Stop.Start.

In the summertime boredom of days past, I've started sifting the internets for new music. A new gem I came across was from Mount Kimbie.

The James Blake remix is quite melodic with entrancing jagged beats. Dollars to Pounds describes it as "the musical equivalent of an Icelandic volcanic dust cloud". That's certainly spot on.

If my visa continues to screw with my summer holiday plans, I might be checking out these London boys at Field Day Festival. It rained last year making me learn the hard lesson of rainy UK festivals are awful (and only tolerable with copious amounts of alcohol). Still, Phoenix is headlining and it is walking distance from my house. So...

Check out the line-up for Field Day below:

Top of the Pops: My haphazard list of 2008 favorite pop items

Here are my faves from the year:

Movies

1. The Dark Knight. I loved it from start to finish. Batman voice and all. The scene where he flips a semi over the Joker is cinematic bliss. The sound design, the cinematography, Heath Ledger's acting, it all just came together. It exceeded my own personal hype and that's saying something.

2. Let the Right One In. This film was amazing. So subtle and engaging. Despite the violence, this was a tender love story of two lost souls coming together.

3. Slumdog Millionare. Just see it, mmmkay.

4. Iron Man. RDJ still has that magic touch. I thought it was gonna be another throwaway comic book movie. Boy was I wrong. It was entertaining from start to finish, even with Gwenyth Paltrow as the female lead.

5. In Bruges. I re-watched this on xmas. Colin Farrell excels in this black comedy. Who knew he could be funny? But the film isn't just about humor, it's about atoning for what you've done and realizing life doesn't end up as planned.

Honorable Mentions: The Fall, Forgetting Sarah Marshall

TV

1. "The Wire" - Best crime drama ever!
2. "Doctor Who" - There's a good reason it's the longest running tv series.
3. "30 Rock" - MILF Island. That is all.
4. "Venture Bros"
5. "Stargate: Atlantis" - Yeah, I'm a sci-fi geek. But seriously, give it a chance.
6. "Lost" - I was substantiantly less angry at the tv this season.

Honorable Mentions: "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles", "True Blood", "Law & Order", "Supernatural", "The Office"

Albums (.i.e cds I actually made an effort to buy)

1. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours. They're one of my fave bands, so not too surprising they're my number one pick.

Key Tracks: "Out there on the Ice", "Far Away", and "Unforgettable Season"

2. Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires. This is my 2008 new music discovery. I'd listened to their cover of "Your Love" for over a year. Then, they got sorta lost in the noise. On a whim, I went to see them open up for The Virgins. Needless to say, I was blown away. These guys have tight, funky and dance-electric set that kept me coming back for more (4x so)!

Key Tracks: "Jump in the Pool", "Paris", and "White Diamonds".

3. The Presets - Apocalypso. More musical genius from down under! My birthday gift to my best friend was tix to their gig at the Glasshouse. After two songs, she was an instant fan. These guys are professional electronic music artists. This album is techno/electro perfection. They pump you up from start to finish. Forget Justice, it's all about these synth heroes.

Key Tracks: "My People", "A New Sky", "Kicking and Screaming"


4. Does it Offend You, Yeah? - You Have No Idea... These fellas got me excited for dance rock again. Remember that first time you heard "Banquet", but had no idea who sung that song, but you were determined to find out. That's how it was with me and DIOYY. And then I heard "Dawn of the Dead". Game, set, match. Fan for life.

Key Tracks: "Dawn of the Dead", "Let's Make Out", "We Are Rockstars"

5. Santogold – Santogold. I waited for this album with baited breath. See this girl in concert and you'll find out quick she's no M.I.A. imitator. She's the real deal. She'll make you her dance slave and be your electronic queen. For real, son.

Key Tracks: "Creator", "L.E.S. Artistes", "You'll Find a Way"


6. M83- Saturdays=Youth. I was always a bit "meh" about M83. Thought it was too instrumental. Saturdays = Youth changed my tune with a quickness. Mr. Gonzales reminds you that singles are good, but albums are better. It's a cohesive blend of gentle, synth melodies and distortion that are searching for memories of days gone by.

Key Tracks: "We Own the Sky", "Kim & Jessie"

7. Ladyhawke – Ladyhawke
8. TV on the Radio - Dear Science
9. The Teenagers - Reality Check
10. Lykke Li - Youth Novels EP

Honorable Mentions: Jamie Lidell - JIM, Hot Chip - Made in the Dark, Bloc Party - Intimacy, Hercules & Love Affair

Singles (I make no apologies for a good tune)

1. "Dawn of the Dead" – Does it Offend You, Yeah?

2."Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)" – Beyonce

3. "Sex on Fire" – Kings of Leon

4. "American Boy" – Estelle featuring Kanye

5. "Dance Wiv Me" – Dizzee Rascal featuring Calvin Harris

6. "Day n Nite" Crookers Remix – Kid Cudi

7. "I'm Not Over" – Carolina Liar

8. "I'm Good, I'm Gone" – Lykke Li

9. "Far Away" – Cut Copy

10. "Jump in the Pool" – Friendly Fires

11. "Black & Gold" – Sam Sparro

12. "Great DJ" Calvin Harris Remix – The Ting Tings

13. "Live Your Life" – T.I. featuring Rihanna

14. "Leavin" MSTRKRFT Remix – Jesse McCartney

15. "Ready for the Floor" Jesse Rose Remix – Hot Chip

16. "Universal Mind Control" – Common

17. "Hold On" – Holy Ghost!

18. "Electric Feel" – MGMT

19. "Paris is Burning" - Ladyhawke

20. "Blind" – Hercules & Love Affair

21. "Little Bit of Feel Good" – Jamie Lidell

22. "Hip Hop Saved My Life"/"Superstar" – Lupe Fiasco

23. "Kim & Jesse" Montag Remix – M83

24. "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your BF How To Dance With You" – Black Kids

25. "This Boy's in Love" – The Presets

Honorable Mentions:, "Mrs. Officer" - Lil Wayne feat Bobby Valentino, "Golden Age" - TVOTR, "Love No" - The Teenagers, "Heartbreak" - Metronomy, "4 Minutes" – Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake, "Damaged" – Danity Kane, "Vanished" – Crystal Castles, "Electric Feel" Justice Remix - MGMT

Happy NYE! I hope 2009 is better than 2008.

I'm Good, I'm Gone

Ironically, only after seeing Ms. Lykke Li in concert did I jump on her hype train. What can I say, I'm skeptical. I remember GWFAS spouting her praises last year, but it just got lost in the noise.

Now I can't make it through the day without listening to "I'm Good, I'm Gone". I even voted for it on stereogum's Gummy Award '08! Perhaps, it's simply I'm in the right place emotionally and otherwise to appreciate this song.

Check her out for yourselves:



"I'm Good, I'm Gone" from the album Youth Novels by Lykke Li.

Third Time's a Charm: Friendly Fires at The El Rey Theater

More Friendly Fires photo goodness from their gig with Lykke Li on Monday Night.







I'm telling ya! These guys are amazing, fantastico, lovely, fun, and simply make some serious dance grooves.

Lykke Li was alright. I liked her stage presence, very Stevie Nicks-esque. I guess I would have enjoyed it more if I was more familiar with her songs.

The Mae Shi were guaranteed fun while Grand Ole Party was a tad mechanical indie rock for me. With a dash of stage banter and bit more charisma, maybe I'd be more interested in Grande Ole Party.

Find pics of all four artists on my Flickr Set.

Time Stands Still when I listen to them

Check my video of Cut Copy's "Time Stands Still" from their gig last friday at the Glass House.





I heart them so. And despite the technical difficulties, I loved their set at Detour. Nothing like rocking out on the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

Does it Offend You Yeah at the Troubadour

Does it Offend You, Yeah played the troubadour on Monday and I was there. It was my 4 time seeing them since April (don't ask).



They were fun and had high energy. Even James, one of the singers, hurt his foot when he got carried away during "With a Heavy Heart". Check my flickr page for a blurry version of events.

But the best part of the night was chilling with Sally and Team Robespierre.



The guitarist jumped into the crowd and played most the set down there. More punk, less synth than DIOYY. If they come to your town, take my advice and check 'em out.

Dragonette was cute but the energy level of the crowd was -2. "I Get Around" was good though. I got there late and have no idea if they played my favorite song, "Boys", the Calvin Harris cover. I'm gonna pretend they didn't...



And then after the show, I got interviewed by You Tell Concerts. Look ma, I'm famous! My interview clip starts at 6:46 mark.




j/k

Lupe rocked Springfest 2008

Lupe Fiasco headlined USC's Springfest this year. Despite him being an hour late and being quite chatty in between songs, it was fun. He ended the set with a long version "Superstar". My new favorite track though is "Dumb it Down". And I'm pretty sure the original girl singing on "Hip Hop Saved My Life" was with him on stage. He had some nice energy, even skateboarded whilst singing "Kick Push".

Don't believe he can bring the hype?
Check this clip of "Daydreamin":


Other notable acts at Springfest:
De La Soul
Del tha Funky Homosapien (props to Booka his MC)
Aceyalone

Forever Funky Lidell

Check the latest video for Jamie Lidell's "Little Bit of Feel Good".



I've been buying whatever Jamie's been selling ever since I saw him at Coachella in 2006. That man sure is funky!

New album in stores on 4/29, simply called Jim.

Props to Stereogum for posting the new Unicorn love affair gone bad video.

RIP: Evan Farrell of Rogue Wave Fame

I can't believe I just heard about this tragedy today during lunch. I unknowingly wore my Rogue Wave t-shirt to work, which shortly led to someone telling me this sad news.

Evan Farrell, ex-bassist for Rogue Wave, passed away on December 23rd. He suffered severe burns from a house fire in Oakland, where the band is based. He hasn't been with the band since 'Descended Like Vultures' (which is a great album!), but he is certainly still part of that musical family. The SF Weekly tribute tells the story of Evan's greatness the best.

And just last week, I re-discovered the awesomeness of Rogue Wave, shamefully from that trippy Zune commercial. Rogue Wave's "Lake Michigan" scores the ad. Zunes are pieces of crap, but you gotta give Microsoft props for at least picking an excellent song to peddle their product. It's so melodic and simply takes you in. It really is one of the best songs I've heard in months. Don't believe me, check out their music video and the Zune commercial below.


Video: Zune TV Spot


If you love it as I do, don't buy a Zune, but do buy Rogue Wave's new album 'Asleep At Heaven's Gate'.

Under their "Grip"

You know who's so fucking rad? The Go! Team that's who!



Sunday's show at the Echoplex was amazing. The atmosphere was perfect: full of high energy, dancing, and good sound quality. They played all the hits and then some.

And boy could Ninja move her feet. Sadly, cause I'm a shorty, I couldn't take in all of her fancy footwork. Nevertheless, she had the crowd in the palm of her hands. So much so, I wanted to shout out: "Damn girl, don't hurt 'em". She asked the crowd for a favor: to get up and dance. And the entire Echoplex humbly obliged.



I always appreciated their tunes, but now I love them. One of the best shows of the fall! Now I understand the look of shock my friend Brian gave me when I said I missed the Go! Team at Coachella 2006. Don't make the same mistake, see them as many times as you possibly can. You won't regret it.

BP in Flux

New Bloc Party track called "Flux". The blogger hipster collective don't seem all that into it if you look at the banter on stereogum.

I like the radio edit I heard on GWFAS. I do have to admit that it's gotta alot more synths than what I caught on Conan. It's not a serious use of a vocoder ala Chromeo (or Cher as people are claiming), but it's alright. I give the boys a 6 out of 10, meaning slightly above average.

Can we get another full-length album soon? Pretty please? I'm gonna be over all their songs after Detour Fest tomorrow, for sho.


*img from Mackenzieland.com

Double-header

Diplo and Switch tonight at the Echo


Saturday, SMD and Boys Noize!

And then next week is Neighborhood festival. I didn't have that good of a time at Cinespace, but I go where the talent is.

Check out Hate Something Beautiful for some choice mp3s from djs/bands playing at all these events.

New Cut Copy on the horizon

Cut Copy expect to finish their album by the end of this year, so as to have an international release in 2008! Forget Kanye, this is the album I've been waiting on for a looooong time. Tim Goldsworthy, the legendary DFA producer, is the perfect choice for their sophmore album.



'Bright Like Neon Love' is definitely on permanent rotation on the ipod, but it's always good to have new music once in awhile. If you don't own their debut album, you are missing out. I listened to the whole thing on repeat whilst driving (very hungover) to San Diego on Sunday. It was perfect score for a daytrip down south.

Are big-budget music videos dead?

Yahoo News seems to think so. Apparently, the music industry has finally recognized the power of the internet. There are more lo-fi music videos in circulation, cuz record labels are willing to pay for videos that will most likely be seen on a laptop for free.

Youtube has made the music video virtually only available online. I can't say the last time I've seen a decent video on the so-called MTV Hits channel. And regular MTV, forgettaboutit. I usually have my friends crowd around the computer as we jam to this new video I saw on Stereogum or what not. I guess the big wigs in the record industry found that people like quality over quantity. But y'know what, all those crunk/hip-hop videos keep churning out like water, so maybe its just cheaper is better.

Here's some awesome videos that I've seen this year:

Klaxons beat out Winehouse

I read that Amy Winehouse was a particulary sore loser on Monday, when the Klaxons won the National Mercury Prize instead of her.

They beat out tons of artists who released solid albums this year:
Dizzee Rascal
Fionn Reagan
New Young Pony Club
Arctic Monkeys
Maps
The View
The Young Knives
Bat for Lashes
Amy Winehouse

'Back to Black' may be a critic-proof album, but it's the kids who count. And the kids are just crazy for those Klaxon boys. I know, I've seen it in person! But seriously, I love 'Myths of the near Future'. I even went inside a record store to buy it, and that's saying something! I may be a bit weary of hearing about them, but in the end, they deliver the goods in concert. I can't say the same for Mrs. Winehouse-Fielder-Civil.

Check the video of Amy performing "Love is a Losing Game"

My heart's on fire

I heart them. They cheer me up whenever I feel blue.

Shorts!

New Order in running shorts! This is priceless...



God do I miss the wacky days of the eighties and nineties. I was just jammin to some Candlebox in the car. Kinda makes me miss the carefree days of junior high when I had no real discerning taste (along with the rest of America). Sponge, Seaweed, Gravity Kills were some of my most embarassing favorites from back then. I even went to see them in concert (and how is that Seaweed is still touring?).

Hey, I lived in a small Texas town, you take whatever you can get...

Album Preview: Editors

Check out the entire album, An End Has a Start on the Editors' myspace page.

So far, "Bones" is still my favorite. I saw them perform it at their Tower Records in-store. It was really awesome, really full of energy. Not sure if the new album lives up, but I'll be buying it nonetheless. RS didn't give it a good review, basically the same MO as with Bloc Party's cd. I dunno what's with these art punk bands slowing things down when they should be speeding things up. I'll just have to hope for more upbeat songs on the next go 'round.

Speaking of Tower, I really miss Tower Records. I never really appreciated it until it was gone. The one down the road from me is housing the White Stripes mini-concert that their webcasting today. They're changing the name to Icky Thump Records to tie it all in to the release. Perhaps, I'll try and sneak a peak later on tonight. I bet people are lining up already.

OK!

This video is awesome just like Michelle said it would be! I saw ShitDisco at SxSw. They have tons of energy.



Can't believe they made this video for so cheap...

I need a Tambourine!

I can't get enough of the "jam of the week", "Tambourine" by Eve. She is back on the scene with a slightly more feminine look. And I think we like it.



Some of those leggings are questionable, but that little red dress really does wonders for her figure. Maybe if I do the "tambourine" enough on the dancefloor I can end up looking like Eve? No, I think I would need to call the same personal trainer she has for those kind of results. This video just reminds me how outta shape I am. God and it's summer, I need to work out. Perhaps, this song will fuel me on.