Cut Copy did it. You know when a band you like is about to release a new album, and all you’re asking for is one or two hits? You know the new album will never be able to top your old favorites, you’re just looking for a couple more songs you’ll end up falling in love with. And you know its a really good release if you find yourself falling in love really quick. In Ghost Colours has been streaming on Cut Copy’s Myspace for around 2 weeks now. It’s so great, check it out. The album drops here in the states April 4. From beginning to the end, their sophomore album is an effortless flow vocals and synths. I may be a bit biased since the group is one of my favorite, but listen for yoself.
I can brag a little because I first saw Cut Copy in St. Louis of all places, touring with Franz Ferdinand early senior year of high school. They immediately were beyond cool and ever since I’ve been obsessed. Their first album Bright Like Neon Love dropped over 4 years ago. The wait has been worth it.
Been listening to a lot of music over break and I’ve narrowed it down to five bands to watch out for this year. I’m aware it’s already the end of March, but come fall I think these artists will be big(ger).
1. Santogold
Singer, songwriter, producer and solo artist Santogold was recently recommended to me a couple weeks back. From Brooklyn, her first single ‘L.E.S. Artistes‘ was released this month (March) and her self-titled full length debut drops next month. The single sounds a lot like The Gossip or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs if it were done by MIA. But I could be miscalculating that description, just check it out for yourself. There’s been a lot of remixes showing up of her upcoming release.
‘By The Numbers‘ made the rounds last year on the blogs, probably more because the single was produced by Justice, rather than because of the group. It was one of my favorite songs last year. A couple weeks ago the French trio dropped their newest single ‘Cross the Fader‘ and ever since I’ve been obsessed with it. Welcome back rock music with energy. It still blows my mind the group isn’t properly signed. Soon though, very soon, Poney Poney will explode. (I hope).
Also from Brooklyn, Frankpollis just released an EP a few days ago. I’ve been listening to it on Myspace and I’ve been really digging it. Frankpollis is a young band made up of brothers James and Jackson Pollis, John Paul Frank, and Malcolm Perkins. The group’s original claim to fame was having popular NYC club kid, Jackson Pollis as their dummer, but Frankpollis is no longer that. Making positive headlines in Spin, QRO Magazine, and blogs across the net, the group has grown to be respected for the large portion of “rock nostalgia” being served up. Check out the entire EP on their myspace, 1 listen through.
Hailing from Canada’s club scene, Dvas is the best true club music I’ve heard in a long time - yea, better than Justice. Dietzche V. and the Abominable Snowman (aka DVAS), released Macho 2003-2007 late last year but it’s been getting a lot of buzz recently. ‘Forever’ has become a favorite of mine, but the duo’s newest remix of Faunts has been bloggin all over. Watch for these guys to become even bigger this year. The US iTunes store has their album, check it out.
Probably the band on this list you might have already heard of, MGMT (Management) made waves late last year with their electronic-rock goodness. The group’s debut album ‘Oracular Spectacular‘ dropped in October last year with positive reviews. Their single ‘Time To Pretend‘ gives the listener an instant idea of Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden’s sound. Rolling Stone named MGMT an artist to watch in 2008 and the group took 9th in the BBC’s ‘Sound of ‘08′ poll. Listening to MGMT can possibly take you to higher places. MGMT is ALSO from Brooklyn. The group is signed with Columbia records.
This is our decision to live fast and die young.
/We’ve got the vision, now let’s have some fun.
/Yeah it’s overwhelming, but what else can we do?
/Get jobs in offices and wake up for the morning commute?
1. “Monk Time” – 2:42
2. “Shut Up” – 3:11
3. “Boys Are Boys and Girls Are Choice” – 1:23
4. “Higgle-Dy-Piggle-Dy” – 2:28
5. “I Hate You” – 3:32
6. “Oh, How to Do Now” – 3:14
7. “Complication” – 2:21
8. “We Do Wie Du” – 2:09
9. “Drunken Maria” – 1:44
10. “Love Came Tumblin’ Down” – 2:28
11. “Blast Off!” – 2:12
12. “That’s My Girl” – 2:24
Don’t ask me how I cam across this band, but according to iTunes some 6 months ago I imported a song ‘Love Came Tumblin’ Down‘ by The Monks. Over Christmas break I really got into 60’s instrumental/surf rock bands: The Tornados, The Shadows, etc. Ever since, I’ve been beginning to obsess with the idea of creating an entirely rhythmical, instrumental-based band you could get kids our age to dig (ie. dance to). Well, two weeks ago I came across the Monks song again for the 4th or 5th time, and was immediately overcome with this crazed vision because this was basically the sound i was imagining.
