Joss who? Amy who? The best–meaning quirkiest and most original–young British soul siren around is Alice Russell. Though her sound is pleasantly accessible, Russell is beyond just aiming for retro-chic with pop-tart gloss; she’s in the game to shake things up a bit. She coaxes a surprising amount of power out of her slim frame, going from a whisper to a scream in about 0.2 seconds, and her kookiness (and inspired arrangements) rescues Pot of Gold from typical U.K. R&B cliché-dom. Her version of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” doesn’t outdo the original, but easily stands on its own, while “Got the Hunger” simmers with Motown-ish sass. But Russell’s not just renting a room in Soulsville–she wants to own it.
Barbara Morgenstern “Reich und Berühmt”
Barbara Morgenstern recently released her fifth album, titled BM. As with the rest of the release, the single, “Reich und Berühmt,” is grounded by a Bechstein Grand Piano. With this piano providing both melody and rhythm elements, the song moves from understated jazz at the beginning to a soaring, electronic-inflected orchestral exploration by the end. Morgenstern’s voice is breathy and organic–like she’s sharing some old German wisdom with us. Oh, and non-German speakers might be relieved to know that this is the first of her albums that is translated into English. Lulu McAllister
Circlesquare “Untitled (For Christmas)”
The last we heard from Jeremy Shaw–better known as the musical force behind Circlesquare–was over two years ago, when he released his Fight Sounds EP on Trevor Jackson’s now-defunct Output Recordings. 2008 finds Shaw–now based in Berlin–gearing up for the release of another full-length, Songs About Dancing and Drugs, which will hit stores early next year via the fine people at !K7. In the meantime, he’s given us this melancholy, minimal Christmas jam.
Thunderheist Signs to Big Dada
Toronto’s much-hyped club-banging twosome of Grahm Zilla and Isis–better known as Thunderheist–has signed to the Big Dada imprint and are set to unveil their self-titled full-length debut on March 31.
Mashing Baltimore club with sleazy, synth-heavy beats and a little ’80s flavor (à la Eurythmics), the group has reaped massive big-ups on the blog circuit thanks in part to the success of their Jerk It EP, and has spent the last two years turning dancefloors the world over into sweat-soaked saunas. Big Dada–the sister label of Ninja Tune–is home to the likes of Busdriver, Diplo, and Spank Rock, so Thunderheist should have no problem getting comfy in their new abode. The pair just rapped up a short sprint across Europe and will hit select clubs stateside in the New Year.
Best of 2008: Holy Ghost
Hall & Oates fanatics Nick Millheiser and Alex Frankel, a.k.a. Holy Ghost, praise new disco, and diss high-waisted jeans and Serato DJs.
Who was the best artist of 2008?
Tracy Morgan, or any of the cast of 30 Rock. Shit is funny.
Who was the worst artist of 2008?
Who’s the “I kissed a girl and I liked it?” girl? She blows. Gym Class Heroes, too.
What was your favorite album of 2008?
Hercules & Love Affair, S/T. Full disclosure: We know we’re not supposed to mention people in our “crew” but (1) We don’t know Andy that well, (2) We’re pretty clueless about new music, (3) This is pretty untouchable, and (4) Have you seen them live? Mr. Butler, Kim-Ann, Nomi, and that Antony fella write awesome jams and Tim “T. Diddy” Goldsworthy’s production is so good it’s silly. Okay, the last bit was a shameless shout to a good friend, but you can’t deny that Goldsworthy’s a clever cookie.
What was the worst music trend of 2008?
Opening Serato DJs playing bangers at 9 p.m. to an empty room. This bums us out for two reasons: First, nothing makes people feel more uncomfortable than walking into an desolate club with slamming, overcompressed, distorted dance music. Second, we play sissy, unquantized disco music so having to segue out of peak-hour jams can be a bitch. Remember, a good DJ set is about peaks and valleys. Take ’em on a journey…
What was your favorite 12″ single of 2008?
Todd Terje “I Want Your Love (Hello Kenny Edit).” With everyone and their mother shitting out crappy edits of classic songs that don’t need it, Terje came through with an awe-inspiring rework of one of everybody’s favorite songs, paying homage to a Detroit classic in the process. Play this anytime, anywhere, and watch tears of joy stream down peoples’ faces. Magical.
What was the worst style trend of 2008?
This is pretty new, but what’s up with girls and the super high-waisted jeans? Actually, our friend Starrett and Nick’s sister Lilli wear them and look great, but they’re classy broads who would look great in Hammer pants and a football jersey. Everyone else, move on. Also, the Kanye sunglasses. Come on.
Best of 2008
Drop the Lime
Abe Vigoda
Bradford Cox
Andrew Jeffrey Wright
eLZhi
Cut Copy
Fucked Up
Evidence
Vivian Girls
Matt Furie
dj/ Rupture
Telepathe
The Death Set
Holy Ghost
Mochipet
CTRL
Plump DJs
Jose James
Worship Worthy
Peter Beste
Hercules and Love Affair
Magda
The Alchemist
DC Recordings
Anavan Cover Story
Isn’t Los Angeles supposed to be filled with mindless corporate-rock drones? Something has changed, because it seems like L.A.’s Smell scene has become the punk-rock center of the universe. No Age, Mika Miko, The Mae Shi, HEALTH, Abe Vigoda–the bands keep coming, and now you can add Anavan to the list. Cover Story, the band’s sophomore album, finds the keyboard-driven trio settling into a decidedly dance-oriented sound that also happens to be a whole lot more fun than that of their Smell compatriots. “The Perfect Sound” is like a muscled-up B-52’s or Go-Go’s tune, while the synthy beats of “Boom” and “Off to a Fighting Start” are sure to incite some serious crust-punker dance parties.
K-the-I??? Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
It’s unusual for an album title to accurately describe its songs, but the past, present, and future of hip-hop is exactly what you’ll get on K-the-I???’s sophomore release. The Massachusetts native raps Public Enemy-style about his recent move to the West Coast and various romances gone wrong, all propelled by pulsing beats and heavy booms. K-the-I???’s commanding lyrics are bolstered by Thavius Beck’s gritty production and appearances by Busdriver, Subtitle, and Anti-Pop Consortium’s High Priest. At times, the production shines with electro-dance tendencies (“Cell Shaded/Daydreams/Nightmares” and “Man or Machine”), although it occasionally strays into some tired late-’90s R&B territory (“Just Listen”). Nonetheless, K-the-I??? has a bright future ahead.
Home Video Release Date Pushed Back
After word of a late 2008 EP release, Home Video (David Gross and Collin Ruffino) has decided to hold off until the new year for the release. The new EP, It Will Be OK, is now slotted to hit stands on January 13. This will be the band’s first release since 2006, when they put out No Certain Night or Morning on Defend Music, and will depart from the band’s more minimalist earlier synth-rock to explore more luscious territory. While you wait with bated breath for the wonderfully somber album, check out two of its tracks: “I Can Make You Feel It” and “Maybe What You Need.”
Yo Majesty Readies Tour Dates
Florida’s sauciest trio of ladies, otherwise known as the force that is Yo Majesty, will hit the road in the new year. Forthcoming tour dates are in support of their previously announced debut full-length, Futuristically Speaking, Never Be Afraid.
For the live shows, the ladies will be backed by a live band and sometimes collaborator/producer DJ David Alexander. Onstage antics and lots of sweat are a foregone conclusion here.
Dates
01/15 Austin, TX – The Mohakw
01/16 Denton, TX – Hailey
01/17 Houston, TX – Walter’s on Washington
01/18 New Orleans, LA – The Parish Room
01/20 Miami, FLA – The White Room
01/21 Orlando, Fla – The Social
01/22 Atlanta, GA – Apache Café
01/23 Raleigh, NC – The Brewery
01/24 Washington, DC – Black Cat
01/25 Philadelphia, PA – M Room
01/27 New York, NY – Highline Ballroom
01/28 Allston, MA – Harper’s Ferry
01/30 Pittsburgh, PA – Belvederes
01/31 Detroit, MI – Magic Stick
02/01 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
02/02 Minneapolis, MN – Triple Rock Social Club
02/03 Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall
02/04 Iowa City, IA – The Picador
02/06 Denver, CO – The Marquis Theatre
02/07 Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
02/09 Seattle, WA – Nectar Lounge
02/10 Portland, OR – Berbati’s Pan
02/11 San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
02/14 Echo Park, CA – Ex PLex @ Echo
02/15 San Diego, CA – The Casbah
ZZZ “Lion”
Fans of sweet piano solos, take note! The latest release from the Bang Gang crew comes courtesy of Melbourne-based boyfriend/girlfriend pair ZZZ, currently being touted as “the ultimate techno power-couple.” “Lion” will hit stores on December 19 and come packaged with a couple of remixes on the b side. In the meantime, here’s the piano-heavy original track.
“Lion”
A1 Lion
A2 Leonine
B1 Lion (Bag Raiders Remix)
B2 Lion (Breakbot Remix)
B3 Lion (Lowbrows Remix)
