July: A Memoir

FILM OF THE MONTH: INCEPTION

I'm sure every review of Inception reads the same- Inception is a slick, intelligent, visually dynamic and multi-faceted piece of cinema. Well, I'm here to pretty much confirm all of the above.

The basic plotline for those of you who don't know is this: Leonardo DiCaprio is troubled. He's banned from America (where his kids live), his wife is dead, said dead wife persistently sabotages his work (trying to steal corporate secrets from peoples' dreams), and as a result, his company is trying to kill him because he's a failure. Now, he's got to work for a guy he doesn't like or trust to pull off the near-impossible feat of inception (planting a thought in someone's head to make them think it's their own). 

Don't worry though, it's not all doom and gloom- I, at least, found the stunning dreamscapes much more engaging than the doom and gloom. The scenes where Ellen Page bends Paris with her mind and the floating hallway fight in particular will leave you breathless.

This film isn't perfect- the supporting cast, although featuring big names, were largely undeveloped as characters- but it's pretty damn close.

ALBUM OF THE MONTH: UNITED NATIONS- NEVERMIND THE BOMBINGS, HERE'S THE SIX FIGURES

Ok, so technically this is an EP, but it would be a crime not to share this with you. Why? Because United Nations has the potential to be a post-hardcore fan's wet dream. I say 'has the potential' because the line-up is shrouded in mystery. The only known member (Geoff Rickly from Thursday) is rumoured to be accompanied by the likes of Daryl Palumbo (Glassjaw/ Head Automatica), Ben Koller (Converge), Jonah Bayer (Lovekill) and Eric Cooper (Made Out of Babies)- a formidable list to make even the most casual of hardcore fans salivate.

And as for the music, well, it's immense. This EP may only last 12 minutes, but it carries the clout of a much longer album. Prepare for twelve minutes of face-melting, ass-kicking, violent, messy noise- and prepare to love every second of it.

CELEBRITY SCANDAL OF THE MONTH: AnCo SHOWDOWN

Finally, a worthwhile artist mired in rumours for me to talk about! Basically, Avey Tare of Animal Collective is set to release a solo album 'Down There'. 'Big fucking deal,' I hear you cry. But his band mate Panda Bear was already set to release a solo album entitled 'Tomboy' at around the same time. This has prompted hipsters everywhere to jump to the conclusion that these two are no longer 'chill', and are declaring war on each other. Yeah, I know, this isn't really a story- two guys are putting out music and hip kids are turning it into a Twitter sensation. Hipsters are so fucking weird.
Also noteworthy: A bird shat on the Kings of Leon bassist and he threw a bitch fit or something. It's been a slow news month, k?

FASHION DESIGNER OF THE MONTH: SCARLET ROOM

From blog to fully-fledged store in two years, the Scarlet Room is a one-stop shop for beautiful accoutrements. Catering specifically for students, the Scarlet Room is both effortlessly chic and magnificently unique. Whether you're after beautiful lace-collared blouses or the perfect pair of ripped jeans, you'll find what you're looking for. And, unlike most of the beautiful collections I fall hopelessly in love with, they offer student clothes at student prices. The dresses above, for instance, mostly fall under the $30 bracket. Snap 'em up quick, girls.

POSTS OF THE MONTH

The Bands of Scott Pilgrim- As the anticipated release date of 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World' draws ever closer, here's our guide to the bands- both real and fictional- you'll meet in the film, including the likes of Beck, Broken Social Scene and Metric.

10 Songs For a Way Cooler Prom- Yes it's that time of year again; that time where we get all dressed up, pay extortionate amounts to get in and spend the night trying (and failing) to dance in high heels and long dresses. If you want to make your prom more bearable, Charles has the solution- a killer playlist.

Underrated Albums of 2009- If you're not sick of '09 toplists, you should check out this retrospective list of some musical treasures released in 2009 that perhaps didn't receive the acclaim they deserve.

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Song of the Day: Year of the Ox by Fucked Up

The song of the day today is the latest offering from Fucked Up's chinese zodiac. Basically, they aim to release a single for each year in the Chinese zodiac, and the results push even this most destructive of musical acts to their limits, allowing them to experiment far off the musical beaten track. And for me, this is their finest hour so far.
The thirteen-minute epic isn't out until September 28th, but you can stream it in full here. Alternatively, you can watch a live version they did for CBC Radio 3 below, complete with guest appearance from the crazy lady from Duchess Says.

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Song of the Day: Cosmology by Rolo Tomassi

The sophomore album of Sheffield's finest (and probably only) grindcore quintet, Rolo Tomassi, is in stores today- and I for one couldn't be more chuffed.

As previously mentioned, the album has been produced by Diplo- more accustomed to working with the likes of M.I.A and Snoop Dogg- which may seem an unlikely combination. But, it seems to be one that works- the sense of passion and destruction we saw on 'Hysterics' has been refined somewhat, played about with, and what's come out is something beautiful. Previous RT fans may at first be alarmed by the sound of Eva Spence's soft, saccharine singing mixed in with the usual screaming, but trust me- it will grow on you.

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Playlist 12: Animals

I have to begin this month’s playlist with a little announcement- we’ve decided to cut the playlist count down to 2 a month. We felt four was simply too many, and what with being busy with exams and such at the moment, 2 a month is a bit more flexible. So, this month, the playlist is being commandeered by Chloe and Eileen, and our theme is:

Playlist 12: Animals

Take a walk on the wild side

1. RILO KILEY- Portions for Foxes
To kick us off, a bit of indie-rock lovin’ courtesy of Rilo Kiley. After hearing this song on the first ever episode of Grey’s Anatomy, I had to get my hands on it. Hearing Jenny Lewis chanting ‘Baby I’m bad news, bad news, bad news’ always takes me back to my days of being an orange-haired burnout. Aaw.

2. YEAH YEAH YEAHS- Gold Lion
Seems a little obvious, but how could I not, really? This song is a classic in my books. I’m much more of a ‘Fever to Tell’ girl personally, but it’s impossible not to appreciate the sheer majesty of this song.

3. SIX GALLERY- Edie and the Marble Faun
Ok, so a faun is only half-goat, but after featuring them in the ‘April: A Memoir’ post, I felt like I ought to share a little more of Six Gallery’s wondrous sound with you. Unfortunately they’ve postponed their UK tour, due to losing Dan Francis as the vocalist. They’re training up a new guy, Daniel Erb (of Afortiori), but no news of rescheduling the tour has emerged yet.

4. ROLO TOMASSI- Seagull
A little bit of vintage Rolo Tomassi for you- y’know, back in the days they sounded like Super Mario on acid. Their new album- due out 24th May- is apparently very different to this. A dead giveaway of said difference is the fact it’s been produced by Diplo- yes, that is Diplo, producer of M.I.A and Snoop Dogg. Interesting...

5. BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH- Trinco Dog
So far, we’ve had indie, math rock, and screamo/grindcore craziness- now I’m throwing a little reggae into the mix. Never say my musical tastes aren’t varied.

6. THE BEATLES- Blackbird
You’ve got to love The Beatles- even they can’t decide what their songs are about. Whether you think this song is about the plight of African-Americans, or ‘troubled girls in South America’ (McCartney’s words, not mine), or just a simple story about a classic underdog waiting for his moment to shine, at least we can all enjoy the simple peace of this beautiful song.

7. BILLIE THE VISION AND THE DANCERS- Summercat
A bit of Swedish indie pop silliness to put a smile on your face. I think what I like so much about this song is that anyone who’s ever missed anyone can instantly relate to the chorus of ‘Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, I want to be with you tonight’. Bless.

8. MISFITS- Return of the Fly
I think some people have this impression that music bloggers spend their entire life hunting down and listening to amazing tunes. Whilst it’s true that the best ones do seem to have a knack for spotting the next big thing, I for one have spent pretty much all of this month listening to 70’s horror-rockers Misifts- I’m completely hooked. This song is based on a comic book of the same name- Glenn Danzig, the lead singer, is pretty into his comic books, by all accounts. I think he owns a company who make erotic comic books, which is gross.

9. COCOROSIE- Noah’s Ark
Named as a major influence on The XX, Cocorosie are a female experimental duo, currently residing in Paris. The great thing about Cocorosie is that they are simultaneously really cute and really bizarre- their use of children’s toys in their music, for one, is both baffling and brilliant. They’re an acquired taste, but for those who get into them, it’s easy to see their own brand of subtle genius.

10. JONSI- Animal Arithmetic
Continuing the cuteness, a track from Sigur Ros front man Jonsi’s new album, ‘Go’. Fast-paced, joyous, and pretty damn delightful.

11. BROKEN BELLS- Mongrel Heart
When Danger Mouse (of Gnarls Barkley) and James Mercer (of The Shins) get together, you know something magical is going to happen. Their long-anticipated debut dropped in March, and offered an unusual indie-pop sound-embodied by the random spaghetti-Western style horn section in this song.

12. MINIATURE TIGERS- The Wolf
Question: What’s the best way to get over a really crappy relationship?
Answer: Do as Miniature Tigers do- write an album full of references to wolves, volcanoes, cannibals- and hit TV show Lost. My personal favourite line comes from the track Cannibal Queen: ‘like Nikki and P you could bury me alive’- I’m sure fellow Losties will appreciate that reference.

You can listen to the whole playlist on the little player in the sidebar, so you can listen whilst you browse. Once a new playlist is made, you'll still be able to listen to the whole on this page. Enjoy!

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5 Chicks in Bands That Are Cooler Than You

Following on from Chloe's and Charlie's list of gay crushes, I thought it might be nice to talk about the ridiculously cool/sexy chicks who don't take centre stage. They spend every day on tour cooped up in vans with a bunch of sweaty dudes, and don't even get the credit of front women such as Emily Haines or Hayley Williams in similar set-ups.

ANISSA RODRIGUEZ- EYES SET TO KILLHardcore band Eyes Set to Kill started life as an all-girl band. These days, the majority of the band are guys. Not only must bassist Anissa co-habitate with three broody-looking dudes with asymmetrical haircuts, but she also faces constant upstaging from her sister, lead singer Alexia. Seriously- if you type ‘Anissa Rodriguez’ into Google Images, it says ‘Did you mean Alexia Rodriguez’?
Yet, Anissa if definitely the cooler Rodriguez sister, because she’s smokin’ hot and has a dog who wears sunglasses. What could possibly be more awesome, really?


JONIE BROECKER- TELEKINESIS!Keeping up the theme of sibling rivalry, Jonie plays bass for indie rocker Michael Benjamin Lerner (aka Telekinesis!), whilst her brother David plays electric, acoustic AND bass. Blatantly the favourite child.
Yet, you know in ‘Juno’ when she wants her bastard spawn to be adopted by someone ‘with a cool Asian girlfriend who rocks out on the bass guitar’? Well, that’s pretty much Jonie in a nutshell- and she does it all in cute vintage attire. So, if the whole touring thing leaves her feeling lonely, there’s always a 15-year-old irresponsible pregnant rock fan somewhere ready to give her some babies.

SANDY MIRANDA- FUCKED UPPrimary reason why Sandy Miranda is cool? Well, aside from the fact she has the most perfect ‘girl-next-door-in-a-B-movie’ name ever, she’s also in hardcore punk band Fucked Up, who are so utterly destructive it’s a wonder they’re still together. She also happens to collect vintage dresses, be a pretty good photographer and have really cool glasses. Worship her.

VICTORIA ASHER- COBRA STARSHIPIt really is a wonder why Cobra Starship had to rope tone-deaf twiglet Leighton Meester into their ‘Good Girls Go Bad’ video when they had this sexy chica in the band. Aside from being gorgeous, she also plays the keytar. Yes, really. She also directs music videos and adverts, and studied film at NYU. A pretty cool cat, all in all.

KIM GORDON- SONIC YOUTHMadonna got you thinking that 50-somethings must automatically be seriously un-cool? Trust me, Kim Gordon will change your mind. I’m sure she needs no introduction as the painfully hip bassist and occasional vocalist of noise rock group Sonic Youth. Yet, on top of that, she’s a director, actress, and artist. And she has a daughter called Coco, which fucking rocks.

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The Short and Skinny I

Ok kids, I've formulated a new feature in which I aim to give voice to the more concise side of music- EP's, Mini Albums, B-Sides- which are I feel are too often overlooked in favour of bigger, meatier albums. So, let's get down to it, shall we?

1. WE ARE SCIENTISTS- RULES DON'T STOPRaise a cheer, We Are Scientists are back in town. They bring with them this single, which is pretty much everything we've come to know and love from the California trio- a stomping indie dancefloor hit, that you'll be humming for weeks. The B-Side, Down the Hall, largely follows suit, with a slightly more intimate vocal. But the inclusion of an acoustic version of 'Rule Don't Stop' adds another dimension. This isn't a throwaway, careless guy-and-guitar reworking with little else added to the mix- it's an ambient piece that stands up as a song in its own right. Overall, this single and B-side is short and sweet, but definitely worth a listen.
MP3: Rules Don't Stop (Acoustic)



2. THE ROYAL CHAINS- BEAR ISLANDPinning down the nature of this EP is a puzzle in itself- straddling the lines between indie, pop and rock, and throwing in a few lo-fi and retro riffs for good measure, 'Bear Island' can be savoured on most musical palettes. Confused? You won't be. This band offer something innovative that still gives a nod to their musical predecessors- and boy, does it sound good. Some of the tracks- such as the standout, 'The Wolf'- have a polished edge to them that you simply wouldn't expect from a band as new as this. Watch this space- I have a feeling you're going to be hearing about 'The Royal Chains' alot more in the future.
MP3: The Wolf


3. BOYS WITH X RAY EYES- OH MY! HOW WE TERRIFYWhen you click play, prepare for a riotous, electric barrage of noise delivered with equal parts aggression and youthful exuberance. There's little here that deviates from a tried-and-tested hardcore format- explosive guitar riffs, heavy drums, and a snappy beat- but it does make for good, gory fun. There is of course room for improvement- for me, the balance between singing and screaming hasn't yet been struck- but a highly impressive listen, from a group who are definitely going places.
MP3: Electro the Human Lightning Bolt


4. SASHA IS ACOUSTIC- WHAT EVERY YOUNG MAN SHOULD KNOWFor an album played entirely on a guitar and a drum machine, this is pretty good stuff. What can be deciphered almost immediately is that this young London-based boy is a dreamer, penning songs about lost loves and human will. Such ideas are expressed in some rather eloquent touching lyrics- in 'This Year', he goes from 'sending my head to sweet decay' to contemplating the bigger questions: 'Have you ever thought this was all a test?' Something sweet and simple just in time for summer.
MP3: Celia

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Playlist 11: Sex

So, for this month's playlist, we've decided to trawl our music libraries for the very best songs about, umm, sex. It may be a little risque, but it's the subject of alot of very awesome songs. So, here goes nothing:

Playlist 11: Sex Look! Gummy Bear Porn!

1. JULIETTE AND THE LICKS- Hot Kiss
‘Ooh, your little girl wants to f-f-f...’
Because is there any better way to kick off a super-naughty playlist than with the gravelly-voiced Juliette Lewis’ sexual fixation?

WARNING: The content from here on in gets a little blue. Giggidy giggidy.

2. DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979- Sexy Results
‘Woman friend, take me to the bedroom, let me show you how I am full grown’
Because is there anything more dirty than that bass playing? Also: don’t watch the video if you’re easily weirded out-it features a woman who has mouths for nipples. Kind of like in Angela Carter, only that was eyes for nipples. I digress...

3. HOT ACTION COP- Fever 4 Da Flava
‘Do you think that I get some, chicky chicky, maybe just a little finger sticky sticky’
Because as depraved as the lyrics may be, this is fast becoming one of my favourite songs of all time. And because it was on the soundtracks for ‘Grind’ AND ‘American Pie 3’- y’know, the one with the wedding, where Stifler eats dog poop. God, those films are classy.

4. BIKINI KILL- Anti-Pleasure Dissertation
‘How punk-fucking-rock my pussy smelt’
Because the lyrics are ridiculously vaginal. And (more than) slightly off-putting, but very, very sexual.

5. MELODY GARDOT- Lover Undercover
‘Come to your lover undercover and I will turn your mood around’
Because despite the song being about having a secret saucy affair, Melody Gardot still manages to keep everything PC and above-board. She’s a classy dame, with an incredible voice.

6. THE DARK HORSE PROJECT- Dark Horse
‘You want it and you ride and you ride and you ride your way out of me’
Because this song is so sensual, and so underestimated. I truly love it- and it has such filthy undertones, I kind of want to blush.

7. SOHO DOLLS- Stripper
‘You get me girl when you're nervous and when your hand is in the thong.’
Because who can resist a little bit of lady-lovin’ from everyone’s favourite kinky burlesque group (so-called because the lead singer gets her tits out all the time). WARNING: the spoken-word in this song will make you feel like you called an upmarket Soho sex hotline. Seriously.

8. FUCKED UP- He’s So Frisky
'He's frisky for you!'
Because the only thing that could possibly make this pop classic (originally by Dolly Mixture) any better is if it were sang by a big hairy man. Wish granted.

9. BRAZILIAN GIRLS- Don’t Stop
‘Don’t stop, just keep on going, until I come’
Because it’s so filthy, yet so beautifully sung. Oh Brazilian Girls- I never know whether to be in awe or slightly uncomfortable.

10. HEAD AUTOMATICA- Cannibal Girl
‘Cannibal girl, you’ve been eating me alive.’
Because it’s important to remember sometimes, you can have too much of a good thing. Like when you get second-degree burns on your Johnson, for instance. You may also find interesting to know that I have a recurring dream where I do a weird suggestive tap dance to this song.

11. THE DONNAS- Take It Off
‘Stop staring at my D-Cup; don’t waste time, just give it to me’
Because I don’t care if they hardly ever receive any good press, I freakin’ love The Donnas. I get the whole ‘harking back to the Golden Age of rock n’ roll’ thing, I do. Sex seemed to be alot more prolific then.

12. STARS- The First 5 Times
‘Now I’ve got to ask you more one thing: keep doing that forever’
Because sometimes sex and love get caught up in one glorious, snuggly mess. Aaw.

13. THE BEATLES-Come Together
‘Hold you in his arms yeah you can feel his disease’.
Because it’s THE SEXIEST SONG OF ALL TIME. It properly gets me every time- that month or so where this song was on every advert for ‘Beatles Rock Band’ was not a good time for me. If you want to seduce me, stand outside my window playing this. I fully give my guarantee I’ll throw myself naked out of my window at you.
DISCLAIMER: This is unlikely, for health and safety reasons.

I’m having a few internet problems, but I’ll try and get a listenable version of this whole playlist up soon, so you enjoy it all, preferably with a lover ;) Read More......

Playlist 10: Spring, Part 4 - Charles

My definition of Spring: Who gives a shit? It's like summer but not even as good.

of Montreal - Springtime is the Season
Springtime is the season, ladies and gentlemen, and what better way of saying than through some old school lo-fi of Montreal, that'll never fail to put a smile on your face.

Tears For Fears - Sowing The Seeds Of Love
"Anything is possible" indeed. A feel good song that makes you just wanna jump up out of hibernation and be like "fuck yeah! It's springtime!" Maybe.

Jónsi & Alex - All The Big Trees
You can almost track Jónsi's musical career through seasons; back in the old days of Von, ( ) and the weird baby album whose name I cannot pronounce, it was winter; the music was dark and cold. Jónsi's new album sounds like summer itself, with Jónsi himself describing it as "playful" and "colourful". This leaves Jónsi and Alex wonderfully in the middle, with this beautiful ambient album that could only be spring.

Antony and the Johnsons - Daylight and the Sun
"I cry for daylight and the sun" croons Antony as the raw piano breaks through that thick cloud to show sunshine for the first time this year. Or something like that.

Stuart Murdoch - Another Saturday
Based on the melody from an old folk song, Another Saturday is that lazy song for when you really can't be arsed to go outside, cos the sun just ain't shinin' yet.

Converge - Jane Doe
Nothing says spring like the wailing of "I want out" between frantic screams and punk guitars.

Download: At The Sinema Presents: Spring, Part 4 [RS]
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Charles' Top 10 Albums of 2009

Following on from Eileen's top 10 albums of the year, this is Charles' thoughts on the year in records:

10. Fuck Buttons - Tarot Sport

One of the most prolific experimental releases of the year, Fuck Buttons' second album has had considerable critical success. Released on ATP Recordings (the same people who bring us the ATP festivals), there are few who haven't hailed this as one of the records of 2009.
MP3: Rough Steez [RS]

9. There Will Be Fireworks - There Will Be Fireworks
2009 has been a great year for Scottish music. With new albums from the likes of Idlewild and The Twilight Sad, it has been hard to ignore. Yet many people have overlooked one of the greatest Scottish albums of 2009. Still unsigned, There Will Be Fireworks recorded their self-titled début in a mill just outside of Edinburgh; as well as being a brilliant and cohesive piece of work, it makes you wonder - if they can do it unaided by a label, then who else will venture there?
MP3: Colombian Fireworks [RS]



8. Converge - Axe To Fall
You could almost guarantee another strong release from the Massachusetts hardcore band. What people may not have been anticipating was the almost Tom Waits-like 'Cruel Bloom' and, in what could be their best track yet, the creepy and atmospheric 'Wretched World'.
MP3: Dead Beat [RS]

7. St. Vincent - Actor
Two years after her début 'Marry Me', Annie Clark returns stronger than ever. Her songs sound more mature than her previous record; it would appear Annie has been doing some growing up. Every track is as solid as the last, crescendoing up to the climax and highlight of the album 'Just The Same But Brand New'.
MP3: The Party [RS]



6. mewithoutYou - it's all crazy! it's all false! it's all a dream! it's alright
With their fourth offering, mewithoutYou have departed completely from the post-hardcore days of old, switching distorted electric guitars for acoustics and pianos and the screams and shouts of Aaron Weiss for a more melodic vocal line. This ambitious effort may not quite match 2006's 'Brother, Sister', but you've got to hand it to them for trying. Songs such as 'The King Beetle On A Coconut Estate' are a fond way to remember the band in this, - if rumours be true - their last record.
MP3: The Fox, the Crow, and the Cookie [RS]

5. Noah and the Whale - The First Days of Spring
Charlie Fink was a man of many problems. After 'Five Years Time' was released, Noah and the Whale were at risk of being branded a one hit wonder and, no sooner than it was a commercial success, Fink had been abandoned by former band member and girlfriend Laura Marling. He only had one choice - to create a solemn, heart-filled album of longing and solidarity which fill the tracks on 'The First Days of Spring'.
MP3: Love of an Orchestra [RS]



4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
This band have been described as "bland" and "lacking in balls". In a way, it's easy to see why, but people are forgetting that music doesn't have to be constantly changing and experimental to be exciting, or even good. Sometimes all it takes is sheer songwriting strength, which is something The Pains of Being Pure at Heart definitely don't lack.
MP3: Young Adult Friction [RS]

3. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
The Brooklyn-based band burst into the US charts earlier this year with some of their poppiest material yet. Although it may not live up to the masterpiece of Yellow House, songs such as 'Ready, Able' and 'While You Wait For The Others' show Grizzly Bear at their best yet.
MP3: Two Weeks [RS]


At this point I have just realised that I am a complete retard; I miscounted my top ten and there's actually 12 albums on this list. FML. So I'm just going to continue and hope that no-one notices...




2. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
It was the album that everyone was talking about this year, but not without good reason. Blah blah blah, you already know it, here's AnCo, in at #4 (not #2).
MP3: Brother Sport [RS]

1. Blue Roses - Blue Roses
Blue Roses sounds just like her name would suggest: a female singer-songwriter inspired by folk and lo-fi. But that description does not do her album justice. In what is one of the best début albums of the year, Blue Roses proves that she is a name worth remembering.
MP3: Greatest Thoughts [RS]



0. The Antlers - Hospice
Another album from an indie folk band based in Brooklyn? Well yes and no. With this stunning breakthrough record, Peter Silberman explores the concept of life in a hospice in a breathtaking 50 minute journey. This album is chilling, depressing, and probably the best thing to come out of Brooklyn all year.
MP3: Kettering [RS]

-1. Bat For Lashes - Two Suns
Based around Natasha Khan's conflict with her city-girl persona of Pearl, a blonde femme fatale born out of the city of New York, the stories and ties between the two characters and the universe around them run deep in these 11 interweaving tracks. Natasha doesn't just create an album; she creates a new world altogether. At any point whilst listening to this record, I dare you to shut your eyes to hear, see and feel Natasha's strange and mystic universe.
MP3: Glass [RS]

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