New Music Monday #40

A Tooth For An Eye

by The Knife

Album: Shaking The Habitual (April 2013)

 

The Knife may be experts at being that little bit mysterious, that little bit aloof, that little bit confusing to the mainstream media, but all of that would mean nothing if they weren't so incredibly talented. A Tooth For An Eye is apparently the lead single from their new album 'Shaking The Habitual' which is to be released in April this year. If this is just the beginning of that LP I am so very excited as to what the rest of it will sound like. Steel drums and synths and the beautiful signature vocal of Karin Dreijer Andersson, I LOVE this track. The first beats give me that excited little feeling in my stomach, like a child waiting for Christmas; that feeling of "I-just-can't-wait-to-hear-this-album-I've-missed-the-Knife-so-much-I-love-The-Knife-oh-my-hurry-up-April!!!!!" Don't tell me you've not got one of those bands. No? You need to find one....here, try The Knife. They're amazing.

Jo Michelmore gives A Tooth For An Eye four Lady Gaga's out of five...

Yesterday (What's Love)

by Kitten

Kitten were one of those bands I stumbled across on the magical internets last year and their single G# became one of my personal faves of the entire year, as well as making it onto our own 'Top 112 Songs Of 2012' list. Admittedly, this track probably wasn't what I was expecting to hear from them first up this year, but then, not really knowing that much about them I don't know what I was expecting so this is probably perfect. A subtle intro is deceiving as the track slowly builds to a layered beautiful indie pop song, with Chloe Chaidez's sweet vocal keeping the beats together; it's reminiscent of something a little early 80's Kate Bush combined with something a little late 90's electronic and the result is four minutes of delicious sounds. Tracks like this make Kitten a band I genuinely want to hear more from.

Jo Michelmore gives Yesterday four Lady Gaga's out of five...

NEW MUSIC VIDEO OF THE WEEK:

The Bed Song

by Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra

Album: Theatre Is Evil (2012)

Here we have an early contender for Video of the Year and if you were around these parts in 2012, you'd definitely know the track the clip is for. 'The Bed Song' was Amanda Palmer's finest moment on Theatre Is Evil. You might remember that album too... we named it Album of the Year in the Scene Awards. As if there was any doubt, Palmer has turned in a stunning video for 'The Bed Song.' More often than not, literal videos fall a little short of the mark, but not in this case. What we get is a seven minute clip that does justice to how the story would have played out in the minds of listeners all over the world; a couple's journey from love to loneliness as shown through exhibits A to E, Amanda Palmer's performance at the piano breaking your heart. The wedding dress she's sitting in is just icing on the cake. Not a wedding cake, because you'll probably never want to get married after watching the clip. An outstretched arm and a broken smile with falling snow lead into the final devastating moments as we return to the couple's happier beginnings. That's good storytelling. And it's an excellent music video. Palmer, director Michael McQuilken, the Bard College Performing Arts team and the cast deserve a round of applause. Do yourselves a favour and watch this video. Now.

Matt Bond gives The Bed Song video five Eddie Vedder's out of five...   

 

Top 25 - 13 January, 2013

Songs of the Week, 13/01/13 from itsmykindofscene on 8tracks Radio.

Grab a drink or two, sit back, relax and enjoy this week's chart on 8tracks Radio!


1. San Cisco - Beach
2. Wolf Alice - Fluffy (NEW)
3. Chloe Howl - No Strings
4. Royksopp ft. Susanne Sundfor - Running To The Sea
5. Guards - Ready To Go (NEW)
6. Elliphant - Down On Life
7. Esben and The Witch - Deathwaltz (NEW)
8. A.S.A.P Rocky ft. Florence Welch - I Come Apart (NEW)
9. Chvrches - The Mother We Share
10. Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven
11. Noisettes - Let The Music Play (NEW)





12. Texas Tea - Lily
13. London Grammar - Hey Now (NEW)
14. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds - We No Who U R (NEW)


 


15. Hurts - Miracle
16. Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko - Stay (NEW)
17. HAIM - Don't Save Me
18. AlunaGeorge - Diver
19. Hey Champ - Cliché (NEW)
20. Brighter Later - The Woods
21. Kitten - Japanese Eyes (NEW)
22. Hey Geronimo - Dreamboat Jack
23. Grimes - Vanessa (NEW)
24. Ra Ra Riot - Dance With Me (NEW)
25. Herve ft. Austra - Save Me (NEW)

Top 112 Songs of 2012 - #112 - 101

San Cisco!

For the next eleven days, it's all about the greatest songs of the year! Twelve of our favourite tunes from 2012 today and ten each day after that until the countdown is over. We could waste time talking about how amazing all the music from this year was blah blah blah... but you already know that. You're a music fan! Why else would you be here? So let's get into it. The Top 112 Songs of 2012 as presented by Jo Michelmore, Katie Langley and Matt Bond. The countdown begins... now!

#112. Sunshine

by Little Dragon

Now, like whirlwind,

You put a spell on me.

What an awesome way to start the countdown. Infectious and upbeat, it starts with the cutest lyrics “You are my sunbeam when skies are dark” and keeps you dancing for its entirety. The clip is so beautiful I don’t even mind that it’s actually an advertisement; after all, I’m not their target market anyway. What do I care? I just like music.  (Jo Michelmore) 

Oh, Yukimi. Your silky vocals are so easy to fall for, aren't they? You and the boys created an early slice of summer magic, perfect for those long, hot days when you just need a delicious Absolut Mandarin and lemonade and... what were we talking about? (Matt Bond) 


I teetered on the edge of hating this song, but the groove element kept me off of the ledge. I get the distinct feeling that this is a grower. (Katie Langley)

#111. I Hate Love

by Garbage

Your words are pretty but I already know who you are...

When Garbage released a teaser video for 'I Hate Love' over nine months ago, I couldn't stop smiling. Knowing that one of my most loved bands still had that kind of power over me, to make me incredibly happy even with just a short sample of new material was awesome. When I finally heard 'I Hate Love' in its entirety, that smile just got wider and wider. I must have looked like The Joker. This is the exact opposite of empowering anthems we're bombarded with everyday. A realistic look at the darker side of relationships and love and really, what more could you want from a Garbage track? (Matt Bond)


I don’t think I can ever not really like anything that Garbage do. Damn them and their likeable sounds. And of course, as a bitter single person there’s just something so relatable about the lyric “I hate love”. It’s got all of the hallmarks of a Garbage song. I’m not sure it’s the best thing they’ve ever done, but I still like. (Katie Langley)

I was so very excited about the release of Garbage’s Not Your Kind Of People this year, their first album in seven years. From first eager listen, I Hate Love quickly became one of my favourite tracks on the album, with Shirley still proving herself as one of the most fabulous femme fatales in rock music. The simplicity of the lyrics are part of the charm “yeah I hate love, yeah I hate love, so I hate love, yeah I hate love, then your love dies”. The typical Shirley venom throughout has assured this song become one of my Garbage favourites. (Jo Michelmore) 

#110. All The Rowboats

by Regina Spektor

All the rowboats in the oil paintings,

They keep trying to row away, row away.

Oooo well isn’t this just a quirky little song? And maybe a little Tori Amos-esque? I do love the dramatic piano. (Katie Langley)

When I heard Regina Spektor was releasing new material this year, as a fan I was excited but this wasn’t what I was expecting. This was better. It’s still classic Regina; a quick, emotive piano riff and incredible lyrics but this time interspersed with electronic sounds, this was just the first glimpse of the awesomeness that was her 2012 album release What We Saw From The Cheap Seats. Not to mention that this clip was probably the first time I realised just how hot Regina actually is. Swoon. (Jo Michelmore) 

There are so many different ways to interpret exactly what Spektor is trying to address in 'All The Rowboats.' Is she simply lamenting how the world views art and by association the great artists of the past? Masterpieces quickly glanced at, judged and forgotten with little acknowledgment given to the how, the why, the who. Or is there more of a modern twist to the tale? "But the most special are the most lonely." Is this about the plight of the celebrity, captive to their own public image? What? Sometimes I think about things and stuff. Whatever... if you don't care for the message, you can allow yourself to be distracted by Regina's big boobies. Everyone's a winner. (Matt Bond)  

Top 20 - 7 October, 2012

Adele. Bond. Win.

1. Adele - Skyfall (NEW)





2. The Presets - Promises





3. Zedd ft. Foxes - Clarity (NEW)





4. Amanda Palmer and The Grand Theft Orchestra - The Bed Song





5. Calvin Harris ft. Florence Welch - Sweet Nothing

New Music Monday #25

G#

by Kitten

Album: Cut It Out EP (2012)

So you haven’t heard of Kitten? You’re going to want to do some research, quickly, because if this five piece keep recording songs like this one and making clips like this, they’re destined for great things. Heavy bass and filthy guitars drive the song with Chloe Chadez’s vocal floating beautifully above and you’ll probably keep on singing the end well after the song is finished; “I’ll see you all, I’ll see you all again...” see, I told you. The clip was filmed in a desert with friends of the band and the imagery reminds me of so many great films and bands; its apocalyptic, punk like and yet somehow totally beautiful. Take my advice; this is a band you need to know about. Watch. Love. Now. 

Jo Michelmore gives G# four Shirley Mansons out of five...

 

Got Me Wrong

by Alpines

Album: Early Hours EP (2012)

Alpines, Bob Matthews and Catherine Pockson, have come into our lives through the recommendation of one of our IMKOS Facebook friends (hey Jacob!) and with one song they've made me incredibly interested in hearing everything else they have to offer. That song is 'Got Me Wrong' and it handily sets up this London based duo to be the sleekest emerging electronic act around. Carefully balancing the fine line that separates style and substance, there's a healthy measure of both unleashed throughout the track. The gorgeous Catherine Pockson delivers her lines with a flair that drags you right into that 'eating out of the palm of her hand' territory. By the time you've heard the chorus, you're wishing that there's a club that's going to be playing 'Got Me Wrong' because its potential to be a true dance anthem is undeniable. "Cause you got me wrong, and you were so sure, that you had me all figured out, but you got me wrong." I feel like I've just listened to Azealia Banks' electronic equivalent. And I love it. 

Matt Bond gives 'Got Me Wrong' four Lady Gaga's out of five...

 

Die Young

by Ke$ha

Album: Warrior (November 30, 2012)

If someone was to die young, how unfortunate if 3 minutes and 33 seconds of their short and precious life was wasted on hearing this song.

Jo Michelmore gives Die Young one Dannii Minogue out of five...

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Your Body

by Christina Aguilera

Album: Lotus (November 13, 2012)

Christina Minaj? Not quite, but freeze the video at 1:58. Boom. That's a booty. Go on down to Primark or Target ladies and get yourselves some leopard print tights. They do wonders for the junk in your trunk. I'll stop now. Yes, the original dirrty girl has dropped the video for new single 'Your Body' and despite some sort of attempt at a plot, multiple costume changes, horrifying dreadlocks, a potentially ridiculous new jewellery trend ('Rich Bitch' necklace anyone?) and the completely necessary and 100% seductive 'writhing around on a bed while wearing lingerie' scene... it's nothing memorable. Oh, except for the booty. You'll remember that. Yowza. 

Matt Bond gives the Your Body video two Ke$ha's out of five...

She Wolf (Falling To Pieces)

by David Guetta ft. Sia

Album: Nothing But The Beat 2.0 (2012)

Speaking of booty, Guetta's offering up some werewolf derriere. Seriously though, the video for 'She Wolf' is so much better than the actual song. Beautiful imagery, timed explosions, an actual story. It would only have been better if Sia was the werewolf at the end. Can't have it all, can we? 

Matt Bond gives the She Wolf (Falling To Pieces) video three Britney's out of five...