Bearhug

Bearhug (formerly Skeletal Explosive...how long does it take to shake the whole "formerly" thing? Maybe they could think about incorporating it in to their name ala Prince) are doing some big things. Firstly they're playing all around Sydney at venues like the Beresford and the Burdekin (and all other places starting with B.....). Secondly, and even more excitingly they are lucky track number 7 on the recently released Spunk Singles album with other great artists like Megastick Fanfare, Leader Cheetah and Seekae. This compilation is most definitely a great place to find some massively awesome emerging Australian artists, of which Bearhug is a shining example.

Bearhug-Snow Leopard (zshare)

Where the Wild Things Are

It seems it would almost be sacrilegious not to mention the release of the Where the Wild Things Are trailer. I think we have a new definition for cult classic on our hands. Directed by Spike Jonze and given the Jim Henson muppet touch it is an adaptation of the much loved children's book that follows Max's imaginary journy into the land of Wild Things. Whilst I'm not quite as psyched for this as some other very over-excited people, I am looking forward to a walk down memory lane and think its awesome a whole new generation will be exposed to this adventure. Putting Arcade Fire Wake Up on the trailer also helped me get excited just that little bit more.

Seekae + Teenagers in Tokyo = Sydney Delight!

You could look at bands as being products, each competing against one another to get you to see them, buy them and like them. If this is the case then I would suggest that Seekae has done a very good job at branding their product with a sound that is so clearly their own. Here we have these emerging Gods of electronica remixing fellow Sydney siders Teenagers In Tokyo. Whilst I think the track works, I also think it sounds a little bit like an awkward mash-up. Maybe if I wasn't so in love with these acts individually, I wouldn't be so fond of this remix. Make sense?

Anyway Teenagers in Tokyo have ventured of to the UK to finally lay down a debut, which I am sure will be awesome. Hype, hype, hype.

Teenagers In Tokyo-End It Tonight (Seekae Remix)

Words Keep Talking

A nice little tune from Minneapolis based duo UltraChorus. It's gotta strong crisp beat and smooth vocals (courtesy of auto-tune?). I like this a lot and It is out on 7" so go get.

The boys have also done a remix of the first Phoenix single 1901 (check out the original here). I'm less a fan of this one with its imitation 90s trance vibe. I would expect that the remix is more of a platform to gain attention for UltraChorus, rather than a serious effort.

UltraChorus-Words Keep Talking (REMOVED)

Phoenix-1901 (UltraChorus Remix) (mp3)

Mr. Ed Guest Blog-Yeah Yeah Yeahs

The long awaited 3rd album from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is just around the corner, and although I was initially disappointed after hearing some of the new material, it has already started to grow on me. What is obvious after listening to some of the new tracks is that while the original YYY’s sound is still there, several songs feature prominent synth parts (Heads Will Roll, Zero), and as a whole It's Blitz! is more dance/pop orientated than their previous releases.

The new single Zero I found thoroughly unimpressive, possibly because it may just be too different to what I have some to expect from them. However, not every track sees them stray too far from their origins and songs such as Dull Life and Shame and Fortune prove that they are still more than capable of writing faster paced punk rock songs. What I am yet to hear however, is the one really addictive track that is usually included on each album i.e. Maps from Fever to Tell, and Cheated Hearts from Show Your Bones.

One other odd thing I can’t help but mentioning is that the intro to Heads Will Roll has a bizarre resemblance to Everybody (Backstreets Back) by none other than the Backstreet Boys.

Like all other YYY releases, It's Blitz! is produced by Dave Sitek (among others), and follows my rule that if he has had anything to do with something, then it is probably worth listening to i.e. Foals, Telepathe, TVOTR ect… Mr Ed.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Dull Life (REMOVED)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs Myspace

Phoenix United was released 9 years ago. It really really is an amazing set of tunes that I have not yet got sick of, and whose tracks will probably always appear on my mix CDs. These upbeat indie-pop Frenchies have made two other studio albums since, but their debut made such an impact that I still know a bunch of people who think "Phoenix United" is the best band ever. Enough said.

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is the newest album due out on May 25. The first single 1901 is available for download from the Phoenix site and is a pretty cool sound. As on the past two releases, the gentle harmonies and laid back Summer afternoon beats of United have been replaced by distorted guitar and hyper keys. But different is not bad....it's just different. And this is quite the boppy little tune.

Pheonix-1901 (zshare)

Pheonix Myspace

Sleepyhead

Another track that has been zooming round for a while. Haven't heard a cuter melody in ages. A friend put me on to it a month or so a go, and just like pregnant ladies it keeps popping up everywhere now! Passion Pit are a dance-pop crew out of Massachusetts who released their first EP in September of 2008. Apparently, the tracks on this CD were originally intended as a Valentines gift from "front man" Michael Angelakos to his girl friend. But after a few people at his college caught a listen...the rest is history and here I am in Sydney listening every day. Sweet story, true or not!

Anyway, stay tuned as they have just finished their debut studio album which should be out in a couple of months.

Passion Pit-Sleepyhead (zshare)

Passion Pit Myspace