ROBYN / WHITNEY / LA ROUX / TAYLOR

I mean, this is the definition of POP!

Diamond Messages

After a wonderful week back home in San Francisco for Christmas, I am settled back into my big green armchair in big gray London just in time for New Years.  Slept til 2:30 pm today thanks to the jet lag and enjoyed precisely 90 minutes of daylight.  Ah, winter.

Here's a few tracks I stumbled upon as the London sun was setting about an hour ago.  For those nocturnal jet setters, these two tracks are for you.

Diamond Messages - Liquid Summer
Diamond Messages - Smoke & Mirrors

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Class Actress

Brooklyn-based electro-pop trio Class Actress is Elizabeth Harper, Scott Rosenthal and Mark Richardson.  I'm captivated by the title track of the 2010 EP, Journal of Ardency.  Here it is along with another track off the EP.  The production work is pretty damn sexy.

Class Actress - Journal of Ardency
Class Actress - Careful What You Say


TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Alex Winston

Detroit's Alex Winston is about to blow up.  Every good producer/DJ loves a good female voice to cut, mix, mash and make explode into your ears.  Motor City has produced the next 'it' girl, and this song is our proof.

Alex Winston - Choice Words (Labyrinth Ear Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Kanye West

Merry Christmas to all my homies out in NYC. Here's a new track from Kanye West to celebrate the holiday spirit in Harlem. DERICIOUS!

Kanye West - Christmas in Harlem

Everything But the Girl

I liked it then, I love it now.  1997 was a good year.  2011 will be even better.

Everything But the Girl - Missing (Club Mix)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Empress v. James Yuill

The UK's Empress situate themselves nicely in between pop and club.  Their new single 'Captain' just dropped in November.  This is what I imagine Rihanna would sound like with a European club producer behind her.  And then there is James Yuill, who takes the original and creates something made for the big screen.


Empress - Captain
Empress - Captain (James Yuill)

If you don't know James Yuill, you should.  Here's an original of his remixed by Prins Thomas.


James Yuill - This Sweet Love (Prins Thomas Sneaky Edit)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Young Empires

Though not brand new, these tracks are all still brand good.  Toronto's Young Empires have been compared, with Cut Copy, Friendly Fires and even The Rapture.  Not a bad bunch at all...


Young Empires - Glory of the Night
Young Empires - White Doves
Young Empires - Rain of Gold
Sunday Girl - Self Control (Young Empires Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Softwar

Like the feeling of fine sand in between your toes...

Softwar - Beaches

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Creep (ft. Romy from The XX)

Brooklyn's own Creep just dropped their latest single, 'Days'.  The 'witch house' sound is new(ish), but the soft, female vocals on this track are oh-so familiar. 

Creep - Days (ft. Romy from The XX)

If you have checked Your New Neighbor over the last few weeks, you may have noticed that I have been taken by the sounds emerging from the dark.  Namely oOoOO, Creep, Salem, Balam Acab and Forest Swords.  All similar, yet each unique.  I have yet to post a song from Balam Acab and Forest Swords...until now.  Have a peek.


Balam Acab - Big Boy
Forest Swords - Rattling Cage


TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

The Drums rmx(s) rmx(s) rmx(s)

Not to be cliche, but I love the chase.  Not for women.  No, no, one sweetest is all I want and need and she arrives in London in t-minus 3...2...1.   I like chasing tunes - blonde, brunette, white, black, tall, short, young, old.  I just love tunes.

As the story goes, I stumble across a song I like, read there might be others that relate, and then go hunting.  Scouring the web for those other special tracks that make my mouth water in print has become a bit of an addiction.  There's nothing like the high of a big score.  I assume deep sea fishing off the coast of Belize with a cooler of Pacifico's and basket of coconuts is quite similar.

And while some hunts are less successful than others, tonight I struck gold!  Had the Penguin Prison find earlier (see two posts down).  And now Clock Opera, Twin Shadow and Matthew Dear all remixing The Drums.  Don't ask me to pick a favorite...

xoxo,
Your Tipsy Fisherman

The Drums - Me & the Moon (original version)
The Drums - Me & the Moon (Clock Opera Remix)
The Drums - Me & the Moon (Twin Shadow Remix w/ No FX)
The Drums - Me & the Moon (Matthew Dear Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Robyn

Goosebumps.  You'll see.

Young Galaxy

Is it the steel drums?  I can't place it, but for some odd reason this Young Galaxy track reminds of another special Fever Ray remix that I will always and forever associate with one very special weekend in Bolinas, CA.

In any case, 'Cover Your Tracks' is really fantastic, especially when she starts singing at the two minute mark.  Now go on and make your own memories...

Young Galaxy - Cover Your Tracks

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Theophilus London

A smooth sailing, free loving Hip-H(p)op track that makes every day feel like Sunday.  Especially when you're already overseas...


Theophilus London - Flying Overseas (featuring Devonté Hynes & Solange Knowles)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

LR v DK

On this one, the electro-pop sensation leaves the city lights behind and rides off into the sunset.  Saddle up...


La Roux - In For the Kill (Drgn King Mix)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Cheap Thrills

If you're pregnant and would rather not expose your unborn child to bad language, perhaps avoid this one.  However, if you want your unborn child to become the coolest kid in kindergarten, I'd slap the biggest pair of headphones you have right up against your belly and play this baby on repeat til birth.


Cheap Thrills - Dark Gifted Fantasy (Feat. Kanye West, Kid Cudi & Lemaitre)


TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

The Tapeaters

 

Russia!  You've got to be kidding me?!

I was shocked to discover The Tapeaters are a Russian duo.  They sound so Australian, Italian, Swedish...anywhere but Russia.  Shows how little I know.  It seems catchy electro pop is being produced the world over.  The more the merrier.

The Tapeaters - Satelite
The Tapeaters - Satelite (Xinobi Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Microclinic

Most of the 'chillwave' acts I know about are American and often from the Southern coastal states - i.e. Washed Out, Toro y Moi and Small Black.  What is it about the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia and Florida that inspire such fuzzy pop sounds?

Microclinic, however, is not American.  Based in Milan, Italy, their hazy sound is its own thing altogether.  A bit heavier with the base and a bit darker with the vocals.  Here is the title track of their 2010 Ep, Shield.  You'll see.

Microclinic - Shield


TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Digitalism

Digitalism just released their new single 'Blitz', which reminded me how big a fan I was of theirs back in 2007.  Remember 'Pogo'?  Oh boy, I do!  Seems like a lifetime ago, however, since I was trekking cross town to Hiro Ballroom in Cheslea, or walking a few blocks from my house in Greenpoint to Studio B to see Digitalism, or other acts I associate with that time in my life, namely The Presets and all things French Touch.  Ah, the good ol days...

Since I have been in London, I have not taken advantage of the club scene, spending most of my evening hours at cocktail spots, dive bars or (inevitably) pubs.  Perhaps this new Digitalism release is the inspiration I need.  I have included 'Blitz' and 'Pogo', as well as the music video for 'Blitz'.  Watch that and you'll see what I mean, club life in Europe is its own animal.  Even if music like this isn't for you, recognize that this music packs warehouses full of people who, instead of standing still and staring at a live act on stage with their hands in their pockets, actually dance!  EXAMPLE: In the States, I was told to get down off a chair at a Junior Boys show, so I could join the group of motionless observers.  In Berlin, the party didn't start until 3am, admission was a couple Euro, at most, and the building itself had bomb holes in the roof and bullet holes in the walls, not to mention everybody was dancing!  Take your pick.

While Digitalism is German, the video was most likely filmed in an abandoned warehouse converted club in East Berlin.  It makes me believe nights like that are here in London.  The search begins.  Goodbye sleep, hello sunrise.

Digitalism - Blitz (2010)
Digitalism - Pogo (2007)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Nacho Carbonell

“I like to see objects as living organisms, imagining them coming alive and being able to surprise you with their behaviour. I want to create objects with my hands, then I can give them my personality. I turn them into communicative objects that can arouse one’s sensations and imagination. In short, what I want to create are objects with a fictional or fantasy element, that allow you to escape everyday life.” -Nacho Carbonell

Spanish designer Nacho Carbonell has been an inspiration to me since I first discovered his sculptural and biomorphic furniture designs back in 2007.  While many current examples of contemporary design, in my opinion, exist solely as commodified demonstrations of the most advanced materials and  production technologies (see Zaha Hadid), Nacho Carbonell's work is invested with the soul of the maker.  The imperfection, impracticality and organic nature of Carbonell's designs are unquestionably human, beautiful expressions in an age dominated by synthetic perfection.

Below are examples of Carbonell's furniture dating back to 2008.  While I initially fell in love with designs like the one pictured above or from the first two images below, I am particularly taken today by the Pump It Up collection (2008), pictured last.  The inflatable chair is connected to a series of inflatable pets, who 'come to life' only with human involvement.  As a dog owner, I am perhaps more vulnerable than most to the emotional quality of the dependent relationship that exists between pets and their human providers.  Carbonell captures this special relationship in a chair.  How cool is that....

 

 

 

Theophilus London

Apparently I'm into videHOEs all of sudden.

YO check this one. If you want the definition of HOT MESS, or wanna get into the mood for a bit of sexy time tonight, you'll like this one.

Theophilus London takes footage of the notorious Lindsay Lohan for his new demo "Oops." She's a trashbag alright, but the video fits the bill.



Theophilus London - Oops

Creep

Creep is Brooklyn's own Lauren Flax and Lauren Dillard, also hosts of the Thursday night 'Filth' party at Home Sweet Home on Christie Street.  The duo have been lumped into the emerging genre of music known as 'witch house,' which includes acts such as Salem, Balam Acab & oOoOO.  Gernerally speaking, 'witch house' defines music that sounds like it was made in a cave, with an assortment of drum machines, synths, voice distortion equipment and a heavy dose of Nyquil.  You get the idea, but as will all art and music labels, its better to just look, listen and leave it at that. Personally,  I happen to like this emerging genre/sound/style quite a bit, as it correlates nicely with the onset of London Winter darkness, but I realize it may not be for everyone...yet!

If the music is not enough to draw you in on its own, perhaps you will be more interested when I mention the recent controversy surrounding the use of 'Rape Gaze' to describe the genre.  Hop on google and see for yourself, as the debate has run off in far too many directions for me to paraphrase here.  Formulating a personal opinion on the issue, I must admit, is rather fascinating.  

For now, here is a Creep remix of Memory Tapes' track 'Green Knight', which I know you all have danced to at least once or twice before.  This time, however, you can leave your dancing shows in the closet...unless of course you're just a creep!

Memory Tapes - Green Knight (Creep Remix)
Memory Tapes - Green Knight (Original) 

For more on 'witch house', a good place to start is the NYC label Tri Angle.  An even better place to start, however, is by downloading a free compilation HERE of Linsay Lohan's pop songs re-interpreted by 'witch house' bands.  What a crazy idea...I love it.  

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Sea Oleena

I felt like sharing something beautiful.  Sea Oleena's song 'Little Army' will do just fine.

Sea Oleena - Little Army

If you like floating amongst the clouds, you can name your price and download the entire album HERE.  I won't tell you how much I paid, although it's plenty more than free.
 

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Textile Designs

If it's not one thing, it's another.  It seems there are just too many many distractions here in London these days - whether it's music, fashion, furniture or street markets, not to mention an attempt at a social life.  All of the above are keeping me from writing (i.e. starting) the 3,500 word essay I have due in less than a week.

Given all that, it may not be the best time to 'discover' an affinity for designing textiles and patterns.  While I can rationalize the time and energy I have spent over the last few days organizing lines, shapes & colors by claiming it relates to my Contemporary Design curriculum, the truth is I should have been writing my paper.  And so...before I bury myself in books and drown myself in coffee, here are a few of my very recent textile endeavors.

The black and grey pattern above works quite nicely as a desktop wallpaper for your Mac/PC - just an idea.  Drag it to your desktop and be my first wallpaper client!

Mr. Little Jeans

Mr. Little Jeans was picked up by Neon Gold earlier this year to join the label's impressive roster of talent, including Penguin Prison, Marina & the Diamonds, Ellie Goulding, The Sound of Arrows, among others.  Neon Gold just released 'Rescue Song', Mr. Little Jeans' second single since she joined the (neon) golden label.

The track has received the remix treatment by fan favorite RAC as well as Royal Palms.  Sit back and sink yourself into these three tracks, one after the next, after the next..

Mr. Little Jeans - Rescue Song
Mr. Little Jeans - Rescue Song (RAC Remix)
Mr. Little Jeans - Rescue Song (Royal Palms Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Games

It's been a bit since I have posted songs like these two 80s inspired electro-pop ballads.  Games is Daniel Lopatin & Joel Ford.  These two track are off thier 2010 Games We Play EP.  'Strawberry Skies' features the dreamy vocals of Brooklyn's Laurel Halo, while 'Midi Drift' lets the synths do most of the singing.

Games - Strawberry Skies
Games - Midi Drift

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Wolf Gang

This video captures the way I felt when I first came to Sydney. The beach, the beauty, the outdoor music festivals, it all just got me.

Wolf Gang took footage from their performance at Parklife last year and put together this vid for their new demo "Something Unusual." It's a pretty spot on description for Oz and the life here.




Another great love tune for your downloading pleasure is Back to Back. A lil bit of a different vibe, but still hits the heart.

Back to Back - Wolf Gang

Atlas Sound

Most of us were introduced to Atlas Sound with the wonderfully playful track Walkabout.  Though not as pop oriented as Walkabout, Atlas Sound's recently released Green Glass Bottles is special just as well - and new!  I have posted both songs below - served best with mimosas, of course.

Atlas Sound - Walkabout (w/ Noah Lennox)
Atlas Sound - Green Glass Bottles

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

We Are Trees

We Are Trees is making my Saturday morning that much better than it already is.  Slept in, took a nice stroll with the pooch through Vicki Park, home brewed some  Climpson & Sons coffee, cooked up an omlette and then designed a few textile patterns.  Before I hop into a book on the oddball Viennese architect/designer Frederick Kiesler, I thought I'd share a few songs that have accompanied me so far this Saturday morning.

We are Trees is a four-piece consisting of James Nee (Guitar, Bass, Vocals), Rocky Capizzi (Violin), Pearl McReynolds (Cello) & Josiah Schlater (Percussion).  Have a listen to two tracks off their Boyfriend EP, released this past summer.

We Are Trees - Dear Chan Marshall
We Art Trees - Sunrise Sunset


TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Mickey Mickey Rourke

 Mickey Mickey Rourke just released Inner Gazing.  Here's my favorite track off the album, perhaps because it the most 'song-like.'  Most of the other songs on the album are quite ephemeral and rather dreamy, which I certainly dig, especially as the sun begins to set earlier and earlier each day here in London.  However, for the sake of being accessible and pop oriented, have a listen to this.  It's a synthy, melodic, dream-pop jam for you lovebirds.


Mickey Mickey Rourke - Gloomy Guts (feat. Craft Spells)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the web page that appears.

Kisses

The two-person band Kisses had a good deal of buzz leading up to their debut album The Heart of the Nightlife. In fact when I first heard their single “Bermuda” I was looking everywhere for a copy that I could link to Your New Neighbor. However, no copy was found and the post was (or what I thought would be) forever lost.   Until now...

Lucky for me and you, on a recent trip to Palm Springs, I re-discovered Kisses and a breezy tune appropriately named… “Kisses.” I was lounging with the babe at the poolside lounge sipping on my tasty bev and it came as smooth as the bottle of Veuve I was sipping on.

Kisses is made up of Jesse Kivel (Princeton) and his girlfriend, writer and fashion blogger Zinzi Edmundson. “Kisses” is a breezy light disco tune that will get you going and set the mood when you want to get there.

Kisses - Kisses
Kisses - Bermuda 
Kisses - People Can Do the Most Amazing Things

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

My Crush on Kid Cudi

Yup that's Cudi above kickin it in Sydneytown.

Pretty much I have a huge teenage celebrity stalker crush on Kid Cudi aka Mr. Rager. The guy keeps it real and I relate to everything he flows about.

He recently released his video for Mojo So Dope, my fave song off his new album, which it's true I give a fuck about your lifestyle MAIN.

I love the video. Here's a sneak peak into the life of a rap superstar.

Korallreven & CFCF

Swedish duo Korallreven have slowly but surely made their way into my daily life.  A track here, a track there, a remix here, a remix there.  All of a sudden, they're popping up on all my playlists left and right.  Ever had one of those moments when a song comes on while your walking around or riding the tube/subway/bus and it perks you up a bit, but you can't remember who it it is?  Well, that is/was me with Koralleven.

Here are two originals and a remix.  I picked these up over time, but you can have them all at once. Oh yeah, and Victoria Bergsman is the voice of Taken By Trees, also worth a listen HERE.

Korallreven - Honey Mine (ft. Victoria Bergsman)
Korallreven - The Truest Faith
Korallreven - The Truest Faith (CFCF Remix)

And if you like the CFCF remix above, here's a few more of Memory Cassette, Femme & The Presets.  All of these have been on repeat for me at one point or another, especially that Presets mix.  Brings back dark and sweaty memories...

Memory Cassette - Last One Awake (CFCF Version)
Femme - Bathtub Clash (CFCF Remix)
The Presets - Talk Like That (CFCF Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Keep Shelly in Athens v. Memory Tapes

Here is the Memory Tapes remix of Keep Shelly In Athens' Running Out of You.  Go and grab the original at my sweetest lil blog by clicking HERE.

Keep Shelly In Athens - Running Out of You (Memory Tapes Remix)


TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Small Black

I am looking out my window, and it's snowing.  Just checked the weather, and it's 28 degrees here in London.  While Small Black's warm tones and hazy melodies might seem more appropriate for Summer, I have to say, they are keeping me pretty warm right now.  Good music has a way of doing that, it seems. 

If you like Washed Out, Toro y Moi, and all that blissed out chillwave goodness, you'll love this.  As Pitchfork writes, "feels like a sunrise bike ride with a head full of weed, but this time in full-blown technicolor."  Yeah, that's about right.

Small Black - Photojournalist
Small Black - Despicable Dogs
Small Black - Despicable Dogs (Washed Out Remix)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

oOoOO

oOoOO is the best music to come out of San Francisco in a long time, and there have been some good ones recently (i.e. Girls).  I'm very happy to see my hometown breeding music as haunting and infectious as this.

Here are two tracks off the just released EP.   Now turn down the lights and the volume up.  Let me take you into the deep...

oOoOO - Burnout Eyes
oOoOO - Hearts


TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

For Dad, Forever Ago

18 October 2008.
That day, on a direct flight from New York to San Francisco, I listened to Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago album on repeat, staring out the window at the endless skies just beyond the reach of the metallic wing, unable to distract myself with the copy of the NY Times I had brought along for my journey home.  Early that morning, I was awoken to the news of my father's heart attack.  He was gone.

To this day, that album remains timeless and perfect for that incredible moment when everything changed.

30 November 2010.
Over two years have passed since that day in October.  I have since boarded a one-way flight from San Francisco to London to obtain a Masters degree in the field I love.  I am moving forward in Dad's example and with Dad's open heart.

This Das Kapital re-work of Bon Iver's 'Skinny Love', a track off For Emma, Forever Ago, is emblematic of this process.  The same song from 18 October 2008, given new life today.  Moving forward, while looking back.  I love you Dad.

Bon Iver - Skinny Love (Das Kapital Remix)
Bon Iver - Skinny Love (Album Version)

TO DOWNLOAD: Click the link(s) above & then click the 'Download' link in the top right corner of the box.net web page that appears.

Urban Grays

Black & Whites of my favorite cities...