CHECK THE AVAILABILITY

Slow Moving Millie

2009-08-22T19:55:00.005+01:00

Commercials have done favours for more musicians than you can shake your proverbial stick at. For a long time now I've considered such broadcasts to be a conduit for some great music; case in point, the latest Virgin Media advert that features Beasts by London (via Liverpool) based songstress Slow Moving Millie. Really, it's a great piece of emotive music but what's weird is that when I purchased it off itunes, the track is named Beasts (From the Virgin Media Advert). It's the same on Play.com. And Spotify. I get the distinct feeling that the record company is pinning all its hopes on this bit of publicity spring boarding Miss Moving Millie into the limelight.

Hockey

2009-08-19T21:52:00.008+01:00

Can we not beat around the bush. Hockey? There great, right? And that fact that their drummer has chosen (or maybe not) to model himself on Derek Smalls of Spinal Tap fame is an occurance that makes them all the more alluring. You just know Pitchfork's will find them repulsive, which riles me, though will not stop me catching them when the come to town (Liverpool town) the middle of next month. The above video is for the track Song Away, taken from the forthcoming album Mind Chaos which can be pre-ordered HERE.

MP3: Hockey - Too Fake DOWNLOAD

Time-Out

2009-04-20T16:33:00.003+01:00

I've gotten a little behind on various bits of university work hence the neglected blog. Once I get back on track, I'll be back with bells on. Apologies. Until then...

This Is Not A fire Release

2009-03-15T22:11:00.010Z

October saw Check The Availability introduced you to the tropical sounds of My Tiger My Timing. If you liked what you heard then, you'll be pleased to hear this London foursome have anounced the release of a souped version (Andy Spence of NYPC had a hand in recording) of their signature tune, This Is Not A Fire, through Silver Machine Music on April 6TH. There don't seem to be any plans to press up a 7", however the digital download will be backed by a Tronic Youth remix, together with a dubstep version coutersy of Sam Wire. In the meantime...

MP3: My Tiger My Timing - This Is Not A Fire (Django Django Remix) DOWNLOAD

UPDATE: I've been informed that This Is Not A Fire will get a 7" release. The date? 06/04/09.

No. 26

2009-03-02T14:04:00.005Z

"Setting a good example is a far better way to spread ideals than through force of arms" Sen. Ron Paul

.
MP3: Flowers Of Doom - Happiness DOWNLOAD
MP3: Peter, Bjorn And John - Lay It Down (Punks Jump Up Remix) DOWNLOAD
MP3: Red Blooded Women - Enjoy The Silence (Heads We Dance Remix) DOWNLOAD
MP3: Plants And Animals - Bye Bye Bye DOWNLOAD
MP3: Plump DJ's - Beat Myself Up (Don Diablo Re-rub) DOWNLOAD
MP3: Modeselektor -Suckerpin (Feadz Remix) DOWNLOAD
MP3: The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (Me Gusta Remix) DOWNLOAD
.
The Revolution.

Milke

2009-02-26T17:16:00.005Z

Milke definitely win the award for best Myspace header thingy-ma-gig. But that's a side issue, for this "impeccably coiffured" British based, Australian born duo, made up of Ra Khahn and Andrew Friendly, have achieved something so few accomplish in managing to seamlessly synthesize indie, electro and pop without a hint of cheese or pretense. Single, Love Get Out Of My Way, due out on 17TH March, is delivered as a taster of Milke's debut album, set for release sometime later this year.

Milke - Love Get Out Of My Way DOWNLOAD

New Phoenix Track

2009-02-24T19:01:00.008Z

It's funny, I've never really been that in to Phoenix. Odd, considering the bands pedigree; fulfilling the role of backing group for Air, not to mention the fact the bands guitarist, Larent Brancowitz, played with short lived retrospective super group, Darlin', which featured both members of Daft Punk!

Phoenix's new track, 1901, released in anticipation of the bands fourth studio album sometime in May, may require that I do something about my relative ignorance of the band's back catalogue. 1901 is a pleasure to listen to. A masterpiece of French indie-rock. The chunky keyboard buzz intro, the whirling synths and jangly guitar hook, make it (for me) this years Time To Pretend.

MP3: Phoenix - 1901 DOWNLOAD

MP3: Phoenix - Everythig Is Everything DOWNLOAD

Hometown Glory (CCC Remix)

2009-02-22T15:35:00.011Z

Here's the story behind the track (how very VH1):

"After meeting her at Heathrow Airport (we were on the same flight to NY. She was in first class and CCC was in no class) (That was supposed to be funny, so please Laugh!) it was LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! During the flight, her album, '19' was included in the 'on board entertainment. How cool is that!?!?!? You fly from London to NY and your album is available to all the passengers. Perfect time to show off. Very very cool!!! Anyway, 'Hometown glory' is simply amazing, and this is CCC's hommage to her beautiful voice."

So there you have it. Destiny? Fate? Luck? Whatever it was, s'nice when things come together, innit?

MP3: Adele - Hometown Glory (Chewy Chocolate Cookies Remix) DOWNLOAD

BMK

2009-02-20T21:25:00.007Z

If you have a thing for MSTRKRFT and the Nordic countries, then let me introduce you to BMK; Sweden's answer to the Ontarian duo. Known in their homeland as Blandmissbruk (a word which I'm told refers to the mixing of many nefarious habits at the same time), BMK are rumoured to be masterminded by members of the Swedish band, Division Of Laura Lee. They where brought to the attention of label Swedish Columbia via their notorious warehouse parties in the outskirts of Gothenberg. The label was impressed enough with their slightly murkier brand of electro-dance, that they whipped out the bands second single, We Don't Care, backed by a sweet Tanimura Midnight remix.

Get the record HERE for free.

MP3: BMK - We Don't Care DOWNLOAD

MP3: BMK - We Don't Care (Tanimura Midnight Remix) DOWNLOAD

Between The Bars

2009-02-17T15:37:00.004Z

I've become morbidly obsessed with Elliott Smith again; this track in particular :

MP3: Elliott Smith - Between The Bars DOWNLOAD

MP3: Elliott Smith - Between The Bars (Orchestral) DOWNLOAD

MP3: Metric - Between The Bars DOWNLOAD

MP3: Mutual Appreciation Society - Between The Bars DOWNLOAD

MP3: Madeleine Peyroux - Between The Bars DOWNLOAD

MP3: Chris Garneau -Between The Bars DOWNLOAD

MP3: Grant Buell -Between The Bars DOWNLOAD
MP3: The Vitamin String Quartet - Between The Bars DOWNLOAD

No. 25

2009-02-16T18:23:00.007Z

"We American's, we're simple people...but piss us off, and we'll bomb your cities" Robin Williams

MP3: Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy (Paul Epworth Version) DOWNLOAD

MP3: East 17 - It's Alright DOWNLOAD

MP3: Ladyhawke - Paris Is Burning (Alex Metric Remix) DOWNLOAD

MP3: Mike Keneally -Sisters (Steve Vai Cover) DOWNLOAD

MP3: Vitamin String Quartet - Viva La Vida (Coldplay Cover) DOWNLOAD

MP3: Sniper - Nique Le Pen DOWNLOAD

MP3: Don Henley - Dirty Laundry DOWNLOAD

The Evening Magazine

2009-02-14T18:33:00.008Z

Judging by the fact that it's early evening on 14TH February, and I'm writing up a blog post, you should have some indication as to my relationship status. And if you're reading this on said date, you're probably in the same position. I'll attempt to make this worth both our whiles.

Interestingly, Evening Magazine (founded by ex-BC Camplight man, David Disbrow) pushed forward the release date of their E.P., The Ride Across Lake Constance, from 26TH January, to sometime earlier in the month. I can only assume that demand was so high there were worries of rife copyright infringement. That's understandable, as this 'Philadelphian' nine-piece where pretty much the soundtrack to my December; a calming, delicate alternative to the frenzied activity of participating in a family Christmas. In making The Ride Across Lake Constance, Evening Magazine have made a genuinely accomplished record. While the diversity of sounds and instrumentation recalls the rich music of Arcade Fire, the sparse, understated production distances their music sufficiently from their northern friends. Buy the E.P. HERE.

MP3: Evening Standard - 18 Wheels DOWNLOAD

Help, I'm Alive (Acoustic Version)

2009-02-10T20:58:00.006Z

I posted Help, I'm Alive, back before Christmas. It's been on heavy rotation since, justifying my excited anticipation of the release of Metric's fourth studio album, Fantasies (due 14/04/09). Bridging the gap between then and now, The Band have kindly distributed an acoustic version of Help, I'm Alive via their website. Thanks guys. Dare I say I prefer this to the 'plugged' version:

MP3: Metric - Help, I'm Alive (Acoustic Version) DOWNLOAD

Adverts

2009-02-08T00:40:00.006Z

What in God's name is going on in world of commercials? First we had John Lydon of Sex Pistols fame dressed in stately home regalia flogging Country Life butter (whose sales, I hear, have risen considerably as a result). Following that, Iggy Pop stuffed the remnants of his dignity down the bog by advertising car insurance. Car insurance!!! And last night, I watched agog, as the latest Pantene shampoo advert was backed by a 'classical' version of Daft Punk's Aerodynamic, played by all round pain-in-the-arse Myleene Klass. Is nothing sacred?

MP3: Daft Punk - Aerodynamic DOWNLOAD

MP3: Daft Punk - Aerodynamic (DJ Dstar Remix) DOWNLOAD

New Year

2009-01-26T17:01:00.001Z

The dawn of a new year usually brings with it the hope that the coming 365 days will bring success and happiness. This year we've even had the inauguration of America's first black president, giving many individuals 'hope', which, putting my overbearing cynicism aside (I believe Obama is calling for extra troops in Afghanistan), I'm only too happy to buy into.

Unfortunately, the signs that my year will develop into something half-decent are not encouraging, hence the omission of any post lately. First, my ipod decides to go on the blink (I'm sure those things are built to last no longer that 18 months). Then I go and drop my N95 in the toilet (don't ask) and am now left with the most basic of phones and an addiction to Snake. To top it all of, my car, my beloved '92 Micra, gave up the day after I got it back from the garage where I'd just had its breaks fixed.

To my aid came Swedish duo, The Sound Of Arrows, whom delivered music's answer to Prozac via their track, M.A.G.I.C.. This peppy numbers opening gambit is to sing what must surly be the most encouraging lines of the year: 'Yesterday I had the longest dream/That the world was endless with possibilities'. That coupled with the optimistic melody of a chorus that sounds like it's been written for the Disney Channel, sung by kids, makes this tune a genuine underground pop classic.

TSOA are set to release their new record MAGIC on 28TH of this month through Labrador Records.

MP3: The Sound Of Arrows - M.A.G.I.C. DOWNLOAD

Heads We Dance - Computer Love (Kraftwerk Cover)

2009-01-12T15:28:00.006Z

In a shrewed move, Leeds based electro-pop outfit, Heads We Dance, have covered Kraftwerk's classic track, Computer Love, as part of the Buffet Libre DJ's Rewind2 Project. I say shrewd as I find it rather appropriate that a song about discovering romance through technology should get reworked by a band who sing about Love In A Digital Age.

All songs featured on the Rewind2 Project are available to download for free HERE.

MP3: Heads We Dance - Computer Love (Kraftwerk Cover) DOWNLOAD

And while we're on the subject:

MP3: Kraftwerk - Computer Love DOWNLOAD

MP3: Coldplay - Talk DOWNLOAD

Pocketknife

2008-12-31T16:56:00.010Z

New York producer and one half of the Flagrant Fowl imprint, Pocketknife, has been deftly remixing choice records since mid 2006. Artist's including Feist, Beirut and Adele have all had their music subtly beautified by the Brooklyn DJ, whose influences include the likes of Diplo, Grandmaster Flash and LCD Soundsystem. Knowing how much you all adore this chap, it is with great pleasure that I offer you his superb Loosefoot remix of Lykke Li's awesome track, Breaking It Up (Oh, I know, soooo 2008!) I do hope your NY celebration go according to plan.

MP3: Lykke Li -Breaking It Up (Pocketknife's Loosefoot Remix) DOWNLOAD
.

Happy Christmas

2008-12-25T16:33:00.004Z

From The Joy Formidable to me ^^. From me to you. Happy Christmas. Go on...open it:

MP3: The Joy Formidable - My Beerdrunk Soul Is Sadder Than A Hundred Dead Christmas Trees DOWNLOAD

No. 24

2008-12-24T17:32:00.005Z

"The rich are always advising the poor, but the poor seldom return the compliment". Sir Arthur Helps

MP3: Osborne - 16Th Stage DOWNLOAD
MP3: Tommy Sparks - I'm A Rope (Yuksek Rework) DOWNLOAD
MP3: Bitclipr - Discofreak DOWNLOAD
MP3: Tiga & Zyntherius - Sunglasses At Night (Black Devil Dub) DOWNLOAD
MP3: Kent - Vy Fraan Ett Luftslott (Punks Jump Up Remix) DOWNLOAD
MP3: System Of A Down - B.Y.O.B. DOWNLOAD
MP3: The New Standards - Such Great Heights (The Postal Service Cover) DOWNLOAD

Marina And The Diamonds

2008-12-21T15:45:00.014Z

If you're like me, then your itunes will be littered with accomplished female artists (could I sound more patronising?) like Feist, Ladyhawke and Lykke Li (among others). Now you can add to the list pint-sized songstress, Marina And The Diamonds, hailing from the valleys of Wales via Greece (or maybe that's Greece via Wales). Marina's sound seems ripe for chart success, following the breakthrough of other artists like Duffy and Adele, though she's as annoying as neither. That's not to say she won't make it on her own merit, not at all. Obsessions, Marina's incoming single, demonstrates the singers inclination for bouncy keys, brisk beats, and cutting lyrics ("Won't you quit your crying I can't sleep, one minute I'm a little sweet heart, and next minute you are an absolute creep") contrasted by drawn out chords and softly-softly vocals.

Obsessions is backed with the track Mowgli's Road and will be released via Neon Gold Records, through which the mighty Sleepyhead was unleashed. The single is limited to 500 copies, 250 of which will be made available to customers outside the U.S.. Head on over to Puregroove to per-order your copy.

MP3: Marina And The Diamonds - Obsessions DOWNLOAD

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Wallpaper Dio Remix)

2008-12-18T19:55:00.010Z

You know you're truly broke when you have to economise servery to be buy a record. In the case of Passion Pits debut 7", Sleepyhead, I didn't mind. Looking back, I think we can agree that Passion Pit provided us with one of the tunes of the year. November saw New York's Finger On The Pulse blog commence a remix competition for the track which saw Wallpaper. crowned the winner. This excellent remix wants to be the darker cousin of the original, with its unrushed tempo and thick, moody synths, lightened up with some neatly placed pitched-up sax.

MP3: Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Wallpaper. Dio Remix) DOWNLOAD

Two Door Cinema Club

2008-12-17T21:26:00.008Z

Hailing from County Down's seaside resort of Bangor comes Two Door Cinema Club. This drummer-less three-piece combine the frantic tendencies of Vampire Weekend with the smooth production of Death Cab For Cutie, culminating in a sound not to dissimilar to 2007 favourites, Goodbooks. Bursting at the seems with melodious guitar flourishes and vocal harmony, the band manage to create an indie sound with both pop and electronic overtones. Remarkably, they remain unsigned, but you do have to wonder for how much longer?

MP3: Two Door Cinema Club - Hands Off My Cash, Monty DOWNLOAD

The Ting Tings - Shut Up And Let It Snow

2008-12-17T20:44:00.007Z

Courtesy of Radio 1. The crazy cat speaking at the end is uber douche bag Chris Moyles. My apologies...

MP3: The Ting Tings - Shut Up And Let It Snow DOWNLOAD

Lord Skywave - I Am A Dead Man (Grovesnor Remix)

2008-12-17T18:30:00.007Z

One time Hot-Chiper, Grovesvnor (the moniker of one Rob Smoughton), produced a true gem of '08 with the deliciously over the top, Drive Your Car. Now, Grovesvnor has turned his hand to remixing the little known slide-project of former Simian, current Black Ghosts man, Simon Lord. A nice up-tempo slice of boogie-disco.

MP3: Lord Skywave - I Am A Dead Man (Grovesnor Remix) DOWNLOAD

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool

2008-12-15T21:02:00.006Z

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool are a band who will achieve success in 2009. This time next year, I'll smugly be uttering the words: "told you so". They have it all. They exude confidence, they've given up on their birth names, and they sport moustaches. Oh, and they make gloriously dingy disco tinged electro. Think The Human League on a downer. Enjoy.

MP3: Ou Est Le Swimning Pool - Dance The Way I Feel DOWNLOAD