Highlights of the year

The musicians that I admire for their strangeness, honesty, charisma, humility, style, who take a risk and have fun, who are passionate and don't fit any particular music category or trend.
Mac DeMarco


Perfume Genius

FKA Twigs

Benjamin Clementine

Anna Calvi


Fat White Family
Future Islands

2014: The most played albums

In Winter:
Warpaint "Warpaint"
Queens of the Stone Age "...Like Clockwork"
Son Lux "Lanterns"

In Spring:
Arcade Fire "Reflektor"
Arctic Monkeys "AM"
Mac Demarco "Salad Days"

In Summer:
Daft Punk "Random Access Memories"
Future Islands "Singles"
Blood Orange "Cupid Deluxe"

In Autumn:
Glass Animals "Zaba"
Tinashe "Aquarius"
Anna Calvi "Strange Weather" EP

2014: The most memorable gigs

Patti Smith @ O2 Shepherds Bush
Benjamin Clementine @ Purcell Room
Arcade Fire @ Hyde Park Festival
Anna Calvi @ St John's Church

2014: The most memorable music videos

2014 - The revival soul & funk

The year is ending. It's time to get drunk, forget everything and only remember the GOOOOD things. Let's party! Pop the music in a glass of champagne.
But, what kind of music? A good party needs good music. Let's play something that everybody knows. Daft Punk! Here we go. Daft Punk is everywhere. Daft Punk's music is in every single party, every single bar or club. On TV, in your Ipod, in your laptop... Daft Punk is democracy, it appeals to everybody. Even your granny.
So here we go, let's play "Get Lucky".

You've had enough of it? Are you sure? You moan because you hear it everywhere. Relax a bit and wait a few seconds. What? You paused it?! Haha, see? Your friends are angry. Why did you pause it? You felt bored and lonely. Your friends were having fun. Too much fun and Daft Punk made you a tad bit jealous... They are cool even 15 years after the release of their first album. They manage to bring an unique sound that gathers everybody around good memories. The melodies get into your head, vibrate in your body and stick with you like a second skin. Can you feel it?
Back in the 90s, Daft Punk heavily influenced dance music with "Homework". They release their latest album "Random Access Memories" at the end of 2013, 15 years after "Homework".
"Random Access Memories" takes a completely different approach from the previous albums, with a sound that takes you back to the late 70's and the early 80's where soul music was merging with disco and funk. The musical style was recognisable by its relaxed tempos, soft melodies and guitars, funky, joyful bass lines.
If you like Daft Punk's new album you will enjoy these timeless goodies:




Looking back in 2013 and 2014 I felt spoiled for choice. Internet gives an unlimited access to music and it is BRILLIANT. On the other hand, digging for the good stuff, is like digging for a tiny piece of gold in a massive field of shit. The artists follow a trend that is rather uniform. There's no risk takers. Is the world wide web killing the music industry? Anyone could be a musician. You can play, record and put music on Soundcloud in less than 30 minutes.
There are so many bands I discovered and enjoyed listening but I will probably forget the majority in few months time. Thankfully, few stand out of the crowd. With the internet, it's easier to create a buzz around something but it dies as quickly as it appeared. The challenge is to last, to be original and create a movement. Since the end of 2013, I noticed that many bands followed a very specific music style. There is a trend in music as there is in fashion. Perhaps the musicians below were inspired from the genres that influenced Daft Punk itself?

Tirzah

I like the simple rhythm and the simple lyrics. It works quite well.

Kaytranada

Kaytranada is a prolific DJ and producer from Canada who mixes catchy R'n'B, electronic & hip hop beats with heavy basslines and drums samples for various DJs and musicians. Behind the decks, this 22 years old man has got an impressive ability to turn each song into something very sleek and special. I selected few ones that may tickle your feet and tempt you to go to his exclusive show at Village Underground, London, on the 28th of October:

REMIX - "Feel of love" - Tensnake:


PRODUCTION - "A wrote a song about you" - MNEK


PRODUCTION - "Wimme Nah" - Vic Mensa


PRODUCTION - "Charles Barkley" - The Celestics

See you in another galaxy...

Late night tales

Discover Ben's mysterious, trippy world.


Ben Khan is a musician, songwriter and producer based in London. He launched his first EP "1992" where hip hop and electronic beats meet some bluesy guitar riffs. Listen to "Savage" below.


In his videos, he creates a new storyline with existing images, scenes from various movies and ads that have been carefully selected in the aim to communicate a very specific moment in a song. The videos are striking, sometimes disturbing. They are evocative and at the same time ambiguous. They intrigue our mind and lead our imagination to something new which I find quite original and refreshing.

Smoothie

I discovered Nick Monaco through the DJ duo Soul Clap. Listening to Nick Monaco is like tasting a strange looking smoothie, something that would contains both spinach and strawberry. His music is a mix of genre, hard to summarize, from r'n'b to dub, from disco to funk, all under the vast universe of dance music. The way he uses his voice is interesting, experimenting with different tones.
Here's a wonderful acoustic version of the track "Private Practice" from his debut album "Mating Call":


Behind the album artwork, the talented illustrator Lynnie Zulu.


I like how this song slowly builds up with the raggae rythm accompanied with a sensual voice that somehow reminds me of Prince. To listen while smoking a joint:


If you enjoyed listening to these, watch this funny video for "The Stalker":

Phoenix x Gesaffelstein

When French DJ and producer Gesaffelstein decides to remix Phoenix, you kinda imagine this:

Comforting music for lost souls

Wayfarer

2014... The voice is back!

I've noticed few english singers popping up and going for an emphasis on vocals and melodies. Robyn Sherwell and Rosie Lowe amongst others bigger act like Banks or Jessie Ware...

It's all about rollerskate

Guilty pleasure...

How to learn French in a kinky, easy, playful way:

Dig in

Ohhhhh baby!

Good cheese that is:


Make love, not war.

On the road

Rheavy

Romance?

Drive part.II

I like how this remix slowly ascends to a bigger sound with the piano at the beginning and the electric guitar at the end. It all turns very 80's disco. It makes me want to drive in a car like this:

Feel good music

Summer 2014 playlist

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Dr Jekyll & Mister Hyde

"It's almost embarrassing how well-behaved I was, which is probably why I do things like spit water on myself on stage as an adult."



Karen O. is the front woman of "garage punk" band the Yeah Yeah Yeahs alongside drummer Brian Chase and guitarist Nick Zinner. She's joyfully outrageous on stage.



She's also got that sweet, romantic side that you can discover with:
- Native Korean Rock



If you like Native Korean Rock, keep an eye on "Crush Songs" (Karen O first solo record that will be released in September 2014).

Cool little remix by Rory Phillips and Martin Dubka that throw some funky-disco grooves into a bouncy vocoder…

heavy

JOY

Happy Friday

To get you through the day, here's a playful mix from Yuksek.

“I remember once when I was a kid and I was showing an interest in art and music, and my dad sat me down and said, ‘All art comes from the dark side,’ ” He said. “He said the dark side isn’t evil or bad but that’s where it resides, and if you choose a creative life, then you’re choosing to reside in the darkness.” He paused.
“I don’t know where he’s getting that from. Maybe he was high or something. But that really has stayed with me.” Interview of Sufjan Stevens - New York Times, Oct. 2010

Naked bottoms

With a provocative wit and a DIY attitude, Fat White Family resurrects some punk/post-punk era in our ears and brings a dash of fresh air and honesty into London's alternative music scene. They recently played at Field Day music festival and at the Shacklewell Arms pub in Dalston. It's certainly not a band to be missed.

Smooth along the coast, drift away...

Solomun strikes again with this remix of "West Coast" by Lana Del Rey:


If you liked this song, you might also like "Time" from the Pachanga Boys aka Superpitcher and Rebolledo:

And why not listen to this wonderful remix of Connan Mockasin's "Forever Dolphin Love" by Erol Akan:

In the mood for...

Discover this smooch funky mix tape by french DJ and producer Thibaut Berland aka Breakbot: LISTEN HERE

Happy Monday

"You know, I need the darkness
Just as much as I need the light"

Sharon Van Etten

"...She sings of the nature of desire, memory, of being lost, emptiness, of promises and loyalty, fear and change, of healing and the true self, violence and sanctuary, waiting, of silence." Rough Trade



Playing June 5th at Koko London.

10 years ago...

This song will never age

Finding inspiration in heartbreak

What happened to the joyful Lykke Li?
Her debut album "Youth Novels" was fun.


She's gone a bit dark since releasing "Wounded Rhymes", in 2011.

Her new album "I Never Learn" will be out on May 5th.


"Where the first album is about wanting love, and then the second album [2011's 'Wounded Rhymes'] is about not getting the love that you desire, I think this third album is about walking away and fucking up," says Li. "That's something that had to happen to me as an artist. I think you have to have that experience, because I only thought I knew what heartbreak was until this record. I think, some things, you just have to go through."
- billboard.com

A ballad of convoluted relationships

There is so much happening in this song. An absolute tune. Sufjan Steven's latest album "The Adge of Adz"

Annie Clark x Beck

Annie Clark aka St Vincent... I discovered her music 5 years ago when she was supporting Sufjan Stevens.
Since, she has released few very good albums. I like this INXS song cover she did with Beck:

Mojito & sunglasses

The perfect party holiday song

Alone again

Loving this song from Mac Demarco's new album, Salad Days:

A bit of Soul Clap -->
Here -->
and I think we're all sorted!

YES to PJ Harvey!!!

No comment

A pretty intense video for a wonderful song. "Alternate World" by Son Lux.
It's dramatic but also disturbingly beautiful...

Aaliyah

Aaliyah by Banks

Aaaliyah by The Gossip

Which one do you prefer?

I got this lovely artwork from one of my favourite illustrator, Mr Bingo...
I'm on the look for a frame.

I will never get bored of this song...

Bringing back such great memories of London, 5 years ago even though the song has nothing in relation with this city.

Piece of my heart

This song from Aretha Franklin's sister Erma, was originally recorded in 1967.

In 1968, the song was covered by the Big Brother and the Holding Company alongside Janis Joplin and became a bigger hit. Which version do you prefer, the sweetness of Erma or the roughness of Janis?

dam dam daaam doo daam doo bee doo...

Love yesterday


Love today

The concept of dating. Do you get it?

Illustration by British artist David Shrigley. I like the honesty in his work and his amazing sense of humour. Also a bit of darkness mixed up with a naive drawing style.

crazy

Original song from Gnarls Barkley and reinterpreted by the amazing Alice Russell who will be playing two dates this Summer at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in Soho, London on the 25th and the 26th of July.

sweet dreams

Tame Impala + Michael Jackson

funky

fags

)

lust

)

French stuff

Catchy melodies, funny lyrics and a quirky sense of humour... Yelle:


La Femme:


Sexy Sushi:

Moule-bite

Got the Sunday blues? The "Cameo groove" will brighten up your evening!

Eagulls

I just discovered Eagulls, a band from Leeds, while reading this month's issue of Loud & Quiet, a free music magazine that I enjoy picking up at various shops in London (Flash Back in Essex Road or Beyond Retro in Soho): There's definitely some post-punk/Joy Division influence coming from these Northerners!

Sunday

I'm curing a triple hangover in the music shop, my brain is floating like a orphan ghost, my eyes are vaguely browsing the shelves, my fingers are lost between A and Z, new arrivals, electro, folk, whatever, while the shop owner is throwing some ragga tunes that is soothing my headache.
Sometimes I buy music based from a purely aesthetic judgment. If I like the album cover I'd buy the CD. Most of the time I buy music because I've heard the name of the artist/band somewhere or because I know the songs already. This Sunday, I was lucky to find these little gems:

THE WHITEST BOY ALIVE - Dreams 2006
- Why did I buy this?

The mysterious drawings outside and inside the packaging (designed by Geof McFetridge) appealed to me and there were few songs from their 2nd album "Rules" that I already knew.
I've seen The Whitest Boy Alive couple of years ago in a music festival in Corsica called "Calvi on the Rocks" and they were very good. The Norwegian singer/guitarist, Erlend Øye is in another band - Kings of Convenience - that is worth checking out. I was glad to discover this album. There are some lovely songs including "Golden Cage"


GIRLS - "Father, Son, Holy Ghost" 2011
- Why did I buy this?

The name and the reviews on the sleeve tickled my curiosity. This band no longer exists as the lead singer, Chris Owens decided to start a solo career. It's a shame, this band is wonderful. I'm obsessed with this lovely song titled "Vomit".
It's a bit nostalgic, there's some kind of desperation in his voice. It starts slowly and ascends to a bigger, positive sound. The guitar and the drums accompany the lyrics perfectly:

This song "My Ma" is sweet:

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS

The Dum Dum Girls have released their 3rd new album "Too True" under Sub Pop Records. Dee Dee, the lead singer is somewhat a mix of Siouxsie:

and Karen O...

in some sort of paradise filled with highly fashionable leather jackets:

Kamil Czapiga

Amazingly detailed black and white tattoos by Kamil Czapiga:

An ecstatic experience

I'm obsessed with "Strange Pleasures" - the most recent album of Still Corners.
Still Corners is Tessa Murray and Greg Hughes, a duo from London which are signed under the indie label Sub Pop Records. I could describe their music as nostalgic and dreamy. They put you in a timeless, ethereal space and tickle your imagination with strong movie like visuals.
The album starts with "The trip" - I love the guitar on this one:

I also wanted to share the 4th track of the album which I found very sensual:

If you like Still Corners, I can recommend you Tame Impala:

And perhaps dream about your next holidays with Beach House. They also released two albums with Sub Pop Records. You can have a listen to "Zebra" from their critically acclaimed album "Teen Dreams":

Or explore a darker side with Chromatics:

Reminiscing your first love with Mazzy Star:

Wander in velvety dreams with the charismatic Anna Calvi:

Love

Vivons d'amour,
Amour toujours...
Alison Mosshart and Jack White make a great couple.
Whatever happens, stay classy.

Lorde of the ring

Lorde is a talented singer from New Zealand. She is only 18 years old and she has already won 2 Grammy awards. She can now retire...
I like this song:
and this one:

sex, drugs and rock'n'roll

RIP Marc Bolan...

I've got this picture in my mind (copyright - Alessandro Puccinelli) when I listen to this song from Nick Cave: