Tag: essential sounds

Essential Sounds (2010/07/22)

Essential Sounds (2010/07/22)

Here to help? I certainly am, banging on your ear drums this week we have five fine cuts of the freshest audio around ranging from summery shoe gazing to blazing brass sections. All your musical needs are covered for another seven days this is the soundtrack to your week this is Essential Sounds.

1. Boyfriend by Best Coast

This week we kick off with this lovely lo-fi fuzzy gem from US indie duo Best Coast. “Boyfriend” is a slice of understated magic with its soaring harmonies and sunshine swagger. The best thing about this track is its simplicity with an infectious vocal delivery, shuffling rhythm and surf rock guitars this is the best summer you ever had captured in two and half minutes, actor Bill Murray considers himself a fan and so do we

2. Who Dat? by J.Cole

Hot off the heels from last years Warm Up mixtape and the first MC up to bat for Jay Z’s newly founded Roc Nation is J.Cole and alongside Jay Electronica he is hottest commodity in hip-hop right now. “Who Dat” is the first single from his forthcoming debut album Cole World and with so much pressure on his shoulders it shows that J.Cole really is living up to his expectations. A thumping rhythm propelled into orbit with its astonishing brass work proves that there is still a creative flare within the game. Part old school joint mixed with the gusto of a marching band “Who Dat” truly flies the flag for the up and comers in this industry.

3. Where I’m Going by Cut Copy

Looking to build upoun the success of 2008’s “In Ghost Colours” the Australian electropop group have returned with new single “Where I’m Going”. Staying true to their musical roots but aiming a little more mainstream “Where I’m Going” shows shades of New Order’s latter work with a feel good chorus thrown in for good measure. This has a more sugary feel to it than previous material but thats not a bad thing in the slightest as it shows a real sense of fun within their work ethic. The final third of the track displays a more progressive side and has us wondering what the rest of the forthcoming album will sound like.

4. Can We Go Wrong by Hesta Prynn

Side stepping from her all girl New York rap troop Hesta Prynn has spread her wings and put forth this solo endeavour. The interesting thing about “Can We Go Wrong” is that like every good palette it has a little bit of everything. Fuzzy distorted bass lines and funky drumming is the core to its rhythm but over that we find almost chip tune like synth leads and a guitar riff that would make most garage bands green with envy. Hesta also drops the MC’ing for this to deliver a solid pop vocal performance. This is a brand new look for her and she seems to pull it off flawlessly.

5. Oildale (Leave Me Alone) by Korn

Digging themselves out from a pit of depression and the black hole of musical obscurity Johnathon Davis and his nu-metal pioneers really deliver with “Oildale”. It sounds like classic Korn but because that quality has been missing for sometime it also feels brand new again. Heavy percussion and rattling bass lines form a really solid background for Davis to balance delicate vocals with full on aggression an equilbrium that this group have truly mastered. If the rest of the forthcoming album Remember Me can match the quality of this then the once disgarded figures of rock could be back in buisness.

– Mal Foster

July 22, 2010
Essential Sounds (2010/07/10)

Essential Sounds (2010/07/10)

Fear not fellow music lovers for I am back after my slight absence, I have returned to do what I do best. Yes I am here to syringe your ears with the best cuts of new music this wonderful world has to offer. This is Essential Sounds, this is the soundtrack to your week.

1. Don’t Turn The Lights On by Chromeo

Kicking us off this week is the Canadian electro funk duo Chromeo, it seems like a lifetime ago since they delivered their seminal album Fancy Footwork. But fret no longer for they have returned with a very solid and fresh sounding single which boasts a rattling bass line somewhat akin to that of Michael Jacksons “Wanna Be Starting Something”. Strangely enough Chromeo indeed are starting something here with a song which clearly holds the 80’s close to its heart. Yet with shimmering synth work similar to Kraftwerk and an eerie swelling of glass pads “Don’t Turn The Lights On” truly is a mixed bag of magic.

2. Lets Get Lost by Beck & Bat For Lashes

Surfing on the current crest of unique collaborations the world has been treated to this offering from Beck and Bat For Lashes. On paper it seems as if the pair might not work well together but upon hearing the track its obvious to see the duo click together on every level. First of all the core strength of the song lies within the understated percussion and the vocal delivery of Natasha Khan (Bat For Lashes) this alone creates a very haunting atmosphere which is evolved further by the presence of Beck. The combination of both voices makes for a distinct cocktail of sound which seductively slips underneath the listeners skin. Seeing as the track was recorded for the recently released Twilight Eclipse soundtrack it seems as if this is a one off but fingers are crossed for the pair to work together again.

3. I Need Air by Magnetic Man

Anybody looking to dip their toe in to the ever expanding pool that is the Dub Step scene could do no wrong by checking out my third recommendation for this week. Magnetic Man is essentially the All Stars Team of the genre, consisting of super producers Benga, Skream and Artwork “I Need Air” is the latest offering from the group and in the eyes of Essential Sounds is an instant classic. With a rhythm that moves along with mechanical precision and alternating keys and synth leads the song cuts through the listeners brainwaves like an audible version of cult classic arcade game Ikaruga. Despite the on par and versatile instrumentation its the vocoded vocals which is the synthetic heart of the song. Magnetic Man have not only delivered an essential sound but a glimpse into the future, and the future looks beautiful.

4. Albatross by The Besnard Lakes

From the opening bars of sickly sweet shoe gazing guitar tones the psychedelic journey that is “Albatross” by The Besnard Lakes begins. With rumbling drums and the enchanting vocals of Olga Goreas we are sucked into a blissful and sun kissed world of summer loving. The vocal harmonies give this number a cosmic like beach boys feel which burns out into a kaleidoscopic progression of brass instrumentation. This is very much the indie sound of Summer so if your in the absence of sunny day’s slip this number on and slide away into a sonic paradise.

5. Your Body Is A Machine by The Good Natured

Imagine a middle ground between La Roux and Florence and The Machine and you’re likely to find The Good Natured. Up beat and up tempo there is an air of mystery to the sweet delivery within Your Body Is A Machine. It’s joyful enough to be a mainstream hit but yet its mixed bag of instrumentation gives it musical credence. Ranging from almost like tribal like drum patterns to indie disco guitar riffs and overlapping harmonies. This is a dangerously infectious piece of indie pop which could make even the coldest cynic sparkle with happiness. You have been warned this lady will bleeding through speakers across the country before you know it.

– Mal Foster

July 10, 2010
Essential Sounds (2010/06/05)

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

June 5, 2010
Essential Sounds (2010/05/30)

Essential Sounds (2010/05/30)

Aloha one and all welcome back to another edition of Essential Sounds, as always I am your human satellite for all things musical and once again I come bearing gifts. But before we move on to this week’s treats its come to my attention that we are all but at the bitter end of May and my first month with Essential sounds and FRED Entertainment. I have loved every minute of my time here and I’m extremely grateful for having you wonderful people on board. So enough of the sentimental stuff let’s move onwards and upwards and heres hoping June proves just as fruitful as May.

1. “How I Got Over” by The Roots

If you’re unfamiliar with the wonderful work of The Roots, “How I Got Over” is an excellent introduction to this truly versatile hip hop troop from Philly. On a instrumental tip the track is held together like glue by the ever funky drumming from iconic sticks man ?uestlove. However the beautiful blend of soulful keys and smokey vocals gives “How I Got Over” it’s gloss. Of course no Roots song is complete without an on point flow from Black Thought who is easily one of the strongest and most consistent MCs to ever plug in a mic. Despite being veterans of the game now, The Roots are still bringing fresh goods to the table which in a market oversaturated with rotten apples can only be considered a blessing.

2. “Flashover” by Klaxons

Since gaining critical and commercial acclaim after their 2007 Mercury Music Prize win the nu-rave trio have worked their socks off on new material only to scrap it and start all over again. Three years after their debut and debunked rumours of a Dr Dre collaboration Klaxons are back with “Flashover” the first single from an as yet untitled sophomore album. The first thing you might notice about Flashover is that it manages to come across as somewhat familiar yet the slightest changes in sound seem to have the biggest impact. The leftfield lyrical structure steeped in mystic mythology and the Gregorian monk like vocal hooks are back but they’re mixed in with a rougher dirtier sound throughout. This not only gives “Flashover” an edgier sound but provides a wonderful juxtaposition in sound when placed next to blissful digital meltdown and staccato piano section we encounter in the final act. If this is a sign of things to come then I believe good things are coming our way.

3. “ADD SUV (Armand Van Helden Vocal Mix)” by Uffie feat Pharrell

Ever wondered where Lady Gaga might have got her “original” style from? Well excluding Madonna, Grace Jones, Peaches and David Bowie of course, take a look or rather a listen to France’s alternative Goddess, Uffie, and you’ll find it’s pretty much a no brainer that Uff has had a significant influence in spawning the “Fame Monster”. But I’m not here to follow the band wagon I’m here to deliver this musical gem and drop it in your ears. This reworking of Uffie’s first single from forthcoming album Sex Dreams And Denim Jeans keeps the funky vocoded vocals and killer verse from Pharell Williams it also in true AVH style adds one hell of a funky guitar riff. Working his magic on Uffie’s tounge cheek look at Hip Hop consumerism Armand Van Helden takes an already solid song and gives it a burst of disco dance ability which is simply undeniable. Listen to it and try your best not to dance, I double dare you!

4. “Silence” by Camo & Krooked feat Nina

This week in Essential Sounds were breaking new ground, our fourth pick is from drum ‘n’ bass/dubstep duo Camo & Krooked. Despite being very familiar with the former I must admit that I am quite the novice when it comes to the valued art of dubstep. I know a little bit but this little grasshopper still has a lot to learn. However if anything “Silence” only makes me want to dig deeper into this particular sub genre. With atmospheric thunder storm and rainy ambience combined with a sincere and emotional vocal delivery from guest star Nina Silence is one part beautiful melancholy yet this is balanced out by the warm sub bass and rolling drum patterns which give the track an almost uplifting appeal. But the well crafted contrasts don’t end there, despite revelling in the fresh sounding dubstep instrumentation the vocal performance seems to channel the spirit of early 90’s dance anthems. A truly post modern wonder if there ever was one.

5. “Month of May” by Arcade Fire

If like me the inclusion of “Wake Up” on last year’s trailer to Where The Wild Things Are wetted your appetite for all things Arcade Fire again then fear not as this week saw the return of the Canadian natives and their eclectic stylings. “Month of May” is really quite a different sound to their previous material right from the start we can hear how its full of get up and go. The straight up ensemble of guitars, bass and drums is not only reminiscent of rock ‘n’ roll as it used to be but it also gives Arcade Fire their sexiest song to date. This comes courtesy of the booty shaking groove forged by the songs solid rhythm section. Some die hard fans might not fully appreciate the new direction but to me it shows an already inventive band taking a further step into musical progression.

–Malcolm Foster

May 30, 2010
Essential Sounds (2010/05/20)

Essential Sounds (2010/05/20)

Welcome once again to your fresh supply of all things fantastic. I have, as always, spent the past week looking in every nook and cranny for the best new music the world has to offer just for you. On the menu this week we have a collective mix spanning from the depths of Denmark to the underground dancefloors of New York. So what are you waiting for? Dig in and bon appetite!

1. “Back To The Fuck Yeah” by Pulled Apart By Horses

Hailing from my former stomping ground here in the UK, Pulled Apart By Horses are a fairly fresh faced alt rock group coming straight out of Leeds. Having only been together as a band since 2008 they are still defining their sound but if this number is anything to go by we should be hearing a lot more from them in the near future. There’s a real juxtaposition between sound and feel with “Back To The Fuck Yeah”, it delivers itself with quite a dirty grungy swagger yet it’s formed from very clean cut guitar and bass lines. With a pretty simple drum pattern and a guitar riff seemingly inspired by Queens of The Stone Age’s earlier material, what we have here is a real booty shaking rock n roll groove. It isn’t dolled up and it’s not by any means pretty but it’s simplicity works and that alone proves that sometimes less is more.

2. “Talamak” by Toro Y Moi

You may be forgiven for thinking that my fingers had been possessed and made to strike the most random of blows to my keyboard when reading the title for this week’s second essential sound, but rest assured “Talamak” is the name of a real song and Toro Y Moi is very much a real musician. And just to clarify even further, I am in full control of my hands… honest. Despite being a nemesis to spell checker Toro Y Moi’s track “Talamak” is a wonderful mix of soft soothing vocals layered against a backdrop of air like static, gentle bouncing synths and a waterfall of filtered declining keys. Throw in a number of alternating harmonies and you have blissful transition of sound.

3. “Oh the Divorces!” By Tracey Thorn

Exploring the more treacherous and darker side to love the first single from Tracey Thorn.

Love and It’s Opposite LP is definitely an affair to remember. The former Everything But The Girl vocalist delivers a rather haunting song which shimmers with equal parts fondness and regret for a failed relationship. Her ever distinctive voice is partnered perfectly with a gliding piano medley and staccato string section for the most part. However as her lyrics begin to dig below the surface of the story the strings become stronger. It’s almost as if the music is mirroring the message within her words, it’s this symbiotic existence between voice and instrument which leaves such a deep impression upon the listener.

4. “Beach” by Mew

Beach is an aptly named song from Danish indie band Mew, who have been on the scene since 1997. After 13 years in the industry is “Beach” the song to break this sensational group of shoe gazing indie Danes through to the rest of the world? We can only hope so, the first thing you notice about Beach is that it is without a doubt the perfect song for summer, in particular summer evenings. The wispy, swooning vocals of front man Jonas Bjerre not only set the tone but are also similar to those of Ben Gibbard from Death For Cutie which will no doubt give them more crossover appeal. With a sun kissed blend of crisp drums, mellow bass lines, whispered backing vocals and euphoric keyboard sections this is an absolute must have for those of you compiling playlists for the forthcoming summer season.

5. “Home” by LCD Soundsystem

Rejoice for the king of New York indie disco and co founder of DFA Records James Murphy aka LCD Soundsystem is back! “Home” is the conclusion to This Is Happening the third and, if rumours are to be believed, final project under the LCD Soundsystem moniker. If this is the track to end it all then we couldn’t ask for more. With more percussion and slinky keyboard work than you could possibly shake a stick at “Home” provides us with a truly infectious groove. Once it gets into the swing of things the only regret you have is that eventually it will end. Along with Murphy’s crooning and the swaggering bass lines “Home” is like an audible representation of a truly great night out in particular it’s final moments. When the music stops you don’t, you just keep dancing and smiling, and really you cant ask for much more than that can you?

–Malcolm Foster

May 20, 2010