I just wanted to comment about a few things I’m really enjoying right now. And bring a recent rant/excellent outlook on music, to your attention , from Dj Shadow. I’ll get to the latter first. If you receive emails from Dj Shadow then this isn’t news to you. But he started a new blog posting off with “WARNING: RAMBLING TIRADE FROM A 37-YEAR OLD TECHNOPHOBE BELOW”, so I knew it should be good. He went on to say that many of the past music greats did most of their best work while getting compensated. And if you take away the money, the art stops. The internet isn’t helping all artists. He says that if he puts his heart and soul into something, he’s not going to just give it away for free. I can’t blame him there. It’s a great post. Read the whole thing at his BLOG.
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What has been getting the most listens from me lately is Empire Of The Sun. Their record, Walking on a Dream, is fantastic. It’s full of catchy, fantasy lyrics, synths, guitar, great production, pop, and even a few ballads. I think its really fresh and unique, but some do compare them to MGMT. Which isn’t a bad thing, but I don’t agree 100%. EOTS is led by Australians Luke Steele (of The Sleepy Jackson) and Nick Littlemore (of PNAU). Both of which I highly recommend as well. Pnau’s track “Embrace” is amazing and I have no idea how it isn’t bigger than it is. The Miami Horror remix of “Embrace” actually makes the song even more epic. He did an awesome job with it. Hear it on Youtube. But getting back to Empire Of The Sun. I guess the rumors are starting that they are already not going to continue as a group. According to the British Magazine NME Nick Littlemore has returned to PNAU and they have a forthcoming album this new year, with ‘musical guidance’ by none other than Elton John! Luke Steel insists that EOTS is still going and have worked with Adelaide band The Swiss. ‘Some of it is like Mylo and a bit more Prince’.
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I predict that Marina and the Diamonds will be HUGE! I have been listening to her for over a year now. I was made aware of her by the great NEON GOLD music blog. They released her 7inch single, “Obsessions” which is amazing and super catchy! Her full length record is due out soon and can be pre-ordered now. Again, I expect big things for her! At least I hope so.
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In the last two years or so I have really gotten away from most heavier music. I was listening to a lot of metal or metalcore, as some would call it. Don’t get me wrong, I still like it, but a lot of bands just started to sound the same. Well I have really enjoyed August Burns Red’s latest album, “Constellations”, which has been out for a while now. I was “recommended” that I listen to a band called In Fear And Faith the other day, by Last.fm. A great online music service. They will recommend other bands you might like based on your music plays. It’s not always perfect, but I’m glad I checked these guys out. I wouldn’t say there is anything groundbreaking here. But they’ve got some pretty solid vocals and great guitar work. Here is their latest video for “The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions”, which features guest vocals from Craig Owens!
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The music blog RCRD LBL frequently releases great music. Usually remixes. Which I’m a fan of, most of the time. Definitely check it out. Here are a few tracks from the past few weeks that I would recommend.
Miike Snow-Animal(Mark Ronson Remix)
Editors-You Don’t Know Love(Caged Baby Remix) The editors are perfect for remixes!
Simian Mobile Disco-Cruel Intentions(Heartbreaks Slow Action Remix)
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Go HERE to check out NME’s list of most anticipated albums of 2010!
It includes Interpol, Empire of the Sun, MGMT, Arcade Fire, New Young Pony Club, and 45 more!
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Ok well I guess I will stop rambling on for now. I will end it with Mysplice 4. Once a year Stereogum and Team9 put out a mashup album. Mashups aren’t for everyone. I know this. I did listen to a few of these so far and they’re not bad! I’m Liking the “22 Nights With Lily”! Anything with Chromeo is amazing and Lily Allen is underrated in my book.