Pure tunes this time. Pure eargasms. Been awhile since I had a chance to surf the blogs and make some downloads, but damn, am I glad that I decided to today! Found some really solid songs.
The first are a series by The Knocks, a Manhatten-based duo who have made their fame from remixing various artists. They’ve been dropping solid tune after solid tune– a few of which that I’ve uploaded. A must download: their new single ‘Make It Better,’ it’s a really nice summery kind of tune, your feet will start moving to all the whistling and the catchy vocal melody, I guarantee. Also uploaded some of their other originals, aswell as some of the remixes that they’re famous.
This morning I discovered this tune called “Arnold Mastered’ by Luke Million (famous for working with The Swiss on their biggest hits). It was featured on the Flight Facilities mix that Alfie uploaded not too long ago, but I didn’t realize that it was a tune on its own. It’s sooo smooth, and hilarious. I’ve had it on repeat all day.
The only thing that made me stop playing that Arnold tune was this song titled ‘We’ll Be Fine’ by Subskrpt. This is my absolute favourite find today, you’ve got to listen to it. It has a fat beat underneath some chopped up vocals, a smooth synth-like sound, harmonies, and muchos more. “We’ll be fine, we’ll be fine, we’ll be fine, we’ll be fine, we’ll be fine,” Ah! I love it!
A few days ago we had a guest speaker at my school, an account planner named Simon Law, a man responsible for work such as Hewlett Packard’s “The Computer Is Personal Again” campaign. He was a great guy and preached about ‘good’ advertising versus ‘great’ advertising, the idea was that it was a tale where ‘good’ is the bad guy. Really inspiring stuff.
He showed us a variety of advertisements that exemplified ‘great,’ but one that I really enjoyed was a Nike SkateBoarding ad. I found it online and decided to post it here. I find this ad simply amazing, it embodies everything that a skater would cherish living the lifestyle– in short, they hit the mark with this advertisement. Also great about it? The track they used, titled ‘It Was a Good Day’ by Ice Cube (who also makes a cameo in the commercial with a variety of other celebrities). Such a smooth, chilled, rap song. It’s a must download, so I’ve uploaded it as well as the instrumental version (which is fantastic). Watch that vid and download the tune, why deny yourself a little taste of ‘greatness?’
I had this idea to do posts once in awhile featuring artists that we here at Unkitsch are big fans of, the idea is to take a trip down memory lane. So, without further adieu, I present the first ‘Unkitsch Uncovered,’ this weeks artists? None other than the Parisian duo: Justice.
Justice is composed of two French guys, Xavier de Rosnay and Gaspard Augé. I believe they started out as Graphic Designers, then went the musical route after the success they received from their first single. They took the electronic scene by storm with their remix of Simian Mobile Disco’s “Never Be Alone.” After acclaimed success and many awards, they released their first studio album in 2007, entitled “†” or better known as “Cross.” They are signed to my one of my favourite labels, Ed Banger Records (also famous for Busy P, Uffie, Breakbot, and more). After more awards they released a live album to coincide with their documentary, both titled “A Cross The Universe.” I saw them touring to promote this record and they were badass. Since then they’ve released various quality remixes, their own line of clothing, won even more awards, and much more. I attribute Justice to bringing electronic music to a new level, introducing the sound to a whole new generation of listeners. Like other French electronic musicians (coughDaftPunkcough), Justice made “electronic concerts” cool and hip– don’t believe me? Look at the Coachella line up a few years ago and then look at the lineup that was featured this year… Lots of DJs playing now, eh? In my opinion, you can thank Justice for that. They brought such a cool style and an ‘edge’ to electronic music and I’ll always be grateful for that. Here’s to hoping for some new material from them soon, I can only replay these old songs so many times, ya know?
Now lets get to the good stuff: Justice’s sound. I think they’re the ‘Heavy Metal’ of electronica, their sound is like a muscle car being ground up in a high-powered blender. At sometimes it almost hurts your ears, but it’s a good pain. I uploaded my favourite mix of theirs, Justice at Einslive Clubbing. This mix got me into mixes, listening to it gets me all nostalgic. Next up is my favourite track off of “Cross,” “Phantom Pt. II”- this song is the Justice sound. I’ve also uploaded some remixes, the first being Justice’s remix of MGMT’s “Electric Feel.” They did a better job with this song than MGMT did, it’s a must have in your library. Also is a remix of Death From Above 1979’s “Blood On Our Hands,” this is such a cool song, its got so many levels of electronicy bliss to it. Last, but certainly not least, is a MSTRKRFT remix of perhaps the most popular Justice song, “D.A.N.C.E.” If the buildup in this song doesn’t pump you up then I think you might be deaf…
Also thought I’d post some videos of Justice. They make great tunes but thanks to Ed Banger they also put out amazing music videos. The first is for their critically acclaimed “D.A.N.C.E” and I think it might be one of my all time favourite videos. So many cool designs in this one, if you love graphic design this is a must watch. The same goes for DVNO, which I’ve also posted, so many cool designs to make a badass music video (must watch for those who are interested in Type). The last video is the trailer for their documentary “A Cross The Universe.” I’ve watched this movie so many times, it’s packed full of entertainment and debauchery. Ah, good times… Goooood tiiiiimes. Enjoy!
Homeworkhomeworkhomework. I’ve got lots of it but for the past few hours ended up dicking around downloading patterns, brushes, and gradients for Photoshop… Although, I don’t feel like it has been a complete waste of time, considering some of these will help me do some future homeworks. In the end, I suppose it has been procrastination… Oh well, time to get to work now I suppose.
I’ve been working on a Typography assignment. My inspiration? Non-Format. Never heard of these guys? Well, two words: 1)BAD 2)ASS. They do the coolest work. Well, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself here. For those of you who have had your head in the sand: Non-Format is a company run by two dudes, Kjell Ekhorn (Norwegian) and Jon Forss (British), who have worked together since the year 2000. They have done a range of projects ranging from art direction all the way down to fashion and yes, even typography. You’ve probably seen their work in The Wire, that music magazine, as they have art directed it in the day. They are basically just really, really, really good graphic designers, in my opinion. Don’t take my word though, see for yourself and check out their site that I linked above.
So, I’ve had the visual inspiration for this assignment, and you can bet your asses that I’ve also had the musical inspiration. What have I been listening to inorder to design some kickass posters? None other than Mr. Etienne de Crécy. I’ve taken the liberty of uploading my favourite tune of his (that has been getting replayed over and over while I’ve been working on these posters), ‘Fast Track,’ aswell as a live version he did where he mashes that tune up with Camille’s ‘Someone Like You’ and Simian Mobile Disco’s ‘Never Be Alone.’ Amazing stuff. Also check out the video that I put up, which features ‘Fast Track’ and the amazing live set de Crécy toured around with (props to Alfie for originally showing me this, this set would make Daft Punk proud). SO COOL!
I know, I know… I’ve been saying it a lot recently: “this song is amazing,” or “the best thing you’ve heard so far,” and so on and so forth. But really, this post is a special one because there have been some amazing releases lately that I’ve just come across. So without further adieu, lemme get to it:
The first is new Cut Copy! I’ve been waiting for some new material by these guys for sometime now, and it seems my wish has been fulfilled. You can sign up for their mailing list and download their new release at their website, or I’ve uploaded it here. As well, I uploaded my aboslute favourite tune of theirs, ‘Hearts On Fire,’ from their album ‘In Ghost Colours.’ AMAZING ALBUM, get a hold of it! I’ve seen this Australian act live and it’s one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. They produce some quality tunes, so check it out. Judging by this new song, they are taking the next album in a refreshingly new direction. Have a look for yourself.
The second new material is Pacific! They just released a tune called ‘Venus Rising.’ It sounds pretty cool, the new direction they’re taking reminds me of something Data might’ve released. Following the trend, I’ve also uploaded my favourite tune of theirs from their album ‘Reveries.’ This was such a good album and this song was consistently played throughout my 2009/2010 (it is still getting played, it’s that great!). Check it.
And now the best for last: 1/2 of Aeroplane has released a mix. Stephen Fasano knows his tunes, and it shows with this new mix. Hands down, this is the best electronic mix that I’ve heard all year, and we here at Unkitsch love our mixes and know them well. 58 minutes that’ll make your ears cream themselves. Disco, Chill, Electro, House, etcetera– it’s all in this mix. Start the mix and let that first song take you for a ride and then try to turn it off afterwards, I dare you, it’ll be rather difficult. My favourite song that he used? A remix of The Chemical Brothers’ ‘Swoon’ by Lindstrom and Prins Thomas (I love these dudes). Swoon was featured on The Chemical Brothers’ new album that dropped this June, titled ‘Further.’ Get it. I’ve uploaded ‘Swoon,’ the Lindstrom and Prins Thomas Remix, as well as a Boys Noize remix. Swoon is so awesome (especially the Lindstrom Prins Thomas remix), definitely one of my top summer tunes for this year (if not THE top one). Also check the music video, it is really creative and looks sexy as hell. Check that shiiit!
So, my education over here started last Monday. One week has flown by and I’ve already learnt more than I expected to. On Friday I had a Typography class. When I first glanced over my schedule I was surprised to see a whole class devoted to Typography… I thought to myself, “how can we spend hours talking about fonts?” I’ve seen some pretty stellar Typographic work in my day, but didn’t know very much about the craft itself. Well, let me tell you, Typography is a fuckin’ science. And a complicated one at that! Contrast, Space, Harmony, Typeface, Typefamilies, Ligatures, Dichotics, OSFs, Leading, Kerning, PICA, 12x14.4/28, an em, and so on and so forth. No idea what I’m talking about? Neither do I (I’m working on it, okay!). I’m sure if there are any Typographers reading this they are probably laughing their asses off. Shit’s whack I tell you, hah. Don’t get me wrong though, Typography is interesting as hell and I encourage anyone intrigued with the ‘science’ to look into it.
As an introduction to Typography we watched a documentary called “Helvetica,” which dealt with the world-renown typefamily: Helvetica. It has always been my favourite font, there’s something so ‘perfect’ about it. It’s sexy, modern, and clean. I love it. The film interviews many who hold the same opinion and some who don’t. But it also explores Typography, as an art, a profession, and much more. It was a fantastic watch, I recommend it to anyone, whether you’re interested in design, typography, or are just looking for a great movie to watch. Viva la Helvetica!
All these classes has meant lots of homework, which subsequently means lots listening to music while I work! So, have I ever got a sick bunch of tunes for you all this time around. Slower songs first: I came across this tune “Beaman Park” by Collarbones. Haven’t heard of the artist before, but it reminds me of Toro Y Moi or Washed Out, has ‘glo-fi’ written all over it. Also uploaded that remix by Jens Lekman of Au Revoir Simone’s “Shadows.” Amazing song, download it.
Now onto the more ‘dancier’ beats here: “Oh No!” remixed by Grum. Awesome, it’s like some sort of 80’s dance tune featuring that great voice of Marina and the Diamonds. Oh no? Oh Yeah! I’ve uploaded a remix of Housse De Racket’s “Oh Yeah!” I love this song and the french lyrics that seem to drive it, Housse De Racket are a solid act. New Soulwax!!! Well, at least a remix… Not the greatest but I was honestly relieved to hear that signature ‘Soulwax sound’ once again. One of my favourite uploads this time is a Two Door Cinema Club remix of “What You Know” by Cassian. Two awesome acts collide to create a badass little tune, you must check it out. I also uploaded another remix of the same song, by LightsoverLA. I kind of prefer this remix more, they left that awesome guitar track as the main focus and it really does it for me. Have a listen for yourself and decide which you prefer on your own. New Shinichi Osawa album dropped at the end of June, titled SO2. Here’s my favourite from it (so far). True Shinichi fashion, if you’re a fan you’ll love this. Another favourite of mine lately is called “Bliss” by a new guy on the scene, Mix Chopin. Apparently he’s from Toronto, so nothing but love for this guy, he’s already making a fellow Torontonian proud (plus he’s using the name of my favourite classical artist– man after my own heart). “Bliss” has a fat bass line going ontop of a really funky beat driven song, it’s a must download, it has received many a-repeats. Last, but certaintly not least, is a remix of the Foals’ song “Miami” by Tim Fuchs featuring Flight Facilities. Flight Facilities have been superb lately, and this song is no different. When it gets to the half way point the song goes all piano driven (Flight Facilities influence, no doubt), certainly eargasmic material. But enough of my rambling– download the tunes and listen to them yourself.. Enjoy!
Yep, the title doesn’t lie. Here it is, the summer mix that’ll make your hot days muchos better: Jens Lekman’s “Summer in 3/4 Time Mix.” I just got ahold of this thing and it’s making me cream my pants, it’s a really nice mix, Jens didn’t let down. It opens with his awesome remix of Au Revoir Simone’s “Shadows” and really goes places after that. I got shivers when it kicked into the Morning Benders. I’m sure you’re intrigued now. Please, download!
Here’s what Jens had to say in regards to his mix:
“I got the opportunity to remix my favourite song from Au Revoir Simone’s beautiful album ‘Still Night, Still Light’ . While listening to the song I realised how nice it’d be to transform their straight 4/4 time synthpop into a whirlwind waltz or maybe a barcarole if you will. It took a long time to chop up all the syllables and the tiny tiny samples, but I think the result got the song into a whole swirling new direction. While making the remix, my mind started working in 3/4 and 6/8 time. I started looking around for tracks in that time signature to make a mix, I wasn’t intending to but I couldn’t help it. It was all a big swirl. After a while I heard it everywhere. In soul ballads, in polyrhythmical african pop, in old movies. In the ocean waves tumbling in against the shore, in the beat of a lovers heart. One two three, one two three…”
I’m back, and this time posting from my new home in Hamburg, Germany! Yep, that’s right, the first Unkitsch post from Deutschland! Even better, Tristan is here with me. He decided to pop on over for a visit since he has been backpacking Europe the past couple weeks. We’ve been getting some new experiences over here. Hopefully will translate into some great tunes for us to post, perhaps some new elements of design, and more. We’ve got our eyes peeled and ears open folks, dont’cha worry.
Our downtime mainly consists of us dubbing German movies and watching MTV Deutschland, hah. MTV… Yeah, I know, what a joke of a Television station nowadays. But to our surprise, we’ve heard some decent tunes on it, two of which I thought were worthy of posting. The first is off of the new Gorillaz album, “Plastic Beach.” This song is ridiculously chilled, great for those lazy summer days. The next tune is indie pop influenced, by some artist named Robert Francis. I really dig the chorus with his humming, definitely worth checking out.
Well, that’s all for now. Glad to be back. Oh… And… GO GERMANY! World Cup Champions of 2010? We shall soon find out (got my fingers crossed, in the meantime this Ghana game will have to do, looks like them and Uruguay are going to shootouts, dayum).
I know I’m like the UNKITSCH with the least posts but I hope that gems like the one I’m about to share with you right now will more than make up for my long absences. (Find the downloadable mp3 link at the end of the post!)
I was in a car in the sunshine when this crazy song by Yolanda Be Cool and D Cup got put on by the man on the radio… He loved it so much he played it AGAIN right after the song finished — clearly, that says something. This is a very refreshing turn for the old and tired techno vibes. And it’s just so quirky and cheerful! It’s so brazenly EUROtrash and proud to be just the way it is, how can you not like?
On another note, I’ve opened an online boutique on Etsy. If you’re into curious wearables like the rings I’ve made and pictured above, come and show me some love. Over and out.
June has thus far been a great month for new releases. This time I’ve got some new Aeroplane for you (yeah– that awesome duo from Brussels). Their single, “We Can’t Fly” is officialy coming out July 5th, but until then they’ve released an extended version of it (just to tide you over). What a fantastic song, it has some soulful vocals and a driving beat that makes you want to move. Let me tell you, these guys are something different. I am so excited for their album which should be hitting this year, so look out! Have also uploaded another original of theirs (from their EP “Pacific Air Race”), as well as a remix they did of a Grace Jones song (yep– sounds as good as you’re thinking) and a killer David Rubato remix by the duo (amazing tune, you’ve got to check it out). Electro at its finest.
Did some research too. It would appear that Aeroplane is signed to Eskimo Recordings. Other artists on that label: Low Motion Disco (Aeroplane remixes them, some fantastic music going on there), Kathy Diamond, Headman, Prins Thomas, Sébastien Tellier, Tiga, Hercules & Love Affair, and many more. I had no idea Eskimo was such an amazing label, they’ve gotten their hands on some of today’s best talent. I want some Tellier and Aeroplane collaboration going on! Would appear that Aeroplane is on tour in America too, here are the dates:
Downloads:
We Can’t Fly (Extended Drums Mix) — Aeroplane ( taken down due to request)
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