Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Best of 2015- Tracks and Singles

Some of the top tracks and singles that came out during 2015. 
Seems like there was a huge Tame Impala radiation. 


01. Tame Impala - The Less I Know The Better
02. Susanne Sundfør- Memorial
03. Viet Cong - Continental Shelf
04. Belle and Sebastien- Play for Today
05. Bjork- Stonemilker
06. Surfjan Stevens- Should Have Know Better
07. Blur- There Are too Many of Us
08. David Bowie- Blackstar
09. Brandon Flowers- I Can Change
10. New Order- Tutti Frutti

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Best of 2015- Top 10 EPs

Our growing favorite format the EP has connected more than you can imagine in one Top 10. Berlin, London, NYC as well as artists from four continents and countries like USA, Canada, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, all with their very distinctive music style and all in this little space. Enjoy!


01. Liste Noire- Afire Afire
02. Yumi Zouma- EP II
03. Tropic of Cancer- Stop Suffering
04. Talking Bush- Ordinary Unusual
05. West Nile- West Nile
06. Petite Noir- King of Anxiety
07. Trust in Love- Obliquity Series
08. Programm- Like the Sun
09. Boan- Mentiras
10. Keluar- Panguna

Friday, December 25, 2015

Best of 2015- The Album List

Time to round up the best from the year 2015! Not so packed as 2014, but still, it gave birth to some interesting releases. Worth a very special mention to Martin Phillipps' The Chills and The Apartments who returned with first new albums in almost twenty years, both reaching the Top ten on our charts, proving they still got the beat going. Our favorites by far and most listened would be Susanne Sundførs' 'Ten Love Songs' and Tame Impala's 'Currents'. What else was hot? See below...


01. Tame Impala- Currents [Modular/ Interscope]
02. Susanne Sundfør- Ten Love Songs [Kobalt]
03. Viet Cong- Viet Cong [Jagjaguwar/ Flemish Eye]
04. The Apartments- No Song, No Spell, No Madrigal [Microcultures]
05. Belle and Sebastian- Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance [Matador]
06. Julia Holter- Have You in My Wilderness [Domino]
07. The Chills- Silver Bullets [Fire]
08. Dave Gahan & Soulsavers- Angels & Ghosts [Columbia]
09. Lusts- Illuminations [1965]
10. U.S. Girls- Half Free [4AD]

WAW: U.S. Girls- Woman's Work

Our final video for this year's WAW section is by Meg Remy's led U.S. Girls. She released her sixth studio album this year and the first for 4AD and it is entitled 'Half Free'. There were three singles taken form it including the haunted and atmospheric "Woman's Work". The video was directed and filmed by Meg Remy.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Next Wave: Lusts

Lusts a are the Leicester based band consisting of  brothers Andy and James Stone. Inspired by a Paris trip and lot more from their everyday life, they decided to start the band. Although it is a duo, Lusts really sound like a real band with their atmospheric and rich in sound. They also draw inspiration from previous decades, mixing Krautrock with New Wave and Shoegaze and creating a very unique blend of post-punk psychedelia. Their debut album 'Illuminations' is out now on 1965 records. Do check them out.

http://www.lustsmusic.co.uk


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Retrovision: Propaganda- Duel

"Duel" was one of the most successful single released for the German band Propaganda which was released 30 years ago. The song was taken from their debut album 'A Secret Wish' which was released through ZTT. The song reached #21 which brought them their only appearance on TotP. The song was covered by Sophie Ellis Baxtor in 2007. 


Japan's Story in Music in 'A Foreign Place' Book

Burning Shed Label has announced the release of 'A Foreign Place' is a comprehensive biography of the influential band Japan which was written by musician and author, Anthony Reynolds. 
It chronicles the rise and fall of one of one of the most respcted and influental New romantic Artpop bands and lifts the veil on the creative processes and personal histories of a fascinating group of introspective musicians whose activities have frequently been shrouded in secrecy. 
 Reynolds, previously responsible for books on The Walker Brothers and Leonard Cohen, engagingly details the strange twists and turns that saw a group of friends from working class South London develop from unpromising provincial Glam Funk origins to eventually become the authors of the innovative and exotic sonic assault of the globally successful 'Tin Drum'. 
 Written with the full approval and co-operation of Richard Barbieri, Steve Jansen and Rob Dean, the book contains many unseen period photographs, as well as first-hand accounts of the band and its music from friends, music industry associates and musical collaborators. 

  www.burningshed.com

Monday, November 23, 2015

School of Seven Bells Anounce the Release of their Final Album

School of Seven Bells have announced the release of their fourth and final album. The only remaining member of the group Alejandra Deheza has revealed the story behind it for Stereogum. Alejandra also shared this beautiful words on their official page.

"Benjamin and I wrote this record during a tour break in the summer of 2012. I can easily say that it was one of the most creative and inspired summers of our lives. What followed was the most tragic, soul shaking tidal wave that life could deliver, but even that wouldn’t stop the vision for this record from being realized. This is a love letter from start to finish. It’s the story of us starting from that first day we met in 2004, and that’s the story of School of Seven Bells. So much love to all of you. Thank you for being a constant light in our lives. This record is for you <3"
 http://sviib.tumblr.com/post/132157416770/friends-benjamin-and-i-wrote-this-record-during

Their final album will be entitled "SVIIB" and it will be released on February 2016 via Vagrant Records in the US and Full Time Hobby in Europe. "Open Your Eyes" is the first official track from it.


Thursday, October 29, 2015

WAW: Girls Names- A Hunger Artist

As previously announced Girls Names have released a brand new album this year. "A Hunger Artist" is the first video to be taken from 'Arms Around a Vision' which is out 2nd October on Tough Love. The video was directed by Matthew Reed.

Next Wave: Marcel Wave

Marcel Wave is the brand new project by former Terrible Splendour Synthesist MM Lyle, who decided to explore the world of synth on her own. Marcel Wave is Modernist pop from a lost world of new romantics aiming to synthesize and dream of strange lands and creatures. All tracks are written and recorded by MM Lyle. The record is available on artist's bandcamp page. 

marcelwave.bandcamp.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Soft Riot Release a new Studio Album

'You Never Know What Might Come Next' is the latest album by Soft Riot, further honing an atmospheric synth pop sound that was starting to be explored on the sophomore album, 'Fiction Prediction' and after a brief detour on the more instrumental  'Some More Terror'. The album is out now and it will be available on Vinyl LP, Limited Edition CD and digital. A small tour around Europe will follow to promote the album release. 

 More info on Soft Riot offical


David Bowie Official anounces the Release of 25th Studio Album

David Bowie official has announced the release of brand new album on January 8th 2016. This will be his 25th studio release, once gain released on his birthday. The album release will be preceded with a new single “Blackstar” which is announced for November 20th.

https://twitter.com/DavidBowieReal

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Killing Joke Release 15th Studio Album

Killing Joke have released their fifteenth studio album 'Pylon'. This album marks 35 years of the band, as back in 1980, they released their self titled debut album. All together, the band have released more than 30 singles in their long lasting career. "I'm The Virus" has been announced as the lead single from the Album. A nine-date British tour has been announced to promote the record. 
Killing Joke are the subject of a feature-length documentary film The Death and Resurrection Show scheduled for release in 2015. The film has already been shown in various festivals between 2013 and 2014. 

Tempers' Debut Album 'Services' out now

The long awaited debut album by the NYC based Tempers is out now. During the 2014, they have released several singles and video which will be featured on the album starter including our favorite "Hell Hotline". The album will entitled 'Services' and it will be be released by the European label Aufnahme + Widergabe. It contains 10 tracks all together, including the acoustic version of "Strange Harvest" and it is a limited edition of 300 hand numbered copies, white vinyl, 2015.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Minuit Machine are back with a new studio album

Paris based Minuit Machine are back with a new album! The new album will be entitled “Violent Rains” and it is their second album and a direct follow up to “Live & Destroy” released last year. The album contains 10 songs and keeps up with the energy and mood from the previous album. It was released through 'No Emb Blanc' label. You can listen and order their new album on band's bandcamp page.

http://minuitmachine.bandcamp.com/album/violent-rains

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Retrovision: The Beautiful South- A Little Time

"A Little Time" was the biggest hit for The Beuatiful South that was released 25 years ago. It was the firt single from the album 'Choke' recorded asa duet featuring vocalists Dave Hemingway and Briana Corrigan. The song reached number one #1 and went Gold in the UK while the video for the song received a Brit Award in 1991.


 

Saturday, September 26, 2015

WAW: Jaakko Eino Kalevi- Double Talk

The Finnish artist Jaakko Eino Kalevi has released his sixth album this year in June. It's laid back and chill and dreamy and sounds like a last summer day. In case you missed it here is a first single "Double Talk" and a good starter.


Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Dimension Gondry: Bjork- Bachelorette

Our final video from the Dimension Gondry will be another Bjork video. It was very hard to select which one to go with as Michael has directed several videos for Bjork. It's for the song "Bachelorette" which was released as a single in 1997. This music video is an exploration of self reference. The video was based on an original idea by Björk, who saw "Bachelorette" as a continuation of the character portrayed in "Isobel" and "Human Behaviour". The art direction of the video was heavily praised. The video won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction.


 

Next Wave: Sexwitch

Sexwitch is a musical collaboration between Natasha Khan of Bat for Lashes and the English rock band Toy. Khan and Toy previously collaborated in 2013 to cover "The Bride", a pre-revolution Iranian song. The album consists of six covers of 1970s psych and folk songs. According to Khan, she and producer Dan Carey bought several "old weird psych records from different countries, strange folk mountain songs", and invited Toy to record covers of the songs. 
On August 24, Sexwitch released a single, Helelyos while their self-titled debut album is due for release on 25 September. Take a listen below.


Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Tropic of Cancer Announce New EP Release in October

Camella Lobo aka Tropic of Cancer has announced her come back EP which is due to be released in October. The EP will be entitled "Stop Suffering" and it will we the first new material since the release of the debut album 'Restless Idylls' in 2013. The three songs EP was recorded and produced by ex Telefon Tel Aviv member Joshua Eustis in LA. There are also plans of an album release for 2016. Stay tuned for that!

Monday, August 31, 2015

Siouxsie Sioux- New Song in TV Series

Siouxsie Sioux is back! It is her first new offering in almost 8 years. It appeared in the season 3 finale of Hannibal and it is a another masterpiece whose mood and atmosphere remind of early 90's "Face to Face" tune. It is haunting and her voice still sounds amazing. It was written and performed by Siouxsie Sioux and Brian Reitzell, but has not been announced a single.


Friday, August 28, 2015

The Dears Release of their Sixth Studio Album

Montreal based The Dears have shared "Here's to the Death of All the Romance", a great new single which will be featured on their brand new album 'Times Infinity Volume One'. This will be their sixth studio album and the first one since 2011's 'Degeneration Street'. The band is currently working on promotion of the new alum which has been released this week.

https://soundcloud.com/thedears/heres-to-the-death-of-all-the-romance/s-J8Cld

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Mercury Rev to Release a New Album in September

Mercury Rev are back! They will release their first album after 2008's 'Snowflake Midnight'. The album will be entitled 'The Light in You' and "The Queen of Swans" is going to be the possible first single to be taken from it. Mercury Rev will also be heading out on a European tour this fall.

Friday, August 14, 2015

In Conversation: October Dance

It was October 2012 when we first got in to the music of October Dance. It was a lovely autumn electro dance affair of "Houses Falling" that caught our attention back then....and yes it happened in October somehow! It still remains as one of the most memorable songs for this year. Soon after, band's universe started to grow. They secured the first record deal, released first EPs and their fanbase has been growing since that. It hard to describe their music in one genre; it has its roots in art pop and it is dance music inspired by variety and diversity of 70's disco, 80's sytnh-pop and 90's house-pop. This year, they have also been performing on the Roskilde festival for the first time and got big plans for the future. Find out more about October Dance's early influence, music video releases and much more.

Very Special Thanks to Tobias Kiel Lauesen!


Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Editors Announce New Album for October

Editors have announced the release of a brand new album this fall. The album will be entitled 'In Dream' and it will be their 5th studio album and the follow up to their album "The Weigh of Love" from 2013. The band has already reveled two videos for posssible single releases, "No Harm" and "Marching Orders" both released earlier this year. The band also plans a 40 days European tour which will follow the album release which set for October 2nd, 2015.


Monday, July 13, 2015

Parallels Reveal Brand New EP 'Civilization'

Parallels are back! The band has released a brand new EP entitled 'Civilization' which features six brand new tracks including the title track "Civilization" for which they have recorded a music video. One of the tracks is also a cover version of New Order's "Age of Consent". The band is currently touring and promoting the EP, Canada and US mostly. 

 http://iloveparallels.com/

WAW: FFS- Piss Off

As you already saw on our blog earlier this year, we reported about the new Sparks-Franz Ferdinand collaboration called FFS. Their album is out now on Domino Records and the creative units FFS who perfectly meet with their sounds have reveled two new videos for the singles "Piss Off" and "Johnny Delusional" which were released in April and May. The band has embarked on a big European tour and you might find them in the city close to you.


 

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Next Wave: L'Avenir

L’Avenir is the cold synth project of veteran electronic musician and sound artist Jason Sloan. Known throughout the space and ambient music scenes for his contemplative electronic soundscape work for over a decade;
Sloan founded L’Avenir as a side project in 2012 to explore his long time love of synthpop, and dark electronic music created purely from vintage and analog equipment. While releasing over a dozen solo albums and EPs under his own name, Sloan has played solo all over the US, Canada and Europe including the influential Live Constructions radio program at Columbia University, STEIM in Amsterdam and Philadelphia’s The Gatherings concert series, one of the country’s oldest continuing ambient and electronic music series.
Sloan is a Professor teaching full-time in the Interactive Arts department along with being the founder and program coordinator for the Sound Art concentration at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. 
His debut album debut album 'The Wait' is now available on Barcelona’s Cold Beats Records on CD and digital formats while Vinyl will follow.  

https://soundcloud.com/jasonsloan

Monday, June 29, 2015

IAMX Announce new Album to be Released in Fall

IAMX have announced the release of a brand new album this fall. This is going to be their sixth studio album which will be entitled 'Metanoia'. The first single is called ‘Happiness’ and features the remix by Gary Numan. It has been released worldwide as a single on all digital outlets on June 19th. To promote the album release, they have also announced a tour which will include more than 20 European shows.

http://iamx.eu/


New Order Announced a New Album for September

New Order will return in September with their 10th studio album entitled "Music Complete'. It's the follow up to their 2005 studio release 'Waiting For The Siren’s Call' and it sees keyboardist Gillian Gilbert returning for the first time since 2001’s 'Get Ready'. The album will include 11 tracks and will be available in a number of formats and it is set for release on September 25th.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Best of 1985 - Top 50 Singles List

The year 1985 was the year of big charity concerts and records. Following up on the release of "Do They Know It’s Christmas Time" from 1984, the big Live Aid concert was organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine. The event was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London, UK, and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, US. Also inspired by Band Aid, USA for Africa band project released "We Are the World", a song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. 
Among the best selling albums this year was Dire Straits’ album Brothers in Arms which at the same time was the first ever album to be released on CD. Jennifer Rush had the best selling single in the UK with "The Power of Love" while in the USA, Madonna and George Michael both solo and with Wham! ruled the charts. 
With 1985 New Wave completely faded, knocked out by guitar-driven rock most notably by the Jangle rock which in this period of time was popularized as College rock with R.E.M. and The Smiths paving the way. On the other hand, Electronic music was transforming into new rhythms with the emerging Chicago house and Detroit techno that would give hits in the years to come.


The following Top 50 represents the result of the 'Best of 1984 - The Singles List' poll from 2014 together with our in-house votes. 

Updated: 08/2020



01. Kate Bush- Running Up That Hill 

02. The Smiths- How Soon is Now? 
03. 
Pet Shop Boys- West End Girls 
04. The Cult- She Sells Sanctuary 
05. Depeche Mode- Shake the Disease 
06. Killing Joke- Love Like Blood 
07. Simple Minds- Don't You (Forget About Me) 
08. New Order- The Perfect Kiss 
09. The Cure- Close to Me 
10. Talk Talk- Life's What You Make It 
11. 
a-ha- The Sun Always Shine on TV
12. Grace Jones- Slave to the Rhythm
13. The Cure- In Between Days
14. Echo & The Bunnymen- Bring on the Dancing Horses
15. Jesus and The Mary Chain- Just Like Honey
16. Tears for Fears- Everybody Wants to Rule The World
17. Madonna - Into the Groove
18. Siouxsie and the Banshees- Cities in Dust
19. 
King- Love and Pride
20. David Bowie and Pat Metheny Group- This is not America

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