Remix CRYSTAL CASTLES - "Air War"

CRYSTAL CASTLES send this out this bulletin on Myspace today and I thought it might be perfect for that special reader/remixer out there.

"DOWNLOAD THE VOCAL FILE FOR THE SONG AIR WAR BELOW
SEND YOUR REMIX TO snakes.snakes@hotmail.com
BEST REMIXES WILL BE ON THE AIR WAR 12 INCH

for the vocal file:
1. Go here!
2. click "download this file"
3. click "dowload now"
4. right click on "click here" and save as...
////////////////cc"

Good luck!

(NOT SO) NEW VIDEO FRIDAY - FIXED/GO COMMANDO edition

The FIXED party this weekend at Studio B is gonna be insane. Not only are DATAROCK, LO-FI-FNK and THE PRESETS all performing live, but the party is also the FIXED resident DJ's JDH & DAVE P "Go Commando" CD release party. "Go Commando" is an awesome mix, featuring tracks by THE KNIFE, MR. OIZO, JOAKIM, VITALIC, ELLEN ALLIEN & APPARAT, THE RAPTURE, 120 DAYS, THE GOSSIP and much more.

Here are some videos by the bands playing live at FIXED this Saturday:

LO-FI-FNK - "Steppin' Out"


DATAROCK - "Fa-Fa-Fa"


THE PRESETS - "Are You the One?"

YACHT - "See A Penny (Pick It Up)"

Jona Bechtolt is somewhat of a genius. Not only is he one half of indie-electro duo THE BLOW, but come May, his other band YACHT will release their third album, "I Believe In You, Your Magic Is Real". If that alone weren't enough to keep him busy, he has also developed an electro-pop opera and has collaborated with a handful of great artists such as PANTHER and DAVENDRA BANHART.

For even more background on the prolific Jona Bechtolt, read his bio here.

DOWNLOAD - Yacht - See A Penny (Pick It Up) (MP3)

How Crazy Are BATTLES?

New York City's BATTLES are about as weird as new music gets these days. Their debut full length "Mirrored" will be released May 14th on Warp Records, but the deliciously insane first single "Atlas" hits the streets this Tuesday. To hear the single and a few other tracks, check out BATTLES on Myspace.

BATTLES are also currently on tour. Here are the US dates:

Mar 29 Grog Shop, Cleveland
Mar 30 Empty Bottle, Chicago
Mar 31 Gooski's, Pittsburgh
Apr 1 Lee's Palace, Toronto
Apr 2 Soundlab, Buffalo
Apr 3 Bowery Ballroom, NYC
Apr 4 La Sala Rossa, Montreal
Apr 5 Great Scott, Boston
Apr 6 AS220, Providence

ELLEN ALLIEN + MISS KITTIN + LAUREN FLAX - Studio B

I haven't much to say about the show since after waiting an hour and a half in line until almost 1:30 in the morning (and I was on the guest list), I gave up and went to a bar to get drunk. The scene outside Studio B was utter chaos! You would have thought Madonna and Prince were doing a double bill inside. All who had bought tickets online and those who were on the guest list had to wait in a sluggish line that almost wrapped around the block. NOT COOL AT ALL!

But, since I was so excited about this show and have nothing to report, check out These Rocks Pop for a taste of what was experienced on the inside of the club on Saturday night.

Please Studio B, have your shit together this Saturday, as I really don't want to miss LO-FI-FNK, DATAROCK and THE PRESETS.

ugh...

LOTO feat. PETER HOOK - "Cuckoo Plan"

LOTO are a new synth band from Portugal, the same sunny land that produced synth-rockers X-WIFE. Their new album is called "Beat Riot" and it features contributions from JOY DIVISION/NEW ORDER legend Peter Hook, as well as Del Marquis of SCISSOR SISTERS. I can never resist a band that uses a Korg.

Here's the new single "Cuckoo Plan", featuring Peter Hook:

Download Loto feat. Peter Hook - Cuckoo Plan (mp3)

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - "Sound of Silver" 92%

I've been sitting on this one for some time now, but I've come to the conclusion that "Sound of Silver" is the first excellent album of the year. Not to take away from solid releases thus far from OF MONTREAL and yes, everyone's darling ARCADE FIRE, but neither of those records strike me with the dead-on brilliance of the new LCD SOUNDSYSTEM. Improving on the finer moments of the debut album, DFA legend James Murphy brings a vital urgency to most of these pulsating nine tracks, concluding the set with the angry, yet harrowing attack on the gentrification of NYC, "New York, I Love You".

This is one to buy...I might even go out and get a hard copy. Does anyone do that anymore?

ELLEN ALLIEN & MISS KITTIN @ Studio B Saturday Night

XLR8R is presenting ELLEN ALLIEN and MISS KITTIN at Studio B tomorrow night and The Sky Report will be there! Drop me a line if you're going too! Also on the bill is LAUREN FLAX, who I don't really know anything about, but it should be a great show nonetheless.

Here are some links related to the party:

XLR8R
CUT NYC
Dirty Down

(NOT SO) NEW VIDEO FRIDAY - Vintage 90's Edition

For lack of any exciting new videos this week, here are four of my favorites from the late 90's.

GUS GUS - "Polymovie"


LAMB - "B-Line"


JESUS AND MARY CHAIN - "I Love Rock N Roll"


FAITHLESS - "Insomnia"

RJD2 - "The Third Hand"

"The Third Hand", the latest release from RJD2 is now in stores. Here's a little interview the good folks over at URGE sent me. Check it out.

"URGE: The Third Hand marks a major change in your music. Talk a little about your evolution from longtime track producer into more of a songwriter.

RJD2: Before I first began working on [2002's]Dead Ringer, I realized I was going to take a stab at doing a solo record, just as a producer. Even then, the concept that I wanted to achieve was to take the tools I was working with -- the MPC, loops and samples off of records, the same nuts and bolts that you use to make a beat for a rapper -- and apply them to things from the music world, like having a bridge or a chorus, or having a section of the song that's not the same chord progression. I felt like there had to be at least two chord progressions. Anything that I released as a solo artist [had to work with] these ideas. So the process is still essentially the same, but what I'm using has changed.

URGE: For instance, you are now playing your own instruments?

RJD2: Yeah, this album is recorded live: keyboards (Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Hammond M3, Casio CZ1000, Yamaha CS40), a couple of guitars and a couple of amps. All of the drums are still done on the MPC. I've been working on engineering and miking drums before this album, the science and the knowledge behind recording a drum kit. It is a complicated thing to do right, but I haven't gotten to that point. That was the reason I decided to use an MPC: The tones and engineering that you can get from a drum break, I haven't achieved that yet [with live drums]. But I just learn as I go along. The best learning experience you can have is screwing up.

URGE: The indie hip-hop community that has been your main audience is known for being pretty insular and not embracing change. What kind of feedback on The Third Hand have ou received from them?

RJD2: A kid wrote me a MySpace message last week that said, "Dude what happened to your music? You used to make music that was all mellow. What happened to songs like, 'To All of You' and 'Since We Last Spoke'? What happened to you?" And that was just a relief to get, it made me feel so good.

URGE: Why?

RJD2: Because it was funny and weird that he would pick a song like "To All of You," which was a tangent on the record it was on. But it illustrated that people are going to pick up on different things. When you dabble [with a lot of styles], what you do is not always so clean-cut and defined. And I just thought it was interesting that somebody came in to listening to my records on a second album, several years [into my career], and picked up on this very mellow song that I felt like was very unlike anything I've ever done before. And that's what he wanted me to go back to."

THE PRESETS - U.S. Tour is NOW!

If you have never seen THE PRESETS live, drop what you're doing now and mug some hipster on the street. Chances are they have a pair of tickets to the Aussie electro duo's current stop in your fabulous city. These guys put on an amazing, vigorous live show. Be there now.

Friday March 23 - Touch Supper Club, Cleveland
Saturday March 24 - Metro, Chicago
Sunday March 25 - Alchemize, Cincinnati
Tuesday March 27 - Mod Club, Toronto
Wednesday March 28 - Cafe Campus, Montreal
Thursday March 29 - Hiro Ballroom, New York
Friday March 30 - Pure, Philadelphia, PA
Saturday March 31 - Studio B, Brooklyn
Sunday April 1 - Sonar, Baltimore MD

ELECTRIC CAMELTOE - Tonight At Capone's!

My pals MERKIN MUFFLEY and $$$$$ (Money Five) are handling "professional amatUer" tonight in Williamsburg. If for no other reason, go for the free pizza. It's damn good.

DE NOVO DAHL

Had I been blessed with the opportunity to go to SXSW last week (as every other blogger in the universe did), I may have discovered DE NOVO DAHL. Who the living fuck are these guys? I want to know more right now! And I pray to God that they actually perform their live sets in those adorable striped outfits!

Go HERE to listen to some tasty little tracks.

Update - CUT COPY Recording at DFA

CUT COPY posted this message on myspace today. Check it out.

"Hi all!

Well we're in the thick of recording with Tim Goldsworthy here in New York and you can keep up to date with how things are going by dropping by www.cutcopy.net. We're keeping a diary of the recording process for all to enjoy.

The record is sounding beyond what we thought possible and Tim has been amazing to work with. James Murphy also bought an industry standard coffee machine so no large cups of black water or soy mocha/frappa/decaf from starbucks for us.nice.

Also available from the website is the limited edition Cut Copy/Claude Maus t shirt and hoodie which is close to selling out so be quick!

More news soon including 'hearts on fire' 12 inch release with an EPIC Joakim remix and touring dates!
Until then take care

cutters

x"

Can't freakin' wait for this album to drop!

IAMX - "The Alternative"

Thanks to Living In Stereo for tipping me off to this one. IAMX is Chris Corner of 90's electronica group SNEAKERPIMPS. This is for anyone who likes dramatic glamelectro. The debut album "The Alternative" is available on Nineteen95.

Check IAMX out on tour now:

03/19 CAFE DU NORD, SAN FRANCISCO
03/21 SAFARI SAM'S, LOS ANGELES
03/23 ART BAR, LAS VEGAS
03/26 SAFARI SAM'S, LOS ANGELES
03/28 SCHUBA'S, CHICAGO
03/30 KNITTING FACTORY, NEW YORK
04/02 MERCURY LOUNGE, NEW YORK


IAMX Official

THIEVES LIKE US

I was listening to THIEVES LIKE US a ton when I was still living in San Francisco a couple months ago. The track "Drugs in My Body" is insanely catchy, sugary dance-pop. They're playing at Studio B on March 23rd with HOLY HAIL. Advanced tickets are only five bucks!

See ya there.

NEW VIDEO FRIDAY - Fujiya & Miyagi, Simian Mobile Disco, TV on the Radio, Arctic Monkeys

FUJIYA & MIYAGI - "Collarbone"


SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO - "It's the Beat"


TV ON THE RADIO - "Province"


ARCTIC MONKEYS - "Brianstorm"

SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO - "Attack Decay Sustain Release"

NME reports that British DJ duo SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO are set to release their full length debut, "Attack Decay Sustain Release" in June. The first single 'It's the Beat' can be heard now HERE. These boys' recent DJ set at Studio B was off the hook! I haven't danced that hard in a long time.

Here's the tracklist for "Attack Decay Sustain Release":

'Sleep Deprivation'
'I Got This Down'
'Its The Beat'
'Hustler'
'Tits & Acid'
'I Believe'
'Hotdog'
'Wooden'
'Love'
'Scott'

THE RAVEONETTES - Loud, Intimate, Amazing

THE RAVEONETTES special Loud & Intimate Electric Duo set at The Mercury Lounge last night was simply breathtaking. This was my first time seeing the Swedish band play since their mindblowing 2003 performance at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco. It was such a different experience, but equally amazing. I cannot wait for their next record.

Opening act THE PITY PARTY, also a male/female duo, were also quite awesome. Lead singer/drummer/keyboardist Heisenflei is nothing short of extraordinary, giving the term 'multitasking' a whole new meaning. Wow. If you ever get the chance, see this band live.

DJ PALEBOY This Thursday Night!

The Sky Report will be in control of the decks at Capone's this thursday night.

Be there, dammit!

Thursday, March 15

professional amatUer presents

FUK YER HOMO DISKO

dirty electro
glitz punk
sweaty rock
new wave
shameless pop

dj PALEBOY (theskyreport.blogspot.com)

w/ a special set by MERKIN MUFFLEY

at CAPONE'S
221 N. 9th St.
WILLIAMSBURG
Bedford stop on the L train

10 - 4AM

NO COVER!
FREE PIZZA ALL NITE!

MAPS

My favorite new band this week is MAPS from Northampton. Very much in the vein of THE RADIO DEPT., this band captures a moody, nostalgic sound with gorgeous results. These guys have signed to Mute Records, so hopefully a full-length release is upon us.

A new single, "It Will Find You" is released in the UK today. But in the meantime, here's the video for their last single, "Don't Fear".



mapsmusic.com

And Now For Something Very Serious

Read this new article on a forthcoming global warming report

NEW (AND NOT SO NEW) VIDEO FRIDAY - The Rapture, Datarock, Simian Mobile Disco, X-Wife

THE RAPTURE - "Pieces of the People We Love"


DATAROCK - "Computer Camp Love"


SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO - "Hustler" (For Mature Audiences Only!)


X-WIFE - "Ping Pong"

DAFT PUNK + THE RAPTURE + KAVINSKY + SEBASTIAN = Oh My F***ing God!

Pitchfork Media is reporting that DAFT PUNK will tour America this summer, with equally exciting opening acts THE RAPTURE, KAVINSKY, and SEBASTIAN. What a mindblowing line-up! This will definitely be the electro event of the year.

Here are the dates:

July
21 Los Angeles, CA - Sport Arena
27 Berkeley, CA - Greek Theatre
29 Seattle, WA - WAMU Center
31 Denver, CO - Red Rocks
August
05 Toronto, Ontario - Arrow Hall
07 Montreal, Quebec - Bell Center
09 New York, NY - Keyspan Park

CRYSTAL CASTLES Cancel Modular Party

According to the Modular Website, CRYSTAL CASTLES have cancelled their upcoming appearance at the Modular meets Fixed party at Studio B, due to visa problems. I was so amped to see these guys too! No word yet on the rest of their U.S. tour, which includes the all-important stop at Austin's SXSW Festival. In fact, I've yet to see anything on either of Crystal Castle's two Myspace pages either.

Maybe it's all a big mistake and they'll still grace the stage at Studio B on Sautrday night. In any case, we'll still have the awesome British DJ duo SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO and Portuguese synth-punk rockers X-WIFE on hand.

X-WIFE Rocks!

X-WIFE, a synth-punk band from Portugal are a band to watch. I'm really digging the track "Ping Pong" from the recent new album "Side Effects". Check them out this weekend in New York, or next week at South By Southwest (if you're so lucky).

Mar 9 2007 Ruff Club, New York
Mar 9 2007 Galapagos, New York
Mar 10 2007 Studio B (w/ Simian Mobile Disco), Brooklyn
Mar 11 2007 Club Midway (w/ Metronomy, The Flesh) New York
Mar 14 2007 SXSW, Friends, Austin

TEDDYBEARS Roar in Live Set

Who knew three Swedish dudes wearing bear heads and fancy suits could put on such a fantastic live show? It may have been a bit short, but it was a non-stop, sweat-drenched dance party. And no, neither IGGY POP nor NENEH CHERRY were on hand to do their part, but all was made up by the Swedish hip-hop singer RIGO, who opened the show with a rousing version of "Ahead of My Time". His energy was infectious, and his voice resonated perfectly on the handful of tracks he took the lead on. For the life of me I cannot figure out who the chick was that sang both "Yours To Keep" and "Punkrocker". Her voice was kinda weak, making the two best songs the low point of the set, but still...I wanna know who she was. If you know, please hit me up. Also, if you know who the other guy was, I'm baffled on that one as well.

RADIO 4 @ Studio B

RADIO 4 blew it up last night with their lively dancepunk set at Studio B. Lead singer and bassist Anthony Roman led the gang with an energetic charisma, ripping through songs like "Dance to the Underground", "Start A Fire", and the near epic dance-revolt anthem, "Calling All Enthusiasts".

Here is a band that definitely takes what some might call mediocre recordings and turns them into raw, powerful live bangers. The somewhat sedated crowd of Brooklyn hipsters were full on shaking it by set's end.

Color me impressed.

Radio 4 on Myspace

YOUNG LOVE Live at the Bowery Ballroom

THE SKY REPORT was supposed to interview YOUNG LOVE for the website, but things didn't exactly work out. All in all though, I think it's for the best. After attending his show at The Bowery Ballroom Wednesday night, I've determined that Young Love may be a bit too mainstream for what I intend this blog to be.

That said, the show was solid, very tight (almost too much so), slick, energetic, flawless light show, etc., etc. The problem is, it all came off as too perfect. Every gesture perfectly timed to lighting cues. Choreographed opening of a jacket, nod of the head, raise of the arm, closing of a jacket, and so on. Get me?

And it even felt at times like the screaming 18 year-old girls in the front may have been planted there for effect. Whatever the case, the crowd was on fire, loving every second of the dance pop extravaganza...and I admit, I had a great time.

It intrigues me though, upon discovering how Young Love wrote all the songs on an acoustic guitar, how they became the over-produced radio-friendly pop songs they are now. I couldn't stop thinking about this throughout the show, as it was not at all what I expected.

But, a great time was had by all and I am fairly certain success will ensue on a big level. Who am I to judge?

(NOT SO) NEW VIDEO FRIDAY

KLAXONS - "Golden Skans"


!!! - "Heart of Hearts"


AMY WINEHOUSE - "You Know I'm No Good"


HEY WILLPOWER = "Hundredaire"

TEDDYBEARS This Friday @ Studio B

For anyone who likes to stay up late and hasn't yet grown tired of TEDDYBEARS. They go on at 1 AM!

Check out the following R-RATED director's cut of the "Cobrastyle" video. WARNING: This video is NOT for kids. Hide your eyes little ones.


FUN at Studio B



Teddybears Official Site