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Oct 25

Who is Allen Stone?

Posted on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 in Pop/Rock, Video

My sister sent me a link to this guy and I’m going to give her a big hug next time I see her!

According to his Facebook, Allen Stone hails from the small town Chewelah, Washington which has a population of just over 2500 and these are the kinds of places that can often breed great musicians as in all honesty, there’s often not a lot going on!

Now I’ve got no idea if he actually spent his entire youth there but whatever happened along the way, he has a fantastically modern soulful voice and whilst there are other somewhat similar voices out there, it may be the fact that he doesn’t look as generic as many of the artists/bands which in my interpretation, sets him apart.

There’s a limited amount of material from Allen online but I lot more to come so keep your eyes peeled and ears pricked – I think 2012 could be the year of the Stone!

Allen Stone – Unware (Live from his Mother’s living room)

Allen Stone – Another Break Up Song

Oct 21

New Video from New Look

Posted on Friday, October 21, 2011 in Electronica, Pop/Rock, Video

 photo by CosmoBailey.com

New Look’s latest single maintains the Canadian duo’s rep for pretty ‘Future Pop’ electronics.

Nap On The Bow shows off their skill in writing great pop music and Sarah Ruba’s voice sounds amazing. The video was produced using the camera from an XBox Kinect by directors Tim and Joe from Colonel Blimp – which has given it a 3D digital underwater feel. Tim and Joe said of the video “the crude imagery you get from the camera led our approach – the CG all needed to a similar lo-fi yet ethereal and beautiful feel”.

These are pretty perfect visuals for the band – check it out below.

New Look – Nap On The Bow

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydFcH5yvtWM

Oct 19

M83 – Midnight City

Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 in Alternative, Pop/Rock, Remixes, Video

M83′s new track Midnight City, along with the music video released on YouTube last night are both absolute triumphs.

I’m a big M83 fan and can’t wait to the new album ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming’ which drops this week and this bit of promo has gone wonders for wetting my appetite (and thousands of others worldwide).

The video about a group of orphaned children with superhero powers was directed by Fleur & Manu.

I smell awards.

M83 – Midnight City

There’s also a delicious little remix package to stream below.


Oct 14

Patrick Wolf (Free Download)

Posted on Friday, October 14, 2011 in Pop/Rock, Remixes, Video

Gonna drop this one really quickly before heading out to Jack Daniels’ Distillery (see earlier post).

Garcon Garcon’s latest remix of one of Wolf’s best loved live tracks is available as a free download below and it’s doing the rounds in my hotel room in Nashville this morning.

Patrick Wolf – Together (Garcon Garcon Remix)

Oct 14

Elephant

Posted on Friday, October 14, 2011 in Alternative, Pop/Rock

Absolutely thrilled with the 3 minutes and 25 seconds of music just provided by one-part French and one-part British pair Elephant.

Assembly comes from their upcoming debut EP of the same name and their about to support Casiokids on their UK tour which will be an absolutely brilliant night of music.

Assembly is absolutely beautiful and look out for the full EP on the 14th November.

Elephant – Assemblyright click, save as to download

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Sep 28

New Navy – Uluwatu

Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 in Alternative, Pop/Rock

As they release their debut EP, I sense a long-lasting relationship between New Navy and I.

Having already thoroughly enjoyed the first taste, Zimbabwe, the full release of Uluwatu online is an absolute joy to listen to and Topiacoa, the free giveaway, is the best present I’ve had in ages.

As the sun makes a rare appearance in London this week, Uluwatu is the perfect soundtrack for it.

New Navy – Topiaca – free download via SoundCloud below

New Navy – What Was Golden

New Navy – Oceans

Click here to purchase the EP.

Sep 25

Mahogany Minute with Beth Jeans Houghton

Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2011 in Mahogany Minute ©, Pop/Rock

I grew up… in time to go to strange boys shows and witness the inauguration of the first black president.

Now you can find me in… My new unicorn Tshirt. No fixed address, no fixed city.

It all started when… I realised I didn’t have to go to school and the only thing stopping me was the stigma society attaches to drop outs and the fear adults push on you when they say you’ll be a failure if you don’t get a degree. Thankfully neither of my parents have degrees so they know that’s a load of bullshit.

If I’m not in the studio or on stage, you’ll find me… watching lectures online at TedTalks, eating Quinoa, listening to captain beefheart and watching Harold & Maude with the Hooves of Destiny.

My most treasured piece of musical equipment… is a tobacco sunburst Gibson Les Paul named Morticai.

If there’s one album that’s inspired me it’s… Over-Nite Sensation by Frank Zappa.

My favourite festival… past – End of the Road. Future – Coachella.

Highlights of my musical career so far… sitting in the back of Neil Young’s Cadillac with Neil Young in the driver’s seat and Rick Rubin in the passenger seat listening to ‘Alabama’ through his new car stereo.

I can’t perform unless I have… done a poop.

I wish I hadn’t… been asked this question. I don’t regret anything.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s…. not to re-heat rice.

If you’re new to my music, I suggest listening to Liliputt first.

My next release will be… My record “Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose” in January 2012. Soundtrack to the end of the world.

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Beth Jeans Houghton – Dodecahedron

 

Catch Beth this coming Thursday (29th) as she headlines The Lexington in London. Tickets can be found here.

Sep 23

Brand new Monarchy

Posted on Friday, September 23, 2011 in Pop/Rock, Video

Monarchy’s new single is out featuring vocalist Britt Love. It’s definitely a pop track but Monarchy’s electronic background adds a vital touch to bring it to credible and enjoyable track.

Bondax provides the remix which you can download for free below.

Monarchy – You Don’t Want To Dance With Me (Bondax Remix) - right click, save as to download

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Monarchy – You Don’t Want To Dance With Me (feat. Britt Love)