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NATALIE PORTMAN'S SHAVED HEAD
Glistening Pleasure
Posted [02-AUG-2008] [Blogspot] [MySpace]
This Seattle-based indie synth-pop group has a spectacular post-80's retro sound that they combine with some whimsical and humorous lyrics. Essentially, if you're in need of a little "serious music" relief, the irreverent NPSH will fit nicely.
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MS. JOHN SODA
Notes and the Like
Posted [01-DEC-2007] [Official Site]
Both halves of this German electronic/pop duo each come from their own already established band. This way it's more a meshing of different ideas than another pop experiment. The talent brought together is evident, and the resulting mellow-yet-catchy tunes are fitting for any playlist.
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NEW YOUNG PONY CLUB
Fantastic Playroom
Posted [02-SEP-2007] [Official Site]
This London-based, five-piece new wave band finally got their debut album out the door after years of tourning with bands that weren't half as good as they are. Cult success is slowly turning into mainstream success, thanks to their mix of 80's-quirk and dance styles.
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PLASTIC OPERATOR
Different Places
Posted [19-AUG-2007] [Official Site]
The electro-euro-pop duo Plastic Operator is a little bit Postal Service, and a little bit Daft Punk. But I shouldn't try to define them, really. The duo is source for a spectacular range of catchy, infectious slow and fast pop tunes. It's not typical "pop" either, it's damn good.
 [iTMS] Recommended Tracks: [Home 0207] [Special Case] Video: [Folder]
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MIKA
Life in Cartoon Motion
Posted [14-AUG-2007] [Official Site]
Lebonese-born, London-based pianist-pop-singer Mika is just doing what makes him happy. Previously concerned that no record company would pick him up because his music was too "weird", it's refreshing that he stuck to his vision and released his debut album as-is.
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SISSY
All Under
Posted [19-MAR-2007] [Official Site]
Toronto-based electronica duo Sissy's debut is a welcome return to gritty, unpolished meloncholy. My best comparison would be to early Portishead. This is a great album for artistic inspiration, or just to unwind in general.
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MELLOWDRONE
Box
Posted [14-FEB-2007] [Official Site]
Far be it for me to semi-occasionally recommend artists that feature half-naked women on their album covers. But the music is good, seriously. Mellowdrone can blend indie rock and electronic with ease, and the result is somehow both catchy and soothing all at once.
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CICADA
Cicada
Posted [08-FEB-2007] [Official Site]
Sometimes nothing is as soothing as good old UK techno, coupled with the haunted and angelic vocal stylings of an Icelandic woman. Enter Cicada, the self-titled debut from an already established trio of electronic artists and producers. This album will take little time getting you hooked.
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LOVE PSYCHEDELICO
The Greatest Hits
Posted [31-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
I walked several miles through the unfamiliar city streets of Tokyo, close to midnight, hanging on to the hope that a books and record store I saw from an earlier bus ride would still be open. When I finally got there they were, and I quickly bought all 3 of LP's albums at ¥3000 each. It was worth it.
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MONSTERS ARE WAITING
Fascination
Posted [31-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
This band can't seem to help being constantly compared to multiple 80's new wave bands. The style is very much there, but just the same, this band is very much more. Nothing wrong with drawing comparisons when they are good ones.
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YEAH YEAH YEAHS
Show Your Bones
Posted [22-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
Artsy, sexy, garage rock. In short, that's the Yeah Yeah Yeah's, a trio of smart punk rockers that brewed their sharp sound in Ohio and New York. With a range that includes fast, slow, acoustic and electric, the YYY's have a lot going on, and something for everyone.
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THE DRESDEN DOLLS
Yes, Virginia...
Posted [18-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
My brother introduced me to The Dresden Dolls when their first album came out in 2003. It was one of those "this isn't like anything I've ever heard" moments. I can't exactly put into good enough words how well their piano-smashing punk cabaret act comes off. But I assure you it's well worth your time.
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KINKY
Reina
Posted [15-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
Kinky came to my attention via the Thirteen soundtrack. I wouldn't have thought Mexican techno pop existed, but you learn something everyday. This particular album is mostly english, although previous work has a lot of spanish lyrics. The sound is a mix of Latin music, with dance rock thrown in. A lot of the songs are very different, so check a few of them out.
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HOOVERPHONIC
The Magnificent Tree
Posted [14-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
I found Hooverphonic after chasing down the track "This Strange Effect" from their album Blue Wonder Powder Milk, which I heard in the background on a Moto SLVR commercial. After that I found their cover of Depeche Mode's Shake the Disease and I was hooked on this Belgium pop trio. Check them out.
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HOT CHIP
The Warning
Posted [11-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
As a basic comparison, Brit-pop electro-rockers Hot Chip have a Postal Service sort of sound at their core. But it often evolves into a more layered, complex composition due to their wide range of instruments, both electronic and traditional. That, and they have 3 more members than The Postal Service's duo.
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THE GOTHIC ARCHIES
The Tragic Treasury: Songs from a Series of Unfortunate Events
Posted [11-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
Essentially, The Gothic Archies are Stephin Merritt. To those that know, Merritt is the mind behind Archies, in addition to The Magnetic Fields, Future Bible Heroes, and The 6ths. Any one man who can write and perform for 4 of his own bands is a genious in some respect. The styles and topics of his songs tend to blend across all four projects, even when he's not the one singing. Even so, the odd and off-beat material deserves a good look.
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VIVA VOCE
The Heat Can Melt Your Brain
Posted [10-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
Viva Voce is a Portland based husband and wife duo. The overall indie rock sound produced often slides in and out of various forms, with rougher songs offset by slower, smoother tracks. Although they've released a more recent album, Get Yr Blood Sucked Out, this album is my favorite. It's not on iTunes, but I recommend tracking it down.
[iTMS] Recommended Track: [Love Lesson No. 1] | |
VENUS HUM
The Colors in the Wheel
Posted [08-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
Of all places for an electronic pop music trio to emerge, Venus Hum came out of Nashville, Tennessee. After a two year hiatus that each member spent on either side projects or personal difficulty, Venus Hum (who derive their name from one member's heart condition) delivered their most edgy album to date.
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THE GO! TEAM
Thunder, Lightning, Strike
Posted [07-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
This six piece British band has two drummers, and a sound unlike anything else out there. Somehow managing to combine funk and hip-hop with random audio samples and cheerleader chants, The Go! Team comes off as an impressive musical experiment with an infectious, catchy sound all their own.
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BOSS HOG
Whiteout
Posted [07-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
Husband and wife duo John Spencer (of the John Spencer Blues Explosion) and Christina Martinez front this New York garage/punk/rock band. The sound is raw and abrasive, and the band's image is usually rounded out by Martinez's good looks and a tendency to wear little and perform in the nude. All in all, Boss Hog is another great rock experience.
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SHINY TOY GUNS
We are Pilots
Posted [06-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
Shiny Toy Guns released 3 different versions of their debut album We Are Pilots. The first two were independent, and the final version after they settled on a record deal. As a result there are slightly different versions of some of the songs, and videos for that matter. No matter which versions you find, the polished techno sound is a joy to hear on either the slow or fast tracks.
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EAGLES OF DEATH METAL
Death by Sexy
Posted [05-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
First of all, Eagles of Death Metal is not a death metal band. The name is a joke, or an experiment, depending on which version of the story you hear. Either way, they are good for that raw garage band sound that so often disappears into my ususal electronic preferences. I love good rock when I find it, EODM's sound is just that, while still forging their own style.
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TYING TIFFANY
Undercover
Posted [05-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
Tiffany is an Italian sexpot DJ, who has more hobbies outside of music. A model, actress, and famous Suicide Girl, Tiffany's sound is a raw techno-pop that hooks in and doesn't really let go. Be sure to add her to your party playlist. (This album is not available thru iTMS, but can be purchased from Tiffany's site.)
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LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
LCD Soundsystem
Posted [04-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
The long-anticipated musical side project from New York club-scene DJ and producer James Murphy, LCD Soundsystem nicely mixes dance, disco and punk sounds into one catchy debut CD. LCD's next album is due out early 2007.
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SHE WANTS REVENGE
She Wants Revenge
Posted [04-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
Two former Los Angeles DJ's make up this indie rock duo, with sounds that bleed into gothic and dance. They've drawn comparisons to Depeche Mode, Interpol, and Joy Division, a prime influence on their sound. The lyrics are what initially hooked me though. Dark, intense, brooding, edgy, and so on...
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CSS
Cansei de Ser Sexy
Posted [03-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
This Brazilian sextet seemlessly blends rock and electo-pop with a mix of humorous english and portuguese lyrics. Listening to CSS, it's obvious they are just having a lot of fun. I recommend blasting CSS on a road trip with some crazy friends, or if you just need a good pick-me-up. | |
EMILIE SIMON
The Flower Book
Posted [02-JAN-2007] [Official Site]
Another French singer, although the sound is nothing like my previous recommendation. Simon sings in english (mostly), and has a typical French sultry sound. With a musical style much like Bjork's earlier albums, the sound has many inspirations but leans primarily toward electronic on each track. Simon has studied several musical styles and her talent is obvious. | |
PROTOTYPES
Prototypes
Posted [01-JAN-2007]
Prototypes are French, so don't expect to understand what the hell they are saying. They are catchy as hell, however. And as it turns out it really doesn't matter what they are singing about. Aside from "Who's gonna sing?", which has some english lyrics, just sit back and enjoy the trio's rock, pop, and new wave sound. | |
THE SERVANT
The Servant
Posted [31-DEC-2006] [Official Site]
I was first introduced to The Servant (like most Americans) thru an instrumental version of their song "Cells", which was featured in trailers for the film Sin City. Without knowing it yet, I loved the real version of the song, which was presented to me by a friend. I found more of their songs and the rest is history. | |
SCISSOR SISTERS
Ta-Dah
Posted [31-DEC-2006] [Official Site]
I started building the Media section so long ago, that Scissor Sisters had just debuted. Now they are going strong with a second album, and more people have heard them. The Sisters manage to effortlessly mix pop, disco, glam-rock and club music set to clever yet sometimes tragic lyrics. | |
JEM
Finally Woken
Posted [18-SEP-2004] [Official Site]
Not to be confused with Jem and the Holograms. Welsh songstress Jem Griffiths' sound is an amalgam of soft electronica and soothing, Dido-esque vocals. Her debut LP, "Finally Woken" is a perfect mix of rich synth-pop tracks and solemn, beautiful ballads. | |
VANESSA-MAE
The Best Of
Posted [14-MAY-2004] [VMH]
Vanessa-Mae was the child prodigy responsible for a new style of fusion music that combines the violin, classical music and pop beats, her biggest success is The Violin Player. Vanessa's most recent release is a "Best of" collection which includes the never released song "Art of War". | |
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