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: Alter Ego by Tame Impala

I'm not world's biggest psychedelic music fan, but when something of Tame Impala's calibre comes along, I can't help but be besotted.

In short, this band is the best thing to come out of Australia since Neighbours. Their spellbinding, hypnotic sound is perfect encapsulated by their debut album, 'Innerspeaker'. Yet, into the mix of hallucinogenic sounds and Lennon-esque vocals, they add some genuinely quite pensive lyrics-'the only one who's really judging you is yourself, nobody else'. All in all, pretty damn good stuff.

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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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Song of the Day: Broadzilla by Turbo Fruits

Are you- like me- still suffering relentlessly from the break-up of Be Your Own PET? Do you wake up at night in a cold sweat, wondering when fresh indie-punk-rock tuneage will come to take your cares away?
Fear not, my dears- I have a cure.
Turbo Fruits- a punk trio led by Jonas Stein (yes, the very same Jonas Stein of former BYOP glory), are my new fixation. And, although it hasn't received the mass attention it deserved, there is one track on their 2009 album 'Echo Kid' that has become my summer anthem, and is fast becoming my new favourite song.
It's called 'Broadzilla', and it's 4 minutes and 7 seconds of thrashing, grooving, pyschedelic, punk-rock awesomeness. Hit play. Go on- you know you want to.

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Song of The Day: Fragile Eyes by The Boy Who Trapped the Sun

And now for your enjoyment on this lovely summer's afternoon, a delightful ditty by The Boy Who Trapped the Sun. Well, that's not his real name- he's actually called Colin MacLeod, which isn't half as cool. The Boy is an Aberdeen export currently living in London, who apparently likes to sing songs about ex-girlfriends and Hemingway (don't we all?) If you like what you hear, he's got an album due out this summer, which you can find out about here.

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Song of the Day: Spanish Sahara by Foals

I have little so say about this song, other than I fell in love with it on first listen. Yes, it strays away from Foals’ usual style, but the profound lyrics and gradual crescendo, combined with a slightly eerie video and Yannis Philippakis’ rugged look provide something to be watched time and time again – you almost have to watch it more than once to make sense of what is happening amongst the sea and the snow.

Their new album ‘Total Life Forever’ is due to be released on 10th May this year. 59 days folks!

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Song of the Day: Two Atoms in a Molecule by Noah and the Whale

Just a quickie (insert vulgar joke here) to share with you the song that has been stuck in my head all day.

Basically, I've pretty much spent every evening for the past week or so watching every second of Winter Olympics coverage I can. I'm a woman obsessed- I simply cannot get enough of it. Whilst normal Olympics bore me senseless, I find there's something so captivating about taking the concept of Olympics, and plonking it into the middle of Canada in a snowstorm. That way, at the very least, you get some awesome accidents. Particularly in bob-sledding- just a point, but America only really won because everybody else fell off at the vertical bit.

Anyway, that isn't my point. My point is that the British coverage has a really awesome soundtrack, the best part of which was definitely this song by Noah and the Whale. And seeing as it's the month of luurrve (what with Valentine's Day and all), it seemed doubly appropriate to share it with you. Enjoy!

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Song Of The Day - Valentines Day by Hello Saferide

'Just me, myself and my biggest laughter
Candle light dinner on Valentine`s Day.'

Ok, so as a single seventeen year old I might be slightly biased against this commercial holiday celebrating a baby with a pink bow and arrow (seriously health and safety, where are you when actually needed!), but I think this song is a celebration of the fact that actually, you don’t need a boyfriend, or girlfriend, to be happy – in fact Hello Saferide argues quite the opposite...

'Roses are red and violets are blue, sugar is sweet and I`m leaving you.'

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Song Of The Day: Everybody Hurts by Various Artists

Just promoting the charity relief single for those suffering in Haiti after the earthquake. This single of the classic by REM includes Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Jon Bon Jovi, Robbie Williams, Kylie, Rod Stewart, Alexandra Burke, Miley Cyrus, Take That, Joe McElderry, Cheryl Cole, JLS, Mika, Michael Bublé, James Blunt, James Morrison, Susan Boyle, and Westlife. Buy the single or just support the cause! Its released for download on 7th February and on CD 8th.

PRE-ORDER NOW
Amazon
HMV
Play

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Song Of The Day: 65daysofstatic - Radio Protector

This song is just beautiful, every time I hear it I find something new in it. This is music in its purest, most stunning form.

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Song of the Day: Crown on the Ground by Sleigh Bells

Well, it's 2010. With the new year comes the latest crop of band set for fame this year. But if you're reading this blog you've probably never cared much for popularity, (no popular kids read blogs, right?) so here's one of our tips. They might not make it big, but they'll make good. Featuring Derek Miller, formerly of hardcore outfit Poison the Well, and former pop girl Alexis Krauss, this experimental pop duo are definitely something to look forward to this year.

With distorted drums and the catchy guitar and vocal hooks alike, Crown on the Ground is the best of the bunch we've heard so far.

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Song of the Day: Ready, Able by Grizzly Bear

I know I haven't done a 'Song of the Day' for a very, very long time, but guess what? I'm bringing it back, baby!
But, as a radical twist on a conventional concept, I've decided to combine today's slice of aural goodness with a wee bit of YouTube magic.
Grizzly Bear are a band we've previously expressed a lot of love for, and their music videos are no exception- particularly their latest offering, 'Ready, Able'. It's kooky, beautiful and completely nonsensical- kind of like 'Wallace and Gromit' on acid. Check it out:

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Song of the Day: Valentine by The Crowns

Paloma Faith.
Ellie Goulding.

Just two of the names that I tipped for the big time only a few months ago, and I've heard both of them of Radio 1 this week. But, I'm not here to gloat- I'm here to share with you my next slice of fresh aural goodness- The Crowns. What first springs to mind when you hear Amsterdam? Windmills? Tulips? The Red Light District? Well, soon enough, I feel the indie-rock tunes of The Crowns could be up there on that list.
The Crowns, like so many before them, are a Myspace phenomenon. However, unlike many before them, they didn't rest on their laurels and wait for a record company to latch onto the hype; they released their self-titled album off their own back. A bold move, but in the days where record companies so often taint records with over-production, it may be a wise move too.

FUN FACT TIME! Not only is 'Valentine' the name of one of their songs, but it is also the name of the lead singer, whose bio states:
'Valentine is best known for being the inventor and world champion of extreme yodeling. Some 20 years ago, after a failed career in Japanese sumo wrestling, Valentine became a recluse in the Swiss Alps. Solitary, yet greatly inspired by traditional Swiss clothing and cuisine, Valentine laid the groundworks for extreme yodeling. Valentine is 23 years of age and can be seen on ESPN hosting the show Yodel or Die.'
Don't you feel enriched by that nugget of knowledge?

MP3: 'Valentine' by The Crowns

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Song of the Day: Island, IS by Volcano Choir

My humblest apologies for being a wee bit lax on the posting front of late- I’ve been spending way too much time (stupidly) letting people crash in my empty house. However, I promise as soon as V starts (i.e as soon as all of my friends with money desert me), I’ll give you some awesome stuff to sink your teeth into.

Speaking of awesome stuff- in my absence, it seems that music bloggers everywhere have been coveting one song in particular- ‘Island IS’ by Volcano Choir.
Volcano Choir are the musical collaboration between Justin Vernon (or ‘Bon Iver’, as he is more commonly known), and Collections of Colonies of Bees. An unusual blend, you might agree, but the contrast between these two musical acts makes for some dynamic and original music.
Vernon states that their music is “definitely more on the experimental side of things,” as the music came about before the lyrics, which apparently followed as some sort of stream of consciousness.
They debut LP ‘Unmap’, is due out on 22nd September, and is definitely one to watch in my books. Check out ‘Island, IS’, below;

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Song of the Day: Uprising by Muse

Say what you like about Muse, but when your eardrums are filled with their alt-electronic sound, you know you're going on a musical adventure. This is certainly true of their first single from their upcoming album, 'The Resistance'. 'The Uprising' starts off with a sci-fi futuristic vibe, then smacks you raging guitars. On top of that, you've got the anarchic, anti-establishment lyrics that are said to be the order of the day on 'The Resistance'. They've even thrown in some handclapping and chanting for good measure.
It's been described as 'Like "Supermassive Black Hole" being raped in a back alley by Goldfrapp', and I quite like it. However, concerns have been raised about how unnecessarily political this album could be- I guess we'll just have to wait and see. In the mean time, have listen to this:

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Song of the Day: Vacationing People by Foreign Born

2009, thus far, has definitely been a year for 'freak-folk'. With bands such as Animal Collective and Grizzly Bear at the helm, the experimental and fantastical has come to the fore front of the indie music scene. And yet, it leaves some people cold- those that long for a distinguishable melody under smorgasbord of sound.
Step in Foreign Born. They still have that slightly experimental edge, and tunes that are the product of many layers of sound, but still have a tune; a melody. In short, they're bringing something new to the table, but you can still sing along at home.
The formation of Foreign Born began in college dormitory, where roommates Matt Popieluch and Lewis Pesacov made beautiful music together (but not in that way). Fast forward a few years, and with more musical experience under their belts, the pair unite again, this time with pals Ariel Rechtshaid and Garret Ray. Thus, over one very good weekend for music, Foreign Born were formed.
I'll be honest with you- the first time I heard 'Vacationing People' (below), I wasn't instantly dazzled. But I found over the next couple of days, it was a song I came back to time and time again. It's a largely faultless and very catchy song- but don't take my word for it. Click 'play' and see/hear for yourselves.

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Song of the Day: An Anniversary Away by Reverie Sound Revue

If you haven't heard of Reverie Sound Revue (and alot of people haven't), all you really need to know is that they're making waves with their self-titled album (released earlier this year), and that they're everything you've ever wanted from a female-fronted indie pop group. For instance, are you feeling disappointed with Metric's 'Fantasies'? Don't worry- it wasn't just you, it was another album by Metirc with a few solid songs smothered by instantly forgettable mindless pop melodies, or 'more filler than killer', as they say in the biz. Never fear, Reverie Sound Revue will take the edge off your heartbreak.
You want the basics- pretty, pitch-perfect yet still interesting vocals, talented musicians- but, at the same time, you're crying out for some originality, and a memorable musical experience. Look funo rther than Reverie Sound Revue- my pick of the female-vocalist indie pop groups this year so far- you won't be disappointed.
Also, a fun fact (I'm just a fountain of knowledge at the moment): al of the vocals and instruments for this album were recorded separately by band members all across Canada- from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. They got details of lyrics and composition to each via e-mail. I thought this might make for a disjointed album, but I was pleasantly surprised. Check out 'An Anniversary Away' below:

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Song of the Day: Lisztomania by Phoenix

If you haven't heard of Phoenix, there's still a good chance you've heard them- their music have appeared on many soundtracks, such as 'Shallow Hal' and 'Lost In Translation', and they appeared in 'Marie Antoinette' (which might have something to do with Phoenix's vocalist, Thomas Mars, dating the director, Sofia Coppola). Their fourth studio album, 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix' came out in May, and seems to have the critics smitten- it was awarded four stars by NME, Rolling Stone and an A- from Entertainment Weekly.
The album's opening songs ('Lisztomania' and '1901') in particular are triumphs- joyous and dance-y, and highly welcome off the dancefloor as well as on.
And here's an interesting fact for you (aren't I full of 'em?): according to Wikipedia (source of all knowledge worth knowing- for instance, did you know the state muffin of Minnesota was blueberry?), the word 'Lisztomania' ''was coined by the German romantic literary figure Heinrich Heine to describe the massive public response to Franz Liszt's virtuosic piano performances. There were allegedly screaming women at these performances, and the audience was sometimes limited to standing room only." Fascinating stuff right there.

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Song of the Day: The River by Anathallo

If you're looking for some cheery summertime music with depth and originality, look no further than Anathallo. The septet who hail from Mt. Pleasant in Michigan use all of your everyday instruments (horns, guitars, drums, piano, bells...) as well as a few found sounds (chains, balloons, velcro strips, stomp boxes, and pipes) and their seven voices to create their vast and beguiling sound. And it's a sound that has won them great acclaim- Paste magazine described seeing Anathallo live as "cacophonous and dizzying, but simultaneously tender and gripping without any trace of sentimentality. Anathallo nestles itself somewhere between Ian MacKaye’s DIY ethos and Sigur Rós’s pointed emotionality." And I couldn't agree more- tracks such as 'The River', below, are superlatively composed, gripping, and encompass the noteworthy talent of all seven band members, whilst still being approachable- everything you could possibly want from a song. Check it out.

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Song of the Day: French Navy by Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura seem to be going from strength to strength. I was dazzled upon first hearing their latest offering, 'My Maudlin Career'- its bold, brassy melodies are a far cry from the much more modest 'Underachievers Please Try Harder'. It seems that each of their albums charts their growth as they become more musically extroverted and confident with their own sound. French Navy is a prime example of this- striking, carefree and described by Grizzly Bear's Ed Droste as “pure bliss. This is a wonderful first track to download if you’ve never heard them. A great introduction to their music". With that in mind, press play, sit back and smile.

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