The xx - Crystalised

The xx have really got me hooked on their debut album day by day. Unexpected, brilliant song and lyrical arrangement with a consistent intimacy. They're British too, you can tell. Shy to the bones in real life (yea cause i know them..not) so they let the music speak for itself. Let's hope the fame doesn't get up their soft spoken buttocks.
They have covered few songs from other artists, but have proven to really make it their own.
"With a cover you should take the essence of it and completely change the music side of it." No further critic, let the music speak.
The xx :: Crystalised



CAKAP FRENCH :: véridique (veʀidik) = truthful

Dan Deacon's beacon.

This man is living in fame. Dan Deacon is best known for his live shows where he keeps his electronic music devices to ground level, mixing with the crowd at his feet. He loves to get the crowd involved with his sets, and will very often get everyone to do crazy performances, such as getting the crowd to run in a huge circle making a human spiral. And it works everytime, INSANE!

He studied electro-accoustic and computer music composition at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College in New York. He also shared classes with the talented Soviet-born singer/songwriter Regina Spektor. I know..waaaaah o.O

His music videos are damn raw, but there are few questionable "easter eggs" which keeps the interest going. Check it out, straight to the tripping point.

Dan Deacon :: Crystal Cat

Dan Deacon :: Snookered (Live set)

Speech Debelle: she fresh like a cucumber in yogurt.

« I'm getting older now, I'm starting to make sense of it. »
Speech Debelle has got the humbleness in the rap and that's a first innit now? There's no argument that her songwriting, lyric and diction all together stand strong and represent Europe in style; she's Brit-British yep. She slides playful whispers on her words with a youthful warmth and confidence. She pierces a deeper darkened honesty with each rhyme done. She's fresh to the flex and still humble. I said that already, but it's worth saying in twice really. Cause when you're not a hiphop fan in general, rap artists can only take your grip with their authentic original skills and style. That's when they get your appreciative recognition.
Speech Debelle :: The Key



In her case, it's the offbeat, upbeat, jazzy, folky production of the album that makes her stand on her own boulder. She's humble in her dresser too. It's a good change from today's fashion rumble.

If you ain't convinced of her astounding talent, do me a favor and GIVE THIS VIDEO A GO. A live street performance proves a true artist. High props to the band too. Start the day with it, it's breezy.
Speech Debelle :: The Key (live street performance)

Metric - Live It Out

Lotsa splashing rock alternative bands come from Canada, like Metric. Bands which have brought a live stage to life. Of Metric's discography, I have to say Live It Out has got the most punch of all. It conclusively made it hard to beat, but the latest release Fantasies still remains one of the best album for 2009.
Metric :: Handshakes
«Buy this car to drive to work.
Drive to work to pay for this car.»

You see, Metric always manages to add that pinch of unknown spice within a song and breaks the conventional song structure we are all so familiar with (the verse, the chorus, then verse II, then the chorus again, then the breaker, then the chorus..i haven't got any decent musical technical terms in my catalogue besides THIS. Nevertheless, I'm sure you all get where I'm at.). I strongly sense from those videos, that Metric is better live than recorded. Emily Haines has got much more attitude and honesty in her singing when on stage. Plus the stage production / lighting. Shit like that always bring me to tears, of ecstatic happiness. On the album, it's a little more controlled, better pitch maybe. But we like them loud and raw. Just like that:

Metric :: Monster Hospital

Blonde Redhead's rebirth.

I came across this band about 4 years ago, when epitonic.com was still running fast. Such a pleasure it was to browse through infinite new coming indie band from around the globe. Shame they just haven't updated anything since then.


Blonde Redhead comprise of Japanese Kazu Makino and twin brothers Simon and Amedeo Pace. Discovered by Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley who then went on to produce the self-titled debut album in 1995. The song "In Particular" from the album "Melody Of Certain Damaged Lemons" (2000) caught me in a trance. Kazu Makino's singing reminded me much of Jane Birkin, partner in crime of French legend singer/songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. Erm, Jane is a legend of her own too really, speaking french with the brihtish accent..and a lot of silent "h" and "sh" in her speech. We love her back home :)
Blonde Redhead :: In Particular (LIVE)

Once I came across the above mentioned album at RockCorner (thanks to An-drou's wide range of music library), I had to get their late following album, "Misery is a Butterfly" (2004), which was already on the rack. In between the making of these two albums, Kazu Makino's experienced a horrifying accident, being tramped by a horse. (Trust me I got knocked out twice from a horse and it ain't pretty when they hit your head). The recovery was long and reflects much in the visual and lyrical imagery of the following song from the album, "Misery is a Butterfly".
Blonde Redhead :: Equus
« Sometimes i think i must, just let you be, let you be a horse.
All i want is to be a rider. Afraid I'm so afraid, to lose you.
If someone looks at you, turn into donkey, pretend you are lame.»

At last the dark and gloomy days were gone, the band released the album "23" in 2007 which most of you are familiar with for its deep crying satisfaction. TEYH ROKKINYO!
Blonde Redhead :: 23



CAKAP FRENCH :: rêve (ʀɛv ) = dream