If you’re a David Lynch fan, you may know Julee Cruise from her musical appearances in Blue Velvet and most famously, in Twin Peaks. Still, her music goes unnoticed to most. I came across her album several years ago separately from Lynch’s introduction, but have revisited in in light of Halloween as I’ve been watching the Twin Peaks series. It reminded me of my love for her dreamy, retro sound. Her album Floating Into the Night was released in 1989, but it remains in the melancholy-music hall of fame. Listen to Twin Peaks theme, Falling below.
Listen to “Falling” Here
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Supermodels undress for a good cause ! The Planet is getting warmer everyday, we need to do something…This cool and pretty simple video, gets the point across the best way we know. How? with clothes, or really with the lack of clothes. I guess you get the point! 350.org’s Global Day of Climate Actionis a great cause and you should all participate !
One of the most exciting and enthusiastic bands I’ve ever encountered has been Wild Yaks, fronted, surprisingly, by a balding, 30-something, self-proclaimed “shoe salesman from New Jersey” named Rob. Rob is dedicated to his craft and dedicated to his fans. He sends out semi-regular emails to pretty much everyone he meets (just email him to include yourself: wildyakslake@yahoo.com), either espousing the fanatical nature of this or that, or asking if anyone has a cellphone charger in brooklyn, and sometimes attaching special mp3s.
Their music is passionate. Every member pours his heart out every moment on stage. Although the five-piece band, including a wild sax player (is that dude still around? i hope so), are all east-coasters, they have a bluegrass-tinged rough and roaring rock sound. They have been getting more and more love in the press as of late, they have a debut album dropping next week, a badass cliff-jumping video, a documentary in the works, and lots of love to give.
Listen to “River May Come” Here
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The three members of The Very Best hail from Sweden, France and Africa. As one would expect, their sound has a global diversity to it. Warm Heart of Africa, their second album, was released in September of 2009 and features collaborations with MIA and Ezra Koenig. Their infectious music is picking up a lot of recognition here in the states.
Listen to “Rain Dance” Here
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Alan Palomo is Neon Indian, the male musician who albeit being recognized only recently will have already toured the world come 2010. His music is melancholic and memorable, based around childhood events, high school crushes, and hopeless romance. Deadbeat Summer feels like a stoned summer of youthful daydreams, warped and relaxed. Palomo’s album Psychic Chasms released this month goes to show, both orally and aurally, that a bright future is the offspring of a gloomy past.
Listen to “Deadbeat Summer” Here
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Juliet Commagere may appear to be a brand new face in the music world, but like many of the surprising engenes that seem to pop up out of nowhere, Commagere has some thick roots in the industry. Until now, she has been best known as the keytar-playing front woman of the band Hello Stranger, which has opened for everyone from the Foo Fighters to Kings of Leon. She also sang back up for Inara George in the Bird and the Bee. Her friends include legendary slide guitarist Ry Cooder’s son, Joachim, (her high school sweetheart), and Robert Francis is her brother. Now regarding her music…Commagere’s debut record ‘Queens Die Proudly’ was released this month. The tracks are dreamy and beautiful with an edge of emotional darkness. 02 Overcome
Listen to “Overcome” Here
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I won’t even bother with an introduction or description here. If you are still unaware of La Roux then this track will introduce you to their 80’s 8bit vintage synth driven style. What more can I say, some think La Roux may not have delivered as solid a track here in comparison to “in for the kill” and “bulletproof” but t0 me its a HOT track. Songs like these make me wish I was a teenager in the 80’s. Enjoy…to see more on La Roux click here.
Listen to “I’m Not Your Toy” here
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Mini Cooper celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Am I Collective worked with agency Blackriver FC on the “Through the Ages” (viral) campaign that features typographic elements creating the shape of the car. Each phrase represents a specific era in time.
After the print campaign Am I Collective suggested the idea of using its illustrations in an animation. Blackriver FC was quite keen and loved Am I Collective’s treatment, giving them the go-ahead and creative freedom to create a viral ad that matches the Mini Cooper’s playfulness and energy.
I have always been intrigued by process. How something is made and the step in which the manufacturer takes to get to the final product. Here is a video entitled “Pulling, Pushing, Plugging” to illustrate the quality control process Aiaiai goes through to ensure that their headphones are top notch. Pretty Fascinating!
Le Corps Mince De Francoise : Ray Ban Glasses (Norman Palm Winter mix)
Le Corps Mince De Francoise are two sisters and their friend hailing from Finland, (hence their English is spot on). Norman Palm, a German arty/folky softie has ever so kindly made a light & upbeat remix of their song “Ray Ban Glasses”. It’s crisp, catchy and should have anyone who listens to it dressing daringly with a spring in their step.
Listen to “Ray Ban Glasses (Norman Palm Winter mix)” Here
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Smoky eyes and gapped-teeth, there’s nothing more sexy ! Georgia May Jagger is the new face for Hudson Jeans Spring/Summer 2010 Campaign. The 17 year old progeny of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall said at the end of the Hudson (promo) Video a memorable quote to remind us of why we like her, “My mum is Jerry Hall and my father is Mick Jagger. People say I have great genes.” Great jeans indeed.
The first track on this 1968 album holds the same name as the album itself and for well-deserved reason. It is French pop at its finest even for those who do not know a word of French. Though it is about saying goodbye it seems to raise spirits with its light and playful charm. Comment Te Dire Adieu is infective in every way – from the drums to the lyrical melody, the words to Françoise‘ sweet fragile voice.
Listen to “Comment Te Dire Adieu” Here
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Röyksopp : This must be it (Thin White Duke Remix)
The Norwegian duo Royksopp never fail to amaze me when it comes to delivering fresh new innovative material. With accompanying vocals from Swedish singer Karin Dreijer of Fever Ray they have once again hit the mark. Since the album version of this track has been rampant all over the net this week ill freshen it up and introuduce you to the remix done by Jacques Lu Cont also know as Thin White Duke. His remix of Royskopp’s previous track “what else is there” is firmly one of my favorite tracks and he has done remixes for artists like Madonna, the Killers and Seal. Anyway be sure to check out the other remixes and music video too!
Listen to “This Must be it” here
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Karen O.:All Is Love
We are all ecstatic with excitement for the release of Spike Jone’s Where the Wild Things Are this month. And it seems this is one highly anticipated film that will live up to expectations. In anticipation for the actual movie, I suggest you listen to its soundtrack. A compilation of original songs by Karen O. (yet another genius element of the WTWTA machine). Karen O. delivers a delicious array of magical and whimsical melodies, often featuring the laughter and cheering of little children, which is aptly appropriate for the soundtrack to this movie. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this album before, after and during your Where the Wild Things Are viewing experience.
Listen to “All is Love” Here
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