Moderat :: III

Digging the new album from the Modeselektor/Apparat collaboration Moderat entitled III. As the name implies it is their third release and it is a solid album, 9 tracks with zero filler. It's a great record that melds the world of electronic music and house music pretty seamlessly, and their vocals give the record a nice human touch. This one will be in heavy rotation at OTR over the next few months and will probably be on many top album lists once 2016 says goodbye. Plus how amazing is that album artwork?!

Check out their new video for one of our faves "Running".

chrisfamiliar :: Crystal ft Death in Saturn

Miami's Death in Saturn that we posted about last year here, sent us their new single "Crystal" that they did with chrisfamiliar. It is one great minimal electronic pop song! Albert Vargas the man behind Death in Saturn and Kodiak Fur is def one of our fave musicians from Miami. He's got very similar tastes. Always putting out amazing tunes. Keep it up brother! Check out the goodness below, and become a fan.

The 2 Bears :: The Night is Young

The Hot Chip boys definitely keep busy during their down time. Posted about their new side project The New Build the other day here. This week their original side project The 2 Bears releases new album 'The Night Is Young'. Scoped out all the new tracks which are streaming on their soundcloud am I am digging the sounds! How could we not? These are some talented fellows!

Check out a couple of my early favorites. "Get Out", "Modern Family", plus their video for "Not This Time" below, but really they are all excellent! If you like what you hear the album is available for purchase on iTunes or Amazon. 

P.S. Does anyone else think their album art work looks like Radiohead's 'Kid A' logo?

New Build :: Look in Vain

Over the weekend Hot Chip posted a video for new side project New Build and their new single "Look in Vain". Blew my mind! Amazing track! It is from their upcoming album 'Pour it On' being released October 20th. Love when you get a surprise like that, especially when the album is around the corner. Plus since you know it's coming from the Hot Chips folks you know it's gonna be top notch. Cannot wait for that release.

Check out the new single/video, and get pumped! Happy Monday!

Neon Neon :: Praxis Makes Perfect

New Neon Neon? Hell yes! The new album by the side project of Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals) and producer Boom Bip Praxis Makes Perfect has just been released. Pretty psyched as I loved their 2008 Mercury Prize Nominated debut album Stainless Style. Just like their first album which was a concept album based around John Delorean this new one continues in that tradition, with this one being based around Italian publisher Giangiacomo Feltrinelli (Doctor Zhivago).

My favorite part of the Neon Neon side project is that Gruff and Boom Bip really get to let their hair down with these records and explore the more fun electro-pop side of music, with simple synths and catchy melodies. I like to think of this project as Gruff's Postal Service. So if you like that type of music as much as I do, then these albums will be right up your alley.

Check out a couple new tracks from Praxis Makes Perfect "Mid Century Modern Nightmare" as well as the video for "Hammer & Sickle". If you like what you hear the new album's out now at all your usual locales. I'd look into it.

Fingerpaint :: Lunar + Change Yr Mind

Today has been about side projects. Fingerpaint has now become something I check back about weekly to see if any new productions have been released. Tyler Blake, half of the indie nu disco duo Classixx has been creating some extremely unique sounding material for just under a year now. "Lunar" is the first track he recorded under this moniker, and "Change Yr Mind" was just released on a split EP with the Cosmic Kids called Reality On The Horizon released on Throne Of Blood. With only a few mastered tracks currently out there is not much else known about Fingerpaint, though the mysteriousness is certainly consistent with the sound. Cross your fingers that he has some time away from his duties as Classixx this summer, so that we might have an EP soon.

Du Tonc :: Darkness

Du Tonc is a new project between Mighty Mouse and founding Van She member Matt. The first track they've released/sent our way is the lovely disco tinged "Darkness". An amazing track that I could tell within 5 seconds of pressing play that I was gonna love. Can't wait to play this baby out in my DJ sets and hear more from them. Bound to be great, I'm sure.

Press play on their soundcloud below and let the addiction begin. Your new music obsession.

Les Sins :: Taken + Fetch

Les Sins is Toro Y Moi's side project, and it's sounding really good. Two singles, "Taken" and "Fetch" are set for release in late August / early September on Dan Snaith's (Caribou) Jiaolong label. Excited?

Elton John Vs PNAU :: Good Morning to the Night

Must be nice to have famous friends like Elton John. Australian duo PNAU who Elton John is a big fan of and signed them to his label gave them access to his 70'-76' catalog of material for the duo to re-work in their own vision and so far everything I've heard is pretty amazing! The first video/track I saw for the project was "Sad" and I was blown away! Gorgeous re-work/video and I'm not even a big Elton John fan. What their doing with these tunes is pretty special. The album was just released yesterday and is called "Good Morning to the Night". You can buy the album through various outlets off their site.

Check out the goods below as well as the track listing with all the Elton originals they used for each. Pretty impressive...

Elton John vs Pnau - Sad by Fatlicious!

Elton John Versus Pnau - Good Morning To The Night by Elton John Versus Pnau


Tracklisting::

1. Good Morning To The Night
Includes Elements from the following original Elton John Sound Recordings:
Philadelphia Freedom
Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Funeral for a Friend
Tonight
Gulliver/It's Hay Chewed
Sixty Years On (Live in Australia)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Someone Saved my Life Tonight

2. Sad
Includes Elements from the following original Elton John Sound Recordings:
Nice and Slow
Crazy Water
Curtains
Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word
Friends

3. Black Icy Stare
(Includes Elements from the following original Elton John Sound Recordings:
Cold Highway
You're So Static
Solar Prestige a Gammon

4. Foreign Fields
Includes Elements from the following original Elton John Sound Recordings:
Pinky
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
High Flying Bird
Sweet Painted Lady
Cage the Songbird
Chameleon

5. Telegraph to the Afterlife
Includes Elements from the following original Elton John Sound Recordings:
Harmony
We All Fall in Love Sometimes
Funeral for a Friend
Sweet Painted Lady
I’ve Seen That Movie Too
Love Song
Indian Sunset

6. Phoenix
Includes Elements from the following original Elton John Sound Recordings:
Grey Seal
Are You Ready for Love
Benny and the Jets
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
Where to Now St Peter?
Love Lies Bleeding
Border Song
Country Love Song
Three Way Love Affair

7. Karmatron
Includes Elements from the following original Elton John Sound Recordings:
Madman Across The Water
Funeral for a Friend
Stinker
The Ballad of Danny Bailey (1909-1934)
Tonight
One Horse Town
Screw You

8. Sixty
Includes Elements from the following original Elton John Sound Recordings:
Sixty Years On
Sixty Years On (Live in Australia)
Sixty Years On (Live 17-11-70)
Indian Sunset

MagicHour

Back from vacay! Did you miss me? I sure needed that, nothing like taking a vacation to clear your head and re-energize you. Well let's get right back into it shall we...

Got sent these two great electronic tracks "Light Falls" and "White Sun Re-Vision" by Colin from Walter Meego's new side project MagicHour. Magic indeed! Got me in a good mood and shaking my head on this ho-hum Monday. Check them out below and if you like what you hear they are free for the taking! Can't beat that...

Light Falls by MagicHour

White Sun Re-Vision by MagicHour

Erika Spring :: Hidden

Erika Spring singer/keyboardist from Au Revoir Simone has a new solo side project. Her self titled debut EP is set for release July 10th on Cascine. The first taste from the EP is first single "Hidden" and it is a pretty little indie pop number. I have no doubt the rest of the EP will be just as special. Definitely something to hold us off until their return and who knows, she could take off even further than they did. Crazier things have been known to happen. Check out the track below which she is offering as a free download.

Parisien II / Tomorrow's World

Kitsune always put out so much great music. They have a new compilation 'Parisien II' showcasing emerging artists from this amazing city and beyond coming out February the 13th. The first track from it is "So Long My Love" by Tomorrow's World. A new side project from Air’s Jean-Benoit Dunckel and Lou Hayter the keyboard player from New Young Pony Club. Love both those bands so it's no surprise this new track is pretty fantastic. Check out the soundcloud below and be on the lookout for that release next week. Seems like there's a bunch of really cool bands to wrap our heads around.



TRACKLISTING::
1. Tomorrow’s World – So Long My Love
2. Juveniles – Ambitions
3. Owlle – Free (Parisien Mix)
4. LESCOP– La Forêtdans
5. About The Girl – Tiger Evolution
6. Nameless – Angelina
7. Birkii – Holy War
8. BeatauCue – Kiho
9. We Are Knights – Tears
10. Wolfpack Beartrack – Modern Realm
11. Slowdance – Airports
12. Exotica – Spectrum (Radio Edit)
13. LA//KVLKD – Zephyr
14. Pyramid – The Race

DIGITAL BONUS::
15. SingTank –The Party (Lucas Sorel Remix)
16. KIT – Those Words

Isidore :: Life Somewhere Else

Isidore is a collaboration between Jeffrey Cain late of Remy Zero and Church frontman Steve Kilbey. I'm a huge Church fan so as soon as I saw his name I was instantly curious and right away liked what I heard. Their new album 'Life Somewhere Else' is scheduled for release Valentine's Day February 14th, 2012. Now that would make a great Valentine's gift don't you think? They are offering the track "Reappearance" from the album as a free download and it's pretty great. Like a classic sounding Church tune. Check it out below and be on the lookout for that release in a few weeks. I for one can't wait!


MP3: Reappearance - Isidore

VCMG

Seeing as I am a huge Depeche Mode fan some big news that came out this past week was the new collaboration taking place between founding DM members Vince Clark and Martin Gore called VCMG. The first time these two masterminds have worked together in over three decades is always gonna make me curious. Apparently Vince contacted Martin about wanting to work on a new techno album which they worked on ala Postal Service style of sending files back and forth to each other. They will be releasing a series of EP's the first of which is called 'Spock' featuring the track and remixes followed by a full album release in early 2012. Can't wait for that!

The first Spock EP is available exclusively as a Beatport release on November 30th then other digital retailers December 13th. You can sample the track/remixes on Amazon and it certainly is a techno track. We shall see where the rest goes and if more vocals will be involved. Fingers crossed! In the meantime check out this Edit Select Remix of "Spock" I spotted on youtube. Now if only Depeche Mode would bring back Alan Wilder all would be right in the universe, but I wouldn't hold my breath for that one.

The Ice Choir :: Two Rings

Kurt Feldman the drummer for Pains of Being Pure at Heart has a new synthpop side project called The Ice Choir. They have a new single called "Two Rings" that they sent our way as a free download. Their sound has been compared to Pet Shop Boys and New Order which I can hear and is not necessarilly a bad thing. Check it out and their video below. Sample a couple more tracks on their soundcloud.


MP3: Two Rings - The Ice Choir

Toy Camera

Drew Harris from Germany Germany that we've covered before here has a new side project with Steph Thompson (aka) Stefaloo called Toy Camera. They have a new EP out called 'Blissful Youth' that is some real nice soothing minimal electronic music with lovely female vocals. Digging the 5 track EP which coincidentally is available as a free download via their bandcamp page. Check out a couple of my faves "Tall Trees" and "Summer Days".


MP3: Tall Trees - Toy Camera


MP3: Summer Days - Toy Camera

Avey Tare

Being a major Animal Collective fan, knowing that Avey Tare, aka Dave Portner, was going to drop a solo album album left me glowing and giggly like a school girl. The reverb accompanied by the beautiful and simple beat creates an incredibly melodious and eerie tune. I can only imagine it must have been nothing but exciting to be recording the album, Down There, within an old church in upstate NY. The potentially spooky Down There will be ready Oct. 26 off of Paw Tracks Records, just in time for Halloween weekend playlists. In the meantime, put on some headphones and fall deep into the mysterious beats of Lucky 1. Also, take a look at the trippy, alligator-based imagery in the music video made by his sister Abby Portner.


MP3: Lucky 1 - Avey Tare

Broken Bells

Broken Bells is a collaboration between Shins lead singer James Mercer and Danger Mouse from Gnarls Barkley fame as well being a well known/sought after producer. He produced Gorillaz Demon Days record as well as last years not yet officially released Dark Night of the Soul. The album is self tilted and was released March 9th. Seems this collaboration is not just gonna be a one off but more of a long term thing, which is nice as they will have time to try new things.

It's a great album though not too dissimilar to a Shins record, which I imagine is hard to get away from when you have James Mercer on vocals. It is a mostly a mellow/downtempo record. What happens with me and slower records is that maybe they aren't my favorite right off the bat, but they tend to be growers and over the long haul usually become some of my favorites. I get the hunch that's what's gonna happen with this one. Definitely a great record to jam out to in your car on your daily commutes or late at night.

The first single is called 'The High Road' which reminds me of a Travis song and has an accompanying video of them walking the streets of the night and all that they encounter along the way.

A couple of my early favorites from the album are 'Your Head is on Fire' and 'The Ghost Inside', but like I said that might change with time. These are solid tracks though and will give you a good idea what to expect from the record.

***Update:: Broken Bell's label have asked us to take down these two tracks, but they have allowed us to post first single 'The High Road' + 'Vaporize' track 1 and 2 respectively from the record instead. Both great tracks that will give you a good idea of their sound as well.


MP3: The High Road - Broken Bells


MP3: Vaporize - Broken Bells

Hurricane Bells

Hurricane Bells is a Brooklyn based band created/fronted by Longwave vocalist, Steve Schiltz. Been a fan of Longwave for a while, so I was pretty excited to hear about this new project. Their label Vagrant sent me their debut album Tonight is the Ghost that was released Nov the 11th and it's a winner! They have a great mellow indie rock sound that is fresh and lovely, plus Steve's voice is always soothing for the soul.

Seems their track 'Monster' was featured on the new Twilight New Moon Soundtrack released last month so that's sure to give them some huge exposure! I haven't gotten into those movies, but I see press for that everywhere.

Their first single is called 'This Year' and it is accompanied by this great heartfelt video starring none other than toys! Can't remember what those toys are called but I remember having a bunch of them as a kid.

Here is the video/single plus the excellent 'The Winters in New York' which our NY readers know can be pretty rough. Here's some great music to ease the pain and warm your heart. If you like what you hear you can purchase the album on their label Vagrant's website here in full 320. 


MP3: This Year - Hurricane Bells 


MP3: The Winters in New York - Hurricane Bells 

Bad Lieutenant

Bad Lieutenant is a new project from Bernard Sumner of New Order/Joy Division/Electronic fame and also features Alex James (Blur) and Stephen Morris (New Order/Joy Division) on several recordings. If you're like me you probably grew up listening to these bands and will be excited about this new release. I know I am! I managed to snag a copy of their debut album 'Never Cry Another Tear' and it is everything you would expect from these living legends. Graceful melodic guitar rock with a pinch of electronics for the 21st century. Fans of New Order and Electronic will not be disappointed. I can't post a track, but they have a video for their first single 'Sink or Swim' that is pretty sweet. The album is out now. You can preview/purchase the album on amazon.

Long live Bernard and his trademark delivery. 30 years on and I still love him!

P.S. Bad Lieutenant are also coming to do a limited US Tour in NY and Chicago! I hear you can expect to hear New Order and Joy Division tracks at the show! If you can catch them with The Pixies I'd go see those. What an amazing line-up! Two living legends on one incredible night!

Wednesday, Nov. 18 at Park West, Chicago
Thursday, Nov. 19 at Aragon Ballroom, Chicago with THE PIXIES
Saturday, Nov. 21 at Webster Hall, New York
Monday, Nov. 23 at Hammerstein Ballroom, New York with THE PIXIES