Essential Sounds (2010/06/05)

Hello there one and all welcome back to another edition of Essential Sounds where I, Malcolm Foster, have been digging to find the freshest new music for your listening pleasure. This week we have a potential death by orgasm, an egotistical super producer, vampires galore and so much more.

1. “Farewell to Wendo” by Mock & Toof

The latest offering from UK duo Mock & Toof (stable mates of James Murphy’s DFA Records) brings us a very catchy piece of ethnic pop. Seemingly structured around the elevated and highly prominent female’s vocals we have a solid background consisting of Japanese strings and tribal like percussion. Whilst being subdued by the constantly shifting synth bass line we are requested by the mystery guest vocalist to “murder her with orgasms” well it’s certainly an acceptable way to go I guess. I have a feeling that we are going to be here a lot more from Mock & Toof so dig into this intriguing number to get a good idea of what we can expect to hear in the very near future.

2. “I’m Not Made Of Eyes” by General Fiasco

Moving over to Northern Ireland now, our second essential sound comes courtesy of indie trio General Fiasco. What we have here is a very classic mid tempo indie rock sound but with a truly engaging vocal delivery. You can’t help but get a real feel good factor from this song its crammed full of simple yet effective song writing and will no doubt find itself becoming a real summer anthem this year. “I’m not made of eyes” is the group’s second single from debut album Buildings, which I highly recommend and even tip for a potential mercury music prize nomination. Remember you heard it here first.

3. “Power” by Kanye West

Love him or hate him you cannot deny that when he isn’t invading stages and interrupting award ceremonies Mr West has got one of the most intricate and dynamic ears in the business. Coming back out of the studio with attitude new single “Power” has exactly that, from it’s tribal vocal hook to it’s thumping drums the return of “Yeezy” is anything but subtle. Those hoping the whole Taylor Swift debacle might have mellowed him will no doubt be disappointed as on a lyrical tip he has taken hold of the happenings in his world since last LP 808s and Heartbreaks. Taking the notion of being the “Abomination of Obama’s Nation” he flips an insult into a compliment by claiming it as “one hell of a way to start a conversation” and lets face it takes somebody special to do that and walk with it in his stride. If power is an indication to what forthcoming album Good Ass Job is going to be like we could looking at one of the most talked about albums of the year.

4. “Jonathan Low” by Vampire Weekend

Our fourth pick comes fresh from the forthcoming Twilight Eclipse soundtrack, yes that’s right you did read that correctly Twilight Eclipse Soundtrack. Fact is unlike the story which the music accompanies I cannot pick a hole in the soundtrack choices for Bella and Edward’s pout-athon. “Jonathan Low” takes a side step from the bands 2010 album Contra, in fact it has an almost Smiths like twang to it until the verse closes and the chorus unfolds where we are showered with an explosion of church bells and string work. This certainly shows Vampire Weekend at their fullest in terms of instrumentation and could be a good look for them if they decide to pursue it any further in forthcoming material.

5. “Gone For The Summer (Part Two)” by Teen Daze

I might as well book myself a one way ticket to Canada at this rate, as once again they have provided another wonderful essential sound. This week Canada’s contribution to excellent music comes in the form of producer turned solo artist Teen Daze. With “Gone For the Summer” we are treated to a beautiful blend of wishy washy synth’s, echo chambered vocals and funky percussion rhythms. There is a very rich and warm feel to his work and with debut EP Four More Years due out later this year I’m looking forward to seeing what else Teen Daze can provide to sooth my ear and soul.

–Malcolm Foster

Comments: None