Back again.

My lovely readers, I'm so sorry to keep you waiting for new posts for so long. Like in my life I get really excited about stuff quickly, but then it passes and I often wouldn't finish my projects. Because this blog is an ongoing project I fall in and out just like that. I find passion to write and post delicious stuff, but then it passes. Good news is that it's coming back for a while now, and I think future looks bright. I have tons of amazing new music and stuff I want to show you, but let's start with a video of a recent gig that I loved. This is Phoenix at Roundhouse in Camden Town.

Song Of The Week \ 21

Do you remember how I was openly and absolutely in love with two newly discovered acts since I moved to London? After Grovesnor and Crystal Castles, this number just became a magical three. Band Discovery is proudly joining the party, and the ticket was granted with their album "LP". Critics say it's very synthy, but I think, it's firstly very bassy. They also say it's a hip-hop project, but I fail to hear it anywhere on the album, maybe they are referring to the vocals, which are distorted with the same effect that on Kanye's last album. I have been listening to it (and almost nothing else) non stop since I got it about two weeks ago. Not just this song, which is sweet as honey, but the whole album is completely amazing, and I love every single track on it, it is exactly what I was missing. Even the cover art is a masterpiece on it's own.

This is the joint product of Vampire Weekend keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij and Ra Ra Riot singer Wes Miles. That's all I want to say about it. Don't want to ruin it with text. It's my new big thing!

Discovery - Can You Discover?
New York, USA \ XL \ Wiki

Hard to compare to anything, but maybe Hot Chip with nitroelectro?

Why rock music has become more boring with time.

Haha, no comment, except to say ... YEAH!

Click picture to enlarge

EXCITING! Video released for a song I LOVE for over a year.

I was talking about it a long time ago, and if you check out this post from one year ago, you can hear the track. On june 8th, 2009 - a few weeks ago the band (wisely) released the video for it, with the single release following soon. It already got a lot of buzz, and it's only right because I think the song is amazing beyond words. I described it as "Very Intense" a year ago, and I have all the faith in the single, which is currently #1 on Billboard "Bubbling Under Hot 100" Chart. Not to mention how hot one of the two band members is. Get Your iPods ready!

Noisettes Live

It was surprisingly amazing a few days ago in Koko, Camden. This is a picture one of my friends I was with took, we were in the second row, and the singer was soooo beautiful. Very dynamic and entertaining gig. Click here to see more photos.

Song Of The Week \ 20

This must be the best dub I've ever heard, I am in love with the elegance of this track, I mean it's so cleverly made, that i can't call it anything else except elegant! It is based around bass and the very subtle sound of a woman breathing, and singing "ooh" is so cleverly incorporated in the track. Very minimalistic, with every sound exactly at its place to make the song as beautiful as it can be. Not to even mention the sound game starting about four minutes in. Turn on the bass, and dive in!

Battant - Kevin (1989) (Andrew Weatherall Stadium Dub)
London, UK \ Kill The DJ \ No Wiki This Time

Dub at it's best, minimalistic with every sound in the right place.

Catching Up

I don't have a better explanation for my long absence, except that I didn't feel like blogging, and for some reason distanced myself from my creative internet activities, and rather resort to consuming web activities. I have more home-time lately, and consequently spend considerably more time online, and I really started to miss blogging.

So to quickly catch up with what I've been impressed with during this time of absence, let me present you with some (mostly very geeky) photos:

Boston Big Dig is a gorgeous example of what difference a thought-out city planning and urbanism can do:

Black Eyed Peas and their "Boom Boom Pow" is a huge hit, and I got infected with the video and sound. Getting over it by now though.

Fool's Day prank, which I fell for and thought it's amazing. World's first flying hotel! (shamed)

Very enjoyable movie, I love it, but even more so it's soundtrack, which is very different to what I usually listen to - it might become my gateway album to modern jazz and such.

How can I post anything after such long time, without including some skyscraper. Well I can't! The spectacular, unbelievably tall Burj Dubai is about to be overshadowed by another mammoth project in the same city. It's called Nakheel Harbour Tower, and it's gonna be !!1400!! meters tall - almost 4x WTC or 2x Burj Dubai.

The Stanford torus is a proposed design for a space habitat capable of housing up to 140,000 permanent residents. Build it in my lifetime please.

Apparently the next big thing in home design - Office Pod, home office-cubicle for the garden. SO cute I want one.

I joined Star Trek Mania, the movie is a very cool, fresh and a successful reset of the franchise. Don't even get me started on Chris Pine ...

Okay, this is weird, but I have a thing for elegant traffic solutions like this. It's the most elegant highway junction I've ever seen. Situated in Bergen, Norway.

Saint Etienne don't have one song, that I could particularly expose, but their greatest hits album as a whole is as nice as a road trip across Spain at summer with friends, in a convertible.

Speaking of Spain - this is one of only handful real IMAX cinemas in the world, and the architecture is stunning! Located in Valencia, Spain, the Hemispheric is a part of the "City of the Arts and the Sciences".

The new model of Boeing's biggest airliner 747 "Jumbo Jet" is the biggest yet. I just love its design, it looks much prettier than "fatter" european Airbus A380.

So much for now, more to come soon. Thank you for visiting again.

The best video I've seen in a long time

Behold, everyone! It's the great Joan As Police Woman with "Start Of My Heart".

Song Of The Week \ 17

I am amazed. Two absolutely perfect and fantastic songs have found their way to my awareness in the last month. That's a regular quota for the whole summer, if we really say PERFECT. I found the latest love on Kitsume Maison Compilation 6, which is pretty great overall, there was a Hot Chip Remix that I liked, and then bought the original song. Rob Smoughton aka Grovesnor is a british producer, who used to work with Hot Chip, but they split ways, and hated each other, until they made up with current members remixing this song. Aaaawww.
The track is is electro pop at it's best. You can hear Hot Chip in it, which are quite spectacular by themselves, mixing melancholic vocals with funky beats. But the best contrast is that of a retro 80's feel good chorus, and neo disco electro sound, that is now breaking on the mainstream with artists like Justice and Sam Sparro.
"Drive Your Car" starts off very shy and scared, but then at it's unbelievably good chorus, when you get to know it better, become full of joy and love. I love the fact, that I live in the city where music like this is made!

Hot Chip + Glass Candy + Justice + 80's feel good vibe = Grovesnor

Grovesnor - Drive Your Car
London, UK \ Kayak Music \ No Wiki This Time

Second song i fell in love with this month, which is basically phenomenal.

Song Of The Week \ 16

This is the most beautiful love song I've ever heard. It's also quite an old one for this blog, since I had it on my iTunes since the beginning of 2007. It became fifth most played song in my library with almost 140 plays. Surprisingly Gran Bel Fisher's album is not that brilliant on the whole, this song really stands out, and I just love the feeling of it ... it's so emotional yet not sleazy, guitars are dreamy, and the chorus is ... omg, so beautiful, and it get's better every time you hear it. It's not a catchy pop, but rather a slow grower, and those are usualy the best, because they last for a looong time when you realize their beauty. Very subjective "Song of the week", but well ... you'll have to just deal with it, it's my blog, and I'm not in the mood for being too professional :)

Gran Bel Fisher - Bound By Love
Ohio, US \ Hollywood Records \ Wiki

Song that reminds me of the very romantic relationship with my future boyfriend.

Song Of The Week \ 15

I am sometimes unsure about which song should I feature on the blog, but that wasn't the case this time. It didn't happen until the first "Song Of The Week" post with Uffie, that I was so certain which song I absolutely LOVE the most this week. I own it for less than 24 hours (incl. sleeping), and have already listened to it 45 times in that time. Robyn is a goddess. The Swedish singer, trying hard to prove that pop can be slick, intelligent and fresh, co-wrote the song "Dream On" in 2006, when it was released by the producer Christian Falk in Sweden. Now it is due to be released in the UK and internationally, and it is right now becoming huge in London, since I've heard it on the radio a couple of times already, two weeks before the actual single release.
I saw Robyn live in Budva about a month ago, where she also sung this song, which I then heard for the first time. It is just so fresh, powerful, funky ... kind of "With Every Heartbeat"-ish, except it actually takes off on the chorus. Oh, and those high pitch sounds all over the song ... Seriously Robyn, I love you.

Christian Falk ft. Robyn - Dream On
Stockholm, Sweden \ Data Records \ Wiki

Robyn's gorgeous vocal with new fresh electro-pop sounds. As good as it gets.

Song Of The Week \ 14

My lovely readers. I feel like I owe you, so we're having the first triple Song of the week post, starting with my current inspirational song, which is not necessarily as good as it is appropriate for me, considering the changes I made in the last weeks. I found myself in London looking for a job, flat, and new friends, and here are exactly the lyrics I need:

And I found that round here
In this city
That I won’t disappear
In this city
I got nothing to fear
In this city ...

This track is currently #10 on the official UK singles chart, and was #4 when highest, that means that it's on the air everywhere across London, so it just might become one of the signature songs which I'll forever associate with my arrival to this city. Californian five peace band sort of reminds me of the brilliant Shwayze, except they are not really that good, comparing all the songs from the album.

Iglu & Hartly - In This City
Los Angeles, US \ Mercury Records \ Wiki

Indie extension of the summer.

Ladyhawke was already featured in this weekly theme, and right now she became the first recurring artist in it. Originally from New Zealand, she is now based in London, where she's regularly performing gigs with Peaches, and I can't wait to see one. Her first album "Ladyhawke" was released just weeks ago, and was praised by the critics, some of them even naming it a pop album of the year 2008. The reason I'm posting this song is again personal and sentimental, as I was listening to it on repeat while I was driving from the airport to the city, all alone in dark and rain, and was seriously thinking if I didn't just made a huge mistake. Ladyhawke, everyone!

Ladyhawke - Morning Dreams
London, UK \ Modular Recordings \ Wiki

Retro 70's harmonies, that screams LOVE.

Let's have our first trance record!

Not to give you the idea that I'm depressed and sad, let me show you, what I'm discovering on the other side of the spectrum. I've started to experience the nightlife, meeting new people, and one of them is just a treasury of new musical horizons. This is a band from Sweden, founded by two ex progressive rockers, which thought it would be fun to start making electro sounds. Now there is six of them, and they are creating pretty hardcore rave tunes, so my favorite is actually one of their softer ones. "Sponsored By Destiny" is amazing because of the contrast between almost popish retro-arcade-videogames sounds, and a serious party banger trance inputs and dance beats.

Slagsmålsklubben - Sponsored By Destiny
Norrköping, Sweden \ EMI Records \ Wiki

Childish, playful, cheerful meets classic electro hardcore.

And a bonus! \ Aren't I just spectacular?

In case you haven't seen it before - Womanizer by ms. Spears wasn't a song that I would bet on just a few days ago, but as I saw the video for it I figured it's gonna have to be HUGE. It really is done exactly as it should be, and I'm sure it will put Britney back on top. Just remember that, I was right that way before :)

And BTW, I still love this song, seems like I just simply can't get tired of it. So I'm naming it THE song of the summer.

Video from Madonna's Concert

Picture gallery is coming online soon. This is from September 25th, when we went to see her Madgesty in Budva.

Song Of The Week \ 13

Finally something fresh, and REALLY good. Glass Candy's synthpop music is all about electro, but at the same time dark and weird, with the serious italo disco (the first popular forms of electro music in the early 80's) sound. The whole album is like a dark pass by the Saturn, inside a comfortable, futuristic spaceship. This song is one of the lightest, pop-ish on the album, and I'm posting it because it was one of the two, which I very much liked even when I listened to them for the first time. I'm madly recommending the whole album "B/E/A/T/B/O/X".

Glass Candy - Etheric Device
Portland, US \ Italians Do It Better Records \ Wiki

Hypnotizing sounds and mesmerizing vocals. Fascinating alternative to mainstream music.

Death Cab For Cutie - Concert

I'm finally done. All the videos from London are made, as well as photos, which are posted here. This is from the spectacular concert of Death Cab For Cutie.

Song Of The Week \ 12

Everyone said that Cansei De Ser Sexy with their new album "Donkey" are more polished, smoother, and cleverly produced than ever before, and I can only agree. I saw them live at EXIT Festival last year, and they were kind of a disappointment, besides, that is their second album, which almost always isn't as good as the first one, so I was very skeptical about it, and have to confess my mistake now. "Believe Achieve" is a hot, fresh, electrish indie at it's best, sound samples are phenomenal, as well as the Lovefoxxx's voice. Bitch is exactly one month younger than I am, and this is just plain frustrating. I must do something with myself, and start rocking it while I still have my youth!

CSS - Believe Achieve
Sao Paulo, Brasil \ Sub Pop Records \ Wiki


Focus on the sound samples. Listen on good headphones. Wicked!

Song Of The Week \ 11

This is another old one, from 2001. It is seventh on my iTunes most played songs, and that's an incredible honor. Like I've told you before, there are two personas fighting a battle inside me, one is a hip-hop diva superstar, and the other is a helpless hippie, who just want to love everyone. This is the absolute hymn of the latter, so let's spread peace, love, and understanding :)

The Shins - New Slang
Portland, US \ Sub Pop \ Wiki


If the great Woodstock would happen today, this will have to be it's theme.

Song Of The Week \ 10

About half a year ago I accidentally visited a small village on mountain Pohorje, and felt SOOOO happy when I got back to our capital. So happy in fact, that it actually switched my musical focus to modern, fresh, urban electro. I wanted to embrace the urban lifestyle because I found out, that this isn't something one should take for granted. Not everyone have internet access, public transportation, night clubs, movie theaters, coffe shops and even markets.
Anyhow I'm thinking time is comming for me to kinda return to the style I've listened before Pohorje. Of course I still love electro, and am a fierce bitch, but I'm also starting to feel the appeal of perhaps a bit more classic songs. Beacuse of the delay I'm posting a double post again.

First act I've recently come to like is Joan As Policewoman. It is a 3 piece band with Joan Wasser as a frontwoman. She plays violin, guitar and piano, and writes all of their songs. Album as a whole is very emotional and deep, as is the song "Eternal Flame", which was the most succesful single from their album "Real Life" in 2006. Despite she's 38 years old, she looks absolutely fantastic on the cover, kinda lesbian even. Really really beautiful woman, I want her as my friend :) For the first time I'm attaching the lyrics, because they shouldn't be missed.

Joan As Policewoman - Eternal Flame
New York City, US \ Reveal Records \ Wiki


Vocal overlapping made perfect.

Yes
I wanna have it
Yes yes
I wanna have you now
But i can't be the lighter
I can't be the lighter

I wanna go there
Yes yes
I wanna show you how
But i can't be the lighter
I can't be the lighter

Just in case you never knew
I can't be the lighter
Of your eternal flame

Oh! oceans, rivers, lakes
That we could swim as two
But i already own my
Own body of water

You'll follow me and
Yes, yes
I'll follow you,
It's true
But i'm already certain
I've got good directions

Just in case you never knew
I won't be becoming
I am the beginning
And i'm already
Done

These yes days,
They've come and gone
Not always going to make
The same mistakes

It's too simple, i saw the truth
And truth is the terror of the one
Who feels their lace can be stained
But i cannot stain your white lace, baby
Even you cannot stain your white lace baby

No
I'll never go there
No no
I'll never take that route
'cause i won't be the fighter
I won' t be the fighter

Don't ever push me
No, no, don't ever make me shoot
'cause i won't be the fighter
I won't be the fighter

Just in case you never knew
I won't be the fighter
For your eternal flame

Just in case you never knew
I won't be becoming
I am the beginning
And i'm already
Done

Just in case you never knew
I can't be the lighter
Of your eternal flame


Let's cheer it up. Second song of the week is a happy retro 80's song with an amazing chorus. It could really almost be released in '89, except it is only a few months old. The Virgins are not yet well known band, which got their first break in the TV show Gossip Girl, where they played only their songs in one entire episode. I got the album and immediately fell in love with this track. What do you think? Don't it reminds You of the times when You were too young to really remember anything, but still have kind of a subconscious melodic memory about it? I'm a 80's baby, baby!

The Virgins - Murder
New York City, US \ Atlantic Records \ Wiki


Like the theme from one of the ridonkulous Chevy Chase's Movies.

Kylie did it again

This is a fresh video for single "The One". The song sounds much different than the album version, which is more moody and dreamy, this one is pure dance, and very gay. It was one of my favorites on the "X" album anyway, and I think video did it justice, being very visually appealing. High point about three minutes in.

Song Of The Week \ 09

I found this song written on my virtual sticky note, and didn't remember when I wrote it down. I figured I probably heard it sometime, and liked it. So I got it, listened to it on repeat while Lucy was taking a shower, and considering that it got about 10 play counts during that time, that was a looong shower. Anyway I feel it's a pleasant pop song, which didn't explode in my head with fresh samples and wicked sounds, but rather just build a happy, calm feeling, which grew stronger every time I listened. It's that kind a song I want to listen to while driving across California in a rented cabriolet with friends, if u know what kind of sensation I'm talking about.

Beats & Styles ft. PaPa Dee - Take It Back
Helsinki, Finland \ Warner Music Finland \ Wiki


Happy song with the actually sad lyrics.