saturday night facts of life

I know, it's not Saturday Night yet, but I do have to work later, so afternoon will have to suffice.

Finally, on of the reviews I promised: Kraak & Smaak's Plastic People. This one type of album that really grows on you the more you listen to it, at least in my opinion. Since the last time I wrote about them, they've been getting rather more attention,(mainly because Perez Hilton recommended them and described them as "Amy Winehouse meets Moby" and grudgingly I have to admit is true, sort of) which is good, because Plastic People will definitely get a high ranking on my future Top Whatever Number of Albums of 2008. As I do focus on certain genres sometimes - which I'll improve, believe me - it's refreshing to have a record which features a certain amount of genres combined and does indeed sound good. We all know that can go very wrong. Anyway, Plastic People do cover a lot: 70/80's funk in songs such as Bobby & Whitney or Squeeze Me, Reggae and R'N'B vocals in That's My Word or instrumental electro songs such as Cornered or California Roll. It's amazing when listening to a song  and then get surprised because it doesn't end as you think it would and that is very rare. Of course, all in all it's an electro record with excursions in other genres. I do hope this is the year of Kraak & Smaak and if not, well, Holland's not that far of a drive from here, if they don't get to play in Germany. You can see I'm very excited about this album and even if you didn't like Bobby & Whitney in my last post, please give it a try. Plastic People was released here in Germany yesterday and the rest of Europe during the past week. If you haven't already, go purchase the record @ Jalapeno Records. 

MP3: Kraak & Smaak - Man Of The Constant Sorrow

MP3: Kraak & Smaak - Thats My Word.

Alright, in other news we got a fantastic Goose remix by US Dj Prepmode also known as Dj Simple Simon. Also his own song Warhol, really cool electro beats and if I'm not mistaken, it's a mash-up which features snippets if Justice's DVNO. I'm im a bit of a hurry, otherwise I'd figure out the other parts, but if you do, let me know. Please check out his myspace for further songs.

MP3: Prepmode - Warhol

MP3: Goose - British Mode (prepmode's heavy on the kick rmx)

The last one today is Database's remake of George Benson's Turn You Love Around. The song is featured in Buffet Libre's Rewind Project, a mixtape which features remixes, edits and covers of 80's songs with bands such as Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Dragonette or The Toxic Avenger. The whole thingy will be available sometime in June. Looking forward to it.

MP3: Database - Turn Your Love Around (Benson Cover/Rewind Project)

 - I'm off, have to earn money..

hello? is this thing on?

MP3: !!! - Hello? Is This Thing On? (YSI)

I was quite pleasantly surprised to find out today, that Hadouken! remixed The Whip's Frustration and the outcome is really good. Well, of course it's good, because it's Hadouken! remixing an already fantastic The Whip song. Anyway, the best part is: you can download it for free from The Whip's website, as they described it in their blog. To avoid signing up for The Whip's website for whatever reason, you can aswell download it below. And if you haven't got a copy of The Whip's X Marks Destination, you can purchase your it on HMV.

MP3: The Whip - Frustration (Hadouken! Remix) (YSI)

So, as usual, this track has already made the rounds of some blogs, but to make absolute sure, that everyone knows the true promise of The Black Ghosts' new song I Want Nothing remixed by Frankmusik, I'll upload it anyway. I Want Nothing will be out in the next few days, on April 28th to be precise and is the first single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album. Even better, the debut album has already a release date, namely the end of June. So stay optimisitic my friends that the record really drops at the end of June via Southern Fried Records and in the meantime, purchase I Want Nothing by clicking this.

MP3: The Black Ghosts - I Want Nothing (Frankmusik Remix) (YSI)

I wasn't quite sure wether to post this remix or not. I'm not a big fan of Muse remixes, mostly because the result turns out to sound distorted and just.. wrong. Since I'm a huge Muse fan, I always feel as though the magic within the songs vanishes, when remixed. Nevertheless, the Does It Offend You, Yeah? remix of Map Of The Problematique isn't half bad, so:

MP3: Muse - Map Of The Problematique (Does It Offend You, Yeah Remix) (YSI)

Next Bipolar Badwise from Melbourne make cool synth electro. They were formerly known as industrial based TNB, but changed name and genre in 2006 to make really nice electro. You can also listen to more songs on their myspace or on Triple J Unearthed. As far as I can see, there is no release coming up, but if I were you, I'd check on their myspace every now and then.

MP3: Bipolar Badwise - Sacrifice (YSI)

Let me tell you about Fan-Tan: They're hailing from North Carolina, but are now based in New York City. I'd describe their music as experimental indie rock. They've just had an EP out called Bars In Windows. If you like what you hear, please go here for any further information.

MP3: Fan-Tan - Fall Of Rome (YSI)

So, Swedish The Sweet Serenades really do make sweet indie pop music and call their music "testosterone pop". I Can Never Die remind me of a softer, Swedish version of Los Campesinos! and as Los Campesinos! are awesome, you can think your part. They've released their second EP called First Taste and have their debut album in recording which is scheduled for later this year. You can get their EP by either hopping over to iTunes or CD Baby.
MP3: The Sweet Serenades - I Can Never Die (YSI)

The Satin Peaches remind me of some bands, whose name I just can't come up with. I know it's also a cool indie pop band... if there were a machine which would take my thoughts and then put it into words or music and find me a perfect match, that'd be so cool. Anyway, as already said, The Satin Peaches are a cool indie band from Detroit and just signed to Island Records in the UK. After their single Well Well Well Well in 2007, they're putting out an album later this year. If you're interested, go watch The Satin Peaches TV on their website for updates.
MP3: The Satin Peaches - Wash It Away (YSI)

And the last one for today: A very, very awesome remix of Boys Noize' & Down by The Missiles, which someone dropped in a comment box of one of my former posts:

MP3: Boys Noize - & Down (The Missiles Remix) (YSI)

Thanks to the anonymous poster!

 - I'm off

live fast, die old

So, here I am again, after "just a week" of non-posting, but believe me I feel very guilty. Between working, going back to university and doing nothing, I've been simply too lazy too post anything. But today, I do have something to talk about.

Alright, first of all, there's a new Cajun Dance Party track called The Hill, The View & The Lights, that has already made the rounds, still it's awesome. Ok, since I am a somewhat big Cajun Dance Party fan, which you can relate to the multitude of CDP tracks I've uploaded, this statement isn't very surprising nor impartial. Consider this: If it'd been a bad track, I wouldn't post it - but then again: Why should Cajun Dance Party write a bad song?
Oh, you can prelisten to Colourful Life on the band's website and preorder the record right here.
MP3: Cajun Dance Party - The Hill, The View & The Lights

So, let me tell you about Red Light Company: They hail from London - where basically every good indie rock band comes from - and they've just signed to Lavolta Records, an indie label home to other great bands such as Kissy Sell Out or The Dykeenies. I'd describe them as melancholic indie rock, think a more indie Keane with guitars and ten times better or a more less melancholic Stars. They're having an EP out called With Lights Out to be released on April, 28th for digital download and on CD/vinyl on May, 26th. Please visit their myspace for further release information.
MP3: Red Light Company - Fine Fascination (YSI)

Next are Canadian Tr Plus Tr - weird name, the music's alright tho'. Synth pop, similar to The Tough Alliance, only less rock and more synth. They also have a release coming up next week, meaning their debut Rumble, which is due on April 27th. If you like Making Gold, head over to the band's website for any release related information.
MP3: Tr Plus Tr - Making Gold (YSI)

Thot are a electro/rock band residing in Belgium. They have a new EP called Year Of The Thistle, which I suppose is already out. Since I can't find any link for purchase, I'll simply redirect you to Thot's blog, if you like what you hear. Moving Hills is a fast, more alternative, industrial song and if you like me like it, please go here and support the artist.
MP3: Thot - Moved Hills (YSI)

I've already posted a Munk track two months ago, but since the remixes are awesome, another one won't hurt. This time Maral Salmassi and Zero Cash, whose track Light Of Love I posted last week. Munk's new single Life Fast Die Old also features two other very good remixes, one from Headman and one from The Juan Maclean. Please visit Munk's record label Gomma Records if you want to listen for more. Also, Munk will be releasing a new album called Cloudbuster in June, an album of which I'm sure I'll be talking about.
MP3: Munk - Live Fast Die Old (Maral Salmassi & Zero Cash Remix) (YSI)

The last time I posted a Last Shadow Puppets track, I totally forgot who they were(meaning Miles Kane from The Rascals and Alex Turner from Arctic Monkeys), even though the tough similarity to Arctic Monkeys should have shook me instantly, but nevermind my little moment of musical weakness... As many of you may know, their new record The Age Of Understatement is out today in Europe and in North America on May, 6th via Domino Records. I have to admit, even though I do like their songs, I was a bit disappointed to notice that the Last Shadow Puppets do not differ that much from Arctic Monkeys in style. Nevertheless I'm buying The Age Of Understatement anyway and you should too by clicking this. The mp3 below is taken from an acoustic session in New York earlier this year. Enjoy!
MP3: The Last Shadow Puppets - My Mistakes Were Made For You (YSI)

Alright, if you've known indie rock band The Children (I didn't) you may now know Twisted Wheel from Manchester, because part of the former band The Children are now integrated into Twisted Wheel. Their new 7'' She's A Weapon comes out today (!) as a limited edition via Columbia Records. She's A Weapon reminds me a lot of The Horrors' Jack The Ripper, which is a good thing. That ressemblance is probably provoked by the rough demo sound. Nevertheless it's a really cool song. If you want to purchase the 7", you can either visit one of their shows or if you live in the UK check these record stores or simply visit their Columbia page and hope a download link will be up sometime soon.
MP3: Twisted Wheel - She's A Weapon (demo) (YSI)

To the next two mp3s I do not need to say very much. We got a very good remix by Ed Banger stars DJ Mehdi and Busy P of Bumblebeez's Pump Up The Bass and an even more awesome remix by A-Trak of London's Count & Sinden's Beeper. Both are listed below and both are - as already mentioned - awesome. Speaking of Ed Banger, you've surely heard that Vol. 3 of the Ed Banger compilation is coming towards us, on May 26th to be precise. Probably most of the bloggers are peeing their pants at the mere thought of it, mostly because it features an excellent list of the known Ed Banger crew (Feadz, Oizo, Justice, etc) just like the Kitsuné Mainson compilations. You can already buy tees @arcade mode and be sure to check there when to preorder the compilation.
MP3: Count & Sinden - Beeper (A Trak Remix) (YSI)
MP3: Bumblebeez - Pump Up The Bass (DJ Mehdi & Busy P remix) (YSI)

And before I end this post, because my internet won't let me upload anymore mp3s, another Fisher Preyes remix for your ears, as awesome as ever. This time French band Adam Kesher are the lucky ones to be remixed with their song Local Girl.
MP3: Adam Kesher - Local Girl(Fisher Preyes Remix) (YSI)

Alright, more to come in the next few days.
G'bye

woah - stop here for a sec

Sometimes I hate living in Germany. I've just tried again to preorder Hadouken!'s debut on vinyl, but it's not even listed on amazon or Warner yet. Coming to preorder music, Germany is very limited. Being a poor student, I can't afford purchasing it in the U.K. or any other foreign country. Well, guess I just have to be patient.
Same goes for Apocalypso which drops in the UK and Australia in the next few days, but in Germany in a month. A month! I do want to support the artists by buying their records or downloads, but I'm not willing to pay full 40€ for the import, that's just crazy. Anyway, I wanted to post about Apocalypso and no the unfairness of the world:
As I listened to My People in November/December for the first time, I thought Apocalypso would turn out just as raw as the single, in style of Down Down Down from Beams. It's more varied, there are more 'quiet', slower songs like If I Know You, Anywhere or the experimental Aeons. It's different, I think the band tried more stuff than on their previous works. So far, I like Eucalyptus, Talk Like That and Together the most. If you're residing in the UK or Australia and do not have to pay millions for the import(lucky bastards) visit amazon or here for ordering Apocalypso.

MP3: The Presets - Eucalyptus

MP3: The Presets - Together

Next is the really cool remix of Poney Poney's Cross The Fader EP, which has been released last month. It's just as good as their Junior EP, with remixes from Bitchee Bitchee Ya Ya Ya, Headman and produced by Justice's Xavier de Rosnay. You can purchase Cross The Fader here @ djtunes.

MP3: Poney Poney - Cross the Fader (Headman mix)

Mgmt are getting a lot of attention these days, which is funny, because Oracular Spectactular has been out for quite a while. Still it's awesome, because Mgmt are awesome and they deserve it. In honour of that:

MP3: MGMT - 4th Dimensional Transition

Next, The Fratellis just had their new song Mistress Mabel aired on Xfm. I'd say it's typical Fratellis, singing about yet another girl - this time her name's Mabel - though it's a little more rock. Ok though. Sorry for the lack of quality, but I'm not that much of a Fratellis fan to put more effort in finding a better mp3.
The single Mistress Mabel will be out on May, 26th and the following album Here We Stand on June, 9th.

MP3: The Fratellis - Mistress Mabel (Radio Rip)

You've probably already heard the remix from Italian electro band Herr Styler of Amari's Le gite fuori porta, but you may not have heard the cool track that is Stuck In Between featuring the Italian soul singer Gabriele Aprile. Please visit their myspace for further information.
MP3: Herr Styler - Stuck In Between
Also, Khan and I'm Single Records are releasing a new single called Chitin Body on April, 21st, following up to Khan's Who Never Rests Remixed Vol. 1(featuring remixes by Kaos e.g.), which is out since January 2008. It's a funky mix of indie vocals and electro beats and it features also German DJ Zero Cash. Go here for release information and click below for the b-side.
MP3: Zero Cash & Khan - Light Of Love

Johnny Neon do indeed sound like a British indie/electro/synth band, but they band does actually hail from South Africa. They've done a video for Heart Attack which you can watch clicking this - I'd put it up if I were into putting up videos, but I'm not. They band is using a lot of synthesizers in their songs, which reminds me of Plastic Operator, though Johnny Neon are a bit more indie. Anyway, for any further information visit their myspace.
MP3: Johnny Neon - Dance on fire

Going on to Spanish producer Sidechains, who also has new songs. It's mostly electronica and new wave, except for Dr. Funk, which as the name indicates, is also mixed with a litte funk. Intresting outcome. sidechains was also featured on the Droppin' Bombs compilation, which is out since Janouary and for you to purchase via iTunes.
MP3:Sidechains - Dr. Funk
Alright, and last, you may or may not have noticed that the last months have had good and very good releases(Crystal Castles, Cut Copy, Sebastien Tellier, Lightspeed Champion, Whip, Ssion, etc etc) and that I left out other more or less good releases, e.g: the R.E.M., Portishead, Gnarls Barkley and so on. Mainly, because I'm not that interested enough in those records - sounds ignorant I know - but it's the truth. First of all, as you may already know, I'm not that big of a Radiohead fan. I didn't freak out when they oh so surprisingly released In Rainbows, nor am I going to comment the Nude remix contest that is taking almost every blogger's breath away - but (!) since it's a competition and the contestants should be supported, please go here and vote(if you haven't done so already). I listened to the first five remixes and I could say I like the one from Hipster Runoff.
That's it for today.

MP3: The Beatles - I'm So Tired

no, that's it.
have a nice weekend

3 tracks for the 3rd day of the week

The new MSTRKRFT EP Bounce is pretty much amazing, it contains three very good songs, the radio version of Bounce of course as well as the extended version, both featuring US rapper N.O.R.E. and the murderous b-side Vuvuvu, which I've uploaded below. You can purchase Bounce here and if you wanna prelisten to the ace encounter between electro and rap, go visit Ants In My Trance or Waves At Night for that.

MP3: MSTRKFRT - Vuvuvu

Also, the Juan MacLean Happy House EP: 'old news' since it's been released a month ago, but since I do like it very much, I can aswell say something about it a month later. As you may already know, the EP has three tracks, the original aswell as two pretty good remixes, one from the New Yorker Prince Language and the other(in my opinion even better) one from Lee Douglas, also a NY resident. Get Happy House @ juno.

MP3: The Juan MacLean - Happy House (Lee Douglas Remix)

and last we've got a new track from the dutch trio Kraak & Smaak, of which I'm not sure most of you've already heard of. They've got a new record coming out on April, 21st, it's called Plastic People and it's full of surprises and genres: electro, funk, hip hop, reggae, funny computer voices etc etc. I'm doing a full review on it with the other reviews I've promised for ages(Tokyo Police Club, Hadouken!, etc).
In the meantime, listen to Bobby & Whitney, a cool electro track until about a minute, when a Prince-like voice comes up and the song turn into an 80's funk song, which is basically even cooler. "We're so much better than Bobby & Whitney.."

MP3: Kraak & Smaak - Bobby & Whitney

oh btw, visit Disco.Is.Um for an awesome new Presets track!

- I'm off
take care