BIO!
++++ Leanda
is a writer based in Toronto. For the past 13 years she has hosted & produced music radio shows, managed bands & worked in online music PR. She now runs this music site & also writes for a
number of music & culture magazines, Blogs and websites, including the 'Asthmatic Kitty' Sidebar blog.CONTACT:
JOIN:
WHITE'S MPFREE LINKS!
"Here are a list of my fave songs that I've heard this week , could be new, could be old, but always in the fold. Don't think, just listen. These are not genre based, they are just good songs (According to the genius that is me!)." - M.WP.s - "Okay, I have to be honest, this week is not the best week to start with the MPFREES, it was hard to pick a fifth song ... the Caribou track makes up for it ..."++++++++++
"Odessa" - Caribou ***TRACK OF THE WEEK***I SAY: "Caribou's dancy bossa pop and soft whispery vocals make life worth living. As everyone has said already, Erlend Oye meets Junior Boys ... two of my favourites"OTHER: MYSPACE | WEBSITE++++
"Drum Babylon" - Mux MoolLINK: SqueegieI SAY: "Like most rap influenced break beat dance songs, this gets repetitive. The first minute is heaven ... then it doesn't change ... check out the free EP below..."
"Lawn Knives" - Gobble GobbleLINK: White Guys With BeardsI SAY: "Glitchy overly lo-fi pop with heavy bass and indie vocals .. try to wrap your head around it, yeah it's pretty good ... snip snip snip"OTHER: MYSPACE++++
"Jump In The Air (Stay There)" - Erykah Badu F/ Lil' Wayne & BilalLINK: cubikmusikI SAY: "The beat feels tired but Lil' Wayne picks his tracks wisely and is in good form, plus, it's hard not to get lost in Erykah's voice"++++
"The Book Is Closed" - Magic BulletsLINK: Kata RokkarI SAY: "It's kind of melodramatic pop with an upbeat tempo at its heart"OTHER: MYSPACEMedia Player
FAVE! LINK!
Bloggertronix
REVIEWS & MPFREES - AKIDO'S 'GAMECHANGER', BEARCRAFT'S 'YESTREEN', DNTEL'S 'EARLY WORKS, LATER VERSIONS', FREDERIK TEIGE'S 'WHAT IS NEW?' & PUSSYFOOT PODCAST'S 'SUMMER MIXTAPE'
AKIDO - 'GAMECHANGER'
aKIDO - 'Paper Chase' by Bloggertronix-downloads
Bearcraft - Hero Man Gets To The Castle by Cannonball_PR
CASUALS- DNTEL (Thaddeus-Valk-Framerate-mix) by Bloggertronix-downloads
Frederik Teige (OF EFTERKLANG) - 'What is New?' DEBUT SINGLE by Frederik Teige
In the summer of 2007 Montreal based aKido (Kim Gaboury) released an album called 'Blink ', it became one of my fave records that year, warm electronic sounds and smooth beats, wrestled with intruding drum and bass noises, as liquid honey vocals on a number of the tracks brought everything together nicely, eight wonderfully solid electronic tunes...future music!
That was 3 years ago, since his first release aKido has done a handful of remixes, and as of Monday August 2nd dropped his 3rd album 'Gamechanger'.
I was so excited to hear this release, I couldn't wait and I'm happy to say I was't disappointed!
aKido is Canada's answer to US and UK based artists of a similar vein, like Tycho & Jon Hopkins, he makes brightly colored, richly textured, truly beautiful electronic music, music that consistently pushes forward...future thinkers creating tomorrows music today .
'Gamechanger' successfully melds a number of sounds; on the song 'Radium Girls', the album's first single, indie-rock beats and electronic tinkles and blips, are supported by some arresting atmospheric, silky, and super decadent vocals (Joyce Vallus).
If you're looking for something a little more wonky, be sure to check out the track 'Paper Chase', I am addicted to this joint!
There are ten tracks on the record, each diverse in vibe and yet undeniably aKido...If you are an electronic music fan worth your salt, you should check out 'Gamechanger'. The album is available for digital download, and will also be available August 18th in cd format with a four page booklet, featuring some stunning artwork by Russian digital artist Evgeny Kiselev.
aKIDO - 'PAPER CHASE'
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BEARCRAFT - 'YESTREEN'
We interviewed Bearcraft in London last fall, and at that time Dicky a.k.a - Bearcraft was talking about working on a full length album. Finally, nearly a year later, his beautiful, shiny new baby, 'Yestreen', is to be released out into the world.
Straight off the bat with the first song 'Omega Point' those listening to 'Yestreen' will be catapulted into a world of programmed beats, snappy hooks and sing-a-long choruses.
The album is home to a poppy collection of synthesizer laden tracks, the 80's influence is undeniable, and the upbeat vibes will have you bopping away in no time!
I really love the track 'Hero Man Gets to The Castle' which just so happens to be the track available for free download below!
The album will be out August 16th, be sure to check it out...and until then check the above links for more free downloads and streaming tunes.
BEARCRAFT - 'HERO MAN GETS TO THE CASTLE':
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DNTEL - 'EARLY WORKS, LATER VERSIONS'
This four track 'Early works, later versions' EP dropped a few months ago on Phthalo Records. The label asked musicians who mentioned that they were influenced by Jimmy Tamborello's music under the handle DNTEL, to create their own versions, remixes and variations of songs from the 2009 release 'Early Works For Me...', the result is a limited 12'' record and digital download EP.
One of the tracks that stands out for me is Thaddeus Valk's 90's synth effected rework of 'Casuals'...Check the free download link below and be sure to grab the rest of the EP - HERE!
DNTEL - CASUALS (Thaddeus-Valk-Framerate Mix)
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FREDERIK TEIGE - 'WHAT IS NEW?'
Introducing the debut single release from Denmark's Frederik Teige, entitled 'What is New?'
Released earlier this week on 'Bad Panda Records', this song is upbeat, feisty and leaves you wanting more.
Teige has spent the last few years touring with Copenhagen based Efterklang playing guitar and singing. He has traveled all over the world, and when he's not touring he can be found working on solo material with his band.
Word is, he's set to release a second single in tandem with a remix by Toronto based producer Vangel, there's also an EP coming at the end of October...lots of goodies!
We'll keep you posted but till then you can check out a nifty interview with the man himself and download the new single for free - HERE!
FREDERIK TEIGE - 'WHAT IS NEW?'
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PUSSYFOOT PODCAST - 'SUMMER MIXTAPE'
This month the show is all about music. Usually the lads do interviews and such, but the summer mixtape is all about tunes!
Straight from LA....Matt & Matt bring you quality radio....good music....fun banter, oh....and there's also a nifty and most humorous 'Inception' Movie review from Blake, Leonardo Dicaprio's greatest fan ever...whoo-hoo!
What are you waiting for? stream/download now!
VIDEOS - NORMAN PALM, HIATUS, BABE RAINBOW, MAX & LAURA BRAUN, MAN LIKE ME!
NORMAN PALM - 'EASY':
We've been a big supporter of Norman palm for a few years (Check the second interview we did with him in Berlin last year), and finally he's starting to get the attention he rightly deserves.
Palm recently signed to City Slang and released his second album 'Shore to Shore'. It's a wonderful folky-pop record, crammed with sweet songs and Palm's signature calming vocals.
This video is for the song 'Easy', and was created by one of Norman's friends from Art school, Frank Hoehne. Frank has never created a music video before, but you wouldn't know it...this illustrated piece is a beaut!
Norman will be playing a handful of shows in Germany this fall...check out his space for more details.
VIDEO -
Norman Palm - Easy from norman palm on Vimeo.
BUY ALBUM - 'Shore to Shore'
STREAM -
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BABE RAINBOW - 'COMBED':
Recently signed to the mighty Warp Records, Vancouver's Cameron Reed is a creative force to be reckoned with. Not only does he produce some otherworldly, electronic music under the handle Babe Rainbow, a sound he describes as Surf-step, he also understands the importance as an artist of video, of using the medium to support your music in unique and interesting ways, check out the above link to his site to view a series of dark and visually arresting videos.
The following video is for the song 'Combed', taken from the Shaved EP released earlier this year.
Fuzzy and weird as all helll, love it!
VIDEO:
BUY: SHAVED EP
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HIATUS - 'NOBODY':
I don't really know much about this lad. We do know that he's based in London, and creates gentle, melodic electronic music that appeals to our ears a lot!
The following video is old, and dropped officially about 2 years ago. Its for the song 'NOBODY' and was directed by UK film maker Paul Stevenson, its a pretty sharp video, based on an interesting concept.
Pretty little song to boot!
VIDEO:
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MAX & LAURAN BRAUN - 'HAT':
Max and Laura are a brother and sister duo, who live in different countries, but have managed to forge a strong bond by creating some lovely music together. Max lives in Germany and Laura in London, and in 2008 they took some time, and headed out to one of their favorite places in England, the Dorset countryside. Whilst there they recorded the songs that now find at home on their debut full length aptly called 'The Dorset Songs'.
These two are great to listen to of a warm summers evening with a glass of wine, when you've time to spare and need to wind down.
Laura's voice is silky smooth like a softer version of Galia of the UK's PSAPP, it suits Max's classical acoustic guitar picking styles perfectly...
The following video is for the song 'Hat, which was the first single from the debut full length. It was created by Stuttgart based director Michael Fragstein, Love this fella's work!
Watch...then buy the album.
VIDEO:
HAT, MAX & LAURA BRAUN from Michael Fragstein on Vimeo.
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MAN LIKE ME - 'LOVESTUCK':
Johnny and his band of mad music makers are always coming out with something fresh, cheeky and basically a whole lot of fun.
I saw him play in Archway, London a few years ago, outside the location was grim, drunks and crack-heads aplenty, but inside the energy was amazing. As soon as his set started he was the bouncing around the stage, blowing whistles and dancing all over the shop, belting out the positive tunes, often featuring humorous lyrics and spreading good cheer all over.
This video is for his latest single Lovestruck taken from the EP of the same name, it's bright, it's un-abashedly British, and directed by Rollo Jackson, who has also directed videos for Hot Chip, Speech Debelle and Everything Everything....Enjoy!
VIDEO:
BUY: LOVESTRUCK EP
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BLOGGERTRONIX MIX - VOL.8
Bloggertronix Summer Mix - Vol.8 -
A cool, dark & deep mix for you to listen to on those intense hot summer evenings (or "on the way to Nara, on the train, through mist in the mountains" like one of my mates in Japan has chosen to do)....
Enjoy!
Oh! Be sure to check the links below, to find out more about the featured artists and DJ's.
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TRACKLIST:
Cillo - White Noise Pt.II 1
Hot Chip & Bonnie Prince Billy - I Feel Bonnie (Club Version) 2
Derek Howell - Stride (Blue Brain Remix) 3
Natalia Clavier - Cantata (Son Of Kick Remix) 4
Todor Kobakov - North Train 5
Lorn - Tomorrow 6
Ekiti Son & Jehn Cerron - Last Train (Pablo Slam Remix) 7
Goldilocks - Addict (Cillo Remix) 9
Lokid - Mia - Paper Finger 10
Esser - Headlock (Midnight Conspiracy Remix) 12
Marc Blanchard - Veleda 13
The Invisible - London Girl (Hot Chip's Joe Remix) 14
Frederik Teige - Where Most Of Us Would Leave (Unreleased) 15
Tidy Kid - Berlin 08 16
Egyptrixx - The Way Up (Cubic Zirconia Remix) 17
Pau Y Amigos - El Bar De Peter Pan 19
Childe Grangier - 02 Df 20
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MPFREE HOOK-UPS: PORTFORMAT - COMFORT FIT RMX, NAUTILUSS - NAUTIMIX, CFCF - NACHO LOVERS RMX, SADDET REMIX COMPILATION, DAN LE SAC VS. SCROOBIUS PIP RUN RIOT RMX, JENS LEKMAN 3/4 SUMMER MIX
MPFREE'S AND MIXES ABOUND OH MY!
Portformat (aka Ibrahima M’Bodji) is a Senegalese electronic music producer based in Southern Germany. He's released a number of singles on Tokyo Dawn Records, but this is his debut full length release on the boutique imprint, and a super lovely one it is indeed.
Warm beats, funky, organic vibes, flow through smooth electronic tones, throw in some sweet, rich female vocals and slick guest MCs you have a super solid debut.
This Free download of the track 'Mothership' remixed by Comfort Fit is a perfect introduction to this artists sound...check it then cop your copy of the full length below!
BUY:
Originally the producer of Thunderheist, Graham Zilla a.k.a - Nautiluss is moving rapidly towards something bigger, better and a hell of a lot deeper.
There was a time and place for the bubble-glitch, electro-pop music of his last project, but the man is maturing and his new offerings are a testament to the old adage practice makes perfect, really his new tunes are pretty nice. You can check out a few remixes on his soundcloud page (download Bonjay's 'Gimme Gimme'...class stuff) and ear a few originals too (sadly these are not available for download).
Here's his summer mix...featuring a cast of the usual suspects...very nice indeed.
NAUTILUSS - SUMMER MIX: NAUTIMIX 001
Tracklist:
XX - VCR (Matthew Dear remix) [Young Turks]
FaltyDL - Discoko [Rush Hour]
Yes Giantess - Ruins (Lovers and Gamblers remix) [CDR]
Tensnake - Holding back (my love) [Running back]
Shit Robot - I got a feeling [DFA]
CFCF - Come Closer (Nacho Lovers remix) [Paper Bag]
Omar - Feeling you ft. Stevie (Henrik Schwartz Remix) [CDR]
Siriusmo - Discosau [Grand Petrol]
Breakbot - Baby I'm yours feat. IRFANE [Ed Banger]
Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work (The Twelves Remix)
Ray Mang - Bulletproof ft. Lady Miss Kier [DFA]
Roxy Music - Love is a drug (Greg Wilson Edit) [ATCO]
Summer in 3/4 Time Mix by Jens Lekman by Peter24B
dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip 'Great Britain' (RuN RiOT Remix) - FREE DOWNLOAD by OfficialRuNRiOT
XX - VCR (Matthew Dear remix) [Young Turks]
FaltyDL - Discoko [Rush Hour]
Yes Giantess - Ruins (Lovers and Gamblers remix) [CDR]
Tensnake - Holding back (my love) [Running back]
Shit Robot - I got a feeling [DFA]
CFCF - Come Closer (Nacho Lovers remix) [Paper Bag]
Omar - Feeling you ft. Stevie (Henrik Schwartz Remix) [CDR]
Siriusmo - Discosau [Grand Petrol]
Breakbot - Baby I'm yours feat. IRFANE [Ed Banger]
Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work (The Twelves Remix)
Ray Mang - Bulletproof ft. Lady Miss Kier [DFA]
Roxy Music - Love is a drug (Greg Wilson Edit) [ATCO]
BONUS!!
Toronto's Nacho Lovers remix of CFCF's 'Come Closer' in the mix...Download the track for free - HERE!
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Saddet
Saddet created a pretty nifty track called 'Groceries', a catchy, yet simple electro-pop joint with an eerie vocal track, he then asked producers worldwide via his soundcloud profile to remix the track, the result is this gem of a release, 'Groceries Remixes' which features 11 delicious versions of the original.
Really, check this out....It's amazing to hear what different producers can do with one set of stems.
Now Saddet is moving on to his next project entitled 'Fear'. The competition deadline is July 15th, aspiring producers get on it!
DOWNLOAD -
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JENS LEKMAN - 'SUMMER IN 3/4 TIME' MIX:
We interviewed Jens Lekman on the Radio show about 4 years ago (About the Music - CIUT 89.5FM), he was polite, humble and sweet, and had a sharp sense of humor, his music is a true reflection of his personality with it's whimsical guitar, strings and smooth deep, syrupy vocals. In a short amount of time this Swedish sweetie had a large following and was touring the world in support of the album 'when I said I wanted to be your dog'. Since then he's dropped a number of releases on 'Secretly Canadian'.
A few days ago he released a gorgeous Summer mix that pops off with a new remix for the song 'Shadows' which he created for Au Revoir Simone's album 'Still Night, Still Light'. The beauty of this mix is that all songs are in the 3/4 time signature, and he managed to do this whilst also including music from a number of genres...The final mix is really quite wonderful.
"While making the remix, my mind started working in 3/4 and 6/8 time. I started looking around for tracks in that time signature to make a mix, I wasn't intending to but I couldn't help it. It was all a big swirl. After a while I heard it everywhere. In soul ballads, in polyrhythmical african pop, in old movies. In the ocean waves tumbling in against the shore, in the beat of a lovers heart. One two three, one two three..." - JENS LEKMAN
'SUMMER IN 3/4 TIME MIX' - JENS LEKMAN:
Tracklist:
-Au Revoir Simone - Shadows (Jens Lekman’s remix)
-Barbara Mason - Oh How It Hurts
-Thomas Mapfumo - Madiro
-The Morning Benders - Excuses
-Dialogue from Gregory’s Girl (1981)
-Chad & Jeremy - Everyone’s Gone To The Moon
-Music and dialogue from Day Of The Locust (1975)
-Eggstone - Birds In Cages
-Pete Drake - Forever
-Armando Mantovani - Around the World
-Dialogue from Puberty Blues (1981)
-Jane Morgan & the Troubadours - Fascination
-Armando Trovajoli - L’Amore Dice Ciao
-Sharon O’Neill - Puberty Blues
-Like A Sleepy Blue Ocean (remix of John Denver’s “Annie’s Song”)
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Dan Le Sac Vs. Scroobius - 'Great Britain' (RUN RIOT REMIX):
I was just sent this Run Riot version of Dan Le Sac Vs. Scroobius Pip's 'Great Britain', it didn't win their recent remix competition (Vienna's Mozza was the winner), but it's a pretty sharp version. It's fresh, club ready, and less housey than the winning remix, it's also stuffed chocka-block with some seriously gritty breaks and beats, oh and there's a super deadly, nicely driven break in the middle...Check it!
Dan Le Sac Vs. Scroobius Pip - 'Great Britain' (Run Riot Rmx):
BONUS!!
The latest video for Dan Le Sac Vs. Scroobius' 'Sick Tonight' taken from the latest Double A-side release 'Sick Tonight/Great Britain' - BUY HERE!
Whilst you're at it you can nab your copy of the lad's most recent full length 'The Logic Of Chance', which features some truly brilliant bass heavy production, and more of scroobius' signature brain poking lyrics - HERE!
This beauty was directed by one of Bloggertronix fave directors David Fischel ...Brilliant stuff!
DAN LE SAC VS. SCROOBIUS PIP - 'SICK TONIGHT':
MPFREES FOR THE WEEKEND! - BEANS + VANGEL, BY DIVINE RIGHT, WU LYF, NO SURRENDER, MC COPPA & TIDY KID!
LINKS TO SOME SUPER TASTY MPFREES...
there's too many mcs, and not enough listeners" Beans - "Crave" (Vangel Remix) by vangel
Wu Lyf - Heavy Pop by Bloggertronix-downloads
No Surrender - Godda Get It (prod. Radioclit) by Bloggertronix-downloads
START YOUR WEEKEND RIGHT WITH; BEANS + VANGEL, BY DIVINE RIGHT,
WU LYF, NO SURRENDER, MC COPPA & TIDY KID!
BEANS 'CRAVE' (REMIX BY VANGEL):
I was so excited to hear Toronto producer Vangel's remix of the older Bean's track 'Crave'. I've been a fan of Mr. Ball Beam a.k.a - Beans for many years and this remix is brilliant, it reminded me of how much I used to dig the New York based MC.
Vangel is a versatile producer, his sounds flit from hip hop beats, to Jazz, to funky vibes, he's also a sampling fiend, and pretty much everything he remixes leaves me forgetting that the original track ever existed.
I think I'm just going to post the intro to the remix written by Vangel himself, because it's that great!
It's called untimely to release a remix long after a song is released.
It's called pertinent when words resonate, long after you initially encounter them - VANGEL
"A deeper sense is what the Listeners Crave,
there's too many mcs, and not enough listeners" - BEANS - 'CRAVE'.
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BY DIVINE RIGHT:
Toronto based 'By Divine Right' are the real deal...I wasn't surprised to hear that they have been together for 20 years.
When I first moved to Canada in my late teens, I remember seeing them play and totally being enamored by their passionate front man Jose Miguel Contreras. I had their tunes on cassette tapes recorded for me by friends. They were part of the original crew of DIY indie-pop musicians in Canada...before internet hype, and the powers of digital media persuasion guided by a small number of writers on big blogs took over. BDR came before all the bands you now know from Canada (Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Feist etc), paving the way, pushing boundaries and making their own rules...Plus they were super fun, friendly and accessible!
Last year the band put out their first record in 5 years. entitled 'Mutant Message', a full length featuring ten great, bold, guitar twangy, psychedelic spiked tracks -
The lads are celebrating 20 years of making music by releasing a free digital single; 'Sierra Tango' & 'The Titty Shaker', on 'Hand Drawn Dracula'.
Get your digital copy plus PDF liner notes - HERE!
BONUS!! -
A trippy new video for the song 'I will hook you up' taken from the bands last record 'Mutant Message', directed by the multi-talented Ben Srokosz, produced by BDR and Spur of the Moment Media.
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WU LYF:
A few months ago 'Said the Gramophone' did a spotlight feature on this mystery band based in Manchester. We know there are four members, we know they're young, fierce and fearless, and we also know that they create some pretty epic, distorted and deep, reverb drenched tunes.
Oh, and their name stands for 'World Unite/Lucifer Youth Foundation', they're getting some interesting attention from music press in the UK, and they sold their debut EP for a whopping £50!
Check the song 'Heavy Pop' here, then head over to their site for a pretty intense, yet beautiful audio and visual adventure...really though...give your self 15 mins and enjoy.
DOWNLOAD - 'HEAVY POP':
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NO SURRENDER:
Brooklyn's No Surrender have been a fave of mine since my radio show days. I was introduced to the lads when they worked on a track with Dub Gabriel,and since then I've been sitting tight waiting for their full length to make an appearance.
It looks like the band are now signed to Zero Killed Music in NYC, and plan to drop their debut LP in the fall. This is the first single from the new album which will be called 'Medicine Babies'. The track was produced by the UK's Radioclit and is a scorcher!
DOWNLOAD - 'GODDA GET IT':
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MC COPPA:
I can 't keep up with all the stuff Coppa gets up to...the MC is originally from the UK but now calls Berlin his home. He's versatile, and does collaborations with many bands from a multitude of genres; one minute he's featured on a hip hop track, the next an electro-rock number.
Coppa has just dropped this nifty free download called 'Devilish Intensions', with Greek producers
For more info on Coppa, hit the above links!
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TIDY KID:
Last month we sang the praises of Australia's Tidy Kid, siting his massive back catalog of free net label EP Releases, and electro-acoustic music wonders as worlds to definitly explore when you have the chance. We wrote about the 'Toxic Feelings' EP that he had just dropped on Umor Rex, now the 6th and last Free EP in the series is up for grabs on US net-label Go Zombie Records.
No exceptions with this release either...weird, wonderful, electronic experimentation with an underlying pop sensibility that is really something special.
Check two tracks taken from the new 'Feeling Toxic' EP, 'Berlin 08' and 'Those Red Paintings' -
DOWNLOAD THE ENTIRE 7 TRACK RELEASE HERE - GO ZOMBIE RECORDS
SUPER RAD VIDEOS! - ERNEST GONZALEZ, THE BRUTE CHORUS, OPEN MIKE EAGLE & MR. SCRUFF
NEW VIDEOS FROM SOME SUPER MUSIC MAKERS!
ERNEST GONZALES - 'DANCING IN THE SNOW':
Here's the latest video from Texas based Ernest Gonzales, a track taken from his debut album/art book. The book is full of 13 illustrations from a number of international artists and is available in soft and hard cover, the CD features 16 remixes and is called 'Been Meaning To Tell You' .
This track called "Dancing in the Snow"...so cute...yes.
BUY:
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THE BRUTE CHORUS - 'Could This Be Love?':
Brilliant, tasty stuff from the UK....These lads are feisty and rock out large...their new single 'Could this be Love?', is a brash, smack-in-the-head-cocky number!
Buy:
Here's the video for it -
The Brute Chorus - Could This Be Love? from XXXVIII on Vimeo.
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MR. SCRUFF - 'Pickled Spider':
Yes, it's old news by bloggers standards...but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's a sharp video!
Madchesters Mr.Scruff joins forces with Kirsty Almeida for this groovey joint...(yes, I said groovy...sue me!)
BUY:
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OPEN MIKE EAGLE - 'I ROCK' :
LA based, Chicago raised MC 'Open Mike Eagle' dropped his debut full length, 'Unapologetic Art Rap', on Mush Records early this year...a smoking collection of tunes featuring sharp intelligent lyrics and wonky beats. Guest on the record abound - Busdriver, Nocando, Serengeti, Alpha MC, and his own crew the swim team....Get it!
BUY:
This video is for all my mates, and all those non-mates, who work 9-5 and still manage to pump out thier tunes, and create thier music week after week, month after month, year after year....I love how you do...Keep up the good fight!
MR. WHITE'S MPFREE PICKS - YOUNG RIVAL, GREGORY PORTER, MOCKY + TAYLOR SAVVY, ANTWERP, EDWARD SHARPE & FOALS!
MR. WHITE'S MPFREE PICKS!
Deadly links to wicked songs by bands, solo artists and DJs from all over the our fine globe. Tracks have been carefully chosen by music-head Mr. White...a fine young fella with a taste for the super eclectic.
"Here are a list of my fave songs that I've heard this week , could be new, could be old, but always in the fold. Don't think, just listen. These are not genre based, they are just good songs (According to the genius that is me!)." - M.W
Deadly links to wicked songs by bands, solo artists and DJs from all over the our fine globe. Tracks have been carefully chosen by music-head Mr. White...a fine young fella with a taste for the super eclectic.
"Here are a list of my fave songs that I've heard this week , could be new, could be old, but always in the fold. Don't think, just listen. These are not genre based, they are just good songs (According to the genius that is me!)." - M.W
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"Ghost In The Park" - Young Rival
LINK: i(heart)music
I SAY: "60s influenced goodness"
OTHER: MySpace
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"Pretty" - Gregory Porter
LINK: Motema Music
I SAY: "A voice to listen for. It takes me back to a time that when I wasn't even alive."
OTHER: MySpace
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"Catch a Moment In Time" - Mocky ft/ Taylor Savvy
LINK: Neonized Magazine
I SAY: "This could of built into a Mocky rap track ... wait, it does. Sounds great don't it?"
OTHER: Website
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"Equinoxe" - Antwerp
LINK: The Mix Tape
I SAY: "I think there are murderous gummi bears coming after me. This is some wonky shit."
OTHER: MySPace
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"I Heard You Were Dead" - The Phantom's Revenge
I SAY: "It's kind of a simple single beat bass disco dance track. BUT, the bass is soooooooo heavy I can't help but hope every club plays this track. The speakers will knock you out of your boots"
OTHER: MySpace
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"Home" - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
LINK: MP3HUGGER
I SAY: "Look past the whistling and listen to the lyrics."
OTHER: MySpace
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BONUS!! -
Links to download 2 brill songs from Oxford's finest....
ALBUM REVIEWS - FACTOR, TADOMA, ROD AZLAN, JOE GALEN
ALBUM REVIEWS FOR SOME SMOKING RELEASES FROM;
Red Raleigh by Tadoma
Rod Azlan by ScionAV
Joe Galen - Persuasion (Back and Forth) by creakedrecords
FACTOR, TADOMA, ROD AZLAN, JOE GALEN!
FACTOR - 'LAWSON GRAHAM':
For over a decade Factor has been producing beats for some pretty top notch MCs including; Awol One, Busdriver, Moka Only, Sole, Aesop and Pigeon John. His latest solo record is an ode to his grandfather (fella gracing the album cover), Lawson Graham.
This album is brilliant, touches on a number of genres (electro-folk, hip hop) and features a whole slew of awesome guests, for example Sole and Radical face who appear on 'Living in a vacuum', a pretty pessimistic tune about having no one on your side, and fighting to stay a float when you've screwed everything up. Then there's Gregory Pepper's soothing, smooth vox on the acoustic guitar driven, earthy roots vibe tune 'Missed the train, and on one of my fave songs from the album, 'More than Love', Kirby Dominant does his thing, over sprightly beats he rhymes about how it takes a whole lot more to make a relationship work then just love...No shit!
Great songs and killer production, worth picking up for sure!
The record was dropped by Fake Four Inc last month, a decidedly progressive label with a DIY mentality that supports some great artist cut from a similar cloth - Cars & Trains, Ceshi and Myka 9 (these guys are all on Lawson Graham too!) and many more....Check them out!
BUY:
BONUS!!
The official video for the album`s Instrumental title track featuring Factor and his dog Pirate. This video was directed by Vancouver, BC based Stuey Kubrick.
Factor - `Lawson Graham`-
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TADOMA - 'FIELD NOTES' :
If you're looking for a band that's offering something truly organic, calm and relaxing, look no further than Philadelphia based 'Tadoma'. Their debut release is over flowing with smooth, warm sounding songs that glide effortlessly into each other.
Field samples (hence the name?), abound on this record; a man's voice hypnotically droning on the first track 'Recovery Operations', a little girl talking eerily about a list of gifts she received on 'Attic Excavation' and 'Continuum' , and the ringing of a bike bell on the beautifully whimsical song 'Red Raleigh'.
If you're tired of over processed beats, jarring electronics and obnoxious vocals, and need something to clear your musical pallet look no further.
The first time I listened to it in it's entirety, I was taking a train across the GTA, speeding by sparce industrial wastelands, car parking lots, and patches of green that became thinner, and thinner as we headed closer to the suburbs. This music is great for traveling, for being quite and reflecting, its simple, and takes you to a calm place that should be explored once in a while.
The album at times feels epic, but still manages to end to soon for my liking (clocking in at under 25mins), this is my only complaint, it leaves you hoping for more.
Get on it lads!
BUY:
TADOMA - 'RED RALEIGH' -
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ROD AZLAN - 'SCION A/V PRESENTS ROD AZLAN' :
Now for something completely different!
I met Rod after interviewing Dubstep producer, and artist Caspa a few months ago. Azlan was supporting Caspa on his North American tour, and I had seen them doing their thing the night before at Torontos Wrong bar.
He was such a high energy performer, toasting to the max and seriously getting the crowd riled up something rotten. After the show he handed me a bunch of cds. When I got back to my place I popped on his 6 song EP, hoping to prolong the vibe of the evening and was pleasantly surprised.
Dubstep joints, brush up against reggae influenced tracks and electro-glitch numbers. The second track 'Jah Live' remixed by Starkey is super chill, cool bass heavy with Azlan's gruff signature rhymes, not to be missed.
Rod will be playing the sonar fest on June 17th, in Barcelona...If youre in Spain, go!
LISTEN THEN - DOWNLOAD!
BONUS -----> COMPETITION!! -
Want a hard copy of Rod's EP? The first person to answer this simple question will get the prize.
Which UK Dubstep DJ is Rod currently touring with?
Email the correct answer to - info@bloggertronix.com...
Tell you what, we'll even throw in a copy of DUBPOLICE collective's latest compilation!
Whoo-hoo...Get on it!!
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JOE GALEN:
Joe Galen is a multi-instrumentalist, an electro-folk singer and song writer based in Manchester. His debut full length, 'For Triangles' is set to drop on Swiss based label Creaked Records June 21st.
'For Triangles' features 11 tracks of heartfelt lyrics carried along by some very pretty electro-acoustic music. This record was made in love, and its bursting with positive energy, and warm sounds that make you smile.
Joes song lyrics feature personal narratives, songs about hanging out with a loved one, just because ('Fish and Chips' - "We can even eat fish and chips if you want to!"), about the dynamics of relationships (Persuasion - back and forth), and my favourite on the album, the last track entitled 'Searching for someone'. Yes, it is about looking for that special someone to share your time with, but it misses being cheesy by a long shot, very nice indeed.
Galen is a musician, visual artist and videographer that you should definitely check out, but first enjoy this sample track from the album and then order your copy below!
Joe Galen - Persuasion (Back & Forth):
BUY:
BONUS!!!
Video for the song 'Moving Life', taken from 'For Triangles'.
JOE GALEN - 'MOVING LIFE' -
MPFREE HOOK-UPS: FRANCIS AND THE LIGHTS, DEFLATABLES, PHANTOGRAM (REMIX -ALAN WILKIS) & DM STITH
MORE MUSIC FOR YOU, NEW MPFREE GOODNESS! -
Mouthful of Diamonds (Alan Wilkis Remix) - Phantogram by Alan Wilkis
FRANCIS AND THE LIGHTS, DEFLATABLES, PHANTOGRAM & DM STITH
FRANCIS AND THE LIGHTS:
New York's 'Francis and the Lights' are causing quite the buzz in indie muic blog circles....at first I was thrown by the wacky dance moves of front man Francis...Yeah, you're strange...and?! But then I actually gave the music a chance, and found myself really enjoying their latest mp3 offering "For Days", a snappy 80's hued jam...really nice.
This track is taken from their debut record 'It'll Be Better' ot July 20th on 'Cantora Records' -
DOWNLOAD MP3 - HERE!
MORE? -
BUY ALBUM? - HERE!
BONUS!!
The band's newest video for the song 'Darling, It's Alright', shot in one take and edited with light.
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DEFLATABLES:
Thomas and Benjamin are two lads hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark who create spazzy, dirty pop. The Deflatables plan to release a track a month, or...whenever it suits them!
My fave track of theirs at the moment is the song 'You Are Ok', a roaring assault of guitars and feisty, rambunctious vocals.
DOWNLOAD MP3 - HERE!
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PHANTOGRAM (REMIXED BY ALAN WILKIS):
Oh this fella is great! Based in Brooklyn, Wilkis creates some lovely remixes, soulful, smooth, relaxed takes on some killer joints originally released by top notch artists.
Synths, harmonies, handclaps, good vibes...Check out his sophomore record 'Pink And Purple' - HERE!
Oh yeah...REMIX!
So Wilkis' latest remix is by one of our new fave New York based bands, 'Phantogram'. This duo were featured on Bloggertronix a few weeks ago and this remix for the song 'Mouthful of Diamonds' is exceptional!
DOWNLOAD - HERE!
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DM STITH:
DM Stith is part Part of the Asthmatic Kitty clan, and much like the rest of his fellow label mates, he has a super impressive back catalog of releases, featuring many beautiful guitar driven songs...His voice is warm and smooth, bringing to mind that of Jeff Buckley and Hawksley Workman.
Here's a Demo Version of the song 'Thanksgiving Moon', which is covered 3 times on the new album -
DOWNLOAD MP3 - HERE!
His debut full length (22 songs, two disc) release will drop on the 25th of May, entitled 'Heavy Ghost Appendices' it sports some truly lovely and lyrically introspective songs.
BUY ALBUM - HERE!
Daniel will be touring Canada and the U.S with this release over June & July, check his space for dates & venues!
MR. WHITE'S MPFREE PICKS - YOUNG EMPIRES, I'M A LION, JONSI, MGMT, N.E.R.D, NOTORIOUS B.I.G + XX, LORN & CARIBOU!
MR. WHITE'S MPFREE PICKS!
Deadly links to wicked songs by bands, solo artists and DJs from all over the our fine globe. Tracks have been carefully chosen by music-head Mr. White...a fine young fella with a taste for the super eclectic.
"Here are a list of my fave songs that I've heard this week , could be new, could be old, but always in the fold. Don't think, just listen. These are not genre based, they are just good songs (According to the genius that is me!)." - M.W
Deadly links to wicked songs by bands, solo artists and DJs from all over the our fine globe. Tracks have been carefully chosen by music-head Mr. White...a fine young fella with a taste for the super eclectic.
"Here are a list of my fave songs that I've heard this week , could be new, could be old, but always in the fold. Don't think, just listen. These are not genre based, they are just good songs (According to the genius that is me!)." - M.W
P.s - "Okay, I have to be honest, I've really outdone myself this week...oh yes! Enjoy.
++++++++++
"Rain" - Young Empires ***TRACK OF THE WEEK***
I SAY: "They're from Toronto. This is what you get when you mix a hipster with 'Kung Foo Fighting. If all their stuff is like this, they should be the new GTA (Greater Toronto) 'IT' band.'"
OTHER: MySpace
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"Singer Songwriter" - I'm A Lion
LINK: Off the Radar
I SAY: "With lyrics like, "loss and pain and melancholy, these are some of my favourite things ... I'm a singer songwriter", you would think this song would be sappy, but it isn't, it's a pastiche."
OTHER: Website
"Time To Pretend" - Jonsi (MGMT cover)
LINK: Lux Illuminates
I SAY: "This is one of those covers that goes in the complete opposite direction of the original. It's a slow thoughtful incredibly sung 'tune' that you will haunt your dreams, I mean that as a compliment"
OTHER: MySpace
++++
"Hot N' Fun" - N.E.R.D. ft/ Nelly Furtado
LINK: mixtape maestro (2.0)
I SAY: "New N*E*R*D* song, DUH"
OTHER: MySpace
++++
"A Juicy Intro" - Notorious B.I.G. & The XX (Ha! Yes Remix) ***MASHUP TRACK OF THE WEEK***
LINK: MUSICPHILE|OSOPHY
I SAY: "Arguably one of the best lyricists over one of the hottest young bands. It could of all gone wrong ... it didn't"
OTHER: Google Them!
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"Cherry Moon" - Lorn
LINK: reqeffect
I SAY: "Consider this a gift from Ninja tune for their XX anniversary. That and their HUGE box-set coming out, cop 'em both"
OTHER: MySpace | XX Box-Set
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"Kaili" - Caribou
LINK: The Heart Attack Club
I SAY: "This is my favourite track off of Caribous latest album. He's definitely one for the ages. It's dance-y and whispr-y all at the same time. Follow him everywhere."
OTHER: Website
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BONUS!! -
Master of None Young Rival Cover - This would have made the top picks, but it was on Pitchfork, so you probably already have it. I lost my copy, so I am posting incase you did to.
Sleigh Bells - I feel like these guys are going to be the type of group that dissapears after HUGE hype after their first album, but you know what, this shit is fucking HOTTT (yes I triple teed that shit).