Random Pick of the Week: Klaxons – It’s Not Over Yet

‘Random Pick of the Week’ is just pure randomness – or not. Its songs that I really can’t figure out where to place and are posted up anyways because – well, just because'

The best part about exams is, well, when it's finally ended (obviously). Not that it has ended for me – yet. As of today, I still have two papers left, two excruciating papers that I have to go through. But, when it all ends, the burden relieved off of your shoulder is visibly felt; you can feel that huge amount of pressure you’ve been lugging around start to lighten and limbs start loosening, that rush of relief that I wouldn’t mind experiencing over and over again, even though I have to go through exams after exams after - okay seriously, maybe not.

I apologize that my blabbering has nothing to do whatsoever with today’s post, but I just needed to get that out of my system.

Klaxons' music fuses elements of electronic, disco, indie and punk –it’s called ‘Nu Rave’ people! However, ‘Nu Rave’ - according to the band themselves - turned out to be a joke. Well, joke or no joke the name-label stayed on like super-glue and whatever or however they do it, they must be doing something right, because they keep producing hit after hit. I seem to have taken a fancy towards this particular number, albeit it only being a cover of 1990s dance music act, Grace’s, ‘Not Over Yet’.

|mp3| Klaxons – It’s Not Over Yet

Klaxons are pretty famous for the weird cover choices they come out with, but this one is by far the best from the band. Overall, it sounds like an improved version of the original, with the visibly heavy abrasive sounds – it kind of reminds me of gleaming spotlights and people in fluorescent outfits and kitschy clothes self-parodying around, then again isn’t that what ‘Nu Rave’ is really all about?

Good Golly, By Jolly, This Is Really Good! #20

I love music like these; it’s honest, it’s real, it’s not over the top, it’s simple and it works. Therefore, it’s no surprise I could easily fall for music by LA troubadour Ferraby Lionheart, particularly this one called ‘Small Planet’. It’s sweet and melodic and the intro kinda reminds me of the ‘ragtime’ genre which I was previously introduced to during the time I played a role as a sound operator/sound engineer - but which I prefer to call ‘music director’ - for a play performance. The people at the production house would kill me for so boldly calling my role as a music director, but it just gives the impression that I’ve contributed creatively rather than just technically. I mean you would’ve thought that I’d be sick of being associated with all these technical terms and truth is, you’re damn right I’m sick of it.

‘Small Planet’ contains healthy doses from both the old and the slightly modern, a mixture that I can’t seem to get enough of. The music is comforting; from its pure heartfelt chorus to its charming silken verses backed up by syncopated melodies of the piano. A song with this amount of empathy and sincerity is kind of hard not to get into and fall in love with. ‘Small Planet’ and so many other worth discovering gems is available in Ferraby’s debut LP Catch the Brass Ring, which was just recently released last September.


|mp3| Ferraby Lionheart – Small Planet

:: Ferraby Lionheart ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

Bloody Hell, It's Exam Week. Again

Oh no, it’s the finals again!

I haven’t been in the cheeriest of mood lately due to this and now the exams. I’ve been soaking into some of Albert Hammond, Jr.’s tracks and it’s the only thing I’ve found, that’s kept me going and have kept me sane. It’s odd that I’d only realize now, how much I adore his songs; particularly this song, ‘In Transit’ – which is very road trip-esque and very fun to listen to.

|mp3| Albert Hammond Jr. – In Transit
|mp3| Albert Hammond Jr. – In Transit (Acoustic)

Albert is in the process of writing his second solo album, so look out for that one, cause I know I am and don’t forget to check out his other songs as well here, here, and here – otherwise you’ll have no idea what you’re missing out on.

**Ignore books in picture, I’m not taking ‘Society’ or ‘Physical Geography’, I’m taking engineering and I’m not really pleased of that.

Weird, huh?

AHAHAHA *silence*

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Did everyone, I mean like everyone, like every single one, back then in the 90’s or in this case, 1994, including - may I add - THE Julian Casablancas adopted the ‘Nick Carter’ hairstyle? Oh Julian, I’m glad you turned out the way you are right now; definitely more agreeable. For more, click here.

To make things not in the slightest way less weird, here’s a song by Freelance Hellraiser that’s actually a mashup between the Strokes’ ‘Hard to Explain’ and Christina Aguilera’s ‘Genie In a Bottle’. First few seconds, it made me smile, but a couple of minutes in, it just sounds like another song by the pop songstress with ‘some’ band playing at the background – nothing special.

|mp3| Freelance Hellraiser – A Stroke Of Genie Us

p/s:- 4th Strokes album expected no later than 2009. I don't think I can wait that long.

Sea Wolf: You’re a Wolf

Depressing stories aside, I’ll keep on doing what I like doing best; introducing (possibly) new music from (possibly) new artists you’ve never heard and therefore that you should’ve heard. So, what’s so great about Sea Wolf you ask? Well, to answer that question, you have to be definitely sure, and I’m not definitely sure why. Lame answer, I know.

It’s somewhat daft to judge an artist just by a single song, but if we keep seeing songs as one part of a compilation, one part of a collection, one part of a whole record, we’re never able to see a song as it is, in all its bare and isolated glory. I’ve only listened to one single track of his album called ‘You’re a Wolf’, and to be honest, it didn’t really strike my fancy during the first listen. However, it was a song that I knew was rather nice to listen to, but I couldn’t remember why and was probably the reason to why I’ve decided to keep it instead. But, setting it apart from the rest of the list, fully indulging in every indistinct note and key in the tune while the tone starts settling in, it actually grows on you and it’s what most of us have always failed to do; not giving songs a second chance. And a third chance. Or a 25th chance – you get the idea.

|mp3| Sea Wolf – You’re A Wolf

Sea Wolf is made up of one Alex Brown Church, who’s also the bassist and co-singer/songwriter for the L.A. indie-rock band Irving. No one in this blogosphere has of yet anything bad to say about his record, Leaves In The River (which I have yet to take a listen to, and you should too if the opportunity comes) and that just makes me want to listen to more of this great music by Sea Wolf – don’t you?

:: Sea Wolf ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

Oh, Double Feck

Bloody fuck. This just in, I just found out that the shutting down of the popular torrent site, OiNK is indirectly linked to the main source of where I get the mp3s that are often posted up here in this site. That could only mean one thing; the life span of this blog might just not be as long as I had hoped it would be. It could probably be running for another couple of months or so, I’ll be sure to notify you guys if indeed that is what lies in the fate of this blog. Hopefully not though, because I’d like to keep it going.

The news has totally gotten me depressed that I’ve resorted to listening to all the past music that I’ve acquired from the ‘source’. I’m thinking; where we’ll I ever find music as good as these ever again? Oh well, things will work out on its own, I’m sure.

Britta Persson: Winter Tour

Sometimes when you come across a writing or a description so accurate, it almost feels impossible to come up with your own idea and explanation regarding a certain topic. I find that this excellent review of Britta Persson’s song, ‘Winter Tour’ in Stylus Magazine to be precisely close to how I feel about it.

‘Winter Tour’, the first song on Britta Persson’s gorgeous debut album, drifts in on a couple of strummed acoustic guitar chords—spare, wintry, inexpert. After a second or two, Persson’s breathy voice floats in, following a cheerful, offhand melody that sounds like a girl singing to herself as she skips on the sidewalk: “The music we were listening to, it is still my favorite music,” she confides before launching into a snaky, meandering “ah-ah-ah” melody, backed by a one-hand piano line that winds to the top of the scale almost like an afterthought. Thirty seconds in, Persson has stepped completely into focus and left an indelible impression. Then, just as quickly as she appeared, Persson skips past us, the song breezes out at three minutes, and, transfixed, we lean forward to hit “repeat.”

|mp3| Britta Persson – Winter Tour

I don’t know how anyone can pass that review and not want to discover more about the song by hitting right-click and save as. Swedish singer/songwriter, Britta Persson may be one of the many musicians to add to your already gigantic list of beyond talented female solo singer/songwriters that readily bears names such as Regina Spektor, Feist, and etc. If I could describe ‘Winter Tour’ in just two words or less, it’d be ‘serenely beautiful’. I know it’s an expression that’s been recycled too many a times, but this one carries it well, I guarantee you.

:: Britta Persson ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

What's New

If you’re a regular to this site, you’ve probably noticed some slight differences in the blog’s layout. Nothing major though, I just changed the width so columns are wider hence I can post up bigger pictures, compared to the largest width permitted by blogger which is a minute 400px wide. Pictures need to be big I think, so that it pops out at the readers and stays in their head for as long as possible.

I’ve also updated the links section which comprises links to sites which I think is just plain awesome and revolves around all things I love; from design (itsnicethat) and illustration (blogarians, drawn!) to photography (photojunkie, obiettivamente) and music (iguessimfloating, skatterbrain). For easy maneuvering around the site, I’ve finally inserted a proper Google search box plus I've also installed a contact form for easier 'contacting'. Best news of all is that this blog is finally RSS valid which means that you can now easily subscribe to my feed, and I can at last sleep soundly during the night once again.

Just so you know, links to all mp3s are still up and available for your downloading pleasure (yes, even the old ones) but if somehow you still face any problems, just send me a message by clicking here.

Elsewhere…

At last, after all the hullabaloo on myriads of music festivals I’ve heard in the past months, Malaysia will also be holding its very own 10 day music festival right here, no less in conjunction with the ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2007’. The performers they've got lined up are – well, not to be so excited about, unless you love I dunno, Dionne Warwick (??) or Whitney Houston (????!). I know it sounds like a concert reserved for the older generation, but hey if Whitney’s music is what fits your jangle, then by all means, go ahead and love her. It all sounds mighty grand, but mighty grand may not just be what I was looking for. Guess all the other artists are just busy touring, promoting, recording, writing or just plain nothing, that they couldn’t even fit ‘us’ in their schedule. That’s fine; anyway I heard James Morrison will also be coming - at least that’s something worth looking forward to.

For details on tickets, venue, date and suchlike – click here.

Covers, B-Sides, and Rarities: Radiohead Cover

I’ve been listening to the new LP over and over. And over and over. Over and over…, oh well screw it, you get the picture. Finally, songs are stuck in my head and I’m happy. I know that may come off as a little insane, but let me be – I’m in that kind of mood right now. But did I listen to their album because I was miserable, or was I miserable because I listened to their album? Anyway...

We love us some Radiohead and we love us some Radiohead covers even more. Since the excessive intake of In Rainbows, I can’t seem to shake off their music, so I’m glad to have discovered some really superb covers to some of their tunes. But first I have to say that I’ve never listened to ‘Kid A’. So there, I’ve said it, so please do not use that against me – I forbid you to. Therefore, I made it a point to listen to the original version first before I gave John Mayer’s rendition a try. This is so that I wouldn’t love the song the other way around like most mistakes I’ve committed in the past. The song ‘Kid A’ just simply blew me away; it was creepy but it was creepily good. The music echoes with muted tones and an isolated feeling that’s washed over with a hollow-sounding vibe; all together forming music that just defines exquisiteness. I couldn’t have fallen more in love with the song, but after listening to John Mayer’s version, I realized that I could - and I did. This is just too good.

|mp3| Radiohead – Kid A
|mp3| John Mayer – Kid A

Another similarly good cover that should also be pointed out is SIA’s cover of the track ‘Paranoid Android’. What can I say, good song choice, good execution, a bit draggy but overall it made me want to listen to the original and change my whole perception towards it and think, “Eh? this song is actually really good”

|mp3| SIA – Paranoid Android

New Release: Radiohead

I’m sure everyone’s heard of this; Radiohead coming out with a release of their latest record called In Rainbows last 10th October exclusively only from here. Those who’ve managed to download all songs off record on said released date, are no less deemed as ‘lucky bastards’. Here’s to say, that I didn’t. Anyway, now that I have, and now that I’ve fully immersed myself in each and every one of the bafflingly gorgeous tunes, then all I’ve wanted to ask is, ‘Was that one heck of a great record or what?’ If the worth of the album is really based on numbers, than it’s worth way more than whatever number you’re thinking right now – really.

A not to shabby cover art for the album done by Stanley Donwood using the photographic etching technique, placing prints into acid baths, is one to be impressed by, in fact so impressed, that Stereogum wants you, yes you to name the orange blob in the middle. Some other fans got themselves busy predicting and coming up with their own interpretations, you can check that out here and tell me which one you like, I vote for the baby. I mean I would’ve went for the baby, but blobs it seems, is just more damn appealing – oh, well.

I listen to the album; I think Sigur Ros and I listen to it a bit more, and it made me realize that Radiohead does sound a fair bit like Coldplay and Muse but with an inaccessibility that’s profound and filled with depressing tones, yet still capable of propelling each song to a state of grandiosity that’s difficult to achieve by bands like Coldplay and Muse. I feel like its music to all music, which makes it the best type of music there is. Oh screw it, here are some – love them as much as I do.


|mp3| Radiohead – Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
|mp3| Radiohead – All I Need

:: Radiohead ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

Cover, B-Sides and Rarities: Such Great Heights

One of the best things possibly about discovering music on your own, is that it’s just you and the music and nothing else. For me, it’s the reason to why my relationship with music now retains for far much longer, rather then just easily getting bored and being quick at disposing a tune I used to be so crazy about.

Those who’ve had the chance of watching Zach Braff’s, ‘Garden State’, is sure to recognize this song. ‘Such Great Heights’ is pretty much an oldie in the Indie music scene, if you haven’t listened to it, you haven’t listened to shit and as what naturally would result from good tunes, are equally great covers.

|mp3| The Postal Service – Such Great Heights

There are probably more covers of this song, but I’ve only heard to two versions of it and funny thing is, is that I really really truly believed that Iron and Wine’s version was the original, instead of Postal Service’s; and comparing both of the tunes, how could I’ve thought otherwise? Trust me when I say it’ really that good and undoubtedly one of the best covers I’ve heard in a long time.

|mp3| Iron and Wine – Such Great Heights
Here’s the other version that I mentioned done by the LA group, Rilo Kiley. There’s no apparent ‘wow’ factor like the previous but the ‘awww’ factor is off the charts though. The ‘awww’ factor y’know; listening to the song, how you immediately notice the audience singing along to the lyrics while accompanying Jenny Lewis’ vocals, “Awwww…”, hence the ‘awww’ factor.

|mp3| Rilo Kiley – Such Great Heights (Live)

Random Pick Of The Week: Aimee Mann – Calling It Quits

‘Random Pick of the Week’ is just pure randomness – or not. Its songs that I really can’t figure out where to place and are posted up anyways because – well, just because'

One week has finally came to its end, and I’m already back where I used to be; tending the weeds of this blog, so that it’s maintained properly and grows in the direction that I want it to.

While watching MTV, I discovered a couple of new and not-so-new things (and if things are in need of straightening up, I am directly referring to MTV Asia of course, what else?). The first one being a new show called ‘MTV Reverb’, introduced especially to promote what they seem to call, ‘REAL MUSIC’. Here’s a hint, artists such as Klaxons, LCD Soundsystem and Rooney will be featured; it makes me wonder - if those are real music, then what kind of music have they been playing all this while? The second one being about Perez Hilton announcing his plans on holding a boycott against Britney Spears while telling people to instead support for Feist. But with Britney’s new song receiving rave reviews from all fans alike, yeah right, dream on. Don’t boycott Britney; everyone knows she’s a huge screw-up, but people love her still in spite of it all, if not because of it. Just do what I do, act oblivious.

……

Aimee Mann is just one of the many artists from the US whose music stays mainly in the US, unless a certain country requires otherwise. Her name is rarely heard around these shores, let alone her music; shows how one really needs to put an effort to discover music, and not just sit around waiting for the number one song on the charts to finally come out.

The way I discovered her was through a book; Nick Hornby’s ’31 Songs’ to be more precise. It’s only natural that I had the urge to listen to her myself after reading the way Hornby wrote highly of her. In a way things would turn out, my sister got to her one of her songs first which was then soon after passed over to me. ‘Calling It Quits’ is dramatic music with dramatic lyrics, He's a serious Mister/shake his hand and he'll twist your arm, lyrics that are simple, direct and yet overflows with plain emotions.

|mp3| Aimee Mann – Calling It Quits

Her songs are indeed melodies for a darker mood due to its bleakness and dejection vibe that stays intact. Why I find this tune magnificent is because of its isolated and empty feel that greatly expresses misery and despair, a thing we can all relate to once in a while. The song is exquisite because of that.

Berserk

So, thing is, computer went totally berserk and simply refused, I mean like REFUSED to post up all the blog entries that I was planning on posting up. I’d tell you the reason but you wouldn’t believe me anyway, so why bother rite?

So much for me filling in for the whole week, so you guys are probably saying to yourself; and I don’t know if this is necessary, but sorry for all the inconveniences caused plus all the urgencies of wanting to jump off a cliff – if any.

Anyway, all posts are already up and running, so – indulge.

Picture by alimination602

The View

The fact that this band also uses the pre-fix ‘the’ and hails all the way from Scotland just happened to occur by chance - or did it? Of course when compared to the Cinematics, it almost seems like the View could possibly come from a different part of the world altogether; they’re a lot scruffier and grittier plus they’ve toured alongside Babyshambles, and have even been made comparisons to early Oasis.

These are the future bad boys of rock and roll who besides music, loves to relish in booze, drugs and well, more drugs. Not that I seem to have any objections to that - whichever way works right? Music that reverberates with a quality that’s able to stand out among other amateurs elevates the band to a higher position that they so rightfully deserve to be.

Neither the first single, ‘Wasted Little DJ’s’ nor their second best, ‘Same Jeans’ was what really dragged me to obligingly succumb to the aural experience that the band was able to provide; I’m torn between the good-natured jangley guitar hooks in ‘The Don’ and acoustic strums that could send hearts a quiver in ‘Face For The Radio’. Not the most outstanding tracks out of their whole ‘outstanding’ record, Hats Off To The Buskers, but since when was it about having to tag along to other people’s opinion? Falconer’s vocal ability is apparent in the slow number, ‘Face For The Radio’; it’s not entirely smooth but believe it or not, still manages to come off sweet and mellifluous all the same, but then I’d rather just let the music do the talking. Enjoy.

|mp3| The View – The Don
|mp3| The View – Face For The Radio

:: The View ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

The Cinematics: Rise and Fall

Finally, we’ve ascended out of the deep chasm of melancholic, placid music and come to writing about bands comprising of the word ‘the’ again. Though stereotypical these types of bands might sound like, who could ever avoid from indulging in a bit of music that feels so familiar, it’s like second nature to the skin.

Talking about the music by Scottish based band the Cinematics, generates some big household names that could pop into view, some of which are Interpol, Editors, Franz Ferdinand, the Killers, the Bravery and even the post-punk legends, Joy Division. Rip-offs or even ‘rape’-offs of other band’s music are done casually and blithely out in the open these days, but hey, what the bloody hell, go ahead and rip off - young lads still in search of their musical identity, who’s to blame if they’re using another famous band’s blueprint; but when they’re doing a bloody well good job in it, even more the better.

And let’s not be predictable and typical in this post and go ahead by choosing the best tracks out of the band’s album which have been claimed by many are, ‘Sunday Sun’ and ‘Break’. Fair play needs to be enforced, and after I’ve really had the chance to sink in my teeth in the whole album, I can’t seem to get enough of one particular song. Isolating ‘Rise and Fall’ from the record provides it with a new pedestal to be placed high upon; lingering solitary key punches and infectious guitar hooks is a good mixture of what Coldplay meets the Killers meets the Bravery meets Franz Ferdinand would sound like. Now, that’s a lot of big names which I could get killed for mentioning. Yeah, I call it ‘everyone’s entitled to their own opinion’, some other times it’s just called, ‘get your own blog!’

|mp3| The Cinematics – Rise and Fall

:: The Cinematics ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

Good Golly, By Jolly, This Is Really Good #19

Earlimart’s music is fragmented in such a way that it makes their music sound a bit bleak for the radios while still sounding a little heavy for the montage videos as had rightfully stated by Pitchfork (you have to give credit where it’s due). Earlimart is a Los Angeles-based indie pop act, made up of Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murray who’s been around etching their brand of music for a decade, it’s untouched yet unperturbed music that’s left bare solely for your listening pleasure - how could I’ve resisted?

‘Don’t You Think About Me’ is a concoction of heartfelt, hazy lyrics and melancholic sweeping soundscapes that’s laden with thriving cinematic melodies, all together forming somewhat of a grandiose yet understated sound. Overflowing with autumnal piano ballads and the fragile, warm voice of lead singer, Espinoza; it reminds you of empty rooms and vacant hallways that broaden and lead on for an indefinite moment, perfect for that moment of solitude.





|mp3| Earlimart – Don’t You Think About Me

:: Earlimart ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

Covers, B-Sides, and Rarities: Umbrella

There’s no better way to end this week’s so-called ‘POP fest week’, with the only catchy pop number deserving to reign supreme: Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella’. It was a song begging to be covered, one of the reasons I think, is due to its sheer constant, numerous times being played, till it had badly got into the other artists’ head, thus forcing them to think of coming up with their own versions; as if I was pleading them to tears, that I wanted to listen to more of that almost ‘Annoying Song of the Year’.

It was Mandy Moore who I first heard came out with her own rendition, soon after a couple of artists followed suit including Canada’s talented twins, Tegan and Sara. So, is it good? Well, here’s a hint, it’s UMBRELLA. How was it supposed to sound any better, or any different, or any likable? But, if an answer is what you’re searching for, well let’s just say this isn’t the best cover of ‘Umbrella’ I’ve ever heard; instead of slaughtering it, they could’ve done a better job - based simply on their previous works.

|mp3| Tegan and Sara – Umbrella

Plain White T’s gave their best shot and judging from their exceptional track, ‘Hey, There Delilah’, the vocals are a bit bland and frequently misses the mark in this one, a sure sign of choosing this song to be made a cover was a huge mistake. We don’t need more of ‘Umbrella’ or any other different versions of it, because it’s going to sound the same anyway, isn’t it? Except with only different vocals and being sung acoustically. If anything, we only need less of ‘Umbrella’ - and ONLY, only when it rains.

|mp3| Plain White T’s - Umbrella

The Spinto Band

Bloody hell, is it POP Fest week already? Well, you’ve got bands such as the Little Ones and Rooney… so oh yeah, it’s definitely POP fest week alright - this week expect neither music that are no less nor more of what we would inaptly call 'pop'. Including another band to the strings of excellent music makers (and shakers) of the ever-so-fun-loving pop music, I’ve preferably chosen these sextet that hails all the way from Delaware, USA that goes by the name of ‘The Spinto Band’.

If you’ve heard of the Spinto Band before, then you’ve probably heard of their most coveted track out of their album, Nice and Nicely Done, ‘Oh, Mandy’ and if you’ve heard of ‘Oh, Mandy’ before, you’ve probably heard about band - etc. Unfortunately, that has not been the case for me, for if I had listened to the brilliance that’s sustained by the track ‘Oh, Mandy’ a lot sooner, I would’ve given the LP a spin-to, considering that they are the Spinto band. ‘Directly to the Helmet’ was my first hearing experience by them, and though it’s a fairly good tune on its own, it doesn’t quite catch up to the mark that’s been set by the aforementioned track. It just builds up a different perception towards the band for me; I wish it could’ve happened the other way around.

It’s definitely pop music that this band so seamlessly manufactures, but with a little something extra – quirky trims all around due to the usage of the mixed contrasting instruments. The result is pop jingles that are not too over-powering but still satisfying and infectious all the same. ‘Oh, Mandy’ may be Indie pop’s greatest anthem of unrequited love yet, uplifting continuous strums of the mandolin paired with nonchalant falsetto vocals that’ll yank at your heart stings throughout the tune. ‘Directly to the Helmet’ is somewhat the contrast to the earnestness contained in ‘Oh, Mandy’; life’s pretty much in slow motion with this song stuck in your head but it overflows with whimsical lyrics, Your work looks great/Your look works great which makes it a song that doesn’t tire your hearing over repeated listens.

|mp3| The Spinto Band – Oh Mandy
|mp3| The Spinto Band – Directly to the Helmet
|mp3| The Spinto Band – Misogyny Is Cool

:: The Spinto Band ::
Official website| MySpace | Buy

What Would Happen If…?

Retouched portraits for COLORS magazine, no. 4 (John Paul II, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Elizabeth II, Spike Lee) assembled under the title What Would Happen If…?1993; the issue is devoted to racial differences.

Above is one of the finest pieces of conceptual art in the history of editorial design. Controversial no less, but due to its flawless execution, it’s also able to leave a deep and lasting impression on anyone’s mind; the sign of a great masterpiece.

I won’t be around for a couple of days which could mount up to a week for the reason that I am in a rather ‘festive mood’ in welcoming a somewhat ‘festive season’ and suchlike. As far as the postings are concerned, it will be backed up by a certain music aficionado by the name of a certain ‘Mr. Coconut’, so no worries there, and a huge thanks also to those who’ve supported this site since the past, your interest in all things ‘coconut’ is much appreciated. Keep on supporting and don’t forget to spread the love by spreading the word.

I guess that’s it then, see you in a week’s time.

Good Golly, By Jolly, This Is Really Good #18

I’m still contemplating on whether or not to post up Rooney’s ‘When Did Your Heart Go Missing’, in fact as I’m writing this post, while uploading the song thus consequently placing up the link, I’ve yet to come to an ultimate decision.

The song hems in a summer-pop fun feel that can do no wrong which makes it such a delight to listen to. But, lead singer’s, Robert Carmine’s vocals drags in a cocky swagger that irritates to the point that it reminds you of the cocky style that is Maroon 5. No offense, but I only reserve the deepest hatred I could muster for a band such as Maroon 5; it’s not that their music is so bad, it’s just that I can’t stand watching Adam Levine and his ‘full-of-himself’ ways.

So, just what makes Rooney a whole lot different if not better? Nothing much really, but consider the fact that Robert Carmine’s related to famous film director, Francis Ford Coppola while dismissing the other fact that he use to star in a popular teen-flick movie, The Princess Diaries, it might just bring the band’s cool factor up a notch. Quite a surprise though, to discover that the band doesn’t get as much publicity as they should although here, 8TV has been using the track as the background music to their monthly program highlights and you’ve got to hand it to those guys, they sure know how to spot a diamond in the rough.

‘When Did You Heart Go Missing?’ is equal parts 70’s retro swings and equal parts energetic pop catchiness. Drenched in a sunny West Coast feel with impeccably formed sun-kissed melodies that’s suitably fitted for your Californian themed summertime bliss. When stripped down to its very basic, it’s just catchy, fun music – so, what’s not to like?






|mp3| Rooney – When Did Your Heart Go Missing?

:: Rooney ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

The Little Ones

This is like repeating exactly what Pitchfork Media had previously stated about the indie-pop band, the Little Ones, but a good expression is worth repeating twice if not a hundred times; the band themselves have claimed their music to sound like "tiki shacks, lobster, thought bubbles, winks, juggling, laughter, games of laser tag, chocolate, burritos and smiles,” Well, stuff me in a ball of cuteness and roll me down the hill – that’s just pretty darn adorable!

It would only make sense to say that these Californians superbly crafts cheery, carefree, pleasant pop ditties that sometimes does bring you to mind of lobsters, burritos and juggling. Heart-warming tunes driven with pure exuberance; its pop numbers like these that’ll surely get your feet shuffling in a matter of milliseconds. Their six song EP aptly titled, Sing Song has in store an experience that's akin to devouring treats made up of buttery, creamy, sugary-filled goodness stacked in a carefully wrapped box, each one better than the previous. Mmmm…, lip-smackingly good.

I love how each song provides a different, unique experience of its own. ‘Oh! MJ’ may compare as a lackluster to the rest of the bunch, but a few seconds in, you start swaying along to the Motown backbeats and become engaged by the guitar riffs that gradually comes into picture, layering on top of another, lingering along till the end of the 5th minute of the song. ‘Lovers Who Uncover’ fizzes over with rhythmic pulses, full-bodied handclaps and brief avid shouts while ‘Face the Facts’ is sure to move you while encasing melodies strewn with strong catchy scents and words that sounds so smooth, you feel like singing along.

You’re not saving the song? What the hell - don’t you like chocolate donuts?

|mp3| The Little Ones – Oh! MJ
|mp3| The Little Ones – Lovers Who Uncover
|mp3| The Little Ones – Face the Facts

:: The Little Ones ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

New Release: The Cloud Room – Please Don’t Almost Kill Me

Once again, the Cloud Room have proven themselves worthy of more than a band that’s only capable of constructing soaring one hit wonders. Previously well known for their magnificent track, ‘Hey Now Now’ that you’ve provably listened to a million times in that Pespi ad, they’ve now recently just came out with a brand new 4 song EP called Please Don’t Almost Kill Me last 18th of September.

I admit that I’m not quite familiar with their music except the obvious ones, but I’m always open for more from this band. Some highlights off the EP (as simply pointed out by Stereogum) includes the lazy drags and drowsy swings of '24 Hr. Heartbreak’ and the equally entrancing power pop number, ‘La La Losing’ that’ll get you musing over their previous big hit tune; the ever popular soundtrack to the ever popular soft drink .




|mp3| The Cloud Room – La La Losing (Super Highly Recommended)
|mp3| The Cloud Room – 24 Hr. Heartbreak

:: The Cloud Room ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

Good Golly, By Jolly, This Is Really Good #17

I’ve been so tied up with mounds and mounds of work lately; it’s hard to imagine the amount of stress I’ve gone through. My sleeping hours are now non-existent to the point that 4am doesn’t seem so late anymore while 2am signifies that the night is still young. If I’ve been staying up - finishing up work or just wasting time away, figuring how to finish up that work - till 4am, there’s always the option of sleeping at around 5.30am and not being able to make it to class, or rather not sleep at all, where you’re able to make it to class, albeit attending class reminiscent to the ‘Night of the Living Dead’ - and this if I may add, happens every single day.

Well, I'm just learning to take it a day at a time.
…...


Are the band, the Hours, worth an hour of your time? Well, for starters the band formed way back in 2004, and has only just released a debut LP, Narcissus Road earlier this year but with a joint resume of both members boasting some of the finest lines of music work they have ever created with some pretty big names, this group might just be worth more than just an hour of your time.

‘Ali in the Jungle’ is no doubt one of the most amazingly remarkable tunes I’ve heard in quite a while, moreover due to how the intro highly brings to mind of New Order’s ‘Ceremony’, makes it a song that I can’t simply take no notice of. The prominent artwork of a skull by British artist Damien Hirst gracing the cover arts as well as their video instantly gives you the impression of a dark, looming, threatening feel. But after listening to the song, you’re sure to discover that their music bears no resemblance to all things gruesome and grisly. Trodden with jangly piano whilst propelled by hazy dissolving hooks and spattered with traces of a dark and brooding mood, it’s a tune you’ll easily get smitten by even at the first listen. Just be sure to keep your ears peeled at all times and see if you can catch references made to cultural figures such as Nelson Mandela and Ludwig Van Beethoven.

So, are the Hours worth an hour of your time? Well, as Jarvis Cocker would blatantly put it, “Let them into your life – you won’t regret it”.






|mp3| The Hours – Ali In the Jungle

:: The Hours ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

Cover, B-Sides, and Rarities: Bloc Party’s “The Once and Future King”

Bloc Party is a pretty amazing band; especially due to the fact that they've recorded 22 freaking songs for their latest (or no so latest) album, A Weekend In The City. Only eleven songs made it to the album, meaning that’s another eleven b-sides which they’ve released together with various different singles off of the record.

What’s more, the b-sides just completely blew me away, a stunning piece of work if come to a person who can really look at it from the right angle. B-sides as good as these are just justifications to how the album contains even more superbly excellent stuff, so get off your lazy arse and go get the album – provided that you still haven’t bought the album that is. This, in my opinion is the best one out of the bunch, tell me wot you guys think:

|mp3| Bloc Party – The Once and Future King

All eleven b-sides can easily be obtained - as they have been aimlessly floating around the internet for quite awhile now - with the help of knowing which button to push and what particular word to key in.

The Sunshine Underground: Commercial Breakdown

‘Commercial Breakdown’ by the Sunshine Underground was the ‘gatewaydom song’ to my first Indie music haven. I practically held on to it for such a long time due to the fact that I felt a heavy Strokes vibe through out the tune, which come to think of it now, is just plain wrong, not to mention unfair.

The Sunshine Underground is a band from Leeds whose name was taken from one of Chemical Brothers’ track and which pays no reference to the New York rock band, the Velvet Underground - just in case any of you were wondering. The band as the well as so many other bands, have often faced difficulties in trying to find the correct label to their music. To me, it sounds nothing more than indie-rock with some slight punk infusions, but oh well, that’s what happens when you judge overall music by a single song – misconceptions, misconceptions.

‘Commercial Breakdown’ boasts hard-ripping and crashing guitar riffs, accompanied by boisterous bass-lines and heavy drum beats. It’s a tune that’s both bold and big, and dense with huge sing-along choruses that’s sure to keep you fueled up the whole night through. The melodies are jagged-edged, brimming with vocals that might as well construe anger but with an amount of passion and intensity that never falters for a moment - it takes one to know one.

|mp3| The Sunshine Underground – Commercial Breakdown

:: The Sunshine Underground ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy

Video: Laura Veirs’ Video Competition

I’ve been keeping up with Laura Veirs’ video competition that’s been held on her website. Now weeks have passed and winners have been announced and all I can say is, that it’s a pretty clever way of pointing out some of the brilliant tracks contained in Veirs’ latest, Saltbreakers. So yes, I was contemplating on entering the competition myself, but due to very stupid, unreasonable well, reasons, the ideas, the plans were never fully realized. That won't matter no more, because now I could turn my attention towards those who have entered and those who have won which proves to be an enjoyable if not an amusing feat.

1st Place ("Phantom Mountain" by Doug Savage ) – I love the song though Veirs’ vocals resemblance to Karen O is remarkably palpable in this one. Doodles of chicken, animated through stop motion is undeniably charming. A lot of effort’s been put in this vid, no doubt about that, thus straightaway elevating it to the number one spot. There’s definitely amusement, suspense (oh no chicken! Look out!), plus the typical cute factor that’s present, though at times, I find some of the scenes aimless and hence *yawn* boring.

2nd Place ( "Wrecking" by Derek Scearce ) – A slow number is hard for a video to be build around without coming off too cheesy or too dull so it’s no surprise that this video comes off as the most lackluster out of the bunch. Good compositions and cinematography, however it fails to walk loyally hand in hand with the song till the end, a sign of weak synchronization.

3rd place ("Pink Light" by Tyler Jensen ) – I don’t know whether I love the song, or it’s just the video, but this is my favorite one yet. With good synchronization and good composition, you can never go wrong. Plus the idea that came about for the video is original and sheer genius. Simple yes, but sometimes simplicity is the best way to go. After watching the video, I am now amazed by how can one expertly hula hoop, whereas all that I can do is expertly hold the hoop around me mid-height, after which I jiggle a bit only for it to fall down shamelessly to my feet – oh, the agony.



|mp3| Laura Veirs – Pink Lights

4th place ("Saltbreakers" by Eric Collins ) – There’s nothing much I can say about this one, except that it’s just simple animation with a simple storyline; but it definitely got me hooked on the song – good effort though.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

After scrupulously rummaging through my earlier mp3 collections (which you’ll see more of this week), I stumbled upon this particular track which I’ve owned for a while now, ‘Oregon Girl’ by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, but which I never came around to fully devoting myself to. The intro to the track is nothing to shout about what more to write about, but as soon as those few catching guitar lines in the chorus kick in, I was literally swooning for more.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, (or otherwise more conveniently and less painfully referred to as SSLYBY) is an American Indie band from Missouri that conjures up perfectly polished pop numbers and aren’t afraid to admit so. Before we proceed any further, I feel that a further explanation regarding something of huge significance is called for; the band’s name refers to the first president of Russia - though it’s quite puzzling as to why the band would call themselves ‘Someone Still ...etc etc’ as oppose to just Boris Yeltsin. You agree, no?

The pop trinkets which the band crafts out are of the simple and straightforward kinds you may come across with but yet never fails to leave an optimistic, upbeat impression. ‘I am Warm + Powerful’ overruns with a ‘warm + powerful’ discharge while still maintaining its haziness attributable to its lo-fi production. Whereas ‘Pangea’ is immaculate and sweet, drizzled generously with the sounds that could or would come straight out of the late 60’s music scene. Really good stuff, this is.

|mp3| Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – Oregon Girl
|mp3| Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – I am Warm + Powerful
|mp3| Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – Pangea

:: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin ::
Official website | MySpace | Buy