Monday, December 28, 2009

Vic Chesnutt

Vic Chesnutt has died on December 25, 2009. He was one of America's greatest musicians.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Top Ten 2009

Here are my personal 10 favourite records of 2009 in alphabetical order:
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post (album)
Antony And The Johnsons - The Crying Light (album)
Emily Jane White - Victorian America (album)
Fanfarlo
- Reservoir (album)
Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (album)
Rose Melberg
- Homemade Ship (album)
The Cavalcade
- Meet You In The Rain / For You (two different EPs)
The Clientele - Bonfires On The Heath (album)
The Phantom Band - Checkmate Savage (album)
The XX - s/t (album)

... plus many other records I should've mentioned, but this is just a top ten list.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Malory

"Pearl Diver" is Malory's fourth album, and their first on Club AC30. Some people say it's their best album ever. Release date in the UK: Monday 11-01-2010

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Milestone Band

Formed in 2008, The Milestone Band consists of 3 members of 90s band The Sweetest Ache (Sarah Records/Vinyl Japan) who started writing songs together again after a few chance meetings in and around their hometown of Swansea. The bands first release, a mini album entitled "Mountain Road," is available for free download by clicking here.
They have also released a 3" CD-R, strictly limited and hand numbered edition of 59 copies only on Edition 59 Records.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Portishead

Here the video of a brand new Portishead song. Oh what a wonderful voice. Makes me feel so happy sad.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Ringo Deathstarr

Ringo Deathstarr is a shoegaze band from Austin, Texas. Heavily influenced by The Jesus and Mary Chain, early Ride, My Bloody Valentine, Drop Nineteens and Moose. They make you feel like 17 again. Their latest release is a split single with Depreciation Guild on London shoegazer label Club AC30.

Ringo Deathstarr Some Kind Of Sad from elliottfrazier on Vimeo.

The Notwist

The Notwist from Weilheim, Germany, have released a new limited 7" on City Slang. The Notwist (featuring Martin Gretschmann (aka Console) are an indie band who rely heavily on electronics, and they are definitely one of the better German bands around. The a-side is called "Come In," and a remix to "Boneless" by Grizzly Bear can be found on the flipside.

Get Well Soon

There's a new 7" release by "the german wunderkind" Konstantin Gropper, the classically trained singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Berlin. The single is featuring a new track entitled "Angry Young Man." On the flipside is another new song called "Teenage FBI."
The second Get Well Soon album "Vexations" will be released in January 2010.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

St. Christopher

There is a new St. Christopher EP on very limited 3" CD-R by Vollwert Records. It's #40 in the Edition 59 series. Only 59 copies are made!
The band is well known from their releases on Sarah Records.
St. Christopher is still recording music and on stage in these days.
Here the tracklisting of the EP:
1. If Black Was Blue
2. The Thrill Of The New (live)
3. I Can't Forget You (Mirrorball Mix)

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Daniel Johnston

Daniel Johnston is a prolific American singer-songwriter and one of my all time favourites. He has a new album out on Eternal Yip Eye Music. It's called "Is And Always Was" and it has been produced by Jason Falkner. Here is a video of his most famous song.

Friday, November 20, 2009

LoneLady

Today I have discovered a wonderful new female vocalist on Warp Records: LoneLady! The single entitled "Immaterial" is her first release with Warp. It's a very fine pop song, and it was co-produced with Guy Fixsen, previously known for his work with My Bloody Valentine, The Breeders and Stereolab. The b-side sounds like The Slits.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Sambassadeur

Swedish band Sambassadeur are going to release a new single on Labrador Records. A new album will follow in February 2010. The single is called "Days" and you can listen to it here.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Mary Onettes live in Regensburg

Imagine a Swedish equivalent of The Go-Betweens or Echo And The Bunnymen and you'll have a vague idea of how wonderful the Mary Onettes are. On Friday the 20th of November 2009 you can see them live on stage at the Gloria in Regensburg (Germany), Simadergasse 2. More infos at Sublime.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Malory

Malory is now part of the Club AC30 family. This is their very wonderful debut single for London's finest shoegaze label. "Secret Love" is taken from the album "Pearl Diver," and it is backed with "The Signs." The album will be released on 13-Jan-2010.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Desert Wolves

The Desert Wolves compilation is now available again with four bonus tracks (three of them previously unreleased) on Firestation Records. The first release of this compilation was in 2000 on the same label.
The Desert Wolves play melodic guitar pop. They've been one of the best groups from Manchester in the late 80s with chiming guitars, melodic trumpets, a thumbing rhythm section and a voice, so lovely, so sweet, so heartfelt and as soft as peanut butter. There have been a lot of indie bands producing music like this, but only a few reach the purity of sound The Desert Wolves have evolved.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Brothers Movement

If you are into The Dandy Warhols and The Verve, this band from Dublin could be right for you. Debut single on Rocket Girl out now, album follows shortly. I think Ireland is always a trademark for great music. The Brothers Movement is nothing new, but they are worth a listen.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Rose Melberg

If you know Tiger Trap and The Softies,then you'll know the wonderful Rose Melberg. She has a new solo album out on K Records, one of the most interesting indie label from the US. The title of this delightful album is "Homemade Ships."
Here is one of her older songs on vid.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Declining Winter live in Berlin

Declining Winter (a side project of Hood), Pattern Theory and Kulku rock the NBI in Berlin on the 26th of October 2009 for a mere of 7,- EUR. Doors open at 8 pm.

9 pm Pattern Theory
10 pm Kulku
11 pm Declining Winter

More dates here.
It's a must for everyone who loves Hood.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Camera Obscura

4AD will release a new Camera Obscura single entitled "The Sweetest Thing" on 7" only on November 2nd. On the flipside you will find their interpretation of "Tougher Than The Rest" by The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. Here's the video of "The Sweetest Thing," and it's really enjoyable. The band is on tour in Europe and the US right now. Check the dates here.

La Caza Azul - Yo También

Here is just a wonderful spanish song, the theme from a wonderful spanish movie.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Strawberry Whiplash

Strawberry Whiplash from Glasgow, Scotland, have a new EP out on Matinée Recordings entitled "Picture Perfect." Lead track "Picture Perfect" is a shimmering pop song reminiscent of The Primitives or The Darling Buds.
It's limited to 1000 copies and comes in the usual custom minijacket sleeve. Catalogue # is Matinée 072.
Tracklisting:
1. Picture Perfect
2. Hay In A Needlestack
3. Celestial
4. Falling Through

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Múm - Sing Along video

Múm is on tour in the US and Canada in October and November. You should have a looksee at the astonishing new video, directed by Kevin Phillips. Be sure, no animals have been tortured. The story goes like this.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

The Wind Whistles

Canadian folk duo The Wind Whistles has released their second album. Tom and Liza live together in the suburbs of Vancouver. As an indie folk duo, they both sing and both play acoustic instruments (guitar, bass). They think they sound like a cross of The Lemonheads and Violent Femmes, while people tell them they sound like a cross of The Decemberists and The Moldy Peaches.
The Wind Whistles is a d.i.y. project. Please support the real music!

The Ogdens

A retrospective by The Ogdens has been released on Firestation Records. "Hellish Mad Rush" contains no less than 22 tracks, featuring their singles, previously unreleased tracks and live recordings.
The Ogdens were formed in 1986 by Jon Fagg, Andrew Milton, John Phillips and Vince Woodward. Vince left Britain to live in the US, and John Devenney joined in 1987. Karen Andrews was with the band for a year or so and played the trumpet. The band released three singles, and the first one was NME "Single of the Week" in 1988. John Peel regularly played the band's songs on his radio shows.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Malory tour and new album

Germany's finest shoegazing band Malory will be back with a tour in October and a new 7" Single in November and an album in January 2010 on Club AC30. The album is entitled "Pearl Diver" and the tracklisting looks like this:
1. Floating
2. The Signs
3. Caché
4. Water In My Hands
5. Pearl Diver
6. Back To The Point (I've Started From)
7. Dragon In You
8. Secret Love
9. Tornado
10. Ajar Door (Live Version)
11. Sarah

The tour dates look like those:
14. Oct. 2009, Bang Bang Club, Berlin
16. Oct. 2009, Gloria, Regensburg, Bayern
17. Oct. 2009, AZ Conni, Dresden, Sachsen
18. Oct. 2009, Grüner Jäger, Sankt Pauli, Hamburg
20. Oct. 2009, The Louisiana, Bristol, Southwest
21. Oct. 2009, Queen of Hoxton, London and South East
22. Oct. 2009, Upstairs at the Garage, London and South East

Sunday, September 20, 2009

God Is An Astronaut

God Is An Astronaut from Ireland offer a free download single called "Shining Through." You can listen to it here. It's not brand new, but it's another gorgeous instrumental. I love their epic tunes. It's much more than just post rock. New songs for the next release are in the making. Here is the video of one of their older songs entitled "Fargile."

Friday, September 18, 2009

Jochen Distelmeyer

Jochen Distelmeyer, formerly the singer and songwriter of German indie pop band Blumfeld, has his first solo album out on the 25/09/2009. It's called "Heavy" and it's marvelous. He's still something special. The album has been produced by Andreas Herbih.
Tracklisting:
1. Regen
2. Wohin Mit Dem Hass?
3. Er
4. Lass Uns Liebe Sein
5. Bleiben Oder Gehen
6. Hinter Der Musik
7. Nur Mit Dir
8. Hiob
9. Jenfeld Mädchen
10. Murmel

Thursday, September 17, 2009

[ingenting] with a new album

[ingenting] have a new album out on Labrador Records entitled "Tomhet, Idel Tomhet" and produced by the famous Jari Haapalainen (Camera Obscura, Ed Harcourt, The Concretes). It seems that they have a big hit in Sweden with the song "Halleluja!" You can listen to it here.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Fleeting Joys are back with a new album

Fleeting Joys are the rebirth of My Bloody Valentine. How long have I waited for this album? 12 tracks, including two bonus tracks unavailable on the Japanese release! "Occult Radiance" is Fleeting Joys' follow-up to their fantastic debut album "Despondent Transponder" which was touted as "Loveless II" on blogs and fanzines around the world. Swirling guitars, layers of noise, drugged out soft male and female vocals going back and forth sounding like part love, part death, part hope, part sadness...as if they've turned their instruments into liquid and poured them into your ears.
Click here to get a preview of the album.
And this is the video of "The Breakup" taken from their (now deleted) debut album "Despondent Transponder."

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Sally Shapiro

Sally Shapiro is a very wonderful and natural person from Götegorg, Sweden. Together with producer Johan Agebjörn she creates charming ele pop songs for your heart and soul. However, Sally reminds me of Saint Etienne. Here is one of her "naive" videos.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Aereogramme's brilliant "Barriers" has been used in a television advert!

Aereogramme's brilliant "Barriers" has been used in a S1 Jobs' television advert starring the frankly outrageous talent of Danny MacAskill. For anyone who doesn't already know, Danny has been causing a bit of a stir on YouTube with his street trials cycling wizardry and his unerring ability to ping the baws of gravity has been complimented perfectly by Aereogramme's spirit-soaring single from 2007. Watch the video and enjoy the song and Danny MacAskill.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Rockformation Discokugel haben ein neues Album raus!

12 musikalisch treffsichere Indie-Rock-Pop-Tracks von der besten deutschen Band, voller geistreichem Witz und Verstand. "Zusammen Dagegen" erscheint am 11.09.09 im Jewelcase-Format inklusive 16-seitigem Booklet auf dem Kultlabel Ata Tak. Enthalten ist zudem noch ein Kurzfilm von Lutz Kessler. Ein Monsterwerk!

The Rise And Fall Of BMX Bandits

Elefant Records has released another album of one of my favourite scottish bands. Yes, "The Rise And Fall Of BMX Bandits" is a compilation. It has those great hits like "Disco Girl," "Your Class" and "Whirlpool," but it's not a greatest hits album. It has hard to find songs and b-sides, but it's not a compilation of b-sides and hard to find songs. It is simply a BMX Bandits album, with songs chosen by Duglas T Stewart himself, a new way of dealing with the best pop possible.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Battant

Battant is french and means "Daredevil." Battant make music that is dark, sinister and minimal. They have played alongside Primal Scream, Two Lone Swordsmen and Ladytron. Fans of Elastica will surely like Battant. The chanteuse looks like the young Nena.

BATTANT - Radio rod from chickenluvyou on Vimeo.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Hope Sandoval

Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions will have their next album "Through The Devil Softly" out on September the 29th, 2009 by Nettwerk Records, USA. Some of the songs I've heard before are very wonderful and dreamy, but did you really expect anything else?

Friday, September 4, 2009

Emily Scott

New on Aufgeladen & Bereit. Rooted in Scotland's thriving folk/anti-folk scene, this second album from double-bassist and singer/songwriter Emily Scott combines simply elements of folk, back-porch skiffle and old-time music hall, with her trademark quirky word-play and multi-syllabic rhymes.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

The Junipers


Have you ever heard of The Junipers? They are a five piece psychedelic pop outfit from Leicester formed in 2000. By 2007 they had recorded and given away three demo albums and built their own studio. The project was signed to San Remo Records, an indie label formed by ex-Felt guitarist Marco Thomas. I think they are one of the best bands from England in these days.

Chapterhouse back on the stage

This is what Club AC30 told me today:
In response to numerous requests over the years, Chapterhouse have agreed to play live at Club AC30's Reverence show at the ICA on Thursday the 26th of November 2009. Plans to follow this up with a number of worldwide gigs in 2010 are being discussed. Due to individual commitments these dates will be limited. The band have no intention of reforming but are doing this show to give fans of the band (old and new) another opportunity to see them live. Ulrich Schnauss brings his ambient and atmospheric sounds to the fray as main support, with exquisite aural light and shade from Air Formation to open the show.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Another Sunny Day

Breaking news! Cherry Red has reissued "London Weekend" plus extra tracks! Released on 17/08/09
Legendary Sarah band Another Sunny Day was the labour of one man, Harvey Williams (he was also a member of The Field Mice). Harvey produced a clutch of brilliant indie pop singles for the Bristol label. "A London Weekend" is a collection of EPs and singles released from 1988-1993, plus a few previously unreleased bonus songs, including the Caff single (interpretations of OMD & Bee Gees tunes), some demos and a cover of "The Boy From St Ives" by legendary Penzance combo The Rubbishmen.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

P!O!P Kombinat Berlin


Jule and Silke are P!O!P Kombinat Berlin. They bring the real indie bands to Berlin. The gigs take place at different venues all over the town. Here are some upcoming ...
21. Aug 2009 20:00 Pocketbooks, The Gresham Flyers
28. Aug 2009 21:00 Pelle Carlberg (SWE)
25. Sep 2009 20:00 Stars In Coma (SWE) + TBA
This all will happen @ NBI Club, Schönhauser Allee 36, Berlin.
Please support the real thing!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Steeple RemovE

Steeple RemovE are from France, but the lyrics are in English language. Shortly they have released the "Magnétosphère" EP on Third Side Records, and their sound is very psychedelic, ... like Stereolab meets The Apples In Stereo meets Spacemen 3. Very enjoyable!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Eux Autres

For your pleasure, here come Eux Autres, a hot band from San Francisco. Perfect for fans of The Vaselines, Francoise Hardy and Jacques Dutronc. They will rock the Bang Bang Club, Neue Promenade 10, Berlin-Mitte on this Wednesday, 5-9-09. Don't miss them.
More gigs in Germany: August 7th, Munich @ Astro Cafe and August 8th, Dresden @ Wimp Club.



Sunday, August 2, 2009

Fanfarlo


Here comes a very charming band from, erm, London. I'm really happy to introduce Fanfarlo to you. Formed in 2006 by the swedish musician Simon Balthazar, they use instruments such as trumpet, violin and mandolin. The result is just beautiful guitar pop, and there's nothing else to say.
Their debut album "Reservoir" will be released in August 2009, and should be available on Vinyl as well. Meanwhile just view the two vids, and you'll love them, or leave them.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

The Cavalcade

Vollwert Records of Berlin has released a new EP in the famous Edition 59 series by one of my favourite bands, The Cavalcade. There will only be 59 copies, each hand-numbered and on 3" CD-R. It sounds different in comparison with the "Meet You In The Rain" EP, but it's great! It shows the "poppy" side of The Cavalcade, if there could be one. All 3 songs are brand-new. Hurry up now to get one of these 59 copies!
Tracklisting:
1. For You
2. No Strength
3. Secret Signs on Stone

The Depreciation Guild

Brooklyn-based 3-piece The Depreciation Guild is featuring two members of The Pains of Being Pure At Heart. They play perfect dream pop and shoegaze wall of sound.
They have just released a wonderful 7" single on white vinyl including download card! Limited to 400 copies one time pressing only and for fans of Cocteau Twins, Lush, Pale Saints and Slowdive.

Monday, July 27, 2009

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are going to release a brand new EP with previously unreleased tracks on 12" Vinyl and CD via Slumberland in the USA & Fortuna Pop! in Europe. Release date is September 22nd 2009. The title of the EP is "Higher Than The Stars" and the tracklisting goes like this:
1. Falling Over
2. Twins
3. Higher Than the Stars
4. 103

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Pop Assistants

A new dj-team and club night with bands (shoegaze, indie pop, C-86) based in Berlin. Please check out the Pop Assistants at their MySpace.
Forthcoming shows by Malory, Eux Autres, Secret Shine, Northern Portrait, The Pastels, and many more.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Crocodiles

Crocodiles are the new Spaceman 3, and that's why I love them. Their album "Summer of Hate" is out now on Fat Possum Records. Here is the vid of their out of print debut single.

Friday, July 17, 2009

The Tamborines

If you are into The Jesus And Mary Chain and a noisy kind of shoegaze The Tamborines are right for you. They will support The Ruling Class at the 100 Club in London on 21/7/09.
THE TAMBORINES - SALLY O'GANNON

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Bombay Bicycle Club

I cry it out to the world! Today I fell in love with the Bombay Bicycle Club. It's been the best thing that happens to me this year. It makes me glad that I'm alive! It's timeless music, and the voice of Jack Steadman blows me away. Some people say he sounds like the young Ian Curtis of Joy Division.
You have to watch the amazing vid! It leaves you breathless.

The Rumble Strips

C-86 is still alive! This song is massive, and it's their new single. I love this extra-ordinary voice. The end of the vid is really surprising. Don't miss it. I want a "Medusa-shirt" like this!

Deastro

Randolph Chabot from Detroit is the 22-year-old auteur behind Deastro. His new album "Moondagger" is available now on vinyl and CD via Ghostly International. It's an impressive kind of symphonic pop. The best track on the album is surely "Parallelogram."
Here is a video that introduces Deastro to you:

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Die unabhängige Musikszene braucht eure Hilfe!

Betroffen sind alle unabhängigen, non-kommerziellen, ehrenamtlich arbeitenden Veranstalter, alle Künstler und Bands, und natürlich auch alle anderen Musikhörer und Konzertbesucher; denn was die GEMA gerade plant, hat leider für uns alle negative Konsequenzen.
Lest bitte die folgenden Informationen aus der an mich weitergeleiteten Mail und meldet euch kurz online beim Bundestag an (einfach auf den Link klicken), um die Petition mitzuzeichnen. 50.000 Stimmen werden gebraucht. Sei eine davon und hilf dem lokalen und nationalen Musikuntergrund zu überleben.
Bitte nehmt alle an der folgenden Petition des Bundestages teil unter foldgendem Link:
https://epetitionen.bundestag.de/index.php?action=petition;sa=details;petition=4517

Die Registrierung ist sicher und läßt sich innerhalb von 2 Minuten bewerkstelligen. Die Datenschutzerklärung ist in Ordnung, und zur Zustimmung braucht es dann nur noch einen einzigen Klick.
Es handelt sich um eine sehr wichtige Petition, die alle betrifft, die Musik machen, Musik hören, gerne auf Konzerte gehen, oder generell einem großen kulturell schadhaftem Mißstand in unserem Land entgegentreten wollen: der Tantiemenverteilung der GEMA.
Das Thema wird nur auf die Tagesordnung unseres Parlaments kommen, wenn bis zum 17. Juli 50.000 Unterschriften gesammelt sind. Deshalb bitte ich euch alle diesen Aufruf an eure Freunde weiterzuleiten, und möchte insbesondere Musiker, Blogbetreiber und Journalisten um die Bekanntmachung der Petition und zum Aufruf an der Teilnahme bitten.
Insbesondere geht es hierbei um die von der GEMA beabsichtigte Erhöhung der Gebühren bei Livemusik um 600%. Dies wird nicht nur den Veranstaltern schaden, manche, vor allem kleinere Konzerte unmöglich machen, und die Preise für Veranstaltungen erhöhen. Es ist auch nicht zum Nutzen der Musiker, wie man eigentlich erwarten könnte.
Durch einen überaus komplexen Verteilungsplan, welcher u.a. Radioairplays (es werden deutschlandweit nur 25 (!!) Sender ausgewertet) und Chartpositionierungen (die Erstellung der zur Auswertung kommenden Charts ist sehr fragwürdig) beinhaltet, werden die von der GEMA eingenommenen Gelder nicht direkt den auftretenden Künstlern zugewiesen, sondern landen erst in einem „großen Topf“. Da fast alle Independent-Artists weder auf Airplay, TV-Sendungen, oder Charterfolge, etc. verweisen können, werden die Einnahmen vor allem Majorlabel-Artists, Lady Gaga, Musikantenstadl und Co. zu Gute kommen. Es klingt abgedroschen, aber es handelt sich hier um die Realität! Kleinere und mittelgroße Künstler (also der größte Teil) werden von der Erhöhung der Gebühren in der GEMA-Sparte Livemusik kaum profitieren! Im dreistelligen Euro-Bereich eingenommene Gebühren können hier schnell zu einem Centbetrag zusammenschrumpfen. Weitere Infos erfahrt ihr in der Petition selber.

Bitte nehmt euch die Zeit. Es geht um nicht mehr als die Zukunft unserer Konzert-Kultur. Vielen Dank.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Cecil Vyses














Cecil Vyses came to my ears today (thank you Christian). I'm not fond of most of the German bands, but these folks are an exception that proves the rule.
Based in the Bonn / Cologne area, Tobias Haumann, Sascha Becker, the Shut, Andree Oehm and Philipe Sufryd are Cecil Vyses. If you hear their music, you'll know their love for classic bands like The Smiths, Suede, Billy Bragg, The Housemartins, and ... Busch.
The band was named after a daft character in a novel, but I don't know which novel, neither who has written it. Anybody who can help?

Saturday, June 27, 2009

The Spinto Band - Summer Grof

Here is one of my favourite vids. It's so ugly beautiful, and the song is interesting as well. The Spinto Band hails from Wilmington, Delaware in the United States, and their record label is Fierce Panda (what else). Enjoy it!

The Lucksmiths call it a day

The Lucksmiths are going to split after 16 years of being a band. You have the chance to see them for the last time live in Hamburg at the Prinzenbar. For more informations and dates please go to Adventure Playground.


The Lucksmiths at Red's Espresso in Santa Barbara, California September 22, 2007 performing in celebration of Matinée Recording's tenth anniversary.

Cloetta Paris

Cloetta Paris is a fresh synth pop duo from Sweden. Their debut album "Secret Eyes" is out on Skywriting Records. It's influenced by Kirsty MacColl, Tracey Ullman and France Gall.
You must have heard the charming title track "Secret Eyes." It's the best you can get about this genre in these days.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Indurain











Indurain
is a half english, half swedish duo, and this says it all. They have released two EPs on Plastilina and Cloudberry. Indurain make elegant electro-pop songs, and they deserve more than a maybe.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Matt And Kim

These extra-ordinary people from Brooklyn (N.Y.) show us that there isn't a room too small to make music ...


... and that there isn't a town too big to run naked through the streets, ... with no happy ending.

Jarvis Cocker - "Angela"

Recorded in Paris, France.

Friday, June 19, 2009

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

"Young Adult Friction" is the latest 7" by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
It's a co-release of Slumberland (USA) and Fortuna Pop! in the UK. It comes on red vinyl and it's accompanied by the exclusive b-side track "Ramona."


You can easily order this 7" at unisex-mailorder

Goldstoned free downloads

The backing catalogue of Goldstoned is currently being made available on last.fm for free download (please click on the artwork at last.fm). By July 2009 this will include the eight albums produced by/with Goldstoned, two EP's and alternative versions and unreleased tracks for fanzines and compilations from San Francisco, Tokio, Berlin, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Yokohama, Manila and Belgrade.

Feel free to order GOLDSTONED - Heybabyheybabyhey CD-r and more from unisex-mailorder

Sunday, June 14, 2009

The Bobby McGee's

Here comes a new band on Twee As Fuck Records, the label that brought us the Comet Gain - "Love Without Lies" single.
The Bobby McGee's are a band like no other. Formed by a Scottish emigre to Brighton Jimmy where he was joined by a tender-voiced Eleanor and a classically trained jazz musician Graeme. The group has been described as "Dostoyevsky Doing Skiffle!" by Everett True (for Plan B) and likened to "a domestic in a Glasgow boozer, but with ukuleles" (Rory Mackie, Clash Magazine).
Here you can download one their great songs.

God Help The Girl

God Help The Girl is a new project by Stuart Murdoch of Belle & Sebastian. He has been working on it for five years! But no help is needed (not even by god), because it's just perfect music.
There's a single and an album expected on 22/06/2009, recorded with the help of Stuart's discovery Catherine Ireton, Asya of Smoosh and Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy.

God Help The Girl - an introduction from God Help The Girl on Vimeo.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

The XX

Here's a new band on Young Turks Records. The XX are four precocious 19 year olds from South West London. Their music is just simple and beautiful. Sometimes it sounds like a modern type of New Wave or like Young Marble Giants. Take a look at their MySpace.
The release of their debut album is expected on 17/08/2009. Meanwhile you can enjoy their video.

Parallax Sounds Netlabel

If you are into shoegaze or experimental sounds, you should check this netlabel I have discovered today. Please go to their website or their MySpace
Here is the video of 93MillionMilesFromTheSun, one of the bands on Parallax Sounds. One of their tracks is also available on "The Secret Garden Vol. 1" shoegaze sampler.

Crystal Stilts - "Love Is A Wave"

"Love Is A Wave" is one of the most brilliant songs by Crystal Stilts so far. A perfect two-minute pop nugget in the best punk rock tradition, and a nice video, too.
The b-side "Sugar Baby" reminds me of an amazing band from New Zealand called The Clean.
Both songs are exclusive and not available on their "Alight Of Night" album.

You can order this 7" from unisex-mailorder

Stricken City

Better late than never. This is the gorgeous debut video from Stricken City, released on ACTH Recordings on 28th July 2008. For more informations go to MySpace
Stricken CIty - Tak o Tak

Friday, June 12, 2009

Cheap Red

Cheap Red is the dazzling new band from Jen and Stewart of Boyracer and Akina and Arland (Kanda). The debut release is a double CD featuring14 pop songs on one on disc and 13 classy remixes on the other. The remixes feature Bracken (Hood), Kid606, Sisterhood Of Convoluted Thinkers, DJ Downfall, James Earthenware, Team Forest, Simpatico, Jib Kidder, Fingernail, Steward, The Declining Winter (Hood), Patrick Vidro and King Prussia. More info and songs at MySpace

Thursday, June 11, 2009

New EP by The Radio Dept.

A new EP by The Radio Dept. is coming very soon. It's entitled "David" and features four tracks. Here you can download a new song called "David" ... enjoy it!

Feel free to order this EP from unisex-mailorder

St. Deluxe

Scottish ensemble St Deluxe (feat. members of BMX Bandits) deliver melodic fuzzed-out noise pop on the band's self-titled debut album. Centered on the singer/songwriter talents of guitarists Jamie Cameron and Martin Kirwan, St Deluxe also feature drummer Stuart Kidd and bassist Brian McEwan. All the bandmembers have also performed with legendary Glasgow indie pop band the BMX Bandits. This is music for fans of such bands as My Bloody Valentine, Swervedriver, Sonic Youth, Teenage Fanclub, Dinosaur Jr. and The Jesus And Mary Chain.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Cilihili

Cilihili is Cecilia Nordlund from Sweden. An astonishing person. She creates all songs on her own. Her music in influenced by PJ Harvey, Patti Smith and Kate Bush. The album "Not Listening" has been released in February 2009 on Margit Music.
You really must listen to "PC Rape". It's one of the best songs ever written by a girl from Sweden.

Feel free to order her album at unisex-mailorder

The Motifs

The Motifs is a jangle pop band from Melbourne, Australia. They have released six records so far. The last one has been "People Like Us" on Cosy Recordings of Sweden. If you love The Field Mice, Camera Obscura, Pipas and The Aislers Set these nice folks should appeal to you. Don't miss them.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Cavalcade


Today I have discovered one of the most beautiful, unsigned music. If you are into bands like Felt, The Loft, The Servants, The Clientele, The Sea Urchins, The Field Mice, Another Sunny Day ... you should listen here

The Cavalcade is an indie band from Preston, UK. Their EP "Meet You In The Rain" is really a must-have for all indie pop and C86 fans.
Feel free to order this CD from unisex-mailorder

Monday, June 1, 2009

Warp Records

Warp Records (Gravenhurst, Maximo Park, Grizzly Bear, Boards of Canada, Broadcast etc.) has launched an all new website featuring nearly all vids and lots of songs to listen to. Really amazing.
You'll find it all here

Secret Shine
















Secret Shine want to make us happy with another tour of Germany in October with four confirmed dates and more to be added.

So far the dates lined up are:

Tuesday 20th October: Bang Bang Club, Berlin
Wednesday 21st October: Gleis22, Münster
Friday 23rd October: Astrastube, Hamburg
Saturday 24th October: John Peel Festival, Dusseldorf

Meanwhile you can listen to their song "What's To Come" recorded live in Bristol 1995. To download this song please click here

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Entertainment For The Braindead


Here is something gorgeous from Cologne. Entertainment For The Braindead is vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Julia.
She makes everything on her own, and it's fantastic!
You can see her live on the 12/06/2009 at Gebaeude 9 in Cologne. Please take a look at her site on MySpace

Malcolm Middleton: new album out 01/06/09

Ex-Arab Strap Malcolm Middleton will be back with a storming new single "Red Travellin' Socks" and album called "Waxing Gibbous" on Full Time Hobby.
Tracklisting is: Red Travellin' Socks, Kiss At The Station, Carry Me, Zero, Stop Doing Be Good, Don't Want To Sleep Tonight, Shadows, Ballad Of Fuck All, Box & Knife, Made Up Your Mind, Subset Of The World, Love On The Run.
Listen at MySpace
Here is the vid of one of his older songs:

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Maccabees

Dear friends,

I think it's time to blog. I feel a strong need to inform you about the music I love, and to tell you about the latest bands I have discovered. Nothing more.

One of these are the fantastic Maccabees - the band with the biblical name. Here is the vid of a song from their new album "Wall of Arms." It's a very emotional piece of music. It's the best I've heard for a long time. Enjoy it.

The Maccabees MySpace