remix that #8
ok. Some killer new remixes just for you. well…when I say ‘new’, some may be a little old. But only a month or two. Anyway, on with it I say.
First cap off the rank is is a remix of a dude I really wish I saw at Laneway. The guy’s name is Whitley. The song is Head First Down. Whitley’s label organised a remix comp for the track…which even I had a shot at. Never finished it though. Anyway, enough of me. More of the guys that won the comp. No Device may be known to bloggers out there for their pretty nice remixes of some Aussie acts like Dappled Cities, Washington and Lisa Mitchell. With Head First Down, they take what was a pretty anthemic track and make it all down tempo and moody. Works pretty well too! (If you want to download this one, head over to the Universal Music website to download it.
Whitley – Head First Down (No Device Remix)
Second. Well well well…could maamf ever feature another Phoenix remix? Well…yeah, I suppose we could. This one comes courtesy of Poindexter, who’s out of Portland, Oregon. Just about every blogger out there will tell you how good the original is, but, as Poindexter himself puts it “This is probably the millionth remix you’ve received of this track but it’s the only one that matters”. And whilst he did put that forward with a little winky smiley face, a little tongue in cheek, it is pretty good. The thing I like about this one is the key change, and how he seems to utilise every chord known in the verse before the chorus kicks in.
Phoenix – Fences (The Poindexter Remix)
Third on the list. I think in 6 months time, Delphic may be what Phoenix is in terms of the number of remixes done. I’ve received 3 remixes for the track so far and expect a few more. I think the best thing about the original is that not only is it an awesome track by it’s self, it’s also got this “come remix me” vibe about it. There’s so much you can do with it, especially with the cut up vocals. This remix is by a dude from the UK called Doc Daneeka. He mixes up the cut up vocals to great effect I reckon. Makes it a little breaksy, a little dubby, and a little grimey (he did dub his remix the ‘All For Space Grime’ after all).
Delphic – Doubt (Doc Daneeka All For Space Grime Mix)
Last. This guy is turning out to be a bit of a favourite. I loved his remix of Sweet Disposition that dropped last year, as did a lot of other blogs out there. The dude’s name is Alan Wilkis and he has a knack of putting a whole new spin on tracks. Well duh, isn’t that what a remix is? Yeah, but I think Wilkis does it in such an original way which just works so well. The obvious choice for Sweet Disposition would be to capitalise on the whole big all encompassing sound, the soundscape if you like. Wilkis puts this killer drum pattern underneath it that ramps it up and makes it something completely different. He’s done nearly the same with the Yeasayer track Ambling Alp. You say Yeasayer and you think pretty heavily blogged (For good reason though – I just picked up their second album the other day and man, early contender for album of the year for me). Anyway, Wilkis gives it a four-on-the-floor kick, and keeps it minimal(ish), not like the layers used in the original. He’s kept those horns and repeated them and man. It just kills. The dude has skills.
Yeasayer – Ambling Alp (Alan Wilkis Remix)
Good list eh? You know it.
The 10 Best Tracks of 2009
I’m beginning to sound like a broken record I know, but this list was probably the most difficult thing I’ve had to compile, even outside of the blog.
I think the main contributing factor behind this is that the blog isn’t specialised, there’s just too much good stuff out there to choose from. We don’t just post some electro/dance kinda stuff. We don’t just put a focus on indie rock. We post both of those…and about 50 other styles too (50 might be a slight tiny exageration…). As our About page says, “we’ll like just about anything”…and whilst this may seem to be a bit of a hinderence when it comes to compiling best of lists, I think it’s what makes maamf just that little bit different…different to the 50 gazillion other music blogs out there.
Anyway, enough of blowing the maamf trumpet and onto the 10 best tracks of 2009.
There’s a good mix here. Some electro, some indie pop, some singer songwriter stuff, hell…even some hip hop. I’ve even numbered them too…big call and was difficult…so please don’t take too much notice of the order the tracks are in!!
10. Goodnight Owl – Maps & Compasses
09. Van She – (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
07. The Golden Filter – Solid Gold
06. Hermitude – Your Call (feat. Urthboy & Elana Stone)
Comment away people! Be interested to know what you think of my list, and what made yours!!
The 10 Best Remixes of 2009
ok. So I know I said that these things are hard (For those new readers, I wrote last week that compiling my albums list was pretty freakin difficult), but man. I never thought that there would be so many remixes to dwindle down. It’s been a bloody good year for remixes I reckon. Hype bands like Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Miike Snow have had the shit remixed out of them (I counted 34 remixes in my iTunes for Phoenix alone and I’m sure that’s only about half of them available out there). There has also been a few new dudes/dudettes to come on the scene who have produced some great remixes (Alan Wilkis is an awesome example of this).
Anyway, here it is though. (No order…too hard to do that too!)
The MAAMF Top 10 Remixes of 2009
Miike Snow – Animal (Mark Ronson Remix)
The Scare – Could Be Bad (G.L.O.V.E.S. 12″ Megamix)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll (Passion Pit Remix)
Phoenix – Lisztomania (Yuksek Remix)
Little Boots – New In Town (Fred Falke Remix)
Ladyhawke – Paris is Burning (Alex Metric Remix)
Miami Horror – Sometimes (G.L.O.V.E.S. Remix)
The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition (Alan Wilkis Remix)
Lost Valentinos – Thief (Shinichi Osawa Remix)
Van She – Talkin’ (Van She Tech Remix)
What do you think? Good list? I think it covers a bit. I originally had close to 40 remixes that were all in serious contention…so I’m sure I’ve left something out etc. A few standouts for me were the Alan Wilkis remix of TTT. Changed the song completely, and it worked bloody well. He had a few remixes in contention actually – check his remixes out on Hype Machine. Another standout of the year would definitely be G.L.O.V.E.S. He’s put forward some awesome remixes this year – so good, I had to include 2 in my list! There were other obvious inlusions like Fred Falke (it wouldn’t be a MAAMF best of list without some of the Falkemeister) and his French pal Yuksek. All of them were standouts though…you know…that’s what a best of list is kinda all about and shit.
Anyway, comment away.
The 10 Best Albums of 2009
I had a hell of a lot of trouble getting this list together. Relistening to albums, figuring out which ones to cull from my list. I rediscovered some great great discs though. And my top 10 will be just below…for you!
But first off, I feel as though there are a few albums I should give a small shout out to. Although these discs didn’t make my top 10 list, they did make my shortlist (a list that ended up being not very short at all)…and man it was difficult trying to cull that down.
So, in no particular order, the honourable mentions list is:
Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
Passion Pit – Manners
Bertie Blackman – Secrets and Lies
The Little Stevies – Love Your Band
Bluejuice – Head of The Hawk
Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More
Tiga – Ciao
Without further ado though, here it is. The MAAMF Top 10 Albums of 2009:
10. Lisa Mitchell – Wonder
I think people in general were a little skeptical about Lisa. Her first two EP’s were nice and soft and had that folkpop kinda sound, but people were a little “well there’s a lot of folk-pop singers out there…and this one came from Australian Idol, so I think we’ll say no”. I think Lisa proved them wrong when she released Wonder. It’s a great collection of songs. You can check out a full review of the album here as well as one of the standout’s from the album, So Jealous, just below.
9. Jet – Shaka Rock
I think a few were pleasantly surprised when they heard this, the third record from Melbourne rockers Jet. I read somewhere that whilst it’s not an amazing album, it is still a great solid rock ‘n’ roll album. Call it a come back record or whatever you like. It’s still good. And so is the second official single from the album Hearts On Fire.
8. Yves Klein Blue – Ragged & Ecstatic
These boys, in my opinion, put forward a great album that seemed to go largely unnoticed, especially in terms of reviews and hype etc. They’ve put together a great album, with nice piano lines and a really good mix of styles. You can tell there’s a whole heap of influences in their music and their sound isn’t strictly dictated by current radio, or even current western music. The track Polka is an obvious example of this for sure. Check out the full review here as well as the first single from the album, Getting Wise.
Yves Klein Blue – Getting Wise
7. Miike Snow – Miike Snow
I’ve just done a search for them on the blog to see what i’ve written previously…and turns out they haven’t been mentioned. At all. Easily one of the most hyped albums of the year (and thankfully one that lives up to the hype), it is such a great collection of well crafted and well written pop songs. It would seem the Sweedes have this in the bag! Check out one of my faves from the album, Cult Logic, just below.
6. The Bloody Beetroots – Romborama
I remember speaking to a friend and we had our usual conversation about what we’re listening to. I raved on and on about these dudes. This album hits hard. And kinda doesn’t give up. Same thing with Miike Snow though, I haven’t mentioned the guys before on the blog. Am a little perplexed by that because this kicks and pushes and all that. I think the reason I like it so much is that you can tell the guys are from Italy. There’s something about the instrumentation, the melodies, the chords, the playfullness that reminds me of Italian lessons in Primary School. Fave off the album would have to be the lesser known Warp 7.7 (Warp 1.0 got played a hell of a lot as it was one of the singles taken from the album.
The Bloody Beetroots – Warp 7.7
5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
When I first heard Zero, the lead single from It’s Blitz, I loved it. However, as I wrote for my first ever album review for this blog way back in April, “I’d grown accustomed to Zero…it’s thumping sound and Karen O’s distinct vocals made it a really cool, catchy song. But after being played all over the shop…it was starting to sound a little less amazing. However, after hearing it in the context of the full album, it makes sense to me again. That seems to be one of the great things about this album. It flows really well and has enough of a mixture of sounds to not make it sound repetitive or boring.” And i’d have to agree. I now love Zero. Great song. And it’s a great album too.
4. Jack Penate – Everything Is New
I don’t know how many people would put this in their top 10. I get the impression young Jack flew under the radar for a few this year, which is a pity, because Everything Is New, is just that. It’s all a bit new. His first Album, Matinee was firmly rooted in the Britpop genre. This album sounded completely different. The man reinvented himself almost…and a bloody good job of it he did! Although it comes in at just over 30 mins, it’s the move to a more soulful sound that gets me. One of the best off the album would have to be So Near…and you can check that out just below.
3. Jonathan Boulet – Jonathan Boulet
I only bought this a few weeks ago and only reviewed it just over a week ago…but man. When an album leaves you a little taken aback you know it’s a good one. Mr Boulet does this. And pretty fucking well too! The dude possesses some great song writing skills. I don’t really know what he reminds me of. It’s a little all over the place, but I think that’s what’s good about the album. There are obvious standouts like A Community Service Announcement and 321 Ready or Not. But then there’s also every single other track. They all have this great ease about them all. There’s just something about an artist that seems to not really care about what people will think of his music. Or at least gives that impression. And for that fact, this album easily gets my number 3 spot.
Jonathan Boulet – 321 Ready Or Not
2. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Well…I actually thought this would get to number one. It almost goes interchangeable with the first but number one just tips it at the post (I bet you’ve scrolled down already to check it out. Cheeky bugger!). I remember writing that as soon as I heard this album, I knew it would be a contender for album of the year. I was right about that! It may be just a tiny bit too short (it clocks in at a little over 36mins), but I think the fact that every song on this album is such a great pop track makes the length seem irrelevant. It was definitely a hype album. Just looking on The Hype Machine now and Phoenix are the second most blogged artists. I don’t know when the hype will end! Totally deserved though…and totally deserving of the number 2 spot.
1. The Temper Trap – Conditions
wow. This is it. TTT provide my best album of 2009. It’s such an impressive debut. I remember writing back in July when I reviewed the album that it reminded me of Motorace. They sound absolutely nothing like Motorace I know, but I think it’s just their ability to fill out songs. And it’s probably also that Motorace produced a bit of an Australian classic album in Five Star Laundry, and I think The Temper Trap have done that too. It’s extremely difficult to fault in my opinion. All the tracks are great. They all provide something different. And to all those haters out there (trust me, every review I read, someone has posted about how they suck and are corporate produced shit or something like that), cool. We’re all entitled to our own taste. I don’t know what the guys ever did to you but you don’t hear me whining about how I don’t like some stuff! Anyway, this is meant to be an album poll. I’m pumped to be seeing these boys at The Forum down here in Melbourne in a month or so. Should be amazing. Solid awesome great Australian record…and Me, And All My Friend’s top album of the year.
The Temper Trap – Science Of Fear
Yeeeeessssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the hardest part of the year
Bloody hell these things are difficult. I’ve got a list of 15 albums that are standout…and, you know, in accordance with every other album poll out there, I’m thinking I should get it down to 10. Oh…and then the order! Freaking hell. If you want an early indication as to what may be included you can jump on over to the 2009 best of… page. That hasn’t been updated for a fair while though. You can also check out the Album Review categories thing too for a good indication. There are a few in my shortlist however that didn’t make either of those so I guess you’ll just have to sit and wait!
The main reason behind why I’m writing this post is that I’m currently listening to Richard Kingsmill countdown the top 10 albums according to Triple J listeners. It’s a pretty good list (except for Muse at number 3…well look, I don’t hate them but I just think they sound just a bit pretentious). Richard Kingsmill is Triple J’s music programmer, and he does his own best of to accompany the listeners best of. That is always a good list. You can check Richard’s list out here.
You can check out the listener’s list just below though…
Triple J Listener Top 10 Albums of 2009
10. Passion Pit – Manners
09. Lisa Mitchell – Wonder
08. Paul Dempsey – Everything Is True
07. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
06. Sarah Blasko – As Day Follows Night
05. Florence And The Machine – Lungs
04. Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More
03. Muse – The Resistence
02. The Temper Trap – Conditions
01. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Anyway…what do you guys think the best album of the year is? Has it been a good year for music? Has a been a shit year? Comment away peeps!!!
To leave you with, a track off one of my faves of the year. Phoenix put out an amazing album this year. Although only clocking in in a bit over half an hour, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix was easily a standout. And this is one of the standout tracks, Girlfriend.
(iTunes)
K. That’ll do the ramble for now.
ooh ooh ahh ahh
So, whilst this ain’t exactly a review or anything, I just thought I’d tell you peeps about the new music I bought today. First off, I got my hands on the new Kitsune Maison Compilation, number 7!
Is v. good. I’ve had and loved a few of the tracks for a while, especially the Classixx version of Listzomania by Phoenix. Is simply pumping. Anyway, I encourage you to go out and buy it. You can check it out on iTunes and Amazon. If you like your good indie electro kinda stuff, the majority of the Kitsune stuff is worth a look.
Next up is an album called You and I by a New Zealand band called Cut Off Your Hands.
I fell in love with two tracks from these guys earlier on this year. Launchpad Uplate played both Oh Girl and Turn Cold and I became hooked. But, stupid me, only just bought the album!! It’s a pretty good album. Not the best out there, but is still pretty good. Love good local guitar driven pop music.You can check the album out on iTunes and Amazon
Finally, probably the best album I bought. It’s Phoenix’s new one, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.
Actually, this is going straight into the best of 2009 page thing up the top. Is a great album hands down. To me, it doesn’t sound like much else out there. All the tracks are great – Listzomania, 1901, Fences, actually, stuff it, I can’t single out specific tracks. They’re all equal! Wow. Didn’t think I’d love this album that much!! Check it out on iTunes and Amazon.
Free stuff? You know it.
First off, that Classixx remix of Listzomania I was raving on about before:
Phoenix – Listzomania (Classixx Version)
Second, a Cut Off Your Hands track:
Cut Off Your Hands – Oh Girl
K. That’ll do the ramble for now.
New Music First #4
ok. My name’s Miks, and I’m a commitment-phobe. Well…not really. But, it has been a while since I’ve posted up some new music. The Mix Tape is sort of the same thing I know, but meh. This entry lists a few tracks that were part of the Mid May MIXTAPE entry too. Again, meh!
Hahahaha…ok, so here’s the list. It’s pretty good. Sounds a bit like a remix that entry. But yeah, you know what word I’m going to say to that.
- In For The Kill (Lifelike Remix) – La Roux (Good song! Never really thought I’d get into these guys. But, I am. I think their appearance on the new Kitsune Compilation may help along with the La Roux love! Also, Lifelike has been getting around. Not in a sexual sense. Obviously. Actually, I’m not sure…ok…umm this is getting weird. haha)
- Too Fake – Hockey (Posted this last week I know. But it’s still definately a favourite track at the moment. Great band. Looking forward to hearing some more stuff from these guys.)
- Kids – Chiddy Bang vs. MGMT (Found this on Hype Machine. This guy rips this song in half and makes it Hip Hop. And, although it sounds pretty mainstream, is a fun track.)
- Symphonies (Passion Pit Remix) – Dan Black (Obviously, anything Passion Pit is popular at the moment. They’re probably about the biggest band of the moment hands down (Grizzly Bear are probably a close second). Don’t know much about Dan Black…other than this is a good track)
- It’s Not My Problem (Thin White Duke Remix) – Sneaky Sound System (I use to love these guys a few years ago. Then they got a little commercial (Not that that’s a bad thing) and I just didn’t like their stuff as much. I downloaded this track off a whim…and am pretty impressed. Connie Mitchell can still sing damn well. Cooooool voice!)
- Out Of Control (Acoustic) – Dash & Will (Once again, I downloaded this track because it was free. And, i’ve liked some of Dash & Will’s stuff. Kinda like a grown up Veronicas (Can’t believe I just wrote that. Argh). But they’re better than the Veronicas. Much better)
- One Week Of Danger – The Virgins (Why the hell aren’t these guys massive? From what I gather, they must be pretty big in the UK and the US going by song polls and best of 2008 album write ups. Hopefully they’ll start getting more radio play here. Great sound.)
- Bulletproof – La Roux (Hmm…I must like these guys. Maybe I should get their album. Bulletproof is their latest single, and is, I think, their best one so far.)
- Lisztsomania (Yuksek Remix) – Phoenix (Another massive band of the moment. And with fellow Frenchman Yuksek behind this remix, the song rips ‘grand temps’. I was never that good at French at high school.)
- Something Good Can Work – Two Door Cinema Club (Good, fun sounding track. Appears on the new Kitsune compilation which comes out next month I think)
- Laughing With – Regina Spektor (Cool. Got that ‘quirk’ factor that sets her apart from other piano based singer songwriters. I fell in love with her track Sampson a few years back and haven’t looked back!)
Anyway, that’s it. Check them out. Buy their stuff. Is an eclectic list this week (I’m trying to make this thing a weekly thing you see…will it happen?? Wait and see I suppose.)
K. That’ll do the ramble for now.
MAAMF: an australian music blog 