GUILTY AS PLEASURE

work for the future

2012-01-03T16:33:00.002+01:00

I would like to start the year with a post on The 2 Bears, a duo consisting of Joe Goddard and Raf Rundell. Of course Joe Goddard doesn't need any promotion after working on much his much loved solo album, playing fabulous sets and albums with his buddies from Hot Chip. So let's do a little promotion for Raf Rundell by writing this post.

After the hilarious video for 'Bear hug' and the awesome remix to Metronomy's 'The bay' we all knew that this wasn't just another side project (think of Booji Boy High) and that The 2 Bears are here to stay. Their single 'Work' is out now and proclaims we need to work to achieve something. A good motto for the new year, I'd say.

The 2 Bears // Work (Franky Rizardo remix)

champagne darling

2011-12-31T14:34:00.002+01:00

Most loved tracks of 2011 ranked by duration:

01 Wolf Gang // Breaks in Paris
02 James Blake // A case of you
03 Summer Camp // Last American virgin
04 Julien Doré // Kiss me forever
05 Chilly Gonzales // Knight moves (DJ Koze remix)
06 Amy Winehouse featuring Tony Bennett // Body and soul
07 Charlotte Gainsbourg // Got to let go
08 Little Dragon // Please turn
09 St. Vincent // Cruel
10 Renaissance Man // Trance central
11 Beth Ditto // I wrote the book
12 Tame Impala // Why won't you make up your mind (Erol Alkan Rework Edit)
13 Planningtorock // Living it out
14 New Look // Nap on the bow
15 Twin Sister // Bad street
16 Lulu Gainsbourg // Black trombone
17 Kitty, Daisy & Lewis // Messing with my life
18 Laura Marling // Sophia
19 Feist // Cicadas and gulls
20 John Talabot featuring Glasser // Families
21 Nite Jewel // It goes through your head (Dam-Funk Clubdub)
22 Aérea Negrot // Deutsche Werden
23 PNAU // Solid ground (Cassian remix)
24 Adele // Rolling in the deep (Jamie xx remix/Prince Club House Edit)
25 Stopmakingme // Smint
26 The Rapture // It takes time to be a man
27 Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs // Trouble (Jamie Jones remix)
28 Cut Copy // Blink and you'll miss a revolution (Toro y Moi remix)
29 Metronomy // The bay (2 Bears remix)
30 Azari & III // Change of heart
31 Tom Middleton // Sea of glass (John Digweed & Nick Muir remix)
32 Hercules & Love Affair // My house (Tensnake remix)

unidentified

2011-12-19T17:13:00.002+01:00

Feist // How come you never go there (Beck remix)

iloveiloveilove

2011-12-14T17:10:00.002+01:00

The extraordinary talented French singer Émilie Simon is best known for her soundtrack to the 'La Marche de L'Empereur' and the track 'Never fall in love' in which she signs boys never receive a nice bouquet of flowers, since they aren't girls. Her latest album 'Franky Night' is a diverse mix of easy-listening, up-beat and orchestral songs in both English and French. Jetaimejetaimejetaime automatically attracted my attention by its unusual name and happens to be the most beautiful track on the album to my opinion.

Émilie Simon // Jetaimejetaimejetaime

musique du japon

2011-12-11T19:06:00.002+01:00

Since I'm about to embark in an upcoming trip to Tokyo, I thought I'd be interesting to look into some Japanese record labels. It's no secret, artists are bound they be signed by a label from their home country but there are still some internationally successful musicians who work with such a label. Japanese singer Yuki Suzuki, signed by Jansen Jardin, collaborated with Max Essa (very active in Japan) on multiple recordings amongst which 'Need your love'.

Yuki Suzuki // Need your love (Lee Douglas remix)

bourgmania

2011-11-30T13:16:00.002+01:00

Apparently it doesn't rain too much in Paris and Los Angeles, if we believe Charlotte. There's a Charlotte Gainsbourg-hysteria about to take place as a new double LP with B-sides and live recordings is coming out somewhere around the beginning of the new year. I am particularly excited about 'Out of touch', a song (co)written by Connan Mockasin. You can hear it on the AirFrance facebook page, where a couple of tracks are being premiered. For now enjoy Charlotte's collab with alternative favorite Beck.

Charlotte Gainsbourg // Paradisco

sweet memory

2011-11-22T17:02:00.001+01:00

Valley // Mobile love

java

2011-11-20T19:23:00.002+01:00

Lulu Gainsbourg // Couleur café ft. Ayo, Matthieu Chedid & Sly Johnson

fogster

2011-11-20T17:03:00.003+01:00

Kate Wax // Green machine

the earth is on fire

2011-11-16T16:17:00.002+01:00

While Kirsten Dunst doesn't feature in the highly pornographic video to Heatsick's 'Ice cream on concrete', this photograph is equally valuable.

Heatsick // Ice cream on concrete
video

the first one

2011-10-28T17:18:00.002+02:00

Summer Camp // Last American virgin

Bag Raiders // Not over (Eli Escobar remix)

Jacques Greene // (Baby I don't know) What you want

microwave

2011-10-11T18:16:00.003+02:00

Aérea Negrot // It's lover, love (Dub)

Aérea Negrot // Listen to the people

my head's on fire

2011-10-04T17:10:00.002+02:00

Planningtorock // Living it out (Cosmodelica remix)

miserere

2011-09-13T22:09:00.002+02:00

Twin Sister // Bad street

ange le terrible

2011-08-30T19:26:00.002+02:00

Charlotte Gainsbourg // Terrible angels

merveilleux

2011-08-01T09:03:00.002+02:00

Lo-Fi-Fnk // Nu generation

die blechtrommel

2011-08-01T08:31:00.002+02:00

Movie to watch: Die Blechtrommel

Azari & III // Undecided

mashed potatoes

2011-06-23T17:03:00.002+02:00

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs // Trouble (Jamie Jones remix)

if i know you

2011-06-06T12:26:00.003+02:00

Julien Doré // Homosexuel

Jamie XX // Far nearer

simple as simplicity

2011-05-24T21:48:00.000+02:00

Just because it's so damn good:

Chilly Gonzales // Knight moves (Chilly Gonzales Solo Piano)

bye ldn

2011-05-03T18:20:00.003+02:00

Mozez // I just can't

bear handed

2011-04-26T17:41:00.005+02:00

Just got this remix in the mail of a Agnes Ober song called "Riverside", I never heard of her which is a quite surprising fact because her music is really beautiful. It sounds like the soundtrack of a wonderful drama with subtle joys. The photo is of a girl who took a long bath, but I imagined that your hands must look somewhat like this after playing too much piano. It joys me to see an artist not only playing instruments and singing along but also daring to take it apart.

Agnes Obel // Riverside (Lulu Rouge remix)

Agnes Obel // Falling catching (instrumental)

Agnes Obel // Wallflower (instrumental)

starry eyes

2011-04-15T15:23:00.003+02:00

Jazz Liberatorz // Slow down

WebQueawry // Searching

into the nacht

2011-03-23T14:21:00.002+01:00

Apart from being the funniest title track in this year, it's also a good song. Which is always a plus to back up the hysteria.

Gold Panda // I suppose I should say 'thank' or some shit

And this other track is from an album with probably the second most beautiful album cover. Additionally this track neither disappoints.

Craft Spells // After the moment

prawn and shrimp

2011-03-22T00:37:00.002+01:00

Prawn cocktail is something my mother often made and was being taught to her how to make by my grandmother. I have the recipe somewhere, yet I never make it. I tend to float in a comfort zone where my mother makes it and I enjoy the comfort of eating it and not making it myself.

Om Unit // Prawn cocktail

verner panton

2011-03-12T21:42:00.002+01:00

I just love this photo. It seems to capture a feeling that has been around since the 00's. It remembers us of a new beginning, a new way of capturing beauty. It has a modern feel, yet it remains classic. Still we can almost be sure it was captured in the last decade.

Halls is a fairly new electronic artist which I just discovered. He seems to be following the footsteps of a few others colleagues that have stepped out with their music in the last years and especially this year. I also adore his "Solace" EP cover which seems to be beautifully drawn with charcoal.

Halls // Cave days

In the Coen brothers' film "The Lady Killers" the beautiful ending song "Let your light shine" is being used as the ending song and after hearing some versions, I like this one the best.

Christy Essien-Igbokwe // Let your light shine

If someone comes across this chair in a vintage shop, a flea market, a junk yard or a Ikea (after all the design was made for this store) do not hesitate to contact me.

hard as ivory

2011-03-03T12:01:00.003+01:00

When remixing a song it is always tricky to stay true to the true feeling of the original song. Shadow Dancer has done nothing but and starts off with a beautiful piano rhythm, which is a very familiar Chilly feeling. After that he creates this dance feel that only Shadow Dancer creates, the vocals remain and in the end he builds up the tension with more vocals and a sharp beat.

Chilly Gonzales // You can dance (Shadow Dancer remix)

pulling a Garbo

2011-02-25T13:54:00.005+01:00

After the use of a song about Greta Garbo in Prada's A/W 2011 show it made me read about the woman and the funniest thing that struck me was in interview that she gave and it went like this:

Paul Callan: "I wonder..."
Greta Garbo: "Why wonder?!"
End of interview

Vivian Girls are probably more likely to give interviews after their latest release 'Share the joy'. It also helps that one of the band members is getting a lot of attention in her formation La Sera.

Vivian Girls // Dance (If you wanna)

miauw

2011-02-17T23:38:00.003+01:00

Moullinex has just released this EP 'Chocolat' with four rather interesting singles on it.
Here's one of them.

Moullinex // Meow

deceptacon

2011-02-08T14:44:00.003+01:00

The long-awaited release by pop group MEN is out now, and it succeeds to entertain. The Brooklyn-based band knows exactly what to play to create a large fanbase and take off where other indie bands have stopped to spend their earned cash. You hear this back in their music, the feeling that they have to prove themselves. It's a tad boring, but it does deliver. I just hope that on their next album they don't overdo it, because this album is hard enough already. Popular with DJ's, I bet it doesn't take long before MEN is touring down to every city and village and making sure that everybody knows the MEN sound. 'Who am I to feel so free' is their new single and the video will soon be released. 'Rip off' is more intricate however and contains inspirational lyrics.

MEN // Rip off

whistle

2011-02-03T09:41:00.003+01:00

When everybody is still buzzing over Gil Scott-Heron's latest release with Jamie XX since thirteen years, it's a bit disappointing that most people seem to forget about all the other great releases from the Chicagoan. It reminds me a lot of Guru, who in that respect is to be named a follower. To me "The train from Washington" is his best song and all its diversity can easily make you shiver.

Gil Scott-Heron // The train from Washington

proxite

2011-01-26T02:35:00.002+01:00

Louis La Roche is back, and back with Patrick Alavi. The two are going strong making dancy tunes with a sort of gimmicky feel which probably makes Asia the first fans in the line. Tunes like these are played in Asia all the time and they don't really care as much about lyrics as they do about the music. It has to be fun, loud and danceable. And that is what Louis and Patrick do best.

Louis La Roché // Until now ft. Patrick Alavi

Louis La Roché // On the floor

left luggage

2011-01-14T11:40:00.002+01:00

Discodeine has waited for the ultimate moment to release its debut album, the beginning of a new year where all the releases are still fresh in our minds and sure to make the lists at the end of the year. The creative duo has pumped all their experience in twelve magnificent tracks of which three already been out there for some while.

Discodeine // Grace

Kim Ann Foxman has been singing with Hercules & Love Affair for a little while now. I have seen her perform next to Jessica 6's Nomi and the two make quite a funny duo. Kim is rather petite and boyish and Kim is a tall diva. What makes it more surprising is that their voices are totally different from what you would expect at your first glance at them. "Creature" is produced by Hercules frontman Andy Butler how I understand it, and it shows. The track has that 80's vibe to it which is making a real comeback this year if you ask me.

Kim Ann Foxman // Creature

nude lake

2011-01-13T18:00:00.003+01:00

Nicolas Jaar is bringing out his debut album and it somewhat different as to what we are used to. There are a lot of musical influences to be heard on his album. We hear dub, reggae, techno and a lot of minimal. I feel that his sound is going to be one of the popular sounds of this year together with contemporary artist James Blake. The title track is one of the more catchiest rhythms together with "I got a woman" and "Too many kids finding rain in the dust".

Nicolas Jaar // Space is only noise if you can see

A while ago I tuned in to Viva Radio, which I haven't done in a while and there were some lovely funky old school tunes playing mixed with more modern electronic tunes. One of the artists that came by was Lucien-n-Luciano, who has been making music under the rader and doing side projects for a couple of years now. "Madre, mother & mère" is one of those relaxing, smooth dance tunes that you hear at the beginning of a good night dancing and probably influenced some of the artists getting more popular with dancy tunes like Azari & III.

Lucien-n-Luciano // Mother, madre & mère

second look

2011-01-10T22:55:00.004+01:00

As Beth sings the world is full of good intentions, we do hope that these intentions lead to actions. I am going on a journey through Cambodia and Vietnam which hopefully will bring me a lot of creativity, ideas and insights in life. I hope not to have too many access to internet as this will probably distract from the scenery. When you're in a different continent there is of course less need to attend to your online responsibilities.

Beth Ditto // I wrote the book (Original Mix)

Also I must keep reminding myself this year to stay positive and keep believing in the good of mankind, as I sometimes can forget (especially in overcrowded tubes and tube stations). If we all don't act to others as we do not like to be treated all the people in the world will gain from that and we can all stick to our lives and become intensely happy.

Beach House // Take care

Talking about doing good and then going on to posting a charity song which normally will be given to you after donation is not the most honorable thing to do, yet I will take on every bad karma that comes along with it and just hope people will get inspired to still donate to this particular charity. Just because it's so beautiful.

Rosa Hinksman // In California

this is the year

2011-01-01T22:04:00.003+01:00

It's the beginning of a new year. Time for a fresh start for many. No time to look at the past, no need to look at the past only for historical reference. The future is already beautiful because it must hold many things in store, what else can be the purpose of it. Not only for other persons but also for ourselves, let this year be the start to something new, something we not yet have seen before and will grow to outstanding heights. Let this be the year where creativity will burst out of our minds and will create some of the most beautiful things.

Punks Jump Up // Blockhead (Symbol One remix)

i cannot restrain myself

2010-12-17T17:04:00.003+01:00

Somehow the perception of American teenagers is led by the assumption that they spend a lot of time on the rooftops of their home. I never got the idea to do it myself and I am not sure why only American teenagers would want to do this. I'm also not sure whether it is a widespread fact among them, but these lovely photos sure make us believe so.

Justus Köhncke hasn't been doing a lot of music lately at least not under that alias. He has a new song out with on the 10th Kitsuné compilation with vocals by Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor. In fact, the music to this song "Sorry" is the exact same as one of his old songs called "Parage". Alexis sings: "Justus, I'm sorry, from the bottom of my heart". Now I have given this some thought and I couldn't help it notice that one of Justus' other songs on his 2008 album sounds a lot like LCD Soundsystem's "I can change". Whether this is a public apology from Alexis to Justus for his label mate James, is not certain. The thing that certain is though is that Justus makes some freaking good tunes and he should definitely not restrain in doing so.

Justus Köhncke // Parage

Zero 7 // You're my flame (Justus Köhncke Vox Mix)

proud as a

2010-12-16T13:46:00.002+01:00

Joanna Newsom's performance of "On a good day" on David Letterman reminded me of the endearing peacocks in the Los Angeles Arboretum, where they are walking around on the grounds doing not a lot but strutting with their beautiful look. It also makes me want to go even more to the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris, where mounted animals are displayed. Hopefully all animals are killed by a natural cause and not by the haunting gear displayed in the other room of the museum.

Isolée // Thirteen times an hour

Free Blood // Never hear surf music again (Barfly Mix)

spirit and body

2010-12-11T23:48:00.003+01:00

Jarvis Cocker is a singer with a unique voice along with a unique appearance. His 60's look can seriously distract you from his music, but then again you don't have to look at his photograph while listening to his voice. Discodeine is a fairly new project by mastermind Pilooski and one of his friends. Pilooski is not really following the common business model for artists, he just does what he enjoys doing: creating music and having fun while doing it. And you can hear this in the music. Why opting a new artist name instead of sticking to their original names and calling it a collaboration nobody knows, but yet again this does not damage the quality of the product. We only care about the song and what it does to the spirit and body.

Discodeine // Synchronize (Jam Factory remix) ft. Jarvis Cocker

p1p2

2010-12-10T21:52:00.003+01:00

Certain songs, certain sounds cherish certain memories and this is one of the most beautiful things about music. Feist is one of those singers who can develop a lot of nostalgic feelings about certain memories with her music. Joy and sadness are two of the best emotions she is able to portray. A lot of people try to repeat this with her songs and their own voice, someone like James Blake for instance and he comes very close yet he doesn't quite have the same effect as she does. So just because it's such a beautiful song and it is now featured on soundtrack of the documentary about Feist playing live music.

Feist // Limit to your love (As played live)

solo yo

2010-11-12T14:20:00.003+01:00

Almost no one's voice is more unique and magical than Yukimi Nagano's. After years of singing for and with other performers, she now seemed to find her real comfort zone within Little Dragon. Even though she is used to working with for example Koop, who are one of the most experimental bands in the scene, Little Dragon's live performance seems more conceptual and improvised than Koop's did. I think the way of making their repertoire is reversed. Where Koop seems much more experimental in the way they make music, Little Dragon's music sounds safer and quieter on record, but playing live allows them to really be different from the rest.

Little Dragon // Feather (Fromwood remix)

And then another oldie:

this is stereotype

2010-11-07T13:09:00.003+01:00

At the age of 64, Louie Austen is still going strong. He has just released an album with a additional remix to each individual track. He has chosen for more unknown artists to remix his work. In the meantime, in London the leaves are falling of the trees and are leaving an empty park behind. On the other hand, it allows me to catch up on my reading and dusting off the record collection and putting on a new LP after about every 3 minutes. Too bad I do not have a jukebox.

Louie Austen // Hold on (FNM remix)

do the pianola

2010-10-28T15:24:00.003+02:00

It's been almost a year since I blogged on Lauren Pritchard. And now the time has come. Her first album is out and the world is yet to find out about it. A while ago I saw some posters in bus stands and consorts but since then it has been a bit quiet. This girl needs a concert at Jools Holland or Jimmy Kimmel. We do not want this girl to play piano bars for the rest of her life.

Lauren Pritchard // Hope it's you

sunshine to the rain

2010-10-28T13:01:00.003+02:00

Drums Of Death is one of those bands I always knew of they existed, but never really looked in to it. The main reason for that is because I thought it was a Dutch band, which is never a good thing. Until recently I discovered an upcoming event at CAMP London, where a Greco-Roman night is being held in celebration of Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs' new EP (untitled). Drums Of Death will unfortunately not be playing in London, but only the day after in Paris.

Drums Of Death // London teeth

P.S. Please note the beautiful violin work by Sadie Anderson in "Voodoo lovers".

el pueblo

2010-10-26T21:59:00.002+02:00

Kisses is a band with a pretty today feel, and their sound can be described as contemporary, easy-listening and groovy. I feel they have taken over from Metronomy and have developed into something way beyond that. The sound is somewhat DFA, somewhat Moshi Moshi, but it's the two band members who have created their own sound instead of some label boss. They're doing a show with Jens Lekman, a singer with very comparable music although Kisses leave out the cheeky vocals. It's to the point, and it works.

Kisses // Lovers

subsidise me

2010-10-24T19:24:00.002+02:00

Carmen Rizzo has been in my music list for quite some time, but it's one of the artists I never really looked into. His collab with Kate Havnevik was wonderful, and now they have done it again. "This life" is a modern composition with a thriller edge to it. It sure is danceable and I can see it coming out with some tranc-esque remixes featuring on the single. Think Heartthrob, Trentmøller and Jori Hulkkonen. The release isn't brand new, but that is not always needed in good music of course. Another track of the same caliber is recorded with Rosey. She's one of those singers who is struggling to have a genuine breakthrough so is often lending her voice to some more well-known recording artists. The picture above reminds me of a video I saw today in one of London's many museums. It was a video of a ballet performance, choreographed by Wayne McGregor. I couldn't find the exact video, but this one gives an impression on one of his other works.

Carmen Rizzo // We'll fly ft. Rosey

stainless

2010-10-21T23:20:00.003+02:00

This photo looks somewhat as a Martin Parr photograph in my opinion. I am in desperate need of a anatomical drawing of some organ or a selection of organs. I think it will look great in a nice frame next to some contemporary art. Something like this but then stainless.

Space Dimension Controller // Cosmo30 travel duration

Robert Wyatt // In a sentimental mood

fulfilling the promise

2010-10-15T15:18:00.003+02:00

One of the most talented artists around must be David Sylvian. Although probably no song will from him will ever be better than "Fire in the forest", still David does a magnificent job on his newer works. Always true to himself, always true to his fans. There is a certain feel of drama in every track, some more dramatic than others, but always drama. He speaks easily through his songs with his beautiful voice and sings a high note where needed.

David Sylvian // Exit / Delete

on repeat

2010-10-14T15:19:00.004+02:00

The next recording is a really oldie. The Oscar Peterson Trio was live record and the sound does really tell, but that is also one of the big charms about it. I had the track "Moonlight in Vermont" for a very long time now, probably found it on some St. Germain compilation. It is really striking to hear the people cheering along and the sound of clattering cutlery in the background of people having dinner at the same time. Epic.

Oscar Peterson Trio // Moonlight in Vermont

The next man is a man I previously blogged on one occasion for his work with Robert Wyatt and his contribution to the "2 Days in Paris" soundtrack. He is quite a genius. His music remains quite unfamiliar with most people and it is my goal to change that. The man deserves more respect than some people in the business are getting at this moment in time.

Bertrand Burgalat // Vestibule d'ombres

twinkle twinkle

2010-10-13T19:09:00.002+02:00

This post is about the fairly new band Concrete Knives. The have a new EP coming out called "You Can't Blame The Youth", which is being recorder on the 9th of November, so we'll have to wait for that a little bit longer. "Greyhound racing" has an anthem sort-of feel, and has some lovely guitar chords in it. The singer reminds you of The Sounds, or a soft version of Karen O. The song is really well written and really produces all the right emotions. "Brand new start" is musically more complicated, yet this does not take away quality. It is more poppy in a way, with screamy vocals in the back. You can imagine the band opening a show with this, before playing their more serious repertoire. I love the high notes in the end, which makes it more fun and playful.

Concrete Knives // Greyhound racing

Concrete Knives // Brand new start

falafel balls

2010-10-12T19:56:00.003+02:00

The best thing about going on holiday is coming back home. Being able to sleep in your own comfy bed, being around your favorite things and take a powershower in your bathroom are all worth going away. Don't get me wrong, going on holiday is wonderful even for longer than two weeks. But still the lingering feeling in the back of your mind remains. Lately I have been struggling with myself about which music I like. One part of me likes to go for the same old, same old. The other part likes to go for something way more alternative and non-electro. So here is something from both sides.

Darwin Deez // The bomb song

Goose // Like you

nouveau york

2010-10-02T23:11:00.004+02:00

The first question that comes to mind when buying a new laptop is which music to put on it first. Now I have been using two other macbooks in the time mine has been broken, so it hasn't exactly motivated me to re-establish my library, but now the time has come to build an epic gathering of all the best and all the rest that is worth having. Next to some thousand songs I ripped from my iPod, the new Bag Raiders album has drawn my attention. There's something going on with this new-wave, funk, dance movement that has been dominating the world lately. I love it.

Bag Raiders // Always

momma's knee

2010-09-21T00:28:00.004+02:00

It's time for some serious music. Anthem to many souls, a part of many souls. This state song is sung by Mareditch Sisco on this ocasion, who also took part in the music selection to the movie "Winter's Bone" and played a little role in it, not surprisingly as musician. The movie is a tragic story about a young teenager who has to deal with the upbring of her younger sister and brother and is on the point of being kicked of their premises. The song is played as the opening track and leaves you daunted even in the first seconds of the movie.

Maredith Sisco // Missouri waltz

One other all-time favourite soundtrack is the one to Miranda July's "Me and you and everyone we know". Movie composer Michael Andrews was the right man for the job, as he perfectly supplemented to the freaky, weirdy feel of the movie.

Michael Andrews // Fuck

butter cheese eggs

2010-09-15T19:21:00.002+02:00

Lately I find myself craving for a bike ride in the city. The main reason for holding back: fear. Not being used to driving on the left hand side and not being used to share the road with lorries and big double-decker buses is making me think twice about this event. Just recently former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne has released an audio book on his bicylce adventures in many big cities. The introduction is to be downloaded for free via a link on his website. He explains what has drawn him to riding his bike and how various cities have developed in becoming more or less bicycle-friendly. Strangly enough popular bicycle cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen are not to be mentioned in his book, perhaps with a reason; those cities are already massively explored by bike and need no introduction or motivators. I came across his audio book while searching for Talking Heads' "Life during wartime" EP. I have the vinyl record, but wanted to add the digital version to my library as a cratch on the record disables me from listening the song properly.

Talking Heads // Life during wartime

focus people

2010-09-03T14:02:00.003+02:00

We can only wait for an upcoming stream of artists who are using more and more of ways to get a bit of attention from the masses. Nowadays we already have LP's, CD's, DVD's, music videos, concerts and agencies who spend all their time trying to sell more of anything related to the artist they represent. I think we will see an upward trend of artists creating an 'histoire' on their albums and realising this through the medium of video. The sales of CD's have dropped increasingly since the 90's and artists are earning their bread mostly on sales of concert tickets and sponsoring, which is making them more innovative and finding other ways to become more popular and therefore make more money. It makes you think about the essence of being an artist. Bringing out albums each year is sometimes ridiculous and is not allowing them to develop more and become even better and more epic.

Miami Horror // Soft light

all by myself

2010-08-12T15:47:00.003+02:00

Benoît Pioulard is a multidisciplinary artist, commonly know for his music. I once fell in love with a polaroid of a boy throwing rocks at the sea from the beach. A while ago I stumbled across the same picture and found out that Pioulard is the maker. The focus of his work is on music, I would say, although I am not sure. He seems to be one of those people who strive to be the best in everything and want to do everything perfect. That is probably why they want to design their own album covers and direct their own videos. The result of all this is stunning and makes you want to have more perfectionists in the world we live in. His new album is out on October 11.

Benoît Pioulard // Sunol

We all know Heartthrob as a complex minimalist and with elaborate songs with few lyrics and lovely beats. His latest work is not an exemption. Whenever I want to describe him, I think of epic runways in Paris with the latest creations by some weird, modern designer. I'm sure even Anna Wintour would crack a smile. 'Setting up' is the title track, however I don't feel this song sets the mood for the rest of it. 'Diaghilev' and 'In my room' are among my favorites, but the build-up to 'Your body' is far more beautiful and easy to enjoy.

Heartthrob // Your body

sail away

2010-07-21T13:51:00.002+02:00

Frazey Ford is a lovely, talented singer and the founder of a folk band called The Be Good Tanyas. Though her voice is unique, it sort of reminds you of something. A singer named Laura Marling or Tracey Chapman or Laura Nyro or Joni Mitchell. It is a something you can call folk, something you can call country, even blue grass. No matter what label you put on it, the songs are sweet and raw and perfect for a warm night full of love, wine and food.

Frazey Ford // I like you better

like a leica

2010-06-27T16:39:00.002+02:00

Anja Mulder is a photographer/illustrator and loves to take pictures of funny objects, drawings she made or even her friends and kids.

I didn't want to fall into old habits and blog about Au Revoir Simone, not that I previously blogged about them I believe, but still it felt a bit cliché for a while. But now they are back with a remix album and one name on the list really attracted my attention: Jens Lekman. A combination of both must equal a guarantee for fun and beauty. His repertoire was not that familiar to me, yet The opposite of Hallelujah always stayed on the playlist. I love how the genre says "Holiday". It actually quit suits his music and you can imagine yourself driving in a Volkswagen hippie van towards a sunny, beachy destination. The collaboration between the two did surprise in such a way that there is nothing funny and chipper about the track, although it still is a wonderful, dreamy song and grows stronger in the middle of the song. The violins really give it a 60's feel and it wouldn't be misplaced in a Mary Poppins production or contemporaries.

Au Revoir Simone // Shadows (Jens Lekman remix)

square chocolate

2010-06-25T18:08:00.003+02:00

!!! (Chk Chk Chk) is back from gone with a new album that isn't supposed to be out until August but of course the blogosphere cannot wait that long and have to have albums sooner. The record company will probably not mind as they are responsible of the album not leaking and now they receive a bit of free promo. I always wonder who leaks the album on internet. I mean the band itself and the studio have a copy and maybe some office executives but the blog mailout has not yet been made.

Anyhow, it's out and it's good fun! In a way it is a real !!! album, but there are some new touches. It's released via Warp Records, but I feel there is still a real DFA touch to it. It sounds a bit like Black Dice in a full setting. Delia Gonzales & Gavin Russom with a full backing. The band took a few years making a new album between Sacramento, Berlin and NY after the death of their drummer. I remember seeing them in concert once and I was a bit shocked about the show around their music. Band members were throwing beer bottles, headbanging while wearing their T-shirts on their heads; a real Rock 'n' Roll kinda thing actually. With their 2007 album and this one I feel they really have found their place in the scene and can become a true entity.

!!! // The hammer

5 4 3 2 1

2010-06-21T17:52:00.006+02:00

It's a small world we live in, at least that shows on some occasions. It is often associated with the term "six degrees of seperation". For artists, I believe, there are a lot fewer degrees in terms of knowing each other in the business. They have a lot of changing contacts and not many artists keep working with the same producer over and over. Is it to remain free in their creative process or did the sales not live up to the expectations? Over the years I grew to love the phrase "Never change a winning team".

In interviews with Charlotte Gainsbourg you would read how much she loved working with Air and Jarvis Cocker (who attended the concert) and how much they helped her to create the album she always wanted. Yet, she decided to work with Beck on her latest album. I can only conclude that she was up for a change and wanted to evolve even more as a singer. The musicians particularly live in a small world, as Beck has worked with Jane Birkin (who also attended) - the mother of Charlotte - before and that is why it was probably an obvious choice to work with him. I came across this 1996 TV show performance where Jane Birkin makes a surprise appearance with Beck to perform L'Anamour (fun fact: there is no evidence Beck speaks French and from the performance you wouldn't think he didn't but as he thanks Jane Birkin at the end, I get another feeling).

When I think of Jane Birkin I see those visually attractive album covers in my head with a young woman in a sexy pose. I instantly think back of when I was young(er) and watched the X-rated Emmanuelle movie (without my parents knowing of course). There was this striking outlook where she encountered a blonde lady who took a nude swim in the pool. There was this other horrifying bit where she got raped, but that's something else.

So, then there was the concert in London with Chilly Gonzales who has also worked with Jane Birkin. Coincidence? I guess not. Now it seems likely that Gonzales will produce Charlotte's next album but this is probably a too obvious choice. The crowd was quite anxious to see Charlotte perform and didn't really make an effort to enjoy Gonzales' performance. He had his own way to shut up the audience and made audience humm along to a simple melody where he builded up the sound and the lyrics and in the end screamed "And now shut the fuck up". He played a variety of piano tracks amongst which his version of Waves by Erol Alkan and Boys Noize. Of his own repertoire he choose Grudge, You snooze you lose, Take me to Broadway and Singing something. During that last song it was a real pity the audience didn't care to listen while this is such a lovely, sweet song and was performed just like that.

Charlotte Gainsbourg has opened before for some artists and has now had some experience by performing as the main act mainly in France and the USA. She explained in interviews that performing is like standing naked in front of the audience and that it is very frightening, yet she always looks forward to it. Right before she started the audience's eyes were not on the stage but up at the balcony where her family was seated. A lot of French people attended and they are smitten with the sight of Jane Birkin. I wasn't really struck but I was secretly hoping for a duet with either her or Jarvis Cocker. Unfortunately Charlotte kept to her regular setlist which she has played in various venues. In the first few songs the band came across quite hard and she was struggling to overpower them. Later on she revived and with Time of the assassins she was really enjoying the show. The song I liked best was the cover of Bob Dylan's Just like a woman, she simply sat on a stool and accompanied with some guitars she sang the song which she really loves and I believe has an emotional touch to her. The 5:55 songs really sprung out and confirm to me that this album is much more succesful in its own musical way. In the reprise she performed a very rocky Voyage, a pure and simple Songs that we sing, and a song from the best repertoire to choose from as she puts it, Couleur cafe. With her European tour she hopefully gets more and more experience and self-consciousness so she will become a legend like her father and mother.

Jane Birkin // Living in limbo (produced by Gonzales)

Serge Gainsbourg // L'Hotel particulier

Charlotte Gainsbourg ft. Jarvis Cocker // The duelist (produced by Air)

lemon zest

2010-06-21T16:46:00.003+02:00

Sometimes I can get a little jealous of fellow bloggers that they have discovered something truly great and new. So with that thought in the back of my head I started to do some digging and came across this fun band which has not really been picked up yet, wich is why I am writing this. They sound like what the new Klaxons sound should be, very British yet American. They come from Portland, Oregon and their live shows include strobe lights and dildo fights which is always enlighting to see! I figure they work a lot around their hometown and comfort zone near friends and people who are their fans right from the beginning. I think it is necessary that they get a fan base who wasn't there from the beginning but still will be there until the end.

Guidance Counselor // A. 23

Guidance Counselor // Creature

think think

2010-06-17T17:17:00.002+02:00

Kele Okereke is working the media, however he is not a media fan because he believes that they paint a wrong picture and it makes his fans believe he is someone else. Of course it is hard to express your genuine character through words by someone else but the only solution to that is to be open about yourself or not give interviews at all. The latter is not an option as this is Kele's first solo album and promotion is needed. Bloc Party may be very succesful but not everybody is familiar with the lead singer himself, apart from the alternative gay world. XXXChange is the overall producer but I can hear some influences by Tiësto who may have had something to do with is as Kele did some vocals for him recently. There is a Death From Above edge to it as well which is the most enjoyable part of it to my opinion.

Kele // The other side

Delorean is a open-minded pop group from Basque, Spain and have been around for a couple of years. Better known through their remixes, but the album does deserve to get played too. It is an ideal summer album full with African drums and whispering Hawaiian dresses. They have a large fan base in Canada, America and Australia. They were on the cover of XLR8 magazine, so they'll be touring Europe soon after that is my guess.

Delorean // Come wander

love me and leave me

2010-06-11T14:22:00.002+02:00

The Chap is a London/Berlin based band, that claims to make "wrong-sounding" music but in fact it doesn't sound wrong at all. By trying to make it sound "wrong" they put themselves in a niche, with not a lot of contemporaries. The album contains a lot of easy-listening songs, amongst one where the band wishes of someone's breakdown because they seem to hate that person. The background music is rather unusual and the vocals are twitchy and screamy, yet it does not seem to bother the end effect. Overall it seems like a band who is having fun making music and like going on tours once every 2 years and try not to think life can be hard or struggling.

The Chap // Nevertheless, The Chap

Grovesnor sounds a bit like a renewed Bob Seger, an updated Rupert Holmes. He makes classic pop tunes and does not often go outside his comfort zone. Perhaps because his music is truly comforting. Yet he doesn't seem to have had his breaktrough yet, perhaps he would be better of singing around the same era as Lionel Richie. His music is best with a good night full of relaxing, a glass of red wine and the wood crackling in the fire place. It is essential Rhythm & Blues, music to make love to.

Grovesnor // Dragon tree

celebration of good music

2010-06-08T23:03:00.002+02:00

A hundred posts have been written all filled what is good music to my ears. Let's hope another hundred can be filled and another hundred songs are made that are worth being shared.

DJ Koze // Blume der Nacht (Original Mix)

Air // Le soleil est pres de moi (Dopplereffekt remix)

one day we'll live in

2010-06-02T17:25:00.004+02:00

Sukilove is a band based in the wonderful city Antwerp, Belgium. They are a 5 piece band with a very nice sound. "Leave me alone" is my favorite of their tracks they've made so far. I find it hard to compare them to other music, so I'm just not going to. I can believe that Antwerp inspires them to write music. It really is the most enjoyable city of Belgium. The underground scene is more popular than the big pop stages although this band would probably love to play in the Elizabeth hall at the Zoo. If I ever get to live there again, which I have a feeling I will, then that is number one on my list of places to visit. One place that is just wonderful is the Middelheim statue park. Not to dishonour it, but I feel it would be grate as a music festival venue. A one-day event with small tents that allows a public of up to two hundred.

Sukilove // Leave me alone

out of this world

2010-05-30T20:08:00.002+02:00

Let me give you a couple of songs I've been listening to over the past few days.

Recently I was searching for some innovative videos and I came across the video to this song. I mean what is not to love about it: the woman, the song, the images. She is one sassy lady and she grabs you right from the beginning. I have this thing about "singing-screaming" women, as I also have a very big soft spot for Joanna Newsom, but Jenny Wilson is one standing her own ground. The photograph above resembles a young Jenny, at least I like to believe that.

Jenny Wilson // Like a fading rainbow

Our new house is almost complete with the right furniture in its place and all quirky memorabilias finding their own little spot. I am as proud as a peacock for demolishing a ceiling light into a sort of lamp you can either put on the ground or on a table, etc. The LP player does not quite seem to have find its right place, but its function is to boost some nice records and that is what it does best. It is not really an object you like to see in your view, at least not my record player as it is a big black cube with not many beautiful things about it. When looking through my records I always tend to stop at Brenda Lee. She was so rock, so country, so emotional. It feels like she is singing it just for you.

Brenda Lee // Emotions

When you are not feeling in the mood for drum 'n' bass, but still you like to hear some busy tunes and you are rather emotional, that's when I like to listen this kind of music, you ought to give Tame Impala a listen. There this sort of heavy Efterklang, a mild Holy Fuck, a better composed Late Of The Pier. It's one of those bands where you can't help to think how they will perform in a live setting, but for the moment just enjoy and unwind to some lovely Australian music.

Tame Impala // Island walking

koet wijf

2010-05-22T15:56:00.004+02:00

A long while ago I have received a promo copy to Koot Hoomi's "The Dark Side Of Hall And Oates", yet while I haven't found the time to listen it fully their track "Out of touch" popped up on my iPod and it was pleasantly surprising. Take a chance to review yourself.

Koot Hoomi // Out of touch

Additionnaly I'd like to take the opportunity to warn everybody not to miss out on Kele Okereke's outcoming album which will be one of this year's diamonds and not to miss the extended tour of Joanna Newsom, if you are planning your holiday to West America this summer that is.

Finally, Innerpartysystem has released a brand new EP with some remixes among it this dark version which is a mix of the old Faithless and the new Holy Fuck. They self claim to be inspired by Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers and Nine Inch Nails. I mostly here the latter. There is a sort of mellow touch in their music opposed to the rough edge, which is a real joy to the ear.

Innerpartysystem // American trash (Bottom Of The Barrel Mix)

cha cha cha

2010-04-28T16:23:00.002+02:00

I am getting quite bored with my current music collection, maybe it has to do with my move towards another country! One band that does never bore is DAT Politics. If you have an outburst of emotions it fulfills your musical needs rightaway. This clever remix of Yacht makes you want to scream along and do a freaky, nasty dance with it.

In the latest issue of 'Fantastic Man', Hot Chip's singer Alexis Taylor named Will Oldham as one of his big influences on his writing, which is rather understandable. He elaborates on the collaboration between himself and Joe Goddard, how they never talk about their co-written lyrics and how this sometimes leads to funny situations.

Yacht // The afterlife (DAT Politics remix)

Will Oldham // Joya

last dance

2010-04-13T07:07:00.003+02:00

This picture is taken not too far away from Palm Springs, USA. A deserted city with enough green energy to last for a millenium. It's really an epic city, I could see why Matthew Herbert found it inspiritional. A man like him has pretty much experienced all of the countries there are on our lonely planet. Lonely is in the only one there is. Yet it is so full with joyful things that people are still coming up with new ideas, figuring out scientific theories. Matthew Herbert seems a man who does not really do scientific research. He's more like a minimalist. Wanting to create a whole album with nothing but the noice of a pig's life cycle.

Matthew Herbert // Palm Springs

want that one next to me

2010-04-03T03:51:00.002+02:00

When facing a moment of true truth in your life the choice can be rather hard, for some people that is. Sometimes a certain choice in life feels so good or right, that you instantly know what is right for your best interest. And perhaps another person's interest as well. Cruising through life with someone else is one of the most joyful things there is, and acknowledging that is even better.

The Songstress // See line woman

stormy weather

2010-03-26T03:39:00.002+01:00

What happened to radio. Nowadays almost every radio station plays a song every fifteen minutes. And considering a radio edited track lasts for about three minutes. You end up with hearing the same five songs for at least two hours long, until the new disk jockey shows up. The other shameful fact is that they really shouldn't be called disk jockeys as it has nothing to do with disk 'jockeying'. Well officially he or she works as the person to introduce tracks, but still they could mix the tracks better, regarding the little time it takes to name one track. It's not difficult, you are left with around three minutes minus five seconds (reading out the track title and the artist) equals two minutes and fifty-five seconds to choose the next track carefully and find the right beat to mix it up smoothly.

Azari & III // Hungry for the power (Matias Aguayo & Cosmo Vitelli remix)

Hot Chip // I feel better (Ill Blu Dub)

natural scenery

2010-03-24T23:26:00.004+01:00

Los Angeles is full of flowers from all over. There is not a single flower park without the noise of highways echoing in the back. Nothing less is to expect from a metropole like the city of angels. It does not take away the fact that the L.A. sunshine brings a lovely gloom on everything and even the baddest of bad neighbourhoods can portray a new place-to-be. The Pacific is still feeling wintry cold, the spring has also just begun.

Actress // Maze (Long version)

blue violets

2010-03-13T20:54:00.004+01:00

Someone who never seems to fail is Caribou. The one-man band took all our breaths away with his new single 'Odessa' from his new album. He made us hold our breaths just long enough to last the wait. The album 'Swim' is out now and it does not disappoint. I feel that when Caribou and Joe Goddard would work together they could conquer the world. I read that Caribou wanted to capture the feeling of 'water' and I am not sure if he has, but if this is what it sounds like then everybody should dive into water.

Caribou // Found out

Someone who did fail last time bringing out a piece is Goldfrapp. Everyone thought they could do no harm after their first album 'Felt Mountain' but their album 'Seventh Tree' proved everybody wrong. The only good thing that came from that record was the Hercules & Love Affair remix to 'A&E' basically. The two now worked with Dutch DJ Tiësto, who isn't an unknown figure in the happy trance music scene. The whole album feels a bit like a 90's revival, a tribute to Cher. When listening to Alison Goldfrapp I tend to get the idea she gets major kicks out of hearing herself sing. She's constantly moaning through the song and is it really her singing those high notes? She must have hated Imogen Heap jumping on the bandwagon and is withholding her status. All in all it is a good attempt to maintain the Electronic Crown.

Goldfrapp // Voicething

garden of eden

2010-03-08T13:18:00.002+01:00

I first came across Cobblestone Jazz listening to one of Shir Khan's early mix sets. 'Dump truck' was professionally mixed with pop tunes and had a nice result. They don't really do short radio tracks, but long extensive songs ideally for fashion shows. Hence the comparisson to Heartthrob. The new album has a general feel to it (as most albums) and the two that stand out are 'Fiesta' and 'Cromagnon man'. The first one of the two is a modern, twitchy track with African echoing vocals, or so it seems. I believe that if this becomes a single it would get worldwide attention, if remix treated by popular DJ's. The latter is a complex track that would need all full attention from the three members in a live performance. I think the track is most coordinating with the album name 'The Modern Deep Left Quartet', a very clever album name if you ask me. But wait isn't this a ménage à trois? No, they have asked a friend to join forces and give that extra bit of spice to what could become the next Juan Maclean.

Cobblestone Jazz // Cromagnon man

Cobblestone Jazz // Dump truck

carpet love

2010-02-28T22:38:00.004+01:00

Out Hud hasn't been bringing stuff out since a long time, however this does not mean they are meant to be forgotten. I think they are evolved from the italo disco scene in the 80's and are now a big influence on artists you hear today. Jean on Jean is the former front lady and released an album that wasn't getting much support relatively. I am thinking about creating a facebook group in the support of Out Hud's comeback.

Out Hud // It's for you (Rub 'n' Tug Panarave Mix)

Jean on Jean // Tonight

peace love ecstasy

2010-02-17T13:00:00.003+01:00

Kitsuné is trying to become the world's most renowned label, by signing relatively unknown bands and releasing singles with remixes by some of the greatest remixers. Although the artists may get support from all over, it makes you wonder how long they will last. We all remember Bitchee Bitchee Ya Ya Ya, once the promise of 2008. Now washing dishes in a bistro in Paris. I have yet to see Kitsuné's true promise, perhaps it lies in their clothing line.

The Gillettes // Pompeii (Obi Blanche remix)

stale bread

2010-02-14T13:24:00.003+01:00

Usually I'm all about Jamie Lidell's remix work, perhaps more than his originals. But in this case I find his version of Tiga's "Sex o'clock" a bit disappointing. It seems he got a bit stuck after the Jim album. Yet the Playgroup version does not disappoint. It is more quiet than the Aguayo remix, more professional even I would say. This is always the case with Playgroup, or should I say Trevor Jackson, mixing it up since 2000, producing since forever. If I would choose only one artist to do a set and go out of my mind, it would be Playgroup.

Tiga // Sex o'clock (Playgroup remix)

driving way too fast

2010-02-10T18:44:00.002+01:00

Everybody has their own way to wind down from all of life's stress and sometimes from life's heavy dance tunes. Listening Joanna Newsom is my way to do so. However her music is not always timid and quiet, it grabs you and never lets go of you. It can follow you throughout the night, in your dreams, perhaps in your nightmares if you have a bad conscience. It builds up like no techno song would ever do, it goes from one harp to an entire orchestra, and back to just one solo harp again. In fact, this woman does not need the power of an orchestra to impress, one string is enough.

Joanna Newsom // In California (live recording)

bird in your hand

2010-02-08T20:07:00.002+01:00

Tensnake has been producing since 2006, and has mainly gained his presence by productions for disco queen Sally Shapiro (the album is called 'My guilty pleasures'). His own music is not much like italo, but still consists of relaxing tunes and dancy beats. At the moment he's visiting clubs throughout Europe, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him regularly in a New York setting. I also like the art choosen for his latest single, it is beautiful like his music. Nowadays artists not seem to care about what their product looks like. Tensnake is definitely caring. 'Coma cat' is another one to watch and can probably make it as a real disco anthem.

Tensnake // Get it right

sickness

2010-02-05T15:59:00.002+01:00

Why this is now a Crookers song and not a Miike Snow, nobody knows. Who can hear a difference has good ears. This track is a good warm-up for any fun night. The beat remains pretty much the same but it has a slick groove to it. Most suitable for a club with comfy couches that disappear once the music turns louder.

Crookers // Remedy (Alex Kid remix) ft. Miike Snow

old love, not rust

2010-02-04T22:18:00.003+01:00

Most people find it beautiful or amazing how people have achieved a golden wedding anniversary or even a one year anniversary. Isn't it logical to celebrate these days rather sooner than late? Not so long ago, and now still in some deserted countries, people meet; have a kiss and get married (sometimes this is the evolvement of a love child, but still). Why wait ten, twenty years before meeting the love of your life. Maybe you weren't trying hard enough with that one guy, so what he had smelly feet? That's life. Maybe that one girl swept you of your feet and dived into the bushes with another. How's that? You weren't watching her enough.

Joe Smooth // Promised land

top of the p

2010-02-02T17:22:00.003+01:00

Rupert Holmes should definitely be on this poster. Nuff said.

Rupert Holmes // Escape (Pina Colada song)

tree hugger

2010-01-28T15:57:00.004+01:00

This Lauren ain't no LC, but she did grow up in the U.S. of A. Tennessee, to be exact. Six years, five tattoos and 3 piercings along the road, she finds herself in the UK. Where she is songwriting and playing bars and festivals. The reworks of the song 'Stuck' are not particularly growing on me, but the original is dead on strong. 'If I'm stuck, at least I'm stuck with you' is one of the catchy phrases which can have several meanings without a doubt. If you happen to be stuck in a place as seen on the above picture, I suspect no fear. It's quite a shame that her label is trying to freshen her up with some slick remixes, while we all can hear that this young girl performs best on her own with a guitar and piano. It also does not help that they are very reluctant in sending out information on their soon-to-be star. Her best gigs must be in a smokey nightclub, a cigarette in her right hand (I'm positive she's a smoker) and a slick attire on her to get the best impression of that fine soul.

Lauren Pritchard // Stuck

covering up

2010-01-28T13:26:00.002+01:00

I'd like to consider the next artist as an innovative and refreshing kind of Heartthrob. The buildups are amazing and to die for. The spacey bleeps come right out of the year 2100 and that year has another thing coming from this DJ. Forget your usual Armand Van Helden, MSTRKRFT, Tiga or Mr. Oizo: this is the new sound and this will be all that you will be hearing in the future. Bye bye Ed Banger & Steve Aoki, move out of the way because this is the year of down tempo.

Joy Orbison // So derobe

tailored tulle

2010-01-27T12:05:00.002+01:00

'So you think you can pull a fast one?' Well yes, I can! I check the web each day for a leak of the new Crookers album which carries two tracks of the Italian fellas with Róisín Murphy. She showcased one of them in the Viktor & Rolf fashion show last S/S 2010 show. The single 'Orally fixated' soon followed and the beats were truly all over the place, but in a good way. It kept you bouncing all day and ready for those somewhat nasty tasks everybody has in their life. However it also felt like someone was playing a bit too much with crossfaders and chorus transformers. Of all the new remixes on the latest single 'Momma's place' the one of the Bongo Boys sounds the most put together. C90's made an entire new interpretation of the song, Shake Aletti transformed the singer into an MC, Kanji Kinetic is a lot like the Knob Jockeys version where the bass can almost drive you insane after listening it more than 2 times. Bongo Boys made a good intro and have a great deal of respect for this music diva.

Róisín Murphy // Momma's place (Bongo Boys remix)

the pablo casals warehouse

2010-01-25T16:33:00.004+01:00

It's been a considerably long while since I first heard the album of the girl with the cello. I've obviously been into harps since Joanna Newsom, but the only one that got to play my harp was Vyvienne Long who has not been busy with launching anything celloish. Bird's launch is not getting a lot of publicity, perhaps the label is the blame for that. The music is not the cause of it, as it has a really optimistic and professional feel to it. Perhaps it's for the better that this girl and her cello are not under a big(ger) label or she might well end up in the charts. For now we can listen and enjoy and experience the strings being pulled in her anonymity that can very soon be gone.

Bird // Wind it up

rocket ride

2010-01-24T13:24:00.002+01:00

Music teacher Jan Turkenburg has an amazing project going on with his students. He has recorded a single in his own studio with vocals from his pupils. The song is really catchy and has an italo feel to it. Think Hot Chip meets Gino Soccio. The single carries some great remixes by music masters Pilooski and Breakbot. While the Pilooski version already reached the blogosphere the attention goes out to other versions, among one is a edit by the maker himself. Be sure to check out the picture disc at Colette which has managed to get it first hand.

Jan Turkenburg // In my spaceship

building bridges

2010-01-22T00:38:00.003+01:00

On rare occasions you get mail from upcoming bands that actually have a chance of making it in the music business. The year 2010 has been declared as their year and this is probably true. However they do have to ride the media carrousel the right way. They remind me somewhat of Efterklang, but there's less drama in it so it's a lot more radio proof. There is little coherency in the tracks, that being obvious since the members are still young. I find it odd they only have one gig up in their schedule, hopefully they will book more venues so we can all go and check the band.

Pengilly's // The toy maker

cheesy

2010-01-19T14:19:00.003+01:00

I'm glad that blue Monday is over, after all. It was said to make plans to travel and think of something fun. Well, both happened so hooray. And how does the typography of the picture above not make you happy. It sure as hell cost a few bucks, but nobody said art was ever going to be cheap. I am comforting myself with the thought that not all possessions necessarily have to be costly. We can end up buying cheaper material (and not buy more than we would with more money), a bag of money remains in our hand. One day baby, you'll realize.

Mocky - Catch a moment in time (Ewan Pearson's Memory Blissed remix)

addictive

2009-12-17T19:13:00.004+01:00

These little children, could be like yourself or your own children. Hell, they could even be Charlotte Gainbourg's little children. Well, that's not true. Because her children would look more terrified, as if their mother would put her hands on the scissors again. Is her new album really worth it? Is it not the same sloppy, 'I really need some good musicians to make a decent album', album all over? If so, we could better let Charlotte play star roles in Lars Von Trier movies or let her run around in L.A. wearing cowboy boots. Judge for yourself.

Charlotte Gainsbourg // Dandelion

belgoed

2009-12-10T23:24:00.002+01:00

Oeh, sexy lady.

Sebastien Schuller // High green grass

jump a little bit more

2009-11-22T11:05:00.003+01:00

The month November is starting to end and all people are realizing the year is about to end. So as the final lists and nominations are being put together, who wouldn't wanna release a little something and end up in the list quite high. I know I certainly would.

Joy Orbison // BRKLN CLLN

Yeasayer // Ambling alp

demon lover

2009-11-18T13:24:00.002+01:00

If you would suddenly decide to move to Tokyo, I'd suggest these houses to live in and this music to listen to.

Joe Goddard - Strawberry jam

morphallactic

2009-10-07T23:56:00.003+02:00

For all you design students, freaks and experts. Come to Morf Academy where the new magazine will be launched, it will feature articles on Rem Koolhaas, Tom Ford, Starck, John Körmeling, Parra and many others.

It's on the 22nd of October in the Van Abbe Museum, Eindhoven. Send your questions regarding illustrator Parra to brinkman@premsela.org He will answer questions and tell about his choices he made to become the artist he is now.

voyage

2009-09-01T16:50:00.004+02:00

When listening to Little Dragon's brand new album, one of the first things that come to mind is that (1) "Runabout" is the best track and (2) that probably because of (1), they played this song live when they were doing shows with their old album. Maybe I'm confused, but the song gives a feel of recognition in everyone's life. Perhaps this time it could be released without disturbing remixes and let the music speak for itself.

Little Dragon - Runabout

After seeing Lars Von Trier's Antichrist, you really don't know what to think. He certainly uses Charlotte Gainsbourg's ability to moan, as she does on her album. I personally do not know any women who can make grief, despair and pain sound so sexy. Herewith a beautiful aria.

George Friedrich Handel - Lascia ch’io pianga (From Rinaldo)

new nouveau nieuw neu nuevo

2009-08-12T17:00:00.003+02:00

I have a new website with some works I've done.

snap snap

2009-08-07T17:05:00.004+02:00

Did you know the tongue is the strongest muscle?

Isolée - Albacares

despite

2009-06-18T18:04:00.005+02:00

"Het verlangen naar iets dat je wilt is niet perse iets goeds. Zo kunnen voeten nogal een rare smaak hebben. Of hoort een ander niet alles wat je in zijn oor fluistert. Als je het uitspreekt zorg dan dat je het hard en zorgvuldig doet en hij zijn voeten wast."

LANDy / Apology 2

The Zookeepers / Chicken

sleep, cry, fly

2009-06-05T06:27:00.004+02:00

One of the most irritable things is not being able to fall asleep. You know you are tired and yet your brains won't allow you to enjoy a good night resting. One can arise from bed and warm some milk, but what is the guarantee of milk allowing you to sleep? I'd say the chance is rather slim.

Little Boots - Mathemetics

Hey Today! - Wonderman

funds

2009-05-24T17:11:00.002+02:00

While sitting on our brand new balcony, which has been partly crafted by us I've come to the conclusion that I'd ought to share some tunes that can establish a more satisfying feeling on such balconies and sunroofs. Prior to this event a certain woman acclaims that we are not to use our balcony. We only have two messages to give out to her: we can't be bothered and love you not so much!

Bertrand Burgalat - Sans titre

Robert Wyatt & Bertrand Burgalat - This summer night (Hot Chip remix)