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