de-minimis

07 March 2015

dj shadow - 'bring madlib up'

Still sounds so fresh, gotta love proper turntable scratching.

vakula - 'joywind'

A lovely summery tune for a sunny day. There's so much that's gone into this tune but still it sounds very light and airy.

sufjan stevens - 'no shade in the shadow of the cross'

He has a very autobiographical album out at the end of the month, the title of which 'Carrie and Lowell' refers to his late mother and to his step-father who runs his record company. I've heard a sneak preview of it and suffice to say his mother would be very proud of her son; it's a quite beautiful collection of tunes. I'm downstairs by myself drinking tea and listening to it and it's already made today a wonderful day.

06 March 2015

breakfast in fur - 'portrait'

New York dream pop before I head off to bed? Oh, go on then.

danger mouse and sparklehorse (feat. the flaming lips) - 'revenge'

Mark Linkous passed away 5 years ago today. This posthumous collection put together by Danger Mouse as a tribute to the great man always brings a lump to my throat. Just beautiful.

black yaya - 'paint a smile on me'

You may recognise him as one half of the pop duo 'Herman Dune' and he has a self new album out which is perfect if you like your pop music light and frothy and with plenty of smiles - which is extremely apt given the name of this song!

fort knox five - 'superfly mix'

I've got to get back to work but I'll leave you with this superb mix from those funk masters, Fort Knox Five. Perfect sunny Friday music.

sóley - 'ævintýr'

The 8th May is the scheduled date for her new album 'Ask The Deep' and I think it could be one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of 2015 as far as I'm concerned. Her 2011 album 'We Sink' was my album of the year that year so I have a deep admiration for her music. This is the first track from the new album and it's an instant hit with me. Finding this to listen to has made my day complete.

saravah soul - 'mestico (debruit remix)'

From the Tru Thoughts 15th anniversary compilation, here's a lovely piece of Brazil for you.

05 March 2015

nneka - 'book of job'

Nigerian/German singer Nneka is back with a new album and it's a lot more reggae than her previous outings and she does it very well. I've listened to it a few times now and there's lots there to grab your attention both as background music and also with headphones on, it's got a lovely crisp, clean feel to it but still sounds full-bodied with a lot of warmth. I think it's going to be a big hit for her and deservedly so.

water music - 'operator'

Ah, now this is beautiful, very reminiscent of Elliott Smith's last album 'From A Basement On A Hill' and that just happens to be one of my all-time favourite albums so take it from me, this album is very good. Reading some of the back story for the album reveals that it's a deeply personal album tinged with a lot of sadness and so the similarities don't end with the style of music.

One of those tracks for quiet reflection, perfect for the end of the day and a long, long trip home for me. Please do check out the rest of the album as it's top quality throughout.

martin gore - 'europa hymn'

One-third of Depeche Mode by day and now an album as a solo artist. Martin Gore's been very busy with the news that there's an instrumental-only album due for release at the end of April. This is the first track released from it and no need for me to say that production is top-notch.

girl friend - 'monte carlo'

Hailing from Manchester and with obvious Hot Chip influences, this is very bright and poppy Girl Friend.

d'angelo and the vanguard - 'really love'

A really shitty commute this morning was made so much better after hearing this on my iPod. What a tune, so soulful.

04 March 2015

cinnamon chasers - 'oleah'

Last track from me tonight and it's from another new album, this one from electronic outfit Cinnamon Chasers from London. It's quite melodic with a very pleasant driving beat to it. It's quite a grower.

evans the death - 'don't laugh at my angry face'

As song titles go, this is a cracker! From their second album 'Expect Delays' which I think is out right now.

showstar - 'follow me follow'

Taken from Belgian band Showstar's debut album and I'm enjoying listening to it a lot on their Bandcamp website.

panda bear - 'boys latin (andy stott remix)'

Quite brilliant remixing from Andy Stott.

mbongwana star - 'kala'

You'll probably not see a better music video today than this one from Democratic Republic of Congo band Mbongwana Star. Kinshasa's finest dancers really strutting their stuff and pulling some impressive shapes on the dancefloor.

luis bacalov - 'the grand duel (parte prima)'

Originally part of the soundtrack to the great spaghetti Western 'The Grand Duel' and then even more famously as part of the Kill Bill soundtrack, here's the Bacalov classic. It's so atmospheric. A truly wonderful piece of music.

stornoway - 'get low'

They're finally back with a new album in the offing and they sound as great as ever with the harmonies supported by warm and expansive musical support. Great stuff.

h hawkline - 'spooky dog'

It took me some time to get my head around this album, in my mind it veered from fun and interesting whimsical pop to unnecessarily over the top art school music but I finally warmed to it and quite enjoy listening to it now, this track in particular.

ghostpoet - 'off peak dreams (live in session)'

From an album that I can't stop listening to, here's man of the moment Ghostpoet live in session for Guardian Music.

03 March 2015

leon bridges - 'coming home'

You'll like this, trust me on that.

greatest lakes - 'farewell bid'

I was listening to this last night and was so impressed I had it on loop for the next half hour. Great tune.

02 March 2015

idlewild - 'use it (if you can use it)'

I've not been paying much attention of Idlewild up until now but I've heard a few tracks off their new album and it's made quite a big impression. They don't pretend to break new ground with their sound but what they have certainly works.

björk - 'not get'

An album that just gets better and better with every listen.

ghost culture - 'giudecca'

Oh, so smooth! Here's some beautiful electronica from Ghost Culture's 2015 album.

wolf colony - 'beauty'

This is rocking my lunchtime.

01 March 2015

james taylor quartet - 'theme from starsky and hutch (huggy's mix)'

I haven't heard the James Taylor Quartet in a long, long time and so let's put that to rights with one of their anthems from their live shows.

28 February 2015

champs - 'running'

A band from Blackgang Chine from the Isle of Wight, a place that I haven't been to since I was a child. I feel inspired to return there this year after learning that they have such a cool band from their town.

elvis perkins - 'hogus pogus'

He's the son of actor Anthony Perkins, he's got a great Christian name and e does a great line in lo-fi, DIT folk music. The new album was out this week and it's incredibly engaging, very funny and leftfield yet there's a deadly serious piece of music here. It's a very tough balancing act to do well and Perkins has done it with aplomb.

moon duo - 'animal'

I love the darkness that the San Francisco duo bring to their music and the frenetic tempo with the lyrics on reverb, very reminiscent of Suicide. Can't wait to hear the new album.

rex garvin and the mighty cravers - 'sock it to 'em j.b.'

I told you he was coming...

lonelady - 'bunkerpop'

This should wake everyone up. Imagine a very funky, stripped back St Vincent and you won't be too far off this sound. It's bloody brilliant!

27 February 2015

roy orbison, carl perkins, johnny cash, jerry lee lewis - 'this train'

Now that is one hell of a line-up. 3/4 of the million-dollar session together with the Big O who, of course, used to be on the same circuit around Southern USA when Elvis was just starting out.

dalton - 'bedford and grand'

The opening track to the new Dalton (aka Nate Harrar) eponymously titled album is one that certainly grabs the attention and keeps it focused. Great stuff.

26 February 2015

warpaint - 'no way out (redux)'

This is apparently the brand new Warpaint track, the first in a series to be released later this year. It's a corker!

misterwives - 'not your way'

Ooh! I like this a lot. It reminds me very much of the Pipettes first album and that's an album I'd happily describe as a classic. Great pop!

25 February 2015

alcoholic faith mission - 'orbiter'

Oh my, could this be the next big thing from Denmark? What a tune this is, the title track from their new album out last week. It reminds me in part of the very sadly defunct band Ou Est Le Swimming Pool and I mean that in the very best possible way.

the districts - '6 am'

Possibly my favourite track from their new album and one that certainly pushes through all sorts of emotions. What a voice!

kyrstyn pixton - 'i alone (lubdub remix)'

This is taken from a great little remix EP of a track of Ms Pixton's and is available to buy from her Bandcamp site. I love dub remixes generally and this is no exception. Top work from Temple Step Project.

thomy yorke and robert del naja - 'soundtrack from the uk gold'

What a collaboration this is together with Jonny Greenwood and Euan Dickinson this is the entire soundtrack streamed for free from the new film 'The UK Gold". First listen appears to be very much in the same ballpark as Danny The Dog and Atoms For Peace. I like this a lot.

daniel knox - 'blue car'

This is the album that I wanted Scott Walker's Bish Bosch to sound like. He sounds a dead ringer for Scott Walker with rich, operatic tones over a piano-led band and his humour is offbeat and the music is in parts sounding a little like experimental musical theatre but he always manages to have one foot on the ground. The songs are beautifully produced and deceptive in that classic Scott Walker way of sounding at first listen like it's cheesy but then revealing a sharp, satirical and extremely clever song. I've had it on loop for 2 days solid now and still not tired of it, except for the faint car alarm sound in the first track, Blue Car but even that's not really that annoying. Beautiful stuff.

24 February 2015

will butler - 'take my side'

Currently part listening to Brighton and Hove Albion on the radio in one ear and this the first track from Will Butler's upcoming album. I'm winning in both ears at the moment!

21 February 2015

the rendells - 'hot licks'

How about some rock and roll to wake up this weekend?

20 February 2015

dan mangan + blacksmith - 'mouthpiece'

This is just brilliant, my favourite track from Dan Mangan's latest album.

18 February 2015

krill - 'torturer'

Can I recommend an album to you? Krill's new long player is called 'A Distant Fist Unclenching' and it's superb.

17 February 2015

grasscut - 'curlews'

This is the first track from a debut album by Brightonians, Grasscut. I'll definitely look out for it, they play quite a traditional folk but it has a slight baroque sound to it as well. Quite beguiling.

dengue fever - 'taxi dancer'

I'm really enjoying their new album. It's classic Dengue Fever and that's a very good thing indeed.

unkle - 'every single prayer (feat. gavin clarke)

Sad to read that long-time Unkle collaborator and fellow Brightonian, Gavin Clark has died. This tune is a fitting tribute, I think.

dj dusty - 'jungle nights'

A friend recommended this Bandcamp artist to me last night and I've got to say I've been enjoying the album 'Oceans' immensely. It's light techno that you can lose yourself in quite happily and enjoy as background music but the real fun is when you put some headphones on and catch all the little nuances this album has to offer.

16 February 2015

pond - 'elvis' flaming star'

The Tame Impala spin-off have a lot of fun once more. Great stuff!

two gallants - 'my man go'

I've been listening to their latest album quite a bit over the last few days and it's definitely growing on me. At first I thought it was a little too 'metal' for my tastes but I've begun to notice the nuances now and there's a lot hidden under the bonnet. I think this is my favourite tune so far.

15 February 2015

new documentary of bronx 79 tells the definitive story of the birth of hip-hop

Via FactMag and Egotrip

The birth of hip hop culture recounted by those who were there.

After more than 40 years, what many thought might only be a fad as proven to be one of the defining cultures of the 20th century. Bronx 79, a new documentary by PMISH Films, details hip hop’s first steps in what it claims to be “the definitive story” of the culture.

There’s little information on when and how the documentary will be released yet but there is an enticing trailer, featuring legends DJ Disco Wiz and Joe Conzo alongside author Jeff Chang, who also documented the birth and growth of the culture in his classic book Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.

Bronx 79 will tell the story by “employing first-person interviews of the people that were there at the beginning, original footage and photographs of that era, and unique recreations through stylized animation and live-action we will finally see the untold story of the pioneers, the fans and the world of the South Bronx in 1979.”

hundred waters - 'innocent'

My video of the week from Hundred Waters. A sort of opening sequence to 2001 A Space Odyssey theme that works rather well with the music.

the amazing - 'safe island'

Now this is pushing a lot of my buttons, what a great tune with lots of influences here. There's shoe-gazing, new wave, indie jangly and post-rock aplenty. The result is quite beautiful and uplifting. It's taken from their new album 'Picture You' out next week and from what I've heard so far it's going to be one that's spoken about often when people come to pick their best of the year.

14 February 2015

soft cell - 'tainted love/where did our love go'

This was a big favourite on student nights at the local nightclubs up and down the length of Britain back in the 80s. I still love it now.

ibeyi - 'mama says'

French Cuban twins who, I believe, are the daughters of a member of the Buena Vista Social Club so come with a rich musical heritage. They've a debut album out next week and I for one, can't wait to hear it. In the meantime here's a track from it. Class!

r.e.m. - 'the one i love'

A very apt tune given the significance of today.

13 February 2015

edit - 'ceilings'

This is one of the bonus tracks taken from the deluxe tenth anniversary edition of edIT's classic and groundbreaking album. What a tune.

12 February 2015

thea hjelmeland - 'feathery'

Norwegian singer, Ms Hjelmeland had an album out last year that bobbled along without causing any great waves which is a real shame as she's got a lot of talent and undoubtedly deserves a wider audience. There's big comparisons, to my ears at least, with Emiliana Torrini and I mean that with the highest praise.

death and vanilla - 'california owls'

A slice of Swedish dream-pop for you here.

wimpy milkshake - 'le revolution politique'

What a great tune! The video, as simple as it is, is great fun too.

darren hayman - 'down among the dead men'

He was the singer/songwriter of perennial John Peel favourites Hefner but of late he's ploughed a lonely furrow as a folk singer. I came across his new album and it's quite a beauty. It's a concept album called "Chants for Socialists" and the title should more or less give away the idea but don't think that it's a ponderous and worthy affair, the result is actually quite ethereal with plenty of light moments and the overall effect is quite uplifting even for those of us who don't share his politics.

hotep - 'just negotiate feat. simeon jones'

Ah, this is quite lovely in a soulful way. Released this week and available from Bandcamp (follow the link on the embed).

gza and tom morello - 'the mexican'

GZA has a new album out later in the year but here's a non-album track collaboration. The title comes form the sampled Babe Ruth's song of 1972.

them bird things - 'city on the hill'

I discovered this Finnish band randomly on Bandcamp earlier and their new album 'The Bride Who Came To Yellow Sky' has enchanted me from the first track. This tune in particular really grabbed my attention, very lovely with a Mazzy Star alt-country feel to it.

the decemberists - 'carolina low'

I've been listening this morning to the new Decemberists album and it's quite simply blown me away. Over the last couple of albums they've gone a transformation musically and have done away with the extended story-telling ballads in favour of the shorter 3 to 6 minute tunes and it's divided opinion amongst their fans. They even acknowledge this in the first track on the new album where they explain that they had to change even if the fans didn't want them to.

I like the new Decemberists a lot. They continue to be very geeky, very folky but there's still a rock edge when they want to and they can still do love songs like nobody's business. This song is a case in point.

the smiths - 'that joke isn't funny anymore'

The album 'Meat Is Murder' was released 30 years ago yesterday. That fact makes me feel very, very old but glad I was there when it was released. As with a lot of working-class British teenagers I felt that The Smiths were the first band that actually understood what it was to be me. Looking at the tracklisting of the album, I'm not sure it dates as well as The Queen Is Dead or Strangeways Here I Come but there's still some great tracks on there, few better than this classic.

10 February 2015

ella ronen - 'two roses/let it fall'

Israeli singer Ella Rosen is here in session singing two lovely tracks, the first is a traditional Jewish tune and the second is one of her early tracks.

the districts - 'peaches'

Another album to look out for is The Districts' 'A Flourish And A Spoil'. This track reminds me quite a bit of the Killers, it's going to be interesting to see which direction the rest of the album goes.

tal national - 'claire'

I'd never heard of the genre before but apparently it's called trance rock and Niger band Tal National are a big noise in the scene. My ignorance has been my misfortune because I certainly have missed out here, this tune is a monster! They've a new album out soon, 'Zoy Zoy' on Fat Cat Records so this will be my chance to catch up.

lana del ray - 'brooklyn baby (richard x remix)'

It's quite an unlikely candidate for a remix especially a full on bells and whistles one. Not sure about it to be honest but this is the man who remixed Foxbase Alpha so brilliantly so I'll have no bad words said!

the blueflowers - 'grey matter'

This video doesn't do the tune justice but it's the best you'll get as far as I can find so apologies about that. Possibly their best hit from the 2014 album 'At The Edge of Disaster'.

09 February 2015

fela kuti's long-lost debut recording

A moment of genuine anticipation when I read that the late great Fela Kuti's very first recording for Melodisc Records back in 1960 had been re-discovered and will be available to listen to. The Guardian newspaper has an exclusive stream that you can listen to here.

of montreal - 'empyrean abbatoir'

I really like this track from the new album but the lyrics are completely unfathomable! It's a great return to their punk-funk days and a n instant party favourite. Love it!

tigercats - 'laura and cesar'

This is a great Saint Etienne-inspired track from East Londoners, Tigercats. I've just been listening to their new album tonight and it's an instant hit. Very fresh sounding with lots of crisp, clean songs but still keeping an edgy punk-pop feel. I think they're going to be a massive hit with the festival crowds.

08 February 2015

radiohead - 'weird fishes/arpeggi'

Continuing the chillout feel to this Sunday afternoon here's a wonderful track from the ever-reliable Radiohead.

dísa - 'cure'

Described as electro-pop with a dark twist, it's a fair description and I'm glad to see that she avoids turning it into a power-pop tune in the same vein as Lykke Li. Great stuff as ever from the Reykjavik music scene.

duke garwood - 'heavy love'

Ah, now this is beautiful British blues singer Duke Garwood has collaborated with the likes of Mark Lanegan for some time now but I think he's really come of age with his latest album. Reminiscent of Jim White or very bluesy John Martyn it straddles the blues/Americana genres with ease. Perfect for a Sunday morning.

07 February 2015

ghost culture - 'mouth'

A rather trippy little techno tune for a chilled and lazy Saturday evening.

gil scott heron - 'new york is killing me'

When you absolutely, positively need to listen to a shit-hot tune.

06 February 2015

jessica pratt - 'game that i play (p4k pitchfork session)'

How about some acoustic loveliness before the hedonism of the weekend?

05 February 2015

15 hours of old school rave and jungle mixes

Oh my goodness! Imaginary Forces aka Anthony J Hart has uploaded a whole load of old rave and jungle mixes onto Mixcloud dating from 1991 right up to 1998. Talk about a trip down memory lane. There's over 15 hours of the stuff and I'm already loving this one, mix 1 from 1991.

You can listen to them all here: http://www.mixcloud.com/entropyandenergy/

the stranglers - 'strange little girl'

I've no idea why but this tune has been playing in my head for the last few days, I've not heard it for ages so I can't explain why. Ah well, no worries; it's a fantastic tune and provides a great excuse for me to play it.

public service broadcasting - 'gagarin'

I've heard a sneak preview of their new concept album all featured around the late 50s space race and it's an absolute belter. I think it could well feature in a lot of album charts at the end of the year, it's that good.

andrew combs - 'nothing to lose'

I didn't think 70s style troubadours still existed but Andrew Combs is keeping the genre well and truly alive with this great track that is so 70s retro it could be one of the tracks on a Smokey and the Bandit film. Great!

the wands - 'sound of the machine'

I've read great reviews of their upcoming album so I'm hoping it's all as good as this track from it. Psychedelic rock with Suede-esque vocals and a Doors-ish feel to the instrumentation it's a big thumbs up from me.

04 February 2015

dan mangan + blacksmith - 'xvi'

I urge everyone to go out and buy Dan Mangan's new album 'Club Meds'. It's a tad melancholy but all the better for it. It reminds me in part of Frank Turner and in others Radiohead and in other brief moments of Woodkid and you can't go too wrong with that mix!

josé gonzález - 'leaf off/the cave'

I've not heard much from him for a while but Jose is back with a very summer-y feeling tune to warm us all up in the bitter February chill. Not sure about the video to be honest, it's trying a bit too hard to be ironic. I think I would prefer a simpler approach.

jonathan - 'maggie'

Croatian band Jonathan are big Interpol fans and it shows. Maybe a bit too much perhaps but this is still a great tune.

02 February 2015

buddy holly - 'love is strange'

He gave his last ever performance this day 56 years ago. What a loss to music his death was, it still saddens me to think of it.

cracker - 'king of bakersfield'

This is from their new long player and probably my favourite track on the album. This is how country music should sound. Edgy, humorous and some very tight guitar playing.

artisan loyalist - 'o chamelon (teen daze remix)'

Here's a tune to make the Monday blues a little bit more bearable. The tune doesn't really go anywhere but the place it stays occupied is a rather lovely soothing ambient electronic haven. Just what the doctor ordered.