The Ting Tings Chat w/Off the Radar!

My friend Nikki who represents a bunch of cool artists like MGMT & Ting Tings got my questions for an interview over to the Ting Tings and Jules from the band was kind enough to answer them for us! Here's what he had to say... They're gonna be at Lollapalooza Saturday, Aug 2nd. I'll try to get a few pics of them while I'm up there.

Enjoy!

1 - Were are you guys from?

I’M ORIGINALLY FROM LONDON BUT HAVE LIVED IN MANCHESTER FOR 6 YEARS.
KATIE’S FROM MANCHESTER

2 - Whats the scene like there? Any good dance clubs? Do you go out dancing alot? Whats the best club/party/city you've been too?

WE’RE NOT THERE OFTEN THESE DAYS FOR TOURING BUT NORMALLY IT’S BRILLIANT, FULL OF ARTISTS, THE CITY IS NOT OVERSIZED YET!! THE NORTHERN QUARTER IS A BUZZ PLACE TO BE.

3 - How did you guys get started making music? Did you have musical/artistic upbringings?

NO MUSIC UPBRINGINGS, WE BOTH FELL INTO CREATIVITY. I STUDIED FINE ART AND KATIE USED TO DO BALLROOM DANCING. WE ALWAYS DID MUSIC AND FINALLY WE MET AND SPARKS FLEW.

4 - What are your influences? Who artists/bands did you dig growing up?

TALKING HEADS, TOM TOM CLUB, MADONNA…

5 - Whats the best Live show you've ever seen?

NOT THE BEST BUT SEEING HARMAR SUPERSTAR SNOGING HUNDREDS OF GIRLS FROM STAGE IN MANCHESTER EARLY LAST YEAR. THAT WAS A TREAT.

6 - What new bands/artists do you like?

THE GOSSIP

7 - Do you think music is better now or do you prefer older/classic stuff? If older, whats your favorite era? 70's, 80's etc...

LOVE ELVIS PRESLEY BUT LOVE TODAYS MUSIC MORE SO.

8 - Are you guys a couple???

NAH

9 - Are you guys surprised by your sudden success? I first found out about you guys because you were #1 on Hype Machin'es most blogged/searched artists.

WE’RE NOT THE SURPRISING TYPE. WE’RE LEARNING SO MUCH ON TOUR AND HAVE BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR MONTHS. TO US IT DOESN’T SEEM SO SUDDEN THOUGH EVERYONE KEEPS TELLING US THAT FOR A BAND THAT FORMED IN JAN 2007, THIS IS QUICK. SO BE IT.

10 - What's it like to Debut at #1 on the UK Charts? Did it change anything with your lives?

WE’VE GOT EVEN BUSIER, WITH MUCH LESS SLEEP. WE’VE SEEN MORE COUNTRIES AND CITIES. MET SOME AMAZING FOLK, SOME ARSES, APART FROM THAT THINGS ARE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME.

11 - Have you guys performed in the U.S.? If so what'd you think? Gonna be touring the States anytime soon?

WE’VE BEEN OUT ON EAST ANS WEST COAST TOURS. THEY WERE AMAZING. WE LOVED THAT THE INTERNET GAVE US AN AUDIENCE TO PLAY TO. WE FLY OUT ON MONDAY 21ST JULY FOR A 2 WEEK TOUR. LOVING PLAYING THE STATES.

12 - What do you think of the current state of the Music Industry? Blogs/Internet/Bands like Radiohead Releasing their Albums for Free, etc? Where do you think it's all heading?

IT’S ALL HEADING WHERE IT ENDS UP. THAT’S THE BEAUTY OF MUSIC. THE INDUSTRY HAVE TRIED AND TRIED TO CONTROL IT. TO CONTROL THE INCOME IT MAKES. BUT IT’S THE ARTISTS THAT REALLY CONTROL THE MUSIC BIZ. THEY CREATE IT AND BREAK THE RULES. INTERNET HAS OPENED THE UP WORLD AND WE’RE COMING TO TERMS WITH THAT NOW. IF YOUR MUSIC IS GOOD, THE DIGITAL AGE IS A GOOD THING CAUSE PEOPLE WILL LIKE GOOD MUSIC FOREVER MORE.
RADIOHEAD RELEASING FOR FREE IS A FALSE START. THEY CAN ONLY DO THIS CAUSE THEY PROFITED FROM YEARS OF SUCCESS. I THINK ALL ART SHOULD BE VALUED EVEN IF IT’S A MERE CENT.

13 - Do you prefer recording or touring? Do you guys get on each others nerves while on tour or have you have you figured out a way to keep that from happening already?

LOVED RECORDING THE ALBUM AS WE PRODUCED IT OURSELVES AND MADE UP ALL THE RULES.. SINCE TOURING STARTED, WE HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH IT. TRAVELING CAN BE A PAIN BUT PLAYING GIGS IS NOW KING.

14 - What's your process for writing new music? Any new gear you've gotten/been working with alot lately?

USED TO WORK ON PRO TOOLS AND GARAGEBAND (FOR QUICK STARTS) BUT NOW USING LOGIC TOO. MIXING ON THE MOVE. HAVE BEEN COLLECTING SOME NICE GUITARS TOO, NOT STUPID PRICES BUT GOOD SOUNDS ON STRINGS. WE DON’T WRITE ON THE ROAD. WE WANT TO CREATE ANOTHER ALBUM IN TIME AS WE DID THIS ONE, LIKE A SNAPSHOT OF OUR LIVES THERE AND THEN.

15 - Do you guys use visuals on tour? If so whats that like? Who does it for you?

WE CREATE ALL OUR OWN ARTWORK. VISUALS TOO. WE START OUR UK HEADLINE TOUR IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL BE TAKING OUR VISUALS OUT THEN ON FULL SCALE. WE’RE SO LOOKING FORWARD TO IT AS IT’S WHAT WE’VE BEEN WORKING ON FOR A WHILE.

16 - When you guys perform live do you use a backing band or is it just the two of you? If only the two of you does that limit what you can do?

JUST TWO OF US. WE FIND MORE ENERGY WITH TWO OF US THAN 5. WE WERE IN BANDS BEFROE TOGETHER WITH MORE MEMBERS AND WE’RE JUST TOO CONTROLLING AND NEED TO CHALLENGE OURSELVES. TWO GIVES US ALL THOSE CHALLENGES AND LIFTS US TO NEW LEVELS LIVE EACH TIME. WE USE LOOP PEDALS CONTROLLED BY OUR FEET TO CREATE LAYERS OF SOUNDS BEHIND OUR GUITARS, DRUMS AND VOCALS. NOTHING IS ON PLAYBACK ORTIME CODES, IT’S ALL LIVE.

17 - Any advice for up and coming new bands?

ARTISTS SHOULDN’T TAKE ANY ADVICE, JUST BE INFLUENCED.

18 - Anything I've missed or you'd like to say to your fans?

COME TO A GIG TO SEE THE REST.


Thank you!!!!

THANKS
J

Here's a sweet Kasper Bjorke Remix of Ting Tings 'That's Not My Name' which I've been playing out lately plus a Live Performance of That's Not My Name at Radio Ones Big Week-end. Their New Video for Shut Up and Let Me Go is pretty sweet also! Check that out here::http://youtube.com/watch?v=StP-yIQeT2o

MP3: Thats Not My Name (Kasper Bjørke Remix) - The Ting Tings (YSI)

The week-end is upon us....

The week-end is upon us and I haven't posted any tracks this week, so wanted to squeeze in a few before the week-end hits!

P.S. I'm gonna be heading to Chicago for Lollapalooza (MGMT here I come!) in a couple of weeks if anyone from the windy city can hook a brother up with some gigs, let me know. Have one already and working on another, but could always use more help. Also if you have any places you think I should check out whilst there send them my way::offtheradarfridays@gmail.com. Oooo also affordable Hotels/Apartments for rent near Grant Park/Downtown area. Nearly impossible to find online. Thanks!

First off here's a SUPER HYPER remix ddpesh from Brooklyn sent us of Diplo's Wassup Wassup. This track kinda gives me anxiety (it's so fast), but I'm sure it'll obliterate the dancefloor if dropped at the right moment. Try it on for size...

MP3: Wassup Wassup (ddpesh remix) - Diplo (feat Rye Rye) (YSI)

I love Ladyhawke and I love French vocals. Here Ladyhawke hooks us up with her big hit Paris is Burning sung in French! Sweet! Love the chorus... Pop genious!

MP3: Paris s'enflamme - Ladyhawke (YSI)

Speaking of pop genious here's a new track from Van She called Strangers. Love these guys, have a feeling they are gonna be huge. Especially if they keep cranking out hits like this. Love the bass line on this! They also do great remixes as Van She Tech which you should check out as well.

MP3: Strangers - Van She (YSI)

That's it for now... Hope you have a great week-end! Just found out one of my favorite all time bands James has reformed and put out a new album called Hey Ma! Can't wait for that! Tim Booth's completely bald now! So weird to see. He always had all that great curly hair. Getting old is a mother fucker! Still love him though...

Here's a classic James track that takes me back to my college days... Born of Frustration people, Born of Frustration.

Cheers!

The Darkness...

Ha, not that crappy band.... I mean more of the dark tracks variety. Got a little time till I gotta get ready for work so thought I'd share some darker tracks I've been digging lately. You know I love the dark pop stuff. All stems from my Goth upbringings, can't shake it loose.

First here is a great slow brooding Remix Diplo did for Black Ghosts track Repetition Kills You. Sexy as hell!

MP3: Repetition Kills You (Diplo Remix) - Black Ghosts (YSI)

Here's a Fake Blood Remix of Stuck on Repeat by Little Boots. Didn't realize what a cutie she was. Like her better as a brunnete. Love when the break comes in around 3:45 and the vocoder kick in. Check out her new track Meddle as well! Good stuff!


MP3: Stuck on Repeat (Fake Blood Remix) - Little Boots (YSI)

Heres a new band I found about called The Phonograph. Don't know that much about them but I've been loving this track The Abscence. Kinda reminds me of a band like The Editors or The Whip. Check it out...

MP3: The Abscence - The Phonograph (YSI)

Thats it for now... Gotta run! Let me know if you guys hear of any cool new videos for me to post. Wanted to post one but couldn't think of anything right now.

Electronic Moonpop

If you're a fan of French Pop/loungey electronic pop then you're gonna love Gina & Tony. What's kinda funny is they're from Switzerland. Pretty sure she's singing in French. Maybe they visited, feel in love and moved on over. Anyways I feel in love with Gina & Tony's music upon first listen! Great silky, electronic, loungey pop! Perfect late night fare. Not enough music like this being made anymore, at least not were I'm looking. Kinda reminds me of the early Air 'Moon Safari' days and Classic French Pop.

Check out these two great tracks. If you like these add their myspace page. Be a friend, they only have 251 so far. I'm sure that number will go up as soon as people start finding out about them.

MP3: La Ballade de Gina et Tony (YSI)

MP3: Mayday Medee (YSI)

We Have a Holiday Coming

Well at least for those of us in the U.S. BUT for everybody else, Metronomy is releasing a new track titled Holiday next week. They just sent over to us the b-side to the single. If The Raid, is a b-side I cannot wait to hear the other side!!

MP3: The Raid zshare / ysi
Well, actually we do get to hear it, via YouTube and this promotional clip for the track. The single is out on July 7th (probably not here in the US what else is new?). They also are running a contest via their MySpace profile, Facedook, etc... and will be giving out holiday "kits" for the funniest holiday photos which include special Metronomy sunglasses.

I'm sure you guys have a few photos floating around. Upload the photos and tell them who sent ya.

The Verve Return!

After 11 long years (about the same stretch as Portishead) The Verve finally give us New Material! Yesterday they unleashed their first single to the world 'Love is Noise' off of their forthcoming new album and I'm glad to report it's amazing! I get worried after such long gaps that the magic bands once had won't be there anymore, but if this first single is any indication we have alot to look forward to! Apparently they're in a studio as we speak working on the new record. I guess the big crowds and money thrown at them at Coachella was enough for them to realize it was time to make that comeback record.

We haven't heard new Material from them since their Classic 1997 album Urban Hymns which is one of my favorite all time albums with the brilliant and possibly one of the best songs ever written Bitter Sweet Symphony. Remember all the problems they had with that Rolling Stones string sample? I think they ended up losing most of the profits from Bitter Sweet, but it still couldn't stop them from shooting to super stardom. Only problem is when they finally got there, they broke up... What a sad day that was.

Richard Ashcroft went on to release several solo albums, which although not bad didn't live up to the magic they had with Urban. It was time for their Return.

With no further ado here's what I've been waiting on for almost 11 years! Woo, that's a long wait...

MP3: Love is Noise (YSI)

Appropriate for this post The Verve performing 'Lucky Man' @ Coachella earlier this year. Damn me for missing this!

Broken

So my CPU fan busted last week and my computer was going nuts, shutting down, beeping. Put me out of commission for a week. Thank god for my GF's Mac. Only thing is I had none of my music on there so I couldn't post anything. My brother finally saved the day by bringing me a much smaller and prettier, albeit noisier HP Compaq that they weren't using at his job. Apparently they have like 40 lying around that they were gonna donate. He managed to put all my old stuff on the new one too! Plus some added memory that was on this one. Which is good, I was starting to run out. Thanks to Chris for holding the fort while I was out...

Since I had to re-start I-Tunes I kinda lost all my old playlists so I'm starting from scratch again! Although sometimes it's kinda refreshing to get rid of all the crappy music that accumulates and you never listen to and just have the bare neccesities. Luckily this time of the year there is also so much new music being put out for the summer it's not too difficult to get cool new stuff. Just in a couple of days I did my rounds on the blogs and managed to put together two new playlists worth of good stuff.

Here's some of them....

First here is something I never thought I'd post, a song featuring Kanye West! I know, I know, but it's a remix and you can't hardly even hear him the way they remixed it. It's called American Boy by Estelle feat Kanye West and remixed by Kill the Noize. It's a banging house track! I played it all this week-end at Vagabond, Circa and Purdy and it worked wonderfully at all of them. It's got such a feel good vibe everyone dug it right away. There's also a good Lazr Tag Remix out that is almost as good. You can find it on Hype.

MP3: Estelle feat Kanye West - American Boy (Kill the Noize Remix) (YSI)

Next here's something you probably wouldn't expect me to post either, especially Chris... Hip Hop! It's a track by a group called Playdoe called It's the Beat and it's another great party track. Played it out this week with great results as well.

MP3: Playdoe - It's the Beat (YSI)

Here's a new track by Ratatat called Mirando. Noticing alot of people using spanish names for tracks nowadays. It's a pretty sweet track. Seems like they're still resisting adding vocals and keeping their music intrumental. They are so good they can get away with it, but it still would be nice to have some guest vocalists for a few tracks, no?

MP3: Ratatat - Mirando (YSI)

How great is the new Cut Copy album! Have a feeling it will be topping many Best Of lists at the end of the year. Been playing the latest single Lights and Music like crazy. Can't get enough of it. People seem to dig it too, get alot of requests for them. Here is a New Remix I got for Lights and Music by Moulinex that is pretty sweet! *Also just in as I was finishing this post Chris sent me a bad ass remix of Hearts on Fire by Holy Ghost! So fresh it's not even on Hype Machine yet! Here is that one too. A double whammy! Big money, big money...

MP3: Cut Copy - Lights and Music (Moulinex Remix) (YSI)
MP3: Cut Copy - Hearts on Fire (Holy Ghost Remix) (YSI)

Finally I leave you with Nuuro from Venezuela who now resides in NY. Got this off of my favorite spanish language blog Le Touch. This track Diamante is an excellent pop track! Don't even have to understand what he's singing about to know it's good. Apparently you can download his whole EP off of his MySpace page as well. Get to it...

MP3: Nuuro - Diamante (YSI)

Here's the New Video for Black Kids New Single Hurricane Jane...

Seduced By Freestyle

A few months back I received a submission and had always planned on posting about it but things just got crazy and then I went to Japan and then I lost the music (on my work computer, it is still at home)but thankful to Gmail's motto "You'll never have to delete anything again", I easily found the email and that now leads me to this post.

Seeing how the 90's are cool now (I can't wait for Cavaricci's to make a come back), it makes sense that freestyle music is getting revisited. Sean Wilde takes inspiration from the synth-heavy pop music of the 80's and early 90's in 10 song album, Jungle Red. A mysterious character for sure, I cannot find much about Sean, even on his website. He was previous a music journalist and grew up in the 80's. His album took 2 years to create (after a first attempt that ended in "creative block when it all came to shit").

The album is (thankfully) not a complete retro throw back to 20 years ago, rather the artist has been influenced perhaps partially subconsciously to what he was raised around (Bananarama videos?). The funny thing is that Ray was the one that made the freestyle connection to Sean Wilde. I promise to find pictures of Ray from the 90's.

Opening night is reminiscent of Fischerspooner's Emerge. You're My One and Only (True Love) is a cover of a freestyle song from 1989 by Seduction who were know for their hit It's Take Two To Make A Thing Go Right.

The song (True Love)was written by none other than Robert Clivilles and David Cole of, ahem, C+C Music Factory and the original even has uncredited vocals by Martha Wash (Gonna Make You Sweat). There is actually an original club mix with Martha Wash singing lead and ... (pause for a laugh) featuring a rap by Freedom Williams. Sean's version even has a sample from Mega Man 2. I was obsessed with that game series on the original Nintendo.

Growing up in the thick of it (freestyle that is), I was honestly amazed when I learned years later that the phenomenon of Stevie B and TKA and Suzy Q never made it out of NY and Miami. I went to a freestyle reunion concert a couple of years back and it was crazy to see what the years had done to the artists (Will To Power who sang the hit Dreaming must still be dreaming about his glory days...) but the music was solid and everybody dance until Stevie B closed the endless (6 hour?) show. However, it was Lisa Lisa STOLE the show when she stopped during her performance of All Cried Out and actually cried, tears of joy no less, from the rave response the audience was giving her! She cried! During her song All Cried Out!! Perfection. We did not need to see anymore, we left right after to beat the crowd out of the parking lot.

Back to Sean, take a listen to a few of his tracks and head over to his myspace profile to show him some love. Oh and check out Seduction's video below, it is a prime example of clichéd 90's fashion fad in it (thank god girls don't wear shoulder pads anymore... then again I'm digging the short shorts!!).

MP3: Sean Wilde - You're My One and Only (True Love) (YSI)

MP3: Sean Wilde - Opening Night (YSI)

MP3: Seduction - It Takes Two To Make A Thing Go Right (YSI)

I apologize for no ZShare links but for some reason (IE or Firefox) it does not let me upload tracks from work. Oh well.

Seduction - You're My One and Only (True Love)

Indie Pop MIX TAPE

Just saw some of Chris's pictures from Japan and all I can say is wow! Pretty amazing place... Can't believe Chris actually came back. Here's a couple pics I'm stealing from him. Shhhh don't tell... Pretty amazing huh. He has over 1000! Lucky bastard! I told him to post some of the best ones on here so you guys can check them out as well. Let's keep our finger's crossed..

Anyways last week I did a Dance Mixtape so this week I'm doing an Indie Pop Mixtape for you guys. I don't get to play out too much Indie Pop anymore. It's all about the dance stuff nowadays, but I still love the jangly guitars and mellower stuff when I'm home and in the car.

Here's some cool tracks I've gotten recently, including new My Morning Jacket, Cinderpop, We Are Scientists, Electric President, Soundpool and more! Lots of cool stuff here, I'm sure there'll be something that'll tickle your fancy.

Enjoy and have a great week-end!

MP3: Cinnamon Winter - Cinderpop (YSI)

MP3: Two Halves - My Morning Jacket (YSI)

MP3: London Bridges - This is Ivy League (YSI)

MP3: After Hours - We Are Scientists (YSI)

MP3: Better Things - South (YSI)

MP3: The Divides of March - Soundpool (YSI)

MP3: Monsters - Electric President (YSI)

M83 // Saturdays=Youth

M83 which comprises of Anthony Gonzalez from France is an artist I had heard about never got around to listening to, till the other day. I read a couple great reviews on their newest record 'Saturdays=Youth' which was released on April the 15th so I decided to go check it out. So far the verdict is wow!! They've released an amazing shoegazy, goth, pop tinged album drenched in 80's nostalgia, sound & feel. They even have a look-a-like Molly Ringwald on the cover! Fans of bands like Cocteau Twins, Psychedelic Furs, Tears for Fears, Radio Dept., Jesus & Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, Clan of Xymox or 80's New Wave/Goth bands in general will love this! They definitely tap into that feeling that 80's synth pop music made me feel growing up. The duo female/male vocals really add to the experience and music's beauty. Glad Anthony's putting out this kind of music for the newer generations who weren't around in the 80's to experience and enjoy first hand.

Stand out tracks so far are the First Single 'Graveyard Girl', 'Kim & Jessie' (my favorite!), 'Skin of the Night' and 'You, Appearing'. I'm gonna post up a couple tracks plus the video for Graveyard Girl. If you like these, I recommend you buy the whole thing. It's a good one!

Enjoy!

MP3: Kim & Jessie (YSI)
MP3: Skin of the Night (YSI)


Graveyard Girl Video

Timed Perfectly

Via Boing Boing:

Joshua Allen of The Morning News contemplates the length of a perfect pop song.

What else is at 2:42? “Don’t Do Me Like That” by Tom Petty. “Divine Hammer” by the Breeders. “Helplessly Hoping” by Crosby, Stills & Nash. “Get Up” by R.E.M. “California Dreamin’” by the Mamas & the Papas. “This Charming Man” by the Smiths.

You need more proof? Jerk. Let’s look at Sgt. Pepper. “Lovely Rita” is two minutes, 42 seconds. It delivers that psychedelic vibe and a coda but then gets the hell out of your life.

Compare that to “With a Little Help From My Friends.” It’s a mere two seconds longer but feels like it drags on for hours. Maybe it’s Ringo, maybe it’s the tedious melody—or maybe it’s the two goddamn seconds.

Then over here we have “Good Morning Good Morning,” rightfully discarded by the masses as a throwaway. Why? Two minutes, 41 seconds. Hey, Beatles, maybe next time think about tacking on an extra second to give a song the grandeur and majesty it deserves.

MP3: The Mamas and the Papas - California Dreamin' (YSI)
MP3: Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers - Don't Do Me Like That (YSI)
MP3: The Beatles - Lovely Rita (YSI)

Just an interesting topic. I actually could not even find a 2:42 minute version of California Dreaming. They all ended at 2:41.515. Maybe he was rounding it up!

Speaking of pop music, Weezer is still on the hunt for the perfect pop song. The 6th studio album (the "red" album) comes this summer. The first single, Pork and Beans, is out next week and KROQ leaked it early! The boys seems to have grown up a bit. Well maybe not judging by the lyrics but they could honestly give a rat's ass... Fashion note, last night at the Spoon show, I saw the return of cardigan sweaters, was that a perfectly timed marketing scheme to bring the Buddy Holly days before the album's release??

They say I need some Rogaine to put in my hair
Work it out at the gym to fit my underwear
Oakley makes the shades that transform a tool
You’d hate for the kids to think that you lost your cool

I’mma do the things that I wanna do
I ain’t got a thing to prove to you
I’ll eat my candy with the pork and beans
Excuse my manners if I make a scene
I ain’t gonna wear the clothes that you like
I’m finally dandy with the me inside
One look in the mirror and I’m tickled pink
I don’t give a hoot about what you think

Everyone likes to dance to a happy song (Hey, hey)
With a catchy chorus and beat so they can sing along (Hey, hey)
Timbaland knows the way to reach the top of the charts
Maybe if I work with him I can perfect the art

I’mma do the things that I wanna do
I ain’t got a thing to prove to you
I’ll eat my candy with the pork and beans
Excuse my manners if I make a scene
I ain’t gonna wear the clothes that you like
I’m finally dandy with the me inside
One look in the mirror and I’m tickled pink
I don’t give a hoot about what you think

No I don’t care,
I don’t care

I’mma do the things that I wanna do
I ain’t got a thing to prove to you
I’ll eat my candy with the pork and beans
Excuse my manners if I make a scene
I ain’t gonna wear the clothes that you like
I’m finally dandy with the me inside
One look in the mirror and I’m tickled pink
I don’t give a hoot about what you think

MP3: Pork and Beans (KROQ Radio Rip)

PNAU = WOW

One of my favorites at the moment are PNAU. These guys are a duo from guess where? Sydney, Australia of course... Why does most of my favorite stuff keep coming from down under and Sweden. They're on a roll I guess...

Anyways these guys are pretty amazing! Electronic Pop Music with a heart, like one of my other favorites from Australia Midnight Juggernauts. They mix classic electronic pop elements with a modern twist all their own.

Some songs are a bit disco-ey like this Baby Remix by Breakbot with full on childrens choir! While others are more anthemic dancefloor stompers like Come Together & Embrace, but they're are all uniquely them and all really good! Don't you love when bands can do different things. Makes album experiences better when every song doesn't sound the same. Some slower, some faster, keep us on our toes.

These 3 songs I'm posting today are about as good as it gets, all Highly Recommended!

You can just tell when bands are gifted and creative and this is one of them. I think you guys will be thanking us for this recommend.

MP3: Come Together (YSI)

MP3: Baby (Breakbot Remix) (YSI)

MP3: Embrace feat. Ladyhawke (YSI)

Here's the Original/Video for Baby...

Under Electric Light

A cool artist who recently contacted us is Under Electric Light. This is a one man band consisting of Danny Provencher from Montreal, Quebec. I love that word, Quebec... Nice ring to it. Anyways this guy does some killer down-tempo pop music all by his lonesome. He sent me two tracks 'Night Out' from his Blue EP and 'Wintertime' from his appropriately named album 'After the Blue' and they're both killer! Great late-night fare, especially while smoking some special cigarettes and unwinding at the pad :) Highly recommended for fans of bands like Radio Dept., Notwist, Death Cab for Cutie, etc which he lists as influences. Keep up the great work Danny! We're listening...

MP3: Wintertime (YSI)

MP3: Night Out (YSI)

Windy Destiny

Windy & Destiny are an Indie Pop (duo/couple) from Tel Aviv, Israel. They sent us their album 'Words for Such a Riot' a few days ago and I have to say I was pretty impressed! Their sound is classic lo-fi psychedelic pop, and reminds me of bands like Mazzy Star or Saint Etienne. Perfect late night fare, if I do say so myself.

Here's a couple of my faves... Check out their MySpace page for more, or better yet buy the whole album. It's worth it!

MP3: In Another Day (YSI)
MP3: Dear Grace (YSI)

WARNING: Flashing Lights and Patterns Ahead

I am not particularly a huge fan of Gnarls Barkley. I will listen to their music and jam out here and there on the dance floor, but the package just looks a little forced. Anyways, I DO find the story about their current single's video interesting.

It seems the video will not be shown in its current state on MTV in the UK. According to a Billboard report, "Because of its strobe effects, the video failed the Harding Test, which is used to tell whether or not televised images might trigger epileptic seizures." The video is being modified so that it can premier on the British version of the extremely relevant show TRL.

Hold up? So only the UK cares about its citizens? Does this leave Gnarls Barkley open for a law suit in the sue-happy US? I did not even know that they even had a test for that on TV. Anyways, the OTR blog is not TV but do advise you that if you have any seizure history please refrain from watching this video.

I have to admit the song is infectious but just not on a "Crazy" level. I do not think it will have the same mainstream success as their previous hit single but you can tell they used the same formula.

(Random post, I know... whatever... And Justin's cameo is also just about as forced as Kanye's attempt to be relevant. That guy just annoys me. Stop telling me you're cool. I get it.)

Don't Let Go

Kelley Polar needs you to hold on and he breaks the rules for future pop albums. Julliard trained Kelley Polar has a ridiculously long bio starting around when he was 3 years old with a plastic Fisher-Price turntable and bunch of discs from his 6 year old "disco-loving" sister.

Several awards later, advanced studies at Julliard, Polar found himself a chance meeting with none other than the head of Environ Records, Morgan Geist. Geist was looking for string musicians for their own album. Polar quickly gathered a group of Julliard musicians to play as the Kelley Polar Quartet and they ended up up on several of Metro Area's biggest tracks, Miura, Caught Up and Dance Reaction.
Fast forward to 2004, expelled form Julliard, but with a flourishing record career (honestly, who would stick around school??), Kelley Polar decided to move out from the city (rural New Hampshire) and this is where the solo artist emerged. Focusing pop music rather than floor thumping dance hits, he honed his musical style.

After a year in "isolation" he returned to NYC to record 2005's Love Songs of the Hanging Gardens, with Morgan Geist.

Spin magazine praised the album as “romantic, nogravity dance pop.” The New Yorker called it an “ambitious new age disco record.” Stylus Magazine named it one of “Best Records of 2005.”

Now in 2008 he is set to release the follow-up I Need You to Hold On While the Sky Is Falling. And I honestly cannot stop playing the album. I first mentioned it with the Junior Boys mix CD a few weeks ago where I found an instrumental remix of Rosenband. Here is the original.

I am anxiously waiting for his name to pop up on some Winter Music Conference flyer.

Get this album. Seriously, get it.

MP3: Rosenband (YSI)

Side note: Attention Japanese readers!!! I'm going to Japan at the end of April. PLEASE feel free to send in any suggestions. I will be staying in Osaka and Tokyo. (chris @ offtheradarmusic.com)

What would yo momma say?

This song blows away the Will.i.am pro-Obama song Yes We Can (I can't believe his name made it onto this blog...). I'll rectify that quickly posting this other song by Fire Magic Blood (FMB) aka Daedulus and Sa-Ra.

It's a bit late to be campaigning but the song is pretty funny. I can't help it. I can see myself bouncing to this song on the dance floor.

MP3: Obama (YSI)

This wasn't a political post, okay maybe slightly...

F**k what yo momma say.. Im’a vote Obama Way!

hahahahaha

So what's up with FMB anyways? Time to start pressing the boys at WVUM to give me the scoop. They usually know...

Music To Make Love To

And now back to finding those hidden gems. One of the reasons I enjoy writing this blog so much is discovering new talent. Untapped creative juices just waiting to explode (or trickle) onto unsuspecting listeners.

Chris Price sent us an email a few weeks ago, announcing his debut full length album Post Pop Parade. The album take cues from the 80's and 90's and twists them into relevant pop music. He is not afraid to use the four letter word "pop" when describing it (I know it's only 3 letters, ugh, never mind...).

Chris is from Washington DC and has a weekly there at the Rock and Roll Hotel on Thursdays. So if any you stop by tell them, "Off the Radar sent ya!" (a lá Pee Wee and Large Marge)

Oh man, reading over his bio, I just remember the best part of the story, how he got into music in the first place. Porn. (hence the post title...) He wasn't exactly in the movies, his music was. He was not even old enough to purchase the movies. You can check out his full bio here and how the Weather Channel, Gangsta Christians and Chris are related.

I have been playing out this track when I DJ and the reaction has been, "Who's that?" "Who sings this?" "Where did you find this?" I am not one to hide the music I listen too (okaaayyy sometimes, I hold onto it a bit longer than I should but doesn't everyone? Fine, not Ray, he's a giver.). Anyways, with that I present a song I have been keeping to myself.

MP3: Dim the Lights, Evangeline (YSI)

Ghosts and Skeletons

I admit, the name Skeletons and the Kings of All Cities drew me to the band. Currently this Brooklyn based band is signed to Ghostly Records. The Skeleton project started off as solo effort of Matt Mehlan (founder of Shinkoyo Records) and picked up a slew of members from classically trained trombonists to punk rock drummers. They have played CMJ and SXSW. And have toured with TV on the Radio and Animal Collective. It is hard to pinpoint their sound, Can, Prince, Sonic Youth, some even say Boyz II Men?

Their latest album Lucas, was recorded in the band's studio (the Silent Barn) in between scheduled shows. It sees not only a name change (they were known as Skeletons and the Girl-Faced Boys for the last release), the album also reflects more of their live experience, more guitars , two drummers, and a trio of horns.

Yet for all the oddness they are known for, they keep their pop sensibility intact.

You can download the web-only album Deity of Hair from their site Skeletons.tv.

MP3: Git (YSI)
MP3: What They Said (YSI)

Buzz In Our Backyard

This weekend you have a chance to catch Black Kids in their own backyard (they are from Jacksonville, FL) before they cross the big pond to play shows in London. The interest this band is creating is reminiscent of the The Arctic Monkeys or The Go! Team. And their music is not far off either. Infectious pop songs, girl group harmonies, 80’s synth-pop. I swear I can hear The Cure in the song Hit the Heartbreaks.

The ENTIRE Wizard of Ahhhs demo is available for FREE from their MySpace profile. The band is currently unsigned but picked up Quest Management who also handles Bjork and Arcade Fire to represent them. And it seems they will not be unsigned for long.

So if you live in South Florida don't miss your chance to catch them LIVE this Saturday (11/24/07 ) at Circa28 for CircaSaturdays. They have already played with the likes of Lo-Fi Fnk and Tiger City and you know we are fans of those bands.

More info about Black Kids at their website (http://blackkidsmusic.com/). Here is song where they channel The Cure and a remix not available on the EP.

MP3: Hit the HeartBreaks (YSI)
MP3: Hurricane Jane (Beige Reemix) (YSI)

More press on Black Kids:

• Vice Magazine: Interview (Sep 4 2007)
• Pitchfork Media: Best New Music (Oct 5 2007)
• Current: Daily Fix (Oct 23 2007)
• Treble: Album of the Week (Oct 31 2007)
• NME: CMJ Review (Nov 10 2007)