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Inbox Blues Pt.2

Yesterdays first attempt at breaking the back of my overflowing inbox went fairly well I thought… 450 emails read and errr 5 tracks posted!  It’s honestly not that I get sent a lot of terrible music (although I do get my fair share) its more I don’t see the point in featuring tracks I think are merely “alright“.
There was also a huge amount of junk, “So You Think You Can Dance” updates, and PR lies… “Hi Music Like Dirt, We’ve been reading your blog for some time now and think its one of the best there is… We thought you’d really like to hear the new single by Jamie Cullum/Celine Dion etc“.

Anyway on with the remaining 553… lets hope there are some gems hidden within!

14:00PM
At the risk of getting side tracked before I even begin I have to feature a monster of a track that popped up on Twitter.  I’d read a few mixed reviews of “One Armed Bandit” the latest LP from Ninjatune’s Norwegian Jazz collective Jaga Jazzist but if the free edit of “Toccata” is anything to go by I’ll be heading to emusic to get the album later.

Recorded as a homage to avant-garde composer Steve Reich, “Toccata” begins like an lost track from “Music for 18 Musicians“.   The free edit is “only” 5 and a half minutes long but there’s plenty of time for Reich-like repetition, and gradual build over that time.  A piano riff repeats throughout, beats kick in half way through to be joined by what sounds like the entire brass section of the orchestra booming down.  Its a simply glorious sound.

Jaga Jazzist – “Toccata (edit)” (MP3)
Facebook / Twitter / Website / Myspace / Buy

14:40PM
Ok who’s stupid idea was this!? I’ve not found anything that really grabs me and now I can see the clock ticking since my last recommendation.
There are plenty of the usual suspects, the bands that occupy the upper heights of the Hype Machine charts.  Numerous remixes of Marina & the Diamonds of which the thumping house of Juan MacLean’s version comes out top.  The genius that is Chilly Gonzales recorded a orchestral piano remake supposedly for an Eastern European TV show. Watch that here.

Marina & The Diamonds – “Hollywood (Juan MacLean remix)” (MP3)

Another bloggers favourite Yeasayer have been remixed by the uber-cool XXXchange, but to be honest I prefer the unashamedly bouncy pop remake by Alan Wilkis. Be sure to check out Alan’s own solo work, and a host of tasty remixes on his website.

Yeasayer – “Ambling Alp (Alan Wilkis mix)” (MP3)

Any room for some more electronic pop? Dan Black has released one of his unofficial mixtapes featuring borrowed lyrics and un-releasable steals from Goreki, Beastie Boys, Kate Bush and Drake. Grab the Weird Science mixtape here:

Dan Black – “Slave To Paper” (MP3)

And finally with the lighter poppier sounds is Laurel Halo from NYC, but who emailed to say she’d just been in Bethnal Green. She describes her music as “funky and dreamy“, although at the start of  “A Single Breath” I thought I was in for some more Steve Reich.  Visit her blog for more downloads including a “Vampire drum and Bass” version by London’s Radiant Dragon.

Laurel Halo – “A Single Breath” (MP3)

16:20PM
Right, before all that pop rots your teeth, its time for The London Snorkelling Team. They create cocktail, crime, space music that they imagine happened sometime in the 1950s at a party for experimental scientists with an obsession for cartoons. It sounds a bit like the theme music from Inspector Gadget as played by a cocktail band.
They’re playing King’s Place in February as part of the Arctic Circle festival featuring The Willkommen Collective, and to mark the occasion theyve put together a 13 track sampler of all the artists playing the concert series.

CLICK HERE for a free to download 13 track sampler

The London Snorkelling Team – “Samuel Langoustine” (MP3)
Myspace / Buy beautifully packaged Audio Recording and map
Hildur Gudnadottir – “Erupting Light” (MP3)

16:50PM

How could I forget to mention the latest Akira The Don mixtape!!? ATD 20 is available to buy in various bundles with tshirts and the like, or as a Free lower bitrate MP3.
The Don didnt sleep for 40 hours while creating this epic mix that takes in the Jungle Book, Black, a new version of Thanks For All The Aids and all kinds of new Akira goodness.

Listen to The Bare Neccesitys (Akira The Don) remix below or watch the video here.
Akira The Don – Bare Necessities by Akira The Don

The man has even branched out into spoken word territory with the beautifully shot version of “Security“. Filmed on location at the Olympic construction site just across the canal from his Hackney home.

17:30PM
Emails are great ive learnt about fresh revenue opportunities, that Mr Motivator has confirmed his appearance at an Austrian music festival, and that the Heavy rocked David Lettermans world so much he forgot to sleep with a member of staff (and asked the Heavy to play the same track twice). Watch it, they’re fantastic live.

19:59PM 0 Emails left to be opened… 433 tracks to potentially be listened to! Not sure this experiment in clearing my mail really works as a spectator sport.  Now to cook some dinner and start listening to a few of these tracks… where to start!

I’ll sign off with a video from Benin City who did send me a link to their new single but by the time I’d checked it out the link had expired. If this video of “The Beat” Live is anything to go by it’ll be well worth snapping up. Check their Myspace or become a Facebook fan, then watch the video below which reminds me of old style Hip-Hop mixed with a little Go-Go. The Beat does indeed sound very very nice!

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Inbox Blues Pt.1

Ping… another email arrives and the count of unread messages ticks over the 1,000 mark.  You’ll never hear me complain about being sent music by either email or post but keeping on top of it, and sorting the wheat from the PR chaff  is near impossible.
In a bid to end my guilt I hope to be able to sit back by Sunday evening with a big fat zero unread mails and an empty PO Box.

12:300PM…
Last week while scrolling forlornly through the vast unread list, a name from Music Like Dirt’s past grabbed my attention.  Way back in June 2006 I developed an unhealthy obsession with a John Gregory/Jeru/Snoop bootleg called “Earthshaker (MP3)“.
A few months later the man behind the mix Jez Proctor was kind enough to indulge in a little bit of “Listen To This” musical banter during which he recommended a band called Hercules & The Love Affair… who obviously never amounted to anything!

So when Mr Proctor sends an email saying “I LOVE this track, it just has to be out there and be heard” you’d be foolish not to give it a spin.
Radio 1’s Gilles Peterson first picked up on the fantastic bass squelch of Don Froth’s “10,000CC” back in October so its a surprise that a limited run of 444 12″s is only imminent now (in the next month or so on the Phonica White Label).

Don Froth – “10,000CC” (MP3)
Don Froth Myspace / Twitter / Youtube / Facebook / Soundcloud
Also check out Jez’s blog Innersounds for more inspired selections

13:30PM Apologies, I got a bit distracted by a sending off at Anfield…

14:00PM Getting a lot of “This link has now expired” from emails… sorry for taking so long to have a look.
Fortunately Primary 1’s ultra chilled remake of Alex Metric’s “It Starts Again” is still online. Having enjoyed their upbeat “Hold Me Down” single back in 2008 I wasnt expecting such a lush sound.  Largely underpinned by an almost steel pan keyboard sound its far mellower than the original. The subtle guitar and building multi-layed vocals towards the end are lovely.

Alex Metric – “It Starts Again (Primary 1 cover)” (MP3)
Primary 1 – Myspace / Facebook
Download a FREE 15 track collection of demos and early work of Primary 1
Alex Metric – Myspace / Twitter

14:45PM Perhaps it wasnt a good idea to do this on a day 10 man Liverpool defeat Everton 1-0. Concentrate!

15:00PM My brother arrives bearing chicken and informs me the piano on “Black The Colour of My Heart (Demo)” by Monarchy is “well Beatles-y“.  My initial disappointment at it not being a Nina Simone cover are quickly dispelled by the mixture of almost Air like slick production and pure pop chorus.  That chorus had me wondering if the single was a reverse racist, declaring  “She’s everything that I want…but black“… the long pause is thankfully followed by “has always been the colour of my heart“.

Monarchy – “Black The Colour of My Heart (Demo)” (MP3)
Myspace / Twitter / Download their Fyfe Dangerfield remix

15:50PM Jack Morgan
One from the postbag now (well ok small pile), and Jack Morgan was kind enough to send me his debut release “Sleep In Heavenly Peace“.  Looking at his influences on myspace I was initially a bit sceptical about the influence of Radiohead, Blur and Sigur Ros but half way through a mildly sarky opening sentence I started to pick up a hint of Albarn in some of his phrasing and a touch of Yorke in the despondent yet strangely uplifting sound.

Recorded by 21 year old Jack in a variety of Leamington Spa and London bedrooms, he’s managed to generate a quality of production that wouldnt sound out of place on a Jose Gonzalez release. Jose being the person this track most reminds me of.
5 tracks into the CD and there’s two gems already, so definitely one I’ll be returning to for future listening.

Jack Morgan – “Furtherance” (MP3)
Check out his Myspace / Buy /  Watch a live version of “Furtherance”… but sack the cameraman

My brother just chipped in with the observation that Jack’s sound was a little different back in the 1970’s. Watch “Reggae Man” below from Look Around You’s “Music 2000″ special (also well worth watching the first televised recording of rap music).

16:40PM
The 4AD label deliver some fiery Norwegian Alt-Rock courtesy of Serena-Manesh, also known as S-M. There are touches of the Prodigy about the snarling bass guitar line and clattering drums but there’s much more of edge, agression and avant garde than anything Liam and co have recorded in the last decade. A wall of noise builds up over the riff, with bleeping electronics and distorted vocals collapsing in on themselves before dropping back again to just the beat.

Serena-Manesh – “Ayisha Abyss” (MP3)
Myspace / Catch them live on the 8th of March at The Lexington, London

17:29PM Mercenary Publicity would like me to know Jamie Cullum has covered Rhianna’s “Please Don’t Stop The Music” for his new single. Hmmm time to stop the music for today I think, while I go cleanse my ears.

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Top 200 tracks of 2009 (Music Like Dirt)

The Music Like Dirt top tracks of the year list returns for a fifth edition and once again falls short of being the most comprehensive, the most knowledgeable or the most bleedin’ edge. It is however consistently the latest and for that I apologise and hold out the hope that as the light fades on January there are still a few hardy souls who still wish to pick over the embers of 2009.

Compiled from a shortlist of around a 1000 tracks through a process of demented indecision until “only” 200 remained.  Breathtakingly good tracks were chopped in fits of peak, and the order could still change at any time. The point is these lists are slightly point-less, but these 200 tunes have enriched my life over the last 12 months.  Besides half the fun of making charts is looking back at the previous editions of 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 and realising you shouldn’t be left in control of the car stereo, let alone pontificating on the finest musical output of the year. Declaring Beyonce’s “Single Ladies“ the 45th best of 08 is as far as I’m concerned excuse enough for you to all to leave now.

It’d be great to hear your own favourites and you can now join me in heated debate on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments section of this page.
Emails with the subject line “How can you call yourself a music blogger when you don’t have the Animal Collective in your list” will also be accepted.

If you’re an artist and object to me giving away the fruits of your labour please let me know and I’ll remove the link ASAP.

1. McAlmont and Nyman
“In Rai Don Giovanni” (MP3)

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“although surgeons fixed his eyes,
He never sees how vulgar he’s become” (lyrics)

All is not well with the musical universe when the glorious voice of David McAlmont is not present at the top of its table. Despite his phenomenal talent McAlmont’s career trajectory has been anything but smoothly ascendant, but in the unlikely form of Michael Nyman he may have finally found his perfect foil.
As this countries most celebrated contemporary composer you wouldn’t expect Nyman to struggle for inspiration but the pair only came together after discovering they shared a similar artistic block. Nyman needed words to spark his compositions to life, while McAlmont lacked the songs. The resulting album “The Glare” is the finest showcase for that unique voice since the first McAlmont & Butler longplayer way back in the mists of the 90’s.

Its no surprise that the project’s concept is suitably highbrow, how many LP’s take inspiration from the 19th century French painter Gericault? He saw his art as a documentary on canvas, telling the tale of news events of his time, sometimes in collaboration with people actually involved in the stories. McAlmont took this on by twinning some of Nyman’s finest works with lyrics written in the first person perspective of the subject of a current headline. So “Going To America” finds captured Somalian pirate Abdiwali Muse worrying about FBI agents and Navy seals, while the title track has Susan Boyle contemplating life as an overnight sensation.  Zimbabwe, Joanna Lumley and the Gurka’s… it all sounds painfully clunky as an idea but aside from a few tracks it works phenomenally well.  Its also worth reading McAlmonts blog on the lyrics with links to the headlines that inspired each song.

“In Rai Don Giovanni” gives Veronica Lario, the long suffering wife of ageing lothario and statue catcher Silvio Berlusconi a chance to tell her story. Despite first catching Silvio’s eye while stripping off in a play she eventually finds the “skinny blonde model’s” and “floozies younger than his kids” too much to bear and is off “to better things“.  Her or rather David’s voice declares all this in celebratory style, the music is bouncy and vibrant, strings pluck and horns parp as she throws off the shackles of a “shameless playboy pimp“. With the P of pimp emphasised with spitting indignation.

What better way to start 2010 than with David McAlmont back centre stage, in his pomp, overblown, exuberant, camp as hell but gloriously beguiling. Even better according to his twitter the pair have re-entered the studio to record a new track together.

Myspace / McAlmont Twitter / Facebook / McAlmont reveals inspiration behind the songs
Buy / Watch: Guardian TV featuring interview and exclusive new track.

2. Octave Mouret
“Locked Doors (feat. PolarBear)” (MP3)

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“No one ever says that Im like you, but there are times when I’m frightened they might do”

Lyrics are often the songwriters neglected art, a catchy tune may stick in the head but the right turn of phrase can stop you in your tracks or send the mind spiralling.  As such when you stumble across a true wordsmith you tend to hold them tight (or in my case enthuse about them at length on a blog).

The current crop of poets, or at least those that stray from purely spoken word into music seem to be in a rich vein of form when it comes to matching jaw droppingly good lyrics with a decent tune.  Scroobius Pip returns with a new single “Get Better (YouTube)” in March and Kate Tempest’s Sound Of Rum LP was a highlight of last year, to name but two.  At the top of that tree sits Polar Bear, an act Ive plugged so much that as I said in a previous post I’m dangerously close to donning a ra-ra skirt, energetically thrusting pom poms in the air and demanding readers “Give me a P… give me an O“.

“Locked Doors” a collaboration with Octave Mouret is achingly beautiful, with deceptively simple deft production allowing the words due prominence.  PolarBear draws his stories from the ordinary, and the simple truth that there’s nothing more powerful or easy to relate to than everyday life.  In this case the father/son relationship, and dealing with a dad who mostly isn’t there. The words are defiant yet laced with damage, the son may never “google his name, or sit on night buses wondering where he is” but the pity for the fathers loss can’t help but reflect back… “If I ever put even one foot into your shoes, I have people who’ll stop me“.    As with all of PolarBear’s work its deeply affective, brilliantly judged and has more in common with Mike Leigh or Jimmy McGovern than any songwriter I know.

He’s always got several projects on the go at any one time so I’d recommend signing up for his mailing list to keep uptodate, or Twitter, although that mostly features the amusing things a son says to his dad.
PolarBears latest major piece is a collaboration with BAC called “Return” in which an entire film is conjured up and imagined through spoken work. The run starts in March, snap up your tickets here (I will be).

Octave Mouret Myspace
PolarBear Twitter / Myspace / Home Of Polar / Buy PolarBear

3. Moodymann
“Freeki Mutha F cker” (MP3)

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“you don’t even like this song, you just dig the hook”

With its rumbling bass, subtle keys and whispered fruitiness “Freeki MF” is the sound of a pre-Jehovah Prince getting upto no good with some early Chicago/Detroit house. Riding a spartan backing Moodymann throatily intones his tale of voyeurism while the lady in his sights sighs and coo’s at his every line.
It’s probably the most sexually charged record since Lil Louis’s peak or at least since Prince released the Scandalous Sex suite, a 25 minute recording of his seduction of Kim Bassinger. Thankfully its a far better record than listening to half an hour of Prince & Kim shagging, but like Scandalous it has a comical quality. You can whisper the line “You used to ride the bus, today you took the train” in as gravely a voice as you like but it’ll raise a laugh before anything else.

One of the finest records of the year even if it does swing wildly across the lines of steaminess, comedy and creepiness.
In the interests of accuracy I should point out that I’ve discovered this actually came out in Dec 08, and has been a live favourite since 2005.

Facebook / Myspace / Mahogani Music / Freeki Mutha F cker Tshirt / Buy
Watch: Moodyman performing the song at the Montreaux Jazz festival 2005 and in 2007.

4. Terry Lynn
“IMF” (MP3)

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“There will not be a good future for the rich, if there is no prospect of a better future for the poor”

A critique of the IMF’s systematic destruction of the Jamaican economy as told through the medium of a stonking great pop reggae anthem.  It doesnt matter that as a sheltered speaker of our Queens English I cant understand half of what Terry is saying, the chorus is still cutting yet unbelievably catchy.
The IMF’s mantra of liberalize, privatise and deregulate is infamous, and its bullying of countries like Jamaica into selling their assets in return for access to loans has been the subject of entire documentaries. The award winning 2001 film “Life & Debt” examined what the Jamaican Prime Minister called the “imperialist” actions of the IMF. Its available to watch online, and features the speech by IMF Director Horst Kohler sampled by Terry on this track.

Myspace / Website / Buy

5. The XX
“VCR” (MP3)

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“Watch things on VCRs, with me and talk about big love” (lyrics)

Aside from the obligatory Animal Collective, The XX were probably the most blogged about band of 2009. Unlike the Animal Collective however they broke through into the mainstream aided by a huge marketing spend from their label XL.  Three or four promos were sent to me alone, posters plastered the tube, and it worked as critics applauded and the kind of people who buy their CD’s at Tesco bought into the band.  That may sound outlandishly snobby, but on several occasions people I know who have never expressed any particular love for music beyond Radio 2 blasted out The XX and evangelised wildly on their behalf.   And the reason beyond the hype and the major label? Its quite a simply a bloody good album.

“VCR” is the poppiest and lightest of the albums tunes, a simple love song about “watching films” together with the musical accompaniment of little more than a bass and sweet xylophone.   I could in truth have picked four or five off the disc as my favourite, without even going into all the fine remixes on offer (eg Pariahs fantastic “Basic Space”).
Recently I attended xx: A Sculpture of the Album,  a “3D physical interpretation” in a large empty storeroom beneath Soho’s Phonica records.  It’s a decent idea, with three pillars, each containing a video performance from one band member and depending where you stand the mix of the album changes.  I can’t say I was exactly bowled over by the experience but the visit did offer an opportunity for a bit of banter with my brother over the merits of The XX.
In his eyes the sparse sound of The XX is not beautifully simple, its just simple full stop.  All the tracks fairly similar and unremarkable… its just pleasant.  The debate concluded with my brother insisting he made sounds like the XX when he first tried to play a guitar.  He confidently stated he could therefore easily toss off an XX LP in an afternoon.  Needless to say I didnt agree but I’ve offered to pay for the release of this LP should he be able to deliver on his bold claim!

Myspace / xx.info / Buy
“VCR” (Youtube) / “Basic Space (Pariah mix)” (YouTube)

6. Talen
“The Vibes – A Sizzla Tale” (MP3)

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“Don’t fight the Vibes… I like the vibes”

Winterthur, Switzerland – Not the first place that comes to mind when imagining hotbeads of 21st century Reggae sounds.  Ok, old Pipecock Jackxon aka Lee “Scratch” Perry made Zurich his home but the 2 DJ’s/2 Producer’s team going by the name Talen should put Switzerland on the reggae map.
Dancehall meets dubstep with an absolute thumping bass drum made fiercer still by ragga royalty Sizzla booming his love of “Reggae music“.
The track works especially well when played very loudly on motorways (I havent tested it on A roads). Many long journeys out West were accompanied by me hitting continual repeat on this “Talen Sound“.

Myspace / Facebook / Talen Soundcloud (inc FREE mixes)
Buy / itunes

7. Jay-Z
“Empire State Of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys)” (MP3)

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“Mommy took a bus trip and now she got her bust out,
Everybody ride her, just like a bus route”

Jay-Z.com / Myspace / Buy
Watch: Video / VMA Awards performance / Alicia Keys solo version of “Empire State”

8. Mayer Hawthorne
“The Ills” (MP3)

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“You know the ills of this world they can get you down
But then you get back up”

Facebook / Twitter / Myspace / Video Interview / Buy
New “Soul With A Hole” 24 track compilation of Mayer Hawhornes favourite Soul originals.

Watch: Unofficial video for “The Ills” as beautifully crafted by an annoyingly talented bloke I work with (below). Inspired use of archive footage, unlike a similar-ish attempt at Coldcut’s Beats & Pieces I bashed together but never finished about 15 years ago.

9. Glasser
“Apply (Lemonade Remix)” (MP3)

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“If the walls were too thin, You would break right in”

Myspace / Blog
Watch: The making of the 12″ limited edition sleeve / “Apply (Original version)” Video

10. DJ Quik & Kurupt
“9x’s Outta 10“(MP3)

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“Irradiated mushrooms irradiate entire rooms”

Twitter / Myspace / Buy
Watch : 9x’s Outta 10 Video / Interview about the Album

11. Fort Knox Five
“Funk 4 Peace (Nick Thayer Remix)” (MP3)

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“Turn the music, its time to release”

Twitter / Facebook / Myspace / Soundcloud / Buy
Watch: “Funk 4 Peace (live)”

12. Cracks In The Concrete
“Ballad of Ashley Marie”

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“you cant afford me, you sad sorry fuck… im dearer than rubys, you’re shit out of luck”

Myspace / Optimo label
Louise McVey & Cracks In The Concrete Myspace / Buy

13. Bob Hillary & The Massive Mellow
“Hear Mi” (MP3)

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Facebook / BobHillary.com / Myspace / Buy
Watch: Bob gives a tour of the treehouse where he lives in Scotland. / “Hear Mi” a very pretty video

14. Desire
“Under Your Spell” (MP3)

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“I don’t eat, I don’t sleep, I do nothing but think of you”

Blog / Myspace / Italians Do It Better Blog / Buy
Listen to the equally good/better “Don’t Call” (below)

15. William Elliot Whitmore
“Mutiny” (MP3)

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“I want to wrap my hands around his crooked neck
and throw him overboard”

Website / Facebook / Myspace / Daytrotter Sessions / Buy
Watch: “Mutiny” Live

16. Shafiq Husayn
“Lil Girl (feat. Fatima)” (MP3)

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“diggin for them secret doors, one day you shall find it”

Twitter / Facebook / Myspace / Buy

17. Jamie T
“Chaka Demus (Ben Bones & Jamie T remix)” (MP3)

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“I love her, she loves me too. That’s why we get togetherrr”

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Myspace / Buy
Watch: “Chaka Demus (Original)” (Video)

18. Laura Veirs
“July Flame” (MP3)

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“Can I call you mine?” (lyrics)

Twitter / Facebook / Myspace / Website / Buy
Watch: The Making of “July Flame” (Video) / “July Flame” (Video) /

19. Clock Opera
“White Noise (Django Django remix)” (MP3)

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“Rejoice in d chords, white noise and drums”

Twitter / Facebook / Myspace / Read Clock Opera’s Tips for 2010 / Buy LTD 7″
Watch: “White Noise (original)” (Video) / “White Noise” Live on Diesel:U Music Video

20. Black Meteoric Star
“World Eater (12″ version)” (MP3)

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Website / Facebook / Myspace / Buy
Watch: Snippet of Gavin Russom (Black Meteoric Star) Live show

21. Dinosaur
“Kiss Me Again (Tim & Pauls Edit)” (MP3)

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Tim talks about the edit / Arthur Russell Documentary Trailer
Listen: Original 12 and 13 minute versions

22. La Roux
“In For The Kill (Skream’s Let’s Get Ravey Remix)” (MP3)

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“Full stops and exclamation marks
Oooh my words stumble before I start”

Myspace / Facebook / Website / Buy
Apply for tickets to special Heaven 17 / La Roux live collaboration

23. Fashawn
“Samsonite Man” (MP3)

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“Look in the mirror, realise you getting older”

Twitter / Facebook / Myspace / Buy
Watch: “Life As A Shorty” (Youtube)
Read: Fashawn picks his top 10 west coast hiphop albums of all time

24. Afrozen Orchestra
“Togana” (MP3)

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.

Myspace / Label / Buy 7″

25. Gold Panda
“Quitters Raga” (MP3)

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Twitter / Myspace / Gold Panda Shop

26. The Slew
“Robbin’ Banks (Doin’ Time)” (MP3)

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Slew.net / Facebook / Myspace / Kidkoala.com
The Mighty Slew YouTube Channel / Buy the LP
Kid Koala backing Meaghan Smith on turntable (YouTube)

27. Lupe Fiasco
“The National Anthem” (MP3)

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“Health care hair, Drive by thighs
Education lips, HIV eyes” (lyrics)

Twitter / Facebook / Blog / LupeFiasco.com / Buy
Download FREE Lupe mixtape “Enemy Of The State: A Love Story“
Watch: “Muhammad Walks” – Lupe’s take on Kanye’s “Jesus Walks” from a Muslim perspective

28. Mount Kimbie
“Maybes” (MP3)

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Facebook / Myspace / Buy
Watch: Video for “Maybes” made as part of a fan’s final year at Art School.

29. Left Lane Cruiser
“Big Momma” (MP3)

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“oh yeah yeah oh yeah yeah, yo mama”

Facebook / Myspace / Buy
Watch: “Big Momma” Live in a record shop and a radio studio. / Interview

30. Randan Discotheque
“Daily Record May 18th 1993”

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“I forgot about that, Cliff Maier sold his wife to an arab millionaire”

Twitter / Facebook / Myspace / Buy
Watch: “I’d Like To Be Alone” (Live) – Another Randan classic from a few years back

31. Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate
“Kala Djula” (MP3)

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Myspace / Toumani Diabate Facebook / Buy
Watch: Kala Djula (Youtube) / Short film about the making of their 2nd and final album together

32. Jeremy Warmsley
“If He Breaks Your Heart (Miyauchi Yuri remix)” (MP3)

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“If he breaks your heart, Will I stand a chance?” (lyrics)

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website / Buy

DL Free EP / Watch: “If He Breaks Your Heart (Acoustic)”

33. Little Boots
“Earthquake (Stonemasons Club Remix)” (MP3)

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“I know some days are hard, But must you make mine too”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Littleboots.co.uk / Buy

Watch: “Earthquake (Single Version)” (Youtube)

34. Nine High
“Cookout (M-Phazes Remix)” (MP3)

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“Give me bacon chops, give me steak on top”

MySpace / Taos Records Blog
Their distribution company just went bust so they’ve put the full album up as a FREE download
Watch: “CookOut” (Video)

35. Neon Indian
“Should Have Taken Acid With You” (MP3)

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“Should have taken acid with you, Melt our tongues and become unglued”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Buy
Watch: No offical video but 1 trippy Super8 fan made alternative as well as another featuring an off his face bloke falling over in a shop.
Read: Pedestrian Interview with Neon Indian

36. Badly Drawn Boy
“Is There Nothing We Could Do?” (MP3)

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“Who am i to ask you why you feel the way you do”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website (inc LTD 7″ offer) / Buy
Watch: “The Fattest Man In Britain” (ITV Player)
26 min GuardianTV interview with BDB (winning Mercury/New LP/songwriting) “Is There Nothing We Could Do? (Acoustic)”

37. Leyland Kirby
“When We Parted, My Heart Wanted To Die (Friedrichshain Memory)” (MP3)

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Website / Facebook / Blog / Buy LTD LP
Watch: “When, We Parted, My Heart Wanted To Die (Youtube Edit)”

38. Lee Fields & The Expressions
“Ladies” (MP3)

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“When I saw you walkin by. Girl you blew my mind.” (lyrics)

Website / Facebook / MySpace / Buy
Watch: Lee Fields rehearsing “Ladies” / “Love, It Comes and It Goes” (Live)

39. Frida Hyvönen
“Jesus Was A Crossmaker” (MP3)

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“Sweet silver angels over the sea, Please come down flyin’ low for me”

Twitter / Facebook / Website / MySpace / Buy
Watch: The Judee Sill Original

40. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
“Sugarfoot” (MP3)

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“Brought me down straight to my knees, She’s doing things I’ve never seen”

Twitter / Facebook / Website / MySpace / Buy
Watch: Youtube Channel / “Sugarfoot” Live on Late Late Show

41. Jack Penate
“Tonight’s Today (Extended Mix)” (MP3)

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“And my filthy palms, Reach for the harms”

Twitter / Facebook / Website / Buy
Watch: “Tonight’s Today” (Video)

42. Major Lazer
“Can’t stop now (feat. Mr. Vegas & Jovi Rockwell)” (MP3)

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“My love for you coulda never drop”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / MadDecent / MD Store / Buy
Download Diplo “Free Gucci” Mixtape
Listen: The Techniques – “You Dont Care” Heavily sampled on this track.
Watch: “Pon De Floor” Video, features JA dance style “Daggering” or dry humping as its known round these parts!

“Hold The Line” Prince Zimboo’s brilliant remix. (below)

43. Julianna Barwick
“Bode” (MP3)

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Website / Myspace / Buy
“Sunlight, Heaven” (Video)

44. Kelis
“Acapella” (MP3)

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“Before you, My whole life was acapella!
Now a symphony’s, The only song to sing”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website / Buy
Kelis talks to Vibe magazine about her new album, motherhood and split with Nas.

45. Shakira
“She Wolf” (MP3)

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“Starting to feel just a little abused
Like a coffine machine in an office”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website / Buy
Watch: “SheWolf” (video) / The Oxford Union invite Shakira to give speech / Katie Courik interviews Shakira

46. Lily Allen
“Fuck You (DOCTOR ROSEN ROSEN Rx)” (MP3)

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“So you say it’s not okay to be gay, Well, I think you’re just evil
You’re just some racist who can’t tie my laces, Your point of view is medieval”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website / Buy
Watch: “Fuck You (single)” Not very good Video /

47. Windmill
“Airsuit” (MP3)

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“the stars and planets all align”

Website / Facebook / MySpace / Buy
Download the epic “Big Boom” for free from RCDLBL
Watch: “Big Boom” Video featuring spaceman Matthew

48. Peggy Sue
“Lover Gone” (MP3)

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“Ohh Lover gone, this song is not a love song, because our love is gone”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website / Buy
Buy their debut album and ticket for launch gig in March for 14 pounds.
Watch: “Lover Gone” (video) / “All N My Grill” Missy Elliot Cover version

49. Juice Aleem
“KunteKinteTarDiss” (MP3)

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“Ive got no tattoos because Im not a viking”

Twitter / Facebook / Website / MySpace / Buy
Watch: “Higher, Higher” (Video) / “First Lesson” (video)

50. Busdriver
“Least Favourite Rapper (Feat. Nocando)” (MP3)

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“Your favourite dude champions every Chicago city slum
From his condominium”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Buy
Download: “Least Favourite Rapper (Anti-Pop Consortium remix)” Free from XLr8r
Watch: “Me-Time (With The Pulmonary Palimpsest)” – Excellent video / Busdriver on Blinddate!

51. DJ Food
“All Covered In Darkness (Parts 1 & 2)” (MP3)

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Blog / MySpace / Buy
Visit DJ Food Soundcloud to download mixes including hour long Kraftwerk covers Vol.6
Read: DJ Foods favourite music of 2009
Watch: DK & DJ Food “Now, Look & Listen” a Solid Steel AV Mix

52. Rocco DeLuca & The Burden
“Bright Lights (Losing Control)” (MP3)

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“Honey, you know I Love You
there’s no one above you… And no one below”

Twitter / Facebook / Website / MySpace / Buy
Watch: “Bright Lights (Losing Control)” (Live) (Video)

53. The Cubical
“Like Me I’m A Peacock” (MP3)

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“You never even liked me, how the hell you wanna save me”

Twitter / Myspace / Buy / Download Free Rarities LP

54. Florence + the Machine
“You’ve Got the Love (XX remix)” (MP3)

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“When food is gone you are my daily meal”

Twitter / Facebook / Website / MySpace / Buy
Watch: “Youve Got The Love (Original)” (video) / Candi Staton @You Got The Love (Live @ Glastonbury)” / 1991 Source feat Candi Staton

55. Miike Snow
“Burial (DJ Mehdi Remix)” (MP3)

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“at your, own burial, dont forget to cry”

Twitter / Facebook / Website / MySpace / Buy

Watch: Absolutely beautiful video shot in Varanasi, India. Makes me want to go back to India again. View below.

56. Peaches
“Billionaire” (MP3)

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“Fu*k you like a billionaire. Debonair, in my Fred Astaire footwear”

Twitter / Facebook / Website / MySpace / Buy
Watch: “Billionaire” (Live with Yo Majesty)
Miss Piggy performs Peaches most famous song “Fu*k The Pain Away” (see below)

57. The Melting Ice Caps
“A Good Night” (MP3)

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“Anyone who says Shoreditch folk are arseholes has obviously never tried playing an indie gig in a pub in Colchester” (lyrics)

Facebook / Website / MySpace
Download 5 Melting Ice Caps Singles for free + bonus tracks! Totally essential!
Listen: The Soft Close Up’s (Myspace) – David’s other band

58. Sea Skid
“Swami” (MP3)

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“I was made for loving you, baby, You were made for loving me”

In Flagranti MySpace / Codek Records (inc loads of videos. most of which are NSFW) /

Watch: Kiss – “I Was Made For Loving You” (Youtube)

59. Gable
“I’m Ok” (MP3)

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“I’m really fine, I’m well balanced, I’m OK, Im OK”

Website / MySpace / Buy
Watch: “Drunk Fox In London” (Video) – Gable

60. Withered Hand
“Hard On” (MP3)

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“A Hard On, A Hard On, A Hard On dont mean you’re in love”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website / Buy
Listen: Interview with Withered Hand on Edinburgh Student Radio

61. Indigo Jam Unit
“Arctic Circle” (MP3)

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Website / MySpace / Buy
Watch: Indigo Jam Unit – “Pirates PV” (Video)

62. Popular Tyre
“Febbre Del Discotheque” (MP3)

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“This is your… D.I.S.C.O”

Facebook / MySpace
Watch: “The Old Walking Man” – Popular Tyre

63. Alice Russell
“Let Us Be Loving” (MP3)

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“keep on keep on lovin ..lovin….”

Twitter / Facebook / Website/ MySpace / Buy
Watch: “Let Us Be Loving” (Video)

Video below: At last years SXSW Alice & her band were kind enough to let me follow them around for BBC News during a day (and well into the next) of gigs.

64. Erol Alkan & Boys Noize
“Waves (Chilly Gonzales Piano Remake)” (MP3 Removed)

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Alkan: Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website / Buy
Gonzales: Twitter / Website / Myspace
Watch: Chilly Gonzales challenges Andrew W.K to a Piano Battle. / Jarvis Cocker & Gonzales perform “Francaphobia” @ Pigalle Club

65. Floating Points
“Love Me Like This (Nonsense Dub)” (MP3)

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Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Buy
Watch: The original version by Reel To Reel – “Love Me Like This”

66. Akira The Don
“Ask Amanda Palmer” (MP3)

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“She said pop culture reffrences will date your shit like Futurama, he said fie that bullcrap,
I that Bratpack, ask Amanda Palmer”

Twitter / AkiraTheDon.com / Facebook / Buy
Listen: Tons of superb tracks to buy and free download @ Akira’s Soundcloud

Watch: ATD’s tribute to Steven Wells: He was the greatest
210 Songs in 10 minutes
Akira interviews Raekwon
ATD – “I Dont Hate The Beatles Anymore”

67. Dirty Projectors
“Stillness Is The Move” (MP3)

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“after all that we’ve been through
i know that i will always love you”

Website / Facebook / MySpace / Buy
Download: “Ascending Memory” Free Digital DL 7″ feat two unreleased tracks.
Watch: “Stillness Is The Move” (Youtube)

68. The Leisure Society
“Pancake Day” (MP3)

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“Im not an evil man, on pancake day Ill lend you my frying man”

Twitter / Website / Facebook / MySpace
Buy the brilliant Willkommen Collective Vol.1 compilation CD

69. La La Lepus
“We’re Taking Out Your Family” (MP3)

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“We’re zeroxing your legacy, while we feed you on your shame”

MySpace / Myspace Remixes
Watch: “We’re Taking Out Your Family” (video) /

70. jj
“Ecstasy” (MP3)

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“When I’m in the club. I’m always on a drug. If you get a hug. Guess what drug.
I’m on ecstasy” (lyrics)

jj artist page on Secretly Canadian
Download: New free Download MP3’s from jj
Watch: “Ecstasy” (Video) / Lil Wayne “Lollipop” (The original) / “Pure Shores” jj ruin the All Saints original

71. Bill Wells & Maher Shalal Hash Baz
“Tipsy Cat” (MP3)

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.

Bill Wells MySpace / Mahar Shalal Hash Baz Myspace / Buy

72. Fatman & Tropical
“Simple Things (feat. Sarina Leah & Ty)” (MP3)

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“Just relax and follow me, until we start to fly. Apostrophe”

Myspace / Buy
Ty: Twitter / Facebook

73. Various Production
“Tricycle” (MP3)

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Blog / Website / Facebook / MySpace / Misc (Various offshoot for more unusual work) / Buy
Look: Various Production are known for their beautiful cover art and David Bray the designer responsible has a blog packed with his stunning work.
Watch: “My Girlfriend Has A Problem With It” – A profile of the illustrator David Bray

74. Kid Harpoon
“Childish Dreaming” (MP3)

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“Why are there nightmares? And who made my shoes?
Why are there children shedding blood on the news?” (lyrics)

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Buy
“Childish Dreaming” (Live) (Youtube) / “Childish Dreaming” Guitar Tabs

75. Bill Callahan
“Jim Cain” (MP3)

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“In case things go poorly and I not return
Remember the good things I’ve done”

Facebook / MySpace / Buy

76. Chase & Status
“Saxon (OH SNAP!! Edit Stylee)” (MP3)

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Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Buy
Watch: “Against The Odds (feat Kano)” – C&S
Ninki Minaj, singing over the top of “Saxon” possibly as demo for Rhianna (who knows)

77. Quantic And His Combo Barbaro
“The Dreaming Mind (part 1)” (MP3)

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Website / Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Buy
Watch: “A Postcard From Cali – Tradition in Transition Trailer” (Video)

78. Delphic
“This Momentary (Shoplifters’ Split Second Remix)” (MP3)

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“Can we make the time to leave it behind and reshape, remake our Fate in what we see”

Website / Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Buy
4track EP Free Download
Watch: “This Momentary (original)” (Youtube)
BBC Sound of 2010 Video

79. Maxwell
“Pretty Wings” (MP3)

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“Your face will be the reason I smile
But I will not see what I cannot have forever”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website / Buy
Watch: “Pretty Wings” (Video)

80. Julian Casablancas
“4 Chords of the Apocalypse” (MP3)

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“I can hear it in your voice, There’s always a catch…
We’re going nowhere, And we’re going there fast.”

Facebook / Website / MySpace / Buy
Watch: “11th Dimnesion” (Video)

81. FrankMusik
“Little Words (King Cannibal Remix)” (MP3)

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“the three words always end
and you know we can’t pretend”

Website / Twitter / Facebook / MySpace
Watch: “Little Words (original)” (Video)

82. Larry Jon Wilson
“Shoulders” (MP3)

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“God never gave me a shoulder, baby, strong enough to carry your goodbye tearstains on”

Website / Twitter / Facebook / MySpace
Watch: Larry Jon Wilson: Canoochee Revisit/Ohoopee River Bottomland (Video)

83. Etienne Jaumet
“For Falling Asleep” (MP3)

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Facebook / MySpace / Buy
Watch: Etienne messing around in his studio
Etienne Jaumet – “Clementine M06″ (video)

84. Drake
“Best I Ever Had (Skeemix) (feat. R. Kelly)” (MP3)

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“You the fucking best, you the fucking best
You the best I ever had, best I ever had”

Twitter / Website / MySpace
Watch: “Best I Ever Had” (Video) – Every hiphop/r&b cliche in the book but seriously what do you expect

85. Joy Orbison
“Hyph Mngo” (MP3)

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“oooo a jew, ooo a jew, a jew”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Buy
Download: Joy Orbison “Greenmoney mix”

86. Breakage
“Together (feat. David Rodigan)” (MP3)

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“We dont want too many speeches, its all about the music”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace
Watch: “SIR David “RamJam” Rodigan” (Amusing Rodigan dancing)
Rodigan interviews Bob Marley

87. Sam Amidon
“How Come That Blood” (MP3)

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“what are you gonna do when your daddy finds out”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website / Buy
Watch: “Wedding Dress” – Sam Amidon

88. DJ Sprinkles
“Sisters, I Don’t Know What This World Is Coming To” (Youtube)

.

Website / MP3’s to sample / Free “10 Years of Amazing Demo Tapes” Comp
Buy / Comatose Catalogue
Download an “acoustic-electro ambient mix” by DJ Sprinkles for Resident Advisor

89. Sound of Rum
“Prometheus” (MP3)

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“building my sanctuary on sinking sand”

Facebook / Website / MySpace / Kate Tempest Myspace / Buy
Watch: “Slow Slow” – Sound Of Rum

90. Eliza Doolittle
“Money Box (Jamie XX Remix)” (MP3)

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“take your dollar, your buck, I couldnt give a… penny“

Twitter / Facebook / Website / MySpace

91. Pictureplane
“Goth Star” (MP3)

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Twitter / Blog / MySpace / Buy
Read: Pictureplane’s Top 10 tracks of 2009
Watch: “Goth Star” (Video) / A very “arty” new performance video

92. Tune-Yards
“Hatari (Karn Remix)” (MP3)

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Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website / Buy
Watch: “Hatari (Live)” – Tune-Yards / “Real Live Flesh” (Video)

93. Washed Out
“Feel It All Around” (MP3)

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.

Facebook / Blog / MySpace / Buy
Watch: “Feel It All Around” (Video)

94. Patrick Wolf
“The Sun Is Often Out” (MP3)

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“Was your work of art so heavy that it would not let you live?”

Facebook / Website / MySpace / Buy
Watch: “Accident & Emergency” (Video)
Read: Quietus interview and session with Patrick

95. Neko Case
“Vengeance Is Sleeping” (MP3)

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“Damp and bruised by stranger’s kisses on my lips
But you’re the one that I still miss” (lyrics)

Website / Facebook / MySpace / Buy

96. Wave Machines
“Keep The Lights On” (MP3)

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“Hold your fingers up to the sun,
trace the bones feel the blood run”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace / Website / Buy
Listen: “Keep The Lights On (Metal On Metal remix)” – 13 minute mix (Download here)
Watch: The Wave Machines (Live @ Rough Trade)

97. Father Abraham
“Helpmesaveme” (MP3)

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“Let me the first to say congratulations God”

Twitter / Website / Buy
Visit: All 52 songs from his year long, 1 song a week project. All Zipped up for free download / Download more MP3’s on the new Father Abraham site

Read: Father Abraham was kind enough to take part in one of Music Like Dirt’s irregular features “Listen To This“. He picked 3 songs for me, and I did the same back. Did he really hate them all!!?? Read Pt1 / Pt2 (and download some fantastic music too)

98. Emily Barker
“Little Deaths” (MP3)

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“All the plans I had, like butterflies on my hands
have now flown from reach”

Twitter / Facebook / MySpace /
Watch: “Little Deaths (Live)”

99. Build An Ark
“In Her Smile (Daedelus Remix)” (MP3)

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Facebook / MySpace / Buy
Listen: Live @ Cargo – Full gig

100. Mike Dehnert
“Umlaut2 (Levon Vincent Ny Basement Mix)” (MP3)

MySpace / Buy

101. Paul White – “Hustle (Bullion Remix)”

102. The D.B. Buxton Revue – “Sex With My Ex (Cadence Weapon’s No Sex Mix)”

103. Slim Twig – “Black Eldorado”

104. Vybz Kartel – “Yuh Love” (MP3)

105. White Denim – “Say What You Want”

106. Pangaea – “Memories”

107. Laish Quartet – “In The Morning”

108. Wale – “TV In THe Radio (feat. K’naan)”

109. Richgirl – “He Ain Wit Me Now”

110. Jay Electronica – “Exhibit C”

111. Gucci Mane – “Lemonade”

112. Tony Lionni – “Found A Place”

113. Mike Slott – “23 Halfs”

114. Generationals – “When They Fight They Fight”

115. Caspa – “Lion’s Roar”

116. Palov & Mishkin – “Jack The Nose”

117. The Emperor Machine – “Kananana”

118. The Gossip – “Heavy Cross (Siriusmo Dub)”

119. The Miserable Rich – “Muswell (Chicken Feed Remix)”

120. Alan Wilkis – “Pink and Purple (Father Abraham Black and Blue RMX)” (MP3)

121. Diego Bernal – “Bring It On Home” (MP3)

122. Titiyo – “Crystal Clear Mud”

123. Headless Heroes – “Hey,Who Really Cares (Jon Hopkins Remix)”

124. Cobblestone Jazz – “Fiesta”

125. The Heavy – “How You Like Me Now? (Joker Remix)”

126. Blakroc – “Stay Off The Fuckin’ Flowers (Featuring Raekwon)”

127. Bibio – “Jealous Of Roses”

128. Twi The Humble Feather – “Finale”

129. Two Fingers – “Straw Men”

130. People Under The Stairs – “Trippin At The Disco”

131. Jah Wobble – “Get Carter Version (Cliff Brumby Mix)”

132. Kurt Vile – “Beach On The Moon (Recycled Lyrics)”

133. Pepe Bradock – “Path Of Most Resistance”

134. Nils Frahm – “Ambre”

135. Kenny Glasgow – “Jump Up In The Air (MFR Remix)”

136. Fanon Flowers – “Acid Kush” - Website / Myspace

137. The Phenomenal Handclap Band – “15 To 20″

138. Jee4ce & Riddlah – “Never (Father Jack Remix)”

139. The Duckworth Lewis Method – “The Age Of Revolution”

140. Vic Chesnutt – “Flirted With You All My Life”

141. Tifa – “Talk Of The Town (feat. Natalie Storm)”

142. Myd – “Train To Bamako”

143. The Very Best – “Warm Heart of Africa (feat. Ezra Koeing) (Theophilus London Remix)”

144. Micachu – “Lips (Clark Kunt’s Heavy Mental Remix)”

145. Shit Robot – “Simple Things (Work It Out) (Main Mix)”

146. Danny Norbury – “This Night Is For You And For Me”

147. Trans Am – “Wounded Monkey (feat. Tim Soete)”

148. Regina Spektor – “Laughing With”

149. Dennis Ferrer – “Hey Hey (Df S Attention Vocal Mix)”

150. Poirier – “Marathon”

151. Douglas Wood – “Folk Ghost”

152. Screaming Females – “Boyfriend”

153. Lunice – “One of Me”

154. Alan Fitzpatrick – “Face Of Rejection”

155. The Gentleman Losers – “Ballad Of Sparrow Young”

156. Joker & Ginz – “Purple City”

157. The Hundred In The Hands – “Undressed In Dresden (Jacques Renault Remix)”

158. Pink Dollaz – “Dont Need No”

159. Mike Bones – “What I Have Left (Alexis Taylor Version)”

160. Willie Isz – “The Grussle”

161. Alif Tree – “Way Down South (With Tony Joe White)”

162. DOOM – “Angelz Featuring Tony Starks”

163. The Black Keys – “Her Eyes Are A Blue Million Miles”

164. Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – “Where Was My Brain?”

165. The Go Away Birds – “Highwire”

166. Alan Pownall – “A Life Worth Living (Jakwob Remix)”

167. Omo – “Advantage”

168. Capitol 1212 – “Everybody Move Like Robot (feat. Daddy Scotty)”

169. Olivia – “Take It Off”

170. Raekwon – “House Of Flying Daggers (Feat. Inspectah Deck, Ghostface & Method Man)”

171. Nino Moschella – “We Fight”

172. Dizzee Rascal – “Dance Wiv Me (feat. Calvin Harris & Chrome”

173. Wet Paint – “It Rots”

174. The Mars Volta – “Cotopaxi” (MP3)

175. Levon Vincent – “Late Night Jam (Original Mix)”

176. Forest Swords – “Miarches”

177. Hifana – “MONDEW (feat.Pro.Chinnen)”

178. Thom Yorke – “All For The Best”

179. Burial & Four Tet – “Moth”

180. Ellie Goulding – “Wolves

181. Grizzly Bear – “Two Weeks

182. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – “Alyo”

183. Starkey – “Miracles”

184. Toro Y Moi – “Blessa”

185. Jonathan Kane – “Smear It”

186. Volcano Choir – “Island, IS

187. Yeasayer – “Ambling Alp”

188. Mux Mool – “MERLINFIST!

189. Sébastien Tellier – “Kilometer (A-Trak Extended Dub)

190. Efdemin – “Acid Bells”

191. Matty G – “Layin in Bed, Overture: Watermelon City (feat. Elizabeth Alex)”

192. Motor City Drum Ensemble – “Raw Cuts #6″

193. Tokyo Black Star – “Black Star (Feat. Rich Medina)”

194. Zigmat – “Watch the World”

195. Charlie Parr – “Don’t Send Your Child To War”

196. Animal Hospital – “A Safe Place”

197. Bishop Lamont – “Hallelujah (feat. Xzibit)”

198. Ghost – “From The Beginning

199. Player Piano – “Anything At All

200. Phoenix – “Lisztomania” – Watch Video tribute to the movies of John Hughes below

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Music reviews, News and MP3s »

We didnt invent the remix…

But neither did Puff Daddy, and as a music blogger (even one who’s been missing for a couple of months) my hard drive is stuffed to bursting with ‘versions‘.

For decades record companies have used remixes as a marketing tool. Major acts would commission a variety of remixes to appeal to the various scenes… “right this new Sting track is amazing but we’d like a pop mix, a northern dance round the handbag club mix, a hip-hop take, and a credible electronic version please“… “oh and make sure you use all the current big name DJ’s“. Before Gallup tightened the rules, remixes could be spread out over multiple editions of singles to force completist fans to buy every format and boost chart positions.
Now that no one buys physical single releases anymore the role of the remix has changed once again. Take Little Boots, the Sound of 2009 or one might harshly say the sound of hype before the substance is quite there. Tipped to the heavens for greatness by people who I swear had only heard one track, if that. Lukewarm album reviews and sales followed, and now the new single “Earthquake” is being promoted with a mass of remixes. My inbox contains 5 or more versions, all with the official ok to disseminate at will.
Thats not to say Little Boots won’t go on to great success or to single her out, everyone is at it. Indeed over the last 6 weeks I reckon I’ve bought, stumbled across or been sent over 250 different remixes. Fortunately out of those I’ve listened to, about 50 are pretty damn good which is not a bad strike rate.

So in a lazy attempt to kick start my blogging habit I thought I’d go through a few goodies.

After being a little harsh about her I’ll start with Little Boots, and a mix by the pastmasters of the dance anthem, The Stonemasons. Their reworking of “Earthquake” hits the button marked 90’s pop dance, harking back to the type of treatment the Brothers In Rhythm used to serve up.

It’s the kind of wonderful pop froth that Kylie, Madonna, Britney, and Little Boots herself totally failed to deliver all year.

Little Boots – “Earthquake” (MP3)
Twitter / Website

From the Sound of 09 to a group sure to be on the tipsters lips for the dawning of the <insert whatever the next decade’s going to be called>. Clock Opera’s debut 7″ is available from the ever excellent Puregroove records, but it wont be long before the major labels come calling. Last month I managed to miss seeing them play live three times in one week. Something I intend to put right in the new year.

Clock Opera – “White Noise (Django Django mix)” (MP3) / (Video)
Buy 7″ from Puregroove / Myspace / Facebook

CLOSE TO THE EDIT

Before delving into any more remixes lets quickly turn to the “Edit”. This blog has waffled at length about the re-edit, ie chopping up, reordering, lengthening a song rather than necessarily remixing it. The Edit had its peak in the disco era but has undergone something of a renaissance of late thanks to the likes of Greg Wilson.

Recently an edit appeared on my harddrive that may actually take the crown of “my favourite of all time“. I say “appeared” because I cant for the life of me remember where it came from.
Tim H & Pablosounds edit of Arthur Russell’s first crack at “Dance” music “Kiss Me Again” is nothing short of phenomenal. Recorded in 1978 under the pseudonym of Dinosaur the 14 minute long original is famously bonkers, featuring cello, a disco diva, piano, horns and an off the hook guitar courtesy of Talking Heads David Byrne. To get a flavour of the track read the perfect description by Mr.Disco on his blog.

While searching for more information on the people responsible for the re-edit I came across a discussion of the tracks various mixes in which “Tim” explains his version.

“Somewhere amongst all the versions there is a KILLER track struggling to make itself heard.
That edit me and PabloSound did a couple of years back was based on the 12.42 ‘Kiss Me Again (Version)’ , off the red vinyl promo. That’s my favourite rendition, but we had to chop it up a lot to get it into a sensible structure.”

Dinosaur – “Kiss Me again (Tim & Pauls Edit)” (MP3)

Of course no discussion of Edits would be complete without a mention of Greg Wilson. I won’t worship at his feet for long but mention should be made of his arrival into the world of SoundCloud. SoundCloud is the latest buzz site for musicians and fans to share music. No self respecting artist is without one it seems. It offers control over downloads or streaming, a lovely interface, and most importantly listeners to your track can annotate the sound wave with remarks like “that snare is dope man!!!“.

Greg’s SoundCloud is packed full of exclusive mixes, and lots of his legendary edits. All free to download, some of which, like the Elektrons edit below were previously only available on one-sided 12″.

Elektrons – Get Up (Greg Wilson’s Special mix)” (MP3)
Visit Greg Wilson’s SoundCloud page for a host of other fantastic mixes and edits.

POP WILL EAT ITSELF

There are certain darlings of the blog remix world who’s latest knob-twiddle is guaranteed to shoot up the hype machine. Don Diablo for example is actually a team of eight people who work in continuous shifts so as to supply 17 remixes a day to the inboxes of eager music bloggers.

Hailing from New York, the trio Lemonade are currently causing a storm both as artists and as in demand re-mixers. Thankfully they don’t operate a sausage factory policy and although prolific the quality level rarely drops. Glasser, aka Cameron Mesirow is one to benefit from Lemonade’s golden touch. Usually she employs her voice as an instrument perhaps like Kate Bush meets Bobby McPherrin, except that sounds like a bad thing! Check out her myspace to hear what I mean, but Lemonade strip the track down, lock it in an echo chamber and emerge with what reminds me of the Guy Called Gerald classic “Voodoo Ray“, and I do mean its that good! Beautiful in fact.

Glasser – “Apply (Lemonade remix)” (MP3)
Lemonade – “Sunchips (Ghosts on Tape Remix)” (MP3)
Glasser Myspace / Lemonade Myspace / Facebook

The XX are another band who not content with releasing one of the finest albums of the year still find the time to not only sneak out the odd remix, but hit the proverbial ball out of the park. Theyre even capable of feats of musical alchemy turning Jack Penate into certifiable gold.

Jack Penate – “Pull My Heart Away (Jamie XX remix)” (MP3)
Florence & The Machine – “Youve Got The Love (XX remix)” (MP3)
Eliza Doolittle – “Moneybox (Jamie XX Remix)” (MP3)

COVER ME
Aside from getting yourself a snazzy remix, another way for a new band to get a bit of attention is the cover version. Preferably by a bloggers favourite so at the very least you show up on the hype machine when fans search for a free copy of their favourite bands new single.
It can be a dangerous tactic, if your covers terrible you risk the ire of people who spend far too much time sitting at a computer. Get it too right, or too good, and youre in danger of becoming The Futureheads.

One band who seem to have mastered the art of self-promotion though irresistible covers are Rachael, Mike and Matt, collectively known as Run Toto Run. Armed only with Rachaels digital camera, a set of angel wings and a couple of animal heads, their Passion Pit cover version charmed 80,000 Youtube viewers.
Now theyve repeated the trick with another beautiful cover, this time of Bombay Bicycle Club. They also have a single out, and new material on myspace from their forthcoming LP. One listener was so impressed by what he heard he offered to buy the band a PA system.

Run Toto Run – “Always Like This” (MP3)
Run Toto Run – “Sleepyhead” (MP3)
Run Toto Run – Myspace / Facebook / Twitter

Marina & The Diamonds opted for getting others to cover their new single. So far so mundane you might say but how about by a 20ish piece all girl choir going by the name of Gaggle?!

Marina & The Diamonds – “Mowgli’s Road (Gaggle Cover)” (MP3)
Gaggle Myspace

Jah Wobble has been in the game too long to be accused of doing a cover for attentions sake. You can imagine Mr Wobble decided to cover “Get Carter” for his own merry idiosyncratic reasons. He remains one of the finest Bassists alive, and his Chinese Dub Orchestra LP has been collecting “world” music awards.

Jah Wobble – “Get Carter (Version)” (MP3)
Jah Wobble Myspace

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Popularity: 3% [?]

Featured, News and MP3s »

Scroobius Pip’s Spoken Word Furious Seven

Currently hard at work on the follow up to the debut Le Sac vc. Pip album “Angles“, Scroobius Pip has taken time out to share some of his Spoken Word favourites.

Most of the seven are purely spoken word pieces, uncluttered by any music. They cover the old favourites right up to modern classics from the current champions of a vibrant scene.

Back in December fellow MLD writer Ryan did a loosely Spoken Word themed compilation, and hopefully I’ll get round to doing my own soon.

For now though over to Pip – who does after all have a bit more knowledge – for tales ranging from the size of Justin Timberlake’s adams apple to how to tell a strict Ugandan family that you’re so gay your DNA has four letters: YMCA.

Illustration by jak Umbdenstock

SCROOBIUS PIPS FURIOUS SEVEN

Sage Francis – “Mullet” (MP3) / (Live performance)

This is one of the first spoken word pieces that I listened to over and over again. Comedy, great wordplay…it has everything! Last year, after being a fan for a long time, we signed with Sage (on his label Strange Famous) in America.
Myspace / Twitter /Francis endorsed free 40 minute mix taking in hip hop and the Spice Girls.

B Dolan – “Open Letter to Justin Timberlake” (MP3) / Words

This is the most recent spoken word piece I have listened to over and over again! Another Strange Famous act. We toured with B all over the USA last year and was amazed at his wondrous ways. The “black rage” line kills me everytime.
Myspace / Twitter / House of Bee’s Vol.1 50 minute Dolan/Buddy Peace mix

Joshua Idehen – “Dylan on Cupid (Dan Le Sac mix)” (MP3)

I first saw this performed in a tiny venue in Camden about 2 years ago. There were about 10 other people in the room, most of whom were performing. This was the piece that stood out by far.
Myspace / Twitter

Kate Tempest – “Balance” (MP3)

As I have regularly said, Kate Tempest has no damn right to be this good! This is just one illustration of how amazing she is at construction complex, yet flowing, tales. Perfection.
Myspace / Sound Of Rum debut LP (7.99!! how much) / Recording a live Spoken Word LP at Puregroove records 20th Oct

Musa Okwonga – “Cooper Chimbonda” (MP3) / (Words)

I was once in a slam against Musa and thought I had done well…until he got up and did this one, 10 minute piece. He won. I agreed. Amazing.
Myspace / Twitter / Musa & Joshua’s group Benin City on Myspace

Gil Scott-Heron – “Whitey on the Moon” (MP3) / (words)

Well I needed to get an old classic in didn’t I! Gil had an amazing way of switching from spoken word to singing and being effortless with both. This is one of my favourite spoken word pieces of his.

Preview clips from Gil’s new album due in 2010 / Howard Stern’s doesn’t really get it (YouTube) / Whitey on the Moon Dub article

Polarbear – “Straight Outta Compton” (MP3)

I have gigged with and been a fan and friend of Polarbear sometime now. This is a piece that I only heard after seeing him perform about 10 times. When you are a fan of someone often you just want to hear “the classics” so its hard for a new piece to get your interest. This piece certainly did and quickly sat down in a comfortable chair along with the other “classics”.

Myspace / Twitter / See Polarbear, Scroobius, Kate Tempest and more live at Polar’s house (well, The Albany)

Popularity: 6% [?]