Track of the Day… "May You Never" from Land of Talk

Land of Talk
"May You Never"
From Fun and Laughter EP
Saddle Creek (2009)


Listen to "May You Never" MP3








Montreal's Land of Talk is back with a follow-up to the excellent 2008 release Some Are Lakes (produced by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon). The group, led by frontwoman Lizzie Powell (also part of the Broken Social Scene caravan) who is rebounding from vocal chord ailments earlier this year, has released the excellent EP entitled Fun and Laughter on the Omaha, Nebraska-based Saddle Creek Records. The EP includes 4 new tracks like the guitar driven change-up "May You Never", as well as videos for earlier releases, including the woozy standout "The Man Who Breaks Things (Dark Shuffle)". Look for a new full-length from the band in 2010.

Land of Talk (Official) | MySpace | Saddle Creek


Track of the Day… "Golden Chain" from Lake Heartbeat

Lake Heartbeat
"Golden Chain"
From Trust in Numbers
Service (2009)


Listen to "Golden Chain" MP3








Trust in Numbers is the debut release from Swedes Lake Heartbeat. The Gothenburg-based duo is made up of Janne Kask (formerly of Brainpool) on vocals and Kalla Kåks on guitar / bass. Put out by Service (home of bands such as The Embassy, The Tough Alliance and Jens Lekman), Trust in Numbers glows with hooks and bright, romantic pop. The album is produced by Dan Lissivik of other projects such as Studio and Fontän (listen to "Early Morning" from Fontän).

"Golden Chain" is our favorite track from the album, with its modern and sun bleached take on 60's guitar-pop, providing a welcome escape from a shortening of days and the nearing stretch of winter.

Lake Heartbeat (Official) | MySpace | Service


Track of the Day..."Blessa" from Toro y Moi

Toro y Moi
"Blessa"
From Causers of This
Car Park Records (2009)


Listen to "Blessa" MP3








Toro y Moi is the solo project of The Heist and The Accomplice lead singer Chaz Bundick. “Blessa”, off his album Causers of This, is a unique sound that has elements of TV On The Radio, MGMT and crate robbers like Blockhead and R2DJ, but takes its own path. There is a psychedelic vibe behind the track like the best of Animal Collective and doesn’t run off the rails like many of his psych-pop contemporaries. What sets the track apart is the sexy yet maudlin station it orbits above.

Toro y Moi (Official) | MySpace


What's On The Hi-Fi...Podcast Five

Listen to "What's On The Hi-Fi Ep. 5” MP3








"Good Morning" - Bikini Machine
France's Bikini Machine (whose name is taken from the B-movie Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine) thrive on inspiration from the sounds of 50's / 60's subculture - coupling vintage guitars and melodies with modern rock and electro sounds. The imprint of Jon Spencer as producer and mixer on "Good Morning" is undeniable - playing here with many of his hallmark sounds.
MySpace

"Early Morning" – Fontän
Welcome to the sound of kraut-pop revisited. Fontän's "Early Morning" is an epic trek through retro electro sounds, treated token vocals and wailing electric guitars tumbling over 80's synth beats. The duo of Jesper Jarold and Johan Melin hail from the (unlikely) burgeoning musical hotbed that is Gothenburg in southern Sweden.
Official | MySpace | Information Records

"100 doLLa biLL" - Monica Rush
A young veteran of the New York music scene, Indian-American Monica Rush is a prolific songwriter including the demo of “Bad Girl” for Brittany Spears. Her single, "100 doLLa biLL", takes a tongue in cheek spin on the playgirl being played for her cash.
Monica Rush (Official) | MySpace

"Better Days" - Speech Debelle
Speech Debelle has come to the forefront this year with her win of the 2009 Barclycard Mercury Prize for her debut album Speech Therepy. Inspired by the likes of Ms. Dynamite (Mercury Prize winner in 2002), the 26-year-old South Londoner approached her label Big Dada back in 2005 looking to make a "hip hop version of Tracy Chapman". While far from the original brief, what results is a very different type of rap album.
Speech Debelle (Official) | MySpace

"Long Way From Home" - Stephen Luke
Childhood troubles caused Stephen Luke to have a falling out with his drum kit at the tender age of 17, which happily landed him in the arms of the guitar – for a time.

After losing his musical way, he had a few injuries that brought him back to the guitar and the music he loved. On “Long Way From Home” , Luke draws on his experiences to craft a deft song that reminds one of Chris Whitley with a polished and consuming production.
Stephen Luke (Official) | MySpace

" Oh No" - Kaiser Cartel
The Brooklyn based duo of Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel got together in the summer of 2004 and have been touring their world ever since. There is an edgy, out of tune sound to “Oh No” that reminds one of the first time you heard Alice In Chain’s Sap EP. The modern twist is Courtney’s loose wailing of the title.
(MySpace)

"Dragon" - The Amazing
The Amazing have crafted a well-balanced, sweetly melodic and soulful album with their self-titled freshman effort. It’s overflowing with languid, intimate songs that could best be compared to the dreamier slow jams of The Allman Brother’s Eat A Peach, the subtle ethereal synths of 10CC and the organic guitaring and vocals of Fleet Foxes.
The Amazing (Official) | MySpace

"Can we Stay" – The Woodlands
There is a touching intimacy to the track "Can We Stay" that can only be attributed to a wonderful love affair. Portland, OR natives The Woodlands are just that. The husband and wife duo (Hannah & Samuel Robertson) have created a lush and evocative song that calls out from a warm and gentle place of yearning and deep need. Hannah Robertson's voice is a light that peers through a world of emotion and wonder. They are definitely a duo to watch.
MySpace

"Falleg Depurd" - Blindfold
Blindfold are an Icelandic quartet now living in London, creating watery and muslin wrapped indie-pop. The group cites Radiohead and Sigur Rós as influences, while the more pop oriented strains of Coldplay and Keane are not far off the mark. One of the standout tracks from the group's second release Faking Dreams is "Falleg Depurd", a tender lament which gently builds, only then to quietly slip away. This track highlights the vocal and writing style of the group's frontman, founder and composer Biggi Hilmarsson. Blindfold also has an uncanny ability to translate their sound live, retaining the melting richness of their cinematic sound.
MySpace | CinePop Records

"Snow" - Lisa Germano
After a hiatus, Lisa Germano is back with her new release Magic Neighbor on Young God Records. Much has been said about her confessional and intimate style of song writing. The track "Snow" from the new release continues in this vein, building on Lisa's impressive solo catalog which spans almost two decades. With this track, as well as many of Lisa's songs, there is a unifying sense of comforting and appeasement, from wherever it may come. With Magic Neighbor, Lisa continues to prove herself to be a powerful artist, unwavering in her devotion to pursuing her singular vision.
Lisa Germano Official | Young God Records


"Low Files Tropical" - Get Back Guinozzi
Get Back Guinozzi is a London / Toulouse -based quintet headed by friends Eglantine Gouzy and Fred Landini. The group thrives on a pick 'n' mix of influences from reggae, dub African, Tropicalia with a hefty dose of summery pop. One of the highlights from the group's debut album Carpet Madness is the infectious single "Low Files Tropical" - a breezy groove which highlights the wonderfully warm childlike vocals of Ms. Gouzy (you can check out her solo work here). Also, check out Get Back Guinozzi's take on the Junior Murvin song "Police and Thieves" (a free download of the track is available on the FatCat Records site).
MySpace


"Levi Blues" - Dala
High school BFF’s Amanda and Sheila of Dala have created a sound on “Levi Blues” that in any other hand’s would be too saccharine sweet for normal consumption. It’s the type of song that smiles a step before you do but always looks back and waits.
Dala (Official) | MySpace




Podcast

What's On The Hi-Fi Interview with David Grellier of College and founder of the Valerie Collective



Hands down, the Valerie Collective is responsible for some of the very best original electronic music now coming out of France. And no, these sound are not coming from Paris as you might expect, but from further afield in Nantes in western France.

After starting his own brilliant musical project College in 2005, David Grellier went on to found Valerie (a name which resounded with David from the 80's). David created Valerie as a way to foster musical talent, by providing opportunities for collaboration and taking advantage of the Internet and blogs. The Collective is now home to artists such as Minitel Rose (a reference to adult services/sites provided on the French precurser to the World Wide Wide), Anoraak (responsible for the excellent track "Nightdrive With You"), English producer Russ Chimes, The Outrunners and Maethelvin. These artists share a common retro-futurist thread that is the hallmark of the Collective, bucking the French musical mainstream and seducing us with their romantic blend of 80's inspired electro.

We are excited to share with you an exclusive and yet unreleased College track "Blue Camera" (also, watch for it on our next podcast).

Listen to "Blue Camera" from College MP3









David spoke with What's On the Hi-Fi about the origins for the Collective, its influences and identity, the Paris-centric music scene and those artists which inspire him.

(Answers translated from the French)

Could you tell us about the philosophy and your inspiration for creating College and the Valerie Collective?
College was created in 2005 - I wanted to synthesize into my music the emotions of my childhood. During this period, I discovered the amazing opportunities offered by blogs, an excellent means by which to extend my universe and to share my visual and musical references, and thus, Valerie was born in 2007.

Is there a particular sound or outlook which unifies each of the artists of the Collective?
I think that today there are various groups of projects within the Collective. The Outrunners, College and Maethelvin, for example, represent a more instrumental branch. The Collective exists to stimulate creativity and to help artists present their projects. In addition, with New York Collective member Freedanger, we have produced a new 7" with the participation of Stephen Falken (member of the Outrunners) and Maethelvin (available at the Valerie on-line store:).

American 80's pop-culture references seem to run throughout the Collective. What are some of the most significant influences of the Collective and its artists?
Maybe to be more precise, we would ideally need to ask each project since the references are so varied. As for me, College is primarily influenced by 80's soaps and an aesthetic which I particularly like: color, images, silvery films and the sun - images of Los Angeles, Chicago and all of the other cities that I discovered through my television and which continue to fascinate me.

How did you decide upon the graphic feel for the Collective's identity?
I believe enormously in artistic collaborations which are facilitated today by various media such as MySpace and blogs. Thanks to this amazing development, I was able to contact The Zonders who have created a number of our album covers to date. Beyond this working relationship, a real passionate relationship (which is essential for me) has developed and that is what guarantees our creativity.

Do you feel that the French music scene is particularly Paris-centric? If so, are you affected by this?
There is certainly an artistic and media "microcosm' in Paris, but all of that doesn't really interest me, and its rather sterile from a creative point of view. The internet has exploded this little word and allowed underground projects to emerge and given a wider audience access to music, and that is very good thing!

Do you see any particular differences in the way that your music is received abroad?
We have a particular resonance in the U.S., and that means a lot to me.

What artist (apart from those of the Collective, of course), do you see creating particularly inspiring work which genuinely excites you?
I have had the chance to play with The Hasbeens and Alden Tyrell in Holland, and I must say that this is the live performance that has most impressed me - for its beauty as well as its melodic power - a rare moment … marvelous!

What artist would you love to see join the Collective at a Valerie Party?
The Hasbeens, Alden Tyrell.

What can we expect next from the Collective?
Beautiful productions, and perhaps, for some, a coming together with the world of film, and as always, the blog which is at the center of our artistic compositions. I also hope to still produce releases as my finances allow and highlight talented artists like Stephen Falken and The Outrunners.

What is on your hi-fi at the moment?
"You and Me" - The Hasbeens (for all of the reasons above)

"Cruising" - Stephen Falken (if a track could sum-up the spirit of the Valerie collective, this would be it)

"Hound Dog" - Elvis (because on Sunday, listen to Elvis. It's perfect.)

"Silent Running" - Joan Baez (I recently discovered the film, and love the slightly hippie side of things)

"Playback Fantasy" - O'Gar (an older Spanish / Italian track, poorly sung and not quite right, but all this fragility creates a rare, melodic and emotional equilibrium)

"Ich habe dich gesehen" - Schwefelgelb (the last German group with Electronic Body Music - also great live)


Valerie (Official) | Valerie (MySpace) | Twitter: valerie_friends | College (MySpace)



Track of the Day… "Low Files Tropical" from Get Back Guinozzi

Get Back Guinozzi
"Low Files Tropical"
From Carpet Madness
FatCat Records (2009)


Listen to "Low Files Tropical" MP3








Get Back Guinozzi is a London / Toulouse -based quintet headed by friends Eglantine Gouzy and Fred Landini. The group thrives on a pick 'n' mix of influences from reggae, dub African, Tropicalia with a hefty dose of summery pop. One of the highlights from the group's debut album Carpet Madness is the infectious single "Low Files Tropical" - a breezy groove which highlights the wonderfully warm childlike vocals of Ms. Gouzy (you can check out her solo work here). Also, check out Get Back Guinozzi's take on the Junior Murvin song "Police and Thieves" (a free download of the track is available on the FatCat Records site).

The titillating video for "Low Files Tropical" was created by director Jean-Luc Charles and features a mix of footage of the band at the Midi-Festival in France and vintage super 8 films shot at the "Bingo Club" on the French Riviera. Watch.

MySpace



Track of the Day… "Better Days" from Speech Debelle (with Micachu)

Speech Debelle
"Better Days"
From Speech Therapy
Big Dada / Ninja Tune (2009)



Listen to "Better Days" MP3








Speech Debelle has come to the forefront this year with her win of the 2009 Barclycard Mercury Prize for her debut album Speech Therepy. Inspired by the likes of Ms. Dynamite (Mercury Prize winner in 2002), the 26-year-old South Londoner approached her label Big Dada back in 2005 looking to make a "hip hop version of Tracy Chapman". While far from the original brief, what results is a very different type of rap album. On Speech Therepy, Ms. Debelle combines various influences with organic jazz-inflected instrumentation. What you will immediately notice about Ms. Debelle is her connecting and genuine narrative - often distinctly intimate and personal. Speech Therapy often gives flesh to darker times, and with her Mercury Prize win, Ms. Debelle says that she is now ready to focus on the days ahead.

On "Better Days", one of the standouts from Speech Therapy, Ms. Debelle redirects her organic sound in a beat-centred direction, set off against her immediate and hopeful lyrics and Micachu's quietly melodic chorus. This track will get in your head and stay there - guaranteed.

Check out Speech Debelle's MySpace page for concert date updates, including the 1 December show at Nouveau Casino (Paris).

Speech Debelle (Official) | MySpace | Watch




What's On The Hi-Fi...The Amazing Album Review

The Amazing
The Amazing
Subliminal Sounds (2009)
Download: "Dragon"
The Amazing have crafted a well-balanced, sweetly melodic and soulful album with their self-titled freshman effort. It’s overflowing with languid, intimate songs that could best be compared to the dreamier slow jams of The Allman Brother’s Eat A Peach, the subtle ethereal synths of 10CC and the organic guitaring and vocals of Fleet Foxes

A Swede “supergroup” made up from members of bands like Dungen, Anna Jarvinen and Sagor & Swing, The Amazing are singer/songwriter Christoffer Gunrup, lead guitarist Reine Fiske, drummer Johan Holmegard, and multi-instrumentalist Fredrik Swahn.

Although the album stands on its own, the tracks "Dragon", "Beach House" and "Is It Likely" are extraordinary, all filled with shining and effortless songwriting, melodies and lyrics. The Amazing is an album that will help you drift away in front of fire on a cool, autumn night.


Listen to "Dragon" MP3









The Amazing (Official) | MySpace




Track of the Day…. "Snow" from Lisa Germano

Lisa Germano
"Snow"
From Magic Neighbor
Young God Records (2009)


Listen to "Snow" MP3









After a hiatus, Lisa Germano is back with her new release Magic Neighbor on Young God Records. Much has been said about her confessional and intimate style of song writing. The track "Snow" from the new release continues in this vein, building on Lisa's impressive solo catalog which spans almost two decades. From the simple piano and strings which occasionally reel as if stumbling, only then to right themselves, Lisa's intimate and guarded vocals dare to rise, both personal and contentedly spent. As is the case with this track, as well as many of Lisa's songs, there is a unifying sense of comforting and appeasement, from wherever it may come. With Magic Neighbor, Lisa continues to prove herself to be a powerful artist, unwavering in her devotion to pursuing her singular vision.

So much melancholy beauty.

Lisa Germano Official | Young God Records



Track of the Day… "Falleg Depurd" from Blindfold

Blindfold
"Falleg Depurd"
From Faking Dreams
CinePop Records (2009)


Listen to "Falleg Depurd" MP3









Blindfold are an Icelandic quartet now living in London, creating watery and muslin wrapped indie-pop. The group cites Radiohead and Sigur Rós as influences, while the more pop oriented strains of Coldplay and Keane are not far off the mark. One of the standout tracks from the group's second release Faking Dreams is "Falleg Depurd", a tender lament which gently builds, only then to quietly slip away. This track highlights the vocal and writing style of the group's frontman, founder and composer Biggi Hilmarsson. Blindfold also has an uncanny ability to translate their sound live, retaining the melting richness of their cinematic sound.

MySpace | CinePop Records


Track of the Day… "Early Morning" from Fontän

Fontän
"Early Morning"
From Wintherhwila
Information Records (2009)



Listen to "Early Morning" MP3








Welcome to the sound of kraut-pop revisited. Fontän's "Early Morning" is an epic trek through retro electro sounds, treated token vocals and wailing electric guitars tumbling over 80's synth beats. The duo of Jesper Jarold and Johan Melin hail from the (unlikely) burgeoning musical hotbed that is Gothenburg in southern Sweden - home to acts such as El Perro del Mar, Lake Heartbeat, Air France, The Tough Alliance and The Embassy (and the birthplace of Jens Lekman and José González).

Fontän lead us in a game of frenetic musical hopscotch across their excellent release Wintherhwila - never content to stay with any singular sound for very long. As a result, Fontän's musical ADD is our beguiling reward.

Watch (fan video)

Official | MySpace | Information Records




Track of the Day… "Good Morning" from Bikini Machine

Bikini Machine
"Good Morning"
From
The Full Album
Platinum Records (2009)


Listen to "Good Morning" MP3









France's Bikini Machine (whose name is taken from the B-movie
Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine) thrive on inspiration from the sounds of 50's / 60's subculture - coupling vintage guitars and melodies with modern rock and electro sounds. The imprint of Jon Spencer as producer and mixer on "Good Morning" is undeniable - playing here with many of his hallmark sounds. The track revs up and swings out in full retro-garage-pop mode, while French songstress Laetitia Shériff lends her backing vocals to this raucous opener to the quintet's excellent release The Full Album.

MySpace