Up At Midnight (City)

Given that this post will be the last one I publish this year, a great video is in order. However, don't build up your hopes cuz surely you've seen it (hundreds of times). 

In fact, today's featured song is from the French musical outfit known as M83, whose Midnight City heads up my list of the year's best vids.

Seriously, I'm in love with every single part of this video, beautifully shot and paced. And I really like how music videos are becoming three-or-four-minute-long cinematic affairs. In this case, the clip follows a small group of kids with supernatural abilities escaping their trapped situation, running through the woods to get to an old factory building where they prove their freaky special powers to bust shit up. Still I'm not sure if in the end of the clip they force the sun to go down very quickly or if they just stand there for quite a while. One thing is clear: You better not mess with these brats!

Aiight. I have done research on this dreamy, super hero inspired story and it's a definite ode to the sci-fi film Village of the Damned (1960), a perfect clash of culture and cool. Also, it seems to be inspired by some other movies such as Carrie (1976), The Fury (1978), Stephen King's Firestarter  (1984) and The Gift  (2000). I'm pretty sure you'll start to feel interested in these psychokinesis movies after watching those gripping trailers (click on film titles). So rush ahead and grab one!

But before that, if you are one of the few who have been on another planet for the last three months and haven't seen the visuals from the crazy dope track yet, check them out below and let me know what you think!

Hey! This is supposed to be a special post, the latest in 2011, innit? Alright, then it seems to me rather weak. Don't you think so? That's the reason why I've been searching the Internet for some strange-videos-with-strange-children-doing-strange-things and that is what I finally found. Now you must be patient and wait until the end to see the superpowers.

Sigur Rós - Glósóli 

David Guetta - Titanium

Oh, by the way, 2012 is almost here! Only a few hours left... Up at Midnight (City). Thus, before I forget... HAPPY NEW YEAR, folks! I hope you're able to keep to your goals for the coming year. My personal 366 day challenge (this is a leap year) is writing more and better articles. Let us hope so. I'll at least give it a try!

Great big crow kisses to all of you!!

Passengers On Board

Flight Facilities have been stirring up a fuss for a couple of years thanks to some uber-tasty and catchy remixes. However, I must confess I didn't hear anything from them until I got a special reco direct from Chile. So I decided to pop this in and voilà.

The identity of the great artists behind this outfit remains mysterious and there's no chance of prying that information out of them. 

All I've been able to glean from Internet searching is that they're an Australian based production duo, and they named themselves Flight Facilities because they're both aeronautical engineers at Sydney Airport. But Jack and Meg White said they were siblings, so who knows if they are telling the truth!

Crave You, their successful sleepy-eyed debut, was launched nearly a year ago. This track, about unobtainable love, full of lust and sex -ermm, I mean, SAX-, has an official video with a girl that looks very much like a boy and a girl that very much looks like a girl. Lovely.

Nevertheless, my fave one is the recently-released Foreign Language, a equally smooth and groovy tune whose vid takes back us to 70's era bombshells with a trailer-style montage of speedboat driving, gun-slinging,  bikini wearing, mustache donning and enjoyably melodramatic glances at the camera. Watching this mixture of James Bond, Baywatch and Miami Vice references made me forget I was watching a music video.

Enjoy!

Crave You 

Foreign Language

Home, Sweet Home

Xmas is a trying time for most with the return of the same old TV line-ups, compilation albums and lovely tasty food we should avoid if we don't want to gain extra weight. But for people living far apart from their family members and friends, it's even more of a challenge.

This is my tracklist for these crazy days of hustle and bustle, apocalyptic reunions and toing and froing around airports, roads and ports with a common aim: coming back home, sweet home.

The Bogeyman

Vetusta Morla is easily among the frontrunners for album of the year in Spain (so far). But what I find most compelling about this six-member rock band is the seemingly endless energy in their incredible live shows. I've seen them in two nearly two-hour-long gigs and I have no words to say how fairly mesmerizing they are on stage, charming the audience with their banter and charisma.

As much as I'm a fan of music videos, I'm also quite fickle. They need to instantly grab my attention, entice me to want to see more. They can't just rely on a nice tune or some special effects. I want the whole package! And the real fact is that Vetusta Morla's motion pictures are always fully shabby. Nevertheless, the fast-paced B&W clip for their song El Hombre Del Saco (aka The Bogeyman), is definitely somewhat disconcerting and weird, but it contains an underlying message about the current economic situation and the thriving cult of greed and power. Ah, don't worry if you can not understand a word of the lyrics in Spanish; the images speak for themselves.

Take a peek below!

 

If you don't want them to leave you hanging too long, go to Spotify already.

Decembering

Wow, the time is just flying by and we're diving headfirst into the month of December. 

Thus, what do you think will be the best band to listen to these days? Of course, The Decemberists! This Is Why We Fight is definitely my fav cut from this outfit's latest offering, The King Is Dead, an album that reminds me of early R.E.M. records, probably because Peter Buck helped with it.

The "Lost Boys" from the movie Hook ended up finding their way into this post-apocalyptic clip. You'll see what I mean once you watch it but basically, it features a bunch of kids playing out a story of oppression and passive resistance before standing up for themselves.

Hit play below!

Sexual Innuendo

If there were ever a formula to get the attention of readers, this would likely be it, hihi. But, let this be a prior warning to all those hetero guys and lesbians watching the screen since this clip features a group of half nude chicks that do slightly suggestive things like drinking milkshakes in the tub, wrestling each other, mauling watermelon slices, and my personal favorite, practicing kissing on their hands. 

Alpine is an indie-pop sextet from Melbourne who are lately receiving rave reviews and amassing fans in their native country. Their latest single Hands is the first cut from their forthcoming debut album (due early 2012) and follows last years Zurich EP.

With honeyed harmonies, sublime sounds and Lou James and Phoebe Baker's dreamy vocals, Hands  is an exercise in ethereal pop that leaves audiences immediately in thrall.

...

Hey, I can imagine no one is analysing this song as much as I am, huh? You're too busy watching ladies clutching their boobs against a glass door. Mnmnmn. I get it. So... enjoy! Meanwhile I'm just wondering when I will be able to watch a video full of hot men.

 

HarleQUEEN

Today I cannot resist sharing about I am Harlequin, an awesome singer I stumbled upon several days ago while trying to find out similar artists to Lana del Rey. In fact, this video, Because He Loves Them Both, is kike-alike to Kinda Outta Luck  or Video Games  (IMO).

Behind this peculiar name hides Anne Freier, who grew up in East Germany at the end of the GDR regime and moved to London where she had her musical training. Anne has influences that range from classical music, particularly the Russians of the 20th century, such as the great composer & pianist Rachmaninov, to the advanced choir arrangements in Stephen Sondheim musicals, as well as other completely different latest references like Florence + The Machine or CocoRosie. I am Harlequin is epic electro indie pop at its finest. The music embraces a menagerie of instruments to create a bold and intricate sound. Her sophisticated, off-kilter melodies form stirring and unforgettable pop songs.

Watch, listen, and prepare yourself for the goosebumps.

The Return

Dear fellow readers, I know it's been a long time since my last post but that one dag on thing got in the way. So, sorry a lot for having been neglecting you for a while. 

Now, after a loooong awe inspiring and memorable vacation, I'm back with some refreshed and renewed ideas up my sleeve and I'll be releasing a lot of music contributions. Hope you like them!

Start by listening to the next song, which is just perfect for today's post because of its title. Great Vacation is a golden oldie by the band Dirt Poor Robins, consisting of the talented husband and wife team, Neil and Kate Robins, who are self-described on one of their album covers as "cinematic rock". They will enthral you and leave you wanting more, I'm sure about it! Total compositions, more than worthy of gracing thine fine ears. 

 
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Ah! I'd like to thank you everyone for the constant visits to the blog, even though it hasn't been updated for more than a month. Irrelephant is a personal project created from scratch and each additional visit is not due to a promotion among friends but because of you, lurkers, who came up with my site sometime in the past and still are there, supporting me every day. Thank you so much!

Open Jaws

I know. It has been many days since last post but I've been really busy this week. Sorry a lot. However, I had to come back with such a bombshell. Ready? First Aid Kit return with the lead track from their second release, The Lion's Roar. Tada!

As you already (should) know, I've been following these Swedish sister's ever since they got me all gooey-eyed a year and a half ago (click here), that has basically involved me waitin' patiently for their return whilst repeatedly playing their debut EP and full length. Today I'm glad to say that the wait is now over.

Ok... We still will have to wait long till the official release on 23 January next year but, at least, we've been treated to a stream of the title track. Listen to it now!

The Lion's Roar

Dear Deer

I didn't think the Chilean indie music scene was sooooo large but once again a band from this country has become a favorite of mine, as such Dënver did some time ago (click here).

Astro brings us their joyous brand new single called Ciervos (translated as "deer"), from the group's first proper full-length, which is set to be released in the next months. One of the main references when speaking about Astro's music has been MGMT and, while the similarities between both bands are kind of obvious, their songs certainly aren't. 

The clip was shot at a beautiful island at the very south of Chile and the psych-pop foursome get into some ritualistic celebration with animals, gods, and humans as equal. Check it out now!

Plus, way below you'll find the free mp3. If the whole record sounds like this, I definitely can't wait to hear it.

Absenteeism

Dear irrelephanters,

This time it will take me just more time to publish a post again.
The reason? A journey.
Destination? I'll give you a hint about one of the cities I'm visiting...
I'll be back in a few weeks!

 Sufjan Stevens - Chicago

 Vetusta Morla and Christina Rosenvinge - Chicago

ROCKtober

The doo-wop music with a punk rock spin by Locksley is always pretty infectious! And what better way to display it than with their cool single Darling, It's True, a ditty that is worthy of repeated spins and sure to set heads a-bobbing and toes a-tapping in short order. Wishing I cud go back in time sometimes, just sayin'.

PS. Thanx for this awsome contribution, Juergen!

Some Breaking Up Dialogues

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Lloyd Cole & The Commotions - Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken?

Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be HeartBroken

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Mocca - It's Over Now

Amy McDonald - Don't Tell Me That It's Over

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Noah And The Whale - My Broken Heart

Pets - Don't Say Your Heart's Broken

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Bitter Loneliness

Paris, the city of love par excellence, has been chosen by Adele as the setting for the shooting of her new video for Someone Like You, released yesterday.

This song turns out to be achingly beautiful for reasons very different than Rolling In Deep, another of my fave tracks. It's a bare piano ballad that puts her rafter-reaching heartbreak front and center. The long-awaited video is just as simple: Adele wanders along the Seine in the lonely wee hours, and her sense of loss is displayed in gritty black and white. But then the camera takes a twirl to catch the Eiffel Tower, or an old bridge, or some other perfect Parisian scene, and you're reminded just how brutal the situation is. She isn't just alone. She's alone in Paris. 

BTW, did you know that her ex demanded a chop on copyright from 21 after learning several of the lyrics were inspired by their break-up? Oof! What a bastard, huh?

Even though I look for someone else, Adele, I will not find someone like you.

Now you can read some song-facts regarding to Rolling In The Deep, one of the biggest singles I've heard all year.

Winstoned

While the newcomer and acclaimed by the critics Alex Winston is still on the heels of the immense success of Sister Wife, she's preparing her new album for January together with Florence & the Machine and Lykke Li producers. As an appetizer for this official full-length debut, Alex released an EP on September 19, containing her title track Velvet Elvis, a match made in heaven. Oh! I'm really impressed with this bird and her quirky vocals!

This addictive tune has been recently remixed by several artists such as Crystal Fighters, King Charles, Darwin Deez and Remix Artist Collective (RAC) as part of Velvet Elvis Remixes EP available from October 17. Breezy and wonderful twists that will demand your attention, even if you're slightly attached to the original. 

RAC Remix

Crystal Fighters Remix

Darwin Deez Remix

King Charles Remix

Wake Up!

It's time to get up since September is already over.

 Green Day - Wake Me Up When September Ends

Lodgers In My Mind

I've been really, really spoilt these past few days with new music. My ears are still ringing as I'm blown away by the amount of releases I have seen during this whole month. 

Ski Lodge is one of the bands that has by far enchanted me the most! 

Actually, this is the last project of Andrew Marr, who previously recorded with The Clementines. The multiple comparisons to their compatriots Vampire Weekend might be hard to avoid, that's true. However, their catchy songs with soft vocals which tend to be short and happy and deceivingly simple, gives the band their own pop sound an edge. Listen below:

 A Game

 I Would Die To Be

Despite they released their self-titled debut EP last September 13, there hasn't been an official album announcement. Nevertheless, I can only assume those tracks are warning shots for something promising in the near future. Ouch! After hearing these eargasms I'm craving more from theeeeem. Spin more tunes in Spotify! 

Venom Antidote

I'd seen the name Maika Makovski come up a few times in the past couple of weeks. Nevertheless, I couldn't delve into her songs till now and I have to admit that I'm pleasantly surprised with this Spanish artist (with a name like this, you would expect she's from Russia or Poland, huh?).

Her latest self-titled album was launched some time earlier this year and this is the clip for one of her best songs (IMHO). If you are repulsed by snakes, refrain from watching it.

Lava Love

Water War

If you though last summer is already far away, check out next slow down sequence about super-soaker water guns and balloons fight. This is a clip from Louis La Roche's latest release, a double A-side single Gimme Gimme / The Wall, off his forthcoming LP Hello You.

Gimme Gimme

The Wall

The album will be dropped on October 5 but in the meantime, you can stream the whole thing in soundcloud. Here's a sneak peak of the launch with two remixes of The Wall  by both Shook and J. Paul Getto, the first of which is chill groovy and the next nice and dancy.

Ah! The album art ain't all that's pretty damn awesome! (Click here)

Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals

Soft Landing - Baptism

Mark Wilkinson - Baptism by Fire


Crystal Castles - Baptism

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 Beach House -  Wedding Bell 

Bigott - Cool Single Wedding

 The Avett Brothers - January Wedding 

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Band of Horses - The Funeral 

Suburban Kids With Biblical Names - Funeral Face 

 Siskiyou - Funeral Song 

Autumn Rose In Bloom

Lucy Rose has one of those wondrous voices that hits you every-time you hear it. She posses a soft and delicate with a slight husk voice and writes songs with the sort of honest straight forward sincerity that can only come from the heart. Indeed, my love for broken-hearted, British, folk singing beauties has grown exponentially thanks to her excellent break-up song Middle Of The Bed. 

Despite she's been playing open mic nights in London since she was 18, she is now starting to gain recognition from peers (she featured on Bombay Bicycle Club's album, Flaws) and radio, which is leading to the release of her new single, Scar.

I've been craving something new from her for a while, and now my appetite has been sated by this calming, beautiful piece of melodic indie-folk, which also features friend and Bombay Bicycle Club lead singer Jack Steadman. This track was released last September 19. You can hit the jump for the striking video. 

Singing In The Rain

... or Rain In The Singing?

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Your suggestions are also included:

Garbage - Only Happy When It Rains 

(thanks to wearecovering)

The Jesus & Mary Chain - Happy When It Rains 

(thanks to jke)

(Both titles are quite similar. What a coincidence!)

The Resurgence

In yesterday's post, I told you about the new Sigur Rós album, despite the band has been idle over the past few years. (Click here).  Fortunately, this is not an isolated case and other outfits are making headlines these days because of their new musical material.

Jeff Mangum, the lyricist, vocalist and guitarist of Neutral Milk Hotel, has set up a website dedicated to the music of his '90s band. As part of his effort to rekindle it, Mangum has prepared a self-released complete back catalog box set.

Planned to drop November 22, the vinyl-only box set will feature the entirety of NMH's music catalog. Including their two LP releases, On Avery Island and In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, the box set will also feature each of the band's EP releases along with fifteen previously unreleased tracks. This is a lot considering the band's short discography and the fact that they've been on hiatus since thirteen years ago, don't you think so?

Now listen below to two of the until now unreleased songs:

Oh Sister 

Ferris Wheel On Fire

Recognizing An Old Friend

This time I bring you some Spanish music since many of you keep asking for more bands from my country. I hope you like Lori Meyers, who took their name from one of their favorite NOFX tracks. [The lyrics deal with a guy having a childhood friend and recognizing her as a porn star many years later while watching TV].

Whilst sung in Spanish, their powerful songs have a more American sound since their last album was conceived in L.A. The band displays a wide range of pop songs containing catchy melodies and shiny guitar sounds. Needless to say, it won't take long before you're hooked. Trust me you won't be able to resist these songs or the temptation to blare them out and tap your feet!

Mi Realidad

¿Aha Han Vuelto?

Alta Fidelidad 

Take a peek below to hear the rest of their songs:

Pleasant Peasants

The Welsh indie-rock outfit under the name of Los Campesinos!* recently revealed that Harriet (violin, keyboards and vocals) would be leaving the band in September to continue her studies. A few days later, they announced plans for LP number four, Hello Sadness, due for release on November 14. Last week the band launched the first single from the album, By Your Hand, accompanied by a music video.

The new stuff was conceived in Girona, Spain, earlier this year (when I told you Spain is in vogue, I was rite, huh?). The end result is billed as ten songs of love, loss and heartbreak. In other words, the prototypical Los Campesinos! record. In fact, we could not expect anything different with that "positive" title.

* Los Campesinos! refer to "The Peasants" in Spanish.

Swenglish

Everything about this band makes me nostalgic about something (better said, someone). Listening to this music, I can't stop thinking about those better days and my eyes are always filled with tears that no cloth, napkin, or tissue can sop up. Thus, I attempt to listen to it as little as possible, even though I've had a big soft spot for Swedish Hello Saferide (I really loved it back then, most likely still do).

Apart from anything else, I haven't really given a chance for Annika Norlin's another moniker Säkert! until now. Mostly because the lyrics are a big part of her charm and my Swedish skills are nowadays pretty non-existent. It looks like she's venturing into new territory with her new stuff, because now Säkert! songs have been released with English lyrics. Without a doubt, it's a moving, charming collection that has neatly filled a gap for her many non-Swedish speakers fans, and a most welcome addition to her consistently impressive body of work. The album entitled På Engelska is now out and available and the new music video is called Can I.  With regard to it, it's your chance to tell the world what you have dared to do. Are you up for the challenge? I dare you.

And how could I not post Hello Saferide's Anna video, if I write about Annika Norlin. It'd be a sacrilege! I had the chance to see her live just a few feet away and I can tell you that there were moments where she nailed an emotion that could inevitably take my breath away.

If you're Spotified, click the button below to listen carefully to these glorious latest songs by Annika:

The Day The Sky Exploded

Instrumental rockers Explosions In The Sky have recently released the clip for Be Comfortable, Creature, a cut off their latest album, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care. Perhaps Explosions have been in touch with Herman Düne, whose video for the song Tell Me Something I Don't Know  follows around a furry blue creature (click here). Mnmnm... Do you think they came from the same planet?

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Unfortunately, today we have to remember a time when Manhattan (NYC) saw its own explosions in the sky. Ten years after September 11th attacks.

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A Tribute To The Fandom

A few days ago I brought you the premiere of the new album by Nathan Williams (click here). Now it's time for Best Coast, the band fronted by his girlfriend Bethany Cosentino.

Earlier this week we were graced with a video for Our Deal, taken from last year's stellar Crazy For You, which combines elements of Romeo & Juliet  and West Side Story.

If this clip has engaged with your feelings while watching, press the button to enjoy the full version.

We didn't have to wait long to get our Best Coast fix satisfied, as the band have recently posted on their blog a previously unreleased cut with How They Want Me To Be, as a thank you to all their fans who have been with them since day one. Bethany also drafted a nice note, which you can read here. According to the outfit's site, the tune is meant to serve as a snack to tide fans over until their still-in-the-works second album is ready for release, though we shouldn't expect it anytime soon cuz it will likely be re-recorded and fleshed out a bit.  

Check out How They Want Me To Be below:

 

Request From A Fan

 I Wanna Meet Dave Grohl 

I Want To Meet Dave Grohl  is the name of the new single from the Californian band Wavves. The song, dedicated to the former Nirvana drummer and current frontman of Foo Fighters, is the advanced preview of the EP entitled Life Sux (a little bit depressing, yep), which will be released on September 20. I think by that stage they have already met Dave, rite?

Furthermore, the album is the outfit's debut on his own label, Ghost Ramp, and includes contributions from Best Coast, whose frontwoman, Bethany Cosentino, is the actual girlfriend of Nathan Williams, the man behind Wavves.

Vacation After Vacation

Hey, here I am again.

This song is dedicated to all those who, like me, have enjoyed a summer holiday basking in the sun and now are suffering from post-vacation blues, a small crisis that must immediately be attended to and which could have been completely avoided had you not left town. Definitely it isn't easy to get back into the routine!

We're Drumgry!

The sophomore album from Brooklyn band The Drums, Portamento, will be official released next September 13.

The trio seems to be totally immersed in this project since their debut album was launched not so long ago.

Channeling a sound somewhere between Vampire Weekend and '60s surf-rock, their Beach Boys-eqsue aesthetic single Let's Go Surfing beams with the heady optimism mixing drums with pleasing melodies and lyrics about, well, surfing.

 

In their music video for Money, the first track to appear from their upcoming LP, these rockers gave us an inside look into their practice studio.

Now, we can get a slightly creepier and lo-fi peek at their beloved hole in the wall with their live performance of the track What You Were. The video features the band shot through the lens of some security camera, strumming through yet-another '80s-inspired New Wave rock number full of forlorn.

Although Portamento still isn't due out for a few weeks, if you're on a Drums kick, you can now check out an album stream of the all twelve tracks by clicking here. 

Soulful Soul

My beloved friend Juan, who shares the same taste for soul music as I do, sent me this nice video some time ago. I luv those cartoons! 

James Hunter - Carina