Cougar Microbes

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.

TRACKS:

Arcade Fire – Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) [Tommie Sunshine Quaalude Edit]

Listening to this track before reading anything about it had me thinking ‘this has Kitsune written all over it‘, and indeed I was right: this is a remix of Housse de Racket‘s ‘Roman‘ by young 20 years old Canadian DJ Preston Chin aka Robotaki, for the legendary French label.  This is a very fun remix, which, as I previously suggested is entirely in the light electro-pop vibe of Kitsune.

 Robotaki has been mixing for 4-5 years and already has an impressive cv including a remix of Chilly Gonzales‘ ‘ You Can Dance‘ and receiving support from electronic djs Busy P, Kavinsky and Radio 1′s Jaymo & George. He is currently finishing his debut EP, and I’m really looking forward to it !

So, If you like the types of artists that appear on Kitsune compilations you will surely like his music. And as winter approaches those remixes will surely keep you warm and your moves going.

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Post by Olivia

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TRACKS:

Housse De Racket – Roman (Robotaki Remix) by Robotaki

Chilly Gonzales – You Can Dance (Robotaki Remix) by Robotaki

It seems like an eternity since we wowed over Feist‘s ‘The Reminder‘ album. Fortunately the Canadian songstress has unveiled the first track off of her upcoming album ‘Metals‘ which is expected in October.

TRACKS:

Having shown so much promise on their debut Tokyo Police Club returned with their brilliant second full length ‘Champ‘  in 2010. Right from the opening notes you are in for something special with the band making the matter of writing catchy anthemic songs seem wholly painless.

The Canadians manage to build on all the early promise they displayed whilst throwing a few interesting curveballs into their indie meets punk meets pop template.

Back in July Cougar regular Kenny commented that Tokyo Police Club ‘seem to have a fresh, different, brilliant idea for every day of the calendar year.’ It is for this reason that these 11 intelligent upbeat tracks demand to be returned to frequently.

TRACKS:

NEXT: #04 Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2010: Yeasayer – Odd Blood

PREVIOUS: #06 Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2010: Kick Up The Fire – Kick Up The Fire

Canadian chanteuse Kori Pop sent through this wonderful video for her track ‘Nowhere Near My Heart‘.  Shot entirely on Canon D5 Mark II and edited on Iphoto, it is a true labour of love.

Her debut album ‘From The Outskirts‘ is out now. Expect some off-kilter eclectic piano led pop bringing to mind Regina Spektor and Emiliana Torrini.

TRACKS:

With Arcade Fire fresh from two incredible London live perforamcnes and ‘The Suburbs‘ on constant repeat on the Cougar stereo they couldn’t be left out of this set of Weekend Videos.

Here is a video from 2005 of the band performing their anthem ‘Wake Up‘ with none other than David Bowie. You know you’ve made it when a legend performs your song with you.

TRACKS:

Arcade Fire – Wake Up (With David Bowie)

And just like that Jeff Spec becomes the first artist to be featured twice on Weekend Videos and realistically we couldn’t miss this one.

With ‘Clyde Stubblefiled‘ the Vancouver native pays tribute to 80s idols like Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap. Check out the hot break dancing in the video from the Soul Felons crew.

Jeff Spec‘s latest album ‘Sneakerboxxx‘ is out now.

TRACKS:

Jeff Spec – Clyde Stubblefield

Toronto’s Freedom Or Death have sent in this video for the track ‘Lost In Dances‘. Inspired by Spike Jonze‘s short film ‘How They Got There‘, the track accompanies the stunning video effortlessly.

After 10 years in the biz the Canadian duo decided to pursue their art over the balance sheet and released their self-titled EP back in the summer.

The results are a mix of genres from Electronica, Indie Rock to Folk but never dull.

TRACKS:

Freedom Or Death – Lost In Dances