How fitting that at a time when myself and other writers are contemplating our Best of 2011 lists (And let’s be honest, it’s slim pickings this year) Arcade Fire reveal a new video from excellent ‘The Suburbs‘ album.
As we have come to expect from the Canadian gang they have produced a fine interactive effort for ‘Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)‘, one of the key moments from that album, leaving the viewer in control of the pacing of the video.
I have come across numerous talented musicians and singers since my temporary move to LA. Amongst these I have to list production team The Difference who I had the pleasure to jam with last weekend.
The duo of Adam Gurr (Atlanta, GA) and Carlton Douglas (San Antonio, TX) are preparing their attack on worldwide domination from their own sweet Danger City Studios right out of Hollywood.
Their ever growing catalogue shows they’re not afraid to get their hands dirty with a bunch of different genres for a variety of artists. Talented musicians in their own rights it is evident the duo complement each other’s influences and ideas.
I like to think by the next time I check in on these guys they will be needing some form of IVR system to stay on top of their numerous projects.
To celebrate the release of Florence + The Machine‘s ‘Ceremonials‘ album we have a copy of the album and related goodies to give away to one reader.
All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is to comment on THIS post in the Cougar Microbes facebook page stating your favorite red head in history is. The winner will be picked at random on the 9th of December.
Three years after releasing ‘Superabundance‘, Young Knives came out with their third full-length ‘Ornaments From the Silver Arcade‘ back in March. ‘Vision in Rags’ is the second single from the album.
I saw these guys at Kendal Calling festival in July and their stage presence is awesome. They are light hearted, energetic and tight as you like. This release is a divergence from their typical, frenetic single. The guitar hooks are still there but more laid back than we’re used to. Dreamy melodies and harmonies are layered over a steady groove.
But fear not purist YK fans, a familiar angular breakdown adds extra dynamics to this instantly memorable number and reminds us exactly who we’re listening to.
It’s undoubtedly indie-pop, but I’m definitely into it.
Ashtar Command‘s debut album ‘American Sunshine‘ was finally unleashed this fall marking the culmination of almost ten years of songwriting. One of my favourite DJ’s, and all round music guru, Chris Holmes joins forces with Brian Liesegang of Filter/Nine Inch Nails fame to record what is far from your typical 2011 release introducing obscure sci-fi references and a multitude of influences.
Here is new track ‘Mark IV‘ featuring Joshua Radin on vocals. Director Matt Ornstein delivered a brilliant video with his futuristic psychic spies and awesome views of LA. Check it out!
Here is the official video for M83‘s ubiquitous summer hit ‘Midnight City‘ coinciding with the release of the album ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming‘ this week.
directed by French duo Fleur & Manu; the video follows a group of gifted children running away from their captors with Los Angeles acting as a backdrop. Anthony Gonzalez‘s recent relocation to LA may have played a part on the choosing of a location.
Keep your eyes peeled for a NovemberUS tour as well as UK Dates come December but hurry up because tickets are selling out fast.
Originally Emilywas going to write a ‘Weekend Videos’ installment for Gotye’s ‘Somebody That I Used To Know‘. Instead we liked her post so much we ended up turning it into a full album review. Here is what she had to say about the video:
‘Somebody That I Used To Know‘ has been the belle of the YouTube ball lately with almost 9 million views in the past 3 months (97 are from me). The clip reminded me of what a music video should be: a visually stunning accompaniment that enhances but doesn’t explain or narrate the song. The track itself is deliciously simple, with minimal instrumentation and vocals that alternate between bare confessional in the verses, and heavily layered harmonies in the refrain.
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