Top 113 Songs of 2013, #100 - 91

Tkay Maidza, Panama, Molly Contogeorge and Our Man In Berlin. AUS music kicks butt.

#113 - 101

#100. Words

by The Raffaellas

I find you where you want to go,

And I'm still searching all the time... 

A Melbourne based band that writes and performs excellent, catchy and fun tunes that will make you want to dance and have a great time. It's like the oldest story in the books these days. In your face Epic of Gilgamesh (literary reference win)! Yes, there is a lot of great new music coming out of the hipster capital of the world, but we've developed a special affinity for The Raffaellas, who stand out from the crowd with tracks like 'Words'. Not only does it make you want to dance and have pretty great time, it gets you with its 'smarter than your average' lyrics. Or words. Ha. Get it? (Matt Bond)

You say you're unfamiliar with these so called Raffaellas. Well, let the band tell you a little bit about themselves from their interview a couple of months back. 

The Raffaellas: Well there are four of us – two guitars, bass and drums. Doug Ross is to lead guitar what Brian May was…to lead guitar…though Doug, a mid-to-well seasoned classical guitarist, knows the instrument backways and brings a certain classical finesse that really has no place in the band at all but we have all come to tolerate and maybe, one day, will grow to love. Michael Ratten is similarly technically gifted on the kit, with a jazz-drummer flare for emphases and ghost notes (which he swears are there but no one else can hear), though his comically burdensome height means that by the time stick hits skin, there’s sufficient force to really test out some of the better live sound systems in Melbourne. Best thing about James’ bass playing (that’s James Raimondo for those playing at home) is that he’s not a bass player. He plays keys…which we don’t have… it’s confused, but his musical genesis is in writing songs and melodies which makes for really melodic bass lines- it’s a plus. Plus, he does know his way around a ‘fret’. Pat Santamaria backs the whole operation up on rhythm guitar and puts his best foot forward behind the mic. Though, generally speaking, it is singing, he has been told he croons a lot and other times just does a lot of yelling in tune (put that down to his love of Little Richard). Match that up with James’ mid-tenor pipes and Doug’s groin-shattering, freight train of a bass voice (at least 3 octaves below Barry White) and you’ve got yourself a harmony, which we like doing too.  

#99. Stones

by Bec Sandridge

My mind is gone, like a rolling stone,

Out the window.

She has a voice from somewhere other than right now and a sound that’s a little bit indescribable. If you were to combine a waltz beat from a western movie set in the late 1800’s and mix that with a voice that could fit into a bar scene in a 20s war film, then mix that with some 70s feeling lyrics and you might have Bec Sandridge. I haven’t done a good job of describing her, have I? Ok, mix all of those things together and imagine they sound comforting and sad and hopeful and fabulous. There. That’s this song and that’s Bec Sandridge. Don’t believe me? Press play. You’ll be confused and impressed and you’ll love it too. (Jo Michelmore) 

 
We were only introduced to Bec Sandridge and her track ‘Stones’ late in the year, but the timeless charm of both singer and song sure did make an impact quickly. I didn’t really pay attention during music theory, but I think the song is in 3/4 which would make it a Waltz, am I right? If that is right, then ‘Stones’ is one mighty, lyrically rich and heartbreaking ‘Waltz’. I honestly can’t choose what I love more; Sandridge’s voice or words. Luckily, I don’t have to choose since we get Sandridge singing her words in her voice. Everyone’s a winner! If you love hearing sad songs on the radio, you’ll fall as quickly as we did for ‘Stones’. (Matt Bond)

It seems to me, someone smashed together Beth Orton and Joni Mitchell then out of the bloody gore that remained, Bec Sandridge was born. Just listen to 'Stones' and you’ll understand why with its poetic demeanour and folky attitude. Feels like summer is here and I suddenly have the urge to dance in a field of wildflowers. Anyone want to join me? (Nayt Housman)  

#98. One Type of Dark

by Ginger and The Ghost

Looking through the telescope I'm looking back at me...

Oh my, Ginger And The Ghost are the kind of band that craft songs, which immediately transport me back to my childhood. They induce the release of imaginative juices in my brain, and stimulate flutters of loveliness and whimsy in my soul. One Type Of Dark is one of those arty fairytales that make me feel a grand amount of envy that I didn’t think of making it first but then can’t help but get lost in the vibrant world created by this talented Sydney duo. Ginger’s child like voice is often reminiscent of Joanna Newsome which works wonders in telling fantastic stories and Ghost’s steely gaze and timid presence makes me want to capture him like a butterfly and just observe him for hours (a little bit pervey I realise). After discovering them at Bigsound this year, Ginger And The Ghost has become one of my standout bands of the year. So much love. (Nayt Housman)

For all of Lady Gaga’s attempts to blend ‘art’ and ‘pop’, the poor lass couldn’t dream of doing it as seamlessly as Aussie heroes, Ginger and The Ghost. Visually, Ginger and Ghost (try to guess who’s who… you’ll be pleasantly surprised) know how to grab your attention. Just take one look at the clip for ‘One Type of Dark’. The use of projections, the costumes, the glitter throwing… I’m enjoying all of that. But it’s the music that keeps me coming back for more. ‘One Type of Dark’ has a dream-like and fantasy quality to it, particularly in the verses, but the chorus is very grounded and shows a young artist wondering who she’s supposed to be and where she fits in the world. Ginger’s voice is gorgeous and perfectly matched by the music created by Ghost. Glitz and glam are great, but they can only take you so far. You need to back up the spectacle with music as fascinating as the visual world you’re creating. Ginger and The Ghost deliver in all aspects. (Matt Bond)

It’s no surprise that Ginger And The Ghost define themselves as visual artists, who bring the sounds of art to life, because, like a lot of visual art, there’s something a little bit confronting about the voice of Missy (I don’t know if Missy is Ginger or The Ghost) at the very start of this song. However, like a lot of visual art does, ‘One Type Of Dark’ has the ability to grow on you, if you stare for long enough something makes sense and like I’ve stood in galleries for hours staring at things on walls, I’ve slowly grown to appreciate the sounds this duo from Sydney make. It’s probably the strings that convinced me, but it doesn’t matter what it is, I like it and the title indicates a question that should be contemplated over a beverage in a gallery or a bar filled with some art; “is there just one type of dark?” I don’t know, but it’s a question fellow blogger Nayt and I are bound to ponder over a Ginger And The Ghost soundtrack at some stage… (Jo Michelmore)

#97. Endless Drain

by Major Leagues

You're an endless drain and a waste of space,

Gotta get away, I gotta catch a plane. 

‘Endless Drain’ is a fun, catchy little ditty. One might describe it as garage? Maybe a bit surfy? I’m not going to get hung up on a label. All I know is that I was bopping along the entire way through the song. (Katie Langley)

Brisbane’s surf-rock scene delivered in a big way throughout the year and Major Leagues have played a big part in that. It’s fun in the sun, with more than a little bit of teen apathy thrown in for good measure. Lines about “looking for the one,” are delivered in a way that it almost seems like a chore for our spunky vocalist. It should be confusing, but that aloof delivery just makes it all the more interesting. It definitely makes you remember the endless drain of those teenage years gone by. (Matt Bond)

There’s a member of Major Leagues who reminds me of someone I used to know. I liked that person, but they had this strange habit of grabbing me in inappropriately at inopportune times, which wasn’t unpleasant, just surprising. This means that whenever I see Major Leagues, I have this unnatural reaction and uneasy feeling of glancing behind me to make sure I’m not going to be groped by an old ‘friend’ from behind. I digress, because this has nothing to do with this song, the song is great. A mid 90s influence and a sound to nod to and who doesn’t love a (mostly) girl group, especially one form my own hometown? Like. (Jo Michelmore)

#96. Always

by Panama

Always, I remember you,

Slow down, so I can follow you. 

When I wrote about this song earlier this year, I wrote about the clip and I wrote about how much I adored the clip, because I did. It’s an awesome little story that starts nowhere and ends nowhere, but is so beautifully shot and told, it didn’t really matter that I had no idea what was going on. I even gave it five Nick Cave heads out of five, which is quite an impressive number of heads, actually. What I didn’t write about was how much I actually adore this song. The delightful keys combined with the layered vocals and the drums that kick in at about thirty seconds that drive this indie pop song toward absolute perfection are hard not to adore. I like the start and I love the end and I liked it when I first heard it, but now I love it. This is a band I am desperate to hear more from in 2014 and until then, this is a song that I will listen to again and again and again and....always. (Jo Michelmore)

I try not to look too hard into the story being told throughout the video for 'Always', because the way this one interprets it, it's a bit of a Debbie downer. Which surprised me, because the mood of the track is in direct opposition to that. When the chorus hits, I want to do a victorious fist pump that gets stuck in time, like in some trashy 80s movie. But then I pay closer attention to the words and there's a real resistance to that desire to fist pump 80s style because I'm being pulled back in the somber direction. I might be confused about the emotions Panama are trying to draw out of the listener with 'Always', but I'm certainly not confused about my love for the track. And I'm in complete agreement with Jo when it comes to the video. I might not know what's really going on, but it is beautiful to watch. (Matt Bond) 

#95. Second To None

by All The Colours

Close your eyes and drown in the glow...

Damn, I love it when it gets to the end of the year and you think about all the things you’ve heard all year and then you stumble across a song you totally forgot about and re-discover its greatness. Which isn’t to say that ‘Second To None’ is forgettable; it’s just it was released sooooo long ago (February was a long time ago in my world!) and it’s been a really good and really long year, ok? ‘Second To None’ was all a bit spooky and all a bit awesome, with a clip to match and well, I just need to say this. I love a band that dresses well. I mean, I love a band that don’t just show up to a gig or a clip in whatever they picked up off the floor that didn’t stink. I can’t say I know what All The Colours smell like, but they do dress well and this is often overlooked and quite important, to me. If they smell as good as they sound, they must smell delicious. Can we have an album soon, please? (Jo Michelmore)

Kinda dark, a little dirty, sorta dreamy, unique male vocalist, singing about the voices in ones head while wearing bow ties. I’m sold… Did you just call me a hipster? Whatever. That’s just like calling me a super hero but with a sexy moustache. But seriously 'Second To None' is some seriously beautiful shit, not like as in poo, but as in “dude this is the shit”. It’s equally cool as it is catchy and as danceable as it is cruisey. Like. (Nayt Housman)

‘Second to None’ is an awesome song, with catchy guitar and beautiful harmonies. The perfect song to drive to. Reminds me a little of The Dandy Warhols. (Katie Langley)  

All The Colours are another intriguing act to emerge throughout the year, with snappy indie/pop tunes and snazzy videos to match. 'Second To None' was our intro to this Melbourne band and what an intro it was. The music is so, so catchy. It just might be one of the catchiest songs of the year and I've had popping into my head at times where I'll think, "well that's inappropriate for this setting, but whatever." Joshua Mann's vocal work is a huge draw for me, but the other lads back him up admirably with some mighty fine harmonies. There aren't enough complimentary phrases to come up with for the black and white clip for the track, so just watch it for yourself and and fall for the old Hollywood charm within. If we did some sort of 'Artists to Watch in 2014' list, these guys would be at the top of it. (Matt Bond)   

Joshua Mann from All The Colours stopped by for a quick interview earlier in the year and, since the band's music has been described as "the soundtrack to a Tarantino movie that has yet to be made" we got him to give us the plot for said movie. 

Joshua Mann: I guess the plot would be a guy finding out that he is the saviour of the world. All the while falling madly in love with the heroine, and as the movie progresses it becomes painfully clear that he must choose between the love of his life or saving the world with the story laid out we would then see this dear fellow damn the entire earth for his lover. What a twist!!  

#94. Bad Boy

by Molly Contogeorge

My life's flashing before my eyes,

Quick, roll the credits. 

Pulling off a track that many listeners are going to compare to the sounds of 60s Motown girl groups is no easy feat. Unless your name is Molly Contogeorge. She makes it seem easy; a bit of call and response here, a whole lot of attitude there. 'Bad Boy' is jazzy, soulful and completely lovable. I can't say for sure, but I'm assuming one listen will have the ladies busting out their most sparkly dresses to compliment their new beehive hairdos, while the fellas will be slicking their hair back, donning a leather jacket and doing all they can to look like the bad boys of the ladies' dreams. If you haven't done yourself a solid and listened to Contogeorge's 2013 EP, Dames, there's no better time than the present. It's full of songs as brilliant as 'Bad Boy'. (Matt Bond)

‘Bad boy’ is sexy and sultry, and I can’t help but shake my hips and pout my lips. (Katie Langley) 

Molly Contogeorge managed to do a couple of things that impressed me this year. One of them was this song. It’s 60s soul swing, with killer harmonies and backing vocals was totally addictive and everyone knows I love a girl empowerment type song. I love the light and dark of ‘Bad Boy’ and I especially love the “bad bad bad bad bad” chant at the end, ‘cause if you can’t remember any other words then they’re pretty easy to sing along to. The other thing that impressed me though? If you haven’t already, google image search the cover for Molly’s EP ‘Dames’, which this song appears on. Yep. Loved the first time I saw it, love it now. (Jo Michelmore)

Anyone who can sing like a 60s chanteuse and fit the word “precipice” so smoothly into a tune gets props from me. I wanna hear her cover ‘These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ though I don’t want to typecast her or anything. Oh wait… I think I just did. Meh, just listen to 'Bad Boy', it’s darn tootin fine. (Nayt Housman)

#93. Airhead

by Our Man In Berlin

We might as well be astronauts...

If dream-pop is the flavour of the year then Airhead is the cherry on top, coz it doesn’t get much dreamier than this. It’s so dreamy; it’s like a whole bunch of puffy clouds that glide through the sky just at the right time and angles that they form the words “dreamy clouds” or like a school of beautifully coloured fish in a rock pool blowing bubbles that form the words “dreamy fish bubbles”. One warning though, consumption of Airhead may cause momentary episodes of bliss. (Nayt Housman)

I visited Berlin for the first time earlier this year. Two hours into the visit, I declared it my spiritual homeland and I spent some days there, with a stupid smile in my heart and in my mind the entire time. This means I may have a bias to a band called Our Man In Berlin. Luckily, they’re an incredibly talented bunch of musicians so my interest goes further than their name. These six musicians are in fact from somewhere far from Berlin, that place being Perth. I’ve never been there; maybe I might like it as well. I digress. Our Man In Berlin’s dreamy sounds are some that I’ve been addicted to this year and ‘Airhead’ is just a taste of how delightful they are. Mesmerising and wistful, they take me to a place far from wherever I am, distracting and beautiful, I just can’t seem to place exactly why I like them so much, but I guess that’s how I feel about Berlin too, so everything is just a perfect match, isn’t it? (Jo Michelmore)

Those that know me are familiar with my love of anything German. Suffice to say I felt an instant affinity to Our Man in Berlin. ‘Airhead’ is an absolutely gorgeous track. In fact, ich liebe ‘Airhead’. For me, I feel like I’ve struck gold, and I can’t wait to hear more from this talented five piece. (Katie Langley)  

I think it's safe to say that all of us here on It's My Kind of Scene would class Our Man In Berlin as one of our favourite new acts of the year. Which really does mean something, given how diverse our musical tastes are. You get why though, right? Their music is beautiful. Stunning. You listen to a track like 'Airhead' and never want it to end. In a time where acts like The xx and London Grammar are finding success, you can only hope Our Man In Berlin (who are genuinely at that level of blowing your mind musically) can find the same. They deserve it. (Matt Bond) 

#92. Echoes

by Eliza Hull

Heartstrings,

Pull me back to you,

Backwards,

And closer to you. 

Earlier this year, I remember describing Eliza Hull’s sounds as “a slow punch in the stomach” and while I don’t always agree with myself, with hindsight, I kind of think I described Eliza Hull almost perfectly (if I say so myself) because I still get that little gut wrenching feeling whenever I hear this track. Mesmerising isn’t a good enough word to describe it, but then, neither is dreamy, or delightful, or beautiful. It’s dark and yet still simultaneously comforting and only special artists can manage to combine both of those things in one song. Eliza Hull, along with producer Hayden Calnin, must be extra special, because they did it over and over with Eliza’s EP The Ghosts You Never Catch and this song was just one part of six songs that made up one of the most incredible EP releases of 2013. (Jo Michelmore)

I made a decision while listening to 'Echoes' earlier in the week. I need to stop describing anyone else's voice as hauntingly beautiful, because that should only be reserved for Eliza Hull. Her voice ridiculously good. I find every bit of emotion packed into that voice so affecting that it's only too easy to find a couple of hours disappear as I put 'Echoes' on repeat again and again. "Follow the map, follow the map to find you." Those perfect lines about joining the dots and following the maps that make up the chorus? They'll stick with you for a long time coming. A beautiful song by a beautiful singer. (Matt Bond) 

‘Echoes’ is as ‘Airhead’ is from Our Man In Berlin, dreamy, dream-pop but this time with a bit of Florence And The Machine-esque-ish kinda feeling and a music box tinkle thrown in for good measure. More like a memory than a dream, but still all fuzzy and lovely. (Nayt Housman)

#91. Brontosaurus

by Tkay Maidza ft. Badcop

It should be me you thank,

But you's still be rank. 

I have just listened to ‘Brontosaurus’ for the first time and I’m in love. There’s nothing complex or earth shattering about this song. The simple, repetitive lyrics and bloody catchy beat make the perfect recipe for success. And would you believe I’m actually stomping my feet like a brontosaurus… (Katie Langley)

These feet are definitely stomping like a brontosaurus! (r)Adelaide got just that little bit radder with the arrival of Tkay Maidza in 2013 who seems destined to take over Australia's rap and hip hop game and then the world. This young dynamo is waaay to cool to be tied down here and 'Brontosaurus' is more than enough to convince you she can compete with the best in the world. Tkay spits out rhymes like she's been doing it since she was born. Maybe she has! Anyway, she's so good, she made the sound system blow up at BIGSOUND. It couldn't handle her brilliance! Today Australia, tomorrow the world. It's Tkay Maidza's for the taking. (Matt Bond) 

This song makes me kind of angry. You wanna know why? Because I didn’t know of Tkay Maidza before BIGSOUND earlier this year and I didn’t get to see the ‘Brontosaurus’ magic then. I shouldn’t complain, because not a lot of people saw that magic either, after all, she was so great she blew up the sound system during her BIGSOUND performance with the amazing that she was, but Matt was there and says it was great. If she was anything like ‘Brontosaurus’ is, she would have been amazing, because this song is one I love. It’s simple, it’s catchy, it’s somehow a little bit aggressive but in a cute kind of way and it passes the K-Tizz ‘nod test’ with flying colours. I love a good girl rapper and if they’re Australian and I like them, then that’s even more impressive. Looking forward to seeing the Tkay Maidza magic when she tours across the country (or just a couple of cities, my hometown being one of them) in December. (Jo Michelmore)

See you tomorrow for ten more incredible tunes from 2013!

 

Top 25 - 21 July, 2013

MTNS!

Songs of the Week, 21/07/13 from itsmykindofscene on 8tracks Radio.

1. St Lucia - Elevate (NEW)





2. The Trouble With Templeton - You Are New





3. MTNS - Lost Track Of Time (NEW)





4. M.I.A - Bring The Noize





5. Holy Holy - Impossible Like You




6. The Paper Kites - St Clarity

7. [Strangers] - Sense of Liberty (NEW)





8. Emiliana Torrini - Speed of Dark (NEW)





9. Molly Contogeorge - Bad Boy (NEW)




10. Little May - Boardwalks





11. Clairy Browne and The Bangin' Rackettes - Good Problems

12. City Riots - Catch The Sun (NEW)





13. Jacob Banks - Worthy





14. Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know?





15. Sons of Rico - Get To You (NEW)





16. Pigeon - Curtain Call





17. Lorde - Royals

18. Angel Haze - No Bueno (NEW)





19. Cub Scouts - Paradise





20. The Mountains - Sun (NEW)




21. This Sanctuary - I Do





22. Lime Cordiale - Bullshit Aside

23. Goldfrapp - Drew (NEW)





24. Dan Croll - In/Out (NEW)





25. Mutya Keisha Siobhan - Flatline (NEW)

New Music Monday #58

Dames EP

by Molly Contogeorge (out now)

Molly Contogeorge follows up 2011's Glasshouse Living with a slightly wilder outlook on Dames, an EP that finds her sitting pretty alongside the likes of Gin Wigmore and Clairy Browne. Taking on the role of femme fatale in 'Bang, Bang!' we're treated to Contogeorge's most engaging track yet. The piano line holds a sense of danger that becomes the perfect foil for the sweet and soulful voice singing about how you shot a bullet into your own head. "I didn't do it, I didn't do it, I didn't do what you did to yourself," is her line of defense before she throws down (with a whole bunch of attitude) that, "the truth of the matter is I don't know who the real shooter is." 

Contogeorge develops a taste for a 'Bad Boy' on the second song, that seemingly balances pop, jazz and an excellent RnB-ish bridge. A 60s girl group inspired ending which sees the word 'bad' constantly repeated in the background as our starlet breaks it down and shows off her vocal range is Dames' standout moment. We arrive at the ballad 'Brother' (written by Contogeorge's mother, Catherine McSoriley), which offers us a welcome moment to catch our breath and focus our attention on just how enjoyable Contogeorge's voice really is. Despite her young age, she confidently sells the emotion the lyrics would evoke in writing. "Age has passed since I saw you last, I can see that you've grown in the time on your own." 

We arrive at the final number and it's the title track, 'Dames'. Immediately grabbing your attention with a simple piano motif and the line, "shrinking violets never looked so good, they never looked as good as her." 'Dames' is full of snappy lyrics that had me coming back for more to make sure I caught them all. Contogeorge will receive a lot of deserved attention for her voice and the music, but she deserves applause for showing she continues to grow as a songwriter too. Much like Glasshouse Living, the Dames EP tells us that Molly Contogeorge has a bright future ahead. Her sound is different, but not alienating. Just because the music is quite 'smart' doesn't mean there aren't catchy pop hooks and lyrics to sing along to. There are. And they're pretty awesome. Also, we might have to look into bringing in a special award at the end of the year for 'Best Cover Art.' That Dames image cracks me up every time! 

Matt Bond gives the Dames EP four Shirley Manson heads out of five...   

Tennis Court
by Lorde
EP: The Love Club (out now)

 

'Tennis Court' is the hotly anticipated single from Kiwi sensation Lorde. After the success of chart topper 'Royals' I was excited to see what would follow. Suffice to say I'm still in love with Lorde.

'Tennis Court' proves that Lorde has staying power. And although I will admit it doesn't drive me to obsession like 'Royals' did, it's still an incredibly catchy song. 

The video clip is hypotonic, although initially I felt afraid. Lorde stares into the camera only saying 'yeah' at points throughout the song. Personally I find it refreshing to see a clip without booty shaking hos in every frame.

My own personal test of a song is whether or not it makes me nod my head. Did 'Tennis Court' pass the nod test? You betcha! There was even a little shoulder popping.

Katie Langley gives 'Tennis Court' four Lady Gaga heads out of five... 

Glitter And Gold
by Little Daylight
EP: Tunnel Vision (August, 2013)

 

Little Daylight are two guys and a girl from Brooklyn who are creating all sorts of hype amongst people who like to talk about music. We like to talk about music, so let's add to that. They feature on our top 25 this week and their track 'Glitter And Gold' proves why there's so much hype; it's adorable, full of addictive synths and catchy beats. It's electro pop with a smile, a song I can't help but bounce along to. Little Daylight is a name you're going to have to get used to hearing, with their debut EP to be released in August, if all their tracks are this gorgeous, the hype is going to quickly turn into lots and lots of fans. I'm already one of them.

Jo Michelmore gives 'Glitter And Gold' four Lady Gaga heads out of five...

Bind Me
by ETML

While we're on the talking about 'hype', let me introduce you to ETML, an 18 year old Londoner who seems to have impressed a lot of people on the magical world of the internet recently. His track 'Bind Me' is four minutes of what one would label electro/house/garage, but labels are so boring, let's put this in real life situations. You're either going to consider it cafe music to be played while you're waiting for your coffee at your favourite caffeine dispensing outlet or you're going to absolutely love it, probably download it and dance, lots. Me? I can see it sitting in either part of my life, I do love coffee but I also like to dance every now and then, so it fits nicely. 

As for the clip, it's something you'll want to watch the entire way through because there's going to be someone you know who dances like someone in there (for me, I'm sure I could know the guy in front of The Clash poster). 'Bind Me' is not life changing, but it's a nice piece of electro goodness that is more than welcome in my collection.

Jo Michelmore gives 'Bind Me' three Kylie heads out of five... 

St Clarity

by The Paper Kites

Album: States (August, 2013)

 

The Paper Kites have developed a dedicated following over the past couple of years. Their ethereal and calming music makes you feel like you're in a beautiful dream that you never want to end. That hasn't changed on 'St Clarity', the first single to be lifted from their upcoming debut album States. Existing somewhere in the middle of overwhelming joy and crushing heartbreak, here we have a song that puts you under a near four minutes spell. Each time I listen to 'St Clarity' I feel like I get just that little bit more lost in it. I honestly don't see how anyone will be able to resist its charms, especially when watching director Natasha Pincus' uplifting/engrossing/tearjerk-ing clip that accompanies the track. The Paper Kites are elevating themselves to another level with 'St Clarity'. Consider this a sure thing for end of year charts the world over. And here's hoping (like their track 'Featherstone) they get some more Grey's Anatomy exposure. This is exactly the kind of song I can see myself crying to while Dr. Bailey delivers a deeply personal/highly inappropriate-for-a-doctor monologue/breakdown scene. 

Matt Bond gives 'St Clarity' five Nick Cave heads out of five...

What You Want

by Haarlo

EP: Dreamlands (July, 2013) 

‘What You Want’ is a new track released by Australian “Dream-pop” duo, Haarlo. I don’t know what dream-pop is exactly, though it sounds an awful lot like some of my fave electronica/trip-hop acts hailing from the nineties (think Supreme Beings Of Leisure, Thievery Corporation). If your thing is soulful, smoldering vocals and tight production that simply glides, then ‘What You Want’ is a plate serving smooth, silky, dark, down-tempo goodness. It’s probably just me but these sweet, laid back tunes make me want to break into some sexy interpretive dance, draped in black chiffon.

Haarlo are multi-instrumentalist and producer Jono Steer and vocalist/co-writer Stacey Gardiner who conspire to create the sparse, dreamy, beat heavy arrangements of ‘What You Want’ with Gardiner's vocals soaring high and landing light. I know I’m onto something good when music gives me full body chills. Haarlo,  I’ll be watching you.

Nayt Housman gives 'What You Want' four Roisin Murphy heads out of five...

Keep an eye and ear out for Haarlo’s first EP Dreamlands being launched 11 July 2013 - the Northcote social club, Melbourne. 

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS OF THE WEEK:

Bring The Noize

by M.I.A

Album: Matangi (TBA, 2013)

 

I love 'Bring The Noize'. Love it. It's not just that it's good, catchy music... it's kinda dangerous and she's rapping like a maniac and just saying f*ck you to everyone. And I like that. In a visual capacity, following in the footsteps of 'Bad Girls' (It's My Kind of Scene Video of the Year, 2012) was going to be no easy feat. M.I.A steps up to the plate and knocks another one out of the park. She's got a knack for creating clips that perfectly match the tone of the music, making the listening experience even better. Girl looks good with pink hair too. M.I.A cops a lot of criticism for not playing within the expected confinements of today's female rapper. Look at the YouTube comments (for your daily reminder that people are just the worst) and see the constant comparisons to Nicki Minaj (ha!). The bestest music is a reaction to the world around the artist. M.I.A tends to extend her vision a little further than most; an easy feat I suppose, given the close proximity to war throughout her young pre-London life. The video blends hip hop and dance with the reality of war. 'Bring The Noize' delivers the goods. It's not quite as excellent as 'Bad Girls', but hey... there's still some time left in 2013 and this is only our second taste of Matangi. Bring more noise! 

Matt Bond gives the video for Bring The Noize four Missy Elliott heads out of five... 

Despair

by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Album: Mosquito (out now)

 

I want to write a thousand words about this clip and this song, about the meanings behind the imagery and the story of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's. I want to write a thousand words about the lyrics that mean so much and I know are going to remain some of my favourites of all time. I want to write a thousand words about how I wish I was Karen O the rockstar, how I wish I was as talented as Nick Zinner or lived the musician's lifestyle of Brian Chase. I want to write a thousand words about the intensity of this clip perfectly matching the power of the song. I want to write a thousand words...but ultimately, my words don't mean much. This is a clip you need to see yourself. You'll either get it or you won't. I want to write a thousand words about how some clips you get and some songs get you, but a thousand words can't begin to describe this clip, or this song. Only one really works for me. Love.

Jo Michelmore gives 'Despair' five Karen O heads out of five...

 

Top 25 - 23 June, 2013

M.I.A

Songs of the Week, 23/06/13 from itsmykindofscene on 8tracks Radio.

1. M.I.A - Bring The Noize (NEW)





2. Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros - Better Days





3. Lorde - Royals

4. Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know (NEW)





5. Crystal Fighters - Bridge of Bones
6. Thelma Plum - Dollar (NEW)





7. The Raffaellas - Hands (NEW)

8. Grizzly Jim Lawrie - Midnight Run (NEW)





9. July Days - Should've Told Me (NEW)
10. Lou Doillon - ICU (NEW)


 

11. Battleships - As You'd Begun (NEW)





12. Molly Contogeorge - Bang, Bang! (NEW)
13. Snakadaktal - Ghost





14. Our Man In Berlin - Temaze (NEW)
15. Kingswood - Ohio





16. Es ist Super - This Release (NEW)
17. Chvrches - Gun

18. Garrett Kato - Hipster Kids (NEW)
19. Grouplove - Ways To Go





20. Lorde - Tennis Court
21. Eliot Grace - Rebecka (NEW)
22. Ngaiire - Around
23. Kanye West - Blood On The Leaves (NEW)





24. Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros - This Life (NEW)
25. Lurch and Chief - We Are The Same

Top 20 - 10 June, 2012

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros!

1. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Man On Fire




2. Graveyard Train - I'm Gone




3. Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra - Do It With A Rockstar




4. Grizzly Bear - Sleeping Ute (NEW)




5. Kimbra- Come Into My Head

New Music Monday #10

1991 (EP)

by Azealia Banks

As Azealia Banks launches into the opening/title track of her debut EP, she completely, 100% establishes herself as the hottest new property in all of music. "1991 my time has come, Oh nah nah Ma, your time is done." She's got the attitude and she can talk the talk, but most importantly, she's got the talent to back it up. Producer Jef Martens lays down beats that will get you moving as Banks throws out confident, profanity laced rhymes that you can't help but love. I'd say this could have become the Timbaland/Missy team for new generation, but alas, one cannot be too hasty. Banks moves on to Paul Epworth (Adele, Florence + The Machine) for her debut LP, Broke With Expensive Taste. Comparisons to Missy Elliott are sure to arise from Banks' performance on '1991.' Obviously any young female MC will have been inspired in some way by Elliott and it's nice to see that Azealia is carrying Missy's 'She's A Bitch' torch throughout the EP. "Cause you gonna be a bitch n***a, I'ma be that bitch, what?" Heck yes! Yeah, there will be comparisons to Missy, but Azealia Banks more than stands on her own as a performing artist. She's got her own exciting style that introduces elements in an MC we've never seen before (walking the fine line between innocent and extremely vulgar), as well as honouring and developing the styles of rap and hip hop stars that have come before her. 'Van Vogue' builds on the opening number by introducing the sweet vocals (read: not rapping) that our star has housed inside her. We got to hear it before the excellent breakdown in '212' and this is just as good. It's a brief moment and we get some dog barks after it, but I'll take what I can get and hope we here more on her full-length. We then come to our bona fide super-hit of this collection. Yes, I'm talking about the aforementioned '212.' Duh. It's been slowly taking over the world since December last year and the buzz the track generated for Banks in the lead-up for this EP has been phenomenal. Truly one of, if not the best rap song of the year. Isn't it just the cutest thing when she says, "I'ma ruin you, c*nt." What's so great about Azealia Banks? Her delivery of that line right there. It's distasteful, hilarious, threatening and endearing... all rolled into one perfect package. As amazing as it is, the one fault you can put on '212' is that it's too hard an act to follow. Subsequently, 1991's final track, 'Liquorice,' doesn't have the impact it might have had if things were different. Really, it's just more of the same; acceptable yet ultimately not memorable. You know what though? It's still better than anything on Nicki Minaj's new album. There, I said it. Due to the success of '212' an EP was essential to satiate fan hunger before September's release of Broke With Expensive Taste. The move to not rush her debut is admirable and working with such a high-profile name like Epworth leads to the possibility of us hearing something groundbreaking when its finally out. 1991 stands on its own though as a fun introduction to music's next big superstar. There's a lot more to it than the brilliant '212' and it's well worth the price of admission.

Matt Bond gives the 1991 EP four Missy Elliott's out of five...

Glasshouse Living (EP)

by Molly Contogeorge

Over the past decade, Australia has built up an amazing collection of female singer-songwriters, with names like Sarah Blasko, Missy Higgins, Kate Miller-Heidke and Lisa Mitchell leading the way. I'd say it's only a matter of time before we can add Sydney's Molly Contogeorge to that incredible list. Her sophomore EP, Glasshouse Living, features four tracks that showcase one of Australia's great emerging songwriters. Contogeorge has the right kind of modern jazz/pop voice that holds your attention on each song's excellent lyrics. 'Lead on, Lead on' is a welcome introduction to Molly's style and sets her apart from the Blasko's and Higgins' of the Australian music industry. There's an infectious tune that puts Contogeorge's style in line with a more upbeat Nicole Atkins. Third track, 'Lock and Key,' is the highlight of the EP; a little darker than the other tracks and Contogeorge gets a little grungier with her vocals. Heading down a rock and roll path could be a very interesting direction for her. Closing out Glasshouse Living is the ballad 'Why?' "We ask the same questions and tell all the same lies." Beautifully written and performed by Molly, listen to 'Why?' once and you wont be forgetting it any time soon. Actually, it leaves you wanting to hear a lot more from Molly Contogeorge. Hopefully we'll be hearing her debut LP soon.

Matt Bond gives the Glasshouse Living EP four Michael Hutchence's out of five...   

NEW MUSIC VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Days Go By

by The Offspring

Album: Days Go By (2012)

You know when you hear a song on a commercial and it sounds kind of familiar, like something you know but just not quite right? You know when some company’s advertising budget doesn’t cover getting the original artist’s song, so they get some terrible dodgy cover of the song done for their terrible dodgy ad? Well, hi Offspring. Someone’s got a bad case of Foo envy don’t they? Except I hope Dave Grohl wouldn’t be caught dead singing those lyrics; “All your anger all your hurt doesn’t matter in the end, those days go by and we all start again”; did you write these in high school? You, Dexter Holland, singer person, I've never understood how you got that gig? I’ve heard better voices at bad karaoke, not to mention good karaoke. As for your new clip, all these layered images are just to distract from your wrinkles aren’t they? You’re almost all in your forties, how long can someone keep playing teenage style average middle of the road pop punk? Oh well, forever I guess and this song will probably be quite popular too, but as they say, there’s no accounting for taste. LMFAO have made millions of sales. 

Jo Michelmore gives the 'Days Go By' video one Chad Kroeger out of five...