a mixtape for september

Welcome to Spring or as I like to call it SEASON OF DEATH BY POLLEN!

Shameless plug for a tight little band outta Sydney, Ginger & Drum (I may be a tad biased) but these guys are pretty damn cool. If you're around Sydney on the 14th of September I suggest you check out their EP launch at FBi Social! 

1. Sunny Levine - No Other Plans (Ft. Young Dad)
2. Ginger & Drum - Cowboy
3. CHVRCHES - Recover
4. Cloud Control - Dojo Rising
5. Animal Collective - In the Flowers
6. Arcade Fire - Keep the Car Running
7. Big Scary - Twin Rivers
8. Mr. Little Jeans - Rescue Song (RAC Remix)
9. Clubfeet - Heartbreak (Ft. Chela) 
10. Ben Folds - Draw a Crowd
11. Craft Spells - Party Talk
12. Vance Joy - Play With Fire
13. Scott McKenzie - San Francisco
14. Passion Pit - Sleepyhead
15. Chairlift - I Belong In Your Arms
16. Bombay Bicycle Club - Lights Out, Words Gone
17. Washed Out - Don't Give Up
18. Born Ruffians - Too Soaked to Break
19. Kisses - Midnight Lover
20. Big Scary - Final Thoughts with Tom & Jo 

listen to this mix on 8tracks! 

a chillwave mixtape

I love chillwave music. Here are some of my favourite laid back tracks compiled into one neat package... 

1. Memory Tapes - Today Is Our Life

2. Deerhunter - Helicopter

3. Washed Out - Feel It All Around

4. Neon Indian - Mind, Drips

5. Kisses - People Can Do The Most Amazing Things

6. Toro y Moi - Still Sound

7. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Round and Round

8. Washed Out - You and I

9. Blood Orange - Sutphin Boulevard 

10. Hypnolove - Holiday Reverie

11. Neon Indian - Halogen (I Could Be A Shadow)

12. Simone Fedi - Bitter Devotion

13. Matt Van Schie - Journey

14. Active Child - Hangin' On 

15. Beach House - Silver Soul

16. Snakadatal - Air

17. Kisses - Bermuda 

18. Your Nature - Forward Motion

all songs are available on iTunes. Enjoy! 

a little mixtape vol. 10 (summer edition)

hello, here is a selection of a few wonderful songs to really make your summer that much better.

Picture courtesy of Tchmo on society6

1. Fitz & the Tantrums - MoneyGrabber

2. Real Estate - It's Real

3. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Round and Round

4. Band of Horses - Dilly

5. The Beach Boys - Don't Worry Baby

6. Cut Copy - A Dream

7. Deerhunter - Don't Cry

8. M83 - Steve McQueen

9. Poolside - Do You Believe?

10. Grouplove - Tongue Tied

11. Kisses - People Can Do The Most Amazing Things

12. Neon Indian - Polish Girl

13. Animal Collective - Bluish

14. Florence & the Machine - Dog Days are Over 

15. Pinback - Non Photo-Blue

16. Wild Nothing - Summer Holiday

17. Foster the People - I Would Do Anything for You 

18. Seabellies - Armour

19. Boy & Bear - Golden Jubilee 

20. The Middle East - Blood 

Everything is available on iTunes. Farväl. 

my top 10 albums of 2011.

my what a year it has been for music! It was so hard to choose my final 10 favourite releases of the year but I think my choices are pretty great. There should be no surprise as to who I chose for the number 1 position...


10. The Middle East - I Want That You Are Always Happy

I Want That You Are Always Happy was a brilliant first and last album for The Middle East. It really upsets me to know that such a wonderful band had such creative differences and that we'll never hear the beautiful "Blood" from their EP played live again. That said, I'm so glad that they released this, absolutely lovely.  Listen to "Jesus Came To My Birthday Party"


9. Real Estate - Days

Days is such a chilled out album, it has a beach-y, summery vibe that you can dance to. The tracks are lovely and include a handful of instrumentals, my favourites from the album include "Easy", "It's Real" and "Kinder Blumen". 


8. Foster the People - Torches

I was so keen on Foster The People when I first heard Pumped Up Kicks in the hottest 100 countdown in January. Ever since then I have been smitten and have seen them at the Metro; they are a fun, infectious band with their instantly likeable tunes and surprisingly deep lyrics at times. An absolute must in your record collection, we should expect big things from this bunch of boys! My favourite tracks are "I Would Do Anything For You", "Houdini" and "Pumped Up Kicks" 


7. Portugal. The Man - In the Mountain in the Cloud

I think I first heard of Portugal. The Man when I was procrastinating whilst studying for uni exams. I wish I had have heard of them earlier but I have since made up for the lack of them in my life and own all of their albums. This particular album, their 7th album is wonderful and the band have already forged a pretty little career for themselves and their artwork (done by lead singer John Gourley) is always wonderful.  My favourite tracks are "Got It All (This Can't Be Living Now)", "So American", and "You Carried Us (Share With Me The Sun)"


6. Boy & Bear - Moonfire 

The long awaited album debut from Boy & Bear won 5 arias and it's no surprise - this album is wonderful and deserved all the awards they received. Boy & Bear have a kinda country-esque, folky vibe that is great to have a dance to or have playing in the background or wherever. The only way is up for these boys, for those of you lucky enough to have seen them play live - they're something special right? Tracks you need to hear are "Feeding Line", "Golden Jubilee" and "Milk and Sticks". 


5. Gotye - Making Mirrors 





The long awaited follow-up to the beautiful "Like Drawing Blood" finally came to fruition this year. Upon my first listen at the Sydney Opera House of all places where Wally played two sold out shows, it was clear that this album was definitely going to appear high on my list. How 'bout that popular single huh?! If "Somebody That I Used To Know" isn't number 1 in Triple J's Hottest 100 for 2011, I'll eat my hat. Tracks you need in your ears are "Eyes Wide Open", "State of the Art", and "I Feel Better". 


4. M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming 

Let's just take a minute to discuss how immense this epic 1 hour, 22 minute double album is. From the first track, Intro (ft. Zola Jesus), to the 22nd track, Outro, this album is incredible. 


Notable tracks include "Steve McQueen" (my personal favourite), "Splendor" (sic), "Midnight City" and "Reunion". Such a stellar release by Anthony Gonzalez - you need to check it out if you haven't already. 


3. Washed Out - Within and Without

I say it a lot but I love chill-wave music, there's something dreamy about it and I picture myself in the summertime lying on the beach or diving under waves. Enough of that reverie, this album, Within and Without, the debut LP from Washed Out's mastermind, Ernest Greene is my number 3 because it is everything that you would want from a chill-wave album and more. Listen to "Olivia", "Eyes Be Closed" and "Far Away" 


2. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

I love Fleet Foxes. If I were a fox, I would listen to Fleet Foxes. You should listen to Fleet Foxes as well. Robin Pecknold and his band of lovely rugged men are incredible. Helplessness Blues is the second delivery by the boys and it sees them go from strength to strength with Pecknold clearly growing as a singer/songwriter. Each song is impeccably finished from the first track, "Montezuma" to the closing track, "Grown Ocean" everything sort of clicks. This album is in need of a spot in your record collection - go and get it. Listen to "The Shrine/An Argument", "Battery Kinzie" and "Helplessness Blues". 


1. Bon Iver - Bon Iver

There should be NO surprise that I chose this album as my number 1 of 2011, in fact I think it may even be one of my favourite albums of all time. What I love about this album is that it is so rich in its melodies and feeling that you kind of get lost in it and can turn this experience in to whatever you want for yourself. Cosmic? Don't care - it's brilliant. My favourites? "Calgary" and "Beth/Rest" 

2012 + Laneway Line-up

Hello there. 


It seems that the first few months of 2012 are shaping up to be a very exciting time for music indeed!


Last week we had the momentous 9:00am rush for Bon Iver tickets (thank god I got some - phew) for his shows at the Opera House and tomorrow we have Fleet Foxes tickets being released (I hope the rush isn't as soul destroying as it was for Bon Iver). 


Later on in the month they release the Sydney Festival schedule which is also very exciting! 


Today we had the release of the Laneway line-up and I always get a little too excited about it... this year is no different folks because we have a pretty stellar line-up! Laneway is of course my favourite Summer festival! 

isn't it beautiful? I am keen to see Washed Out, M83, The Panics, Toro y Moi and Portugal. The Man... Ahhh how exciting!

What are your thoughts? 

farväl

a little mixtape vol. 8

1. Kisses - Kisses

2. YesYou - Half of It 

3. Portugal. The Man - You Carried Us (Share With Me The Sun)

4. Liam Finn - Cold Feet

5. Metronomy - The Look

6. Beirut - Santa Fe

7. Surfer Blood - Catholic Pagans

8. Gotye - Eyes Wide Open

9. The Shins - Turn On Me

10. Boy & Bear - Milk & Sticks

11. The Panics - Majesty

12. The Thrills - The Midnight Choir

13. Washed Out - Eyes Be Closed

14 .The Vaccines - Wetsuit

15. Metronomy - Everything Goes My Way

16. Neon Indian - Terminally Chill

17. Pinback - Syracuse

18. Your Nature - Forward Motion

19. Kimbra - Cameo Lover

20. M83 - Midnight City 

All songs are available for purchase on iTunes. Enjoy! Farväl 

artist spotlight: Washed Out

Because I have just finished my first semester at uni ever (I'm a late starter), I am in total relaxation mode. This week I plan to do the absolute minimum when it comes to physical activity, a challenge that I accept wholeheartedly before I venture back to work next week... Anyway, I thought I'd write a post about one of my favourite dreamy bands, Washed Out who are probably one of the best bands to listen to when... well doing nothing.

Washed Out stems from the brain child Ernest Greene. Greene started out in June 2009 messing around with sounds and eventually posting them online. He was soon on the radars of music bloggers  and there begun the "chillwave" musical journey that is Washed Out.

His first two EPs were released in August and September 2009 and have garnered Greene quite a reasonable following.

His EP, Life of Leisure is a mix of dreamy chillwave with distinct summery and dance-y vibes similar to the ilk of Neon Indian. Notable tracks include "New Theory" and "Feel it All Around". He has had great success with touring all around the world and I had the pleasure of seeing them last December at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney and met the band after spending an hour or so discussing different keyboards and synths and all sorts of things - a very lovely and friendly bunch of people who make great music - all good in my books!

One of my most anticipated album releases Within and Without is due to drop on the 12th of July, I can't wait to hear the new tunes the band has come up with but here is a delicious teaser of "Eyes Be Closed"

The Life of Leisure EP is available for purchase on iTunes and the album will be out next month.

What do you think of Washed Out? Send me some feedback!

Until next time, Farväl.

artist spotlight: Georgia Fields

Since I'm on a roll with the artist spotlights, I thought I'd move a little closer to home and do one on a marvellous young lady called Georgia Fields.

Georgia is a young singer/songwriter from Melbourne who made her debut in 2007. She has a couple of releases under her belt and can be compared with the likes of Indie darlings Clare Bowditch and Sarah Blasko.

Her self titled LP, Georgia Fields has 14 tracks full of whimsy, and sees her experimenting with a multitude of sounds, all to a great effect.

 Tracks to listen out for are "All the Kings Men", "Two for Tea" with their lovely use of ukelele and the wittily titled "Sinking Relation Ship".

Perfect for listening to on a cold winter's evening (or any time for that matter), her lyrics are full of lovely tales and if you dig a little deeper you can find quite interesting stories in them.

Her tunes are available for purchase on iTunes and you can check out her myspace here, look out for the self titled LP and her EPs, "Drama on the High Seas of Emotion", "Something Borrowed, Something Blue", and "One Finger"

A delightful lady with pretty tunes, definitely worth a listen!

Farväl

artist spotlight: Fleet Foxes

It should come as no surprise to people who read my blog regularly (I don't even know if that's what happens, I may just be broadcasting this to give myself an ego boost...) that I love Fleet Foxes, so I decided to write a little post about them and gush about their latest album... here goes...

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (2008)

So many things can be said about Fleet Foxes that I barely know where to begin. I think a lot of people became affiliated with their music after the release of their first album, Fleet Foxes in 2008, however months prior to this stunning album they put out their Sun Giant EP which had a handful of delicious teasers of what was to come of their future releases.


From their first album, Fleet Foxes tracks you should listen to are "White Winter Hymnal" and "He Doesn't Know Why"as well as "Mykonos" and "Drops in the River" from  the Sun Giant EP.

I was following the,
I was following the pack,
All swallowed in their coats
With scarves of red tied 'round their throats
To keep their little heads
From fallin' in the snow
And I turned 'round and there you go.
And, Michael, you would fall,
And turn the white snow
Red as strawberries in the summertime. 

They are similar to Bon Iver and bands of that ilk and have stunning lyrics that tell the most beautiful and enchanting stories - you can find them if you listen just that little bit more intently to what Robin Pecknold (vocalist+lyricist) sings so sweetly in their songs.

In the morning waking up to terrible sunlight
All diffuse like skin abuse the sun is half its size
When you talk you hardly even look in my eyes
in the morning, in the morning

In the doorway holding every letter that I wrote
in the driveway pulling away putting on your coat
in the ocean washing off my name from your throat
in the morning, in the morning

in the ocean washing off my name from your throat
in the morning, in the morning
(the shrine/an argument)

Pecknold, in an interview for Uncut magazine in May explained the meaning behind The Shrine/An Argument - "It describes four stages of a break-up - contemplation, anger, frustration and solitude." 


They have some of the most beautiful album artwork with so many intricate details they are indeed a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.

One of the most delightful album releases that I've had the pleasure to listen to this year has been their second album entitled "Helplessness Blues"

Helplessness Blues (2011)

I guess it can be mentioned here that there is always a doubt as to whether a band can top such a fantastic debut with their follow-up, however, I can safely say that they managed to pull it off.


Fleet Foxes have stayed true to their roots but have still managed to make an endearing, beautiful and interesting album. Opening with the song "Montezuma" and closing with "Grown Ocean", the 12 song album is a delight from start to finish and I'm just going to put it out there that Helplessness Blues is definitely going to be in my top 10 album list of 2011... and by me saying that in May with 7 more months of music releases, that's a pretty big call!

Tunes to listen to include "The Shrine/An Argument", "Battery Kinzie", "Someone You'd Admire" and "Bedouin Dress" but singling out tracks on a special album is hard, those are just my absolute favourites!


I just can't wait until they hit my shores so I can finally hear them play live!

Farväl and happy listening!

Anticipation - Bon Iver

Hello folks,
I thought I'd write a quick post about the anticipation surrounding Bon Iver's new album and its teasingly close but oh so far release date!

I don't think I have ever been so excited for an album release and I adore music and I must admit, 2011 has been and continues to be a great year for music and new releases... ANYWAY

Since releasing his debut album,

"For Emma, Forever Ago" in 2008, and his subsequent 2009 EP, "Blood Bank", Justin Vernon's success has soared and his music has struck a chord with many, many people. His music is filled with ethereal, dreamy and at times heart wrenching and mostly accoustic tunes.

2011's "Bon Iver" is his highly anticipated sophomore album. I for one am so excited - the teaser Vernon gave us with his release of "Calgary" (available for purchase on iTunes) from the new album has left no doubt that the album will be brilliant.

"joy, it’s all founded
pincher with the skin inside
you pinned me with your black sphere eyes
you know that all the rope’s untied
I was only for to die beside."

Vernon is one of the most interesting vocalists, his music envokes a certain ache in you, I mean, who could forget the delicate strains of "Skinny Love" from his debut? He has been hailed a lyrical genius and I have to admit I wholeheartedly agree.

"I told you to be patient I told you to be fine
I told you to be balanced I told you to be kind
Now all your love is wasted then who the hell was I?
Cause now I'm breaking at the britches
And at the end of all your lines."

So for my most anticipated album release, come on June 17!

What are some of your anticipated albums? Did they live up to expectations?

Farväl. Until next time.

Artist spotlight: Matt Walters

This charming young man, Matt Walters is just about to release his debut album entitled "Farewell Youth". It should hit the stands in early May (around about the 6th).

Hailing from Melbourne and with a couple of EPs under his belt, this 25 year old is definitely no new comer to the Australian music scene. His ethereal tunes leave you wanting more and his lyrics are just charming. He is a true "artiste" in every sense of the word.

Notable tracks include "I Would Die For You"  and "Talking in My Sleep" (from his EP called "Talking in My Sleep"), "Echo On" and "All I Know" (from his EP called "Echo On") and if these are anything to go by, his album will be just as lovely.

Matt is a singer/songwriter you should definitely look out for and have a listen to. His EPs are available for purchase on iTunes and you can listen to his tunes online here.

Some eye candy (he is pretty gorgeous) and ear candy? why not.

Happy listening (and swooning)!

Artist Spotlight: Guineafowl

Hello there everyone!


I thought I'd start this week off with a music spotlight then do my usual Tuesday Treasures (anything to keep me procrastinating).

Oh my! he is very cute!

I have been listening to this band, Guineafowl a lot recently - you could say that I have fallen in love with them! Anyway I thought I'd share this wonderful Australian band with you:

Named after lead singer Sam Yeldham's nickname given to him by a teacher at school, Guineafowl are 6-piece band from Sydney who started life in Sam's living room.


  Their debut EP, "Hello Anxiety" was released on February 18th (2011) by Dew Process.

An impressive debut by Guineafowl - they are only going to get better and I can't wait!


"Hello Anxiety is quietly confident, strangely beautiful and totally anthemic – sparkling electro pop with more than enough drive to get you on the dancefloor." Brag


click here to read a sweet little interview Sam did with Alphabet Pony

Now for some eye + ear candy!

Botanist

In Our Circles (My favourite!)

Music Profile: Beach House

Beach House is an American indie rock duo formed in 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland, consisting of French-born Victoria Legrand and Baltimore native Alex Scally. Their self-titled debut, Beach House, was critically acclaimed. Their second release, Devotion, was in 2008. The band released their third studio album, Teen Dream in January 2010, also to positive critical and commercial reaction.

I stumbled upon Beach House in 2010, much to my delight. This is a band you can listen to on a lazy Sunday, driving in your car or just if you want to chill out. Legrand's incredible voice leaves you wondering if she has some kind of amazing voice changer but you realise it's just because she is so talented. I really thought at first it was a man singing I was astonished to find it was a woman!

My favourite album of theirs is their 3rd album, Teen Dream and tracks from it include Silver Soul, Used To Be and Take Care. Other notable tracks include "Darling" and "Gila" from Devotion, "Saltwater" and "Master of None" from Beach House.

These 3 albums are all available from Amazon, iTunes and JB Hi-Fi so run, don't walk to get yourself a copy of either or all of them. You will not be disappointed.

Devotion

Teen Dream

(First blurb taken from Wikipedia)