Candy Galore is a sandbox of a huge music fan and geek living in London, UK. It is all about things I'm impressed with at the time & random bits from my life.
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?
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.
Crystal Castles are the freshest thing I've heard in a very very long time, and I fell in love with them completely. The whole album is something else. It can be quite violent and sometimes without any melodic form, and the sounds are so innovative, that it sounds like it's from 2030. It's like a nintendo on steroids mixed with screaming lesbians and cheerleader chants, and the overall feeling of the album is amazing. You can't have it as background music, it is way to intense and intrusive. This is my favorite song, but it is a hard call, because I love about half of the album and I like the other half. It screams YOUTH! ENERGY! FUTURISM!
Crystal Castles - Courtship Dating Toronto, Canada \ Last Gang Records \ Wiki 8 bit syths, in a way you heaven't heard before.
Song of the week just became a grown up theme with the 18th fabulous post. This time we're going to the past, which is highly unusual, but don't worry, we are not leaving the 2000's. We are going to talk about a dead man though. Arthur Russel was a New York musician, who died of AIDS in 1992, aged 40. I found out about him on Friendly Fires celebrity playlist on iTunes, and had to buy it imediately after listening to the 30 second sample. It has this brilliant, laid back stereo sound effects, which combined with his melancholic vocals, and sweet lyrics makes one hella good song. Record was released on the 2004 album "Calling Out of Context", compiled by Steve Knutson, and I'm not sure if I like anything else on it. This ambiental masterpiece has been playing in my earbuds for the past couple of weeks, and even though I bought a lot of great music lately, this is so far creme de la creme of my music library in 2009. Let's start a year with a dead man!
Arthur Russel - Get Around To It New York City, US \ Audika Records \ Wiki Sexy, erotic song, which I cannot wait to play at the "right occasion".
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
This is sensational, and about to be massively successful. It's very Uffie's electro, with strongly modified vocals. The name Tobias Lützenkirchen suggests that this is a DJ from Germany, specifically he's from Munich, and he already established his name there. He's booked all over the world until January 2009. On the next post check out the video, which I also LOVE.
Lützenkirchen - 3 Days Awake Munich, Germany \ Platform B Recordings \ Website The new coke hymn! And I'm not talking about the fuzzy drink.
Let's make a double post once again, since I was away for such long time. That only happened at the first Song Of The Week post.
The first track is really alternative and out there, and you will probably have to get used to it. The singer's name is Santogold, and she is due to break on mainstream by the end of this year, which she partly did it already with single "L.E.S. Artistes", which is much more mainstream and radio friendly. 32-years old lady had previously toured with M.I.A., Bjork, and Architecture In Helsinki, which I think are all kind of musically similar to what she does. She had an album out in April, it's called "Santogold", and I suggest you get it.
Santogold - Creator Philapelphia, US \ Atlantic Records \ Wiki Hardcore gangsta meets indie experimentalism.
Second song in this post is very different. It's organic, indie, popish, pretty, and somehow retro 80's influenced. Ladyhawke is essentially the solo project of Pip Brown, New Zealand girl who recently moved to London. I'm totally digging her voice, and was impressed, when I found out that she plays 10 instruments. She wrote "Paris Is Burning" after visiting Paris in 2007. I was particularly intoxicated with this song during this year's Exit Festival. You might also want to check out the video.
Ladyhawke - Paris Is Burning London, UK \ Modular Recordings \ Wiki Anti-electro feel-good song with a very emotional chorus.
Before I packed my things, and went to the Exit Festival in Serbia, I felt the need to load my iPhone with fresh tunes, and as it turned out, that was a spectacular idea. I accidentally listened to this song once, and couldn't get it out of my head ever since. 3OH!3 from a small town in Colorado are named for the area code of that region, 303. "Starstrukk" is from their critically acclaimed second album, released a few weeks ago. It's an interesting melt between Gym Class Heroes' vocals and melody, buffed up with hardcore electro samples, with the classic 90's dance track ending. Very intense!
3OH!3 - Starstrukk Colorado, US \ Photo Finish Records \ Wiki Sound description of youth.
I've heard about this band quite a few months ago, when there were only a few leaked songs available on the darker corners of the internet. I got stuck on "Rock DJ", which was featured as a free single of the week on iTunes, and later discovered this one, which I immediately fell in love with. Their sound reminds me of the first indie rock artists I've listened to more than a year ago, mostly The Sounds, The Long Blondes, and CSS. Love Katie's voice! The Ting Tings recently pushed Madonna from #1 in UK, and they are massively successful all over Europe. "Fruit Machine" is not a single, so consider it as a secret candy from their album, since u won't be hearing it on the radio. Ka-Ching, Ka-Ching!
The Ting Tings - Fruit Machine Manchester, UK \ Columbia Records \ Wiki Fierce voice with feel-good vibe for summer days.
With bad weather and waiting for the salary, this song made a revival in my head last week. I was first listening to it while I was waking up at 5am, and walk to the train to go to work. That was more than a year ago. Those was hard times, and I needed something to release my frustrations. Obviously this situation lasted way too long, since this song still stands at #1 in my iTunes, without ever being beaten. And it's success is not just in my head. It was #1 in Canada for three weeks, and charted in the UK. Here is a picture from their concert in NYC.
Metric - Monster Hospital Toronto, Canada \ Last Gang Records \ Wiki Perfect for occasionally angry people with good taste for fresh tunes.
My last post was kind of about me getting old. I know that it would take A LOT of years for me to actually get old, but early signs are here. Samples and melodies from 80's are with us for quite some time now, and that's great, but recently I've heard some tunes very similar to those we listened to in the 90's. And that's scary, because for the first time I can actually remember the times when something was popular before it made a comeback. This week I'm showing you twoo fresh dance tracks based on the 90's, but with a modern twist. Cyndi Lauper is back with the album "Bring Ya To The Brink", which is not bad at all. Main producer was Kleerup, who also produced Robyn's amazing album from last year. It's her first album in 8 years, and is surprisingly good. I also didn't think Moby would ever be mainstream again, but he made it with album "Last Night" a few weeks ago. I'm recommending both.
Can you hear the 90's coming back?
Moby - Disco Lies (New York City, US \ Mute Records) Wiki Chorus that I can't get out of my head for weeks now.
Cyndi Lauper - Into The Nightlife (New York City, US \ Epic Records) Wiki A bit gay, a lot Mr. Oizo.
