Wax Tailor - "Que Sera" (Phonovisions Symphonic Version)

Wax Tailor is a French musician/producer, known to family and friends as Jean-Christophe Le Saoût. With a bit of history, dating back to 2001, and a few albums under his belt, along comes an ambitious project. One involving a live recording with a band and a 52 piece orchestra. Nothing that hasn't been done already, I admit - but this is an artist with music that features lots of samples, a la 'Public Service Broadcasting' and to a lesser degree 'The Avalanches'. Ambitious alright - but he pulls it off brilliantly! 27 tracks of pure bliss. "Que Sera" is possibly his best known song and a good starting point.

The Other(1972) Main Title - Music by Jerry Goldsmith

This is so self-indulgent but here it is anyway. I have just finished Thomas Tryon's novel 'The Other' and I'm kind of kicking myself for not reading it earlier, since I love the horror genre so much. It was a fascinating story with just about every little detail throughout, connecting in some way.... with surprises galore. This isn't a book blog so here is an interesting fact about the music from the movie adaptation, with the screenplay also written by Thomas Tryon. For some reason Jerry Goldsmith's score was heavily cut during the film's post production. So it wasn't until a 1997 re-release of the soundtrack for 'The Mephisto Waltz' that saw a 22 minute suite from 'The Other' tacked on.

Grimes - "Kill V. Maim"

Grimes released her new album 'Art Angels' recently and I anticipated a great album, due to the ranting and raving from the critics etc. But after listening to it, I couldn't stop ranting and raving myself. I'm hanging out for the vinyl version so I've been streaming it on Apple Music continuously. This album has become the soundtrack to the daily dog walk. There are some moments verging into pop music territory - but while her beats are so good and fresh, the song structure is still a little unconventional at times - so I'm guessing it would be a bridge too far for the commercial radio programmers. With so many good albums this year, this one still stands out. It has to be right up there with Courtney Barnett's album. "Kill V. Maim" has been explained a little like this.... Al Pacino from The Godfather Pt 2 era, travelling through space as a vampire and being able to change gender. Claire Boucher, aka Grimes, also did the album artwork - so there is no doubt whatsoever that she is a true artist.

Kate Tempest - "Bad Place For A Good Time"

Hip Hop, like every other music genre, is evolving as new artists add their style or idiosyncrasies. What started from the streets of New York and travelled across to the West Coast, eventually became commercialised. The gangsters took control of it again but by then it had basically become an international genre that crossed all races and languages. Some good and a hell of a lot was just bad. One such artist from the good side of the ledger is Kate Tempest. She could be the leader of the new generation that is coming from the streets, once again. But the streets are in London this time around.... and the most satisfying aspect from Kate Tempest is the poetry. No gangster bragging, or any other fucking bragging, which is getting a bit tired now. It's just great poetry and story telling from the perspective of the average person in a large city. "Bad Place For A Good Time" should convince you that the genre is in good hands.

Ladyhawke - "Paris Is Burning"

Maybe the best metaphor, for this blog, comes from our own Ladyhawke with "Paris Is Burning"



Eagles of Death Metal - "Complexity"



So cruel!

The Three Johns - "Nonsense Spews From My Song Machine"

"Nonsense Spews From My Song Machine" from The Three Johns is another nearly forgotten song from the 80's. It's from their album 'Death of Everything' released in 1988. The Three Johns featured Jon Langford from The Mekons, who continued with The Mekons after the demise of The Three Johns around 1990. These guys were very much the socialists in the era of Thatcherism, like many others - but they never seemed to get too serious while putting their message out there. "Nonsense Spews From My Song Machine" has that sound where post-punk was evolving into alternative rock - the synths were thrown out, the guitars were back out front, but the drum machine wasn't yet discarded.

Dirty Three - "Indian Love Song"

Here is another song from my favourite Dirty Three album, their self titled second album from 1995. We had previously posted another track "Better Go Home Now", which is as stunning as this one. Dirty Three are an Aussie instrumental band, and quite different from the typical instrumental band - if there is such a thing. They consist of a guitarist, a drummer and a violinist - but that's where the difference ends.... they are not some pretentious avant-garde jazz trio or even experimentalists - they are an indie rock band with a range of influences. Lots of distortion (mainly from the violin) and some Eastern melodies as well. "Indian Love Song" may be over ten minutes long but it still seems to end too soon. This is a 'must-own' album!!! Believe me.

Romantica - "How To Feel"

In 2009 Romantica played a few dates at Austin's SXSW festival, as they did most years. But this time they found themselves with a day to spare, after a recording session in Nashville fell through. So they decided to stay in Austin that day and attempt to write and record an album in one day. They not only achieved their goal, but by the sound of it, they had to have surpassed their expectations. The result is a great Alt Country album with an even better album title 'Control Alt Country Delete.' The track "How To Feel" has become one of the most played and one of the most loved songs on Bitter FM. Control Alt REPEAT!

Dean & Britta - "Forever"

Is this the greatest duet love song?
It was a rhetorical question - but after just listening to this song again, I'm actually going to answer it..... YES!

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - "Enola Gay"

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark released the single "Enola Gay" in 1980. It is now remembered as one of the great synth songs from the 80's. In fact the synth sound was so good it took care of the chorus by itself. However, as you all probably know, the theme of the song is quite different to the uplifting pop sound. The title itself is taken from the name of the B-29 bomber that dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Named by the pilot Colonel Paul Tibbets after his mother Enola Gay Tibbets.
It is as much an anti-war song as it is a protest song, I suspect. Margaret Thatcher had allowed US missiles to be stationed in the UK at the time and it may have also coincided with talk of the Smithsonian Institution putting the plane on display. Something that did eventually happen decades later at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Black Mountain - "Heart Of Snow"

Black Mountain are a band from Vancouver. They could be called a collective - due to all the other bands associated with the members (Lightning Dust is one of them, and one that has been featured on this blog). However, Black Mountain is the principal band of the members. The key members are Stephen McBean and Amber Webber. They are heavily influenced by the 70's heavy metal sound of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath - but there is so much more to this band... there's some Psychedelic and even some Velvet Underground going on. Black Mountain's self titled debut album was released in 2005 and I think "Heart of Snow" is the perfect introduction for anyone who hasn't crossed their path. It starts off acoustically and turns sharply into some prog-rock territory for a couple of moments. But it's Amber Webber's vocals that is the real highlight. I experienced her signature vibrato vocal style for the first time through this song and it was a revelation. I highly recommend her side project 'Lightning Dust' as well.

Noah Gundersen - "Jealous Love"

"Jealous Love" is from the new album 'Carry the Ghost' by Noah Gundersen. It is an emotional song with a video that takes that emotion to much greater heights. Proceed with caution.... NSFW if you don't want to be seen with a tear in your eye.

K.Flay - "Make Me Fade"

Kristine Flaherty, known as K. Flay, is an Illinois artist who seamlessly crosses over many genres. It's no surprise then to find out she has toured with Snoop Dog and Passion Pit - but being part of the 2014 Vans Warped Tour confirms her versatility musically. Her debut album 'Life as a Dog' was released in 2014 and was funded through PledgeMusic by her fans. The single "Make Me Fade" gives us a taste of her genre crossing credentials brilliantly, from hip-hop to R & B and electronica to indie. Wow!!

REDTRACK - "CATCH ME OUT"

This is for all those people who signed up to a certain website.

Skywatchers - "The Curious Village"

When the guys from the wonderful Sheffield band I Monster met fellow musician Kevin Pearce - Skywatchers were formed and it was a match made in heaven. I Monster are a fantastic electronica band with a special fondness for the past... their band name is taken from a 1971 horror starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, their label is 'Twins of Evil', presumedly named after the brilliant Hammer Horror movie from the early 70's, and they have plenty of songs about vampires etc. But it's also the music that borrows from the past - they use vintage instruments and all things analogue. So the addition of a real singer and a more pop style song structure made their album 'The Skywatchers Handbook' one of best albums of recent times... but criminally overlooked. With Skywatchers, I Monster haven't lost anything - and we have gained significantly.



I Monster with a variation named "The Plague Village"

The Phoenix Foundation - "Give Up Your Dreams"

"Give Up Your Dreams" is the title track of the new album by The Phoenix Foundation, only just released. This Wellington band have become an institution - with so many essential albums and even the solo albums from the many members have been solid. I've said it before with the 'Buffalo' album and I'll say it again with this album - this may be their best yet... their magnum opus. "Give Up Your Dreams" is a pessimist's anthem. With its hypnotic beat, you could even say groovy, to the cool vocals and pop surroundings - it sure picks you up and gives you a lift. But the message is clearly a different story. Maybe it's for the realists or just a message to the dreamers to tone down their dreams and aspirations a bit. But a song this good and humourous could never be negative in my book.

Madonna - "What It Feels Like For A Girl"

"What It Feels Like For A Girl" was from Madonna's last great album (IMHO) 'Music'.... I think she has had some moments since, but 'Music' was a truly great album. "What It Feels Like For A Girl" even has a sample from 'The Cement Garden' movie, featuring the voice of Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Back to the song and the album..... oh, the video has been muted, by the record company I presume, and because there is nothing else on youtube other than remixes etc. - I seem to be wasting my time. So I apologise to them for trying to promote their artist and I promise I won't do it again.
So let's carry on with 'The Cement Garden' instead. The film was an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Ian McEwan. Directed by Charlotte's uncle Andrew Birkin... so it is keeping it in the family in more than just subject matter. I haven't seen the film but have read the book. The novel is definitely not for everyone but if you love modern fiction and don't mind a story dealing with a taboo subject - this one is for you. Although, I haven't yet found an Ian McEwan novel that has disappointed me.



The Cement Garden trailer



Oh the irony!


I love the irony here. The video has been muted because it includes the Madonna audio track. But the reason it was even put here on youtube is because Madonna borrowed part of the original film's audio (legally) for her song. However, the copyright owner of the music has stopped us even hearing the original film audio they borrowed.... priceless!

She's So Rad - "Better Off On Your Own"

She's So Rad are an Auckland band who have recently released their second album 'Tango' and it's something quite special. It's been the go-to album since trialling the new Apple Music streaming service. She's So Rad are actually a duo featuring Jeremy Toy and Anji Sami (Anji is also a member of The Sami Sisters). The album is a mixture of 80's synth, Swervedriver, 90's Alt rock and a bit of something from the current indie music scene. The opener, and earlier single, "Levels" is a catchy indie/pop song that has constantly been on Bitter FM playlists from the day it arrived on the Kiwi Hit Disc. On "Better Off On Your Own" they bring the 80's synth sound to the fore. Jeremy Toy and Anji Sami have both been making music for a while now - but I honestly think they bring out the best in each other creatively as a duo.

Jamie xx - "Loud Places" (ft Romy)

There is no doubt that the new album from Jamie xx is anything but excellent, but for me it's the guest appearances from fellow 'The xx' band members that got me interested. "Loud Places" featuring Romy on vocals is like a little gift while we wait for their new album.

Northern State - "Trinity"

Northern State are a trio of white rappers from New York.... sound familiar? Well not quite, but these ladies may have only known of one rap band when they started and that would be the Beastie Boys. "Trinity" is from their debut album 'Dying in Stereo' from 2002. They formed in the 90's as a joke, not even taking themselves seriously - but we've heard the same story since the start of popular music and like many of those other stories - Northern State found an appreciative audience.... and like the Beasties, their fans were more than likely from the indie rock side of the music genre ledger.

The Myrrors - "Juanito Laguna"

The Myrrors, from Tucson, have finally released their second album about eight years after they released their debut. The new album 'Arena Negra' is a slow moving, yet exhilarating listening experience. "Juanito Laguna" has a hypnotic bass line and a gothic drone that gets into your head. Their music is sometimes labelled desert-rock, but this is the desert in complete darkness.

Rose Windows - "Wartime Lovers"

The debut album 'The Sun Dogs' from Rose Windows was one of my purchases at the Re-Spin record fair on Saturday, a local bi-monthly record fair. Seattle based Rose Windows are an interesting six piece band with traditional instrumentation and not a laptop in sight. Singer Rabia Shaheen Qazi can belt out a number like Grace Slick or tone it down beautifully, as she does here on "Wartime Lovers". It was no surprise to find out that the album was produced by Randall Dunn from the band 'Earth' because of the similar indie/metal elements throughout. Throw in some traditional folk, folk rock, psychedelic rock, Indian and Persian styles, usually blended, and the result is something quite uniquely gorgeous. Thanks Re-Spin.

"Pop Music Masterclass"

Today we have a mixture of music and pop song analysis or deconstruction. The analysis is very interesting so I hope you stick with me.

Part 1/Lesson 1.
Chilly Gonzales' "Pop Music Masterclass" featuring Lykke Li's "No Rest For The Wicked"

The musical genius we know as Chilly Gonzales explains the song structure of various pop songs in a series called "Pop Music Masterclass", which can be found on his website, Vimeo or Youtube. Lykke Li's "No Rest For The Wicked" is the subject of our first lesson.



Part 2/Song 1.
Lykke Li - No Rest For The Wicked



Part 3/song 2.
Chilly Gonzales - "Greens Leaves"

Chilly Gonzales' new album 'Chambers' is a collaboration with the Kaiser Quartett. It is piano and chamber music - just think of "Rain" by Ryuichi Sakamoto and that should put you at ease. Bitter FM's introduction to Canadian born Chilly Gonzales was a duet with Peaches which we first playlisted many years back. His musical career has been very eclectic and it is very clear why he is regarded as a musical genius. "Greens Leaves" is from the 'Chambers' album.



Part 4/Lesson 2.
Back to class. This time it's for a deconstruction of "Greens Leaves" and chamber music in general.

Lady Lamb - "Billions of Eyes"

Lady Lamb aka Lady Lamb the Beekeeper aka (real name) Aly Spaltro is a young artist from Brunswick, USA. Her recently released second album 'After' became sought after when I first heard "Billions of Eyes". The need for this album took me back to another era. It didn't seem to be available on iTunes or anywhere else digitally here in New Zealand - so just like the old days, I ordered it from the local record shop (MyMusic in this case) and it was ordered in from the USA and delivered in a week or so.... the music buying equivalent to sending a fax. But one I will use more often, particularly now that they sell heaps of vinyl. "Billions of Eyes" has so many things going on to like. It's catchy but definitely not over produced and the lyrics have something new to take in after every listen. One example "I check my phone for the time - but I still wear a watch" is something that probably resonates with so many of us.

A couple of El Goodo's

1, El Goodo (the band).
El Goodo are a Welsh band who shamelessly delve into the music of the past but not to the point where they are a mere tribute act.Their styles range from psychedelic rock to 60's pop or power pop to garage rock. There are some current influences but they predominantly go back to the 60's. "Be My Girl" is a mixture of the two latter mentioned styles. There is also a bit of 'Big Star' in there... but not just in sound.



2, The Ballad of El Goodo (the song).
"The Ballad of El Goodo" comes from Big Star's debut album '#1 Record' released in 1972. The Power-Pop band from Memphis featured Alex Chilton and Chris Bell and the critics were expecting them to be huge. As we all know, they weren't, and their record company 'Stax' should take some of the blame, due to lack of promotion and the distribution wasn't any better. "The Ballad of El Goodo" starts off like the Beatles and then goes into Raspberries territory. You can hear where 'The Jayhawks' and the like, got their influences from.

Nina Simone - "Baltimore"

I found my copy of Nina Simone's 'Baltimore' CD last week... so as expected, it was imported and I added the title track to current playlists. Yes, great album from a great artist. Suddenly Baltimore (the city) is all over the news. I don't want to trivialise the riots in Baltimore or disrespect the family of Freddie Gray - I'm simply stating the coincidence of finding a CD that's probably been in my possession for 20 years and finally giving it the respect it deserves.... on the eve of the riots.

The Adverts - "Gary Gilmore's Eyes"

"Gary Gilmore's Eyes" by The Adverts is a true classic punk song. Released in 1977... the defining year of the punk movement. There is no doubt about punk being the savior of music when it was much needed and the Adverts were an important part of that, while possibly not remembered for it so much today. They had so much energy and they also liked to poke fun at themselves as well as what was going on around them. "One Chord Wonders" and "Bored Teenagers" are a couple of examples. If you had to pick only one song from their arsenal - it would have to be "Gary Gilmore's Eyes" for sure. "Gary Gilmore's Eyes" is about the American murderer, Gary Gilmore, who was executed the same year of this release. Gilmore had requested that his eyes be donated to science after his execution... stating that they would probably be the only body part of use. So the point of view* taken in the song is from the recipient of the eyes after a transplant. Proof that punk was more than a 'fuck you' to the establishment.
Where is the "Gary Gilmore's Eyes" movie? Come on Peter Jackson.... the soundtrack is already written for you.




* Pun intended.

Melanie De Biasio - "I'm Gonna Leave You"

Melanie De Biasio is my latest discovery that I can't get enough of. The Belgian jazz chanteuse released her second album 'No Deal' last year - but it is more of a recent discovery for me and I can't stop playing it. I love jazz, admittedly in smallish doses, but this one takes me to the other end of the ledger. I was originally hoping to get the vinyl version for Record Store Day, which is this Saturday, but I can't find it anywhere online in New Zealand and I'm too impatient to order it from Europe.... so an iTunes download did the trick. "No Deal' is a must for all fans of Billie Holliday, Nina Simone, Portishead, Velvet Underground and Nico, Angelo Badalamenti (Twin Peaks), Talk Talk, Jeff Buckley... I could go on forever and there still wouldn't be an uninteresting artist listed. The album is dark, sparse and haunting throughout its thirty something minutes. "I'm Gonna Leave You" is a stunning Nina Simone cover. I don't want this to be my obsession alone....

Emily & the Complexes - "You Won't"

On the song "You Won't" by Emily & the Complexes, you hear about a strained relationship or more so, a relationship that is just plodding along. She appears frustrated by his nonchalant attitude.... but whether it adds to her frustration or actually comforts her, she knows he won't leave.
Before I go on, there is something that needs to be explained - it isn't Emily singing from her heart, in fact there isn't an Emily in the band at all. Emily & the Complexes are four guys based in Columbus, led by Tyler Verhagen. Tyler tells the story from a female's perspective. It is quite convincing too, because he fooled me.
"You Won't" is from their 'Dirty Southern Love' EP from 2014. At only $5, you have to download this.... but she says "You Won't".

Ya No Solo - "Last Chance" featuring Rebecca O'Brien

Ya No Solo is a Sydney based musician/producer named Tim Hempton. Like a lot of his peers, a guest vocalist is always on hand. With "Last Chance" he has succeeded, firstly with a great vocalist in Rebecca O'Brien, and secondly, a great song that is catchy... but without cheese. Eureka!

The Shaky Hands - "We Are Young"

The Shaky Hands are much more than just a cool band name. This Portland band are hard to label - there is an obvious indie swagger but delve a bit deeper and you will find some old rock and folk influences. On "We Are Young" I can even hear some reference to the Flying Nun bands of the 80's.... although, it may be coincidence over influence. "We Are Young" is the type of song that may not make an impression straight away, but add it to a playlist and I'm sure you will soon be hooked.

Steriogram - "Walkie Talkie Man"

I was lucky enough to be at the NZ vs Australia world cup cricket match at Eden park on Saturday - the atmosphere was amazing and the cricket surpassed expectations. It was easily the best game I've been to. It went from excitement, to nail-biting tension, and ending back with excitement, at a level that was nothing short of fever pitch. Anyway, the Steriogram connection is this.... if you've been to any cricket matches lately, or any sporting event at a stadium, you'll know that they play music at every stoppage. I don't have a problem with that at all, although the music is usually predictable, it still adds something to the occasion. The unexpected surprise was Steriogram's "Walkie Talkie Man", which I had kind of forgotten about. I couldn't have been reminded about this song at a better time, as those Aussie wickets were tumbling. Howzat!

SBTRKT ft. Little Dragon - Wildfire (RMX ft. Drake)

Little Dragon is the reason I found this song from SBTRKT. It is the perfect combination of indie and electronica. It begs the question "why isn't Little Dragon featured more as a guest vocalist?" As much as I love the collaboration, I never expected a further collaboration, or an improvement. The Remix featuring Drake is exactly that.



The original (pre-remix)

St. Vincent - "Digital Witness"

Most of the critics have rated all St Vincent's four albums but they lauded her fourth (self-titled) album with an overwhelming consensus. And I have to agree with every one of them. She never fails to surprise us with her quirky song structure, her revealing and sometimes humourous lyrics and brilliant guitar playing. An album that deserves to be played right through... no compromises.

Twerps - "I Don't Mind"

Someone recommended I check out this band called 'The Twerps' so I spotified them and couldn't believe my ears. I knew they were Aussies and that was the biggest surprise while listening. The reason was this... I thought I was listening to a Flying Nun compilation album. It turns out that is where they get their inspiration and they earn all the respect from the label in return. They are a combination of The Clean, The Verlaines and The Bats (in fact, you can add The Chills to the list). There is a sporting rivalry between us in New Zealand and the Aussies across the ditch, however, we have a mutual respect when it comes to music. I'm loving so much from over there at present (Courtney Barnett being the obvious favourite) and it's great to know there is an Aussie band that proudly reproduces the sound of our greatest indie label. The Twerps are proof that the Aussies are cool. Oh, one exception, their cricket team. Any non-Australian cricket fan will know exactly what I mean.

Courtney Barnett - "Pedestrian At Best"

Courtney Barnett has just released a new single "Pedestrian At Best", which is also a taste of what to expect from her forthcoming album 'Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit' to be released in late March. "Pedestrian At Best" has all the hallmarks we have loved about Courtney Barnett from the first time we heard her, the smart and funny lyrics, the wry delivery in her Aussie drawl, and the powerful music that accompanies all of that. Nothing short of pure magic. A much anticipated album - so until the album is released, sometimes I will sit and think about it, and sometimes I will just sit.

Hamell On Trial - "Don't Kill"

Hamell On Trial is Ed Hamell with his thrashed acoustic guitar. A genre is something that he defies, although most people would probably settle with the 'Folk-Punk' hybrid... after considering rant n' roll, speed-folk or any other combinations. He also comes across like a musical Bill Hicks or even Lenny Bruce - in Lenny's case, he has a similar laugh to rant ratio. I've already posted his "John Lennon" song on this blog but here is one that could be the closest thing to a pop song he has ever recorded. "Don't Kill" is a message from above that is far too clever to be preachy.

The Smiths - "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish"

Apart from my obvious love of The Smiths, they also have a song I can use as my apology letter, probably to myself more than anyone else. Literally, "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish" with this so-called daily song blog. So instead of taking the 'daily' from the sub title, I will eventually get my act together. In February we should be back to sharing some of the newly added Bitter FM playlist songs and some of the regular gems.... on a daily basis.

Ultra Orange & Emmanuelle - "Sing Sing"

This song from Ultra Orange and Emmanuelle (Seigner) ticks so many boxes for me - I'll go through the list.

Speak singing - a la Black Box Recorder
Indie twee - see above, again
French chanteuses
The Velvet Underground and Nico
Serge Gainsbourg
Roman Polanski movies featuring Emmanuelle Seigner
Let's just say all Roman Polanski movies, period
Mazzy Star

There are plenty more, but this will do for now....

Happy New Year!