Santhos - THINK

like nothing has happened we begin as we last were

In late Mayo this Ano I came across this guys Dj Set in Pragues nightclub.... maybe it was the fact all my mates were either picking up or attempting too, or maybe it was the ganja in the system i dunno, but it was a set that i will always look back on, as it was the beginning of something.. I followed this guy the next night and it was through this move I discovered the amazing place that was OUT OF THIS WORLD and around the corner, however so accessible if we allow it. Cross Club... the home of Good times and amazing tunes. the birthplace of 'Thinking Music'

After talking to Michal after his set I then promised him there that Santhos would be the next blog i would do.. I kept to my word but sorry its a few months late!! anywho

This guy has some incredible beats and sounds in his own tracks and he develops them further over the coming years expect to see more exposure as time passes, but for now if you have the opportunity to visit Prague or surrounds his live show will promise to deliver a sound which will keep u on the dancefloor thinking and dancing your worries and fears away. well thats what i got out of it anyway.... each to there own as they say!

Take a listen to the following 2 tracks each run for about 6 minutes.

If you like what you hear visit his website and download samples of other tracks including Mind Trip, Ghost Race and Parade (Danoo Remix), All quality.

Mp3: Santhos - Think

Mp3: Santhos - Cool Breeze Summertime VIP

MySpace

WEBSITE

Yes, we're still here...farewell MJ

After the June blog drought, we're back! My hectic music week has been spent catching up on all the latest releases as well as reflecting on some of Jacko's finer moments. Whatever your opinion may be on Michael as a person, the world has lost perhaps the greatest entertainer/artist of our time and it would be wrong of us not to leave a tribute.

There were many memorable performances over the years, but the standout for me would have to be the first time he debuted the moonwalk at the Motown 25th Anniversary concert in 1983. Incredible.



Thanks for the moves MJ.

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Phoenix Live Berlin

PHOENIX LIVE @ BERGHAIN, BERLIN 20/5/09

A few snaps and video from Phoenix's live show at Berlins Berghain as part of the 2009 SPEX festival.

An amazing venue with incredible lighting, a easy going not to full crowd witnessed for mine the show of 2009 thus far. Playing most tracks off there new album, out this Friday although it seems to have been playing on my ipod for a few months now these guys have an incredible unique sound that has to be loved by music lovers everywhere.

BUY for Amazon

Official Website MySpace

Never Heard of: Scanners

Last week while attending Handsome Furs Berlin Bang Bang show I came across these guys who were also playing. Now normally I would always browse around at the support act however this occasion i didnt get around to it.

I dont know what it was that caught my attention about these guys. Maybe it was the catchy riffs, or maybe it was the show that they put on swapping and changing between instruments and outfits, or maybe it was the fact that the 2 girls who make up half of the band being quite hot, and as lead vocalist Sarah Daly took off her cap, and then her jacket there was that element of sex appeal that cant be ignored. It sucked me in anyway..

Scanners have been around for a while, close to 4 years infact. they have the 1 album in 'Violence is Golden' and well worth a listen to.

BUY: Scanners - Violence is Golden from AMAZON

MySpace

Scanners - In My Dreams (MediaFire)

Scanners - Lowlife (MediaFire)

Scanners - Lowlife La Riots Remix (MediaFire)

Photos from Handsome Furs @ Bang Bang Club, Berlin.

"DANKOSCHON!" ( Quote Dan Boeckner)

Just a few Pics from Handsome Furs Live gig @ Berlins Bang Bang Club.

Playing without Alexie's normal Synth and Drum Machine this Husband Wife Due from Montreal Canada still preformed a Solid show that had its moments.

UK Indie group Scanners opened proceedings and with an impressive performance, one to look out for in the near future....

Highlights from the Handsome Furs Sent were...

-All We Want Baby, Is Everything

-I'm Confused

-Thy will Ber Done

-Radio Kaliningrad

"This Songs about Being Sad" (Quote Dan Boeckner)

(Source Waterloo Records)

For tour dates and other relevant info check out their MySpace

Mp3: Handsome Furs - Radio Kaliningrad (Mediafire)

BUY: Handsome Furs - Face Control (Here)

Handsome Furs are under the Sub Pop Label.

BangBang Club MySpace

Your New Favourite Band: The Middle East

As a music blogger, my existence depends upon this kind of golden discovery. And, as a recession statistic, my current well-being is totally reliant on hearing pieces of pure music brilliance such as this...


The Middle East are a 6-piece out of Townsville, Australia. They've apparently been around for a while, but having recently signed with Spunk Records, they have just released their first EP, Recordings of the Middle East. Their music is in the same kinda folksy anthem mould of Arcade Fire, but it's the slower acoustic moments and harmonic vocals that provide something else and make this EP truly great. While The Darkest Side and Fools Gold are excellent tracks, Blood is the standout and will be on high-rotation on my ipod for months to come.
The band is set to play a series of dates down the east coast in June and also scored a deserved spot at Splendour in late July. Check out this live performance of Blood in Adelaide back in January...pretty amazing stuff.



mp3: The Middle East - Blood
mp3: The Middle East - The Darkest Side

MYSPACE
BUY Recordings of the Middle East EP for just AUD$4.49 at

Upcoming Tour Dates:

22 May 2009	The Tanks Arts Center supporting Augie March	Cairns, Queensland
4 Jun 2009	The Old Museum w/ Little Scout	Brisbane, Queensland
5 Jun 2009	Gallipoli Legions Club w/ Grand Salvo	Newcastle, New South Wales
6 Jun 2009	Factory Theatre w/ Grand Salvo	Sydney, New South Wales
7 Jun 2009	Clarendon Guest House w/ Leader Cheetah	Blue Mountains, New South Wales
10 Jun 2009	The Heritage, Wollongong	Wollongong, New South Wales
11 Jun 2009	Brass Monkey w/ Birdlife	Cronulla, New South Wales
12 Jun 2009	Sodens	Albury, New South Wales
13 Jun 2009	Northcote Social Club w/ Grand Salvo	Melbourne, Victoria
26 Jul 2009	Splendour in the Grass	Byron Bay, New South Wales

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Never heard of...Rogues

ROGUES (UK)

Not So Pretty is the excellent first single from these talented Brits. Like the rest of the demos featured on their Myspace, the track has a very 80's sound, much like Duran Duran or Bowie but also has a resemblance to one of last years great bands, Foals. Not So Pretty is available as a limited edition 7" from Pure Groove here. There are no details for an album at this stage, but it shouldn't be too far away. Watch this space...

MYSPACE



mp3: Rogues - Not So Pretty

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MAY THE 3RD, 2008

"To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time." ~Clara Ortega

When your life is flipped up side down with the loss of someone who is apart of who you are, the first few weeks pass, and you don't really know what to think. The surreal experience causes your body to go into a state of shock, the body's natural response to 'Pain'.

As the weeks drift by, and the shock eases you find yourself in a hole, a hole that you cant find an exit too. This is when the realisation of what has happened settles in, everyone else gets on with their own life and instead of the pain easing u find that the hole doesnt get any shallower. You cant fight it, you just have to accept that its here for the long haul, for life.

All for one and one for all

My brother and my friend

What fun we have

The time we share

Brothers 'til the end.

(Author Unknown)

So from here on, the only thing that we have to remember the good times is the memories that flood back constantly, and the anniversaries that continue to arise. February 21st, 2009 was the day you passed from our world into your next. It will be the day that our Family will hold and cherish your existence. From here comes the 1 month, 3 Month, Your Birthday, 6 months,Christmas, 1 year and so on..

On a personal level, May the 3rd of this year is my most significant day that i have had since your passing. It was the last time i saw you, the last time i will ever be able hold you.

I miss you Patty, Stay safe where ever you are........ looking forward to the day that we can again catchup on everything we've missed out on. But until that day comes, I'll remember the good times we shared, the great times we had. You will always be in my heart. Luv u bruz.

The Beatles - In My Life (MediaFire)

The Offspring - Gone Away (MediaFire)

Bon Iver - Blindsided (MediaFire)

Manchester Orchestra - Jimmy Whispers (MediaFire)

Cloud Cult - I Love You All (MediaFire)

Telepathe New Video "Chromes On It"

The female duo from Brooklyn that is Telepathe have just released the video from their latest single "Chromes on It".

Check it out Below....

MP3: Telepathe - Chromes on It (Mediafire)

DATAROCK - RED

I came across Norwegians Electro Dou DATAROCK'S latest effort 'RED' this week...

I dont really know how it can happen an Album being leaked nearly 5 months before its intended release date. Surely tracks wouldnt be finished if that was the case?????? Anyway According to MusicRemedy Its actually out July 1st, Not September 1st that has been posted elsewhere...

Now Im currently living with a Swedish guy and if theres a problem in the world, and its not the fault of the Danish then it most likely evolved from Norway.

Anyway that has nothing to do with anything..

I was a big fan of a few tracks off there previous album in Fa Fa Fa, Sex Me Up and Computer Camp.. And like there 2006 Self Tittled Debut, Its abit hit and miss. However if you like catchy melodies that i can only relate to the times playing 'Super Nintendo' or 'Atari' then this is one to watch. Love the opening track 'The Blog' as its relatable for obvious reasons.. 'Give it Up' which was released this week is V catchy along with 'True Stories' and 'Dance' the best for mine.

Playing a few Shows in Europe and UK over the next month they then head to Australia early June and then America. For full tour dates check HERE

Track listing:

1. The Blog (Sharebee)

2. Give It Up

3. True Stories (Sharebee)

4. Dance

5. Molly

6. Do It Your Way

7. In the Red

8. Fear of Death

9. Amarillion

10. The Pretender

11. Back in the Seventies

12. Not Me

13. New Days Dawn

www.datarockmusic.com/

Passion Pit - 'Manners' The Rise to Fame

Should I, or Shouldn't I..... I don't like to exploit the fact that an album has leaked but this is an exception because as most blogger's will agree, this is one of the most anticipated releases of 2009, and I figured if i don't someone else will! Along with this I've also concluded that in the coming months 'Manners' its going to cause massive hype everywhere, and its already started...

There is zillions of blog posts everywhere about 'Passion Pits' rise to fame, and its a great story after all! Michael Angelakos making 'Chunk of Change' as a Valentines day gift for his GF before someone realised how good it actually was... A year on, 4 more members and we have 'Manners'...

Right now while blogger's are influencing other blogger's with free samples all of a sudden there is a big support base even before the ACTUAL release date of 18Th May (UK) and 19Th May (US) comes upon us. From this date the Independent music scene will 'big up' these Massachusetts lads from the word go, and with good right! For the next 3 months is where the 'music' hits its peak.. Because this album has far to many catchy pop riffs to avoid the evil that is 'Commercial Radio'. We saw it in 2008 with MGMT rise to fame from a little know electro act in March to one of the most sort after Acts getting around by September.

Passion Pit are heading down a similar path, and its not a bad thing, its just the cycle that popular music takes... So for the next 3 months enjoy the album, because it is really good.

Because before we know it we will hear it everywhere we go. Radio, Pubs, discos, Television, Sisters Ipod's, hens nights and the list goes on. Sleepyhead will be the first to go, take your pick after that...

'Manners' is due out May 18Th and can be pre-ordered HERE.

Tracklisting:

1. Make Light

2. Little Secrets

3. Moth’s Wings

4. The Reeling

5. Eyes As Candles

6. Swimming In The Flood (Sharebee)

7. Folds in your Hands

8. To Kingdom Come (Sharebee)

9. Sleepyhead

10. Let Your Love Grow Tall

11. Seaweed Song

'Related Videos' - Getting Lost On Youtube

This week it's pig flu, but not so long ago, that not-so-attractive Scottish lady who could actually sing was a world media headliner...Susan got me thinking about an old guilty pleasure - Les Mis. How many classic songs can one musical have? I Dreamed A Dream, Master of The House, On My Own, One Day More...and yep, my favourite Do You Hear The People Sing?
Sooo, while checking out Susan for the 100th time on Youtube, I got a little lost in those videos on the side and found this gem...



Aannd, after I found the above clip, I remembered that Seinfeld episode where George had 'Master of The House' stuck in his head, so as I went looking for that clip of George...I somehow found this unexpected but hilarious piece of 80's singing and dancing in the street about a burger commercial, featuring a much younger and slimmer Jason Alexander:



And that's my story.

Vampire Weekend, Ra Ra Riot team for 'Discovery'

DISCOVERY (NYC)

As far as experimental electronic side projects go, I would have to rate The Postal Service as the absolute benchmark...and as there is sadly nothing coming from Ben Gibbard and Co. in the foreseeable future, Discovery could be closest to filling the void. Discovery are Ra Ra Riot frontman Wes Miles and Vampire Weekend keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij. They only have the two toons out at the moment, but early signs are good, and an album to be released some time this year will be worth checking out. Osaka Loop Line is the better one for mine.

mp3: Discovery - Osaka Loop Line
mp3: Discovery - Orange Shirt

MYSPACE

And for good measure, here's a kinda spaced-out remix of a classic.
mp3: The Postal Service - Such Great Heights (John Tejada Remix)

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Passion Pits new Single 'Moths Wings' Leaked

The 3rd track off Passion Pits Forthcoming Record 'Manners' has been leaked online and of the new tracks including 'The Reeling' & 'Little Secrets' its my favorite to date. 

Manners is due out first in the UK on May 18th and a day later in US. Bloggers everywhere have been eagerly awaiting this release so expect to see alot more news on these guys over the next month...

Preorder 'Manners' HERE

Also for all the aspiring DJ's out there Passion Pit also have a remix comp running for their latest track 'Little Secrects'. Follow this link to recieve a snipit of of the track and mix away... 

Manners Tracklisting:
1. Make Light
2.Little Secrects (MP3)

3. Moth's Wings (MP3)

4. The Reeling

5. Eyes As Candles

6. Swimming In The Flood
7. Folds In Your Hands
8. To Kingdom Come
9. Sleepyhead 

10. Let Your Love Grow Tall
11. Seaweed Song

Myspace / Tour Dates 

REMIX TIME

This segment is normally dedicated to tracks to keep people on the Dance Floor.

However on this occasion I've changed things up abit........................

WARNING: If you come home from the bar, get your computer out and listen to all 3 tracks you MAY end up like this guy.

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Bloc Party - Biko (Mogwai) MP3

Calvin Harris - Your Not Alone (Deadmau5 Remix) MP3

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Skeletons (Straight Up! Remix)  MP3

Booka Shade @ Tripod, Dublin 24th April, 2009

Last nights Booka Shade's Concert at Tripod, Dublin has proven that the recession hasn't stopped Dubliners showing up in droves to dance the night away to some quality electro/house music.
Walter Merziger Arno Kammermeier the German duo that are Booka Shade made their 2nd appearance to Dublin in just under 11 months and delivered another quality performance continuing their reputation as one of the best acts in the business.

Doors opening at 11 saw a lineup that peaked about 150 meters just after 12am in miserable weather conditions however for the 95% irish crowd its what to be expected.. The rest of us just had to cop it.
Local Act Dj LrB warmed up the crowd with a impressive set to set the mood playing until close to 1.30am before Booka Shade hit the stage with the roar from the packed crowd..

For the next 90 mins the lads from Frankfurt took the packed Tripod crowd to a good place where the lights are bright and colorful and the music leaves u wanting more.
Set up with their trademark stage set up 2 vertical neon lights on either side of Arno on the synths/drums and the and 1 horizontal neon infront of Walter on his decks. the lads kicked of proceedings with an into 'Dusty Boots' off there 2008 record 'The Sun, and Neon Light'. Footage below..

For anyone whos been to a Booka Shade gig will know its more of a dance party, bordering on a sort of rave only with better beats and a killer visual and light show.. They will rarely keep a track going for more than 3 minutes while keeping there own unique sounds in between tracks to keep everyone on there feet from start to finish. They produce a uniquie crisp sound that keeps them away from traditional minimal house and not quite mainstream electo.
The next 2 other tracks that followed were also off "The Sun and Neon Lights" in Outskirts and the personal favorite Charlotte.

This was the time in the night where my work as a blogger was being taken over by the erge to make the most of a quality night out on the D'Floor and therefore only got a few notes down. Big praise must go out to some of the earlier tracks in 'Night Falls', 'Body Language', 'Mandarine Girl 'and 'In White Rooms 'all off there 2006 Release 'Movements.'

Finishing there initial set at around 2.40am before thanking the crowd and getting a Overwhelming positive response they then proceeded to play a 3 track on core to the cheering crowd who didn't want to go home, meanwhile no doubt putting the Management into a panic as the 3am Shutdown was drawing abit close for comfort...
All in all a quality nights entertainment. Eagerly awaiting there next album, due out some time in 2010.

If you have been to a Booka Shade recently or plan to in the future and have taken any interesting pics they are currently running a competition to win a pair of exclusive 'Booka Shade K-Swiss' Shoes. Check out KSPACE for more details.

Booka Shade are playing Shows throughout Europe in May, Check out there MySpace for more details.

www.bookashade.com

Insignificant nights

So there I was.... sitting in a university pub at 11pm listening hanging around shit people and more importantly listening to shit music... i thought to myself... i actually don't want to be here...
Having just finished the novel 'Wolf on Wall Street' by Jordan Belfort, a Stokebroker from who turned made him self into a Billionaire in the space of 5 years from age 26-31...

so i have 3 years left to find my niche!

So in the meantime i decided while in the middle of a nothing conversation with a average looking girl i figured i may aswell make my own fun and take note of the playlist just to let you know our readers how bad it actually was.

11.30pm and for the next 2.5 hours is the peak time for D Floors across Dublin (2.30am Close is a real pr*ck!) And what better way to kick of proceedings than with 3 tracks that would get any F Class Dancefloor rocking... 'aint no party like a S Club Party!'into 'Ill tell u what i want what i really really want' and if the young lases werent exited enough by 'Dj battleshard' play list out comes Back Streets Back, ALRIGHT!.

So after that build up i needed to sit back and take it all in.. still 'drizzling' away ( Quote Jordan Belfort) on comes the next track which was a new one for me Alesha Dixon with The Boy does nothing. However i interpeted it as 'That boys got nothing' which inn the situation i was in was right on the make so i just coped it on the chin and starrted to chug back a the pints abit quicker.

The next 3 tracks were classics.. it started out with just the first verse of Kenny Rogers 'The Gambler'. Now i had 2 issues with this effort from 'dj gimpazoid'... firstly when your working a playlist u genrally keep along the same beat and genre to keep the crowd moving in the same direction.. and the genre that had been played was 'rubbish' so therefore he was now pllacing this classic along side these tracks... secondly cutting the track after the first verse when he had just played is like kicking a drunk kenny rogers in the guts while hes passed out on the street. just not acceptable!

Never the less out camme Elton Johns Midnight Train and Johnny Cashs Ring of Fire and all of a sudden abit of respectabily was coming back to this place.

Then on the couches we were sitting on watching the place get to packed a a drunk couple decided to sitt right next to me.. and when i say right next to me i mean pritty much ontop of me and start mauling each other... and as this was occuring on comes a track i didnt know 'Dancing at the crossroads', however the 50 strong crowd of young lasses who knew all the words to SClub,Spice Girls and Shake Shake were all back up singing and carrying on so i nknew i had to break loose, and the safest place right now was the smoking area.

As i get up i get an accidental push from a random which causes me to accidently spill some beer on a girl in front of me... she turns and 'what the fuck was that u stupid fucking asshole wanker!'
the girl was half attractive otherwise she would have recieved a real backlash however i kept it tame having an aguement that i wasnt going to let her win.. only letting out the words 'fuck' 'pull out' and 'mole' in context... Then over comes the hero to save the day.. who was a super gimpy looking guy who was smaller than me and 1 on 1 i would of taken no doubt.. anyway he played the tough guy role infront of the chicks and that was that.. ciga time!

on the way back in we happened to cross paths again she gave me a evil look and i gave her one back.... so back to the playlist and on comes 'Roads of Donegal', an irish classic.. as i find my way back on the couch (the mauling couple had left) having another pointless conversation i think how did life get so great!! and then comes one of the best 1 hit wonders.. Cumbawumbas I get knocked down... but i get up again.. another big swig of the pint annd its time to break the shackles... and with that im on my feet dancing like a nob... the only good thing about it was there was 80% nobs in the room so i didnt stand out... and just like Dj Hopeless heard my call on comes Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer and Bryan Adams Summer of 69!! The peak of the night had arrived!!..

But like the rest of the night just when i was getting exited on comes yi yi yeah Coco Jumbo! now i will admit i brought this single.. but i was also 11 years old For Focks Sake! another 1 hit wonder.. anyway time for critizing Dj DipShit had finished as i was in that zone..

making all my best moves on the dancefloor i struck a few conversations with some more average looking chicks who all had the same response 'OMG your Australian' when i first arrived 11 months ago it was great.. a novalty... now it was just annoying.. anyway out of the blue that witch who i had the fight with earlier that night was doing the old backup move in my direction... and i thought the nerve of it coming into my territory!

Next thing i know we are talking and after the 'OMG your Australian' routine she apoligied and we started kept on the drunken dancfloor chats where u only take half of what each other is saying partly because its loud and partly because u only have 1 thing on your mind.. to score!

So its about2am and last drinks are called.. thats 2 tracks left i think.. what gold can he possibly have left up his sleave after tonights set!

'Biggggg Girrrrrls Donnnnt Cryyyy' Ahhh yes just what i need to try and show off my best moves.. never the less she went the backup move into me and hands were held.. its this momment u know ur in.. just have to find the right moment to plant one...

And on come the lights.. and althought i personally would have thought this is when Kenny Rogers - The Gambler should have been played in full as it deserved but anyway DjHomma finished strongly with the Hit single fromDirty dancing.. Ive had the Time of my life... and i owe it all to you! we sing to each other as if we really mean it but both know that shits only real in movies!

So that concludes the Evenings Playlist... and really if that guys is gett plays several hundred € to pump out that rubbish a few nights a week i can definatly find a DFloor to make my own..

Thats another story though..

For now Get me to Booka Shade Tommorow night!!



Kenny Rogers - The Gambler MP3

Suckers - Beach Queen MP3

Suckers Self titled Ep was released last week and has been getting rave reviews around the blogging circles. I havent got my sticky little hands on it yet but no doubt there will be more to come in the future if this track is anything to go by.

Artist - Suckers

Album - Suckers Ep

Label - IAMSOUND

Buy album from - Amie St

MySpace



Suckers - Beach Queen MP3

Nirvana Live DVD Released May 4th

Nirvana - My Life Takes No Prisoners (LIVE DVD)

Its official Just days after the 15th anniversary of Kurts dead a remake of Nirvanas imfamous 1992 Reading Festival according to NME.

Revamped with all the features in Dolbie 5.1 and high definiton what not expect this to be a Hit with Fans everywhere. For those of you who havent seen head to Youtube for all the uncut version of this performance.

My Life Takes No Prisioners will be released May 4th Under the Universal Label.





Nirvana - Plateau (Unplugged in NY) MP3
Nirvana - Polly (Unplugged in NY) MP3