"..maybe they're born with it... maybe it's broken social scene.."
Tazmania's three piece TIGER CHOIRare proving to be a source of sunshine in the English summer that never was. Singer Elliot Taylor's bitter-sweet, hazy vocal lines hit the spot and provide much needed relief from the rainy-day blues. There is a distinctly Broken Social Scene vibe to the track "Ghosties", with silky textures through-out that'll make you feel snug as a bug in a melodic rug. Their digital debut has now been made available on bandcampand is definitely worth a purchase. CNP suggests you do so, immediately.
WOODEN SHJIPS have been riding high since 2006 with their nebulous fuzz and sonic sorcery. Their throbbing new album "WEST" has been unleashed today and it's sure to have you wigging-out at the double. Layer upon layer of oozing guitar, train wreak rhythms and outter-space organ are awaiting you within. We've been entranced, hook, line, and sinker. Now it's your turn to take the bait. Listen to "Lazy Bones" taken from the LP below.
The album "WEST" can be bought on neatly designed vinyl down at Thrill Jockey Records.
Wooden Shjips are spreading their spacial teachings through-out this world and the next, here's where their psychedelic shuttle stops:
Thu Aug 18 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill
Fri Aug 19 Los Angeles, CA - The Echo Sat Aug 20 San Diego, CA - The Casbah Fri Aug 26 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge Sat Aug 27 Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe Sat Sep 3 Larmer Tree Gardens, UK - End Of The Road Festival*** Sun Sep 4 London, UK - Scala*** Mon Sep 5 Leeds, UK - The Brudenell*** Tue Sep 6 Liverpool, UK - The Kazimier*** Thu Sep 8 Tallin, Estonia - Rock Cafe Fri Sep 9 Helsinki, Finland - Korjaamo Sat Sep 10 Copenhagen, Denmark - Loppen Sun Sep 11 Gronigen, Netherlands - Vera Club Wed Sep 14 Krefeld, Germany - Sudbanhof Thu Sep 15 Paris, France - Cafedeladanse Fri Sep 16 Rouen, France - Le 106 Sat Sep 17 Tilburg, Netherlands - Incubate Tue Sep 20 Vienna, Austria - B72 Sat Nov 5 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle Sun Nov 6 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick Lounge Mon Nov 7 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern Tue Nov 8 Montreal, QC - La Sala Rossa Wed Nov 9 Cambridge, MA - TT The Bear's Thu Nov 10 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg Fri Nov 11 Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie Sat Nov 12 Raleigh, NC - Kings Barcade. w/ Birds of Avalon
Today we are delving back through the crypts of space-time to find out more about the lesser known electronic explorer, BRUCE HAACK. He really was an architect of all things analogue and one of electronic music's most groundbreaking individuals.
Born in the isolated mining town of Rocky Mountain House in Alberta, Canada. Haack had all the time in the world to experiment, and it did not take him long to search out his passions. At the tender age of 4, Haack started toying with his parents piano, experimenting with simple melodies and soon after - aged only 12 - he found himself in his first band The Swing Tones. While playing with The Swing Tones people began to notice Haack's some-what supernatural memory. He had the ability to listen to something and within seconds play it back with a great amount of precision.
Rockin' it with the kids.
Through his studying as a teen at the University of Alberta, Haack was awarded a scholarship to join the Juilliard school, New York. Which led him to be taught by the composer Vincent Persichetti who's former students included the likes of Philip Glass. But the restrictive system of the school was too much to bear, and he quickly departed going on to score dance productions and compose songs for pop labels like Coral and Dot.
"DECK THE HALLS" is played on the head of a pretty lass by Bruce and his red-buttoned instrument called "M".
Haack also found another means of expression in creating broad-minded, children's educational records. Along with some of his friends he started a record label called DIMENSION 5, on which they released a whole series of records call Dance, Sing & Listen. These records would prove a surreal collage of instruments, sounds and ideas that were a definite precursor to the direction bruce would later take.
Although Haack had almost no conventional training in electronics he created many of his own instruments, including the Dermatron (see right), a touch and heat-sensitive synthesizer that he demonstrated on CBS'sI've Got A Secretby securing it to the foreheads of twelve "chromatically tuned" young ladies. He shed some light on his creations while staring onMister Rogers' Neighbourhood, a children's television program, and scored a few different commercials for Kraft Foods and Parker Brothers. He was quite the clean cut commercial figure up until this point, despite his experimental electronic leanings, and the release of his "Electric Lucifer" album surprised many.
"You couldn't dance to it. Youcould, however, trip balls to it."
His major label debut on Columbia was not music designed for the younger generation. Far from it. After being introduced to the psychedelic under-belly of the 1960's by his manager Chris Kachulis, Haack got to work on his groundbreaking concept album. The main concept concerning Earth's struggle for survival in an epic battle between Heaven and the depths of Hell. Sonically it feels laced in acid, chaos and dread, but, with Haack's home-made instruments and modular gadgets (literally crafted from whatever he could lay his hands on) the sounds and production have a distinct other-worldly quality. Electric Lucifer featured a homegrown, prototype vocoder and unique lyrics, which deal with "powerlove" a force so strong and positive that it would not only save mankind but even save Lucifer himself. Some say that Electric Lucifer was the album that conceived the popular synthesised and sample based music we hear today. What's assured, is that if Bruce did not push the limits of music at the time it would have been a much slower progression into synthesised music. He pushed the boundaries forward at a time when electronics were in their infancy and alien to most of the world. What really tops it off is that, in the vain of a certain Mr Tesla, he pushed the frontiers forward with nothing but his own two hands.
By the time the 1970's were in full swing Haack's musical horizons were broader than ever, though still dabbling in children's Sci-fi laced records. In '71 he released the album "Together" in the same vain as Electric Lucifer and perhaps, in an attempt to differentiate this work from his children's music, released it under the name Jackpine Savage (the sole occasion he used this pseudonym). He also befriended composer and fellow instrument inventorRaymond Scott, and the two proceeded to experiment with Scott's Clavivoxand Electronium. Sadly no known recordings of the collaboration remain, and the mind is left to wonder what new, weird and wonderful sounds the two experimentalists indulged in.
HAACK-ATTACK!
In the later half of the 70's as the rest of the world were finally beginning to catch up, Haack returned with something as conceptually satisfying as Electric Lucifer. The record in question"HAACKULA" was a striking collection of songs that caused a bit of controversy with Haack’s outrageous songwriting and lyricism. Rife with anti-establishment sentiment, unhinged sexual references, conspiratorial warnings, venomous attacks on his critics and those who he viewed as insincere or intellectually inferior, and more expletives than was customary prior to the rise of so-called “Gangsta Rap”,Haackulais still something of a shock to the modern ear. The some-what shocking lyrical content caused the record to be denied it's release until over an incredible 20 years later! His music would reach an entirely new crowd post Haackula, and in 1982,Bruce recorded what many describe as his swan song, a proto-hiphop collaboration with Def Jam's Russell Simmons, entitled "Party Machine".
Sadly, Haack died in 1988 from heart failure, but his label and commitment to making creative children's music still survives to this day. With the help of compilations (Stones Throw, Mute) and documentaries like the brilliant "Haack: The King of Techno"his music, along with his influence, continues to spread through-out the new music world. With a host of artists sampling his work andmany a tribute record honouring his name, the luminary figure of Bruce Haack is destined to resonate in the electronic ether long into the unforeseeable future, he so often penned in song.
"You left your courage in a tree, and history gave you a blow job" Bruce Haack.
Gardens & Villaare a quintet straight outta' Santa Barbara, dishing out fluid synth ladened tracks that will quickly have you coming back for more. They recently signed to Secretly Canadian and have just released their long awaited self titled album . In 2010, Gardens & Villa traveled to Oregon to record their debut with visionary, vibemaster and labelmate Richard Swift. What they have collectively created is a ten track album full of the hooky gems, and despite the synthesised washes and fills they keep it simple, which is a welcome change. The album is full of hazy loveliness with the odd touch of new wave a'la '79. Check out these two morsels. The Lp is available to buy HERE.
Moonlight Mask is the alias of a new and unknown soloist from midwest America. It would be an understatement to say information is scarce!! All we have been told is that Moonlight Mask is one man in his bedroom concocting delightfully lofi pop. This is pretty chill... Check it out.
Here is his BANDCAMP, Look forward to hearing more..
ASAMOV were something that passed us and many others by in 2005. Under the radar their entire lifespan they never did, deservedly, breakthrough. Involved in legal controversy with award winning Sci-fi novelist and professor of biochemistry Issac Asimov (Not even spelt the same way!), they were forced to change their name to The Alias Brothers aka The Ab's. The album AND NOW... has everything a classic hip hop album should have and some. Original lines and filthy production is what's in store for you. Damn fine listening that still sounds as fresh as ever. Check out one of the highlights"Hookslide".
Disco and safari do not mix. .....WRONG! Well, according to Yelle, who returns with her new album SAFARI DISCO CLUB. It's her first full length effort since 2007's Pop Up, which was a little more up in your grill than this. The album's opening and title track sounds just as the name suggests, playful, down right bonkers and totally listenable. Inducing an uncontrollable urge to dance like a safari guide android. It's a big step up from her debut release, with more mature vocals than the unsteady Yelle of old. The new single is already going down a storm online and is sure to be a hit on her current world tour.
Check out the video directed by Jérémie Saindon, which yes, does include safari guide androids!
JUICY is a brand new record label based in Lyon who are offering us up some succulent 80's laced sounds. They are hoping to highlight emerging producers with something special, and breath a little life into the electronic/hip hop scene. Their first release "Sunrise Blend" does just that with 16 new artists from across the globe that will have you groovin' in no time.
Here are two fine tracks from the debut release. The first, Kanoba(Aka 20 year old Pete Darley from London) has been release today and is available to download for freeHERE. The second is the J-Dilla inspired Vanilla(Also UK). Enjoy.
Here is a track receiving endless electronic love at the moment. Named after a spiral galaxy, M83 really will send you up to the heavens with this euphoric slice of dream pop. The brainchild of Anthony Gonzales from Antibes, France. M83 continue to carve their shoegaze niche with a little more punch than you'd expect.
The surfacing taster track"Midnight City" is taken from their upcoming album HURRY UP, WE'RE DREAMING, and this nugget hits the spot with all the killer synthesised pop production that we've come to expect from MUTE records. It really is a solid effort from M83, with backing vocals that are some-what reminiscent of an in prime Kate Bush, supplying a rhythmical backing that only aids the inevitable head bobbing. Furthermore - as the icing on the cake - there is a blast of Bowie Rock Saxtowards the end and it's high time somebody brought back the saxophone in pop music!
HURRY UP, WE'RE DREAMING is released on the 18th of October on MUTE.
BINARY were formed by London based David Troster, who coincidentally happens to be a molecular biologist. What affect that has on the song writing god only knows. Their new song "Turquoise" is big and brooding, with "Bad Seeds" style desert riffage and epic production to match. Rhythmically it is not the most dynamic song in the world with a consistent drudging tempo and some might say the vocals lack the individual, idiosyncratic charm of many a great band gone by. But, saying that, with production and style like this you may be surprised to hear it's their first effort. Onward and upward?
Binary play their first show on the 11th of August at the Shacklewell Arms, Stoke Newington.
It's time to dust off some old Hip-Hop Français, in a time, frankly, when popular hip-hop has been mauled, mutated and disfigured beyond recognition. Other than your Stones throw's and other off the beaten track independent labels, looking to the past seems one of the finer options. French hip-hop ruled the roost in the 90's with it's quintessentially Parisian sounding jazz cuts and souly backing vocals. Here are a few gems to keep your Hip Hop taste buds tingling... MC Solaar - Obsolète (Prose Combat - 1994 - Cohiba Records):
DJ Cam ft. Channel Live - Broadcasting Live (The Beat Assassinated - 1998 - Columbia):
IAm – Bouger La Tête ( L'ecole Du Micro D'argent - 1997 - Capitol):
THE DIRTY NILare about to take you back to 1994 when your testosterone levels were a big bowl of wrong and your jeans were sand-washed and stinkin'. This is brilliant, with guitars louder and chunkier than Beth Ditto after a wholesome sunday lunch. If you've got any youth left in your decrepit old wreck of a body, you are going to enjoy this. The track in question "Fuckin' Up Young" sounds like it's been brewing in a cauldron from the early nineties full of super fuzz big muff and beer cans. There is even a overdose of early Weezer in there for kicks. You can buy the single HEREand it wont go breaking the bank. Do it now!
THE RAPTUREare back with another new single from their swanky, soon to be released albumIN THE GRACE OF YOUR LOVE. Bearingno connection to Enja's 1988 hit, "Sail Away" far from bobbing off into the distance, drives forward with bulging melancholic lines, fizzing Moog and The Rapture's much loved - but some what over used - disco chicka-chi hi-hat. It's what you might call, a bit of an anthem, with lyrics about scaling ice cold mountains and never looking back, it ends up sounding more festival shout along than The Rapture of old.
GRACE OF YOUR LOVE is set for September release on DFArecords.
Danielle Johnson, aka Computer Magic, has been a busy bee. "Running" from her new Ep Electronic Fenceshas all the subtle-sweet melodies one could wish for. Danielle or Danz as she's known had humble beginnings as a DJ doing the rounds in New York city, but has since been beavering away down at her family's Florida home. What she has created down in the sunny state is filled with innocence and charm that is sure to win you over. Her mousey voice could be a downside for some, but with the muted synth and strings that lollop from start to finish, it all amalgamates into something surprisingly satisfying and imaginative.
Head on over to WHITE IRIS RECORDSand grab a copy of Electronic Fenceson limited 12" vinyl (While you still can!)
Xray Eyeballsare a fuzzy lo-fi concoction whipped up by O.J. San Fellipe. Formally from San Francisco, O.J. went on many a cross country foray before firmly rooting down in Brooklyn, New York. Upon arrival, he quickly gelled with Brooklyn's punk underbelly playing in the scuzzy 'nuggets' laced garage band Golden Triangle.
O.J.'s Eyeballs debut album 'Not Nothing' was released last month and is filled with memorable, hooky garage pop covered in an over-modulated spooky haze. The word on the street is that when it comes to the live show they are dab hand at whipping up impromptu parties, so book your tickets to New York and catch this frenzied party machine. Listen to 'Egyptian Magician' below and check out theirBLOGfor more tracks and ramblings.
New York Jangle poppers CULTS are bringing in the summer with their new tune 'ABDUCTED', taken from the duo's eagerly anticipated upcoming album. It's a rockin' driven affair and way more energetic than their earlier efforts. ...sure went down well with the London sunshine today! Love it! CULTS release their debut album in the UK on the 30th of May 2011. It is now available to pre-order here at HMVand on iTunes.
..and if you fancy seeing CULTS in the flesh, get down to The Great Escape festival or one of their other tour dates:
05/12-14 – Brighton, UK @ The Great Escape 05/16 – Cambridge, UK @ The Haymakers 05/17 – Oxford, UK @ Jericho Tavern 05/19 – Sheffield, UK @ The Leadmill 05/23 – Birmingham, UK @ Hare & Hounds 06/01 – Leeds, UK @ The Cockpit 06/02 – Glasgow, UK @ Nice N Sleazy 06/03 – Aberdeen, UK @ The Tunnels
Charli XCX has been ticking all the right boxes since she was 15 years old but it looks like it's time to take it to the next level. The eager starlet has dropped a staggering new track "STAY AWAY" which hits the pop-spot right away, with jagged driven bass, commanding song writing, punchy as anything beats she's now onto a winning formula. If she doesn't go as far as your Lilys, Marinas and MIAs i'll eat the proverbial hat. Great anthemic 80's laced pop is rarer than hens teeth these days and after the countless failed attempts of the last 2 years this is refreshingly original. Check it.
..And if you're digging this she's playing GOLDUST tonight at The Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen. Get down there! Check the eventHERE for details.
Probably.... But you know what, if you're in need of an indie-pop sound track to your summer city vibes, seattle's CRAFT SPELLS could be what your looking for this year. Have a listen to this and tell me you don't feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
There was obviously some unfinished business as SANTIGOLD makes her floor pounding return backed up by a host of familiars. The rip-roaring 'GO!' from her new, up and coming album has just been 'leaked' on Jay Z's wonder blog Life and Timesand is spreading like wild fire. The combination of Santigold, Miss Karen O, Nick Zinner on guitars and Q Tip's studio magic means that this track was never going to plod along unnoticed, but hurtle towards your ears fired by the scheduled hype cannon.
That being said, this lives up to the easy love, proof being after just two listens that vocal hook just won't dematerialise. No matter how hard you try.
Mysteriously there doesn't seem to be a date as far as the new album is concerned, but i'm sure this will fill the SANTIGOLD void of the past year or so! Her website can be found HERE.Enjoy...
RnB never sounded so good! THE WEEKND are on the money with this jittering, tight slice of what is more nostalgic hip hop than anything RnB. It's downbeat, with a stuttering sample close to the earliest of mobb deep.
Abel Tesfaye aka 'The Weeknd' is a solo artist from Toronto, Canada who dropped his first mixtape 'House Of Balloons' last month. Which incidentally happens to be a free download, so feast your cheap ear drums on it. The viral for 'Glass Table Girls' is an 80's cocaine carnival nabbed and tweaked from Paul Verhoeven's ROBO COP of all places. Investigate further...
As Keith Richards said after snorting his dad's ashes... "That went down pretty well..."
