November seems to be an incredible month for electro ! I've heard so much good songs lately.
I hope you remember Jean Tonique, 'cause he just dropped this song, and damn I like it. Disco house at its finest, one of the revelations of 2010 with Madeon and Mr Moustache in my opinion.
Oh and guess what, Carte Blanche is back. Mehdi and Riton really do amazing things together, I dare you not to bang your head while listening to this, the synth and the bass are just crazy good.
Kitsuné Maison Compilation 10 : The Fireworks Issue came out this month too. The tracklist is impressive, as always. I loved more than 20 tracks out of 25, get this compilation, seriously.
7. Strange Talk - Climbing Walls 8. Pumks Jump Up - Blockhead (edit) 9. The Aikiu - The Red Kiss 10. Flight Facilities - Crave You (feat. Giselle) (Radio edit) 11. Jolie Cherie - Insomnie 12. Wild At Heart - Get Related 13. Clock Opera - Once And For All 14. Icona Pop - Manners (extended) 15. Young Empires - Glory Of The Night 16. Housse De Racket - Chateau 17. Teeth - See Spaces 18. The Heartbreaks - Liars, My Dear 19. Waylayers - Fires 20. Digitalism - Blitz 21. Black Strobe - Me And Madonna (The Twelves remix) [click to download]
Hey guys ! Simian Mobile Disco, Kraddy, Massive Attack remixes and Destronics, sounds yummy ? Yeah, it is !
So, Simian Mobile Disco released a new album last week, totally forgot about it until yesterday, when a friend played I Believe.
This album is way more techno influenced than others, with long tracks. What can I say about it ? It's pretty... strange, because it does not really sound like the SMD I know (and like), but that does not mean that the album is bad, it's just different.
Oh, and for those wondering what the hell does the song titles mean, each song is named after a strange food they ate while touring.
About the EP, it's 9 tracks long, 5 original tracks, and 4 remixes (made by Kraddy). Pretty generous I'd say ! Every track is really good, but I'm a fan of his style, so I'm easily pleased by anything that has this little Glitch Mob sound I guess. I'll let you be the judge.
Tell me, the synth at 0.45 in No Comply reminds you of some horror movie soundtrack, right ? If you know the title, post it in the comments, it's killing me! (Or maybe it doesn't and I have ear problems)
Clark's work on this remix is as good as always, the ambiance of the song is incredible, I can't describe it, just listen to it, and you'll understand what I mean.
Goldsworthy is Tim Goldsworthy I assume, he worked with Massive Attack on Heligoland. This remix very different from the original, and what he did with it is near perfection, by far one of my favourite songs of the month.
Looking back, there's been more than a few releases I was going to put into the Warped History posts, but then I remembered they weren't on Warp at the time of release. And that's why I'm here, because this stuff is too quality to leave un-posted.
AFX's Selected Ambient Works 85-92 was released on Belgian label R&S Records, and it's an amazing album considering when it was recorded (1985-1992, hence the title) and the fuzzy mix of analogue equipment, old school drum machines and swooping synths still sounds fresh today, and it was absolutely revolutionary at the time. Take for example Xtal. I love this track so much, the sampled voice flows smoothly throughout and those synths coming in at 1:50 kill me every time.
I've posted this next track before, it's a great example of the album's elements, being upbeat while remaining fairly chilled. and I dare you to not like that opening melody :).
I wouldn't say I have an overall favourite, but Ageispolis comes damn close. there's not much to say about it than what I've already said. Heavenly synths, low bass and so on, enjoy.
Moving into quasi-dancefloor territory is this track, the intro is something else, slowly leading you on until the drop happens. And it's bloody fantastic.
another great showcase of tech this one (listen, try and guess all the equipment!), it's what we've come to expect so far, only with a layer of acid drizzled on top. Gorgeous.
My final pick is a real testament to AFX's skills, managing to keep probably the most simple melody/bass/beats combo of the album fresh for about 7 and a half minutes. you'll have listend to it all before you know it.
And that's all from me, I know I haven't written alot about the tracks like I normally do but, as cliché as it sounds, I felt I didn't need to. It's a fantastic album (that and the tracks are hard to describe anyways :P). Also bear in mind this was recorded between 1985 and 1992, meaning the oldest tracks on here (only one I remember from '85 is Ageispolis) are TWENTY FIVE YEARS OLD and he was only 14 at the time to boot. Like it or not, you gotta admit that's pretty amazing.
If you even attempt to keep up on the blogging world at all, you've inevitably heard of Crystal Castles. Moreover, you've probably heard their recent collaboration with vocalist Robert Smith. In case you HAVEN'T, here it is.
Now clearly, this is a pretty epic track. It has a great 'I Listen To Obscure Indie Stuff' feel to it, while still maintaining some appeal for the non-indie kids who just like good music.
Now, compare this version to the version Crystal Castles (or rather, Ethan Kath... he did the whole track himself. No Alice.) put on their Crystal Castles (II) album earlier this year.
I honestly think the album should've waited until they had the Robert Smith vocals, but I suppose dividing the hype between multiple releases is better for them.
What a lot of people don't know about Not In Love is that it's a cover of an old 1983 rock track by a group called Platinum Blonde. They were a Canadian band, so understandably, they never made it that big. For some reason, the rest of the world seems to think Canada is a stupid place full of stupid people and stupid music. Now if they're BRITISH, or AUSTRALIAN... OH MY GOD SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN, THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER. Just something I noticed.
Seeing as there aren't many copies of the 1983 original available to the blog-reading community, I thought it might be cool to give you guys a taste of what was being emulated here.
Good old 80's rock. The hair, the sleeveless shirts... truly an era that could stand to return. An era when rock music had some testosterone in it. An era before gurlymen took over popular music (Hey Soul Sister, anyone?).
9. Evil Nine – Ultimo
10. K.L.A.M – Funky 4 (Hot City Remix)
11. Cassius – I <3 U So (Russ Chimes Re-Shuffle)
12. Russ Chimes – Targa (Russ Chimes Remix)
13. Ellie Goulding – Salt Skin (Alex Metric remix)
14. Dirty Laundry - Hate Me (Arno Cost Remix - Russ Chimes Rework) [click to download]
15. Para One – Toadstool (Jesse Rose Made To Play Dub)
16. Michael Bolton & Lady Gaga – Murder My Heart (Strip Steve Remix)
17. Beatacue – Bus
18. Foamo – Generate Some Heat
19. Sebastian Krieg – Brooklyn (Russ Chimes ReEdit)
I've had a ton of work to do this week, which meant a lot of time in my room. And so, once again through the magic of shuffle, I will spill some lovely tracks for all y'all out there. To make up for my abscence, ofc :).
Despite the title, I wouldn't really call some of these Lounge tracks. More Bedroom Tracks really. Regardless, here's the first track: Honeydew from the Tea loving Mr. Scruff. The intro on this one is just brilliant, and it only gets better from there.
A recent addition to my collection, Massive Attack's Protection could fill every slot on this post with it's chill downtempo vibes. But it came down to this song or Better Things. I think it better suits the atmosphere of these fall months, and it's a cracking song to boot.
I was originally going to save this one for about december time, but I felt it fit much better among these tracks than the ones I had planned. featuring heavy beats and haunting vocals it all flows very smoothly. this'll be sure to keep you warm on these cold nights.
Squarepusher's always had a soft side, often doing chilled tracks on his albums. This is probably my favourite chilled number by him, taking influence from Jazz instead of Jungle and Breakbeat, it creates a great atmosphere and is perfect as something to listen to while you study. Or while you do nothing at all for that matter.
Topping things off today is the master of chill himself, N.O.W. The introduction to In A Space Outta Sound is a slow jorney filled with samples, vinyl crackles and analouge hisses. It's everything you want from N.O.W and more, staying consistently fresh for the entire 7 minutes.
Once again, sorry for the lack of content by me recently. I seem to have a few weeks of nothing and then I get tons of work dumped on me. Anyone out there in a simillar situation, I hope these tunes help you like they did me. As always, stay safe and enjoy :).
Let's cut the talking part, cause I don't have much to say anyway !
First, Beat Torrent, you might remember the Girl From New Orleans remix I posted a few months ago, their album Reworks is out and it's really good, go get it!
For those who don’t know you yet, tell us a little about yourself.
David : We are a french pop rock/electro duet , and we make a lot of jokes.
Quentin : David is right. We are two young guys (18 and 20 years old) that spend their time making music, and in a good atmosphere!
How did you meet? and how did you decide to form Destronics?
David : We used to bathe together since we’re 3 - we've always been family friends ... However Quentin created Destronics by himself 3 years ago, and I joined him after that, replacing his best friend. At first it was very Justice-sounding, but our music quicly became more instrumental, more air pop! The synth/guitar mix was very important in that evolution.
How would you describe your music?
Quentin : I would say that it is epic-sounding. We travel a lot while listening to our songs. Not geographicly speaking, more... into the galaxy. It’s very danceable too. We try not to think about what music we are gonna do, we compose with our intuition and improvisation.
David : Even if the exercise that consists of describing our music is delicate, because we are not really objective, we try to mainly make air electronic music but that stays punchy. In fact, we do something called E.B.M (Electronic Body Music). : Head in the stars, and feet on the dancefloor!
What are your primary influences?
David : I’m very influenced by contemporary jazz - artists like Bugge Wesseltoft and our national heroes that are AIR, Phoenix, Daft Punk… Quentin : I am very influenced by the Versailles' scene (AIR, Phoenix and Daft Punk are from a city called Versailles). But I mainly like rock, because I learned to play the guitar while trying to imitate the guitar heroes Joe Satriani, Slash (Guns’n Roses), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd).
What album (or EP/song), are listening to non stop right now?
David : My iTunes plays Wild Beasts (Two Dancers) and a lot of Four Tet/Caribou.
Quentin : For me, The Irrepressibles’ album plays on repeat, a real obsession since I saw them opening for the XX in Lyon.
Your album Digital Naives just came out, what are your projects?
Quentin : We want to operate up the sound that characterize us and getting known as much as possible by the public. That’s why touring outside of France would be great, all this while studying, and that’s not easy.
What happens during your live sets? What equipment do you use?
David : Our lives are as instrumental as possible, even if using a laptop is essential. Our third member (Flo) is in charge of the laptop, he manage the effects, plays the beats. Quentin sings and plays the guitar, and I play synth while singing back vocals with Flo. Quentin : Yes, we want to highlight our influences as much as possible. David can improvise some very jazzy/funky solos like I can play a very rock n roll guitar riff or solo. Let’s say that people get what they paid for. They got a very different vision of the album. A live has to be a value added, it’s very important for us.
How do you compose a song? How long does it take?
Quentin : We like to improvise together and when we find a melody that we really like, we record it. After that, there is a lot of mixing work. It took us 1 month to produce our album, which in itself is not huge . Fortunately it did not last more, I needed to tan a bit. I was really pale, staying in the studio all this time. (laugh)
What is your "guilty pleasure" of the moment?
David : Humm I have to say that I really enjoy walking naked in my apartment, even if mom asked me not to.
Quentin : I confess that I enjoy watching David walking around naked in his apartment, even if my girlfriend forbit me to do it. (laugh) Seriously, since I’m in London, I’m getting used to the english customs that include drinking a lot of (very good) beers, and that not good at all !
A last thing for our readers?
David : French Kiss.
Quentin : Woah, that’s classy. David is a real gentleman, despite his nudist habits. We thank Ilictronix as well as its readers for their goodness. See you very soon in the US!
At first glance this post might look completely random, but I assure you it isn’t. The tracks I am about to post were all played by me at my very first DJ session! And they are insanely addictive and good too off course.
Let’s start off by throwing in some Team Banzai (still going on as our artists of the month). The original already caught my interest, but the extra funk my recently befriended producing duo brings, makes it perfect in my opinion. Bass guitar FTW on this one. On another note, Banzai sent me their entire song collection not so long ago. So I’ll make sure to keep you posted on whichever good stuff I can dig up out of the lot.
Next one is a remix of Mr. Moustache’s Big Tasty we posted a little while ago. Oh and yeah it’s from our little boy Magna… This isn’t Magna’s latest version of the remix, because I simply like this temporary version way better (sorry Maggie :p).
And I’ll throw in this simple but amazing remix of Lisztominia by Shook. I know you’re thinking I’m crazy posting yet another remix of this song, but give it a listen and yell at me in the comments if you didn’t like it.
And the last track is a Riva Starr one, Balkan Disco that’ll make you move those rumps for sure.
And that seamlessly brings me to the next thing I need you readers to help me with, because Riva Starr is one of the many artists I will be seeing at I love Techno next weekend. I want to ask your opinion on what acts to look out for. I will then go and dance my ass off to said DJ’s and write an accurate and detailed review post with lots of tracks. Your say in this is important to me because without you guys I would never have discovered Yuksek last year.
I've said before a few times that I have a weakness for vocoders and effects like them, and I always have, I don't know why but something about that sound just makes everything AWESOME. (well, except speedbass maybe) and today, I'm going to dig through my collection to find my favourite examples of various vocal effects in use from the the early stuff to fairly recent tunes.
We've come a long way, baby
Up first is MSTRKRFT, who used it a whole bunch on their first album, The Looks. it was tough to decide on which track to pick, but I think I made the best choice in the end, it's just so infectiously smooth!
Teenage Bad Girl are another electro act who used vocoders alot on their album, there are many tracks I could've picked but many only feature vocals for s minute or two, or even unvocoded ones, I think I got the right balance with this one.
And yes, even more from Squarepusher! Even before D'demonstrator he dabbled in vocoding and this track is the perfect example of it, Jazzy riffs mixed with fast amen break-esque beats, I can't get enough of it.
Royksopp don't use it at all in their studio work but their live shows are a different thing entirely. This is taken from a concert they did in full kraftwerk gear, (ie: red shirts, black ties etc.) it's probably my favourite version of Remind Me out there taking the best remix and adding that extra live atmosphere to it.
What's a vocoder post without one of the grandmasters of electronic music, Giorgio Moroder? He probably used a Korg like that to record this number which is one of my guilty pleasures, stay tuned for the awesome breakdown around 3:20 :).
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