Round Up 2009 : Top 5 Albums

A quick overview of the albums that made my year. Obviously, this list isn't exhaustive, and will probably change over time. But I'm just going to stick to now. Otherwise, I'm just thinking too much, no?

5. Little Boots - Hands
To be honest, I'm surprised that Little Boots' album Hands wasn't the success I expected. It's catchy, melodic pop, yet it wasn't catchy enough to catch on. Little Boots' vocals blend seamlessly with the synths, and, for pop, the lyrics aren't overly soppy or risque (though, admittedly, a few songs are). Regardless of it's lack of commercial success, Hands is still a fairly solid album, one that Victoria Hesketh should be proud of.

Little Boots - Remedy

4. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Ahh, Phoenix. Your songs have been misquoted by people all over the globe, and you should be proud of it. The key? Being wonderfully simple. In a time where Frenchmen are using more and more electronic trickery, and making their music increasingly more complex and layered, Phoenix said no. And for this, their music stands out. Phoenix is one of the few bands that have managed to be accessible to the populace, yet simultaneously retain their indie-cred, which is no mean feat.

Phoenix - Lisztomania

3. DatA - Skywriter
From the velvety vocals of Sebastien Grainger, and the impeccable smoothness of DatA's production, comes Skywriter. The album has the ability to make you stare up at the sky in wonder, or turn your eyes to the dancefloor. Every track is amazingly polished, and one has to wonder whether or not DatA has stolen his crafting skills from the Greek god Hephaestus (probably not).

DatA - Skywriter

2. Passion Pit - Manners
If there's one album here that can make me smile, it's Manners. Seemingly created exclusively for summer, it's wonderfully charming and youthful, thanks to the heavy use of children for backing vocals. Definitely one for summer.

Passion Pit - Folds In Your Hands

1. Shadow Dancer - Golden Traxe
Golden Traxe is your number one album? You better believe it. Sounding like it's been taken straight from a live mix, Golden Traxe is intricately detailed in a way that other artists could only dream of replicating. From the wide range of electronic music genres it takes influence from, to the incredibly consistent and varied synthwork and distortion going on, and the abundant number of microsamples and glitches, it's clear that Shadow Dancer knows their stuff, and, more importantly, how to pull it off. Top stuff. Top album.

Shadow Dancer - Soap

Round Up 2009 : Top 5 EPs

A list of the top 5 EPs that really stood out for me. These EPs are, in my opinion, incredible and wonderfully consistent, sort of like a really good yogurt or ice cream. Damn I'm hungry. Here's to yogurt and ice cream (and good music) in 2010!

5. Erol Alkan & Boys Noize - Waves/Death Suite
A joint effort by the two biggest Turkish producers in the world. Enough said.

Erol Alkan & Boys Noize - Waves

4. Siriusmo - The Uninvited Guest
Siriusmo is one talented boy. Listening to his EP just tells you about the wide knowledge he has of music in general. Sure, anyone can make random synths, sounds and glitches, but it takes a lot of skill to make it addictive to listen to.

Siriusmo - High Together

3. Mustard Pimp - Cherry & Kiwi
Mustard Pimp! If you go through Rarche, you'll find Mustard Pimp is one of the most blogged about artists, as well as being one of the most highly praised. This EP is a prime example of their music : loud, abrasive, and in your face. Just how I like it.

Mustard Pimp - Cherry (Mustard Pimp Dark Remix)

2. Boys Noize - Starter
Remember what I said about needing a huge amount of skill to pull off glitch/Turkish producers? The first time I heard the glitchiness of Jeffer, I had it on constant repeat. That normally doesn't happen to me. Then a few months later, after having initially ignored Starter, I started listening to it a lot. Moral of the story is, this EP is good stuff.

Boys Noize - Jeffer

1. Fake Blood - Fix Your Accent
Blew my mind when I heard this. When I got my hands on this, I was expecting something similar to Mars. The Chicago House sound hit me hard, knocked me down, and made me completely forget about the type of song I was originally expecting from Fake Blood, which could be found in The Dozens if need arose. Say, that kid thinks of everything.

Fake Blood - Fix Your Accent

Round Up 2009 : Disappointments

By using the term 'Disappointments', by no means at all am I saying that these artists are terrible, or even that what they churned out in 2009 is. What I mean by disappointment, is that, like an underachieving genius, they could have done a lot better.

Danger : 09/16/2007 was underwhelming, and the most recent Danger remix of 2009, of Give It All You Got by Lil Jon, wasn't 'dangerous' enough, in the try-something-different sense, as well as the pun sense. Compare this to 2008, where Danger released a slew of top-notch remixes, and you'll see why he's in this particular Round Up.
2010? : Not entirely sure, but Danger should pull through with an EPIII and album next year. I suspect the reason why 2009 was such a letdown was because he was preparing for his new album, which should be an engulfing, surrealistic experience.

Danger - 88h88(80Kidz Remix)

A1 Bassline : A1 Bassline has the intros, the outros, and the build ups down (his build ups are top notch). So what has he done wrong in '09? Choosing dubstep for his drops. It's not that fidgety, gritty dubstep, but a rapid, fast firing type, which even though appeals to me more than most dubstep, it's still dubstep. But now it has shifted away from the rapid fire dubstep, to a high pitched, whooping type, which, quite frankly, destroys the entire track. It's a shame really, as I really enjoy his newfound style of glitched Jamaican Rasta vocals.
2010? : Emphasise the Jamaican Rasta, add more glitch, drop the dubstep, or at least make it filthier, and 2010 shall be a great year.

Little Boots - Remedy (A1 Bassline Get Hype Remix)

Bag Raiders : Bag Raiders had the EP of 2008. Both Turbo Love and Shooting Stars were faultless, truly. Bag Raiders also had some of the finest remixes of last year, in particular, their remix of Far Away by Cut Copy, which I now deem to be a perfect remix. Fast forward to 2009, and their productions are well below par, and too 'gangsta' for my liking.
2010? : Album coming out 2010. Should be impeccable.

Kid Sister - Pro Nails (Bag Raiders Remix)

Writing this Round Up hurt in it's own way, it made me realise how disappointed I was by some of my favourite artists. Come on guys! 2010 is a new year :)

Round Up 2009 : Mixed Bag

The term 'Mixed Bag' can be represented by a bag of lollies. Inside the bag of lollies are chocolate, jersey caramels, and fruit chews, but with them lie liquorice, industrial strength popping candy, as well as the occasional sweet proudly claiming that it has 'no poison'. All in all, the good and the bad are in the same bag.

Fred Falke : In a time where peaceful, dream-like synths are gaining in popularity, you would think that one of the behemoths of the genre would stick to it. Apparently not. Even though I applaud him for having, what we Australians call, the balls to change, I'm not too sure about his new sound. But Mr. Falke is wise enough to keep enough of his sunshine synth in his productions to keep people hooked, and by changing his sound he's opening himself up to new fans and horizons, so I guess you can say Mr. Falke is one smart cookie.
2010? : As long as he retains enough of his signature sunshine, 2010 should be a healthy year for Mr. Falke.

Burns - First Move (Fred Falke Remix)

The Twelves : I don't know if it's just me, but a lot of the stuff from The Twelves just sounds stale and unappealing to me now. On the other hand, sometimes it's absolutely brilliant, oozing funk and glitter. Even so, I shouldn't have to force myself to listen to the majority of their remixes.
2010? : Should be a stellar year for The Twelves, considering the amount of blog love they get. Although they haven't been churning out as many remixes lately, but this probably means an album is in the works.

Terry Poison - Comme Ci Comme Ca (The Twelves Remix)

The Bloody Beetroots : The Bloody Beetroots have had a very successful year. Warp was an incredibly popular track, as was their album (it was advertised here in Australia on posters, which is uncommon). Problem is, a lot of Romborama is crud, as are the remixes that were aimed at capturing a wider audience. However, The Bloody Beetroots still manage to occasionally put out gems that hit us hard or make us cry (not really), and remind us just why we fell in love with them in the first place.
2010? : Although it probably won't be as successful as 2009, 2010 should treat The Bloody Beetroots quite well, especially if they can afford to set Pioneer CDJ1000s on fire.

Proxy - Who Are You? (The Bloody Beetroots Remix)

Boys Noize : I have to be honest - I didn't like Power. Everything else that Boys Noize released this year was right on the ball, but Power just didn't do it for me. I found the whole album incredibly repetitive, and not catchy at all, which is a shame, as an album based on the Starter EP would have met all my expectations and more.
2010? : Seeing as he released an EP and an album this year, I think it's safe to say we can expect a rest from Boys Noize, or at least some more of his spiffy remixes and edits.

Chromeo - Night By Night (Siriusmo Remix) (Boys Noize Edit)

2010 will be a great year. I can feel it. Can you?

Round Up 2009 : Up & Coming

Expect a pearler of a 2010 for these guys, they deserve it.

Justin Faust : Everybody should dig Justin Faust. He has an enviable consistency, one that many artists struggle to achieve, as well as an almost perfect mix of dreaminess and the ability to make you tap your feet.

Bestrack - With You (Justin Faust Remix)

Crystal Fighters : I Love London should just be a starting point for these guys. They have that hectic, youthful sound down, as well as Spanish accents. Oh, and Spanish guitar. How can 2010 not be their year?

Pony Pony Run Run - Hey You (Crystal Fighters Remix)

Two Door Cinema Club : Two Door Cinema Club have that peppy, upbeat sound that is just so easy to love. Reminiscent of Mystery Jets, these kids know how to make a song that make you smile.

Two Door Cinema Club - Undercover Martyn

Marina & The Diamonds : The way for electro-pop darlings have been paved by acts such as Little Boots and La Roux, so expect Marina & The Diamonds to come storming in next year, with her catchy vocals and quirky sound effects aplenty.

Marina & The Diamonds - Hollywood (Fenech-Soler Remix)

Mille : We might have someone here who can throw Danger off his throne, provided Danger doesn't pick up his game in 2010. That alone says a lot, as Danger is miles (I was tempted to use 'Milles') in front of other artists who have a similar style of music. But then again, even if Danger does kick in 2010 and keeps his throne, what's to say Mille won't share it with him?

Edwin Van Cleef - Overtaken (Mille Remix)

Proxy : Album coming out early 2010? Noice. The album will almost certainly cement Proxy's place as our favourite Russian avant-garde dance floor destroyer, as well as spreading his name to those who are less well informed.

Tiga - What You Need (Proxy Remix)

Mustard Pimp : Often referred to as "like The Bloody Beetroots, but better", I don't think that really does them Justice (spot the pun). They're maximal, but not too maximal, and that's how we love it here. Their recent signing to Dim Mak has almost guaranteed that a Mustard Pimp Warp equivalent will be made. Not that that's a bad thing.

Steed Lord - Take My Hand (Mustard Pimp Remix)

Classixx + Coulson

Here it is kids, the Christmas present I guaranteed you all. Sorry it's on Boxing Day. However...

It was once taboo to give out presents on Christmas, as it was considered a holy day (how we've changed). Most gifts were in fact given out on Boxing Day, and it was a more common practice to give to servants and employees, rather than people of a higher social standing. What usually happened, was that presents that the rich people received, or an item that they no longer had a use for, was simply repackaged, and then given away. Thus, the art of regifting was born.

Classixx - I'll Get You (Coulson Edit)

Servant, download this song.

Heatwave

My legs are being seared by the heat, and my feet are starting to melt. Sorry about the break from blogging kids, but Phillip Island called. Found me a dead penguin, being consumed by seagulls, an abundance of Kantuses, Maulers, Spitters, Chargers, as well as the occasional Templar.

Anywho, new music. Death To The Throne has a somewhat interesting track in I Only Have Eyes For You, the intro is engaging in it's own self-promoting way. Both Gentlemen Thieves tracks have a medieval-themed game feel, but that's brilliant in my eyes. Kid Adrift remix of Wolf Gang is buzzingly orchestral, a sound that I dont hear much of (maybe I should expand my musical horizons more).

Death To The Throne - I Only Have Eyes For You
Gentlemen Thieves - Contrapasso
Monsieur Adi - We Are The Romans (Gentlemen Thieves Remix)
Wolf Gang - The King And All Of His Men (Kid Adrift Remix)

Oh, present from me to you for Christmas. You might love it, you might hate it, but you better take it. Or else when you walk outside, someone will throw a fridge at you.

Those Fences

This track has been out for a little while now, but it's safe to say that it's quite brilliant. Neo Tokyo's signature distorted, techy glitches are paired with Phoenix's soft spoken vocals, and you might say that in this case, opposites attract.

Phoenix - Fences (Neo Tokyo Remix)

Neo Tokyo have been pretty consistent. Might be worth your while to scope out their other work.

5 Feet Of Horchata In My Dream

Not much exceptional music around these days. Don't worry, I'll treat you guys to something special soon.

Miami Horror remix of 5 Feet Of Snow has a Toxic Avenger feel, albeit more tame. Kid Cola remix of Horchata has that tropical Carribean fidget sound going on, and the Redial remix is different to most Walking On A Dream remixes, it has a more 'Danger-ous' feel about it.

The Dirty Secrets - 5 Feet Of Snow (Miami Horror Remix)
Vampire Weekend - Horchata (Kid Cola Remix)
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream (Redial Remix)

I started building my Fixie today! I have a frame, two dodgy wheels, and a handlebar. It's a load of crap, but at least I'll be doing my bit for the environment. Not only am I not clogging the atmosphere with pollution from my car, but I'm making it from second hand parts, so that things are recycled. Because, you know, the environment is very important to me! I feel that everyone should be doing as much as I am.

Ha.

Oh, So You've Been At The Beach

Long time, no see.

Lil Jon - Give It All You Got (Danger Beach Remix)

Not sure about this one. Personally, I think his standard is slipping. But I still love him.

No homo.

I Like It When The Bassline Comes In

It's been a long time coming (a year and a bit?) but A1 Bassline's Bad Man Horror Theme got released. Although the music video is chockers with models in their underwear kidnapping A1 Bassline, I reckon a music video with history's villains (Nero, Attila The Hun, Jack The Ripper, Hitler, etc.)all dancing in unison would have been more entertaining, no matter how politically incorrect it may be.

On second thought, maybe not. Spot the difference between the older and revised versions.

A1 Bassline - Bad Man Horror Theme
A1 Bassline - Bad Man Horror Theme (Old)

Here Come Da and 8oh8 (Danger!) both channel the blipping and blooping Bad Man in all of us. Gotta love it.

A1 Bassline - 8oh8
A1 Bassline - Here Come Da

Anyone know what to call that sleazy guy with the cape, tophat, cane and moustache? All I come up with is Horrible Bad Man.

Danger Interview

Yo, new Danger interview out (it's in French). Ignore the dodgy grammar, my quick brush up of Google Translator's work will have to suffice.

So.

0) How Franck would describe the character "Danger".

It moves so strangely on stage, and does not seem to get warm even when it's 50 degrees.

1) Your musical universe, from your graphics to your outfits have made you a very popular artist in the electronica scene, a track from Danger is recognisable among 100 (?). How did you see the success and the euphoria around Danger, and the world around it?

I continue to be close to my influences, I make the songs I want to, I meet many people, I see many things, and I always pass many hours in front of a screen.

2) Tell us how you create, influences, video games etc. How do you take everything in your imagination and turn it into music?

After speaking with many DJs and musicians, I realise that I have a strange way to do that. I imagine a scene that I often draw, and it recalls to me that specific music, I work in a very visual way.

3) In your debut, you said you brought out the emotions/ideals of a child/youth through your productions, graphics etc. We feel that this line driver (?), change your sound, you live well, your world is changing and growing, is it linked to this "child" that which eventually grow and change ...?

It changes as my influences change, some are dark, some more Goler (evolved form of Geodude?) but I remain the same filter, I know what can go into Danger, and what can not.

4) One of your shows is as visual as it is musical, how do you prepare for this?

I work on my set live with a different device that uses unique technology.

5) With this rapid rise in fame, and you become to be wanted more and more all over the world, are you still a graphic designer/illustrator, or do you feel that the DJ/producer part of you is starting to take over?

I remain both, and both of them are becoming increasingly linked. I received about 300 drawings for the Danger Drawing Tournament, I draw a lot on the plane, I create all artworks for Danger while travelling on trains or planes, with a graphics tablet on my knees. Old people always ask me how it works.

6) Tell us about any current projects, such as what we can expect, like a new site, videoclips, a 3rd EP, or an album? You've held us in suspense for months!

I take my time because I feel it must be good, I do not feel a thing out in tears (?), I do not see videoclips as something that goes with the music, but as a short movie. The same goes for my album. My next EP released in November 2009. I'll post snippets from my new work on my Myspace in the summer, while preparing for the album that I'm currently working on. (NB: Apparently there are delays in releases, we must wait yet again)

7) What do you listen to when listening to music?

Blade Runner Original Sound Track
Hellsing (Manga) Original Sound Track
Wu Tand - The City


8) Danger. Whether it's a release or live, it is idolatrous or love him (?), if I was to ask you to win someone over, or 100 people over, what would you say to make people want you?

It seems that if you were to go on my page right now, you might receive an email chelou.

Danger - 19h11

Erm, I think my translation is full of holes.

Freddy Four Eyes

I've noticed these two songs are starting to get quite a bit of play time on the more mainstream radio stations/iPods, and it suddenly clicked in my head that Freddy Four Eyes had remixed them. By the way, in no way do I mean to demean Fred Falke with that nickname. I'm just feeling creative, yo.

Ke$ha - Tik Tok (Fred Falke Remix)
Alesha Dixon - The Boy Does Nothing (Fred Falke Remix)

While I'm at it with the new wave of female performers, I might as well chuck these tracks up. If you remember the Mille remix of Mowgli's Road, I'm sure you'll enjoy these bad boys/girls. The original has that piano-driven, indie-pop vibe, while the Russ Chimes remix is for the dancefloor. Killer.

Marina & The Diamonds - Mowgli's Road
Marina & The Diamonds - Mowgli's Road (Russ Chimes Remix)

And, while I reel from posting Ke$ha (why the $ sign?) and Alesha Dixon, might as well present to thee this now-taboo-for-electro-connoisseurs track. It's okay for me to post it, as I'm an electro simpleton. So here it is, in all it's glory, Warp 1977. Or for the more learned, some new Mustard Pimp.

The Bloody Beetroots - Warp 1977
Mustard Pimp & Blatta & Inesha - Pigeon Flu

Gone are the Woop, woop! sounds from Warp 1977. Now how am I meant to mentally associate this song with robotic American Indians?

WhoDIB? : Heads Will Roll

Okay, I'm going to come clean with you guys. In my opinion, the A-Trak remix should be in this bout for the WhoDIB? title, but I'd like to overlook that, and turn your attention to these other remixes of Heads Will Roll, which have both sadly received little attention. The two tracks in question are from Little Vampire (taking advantage of the Twilight craze?) and James Iha.

Little Vampire's remix starts off with a simple gated synth, then has some galloping distorted bass thrown into the mix. It then, gradually but surely, kicks into a chorus that is layered with chords, several synths and drum beats. Little Vampire's take on Heads Will Roll is great in that it barely stops for a rest. Great.

James Iha kicks his remix off with a nifty little panning effect, with added sparkle. This is just a prelude to the track itself. The whole remix is polished, handled with aplomb and ease, and has an abundance of twinkles, piano, trumpet, orchestral strings, and congos. It simply is lovely, charming and wonderfully upbeat. I'm in love.

WhoDIB? Little Vampire or James Iha?

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll (Little Vampire Remix)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll (James Iha Remix)

James Iha. I might even go as far as to say it's better than A-Trak's remix.

Round Up: November

November has been eliminated. Be jolly for December!

Top 3 Most Downloaded:
1. Bag Raiders - All The Girls
2. Arctic Monkeys - Cornerstone (Acoustic Version)
3. Wolfmother - Woman (MSTRKRFT Remix)

Commentary:
1. I'll be honest here. Probably the worst song I've ever heard from Bag Raiders for three years.
2. It's not that different to the album version, but I guess less grizzliness and fuzziness is always a good thing. Unless it's a banger. Of course.
3. Ahh, MSTRKRFT. I remember a time when MSTRKRFT were my favourite remixers. Fast forward to '09, and it's Fake Blood. Still, this is a gleaming example of why I was completely enamoured with MSTRKRFT. Brilliant.

Top 3 Most Underappreciated:
1. Asobi Seksu - Familiar Light (Twins Remix)
2. Pelifics - Forever (Hemingway Remix)
3. Shadow Dancer - Soap

Commentary:
1. Asobi Seksu fit the definition of a 'cool' band, one that is 'hip' and 'hop' (unlike me). Twins remixes this track seemlessly, and the end result is gorgeous.
2. Smooth, and handled with utter panache and style. Typical Hemingway, this kid's going somewhere.
3. Drop, drop, drop. Glitch, glitch, glitch. That's all I can say about Soap, except that it's also good for cleaning oneself.

Bonus For Rarchesters:
MPHO - Box N Locks
Cassius - Almost Cut My Hair

18 Hours Sleep

I had 18 hours of sleep last night, so I'm groggy and lethargic. So, erm, I'm going to pull another 'Ceebs' post on you guys. Sorry.

Erm, all of these have indie cred?

Doves - Brazil (Aeroplane Remix)
The Sound Of Arrows - A Very Sad Song
Jupiter One - Flaming Arrow
Paul Karkbrenner - Aaron (Ted & Francis Vocal Version)

My excuse is that I thought it would be a good idea to pull an all-nighter, knowing how tired I already was. Wrong.

London Loves You Too

Crystal Fighters resfreshing single, I Love London has garnered much deserved attention from various blogs, and, well, why not? It buzzes and reverberates along at a frantic pace, and the whole song just screams, erm, I love London? Sorry. Stuck for a description.

80Kidz and Kid Cola (play the two remixes at the same time for an 80KidzCola remix) both apply squelching, squealing synths, but in slightly different ways. 80Kidz maintain the hectic feel of the original, as well as adding a 90's techno rave stab, while Kid Cola slows it right down, showing off a more fidgety type of approach.

Oh, Crystal Fighters remix for you kids. Hurried and brilliant, as always.

Crystal Fighters - I Love London
Crystal Fighters - I Love London (80Kidz Remix)
Crystal Fighters - I Love London (Kid Cola Remix)
Two Door Cinema Club - I Can Talk (Crystal Fighters Remix)

The unmistakeably Spanish accent shouting I Love London reminds me of a Japanese tourist I once saw in Cambodia. He wanted to buy a souvenir, which was fixed at a price of 10 American dollars. Despite the tourists attempt to haggle, the Cambodian vendor stood by the original price. The persistent tourist then started to say I Love Cambodia in a heavy Japanese accent. Needless to say, the tourist got the price down to 7 American dollars.

Ceebs

Make The Girl Dance = French Electro Pop
Pomomofo = Decent remix of vibrant Indie tune
Calling In Sick = Heavy and distorted, with occasional power rock solo
Adam Kesher = Typical The Shoes remix

Make The Girl Dance - Baby Baby Baby
Pomomofo - Island (Hey Now Remix) (LINK FIXED)
Calling In Sick - Belgrave 2
Adam Kesher - Local Girl (The Shoes Remix)

Yeah. Those descriptions may not even be right.

WhoDIB? : Les Grandes Vacances

Ready for some French Electro? You know it. From Man & Man comes the track Les Grandes Vacances, a swinging, bubbly pop track. Bandit and The Sterehoes, both tried their hand at remixing, and, since thr original track is French, the only suitable remixers would come from France, no?

Bandit, as he does with all of his productions, applies simple yet effective synths to create an impressive sound of almost biblical proportions. All very well, but this technique almost completely erases the original pop quality of the track. Oh well. With beats like these, who needs pop?

The Sterehoes, on the other hand, have a much more polished remix, from the synths down to the drums. But just because it's polished, doesn't mean it has to be clean, does it?It may take a minute and a half for the vocals to kick in, but when they do, they somehow manage to complement the romping and the womping. And when the vocals are dominant, they're just deliciously, well, French.

WhoDIB? Bandit or The Sterehoes?

Man & Man - Les Grandes Vacances (Bandit Remix)
Man & Man - Les Grandes Vacances (The Sterehoes Remix)

The Sterehoes.

Butter, Rhubarb & Soap

Butter is typical Bloody Beetroots fanfare, except even more abrasive and brash. Rhubarb is a competent, powerful track from newcomers Savoy. Soap is a glitchy, frantic affair. All are brilliant.

The Bloody Beetroots - Butter
Savoy - Rhubarb
Shadow Dancer - Soap

Imagine butter, rhubarb and soap all blended together into one drink.

Prevenge

Huoratron, Lord of Noise, caught my attention quite a while ago. Now he's back with a brand spanking new EP, and, as expected, it eats you up and spits you out. Here's a track off his new EP, called Prevenge, as well as a classic, $$ Troopers.

Huoratron - Prevenge
Huoratron - $$ Troopers
Huoratron - $$ Troopers (Distrakt Remix)
Mixhell - Highly Explicit (Huoratron Remix)

I kinda wanna see him live, I heard he performs with a Gameboy.

Ya Boy Bangs

He performed with Snob Scrilla at the launching of Melbourne rapper Phrase's album, Clockwork, and already has a Bag Raiders cover. Why haven't you heard about him yet? He's the next big thing, Ya Boy Bangs, a rapper from Footscray, Melbourne. Youtube his hit single, Take U To Da Movies, I guarantee you will enjoy it. Bag Raiders cover ain't half bad either, dawg.

Some excerpts from his song, Take U To Da Movies:
"I got the popcorn, I know what else you like"
"Meet me at the shop, bout four o'clock, don't forget and don't be late... What time is it now? Half past three. My girl she'll be back, about half an hour. Let me go and take a shower."

All this done, to the image of Australian currency in the background, sometimes to a Cadillac concept car, and, at one point, a plain white map with Sudan labelled and coloured in. Respect.

Okay, you're probably wondering why SebastiAn is the title photo. Well, on the subject of 'Ya Boy Bangs', I just found out today that SebastiAn has had roles as an extra in several pornographic movies. I guess he is, like all of us...

Daft Punk - Human After All (SebastiAn Remix)

Remember, Ya Boy Bangs, Youtube, Now.

Deutsch? Ja!

Well kids, I was going to do a proper post, but since I have my German exam tomorrow, and Mediafire has become awfully picky about what I can upload (nothing), I'm just going to offload some tracks onto you, with some brief descriptions. Cool? Cool.

Strikingly charming Piano intro. Makes the song.

Allure - Nocturne

Cornerstone without the lashings of reverb.

Arctic Monkeys - Cornerstone (Acoustic Version)

Simian Mobile Disco goodness.

Simian Mobile Disco - Bad Blood

Womping, warping StereoHeroes madness, laden on Pony Pony Run Run's pleasant vocals.

Pony Pony Run Run - Hey You (StereoHeroes Remix)

Below-par Mustard Pimp remix. Doesn't get off the ground.

Larry Tee - Let's Get Nasty (Mustard Pimp Remix)

Tasteful remix of Pitchfork darlings Asobi Seksu.

Asobi Seksu - Familiar Light (Twins Remix)

Frantic, hectic 8-bit game goodness from Viking.

Terror Dactel - DTF (Viking Remix)

Aaaaaand I'm out.

Lifelike Bravery

Lifelike's dreamlike production always forms a sense of euphoria, the kind that sends shivers down your spine. But somehow, Lifelike also manages to incorporate a cetain groove into his music, without tainting it's frail beauty. Two tracks that both exemplify this ability (as well as the ability to be stuck in my head during an exam) lie below.

Baxter - Proof (Lifelike Remix)
Plasticines - Barcelona (Lifelike Remix)

The Bravery caught my attention with their new track, The Spectator, as well as a wonderful Drop The Lime remix. The Spectator is a dreary, somewhat wayward track (and I mean that in the best way possible), that sounds like White Lies with additional buzzing bass and synths. As for the Drop The Lime remix? Put simply, Marimbas everywhere. Carribean style, mon.

The Bravery - The Spectator
The Bravery - Slow Poison (Drop The Lime Remix) (Courtesy of RCRDLBL)

Perhaps Lifelike should remix The Bravery?

Iron Curtain

Back to regular blogging? Perhaps not. But I will endeavour to post as regularly as possible.

Russia has seen an emergence of new talent in the Electro scene, mainly, Proxy. Proxy is renowned for his pounding, droning, and somewhat violent music, as well as his ability to experiment with new sounds and mix it in with his music almost seamlessly. Who Are You?, a track off his newest EP, is a prime example of this skill. The voice in the song is sampled off, wait for it, an anime called Black Lagoon. Cool.

Enjoy the Proxy, in all of his dancefloor obliterating glory.

Proxy - Who Are You?
Peaches - I Feel Cream (Proxy Remix)
The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die (Proxy Remix)

Polymorphic, a stablemate of Proxy, crafts music which is just as brutal and unrestrained. Also hailing from Russia, he just released his Rock On EP, which, as expected, hurts the ears.

Polymorphic - Rock On
Polymorphic - Scream

I think I need to lie down now.

Compression : VIII

(Mein Deutsch ist sehr, sehr, schlecht. Entschuldigung, wenn du Deutsch bist.)

One more behemoth to slay.
Noch eine Prüfung.
Can you guess what it's for?
Kannst du für was annehmen?

All the girls, catch the looks, lies, fascination, forever.
Rainstick.

New Bag Raiders! Decent, but a little too 'represent' for my liking.

Bag Raiders - All The Girls

Ahhhh, this brings me back. Indie remixed with heavy handed beats and synths. Bring this sound back kids. Now.

Dyebox - Catch The Looks (Dilemn Remix)

MMMatthias' trademark, glitched and experimental sound.

MMMatthias - Lies
NightWaves - Fascination (MMMatthias Remix)

Smooth, immaculate. I'm beginning to become enamoured with Hemingway.

Pelifics - Forever (Hemingway Remix)

Crazed, Shaman-Voodoo stuff here. For the dancefloor.

Hervé & Jack Beats - Rainstick (Hervé's Monsoon Mix)

Rarche Out! Compression too for that matter. Expect regularity soon (not too soon, kids).

Compression : VII

Swish, I think I'm getting the hang of busting my gut over all these difficult questions. 5 down, 3 to go.

I was an LA Riots fan a long time ago. A very, very long time ago. I first listened to them before I even knew about 'blogs', and was still listening to Ministry of Sound (2006?). Their fresh, live-mix oriented style appealed to me, and LA Riots became one of the many emerging Electro artists that eventually led me to abandon old house acts such as David Guetta and Tommy Trash. Ha.

Lately, LA Riots have kinda dropped off my radar, so much so, that I had absolutely no idea that they were playing here in Melbourne tomorrow until 20 odd minutes ago. Anyway, LA Riots are back with a new remix of VHS Or Beta's Know When You Feel It. Fittingly, the first LA Riots remix I ever listened to was also a VHS Or Beta track, Can't Believe. Cosmic.

VHS Or Beta - Feel It When You Know (LA Riots Remix)
VHS Or Beta - Can't Believe (LA Riots Remix)
The Toxic Avenger - Escape (LA Riots Remix)
Crystal Castles - Crimewave (LA Riots Remix)

Lame attempt at a segue. LA Riots meets Congorock meets Crookers.

Favretto - What's Your Name? (LA Riots Remix)
Favretto - What's Your Name? (Congorock Remix)
Congorock & Crookers - Sbombers

While I'm still relatively nostalgic, let's take a look at Wolfmother. I used to thoroughly enjoy Wolfmother, with their tight guitar riffs, thunderous drums and howling vocals. After the implosion of the original band (two out of three members quit), I was intrigued as to how the second album would compare to the first. Nowhere near the first, but not terrible, as some people have said.

The Wolfmother classic, Woman, was remixed by acts such as MSTRKRFT and Spod (brilliant name, that). The MSTRKRFT remix is everything MSTRKRFT should be now. Chock-a-block with cowbells, disco sounds and hand claps. The Spod remix is what Woman would sound like if it was simulated on a Gameboy. Riton managed to remix New Moon Rising by warping the vocals beyond recognition, resulting in a quirky, Riverside-like sound. I also have here Riton's remix of Para One's Midnight Swim, a remix that I enjoyed thoroughly many years ago. Upon re-listening to the track, it comes off as squealing, clanky and reverberating, not especially listenable. Ah well, I still enjoy it.

Wolfmother - Woman (MSTRKRFT Remix)
Wolfmother - Woman (Spod Remix)
Wolfmother - New Moon Rising (Riton Club Rub)
Para One - Midnight Swim (Riton Rerub)

Before I finish, I feel obliged to post these new Van She/Matt Van Schie (guy from Van She) tracks, but be warned, the new Van She (not the Van Schie) is a radio rip. I also had to post the new Wolf Gang song The King And All Of His Men. One of the few new Indie acts I have respect for. Those kids are going places, keep an eye on them.

Van She - Don't Fear The Reaper
Matt Van Schie - Saturday Night
Wolf Gang - The King And All Of His Men

Rarche Out!

Halloween 2009

Halloween has passed. And I'm doing a post now? Well you see, it's not my fault.

Here in Australia, the only way to access the Internet is to get a USB, load the data onto the USB, hire a Kangaroo, and then put the USB into the Kangaroo's pouch. It then hops away on it's two hind legs, to the nearest beacon of civilisation, where my post is delivered to you all, and it is rewarded with a Koala sandwich.

As you can probably tell, this takes a while.

Mustard Pimp - Zombie Revenge
Designer Drugs - ZOMBIES!

Right now, Vampires are the fashion for the majority of adolescents. I however, am a bloody nerd. Zombies anyday.

Round Up : October

October has been dispatched. Frolic for November!

Top 3 Most Downloaded:
1. Mr Oizo - Pourriture 7 (The Bloody Beetroots Refix)
2. Erik Hassle - Don't Bring Flowers After I'm Dead (Crystal Fighters Remix)
3. Erik Hassle - Hurtful (Penguin Prison Remix)

Commentary:
1. Uhh, to be honest, this isn't actually that wonderful. Sure, it's got Mr Oizo and The Bloody Beetroots, but this refix is painfully simple. Truly.
2. Crystal Fighters add buzzing bass, simple 8-bit sounds, and jungle beats. Noice.
3. Do you kids have a thing for Erik Hassle's smooth, deft voice or something? Or do you just like Penguin Prison's chilled out Lifelike-like sound? Probably both.

Top 3 Most Underappreciated:
1. Mille - Ghost Dancer
2. Designer Drugs - Drop Down
3. Similou - Clouds (Johnathan Live Remix)

Commentary:
1. In all honesty, this actually does sound like Danger, if he was to take a new direction in his sound. Watch for 2:08, that's when those Carribean Marimbas kick in. Also has an eagle cry. Hot damn.
2. Everything you love about Designer Drugs. But crazier, darker, and edgier. An ominous, apocalyptic dance-floor destroyer. Lots of fun.
3. Reminiscent of clouds in all the right ways, this remix has beautifully crafted synths melded with pacific vocals that, when combined, soothe you into a state of higher consciousness.

Bonus For Rarchesters:

Penguin Prison - A Funny Thing
Mille - Stargazers
Drop The Lime - Devil's Eyes (Classixx' B-Live Remix)

Compression : VI

Hmm, another DMCA complaint. Asked around on Erol Alkan forum (of which lately I've become a junkie), and I've been advised it might be better to change my blogging ways, that is, get every track straight from the artists themselves. Obviously, it's going to take a while to build up a relationship with all these artists, but, I'll try to do it eventually. Anyway, you're probably thinking "Quitcherbitchin', where's the music?", so here it is.

So, you kids are probably overeager to here some new tracks, so I'll deliver, with some, err, Robbie Williams. Coolest kid out. But err, seriously, his new track Bodies might not be exceptional or cutting edge, but the remixers... well, are Fred Falke and Aeroplane adequate? Thought so.

Robbie Williams - Bodies (Fred Falke Club Mix)
Robbie Williams - Bodies (Aeroplane Remix)

Mars? No. Don't touch that, it's a classic. That won't stop Jack Beats from trying, and, well, he kinda pulls it off. Escalating, womping fun. Good on him.

Fake Blood - Mars (Jack Beats Remix)
Patrick Wolf - Hard Times (Jack Beats Remix)

Danger, where art thou? Apparently Danger is prowling around an Amazonian jungle, warping time to uncover more about the Code of The Pyramid. Or he's working on an album. Still haven't decided which reason I like more. Many have tried to fill in Danger's shoes, replicating his cinematic/computer game sound. But alas, none have reached his prowess. Until now. Meet Mille, a Swedish producer who may just be the new Danger (probably not, but he's pretty damn good). Check out Ghost Dancer and the Mowgli's Road remix. Wow.

Mille - Ghost Dancer
Mille - Crysteena
Marina & The Diamonds - Mowgli's Road (Mille Remix)

There has been a plethora of Night By Night remixes going around, so I'm just going to post a few. Smooth, '80s vocals, mixed with '80s synths. Sounds like it's straight from the '80s. '80s.

Chromeo - Night By Night (Redial Remix)
Chromeo - Night By Night (Siriusmo Remix)
Chromeo - Night By Night (Digikid84 Remix)

Michael Jackson is still a hot topic, mainly because of the new film about his swan song tour, This Is it. Anyway, I have a little gem here for you kids. It's an edit of Hot Street, a track that was meant to feature on the Thriller album. Apparently, Michael Jackson was quite fond of this track, but his producers/marketers thought the song just didn't quite make the cut. I think I'd have to side with MJ here, this track is brilliantly catchy.

Michael Jackson - Hot Street (U-Tern Edit)

And, here's some Screamo-Electro. What?

All Leather & The Bloody Beetroots - Mystery Meat
Bring Me The Horizon - Death Breath (The Toxic Avenger Remix)

Or some not-so-Bloody Beetroots:

Groove Armada - I Won't Kneel (The Bloody Beetroots Remix)

Rarche Out!

Compression : V

Okay, just a quickie for now:

StereoHeroes and Mustard Pimp make quite similar music, that is, heavy handed, pounding drums, coupled with searing, roaring bass. No surprise then, that they should collaborate to make music. Result? Pretty damn good.

Mustard Pimp vs StereoHeroes - Shark Spray
StereoHeroes - Washout (Mustard Pimp Remix)
Steed Lord - Take My Hand (Mustard Pimp Remix)
Underhall - Digithall (StereoHeroes Remix)

Melbourne boys Miami Horror and Swick have both been upping their gamelately, so it would be apt of me to post some of their tracks. Miami Horror is currently working on his debut album, following the success of Bravado, while Swick is preparing himself for his first release, for his track, Grow Up. And yes, you're not seeing things, I did post it before. And no, I'm not going to put it back up.

Miami Horror - Sometimes
Swick - 30 Minutes Of Swick Mixtape

Fred Falke remixing Eric Prydz's Pjanoo? There better be an awful lot of piano. Unfortunately, the song isn't comprised entirely out of piano. But no worries. A Gonzales piano-rework of Housse De Racket's Synthétiseur will sate your piano needs.

Eric Prydz - Pjanoo (Fred Falke Remix)
Housse De Racket - Synthétiseur (Gonzales Rework)

And, some Phoenix remixes to top it all off. Neighbors add a dream-like quality to Rome, while Unpopular Scenes adds some dirty guitar riffs and distortion to Fences.

Phoenix - Rome (Neighbors With Devendra Banhart)
Phoenix - Fences (Unpopular Scenes Remix)

Rarche Out!

Compression : III

I have finally finished editing a Classixx song (still needs to be tweaked here and there). When it's up, I expect every single person here to download it.

Yes. You too.

Now that I've scared you, I'd just like to say that I've noticed an increase in Fixie riders as of late. Many people seem to be attracted to the clean, minimalistic look (myself included). They also have the uncanny effect of portraying the rider to be more European than they actually are.

Who doesn't want to appear more European?

Glitchy, yet very agreeable. Sounds like Fred Falke meets Mr Oizo. If you just want agreeable, Classixx will float your boat.

Linus Loves - European Vacation
Linus Loves - European Vacation (Linus Loves Roadtrip Mix)
Ladyhawke - Magic (Classixx Remix)

Embrace is close to being my favourite PNAU track. All remixes I have laid eyes upon have not done the original justice, but this one comes pretty darn close. Tits & Clits (rhyming erogenous zones?) have belted out a dynamic and bold attempt, true to the original. Swell.

PNAU - Embrace (Tits & Clits Remix)

This dude has been causing a stir, and has been likened to acts such as Danger and SymbolOne. Plus he's 17 years old and Swedish. Might not have Danger's charm, but he's got time and Swedish-ness to work with. In my opinion, RESET does the whole 80's-synth-soundtrack-music thing better.

Ishivu - Yuriji
Ishivu - Palms
RESET - Push Start

Does anyone like Animal Collective here? How about Phoenix? Both of them in one track? Cool. Good on Animal Collective for getting a non-Lisztomania remix out there. Love Like A Sunset captures the mood of this track exceptionally well.

Phoenix - Love Like A Sunset (Animal Collective Remix)

Penguin Prison and Erik Hassle both had a crack at remixing Erik Hassle. Penguin Prison enjoyed it so much, he even had another shot. Is it just me, or do both Penguin Prison and Crystal Fighters sound like something that could be an online Flash based puzzle game?

Erik Hassle - Hurtful (Penguin Prison Remix)
Erik Hassle - True Romance (Penguin Prison Remix)
Erik Hassle - Don't Bring Flowers After I'm Dead (Crystal Fighters Remix)

While we're on the subject of Penguins, and not Crystals, I have for you an artist by the name of Owl Vision. Owl Vision makes inelaborate, austere tunes with a certain oomph. Simple.

Owl Vision - Perfect
Owl Vision - Revenants

Want something straightforward with force, but from more renowned artists? I honestly could have made this. That's how simple it is. A bloody simple re-fix from The Bloody Beetroots.

Mr Oizo - Pourriture 7 (Mr Oizo Re-Fix)

Rarche Out!