I have godzilla 'round my house drinking tea

So, the third album Synthetique of French electro trio Prototypes is out today in France. So how is Synthetique? I have to admit, even though it's Prototypes third album, I haven't listened to Mutants Mediatiques or Tout Le Monde Cherche Quelque Chose A Faire, so I've treated it like a debut. I've already posted an awesome remix of Danse Sur La Merde by Dopewerewolf, which you can still find here. My point is, due to the remix, I've had somewhat high expectations of Synthetique, that haven't really been fulfilled. I thought the record was going to sound like Yelle on drugs. Fact is, it doesn't, but seeing as I'm not one of these hobby music critics, who find their satisfaction by slagging off albums, I did find some reason why you still should go buy it: Prototypes did a nice job mixing electro, rock , 60's rythm and indie. It's danceable and especially the english vocals are amusing to listen to and Un Coup De Langue is actually really catchy. It's not Yelle on drugs, but it's a nice multifaceted record and you can order your copy here.

MP3: Prototypes - Un Coup De Langue

MP3: Prototypes - Go To Hell Mademoiselle

Yes, I've also boarded the hype train on The Ting Tings, that is currently coursing through a lot of blogs and it's damn right this way. After two successfully release singles, the debut We Started Nothing finally dropped today in the UK, tomorrow in the US and in May 30th in Germany. The album is full of surprises and genres(synth, power pop, electroclash, indie, etc etc), the kind of record, that really won't get boring that easy. As already Blood Red Shoes've shown us, one only needs two to create amazing debuts or simply play ass kicking shows. It's refreshing to know, that there are still good bands out, whose hype from the NME hasn't destroyed their reputation or our views on them and their reputation.. you know what I mean.

That's Not My Name, Fruit Machine and Shut Up and Let Me Go are obviously the highlights of the album, but even softer songs like Traffic Light are wonderful to listen to.

Right, you should click this to order We Started Nothing.

MP3: The Ting Tings - Keep Your Head

MP3: The Ting Tings - Impacilla Carpisung

I seem to be missing lots of stuff recently, right? And I don't mean the albums that I'm ignoring on purpose(Third, Accelerate, Last Night, St. Jude, The Odd Couple etc), but records I do want to review on, but somehow seem to be a month late. Better late than never. Anyway, Temposhark's The Invisible Line was released on March, 31st and I've only listened to it just recently. I've gotten into them about two years ago, when I found Joy on their myspace. For those, who don't know Temposhark yet: They're a four piece British band doing mostly electro clash. Kinda like The Whip. I think, of all the bands I've compared to The Whip so far, Temposhark have the most similarities with them, only they're more rock, bit both embody the synthesis of rock and electro synth without missing to sound cheesy from time to time. Even though Temposhark hail from London, they sound strangely American.. dunno if I should approve of that. Anyway, on The Invisible Line, they have some guest appearance, for example on Not That Big with Imogen Heap and on Battleships with Sophie Solomon. Cool, eh?

Gp get the album right here.

MP3: Temposhark - It's Better To Have Loved

MP3: Temposhark - Knock Me Out

We do have some fine debuts today: Danish Alphabeat's This Is Alphabeat is going to replace The Kooks' Konk as best summer record 2008. A summer record in my opinion is an album you can put on while perhaps lying on the grass in the sun and the music simply enhances your good mood or even gives you the good mood. Alphabeat truly convey this sentiment, because their debut is full of funny, catchy indie pop songs. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just imagine The Zutons, only more indie pop. Speaking of NME, it's truly anticipated writers described them as "The best Scandinavian band since ABBA… ". Wouldn't quite agree to that, but it seems the NME got one thing right: that this one hot indie band, you really shouldn't miss. And if you still don't get it( can happen sometimes, because I express myself rather cumbersomely), simply listen to the two songs below and then go here for purchasing This Is Alphabeat.

MP3: Alphabeat - Boyfriend

MP3: Alphabeat - Fantastic 6

Now we got a real genre juggling album: Alan Wilkis' Babies Dream Big. I can't even name most of the influences this record is dealing with: 70's/89's funk, rock, indie, soul, r'n'b and so on. I think if I keep trying to catch it with words, maybe I'll ruin it. Go have a listen yourself and then get it @ cdbaby. 

MP3: Alan Wilkis - Girls on Bikes (YSI)

MP3: Alan Wilkis - Burnin' (YSI)

Now something really, really amazing: Wolf Parade's new record At Mount Zoomer. After they're breathtaking debut Apologies To The Queen Mary in 2005, we finally have a successor after three long years. The sophomore record by the Canadian indie rock band will be released in the mid of June, precisely the 16th via Subpop. Right now, I wouldn't say the 9 song collective surpasses it's predecessor, but is nevertheless just as good. But my opinion could change in like a month, if the album grows on me and that is very likely to happen. I should make a mental note to re-review it on June 16th. The sound has still that nostalgic yearning for something, that is somehow beyond us and can probably only be interpreted by the band itself. At Mount Zoomer has that ingenious effect of leaving the listener wondering...the subject on what you're wondering isn't really clear, you're just wondering... Or if you're not into deep thinking: the album has a lot of amazing indie/folk melodies.

Well, hopefully this time I've made my point clear: GO GET IT WHEN IT COMES OUT!

Click this.

MP3: Wolf Parade - Bang Your Drum

MP3: Wolf Parade - An Animal In Your Care

Alright, we're nearly at the end of this post, but before I finish, I want you to focus on some last things:

First: After Last Shadow Puppets, Miles Kane is back with his Rascals and finally the debut is on it's way. But before that, there's always a single, in this case Freakbeat Phantom, which will be out June, 2nd, two weeks before the album Rascalize. You should get the 7" here. A Hand In The Shadow would be the b-side of Freakbeat Phantom.

MP3: The Rascals - A Hand In The Shadow

Second: Free Things For Poor People would be a good post title, but it's mainly the name of the very good, very new Infadels single. Their sophomore record Universe In Reverse is coming towards us also on June, 16th and like already said, there's always a new single ahead. Haven't listened to Infadels for quite a while, have to say I'm astonished to find myself loving the new songs. Get the 7" here.

MP3: Infadels - Godzilla

Third: Good EP's never get out of style. I've just found Friendly Fires' 2006 Photobooth EP. I already forgot, I had it. It's always refreshing to listen to something, you haven't listened to in a while. Even better, when you're in the knowing that Friendly Fires are currently recording their debut and hopefully it hits the stores this year. Buy the EP here.

MP3: Friendly Fires - Photobooth

Fourth: Lions At Your Door have a really hot track called C-C-C Crossfire. Point.

MP3: Lions At Your Door - C-C-C Crossfire!

Man, I feel drained right now. Haven't done such a long post in a while. Have to get used to it. Feels good, tho'.

Have a nice Monday!

take care

late sunday evenings

are possibly one of the worst evenings of the entire week, when you find yourself lying in your bed, nothing to do except checking your tv programme for some decent entertainment - but of course you'll be utterly disappointed. Luckily enough that I do not have to worry about getting up early the next day due to school or job attendance, which leads to a pestering feeling of being totally awake, so you can't fall asleep, which leads to being tired the next morning, etc etc. Sunday evenings suck, alright? At least in my opinion. Luckily for me, I do not have to spend my thoughts on those pointed out, because I won't be going back to my appartement tonight. I thought it was an approbriate time to start university the way I'm used to - by skipping lessons on the first week - there are more important things tomorrow than attending class - take the Maximo Park concert for example(of which I'm certian, I bore the hell out of you, but I'm sososooo excited). I'd actually wanted to say, that if you're residing in the vicinity of Wiesbaden, you should consider, why you haven't thought earlier of going to the concert, but, unfortunately, it's sold out. Maybe I'll just see you at The Hives concert on November, 3oth! Don't miss it.

Getting to why I actually am doing this post, Fine Day Records had sent the whole Plastic Operator album to review, which is a premiere on my blog. Nevertheless I'm impressed by the duo consisting Mathieu Gendreau and Peter Van Dessel, who hail from Montreal and Antwerp, but having met in London whilst studying. The album is called Different Places, has been released this day via Fine Day Records and is a very cool piece of electronic pop. The lyrics are euphonic thus sentimental and melancholic, coinciding neatly with the poppy synth melodies. Different Places is a continuous album without any musical lows, every song passes nicely into the next one. So far, my favourites are Folder, Peppermint, Parasols and Another Sound, and you can see, that I've posted the latters. Stylistic I would've put them between The Postal Service and a melancholic, more quiet SMD, even though that's a bit far-fetched, I hope you get what I mean....
So, if this sounds appealing to you, check out FDR for further information and head to Beatbort or amazon to purchase Different Places!

MP3: Plastic Operator - Parasols
MP3: Plastic Operator - Another Sound



Alright, moving on:
After last weeks post about Friendly Fires, who had sent me some faboulous tracks, now comes Nic Nell, who has also done an excellent remix for the band named above. So speaking of him, Nic Nell sent a fast-paced electronic song called It's A Trance Off, which made it right into my ear. The song's also featured on Nic Nell's first single, which will be out via XL Recordings early next year.
So, if you like his song and the Friendly Fires remix, check out his myspace for further information!

MP3: Nic Nell - It's A Trance Off
MP3: Friendly Fires - On Board (Nic Nell's N-Tronica Remix)

Before I come to the end of my post, I thought of switching over to partyshuffle on my iTunes player to select a bunch of songs by random songs for a finishing misc mix. Meaning, there isn't any special purpose to these songs, just made iTunes pick them, because this is also an interesting way of putting a mini misc mix together, but mainly, I'm lazy.
Enjoy

MP3: Shitdisco - OK
MP3: Kings Of Leon - Slow Night So Long
MP3: Vincent Vincent and the Villains - Johnny Two Bands
MP3: The Appleseed Cast - Mountain Halo
MP3: Be Your Own Pet - Adventure
MP3: Black Lips - Everybody's Doin' It
MP3: Digitalism - Pogo (Mentalism Rmx)

get the tracks @ beatport
- now sleep or ...ehrm, attempt to sleep.

i've got mail

So, now I'm finally spending my time on some good music that all those lovely bands had sent to me in the past days and weeks. I'm so sorry for those bands who'd sent me their stuff a while ago, but I couldn't get earlier to it. So, I hope, I don't miss out anything. Besides, I really appreciate it getting those mails, so don't hesitate, if you got something worth posting!


Let's start with German Rework, who sent me some promo mp3s a while ago(I'm sorry). Their LP Pleasure Is Pretty came out on October, the 5th via Pavlek Records/Hausmusik. They're a bit similar to New Young Pony Club, which is a very good thing, you can be sure. Besides, they're from Germany!!! If you haven't noticed already, this sure is a hell of a good thing, because Germany is mostly lacking some really awesome music. Well, not anymore. I actually come to think, that it's better to introduce you to Rework after the album came out, because now you can head straight to amazon to buy the LP, before you forget about it!!

MP3: Rework - I Want To Be Like
MP3: Rework - Wrong In All Your Ways


Next on my list are Lismore, a really cool electronica band. They have a new EP out called All That You Are via Cult Hero Records. They're a similar to Junior Boys or The Tough Alliance (which I both posted here and here), even though another NYPC essemblance comes up. Last.fm calls them indietronica. I can live with that.
Via this link you can watch the video for their new song Paradis and I highly recomment listen to the remix of Grand National's By The Time I Get Home, There Won't Be Much Of A Place For Me. Long title, niiice remix. Of course, you should listen to the other songs of Lismore aswell. Pffsh.
Get the EP All That You Are @ iTunes or Emusic.

MP3: Lismore - Sunrise Girl Says...
MP3: Lismore - We Never Strike In One Place Twice
MP3: Grand National - By The Time I Get Home... (Lismore Remix)


Alright, coming up is melodic indie-folk House Of Brothers, meaning Andrew Jackson, who is behind this amazing project. House Of Brothers will release his debut EP Deadman on November, the 26th via Big Scary Monsters Records. Drowned In Sound describes them as: Sparkling indie-folk in style, as magical as anything the much-acclaimed Fionn Regan has recently released to the world. It's serene, stunningly so, and quite wonderfully arresting.
I mean, Fionn Regan!! If that isn't a cool musician to be compared with. At Least, that's what I think.
You should preorder the EP here on BSM.

MP3: House Of Brothers - Deadman



So, on it goes with a fantastic mail that I received from George from Exploding Art, consisting of two marvellous artists, Friendly Fires and Wax Stag, who are both on the People In The Sky Label. So, First, Friendly Fires have a new Remix EP, which is already out since last Monday via the label I just mentioned. The UK-based electro-funk-indie band are even described as NYPC's new favourite band. NYPC all over my post, weird isn't it? No, it's F'ing awesome.
I highly recommend to order the remix EP @ juno!

MP3: Friendly Fires - On Board
MP3: Friendly Fires - Bring Out Your Dead (Clark Remix)

Ok, next, aswell from PITS, we got Wax Stag, who will also release an EP called Short Road at the end of October. I f you like electronic synth pop, you should definetely listen to the track below. If you don't, you should listen to it anyway, because you'll love it and then you can thank me for having introduced Wax Stag to you.
Preorder your own copy of Short Road @ dance records or Pure Groove.

MP3: Wax Stag - Short Road

Well, now I'm coming to the end of my post, because I have to start packing, because I'm moving tomorrow. But before I'll leave you, I just wanted to focus on something cool. Lord Lingham sent me a mail a week ago. If you don't already know his name, he's hosting a radio show in Melbourne, Australia called Global Urban and basically plays a lot of my blog with artists such as Modeselektor or Riot In Belgium. So, if you're residing in Melbourne or anything in the proxomity of it, you should check out Global Urban on PBS.
So, Lord Lingham, if you yourself got something, a band, a mix or so, that I should check out, you can still sent me a mail or so! I'd love to hear more from you.

Wow, such a long post - I mean, it's long comparing to the posts I've done recently.
If I've gotten anything wrong, false country, false link etc, drop a comment and I'll correct it.
Gotta start packing.