Find Yourself a new Boy

Just a quick hello & a couple of tunes to show i'm still alive!

Though it was out a couple of weeks ago, the Late of the Pier album is great... possibly my favourite of the year so far.

It sounds like this:



I was recently sent an excellent remix of 'Bathroom Gurgle' by Artwork. Artwork were once known as Project New City & I once posted a track of theirs (On Arrival in Narita) from the first I Can Count compilation. This remix drops much of the Bowieisms & glam rock in favour of some uplifting synths & squelchy Digitalisms. The song sounds born this way.

LATE OF THE PIER - BATHROOM GURGLE (ARTWORK REMIX)

Forthcoming on October 6th are some remixes of Liquid Liquid's classic 'Optimo'... by Optimo themselves (naturally), Tim 'DFA' Goldsworthy, Matthew Dear & some guy called DJ Sample. It's the latter that i'm drawn to, with some classic techno chords swirling round the inevitable cowbell & that unmistakable jabbering vocal.

LIQUID LIQUID - OPTIMO (DJ SAMPLE REMIX)

Like the last few of their compilations, the new Kitsune Maison (Volume 6) is a mixed bag. As usual there are gems within though... usually when diverting from the electro house formula.



The opening track by Lo-Fi Fnk reminds me of how good they are, and I really enjoyed the track by Pnau. My favourite though is the closing track by Appaloosa (which was also the name used for some great drum 'n' bass tracks by Global Communication back in the day).

I'd been searching for an mp3 of this since reading about it in the Guardian & listening on myspace, so the CD dropped through the door with perfect timing. Ths song begins with a French chanteuse accompanied by piano... and just when you start to think 'hang on, she can't sing too well can she', a drum beat and a repeated chorus take you away into memory bliss.



APPALOOSA - THE DAY (WE FELL IN LOVE)

I Heart Norway

I'm just back from a FANTASTIC weekend at the Numusic festival in Stavanger, Norway. I was lucky enough to be playing some records, but also got to stay & enjoy the Nuart part of the festival, where top graffiti artists like D*Face, Nick Walker, Herakut, Dolk, Know Hope & Zeus spend some time decorating the venue & city.



The whole festival was so inspiring. DJ Pinch & MC Dread were a particular highlight for me, having never experienced live dubstep in such an intimate environment. I felt it was a bit of an awakening for me.

DJ PINCH - BRIGHTER DAY

Copenhagen grime MC Lucy Love also killed it, with some sharp rhymes over tough minimal 909 beats.





Zombie Zombie were as awesome as ever & put me into a complete joyful trance. If you've not seen this unofficial 'The Thing' inspired video then check it.. it's ace.



Nouvelle Vague & Datarock were predictably great... and it was fantastic to see A Certain Ratio tear through 'Shack Up'.

A CERTAIN RATIO - SHACK UP

Lindstrom was mesmerising, though I think his set was cut short a little, and Pivot were immense. Intricate parts welded to beautiful melodies & crashing noise. Their new album on Warp (O Soundtrack My Heart) is excellent... check the following track & also 'Didn't I Furious' (which I posted a few months ago)/

PIVOT - SWEET MEMORY

Here's a small selection of pictures from NuArt, but check my friend Ian's for much better & more (he was official photographer or something).









All in all it was a pretty wonderful weekend, and if you're looking for a more interesting festival experience next year I can't recommend it enough. The music was fantastic, the girls are beautiful (and very friendly...), and the art is always superb.