Friday Love – Hercules and Love Affair, MGMT, Boston Gang, etc.
Hercules and Love Affair “Blind” Remix
It’s been one busy week at work as you can see with the lack of posting going on at the square. So, to make up, here are some remixes of the Hercules and Love Affair dance floor smash, “Blind”. If you don’t know anything about these cats, all you need to know is they’re a DFA produced, p-fork would probably lick their boots if they could and they’re on a mission to bring disco back to the dance floor and doing so in futuristic style. Their debut self-titled album is out in the U.S. on June 24th from Mute Records (on license from DFA). It’s already out in the U.K. I believe.
Blind (Hercules Club mix):
Blind (Frankie Knuckles mix):
Blind (Frankie Knuckles dub):
Blind (Serge Santiago version):
Get a free Hercules and Love Affair MP3 download for the “Hercule Theme”
You will be hearing more about these guys as the summer goes on. They’re currently in touring in Europe but will be returning to the states shortly after. No tour has been officially announced but a little birder has told me that it’s in the works. Keep yourself tuned to the square for updates and also some contest giveaways such as tickets, cds, remixes, t-shirts and other goodies.
MGMT video for “Electric Feel”
Don’t own their latest album, Oracular Spectacular? You should. Get it here: (Amazon MP3)
Local Boston Scene
This Saturday the kids from Soulclap are throwing down a neighborhood outdoor party on the Charles called Dancing on the Charles. They have seven dates scheduled for this outdoor party this summer. It started last year and get some great responses. Hope the weather holds up for their opening day bash. Last year they had about 300+ kids show up so they’re hoping for an even larger turn out this year. There will be tiki torches, drinks, music, port-o-potties and lots of dancing.
Soulclap home page: http://www.soulclap.us/
Event Info: http://www.soulclap.us/dotc/
On Monday, June 2nd, there is a pretty crazy show at Underbar being put on by FTW. I’m not sure how I feel about this whole “Monday night is the new Saturday night” movement going on recently (Hot Chip, Cut Copy and most recently, M83 on this coming Monday and this show too).
Dopemine Records brings Lifelike and Alan Braxe to our lovely city. Supporting will be Boston’s own Hearthrob and DJ Die Young, who recently signed with Dopamine.
Event info:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=23236200309
Sound Samples:
Lifelike DJ set:
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Download: http://www.lifelike-music.com/goodies/LIFELIKE-DJSet-01_2008.mp3
Alan Braxe mini mix:
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Download: http://www.whosyamama.com/mixes/AlanBraxeminimix.mp3
Basstown Presents: This Saturday @ Great Scott
More info:
- basstown.blogspot.com
- going.com
- facebook.com
- Trouble & Bass Myspace
- DJ Die Young Myspace
- Volvox Myspace
Recent albums, tracks and shows to recommend
Going to be a busy week so throwing up this quick post and that’s probably all she wrote until after the holiday.
Below are a few recommended albums that I’ve recently picked up and a couple of gigs happening in Boston that are worth mentioning. Let me know if you’ve got anything to add in the comments.
Recommended Albums
Quiet Village – “Silent Movie”
- Label: iK7
- Sound: Chilled out electronic inspired by vintage movie soundtracks and the balearic movement. Great for a relaxing Sunday drive.
- Favorite Song: “Pacific Rhythm”
- MP3 Download: “Circus of Horror”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/quietvillage
- Purchase: (Amazon MP3) (eMusic)
Jason Collett – “Here’s To Being Here”
- Label: Arts & Crafts
- Sound: Americana rock w/ BC rock revival influence. For those who don’t know, Jason is a member of the ever so popular Vancouver based indie rock mega group, Broken Social Scene.
- Favorite Song: “Out of Time”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/jasoncollettofficial
- Purchase: (Amazon MP3) (eMusic)
Lyres – “Lyres Lyres”
- Label: Ace of Hearts
- Sound: Garage rock at it’s finest. You would find them hanging out with Boston bands such as Mission of Burma and Neighborhoods around the mid-80’s. Started in 1979 and has in some way shape or form stayed in tact off and on ever since. The main man behind the project is Jeff “Mono Man” Connelly (former member of DMZ).
- Favorite Song: “How Do You Know”
- MP3 Download: “How Do You Know”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/thelyres
- Purchase: (eMusic) (Amazon)
Recommended Boston Gigs:
Wednesday night there is a show at the Middle East Downstairs. Headlining the show is Subtle and opening are Black Moth Super Rainbow and The Republic Tigers. The headliner and the second opener, Black Moth Super Rainbow, are worth checking out. Althought I’m not sure how BMSR will translate at the Middle East Downstairs. I see them being more of like an ICA or Museum of Fine Arts show where you sit down and let their onslaught of crazy sounds and melodies take over your thought process. I know nothing about the other band besides the fact that they were featured in the Boston Metro this morning. That isn’t always a good thing.
Subtle have collaborated with one of the square’s favorites, TV on the Radio. The music mixes the exotic rapping and vocal style of Doesone with electronic/instrumental minglings of Alexander Kort, Jordon Dalrymple, Jeffrey ‘Jel’ Logan, Marty Dowers. Another collaborator and original member, Dax Pierson, adds an emotional element to the ever evolving Sublte sound by experimenting with voice recordings and harmonica even though a car accident while on tour in 2005 confined him to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. He no longer tours with the band but still contributes his voice recording and synth experiments to their albums. Doesone, real name Adam Drucker, and Jeff Logan are founding members of the label Anticon. However, Subtle is on Lex Records. This crew also has strong ties with Amoeba records in the Bay Area so yeah, you can say these guys are pretty well connected in the indie scene. But they also have strong ties in the hip-hope world as well.
- Location: Middle East Downstairs – corner of Brookline St. and Mass Ave. in Cambridge, MA.
- Cost: $12
- Details: 18+
On Friday don’t miss the Solid! night at Zuzu where DJ Die Young and and Baltimoroder will be laying it down for the Basstown faithful.
- Location: Zuzu – right next to Middle East Downstairs on the corner of Brookline St. and Mass Ave. in Cambridge, MA.
- Cost: Free
- Details: Bring your dance shoes / 21+
Hearthrob Approved Track Download:
Recent track download recommended by the boys of Hearthrob comes from The Presets. It’s a track called “This Boy’s In Love” and below is both the original and a remix by LifeLike. Keep your ears out for this one during their sets.
Listen
- Original
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- Remix:
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Download
Black Kids & Cut Copy @ Paradise – 5/12/08
Black Kids Review:
Monday’s are not usually the best day for me when it comes to giving a thorough review of a show. But I kept my whits about me by not drinking too many PBRs.
I missed the opening band, Mobius Band. I know some of my fellow Boston bloggers have been following these guys but I have yet to catch on. I’m sure that sooner rather then later I’ll catch their opening act. Give them a listen and let me know what you think: http://www.myspace.com/mobiusband.
I made it just around the time Black Kids were making it on stage. The crowd didn’t seem into it right away. I think the packed house and cramped space didn’t help. They’re a band you want to sit back and groove to. Even their grooviest of tunes didn’t get me moving too much. But I don’t think that’s really the point, unless you’re completely in the bag. The point here is that they play fun, catchy music. The lead vocalist, Reggie Youngblood, has a unique sound but as we all know, we take after our idols. I heard hints of Bowie on occasion and for modern day inspiration he was definitely throwing in some British accent love for Bloc Party frontman, Kele Okereke .
My one problem with Black Kids is the line up that seems forced here – brother and sister in the same band. If Ali Youngblood actually played an instrument proficiently or had impeccable vocals, it would be one thing, but she really doesn’t do much to add to the band. The whole brother – sister thing probably works to their advantage but I recently saw an interview where Reggie said “it’s the first time I’ve played with my sister. That’s not completely OK. We don’t hang out. If we weren’t playing music, we probably wouldn’t see much of each other.” (Boston Metro). Not sure if that’s good press or not. Maybe he meant to say that “It’s OK” and the Metro either miss quoted him or he miss quoted himself.
What’s even worse about their setup is they put her front and center. When she’s not supplying the back up vocals or pushing a few keys on her mini synthesizer, she passes the time by doing a little jig. It’s kind of like the Ashley Simpson episode from SNL.
However, they’re having fun and that’s all that really matters. Would I recommend seeing Black Kids live, not really. Nothing too special. However, I would recommend buying their music for their poppy and fun songs.
Their album his coming out in July. It was recorded and produced over in London by Bernard Butler (former Suede guitarist). The album is coming out on Columbia Records.
Cut Copy Review:
Cut Copy are all about the build up. They love revving up the crowd with breaks in the song that lead up to huge bass lines and infectious melodies. If you own their recent album, In Ghost Colours, you already know this. The one thing that I felt lacked from their set was a flow. There were periods between each song that were longing then I expected. Especially since on the album the songs flow into one another.
But that is the only downfall. Everything else was just pure, good old fashion, dance fever music and electronic pop goodness.
I was able to capture most of their performance of the single “Lights & Music”. Watch below. The sound is a bit scratchy since I was up in the stage-right balcony where speakers point right at you. The more and more I go to the Paradise the more I enjoy the sound quality in certain locations such as in this spot. If you go too deep into the balcony then the sound gets muffled. I also enjoy the floor over on the left better then the right even though the right side is bigger.
And watch carefully folks, Boston kids love to get down. I mean, this place was going nuts during these build up moments. The boys from Cut Copy were eating it up. I looked down on the sea of kids and could barely make out individuals. It just looked like one big mass of human arms flaring back and forth. Too bad this was a Monday night others I would have been down there in the mix.
Get Physical Tour @ Studio B – May 9th, 2008 (Pics)
Here are some photos from this weekends Get Physical North American Tour featuring the DJ duo, M.A.N.D.Y., and the wild and crazy Heidi. This was also a show to celebrate the 15th anniversary of XLR8R magazine. For those of you who don’t know, Get Physical is a label from Germany that was started by M.A.N.D.Y (Philipp Jung and Patrick Bodmer), Booka Shade (Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier), Peter Hayo and DJ T. (Thomas Koch).
You can find tons of their music catalogue over at Beatport.
Check out the “Get Physical…” tour blog over at Beatport.
The tour ended in Chicago last Saturday night. Make sure to visit the Get Physical website to see other tours from their artists such as Booka Shade who are making a return to North America this summer.
So, was the “Get Physical Tour”, physical you ask? See picture below and the rest of the pictures after the jump. (All photos provided by Vince Barnes)
LETS GO FLYERS!!! (and Black Kids and Cut Copy)
In support for the greatest team in the NHL, I will not be posting too much this weekend. However, I must remind you that Black Kids and Cut Copy are playing on Monday night at Paradise Rock Club. Yes, I know, another great Monday night show but it’s also another one not to miss. Should be a really fun time and I highly recommend you get your bottoms over there.
Listen to Black Kids (The Twelves Remix):
Download: Cut Copy – “Lights & Music” (radio edit)
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I’ll leave you with footage from what is going to go down as one of, if not the greatest hockey fight in the history of the sport. This happened in modern times so for all those folks who feel Hockey has gone soft, check out this one between the Flyers and the Ottawa Senators. Both sides get their throws in but it’s clear the men in Orange and Black come out on top.
Winner of The Teenagers Guest List contest
Congratulations Taylor B., you’re the winner of two guest list spots at the upcoming Teenagers show at the Paradise Rock Club. Your name will be on the guest list so when you get to the ticket window just tell them your name. Make sure you bring a photo I.D.
We’re also giving away some free Teenagers gear to the runner up as a surprise. Alexander P. was our runner up and he wins the following from Beggars:
- Teenagers Badges
- Set of “Love, No” 7″ singles on red/white/blue vinyl
Beggars will be mailing this to you directly. Congrats “Zander”.
For all you college students finishing up their finals, there’s nothing better then catching some live music to let off a little steam. We’ll see you at the show.
P.S. Make sure to get there early to see the Boston based DJ’s, Hearthrob.
The Teenagers : Win Guest List Spot for Boston Show
The Teenagers are gracing us with their presence on Thursday, May 8th at the Paradise Rock Club and you could win 2 guest list spots if you are the first to send me an email with the subject: “The Teenagers in Boston”. Submit your request at kippy@hip2besquare.net. Or, you can submit a comment to this posting with the same tag line in the message. I will announce and contact the winner on Wednesday.
The Teenagers are from Paris and have developed their sound around such indie icons as My Bloody Valentine but keep it lively with added pop influences from bands like their own country men, Phoenix. Their MBV sound comparison also explains why they’ve taken a strong liking to both Sofia Coppola and Scarlett Johanssen. They’ve even written a song about Scarlett – Check out the video and download the song below.
Download: “Starlett Johansson”
Their philosophy is very similar to the concept behind M83’s recent album, Saturdays = Youth (check out music and video from M83’s new material). Just like with M83’s new album, The boys from The Teenagers love the youthfulness of the teen years, which weren’t long ago for these twenty somethings. Adolescents and all that goes with it – puppy love, awkwardness, day dreaming, etc – make up a good portion of their songs on their recent full album release, Reality Check. This teen love theme is front and center in the single, “Love, No”. Watch the video for “Love, No”.
- Also playing are Team Robespierre and local Boston favorites, Hearthrob.
- Visit Teenagers on Myspace
- Visit their Official Website
- Purchase their music: (Amazon MP3) – Best Value; (Amie Street)
Calling all aspiring music industry students:
If you’re interested in becoming a Street Team member for the Beggar’s Group, let me know as they’re looking for you. If you don’t know who the Beggar’s Group are, then head over to their website at www.beggarsgroupusa.com. They own the labels Beggars Banquet (The National, Film School, etc.), 4AD (Pixies, TV on the Radio, Beirut, etc.), Matador (Yo La Tengo, Malkmus, etc.), XL Recordings (Radiohead, The Raconteurs, Ratatat), Mantra (St. Etienne). So, yeah, take your pick on the bands you want to help out when they come to Boston plus get into all the shows for free!
Just send an email to me using the address above or leave a note in the comments and I’ll make sure you’re put in touch with the right folks over there.
Friday Grab Bag: Four Tet, Black Grass & Futureheads
Here in Boston the April / May showers are in full effect. But that shouldn’t mean you should give in to society’s normal depressed reaction. Keep your soul upbeat by jamming out to some of the square’s MP3’s for this here Friday, May 2nd post. (This are all legal MP3 downloads provided by the label or promoter).
Black Grass Download
Download: “Hold Fire” (Ft. Dionne Charles)
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Look out kids, DJ Mex and his latest Black Grass release are knocking on your dance floor. This is my first introduction to the DJ and his Black Grass productions. According to Mex the last album was quite dark.
“This album is my Return of the Jedi, whereas ‘A Hundred Days In One’ was my Empire Strikes Back and was quite dark, this is more fun with couple of Ewoks thrown for laughs. Rest assured I won’t be ruining it with a load of unnecessary CGI though.”
There a several guest appearances including J Live, vocalist Dionne Charles from funk sensations Baby Charles, Hearin’ Aid’s Aaron Phiri, reggae representation by Benjammin’ and Jah Marnyah. The album is entitled Three and will be released on My 12th by Catskills Records.
I chose a track by Dionne Charles because I feel it well represents the light hearted, funky, dance vibe sound on the album plus, the plethora of remarkable vocal contributions. For a DJ album, the vocals sure are front and center. That must mean that Mex is a level headed fellow who respects his musical peers and knows how to stand quietly in the back or rather quietly in the front like any good maestro.
“Three” Tracklisting:
- Alright
- Without Your Love (Ft. Dionne Charles)
- Set it Straight (Ft. J Live)
- Bass Man (Ft. Ben Jammin’)
- Splash the Cash (Ft. Koaste
- Makin’ Emcees Run (Ft. Aaron Phiri)
- How Much Can You Take (Ft. Dionne Charles)
- Queztalcoatl Returns
- Hold Fire (Ft. Dionne Charles)
- This & That (Ft. The Good People)
- Bless (Ft. Ruben da Silva)
- Stormy Weathers (Ft. Jah Marnyah)
- Away (Ft. Rider Shafique)
Bonus Download: “Bless” (Ft. Ruben da Silva)
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The Futureheads Download
Download: “The Beginning of the Twist” (Atephoald Vs The Futureheads)
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When it comes to NME hyped bands, The Futureheads definitely pass the solid rock band litmus test. You may have heard but they recently pulled a “Radiohead” on us by announcing that they will be releasing their third album, This is Not The World, on their own (Release date for US and Canada is June 3rd and May 26th for the UK). They playing at Bowery Ballroom in NYC on June 17th. Details here.
“The Beginning of the Twist” is the first single off the new album and it was officially released on March 10th. For those who haven’t heard the original, give it a go:
It’s quite a brash little ditty. Packs a decent British punk punch. Little bit of a mouthful description. What I like about this remix by Atephoald is they take this once rocking punk tune, turned it on it’s head and created a club hit. It’s important that any remix takes the song to new arenas. Atephoald have successfully taken The Futureheads into the club scene and I guarantee there are DJ’s out there right now giving kids heart attacks with this one.
The mix is available through the experimental online label, RCRD LBL. If you’re not familiar with this site, become familiar. The more people become aware of this site and what these labels are trying to achieve, the better off the music industry will be. Tons of free downloads available allowing you, the music fan, a chance to hear these artists on your own time (in the car, walking to work, mowing the lawn, or where ever else you take your MP3 player).
Four Tet Mix
Download: “DJ Set” mix
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Provided by the ever so gracious, Fader Mag, Four Tets latest DJ set is dominated by his new single “Ringer” which is due out on May 6th. As the Fader notes, the first 30 minutes of this mix is purely a meditation of “Ringer” sound effects. Consider this your Saturday late night option as you sink deeper and deeper into your drunken stooper but don’t worry, this won’t make you completely pass out as the ‘Tet kicks in the techno and dubstep after the 30 minute “Ringer” loop comes to an end.
Get the Ringer EP at Other Music Digital or Bleep.
About Editor
Name: Luke "Kip" Owen
Location: Boston, MA
Contact: kippy[AT]hip2besquare[DOT]net
Twitter: twitter.com/kipdog
Youtube: youtube.com/kipdog
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