The Scene

Fever Ray - When I Grow Up

2009-06-09T13:04:00.003-07:00

Duke Dumont - Regality EP (TURBO)

2008-04-08T16:41:00.007-07:00

(Love the bandana! I am one to rock them as well)

Duke Dumont's Regality EP was released in July of last year but it still has a couple of real bangers on there. I first heard "Lean N Bounce" on one of Simian Mobile Disco's mixtapes for Mix Mag(which is the best electronic music magazine I have come across just fyi). Everytime I hear that song I feel like lighting up a cig and nodding my head if you know what I mean. I made sure to include it in my recent set last week. Also, "When I Hear Mu'Sic" is another awesome upbeat track. I am too lazy to look up who did the vocals for the track, but even though it sounds Madona, I really like them. Tiga's Turbo Recordings just keeps on impressing me. Peace & Beats

DL "Lean N Bounce" (Z Share)
DL "When I Hear Mu'Sic" (Z Share)
Both tracks thanks to another site, so don't come yelling at me TURBO like you do all the other blogs :-)

SXSW 2008

2008-04-02T14:34:00.012-07:00

Spring Break has sadly come to an end and I am starting to get back into my normal routine of being a student (but lacking when it comes to my blog). I am stuck reliving the good times I had during that week in my head. SXSW was the best part of my spring break for sure. If you have never been to the festival you’re definitely missing out. Austin is unlike every other part of Texas for sure. Dallas and Denton can compare to it, but Austin surpasses them in all forms of enjoyment. The city is just jam packed with bars restaurants. The number of bars there are in Austin is the equivalent to the number of casinos in Las Vegas. Friday I went to the I Heart Comix! vs Mad Decent party. This party was so sick! From the free Dewars scotch mixed with ginger ale, actually surprisingly tasty, to the music, and everything in between. Simian Mobile Disco played a stellar set that night. A lot better one than I saw them play the following Saturday night. Diplo went off, although it only seemed like for 30 minutes. Luckily I had the chance to meet him after the show. Diplo was an incredibly chill guy, unlike JFK from MSTRKRFT who I met Saturday night and acted like a total douchebag. Saturday was awesome as well. I went to the Scion party at Stubbs BBQ. The vibe there was great. Digitalism played an impressive set followed by one hell of a performance by Chromeo. I can not wait to see Chromeo again at Coachella. Saturday we went to the party at VICE. The DJ sets were mainly hard electro. It was my first time to see the Bloody Beetroots. I was really impressed with their skills and showmanship. I don’t know how these guys play with those spiderman mask on. How are they supposed to smoke and drink? In the end, I would say SXSW was probably one of the funnest music festivals I have been to right next to Coachella.

CHROMEO

DIGITALISM

SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO

ME AND DIPLO

THE BLOODY BEETROOTS

ME AND MR. TOO COOL TO SMILE OR THROW UP THE PEACE SIGN

PANDA BEAR (XXXCHANGE REMIX)

2008-03-25T14:56:00.005-07:00

I am back and still waiting to get my other post finished due to a few complications, but in the meantime Gorrilla VS Bear posted a ill track today by Panda Bear remixed XXXChange. You have to check it out. I think I am going to be playing it a shit ton this week. It is indie meets electro so you know it has potential. On a side note, if this is someones personal photo of Panda Bear my bad, but I just had to post it beause in the background is my beautiful home town of Tucson Arizona. Peace & Beats

Listen To It

PRODIGY

2008-03-12T16:20:00.002-07:00

Were the 90's really that long ago? Man it does seem like a long time ago when Prodigy put out The Fat of the Land. You know that album released 10 years ago with the tracks "Breathe," "Firestarter," and "Smack My Bitch Up." Sadly those songs have turned into what I call sports techno, or songs that you are likely to hear over and over at a baseball or hockey game. Those songs are out of style just as bad as the haircut the main guy from the group had. Well today while listening to my ipod on shuffle "Out of Space" by the Prodigy came on and really hit the spot. It made me remember that Prodigy has more to offer than just music to play while the team is introduced. I think Amazon's review describes the album fittingly as , " an album even the technophobic couldn't ignore, The Fat of the Land made Prodigy one of the first U.K. rave acts to infiltrate pop culture." It then goes on to describe the controversy that surrounded "Smack My Bitch Up" that gave the album much of its attention. Geez how the world has changed then. Luckily Prodigy has other tracks, mainly from their other two albums, that us folks in the electronic community can remember than by. Some of my favorite tracks are "Out of Space," "Girls," "Everybody in the Right Place," "One Love," and the tribal vocal breakdown of "Narayan."Most of their tracks have an older and harder rave feel to them, but whose to say we don't crave that every now and then. Peace & Beats

= The Hair Cut

Haha and what is that haircut without an awesome sweater and dance moves to go with it.

Enough hating time to give them so cred

BEYOND THE WIZARD'S SLEEVE

2008-03-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Sadly I am just now getting into the whole psychedelic rock/electronic music genre thanks to Erol Alkan’s other half, Beyond the Wizard’s Sleeve (BTWS), and one of the main guys from Thievery Corporation other side gig Dust Galaxy. I just downloaded both of their albums so I am hoping they are good. If they are anything like BTWS remixes I am totally going to be sold on the music genre. Or at least go through a phase of listening to it to be honest. Peace & Beats

This is the first song I heard by BTWS while listening to Tiga’s great podcast.

I heard this song while listening to one of Simian Mobile Disco’s mixes for Mixmag. Some kid said that it should be in the Big Lewboski movie. I agree.

The great Midlake remix I posted on a previous blog.

PRYDA

2008-03-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

I haven’t heard a good progressive house track in awhile. Well, since Pryda’s “Muryani.” That is why this EP was disappointing to me. I guess I had too high of hopes for Pryda (Eric Prydz & Cirez D). “Pjanoo” isn’t bad, but I don’t see myself playing it too often. Nothing too special about “F 12” either. They both sound like your standard progressive house. I suggest you save money, although I am sure die hard fans would tell you otherwise. Peace & Beats

Autokratz, The Ting Tings, Sport "G" & Mastermind, DJ Mehdi

2008-03-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Here on some tunes I found through the blogging community. Remember to support always support the artist by buying their merch and seeing them live. You know, what they actually want you to do. Also the RIAA is filled with douchebags ready to sue your ass for downloading online, so be careful where you download. Make sure you don't do it on campus or they can get you. Don't believe me? Check out this article from The Daily Wildcat. Apparently 14 students from my school are going to get prosecuted for downloading on campus! Absolutely absurd in my opionion. Peace & Beats

Sport "G" & Mastermind - Louder
This track has really grown on me. It has a fun 80's hip-hop feel to it.
DL IT HERE (ysi)

The Ting Tings - Great DJ (Calvin Harris Remix)
“Imagine all the Girls, and the Boys, and the Drums…” on the dance floor moving to this fun little indie dance song.
DL IT HERE (Z Share)

Autokratz - It's On (Fisher Preyes Remix)
Electro isn't dead yet
DL IT HERE (YSI)

DJ Mehdi - Signatune (Thomas Bangalter Edit)
I know this track is kind of old, but it doesn't mean its still not good.
DL IT HERE (Z Share)

DIGITALISM VS MSTRKRFT

2008-03-04T04:20:00.001-07:00

So it looks like I am going to have to make the tough choice of choosing between seeing MSTRKRFT or Digitalism Saturday down in Austin for SXSW.

ROUND ONE: Coachella

Well I know MSTRKRFT is fun live....

Digitalism doesn't look too bad either...

But I think I will have to give round one to MSTRKRFT

ROUND TWO: I Love Techno

Digitalism 'Live' and with an awesome background

MSTRKRFT with awesome overhead lights...

Hmm tough to decide this round because it was such a bitch trying to find good videos from I love Techno. I'll consider it a draw.

ROUND THREE: SXSW?????

I guess we will just have to see because they are scheduled to play at the same time down in Austin. I think I am going to choose MSTRKRFT eventhough I have seen them before because Z-Trip is on before them and that man has some real DJ skills.

Some other Videos:
Haha it's hard not to laugh at the great German accent
MSTRKRFT INTERVIEW (kind of slow but it has its moments)
DIGITALISM INTERVIEW
Z-Trip spinning live

MONDAY MIXTAPE

2008-03-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor

My Favorite track from the #1 blogged about artists

DL IT HERE

Teenagers - Homecoming (Gentelmen Drive Rave Remix)
Smooth track from Kitsune to play during Spring Break.

DL IT HERE

Midlake – Roscoe (Beyond the Wizard’s Sleeve Remix)
My boy Brandon mentioned Midlake on his last post and it just so happens Erol Alkan’s more relaxed side (aka Beyond the Wizard’s Sleeve) has a nice remix of their track “Roscoe.”

DL IT HERE

DJ Apt One – Mickey Dreidels ‘92
Man this track is fresh, but way too hard to find so I recommend you dl it quick!

DL IT HERE

Pantha Du Prince – Saturn Strobe
Not to be a snob or anything, but I am not sure if Pantha Du Prince’s The Bliss is worth all the ass kissing it got last year but “Satellite Strobe” is for sure. It is just plain beautiful.
DL IT HERE

RELAX...ITS THE WEEKEND

2008-03-01T16:20:00.001-07:00

So I have decided to go ahead and post some amusing videos I have come across this week. I am normally way behind when it comes to seeing the really popular internet videos, but I have seen these following goodies.

Sick ass Spike Jonze skate video complete with napalm explosions choreographed to M83

Dr. Steve Brule Monatage

Why wouldn't you watch this video? Do you have testicles in your mouth or something?

John Stewart and The Daily Show exposes the two sides of President Bush and puts them in a hysterical (actually frightening if you think about it) debate against one another.

ADAM FREELAND

2008-02-29T19:12:00.006-07:00

Why is it that so many local DJs suck? Maybe it is just because I go to school in Tucson, but there should be good music everywhere damnit. Last night I asked the DJ at the local hipster/indie club, Club Congress, what style he is into and planning on playing tonight. The ignorant prick responded "why don't you just wait and see," and "I don't take request." Well he should. Of course he went on later and played dead jam after dead jam. Everyone was outside smoking cigarettes instead of inside dancing. The dj before him sucked too. The guys couldn't mix or beatmatch if their life depended on it. Being really into Crystal Castles at the moment, I asked him if he could play any of their stuff. I'm pretty sure he was lying when he told me that he couldn't because it wasn't his laptop. My roommate asked the next dj if he had any Mr. Oizo. Of course not. If only we had someone with talent playing here every weekend. Like an Adam Freeland spinning a set like he did for Global Underground: Mexico City? Now those are two sets that would fit the 'indie' and 'rave' crowd.

Ghosthustler

2008-02-29T14:29:00.005-07:00

So here it is my long awaited post about the next big thing going on in my fair burg of Denton, TX. This band has been receiving massive hype as of late and is playing the Gorilla vs. Booze festival, sponsored by GorillavsBear, alongside the likes of Holy Fuck and White Denim. This show, down at SXSW, is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Save for Midlake, this band is surely the best thing to come out of Denton in a long time. I only wish I had the time to make it down to SXSW to see their set. But, next time they play up this way, which is few and far between, I'm going to be in attendance. Mark it down.

Here's their MySpace, some recent praise and the coolest video made in a real long time:

Ghosthustler

Pitchfork

GorillaVsBear

CRYSTAL CASTLES

2008-02-28T16:20:00.001-07:00

So I finally got my room booked for South by Southwest (SXSW) and I am totally excited. It is my first time to go and I have really high hopes for it to be a good festival. I’m thinking about doing a series of posts showcasing some of the artist I am looking forward to seeing there. Here it goes.

CRYSTAL CASTLES
Crystal Castles remix of Health’s “Crimewave” is my favorite song of the week. Sadly my blog hasn’t become popular enough for me to receive free promos yet, so I don’t know all there other good tracks, but “Magic Spells,” "Untrust Us" and “Air War” are really tight. Their remix of "Goodbooks" by Leni is splendid as well their remix of Divebomb "The Whip." This simple Canadian duo of Ethan Kath and Alice Glass are in the midst of a tour right now with Health. I’m hoping to check them out in Phoenix on March 11^th; if I do I will let you know how they are live, but if not I am just going to have to wait until SXSW, which they have still yet to announce where and what day they are playing. Their debut album is due to hit your local record stores shelves March 18th. Peace and Beats

TOUR DATES WITH HEALTH:
02-28 Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock Social Club
02-29 Winnipeg, Manitoba - Pyramid Cabaret
03-01 Regina, Saskatchewan - The Exchange
03-02 Calgary, Albert - The Warehouse
03-03 Edmonton, Alberta - The Starlite
03-05 Vancouver, British Columbia - Richard's on Richards
03-06 Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
03-07 Portland, OR - Backspace
03-08 San Francisco, CA - The Independent
03-09 Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy Theatre
03-10 San Diego, CA - Casbah
03-11 Phoenix, AZ - Brickhouse Theatre
03-12 Albuquerque, NM - Launch Pad
03-16 Denton, TX - Hailey's
03-17 Springfield, MO - Randy Bacon Studio & Gallery
03-19 DeKalb, IL - House Café
03-21 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
03-22 Philadelphia, PA - Transit
03-23 Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
03-25 Brooklyn, NY - Studio B
03-26 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
03-27 Montreal, Quebec - Musee Juste Pour Rire
03-28 Toronto, Ontario - Circa

SOULWAX

2008-02-27T16:20:00.001-07:00

Soulwax consists of the Dewaele brothers (aka 2 Many DJs) and a couple of other kick ass guys. They released Nite Versions way back in 2005. They really rock live. It is really fun to watch them all go at their instruments in perfect sync with one another instead of turntables for a change. As far as I know, they only play live (with instruments). Otherwise I believe it is just the Dewaele brothers spinning as 2 Many DJ’s. To bad neither of the groups ever seems to come over to the U.S. The album starts of with a re-work of Daft Punk’s “Teachers.” It then smoothly goes from there to the nice track “Accidents and Compliments,” and into the 3^rdand kick ass track “E Talking.” No tracks on the album are a bust. They just keep the flowing going until the bangers like “Krack” come on. The album then proceeds to finish strong with last two tracks “NY Lipps” and “Another Excuse.” If you like electro, and even if you don’t, check this album out. Remember “Part of the Weekend Never Dies.” Peace & Beats

Top Tracks: “E Talking”, “I Love Techno”, “Krack”, “NY Lipps”, “Another Excuse”

So This isn't the same version of "E Talking" from the album, but luckily I came across it because it is one of the coolest music videos I have ever seen.

THIEVERY CORPORATION

2008-02-25T16:20:00.001-07:00

Thievery Corporation’s The Mirror Conspiracy (2000) is one of my favorite albums to listen to when I am relaxing. It is also one of my favorites to listen to when I am studying, which I am doing way too much of today. It keeps you chill and focused. Good stuff for being romantic as well, or at least from my experience. You probably know “Lebanese Blonde” from the Zach Braff movie Garden State. I am pretty sure the soundtrack won a grammy. Thievery Corporation is dub, acid jazz, down-tempo, chill out, lounge etc. Many songs have a great Indian/worldly vibe to it. I saw them live at Vegoose and their performance was magnificent. It was refreshing and something new for me to dance to. I was impressed by how ‘into’ them everyone got. It might be credited to the substances everyone was taking in preparation for Daft Punk’s final ‘Alive Tour’ show in the U.S., but regardless it was a classic performance. If you like Air, you should definitely give these guys a shot. Peace & Beats yall, I am off to study some more.

Top Tracks: “Lebanese Blonde,” “Shadows of Ourselves” and “Illumination”

FASHION FRIDAY

2008-02-22T12:14:00.010-07:00

Sorry for no post yesterday, especially the ones who don't even care about my 'Fashion Friday' post, but once again my laptop battery went to shit. Luckily this time it didn’t catch my computer on fire (Don’t by a Dell). So in order to save time and not have to use my girlfriend’s laptop all day I am going to keep it how yall like it; short and simple. Just click the picture to be linked to the site to purchase. Peace

Art School Vets, although I am not sure exactly where they are located, are my best find of the week. Some really fresh Tees.

'Girlfriend' by Chaunce Clothing. $26

Sick shirt by Growing Pains. $31
Fresh Nike kicks available at wellgosh. Make sure you wash dem feet before you put these babies on.

Ha, I didn't know Mohamed Ali was an evil dictator. Sweet shirt though. $45

COMMIX

2008-02-20T04:20:00.002-07:00

So I am not sure about you guys, but when I think of DnB I think the metal heads of the rave scene and how crappy it is. I had pretty much given up all hope on DnB, but then Commix, George Levings and Guy Brewer, came along. However, I wouldn’t consider them traditional DnB even though they are signed to the label MetalHeadz. Their album Call To Mind is definitely not as hard as most other DnB albums, at least the ones I have listened to, and is actually soft around the edges. I’m predicting that Commix is going to do to DnB what Burial did for the dubstep & grime genre. It’s just going to take them awhile to do it because music sites like Pitchfork Media don’t review electronic albums until months after they have been out. Seriously, today they are just now getting around to reviewing that not so great Steve Aoki album I heard in October. On that side note, how is it that kids from California are so in to Aoki when California is one of the few places that all the major DJs go to? It must be his fashion sense or something. Anyways, Call To Mind starts out with the track “Be True.” After listening to it I think you will notice a Burial feel to it. “Call To Mind” and “How You Gonna Feel (Feat. Steve Spacek) are the same way. Both tracks contain vocals that actually accentuate the beat, unlike many other albums where vocals take away tracks freshness (aka Pinch’s Underwater Dancehall). “Change (feat. Nextmen)” and “Emiley’s Smile” have a more traditional, but toned down, DnB feel to it. “Satallie Underground (Resistance Remix)” is another cool track; Lindstrom’s “I Feel Space” meets DnB. This album is probably the first DnB album I can actually relax or dance to. By no means do I consider myself an expert on the genre though. It just seems to be composed of many different styles. It has the bleeps, the basslines, the synths and the production I look for in album. I hope this album lives up to its hype. It did to me. I can’t wait to hear more from this young and talented duo. Peace & Beats

VA TURBO RECORDINGS

2008-02-19T16:20:00.001-07:00

Turbo Recordings is a Canadian record label run by the multi-talented Tiga. Don’t judge Tiga by his very 80’s glam looks. The guy is great at what he does. He also has a great podcast that I seriously recommend you to check out. He plays all types of music and seems to just be winging it. They are free to download, if you didn’t already know, and I’m sure they will give you some great new tunes. His momentary in between tracks is actually very entertaining and way better than any radio DJs you hear on ‘real radio.’ Anyways, I think Tiga has a great ear for good music. He further enhanced my belief after I listened to Tiga Presents 12 Great Moments In Turbo. This is definitely one of the best mix compilations out there. Many other labels usually stick to one or two genres, but like his podcasts, Tiga’s mix is very eclectic. It starts off with the smooth as silk “Crockett’s Theme” by FPU. I am especially fond of this track because I grew up watching Miami Vice. What is even more embarrassing is that sometimes I think my style is very 80’s Miami Vice like, or at least my Ray Bans. The mix then smoothly blends into “Ocean Drive,” also by FPU, but remixed by Tiga. The next half of the albums is just stellar; including Techo, Electro, Acid House, Tech-House and Electro House tracks. Is it just me, or are there not many Acid House tracks being put out these days? Luckily “Azid Life” is a really cool one. Check out the album and let me know what you think. Peace & Beats

Primal Scream

2008-02-18T19:54:00.004-07:00

The album I suggest you to buy or download today is Primal Scream’s Screamadelica. This album is golden for anyone who is coming down from an E trip. The concept of the album seems to be describing the whole ‘rollin’ experience. Taking ecstasy is an experience, to the people who have tried the drug, unforgettable, and the people who haven’t tried it, a mysterious a scary one probably never to be attempted due to the myths surrounding its use. Bob Gillispie tries to take you through the whole E experience with this remarkable album. The album starts out with “Movin’ On Up,” basically describing how he was once blind to the idea of trying , but now he can see, “You Made a Believer Out of Me.” My favorite song of the album is “Higher Than The Sun.” I think the track’s name speaks for itself. The second best track is “Loaded.” It starts off with the famous speech from the movie Animal House about wanting “to be free, to do what we want to do, and get loaded” before it breaks into an awesome old school house track. You might of heard it before if you have seen the great Peter Jennings special Ecstasy Rising. Then of course how could you describe your first experience on ecstasy without talking about the come down. That is just what the last track does in a nice a relaxed way. Peace & Beats

FASHION FRIDAY

2008-02-15T16:20:00.003-07:00

A couple of cool t-shirts from MHI by Maharishi

"The Pop Girl Tee" by Insight. $40

"The Kick It Tee" by Insight

"A Opened Mind tee" by imaginery foundation. $30

So I'm not sure if this t-shirt is a big joke or not, but who the fuck would pay $45 for one of these shirts? My suggestion is to save your cash.

Also here is a video I just watched and thought was pretty cool, but not really the music. I watched off of some girls site that was bashing nu-rave.

Hadouken! - That Boy That Girl

MR. OIZO

2008-02-13T17:37:00.006-07:00

So, I'm really into the whole electro thing right now. I know half of you think it is just a fad, and the other half just don't know anyone out there besides Justice. Well let me introduce you to Mr. Oizo. Mr. Oizo is yet another French producer now signed to the out of control, and also French, music label Ed Banger. I first got into him listening to the Transsexual-Patrick 122 EP released in 2007. The track "Ovoma" has a dark, 80's, and Kavinsky like feel to it. The top track on the EP however is "Patric 122." It's choppy, french house, and electro all in one. Not to mention the amazing saxaphone part! Can anyone tell me the last time they heard something like this before? Mr. Oizo also has two great breaks tracks("Monday Massacre" and "Sick Dog Try To Speak") and a nice electro house number with the title track on Flat Beat (1999). It is probably his best record. All three tracks are solid.

Mr. Oizo - Flat Beat

Sasha and John Digweed

2008-02-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Sasha and John Digweed are legendary DJs with decades of experience behind the turntables. They have played at everywhere warehouse and club known to man, and are one of the few DJs to stand the test of time and not fade out of the scene like so many artists from their time. They are booked to play a set at Coachella this year before an even more legendary group, and the pioneers of the electronic genre, Kraftwerk. The reason they have remained in the game for so long is because of their ability to pick timeless tracks for their mixes. There most renown mix/album being Renaissance: The Mix Collection which dates all the way back to 1994. Yes that’s right, the year OJ Simpson lead police on that infamous chase in his white Ford Bronco. Also the year when kids tried to embrace “2 more days of peace and music” by slinging mud, at the now corporate megastars Green Day, at the 1994 Woodstock music festival. However, Sasha and Digweed’s Renaissance is aimed at a more peaceful audience more in tune to the ideals of the old Woodstock. The 3 disc Mix Collection is jam packed with old school, but ageless, Trance and House tracks. Disc one is heavy on trance and disc two more house. My favorite mix is probably disc 3. It has more of club/rave feel to it. Unity 3’s “Age of Love” (which must have influenced the Field) transitioned into EMF’s “They’re Here” is just fucking amazing! The crowd must have been in heaven when they heard it. For one of the first mixes ever put to CD, you can’t help but be impressed by their track list and mixing skills. No wonder they decided to put out a 10th anniversary reissue with better audio quality thanks to new technology that was not at their use back in the 90’s.

Aphex Twin Is Weird

2008-02-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

I've always thought Aphex Twin's Richard D. James and Windowlicker album covers were some of the creepiest ones out there. Like they were made using whatever program there was out there before Photoshop, or whatever everykid uses now days besides me because I can't afford a Mac. Anyways, it turns out that the only thing weird about Apex Twin is not just his album covers, but als his music videos. The guy is actually the electronic equvilalent of metal music fans' Rob Zombie, and by no means is that a diss on Aphex Twin at all. So, when I was first started watching the "Window Licker" video I was like what the fuck, is this really the video to one of Aphex Twin's best tracks? I mean, I find it hilarious and all to listen to ghetto ass people talk, but after four minutes into the video I was getting really sick of it. That's when the song and video finally started to get going. The visuals and cinematography in the video are great. It actually made me wish they still made cool music videos today, but then again MTV and VH1 don't even show music videos anymore. Peace & Beats

FASHION FRIDAY

2008-02-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

I love to sport my "Leave Us Kids Alone" shirt by Soy. Almost everytime I wear it somebody will come talk to me about it; usually something in reference to Pink Floyd or the government. This shirt is also unique unlike the "Dark Side of the Moon" shirt everyone wears and probably half of them have never even listened to the album.

Akomplice "10 Shades of Blue"

Cool "Mixtape" t-shirt from Addict Clothing Line.

Some clean ass Aisics that I think can only be found at wellgosh, which sucks because they are located in Europe.

Dance Party Massacre's "Blood on the Dance Floor" t-shirt. $28

Holy Fuck & Super Furry Animals Tour

2008-02-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Super Furry Animals are one of the biggest Britpop bands of our generation. They have developed an extensive indie based following since their debut album "Fuzzy Logic" in 1996. Considering the Super Furry Animals have been around for so long I was somewhat surprised to see Holy Fuck blow them out of the water when it came to their live performance at Club Congress in Tucson. Holy Fuck played an action packed set that was able to get even the heavy footed indie crowd moving on the dance floor. They are one of the few bands, like Man Man, that after you see them live it is hard to listen to their album again because it doesn't compare to their live performance. Unlike Animal Collective, who I have seen twice live and was largely disappointed, that are saved by the production studio. Super Furry Animals set wasn't bad either; they just lacked the energy I look forward to when seeing a band live. They played the songs I wanted to hear as well as songs from their new album "Hey Venus!" that I haven't heard before. I mean who can't help but like when the lead singer Gruff Rhys starts off the gig with a giant red power ranger helmet on and later chomps on carrots to amazingly form a pretty cool beat. This show is definitely one to check out if you haven't seen them already.

Holy Fuck Tour:

03.22.08 Music Hall of Williamsburgh · NYC NY · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

03.21.08 Middle East Upstairs · Cambridge MA · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

03.20.08 Johnny Brendas · Philadelphia PA · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

03.17.08 Drunken Unicorn · Atlanta GA · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

03.11.08 Conservatory · Oklahoma City OK · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

03.10.08 The Bluebird · St. Louis MO · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

03.09.08 Waiting Room · Omaha NE · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

03.08.08 The Record Bar · Kansas City MO · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

03.07.08 Larimer Lounge · Denver CO · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

03.06.08 Urban Lounge · Salt Lake City UT · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

02.29.08 Noise Pop Festival - Bottom of the Hill · San Francisco CA

02.26.08 Chop Suey · Seattle WA · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

02.25.08 Richards on Richards · Vancouver BC · w/ Place to Bury Strangers

02.23.08 The Hi Fi Club · Calgary AB · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

02.22.08 The Starlite Room · Edmonton AB · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

02.21.08 The Exchange · Regina SK · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

02.20.08 Parkway Theatre · Winnipeg MB · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

02.19.08 The Aquarium · Fargo ND · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

02.18.08 Triple Rock Club · Minneapolis MN · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

02.17.08 Schubas · Chicago IL · w/ A Place to Bury Strangers

02.16.08 Mx Beat Soundfest · Guadalajara, Jalisco · w/ The Go! Team...

02.12.08 Neumos · Seattle WA · w/ Super Furry Animals

02.11.08 Doug Fir · Portland OR · w/ Super Furry Animals

02.09.08 Great American Music Hall · San Fran CA · w/ Super Furry Animals

02.08.08 Echoplex · Los Angeles CA · w/ Super Furry Animals

Holy Fuck - Milkshake

SFA - Hello Sunshine

Bass Bass Drum

2008-02-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Signed to Ellen Allien's label, Bpitch Control, Modeselektor released their second album "Happy Birthday!" late in 2007. Modeselektor is a German duo composed of Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary. By no means would I put "Happy Birthday!" in my top ten list of albums from last year. That’s because there are 17 tracks on the album when there should only be about 10. If the duo chose to slim down the track list then the whole album would just be brilliant! However, considering they made the album in some kind of mobile recording studio you have to be more impressed than disappointed. The album transcends all genres. If you are looking for electronica tracks then check out "Godspeed," "Happy Birthday" and "Deboutonner" featuring Siriusimo. Hip-Hop fans check out "Let Your Love Grow" and the "The Dark Side of the Sun." Or if you are more into Dubstep & Grime; "Hyper Hyper" is fantastic. Techno fans should download "Sucker Pin" and "Black Block." So, as you can see there is a wide variety of genres in "Happy Birthday!" There is even a track with radiohead's Thom Yorke titled "The White Flash. I think they will put on one hell of a live show so we all should be hoping they go on a tour in the U.S. before they play Coachella this year.

What I'm Listening To

2008-02-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

Gui Boratto is an excellent minimal, house and techno composer from Brazil. Signed to the Kompakt label with other talented acts like Superpitcher and Michael Mayer; this is one of the labels releases. Gui Boratto's "Chromophobia" is not a minimal album like you probably would expect from German label. The tempo is always changing in the album. You got your minimal tracks like "Gate 7" and "The Blessing." You also have "Beautiful Life" which has a house vibe to it. Finally, you have a nice electronica track titled "Xilo" and the standout techno track "Shebang" to really get your head nodding.

Gui's Tour Dates

Movie Monday

2008-02-04T16:11:00.001-07:00

The movie I recommend to watch this week is "Me and You and Everyone We Know" from 2005. It is a great and actually really weird indie movie written, directed by and starring Miranda July. You come to love July's character, Christine Jesperson, a cute little hippy chick that would be fun to drop acid with I probably imagine. The other characters are also very unique, sometimes too much so, which leads to a very entertaining screenplay. I guess you can kind of describe it like a more sophisticated "Juno."

What the Critics Thought

In the News...

2008-02-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

We are "the muscle of Obama's army." Well depending on whether or not you are around the age of 18-25 and planning on voting for Obama. I know I fit the demographic. Not that my endorsement would help him in any way but I know my vote for him certainly would. With Super Tuesday coming up it seems that Barrack Obama is banking on us to put down the pipes, Tivo "The Daily Show" and "Colbert Report" and hit the booth. David von Drehle from Time magazine explains.

Fashion Friday

2008-02-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Fresh kicks from Reebok with an old school twist. Reasonably priced at $90 too. My favorite are the Black/Green/Pink pair. I think I used to have a pair back in 3rd grade. Best place I found to get them is Zappos.

Chaunce has a cool re-design of the Chicago Cubs logo replacing the blue bear with a gorrilla. I also like how they decided not to try to be over the top by only putting a small imprint of the gorilla in the bottom right corner of the t-shirt. Get it on their website for $26.

Alex Pardee's artwork is amazing and dark. I'm sure he would probably choose other words to describe it but whatever. He also has gotten around to making a unique shirt titled "Vomit Love." Even if you don't think this shirt is your type of style you should at least go to his website to check out Alex's personal artwork if you have some free time. Get it on his website for $20.

Roll in style with these shutter shades. You have probably seen that douche Kanye West sportting these but that doesn't mean you can't. They now come in a variety of colors to choose from. Buy them online for $25.

Techno Thursday

2008-01-30T18:07:00.001-07:00

DJ Tocadisco - The Black Series (Part 2)

Tech-House at its finest. Amazing build up before the bass drops on "Morumbi."

Deadmau5 - Faxing Berlin [Mau5trap]

Deadmau5 is one of my favorite progressive house djs from last year. With Chris Lake's take on "Faxing Berlin" I know why. I can't wait to see Deadmau5 at Coachella this year. I wonder if I will enjoy seeing him early in the afternoon in the blistering heat as much as I would if I saw him at night like at TAO or something. For some reason I don't think I will.

In honor of MSTRKRFT releasing their spring tour dates and their new kick ass poster I have been listening to MSTRKRFT The Looks today. I remember walking into the front gate of Coachella last year and hearing MSTRKRFT play Daft Punk's "Rolling & Scratchin." The bass was so loud and could be heard over all the other stages. Needless to say, my friend and I sprinted over to the stage as fast as we could. Peace & Beats

Top Tracks: "Easy Love" "Paris" "Street Justice" "Neon Nights"

What I'm Watching

2008-01-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

The best way to describe The Kingdom is very intense. One of the best movies about the Middle East I have seen in a long time. It made me think about the "war on terror" in two new ways. One being from the perspective of the rich and powerful Saudi's point of view. Second, what it would be like if we treated terrorist attacks more like murders instead of starting a war without an end by using a preventative/pre-emptive attack approach. It was appearent that the same director that did Friday Night Lights made this film. The soundtrack with Explosions in the Sky and Tim Mcgraw being the most obvious. Also, I was unaware of many women's dislike of Jennifer Garner until my girlfriend and her friend enthusiastically brought it up to me. If you feel the same way don't worry about it. I didn't time how long she was in the movie but it didn't seem like she was in it as much as the other guys. Enjoy

What the Critics Thought

Want Some Weed With Those Munchies?

2008-01-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

Click on Image to see it better :-)

I always knew I liked California a lot. If you can believe it or not, at a few select locations you can now buy marijuana from a vending machine. However, you do need a special car to buy from every college kids dream machine. Also, a rent-a-cop guards the machine but who is to say a couple Franklins wont make him turn his head. I hope they have flaming hot Cheetos and grape drink in it too.

What I'm Listening To

2008-01-29T14:31:00.001-07:00

The Field - Sound of Light EP

I can't even count the number of times I listened to the Field's From Here We Go Sublime. So many times that I was shocked when I just saw that it was released in 2007. I remember last year one night after Coachella listening to this album over and over in the car when I couldn't sleep. It definitely should have been on my post for some of my favorite albums of last year, but that goes to show how my lazy ass just throws these posts together when I have free time in between classes. Anyways, today I listened to the Sound of Light EP and enjoyed it. I don't think it is as strong as Axel Willner's last album though. I saw him live at Club Congress awhile back with !!! and he played a song with more of a trance feel to it. That was the song my roommate and I decided to go out and have a smoke to so I was hoping to hear it on here but I guess Axel considered it a dead jam and left it out of the EP.

Top Tracks: "Morning" "Night"

If I Had The Money To Go To The Record Store

2008-01-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

I recently have started collecting records again because I want to start spinning vinyl instead of only using my cdjs and also because the artwork on many albums I buy is really cool so they are great to hang on your wall. The sad thing is unless you're looking for crappy classic rock albums like the typical douche next door, fresh vinyl is hard to come across in most parts of the U.S. Luckily there are place online like Juno that don't rape with shipping and handling fees. So here's a list of a few of my favorite recent additions to my collection that are both great to listen to and hang up in your dorm or house. Peace & Beats

Justice - D.A.N.C.E. (Remixes)

Trentemoller - The Chronicles

!!! - Take Ecstasy With Me

Lineup For Coachella 2008

2008-01-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

Even with being titled as "the official first case of the flu" at the University of Arizona today I am not going to let it hold me back from posting the lineup for Coachella this year. After all it is the best musical festival of our generation. I remember last semester making a list with my roommate of the djs we assumed and hoped would be there. Luckily for us, many of them are going to be there. I am predicting that Sunday, with an illegal substance or two, will be one of the best nights of my life. Booka Shade, The Field, Justice, Deadmau5, Simian Mobile Disco and Chromeo!!! However, I must say this year doesn't look too good for anyone who isn't into the dance/electronic scene. I mean seriously, Jack Johnson is headlining...pathetic

FRIDAY, APRIL 25: Jack Johnson, The Verve, Raconteurs, The Breeders, Fatboy Slim, Tegan and Sara, Madness, The Swell Season, The National, Animal Collective, Slightly Stoopid, Mum, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Stars, Battles, Aesop Rock, Midnight Juggernauts, Does it Offend you, Yeah?, Minus the Bear, Spank Rock, dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip, Diplo, Adam Freeland, Santo Gold, Jens Lekman, John Butler Trio, Vampire Weekend, Dan Deacon, Architecture in Helsinki, Sandra Collins, Busy P, Cut Copy, Black Lips, Datarock, Professor Murder, Reverend and the Makers, The Bees, Porter, Rogue Wave, Modeselektor, American Bang, Lucky I Am.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26: Portishead, Kraftwerk, Death Cab for Cutie, Cafe Tacuba, Sasha & Digweed, Rilo Kiley, Dwight Yoakam, M.I.A., Hot Chip, Cold War Kids, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, DeVotchKa, Flogging Molly, Mark Ronson, Turbonegro, Scars on Broadway, Islands, Enter Shikari, Calvin Harris, Boyz Noize, Junkie XL, Cinematic Orchestra, Jamie T, The Teenagers, VHS or Beta, Carbon/silicon, Erol Alkan, Yo Majesty!, Little Brother, Bonde Do Role, St. Vincent, Akron Family, MGMT, Institubes DJs (Surkin, Para One and Orgasmic), James Zabiela, Sebastian, Kavinsky, Dredg, The Bird and the Bee, Grand Ole Party, New Young Pony Club, 120 Days, Yoav, Electric Touch, Uffie

SUNDAY, APRIL 27: Roger Waters (“Dark Side of the Moon”), Love & Rockets, My Morning Jacket, Spiritualized, Justice, Gogol Bordello, Chromeo, The Streets, Metric, Danny Tenaglia, Simian Mobile Disco, Booka Shade, Murs, Dmitri from Paris, Autolux, The Field, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Les Savy Fav, The Cool Kids, Sons & Daughters, Sia, Holy Fuck, Black Kids, Black Mountain, The Annuals, Kid Sister w/A-Trak, Man Man, Duffy, I'm from Barcelona, Manchester Orchestra, Deadmau5, The Horrors, Austin TV, Shout Out Louds, Plastiscines, Brett Dennen

Fashion Friday

2008-01-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

Dachi World brings fashion to the streets with their new take on the infamous "I Love NY" t-shirt you see everywhere. I'm really digging it. Dachi had some problems with his Pay Pal account but now everything seems to be up and running. He is a nice guy and a local artist deserving of your dollar. As he told me, "Try not to get too much paint on it."
Find it at: http://dachiworld.com/

One of my favorite remixers of the year also has one of my favorite shirts of the year. His shirt is also re-design of one of the most famous shirts ever, but something about this shirt tells me that the Reagans wouldn't approve of the new version. You be the judge. I have even seen Justice's Xavier de Rosnay wearing it on several occasions. He is from France and aren't they all supposed to have amazing style lol?
Find it at: http://www.erolalkan.co.uk/

Considering how remarkably cold it was yesterday here in Arizona I decided I better add a hoodie to the post. Keep warm in style with this retro teal hoodie titled "heatseaker" from Mishka. I wish I had one, but at $110 it is a little too pricey for my college student budget.
Find it at:http://www.mishkanyc.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=0_23

Look Whose Big Time Now

2008-01-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

I have to say all the Grammy nominees this year put on one hell of a live show. Well, I'm not so sure about Shiny Toy Guns, but all the other guys for sure.

Best Electronic/Dance Album
(For vocal or instrumental albums. Albums only.)

We Are The Night
The Chemical Brothers
[Astralwerks]
†
Justice
[Downtown/Vice/Ed Banger]
Sound Of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
[Capitol Records/DFA]
We Are Pilots
Shiny Toy Guns
[Universal Motown]
Elements Of Life
Tiësto
[Ultra Records]

Techno Thursday

2008-01-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today it really hit the spot to listen to techno. Following is a short list of some of the tracks I have been enjoying on this cold Thursday. Peace & Beats

Marc Romboy vs Gui Boratto - Eurasia (Guis mix) [Systematic]

Ellen Allien and Apparat - Rotary [Bpitch Control]
(actually considered electronica on beatport.com for some reason)

Butch - On the Line (Oxia Remix) [Circle Music]

Popof - My Toys [Skryptom Records]

Steve Lawler - Courses For Horses [Renaissance]
(First three minutes are slow, but after that the song really gets going)

Throwback Tuesdays

2008-01-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

If you don't know who the KLF are, you should! They are true pioneers of the Ambient House and Acid House genre. The KLF, better known as Bill Drummond and Jimmy Cauty, used to play music for ravers to come down to back in the 90's. Their albums title "Chill Out" is very fitting. Compromised of very calm music that is heavy on samples. Not fitting for the club, but a great album to throw on when traveling at night (which is kind of the whole concept of the album anyways). I consider "Chill Out" one of the best ambient albums of all time. Enjoy :)
Top Tracks: "Madrugada Eterna," "Elvis on the Radio, Steel Guitar in My Soul," and "Wichita Lineman Was a Song I Once Heard"

Justice Tour Dates!!!

2008-01-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

Props to Peter Hill for this amazing live action shot

Time to bust out your glow in the dark crucifixes, that's right, the hugely popular French Electro House duo plan on bringing their new Live tour back to North America after a brief stint in L.A. for New Years. Following are their shows scheduled in the U.S. The show in New York looks like one not to miss! Tickets will sell quick so don't procrastinate.

03-03 Austin, TX - Stubb's Bar-B-Q *#
03-04 Dallas, TX - Palladium Ballroom *#
03-06 Orlando, FL - The Club at Firestone *#
03-09 Baltimore, MD - Sonar *#
03-10 Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory *#
03-11 New York, NY - Madison Square Garden *#^%
03-12 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club #^
03-15 Boston, MA - Paradise #^
3-19 Detroit, MI - Royal Oak Music Hall #$
03-20 Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre #$
03-22 Denver, CO - Ogden Theater #$
03-24 Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo #$
03-26 Portland, OR - Roseland Theater #$
03-27 San Francisco, CA - Concourse Design Center #$
03-31 Los Angeles, CA - Mayan Theatre #$

* with DJ Mehdi
# with Fancy
^ with Busy P
% with Chromeo
$ with Diplo

Dan Deacon is Weird

2008-01-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

After Listening to Dan Deacon's "Spiderman of the Rings" I was so baffled as to what the hell I just listened to. According to my encyclopedia for everything, Wikipedia.org, "Dan Deacon's compositional style is best classified in the future shock genre." I've never heard of that genre before but I guess it's kind of fitting. I hoping to see him live tonight in Phoenix after watching crazy videos of him on youtube.
Top Tracks from : "Wham City," "Snake Mistakes" and "Pink Batman"

Dan Deacon's upcoming tour dates:

January 14th - Phoenix, AZ @ Modified
January 15th - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
January 16th - Irvine, CA @ UC Irvine Pacific Ballroom
January 17th - San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
January 18th - Portland, OR @ Backspace
January 19th - Portland, OR @ Holocene
January 20th - Seattle, WA @ Neumos
January 21st - Vancouver, BC @ Richards on Richards
January 24th - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
January 25th - Chicago, IL @ Lakeshore Theater
January 26th - Chicago, IL @ Metro with Girl Talk (SOLD OUT) no UR
January 27th - Detroit, MI @ Scrummage University
January 28th - Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop
January 30th - Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa
January 31st - Boston, MA @ The Pozen Center
February 3rd - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
February 8th - New York, NY @ The Whitney Museum of American Art

Links to Hilarious youtube videos of Dan Deacon:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5oGMR9irekY
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vFlBJ1xZK10

Now Two Shirts From The Candidates Promising Us Change

2008-01-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

To everyone who has jumped on the Barack Obama's bandwagon, Rocksmith has brought us their Andy Wharholesque t-shirt to help you show your support in style. You better hurry up if you want to get your hands on it! I know it can be found on http://www.digitalgravel.com at the moment, but their shirts normally sell out quickly!

Who doesn't appreciate the creativity of Ron Paul and his grassroots organizers and campaigners. From having a virtual march in the computer game World of Warcraft to spray painted "Ron Paul Revolution" signs it's all good to me. So I say its time that everyone who has one of those Che Guevara t-shirts that I see everywhere and throw on one of this Ron Paul shirts in resemblance to them. After all, he is America's candidate for a revolution.

Get it at:http://www.ronpaul2008store.com/servlet/Categories?category=I+Support+Ron+Paul+T-Shirts

Some albums from the year that made us all want change

2008-01-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

Last year the music I listened to was primarily electronic. Most tracks coming from LP's and singles. However, I still think it would be fun to list 10 albums from last year I really enjoyed. This doesn't mean they are necessarily my 10 favorite, just 10 albums I think everyone needs to give a listen. Hopefully some of the choices will expand your musical horizons. Also, I don't feel like there is any need to rank the albums. I'm one of those guys that thinks there is a certain song or band for a certain type of mood or situation you're in. Well enough of my talentless writing. Here it goes. Short, simple and unranked.

LCD Soundsystem - "Sound of Silver"

An album full of fun. All I have to say is get it and if you can see them live that's even better. Disco for our generation

Justice - "†"
Well I must not be as hip as I thought I was, but maybe I'm still ahead of many others that are just now finding out about Justice. They have been rocking their hit "Waters of Nazareth" since 2005 even though it is rightfully on their full length today. Now Justice's popularity is booming. Their songs can be heard in cell phone and Cadillac commercials. I'm not sure how many old white people cruize around in their Escalades listening to them though. Regardless, Justice have definitely hit the mainstream and i hope they are here to stay. Welcome to the French Electro Duo that is set to follow in the footsteps of their fellow Parisians, Daft Punk.

M.I.A. - "Kala"

The album is named after M.I.A.'s , Maya Arulpragasam mother , but trust me this is probably not an album for your mom. This album is beatastic. No I'm not just saying that because after seeing her live and was so blown away by her performance that I have developed some kind of celebrity crush on her. This album is filled with creative and funky beats that are definitely not native to America. Crank up the Bass and enjoy :)

Holy Fuck - "LP"

Holy Fucks "LP" appears to not be on any other lists of top albums of 2007, or even Pitchfork's Best New section. That doesn't mean to dismiss it completely. This albums has a real cool vibe to it. There is some kind of Soulwax mixed with Kings of Leon feel to it. Like a electronic jam band full of indie kids. Give it a try on a nice sunny day like we have here in Arizona today :)

Yeasayer - "All Hour Cymbals"

One of my favorite albums of the year...obviously. According to my I-Tunes "All Hour Cymbals" is Psychedelic Rock. To me it sounds like a great mix between two other favorite indie bands of mine; Animal Collective and Grizzly Bear.

Daft Punk - "Alive"
Well I might like this album much more than you because I was lucky enough to see their final show in the U.S. at Vegoose in Las Vegas last October but this album should still get your feet shuffling on the dance floor, kitchen and shower. Too bad it doesn't come with a massive light display and pyramid. But non the less, it is an amazing live set by two of the most legendary electronic artists of all time (Thomas Bangalter & Guy Manuel de Homem-Christo) playing their songs from primarily their three previous albums.