Tuesday 30 November 2010

Glossies - Glossy Xmas

I’m not sure if there are many people in the world who think Scott Masson is a musical genius but there is at least one and you are reading him now. Not only does the Detroit based artist throw open the gates to the urban field he cultivates with colourful melodies under his Office project but he also has a side project known as Glossies. An entirely ridiculous name I know but who cares when you’ll be kissing your love under the mistletoe with ‘Glossy Xmas’ on the stereo (note the jolly holiday parts where a kissing moratorium must be observed and replaced by inane grass skirtesque swivels). Masson writes an entertaining blog at his site where he decries the loss of magic that people’s short attention spans have had on albums. He himself has decided to just focus on individual tracks from now on (ADD's up I guess) and what a glorious flotilla of ditties awaits us. KD

Glossies - Glossy Xmas

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Glossies
Year: 2009
Monday 29 November 2010

Lightning Love - Girls Are Always Wrong

Something to cast you adrift from the inclemency all around. Yeah, we definitely need our escape routes and I find it’s hard to beat a few minutes of twee pop to lift the gloom. This one is courtesy of Michigan trio Lightning Love who last put a long player together about 2 years ago. I really like the female vocals, which somehow model the sound of Northern Europe, perhaps that was an obvious ploy but regardless it makes a whole lot of fun (and given the output from up there, entirely appropriate). The other fascinating observation has to be the percussion, which is a close relation to Asobi Seksu’s ‘Thursday’. Budget, wha, ain’t that a caged bird? KD

Lightning Love - Girls Are Always Wrong

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Lightning Love
Year: 2008

Hamfatter - The Girl I Love

As part of my daily crunch I try to clean out the tags on the countless songs that are arrive inbox inadequately labelled. On inspection this perfect little nugget from Hamfatter expressed the notion that the recording was owned by one Hamfatter Ltd. Little surprise really given that the band received a sizeable investment from Peter Jones via Dragon’s Den in 2008. The grands' that came for free barely impacted on the trio unfortunately and if anything what was recouped from the business world was quickly eroded by its sneering musical equivalent. Shame really because Hamfatter are a decent act as evidenced by ‘The Girl I Love’ (written post Jones injection it must be said), something that would be equally as comfortable on a 9am as a 9pm playlist. Perhaps the lads could borrow a phrase from another similar BBC programme and show Mr. Jones the door. There should really be no limits in their world. KD

Hamfatter - The Girl I Love

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Hamfatter
Year: 2008
Sunday 28 November 2010

Natural Snow Buildings - All Animals In The Form Of Water

If any sound could capture the mood of my head of a Sunday evening it would be this one. It comes from a French duo who have turned the act of being an artist into an artform (they write, record, print a handful of copies, go to ground). Mehdi Ameziane and Solange Gularte call them themselves Natural Snow Buildings, an entirely appropriate moniker it must be said, and turn out LP’s like confetti. For the most part they are deep affairs, this is a band that are not noted for choosing the easy option. So while ‘All Animals In The Form Of Water’ could indeed pass for a piece of ornamental soundtrack it could also double up as a thought provoking mood piece for those in dread of the weekly mundanity. KD

Natural Snow Buildings - All Animals In The Form Of Water

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Buy Songs: Natural Snow Buildings
Year: 2006
Saturday 27 November 2010

Candy Claws - Snowflake Eel Wish

It’s been bitter in Dublin for the last 48 days and for once it has nothing to do with the harsh economic climate or our biggest export. The degrees have really nosedived and last night we had the pleasure of trying to sleep through endless thunder/lightning/hail, not exactly the soft fluffy snow we prefer at this time of year but if landscapes in blanket white are your thing then you should swing by. So in an attempt to defrost blue fingertips I decided to take a trip back to Candy Claws last album but one (the snow reference). Note the warm fuzzy feeling inside your pit once it works its magic, before too long those watery melodies will render you akin to that kid all aglow in the readybrek ads from yesteryear. What a special gift they truly have. KD

Candy Claws - Snowflake Eel Wish

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Buy Songs: Candy Claws
Year: 2009
Friday 26 November 2010

Mexican Elvis - National Holiday

Things could get a whole lot mushier around here over the next few weeks as hugger goes all sentimental and douses himself in liquid tinsel to celebrate our favourite time of the year. A couple of years ago we successfully executed a Christmas post every December day up to the 25th and while we probably won’t reach such lofty heights this year you can expect a veritable compendium of festive sounds between now and the big day. And that’s even before we start jabbering about this years Indiecater Christmas compilation which will have about a dozen or so brand new original sonic puddings. To kick off the season here is a soft and gentle ditty from Munich’s Mexican Elvis. It’s to their credit that all of their pronouncements are in their native tongue but unfortunately it means we have to rely on our imagination to fill you in. So in an bout of Friday evening laziness we’ll sum up by saying that Mexican Elvis are really well worth checking out further (try ‘The Washington D.C.’ first, it’s ace). KD

Mexican Elvis - National Holiday

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Buy Songs: Mexican Elvis
Year: 2008
Thursday 25 November 2010

The Riddle Of The Rap Or How My Hip Went Hop

I listen to a lot of music, tons of it in fact and it's not confined to what presents itself via headphones. I could be watching an advert for blueberry juice and the interesting background sound will have me hurtling towards search engines to see who the song is by. But, for all the music I have listened to over the last few years I have never knowingly (as in later found out it was by them) heard a song by Kanye West, Jay-Z or 50 cent. Granted I don't listen to the radio that often but even when I do I can't recall a single occasion where the mid-Atlantic twang announces that the song just played was from one of the trio. Kanye appears to have a huge profile, he's everywhere, mentioned in dispatches far and wide and yet I know everything there is to know about his teeth and nothing whatsoever about his voice. Now I'm not saying that I couldn't find the goods on youtube yet there's no need to do that for Lady Gaga and I could whistle all her big hits. What is it about rappers, are they part of the biggest secret club in the world or do I have a congenital condition that blocks out music where the artist employs a shimmying pitter patter rather than the traditional vocal harmony? KD

The Streets - Empty Cans

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Buy Songs: The Streets
Year: 2004
Wednesday 24 November 2010

All Smiles - All You Are Is A Human Sir

As music CV’s go he’s got one that is hard to top. Jim Fairchild was an integral part of Grandaddy, plays guitar with Modest Mouse and produced albums for, amongst others, hugger faves Dappled Cities. He also makes music for his own project All Smiles, titled as you’ll soon discover with a sense of knowing (much like his name really). He is currently running a kickstarter campaign to record a third LP so while you ponder a pledge let this tune win you over. Crucially for those of short attention spans the core of melody appears somewhat late on ‘All You Are Is A Human Sir’ bit it’s definitely worth the wait. Proving yet again that everything beautiful is far away. KD

All Smiles - All You Are Is A Human Sir

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Buy Songs: All Smiles
Year: 2009
Tuesday 23 November 2010

Conor Mason - Luck

Given his way with a tune it is a bit of a mystery why Derry man Conor Mason has so far eluded widespread attention in Ireland. His wistful Matthew Jayesque compositions peppered last year’s ‘When It’s Over’ and in many ways it made complete sense when he was asked to support Brendan Benson a few months back (the Benson of ‘Lapalco’ fame anyway). ‘Luck’ is the shy creature that lives in your garden, which you’d love as a pet but know it probably would never work out. It shimmy’s and slides gracefully and in the process highlights Mason’s soft vocal brogue. Everyone say awwwwhhhh. KD

Conor Mason - Luck

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Conor Mason
Year: 2009
Monday 22 November 2010

Insect Guide - Bats

There’s no doubting Leeds' Insect Guide harbour desires for past decades and given the dearth of contemporary movements who could blame them. The fact that they include the drummer from the Pale Saints helps to bridge the gap of course yet there is so much more to ‘Bats’ that is admirable. For one Su Sutton’s vocals are an able match for the densely fuzzed out chords and the impression is that of a Jesus & Mary Chain tune were Hope Sandoval given vocal domination. This should appeal to fans of Sweet Jane, an Irish act that convey a similiar post shoegaze sound. 'Dark Days & Nights', Insect Guide's second album, is out now on the Ian Brown franchised Squirrel Records. KD

Insect Guide - Bats

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Buy Songs:
Insect Guide
Year: 2010
Sunday 21 November 2010

Carolyn Sills - George Bailey

So the house of cards that was Ireland fiscal well-being has finally come crashing down. God knows what awaits us now that the vultures are circling. Perhaps we’ll again become the people that was loved the world over, happy with our lot and not trampling our neighbours to fill our boots with the loot. In the end it will take a malevolent force to bail us out and the repercussions will ripple through Irish society for a decade at least. Thank the lord then that the news came now and not in January as we’ve got the festive season to shield us from the real world. And to kick start the party here is a delightful piece of hokum from Santa Cruz artist Carolyn Sills called ‘George Bailey’. In fact it is so note perfect in its retro stylings were Spector not incarcerated I’m sure he could have had a ready-made star for a reworked ‘A Gift For You’. Mostly is a wonderful life. KD

Carolyn Sills - George Bailey

Watch The Video

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Buy Songs: Carolyn Sills
Year: 2007
Saturday 20 November 2010

High Highs - Open Season

If you were to throw the couple thousand songs that have appeared on this blog since 2005 into a blender the unholy and glorious mess might not be too unlike ‘Open Season’ by New York band High Highs. The duo Jack Milas and Oli Chang pursue a sound that ticks all our critical boxes and have just sent our salivating glands into overdrive with the news that they are prepping their debut album at the moment. Not that ‘Open Season’ is particularly revolutionary, just ridiculously cute in a murky production/honeyed melody kind of way. KD

High Highs - Open Season

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Buy Songs: High Highs
Year: 2010
Friday 19 November 2010

Deerhunter - Desire Lines

Despite initially sounding all the world like a geriatric ‘Rebellion (Lies)’ Deerhunter’s ‘Desire Lines’ does an about turn to instead fall into the arms of Sonic Youth. And for all that the band I most associate with them is Pavement for they are, within the space of a couple of songs, capable of writing the prettiest song flush with vivid melody and one you’d likely bring to the toilet in an effort to shift the cramps. It is very frustrating and all too apparent on their generally wonderful current album ‘Halcyon Digest’. This is perhaps my fave (along with ‘Memory Boy’) for it beats like all great indie anthems should with bulbous guitar lines and swaggering vocals. Deerhunter are as good as 2010 gets, if they could just paper over their idiosyncratic tendencies then we’d be talking all time. KD

Deerhunter - Desire Lines

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Deerhunter
Year: 2010
Thursday 18 November 2010

Natalie Prass - Deer

Given the number of girls with guitars doing something similar to what Natalie Prass does isn’t it just dandy to discover how much better she is than most of them. The Nashville girl was an unknown quantity to us up to recently but with introductions quickly dispensed with we decided to capitalise on the moment. So much so that she is apperaing on our upcoming Christmas compilation, after which she’ll likely get picked up by the best label in the world bar none. The Christmas song is pretty special, just like the track below from her recently released ‘Small & Sweet’ EP. The magic occurs as vocals seamlessly engage with the music resulting in endless pretty patterns. The sweetest thing. KD

Natalie Prass - Deer

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Natalie Prass
Year: 2010
Tuesday 16 November 2010

The Constellations - Setback

To call them the US Kasabian could be to damn the Constellations with faint praise but then I’m sure they’d put up with that in exchange for some of the former’s gazillion sales. It hard not to get suckered into their vibrant all encompassing sound, a perfect example of which you can find below. ‘Setback’ is a rhino charge of a single from the Atlanta acts’ debut album ‘Southern Gothic’. Words like big, bold and mountable (rhino theme poorly sequelled) spring to mind, I mean I feel about 10 times cooler even listening to it. Who’d have thought that an old man could still come approach something approximating hip (no operation jokes now). If only it was warmer outside I could roll down the panes and get down with the coolers with this on the boombox. KD

The Constellations - Setback

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Buy Songs: The Constellations
Year: 2010
Monday 15 November 2010

Four Tet - Plastic People

We’ve dabbled with Four Tet a couple of times before because Hebden is capable of greatness. Unfortunately it’s what happens between the greatness that bothers us enough to not laud him for the genius he may well be. This years ‘There Is Love In You’ is perhaps the one LP that we’ve toyed with the most but inevitably it was thrown out of the pram before too long. The only difference this time though was that it left enough of a mark to ensure return visits. These have seen us fall head over for the closing trio of tracks (including the untitled hidden track) with ‘Plastic People’ (the name of the club in London where Kieran DJ's) particularly arousing our inner dancing gombeen. I don’t take illicit drugs but if I did this would be playing in the background. Maybe there's love in me after all. KD

Four Tet - Plastic People

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Buy Songs:
Four Tet
Year: 2010

The Leisure Society - Inchworm

Apart from every evening at bedtime I can’t imagine a better time of the year for ‘Sing Me To Sleep (Indie Lullabies)’, an utterly charming release from American Laundromat Recordings. The label chose some of indie’s leading lights and asked them to record a tune in the form of a lullaby (with all proceeds going to the Valerie Fund for sick children). Some of the bands went for reworks on traditional standards, while others went for indie/elsewhere classics. The results are uniformly brilliant and little hugger seems set up for several years (what will Daddy do?) worth of journeys to nod nod land. Experimenting with the 21 tracks it seemed that the Leisure Society’s ‘Inchworm’ (Hans Christian Anderson) had the most soothing effect, by the time it had raised the tempo our little feast of cuddles had already been transported to the jelly sea. KD

The Leisure Society - Inchworm

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Sing Me To Sleep
Year: 2010
Sunday 14 November 2010

Arketek - Tiny Screws For Tiny Hinges

Much like Eno, Arketek are unlikely to appeal to anyone under 25. Something to look forward to then once that landmark is reached as the Galway electronic act have a soft dynamism that makes for perfect coffee-table-free lounge music. The driving force is one Biggley who used to be part of Halfset (Dot Creek also) and has a back-story dowsed in tragedy that gives the already affecting electro compositions genuine sadness. ‘Tiny Screws For Tiny Hinges’ is simple yet utterly haunting, the title sets the scene and your sensory drift should supply the tarmac for a trip like no other. Arketek’s debut album can be downloaded for free from his website, just perfect for a Sunday afternoon. KD

Arketek - Tiny Screws For Tiny Hinges

More Info: Official
Free Songs: Arketek
Year: 2008
Saturday 13 November 2010

I ♥ The Monster Hero - Fuckfuck Yourself

This is indeed a dirty squall and against most people’s better judgement it doesn’t actually originate from deepest L.A. circa the Smell. Who’d have given Dublin a chance at producing something this experimentally lo-fi for your hi-fi (ok maybe Bobby from Dublin Duck Dispensary also fits the bill) yet Andy (from no surname land) of I ♥ The Monster Hero has not only achieved the feat but also pointed two well aimed fingers at the parts of the internet that can’t deal with characters shaped like a heart. Makes for day long searches but who cares when the ‘Loveheart’ EP is blazing a trail inside ones head. The EP is not all glorious loud noise either, there is a little gem called ‘Little Gem’ that reveals this monster hero has a soft kong inside. ‘Fuckfuck Yourself’ is the cream though because it exhibits extreme korg tendencies and such behaviour leaves us with no option but to roll out the failte doormat. KD

I ♥ The Monster Hero - Fuckfuck Yourself

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Buy Songs: I ♥ The Monster Hero
Year: 2009

That's The Spirit

Not the phrase.
Not the movie.
Not the website.
Not the flick.
Just the band.

That's The Spirit - Always Coming Back
Friday 12 November 2010

Bombadil - I Am

Bombadil (a character from LOTR) are a band with extremely strong body parts and short of engaging in an arm wrestle with the chaps who are we to argue. For all their manly boasts however this threesome are quite capable of exposing their fragile sides as all 90 seconds of ‘I Am’ ably proves. It all adds up to a lovely introduction to the Durham (US version) outfit that reminds one of certain parts of the classic ‘Wrecked By Lions’ by Number One Cup. Something precious requiring further investigation this weekend. KD

Bombadil - I Am

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Bombadilmusic
Year: 2010
Wednesday 10 November 2010

My Robot Friend - By Your Side (feat. Dean Wareham)

Featuring Dean Wareham (yes he of Galaxie 500 and Luna fame) it says but unless my intuition is way off the mark his contribution is of the chord variety only on this occasion. We’ve always liked Mr Robot’s voice anyway so it hardly matters especially as ‘By Your Side’ is a particular dishy offering. It is taken from his album ‘Soft-Core’ which came out last year, which included ‘Mean’, which we’ve already written about in glowing terms. No mean feat pulling in a Wareham contribution and he repeated the trick with none other than 80’s goddess Alison Moyet for the distinctly Yazooish ‘Waiting’ which like all the other tracks from the record is streaming on MRF’s website (there are a bucket of remixes too, the Solvent mix had us glued to our earphones). Don’t underrate this robot, he has his heart set on world domination. KD

My Robot Friend - By Your Side (feat. Dean Wareham)


Update: Howard from My Robot Friend kindly passed this our way....

My Robot Friend - Waiting (feat. Alison Moyet) (Solvent Remix)

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Buy Songs: My Robot Friend
Year: 2009

Horse Shoes - The Perfect Combination

Jacob Graham may well be better known for his involvement with hip kids the Drums (‘Let Go Surfing’…) but in the distant past (in internet terms) of 2009 he also put out a record with Drew Driver as Horse Shoes. We spotted them when ‘Changing Winds’ (‘The Imperial School’s opening track) was a mere demo floating around interspace like a well-groomed piece of sonic fluff. While ‘The Perfect Combination’ is not as arresting in the immediacy stakes it sure does creep up on you. This is more than a rose tinted reminisce for fans of Sarah Records and all that conjures up, it is also a fine piece of melancholic pop. Like what China Crisis used to do with their two pronged assault of neat electro diversions and cosy fey vocals. KD

Horse Shoes - The Perfect Combination

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Buy Songs: Horse Shoes
Year: 2009
Tuesday 9 November 2010

The Society of Rockets - We

Owing to the crippling insurance claims in the wake of numerous tongue trips Shimmer Kids Underpop Association decided it easier to remain in business as the Society of Rockets. That nomenclature also afforded them the opportunity to shorten their naming structure to Society thereby greasing entry into celebrity haunts. Seems to have worked as they have a new LP called ‘Future Factory’ that is worming its way into the right ears. Listening to ‘We’ this turn of events is not at all surprising given that it reminisces on ye olde Stereolab sound (before they grew up and decided to write real but pointedly dull compositions). Yep, there ain’t a decipherable lyric but who cares when night becomes day-glo with this on the turntable. KD

The Society of Rockets - We

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Buy Songs: The Society Of Rockets
Year: 2010
Monday 8 November 2010

Willy Mason - Oxygen

Willy Mason is one of the few genuine artists I’ve met in an official capacity and boy was I nervous. Not half as shaky as him though, reckon he was tired. Once we got over the usual awkward early exchanges it felt good to be talking to someone who I had theretofore believed only communicated in verse. I’d worn his 2004 record ‘Where The Human’s Eat’ to a point where the hiss and pops almost drowned out the carefree but quietish pieces so it came as a nice surprise when his live incarnation turned out to be a much louder affair. Apart from the title track ‘Oxygen’ (did Electric Picnic ever think of using it in the summer festival wars?) was probably the star turn on his debut. Here is a tune that is delicately crafted, involving lots of subtle tones and unexpected detours. And all that is present is the singer and his faithful instrument. Pity the music took a turn for the worse after such an auspicious start, that said young Willy is still only 26 so time is very much on his side. KD

Willy Mason - Oxygen

More Info: Wiki
Buy Songs: Willy Mason
Year: 2004

Panter - Tulips & Six Flags

Some bands just take this online promo to extremes, not content with going down the usual route of email blasts and myspace bulletins Stockholm band Panter instead teamed up with the Firefox (AK) browser on their indie pop nugget ‘Tulips & Six Flags’. As you’d expect from such a collaboration there are plenty of add-ons, the twee template being particularly effective. The magic of course appears as the vocals swap the limelight, that age old trick that can’t help but be shiver inducing no matter how many times it plays out. KD

Panter - Tulips & Six Flags

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Buy Songs: Panter
Year: 2010
Sunday 7 November 2010

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - Young Adult Friction

Seems there is a new album, called ‘Belong’, on the way next year from New York indie popsters the Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Another release in what seems like an endless stream of newbies from the Slumberland based quartet. For some reason this has shaken me from their scent (in much the same way that Will Oldham went through an incredibly prolific phase some years back) which is a bit silly because every time I check in I tend to marvel at their pretty tunes. ‘Young Adult Friction’ popped into my shuffle earlier today and sounded so cute and bright that I couldn’t not remark on it. Kip Berman and Peggy Wang’s vocal interplay is as delightful as the the tweecore instrumentation and even though the running time is longer that most of its ilk it never drags. KD

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Young Adult Friction

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Buy Songs: The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
Year: 2009

My Disco - Closer

Ahhh Temporary Residence, that great Brooklyn institution that is home to noisemakers of fine distinction. As I wrote that line it suddenly dawned on me that I had lumped all the bands I knew from TR (EITS, the Books, Grails, Kenseth Thibideau and Eluvium) into a train of thought that was missing most of its carriages. Perhaps they had a sizable catalogue of innovative dubstep operators or a hidden seam of underground hip-hop mavericks. Off I trundled to the site and over half a dozen clicks later I realised my initial assumption was pretty sound. Not that I’d be falling for all their artists but not many labels can capture the heart of hugger with such a tight grip. So in an effort to add another one to above list they’re admirable list of free mp3s was perused and out popped the previously unbeknownst act of Melbourne’s My Disco. ‘Closer’ is from their 3rd album ‘Little Joy’ and is almost primeval in its use of traditional instruments. It’s also not exactly a tune to wash down your Sunday roast but then we were never ones to be found in the kitchen at party’s. KD

My Disco - Closer

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Buy Songs: My Disco
Year: 2010
Saturday 6 November 2010

Teen Daze - For Paulina

Appears as if Vancouver bedroom record makers Teen Daze have dropped in from another decade. Depends on the song mind, for they drift in and take trips around several of them for inspiration. ‘For Paulina’ certainly has an early 90’s dreampop/guitar free shoegaze air but depends almost entirely on the coolest of vocal shimmers for substance. And what a beautiful thing it turns out to be, something that the masters of yore would have given their left shoe for. KD

Teen Daze - For Paulina

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Teen Daze
Year: 2010
Friday 5 November 2010

Windings - Old Like J

I was toying with changing the font for this piece before discovering the magic of blogger doesn’t extend to such japes. Doesn’t stop me from thinking of a thousand other attempts at bad humour based on the misspelling of Steve Ryan’s Windings. Now if only Times New Viking would accede to his requests for a double bill. The Limerick band started life as a side project away from giveamanakick but with the latter’s demise it now holds court. Lucky us because debut album ‘It’s Never Night’ is a clever little recording, mostly quiet but quietly confident at the same time. Lead single ‘Old Like J’ wears its Sufjan worship on its sleeve and comes with a lovely lo-fi video. Might be going out on a limb here but Windings are proving they are indeed true types. KD

Windings - Old Like J

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Buy Songs: Windings
Year: 2010

Yusuf Azak - Eastern Sun

Given the intricate fretwork and slightly backgrounded vocals there are bound to be Nick Drake comparisons which ultimately means that Yusuf Azak is one damn exciting act. Seems Matt from Song, By Toad Records had been tracking the Aberdeen artist for some time and decided to pounce as Azak’s debut record neared completion. It may prove to be the canniest move of the label’s short existence going on the evidence provided by ‘Eastern Sun’. Here is a tune that is set up so acoustically yet manages to pull more surprises than an Aer Lingus flight full of Corkonians. Its simple fragile nature has wormed its way into our affections to the extent that it should be appearing in our Top 42 of the year about this time next month KD

Yusuf Azak - Easter Sun

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Buy Songs: Yusuf Azak
Year: 2010
Thursday 4 November 2010

Ravens & Chimes - Division Street

For some reason I’ve always bracketed Ravens & Chimes with Vampire Weekend, more to do with them appearing at the same time rather the fact that they both come from New York. While the latter have always left me cold the former’s lack of activity since their wonderful debut of a few years back meant they had slipped from view. Thankfully that’s about to change with the imminent arrival of a bouncing new LP titled ‘Holiday Life’. Opening track ‘Division Street’ has been given the onerous task of whetting appetites and it pulls it off with sweet proficiency. The Asher Lack troupe appear in fine melodic form, never overstating a message that is best served on a bed of tenderness. Great to see them return, maybe 2010 can redeem itself yet. KD

Ravens & Chimes - Division Street

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Buy Songs: Ravens & Chimes
Year: 2010
Wednesday 3 November 2010

Wet Paint - Melon's Teeth

It has been a while since I’ve basked in the glow of a full-on indie stomper so when ‘Melon’s Teeth’ slipped inside the space between my 2 ears I was jolted from my slumber. You know the type of track that the Strokes used to knock off in their sleep, a song interested in nothing except delivering its simple yet stylish angle. London crew Wet Paint take the crown (!) for this exceptionally tight rendering of a tried and tested formula and rather than outstay their welcome they’ve cut the ditty to just over 120 seconds. Short and oh sweet and the pride of an LP released last year called ‘It Rots’. KD

Wet Paint - Melon's Teeth

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Buy Songs: Wet Paint
Year: 2009
Tuesday 2 November 2010

Zola Jesus - Sea Talk

The very fact that an act can sound unique is probably enough to win a decent share of hearts but when that’s combined it with a modicum of talent you are talking sensation. A paucity of genuine thrills tends to multiply the effect yet for all the generic sounds there will always be acts that defy convention and plough their own furrow. Zola Jesus (a young lady from Wisconsin) certainly fits the bill and having toured with both Fever Ray and Xiu Xiu she is perhaps acutely aware of her own standing. Her newest LP ‘Stridulum II’ appears more a collection of earlier tracks and a couple of unreleased ones but nothing can hide the fact that this is a unique talent. Perhaps even a once in a generation one, the rich man's Florence and the Machine if you will. ‘Sea Talk’ is stunning and non-conventional yet utterly capable of stirring feelings of hysteria. KD

Zola Jesus - Sea Talk

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Buy Songs: Zola Jesus
Year: 2010
Monday 1 November 2010

The Lovemakers - Misery Loves Company

Sometimes it seems that love is just not enough as proven by the Lovemakers who drew their last breath as a band on NYE 2009. Scott Blonde and Lisa Light (the aforementioned lovemakers) earned that moniker too having drawn the wrath (which ultimately led to their expulsion from an earlier band) for getting it on when they were meant to be striking a different kind of chord altogether (during band practise). ‘Misery Loves Company’ was the title track from the California acts penultimate album in 2007 and is a tour de force of hormonal energy. It sparks like an Irish city as the prohibition on fireworks is temporarily lifted early evening during Halloween. KD

The Lovemakers - Misery Loves Company

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Buy Songs: The Lovemakers
Year: 2007

Ishi - Pastel Lights

While Austin seems to be forever soaked in the sweet bourbon cool of indie rock its bigger bro Dallas has all the allure of a dry sherry. Funny how a schlock drama has seen those adverse to converse run for cover in such a dramatic way. Of course such grandiose statements are concocted from the comfort of an Irish broadband connection so should be taken with a pinch of salt. Anyway, it seems ms. ellie central is beginning to throw shapes in the form of 4-piece Ishi and their electro slab ‘Pastel Lights’. This tune kicks off so dramatically you couldn’t see my toes for manic tapping. And the good vibes don’t end when the vocals enter the fray either, this is feelgood stuff to kickstart even the most depressing of Monday’s. KD

Ishi - Pastel Lights

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Ishi
Year: 2010


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