Shine A Light

Hello again. After a three year hiatus from LL, I’d like to re-introduce myself via an indispensable track.

As LL’s primary purpose is to promote Goldroom and Flight Facilities, I thought I’d maintain the status quo by promoting the upcoming Flight Facilities album. Doing this without reposting Two Bodies for the millionth time proved to be difficult, however, so I thought I’d delve into one of my personal favorites from Oz, their remix of the C90’s Shine A Light

It’s hard to believe three years have passed since this gem was released. While it was ultimately lost in the buzz surrounding Crave You and Foreign Language, I would argue this as the quintessential FF track. No matter what’s happening in my life, this is one of those tracks that makes my problems melt away. Beautiful lyrics, a catchy chorus, and an introduction that grabs you in with cascading synths and simple, steering piano.

Kudos to Grand Theft Auto V for featuring this song in-game… during a mission where your character takes acid and jumps out of a plane. Well played.



Photo Via

Real Slow

While our government is crumbling under the weight of its own idiocy, in world news, Australian musicians are still killing it. At least everyone is being consistent, right?

As far as consistency goes, Miami Horror could very well have their picture in the dictionary in under the word, as their brand of sunny, feel-good pop rock never fails to disappoint. With this in mind, we had good reason to be excited when our buds at Neon Gold announced that they were releasing the band's new single, Real Slow. While Real Slow has a bit more of a dance groove to it than the name might suggest, its breezy chorus is everything we needed to help ease our begrudging transition from summer. You can cop the single here, stream it below, and -- GREAT NEWS -- see it in real time tonight, if you're in NYC.


While we're on the subject of Australians, another formidable group are making their way to the big apple, and various cities across the country. Gold Fields have been tramping around US for the past month, bringing their blend of hybrid power pop with them. They'll be in NYC on Thursday for NG's monthly Popshop installment. Check it out, as its sure to be all koalas and rainbows and sparkles. Best kind of party.

Treehouse (GLOVES Remix) - Gold Fields


Gold (Gold Fields Remix) - Sir Sly

Embrace

Our man Goldroom is back with his first EP in two years. Luckily, it doesn't feel like it's been that long what with the steady stream of remixes and one-off originals he throws our way...but it's still cause to celebrate. The EP showcases a string of female-fronted pop singles released over the past couple years, and includes the brand new Embrace. It seems Goldroom has saved the best for last, as Embrace is probably his catchiest original to date. And that's really saying something. We might credit that superlative in part to the co-writing credits from Australia's George Maple (a chick you should get to know immediately), but seriously - just try to get this shimmering chorus out of your head. Stream the tune below, and support the man by buying the full EP on iTunes.

Feeling Foxy

Kitsuné, everyone's favorite fashion brand cum music label, has been on the grind lately. In addition to their seasonal Compilation albums, they've been putting out singles for up and coming artists left and right. Additionally they've been working on some pretty cool campaigns incorporating more music into their fashion, and vice-versa. August saw them release the Romanticise EP from Australian songstress Chela, who you may remember from last year's collaboration with our man Goldroom. Romanticise totally encapsulates the Kitsuné "sound" - bright synths, disco beats, and summer vibes. Fellow Aussies Gold Fields did a remix of the single, and it's quite a catch. Don't take my word for it - download it for free below.

But one EP is never enough for the label, who also put out Digitalism's new Lift EP two days ago. Veering from their pop roots and into more hardened electro territory, the EP's first single Electric Fist sees the German duo collaborating with Canada's Blood Diamonds. The end result is a fiery one two punch of pulsing beats and crackling distortion. If you're looking for a pretty solid 2008 throwback, look no further. (Ah, the good old days.)

Last, but certainly not least, Kitsuné have been expanding their always-rocking Club Nights to more cities around the globe, and this post comes just in time to remind you of a big one happening in New York City tonight. This time, Kitsuné teamed up with Matte Projects to bring us a crazy awesome lineup including Digitalism, Classixx, Plastic Plates, and Le Youth. Matte are the guys who put on summer's Full Moon Festival, at which we had wayyyy too much fun (seriously…it got aggressive), so we've got high hopes for tonight. Get your last minute tickets here, and I'll see you on the dance floor.

Romanticise (Gold Fields Remix) - Chela

Clair de Lune

I could wax fanatic on the genius of Flight Facilities until I exceeded my bandwidth, but if you've ever heard their music (and you had better), there's really nothing more I need say that you don't already know.

At the end of the summer the boys announced they had signed with New York's illustrious Glassnote Records, joining the likes of Phoenix, Mumford & Sons, and Childish Gambino. Their first single with the label, Clair de Lune was released last week, followed by the music video earlier today. The song marks somewhat of a sonic departure for the duo, known for their hooky disco-pop, and sees them trading in funky bass and big choruses for swirling synths and ethereal vocals. But don't let that deter you. The seven-minute single (with no radio edit in sight) is a grower. It's one such a song that sneakily embeds itself into your subconscious - one you catch yourself singing without even thinking, at which point you have to immediately rush to your computer to find. The accompanying video, also clocking in at 7+ minutes, is a beautifully shot little story. Complete with - you guessed it - a 'pensively driving through a valley' montage.

Stream the single and video below, then buy it on iTunes.

LOOSE L!PS M!X: Dirty D

Siggi Eggertsson

I promised more mixtapes, didn't I? A bit about this one:

I am on a perpetual conquest to indoctrinate my friends into the world of indie rock and electronica, to varied results. I've found that usually most successful way of doing this is to make a mixtape for them, burn it to a disc, and tell them to put it in their car stereo. That way, when their iPhone only has 5% battery left they'll have no choice but to play the CD (because ANYTHING is better than putting on the radio). Recently this method has found some success with my best friend Deana, who has even requested more tapes since the initial few.

This weekend is Deana's birthday and thus, this mixtape was born. While it's meant to celebrate her big day, it's also perfect for any and all kinds of weekend shenanigans. It's a playful lot of songs with stomping beats, sing-alongable vocal lines, and some seriously sexy bass play. Get ready to party.

- - - - -

LOOSE L!PS M!X: Dirty D from LOOSE L!PS on 8tracks Radio.

Stream the M!X on 8tracks and via the above player.
(If you download the 8tracks app you can listen on the go!)
Sorry, no comprehensive ZIP folder this time,
but feel free to download the tracks in blue!

LOOSE L!PS M!X: Dirty D

1. Lights & Music (Boys Noize Happy Birthday Remix) - Cut Copy
2. Now Now Now (The C90s Remix) - The Penelopes
3. Twist (Jerry Bouthier Edit) - Peter & The Magician
4. Seven (The Twelves Remix) - Fever Ray
5. How Come You Never Go There (Clock Opera Remix) - Feist
6. Trojans (Lenno Remix) - Atlas Genius
7. Chateau (Hey Champ Remix) - Housse De Racket
8. Without Lies (Breakbot Remix) - Aeroplane
9. Move In The Right Direction (Classixx Remix) - The Gossip
10. I Met You - Anna Lunoe & Flume
11. Breathe (Télépopmusik Cover) - New Navy
12. Geronimo (Louis La Roche Remix) - The Knocks & Fred Falke
13. I'll Get You (Gigamesh Remix) - Classixx
14. Last Words (The C90s Remix) - Clubfeet

Selena

Alexandra Valenti

Keeping on with today's Australian trend, we have RÜFÜS, who we've featured only briefly before, but love. RÜFÜS are from Sydney (like, who isn't?), and apparently one member is a friend of a friend's ex-boyfriend so like, small world huh? I wonder how Kevin Bacon plays into this.

RÜFÜS are coming up in a big way, after forming a mere two years ago, they recently released their second, self-titled 8-track EP. [Dudes why wouldn't you just get two more songs and do a full-length?!] It blends spaced out synths with crooning, often almost gloomy vocals and the kind of pop hook that only those from down under seem to know how to master. They are now embarking on an Australian tour before heading to the states for some CMJ action. They're hoping to score a couple more shows while here in the US, so if you like what you hear, call your best promoter friend (be honest, everyone has one) and demand they be added to a bill or two.

Listen to their single Selena below, and prepare to fall in love too.

Bonus: A remix of their last single, This Summer
This Summer (RÜFÜS Remix) - RÜFÜS


Double Bonus: Their older We Left - a personal all-time favorite.
We Left - RÜFÜS


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I Met You

Christy Lee Rogers

Today in the most recent installment of our perpetual "Why Australians, Scadinavians, and French people make better music than you" series, we feature the talents of Anna Lunoe and Flume, two young Australians making names for themselves - both as solo artists and collaborators - in the world of electronic dance music and pop. I Met You sees the duo joining forces for the first time, melding Lunoe's vocals and disco sensibilities with Flume's (who is only 20 years old) stuttering syncopation and lush production style. Let's just say, one would hope this isn't the last time these two team up. I Met You is (was?) probably my song of the summer, with its breezy vibe capturing my laid-back mindset, and the grooving bridges psyching me up for steaming nights. If I didn't know better, I'd say this song will even carry me into fall if I'm not careful.

Which I have no intention of being.

Stream the single below, out now on the illustrious Future Classic, and buy the mp3 before the leaves start falling. Also check out the music video below. I'm not usually a fan of videos, but this one pushes all the right buttons.

Anna Lunoe & Flume - I Met You from Future Classic on Vimeo.

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Trembling Hands

Alison Scarpulla

At some point in recent history, a certain in-the-know publication hailed The Temper Trap as the most important band to come out of Australia in the past decade. While I can't qualify that statement as I haven't heard every modem Australian band, I can tell you that they are undeniably talented, and prettttty catchy. Recently they've returned to the world stage with the release of their sophomore, self-titled LP. Trembling Hands is the first single off the album, and here gets the remix treatment by fellow Aussies - and one of LL's Bands To Watch - Strange Talk. Though there are a couple awkward beat progressions, the stomping bass lends a sense of urgency to the otherwise rather rueful piece.

Buy The Temper Trap // Temper Trap Soundcloud // Strange Talk Soundcloud
Trembling Hands (Strange Talk Remix) - The Temper Trap

Bonus: An old, and truly amazing, remix of their hit Love Lost by Holland's Keljet. It's one of my all-time favorites; don't spend another minute missing out.

Love Lost (Keljet Remix) - The Temper Trap

Getaway Tonight

Gracie Magee

Herro. Remember us?
If you don't, allow me to jar your memory with some pretty stellar music. Which, really, is the only kind of music we feature.

Opossom are Kiwis. And by that I mean they're from New Zealand. Other than that, I haven't been able to garner much about the bend except that their debut album, Electric Hawaii (what a title), is being released tomorrow. They classify themselves as a combination of garage, pop, psychedelic, and R&B, which I'd say is actually a pretty accurate description. Take their single Getaway Tonight as an example. What starts as fuzzy garage rock propelled by galloping drums breaks into unexpected vocal syncopation, giving the song a poppy uplift and taking it from 'standard' to 'memorable'. Its a styling reminiscent to the sounds of Discovery, may they rest in peace. And with a superlative like that, this song definitely has the chance to become a summer standard.

Check out Getaway Tonight below, and be sure to buy their album in its entirety when it comes out tomorrow. Also head to their bandcamp for more previews and free songs.

Getaway Tonight - Opossom

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Cadillac Makes You Feel High

Luis Morais

Ladies and gentlemen: Australia is the answer.
But you already knew that.

The latest exciting export from the land down under is a group by the name of Cadillac. (Enter obligatory "no, not the car" quip here.) What started as an 'unadulterated disco' project a few years back has along the way evolved into a full-fledged rock band, with influences spanning their disco roots to whimsical balearic pop. They've recently signed with Sydney-based label Future Classic, which also claims the likes of Flight Facilities and Poolside in their roster, so needless to say they're in good company. Cadillac's debut self-titled EP is set to be released on October 21st, and features seven upbeat, grooving pop tracks augmented by sweet tenor vocals and soaked in sunny nostalgia. It's a keeper. We're knee deep in fall and headed fast for the what is potentially going to be one of the worst winters of recent memory, get into Cadillac now for summery songs guaranteed to keep you shining on in the months ahead.

From their upcoming album, a remix by Marcos Cabral and an original, free courtesy of the label.

Make You Feel (Marcos Cabral Remix) - Cadillac [MP3]

Cadillac - High For Me by future classic

Bonus:
Cadillac reminds me a lot of Miami Horror. Fitting then that there's this remix.
Summer Sun (Cadillac Remix) - Miami Horror [MP3]

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Cameo Lover

You've got two arms baby, they're all tangled in ladies

Photo by Werner Amann

Kimbra is everywhere right now, isn't she? Between last year's flawless guest spot on Miami Horror's I Look To You and her recent, perfectly-emotive-without-being-over-the-top collaboration with Gotye on Somebody That I Used to Know, and now the impending release of her debut album, Vows, the girl seems intent on taking the pop music world by storm. Given her voice, look, and unique musical style--an infectious blend of soul, R&B, jazz, and shimmy shiny pop--I'd guess it's only a matter of time before she does just that. Not to make easy comparisons, but from the strong vocals to that black bob, big eyes, and taste for quirky colorful outfits, Kimbra could easily be seen as the Australian answer to Katy Perry. BUT BETTER. For example? Her first single, Cameo Lover comes complete with a sing-along chorus, a big-band breakdown, and an over the top music video, all without feeling the least bit manufactured. It sounds great, it looks great, and it makes you feel great too. Pure gold.

Cameo Lover - Kimbra


To say that Kimbra is my new girl crush would definitely be an understatement. Let's hope the rest of the world feels the same way once they hear her album; it's out now exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. If you live in one of those places, buy it here you lucky dog. If not, follow LL on Facebook or Twitter and we'll keep you updated as to an official international release date.

Bonus:If you're looking for an equally enthralling version of the song with a bit of boogie in, look no further than this remix by fellow Aussie GLOVES.
Cameo Lover (GLOVES Remix) - Kimbra

Another Sky (The Magician Remix)

Photo by Lina Scheynius

The American economy is spiraling downward, London is burning, and children are starving in Somalia. The good news? We still have music. With that, we have the Magician, the superb Belgian producer quickly becoming one of the most formidable on the scene by way of his monthly mixtapes and always-impeccable remixes. He continues to impress with his latest undertaking, a remix of the Australian band Scenic. Like his Lykke Li remix, he utilizes heavy (but simple) piano chord progressions to brighten and drive the song. Another gem from one of the few producers who continually lives up to his lofty moniker.

Another Sky (The Magician Remix) - Scenic


Bonus:
Check out this brand-new remix of England's Wolf Gang. Talk about a summer jam.
Wolf Gang "Stay And Defend" (The Magician 'Caribbean Disco' Remix) by TheMagician

Foreign Language (feat. Jess)

I know a song is really good when I start singing it compulsively, regardless of where I am or wether or not I know the lyrics. Today at work I found myself ad-libbing "nnhhh nhhh nhhh" in place of actual words to the tune of the newest Flight Facilities single, Foreign Language featuring the would-be-infamous(?) Jess. A total ah-ha moment ensued: this song is it. As formidable follow up to their first single, Crave You, Foreign Language is a stellar example of a group living up to their hype, as these Australians (see?!) deliver on their promise of excellent disco-influenced pop. Stream the song below and then be sure to buy it on iTunes--this is one you'll want in your collection.

Flight Facilities - Foreign Language feat. Jess by flightfacilities

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Somebody That I Used To Know

Photo by Aimee Brodeur

French, Scandinavians, and Australians : three groups that are pretty untouchable musically. France and the Nordics have been on the radar forever, but Australia has just recently established itself as a breeding ground for talented up and coming musicians; we're currently in the middle of a sort of Australian musical renaissance. (Need examples? Bag Raiders, Cassian, Miami Horror, Flight Facilities, Moonchild, Coupons…I could go on.) While the new crop of Australian talent is winning over clubs, their influential predecessor, experimental songwriter Gotye, is tackling the Sydney Opera House. His new album, entitled Making Mirrors, will be launched as part of Sydney's Graphic Festival, with an orchestra accompanying the performance.

Somebody That I Used To Know is the album's haunting second single, about the ever-painful act of severing ties with a former lover. It features vocals by Kimbra, and an amazing music video to boot. What really sold me though is the remix by fellow Australians RÜFÜS, a three-piece electropop group who look set to do big things. Their debut EP was just released last week on On The Fruit Records, be sure to check it out. (I wrote about them on Binary back in February, check it out if you haven't heard them yet, and be sure to get their debut EP, released just last week on On The Fruit Records) They impart a sense of intensity on the song the original lacked, making it one of the more dynamic irreparable heartbreak I've heard of late. Both versions are pretty indispensable, and serve as exciting examples of the musical status quo down under.

The Remix:
Somebody That I Used To Know (RÜFÜS Re-Edit) - Gotye


The Original:
Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) - Gotye


The Video:

Via Ooh Brilliant

Sundown

Photo by Jeff Luker

I can't get enough of this one. I'v'e been playing it on repeat, I've been singing it to myself as I do chores, I've been pretending I know how to drum and endlessly beating out the rhythm section on my steering wheel. Colours are an Australian band who I can't find much information about. I was tipped off to their song Sundown via Twitter via Solar Bears. Sundown is a slightly psychedelic, fuzzed out piece of driving indie rock. You know I'm all about summer jams, and this is no exception. More importantly though, this song shows serious promise from a fresh new crop of Australian rock talent (Can't let Tame Impala have all the fun, right?). It's appropriate.

Sundown is currently available for free download as part of a single package from Beko DSL. Grab it there and be on the lookout for more info about the band as I hear it. I've got my eye on these guys.

Sundown - Colours

Be sure to check out the wonderfully weird video for the single.
There's a twist at the end - wait for it.

COLOURS - Sundown from kohnkepik on Vimeo.