Havin' Big Fun

Sydney electronic wizards Bag Raiders released today an "EP" titled 'Big Fun'. I'm not sure why it's called 'Big Fun' because it's only one new original and three new remixes of old Bag Raiders songs, none of which make musical or lyrical reference to the Inner City original.

Even though duo have collaborated with Donnis on the lead track and the EP has been released on A-trak's Fools Gold label, it ain't got shit on Shooting Stars.

Good effort though, bit funky, bit catchy, bit different, but not amazing.

Download: All the Girls (feat. Donnis) - Bag Raiders (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

ENJOY!!!

The Little Death

Did you know that Moby plays bass? Did you know that Moby likes other genres of music apart from dance music? Did you know that Moby is currently in a band that sounds like Ike and Tina Turner with 5 other people you've never heard of?

Neither did we.

Download: 2 Gather Round - The Little Death (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Check out The Little Death. They just released their debut self-titled album.

ENJOY!!!

5 For Tuesday 36

Download: My Feeling For You (Original Mix) - Sebastien Drums & Avicii (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Louder Than Boom (Bart B More Remix) - Tiesto (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Flashback (Will Bailey & Mikey Hook Remix) - Wolfgang Gartner (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Immature (feat. Renee)(Calvertron Remix) - Butterflake & Gary Caos (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Some Way Through This (Plastician And Skream Remix) - The Black Ghosts (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

ENJOY!!!

Lady Gaga - Bad Romance (Video)

Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young (2009)

U.S.A.

Indie / Garage / New Wave

The extended hiatus of The Strokes has again produced another spin-off act in the form of lead singer Julian Casablancas finally going it solo. For anyone who's only heard the lead single "11th Dimension", your expectation of the album might be a little bit skewed. That said, the album begins more Strokes-ish and descents down a much more experimental path towards the end, making it like a "journey".

Phrazes For The Young is worth a listen, but I think it primarily stands as an excuse to keep Julian busy for a while before The Strokes get their shit together.

It's not going to change your life, or make it to the top of your Most Played list on iTunes, but if you're a Strokes fan, it might also give you something to keep yourself busy till they get their shit together.

No more Strokes spin-offs please, they all pretty much sound the same anyway!

"It may not have the sugar rush immediacy of the Strokes, and at times it's downright indulgent, but Phrazes for the Young shows that Casablancas has more than enough ideas for several albums on his own and with his band".

- Heather Phares, Allmusic.com.

Track listing:

1. Out of the Blue (Alt Link)

2. Left & Right in the Dark

3. 11th Dimension (Alt Link)

4. 4 Chords of the Apocalypse

5. Ludlow St.

6. River of Brakelights

7. Glass

8. Tourist

Cheers, thanks a lot,

Viv.

Scream

Sex 4 Ears welcomes back Polymorphic and his Proxy-esque aggressive, tearing beats. This time out Polymorphic delivers the goods with 3 new tracks, 'Rock On', 'Scream' & 'Move Faster'. This EP is so fucking loud and intense that, thinking about it now, I'd be a little weary being in a mosh if I heard this out.

Released on the 3rd of November on Coco Machete Records.

Available on Beatport here.

aRRRRgghhHHH!

Download: Scream - Polymorphic (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Rock On - Polymorphic (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

ENJOY!!!

Heads We Dance - New Single Video

ENJOY!!!

Bullion - Pet Sounds: In The Key of Dee (2008)

United Kingdom

Hip Hop / Baroque Pop / Funk

There's no doubt that The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds is one of the most important musical recordings of our time. It has influenced popular music for decades, and remained critically acclaimed as one of, if not the, best albums ever made. What a special and risky idea it is to want to create a remixed Pet Sounds album, no? Essentially, it's somewhat disrespectful to do such a thing, right? In most cases yes, but in the case of Pet Sounds: In The Key Of Dee, no way!

English producer Bullion has paid tribute to the late J Dilla and the incredible Brian Wilson simultaneously by remixing Pet Sounds by using the beats and production style of J Dilla.

It is truly gobsmackingly amazing! (Especially for fans of alternative hip hop who also happen to like Pet Sounds), and I'm so impressed by it that I am posting the entire 25 minute mini-album/mixtape for download.

It is absolute FIRE!!

VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Download: Bullion - Pet Sounds: In The Key Of Dee (Right Click, Open in new window)

Cheers, thanks a lot,

Viv

Essentials 8

Download: Ain't Nobody - Rufus & Chaka Khan (1993) (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

*Recently covered live by Alphabeat on their Spell Minitour, very 90's pop.

Download: The Sound Of Violence (feat. Steve Edwards) - Cassius (2002) (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

*A highly underrated disco-funk masterpiece. New Cassius album due out next year!!

Download: Two Hearts - Phil Collins (1988) (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

*One of those songs everyone knows and loves. A cross between Motown and 80's synth pop.

Download: Make Your Own Kind Of Music - Mama Cass (1969) (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

*Uplifting blue-eyed soul from the late 60's. Very positive.

Download: I'm Shakin' - Rooney (2003) (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

*Rooney's debut single, featured on season 1 of The O.C. Total pop rock with a Californian tinge.

Cheers, thanks a lot,

Viv.

Tegan & Sara - Sainthood (2009)

Canada

Indie / Pop / Alternative

Those lovable Canadian lesbian twins are back, with balls. Their latest effort, Sainthood, possibly more brash, in your face, and staunch than So Jealous, and definately a departure from the soft and more spacious sound of their last effort, The Con. This said, Tegan & Sara's incredibly honest and thought provoking songwriting, aswell as their individual style reamins.

It's a slightly more aggressive and direct album, with simple structures and very straight forward messages. A lot less figurative and oblique, and bit more literal. It explores the various musical domains of typical indie rock, with that slightly awkward Canadian edge.

Sara's songs are characteristically more complex, and Tegan's are more poppy, which gives the album an even balance of deep artistry, and accessibility for all to enjoy.

This 6th effort definitely signifies a continually prosperous career ahead for these indie superstars.

"Pretty much the only music I was listening to between The Con and this record was like The Dream record and the T.I. record. I was pretty much just listening to hip hop and R&B".

- Sara Quinn, Tegan & Sara, 2009.

Track listing:

1. Arrow

2. Don't Rush

3. Hell (Alt Link)

4. On Directing

5. Red Belt

6. The Cure

7. Northshore

8. Night Watch

9. Alligator (Alt Link)

10. Paperback Head

11. The Ocean

12. Sentimental Tune

13. Someday

Cheers, thanks a lot,

Viv.

5 For Tuesday 35

Download: Don't Fear The Reaper (Blue Oyster Cult Cover)(Radio Rip) - Van She (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Thriller (Michael Jackson Cover) - Imogen Heap (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Seven (The Twelves Remix) - Fever Ray (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: I Feel Cream (Proxy Remix) - Peaches (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Stupid Bitches (DatA Remix) - DSL (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

ENJOY!!!

Yes, We Do Have...

HERE.

ENJOY!!!

Patrice Rushen - Straight From The Heart (1982)

U.S.A.

Soul / R n' B / Booty-Funk

We here at Sex 4 Ears have a bit of a love affair with Patrice Rushen, the 80's songstress responsible for "Forget Me Nots", which was the basis of Will Smith's hit theme track to the film Men In Black, and also sampled by George Michael in his sexual smash "Fastlove", and MC Solaar in "Les Temps Changent".

The song is collectively renowned for it's funky production aesthetics and Freddie Washington's amazing bass playing, as well as it's simple yet effective rhythmic chords. Straight From The Heart is everything that makes "Forget Me Nots" amazing, 9 times. ie. Freddie Washington plays the bass, Rushen lightly taps her electric piano, the hand claps are as prevalent as ever, and the funky guitar riffs pick and pluck throughout. There's even an instrumental track written by Rushen herself!

It's feel-good pop-soul designed to make you move - infectiously rhythmic and melodically sweet, with just enough funk to start your party.

I dare you to not tap your feet!

"The sound of Straight To The Heart influenced soul for a considerable period afterwards. Listening today, it can be seen as something of a template for many of the later divas".

- Daryl Easlea, BBC, 2009.

Buy Straight From The Heart from Amazon here.

Track listing:

1. Forget Me Nots (Post)

2. I Was Tired Of Being Alone (Alt Link)

3. All We Need (Alt Link)

4. Number One (Instrumental)

5. Where There Is Love

6. Breakout!

7. If Only

8. Remind Me

9. (She Will) Take You Down To Love

Cheers, thanks a lot,

Viv.

Invaders Must Die

The Prodigy will release a Special Edition of 'Invaders Must Die' on Nov 11th as a 2 CD/1 DVD set featuring remixes from top artists.

I'm lovin' the Yuksek remix.

This is a collection that shows off both a band at the peak of their live powers and a collection of some of the most vital contemporary music being made by anyone today.

Track listing:

Disc 1 - Audio CD

Original Album

+

The Big Gundown (from Lost Beats EP)

Wild West (from Lost Beats EP)

Omen - Live - Rock am Ring

Disc 2 - Audio CD

1. Invaders Must Die - New Liam Howlett Mix
2. Invaders Must Die - Chase & Status Remix

3 Omen - Noisia Remix

4. Omen - Herve Remix

5. Warriors Dance - Future Funk Squad Remix

6. Warriors Dance - Benga Remix
7 .Warriors Dance - South Central Remix

8. Take Me To The Hospital - Rusko Remix
9. Take Me To The Hospital - Subfocus Remix

10. Take Me To The Hospital - Josh Homme & Liam H's Wreckage Mix

11. Take Me To The Hospital - Loser 's Middlesex A & E Remix

12. Invaders Must Die - Yuksek Remix (Alt Link)
13 .Thunder - Bang Gang Remix

DVD Disc 


1. Invaders Must Die - video. directed by Paul Dugdale

2. Omen - video. directed by Paul Dugdale

3. Warriors Dance - video. directed by Corin Hardy

4. Take Me To The Hospital - video. directed by Paul Dugdale

5. Worlds on Fire - live. directed by Paul Dugdale
6. Warrior's Dance - live. directed by Paul Dugdale
7. Run - live. directed by Paul Dugdale
8. Take Me To The Hospital - Big Day Out - Australia 2009. directed by Paul Dugdale

ENJOY!!!

Dirty Monkeez

Christoph & Geri are the Hungarian production duo Dirty Monkeez. I got sent their latest fidget rework of the Stevie Wonder classic 'Sir Duke' a couple of days ago. Not sure if I'm diggin' the messing with Stevie Wonder, but the song made me want to delve into my music collection and dig up some of their previous works.

Most of their work has the screeching grinding electronic sound which I'm fond of. Their remixes of Don Rimini's 'Hools' and Daniel Merriweather's 'Change' are especially great.

Dig in.

Download: Sir Duke (Dirty Monkeez Remix) - Stevie Wonder (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Change (feat. Wale)(Dirty Monkeez 'Will Produce Bangers For Change' Remix) - Daniel Merriweather (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Hools (Dirty Monkeez Remix) - Don Rimini (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Kung Fu Monkey - Dirty Monkeez (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

ENJOY!!!

Ghost Klub

Most people secretly love their pop. Others, fall over for their rock n roll. Some love to take a journey listening to classical music. Others love it when the floor, roof and walls shake from the sounds of a warbling bassline.

The last one, although not so 'musically credible', as some would put it, still makes me dance. I love bass. I love dance music. I love to have fun going insane. Does that make sense?

Ghost Klub are one of the artists I look to, to make me dance. Focusing on electro and dubstep they've been making waves in the scene since their remixes for The Toxic Avenger this summer.

They are launching their Nitepressures EP in late November and I've been sent some tasty treats to share.

Bass in your face.

Download: Reaper (Radio Edit) - Ghost Klub (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Reaper (Deathface End Credits Remix) - Ghost Klub (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Nite Pressures (Radio Edit) - Ghost Klub (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Womanizer (Ghost Klub Remix) - Britney Spears (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

ENJOY!!!

Congorock & Crookers

To celebrate hitting 100,000 Facebook fans Crookers are giving away their collaboration with Congorock for free.

Weeee.

Download: Sbombers - Congorock & Crookers (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

ENJOY!!!

Toxic Is Dead

Cool eh? So is this.

ENJOY!!!

5 For Tuesday 34 (On Wednesday)

Download: I'm On It (feat. o8o)(AC Slater Remix) - Classixxx & Villains (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Mars (Jack Beats Remix) - Fake Blood (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Catch The Looks (Dilemn Remix) - Dyebox (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: 8000 - Proxy (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Whoize (Original Club Mix) - Whoize! (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

ENJOY!!!

Queens Of The Foo Nirvana Zeppelin

Basically, Them Crooked Vultures are a supergroup formed by Dave Grohl (singer/guitarist for the Foo Fighters and drummer of Nirvana), Josh Homme (a.k.a. The Ginger Elvis, singer/guitarist of Queens of the Stone Age and occasional drummer for Eagles Of Death Metal) and the John Paul Jones (original bassist of Led Zeppelin), playing drums, guitar, and bass respectively.

Can this band fail commercially? Basically, there is no way in hell. They are fucking incredible.

Just listen to these samples below:

Cheers, thanks a lot,

Viv.

Donkeyboy - Caght In A Life (2009)

Norway

Powerpop / Indie / New Wave

There is no doubt that Europe is by far the most pop-friendly continent on this planet, and I don't mean pop like Ashanti or Britney Spears, I mean pop bands. This little gem of a band from Norway are one of the freshest, and they're definitely the next addition to my "awesome Scandinavian bands" list.

Like many Scandinavian pop bands, Donkeyboy had great success in their homeland, scoring a number 1 single with "Ambitions" only to knock their own number 1 off with their second single "Sometimes", a feat that has only ever been achieved once by any Norwegian band or artist, them. Following on from this momentum, the group have released their debut album, which is sonic journey through space-tinged powerpop scorchers and introspective love songs, with that distinct European/bitter-sweet pop edge.

It's really one of those albums you can't hate, unless you're vehemently opposed to pop/rock.

Long live European pop bands.

"Once in a blue moon, a [band] pops up that [are] so catchy that you need penicillin to get [them] out of your head. Somehow we think it will take more than penicillin to make this band go away, and for that we are truly proud and grateful".

- Warner Music, Norway.

Purchase Caught In A Life from iTunes here.

Track listing:

1. Stereolife

2. Ambitions

3. Awake

4. Broke My Eyes

5. Sleep In Silence

6. Blade Running

7. Sometimes (Alt Link)

8. Promise Kept

9. We Can't Hide (Alt Link)

10. Caught In A Life

Cheers, thanks a lot,

Viv.

Gigi Barocco

Undoubtedly my favourite producer at the moment would have to be Gigi Barocco. He is from Milan, has ultra cool press shots, DJs all over the UK and Italy, and is signed to Joshua Harvey's Cheap Thrills label (among others), you know the one, it is the only one that is consistently pumping out the best club music at the moment.

I stumbled on Gigi earlier this year when I was still in Australia. I was sitting on my swivel chair at work, listening to some tracks I had downloaded earlier that morning, when all of a sudden I had the 'oh, cool song' fit. I sat up in my chair, eyes wide, and bopped up and down until my boss started staring. A few minutes later I was drastically searching for who this Gigi Barocco guy was.

So after a scour of his myspace and a little cry finding out that he wasn't coming to Australia anytime soon, I got my hands on everything I could of his and began dancing like an idiot.

So now, every time I hear that he is releasing something new, I make sure I'm first in line.

I'd advise you to do the same.

Download: The Rhythm (Original Mix) - Gigi Barocco (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Hustlin And Scratchin (Gigi Barocco Remix) - Will Bailey (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: Hold Mee (Gigi Barocco Remix) - KIck-OH! (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

Download: I'm In The House (feat. [[[zuper blahq]]]) (Gigi Barocco Remix) - Steve Aoki (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

ENJOY!!!

Alphabeat - The Spell (2009)

Denmark

Dance / Pop / Euro

WELCOME BACK ALPHABEAT!!

As you may or may not already know, I have a strange obsession with Danish bands which started in 2007 upon hearing Alphabeat's stunning debut record 'This Is Alphabeat'. Now, after a 2 year creative hiatus, a change of label, and a shit-load of European touring, the band have decided to leave behind their "B-52's vs Wham!" pop sound for something a bit more electronic.

The result came a few months ago, when "The Spell" debuted and swept the globe like a spell!

Here's a reminder:

Infectiously catchy, eh? Now, their sophomore LP is out, and it's amazing!!

It's everything you can expect from hearing the above title track - 90's synths, big vocal hooks, heavy bottom-end kick drums, and lyrical themes centred mostly around love and relationships. But, if you're one of those people who can't be caught dead listening to something happy, or commercial, or slightly lame, then Alphabeat is definitely not your cup of tea. For the rest of the planet (ie. people who aren't ashamed of expressing joy), The Spell is essential listening.

Alphabeat exist purely to make people smile.

"We try to make music that you can dance to, and you can put on whenever you have a party and stuff like that, and just put on when you don't really wanna think about stuff, just let go and dance around your living room naked or something".

- Anders SG, Alphabeat.

Track listing:

1. The Spell

2. DJ (Links Removed)

3. Hole in My Heart

4. The Beat Is

5. Heat Wave

6. Chess

7. Heart Failure

8. Always Up With You

9. Q & A

10. The Right Thing (Links Removed)

Cheers, thanks a lot,

Viv.

Wicked

On Monday, Leeds boy Dale Castell released his latest single 'Wickedest Sound' featuring MC Tom Zanetti. The single is finally being released after being smashed out of speakers around the UK for the last couple of months and, after this release, is sure to continue to for more months to come.

'Wickedest Sound' comes with remixes from Calvertron, Duncestep, and Signal Drivers.

You can grab the entire release exclusively from Beatport here.

Download: Wickedest Sound (feat. Tom Zanetti)(Calvertron Remix) - Dale Castell (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

ENJOY!!!

One Beat Away

The UK based electronic band Cicada are soon to release their next single 'One Beat Away' off their latest album 'Roulette'. Potty Mouth signed Kelevra stepped up on remix duties, providing a one stop beat-a-thon, complete with that lovely vocal hook and some wobbles thrown in for good measure.

Download: One Beat Away (Kelevra Remix) - Cicada (Right Click, Open in new window)(Alt Link)

ENJOY!!!

Levi’s® OnesToWatch® 5 NIGHT REVUE - London

(Top: Sky Larkin, Bottom-left: Beth Jeans Houghton, Bottom-right: MPHO)

Attention London music fans!

The Levi’s® OnesToWatch® event is back! Bringing you the hottest up-and-coming acts for 5 consecutive concerts starting on November 16th till November 20th at The Hoxton Bar & Kitchen and Cargo in Shoreditch.

Responsible for raising the profiles of bands like Editors, The Kooks, The Mystery Jets, The Fratellis, Ida Maria, Foals, Late Of The Pier, Friendly Fires, We Are Scientists, White Lies, Black Lips, The Temper Trap, Hockey, Passion Pit, and Dananananaykroyd, the Levi’s® OnesToWatch® initiative has always been on the forefront of what's hot. There are no exceptions here, with a smorgasbord of exceptionally talented bands and artists who are ready to take over the world.

Here's the full program:

Monday 16th November: Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
Cherbourg (Andrew Davie solo) + Goldheart Assembly + Young Rebel Set

Tuesday 17th November: Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
Crystal Fighters + Violens + Wild Palms

Wednesday 18th November: Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
Marina & The Diamonds + Wolf Gang + Clock Opera

Thursday 19th November: Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
Sky Larkin + MPHO + Beth Jeans Houghton

Friday 20th November: Levi’s®OnesToWatch® 2009 Closing Party @ Cargo 83 Rivington Street
The Whip + Alex Metric (Live set) + Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs + Ezra Bang & Hot Machine + VERY special guests

For your chance to score tickets to the gig of your choice, make sure you head here to subscribe to win!

Cheers, thanks a lot,

Viv.

Kiss - Sonic Boom (2009)

U.S.A.

Glam / Rock / Metal

I am no expert on Kiss, nor am I an expert on 'cock rock' in general, but I can safely tell you that this is far from their best or most creative work.

Don't expect to hear the next "I Was Made For Lovin' You", "Rock N' Roll All Nite" or "Detroit Rock City" on Sonic Boom, I guarantee that it will be buried alongside other recent attempted glam rock-revival albums like AC/DC's Black Ice, and Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy within weeks.

Respect to the guys for having the balls to do it though, and also for soldiering on through various medical problems like hip replacements and the like. You guys will always be rock legends, so there's no need to prove it to anyone.

"What Sonic Boom is, is this is who we are now. No keyboard players, no children’s choirs, no synthesizers, none of that".

- Gene Simmons, Kiss, 2009.

Purchase Sonic Boom from Amazon here.

Track listing:

1. Modern Day Delilah (Alt Link)

2. Russian Roulette

3. Never Enough

4. Yes I Know (Nobody's Perfect)

5. Stand

6. Hot and Cold

7. All For the Glory

8. Danger Us

9. I'm an Animal

10. When Lightning Strikes

11. Say Yeah

Cheers, thanks a lot,

Viv.