Sunday, December 2, 2012

Skrillex - "Bangarang (FT. Sirah)"

There are certain songs that I listen to when I'm working on creative projects. THIS just got put into heavy rotation!

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - "Thrift Shop Song"

This blog was started originally to showcase novelty music and strange music that I thought was interesting. It became a fun place to share anything that I'm currently listening to. Thought I'd take it back to its roots for this post since I'm a HUGE fan of thrift stores. This made me smile and nod my head when it gets to the $50 t-shirt section. Enjoy!



Thursday, November 29, 2012

Chad Valley - "Tell All Your Friends"

Chad Valley's Facebook
Chad Valley's Tumblr
Chad Valley's SoundCloud
Chad Valley's Twitter

This is another post for all the people my age (I'm old) who claim that 'they don't make music like they used to when I was a kid'. Um...they do. Chad Valley is absolutely for fans of bands from the OMD, Simple Minds, Tears for Fears kids of the 80s. I don't understand why old people like me always say things like that...there is a TON of awesome music out in the world...go find it and just stop whining about it!
Love,
Me


Rush Midnight - "Crush" (Official Video)

Rush Midnight's Official Site
Rush Midnight's Facebook Page


Another one of those songs that just plays soundtrack to a 2am drive when the world is sleeping, you're driving nowhere in particular and just need to let your life breathe a little bit.

The Amplifetes - "You/Me/Evolution" (Official Video)

The Amplifetes Official Site

Saturday, October 13, 2012

The Ramona Flowers Official Site

After Dark 2 Compilation Free Download

It's been a while that I've actually written anything on this blog instead of just posting a video of a song that I'm enjoying.
As someone who really enjoyed random electronic music from the underground during the early 80s when people would just experiment with all the very basic electronic tools available to them at home, I instantly fell in love with the recent trend of bands like Glass Candy and The Chromatics to recapture that age of discovery and experimentation.
This compilation from Johnny Jewel is perfect if you're like me and just need some chill, almost montage music when you're working on projects late into the night or when you decide it's time to go for a drive with the windows down at 3am with no particular destination in mind.
The entire compilation is a free download so if you don't snag it, you're missing out. What I also like is that it's a new version of an old genre that two different generations can totally enjoy.
While this compilation is almost six years old now, it's still a fantastic collection of sounds from the genre and this trend has yet to bubble up in the states (it always takes forever for music trends to become 'a thing' here).
Enjoy and you're welcome!
Go Download It Here!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Joey Ramone - "New York City"

Just amazing and almost makes me wish I was from New York...but I'm not. I'm from Hemet. Ew.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Justice - "New Lands"

Justice's Facebook

I LOVE music videos that tell a story like this. Great job copying the look and feel of some of those 70s/80s films like RollerBall and Escape From New York!

Friday, September 14, 2012

Willow - "Sweater"

You won't be able to take your eyes off this video! Simple. Awesome. And I even like the song!

Willow - Sweater from Filip Sterckx on Vimeo.

The Beards - "Got Me a Beard" (Official Music Video)

The Beards Facebook

The Beards' Blog
The Beards' ReverbNation

Originally this blog was about novelty music. This song by The Beards fits that. It's a funny, simple bit of fun. Except that at the end of the video the people who were the outcasts rise up force their will on those without beards...but then again maybe that's the point of this video. Enjoy.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Jonquil - "It Never Rains"

I know this song is old...but it just popped up on a playlist I made a while back and I thought I'd share a great summer song for relaxing on the roof with a chaise lounge chair, a cold drink and a telescope. Enjoy!

Friday, June 15, 2012

Charlie XCX - "Nuclear Seasons"

Charlie XCX's Official Site
Hailing from the UK, sing-songwriter Charlotte Aitchison started her first band when she was only seven years-old on a playground.
The track you're going to hear reminds me of old, more moody Missing Persons. If you like that kind of thing? You're probably going to really like Charlie XCX! Enjoy!


I couldn't put my finger on what this song reminded me of when I first heard it. It hit me just now. Something about 'Nuclear Seasons' sounds a LOT like No Doubt's 'It's My Life'! Agree? Disagree?

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Kali Bris - "I Love Your Face"

There isn't an official site for this guy, but I hope that he gets one soon!
Really liked this piece not just for the fun video but for the cool synth stuff!
Enjoy!

Enjoy!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Starcadian - "Heart"

Starcadian's Official Site

Just enjoy the mood of this whole song. There've been several storms near where I live. The skies have been very dark filled with rolling thunder and the soft sound of rain tapping on everything. All the windows are open and a breeze is just sort of gently nudging the curtains...and this song is playing. Enjoy!

Starcadian - HE^RT (Official Music Video) from Starcadian on Vimeo.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Two Door Cinema Club's Official Site
A friend of mine (@itgetsbutter) posted that she was watching these guys perform at The Social in Orlando. I hadn't heard of them but after looking them up? I'm owe her for bringing some awesome stuff to my ears. Reminds me of a state-side version of The Drums. If you like the whole shoe-gaze scene? You'll love Two Door Cinema! Enjoy!

M83 - "Reunion"

M83's Official Site
For those that aren't aware, this is the second video from M83 that continues a storyline about some very special kids. I'm posting both of the videos here for you to join in the story as it progresses.
This is the newest video:


And here is the video that started this whole thing:

DJ Matt Mendez - "Square"

DJ Matt Mendez's Official Site
DJ Matt Mendez Soundcloud
DJ Matt Mendez YouTube
DJ Matt Mendez Twitter
DJ Matt Mendez Facebook
DJ Matt Mendez Beatport
This is the first time that I've heard of Matt Mendez, but after checking out a couple of the sites listed above? I'm a fan. I think most of my creative friends who're always looking for some kind of background music while they're working on projects will really appreciate the type of music that Matt creates. I'm currently blogging on some other sites that I write for and it's just perfect right now. Now...go get to work on something! Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Light Asylum - "Shallow Tears"

Light Asylum's Official Site

The more I listen to this track of Light Asylum's debut, full-length album, the more I picture myself standing in a forgotten parking lot at the edge of a beach watching heat ripples melt the setting sun while I think about...everything.
Enjoy!

Chairlift - "I Belong In Your Arms"

Chairlift's Official Site
Other media sites for Chairlift:
Facebook Spotify SoundCloud
Twitter YouTube

Saturday, May 26, 2012

The Tallest Man on Earth - "1904"

The Tallest Man on Earth's Facebook Page
The Tallest Man on Earth's Wiki
The Tallest Man on Earth's Official Site (I didn't list this first because the site only offers two t-shirts and a link to his MySpace page...his Facebook is kept current)

The poster of this video on YouTube has disallowed embedding so here's the link to the video so you can have listen to '1904'.
If you like Bob Dylan, who the singer admits to emulating because of listening to him during his early years, you'll probably enjoy this quite a bit. Just don't do that whole 'He's copying Bob Dylan' thing. This guy stands on his own just fine. I listened to this once not expecting anything and to just move on. I've now listened to it about four times and just really enjoy it.
Hope you do too!
The Tallest Man on Earth - "1904"

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Cut Copy - "Take Me Over"

Cut Copy Official Site
Check out their website for even more fun music. Just a cool, definitely summer vibe from this particular song. It reminds me of summer coming to an end and reflecting back on everything that happened during it. Enjoy!

Delta Heavy - "Get By"

Connect with Delta Heavy:
Facebook - Twitter - SoundCloud - BeatPort
There's really no need to say anything. If you've followed any of my social media, you'll know how much I LOVE PES videos! The man's concepts are so much fun! And this song from Delta Heavy? Awesome project-making music! Enjoy!

Make The Girl Dance - "Tchiki Tchiki Tchiki"

Make the Girl Dance Official Site
I came across this video a couple of weeks ago and posted it on my personal Facebook (feel free to friend request me...I LOVE meeting new people and try to have fun stuff going on all the time that people can help me with) without realizing that a LOT of other people enjoyed it just as much as I did.
For me it wasn't so much the song as it was the video. Having grown up around skate-culture in Southern California and spending several years in the seaside town of Santa Cruz further north, this video really got me feeling nostalgic. In Southern California it was the skate-culture. In Santa Cruz there's a very large 'greaser-rockabilly' culture that I really enjoyed during my time there. Just some of the coolest people who cared more about your actions than your words. By posting this, I wanted to share a little, nostalgic taste of the 'coolness' of both of those worlds.
Enjoy!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Twin Shadow - "Five Seconds"

Twin Shadow's Official Site

For my fans who can't seem to leave the synth-slathered 80s. Here's something that sounds like it should've been on a John Hughes soundtrack a couple decades ago...and it's NEW MUSIC. No more excuses, old people...quit fearing new stuff.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Dave Gahan & The Soul Savers - "The Longest Day"

I've always loved Dave Gahan's solo stuff. This has his touch all over it and it's pretty awesome. Enjoy!

Avalanche - "Frontier Psychiatrist"

The Avalanches Official Site
It's been TWELVE YEARS since they've put out an album. There official site states that something special is going to be announced. They've been working on an album since 2005 that "its so fuckin party you will die, much more hip hop than you might expect...".
Being a BIG fan of The Art of Noise, Negativland and the short-lived Emergency Broadcast Network, The Avalanches instantly became a staple of my ear's diet back in 2000.
While they're not new, their album, Since I Left You, is one of my all-time favorite things to listen to simply because it's comprised of samples and 'found-sound' clips. Those that've followed this blog for any length of time know that I'm a HUGE sound design nut. When someone takes random samples and creates something like The Avalanches did in 2000 (it is CONSTANTLY listed in "Best of" lists overseas), it just shows how fun music can be!
Enjoy the only two videos actually created for 'Since I Left You'...both are two of my favorite music videos because of how insanely unique they are.
If you've never heard of The Avalanches? You're welcome.
Enjoy!

Listen/Watch the entire Since I Left You album on YouTube:
Since I Left You Playlist



Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Stockholm Orlando - "The Young and the Free"

Stockholm Orlando's Site
This is a band I found by happy accident and I highly suggest you begin paying attention to. They need some love so let the reposts commence! Here's the latest...Enjoy!

KONSHENS - "Jamaican Dance" (Official Music Video)

Normally I don't post stuff like this. However, because of another project I'm working on (The Celebrate! Project) this song really fit that project extremely well considering that I'm inviting people to follow and celebrate a year's worth of holidays with me in hopes of helping get people to step out of their comfort zones. Enjoy!

U900 - 'Twist and Shout'

Originally this blog was started as a showcase for novelty songs and videos. It sort of evolved into me just sharing new music I'm sticking in my ears.
Dr. Demento fed my ears for four hours every Sunday while I was growing up in Southern California. Here's something that would probably be a part of a modern-day Dr. Demento Show. Enjoy...this is strangely adorable.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Purity Ring - "Obedear"

Purity Ring's Tumblr
Purity Ring's Facebook

I really don't know anything about the band except that I found this song haphazardly on YouTube through the suggested videos section. It was a perfect song for the mood I had going on while working on several social media projects that were up against a deadline. Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

The Shins - "The Rifle's Spiral"

Official Site for The Shins
An gorgeous video for the first single off the new album, Port of Morrow. I'm a HUGE fan of stop-motion animation as well as The Shins. Two good things that go great together. Enjoy!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Nite Jewel - "One Second of Love"

Nite Jewel's Official Site
I didn't like this when I originally heard it...but it's really been growing on me the last couple of days and thought I'd share it here. Enjoy, friends!

Dana Buoy - 'So Lucky'

Dana Buoy's Facebook

Recorded out in a bungalow in a lagoon near Thailand...yet another reason to follow your heart and do what you love. While this isn't an amazing track, there's just this dreamy flavor to it that I really enjoyed. I just wish it didn't end so abruptly. Enjoy!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Solar Bears - Alpha People

Solar Bears Official Site
Here's yet another band that I'm sort of enjoying...they've growing on me quite a bit over the last couple of hours of listening!

Death Grips - I've Seen Footage

Death Grips' Official Site
I've never listened to them before, but this song just kinda grabbed me tonight and I sort of liked it! How do YOU like them? Let me know and I'll 'see' ya next time!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Catcall - "The World Is Ours"

CatCall's Official Site

Catherine Kelleher of the punk band Kiosk is about to go solo. I've always wondered where she'd end up because you could just tell she had that 'it' factor. Here's the first video off of the upcoming album, The Warmest Place.


If you like the song, here are a couple others that I've enjoyed from Catcall. Enjoy!

Catcall - "Satellites":


Catcall - "Swimming Pool":

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

The Penelopes - "Sally in the Galaxy"

The Penelopes Official Site

This video and song is a mix of things I like: superheroes, childhood imagination, a twist and when people get what they deserve after they bully someone. Enjoy!

The Penelopes - Sally In The Galaxy (Official Music Video) from Saman Keshavarz on Vimeo.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Paul Weller - "Green"

Paul Weller's Official Site
I'm always looking for music to weave in and out of traffic to. Whether on my mountain bike or in my truck. This new material from Paul Weller's new Sonik Kicks album is pretty good. It lets me down a little toward the end but I like the opening of it. Remixes anyone? I'm talking to you, DJ Lobsterdust!

PAUL WELLER / GREEN from RUFFMERCY on Vimeo.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

SLOW CLUB - It Doesn't Have To Be Beautiful

Slow Club's Official Site

The Lucksmiths - Sunlight In a Jar

The Lucksmiths Official Site Some of you will probably wonder why I'm posting a video from a band that broke up several years ago. Some of you will be wondering why you haven't heard of this indie 'twee band'. This song should make everyone happy. Those that remember the Lucksmiths will get reminded how you couldn't stop smiling to this song. Those that've never heard of them? You'll know why we're smiling. Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Caravan Palace - Rock It For Me

Caravan Palace - Rock It For Me Official Site for Caravan Palace Get ready to become a fan of this French band! This song is just AWESOME!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Ukranian Pop Band Covers Bon Jovi and NAILS it!

THIS is the kind of stuff that this blog was originally about. Awesome ridiculousness. THIS cover of Bon Jovi's It's My Life is just pure happiness. Enjoy!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Yuksek - Off the Wall

Yuksek Official Site I don't know much about this band, but this song is so-so. What really makes it more enjoyable is this awesome video! For you older folks? We've seen this concept before in the following video by The Escape Club from their debut single 'Wild, Wild West'.

Friday, February 3, 2012

'I FINK U FREEKY' by DIE ANTWOORD (Official) (NSFW)

Die Antwoord Official Site Hailing from South Africa, Die Antwoord (which translates to "The Answer" in Afrikaans) is fresh from their break-up with Interscope records and saddling up their own label, Zef Recordz. If you can't quite find a category to toss Die Antwoord into like we here in the states do with all of our music, you're about to get a little schooling. With a bohemian slant and a style not too dissimilar from the early 80s pop-electro-gypsy band, Haysi Fantaysi (I featured them in an early post of this blog). Zef music is, simply put, the equivalent to American White-Trash culture. After watching this video you'll agree. It also has something that makes me believe they were influenced by the Aussie punk scene of the same time because everyone looks like hell. (Special Note: Lyrics in the second half of this song are NSFW)

Jane Birkin - Orang Outan

When I started this blog it was meant to be about those long forgotten gems that have all but disappeared from the collective hive mind. Originally this blog was to be geared more toward the novelty section in the back of the record stores of old. What ended up happening is a lot of emails asking me about current bands that I enjoy or bands that I see getting traction and eventually worming their way into our ears. THIS song by Jane Birkin instantly brought me back to what I was thinking about when I started this blog. It's a perfect example of the stuff I was looking for. The more I listen to this, the more I enjoy it! Enjoy!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

DanDan - Misteur Valaire

Misteur Valaire Official Site

  I often like to have a certain kind of music playing in the background when I'm working on projects.  Amon Tobin always seems to be on when I'm working on things as does a certain kind of techno-ish music.  This song, 'DanDan', from Misteur Valaire fits the bill perfectly.
  Enjoy!
 

LeftBoy - Outro

LeftBoy's Outro Official Site
LeftBoy's SoundCloud Profile

  LeftBoy (aka Ferdinand Sarnitz) is quietly creeping into the mainstream.  Using videogame references and an art-house approach to what sounds like someone who knows what they're doing with a lot of free sound tools, LeftBoy's sound grabbed my attention with the song 'Videogames' not too long ago.
  While a lot of people won't like this right away, I suggest giving his stuff a couple listens.  I think you'll get hooked like I did on this guy.
   I'm going to post a warning for some of you who I know have kids and listen to this blog.  Make sure the little ones aren't around for this particular track.  You, on the other hand, should probably load 'Outro' into your workout playlist because it's that kind of a track.
  Enjoy!
 


Tuesday, January 10, 2012

School of Seven Bells - The Night

School of Seven Bells Official Site
    A long time ago, during the ridiculous eighties, the over-the-top yet truthful films of John Hughes featured some of the most amazing soundtracks I'd ever heard.  Whether it was Hughes himself or someone who worked for him, someone had their pulse on what was going to be cool three years ahead of everyone or knew what all the cool 'underground' kids were listening to.  I was always surprised when I saw the track list on the back of the cassette tape (yeah...old).  Most of the songs just fit so well with what was taking place on screen.  So well, in fact, that you when you recall a favorite scene from his films, it's almost always accompanied by a song you love.
  What does this have to do with a band consisting of identical twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza along with former Secret Machines member Benjamin Curtis?
  Everything.
  School of Seven Bells' new album debuts next month.  The Night is the first track leaked from the upcoming release.  For all of us who remember those old John Hughes films?  You're going to be transported back to those films after hearing the track.
  For newer ears that aren't as damaged as mine?  YOU are simply going to enjoy this track even without getting all of my 'old guy' references.  If this single is any indication of how the rest of the album (Ghostory) will sound?  I'm going to be listening to this a LOT.
  Enjoy.