de-minimis

04 November 2014

röyksopp - 'the inevitable end'

This is the swan-song from the Norwegian duo, they're quitting the album format from hereon in. Critics have given it a mixed review, mainly of the 'it's not a patch on their Melody A.M. album' that they've been stuck with for 14 odd years. I've heard a sneak preview and I think it's unfair and untrue, the album is a very nice way to sign off and there's a few guest appearances too. The inevitable Robyn collaboration (and why not? Robyn/Röyksopp have always made for a lovely sound) is there and also Jamie McDermott of Eastbourne band, the Irrepressibles on no less than 4 of the songs.

They've built the album much like a DJ set - some very dance-oriented stuff at the beginning to get you in the mood, a short hiatus and then the bangers to wave your arms to. And then it gets deep and sultry at the end with some tunes that would make perfect deep house remixes.

artifacts - 'art of facts (muggle reggae refit)'

Here's a great edit of a 1997 classic from New York underground hip-hop act, Artifacts.

03 November 2014

aalyah - 'rock the boat (grades remix)'

Now for some soulful techno. This is quite lovely.

adam and the ants -'deutscher girls'

A very happy birthday to Adam Ant who turns 60 today. He's had his problems over the years but I'm glad to see he's still with us. I'm torn between playing this and their very first single "Young Parisians'. I've gone for Deutscher Girls as I think it stands the test of time better. I'd go further and say that it sounds like a proto-type Brit Pop tune.

chicks on speed - 'utopia'

Glad to see them back with another in-your-face album. This is the first track from their 2014 album Artstravaganza.

rhye - open (ryan hemsworth remix)

And to ease you into a stormy Monday night, here's a sexy, sultry remix for you.

13th floor elevators - 'reverberation (doubt)'

One of the finest 60s psychedelic bands and whose influence spread long and wide.

mutual benefit - 'c.l. rosarian'

I double-checked and I'm surprised that I've not blogged this band before now. They did pop up on a mixtape post a year or so back but nothing apart from that. Let's put that right. Mutual Benefit is essentially a one-man band from Boston via Austin, Texas but with a fluid line-up of other band members. The sound is wonderfully folky, dream-like even.