After “Be Brave”, from Akira’s Tribute to the music of Street Fighter Mixtape featured here last week, The Don summoned up an army of twitterers to assault the Hype Machine Twitter chart.

For the uninitiated, the Hype Machine hoovers up MP3’s from hundreds of music blogs and allows users to listen to individual tracks, favourite them, or tweet their appreciation to all and sundry. Any blogger who’s ever posted an MP3 of LCD Soundsystem will have found themselves at No.1 in the main chart (by its nature it rewards posting the most popular artists, rather than spotting new talent) but the separate Twitter chart is a different beast.

Otherwise known as the “ANA MARIE COX CHART”, a song scores points for every tweet about it. The more followers a person has the higher points per tweet, so Ana Marie has dictated the top 3 for weeks thanks to the 3801 point scoring bunker busting tweet bomb her massive 1.5 MILLION followers give her.

No easy task to overhaul but day by day “Be Brave” climbed, 100’s tweeted in its cause, every single point taking it slowly towards the 4000+ needed. Musicians and writers like Martin Carr, Example, Gonzales, Dan le Sac, Scroobius Pip, The Quietus, Lethal Bizzle joined the fight putting some big scores on the board. Robyn, Andree 3000 and finally James Murphy himself were passed and it was mostly down to the twitter hoi polloi tweeting and retweeting for days.

If you missed the track first time listen below or visit AkiraTheDon.Com to download a Free MP3 bundle.

Akira The Don – Be Brave by Akira The Don
With one chart “rigged“…sorry enthusiastically embraced… why not milk it some more and suggest the story to those responsible for the excellent Hype Machine Podcast/Radio show? I suggested they speak to Akira himself but the show is about the blogs rather than speaking to artists so it was left to the one man charisma vacuum that is me to step in for wittering duties.

Listen below at about 12 minutes in. On the plus side they played Desmond Dekker’s “Intensified 68 (Music Like Dirt)” as well as “Be Brave”. All I can say is I sound like a right old whinge, moaning about how much email I get (oh woe) and how I think about deleting the whole blog. I’m not really such a miserable git honest!!! I don’t feel part of Akira The Don’s life either… well not since the restraining order anyway.

#19 Hype Machine Radio Show (June 2010) by hypem

Akira & his mate Joey2Tits have also remixed Dan Le Sac Vs. Scroobious Pip’s new single “Great Britain”.

It’s available to listen to below, and buy at all good retailers (or itunes).

Finally the last remaining sample – Squeeze’s Cool For Cats, – has been cleared, and Akira’s album, The Life Equation is almost ready to be unleashed.
The first single, co-produced by the legendary Stephen Hague (as is the rest of the album) will be winging its way to Radio soon.

Great Britain (Akira the Don vs. Joey2Tits Remix) by le sac Vs Pip

Sample nerds might want to check the original source material for “Be Brave” below – taken from the Blood On The Asphalt remix of Guile’s Ending Theme, from the Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD remix project.

SAVE BBC ASIAN NETWORK (AND 6 MUSIC TOO)

Another delayed post featuring some of my musical favourites from the last few weeks. Hurriedly put up (in unfinished form) simply because its the last chance to fill in the BBC’s online questionnaire registering your objection to the closure of The Asian Network & 6 Music.

Visit here to register your objection with the BBC Trust (they make the decisions)

The Asian Network recently picked up a couple of Sony Awards for its output. Nihal won Best Speech programme, with the judges saying “Issues are addressed that you’ll rarely, if ever, hear on mainstream radio… Quite simply, brilliantt.”

Back to the music as I didn’t intend this to be about Save Asian Network today, it just happens that Bobby Friction introduces me to bountiful amounts of new music courtesy of his AN show.
Without again going through the million reasons why both stations need to survive (I’ve wittered before) an entire scene depends on the Asian Network. Artists like Psychedelic Singh (who this post was actually supposed to be about) get not only national exposure but more importantly cold hard cash from the BBC via PRS for every play (about 15 quid for every play I think?) Commercial rivals whinging about the Asian Network’s budget do so from the comfortable position of not paying for the music they play.

Thanks go to Asian Network for alerting me to the work of Bradford’s finest purveyor of tie-dye bhangra, Amarik Singh, aka Psychedelic Singh. Listen to “Tumba Vajada Nar” below featuring the vocal talents of Lal Chand Yamla Jatt for just a sample of his riotously fun output. If the BBC is allowed to self-harm and cut the Asian Network it’ll be a body blow to the very musical and cultural diversity that for me makes this country great!
Tumba Vajada Nar feat Lal Chand Yamla Jatt by The Psychedelic Singh

Psychedelic Singh – Myspace / Soundcloud
Amarik Singh – “Tumba vajada Nar” (MP3)

Amarik Singh – “ReProduced (Bobby Friction on BBC Asian Network)” (MP3)

HYPNOTIC BRASS

As the Uk strips enmasse down to shorts and socks in celebration of a weeks worth of beautiful weather, the musical equivalent of sunshine, The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble return with a perfectly timed new EP.
As a taster they’ve unleashed a free download of the Outkast covering “Spottie” from the EP, safe in the knowledge that anyone who listens will be compelled to buy the EP (if not their entire back catalogue). Incidentally Big Boi from Outkast is also back with “Stutterbug” a tune so good the bookies are paying out on track of 2010 seven months early.

Watch the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble video above and then book yourself to see them live should they pass a musical venue near you.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Twitter / Facebook / Website
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – “Spottie” (MP3)

JETTRICKS

I’ve not had a chance to listen yet but it’s fabulous to see JetTricks getting some coverage courtesy of Fun Lovin’ Criminal Huey Morgan on BBC 6music.

Listen again to the show as Paul & Jamie JetTricks talk about their musical collaborators, love of soul and swap home studio stories with Huey.
Also check out the Podcast “Jettricks on the Wireless Radio Show” over here.

The second Jet Tricks album “One World” came out last month (Buy it here) but for a sample of the Jet Tricks sound listen to the wonderful “Don’t Touch Me” from their debut. Watch the video below too.

Jet Tricks – Facebook / Twitter / Myspace / Buy
Jet Tricks – “Don’t Touch Me” (MP3)

SAGE FRANCIS

Sage Francis’s new album LI(F)E emerged blinking into the daylight this week revealing itself as a brave and extraordinary step up in the ambitions of Francis.

A good example being the sumptuous “Best Of Times” a collaboration between the fiery poet/rapper and Yann Tiersen, composer of the Soundtrack to one of the alltime favourites of world cinema, Amelie. Its a truly epic, touching and heartfelt track and if you’ve not already heard it, listen then read Sage’s thoughts on the songs lyrics and his nervousness at working with Yann.

In other news Dan Le Sac is currently working on some Sage remixes.

Sage Francis – Twitter / Facebook / Website / Buy
Sage Francis – “Best Of Times” (MP3)

Sage Francis – LI(F)E Interview (conducted by Steven Blaqart) by Strange Famous Records

AKIRA THE DON

Dan Le Sac may be working on a Sage Francis remix, but in the incestuous world of facebook friending, twitter following remixers, Akira The Don has already remixed got his tonsils round Dan & Scroob’s new single “Great Britain“. Available to buy next week or for a sneak preview listen 25 minutes into No.14 of Akira’s All New STILL weekly Doncast.

The real ATD news though is the MASSIVE response to his latest free mixtape, ATD23. From my window a few weeks back I could see smoke drifting across Walthamstow Marshes from the direction of Hackney. What could it be… Socialist Worker constructively criticizing the Olympics by torching the place..? No, it was servers running Akira’s website melting down after ATD 23 was declared “The Best Gaming Mixtape You’ll Ever Hear” by the ludicrously popular gaming site Kotaku.com.

30,000 streams later, pages worth of comments along the lines of “Ca donne une SUPA DUPA HOT SHIIIIT!” and Akira has indeed produced another classic mixtape. Its rammed with new songs based around Streetfighter samples, including rising talent, Envy.
As someone who never really played Streetfighter I’m hoping Akira succumbs to my own gaming heritage with an ATD24: Emlyn Hughes International Sensible Soccer mixtape!

Download ATD23 – Tribute to the music of Streetfighter

Akira The Don – Website / Twitter / Facebook / Soundcloud
Akira The Don – “Be Brave” (MP3)

LION D

London born but now living in Italy (from where his mum hails) Lion D’s “Nah Like Da Way Deh” is a bitter pill of social commentary wrapped up in the sweetest summer reggae coating. Wind down the car windows and sing along to the likes of “To make it look like a global conspiracy, to hold the people down and keep them in poverty“.

Its also two tunes for the price of one as 2 and a half minutes in the vocals disappear and it heads off on a glorious 4 minute sax led instrumental excursion! If you like this be sure to check out his debut long player “Burning Melody“.

Lion D – Twitter / Facebook / Buy
Lion D – “Nah Like Da Way Deh” (MP3)

ELLIE MAE / BANANA KLAN

“@musiclikedirt why’s everybody sleeping on @rootsmanuva and banana klan anyway? haven’t heard a peep from anybody else. bouncement 4eva“.

I couldnt agree more with dao777’s tweet above, so for the second post running I’m giving some love to Rodney Smith’s BananaKlan. Its difficult to think of a time when Rodney seemed this productive, this on fire, and yet strangely the internet doesn’t seem to be buzzing yet.
Last time around it was a Banana Klan prototype, since then there have been mixtapes, an all new belter from Manuva himself, Jim Screech has possibly his best track ever poised to drop, and Ellie Mae a singer/songwriter from Surrey (pictured right) has been transformed by the Klan into Carol Thompson’s long lost sister! Listen to “Every Little Thing” below – Lovers Rock as re-imagined through the squelching prism of Rodney’s uniquely English bouncement sound.

Ellie Mae – Twitter / Facebook
Banana Klan – Twitter / Facebook / Soundcloud

Rodney himself is back with some new material unveiled over on Soundcloud (and available to buy too)
Snake Bite – Roots Manuva by Banana Klan

THE STREET LAMP SESSIONS

BamaLoveSoul.Com presents its first remix compilation, The Street Lamp Sessions Vol.1: The Remixes!

The finest knob twiddlers in Alabama get their hands on tracks by Amel Larrieux, Jill Scott, Jaafar, Jay Z and more.

The whole things free so head over to BamaLoveSoul to say thanks.

Who says romance is dead… Shaheed pays audio tribute to his beautiful wife…

Shaheed – Myspace
Shaheed – “Beautiful Black Ethiopian Skin” (MP3)

MONDKOPF

I think Ive developed a modern version of attention deficit disorder – Twitter, Facebook, MP3’s by the thousand, iplayer, youtube… These days its hard to hold my attention for a full track before I hit shuffle, so a whole album… yeah right!

Mondkopf’s “Galaxy Of Nowhere“ is one of a handful of exceptions so far this year. An album I can listen to from track 1 to 12 without my finger even hovering over “next” – ridiculous though that problem is.

Maybe the 23 year old Parisian just ticks all the right boxes for me? Eno influences, crunching beats, large synths but most of all BIG orchestration! Lovely.

As a bonus grab Mondkopf remix of one of my favourite tracks of last year by Wolf Parade. Its huge and free from those people at RCDLB who get their mitts on all the best tunes, damn them.

Mondkopf – Twitter / Facebook / Lastfm / Music blog
Mondkopf – “Valse Dans L’Ombre” (MP3)

STRAYFOLK / BAD PANDA

Bad Panda are currently releasing a new Creative Commons licensed song every Monday.

In search of top quality Americana they arrived in Sweden (the Easyjet flights were cheaper). StrayFolk hail from Malmö, Sweden and Dylan or Waits would be proud to put their names to “What Wouldnt I do“.

If the music wasnt enough their favourite quote comes from the legendary Groucho Marx – “Go and never darken my towels again“. Thats me convinced.

Strayfolk – Myspace / Website / Bad Panda (inc High Quality DL) / Buy
Strayfolk – “What wouldn’t I do” (MP3)

DET SEJLER I EFFEKTER

From Copenhagen, Denmark, Det Sejler I Effekter (english translation: Awash in effects) is a cooperation between Kee Fritchards/Jdreng, Daniel Sarstedt and tummy_dob.

The band formed in early 2008. Musically Det Sejler I Effekter fuse elements from dubtechno, electronica and a smidget of dubstep.

Det Sejler I Effekter – Facebook / Twitter / Soundcloud
Det Sejler I Effekter – “Erobrende Løve” (MP3)

MING MING DANCE COMPANY

Ming Ming Dance Companys style is hard to pin down to a particular genre, but his music has been described as ‘Floating in a swimming pool full of LSD while Timbaland beats the dudes from Suicide to death with his 808′.

Although that description was ripped wholesale from the email they sent me… I’m a bad music blogger but the tracks very good so please forgive me for my cut and paste sins!

Ming Ming Dance Company – Facebook / Bandcamp / Myspace
Ming Ming Dance Company – “Crookline” (MP3)

SEINKING SHIPS

Part of Cardinal – an orchestral pop act that paved the way for everyone from The Polyphonic Spree to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. Eric from The Seinking Ships was also signed to Sub Pop and releasing an LP that MOJO cited as ‘one of the 67 Lost albums You Must Own’. He decided to make an album with Ohio native Christopher Seink – mainly instrumentals inspired by 80’s soundtrack music.
It also features Miki Berenyi from Lush who’s been absent from the music business since the late 90’s. Miki laid vocals on a few tracks for the album – entitled “Museum Quality Capture‘. No disputing this album is obtuse, but intriguing at the same time.

Seinking Ships – Twitter / Facebook / Website / Buy
Seinking Ships – “Year Of The Seeker” (MP3)

DIEGO BERNAL

Civil rights crimefighter by day and beat producer by night, Diego Bernal, returns with “Besides…” his follow up album to 2009’s successful, For Corners. On the album, Bernal sifts through untapped and long forgotten South Texas crates to create a musical ode to the classic era of hip hop.

With “Besides…” we see a more straight foward take on hip hop but the production has matured and the beats have grown more into full songs.

Diego Bernal – Twitter / Facebook / Myspace / Download free full album
Diego Bernal – “El Corrido de Chico B” (MP3)

PHANTOGRAM GET THE WILKIS GOLDEN TOUCH

MLD regular Alan Wilkis has been providing his midas touch to another lucky upcoming act. Not only is he the Hype Machines most prolific remixer but Wilkis has even reached as far as the National Slovak Theater who’ve interpreted his track “The Hustle” (DOWNLOAD) in contemporary dance. (Youtube video)

Unsurprisingly Phantogram’s label, Barsuk, are delighted with the remix, labelling it a “joyous new-wave inflected delight.”

Phantogram – Facebook / Twitter
Alan Wilkis – Website / Twitter / Soundcloud
Phantogram – “Mouthful of Diamonds (Alan Wilkis mix)” (MP3)

Alan Wilkis Remixes by Alan Wilkis

To keep up-to-date with the latest MP3 related ramblings join the Music Like Dirt Facebook page or follow on Twitter.

Having only managed to get in by queing up at 7pm I can report its changed very little bar a lick of paint and a lot more Energy Drink related cocktails. Its a decent small venue and could have sold out many times over given the embarrassment of riches on the bill.
I missed several acts because the upstairs was so rammed security greeted you at the bottom of the stairs with a “Sorry Sir, Its one in – One out“.  So GhostPoet, Elan Tamara, Nailah, and DOP will have to be caught another time!

But as Gilles himself says in his look back at the night, its not every awards show where you get “800 odd people cheering the fact that Harry Whittaker’s latest is number 4 in the jazz chart! It makes the the whole thing worth it just for that…”

Lee Fields & The El Michels Affair

At a little after 1am, the star of the show strolled onto the stage. Diminutive in form but a colossus in charisma and vocal talent, Lee Fields is the successor to the soul crown once worn by James Brown.

His backing band – made up of members of El Michels Affair & The Meehan Street Band – had already warmed up the crowd with 3 stonking slices of wah wah and brass.

Looking dapper in a suit Fields was relaxed, in command of both the stage and the full house.  Word for word renditions of his latest album were belted out by the crowd, Love Comes & Goes, Honey Dove and of course the modern classic “Ladies”.

The only act of the evening to get an encore, Fields departed sweat dripping down his face. The front row reached out to him as he worked his way along them, clasping and shaking every hand. If this is a short Lee Fields set, look out for the full tour coming soon.

Lee Fields & The Expressions – “Honey Dove” (MP3)
Lee Fields – “Let A Man Do What He Wanna Do” (MP3)
Meehan Street Band – “Make The Road By Walking” (MP3)
El Michels Affair – “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” (MP3)

Facebook / Myspace / Buy the Album – Because Lee tells you too (and its fantastic)
Watch: “Ladies (Live @ WWA 2010)” (Youtube) / “Ladies (Live @ WWA 2010)” (longer Youtube)
“Love Comes & Goes (Live @ WWA 2010)” (Youtube)
Official Live video for “Love Comes & Goes” (YouTube)

Robert Glasper Trio

Prior to the gig The Robert Glasper Trio wouldnt have been the first name I thought of as show stealing but the man was bested only by Mr Fields.

Not only is he an incredibly gifted keyboard player but if the music every dries up he could have a lucrative second career in stand up.
Accepting his award for “Best Jazz Album” Glasper had the audience in stitches, feigning tears, and giving thanks to “big po… who’ll be coming out of jail soon“. He also thanked Gilles for incredible support saying he was so upfront he was playing tracks before he’d even finished writing them… “How’d you play that tune, I only just finished playing it!”

Over on the Brownswood noticeboard reaction to his set was justifiably euphoric “glasper converts ahmad jamal into stakes is high or Radiohead’s everything in its right place into maiden voyage its really the best jazz i’ve heard live in about 10 years”

The Trio were shorn of regular drummer Chris Dave who missed his flight from New York, and so Joshua McKenzie stepped in at the last minute. “I only met this guy today” said Glasper as a very cool looking McKenzie adjusted his kit.

He needn’t of worried as the trio proceeded to “tear the roof off“, if its possible to tear a roof off while sat at a fender rhodes? McKenzie’s drumming was phenomenal, or at least it was to these untrained ears… K magazine’s reviewer thought otherwise writing that the “flashing grin and blurred arms, failed to mask the lack of real polish.”

Robert Glasper – “Maiden Voyage” (MP3)
Myspace / Facebook / Buy
Watch: Robert Glasper Trio – “Live @ WWA2010″ (Youtube)
Accepting the award for Best Jazz album of 2010 (youtube)

Andreya Triana

Earlier in the evening Andreya Triana performed a beautiful acoustic set accompanied by her NinjaTune labelmates, Fink on guitar and Bonobo on Bass. The stripped down sound allowed her gorgeously relaxed voice to be enjoyed in all its glory.
Andreya Triana feat. Fink & Bonobo live @ WWA2010 by Brownswood

Bonobo feat. Andreya Triana – “Eyesdown (Warrior One Remix)” (MP3)
Twitter / Facebook / Myspace

Floating Points Ensemble

I should have been finishing this rather than watching the Brits!!! more to follow

Floating Points Ensemble – “Live in Session @ Maida Vale” (MP3)
Floating Points Ensemble – “Post Suite (Maida Vale session)” (MP3)
Twitter / Facebook / Myspace
Fatima (vocalist with FP & Shafiq) – Twitter / Blog / Myspace

Theophilus London

Wall-E on the Brownswood board: “Theophilus London was a strange one. I struggled intitally, particularly when he came out and started banging the drums like that bird from the Ting Tings. THEN, real energy followed, and he defititely knew how to hype a crowd. I wasn’t familiar with any particular tune, but eventually I got sucked in“.

Theophilus London – “Enjoy The Sun” (MP3)
Theophilus London/Jack Penate – “Pull My Heart Away (remix)” (MP3)
This Charming Mixtape – FREE mixtape download
Twitter / Facebook / Myspace / Blog
Watch: Live @ WWA2010 (Youtube – mobile phone)

More WWA 2010
Watch:
Elan Tamara – “Oranges (Live @ Worldwide Awards 2010)”(Youtube)
Nailah – “He Speaks (Live @ WWA 2010)” (Youtube)
LeFto Films video highlights of the night (Youtube)
Gilles Peterson announcing Award Winners

Look:
Kameral’s WWA 2010 Photo set
Spine Magazine gallery / R1 photo gallery

Read:
Gilles Peterson’s review of the night

And finally those awards in full

Track of the Year 2010
1. Joy Orbison – Hyph Mngo [Hot Flush]
2. Floating Points – Vacuum Boogie [Eglo]
3. Zed Bias feat. Tawiah – Further Away [CDR]
4. Shafiq Husayn feat. Fatima – Lil’ Girl [Plug Research]
5. Darkstar – Aidy’s Girl Is A Computer [Hyperdub]

Album of the Year 2010
1. Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics – Inspiration Information Vol. 3 [Strut]
2. Martyn – Great Lengths [3024]
3. Lee Fields – My World [Truth & Soul]
4. Quantic and his Combo Bárbaro – Tradition in Transition [Tru Thoughts]
5. Mos Def – The Ecstatic [Downtown]

Jazz Album of the Year 2010
1. Robert Glasper – Double Booked [Blue Note]
2. Matthew Halsall – Colour Yes [Gondwana]
3. Carlos Niño & Miguel Atwood Ferguson – Suite For Ma Dukes [Mochilla]
4. Harry Whitaker – Thoughts (Past and Present) [Smalls Records]
5. Build An Ark – LOVE Part 1 [Kindred Spirits]

Maida Vale Session of the Year 2010
Floating Points Ensemble

John Peel Play More Jazz Award 2010
Four Tet

Lifetime Achievement Award 2010
Gil Scott-Heron

Ryan (StopMe): Okay so it’s mid February and at least a month late but I’ve finally finished my Top 100 Tracks Of 2009 (Read 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 here). I’ve not posted much here in recent months due to a hectic new job but I hope to get back to regular updates soon.
Here’s a link to download the top 20 as a Zip file (But do buy the albums from whence the tracks came if you like them, I’ve included links!):

Stop Me’s Top 100 Tracks Of 2009 (Top 20) Zip

I’ve also included links to download anything else that seemed to be sold-out or not easily available below. Without further ado…

1. JAMIE T – Sticks ‘n’ Stones
“I was a ten a day, how’d you say, little shit, White-Lightning, heightening all my courage, quick wit”
Jamie T’s second album was so comprehensively better than his debut that I was overjoyed. ‘Sticks ‘n’ Stones’ was the best of an embarresment of riches. The irresistable beat has had me dancing around many a time and the lyric is his best and most intricate yet.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

2. GENERATIONALS – When They Fight They Fight
“And when they fight, they fight, and when they come home at night they say, I love you, baby”
Indie duo record the best record Phil Spektor song never made. Horn, handclaps, whistles and gorgeous vocals combine to make pure magic.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

3. THE DUCKWORTH LEWIS METHOD – The Age Of Revolution
“Princes and lawyers played with the English elite, years of repression started a noise from the streets”
Neil Hannon’s new band examine colonial history through the prism of cricket. The accompanying music is an intoxicating brew of terribly English Jazz and “Skankin’” Dub which is as it should be.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

4. THE MELTING ICE CAPS – A Good Night
“Anyone who says Shoreditch folk are arseholes has obviously never tried playing an indie gig in a pub in Colchester, or at Cambridge University”
I’m not sure when this was recorded, but I found it this year on The Melting Ice Caps’ site listed under ‘Other Songs’. David’s spoken word narration is an hilarious peaen to London and he can break hearts when the chorus comes in at the end.
(Download) (MySpace)

5. THE CRIBS – City Of Bugs
“It came to me like a voice from above, or like a message in praise of platonic love”
‘City Of Bugs’ is The Cribs bid for epic Indie from their best album to date. Feedback squeals and Ryan Jarman delivers a rich vocal to rival Iggy Pop’s ‘The Passenger’.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

6. THE DURITTI COLUMN – In Memory Of Anthony
“You set alight my musical desires, and there’s no end to these flames, these are my eternal fires”
This is a stiring tribute from Vini to the late great Anthony H Wilson. It comes off like a lethargic Rolling Stones trying to play House music in a gospel church.
(Buy) (MySpace)

7. DAN AUERBACH – Heartbroken, In Disrepair
“Searching for light, gasping for air, heartbroken, in disrepair”
The Black Keys front man lays down a howling tune on his solo record.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

8. JAY-Z – My President Is Black (DC Mix)
“My President is black, infact he’s half white, so even in a racist mind, he’s half right”
The joy contained in this Obama tribute Rap is totally infectious. I just hope Obama doesn’t sour my opinion of this song by making a total fuck-up out of his presidency!
(Download) (YouTube) (MySpace)

9. SPEECH DEBELLE – The Key
“The only real difference is you slyer than me, your need for attention makes you attract the beef”
Her debut richly deserved the Mercuty Prize when it boasts Jazz/Rap as good as the ‘The Key’.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

10. TRANSIT – C’Mon & Ride
“C’mon and ride the M.T.A, yes we’re going your way”
The best track from Jack White’s Third Man label was this lush soul gem by Nashville’s Metro Transit Authority workers.
(Buy) (Website)

11. BRAKES – Two Shocks
“Give me two shakes give me one shake twice, well you knew it was coming so don’t act surprised”
‘Two Shocks’ morphs from a catchy Indie song into a pounding Rock monster.
(Buy) (MySpace)

12. KASABIAN – Vlad The Impaler
“All my friends are as sharp as razors, cut you down if you touch the faders”
I love the interesting production flourishes Kasabian use like what sounds like tinkling glass on ‘Vlad The Impaler’.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

13. DIZZEE RASCAL – Bonkers
“And all I care about is sex and violence, and a heavy bass line is my kind of silence”
This year belonged to Dizzee as he finally lived up to all that promise.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

14. NICKEL EYE – Brandy Of The Damned
“Don’t let them get you down, they’ll step on you to get to higher ground”
Who new the quite one from The Strokes had a voice like Leonard Cohen and tunes as good as this.
(Buy) (MySpace)

15. THE DEAD WEATHER – Treat Me Like Your Mother
“Come on look me in the eye, you wanna try to tell a lie”
‘Treat Me Like Your Mother’ features the furious drumming of Jack White probably proving he’s the most multi-talented person that ever lived.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

16. YEAH YEAH YEAHS – Zero
“Shake it, like a ladder to the sun, makes me feel like a madman on the run”
YYY throw out the Guitars and bring in the Synths, resulting in sheer genius.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

17. GOSSIP – Dimestore Diamond
“Everybody knows just where she gets her clothes, a water coloured painting in a Renoir pose”
Their latest album doesn’t seem to have been as successful as the last which odd considering it’s crammed with pulsating Dance-Rock like ‘Dimestore Diamond’.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

18. WAVE MACHINES – Keep The Lights On
“The night’s too long, so, when we sleep, I keep the lights on”
‘Keep The Lights On’ is like a vintage 80s Pop single.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

19. DAN DEACON – Woof Woof
“Instrumental”
‘Woof Woof’ sounds like The Flaming Lips meeting the looney tunes
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

20. REGINA SPEKTOR – Laughing With
“No one laughs at God in a hospital, no one laughs at God in a war, no one’s laughing at God, when they’re starving or freezing or so very poor”
Regina comes back with yet another quirky and beautiful Piano masterpiece.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

21. CASIOKIDS – Fot I Hose
“Instrumental”
‘Fot I Hose’ has a head crushing Bass sound combined with ace Surf Guitars.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

22. BECK – Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat
“You know it balances on your head just like a mattress balances on a bottle of wine”
Beck performs a rare miracle and improves on a Dylan original.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

23. LADY GAGA – Paparazzi
“We are the crowd, we’re c-coming out, got my flash on it’s true, need that picture of you”
Her glitzy performance of ‘Paparazzi’ at Glastonbury bowled me over after my initial instinctive resistance.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

24. COOKIN’ ON 3 BURNERS – This Girl (Feat. Kylie Auldist)
“Money rains from the sky above, but keep the change ’cause I got enough”
The production on ‘This Girl’ envelopes your ears in a rich golden Soul sound and Kylie vocals are of course gorgeous.
(Buy) (MySpace)

25. ASHER ROTH – I Love College
“Yeah, of course I learned some rules, like don’t pass out with your shoes on, and don’t leave the house ’til the booze gone”
‘I Love Collage’ is a glorious beer stained Rap ode to student living.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

26. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – The Wrestler
“Have you ever seen a one trick pony in the field so happy and free, if you’ve ever seen a one trick pony then you’ve seen me”
I couldn’t get in to his new album but this soundtrack song almost had me blubbing big manly tears.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

27. THE BIG PINK – Dominos
“Three words we shared, said too early on, stuck with forever to the point of tears”
‘Dominos’ is like an Indie take on a humming Tibetan mantra.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

28. RICHARD HAWLEY – Remorse Code
“You’re caught in the net, fathoms deep in regret”
His new album was a return to form and for me ‘Remorse Code’ was the epic peak.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

29. NEIL YOUNG – Fork In The Road
“There’s a bailout coming but it’s not for me, it’s for all those creeps watching tickers on TV”
His superb new album proves that Neil can still Rock, with a grumpy rattlers like this.
(Buy) (MySpace)

30. THE DUKE & THE KING – If You Ever Get Famous
“If you ever get famous don’t forget about me, I hope it’s everything that you thought it would be”
‘If You Ever Get Famous’ is an almost unspeakably gorgeous Rock ballad.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

31. JULIAN CASABLANCAS – 11th Dimension
“I just nod, I’ve never been so good at shaking hands, I live on the frozen surface of a fireball”
The Strokes side project everyone was waiting for didn’t disappoint.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

32. MANIC STREET PREACHERS – Jackie Collins Existential Question Time
“A situationist sisterhood of Jackie and Joan, separates us the questions without a home”
The best track from the Manic’s latest LP with one of the most catchy and bizarre choruses ever.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

33. Matty G – Keep Walking
“Instrumental”
‘Keep Walking’ is a super cool re-edit of the Isaac Hayes classic ‘Walk On By’.
(Download) (MySpace)

34. DJ HELL – The DJ (Feat. P.Diddy)
“This goes out to all the muthafuckas that like 15/20 minute versions of a muthafuckin’ record”
The years most unlikely guest spot was one of the best, just try not jackin’ your body to it’s Dance Vibes.
(Buy) (MySpace)

35. BILL CALLAHAN – Jim Cain
“I started out in search of ordinary things, how much of a tree bends in the wind”
The best song that Lambchop never recorded, with a vocal like golden syrup.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

36. KID CUDI – Day ‘N’ Nite
“The lonely nights, they fade away, he slips into his white Nikes, he smokes a clip and then he’s on the way”
The best track from Kid Cudi’s debut album is this hypnotic Hip-Hop tune.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

37. GABLÉ – I’m Ok
“I’m really fine, I’m well balanced, I’m okay, I’m okay”
‘I’m Ok’ is unhinged Indie that is as crazy as it is brilliant.
(Buy) (MySpace)

38. ALELA DIANE – White As Diamonds
“I’ve known mornings white as diamonds, silent from a night so cold”
With a voice as pure as snow and a song this beautiful how can you resist.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

39. M.I.A. & A R RAHMAN – O… Saya
“Pick up the packs on my journey, dogs run, they start to follow me”
M.I.A’s amount of guest appearances is staggering and this ‘Slumdog
Millionaire’ cut was the best.
(Buy) (MySpace)

40. CAMERA OBSCURA – French Navy
“Spent a week in a dusty library, waiting for some words to jump at me, we met by a trick of fate, french navy my sailor mate”
I still adore this slice of Pop perfection despite the fact that it is played three times every night where I work.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

41. EMPIRE OF THE SUN – Half Mast
“Make amends and I will stand until the end, a million times a trillion more”
Shiny Pop-Rock so catchy it should be marketed as fishing equipment.
(Buy) (MySpace)

42. PRINCE – Crimson & Clover
“I don’t hardly know her, but I think I could love her, I hope she walks over, ’cause I’ve been waiting to show her”
Prince continues his run of good form with epic Guitar melting cover of the 60s original by Tommy James & The Shondells.
(Download) (YouTube) (Website)

43. SERGEANT BUZFUZ – Here Come The Popes (Part 3)
“Nicholas The Second said it was more of a crime, for a priest to marry, than to have a concubine”
The chequered history of the papal order is recounted against Indie majesty.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

44. SIMON INDELICATE – I Don’t Care If It’s True (Demo)
“You can dissect a heart, and you can dissect a dove, but you would never deserve, a single spec of peace or love”
A gorgeous from Simon’s possibly fictious Musical ‘David Koresh Superstar’.
(Download) (MySpace)

45. MIKA – We Are Golden (Calvin Harris Vocal)
“Teenage dreams in a teenage circus, running around like a clown on purpose”
He has his haters but I adore Mika’s line of sunkissed super camp Pop.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

46. BISHOP ALLEN – The Lion & The Teacup
“He was the sun, he was the moon, he was a rat in two bit shoes”
Brilliantly catchy Indie and it always reminds me of the soundtrack to classic computer game ‘Monkey Island’.
(Buy) (MySpace)

47. JOHN ZORN – Los Cristeros
“Instrumental”
Bask in the sorrowful Spanish Guitar from this Documentary Soundtrack instrumental about Mexican Dictator Plutarco Elias Calles.
(Buy) (MySpace)

48. MADNESS – NW5
“Though you have become a burden, one thing remains, thats for certain, I will love you all my life, but without you in my life”
‘NW5′ ranks along side the very best tracks from their hayday.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

49. BLOC PARTY – One More Chance
“This time things will be different and you’re gonna see”
The last LP was a dull affair but the unstoppable House Piano on this follow up single was anything but.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

50. BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS – Sugarfoot
“Can I come over singin’ tonight, I promise that you’ll be feelin’ right”
‘Sugarfoot’ is magic Soul/Funk/Blues from start to finish.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

51. N.A.S.A. – Spacious Thoughts (Feat. Tom Waits & Kool Keith)
“Good can’t help but do a little evil, evil can’t help but do a little good”
It was a wrench to pick just one cut from N.A.S.A’s superb and stupidly guest heavy album. This mad Blues/Rap cut gets the prize.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

52. THE STREETS – Trust Me
“I see Alice in Wonderland, I see malice in Sunderland”
A tasty free download easing anticipation of new album to wipe away memories of Mike’s lacklustre last Lp.
(Download) (MySpace)

53. NEW YORK DOLLS – ‘Cause I Sez So
“Takin’ pretty pictures everywhere I go, Orwell in the bathroom watching me go”
This proved despite their age (And absence of complete original line up) the Dolls can still Rawwwwk with the best of them.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

54. DJ SHEPDOG – Limb By Limb (Militia Mix)
“You know I and I is dynamite, when me hold microphone, I strictly truth or right”
‘Cut Ups, Bruck Ups & Muck Ups’ was the compilation of the year and this raucous booty-shakin’ Dancehall bootleg of Cutty Ranks’ 1993 track was the highlight.
(Download) (MySpace)

55. THOM YORKE – All For The Best
“Waking up and the bed was made, no one looked me in the eye”
Thom covers Mark Mulcahy To stunning effect, it sounds a bit like Radiohead (Naturally).
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

56. THE BOY FROM SPACE – Come Home
“Come home where the air is free, come home and live with me”
An indie single as warm and comforting as a glass of mulled wine and a roaring fire.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

57. PASSION PIT – Sleepyhead (Bo Flex Giantess Remix)
“Like stars burning holes right through the dark, flicking fire like saltwater into my eyes”
The original version left me cold (It seems I was very much in a minority) but this sparkling Remix blows me away.
(Download) (YouTube) (MySpace)

58. SABBO – Spanish Fly (Feat. MC Zulu) (Noiz In Zion Mix)
“Wanna get you out of that dress, so here’s your ticket to ride, you and I become the Spanish Fly”
‘Spanish Fly’ is a awesome neck snappin’ Dancehall cut.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

59. THE PRODIGY – Warrior’s Dance
“Come with me to the dance floor, you and me ’cause that’s what it’s for”
At first I wasn’t sure but I grew to lobe this amazing return to form.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

60. DAN BLACK – Poet
“I have to be fearless, have to be tearless, look into my eyes, maybe you can feel this”
Dan writes b-sides every bit as good as his A-sides and ‘Poet’ is my favourite.
(Buy) (MySpace)

61. THE VERY BEST – Kamphopo
“?”
‘Kamphopo’ will have you playing the Air-Steel-Drums as you move your body.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

62. THE THIRD DEGREE – Mercy
“I love you, but I gotta stay true, my morals got me on my knees, I’m begging please stop playing games”
A Northern Soul take on Duffy’s Uber hit that sounds so authentic you’d swear she’d actually ripped of this vintage 60’s groove.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

63. TODDLA T – Rice & Peas (Feat. Mr Versatile)
“Rice and peas and chicken is nice, tastes so good , me ‘ave to ‘ave it twice”
I loved the delirious mess of genres on Toddla T’s LP and ‘Rice & Peas’ is my favourite cut.
(Buy) (MySpace)

64. SAM McCARTHY – Cherrytree
“There for the first time in the setting sun shine, well it felt like we belonged”
‘Cherrytree’ is Alt-Country ballad that’ll have you line dancing round your local Indie club.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

65. DAN SARTAIN – Bohemian Grove (Feat. Jack White)
“”
Another essential 45 courtesy of Jack White’s label. When is Dan gonna be hailed as a mega star?
(Buy) (MySpace)

66. DIRTY PROJECTORS & DAVID BYRNE – Knotty Pine
“Here is the sound that photographs make, when I see them, when I hear them”
‘Dark Was The Night’ was one of the compilations of the year and ‘Knotty Pine’ was the highlight.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

67. ONE ESKIMO – Kandi (Eat More Cake Mix)
“You’ve been my queen for longer than you know, my love for you has been every step I take, every day I live, everything I see”
‘Kandi’ is a fantasy duet featuring a sample of Candi Staton with a gorgeous Balearic vibe.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

68. DARREN HAYMAN & THE SECONDARY MODERN – Compilation Cassette
“That was how we met, some things you never forget, I wrote down her address, and sent a compilation cassette”
Darren Hayman employs the Bazooki to stunning effect on this nostalgic Indie tune.
(Buy) (MySpace)

69. SHARON VAN ETTEN – For You
“I was whispering in my sleep, all the secrets that i’d keep, I told to you”
A gorgeous Acoustic ballad with a mournful tune so good you can whistle along.
(Download) (YouTube) (MySpace)

70. MONGREL – The Menace
“Fundamentally, you’re a fundamentalist, kinda guy who wondrin’ who the real terror is”
John Maker’s political Rap-Rock side project was so much better than his day job.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

71. CIRCLESQUARE – Hey You Guys
“Quit before it widespread, learn to paint the town red”
Good god the Bass Guitar on this Indie/Dance tune is catchy.
(Buy) (MySpace)

72. NICK GARRIE – Twilight
“Midnight, here come those blues again, it’s alright I’m really on the mend”
‘Twilight’ is a sublime piece of vintage Pop-Rock.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

73. MR. HUDSON – There Will Be Tears
“I’ve no doubt there may be smiles, but a few, and when the tears have run out, we’ll be numb and blue”
Okay so the auto-tune sound isn’t to everyone’s taste but this still a beautiful song.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

74. POPULAR TYRE – East End After-Hours Blues
“Take a little sip of my cup of wine, do a little shimmy and I feel fine”
‘East End After-Hours Blues’ is a free and loose Blues/Bluegrass sing along.
(Download) (MySpace)

75. THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH – Pistol Dreams
“And deep into the orchard you will lead me by the skin of snakes, to let me know my sentence as they dry”
A beautiful Dylanesque song that I’ve been listening to all year.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

76. WE ROCK LIKE GIRLS DON’T – Don’t Know What Love Is
“I think you know, she wants me so”
Finally! I’ve been waiting for this band to bring out another tune that Rocked as hard as 2005’s ‘I Just Wanna Stick My Head In The Bass Drum’.
(Buy) (MySpace)

77. AFROZEN ORCHESTRA – Tongana
“?”
‘Tongana’ is summer sun on wax, Afrobeat to brighten your day.
(Buy) (MySpace)

78. CHAIN & THE GANG – Chain Gang Theme (I See Progress)
“I see progress in paint peeling, I see progress in leaky ceilings”
‘Chain Gang Theme (I See Progress)’ is deliciously demented Rock-a-Billy from a thrilling LP.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

79. THE DYNAMICS – Downtown Barkings (Afrosoul Edit)
“People them a hurry and a bustle, to many of them just a lookin’ for a trouble”
‘Downtown Barkings’ is easily the best thing the Reggae-Funkers have done so far.
(Buy) (MySpace)

80. ANT – Time I Was Gone
“I’ll catch that bus in the rush hour to my sisters for tea and biscuits, she can’t fix it, but she listens”
‘Time I Was Gone’ is an endlessly charming Indie ditty.
(Buy) (MySpace)

81. THE WHITEST BOY ALIVE – Island
“Lived through the smell of painted floors, echoing the sound of running water through the pipes, and posters falling down”
It was hard choosing just one Indie-Dance gem off of their album but ‘Island’ had it by a nose.
(Buy) (MySpace)

82. LA ROUX – In For The Kill (Skream’s Let’s Get Ravey Remix)
“Two hearts with accurate devotions, and what are feelings without emotions”
Skream takes La Roux’s only half decent song and turns it in to an abrasive Dubstep masterpiece.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

83. FEVER RAY – If I Had A Heart
“If I had a heart I could love you, if I had a voice I would sing, after the night when I wake up, I’ll see what tomorrow brings”
Like the humming of some vast Alien machine, ‘If I Had A Heart’ is hypnotically brilliant.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

84. THE MARS VOLTA – Cotopaxi
“When Sanskrit was my mother tongue, Scarabs filled my pillow”
‘Cotopaxi’ is another great spaced-out Jazz-Metal cut from Messers blah and blah.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

85. JAY’S SOUL CONNECTION – Frankie’s Party Life
“Ordered some Patreezy, while talkin’ to this breezy, brushin’ off my three-piece, I make this look too easy”
I love ‘Frankie’s Party Life’s melding of Jay-Z and the funky soul of Lefties Soul Connection (Tops anything off Jigga’s new LP).
(Download) (MySpace)

86. MILK KAN – 21st Century Love
“A sweet kiss mixed with a rum taste, and for now I was the wrong kid in the right place”
’21st Century Love’ is a witty cut from one of the albums of the year.
(Buy) (MySpace)

87. SLOW DOWN TALLAHASSEE – Angel Of Death
“I wish you were in my bed, I wish all my friends were dead”
I’d say the music of ‘Angel Of Death’ is like a fun bouncy castle, except the lyrics suggest it’s been inflated with deadly poison gas.
(Download) (MySpace)

88. SHUTTLE – Rotten Guts (Feat. Cadence Weapon)
“That mind alert, cold war veteran”
‘Rotten Guts’ is blisteringly quick Electro/Hip-Hop/Pop.
(Buy) (MySpace)

89. ALASDAIR ROBERTS – You Muses Assist
“You muses, you muses assist, all downtrodden spirits uplift”
With the graceful air of vintage English Folk ‘You Muses Assist’ is gorgeous.
(Buy) (MySpace)

90. FAGGET FAIRYS – Feed The Horse (Extended Dub)
“I love my girls, I like them big on the top, big on the buttom too, feed the horse”
The simple pleasures of ‘Feed The Horse’ are chiefly it’s Toe-tapping beats and it’s naughty chorus that sounds a lot like “Feed the whores yum yum!”.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

91. NEAL CASAL – Back To Haunt You
“Should I even lift a finger and try to get along, get along like a river and a thunder storm”
‘Back To Haunt You’ is like a great Chris Isaac song, rich and seductive.
(Buy) (MySpace)

92. WILLIAM ELLIOT WHITMORE – Mutiny
“Well the captain’s been drinking below the deck, and this vessel’s headed way off course, I want to wrap my hands around his crooked neck, and throw him overboard”
‘Mutiny’ is a gravelled voiced sea shanty climaxing with brilliant shouts of “Let the muthafucka burn!”.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

93. CURTIS PLUM – Call My Cellphone
“I’ll call you up in the middle of the night, check out my new cellphone, it’s so tight”
‘Call My Cellphone’ is throughly daft and totally addictive Hip-Hop.
(Download) (YouTube) (MySpace)

94. FORT KNOX FIVE – Funk 4 Peace (Feat. Mustafa Akbar & Shunda K)
(Nick Thayer Remix)
“You got to turn the music up, it’s time to release, turn the music up, lets vote for peace”
There were so many amazing remixes of Fort Knox Five this year that it was hard chosing just the chunky beats of ‘Funk 4 Peace’.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

95. BEASTIE BOYS – Too Many Rappers (Feat. Nas)
“With Beastie Boys we can turn it out, perpetrators we can point ‘em out, so if you got somethin’ on your mind let it out”
As an early taster of the forthcoming album, ‘Too Many Rappers’ has left me pretty damn excited.
(Buy) (MySpace)

96. PATRICK WOLF – Hard Times
“Divided nation, in sedation, overload of information, that we have grown up to ignore, mediocrity applauded”
With it’s stinging strings and scowling lyrics ‘Hard Times’ was easily the best track from Patrick’s latest LP.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

97. CLAIRE HUX – Fucked Up
“It feels like a movie babe, it burns slow, gonna let it go”
‘Fucked Up’ was produced by Thom Yorke and sounds not unlike Radiohead covering Prince.
(Download) (MySpace)

98. THE HEAVY – How You Like Me Now?
“If I was to cheat, would you see right through me?”
I’ve included ‘How You Like Me Now?’ because firstly it’s an awesome Funky cut and secondly because I got to sing a couple of improvised lines at their Rough Trade instore (I nearly died of embarrassment btw).
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

99. HANDSOME FURS – Talking Hotel Arbat Blues
“There was a guy who came in from the cold but he’s never gonna get past face control”
‘Talking Hotel Arbat Blues’ is like Elvis Costello diggin’ on Suicide’s first LP.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

100. BAT FOR LASHES – Sleep Alone
“Give my soul, give my soul, sing it free across the sea, lonely spell to conjure you, but conjure hell is all I do”
‘Sleep Alone’ is like some otherworldly music drifting through a snowy night.
(Buy) (YouTube) (MySpace)

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”

“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 / Michael Nyman.com
McAlmont reveals inspiration behind the songs
Buy: Amazon / MnRecords
Watch: Guardian TV featuring interview and exclusive new track.

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

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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”

“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)

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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

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

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

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)

“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)

“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)

.

Myspace / Label / Buy 7″

25. Gold Panda
“Quitters Raga” (MP3)

Twitter / Myspace / Gold Panda Shop

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

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)

“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)

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)

“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”

“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)

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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

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

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

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

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

44. Kelis
“Acapella” (MP3)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

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

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

“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)

“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)

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)

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

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

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

.

Bill Wells MySpace / Mahar Shalal Hash Baz Myspace / Buy

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

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

Myspace / Buy
Ty: Twitter / Facebook

73. Various Production
“Tricycle” (MP3)

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)

“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)

“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)

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)

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

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

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

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)

“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)

“oooo a jew, ooo a jew, a jew”

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

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

“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)

“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)

“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)

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

Twitter / Facebook / Website / MySpace

91. Pictureplane
“Goth Star” (MP3)

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)

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

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

.

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

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

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

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

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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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)

Very Best – “Warm Heart Of Africa (Alan Wilkis mix)” (MP3)

Finally a doff of the cap to Father Abraham for taking part.  Visit 52pickup.us for a brand new track every Thursday until the end of the year or subscribe as a podcast (click here for itunes).

So enjoy Part two of “Listen To This” aka “My name is Father Abraham and I’m here to tell you my grandma has better musical taste than you do“! (Part One here)

MUSIC LIKE DIRT CHOICE 2

Cracks In The Concrete – “Ballad Of Ashley Marie” (MP3 Removed by request) Buy

MLD:

“you cant afford me, you sad sorry fuck… im dearer than rubies, youre shit out of luck”

If my first pick Polar Bear’s lyrics read like screen plays, then Glasgow based “Crack In The Concrete” deliver the whole damn film. The tense score and narration generate a brooding building menace that sparks images up flickering before your eyes, like an unknown Burroughs or Hunter S screen adaptation.

Writer Megan Green collaborated with Graeme Miller (aka Cracks in the Concrete) after meeting in a disused underground tunnel. The resulting work sounds like they didnt return above-ground until the track was completed.  A “mutual fascination for distortion, perversion and the murder ballad” gave birth to this torrid tale of putrid water, smeared lipstick and seeping blood.

I stumbled across this on Ten Tracks, a highly recommended website that offers up bundles of tunes hand picked by wise musical boffins at the astounding price of a quid for 10 songs!!

Cracks In The Concrete have also teamed up with vocalist Louise McVey for an EP due in October.   McVey brings the same world weary torch singer sound to CITC that Beth Gibbons does to Geoff Barrow’s Portishead. Myspace

Father Abraham:

Man, you like long songs.

I far prefer the passages where Miller’s vocals don’t rhyme or at least stray from recognizable rhythmic patterns. Something about the Seussian cadence of the section starting at around 3:35 really undoes the song for me. It seems like a step back from the opening section. Also, “Ashley Marie” and “eternity” seem to me an awkward rhyme and a stilted way to end a song.

I will say that I’m probably completely missing some of the stylistic nuance, or noir, or whatever, that drives this song as a murder ballad.

FATHER ABRAHAM CHOICE 3

Perrey & Kingsley – “‘One Note Samba (Spanish Flea)” (MP3)

Father Abraham:

It’s the waiting room song!

The liner notes for The Essential Perrey and Kingsley describe these guys as “The first music for easy listening ever recorded on the Moog.” I cannot argue with that.

I was first introduced to Perrey and Kingsley in college. A friend of mine named Bob Cobb put on The Essential Perrey and Kingsley while we played a promotional DVD for Acacia National Park on mute. Wizard of Oz + Dark Side of the Moon it was not, but I purchased the CD the next day and had 4 seizures, which was a record for me at that time.

Perrey and Kingsley are the disaffected lovechildren of Walter and Wendy Carlos.

P&K are endlessly sampled, although not by me, so I cannot link you to any related songs, although I did once make a song about Jacques Cousteau called (wait for it) Jacques Cousteau.

I will now leave you with this quote from their Wikipedia page, because if I’m going to write like a ninth grader, I might as well research like one, too:

“Moog Indigo, a Jean-Jacques Perrey solo album from 1970, featured a cut called “E.V.A.” This slow, funky track is one of the most sampled in hip hop and rap music history. In the U.S., it is currently being used in a TV ad for Zelnorm, a prescription medication for female irritable bowel syndrome.”

MLD:

As a bloke sat typing on a laptop that with the right software could emulate practically every instrument known to man its hard to grasp the ground breaking nature of the work of people like Jean Jacques Perrey.  Pioneers like Perrey (and of course the BBC Radiophonic Workshop) created their soundscapes using complex tape loops, effects and early precursors to the synth (like the Ondioline).

For me whats special about Perrey is his playfulness. He may be using the principles of musique concrete, channelling Salvador Dali or stretching out the envelope of recorded sound but his music never seems far from a giggle.  Witness this YouTube clip of a 80 something Perrey’s delighted face as he recreates a nursery rhyme on theramin and Moog. Its a joy.

As with much of my musical taste I was first introduced to Perrey’s work through Coldcut’s seminal Solid Steel radio show. Back in 1997 they even got the man himself into the studio for a chat:

Coldcut meet Jean Jacques Perrey – “Solid Steel 1997” (MP3)

I wish I could remember where I know “One Note Samba” from… which TV series used it as its theme. No amount of googling will reveal the answer).  How he made the weird bleeps, scrapes and beats that make up the tune remain a mystery, but this is a man who once spent a week cutting and painstakingly glueing excerpts from a recording of bees he’d made over the top of his take on “Flight of the Bumble Bee“.

While browsing YouTube I came across a tribute to Harpo Marx set to the music of Perrey… so for that Father (Abraham) I am very thankful.  Hopefully one day i’ll have children I can indoctrinate in the brothers Marx (and for that matter Perrey too) as my father(s) did me.

MUSIC LIKE DIRT CHOICE 3

Nine High – “Cook Out (M-Phazes Mix)” (MP3)

“Give me bacon chops, give me steak on top… make sure its blazin’ hot or i’ll get the raging trots”

Music Like Dirt:
Named after their local underage alcohol vendor, Nine High claim to represent UK “to the fullest” Hip-Hop even though two of the three members emigrated to Oz in 2007.

There are some that would present “Cookout” as Exhibit A in the case for UK HipHop being a terminally backward, innovation starved poor relative of the US. I can’t deny that the insanely bouncy looped piano riff and singalong chorus sounds like something dating back to the 80’s or early 90’s but does it matter when it puts a grin on my face this wide!?

From ATCQ’s high cholesterol “Ham ‘n’ Eggs” to those Bitties in the BK lounge it seems HipHop is at its fattest and finest when worshipping at the greasy feet of fast food (actually Chicken Boi’s “On The Way to KFC” (YouTube) amusingly proves an exception to that rule).
Nine High hold the chicken wing factory to ransom and gatecrash the BBQ’s all with tongue firmly placed in cheek. “Cookout” might not be clever but it is big, unadulterated fun.

Incidentally if you have even a passing interest in UK HipHop then bookmark the Certified Banger blog. For some reason I forgot about the site for an age but everytime I visit now some undiscovered gem appears. Jee4ce & Riddlah’s celebration of under appreciated celtic hiphop (download here) was almost my pick for this feature before a later visit served up “Cookout“.

Father Abraham:

Homophobia in hip-hop is a scourge. The rise and reign of “no homo” embarrasses me. It is inexcusable. Hip-hop’s social conservatism is outdated and wrong. Further, it seems financially detrimental for a genre struggling for sales to not only turn its back on an entire demographic but to actively work to exclude it as well. That said,

“all the meat we can eat”

Really?

(MLD: Reading this set me off frantically re-listening to the track to check what Buju Banton-esque lines I’d not noticed. I now realise Father Abraham has a dry sense of humour).

Also,

There is no second layer to this song. The theme is: we like to eat. I think I did a halfway decent job at flipping the script on underwater exploration in my song Jacques Cousteau. I was hoping for some more of that. At least some “We like to eat, whereas other crews are terrible at eating and possibly have eating disorders.” Or maybe some, “We like to eat… humans… because otherwise the sun will turn into a piece of coal and come crashing to Earth as was predicted by The Lord Our God Raymond Kurzweil.”
So yeah. There it is.

2009 has been a year of mixed fortunes for Father Abraham. On the one hand he’s recently joined the ranks of the non-bailed out unemployed so he’s rapping about his Ford Taurus one week and having to sell it the next.
So far so fed up, but on the plus side he’s in the creative form of his life. The “I Am Not A Sailor, I Am The Captain” album has been widely touted as the years hidden hiphop gem, and his clearly bonkers decision to release a new song every week for a YEAR has been made to look perfectly sane!

Father Abraham – Visit 52Pickup.us to nab a new track every Thursday or all the songs so far in one handy ZIP.

Buy: Father Abraham’s music store

Listen:
Father Abraham - “Helpsaveme” (MP3)
Father Abraham -“Parking Spot” (MP3)
Father Abraham – “HIAFC” (MP3)

Welcome to Part one of “Listen To This” (Part 2 here).
As ever one persons essential new tune is another’s blackboard scrapping irritation. Read on for 3 new loves from us both, and for the answer to the most important question… can Father Abraham make it through a sentence without mentioning one of his own tracks!!?? (A shameless self-publicist but as long as the music’s good we’ll let it pass!)

PS: Calling yourself Father Abraham causes all sorts of problems when trying to find decent pictures online. Not that I don’t have love for bearded Dutchmen and Smurfing beer.

FATHER ABRAHAM CHOICE 1

Alan Wilkis – “Pink and Purple” (MP3)

Alan Wilkis – “Pink and Purple (Black & Blue Remix)” (MP3)

Father Abraham:

Alan Wilkis is on some Prince shit. Prince Fielder, specifically. He is a portly, menacing, left-handed power hitter with limited range in the field. He plays synthesizers with batting gloves on so as not to get blisters.

It is clear from this recording that Alan knows what women like. Ribbons. Pink. Purple. Evenings of eternal bliss, which by definition warp the fabric of time and space. Tesseracts.

It is also clear from this remix of Pink and Purple that I recently put out as a part of my project to release one song per week for all of 2009 that I have no clue what women like. Yelling. Industrial drum sounds. Frenetic synth breakdowns that devolve into noisy nothingness. Despite all of this, somehow I manage to maintain a somewhat healthy relationship with my girlfriend, who sometimes performs Miami-sampledelic hooks for my songs.

MLD:

After Mr Abraham sent me this track I did what all amateur scribes do, search the internet for quotes and copy to… well, copy. Describing his musical taste in one interview Wilkis mused: “One day I might be listening to some death metal, next day it’s 80s hip-hop, then Bach fugues, and then it’s Elvis Costello all weekend“.

By all means correct me if I missed Napalm Death’s experimental “Talk Box” album or Bach’s “Well-Tempered Slap Bass” but not all of his influences quite made it into the recording studio.
What we have instead is the kind of 70’s/80’s funky bass loving, Rick James referencing, pop funk Chromeo made before they dropped the glitter ball with their second album.
If this track was a haircut it’d be a Jheri curl, and a sweat drenched one at that.

Wilkis plays a mean synth line and that along with “Pink & Purple’s” unmistakable twanging slap bass lost me an afternoon as I wandered off on an extended YouTube nostalgia trip.
Two “Soul Train” recordings of The Dazz Band’s “Let It Whip” sowed the seed that I might just be able to dance a bit funkier if only I had a basketball as a cool prop, and as for the ladies… its ok to get down while the tassels from your grandma’s tiebacks swish around your nether regions.
Zapp! reminded me that live performances these days would be improved no end by the simple addition of a man in full military regalia playing a machine gun shaped guitar with his teeth. The Gap Band’s fabulous “Dropped A Bomb“ was another highlight but I’m sure this paragraph started out with at least the promise of an Alan Wilkis review.

“Pink & Purple” wears its influences very clearly but its more than just an unimaginative pastiche. The chorus packs an addictive hook and its simply a very likable record.
Even the fact that it contains a keyboard solo Rick Wakeman would consider overblown doesn’t spoil the enjoyment. And you simply have to admire the brazen cheek of morphing that keyboard into the type of squealing guitar solo that’s been outlawed in the uk since the days when Top Of The Pops still used saxophone shaped video wipes to get between performances.

If all that wasn’t good enough Father Abraham himself has turned the track on its head and produced a rather splendid remix (although he doesnt like to talk about it). Letting rip at the cocky girl Abraham rages at her arrogance tearing right down to “you think you look good in those jeans“.

MUSIC LIKE DIRT CHOICE 1

Afrobear – “Moves” (MP3)

MLD:

“aint no news at 4 in the morning going to be good ”

Polar Bear post number 43… its got to the stage where I’m such a fan boy Mr Polar should fully expect me to appear at his next gig wearing a ra-ra skirt, doing the splits while energetically thrusting pom poms in the air and demanding the audience “Give me a P… give me an O“.

The name Polar Bear stems from a childhood obsession with said bears prompted by one of David Attenborough’s magical BBC wildlife extravaganzas (Arctic Circle). The ascent of this son of the 2nd city Birmingham has itself been glacial, slow and inevitable but frustrating. Far from making obvious career moves, he seems to wilfully do the unexpected, the uncommercial.
For gods sake if Just Jack can be a pop star, go find a house beat and to hell with artistic integrity, except of course doing what he pleases is one thing that makes Polar Bear such an interesting act to follow.

I could have picked half a dozen tracks or spoken words as my Polar “Listen To This“, each one under a different name or a guest appearance on a previously unheard producer. Clicking around his myspace friends opens up a world of hidden tracks.
“Locked Doors” a collaboration with Octave Mouret is so beautiful it’ll make you weep (or maybe thats just me?) Billy Valves takes his most well known poem “Jessica” and twists it into the dark electronica of “Wow“.

And finally to Afrobear, a new group that’s survived hard drive crashes, lost tracks and several incarnations. Featuring Polar Bear, Afrosaxon, and female vocalist Stac, they say the project combines “Hip-Hop sensibilities, a love for warm sounds and honest lyrics, a need for jokes and a philosophy that anything goes as long as its great.”

If Ken Loach or Jimmy McGovern possessed mad rap skillzz they’d probably sound a bit like Polar Bear. His words describe what some might sneeringly consider mundane lives but the detail, warmth and wit in his lyrics would melt the heart of the sniffiest critic.

“Moves” is a case in point – an entire song based on getting a text message at 4am – it takes in ass whippings on International Superstar Soccer, custard cremes and the weirdness of hearing your own music on the radio. Afrobear is conceived as an evolving online project, tracks, remixes and the like will appear and disappear, and as such “Moves” is available in two versions, the original (as Polarbear) and a Afrobear remix featuring the honeyed tones of Stac.

Polarbear, Afrobear and all of his incarnations and guest appearances are certainly making moves, just dont expect them to be the obvious ones.

Father Abraham:

I have issues with the despondency of this song.

Look, I’m living a pretty bare-bones life right now, too. I’m losing my job in a month. I count oven pizza and decent coffee as delicacies. I spend an absurd amount of time cold-emailing music bloggers like you and trying to push my weirdo synth-hop on them. I have been around long enough to know that a big break isn’t really a big break until the money is in my bank account. I am faced daily with the paralyzing fear that in a context that extends beyond my studio walls and and my little corner of the internet, I might actually be nothing more than a hack. Shit’s tough, requires thick skin, eye of the tiger, blah blah bullshit etc. However, I try not to let it inform my music, because for me, at its heart, music is a hopeful pursuit.

I guess what I’m saying is that this guy is very talented, and his professional trajectory seems encouraging based on the content of the song, but I don’t often give harbor to music about how hard making music is.

FATHER ABRAHAM CHOICE 2

Electric Laser People – “The Makeout Song” (MP3)

Watch: Make Out Song Instructional video (learn the chords)

Father Abraham:

I knew these guys back when they were The Product. No matter. This song is great. Whereas Alan’s romantic style is sweet and saccharine, Electric Laser People are all about that red meat: “I want to get steak takeout with you.” So do I. With them, not you. Maybe you, too.

I saw them play this song live once and the place went insane. Have you ever been at a bar/party when “You Shook Me All Night Long” came on and wondered how it might be possible to leave without finding a willing partner? It was like that.

Did I mention I sampled the opening break to this song in the second verse of Oscillator Blues, the seventh song in my series of 52 songs that I released in 2009 as a part of my effort to produce, record, and release one song per week for an entire year? I didn’t? Shit.

Also, Dan Paluska of Electric Laser People co-authored (co-built? co-did?) this, so everything else he does is cool by proxy.

MLD:

I hate this song, it ruined my teenage years or at least I think it did? At every school disco it soundtracked my ritual humiliation as the cool kids moshed and made out with the subjects of my teenage infatuations. While they “Locked those lips” I was left standing awkwardly at the edge of the dancefloor sipping my Top Deck cider through a straw.
It’s the slow dance hell of Jennifer Rush’s “Power Of Love” as covered by Rage Against The Machine in the mosh pit. “The Makeout Song” may have only been recorded last year but even on first listen it sounds so familiar your brain subconsciously weaves it into your life story.

Kicking off sounding like the return of Tone Loc and continuing to get noisier and dafter from that point in. The grin inducing lyrics declare “I wanna have an acne breakout while I make out with you” before the bellowed command to “lock those lips” signals what I can only imagine must carnage on the dancefloor.
Is it even physically possible to mosh and make out…? Sounds like a recipe for chipped teeth and dentist bills to me.

The song has been universally loved by anyone I’ve played it to, and what’s more the whole album is available to download for free.

For three more selections read Part Two here.

As it turned out it was more like 20 minutes than an hour. When the doorman taking my 3 quid asked which of the six bands I’d come to see, I should have guessed something was amiss from his oddly sarcastic “lucky you” response to my answer.

But then anyone who’s listened to The Melting Ice Caps, or his previous band Luxembourg would expect nothing less of Shah than to translate the melodrama of his recorded output to his live performance. The five singles released by The Melting Ice Caps over the last year or so continue a fine English tradition of lyrical intelligence, angst, and song craft.   There’s a dollop of Stephen Morrissey and a hint of Hannon’s Divine Comedy in Shah’s tales of romantic misfortune. When the character in “A Good Night” questions whether Shoreditch people really are wankers before retreating home to re-evaluate his Pet Shop Boys album collection, its clear David may himself own a few Tennant/Lowe long-players.

It’s not just the influences that hark back to the 80’s/90’s, despite all bar one of the 5 singles being released solely as free MP3’s they return to a pre-digital time when you’d get your CD or 7″ home and be almost as excited about flipping it over to discover the B-side as you were the A. The Melting Ice Caps seem to have intentionally translated the 7″ A and B-side experience to the digital realm. Like Oasis (and this is the only similarity between the Caps and the bickering brothers) some of his best material is to be found on those “beautiful B’s“.

Arriving at the gig late, the set is already underway, and David’s bemoaning the nights organisers for being a total shambles.

The Good Ship in Kilburn has one of the most unusual stages in London, sunk down several feet below the rest of the venue. There’s room for maybe 20 in front of the stage, but everyone else leans over the banisters and admires the performers bald spots. I was going to compare it to a Victorian dog fighting pit, but I dont think they featured much oak or a “toilets this way” sign. It’s the first venue Ive been to where the band is invisible from 95% of the building.

Shah is alone on the stage, accompanied only by a DVD backing track with the video for each song projected onto a screen behind him. The gaps between songs are brief David explains gesturing at the DVD player because I’m being controlled by that machine.
Nevertheless he still finds time to loudly declare “I’m never playing this place ever again” between “Mise En Scene” and “Through A Prism“. The latter being the first and only time a lyric about not wanting to move to Poland has been set to a bosonova rhythm.

“So it didn’t take you long
to get over me and act like nothing’s wrong.
Well, it makes me wonder if you ever cared.” – “Hard To Get” by The Melting Ice Caps

“Hard To Get” couldn’t sound more like the Pet Shop Boys if Shah had a morose bloke in an ill-fitting Issey Miyake jacket standing behind him prodding a Fairlight. Perfect timing given the Boys 20 year run of faultless pop lost its way a few albums ago, and shows little sign of returning. Shah emotes every lyric with a drama, as if the tiny stage were the Palladium, his voice soft at times, soaring at others with a mixture of torch singer and crooner akin to Marc Almond at his best. My favourite bit though is the shoe horned rhyming of his “local”, where he doesn’t drink as it messes with his “vocal”… pause “chords”. Its hard to explain why it’s so good, have a listen!

The Melting Ice Caps
Myspace / Facebook / MeltingIceCaps.co.uk / Last.fm

Listen:
The Melting Ice Caps – “Selfish Bachelor” (MP3) – Highly Recommended
The Melting Ice Caps – “A Good Night” (MP3) – Recommended too
The Melting Ice Caps – “Hard To Get” (MP3) – You guessed it… Recommended

Download ALL 5 Melting Ice Caps singles so far for FREE inc. Artwork, videos, and B-Sides at the following pages:
Single 5 – “Being No One”
Single 4 – “Mise En Scene”
Single 3 – “Like A Souvenir / Birthmark”
Single 2 – “Selfish Bachelor”
Single 1 – “Hard To Get”

More:
“The Soft Close-Ups” Myspace – David Shah’s other band
Luxembourg – David’s former band 2001-2008

Look:
A very nice set of pictures from the Good Ship, Kilburn gig

While changing DVD’s David apologises for clearly not being as cool as the previous band who were given “much longer than me“, and decries the place once more for not letting him do the advertised full set. From above the sound guy silently glares down fuming while the audience make gasping “ooooh he’s so naughty” faces and beam as the thudding bass of current single “Being No One” starts up (inexplicably not fighting Dizzee Rascal for the No.1 slot).

“If you clap really loud they might let me play one more song… then you should all demand your money back“

With a final swipe and the backing of as rapturous applause as 25 people can make, The Melting Ice Caps end the set with “Selfish Bachelor“, the diamond in a jewel encrusted crown of bittersweet pop songs. It sometimes feels as if Shah would be a star of Morrissey-esque proportions in era that treasured intelligence more. Even his DVD player seems to suggest he’d be better off a decade or two ago, flashing up “ALBA DVD” in huge lettering on the screen at one point (For readers under 30, Alba were the own-label badge of Dixons electronics in all 80’s/90’s). On the other hand Jarvis Cocker, the most recent erudite and witty lyricist/performer to be taken to the nations hearts toiled for 15 years in obscurity before being declared a national treasure!

Pointing to the projector screen David explains “I used to have a band called Luxembourg, and these are my scrapbook cuttings from then… this song is about me“. Delivered with Shah balancing atop a small bar stool “Selfish Bachelor” is as magnificent as it tragic, albeit with a knowing wink. “I don’t have a life and I don’t have a band anymore” he declares beautifully while behind him images of his former group flick across a stage set-up for a full band including a drum kit sat silently. The upside arrives with the thing most acts lack, the killer end line… “but I’ve got all these songs“!

Being No One (Video) by The Melting Ice Caps