Mister Medley

Happy Halloween!

Round-Up

More of my recent favorites in dance music:

Download: Microfilm - After Dark
(www.microfilmmusic.com)

Download: The Human League vs. Kissy Sell Out - Things That Dreams Are Made Of
(www.myspace.com/kissysellout)

Download: Keith - Mona Lisa's Child (Alan Braxe & Fred Falke Remix)
(www.myspace.com/keiththeband)

Download: Arthur Agent - Hold Your Head Up (Soulwhacked Remix)
(www.soulwax.com)

Download: Pomomofo - Back At The Club (Cicada Remix)
(www.myspace.com/pomomofomusic)

Folder

I could hardly contain myself from bouncing along in my seat to today's song. Fans of the synthpop genre will find it difficult to resist smiling when faced with Plastic Operator. And good news for you: the debut album Different Places went on sale in the US earlier this month. Simply put... it's fun!

Download:

Plastic Operator - Folder

Last Chance / Moving On

The Austin Chronicle called Masonic one of their Top 10 music releases twice. Keeping in mind how many great acts come out of this particular Texas city, it's time to be excited for the November 20th LP release Things I Am Guilty Of. The band has been compared to the likes of Stereolab and Yo La Tengo, but I believe they also stand firm within their own individual rock/electronic sound. Masonic keeps it calm and cool as they wade through pools of heavy emotional weight.

Download:

Masonic - Last Chance
Masonic - Moving On

Target Group / She's Gonna Let You Down Again (REMIXED!)

The C90's have remixed the iiish out of tracks by The Bell and Strange Idols. Taking in a range of disco and electronic influences from Daft Punk to Herbie Hancock, it's clear why they're able to go beyond their skills by selecting unique works to mix as opposed to going after the quickly passing trends of the week. Kudos!

Download:

The Bell - Target Group (The C90's Remix)
Strange Idols - She's Gonna Let You Down Again (The C90's Remix)

Dancing in a Minefield / Don't Lose Yourself

Let's take a break from the high energy thumpa thumpa for a moment and spend some time with our soft, sensitive side. I've got two artists that remind us it's good to feel.

Plushgun is a classical composer turned electronic rocker with a knack for creating sweet, hushed melodies that gradually form a lush electronic landscape.

Download: Plushgun - Dancing in a Minefield

Lately I've been hearing this fine lady named Laura Veirs on XM while at work. It has been totally therapeutic when dealing with insane/aggravating customers.

Don't Lose Yourself has a cute little beat and guitar riff, set against an emotional piano and voice combination, giving the song a pleasantly surprising level of depth once the chorus strikes.

Download: Laura Veirs - Don't Lose Yourself

Lookin' My Best

I was browsing my local my local record store (aka Amoeba Music, aka super-mega-awesome indie warehouse sent from heaven) and stopped dead in my tracks. Felix da Housecat has a new album out. And I didn't know about it?! I mean, like, dude... it's fuckin Felix we're talking about here.

For me, this is roots. This is my influence. I'm a youngin' at a mere 21, so give me a break (...of that Kit Kat Bar!). Felix is largely responsible for initiating my interest in electronic music. I shouldn't even have to describe his sound because he's an electrohouse saint! I've been obsessed since Metropolis Present Day, and his latest release titled Virgo Blaktro & The Movie Disco does not disappoint. He just keeps getting better and better.

Download:
Felix da Housecat - Lookin' My Best

So Haunted

I just saw this in a Modular bulletin about the upcoming Cut Copy album, and I'm super pumped...

"It's time to get seriously excited as none other than Australia's masters, purveyors & shining stars of disco mashed pop Cut Copy, are on the verge of releasing the first instalment to build into their massively anticipated sophomore album. So Haunted is the taste of what's to come from their forthcoming long player - 'In Ghost Colours' - due for release in February 2008 through Modular Recordings.

Being an epic in itself and written in three parts, this new song is best described by the band as a three part odyssey whereby the verses are all de-tuned beds of noise originally recorded within Cut Copy's bedrooms; and with choruses reminisce of sprawling ELO harmonies and lush guitars (don't pretend you don't know ELO!); and an outro being the result of a prog out session at legendary DFA studios earlier this year.

So Haunted features the co-production talents of Tim Goldsworthy (DFA, The Loving Hand) and demonstrates Cut Copy's ambition to want to experiment with popular music song structure, with the
resulting find harmony amongst the noise. Need we say more…"

Hustler

Got my hands on Simian Mobile Disco's release of Attack Decay Sustain Release, and all the reviews do not lie: this is an outstanding debut. Surely you've heard a little SMD from previous posts, but if not, today's another chance to acquaint yourself with London's biggest little dance duo. These guys put their flexibility on display, pumping out a range of sounds from aggressive psychedelic techno to minimal retro electro. Not to be missed if ADSR hasn't made it's way into your collection yet.

Download:

Simian Mobile Disco - Hustler

I'm also bringing back a download of The Teenagers remixing It's The Beat - it calls for an encore!

Simian Mobile Disco - It's the Beat (The Teenagers Remix)

Short Road video

I've been meaning to do something with Wax Stag's Short Road ever since hearing it on Hot Chip's DJ Kicks compilation. Luckily, my inbox served as a reminder upon receiving the new music video for the song. It's probably best seen while under the influence, but stands strong when viewed sober as well. Think Katamari Damacy meets Lucky Charms tainted with hallucinogens.

Keep your eyes peeled for the single out on People In The Sky October 29th.