I write stuff. This particular stuff here is all music related (reviews, and artists I think everyone should be listening to, etc.). Besides that, I did write a book once. It's called Steel City's Supernatural. That blog is here.
I got a chance to have some burning questions answered by the band, Walk Off The Earth, who recently appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to perform their cover of Gotye‘s “Somebody I Used To Know,” (which I posted a few weeks ago, but in case you haven’t seen it…here it is).
And here’s their performance on Ellen:
Walk Off The Earth is made of 5 people: Gianni, Marshall, Taylor, Joel and Sarah. So, with out further adieu, here we go:
Download: Grouplove – “Tongue Tied” (Gigamesh Remix)
Today sees the US release of The 2 Bears’ debut album, Be Strong, which is available on vinyl and CD from the DFA store, and digitally via iTunes. In celebration of the full-length release, the Bears are sharing a new mix, “Whatever The Weather,” which premiered on Spinner RPM. The mix features new tracks from DFA labelmates Factory Floor, as well as tracks from Armand Van Helden, Henrik Schwarz, Gino Soccio, Davina and more. You can still snag the first free single from the album, “Work,” via DFA’s Soundcloud too!
A London record through and through, Be Strong ducks and weaves to the myriad sounds of the city, as The 2 Bears pursue the perfect party record. Raf Daddy – aka Raphael Rundell – met Joe Goddard (taking time out from his day job as one fifth of Hot Chip) through a party scene that saw them share deck duties at the legendary Greco-Roman parties. Upon venturing into the studio in an attempt to replicate some of the records that they’d lost themselves in the night before, Raf found himself laying down vocals over Joe’s skipping, bassomatic backing tracks safe in the knowledge that they’d soon be replaced by someone with sweeter, more melodious tones. In the end, it was Raf’s voice that characterized and personalized The 2 Bears.
Over its ten tracks, Be Strong conjures up that elusive spirit of the dancefloor without pretension, and with ultimate precision. It’s a soul record in that it’s from the soul, wearing its imperfections with pride. It’s a dance record in that it’ll get you off your seat. It’s a London record in that it couldn’t have come from any other city in 2011, echoing the glorious schizophrenic sound of a late night cab ride listening to a radio with a mind of its own. With minimal effort and maximum respect from their peers, tracks began to be hammered in clubs and on radio by the likes of Andrew Weatherall, Erol Alkan, Pete Tong and Annie Mac. This summer’s Bear Hug EP cranked things up yet another notch with Chris Moyles giving the track some early morning airings and Elton John and Paul McCartney declaring themselves fans.
DJ Massiv G (who helped mix some of My M.O.’s record, Bonfire) drops one for the club to get your 2012 booty shaking on the dance floor.
The lyrics “they gonna get your money some way, times is crazy can we make it through another day?” will resonate with those that are unhappy with the ongoing corruption within our political/economic system.
Listen/download: My M.O. – “Paper Chase” ( DJ Massiv G Remix)
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour deliver yet another unforgettable anthem on “Heart Attack.” With its instantly memorable melody and caffeinated beat, the song is perfect for singing in cars and bedrooms and guaranteed to invade dance floors. PopMatters premiered the spaced out “Heart Attack” (Cosmic Kids remix) MP3 yesterday.
Click here to listen/download: The Asteroids Galaxy Tour – “Heart Attack” (Cosmic Kids Remix)
(There’s some other free downloads from The Asteroids Galaxy Tour on the page, too!)