Blog Sites to keep an eye on...
qtrak.com...This site is big news in the blog world. It hasn't launched yet but when it does it will become the first legal peer to peer music downloader. It has just signed deals with Universal, Sony and Emi record companies. Through site advertising they will compensate artists for the use of their music. I think this site could become massive!!
Yellowstereo.com...every wednesday they do a 'daily graboid' full of the latest indie/alt new releases. Really worth a look...
thesweetfix.com...this is a great little site for keeping in toach with the latest floor tunes. great for the new exclusive remixes
fluxblog.org....considered one of the first music blog sites but very underated. Not huge amounts of Mp3s but updated everyday. worth a daily check...
Wed, 14 May. 2008Tim's Top Ten Blog tunes 14/5/08
Here we go again with my top ten blog tunes. There’s a lot of great music floating around the blogsphere at the moment. I’ve found some great mash ups this week although maybe some are over doing it on the cheese factor. Check out the MIA Vs Beck track…
I’ve found quite a lot of new Arctic Monkeys/ Alex Turner tracks this week coinciding with his release of the last shadow puppets. It’s worth listening to ‘The Lovers’. Think its going to be a big song on their next album….
For all you diplo appreciators have a listen to the new crookers remix of Wassup…
Enjoy :)…….
1< Boy Bomb (Mia Vs Beck) – The Iluminoids
2> Around The World (Daft Punk) – Senor Coconut And His Orchestra
3< I’m a Lady – Santo Gold
4> 1 2 3 4 My Violent Heart - ToToM
5< The Youth (MMMathias Remix)
6> See Emily Play (Pink Floyd) – Martha Wainwright
7< The Good Old Days - The Lodger
8> The Lover – Arctic Monkeys
9< Phantom Ain’t Easy (Justice Vs David Bowie) – The Iluminoids
10> Silence – Portishead
I've been trawling the blogs meticulously again recently so here's my top tunes...
1< Great DJ-Ting Tings
2> Electric Feel-MGMT
3< Black Mirror (Quarterbar Remix)-The Arcade Fire
4> Cavorting-Courteeners
5< One More Time to Pretend(immuzikation Remix)
6> In The Heat Of The Morning-The Last Shadow Puppets
7< Good Time-Crystal Castles
8> Lights & Music-Cut Copy
9< Cheap and cheerful-The Kills
10> Hate It or Ride It (50 cent vs. The Band)-DJ Topcat
Tim H's Top Blog Tunes......29th November
Once again my search through blog music has turned up some great stuff!
Its definately worth checking out White Williams. They have a new album out so they're all over the blog sites. Look out for Violator its off they're previous EP...It's so cacthy anyway here we go....
1< Violator-White Williams
2> Goblin City (Holy Ghost! Disco Dub)-Panthers
3< Smile (Remix ft. Mojo of Dujeous)-Lily Allen
4> Shaker-Tulsa
5< Headlines-White Williams
6> Es Tu Vida-Hello Stranger
7< 12 Apostles-Flevans
8> Mushaboom (Postal Service Remix)-Feist
9< The Art of Letting Go-Supermayer
10> Dear Miami-Roisin Murphy
Thu, 29 Nov. 2007Tim Hole's top ten blogtunes.....
This week's trawl through blog cyber space has pulled out some real gems. Here's my top 10 check them out...
1>You Take My Breath Away - The Knife (Puppets remix)
2< YOA - Theatre of Disco
3> Mysterons - Coils
4< The Operation - Charlotte Gainsborough (Cousin Cole Remix)
5< Betty - Diplo
6> Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
7< The Henreich Maneuver - Interpol (Paul Epworth remix)
8>Fourteen Again - The Glass (UFO remix)
9< 22 Grand Job - The Rakes (Filthy Dukes Society mix)
10< DNVO - Justice
Some top blog sites to watch out for...
http://www.goodweatherforairstrikes.com/ -
great little site. updated fairly often. definately worth a look
http://discodust.blogspot.com/ -
With a bit of trawling you can find some great tunes. obviously as the name suggests great for disco!
http://ladecadanse.blogspot.com/
Updated all the time and really good if you want a bit of everything.
Tue, 9 Oct. 2007Some current ipod favourites - Part 2:
> VA: DJ Kicks Present Henrik Schwarz
An excellent DJ kicks compilation from German house producer Henrik Schwarz that spans everything from Detroit techno to traditional South African music. The placement and selection of tracks is extremely well thought out, with every track oozing class. What I can only describe as pure deep soul music, definitely one of my favourite compilations of 2006.
> VA: Kitsune Maison Vol 3
The third in a series of compilations from French uber-cool label Kitsune. It features more exclusives from the likes of Simian Mobile Disco, Klaxons, Digitalism and Boys Noize to name a few. The label is one of many that seem to be spearheading the latest trendy 'New Rave' genre coined by the NME. Apart from one or two disappointing tracks however, the standard is high. If you like your dance music with rocky basslines, dirty synths and indie guitars then you can't go far wrong with this compilation. Recommended.
> Jamie T - Betty and the Selfish Sons EP
The single release from the EP, 'If You Got the Money' follows on from the excellent debut single 'Sheila' earlier on in the year. Its starts off gently lilting and reggae-like before building up gradually through the song. There are various effects throughout with Jamie's very distinctive cockney-inflected vocals spitting out some genuinely interesting lyrics. All the songs on the EP are original, smart and engaging. He’s been compared to everyone from Tom Vek and Mike Skinner to Billy Bragg but is hard to pigeonhole. I'm looking forward to his forthcoming LP in the New Year and on these impressions it should be an early contender for one of 2007's album's of the year.
> Antena - Camino Del Sol (Joakim Remix)
Isabelle Antena's album "Camino Del Sol" is an electro-samba classic from 1983 (incl. tracks produced by JohnFoxx ). This 12" features new remixes by Joakim (Versatile) & Norwegian disco don Todd Terje. Both remixes are excellent but Joakim's more deep and subtle minimal electro reworking is the one I'd like to hear played out. Quality electro house of the highest order and definitely worth purchasing. There are also a couple of excellent tracks floating around from Joakims forthcoming 'Monsters and Silly Songs' LP which are also worth picking up if you can get your hands on them.
> Jay-Z - Kingdom Come LP
Barely two years after retiring from the rap game, Jay-Z has returned with Kingdom Come. As expected, it features a who’s who of the biggest producers in hip hop (Just Blaze, Kanye West, Dr Dre, the Neptunes) and special guests including Pharrell, Beyonce (naturally), and Coldplay's Chris Martin (who seems to be making guest appearances anywhere he can nowadays). Overall on my first couple of listens however the album as a whole was quite disappointing. 'Anything', produced by The Neptunes and featuring ATL-crooner Usher is possibly one of Jay's worst songs since 'Sunshine' or 'The City is Mine’. The collaboration with beau Beyonce on 'Hollywood' is also poor. There are some real standout tracks however including single 'Show Me What You Got', 'Kingdom Come', Dre produced '30-Something' and 'Lost Ones'. Maybe with him away for so long I was expecting something a bit more, a new classic perhaps. Overall however, this is not a bad record and well worth a listen, just a little disappointing.
> Count Bass D - Act Your Waist Size LP
Act Your Waist Size marks the rapper’s fourth album since 1995 's excellent critically acclaimed 'Pre Life Crisis'. He is a rapper from Nashville, TN, which is not necessarily a hip-hop hotbed; is a multi-instrumentalist; is mostly self-produced; and is held in high regard by a wide range of musicians (incl. Prefuse 73, MF Doom, Beastie Boys to name a few) as well as a knowledgeable fan base. You could compare him to fellow indie hip hop artists such as MF doom, Madvillian etc but he retains his own individual style/take on things. In an independent hip hop market saturated with too much boring 'backpack rap', Count Bass D's album is a cut above the rest and is definitely worth checking out. I also recommend his album 'Dwight Spitz' from 2002. Quality hip hop.
> Justin Timberlake - My Love (DFA Remix)
Timbaland produced 'My Love' has surprisingly been one of the biggest anthems of the year with every DJ you'd care to think of spinning it at least once this year. Being lauded everywhere and probably being the second most hyped tune on music blogs around the world when it was first leaked (see below for Number 1), it was only a matter of time it was going to receive the 'uber cool' remix treatment from one of the usual suspects. There have been a bucket load but DFA's was probably the most highly anticipated and my expectations were quite high. I’ve got to say I was pretty disappointed on first listen though, it's not one of DFA's better remixes, however it has grown on me. The song really doesn't get going until the last couple of minutes but when it does, it makes up for the rest. Overall, not what we've come to expect from DFA's usual high standards but they still do a better job than most could. Whilst I'm on the topic of DFA, I recommend checking out LCD Soundsystems '45:33' mix. Commissioned by Nike and available at iTunes, the piece is purportedly based on "an arc designed for running," featuring new music by the band and pieced together like a DJ mix. Highly recommended.
> M.I.A - XR 2
M.I.A's leaked new track is quite simply put a proper club banger. It contains the spastic staccato air horns of Rio Baile funk and Diplo's trademark Baltimore breaks. It's pretty brutal and by far the most jacking M.I.A. track since Diplo tweaked "Uraqt" for her on Piracy Funds Terrorism which in my opinion is a very good thing. It all bodes well for her forthcoming second album next year which should be huge.
> Klaxons - Atlantis To Interzone (Ayia Napa to Interzone Tape Remix)
Finally, a cheeky 2-step garage influenced remix of Klaxons which shouldn't work but does. It won't appeal to everyone but being a bit of a closet UK garage fan myself back in the day, and to be honest, I still enjoy the odd bit now and again, this is highly recommended. Very limited availability but grab a copy if you can.
SK
Mon, 20 Nov. 2006http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/ - one of the best sites out there focusing on independent music. Updated daily with various features, news & articles. It also receives exclusive news on a regular basis and was first with the sad news of the end of Trevor Jacksons excellent Output Recordings.
http://www.stylusmagazine.com - quite similar to pitchforkmedia.com (above) but emphasizing more on music and movie reviews. With a large array of highly respected contributors and critics it is definitely worth checking out. Also has various weekly features including this weeks, which is a fascinating insight into the history of 'Jewish Avant Garde' of all things.
http://www.tapedeck.org - analogue audio tape cassette nostalgia. Strictly for the nerds.
http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/PODCASTS.132.0.html - an excellent resource of fascinating podcast interviews with some of the best music makers around, from past and present. Brilliant listening material!
http://bubbleteasem.blogspot.com/ - a pretty austere blog from Maurice Fulton. The mp3's on offer however are great and have been on constant repeat on my ipod.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music - good website from 6music with surprisingly varied content on different genres. Up to date music news articles & good features every week looking back on the week in music. Also from the BBC worth clicking on is http://www.bbc.co.uk/collective/. A very good interactive resource covering the best new music, film, books, art & games.
SK
Thu, 28 Sep. 2006More interesting links from the world wide web:
http://www.myspace.com/musicconcrete - We are finally on Myspace, feel free to take a look. It will be updated on a regular basis. Be sure to send us a friend request if you pass by.
http://fluokids.blogspot.com - A cool blog from the Fluokids (collective of producers/dj's/artists etc). Its updated on a regular basis and seems to have a certain number of exclusive downloads before anyone else & more importantly, for free. Written in French & English.
http://blkmrkt.blogspot.com - Another blog but this time from a member of LCD Soundsystem although it doesn't make it clear who. It's got some great downloads & it seems to have a lot of tracks which you may have possibly missed first time round as I did. Some interesting stories/opinions to read also.
http://www.psfk.com/ - An easy to use portal to keep up to date on the latest trends, ideas & lifestyle news.Its updated almost hourly with select news on trends in everything from music, architecture, food, retail, media & travel to name just a few. An all round good & interesting read.
http://www.discogs.com - A very useful reference for anyone interested in the back catalogue of there favourite artist or just for browsing purposes in general. A definitive collection of artists including the very obscure.A good time waster.
http://www.pandora.com - Another good time waster here. Creates a personal radio station with artists similar to that which you've chosen to type in. Easy to use but not so convincing in its claims. Also links to interesting reads on the Music Genome Project. Worth checking.
http://www.beyondjazz.net - For all things broken-beat/nu jazz/soulful related. Up to date club listings, reviews, articles & more.
Fri, 11 Aug. 2006Some current ipod favourites - Part 1:
> Tapes n Tapes - Insistor
First single from the much hyped forthcoming album 'The Loon' on XL Recordings. It's surprisingly catchy combining plinky plonky guitars with a menacing echoed guitar riff, bumping bass, rhythmic drumming & desperado sounding vocals. It all bodes well for the album which I'm looking forward to.
> Teki Latex - Disco Dance With You (Spankrock Remix feat. Amanda Blank)
Teki Latex of French hip hop collective TTC fame is releasing an album and this is the first single. It's produced by Gonzales & this is my favourite remix out of the lot. A typical Spankrock dancefloor friendly remix who can't seem to do any wrong at the moment.
> Fox n' Wolf - Claws vs Knives (Todd Terje Remix)
Taken from the recent excellent Kitsune Maison 2 compilation. Also a forthcoming new Simian Mobile Disco track called Hustler is getting a lot of play from the same compilation. A must buy.
> Epicman feat. Plan B - More Is Enough
This is Epicman's aka Paul Epworth's first release on his new Good & Evil label. It features the hottest british MC around at the moment, Plan B, and this is a definate club banger. Rave stabs, hand claps & a half step beat. A big tune.
> Mocky - Navy Brown Blues LP
This is Mocky's third album which is released on Fine Records here in the UK. After co-producing Jamie Lidell's superb Multiply from last year, it seems Mocky has followed suit and has also made what could be described as a similar sounding fine album of jazzy, bluesy white-boy soul. Not quite as good as Multiply however with only a handful of standout tracks. Its still definately worth a purchase though & a good listen with some catchy melodies & fun lyrics.
> The Rapture - Get Myself Into It
The Rapture make a welcome return with the new single off there forthcoming album. The LP which is produced by Ewan Pearson, Dangermouse & Paul Epworth (who seems to be everywhere at the moment) is certainly bound to be at the very least interesting. This single bodes well and is quite reminiscent sounding of The Police in the best possible sense.
> Micah - Everything LP
This is the latest release on Matthew Herbert's Accidental Records. A fascinating collaboration between brazilian producer Airto Lindsay & the prolific Micah Gough (who has written novels, an opera, appeared in Sex & The City and exhibited art worldwide to name a few of his varied accomplishments). The album brings together elements of hip-hop, reggae, electronica, soul & creates a very unique musical soundscape. My personal highlight is the opener Constant which is similar sounding to some of Spacek's better moments. Overall an adventurous and rewarding debut album with a definate good handful of tracks that have been on constant rotation for me.
> Palermo Disko Machine - Pump
This came out not that long ago on an EP called Ragazzi Dell 1982 on Kitsune and is produced by one half of Digitalism. An italo-disco beauty which builds up slowly with a fun ridiculous spoken word part, cowbell (almost becoming a standard on indie-dance tunes) & funky little guitar riff. Overall, just a really good dancefloor tune.
> Para One - Dudun Dun (MSTRKRFT Remix)
MSTRKRFT have been producing remixes at an astonishing rate and have managed to keep standards constantly high which is a hard feat. This is a synth shrieking 4/4 dancefloor stormer which is a bit more harder than there previous productions. Also look out for there debut self produced single Shes Good For Business taken from there forthcoming debut LP 'The Looks'. Another handclap, vocoder & cowbell heavy but big dancefloor tune.
> Pharell - Young Girl feat. Jay-Z
A track from his much advertised current album 'In My Mind'. Nothing that new production wise but still a good solid quality Neptunes beat that we've come to love with average lyrics and catchy chorus. It still manages to sound better than a lot of hip hop out there at the moment without even trying. Been getting a fair few rewinds on my ipod recently though.
More reviews/selections coming soon.SK
Thu, 3 Aug. 2006World Wide Web Part 1 - Bookmark worthy links from Music Concrete.
http://www.bumrocks.com - Nice & simple site with an interesting song to download for free almost everyday. They have varied guest's on a regular basis including Munk & DJ Ayres to name just two.
http://www.tigersushi.com - Very cool site worth it alone for the design. A good record label but also some interesting links & articles to check out. Everything from lessons on Industrial Music to the Histroy of Motown as well as record reviews & lots of other cool stuff.
http://www.spinemagazine.com - For all things hip-hop related. Updated almost hourly with the latest news & downloads.Definately worth checking daily.
http://www.thefader.com/blog - US based magazine focusing on all things good in music, style & films. Also the first ever magazine on itunes available in a podcast form.
http://www.beatsinspace.com - Excellent downloadable radio show from Tim Sweeney (DFA) every week featuring special guests. Check out the playlist section to get a feel of whats played & what tunes will be big in months to come.
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com - Very good independent music site with regularly updated track/live reviews, news & articles.
http://www.20jazzfunkgreats.blogspot.com - Don't let the name put you off. Interesting blog on all things punk-funk,new-wave,industrial etc. related with good downloads available on a regular basis & interesting blog reads.
More to come in coming weeks. SK
Thu, 3 Aug. 2006