BOOKS:

tree of codes – by jonathan safran foer

the adventures of grandmaster flash – by grandmaster flash and david ritz

it chooses you - by miranda july

FILMS:

synechdoche, new york – written and directed by charlie kaufman

the future –  written and directed by miranda july

beginners – written and directed by mike mills

MUSIC:

homeland - by laurie anderson

ivory tower - by chilly gonzales

world of echo – by arthur russell

Peter Broderick has released his new album ‘http://www.itstartshear.com‘ on Bella Union today!!!

Delayed by a recurring knee injury and distracted by numerous side projects & collaborations, ‘http://www.itstartshear.com‘ has been three years in the making and you can watch Peter perform a selection of songs from this wonderful record over at his website, which will act as an interactive liner note with further details of all the songs on this album… Check it out…

1 song, 1 book, 1 album, 1 movie, 1 band:

EMA – “California”

I have a deep love for California.  Its home to me, and it really is an incredibly unique place.  Most people in Europe think of California as LA, but that is only a small fraction of the place.  From the deserts of Death Valley, to the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains, to San Francisco, to the amazing-ness of Big Sur, its an insanely diverse and spectacular place.  However (like pretty much everywhere) it really can feel awful sometimes, and I am very glad that there is now a powerful anti-California song that really disproves EMA’s point.  In no way did California make her boring, because in no way is EMA boring.

Jonathan Franzen’s  - ‘Freedom’

I have never read a book so quickly as this.  And its not a very short book.  This ode to America, and our crazy (but also I think – endearing) concepts of “freedom” is pure literary perfection.  I see my family in those characters, the internal struggle of environmentalists, the incredible struggle and relationships the characters go through is unbelievably moving and raw.

Kurt Vile – Smoke Ring for my Halo

My favourite album of this year so far.  I never want to turn it off.  As soon as the final notes of “Ghost Town” are over, I’m ready for “Baby’s Arms” again.  The most amazing thing to me about the record is the completely consistent vibe.  The arrangements are actually pretty diverse and inventive, but the vibe is always the same.  The beautiful and almost resigned tone of his vocal is just so beautiful.

Wasteland

This documentary film was one of the most intense cinema experiences I have ever  experienced.  I saw it in a small theater in Brooklyn with my girlfriend this winter, and neither of us could really talk afterwards.  It’s affecting in a way that stays with you for a long time.  It makes you really want to DO something.  It’s depressing for sure, but it also provides hope at the end of the tunnel.

Papercuts

One of my all-time favorite bands.  Album after album, Jason Quever continues to amaze me with his songs.  Their latest record “Fading Parade” is their best ever, and it’s one of the few bands out their whose consistency doesn’t impede on their ability to adapt and change, while remaining true to their vision.  This band sounds like San Francisco in the best possible way.

WATERS release their debut single ‘For the One’ on September 12th, and you can stream it below.

http://www.cityslang.com/
WATERS – For The One by cityslang

Jake Orrall’s recommendations -

Been really diggin’ on GLASS CANDY for a few months now.  There is no time of day or night where it is inappropriate to listen to GLASS CANDY.

http://youtu.be/T1rcdPCuWcI

I highly recommend this song.  The music video looks like clips from a bad soap opera.  Bardeux – when we kiss

http://youtu.be/YscwrO23hkc

Im a huge Dam Funk fan, this track is amazing and im glad theres a music vid for it.

http://youtu.be/Fcdpi16NfrY

Couldn’t find a vid for this one, one of my fav songs by Kleeer.  Sounds like hes saying “internet connection” which is awesome.

http://youtu.be/a35FIM3mRFA

Juiceboxxx is another one of my fave artists of this generation.  This vid is a classic. Especially the sexy cheeseburger eating part.

http://youtu.be/IzVIWu7HV64

Another of the coolest artists of this generation, Big Freedia from New Orleans.  So wicked. Whats up Rusty!!!!

http://youtu.be/2iTc2vtjxXk

NEW ALBUM ‘We Are Champions’ COMING 21st JUNE!!!! MORE DETAILS HERE

We all recommend – Bastille

Intelligent pop, hints of electro and great lyrics. Bastille are fast becoming the most covered band you haven’t heard of.

Jon recommends – Professor Penguin

Professor Penguin is the project of Jonny Abraham and his band, comprised of guitars, percussion and a hefty brass section. They mix beautiful melodies and orchestration with finely crafted songs. Well worth checking out.

Ralph recommends – Being 747′s

The Being 747′s perform a rock show called amoeba to zebra, with costume changes, light shows and accompanying animation they tell the story of mans evolution. Quite a bizarre act but if you get the chance to see them you wont be disappointed.

Ben recommends – Tune-Yards

Been listening to their new record loads. It’s difficult to sum up in a paragraph what’s so great about it. Instrumentally it’s fairly minimal most of the tracks are drums and bass led and there’s bits of guitar, horns and synth in there. The arrangements are difficult to
latch on to, the production is harsh and sometimes grating and harmonically you could probably call this a jazz record. It’s a
challenging sound but vocally and lyrically it is compelling enough to make you want to keep listening. One minute her voice is
wailing/layered/looped/distorted but the next she’s singing a soft lullaby. It’s so versatile and there’s some great pop hooks. It’s also
pretty twisted lyrically. It’s bonkers and joyous.

Ian recommends – Bridgette Amofah

This girl has been around few years but hasn’t hit it big as far as I’m aware. We saw her sing last year with a frantic rock backing band (most of her other stuff seems quite soulful) and it was absolutely incredible. She had a huge voice, was immensely sexy and scary to watch and commanded the stage like few people I’ve ever seen live. For want of a better word, it was… electrifying! She also sings with klezmer dance group Oi Va Voi who are well worth a watch. She’s performing at the Hoxton Bar and Kitchen on 3rd May so get yerselves down.

Josh recommends – Death Ray Trebuchet

Madcap jazz-ska-samba with gang vocals and limitless energy.”

To Kill A King’s debut single ‘Fictional State’ is out on Monday (30th May) and they’re playing a single launch party at The Social on Tuesday 31st May – NOW SOLD OUT.

http://www.myspace.com/tokillakinguk

To Kill A King – “Fictional State” by To Kill A King

Religious Experience (singing a song in the morning) by kevin Ayers/Syd barrett
Love this track its of the joy of the toy record , uncle syd on backing vocals.

Part Two by Leo Kottke
12 string slide guitar at its best, our bass player stuart turned us onto him, forever a source of good tunes

Witchi Tai to by Harpers Bizzare
We listened to this loads out in la when we were doing the record, beautiful jibberish nonsense ,or maybe not .

Never My Love by The Association
A lovely love song . There’s a few versions of this knocking around, listen out for the one with the most beautiful drum sound ever.

Only Waiting (album version) by The Aliens
don’t drive while listening to this song , by the end of the track the hair on the back of your neck will stand on end and you ll want to plough nto the nearest tree.

A Woman’s Story by Cher/Phil Spector
Spector did this in 1975 with cher. bit of a rarity i think, and one of his best. wonderful tempo and backing vocals

Cashier No.9
http://cashierno9.com/

Cashier No.9 will be playing -

LONDON - Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen (£7.50) Wednesday 22 June

Pre Order ‘To The Death Of Fun’ from Bella Union here

Skip Spence — Diana

One of the most beautiful songs I know.

Hole — Old Age

The “sperm and eggs” version.  Know KC wrote the music but the lyrics here are def good vintage Courtney.  Consider it a collaboration?

ACRE

love this guy so much I stole him for my band.

Lil Wayne – 6 foot 7 foot

Missed ya.

Hukwe Zawose

One of the coolest sounding records ever!!!

George Thorogood — Ride On Josephine

From his 1977 debut on Rounder.  I named my guitar after this song and hope to do the same for my first born child.

EMA’s new album is OUT NOW….. Check out details here

UK shows here -

11 May London The Macbeth

12 May London Cargo (supporting Scout Niblett)
13 May Manchester FutureEverything @ Islington Mill (supporting Scout Niblett)
14 May Brighton The Great Escape @ NME Radar Stage (Horatios)

Fantasy (Remix) – Mariah Carey & Old Dirty Bastard (My friend put it on a mix for me recently and I’ve been so into it. I put it on over and over and dance around in my room.)

It’s For You – Out Hud (I LOVE Out Hud! They are such a perfect combination of elements to me.)

Speakers Going Hammer – Soulja Boy (A recent tour favorite! And love the video. Its classic.)

Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna) – T.I. (This song’s been getting us pumped.)

Automatic – Pointer Sisters (I’ve been playing this a lot lately when I DJ in Portland. Its a great dance song and so smooth, and I love how androgynous her voice sounds.)

Bring It With You When You Come – Abner Jay (From the album “Folk Song Stylist” released on Portland’s Mississippi Records. I really love this whole record. Its so moving and so charismatic at the same time.)

Check out The Thermals ‘Not Like Any Other Feeling‘ video here. Its rather spectacular. Buy the album Personal Life from itunes or Kill Rock Stars!!!

FREE track I Dont Believe You

JJ Favs:

Person:

Nicki Minaj

Champagne:

Gosset celebris rose 2003 extra brut

Season:

spring

Dog:

Gisslan

Books:

Conversations with god

The Tao of Wu

Weed:

överkush

SWAG:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qOjOkRLAEE

sincerelyyours

jj

1. You Were Always On My Mind – The Pet Shop Boys

I love the original of this but the cover has a lot of originality too.

2. Vienna – Ultravox

Probably the best way a synth has ever entered a song. Amazing drum beat too.

3. I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye

The sentiment in the lyrics is frightening. This song is electric and sounds like a rattlesnake being tasered.

4. This Is Hardcore – Pulp

Can’t wait to see them back together. This is a totally under-appreciated song.

5. Who Wants To Live Forever – Queen

For me, this is Queens most emotional moment. Heart wrenching.

6. Ultra Violet (Light My Way) – U2

This for me sums up everything about the sound of U2 from 1990-2000. Sounds like NASA.

New Glasvegas single Euphoria, Take My Hand released today! On CD and Vinyl….
The CD includes 2 additional tracks - Georgia, Walk With Me and 7am Eternally – and the vinyl is backed with Georgia, Walk With Me. Signed copies are on sale from the Glasvegas store.

Euphoria, Take My Hand is now also backed with 2 tracks on iTunes – Georgia, Walk With Me, and the James Rutledge mix of the title track.

Here’s a little mixtape:

Captain Beefheart – The Dust Blows Forward ‘n The Dust Blows Back

The Pogues – Waltzing Matilda

Ivor Cutler – Beautiful Cosmos (from Ludo)

Hank Williams – Waltz Of The Wind

Neil Young – Homegrown

Pearls Before Swine – (Oh Dear) Miss Morse

Get the new Low Anthem album ‘Smart Flesh’ here

Free download of “Ghost Women Blues’ here

In absolutely no order and off the top of my head:

1. La Ritournelle – Sebastien Tellier – best lateral drumming ever, lush

strings, beautiful swelling emotion, all delivered in between tokes on a

gitane.

2. This is How We walk on the moon – Johanna Billing – so cyclic and

beautiful, and a haunting vocal, it somehow seems to work as a soundtrack to

anything.

3. Better Than Love – HURTS – because its so incredibly infectious, cleverly

produced and brilliantly sung by the golden throated Mr. Hutchcraft.

4. Seven – Fever Ray – (The Twelves Remix) - I am obsessed with this song,

and this remix was a recent find, i have it on repeat at least four times at

the gym before I move on to something else. Her way of using simple melodies

and lyrics is so directly appealing and easy. She’s a big inspiration in

many ways.

5. Ivo – Cocteau Twins – Guitars from a warped medieval planet, cheap drum

machine, weird phonetic vocal noises. Sounds like a nightmare on paper, but

TOTES AMAZE on the ears.

6. Superstylin – Groove Armada – having watched from side of stage as M.A.D

delivers this beauty to crowds of thousands all over the world, the

excitement and sheer happiness it brings people is something of humbling

beauty. SUPA-STYLIN!

The Anatomy EP is out NOW!

http://www.myspace.com/oursaintsaviour

http://www.saintsaviour.co.uk/

Fallen Trees by Saint Saviour

Here are six recommendations from me;

songs:

ohia – peoria lunch box bus

-dunno what was goin on in Jason Molina’s life when he wrote this record but it was definitely somethin pretty big.

john lennon – i found out

-sounds like he knows something we don’t in this one. Simple three piece jams. Amazing.

washington phillips – lift him up thats all

-this guy was one of the first proper gospel singers. Playin some strange zither-type instrument called a dulceola. Message is pretty clear, sincerity ain’t the word!

gene vincent – cat man

-the badassest!

pj harvey & john parish – is that all there is?

- an even more twisted version of the Peggy Lee original.

lightnin hopkins – short haired woman

- could’ve been any hopkins tune really. best blues guitarist ever in my opinion.

listen to Oh Ruin at: www.myspace.com/ohruin

Some Tour Dates if in US….

Bella Union’s Treefight for Sunlight are recommending:

Thulebasen – Gate 5

First song from the Amazing new album from danish band, Thulebasen. This song is bound to blow your mind. loads of genres mixed and just their whole sound, it’s wicked!

Oh No Ono – Eleanor Speaks

First song from Oh No Ono’s latest album Eggs. Brilliant for the ears of the strange!

4 guys From the Future – I’ll take you away

an amazing slow desperate lovesong from our labelmates from the future. Give them a piece of your earlobe.

Broadcast – The Be Colony

Second song from their album Broadcast and the focus group investigate witch cults of the radio age. Fantastic melody, nice delay on the vocals and just their samplesounds are amazing.

Animal Collective – Screens

The song behind the sequence where Deakin is dressed as something odd in the boat sailing around doing nothing. The melody in this song is really amazing. Buy the film or find the clip on youtube.

Mos Def feat. Slick Rick – Auditorium

Punchy slowgroove Hiphop beat with a really laid back piano that screws up the groove in the loveliest way! This’ll get your repeat-button clicking for sure!

Download Treefight For Sunlight‘s track ‘What Became of You & I? here for free!!!

Treefight For Sunlight’s self-titled debut album bottles their epic sunshine pop into ten mini-symphonies and shows Bella Union are embracing the new year with the same eclectic enthusiasm as ever…!

Debut Out now – better get it  http://www.treefightforsunlight.com/

Here is the list of recommendations, by band member…

Gaverick Recommends

1. Laddio Bolocko: Nurser

2. US Maple: My Lil’ Shocker

3. Modest Mussorgsky – A Tear

4. Sun City Girls: The Shining Path

5. Marika Papagika – Zmireneikos Balos

John Recommends

1. Time Zone: World Destruction

2. Cardiacs: Buds and Spawn

3. Arvo Pärt: Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten

4. Lapsus Linguae: Spindle Of Puberty

5. Chet: Bi-Polar Bear

Ross Recommends

1. Ruth Garbus: Fly Away

2. Family Fodder: Film Music

3. Hot Silk Pockets: Pulled In All Directions

4. Masaru Satô: Titles (Yojimbo)

5. Angelo Badalamenti: Sycamore Trees (Sung By Jimmy Scott)

Poino have a new album, Moan Loose, available on Horse Arm Records. IHR say the album is essential. But if for some reason you want a taster, get some free tracks here -

www.poino.bandcamp.com

www.horsearm.com

LIVE –

11th March

with – Leila Adu, Lime Headed Dog & Dead Days Beyond Help

at Brixton Windmill

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=129981963741464

12th March – Clans & C Powers

at The Servants Jazz Quarters

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=159323230788878

She Keeps Bees – Six Songs

Jess’ picks:

1. Rick James and Teena Marie – Fire And Desire

RIP Teena Marie. My mom and I used the clean the house to this song using whatever was around as a microphone.

2. Solex – Escargot!

Pick Up has been a favorite album of mine for a long time.  She sings about pushing her car off a cliff…which makes me laugh every time I hear it.

3. The Make Up – We Can’t Be Contained

Ian Svenonius kissed my boyfriend during a Make Up show at the late, great Phantasmagoria in Wheaton, MD when I was 15. Still jealous.

Andy’s picks:

4. Fats Domino – I Want to Walk You Home

This song is so innocent and dirty all at the same time.

5. April Wine – I’m On Fire For You Baby

Some days, this song is the only thing that keeps me going.

6. Circulatory System – Days To Come

It’s hard to pick my favorite song in this record, but this one comes close.

She Keeps Bees -> Download track ‘Saturn Return’ here…. and go and see them play live – check listings here! Next London Show will be at Wilmington Arms on Tuesday 8^th March

Peter Scott:

Slowdive – Machine Gun

Sparklehorse – Sad And Beautiful World

Jesus And Mary Chain – You Trip Me Up

Beach house – Gila

The National – Slow Show

Laurel Sills:

PJ Harvey – The Slow Drug

This is a beautifully subtle song. It was perfect for listening to on a rainy Sunday in the greyness of New Cross. Polly knows how to produce wonderfully emotive music without being obvious. I love her.

Grizzly Bear- Colorado

This song has serious atmosphere. The resonance and depth of sound coupled with wonderful dynamics and arrangement never fail to blow me away.

Cat Power – He War

This song has amazing drive to it. Cat’s voice has the ability to combine such fragility and strength. I love the simplicity of the instrumentation and the rawness of the production.

School of Seven Bells – Half Asleep

This song has a brilliant melody, I think that’s what makes it for me. Also the slightly different qualities of the twins voices work wonderfully together.

Warpaint – Elephants
I love the dynamics of this song, and the way the chorus comes in with a really unexpected bass line that almost shouldn’t work, but completely does. A band that rarely writes songs under four minutes has to know how to keep your attention!

Listen to Exlovers by downloading this free mp3 Or buy the new single Blowing Kisses here….

Exlovers are playing The Lexington, London tonight 28th Feb!

http://exlovers.co.uk/

Recommends:

Sinead O’connor – Troy
Madame Butterfly by Puccini – Humming Chorus
Bad Romance (Hercules and Love Affair mix) – Lady Gaga
Charlie – Spacer Woman
Trust – Candy Walls
Tasseomancy – Healthy Hands
Egyptrixx – Bible Eyes
Emma McKenna – The Grass that Grows
Crystal Castles feat. Robert Smith – I’m not in Love
Kaltes Klares Wasser – Malaria
Move your Body – Marshall Jefferson

Go to http://www.austramusic.com/ for more information on Austra.

Recommend:

1. Arthur Russell -  I Couldn’t Say It To Your Face

2. Gabor Szabo – The Three King Fishers

3. King Creosote – Curtain Craft

4. Stevio Cipriani – La Polizia Sta A Guardere

5. Son House – Grinnin’ In Your Face

6. Steeleye Span – When I Was On Horseback

7. Nancy Elizabeth – Feet Of Courage

8. Sebastian Tellier – La Ritournelle

9. Ellen McIlwaine – Can’t Find My Way Home

10. Brian Eno – St Elmo’s Fire

11. Orange Juice – A Sad Lament

12. Rocketnumbernine – Matthew & Toby (Four Tet mix)

Have a listen to The Memory Band here – http://soundcloud.com/the-memory-band/the-memory-band-ghosts

My recommendations are half songs i’ve returned to time and time again over the years, and half are more recent. Most of them are sad, because I’ve always thought sad songs are the most beautiful.

1: Cat Power – Maybe Not (I think this is my favourite song ever)

2: Band of Horses – The Funeral

3: Greg Brown – Spring Wind

4: Matthew and the Atlas – Within the Rose

5: Elliott Smith – Kings Crossing

6: Saint Saviour – Hurricanes

7: Cherbourg – Man (they are no longer together but Andrew Davie sings solo now – check him out too)

Here is a free Kyla La Grange track for you all to download – mp3

Marthas & Arthurs hereby highly recommend…

Anyone Who Knows What Love Is – Blue Roses

We thought this was an original for ages, and couldn’t understand why people weren’t falling over themselves to proclaim Laura Grove’s genius. Then we found the Irma Thomas original. Blue Roses’ version is still a great record though, just waiting for David Lynch to grab it for his next film.

Blackwater Side - Anne Briggs

You can’t blame her for the hordes of folkies who came after her. She made it look easy, so they tried too. English soul music.

Light Of Love – Music Go Music

Death to po-faced hipsterdom! Their album should have been massive. Shame on us all.

Ease Yourself And Glide – Parsley Sound

This fell down between the floorboards in the attic but that’s probably where it was always meant to be.

First Take (Album) – Roberta Flack

How to make your soul sing, with a lesson in musicianship and record production thrown in for free. The whole album was recorded in ten hours.

Spem in Alium – Thomas Tallis

Hopefully what it sounds like when you’re dying, but it’s probably more like…

… Jive Baby On A Saturday Night – The Jellies

By now they must be plumbers/accountants/organic farmers, but somewhere in a parallel universe they’re currently producing the only essential Lady GaGa release.

Marthas & Arthurs got together in a wood in Herefordshire and have played in care homes, stair wells and country lanes. They still do the odd Dinner Download, where they play at yours in exchange for a meal, so you might be lucky…

Free download of Marthas & Arthurs debut release ‘Apes in Aeroplanes EP’ here: www.marthasandarthurs.bandcamp.com

‘Marthas & Arthurs Presents’ is a new monthly residency at the Scolt Head pub in London, starting this Thursday 3rd February, with guests including Barn the Spoon, who shows how to carve a spoon from a tree in 20 minutes.

Following dates (first Thursday every month) are: March 3rd, April 7th, May 5th

Festival appearances this summer include Green Man Festival and Standon Calling.

www.marthasandarthurs.bandcamp.com

www.myspace.com/marthasandarthurs

www.dinnerdownloads.tumblr.com