Songs of the Year #6

#6. "Belong" - Washed Out
(Mirror Universe)

Ernest Greene is Washed Out."Belong", taken from his cassette only release, "High Times", eschews obvious cliches in the current 80's synth pop revivalism while still maintaining that era's summer vacation feel. The big drum roll, the chorus effect on the vocals, and the understated synth line are all used to stunning effect. The lo-fi quality of the recording is also very refreshing.

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Official Site Washed Out
Official Site Mirror Universe
Official Blog (Really Great)

Songs of the Year #7

#7. "Love and Let Love" - Gossip
(Columbia)

"Music for Men" the fourth studio album from Gossip is a winner. A juxtaposition of art rock and modern dance punk with a pop twist that makes it all work. This song, taken from the b-side of the album, perfectly encapsulates where the band is at musically; massive bass lines, snappy drums, whiny guitar strains, and Beth Ditto's commanding soulful voice letting you have it!


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Official Site Gossip

Songs of the Year #8

#8. "Psychic Ciy" (Classixx Remix ) - Yacht
(DFA)

What initially starts off as a basic beat with a nice bass line quickly melds into sunny island sounding synths with the emotive and slightly dead pan vocals of Claire L. Evans. Classixx takes the original and strips it down to the best parts, making it sound leaner, faster, and eliminating some of the distracting elements. The results are quite spectacular and the finished production fits perfectly with the DFA sound: bass heavy. dubby, insistent, dreamy, and of course, catchy as hell! I hate to quote Pitchfork, but they said, "Gorgeously pillowy synth-disco". Indeed.

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Official Site Yacht
Official Site Classixx

Songs of the Year #9

#9. "Kilometer" (Aeroplane Italo '84 Remix) - Sebastien Tellier
(Record Makers)

The boys from Aeroplane had a couple of amazing remixes floating around and this one was one of the first of 2009 that caught my ears. Aeroplane take Italo Disco as a starting point for the remix and venture into the land of chunky pads, Giorgio Morodor style synth bass, and early Breakin' style Electro while not really falling into any of those genres. The moaning female vocals in the song are also a nice touch, dressing the top of this retro styled slice of 80's dance funk beautifully. Sebastien Tellier always makes great records, this is no exception!

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Official Sebastien Tellier Site
Official Aeroplane Site

Songs of the Year #10

#10. "The Deep End" (Holy Ghost! Remix) - Curses!
(Institubes Records)
One of the records that I heard everywhere I went that didn't make me cringe. The original mix is fantastic but Holy Ghost! bring the New York Disco vibe with their remix and take the song to a new level. The Holy Ghost! remix chugs along dropping layers upon layers of classy funk and ornate basslines in it's wake, by the time the vocals float in you are in Heaven! A FUTURE CLASSIC!


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Official Site Curses!
Official Site Holy Ghost!

Good Fortune

Camera Obscura "French Navy"

The first video from Camera Obscura's brand new album, "My Maudlin Career", out 4/21/2009 on 4AD.



Official Site
4AD