Trials + Tribulations

It’s a good formula. 1 boy+1 girl=good fun. Add in some sampling, computer mixing mayhem, and some distorted girl vocals and you have the creative stylings of Tiger Force. They’re playing a free show tonight in London at Catch 22 with The Bleeps.

Oh Canada, how I love thee! Crystal Castles is straight outta Toronto. Named after She-Ra’s castle, he lays down beats as a background for her to sing, mic test, or scream. I definitely need their vinyl for remixing powers. Check out BiBaBiDi’s interview with them.

Atlantis to Interzone (Crystal Castles remix of the Klaxons)

Yeah, I know, I’m a little late on this one. Shortwave Set peaked my interest when I read an article that described them like this:

During my first listen to Airborne Toxic Event, I hear the voice. The low, beautiful voice reminds me of Alex Kapranos, and I love it. Then the drums beckon my feet to move. The slower songs make me think more 80’s, perhaps Cure or The Smiths. Their name is from a book by Don Delillo called White Noise, and they come from the mighty Mexifornia (you’ll only get that if you watch SNL). They’ll be playing at CMJ in November, so get out there and see them before they get signed.

Does This Mean You’re Moving On?

Power house Electrelane has just released a B-Sides, Rarities, & Live album on Too Pure. Too Pure is a great label boasting releases from such acts as PJ Harvey, Tracy & the Plastics, and Stereolab. Electrelane also just finished writing a new album this summer in Germany and are recording now in Michigan. Their last album was so great it got them on the cover of WIRE magazine, you know the indie/noise/hip kids guide to music mag.

Long Dark

I’m On Fire

Spartakiade (not on the collection, but not widely released)

Thanks to Juliette Robert for the pic from her beautiful collection.

Sorry dudes my internet has been sparse this last week. It’s getting harder to find time to make a decent post so uhh here’s a bunch of mp3s I just can’t write up right now.

The Hidden Cameras-Death of a Tune
Russian Circles-Death Rides a Horse
The Grates-19-20-20
Canada-Record Function
Punks-Dark Mountain (Screwed Remix)
Peter & the Wolf-Safe Travels
Asobi Seksu-Strawberries (Cassettes Won’t Listen Remix)
Shiny Toy Guns-Starts With One

You’ve probably most definitely heard noise of Klaxons. In case you haven’t, here it is. They’re three British kids making “neu-rave” but I don’t really get that tag. I think it’s just hopped up dance punk with an art school twist. They’re all about the bright colors and crap, so I guess maybe that’s where the rave thing comes in?
Their debut US EP Xan Valleys comes out October 6th on Modular. Here’s the video for “Gravity’s Rainbow”

So…Joanna Newsom and Smog played last night. I’m not gonna say a whole lot because you can find reviews everywhere, but if you want a healthy, chunky and tasty review, check out Urban Pollution. Joanna was cute and played a few new songs like “Emily” and “Sawdust and Diamonds.”
I feel sorry for everyone who left after Joanna finished. The Parish was packed to capacity for her set, and dwindled to under 50. Joanna continued to play with Smog on piano (as you can see above) and Smog played a great set with new and old stuff.

ALSO yesterday we were blessed to see Cat Power do a taping for Austin City Limits. She was fantastic! She played about 20 songs and while most of them were the same ones and in the same order she played them in on Friday and Sunday, she was the true star. She was funny and talked to the audience inbetween songs, and continued dancing like she had been doing. She had a mini meltdown while trying to perform “The House of the Rising Sun” but she got over it and finally played the song through beautifully. It was interesting to see how TV was made too.

And tonight we’re seeing The Blow at Emo’s! What an amazing weekend. Then it’ll be time to go home, back to real life.
Architecture in Helsinki-Nevereverdid (YACHT Remix)
Architecture in Helsinki-Do the Whirlwind (YACHT Remix)