Unknown Pleasures #2
In an effort to shine a light on the unknown artists and songs that pass through the mailbox of a music blogger, this hopefully regular series will pick the MP3s most deserved of attention from nialler9 readers. Hey.. that’s you guys!
Vivian Girls – Tell The World
Looks like my plans to feature unknown artists exclusively has been scuppered already. The reason: 95% of the music I get sent is utter shite. There I said it. Most of it comes from across the Atlantic and usually it’s some twee band from Atlanta or Seattle and the press release uses the word “songwriting” as if it’s some futuristic concept. It all sounds the same. Soft indie rock trying to sound like Interpol or Sufjan or whatever’s cool right now. I still try to listen to everything I get sent, otherwise I would miss a gem. Like the Vivian Girls. Mr Carroll already mentioned them this morning but no loss. They are 3 girls from Brooklyn who play crackling lo-fi rock straight out of an early ’90s songbook. Don’t hold that against them though. [Myspace]
Dry County & Messiah J and the Expert – Stop/Proceed/ Abandon
A mashup of Dry County’s ‘Attention’ and Messiah J and the Expert’s ‘Abandon Ship’ by the Expert himself. A lot of talk going around about Dry County right now. It’s been cleared up on their MySpace today. Long story short – the band is not finished. The name will be dropped and they are going to record a new album and return with a new name. For now, enjoy this tune and catch Dry County’s last show as Dry County in Dublin tonight in Whelans. Also, MJEX have a blog now too.
The Bug – Poison Dark (Skream Remix)
Regular readers will know how much I like The Bug’s work. his new album London Zoo is banging and here’s a remix by Skream of the standout track ‘Poison Dart’ which I mentioned back in December last year. It features the rasp of Warrior Queen.
Plastic Little – Crambodia (Pink Skull remix)
A Pink Skull remix of Plastic Little featuring Ghostface Killah, Amanda Blank, and Spank Rock. Not a bad line-up. The result: A pretty good remix.
A-Trak – Whoa
A-Trak is the latest artist to take a stab at making a Nike:Original Run mix after James Murphy and Aesop Rock. Here’s a sample from the 45 minute mix called ‘Whoa’.
Finally, links for two free downloads.
Firstly, Simon Hayes sent on a link (ZIP) to a DJ set he did for the Anorak Jack show on Frequency FM. It features µ-Ziq, Autechre, Curve, LFO, Clark and Milanese. [Myspace]
Secondly, Jimmy Behan has a new 5-track EP entitled In the Sudden Distance which is available as a free download from Zymogen.
In the future, I may have to wait two weeks to post songs under Unknown Pleasures but enjoy for now.
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Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.