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Ithaca Audio have previous released mashups that garnered them a nomination for the Vimeo Awards 2012. Here they have put together a mashup video that celebrates the home of the 2012 Olympics: London.
Featuring 26 musicians, films and TV shows connected to London it's a really well put together rapid fire celebration of the city. If you are feeling the Olympic vibe (and who isn't?) then the conclusion is sure to give you a few goosebumps.
Kindness' debut album World You Need a Change of Mind is definitely one of my favourite albums of 2012 so far but I've only just now got around to actually blogging about it. Kindness is the name Adam Bainbridge makes music under and his music mostly consists of warm, lazy soul and funk tracks. World You Need a Change of Mind was produced by Cassius' Phillipe Zdar (who also produced Phoenix's excellent Wolfgang Amadeus Pheonix) and thus has his production mark all over it. Which is usually a good sign.
There's a clear house origin that underpins much of the album but it feels suitably removed from the turgid modern day equivalent people often think of when the genre comes to mind, giving the album a beautifully fresh 'n' clean feeling. There are a number of great moments - the sparkling synths and bubbling bass of 'SEOD' or the schmaltzy balladry of 'Anyone Can Fall In Love' - but the standout moment is the juxtaposition of the stoner ballearia anthem 'House' to proto-R&B smash 'That's Alright'. It's one of those moments where you can't help but question whether you are still listening to the same album.
Which is ironic because as the Bainbridge explains on the press release for his latest video 'That's Alright' is based almost entirely on samples from another band, Trouble Funk, and specifically their song 'Still Smokin'.
So what is the music video for 'That's Alright' about then? Well in Bainbridge's own words:
That's Alright' is almost entirely based upon samples from the Trouble Funk song 'Still Smokin'. Trouble Funk are a go-go group from Washington DC, who have existed in one form or another since 1978, and previous to that as a more straightforwardly r'n'b oriented act called the Trouble Band.
"Go-go has been on my radar since Rich Harrison first started putting out incredible songs with a go-go influence. As a DC area native, Harrison knew well the urgency and vitality of go-go, and its unswervable effect on an audience. Hence his use of go-go breaks in 'Crazy in Love' by Beyonce, 'One Thing' by Amerie and 'Take this Ring' by Toni Braxton.
"In clearing a sample for use in a song, you have to send a copy to the original writers for approval and publishing clearance. So I knew that Trouble Funk ought to have heard the song already. For that reason I thought we might try and take things a step further. Would the band perhaps be interested in performing the new version of their song for the video? And could they find me something to do?
The results clearly show Trouble Funk were up for it. There's apparently an additional 'making-of' documentary coming too but in the meantime check out and enjoy the video.
If you are a Spotify user check out the whole album in the player above, otherwise you can grab it from Amazon.co.uk on CD, LP or MP3 [affiliate links].
If you are yet to listen to the EP you can check it out via Soundcloud below. And whilst you do that you may as well enter a competition to win a copy! I have two copies of the vinyl release to give away - to be in with a chance to win one simply send an email to Competitions@BlackPlastic.co.uk including your name and postal address with the subject line "Please Sir, can I have some more?".
The deadline for entry is midnight on Sunday 8 July 2012 and winners will be selected at random. This competition is only open to UK residents.
Not a massive amount to say here except for that this new single from Dombrance is pretty amazing. A beautiful slab of electronic soul distortion that has an irresistible build on it. The vocal and music go well together and this reminds me of something I can't quite put my finger on... Zoot Woman maybe?
The video is directed by Patox and is a little weird. And nicely the YouTube preview is a boob. The dancers seem to be simultaneously enjoying themselves whilst also freaking out. I also have no idea if these are just 'dancers' or whether they are in the band.
No idea on a release date or anything more really, so just sit back and enjoy.
Jon Porras is one half of Barn Owl but this video is taken from his recent solo side project, the album Black Mesa. I'd strongly urge you to check out the video above and give the album a listen - it's a spellbinding 45-minute journey.
Black Mesa was inspired by searching for hope in a barren land and it hits the nail firmly on the head. The combination of guitar and feedback perfectly distills disconcerting wandering through a desert wasteland. I've mentioned Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption before and this sounds like it is purpose built for that games rainy storms and desert rides. The soundtrack was one of the best things about that game for the way it built atmosphere. Here Porras creates music that almost hurts to listen to it's so atmospheric and emotive. Brilliant.
This video staring Porras himself fits the song perfectly too - all grainy and weirdly horrific.