Aussie electropop group Strange Talk has released the best Foster the People remix so far.
No, seriously!
Foster The People – I Would Do Anything For You (Strange Talk Remix) by Strange Talk
- Howeboy
Category: Indie
This is the anthem to my Saturday afternoon. Caroline doesn’t rely on any one element but on all elements working simultaneously. The sweet, brooding piano riff always coming in and out of consciousness, the trip-hop-esque rhythm, and Alex Clare just kills it with a powerful emotional ballad. Just beautiful.
Alex Clare – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Songkick
The founders of black ‘n’ blue soul are back! Yes, that’s right the Arkells released their sophomore LP Michigan Left earlier this week. So, before I get into it, why don’t you have a listen? Good.
It took them a little while (3 years, almost to the day) but finally we get a taste of the direction the boys from the Hammer are taking. The first question is obviously: Is Michigan Left another Jackson Square? In a word – No. The album is so distinctly Arkells but definitely not the same Arkells that recorded the Polaris Prize-nominated Jackson Square. Personally, I think this one is better. The band is tighter, the effects are more elaborate and the production is fantastic. The guitars are riffier (look to the Blinded-By-The-Light-esque Book Club for proof of that.), Tim Oxford’s drumming has a greater sense of freedom on this record as well, instead of the straight ahead style we were offered on Jackson Square. And good lord can Max Kerman belt a soul tune! The man was born to croon. And of course, we have Dan Griffin to bring it all together with the keyboards. He just knows how to write catchy piano parts.
Make no mistake. This is NOT Jackson Square. Instead of a rock album with soul, we have a much more succinct record – also short, coming in at just under 36 minutes long. This album takes influences from the hard rock days of the 70s. A major Bruce Springsteen vibe is taken from this album. Which works out perfectly with Max’s booming voice and the band’s pounding, driving style. Book Club must take influences from Blinded By The Light by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. The pre-chorus screams Blinded pre-chorus. On Paper is probably the closest thing to older-Arkells (it’s fun that I can say old-Arkells and new-Arkells), basically a straight ahead rock-soul jammer that will pump you up any day of the week.
In conclusion: Michigan Left is a great example of the kind of music that has stayed with us to this today. Congrats boys, The Boss would be proud.
Rating: Go to a concert and buy as much merch as you can. Trust me when I say they’re better live than on their records. And their records are pretty great.
Here are some songs I’ve been listening to since the last time I posted, which, if you’re keeping track at home, has been a long ass time. Enjoy!
Something’s Wrong by Pretty Lights
Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union – Glitter (Soundprank Remix) by Soundprank
Far Too Loud – Moneymaker [Out Now] by Far Too Loud
Lady Gaga – The Edge of Glory (Porter Robinson Remix) by Porter Robinson
Velvet Elvis (RAC Remix) by AlexWinstonOfficial
Kap Slap – Paper Towels! (Deadmau5 x Lazy Rich x Britney) by Kap Slap
Tokyo Police Club recently did a little project called Ten Years, Ten Days, Ten Covers where they covered a song from each year of the 2000s each day. My personal favourite is the cover of All My Friends, which was of course originally done by LCD Soundsystem. Here’s all ten covers below, conveniently located in a handy-dandy Soundcloud player. Love it.
Last week, my roommates and I had the privilege to attend the Foo Fighters concert in Toronto at the Air Canada Center. We arrived 4 hours early and after securing our spot near the front of the line (there were still a lot of diehards ahead of us though, we proceeded to pass the remaining 3:30 hours playing cards. When the doors finally opened at 6:00 we rushed in with the rest of the mob to try and grab the best spot on the floor. We managed to secure a spot front row right on the fence within feet of where the Fucked Up, The Doughboys, and most importantly the Foo’s would be performing in the hours that would follow. The first two bands were great and there was no lack of enthusiasm, especially not from Fucked Up’s lead singing Damian Abraham who left the stage and at one point travelled to the second level of the ACC, hugging, carrying, and lifting up fans, all while roaring every lyric with incredible ferocity! The Canadian Doughboys were up next and their fast paced rock songs kept the crowd jumping. Finally it was time for the Foo’s to take the stage and as the giant Microphones that had descended to the stage lifted and the lights came on, the first few bars of “bridge burning ” raced to fill the ACC. From there they played classics such as The Pretender, Learn to Fly, Monkey Wrench as well as many off their new album Wasting Light. Not only did they play each song better than the CD version, they kept the crowd drawn by adding in little things like guitar solo battles and friendly banter. At one point, Dave was kind enough to point out that Alex Lifeson, the guitarist for the Canadian Progressive Rock band Rush was sitting in the platinum seats just off to the side of the stage. I was able to capture some amazing photos as well as two pretty cool videos of the guitar battles. You can check them out below.
Enjoy everyone!!
J.
Yukon Blonde’s got a new EP set to come out on September 20th! It’s going to be called Fire/Water. No word yet on how you’ll be able to purchase it but we’ll let you know. Anyways, here’s a little taster. It’s one of their new songs called Fire. The emphasis remains on sweeping melodies and tight harmonies. It’s a great summer tune to hum along with and a bass line to keep you moving. Enjoy!
Fire by Yukon Blonde by Nevado
I’m in love with this song. There’s no other way to put it. The verse’s are driving and smooth, and the opening is riffy and hooks you right away. But it’s the chorus that’ll kill you. It’s raucous, it’s loud, it’s beautiful. I am adding them to my list of bands I must see live. You can tell by the clip below that the energy alone they put into their shows would make it worth the price of admission, but add to the fact that they actually know how to play excellent indie rock makes them a must-see. Whirring is their latest single. Once I pick up their album The Big Roar, I’ll let you guys know what I think about it. Enjoy!
Whirring (Live on KEXP) by The Joy Formidable
I’m just absolutely in love with this song. Alex Winston follows up her much-heralded single from a couple months ago, “Sister Wife”. She brings us Velvet Elvis – an insanely infectious little piece of her very own brand indie pop. It sweeps along perfectly. The jungle beat provided by the rhythm section sets the mood and tempo perfectly. The song starts to kick into gear with Ms. Winston’s soaring, high, and entrancing voice. The chorus hits and a smile is soon upon your face. The Velvet Elvis EP comes out September 5. Just in time for school. Yay. Anyways, enjoy the tunes!
Velvet Eyes by Alex Winston
Sister Wife by Alex Winston
Sister Wife (Star Slinger Remix) by Alex Winston
Alex Winston – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Myspace
Mansions On The Moon are back with the follow-up single to the beautiful Darkness. And For Awhile doesn’t disappoint either. Picking up where Darkness left off, the ethereal melodies and vastness created by the wonderfully-mastered synths paints a beautiful picture. Reminds me a lot of jj actually. And some xx. Maybe they should change their name to mm. Lowercase, too. That’s not a typo.
For Awhile by Mansions On The Moon
Darkness by Mansions On The Moon
Mansions On The Moon – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Myspace | Soundcloud
I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t big on Foster The People’s debut and absolute SMASH hit Pumped Up Kicks. Unlike millions of other music fans. But now that I’ve heard their new single, this may just be the motivation I need to listen to the whole album. Where Pumped Up Kicks kinda sweeps along, sitting in parts, drifting in others and a really smooth chorus, Helena Beat just goes and goes. It rips you from your seat, leaving with the only option, which is to just move. I’m bouncing as I type this. Sweet movements.
Helena Beat by Foster The People
We have a new single from Blink-182 as well. This is the bands first recording since they reunited a couple years ago and first since their self-titled album in 2003. Quite Angels And Airwaves-y, though its a different perspective of the band. But fear not, Blink is still having a good time and that fun translates into the recordings. Enjoy.
Up All Night by Blink-182
And finally the grand daddy of them all, the Red Hot Chili Peppers ghive us a taste of their upcoming album with The Adventures Of Raindance Maggie. Gone is John Frusciante, along with his signature smooth, funky, and biting sound. Replacing Frusciante is Josh Klinghoffer bringing a different feel to the band. Don’t be mistaken, this is a new Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The Adventures Of Raindance Maggie by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Foster The People – Website | Facebook | Twitter
Blink-182 – Website | Facebook | Myspace | iMeem | Twitter | Youtube | Buzznet
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Website | Facebook | Twitter
- Howeboy
