In the unlikely case you missed the unveiling of M83‘s new track ‘Midnight City‘ here is the first taste of Anthony Gonzalez‘s upcoming double album ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming‘.
In my mind this represents an excellent union between the french touch and 80′s synth pop of the quality kind (think Talk Talk).
The use of the vocoder reminds me of Air‘s lyrical delivery although if I had to find a slight blemish I would say the boat has not been pushed far from the sound of ‘Kim & Jessie‘ from the previous album. Obviously thats me being nitpicky and as we watch the track blows up all over the internet you have got to say this is one kick ass single.
Catch Monsiour Gonzalez on an extensive North American tour in October and November. ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming‘ is out on October 18, 2011.
In entirely music related news here is a track we’ve been digging by Val-d’Isére. Their melodic sound borrows heavily from that “futuristic 70′s sound” Air have been pursuing so successfully though perhaps adding a stronger rhythmical element.
By combining old-school instruments and youtube drum samples with their sweet melodies Sean Bamberger and Carrie Flower have produced a beautiful beast.
As it is Valentine’s Day tomorrow I thought I would close off this episode of Weekend Videos with a love song. Air‘s ‘Moon Safari‘ has always been a strong contender for my Desert Island Album‘s list and ‘All I Need‘ is one of it’s most striking moments on the album with Beth Hirsch lending a timeless feel.
The video in itself is quite unique in its documentary approach following a young couple describing their perceptions of love. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Seemingly not content by the French near total domination of the global dance scene, Phoenix came along to show us how indie rock is to be done properly.
Fans of the band’s previous efforts will have been eagerly awaiting a new release since 2006′s highly enjoyable ‘It’s Never Been Like That‘ but few could have predicted how accomplished Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix sounds.
Opening double whammy ‘Listzomania’ and ‘1901‘ became instant classics and having them back to back at the front of the album represents a true statement of intent. Though these two tracks are majestic and worthy of attention the tracklisting that follows demonstrates that Phoenix are far from a one trick pony..
‘Wolfgang Amadeus…‘offer up plenty when it comes to variety including the positively sexy ‘Fences‘, driving album closer ‘Armistice‘ and the truly inspired ‘Love Like A Sunset Part 1′. This last track’s reminiscent of Air‘satmospheric edgy genius at its best.
Possibly the stand out moment on the album is ‘Lasso‘ with its subtle structure changes and emotive guitar dynamics. This track makes for a suitable bedfellow to consummate a melodic menage-a-trois with the the opening doubly whammy .
Up until not so long ago Phoenix represented a hidden secret that only a few were in on. ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix‘ will ensure the world can no longer ignore them.
Candy Claws hail from Fort Collins in Colorado; if you are up to scratch with your US geography you will appreciate that the Centennial State is filled with natural resources and wonderful landscapes but certainly does not boast its own seafront, until Hollywood’s various doomsday prophecies come to fruition, that is.
The bands debut ‘In The Dream Of The Sea Life’ was recorded in various global locations, specifically in places the band felt a strong link to, the album blends a series of electronic samples and recordings of natural sources to create a sound that is anything but artificial.
Inspired by the 1951 Rachel Carson book ‘The Sea Around Us’, the album is a bittersweet ode to the sea evoking the French electro twists pioneered Air (remember ‘Kelly Watch The Stars’?). The use of a vocoder for some of the vocals works is tasteful as is the frequently interlaced sound of the Indian Ocean recorded during the bands sessions in the Philippines.
Despite the significant nautical premise and the band citing of the Beach Boys as one of the bands chief inspiration, this album is a million knots away from the surf rock presented by the Wilson Brothers. Dive in at the deep end and explore it for yourself.
An interesting story is equally as important as a good recording when trying to understand musicians. This is certainly the case for French/Israeli duo Charlotte & Magon and their blend of electro-chillout grooves. The two had been communicating for a few years via the internet and in march 2008 Charlotte flew over to Tel-Aviv for 12 days to finally meetMagon in the flesh.
The result of this rendezvous was majestic with the two artists discovering not just a musical affinity but, beyond their expectations, a blossoming romance. The aptly named ‘Love Happening‘ acts as a snapshot of their shared experiences during this period. Charlotte‘s voice floats over a backdrop of guitars, pianos, synths and other hidden gems bringing to mind Beth Gibbons‘ of Portishead in her full haunting quality. Musically the immediate reference point is the music of French legends Air. Indeed, some of the tracks could easily pass for bonus material to the illustrious duos 2007 release ‘Pocket Symphony‘.
‘Love Happening’ is the perfect score to document Charlotte & Magon‘s love.
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In the unlikely case you missed the unveiling of M83‘s new track ‘Midnight City‘ here is the first taste of Anthony Gonzalez‘s upcoming double album ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming‘.
