women rolling up funky.

Listen to “Feel Good” by Priceless the Kid

4. Song/Music Video: “99Luft Balons” by Nena (German version)- Although I don’t understand one word of this song, it’s one of my all-time favorites. This 80’s video is a prime example of what some big hair, a funky beat, and a little cocaine can do for the music industry. Who needs to know what the lyrics actually mean when the song is this good? This is one of those tracks where if I tried to describe it, you would have no fucking clue what song I’m talking about, but once the beat started bumping you’d say “Oh, yaaaaaaa! I know this jam.” Don’t waste your time downloading the American version. The German version is significantly yachtier and makes you feel cultured at the same time. I love the way Nena is looking at me when the video starts, I don’t know what shes saying but I’m going to go ahead and assume that it’s very sexual and directed towards me. The video is extremely weird but the song is epic and Nena is one bangin Germ. This was our soundtrack to this past weekend in Nashville so you can imagine how stellar my weekend was. Having a song stuck in your head is one thing, and having one stuck in your head that you don’t speak or understand is just a doozie.

How it makes me feel: Like I’m in a discoteca in Prague on my birthday and there are people from all over the world in one big rager den of a club and some bastard dosed be with the best ecstasy in Europe. I’m doing the running man as fast as I can and having an intense competition with myself and look up to find the entire club doing the running man at the same pace as me. All these goofy European fucks have a clueless smile on their face and are looking at me with that blank Idontspeakyourlanguage-smile where they don’t really understand what is going on but they’re doing it just because they think they’re supposed to. Then, out of nowhere, the song slows down dramatically and Kelly Kapowski comes walking towards me through a cloud of smoke singing the words in German. I tell her I love her, she says something in German that I don’t understand, we kiss, and then the beat starts raging and the running man continues.

5. Album: “Crystal Castles” by Crystal Castles- Crystal Castles is an experimental electronic music band from the province of Ontario consisting of producer Ethan Kath and vocalist Alice Glass that redefine the word intense. Although well-known throughout the rest of the country and Europe, Atlanta seems to be runt of the litter when it comes to adapting to and discovering new music. Originally, it was just producer Ethan Kath but after witnessing Alice Glass perform a live show with her punk band, he quickly decided she was the missing ingredient to his music and they started recording together. Kath’s intricate beats are sometimes soothing and sometimes chaotic, but blend well with Glass’s distinct vocals to create a vibe that is rarely found in most electronic music. Just an example of how hard this duo throws down, one of  Crystal Castles shows in Los Angeles this summer was shut down by the riot police because of safety precautions. Sounds like a party to me.

How it makes me feel: Like I’m at a hipster rave in an underground music club and all the people’s eyes have gone black (True Blood style) and are in trance of raging unlike anything I’ve ever seen. All the humans there look like robots and all the characters from Mario Kart 64 are at the party. Wario starts a moshpit. Every time people bump into each other the “ching” from Mario on Nintendo sound resonates. Luigi is breakdancing and spinning on his head while Yoshi is bouncing around like crazy and is more jacked up on boog shug than Chevy Chase in Caddyshack. I walk out of the club at 6am and the Batmobile is there waiting to give me a ride home. Digital and bombastic. Trippy.

Listen at www.myspace.com/crystalcastles

All of these artists are available on iTunes. Go get yourself some good music.

you all know i’ve been thinking a lot about the future of publishing, future of the book, blah blah blah.

enter publication studio (in Portland) (of course)(mnnneeeeeeahhhh).

check it out:

image from their tumblr here.

good lord j.c. i hope things like this can fly.

from their page:

“Publication Studio is a laboratory for publication in its fullest sense—not just the production of books, but the production of a public who cares about them. This public, which is more than a market, is created through deliberate acts: the production and circulation of texts; discussions and gatherings in physical space; and the maintenance of a related digital commons. Together these construct a common space of conversation, a public space, which beckons a public into being. This is publication in its fullest sense.”

Especially for tonight Chef presents a moody paranoid playlist. Chef’s Hiss!

The Killing Spree – Chromatics

Stars & Houses – Glasscandy

God Will Break It All – Krikor

Courtship Dating – Crystal Castles

Heads Will Roll (Tommie Sunshine mix) – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

E.S.T. – White Lies

Also Frightened – Animal Collective

Do The Right Thing – Metronomy

Carnt Sleep (Foxbase Beta mix) – Saint Etienne

Night Drive – Chromatics

Blue Ridge Mountains – Fleet Foxes

Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime – The Field

Chris – Pat Metheny Group