Parts and Labor - Satellites

Is it me or is Brooklyn really the place to be at the moment? There are some amazing bands cropping up from that neck of the woods at the moment, Parts and Labor are a fine example of that. Their fourth album, Satellites shows a real development in sound from their earlier albums
almost pop punk ethics. It sees more of a blend of electro tinged indie. There is still the anthemic vocals and feel good attitude towards their music which is to be expected but they have definitely been a lot more ambitious. With time taken to incorporate the electronic glitches into the heavy riffs and drums a lot more has made the outcome a lot more fluid. The songs work well together.
They are just about to head out on a tour all over the U.K. It will be one not to miss.
Check the track underneath. Its one of the highlights.

http://www.scjag.com/mp3/jag/nowheresnigh(edit).mp3

Mi Ami - New Guitar, free download

To support their first full length album, Watersports, out on Quarterstick records, energetic noise punk trio Mi Ami have released a free track for you to download called New Guitar.
Have a listen.

<http://www.touchandgorecords.com/media/4091.mp3>

Abe Vigoda - Skeleton

God these guys don't half make a noise. At first it was really hard to get my head round their hugely eclectic sound. There are elements of Punk, No Wave, Pop and there is definitely some At The Drive In, in there somewhere. Its fast paced, high energy stuff, with the opener 'Dead City/Waste Wilderness' throwing the listener in at the deep end straight away and their songs ranging anywhere from 90 seconds to 3 minutes it will take a few listens to work out what the hell is going on.
They have been going for a few years now but Skeleton is the album that really brings the quality of their sound out. This is raw but their debut was perhaps a little too raw. The sound the two guitarists kick out is more like a steel drum with a lot of reverb. They are one of those bands that you know will be awesome live.
Skeleton is another classic to add to the ever expanding L.A. Lo-Fi scene which has seen bands like No Age and Health pick up a heap of praise last year. With a new E.p out imminently Abe Vigoda are ones to watch.

Dan Deacon - Bromst

Dan Deacon is well known for putting on an unforgettable live show. Generally involving setting up his equipment on a table in the middle of the crowd and playing there, having warm up routines of stretching for the crowd, playing gigs anywhere remotely possible, alleyways, car parks, abandoned buildings etc. A major theme in his work is to bring people together and he certainly encapsulates that in his shows.

His background in electro - acoustic composition is fused together with the intensity and energy of his live performances so well on this album that I feel like I've just downed a packet of Pro Plus after listening to it.

"Much of Bromst is a story about becoming a ghost, cycles of the earth, mountains, getting older, change, nonlinear time, bees, global conspiracy/oppression of the spirit,2012, and a psychadelic realm that coexists amongst our material plain," Explains Dan. Sooooooo.....

The amount of different sounds going on in any one track is enough to make Battles sound stripped down. Equipment and effects built up on top of a vast array of other random instruments such as a Glockenspiel, Marimba, Vibraphone, Live Drums, winds and brass give this album so much depth. Every time I listen to it I find something new and intriguing about it. It's intense and intricately executed and is so much fun to listen to. I have to see this man live.

Check track eleven 'Get Older.' Not only does it encapsulate the many messages Deacon wants to give but it's one of the best tracks on the album.

Bromst is out on the 24th of March.

The Wizard's Hat.

Fellow Zinesters and amazing illustrators, The Wizards Hat took some time out of their busy schedule to answer a few questions for us. They have also designed the layout for the interview for our next zine.

Peel Sessions

I have picked up a habit recently of trawling through the old Peel Sessions and have funnily enough found some absolutely brilliant music. Two favorites that I have literally been obsessed with are Arab Strap and Explosions In The Sky. Being a huge fan of both bands, to hear the live sessions of tracks like Arab Strap's 'Drinking Eye' and Explosions in The Sky's 'With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept' brings it all back. If you can pick these up check them out. Breathtaking.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/sessions/top125/

Vinyl Countdown

As I was kneeling on my bedroom floor yesterday organising my CD’s and records (yes, that’s right I’m that kind of record nerd) it suddenly occurred to me that in this age of downloaded music people might never have this again, a record collection.
We’ve all been aware of the take over by digital download media over the last few years but it wasn’t until yesterday that I began to think to myself, have I wasted my time? All this time, effort and money finding and buying all these records, was it all a waste?
My answer is, of course not! I love record shopping! I love finding new, interesting bands and albums. If anything I think it’s the digital download kids of today that have lost out.
When you consider that whenever you download music, legally or illegally, you miss out on the package that comes with owning a record, you miss out on the sleeve notes, the artwork, any hidden messages etc. I know you can get artwork when you download music but can a grainy JPEG really be a replacement for holding a record in your hands and seeing the artwork right in front of you rather than on a computer, you wouldn’t want to see the Mona Lisa on a computer screen for the first time, would you?
As for the case of the liner notes, did you know the Johnny Depp played guitar on the ‘Be Here Now’ album by Oasis? It this kind of little, fun factoids that people will miss out on if they download music. The liner notes can also serve as a great gateway to discovering new music, take a look at the liner notes in CD or record it lists the producer, sound engineer, where it was recorded, when it was recorded, who played on it, who did the arrangement and lots more information, all which is not included on a download (go check your iTunes now if you don’t believe me). This is particularly true with electronic music when you read the liner notes to a dance album the thank you list is as long as a crying actress who just won an Oscar!
The point I’m to make here is in this age of digital downloads, which has undoubtedly revolutionised the way that we consume music, are we really gaining more music knowledge? In order for us to get this new music surely something has to be lost? If you look at the case of Pat Mawhinney, who has the largest record collection in the world, when the US library of congress examined his collection they determined that of his records between 1948 to 1966 only 17% of those records were now available to the public. Do you still think we’re gaining music?
The thing I love the most about CD’s, records and record shopping is the rummaging through stacks of records in store and friends houses to see what they have, what new records they bought that week and seeing them all lined up on a shelf or piled on the floor and the thing that scares me most is having that image on rows and rows of records lined on a shelf being replaced by some big, bulky and ugly hard drive sat on the corner of someone’s desk.



Essential Selection:

HTRK – Ha
Return of the Space Invaders – Kiss My Shiny Metal Ass
TTA – Neo Violence (Laidback Luke Remix)
Hamonic 313 – Dirtbox
Sky Larkin – Molten
Tame Impala – Desire Be Desire Go

Middle Boop - New Work

Middle Boop has just done a piece for fellow zine maestro's Supra Boring.
Check it.
www.myspace.com/supraboringismybestfriend

Steven Wilson - Insurgentes

The first thing that amazed me about prog rock legend Steve Wilson's Insurgentes, was that it was actually his first solo album. He has had his fingers in many a progressive pie before now, apart from the amazing Porcupine Tree he has worked with Opeth, Marillion, Andrew Liles to name a few. So how does this compare to his already vast career?
Very well in fact. There is a real variety of songs here, from the detuned, heavy, groove ridden riffs of songs such as Harmony Korine and Veneno Para Las Hadas giving way to well produced ambiance, jazzy freak outs and classical arrangements. The guitar solos, frantic, reminiscent of early Mars Volta. The tracks interlace nicely into each other, the highlight being track 3 'Salvaging' building up the whole way through before track 4 'Veneno Para Las Hadas' kicks in with huge drums and a string section going as mental as a string section can get.
There will always be that Porcupine Tree essence with Wilson's very distinctive vocal harmonies but this album strays away from what you have come to expect from them. There are some real gems on this album, the production is first class. The album is out via KScope on the 9th of March. This is well worth checking out.

Designers Republic Close Their Doors.

One of the most influential and well known design companies 'Designers Republic' closed for business on Tuesday with all of its nine staff being made redundant.
After a combination of losing some big name clients, a couple of pitches and a huge tax bill they had no choice. This is a big blow for the design world as they have been creating amazing work for clients such as Coca Cola, Orange, Nickelodeon, Warp Records and artists such as Supergrass and the mighty Autechure. Their work will be missed.

Squarepusher Free Download

Those lovely people over at Warp are offering a free download of the latest single from Squarepusher's latest ep 'Numbers Lucent' entitled Illegal Dustbin.
Please Yourselves.

http://www.warprecords.com/squarepusher/squarepusher_-_illegal_dustbin.mp3

Mt St Helens Vietnam Band - Self Titled

This Seattle five piece are really starting to create a buzz about them. With the bouncy indie rock opener, 'Who's Asking,' giving a two and a half minute taste of exactly what they are about. Fast, happy indie, perfect music for its spring release. With Scott Colborn, knob twiddler for Arcade Fire and Boop favourites Animal Collective behind their array of danceable indie hits, 2009 could well be a big year for them. Take the vocal harmonies of Wolf Parade and mix it with the fast paced, intense drum and guitar work of The Thermals. All good.

Polar Bear Club

Just thought I would upload some ace new images for Polar Bear Club's gig in Southampton designed by MiddleBoops own Simon Stroud. Get some.

Bon Iver - Blood Bank

This four track ep is as I have come to expect from Bon Iver, brilliant.
Every one of these tracks display the heartfelt, emotional, well layered vocals that send shivers down your spine. From the electrifying opening, 'Blood Bank,' to the finisher 'Woods' there is no change in the quality from last years 'For Emma, Forever Ago,' but they are making the most of the new equipment and recording facilities that have been made available to them since the success of their debut. The songs are left to build up to more climatic finishing and vocal effects that were made famous by Cher's 'Believe.' So although still sounding amazingly stripped down there is a little tweak here and there that shows a really interesting progression. It has just come in at 37 in the charts. Not bad going.

Erased Tapes - Free Download

The record label Erased Tapes have released a free download compilation of their music containing such greats as Kyte, The British Expeditionary Force, Olafur Arnalds etc. You also get a free track with each new release.
This one is not to be missed.
Check the link underneath.

http://ddc.erasedtapes.com

Password: MY-FREE-ERATP010

Three Trapped Tigers - Buffalo Bar 22/01/09

Where do I start with Three Trapped Tigers? These guys have an immense amount of talent and it really shows. They create the sort of intensity that draws you in so that all you can do is watch in awe as these three guys absolutely go for it. Its the sort of sound that can only be developed with a lot of time and effort, each member playing off of each other mixing effect laden synths and guitars with the kind of aggressive drumming that really brings their whole sound to another level. A lot of people have already compared them to Battles, but I would say they were more like 65daysofstatic if they listened to a lot more jazz. The highlight for me was mid set when the drummer produced a mini kit and cow bell, then moved on to his drum pads, then to the full kit.
Brilliant.
They weren't headlining last night but they should have been, they blew away both other bands on the bill, the headliners had to be thinking 'How the hell are we going to outdo these guys?' They didn't. Straight after TTT finished the venue looked and felt about half the capacity it was a few minutes before.
Their first ep only touches on their live performance. They have to be seen to be believed.

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion

What a way to see in 2009! This album is a sign of the times. Bringing together hugely echoed, synth laden soundscapes, crazy beats and vocal harmonies with the ridiculously catchy pop hooks of tracks like 'My Girls' and 'In The Flowers.' There is more attention on the vocals and Avey Tare's amazing voice, the harmonies are subtle and show a lot of care and consideration making their sound more accessible to wider audiences. This truly is Animal Collective at their best, there is so much going on in any one track you find something new every time you listen, you just get the feeling that these songs will sound amazing live. Even the album artwork takes a minute or two to get your head round.
Even though we are only in January will surely be one of the top albums of the year
for many critics.

Pictures On Walls

Here we go guys, the photos from the Pictures on Walls event from a month or so ago. We were really glad to be a part of it and sell our zines with some of the best creatives/artists in the country. Special thanks to Mark for inviting us up and Maya for the photos!







The que started right down the other end of the road and stayed like that for the whole two days. Jokes

Ane Brun - The Treehouse Song

Scandinavian country/Folk singer Ane Brun has actually been around for quite some time but it has only been recently after a song for the recent Sky campaign that people have started to take notice. With a fine array of credible producers and composers behind her who have worked with the likes of Sigur Ros, Anthony and The Johnsons, Bjork etc, there is a lot to live up to but her voice, especially in songs like 'The Puzzle' with the backing of an orchesta behind her sounds amazing. Its very haunting, in a similar vein to Joannah Newsom. Her new siongle, 'The Treehouse Song' is out now. Its a lot more country orientated and stripped down then some of her other work but still sounds pretty good.

sick mix 2009

"16 Tracks Flash Mixer Greeting Card, from Home K One and Nanozoom / Marseille - France"
Great fun! Happy New Year!

Get your Omega3 in!

Omega Code are a new band out to create pure extascy in the music and art world. In early 2009 they are planning to release their debut album for absolutely free! São Paulo's answer to TOOL, Nine Inch Nails, Mogwai, Sigur Rós, Boards of Canada, Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, Opeth, The Mars Volta, all the greats! If this sounds good to you, you've not herd the rest of it...
Omega Code believe that in this modern day world, music should be tightly intertwined with visuals. So for this they are planning to co-inside the release of their LP with some live visual installations in some of the major cityies around the world.
Now if this isn't enough Omega Code have also gathered some of the best image makers around and asked them to produce a series of posters based on their 'simple yet effective' logo! The posters are limited to 2300 but again are absolutley free!

The Matthew Herbert Big Band - There's Me and There's you

Herbert is well known for his conceptual Dj work, delving deep into House music but his big band is completely different. Although there is still an inclusion of the collaged samples which brought him legendary status but they are mixed subtly into the background of which the foreground is taken up by very jazzy, big band music reminiscent of the sort of music you would hear at swing clubs in the 1920's. There is so much thought behind this with the lyrics striking against capitalism and the consuerist age we live in bellowed out by the extremely talented singer Eska, this is a very intense, passionate album and certainly one to take time over.

Erased Tapes

I was first drawn to this label at Latitude festival. I was walking around aimlessly after hearing the single most annoying sentence any band could say at a festival. "We are going to do a few acoustic numbers now." Always a killer. When I heard something coming from the BBC introducing stage that I wasn't expecting. Heavy, epic and melodic, which was more than enough to get my attention. That sound was coming from Kyte, whose emotionally driven post rock soundscapes managed to reach people the other side of the campsite and draw them in. a band that will be worth looking out for in 2009.
After this I delved into what the rest of the label had to offer and found that even though Erased Tapes has only been going a year. It already has a lot to boast about.
Their eclectic collection of bands move from the ambient, epic sounds of Code in The Clouds to Aphex Twin style break beats and glitches of Aparatec and Rival Consoles to the absolutely beautiful sounds of Icelands next big import Ólafur Arnalds. Of course lets not forget The British Expeditionary Force, made up of ex Yourcodenameis:Milo guitarist Justin Lockey and vocalist Aid Burrows, of Fierce Panda creating delicately layerd electro Indie with a twist.
There is some stunning music on show here.
Check out.

Codes in The Clouds
Kyte
Ólafur Arnalds
The British Expeditionary Force

drugs designed by SCENE

Going to be big in scene land, Designed Drugs are the enforced fit of avante garde dance music. Come on they've already done a remix of little boots! MP3
just liked the picture really...

Simon's Albums of tut year!

Flying Lotus - Los Angeles = Warp ave only gone and done it again! Instrumental, broken hip hop, basically, inspired by his home town - check the title - this record gives us an insight into whats really going on over the pond.

Benga - Diary Of An Afro Warrior = DUBSTEP! if theres one album that summed up dubstep last year it would be this. Even if you havent even herd of him chances are you would of herd 'night' possible the biggest tracks of 08 personally my favourite though gots to be '26 Bsslines'.

Santogold - S/T = Big! Big enough to be on all the adverts! A masterpiece in new world pop, i think the diplo mixtape is slightly better then the album if nothing just cos of the guns of brixton 'cough' brooklyn cover. But none the less the album is defiantly essential listening.

Black Ghost - Mix Tape = If you want to be technical about it, its not an album but its a fucking great collection of songs mixed in with a verity of remixes and of course there own tracks check: Shoreditch Vampires

Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours = Australia at its best New Wave Dance!

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly - Searching for the Hows and Whys = UK folk for the modern age!

others i cant be arse to write about or barry/gord have already:
Fleet Foxes - s/t
Mr. Scruff - ninja tuna
Nightmares on Wax - Thought so...
The Black Keys - Attack & Release
Mogwai - The Hawk Is Howling
Daedelus - Love To Make Music To
James Yorkston - When The Haar Rolls In
Jamie Lidell - Jim
School Of Seven Bells - Alpinisms
TV On The Radio - Dear Science
Starkey - Ephemeral Exhibits
Caspa - Ave It: Vol2
Death Cab for Cutie – Narrow Stairs
MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
Vampire Weekend - s/t
Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
Sigur Rós - Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust

Faunts - Feel.Love.Thinking.Of.

Faunts should have definately been added to my list for bands that are going to be big in 2009. Combining electro, Indie and Post Rock (I hate that term.) Their album Feel.Love.Thinking.Of. Literally doesn't have a dud track on it, and when I first listened to it I listened to the whole thing which is good for me as I normally get bored about half way through an album. The five piece can make intricate, complicated music but yet instantly likeable at the same time. Complexly layered guitars, soaring vocals with mathematic loops and synths creating some brilliant music.
You heard it here first, these guys are on the right road to sucess.
Check 'Out on a Limb.'

MiddleBoop on Juxtapoz

Just a quick note to say that some of our work is featured on the front page of art and design magazine Juxtapoz's website.

Check it.

http://www.juxtapoz.com/

Gordon's Albums of the year

A new year is about to begin so here at Middleboop we’re all selecting our favourite albums from the last year. Hope you enjoy them

Mogwai- The Hawk is Howling
Middle Boop favorites Mogwai have done it again. A brilliant album featuring tracks that are a lot longer and more stripped down than Mr Beast. Took me a while to get into as every album does but now that it's hit me I think its amazing. Especially 'I Love You, I’m Going To Blow Up Your School' and the epic finale 'The Precipice.'

Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
Ingenious Avante-Garde pop, dance, whatever.
This album is their biggest to date and has some really amazing tracks on. With a show at the Koko just sold out and a date at the Forum on the way, Animal Collective are starting to get
recognized for the geniuses they are.

Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover
The first release from the Canadian outfit is pure brilliance.
Made up of people from ... and Wolf Parade they seem to have incorporated the best bits from other bands to create some really interesting, catchy music. Check out Winged/Wicked things.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Dig !!! Lazarus Dig !!!
From start to finish this album features so many delights this could easily be
one of his best albums to date. This album tells many stories, with the big opener
Dig !!! Lazarus Dig !!!, to the more mellon collie, 'More News From Nowhere.' There simply is not a track to skip. I haven't stopped listening to it yet.

Sigur Rós - Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust
A much more upbeat approach from the Icelandic band. The only let down was the artwork which I felt could have been more exciting as their earlier albums. That said, the music is stunning and is only consolidating their status as one of the most breathtaking contemporary bands.

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Real Emotional Trash
The man just does not stop creating awesome music. Real Emotional trash has some real gems on and although certainly has the Pavement ethics Malkmus shows a different to his music. This album was stuck in my car for months. Check Hopscotch Willie.

Cinematic Orchestra - Live at the Royal Albert Hall
absolutley breathtaking music from start to finish. My only wish is that I was actually there for the gig.
Amazing on cd, something else live.

Errors - It's Not Something But It Is Like Whatever
These guys crop up quite a bit on our blog and rightfully so. They have a great mix of influences ranging from Justice to Explosions in the Sky. Creating a really cool sound. A band on the up for 2009.

MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Bridging the gap between Electro Indie and the pop charts. These guys were the soundtrack to a lot of peoples summers and have got bigger than probably they even imagined in such a short time.

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
What can be said about Fleet Foxes that hasn't been said before? They need no introduction.
Pick up any music magazine and you will find their album reviewed as one of the years greatest and rightfully so. You can listen to the album over and over without getting tired. In the little time they have been around they have done amazingly well.

Middle Boop in Brooklyn

Hi guys hope everyone is well. Just thought I would let you know that one of our limited edition prints has been entered into a competition for Brooklyn Arts Project, the best of 2008.
Underneath is a link where you can vote for it. It would be awesome if you had a moment to sign up and vote by adding the image to your 'favorites'.
(the option to add it to favorites is just underneath the image.)

Thanks guys.

http://www.brooklynartproject.com/photo/photo/show?id=668279%3APhoto%3A122806

Here is a list of the top 10 bands I am really excited about for the year ahead.

1. Or, The Whale.
Or, The Whale's country, alt rock sound is sure to raise a few eyebrows in 2009.
The nine piece have a sound that would be welcome in the cd collection of any Arcade Fire or Band of Horses fan. Their debut album 'Light Poles and Pines' is starting to create quite a fuss and rightfully so. Demonstrating a wide variety of genre hopping songs. Ones to watch.

2. Remember Remember.
Combining a huge variety of instruments including harps, saxophones,violins, Guitars and even a Glockenspiel with household objects such as a stapler, hole puch, scissors, etc to create this atmospheric, glitchy, dancy, epic music. This is some of the most interesting and imaginative music I have heard for quite a while. There are lots of musicians who use this amount of instruments, Four Tet, Fuck Buttons, etc but I have heard none who sound like this. Graeme Ronald, the driving force behind Remember Remember has got something really special here and it won't be long before this is recognised.

3. Dent May and his Magnificent Ukulele
Dent May is one of those guys who's life totally revolves around music. Growing up in Jackson Mississippi he spent his early days singing in church choir's and performing with a recorder choir at Nursing Homes and has continued writing in various bands throughout his life. With his sound harking back to that of early 19th century swing ( think the ball at the end of Back to the Future,) it has this charm about it, a sort of charm I really haven't heard since Eels were in their heyday. Its just such a nostalgic, likable sound.

4.No Age
I had to give these guys a few listens before I started to find something in their sound that I liked. Maybe its the energy they put into their music. Maybe its the fact that they sound so raw which, In the time of being able to produce a reasonably decent sounding record from your bedroom is actually quite refreshing but there is definately something that keeps bringing me back to listen to these guys and I know a lot of people feel the same.

5. Kelpe
Kelpe creates some really interesting beats. Often using simple, effect laden drum patterns, combining them with really dirty, fuzzy bass lines and various other sounds mixed in making music that I haven't stopped listening to since I first heard it. With a mixture of tracks that could fill any dance floor (Shipwreck Glue) to minimalistic, rather intense sounds (Pinch and Flare.)

6. Midnight Juggernauts
Last year was a very successful year for the inde/electro Australians seeing them grow from being unheard of in this country to playing high up the bill on the sunrise arena at Latitude, tour with Late of the Pier and play the Becks Fusion event below Massive Attack. 2009 will be even bigger for them and will hopefully see them get the acknowledgement they deserve.

7.Errors
Another band who have had a pretty successful year. Ending with the opening slot for Mogwai at venues as big as Hammersmith. Probably the only band that can make a crowd of moody post rockers dance, if you haven't seen them already you really should soon because there is no way they will be playing dingy bars anymore.

8. Abe Vigoda
There is definately a surge of bands with a certain lo-fi edge becoming quite successful at the moment. No Age and Bon Iver are certainly at the forefront, but bands like Abe Vigoda are certainly starting to get recognised over here, their hugely energetic, frantic, yet also melodic sound is reminiscent of early At The Drive In, which is something I found quite refreshing.

9. Animal Collective
After a few albums people are finally starting to get used to Animal Collective's avante garde sound. They are already pretty renowned but it was after their most exciting release in late 2007, 'Strawberry Jam' which really saw them take off resulting in a headline slot on the Carling Stage at Reading. They are bringing a new album out in January. I'm pretty excited.

10. Au
Au really caught me in a way that not many bands do and it normally takes a few listens to get it whereas with these guys it was an instant like. There is so much going on its hard to take it all in, played loud its quite overwhelming. Au's huge soundscape is mainly created by the multi talented Luke Wyland. Verbs is a full album, the tracks all flow well into each other. Au already have friends in high places supporting the likes of Fleet Foxes, Beach House and Phosphorescent and I should Imagine you will be hearing a lot more from these guys in 2009.

Barry's Albums of the Year 2008

A new year is about to begin so here at Middleboop we’re all selecting our favourite albums from the last year. Hope you enjoy them

Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
Indie –folk from a bunch a beardies from Seattle and it’s filled with excellent choral vocals and Neil Young style guitars. Essential Tracks – He Doesn’t Know Why, White Winter Hymnal, Sun It Rises

Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
Indie-folk from another beardy this time from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This album is full of heart-breaking songs about a girl called Emma. It’s just one man and his guitar writing rich folk music, I love it. Essential Tracks - The Wolves, For Emma

Mr Oizo – Lamb’s Anger
Bearded Frenchman Mr Oizo returned late in 2008 with a more vicious offering than his previous releases. Once again filled with strange vocal samples and thumping drums that feel like its going to burst your eardrums. Viva la France! Essential Tracks – Hun, Positif, Pourriture 7

Octopus Project – Hello Avalanche
It now time for my first non-bearded selection! Although released in 2007 I didn’t discover this band until 2008 after seeing perform an amazing live show at the ATP festival and has become key feature in my listening this year. Mixing electronica with indie they have come up with songs to relax you and make you dance. Essential Tracks – Bee’s Bein’ Strugglin’, Mmaj, Ghost Moves

MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
They certainly have had a massive year and rightly so. These electro-pop stars have reached levels of ubiquity that only X-factor winners seem to get, only they have talent and if they do a cover version they wouldn’t butcher it and ruin everyone’s Christmas! Essential Tracks – Kids, Time to Pretend, Of Moons, Birds and Monsters, Electric Feel

and now the best of the rest –
Ladyhawke – Ladyhawke
Boys Noize – A Bugged Out Mix
Soulwax – Part of the Weekend Never Dies
A-Trak – Say Whoa
Land of Talk – Some Are Lakes
Sebastian – Remixes
Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue
School of Seven Bells – Alpinisms
The Grates – Teeth Lost, Hearts Won
Cold War Kids – Loyalty to Loyalty
Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours
Death Cab for Cutie – Narrow Stairs
Utah Saints – Finger Lickin’ 3
Elbow – The Seldom Seen Kid
In Flagranti – Business Acumen

The Day The Earth Didn't Quite Stand Still!

Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Written by: David Scarpa and
Edmund H. North
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly,
Jaden Smith, John Cleese

The Day The Earth Stood Still is a remake of the 1951 sci-fi film of the same name. The current film starts with a large orb like egg that lands on the earth in New York. Out pops an alien called Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) and a giant robot called Gort (No man in a suit this time just CGI). Klaatu has come to the earth to negotiate with the world leaders about saving the planet from global warming. Things don’t go to plan (When do they ever go to plan in films!) and Klaatu is taken hostage by the U.S Military. He escapes with the help of Dr. Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) and the two of them along with Helen’s son Jacob (Jaden Smith) go on a journey that tests the limit of life itself. During this time Klaatu has set about the destruction of the human race, but slowly learns about humanities greatest features!

The main substantial differences between the original and the remake is the eras the two films were made in. The original was made right after the Second World War with the main message and reason for Klaatu’s arrival being peace to earth or be destroyed. Because the rest of the universe felt threatened by humanity. The remake however is about global warming and are fears and anxieties towards it. Klaatu has come to earth to help humanity to stop the destruction of the planet otherwise humanity will be purged from existence. This shows sci-fi doing what it does best and that is reflecting on the society from the era that it was made.
The entirety of the film though is spent on trying to persuade Klaatu not to destroy humanity because we are worthy of being saved. Saved because of humanities ability to love. The broken mother and son relationship between Helen and Jacob plays a significant role. Jacob plays an even bigger role as he single handily represents humanity and its violence towards the unknown.

There is only one actor who could play Klaatu and that had to have been Keanu Reeves. With his deadpan emotionless acting he becomes a very believable alien. Maybe he is an alien? Who knows! The film offers some spectacular special effects, watching an entire football stadium disintegrate was incredible. But apart from that TDTESS offers little in the way of action or even suspense to become an edge of your seat thriller or fully blown action blockbuster.
You think well is it not ignorant of us to make a film about how great humanity is, while forgetting about famine, poverty, war, greed as long as we love and love life everything will be fine. The film offers us answers to questions we already know and should know or have we really forgotten and need reminding? The choice once again, is yours.

A Middle Boop Film Review! Eagle Vs Shark

Directed by: Taika Waititi
Written by: Loren Horsley and Taika Waititi
Starring: Jemaine Clement, Loren Horsley


Lilly (Loren Horsley) an innocent, naive, quiet, shy, fragile, miss-fit with a monotone voice and a bad slouch who works a fast food restaurant called Meaty Boy. She becomes fixated with Jarrod (Jemaine Clement, best known from The Flight of The Conchords) an arrogant, selfish, social reject, geek who works in a video games store. Jarrod’s true passion is for video games and being the champion at a fighting game, along with an obsession to beat up his old high school bully. He arrogantly neglects Lilly and even uses her and her brother’s car to get home so he can finally duke it out with his nemesis.

(Monotone voice)
“Hello I’m Lilly welcome to meaty boy please may I take your order? Could I interest you in the crazy burger? Its meat, then its bread, then its more meat, its like an inside out burger!”

Like the burger, Eagle Vs Shark is an inside out rom-com from New Zealand, which is currently available to buy on DVD. It is very different to many Hollywood rom-coms occupied with glamorous good-looking a-list actors and fairy tale storylines. And for some reason there’s always a token British actor abusing his British accent and gentlemanly charm. I’m pointing my fingers straight at Hugh Grant and Jude Law! (For now anyway) Moving away from clichéd-stereotyped rom-coms, EVS has flawed and ugly characters. Characters that also stay ugly right through the film without any last gasp makeovers turning our ugly ducklings into swans, while meeting the expectations of our cultures obsession with youth, fame and beauty.
Lilly and Jarrod have a sense of immaturity within their performances relating their attitudes to teenagers, which heighten their social difficulties. This in turn causes a lot of embarrassing and awkward moments. These moments fuel the films comedic elements creating a fair few laughs along the way. A good example would be the party scene followed by the sex scene. Jarrod hosts an animal fancy dress party, which turns out to be a complete shambles (the party of nightmares if you were hosting that is). Here is where the film gets its title; Lilly is dressed as a shark and Jarrod as a…? Well the eagle, sorry for stating the obvious! This turns into a good example of their awkward nature towards any form of relationship as they begin to get close to one another for the first time. Jarrod and Lilly are lying on the bed kissing, they stop, awkward silence, Jarrod “Would you like to have sex?” Pause another awkward silence. Lilly then responds in her monotone voice “Urgh…yeah.” What follows is so quick Lilly doesn’t even take off her shark costume!
As we watch the film a stop motion animation weaves its way throughout the narrative. It is about an apple that Lilly eats and a rotten apple that Jarrod throws away. Both the rotten and the eaten apple represent the two characters and their journeys through life and their relationships. A perfect reflection and representation of the films themes and characters being outsiders, a visual aid as you will, if people like to look into things with great detail.

Eagle Vs Shark trots along at a steady pace taking you on an entertaining and rewarding journey that builds up to a hilarious conclusion. The actor’s performances really help the films enjoyment. Fans of Flight of The Conchords will love Jemaine who really excels as the geek Jarrod and Loren really is very dull as Lilly! A film full of awkward and embarrassing moments that delight with laughs directed at the characters rather than with them. Reminding us of how hard it really is to being sociable! Or thank god we’re not that socially retarded! The choice is yours.

Te' - Naraba, Imi Kara Kaihou Sareta Hibiki Ha "Oto" No Sekai No Shinen Wo Kataru.

Ok so this album has been out over a year now but I don't think anyone in this country has ever given Te' the credit where it is most certainly due. A four piece hailing from Japan, they remind me of a more upbeat, less electronic 65daysofstatic. Their second album, Naraba, Imi Kara Kaihou Sareta Hibiki Ha "Oto" No Sekai No Shinen Wo Kataru. Meaning 'If that is what is being thought, liberated sound talks the depth of "musical" world. ' is without a doubt a grower, with the electrifying opener literally grabbing the listener by the balls and not letting go until the final track.
For a four piece they make quite a noise.
There is an ever growing 'Post Rock' scene over in Japan and with bands like Mono, Envy and Worlds End Girlfriend enjoying reasonable success and gaining recognition over here, Te' really should not be far behind.
If you can find a copy of this album anywhere this neck of the woods its worth checking out.

Dent May and his Magnificent Ukulele - One to watch for 2009

Dent May is one of those guys who's life totally revolves around music. Growing up in Jackson Mississippi he spent his early days singing in church choir's and performing with a recorder choir at Nursing Homes and has continued writing in various bands throughout his life. With his sound harking back to that of early 19th century swing ( think the ball at the end of Back to the Future,) it has this charm about it, a sort of charm I really haven't heard since Eels were in their heyday. Its just such a nostalgic, likable sound. He was found by members of Animal Collective when they were recording their new album in Oxford, Mississippi earlier this year, they signed him to their label and neither band has looked back since.
His first album 'The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele' is crammed full of cheery, honest songs. Recorded in a trailer its a raw sound but thats how it should be.

I fully believe that 2009 will be his year, Catch on to the 'Dent maynia' whilst you can.

Brooklyns well hard!

Not the biggest fan of jay Z but i thought id post his new video feat. Santogold: Brooklyn Go Hard. Just a great use of typography by Evan Roth for (RED) wire, the whole video comprises entirely of the letters from the word BROOKLYN and for all you dorks out there you can get the source code and have a go yourself! The track itself is being used as part of RED & the Global Fund to Fight AIDS in Africa, aswell as the New film on Notorious B.I.G. simpley called Notorious

Jay-Z on iLike - Get updates inside iTunes

Justice - A Cross The Universe

Take two Frenchmen, a bunch of video cameras, a 3 week jaunt across America, a gun-toting manager and what do you get? A Cross The Universe, the debut tour documentary and live album by French electro duo Justice. Shot by the band and Romain Gavras (director of D.A.N.C.E. and Stress music videos), the spirit of the film seems to be one of teenagers let loose. Not that I blame them what with the amazing success they’ve had over the last 2 years they deserve to have a little fun and that’s what the film shows the band enjoying the fruits of they’re success. However, this can a bit tiresome there’s only so many times you can listen to the bands manager, Bouchon, go on about the power of guns then cut to Gaspard trying to mount every/any girl in the room. This is all entertaining but it can sometimes feel like they’re bragging about how ‘rock and roll’ they are.
The documentary climaxes with the band and manager being arrested moments after coming off stage after an incident involving Xavier smashing a bottle over a fans head after he tried to attack him. Which is the ideal way to end the film but the energy of the tour and their music is not really captured in the film, the real energy of Justice is left to the live album.

Mogwai Photos

Here are some photos from the legendary Mogwai gig at Hammersmith, supported by Fuck Buttons. Enjoy

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Self Titled

When listening to New York outfit The Pains of Being Pure at Heart I feel happy. The kind of happy you feel when you are ploughing down an open road on a hot summers day on your way to a festival. I find it quite refreshing to listen to a band that can write a decent 3 minute catchy rock song . In fact I’m finding it quite hard to think of any bands in the last year or so that have done that. Their music is nothing new, the jangly guitars reminiscent of early Smiths and there is something that keeps making me think of Ash in their heyday. The stand out track for me is Stay Alive, with the hooks in all the right places. It’s a good one,
Their self titled debut is easy to listen to and is perfect music to cheer you up.

Fujiya & Miyagi - Lightbulbs

In their third installment 'Lightbulbs' Brighton based electronica band Fujiya & Miyagi have really struck gold. From the opener Knickerbocker through to the awesome finisher Hundreds and Thousands, there is not a track that wouldn't make you want to get up and dance like your life depended on it. Their sound is quite minimal the use of synths and guitars can be used sparingly Which is not a bad thing as when they are used they are used well. Other bands such as Simian Mobile Disco, Justice etc lace each track with huge amounts of effects which works well for them but Fujiya & Miyagi do it that bit differently and it sounds great. The lyrics are also something that I found quite interesting, David Best half whispering half singing lines like 'Vanilla, Strawberry, Knickerbocker Glory, I saw the ghost of Lina Zavaroni.' which makes no sense but I seem to have that line in my head all the time.
With electronica having such a massive following at the moment bands like
Fujiya & Miyagi will be around for a while.