Newsletter For The Partially Sighted

We Have Moved

2010-06-10T09:50:00.001-07:00

Make sure you still come and visit..

thisaint-nodisco.tumblr.com

thisaintnodisco

2010-05-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

Full Info here.

The Apple Cart Festival

2010-05-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.theapplecartfestival.com

Hyped #13

2010-05-06T09:34:00.001-07:00

Up first for a very belated Hyped #13, is Fergus & Geronimo, a band that have been flirting with the radar for some time now. Picked up by the ever present Transparent gents, they make noisy, fuzzed up, texan guitar music. If you like bands like The Mantles, The Bitters or even stuff that has broken through like Strange Boys or Black Lips you should like this. They are in town (London Town) this July, so make sure you get down to see for yourself.

Fergus & Geronimo

We have (yet another one man) band up next with Ohio's Brothertiger and his spaced beats, blissed cuts and lush vocals. I cant profess to knowing a great deal about this young chap but it would seem he is up and coming at a great time for this sort of music. Its early days, but definitely one to keep an eye on. There is what looks like a self released EP out called Vision Tunnels, so check out the myspace below.

Brothertiger

Check out their myspace below, they could be one for the future if this is anything to go by.

Vondelpark

New DJ Dates

2010-04-19T03:35:00.000-07:00

Hyped #12

2010-04-14T05:51:00.002-07:00

Its Hyped #12 and and we kick off with Cali outfit Bye Bye Blackbird. Sitting somewhere in between Toro Y Moi and Small Black, BBB make floating, lofty electronic pop music. The hype machine hasn't quite kicked off fully yet but god its going to and quite rightly so. Their stand out track is 'So Sorry Girl', which is almost effortlessly cool and showers you with perfect polished tight bleeps, sharp drums and soft synths, alongside a great vocal. Check the link below to download their debut 4 track 'Happy High' EP over at bandcamp.

Bye Bye Blackbird

<a href="http://byebyeblackbird.bandcamp.com/track/so-sorry-girl">So Sorry, Girl by Bye Bye Blackbird</a>

Nobody can argue that it isn't an extraordinary time for US music right now, with so so many great bands and outfits coming thick and fast on a weekly basis. Best Coast, Washed Out, Weed Diamond, Rainbow Arabia, the list goes on and on - so where does the UK fit in to this? Trailing very slightly behind, I would suggest and mainly on the electronic pop front. Cue London based outfit Treasure who might just be the act to go shoulder to shoulder with the US and up the cool stakes for good old blighty. Check them out below in all their glory.

Treasure

Up last for this round of Hyped is a band that I first caught on Gorilla vs Bear a month or so ago. Gauntlet Hair have been on the stereo and in my record bag ever since and I always get an overwhelming response to the immaculate, stuttering, experimental masterpiece single - 'I Was Thinking...'. GVB certainly like the Colorado duo too, in fact so much so that they have decided to release it on their Forest Family Records label with a limited 7" pre-order coming soon.

Gauntlet Hair

Free Download - Gauntlet Hair : I Was Thinking…

Best Coast New Video

2010-04-14T05:51:00.001-07:00

Super fan alert.

Hyped #11

2010-04-08T02:07:00.000-07:00

Another round of hyped starting with San Francisco outfit - oOoOO. Im struggling to put into words how dramatic this music is and how polished oOoOO sound already. In my usual way, im just going to lay it out in 'sound likes' for you - think the XX, meets the Knife, meets the Scarface sound track and you are just about there. Its layer upon layer of epic sound scapes, deep dark slurred vocals, long drawned out distorted synth and perfectly paced drums. Check out the video below and their myspace, 3 or 4 strong tracks already up - very excited about this band. Limited 7 out now too.

oOoOO

The US lo-fi/garage scene is larger than ever at the moment and is producing a massive amount of great bands, weed diamond, best coast, etc , etc. So heres another one for you - Slow Animal. Loud, brash, lazy and largely out of time and pitch but brilliant. Slow Animal are yet another band to come out of the New Jersey area and they make unapologetic rash rock and roll but with a twist I think. They sound like a band that know exactly what they want to sound like, through their own taste and not through any sort of mimicking. There are so many of these bands, but its the little touches, the little keyboard parts and backing vocals that some how make Slow Animal still sound fresh and exciting. Anyway, decide for yourself.

Slow Animal

Im not even sure how the MP3 of Headless by Tearist came to be in my itunes to be honest. All I know is that it came on one day randomly and ive probably played it everyday from that fortunate moment. I have since found it here, so you can discover the addiction for yourself. Musically the vocals are unique, the percussion is outrageous and the synth rushes in and out, over and over until your head spins. They have more over at their myspace so check them out below and also the pretty rough live video featuring Headless.

Tearist

Blog Party

2010-04-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

S.C.U.M. SIGNAL (3) PARIS

2010-03-22T04:36:00.000-07:00

Brand new S.C.U.M. Signal 3 - Paris. Download for Free Here.

Hyped #10

2010-03-19T04:46:00.002-07:00

Hyped #10 starts with the mysterious duo of Cults. Its a boy and girl, we know that much and we know they have a 7" out at the moment, thats about it. Musically, the influences are fairly disparate and you have to say pretty accomplished. Im sure the rumour mill has already started, as to their identities, hopefully is just a new outfit wishing to be a little more subtle and not an industry super group. Either way, check them out and download the 7" here and let me know what you think.

Cults

There is so much great Garage/Lo-Fi music coming out of the UK at the moment and particularly the south (although it pains me to say it). La La Vasquez are yet another all girl trio from London/Brighton and I think they definitely have the potential to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Vivian Girls, Dum Dum Girls and London bands Yuck and Veronica Falls. Its quite trashy sounding and the recordings are pretty basic, but live they kill it every time. One for the future for certain. Clair Savage is probably the stand out track on the myspace so listen for your self.

La La Vaquez

So so excited about this band. All girl duo Pearl Harbor are yet another band hailing from the sandy shores of California and they make perfect bright, sunny pop beauties with a shoe gazey/garage twist. They have such a great mix of influences in their sound, which I think really sets them apart from a lot of the bands currently competing in this space. You can here everything from Stereo Lab and M83 to Johnny Marrs guitar to the Nico and the Velvets. Its the perfect combination. Their Something About the Chaparrals 12" has already sold out, but you can grab the Slivers of You b/w California Shakedown 7" now on pre-order at Pure Groove. Love this band.

Pearl Harbor

Ye Olde Maids

2010-03-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

Ye Olde Maids is a bedroom project by Cold Cave head/Heartworm Press co-owner Wesley Eisold. It’s a duo, but he plays himself and the invented girl, handling both voices, which isnt strange at all - is it? The 10 songs on the God Blesses Us, Mother Dresses Us 12″ were recorded between 2005 and 2008. The record came out on Art Fag mid last year and I have no idea how it passed me by. Its pretty odd, but great. See for yourself.

Ye Olde Maids

value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xj2kjaEYSaw&hl=en_US&fs=1&">

Hyped #9

2010-03-15T04:28:00.000-07:00

Another round of Hyped, starting with some experimental electronica from London based seams. Currently getting ready to go on tour with Gold Panda, Seams creates intricate electronic bleeps and squeeks from his home studio. Its a sound that I am really into at the moment, with the likes Dante Nou and Silver Columns also putting out some great stuff. Looking forward to seeing his live set up at tomorrow nights Ill Fit, which im playing some records at. Full details here. Check out his myspace below.

Seams

London has a lot indie bands and a lot of indie bands pass through it. It has a lot of indie nights, which a lot of indie bands play. This is of course not news to anyone. So when an 'indie' band comes long that actually make you stop and listen, they really stand out. Fiction look and sound different, they have a sort of swagger and uniqueness about them. Its hard to put in to words so you can see a live session here and check out their myspace and a bit of you tube action below.

Fiction

Up last for this week - Philadelphia Grand Jury. I came across this band on the usual myspace trawl and noticed they were playing the Best Coast, Yuck - Madame Jo Jo show on the 4th of May. The first thing you hear is the opening scream of 'The Casino' and then you get what is possibly the most addictively catchy pop record of this year so far. On the strength of this single, its hard to see this band not being a success. Good name, good look and good old fashioned rock and roll. You have to say, it works. They have the single for Free on their myspace, so download while you can.

Philadelphia Grand Jury

Ill Fit

2010-03-15T04:27:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night DJing at Ill Fit - with Fitness Club Fiasco + Seams. Tuesday 16th March // 7pm – 12am // Free Entry @ The Social. Previous guests include White Denim, Leisure Society, Air France, Gay Blades, Loney Dear, Martin Carr, Memory Tapes, Forest & The Trees, Rayographs, Lisa Milberg. Get your self down. Details Here

Yuck / Herzog Split Single

2010-03-15T03:31:00.000-07:00

Out Today - on Transparent – a split 7” single shared by London’s YUCK and Cleveland, Ohio’s Nick Tolar, AKA HERZOG. Those who visit here often will know how much I like Yuck, they featured as part of Hyped a few weeks back - Hyped #6. Get yourself over to Pure Groove - only 300 avaialble, so be quick.

Hyped #8

2010-03-10T05:59:00.001-08:00

This section of the blog is called Hyped because its supposed to be a reflection of music that is getting just that. Its not the newest of the new but instead hopefully a slightly more refined display of new music, whats up and coming and more importantly whats going to be sticking around. With that in mind, a SXSW special is a perfect chance to pick out some possible winners.

This is yet another tip from my mate 7. New Jersey band Real Estate make psychy pop music and do a great job of it. They have an LP out at the moment on Woodist and with 11 shows in 5 days at SXSW I really hope they get as much exposure as they deserve. The band are in the UK in May, as part of a mammoth tour, so get yourself down to see them.

Real Estate

Best Coast have been getting a pounding (in a good way) on the blog circuit of late and quite rightly so. The predictions for this years SXSW all seem to be either Garage, Surf or Gaze based and I guess Best Coast tick at least a couple of those boxes. Its lazy rhythmic guitar, whiney vocals and off-beat drum patterns, sounds shit I know, but its actually rather excellent. This is one band that I have to see this year if they get over to London and hopefully one band that will put together a great record.

Best Coast

One man band Banjo or Freakout is someone that I have been following for ages now. I first DJd on the same bill as him late last year, which was real eye opener to his live set-up. He plays guitar, keyboards and a plethora of gizmos producing a vast array of sounds, from stripped down pop beauties like "Upside Down" to tracks like "Left It Alone" that both float over you and leave their mark at the same time. Word is, he has just recorded an LP, so more news to follow on that.

Banjo Or Freakout

Beach House

2010-03-10T03:24:00.003-08:00

To celebrate Beach House being in town this weekend, heres some of my favourite tracks. If you havent come across them, to understand why this band are such a success, all you really need to do is listen to their record 'Norway'. The husky, different vocal, the great use of pitch bend, the soft, deep pads and uplifting guitars, its as close to a perfect pop song as you are likely to get. It provokes replay and every time it sounds better and better, its one of those records that you notice another little intricacy each time you hear it. All three records and the latest Zebra EP are genius.

Beach House

Field Day 2010

2010-03-10T03:24:00.001-08:00

Roll Up, Roll Up

Hyped #7

2010-02-24T04:27:00.000-08:00

Kicking off another round of a rather largely garage tinged Hyped, with the UK all girl trio - Wet Dog. I first heard their track from their second record was Lower Leg last year and was instantly hooked. The brand spanking new album Frauhaus (out on Angular) is 14 tracks of balshy, loud, garage brashness and it gets more mind bending with ever listen. Musically the album sounds very raw but still feels accomplished, with the great use of tempo change and experimental production. I think the album is out now, so check their myspace out for more.

Wet Dog

Up next is Veronica Falls, a London four piece that are at the shoegaze end of the garage spectrum. I have only heard the three tracks on the myspace but it would seem that this band are something really special in the making. Their stand out track, "Beachy Head" is a perfectly crafted gothic tinged indie smash and definitely bodes well for the future. They play with Wet Dog at Ladyfest/Goldsmiths on the 25th of February. Check the music out below.

Veronica Falls

The Mantles from the US up next, specifically California and a band which will play the Gorilla Vs Bear party at SXSW, which is a great start for them. This is garage once again but its popier, sunnier and I guess a little more traditional in influence. In no way is that a bad thing, its just uncontrived rock n' roll with good lyrics and strong melodies. It all adds up to pretty perfect garage pop music really. If you like bands like Black Lips and Strange Boys then this is definitely up your alley. Music below.

The Mantles

Lessons In How to Empty a Room

2010-02-24T04:15:00.000-08:00

Heres a couple of DJ slots coming up that you may want to know about.

03/03 - Adults: Free Wednesdays @ The Macbeth

06/03 - CLUB.THE.MAMMOTH. @ The Stag's Head

Hyped #6

2010-02-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to write about some good new Manchester bands for a while, but more than often they normally sound a bit too 'Manchester', if that makes sense? Well Warm Digits sound more Munich than Manchester. The duo make noisy, uptempo, krauty synth beats and pull from a wide range of influences. Think the momentum of Neu, the noise of MBV and the craftsmen ship of ENO and you are just about getting it. Check them out.

Warm Digits

I really really like this band. They are in London later this month, so very excited to see what they sound like live. On record, its shoegazey, melodic pop and reminds me of a sort of US, slightly noisier Stereo Lab. The Shoe Gaze thing is quite hard to do normally as a lot of acts just end up sounding like cover bands, but I think Yuck get the level and diversity of influences just right. They have a tonne of shows starting from the 24th of February in London and ending up in Oxford on the 10th of April, you can fill in the gaps below.

Yuck

Last up, Wilder. This band are quite possibly going to be rather bloody large. They have just signed to Rough Trade and look set to be a bit of a good old indie smash. I know the word indie is a bit dirty nowadays but I mean it in a really good way. They are a proper band, drawing influence from The Rapture, Cure and possibly even a bit of Talking Heads. They supported The Strokes’ frontman Julian Casablancas on his recent Christmas 09 UK tour and recently played with the Maccabees, which hopefully is just the start of the big dates to come.

WILDER

W is for Wigan

2010-02-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

This is my little tribute to Northern Soul, Wigan Casino and every movement of its kind. Timeless as ever and pretty unbeatable really. 8 tracks here, but so so much amazing music to be found, this really doesn't even scratch the surface.

Little Milton - More And More

Dee Dee Warwick -Worth Every Tear I Cry

The Sapphires - Baby You Got Me

The Exciters - Blowin' Up My Mind

Candy and the Kisses - The 81

Producers - Lady Lady Lady

Wayne Gibson - Under my Thumb

The Orlons - Spinning Top

Time For Another Field Day

2010-02-11T06:57:00.000-08:00

Ive been lucky enough to work on every Field Day so far with my work and this year is no different. The line-up was released on Tuesday this week and it looks to be an absolute belter already. If you like this, you should also check out the up and coming shows over at Eat Your Own Ears. Click the bands to hear the music.

PHOENIX
AMIINA
BETH JEANS HOUGHTON
CARIBOU
CHILLY GONZALES
ESBEN AND THE WITCH
FLOWER-CORSANO DUO
GOLD PANDA
HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE
JAMES HOLDEN
JOKER
MC NOMAD
MAX TUNDRA
MEMORY TAPES
MOUSE ON MARS
PANTHA DU PRINCE
SILVER APPLES

Tickets and Full Info

Hyped #5

2010-02-05T03:23:00.001-08:00

Bienvenue à la cinquième manche de hyped. The first set of noise for this Hyped comes from Brooklyn based outfit Sleigh Bells. Duo Alexis and Derek make loud, shouty, experimental, scuzzy electronic smashes. Mixing lots of different influences, from break beat, electronica and rock n roll, you will probably struggle to find anything else this year with bigger balls. Musically the production is brash and overdriven but still feels polished in a DIY sort of a way. Looking forward to UK dates soon.

Sleigh Bells

IKONS is a recommendation from the excellent gents at The Line Of Best Fit and the promo CD hasn't really left the stereo this week. If you read this blog, you will already know that I love all things Kraut rock, so how could I resist something descibed as neo-power-kraut galactic drama! The Gothenburg 6 piece really live up to the best classification ive heard in a long time, with a blissful, flowing, almost majestic record. The LP of same name will be released on February 15th, stream/download here.

IKONS

Last up for this round is the much talked about Eternal Summers, hailing from Roanoke, Virginia. That makes two US duos in one round of Hyped, but Eternal Summers could not sound any more different to Sleigh Bells. Musically this is pop guitars, driving drums and soft, lush vocals effortlessly drifting in and between. Surely this will become one of the SXSW bands for this year? They seem destined in my eyes to make a really strong LP and I can't wait to see them live some time soon. Check them out.

Eternal Summers

A True Captain

2010-02-05T03:13:00.000-08:00

A quick tribute to a classic album and one of my favourites of the 60's. Released in 1967, Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band - Safe as Milk. Here are my stand out tracks, but to be honest the entire record is frighteningly good. Enjoy.

Hyped #4

2010-01-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

Hyped #4 begins with a tip from the fountain of musical knowledge that is Sammy 7, who's blog is definitely worth a visit or two. The bands name is Lasers from Atlantis and they hail from London. They make noisy, dark, electronic psychedelic music and they scare the hell out of me. Its not just noise though - It is very noisy but its clever and intricate with it. If you like Bo Ningen, then you will probably like this. Check them out here.

Lasers From Atlantis

Up next is Grave Babies. I have fallen head over heals for this band. Its rock and roll, thats it. Nothing contrived, nothing particularly obscure, just a band making absolute belters and having fun doing it. Coming from the ever-fruitfull Seattle, they are making loud drones of slightly gothic indie romance and do it oh so well. So many influences to count (including The XX ,which is pretty mad), so just check them out for your self. There is a mixed bag of tracks up on the myspace, with Organs and Ache being my favourites so far. Make sure its turned up.

Grave Babies

And now for something completely different. Annu, from Virginia, Annu makes blissful beats, soft pads and crisp percussion which results in a quite beautiful electronic sound. Its probably electronica, but god knows nowadays. Its not brash, its not too subtle and its not too clinical it just feels very clever and natural. There is a "pay what you like" Def Vibrations download here. Fill your boots.

Annu

Eno

2010-01-24T05:24:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a new Eno documentary, program or tribute out on a monthly basis, which is no bad thing ofcourse. Its also not surprising as so much of todays music is directly influenced by his work, Talking Heads, Roxy Music, Bowie, the list goes on and on. The latest BBC Four documentaries - Brian Eno - Hits, Classics and Tracks and Brian Eno - Another Green World, are collections of his collaborations and solo work plus interviews at his Suffolk studio. Worth checking out.

Brian Eno: Hits, Classics and Tracks

Here are some of my Eno favourites.

Hate Hate

2010-01-21T03:10:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this track on an old Country Got Soul compilation. I can confirm by the way, that on the whole, Country certainly does not have soul. But this track has buckets of it! This month has been one of those months in the music industry where I just feel like packing it all in and going and working on a farm in Yorkshire! As Alan Partridge once said "Every industry has its ... Shits". Anyway, this song is so unashamedly cheesy and so ridiculously euphoric it makes me smile and cringe at the same time. If you are having a bad one, stick this little beauty on and if you feel like it sing long and if you dont feel like singing along, maybe you can clap your hands?

Razzy Bailey - Hate Hate

I am Germany (or not)

2010-01-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Ive been getting really into finding obscure German pop music recently and this week has been something of a goldmine, stumbling across so many good blogs and emailing lots of German collectors, with some fine results. Im DJing at a gig in February with Pantha Du Prince and Walls, both of which have lots of Kraut influences, so I want to do a bit of a German salute. The challenge is finding records that still represent Germany circa 1980 but still make people dance at 2 in the morning.

Stupid thing is, only one of the tracks below are actually from Germany! Canada and London/Paris make up the difference, but I think they still have the kind of vibe im looking for. Anyway, check these three out for size and come to the show, details here.

The Hope and the Future

2010-01-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

Good Shoes album launch party. Come on down, we are DJing on the Saturday.

Facebook

Hyped #3

2010-01-04T07:09:00.000-08:00

Round 3 of hyped for 2010 begins with Dante Nou. Coming all the way from Adelaide, Dante Nou makes rather blissful electronic music. It has a huge amount Kraftwerk in there, but could also be seen to take influence from early Air and even Portishead. It is extremely hopeful and put together beautifully. Found on Hype Machine, check out Reb lb in particular.

Dante Nou

Up next - The Sticks. Loud, brash and from Brighton, these boys make noisy garage music and with great success. Think Black Lips and Velvet Underground but with a punkier edge and you are just about there. I found this lot through No Pain In Pop, which if you don't already follow, you definitely should. Its far better than the tripe you read on here! http://nopaininpop.com

The Sticks

Last up is Magic Castles. I first heard their track Emorys Memories on the Dont Die Wondering blog and I instantly loved it. Its sort of noisy, droney american psych but with a real distinctive hook. They have some other tracks on their myspace, most of which are a little softer but its the heaviness of this track that I really like. Check them out..

Magic Castles

The Horrors

2009-12-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

The Horrors on Sunday at the Forum was one of the best gigs ive been to in 2009. HTRK and Lung Rotter Seven both nailed it as supports and The Horrors really showed off what they are made of live. Its the 4th time ive seen them this year and its easily the best. I took some shots of the lights and venue and im really pleased with how the videos came out.. Check them out and let me know what you think. Also some pretty amateur photos below.

Heart

The Horrors - Heart - The Forum 20/12 from thisaintnodisco on Vimeo.

Lights

The Horrors - Lights - The Forum 20/12 from thisaintnodisco on Vimeo.

Amateur Photography

Obey The New Wave

2009-12-19T06:25:00.000-08:00

During my daily traipse around the internet, I stumbled across the little beauty. I was originally looking for 7" Up, which is an album of a similar spirt. Both have the track Gerry and the Holograms by Gerry and the Holograms so this came up when I was searching through the blogs. It has some absolute belters on here and is a fine fine compilation that really represents the arty post punk DIY scene of in and around 1980. Expect Gl*xo babies (Above), Electric Chairs, The Flying Lizards, Furious Pig and so much more.

Notable stand out tracks include the wonderfully diverse Blurt with Get, a track that takes their legendary horn section and pushes it straight through all sorts of distortion to wonderful effect. Secondly, the feisty Androids of Mu with Bored Housewives encompassing all the elements of the classic punk instrumentation with a quintessential london art scene twist, just brilliant. And ofcourse who could forget about Gerry and the Holograms by Gerry and the Holograms, a song that I still really don't know what to think of! It is so wonderfully strange and is completely in a field of its own in terms of reference. All I can say is, Kids - Don't take drugs. Any way, heres the blogs I found it on..

Listen - Obey The New Wave

Hyped #2

2009-12-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

Another round of Hyped starting with Small Black, a band from the seemingly never ending fruitful Brooklyn, NYC. These guys have a touch of the MGMTs about them but don't let that put you off. Their sound is far fuller and goes far deeper, with high notes of stereo lab and low notes of Suicide. I guess they are continuing the shoe gaze revival of 2009 with a deep electronic, spacey edge. Check them out here.. They have an EP out now.

Small Black

Next! On to Is Tropical and the first from the marvelous Manchester label Hit Club. Is Tropical seem to have the much sort after knack of being able to make credible pop music. The sound feels quiet Late of the Pier in parts with hazy, lush vocals. They have their first EP out in Pure Groove before Christmas and are definitely worth investigating.

Is Tropical

Last one for this week. Signed to Hit club, I must admit these guys sound a lot like Foals, at least the guitarist does seem to like using very similar riffs. But to be fair I think they are better than that sloppy comparison and are worth a listen. I am going to see them live tonight, so I will report back!

May 68

This Friday..

2009-12-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200692749272&ref=nf

Walls

2009-12-11T05:14:00.000-08:00

Walls is a collaboration between Sam Willis of Allez Allez and Alessio Natalizia of Banjo or Freakout and its fresh off the shelf. If you like Kompakt you will love this. They only have the two tracks up on the myspace at the moment, but I can't stop playing both of them. The first track Burnt Sienna has this incredible siren type distortion bass synth which I think might have been was used on a track by The Horrors or something similar. It gives the track this amazing depth, sounds like a world war 2 air raid siren or something drifting in and out. Check them out here and I think EYOE may be doing a show with them early next year, so stay tuned..

http://www.myspace.com/wallsjams

Hyped #1

2009-12-08T03:57:00.000-08:00

Ive been listening to Gold Panda for a few months now, since we got sent the demo in the EYOE office. I DJd with him at the Roundhouse in October and as well as being a thoroughly nice chap, he also makes some great records. Its the sort of Kompakt, Field type electronic music that I really like to DJ when its a bit later and people want something with a bit of punch. Not that it is heavy dance music, it just has a sort natural momentum that makes it really easy to move to. I hope 2010 is going to be a big year for him.. Heres a free download, grab it while you can.

Gold Panda

Another band that have had a lot of hype already are Esben and the Witch. A friend at http://thequietus.com first recommended them and I have got really into them since. They sound to me a bit like Florence and the Machine if she had gone down a less "pop" route. Very atmospheric and obviously full of potential for next year. They have great management, so fingers crossed that they will do well.. Download your tits off.

Esben and the Witch

I have played with this band this year and will be again on the 18th at Hobby Horse. I really like their stage presence and the demeanor of the front man Andy. Im not sure that the recordings quite live up to the roarness of the stage show yet, but I can see loads of potential to break through next year.

Islington Boys Club

thisaintnodisco begins..

2009-12-04T05:48:00.000-08:00

So I have eventually confirmed the launch of thisaintnodisco and its going to be on February the 26th at Hobby Horse on the Kingsland Road. I am doing it in association with Club The Mammouth who program the Friday nights. I need to get my thinking cap on the really for bands.. I just want it to be a messy affair to be honest. Stay tuned for artwork and more details!

I'd Like to Talk About Drums...

2009-12-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Listen to this amazing audio documentary about the development of the break-beat. I used to DJ DnB and Jungle a few years ago and Im still big into it. This documentary explores the amazing journey from the 'Amen Brother' sample that developed into the hip-hop - DnB breaks we know today. Really interesting and some class tunage.

Weird Tapes

2009-12-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

So one of the bands/people that is hotly tipped for 2010 is Memory Tapes. He is from New Jersey and makes lush, eclectic electronic music. I follow his blog Wierd Tapes -

http://weirdtapes.blogspot.com

... partly because he writes about some cool stuff but mainly because he gives away shit loads of his music! He has just released his debut album Seek Magic and I really really like it. Its got a sort class and refinement about it with-out being too pop. Dont get me wrong, its catchy as hell but still remains a bit rough round the edges. I hear he is in London Town early next year, so stay tuned in for dates..

The Units

2009-12-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

What a band. A friend recommended this lot. 1979. Im just going to let the music do the talking. Insanely good.

Twitter your fucking heart out

2009-12-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

So. I have finally buckled and opened up a twitter account. I have been following people for a year or so and have to use it for my job and promoting the festivals but I finally got one for thisaintnodisco.. So follow my shit tweets and fill your boots!

http://twitter.com/thisaintnodisco

I quite enjoy it really. Just hate being part of the pack.

New York, New York

2009-12-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

So, Ive just got back from New York and what a city! Its not my first time and it just seems to get better with every visit. We were staying in Hells Kitchen, which seems like a really cool up and coming area. Its pretty grotty in places but then has an amazing selection of places to eat, with a huge Asian population. Its right up my street and has a wicked Flea market on Fridays and Saturdays.

We spent a lot of time in Williamsburg which was pretty cool, its basically Brick Lane put in New York! We saw a lot of Brooklyn and went to a couple of Fleas on the Bridges and in Fort Green.. Bought some seminal New York records, Magazine, Lou Reed, Talking Heads.. I took some picture for Converse Music here

http://conversemusic.co.uk/2009/11/26/nyc

Basically I need to live in New York. I love London dont get me wrong and we have got a good thing going here but New York just seems like its on a whole different level. The people for a start are just so much nicer and genuinely want to talk to you. They just dont have that talking to strangers thing that us brits have.. Anyway, next 2 years that all im working towards..

Partially Talented DJ

2009-12-03T07:41:00.000-08:00

Ive been DJing a bit recently. I used to play full-time and make a nice living up North and dabbled once I got down in to the big smoke, but some ****s robbed me of some of my most prized records and it really knocked me off track.. Anyway, I have decided to get back on the proverbial horse and get back out there.. I played a couple of times at Cargo once with Maps and once for their Free Fridays and played a really nice gig at The Roundhouse as part of the Emerging Proms... A friend and I played at the fashion party last week aswell. Got smashed on champs and played largely inappropriate records. Check the blog here -

http://theclotheswhisperer.blogspot.com/2009/11/happy-thanksgiving-1-knightsbridge.html

Above is the flyer for a night im playing at Hobby Horse on the 18th.. Should be good fun.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200692749272&index=1

Flash Your Clash

2009-12-03T07:36:00.000-08:00

I got asked through work to right an article about the Clash for Converse as they are doing a shoe.. Anyway here are my ramblings, I think it turned out o.k. Shame they are no longer running with the idea. rats

The much celebrated 60s/70s photographer Brian Duffy, most famous for creating the iconic Aladdin Sane image for Mr David Bowie quit his photography career in 1979. Legend has it that after an employee brought a desperate "toilet paper situation" to his attention, he just snapped. He duly proceeded in burning his entire lifes work in a huge bin outside the office. Fortunately for us some of the negatives were recovered and part of his legacy still remains. Now, many people would deem these actions; pointless, narcissistic and possibly slightly psychotic! I though happen to think that this is a notion of complete and absolute brilliance. The idea of totally drawing a line under something, totally leaving something in the past is quite magnificent. In the very same year, Neil Young wrote the lyric "Is it better to burn out, than to fade away?". Referring to the contrast in the untimely death of Elvis and the change in direction of Jonny Rotten, this line is and always will be feverishly debated. Some say though, that as Mr Rottens latest "change in direction" was to advertise butter, that the argument is firmly won for good. Is it better to end something when it was at its best and not peddle it untill its receded in credibility as much as your hairline?

Which brings me on to The Clash, a band that I love and love for all the right reasons, because of the music. The Clash did it the right way, they made a difference, they changed a bit of history, they passed on a huge influence and most importantly they are no longer here! They have left a musical and cultural legacy, which is why so many see them as one of the most important bands ever to record music. I however cant go quite that far, I draw the line at "Yeah, I like the Clash" and "Yeah they made some great records". Unfortunately I cant stand by the common equation of most column inches + untimely death = legendary status. It is this equation that actually negates either side of the "Burn Out/Fade Away" argument. Option 1. You keep making music, you eventually make some terrible records, you maybe decide to perhaps sell some insurance or some butter? The legacy you have created, to many gradually slips in to insignificance and yes you eventually fade away. Option 2. You split up or you die. You go out in a big ball of drug fueled flames and you end your legacy in that instant. You do a Brian Duffy and you finish your own story when you want to. Option 2 wins right?

Hang on a second. No, because as we know, once you go out with a bang, that is what you are remembered for and the bull-shit factor goes into over-drive. People start referring to you as "The King" as a genius as a true legend. All manner of mediums blow so much smoke up your arse that every Tom, Dick and Harry think that they did, should and do LOVE YOU. Although the majority of these people probably only know your most radio-friendly efforts and know nothing really about your true musical legacy. That is the risk you take, would you still go for Option 2? I am undecided, all I know is that if you do choose to burn out, do not do it to keep your musical intentions, beliefs and works true and in-tact. Brian Duffy tried that and even in his attempts to literally burn-out, he couldn't stop is legacy rolling on. Lucky for him, he remains credible, uncontrived and respected. Unluckily for The Clash, their latest edition to history is pair of brand new, shiny, Converse shoes, now thats hardly burning out is it?

New Night - Artwork

2009-12-03T07:25:00.001-08:00

Ive been working on putting together a new monthly in 2010. I have been running with the name thisaintnodisco. Its a line out of one of my favorite talking heads records "life during wartime". The live version is the best on Stop Making Sense. The percussion really brings the track up and his voice sounds incredible and the backing singers/dancers make me wish I went to dance school! The DVD for SMS is probably my top live film of all time. It starts with Byrne and just his ghettoblaster and an acoustic guitar and he belts out psycho killer, end with a full on stadium production.. immense.

Anyway, my night.. This is the provisional artwork above.. I am hoping to do it at this new venue in East London called the Hobby Horse, its ran by Ed out of Islington Boys Club and they seem like a good bunch. The venue is just about the right level of grottiness and is small enough to get a good party going and for the night to be minimum risk.. anyway stay tuned for more updates. booyaa.

World Shizzle

2009-12-03T06:56:00.000-08:00

Ive been getting quite into my 'world' music recently. Through working on the Field Day festival - http://www.fielddayfestivals.com. We had Toumani Diabate playing in the VM tent, which caused a bit of a hoohah at the time as he is really the first truly world musician to play Field Day. Anyway, I completely fell in love with his album Mande Variations. Its about as perfect as a piece of music can be. It is just him on his kora, which is like a large African harp. Th syncopation that he achieves using just one instrument is nothing short of frightening and his hand speed is a different gravy all together.

Through listening to Toumani, ive started listening to his whole back catalogue, plus Bassekou Kouyate - I speak fula, Ali Farka Toure and this amazing Nigerian Disco Funk special compilation.. Really cant recommend these guys enough, if you ever get a chance to see them live then fill your boots. I notice ATP have booked them for the Matt Groening special, so get yourself down, although you should have just come to field day ; )

Latest S.C.U.M. Signal

2009-11-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

Watch the ‘BERLIN’ video - http://www.youtube.com/SCUMsignals

FREE Download - http://www.mediafire.com/file/zrfnjttuztj/01 BERLIN SIGNAL - MASTER MP3.mp3