Tag: the-presets

five song friday, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: may 8

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Well, after a bit of a snafu with the tile situation, I am pretty confident we will make the right choice, and in the end, everything will look amazing. Stay tuned for more on that… I am so ready to take a damn shower in there already, that it isn’t even funny anymore! Alright, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get to the real reason of this post: the music! I have some AMAZING songs for today, so hold on to your hats kids, because away we go!!

Erik Hassle – Hurtful
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_58_erikhassle-hurtful.mp3]
I was surfing my usual music blogs this week, and stumbled on this MASSIVE ballad by yet ANOTHER Swede bringing the pure power of super-sweet and perfectly percolated pop to my ears. Seriously, what is in the water in Sweden?!? There are so many amazing pop artists coming out of Sweden, and Erik Hassle is certainly among them; this song is amazing and beautiful. This song overtook me with one listen. It’s massive. Keep your eyes and ears open for more on Erik Hassle; I am sure we will be hearing a lot more from him in the coming months.

Mandy Moore – I Could Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_58_mandymoore-icouldbreakyourheartanyday.mp3]
There has always been something about Mandy Moore that I have liked… I don’t know what it is, and I don’t know why, but I love this girl. This song is no exception; I love the slight country twinge, and the overdubbing of her voice on the chorus. I saw the video, and thought it was a bit stupid, but it wasn’t enough to make me like the song any less. I will definitely be checking out Amanda Lee when it hits stores.

The Presets – If I Know You
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_58_thepresets-ifiknowyou.mp3]
This is kind of a blast from the “not so distant past”. I featured the Presets sophomore release, Apocalypso in my 2008 year end countdown at #23, which has more than a handful of fantastic electro tracks. Well, they recently released the video for this song, and I was instantly reminded of how amazing they are, and have added this track back into regular rotation. I love the accent of the lead singer’s voice, and I can’t seem to get enough of their infectious beats and rhythms; I’m glad that this one has jumped back onto my radar screen.

Owl City – Hot Air Balloon
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_58_owlcity-hotairballoon.mp3]
I love Owl City. If you followed my best CDs of 2008 list, you remember that Owl City’s self-released album Maybe I’m Dreaming took the #10 spot on my list. Apparently, he was signed, because he is releasing a new album, presumably his major label debut, Ocean Eyes, due out September 1, 2009. I saw that he released this song as buzz, and I had to check it out. The best thing, is that if you go to Owl City’s website, you can register for updates, and download this track for FREE! That’s right kids… great music, for free on this Friday! Take full advantage of it while it lasts! I just bought my tickets to see Owl City in June, and getting this glimpse into the future of Owl City only increases my love of this great band. I can’t wait for the show!

Passion Pit – The Reeling
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_58_passionpit-thereeling.mp3]
Last but certainly not least today, is sublime electro-goodness from up and coming HUGE sensation Passion Pit. This is their second single, which will accompany a full album release (Manners) from them this month. At first, I didn’t love this song as much as I loved Sleepyhead (which I have posted about before), but that is because Sleepyhead is PERFECT. Well, after a couple of listens, I realized something: Passion Pit is amazing. This song is awesome, and while they are definitely one of those bands I should, by all accounts hate, I actually LOVE them. I love the shrill voice, the pops and beats, I love it all. This is definitely a song that when it comes on the radio, you HAVE to crank it up. Try not to tap your toes and bop your head to this one folks… it’s difficult!

Well, there are your Friday five. I always say for you guys to let me know how I am doing, but I rarely get any feedback. Anyone out there want to say anything? Let me know what you think! Have a great weekend… expect tile pictures/stories soon!!

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 23: The Presets – Apocalypso

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It looks like I am staying “down under” for the next album on this countdown; the Presets hail from Australia, and have produced one of the best electronic albums I have heard in a very, very long time. The hard hitting beats and pulsating rhythms, accompanied by the haunting British-accented vocals, make for a rave-inducing experience that will have you jumping up and down and dancing all night long.

I was lucky enough to see The Presets a few months ago, and they were nothing short of amazing; the whole room literally moved with their music. The music may be a little “hard” for some, but it is magnificent, and the electronic arrangements of this CD are purposeful in their placement, and extremely stimulating. I remember when I first saw the video for the lead single of Apocalypso, My People, and all I could think was, “what the fuck IS this”. Well, regardless of how scary the video is, I know that my ears perked up at what they were hearing, and instantly I found myself in front of my PC, downloading the album. What I ended up discovering, was an album that is really dark, yet upbeat at the same time; almost like you are dancing your way to the end of the world. It’s something that slightly avant-garde, but not so much so that you don’t get it, and you end up questioning its presence.

This album was recently awarded the ARIA album of the year in Australia, and I can definitely see why; this record is great. While there are a few songs that teeter on the brink of making you go completely insane, and want to rip your hair out at the inanity, they never do the deed, and push you over the edge. The repetition and breaking beats paint an apocalyptic landscape of sound, and truly shape an aural experience that must be undertaken to truly appreciate. This is one of those albums that the “cool kids” are likely to tell you about, but you will be able to tell them that you knew all about them, because they are popular enough that more than just those on the edge will have heard their music. This record really isn’t like anything else I heard this year, and the music is unique amongst the rest of the CDs on this list; and it’s that unique quality that is a large part of its awesomeness.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: My People, This Boy’s In Love, Anywhere, Talk Like That.

concerts, friends, music musings

the presets/cut copy @ masquerade 9-27-08

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dance
Last night, we went to see The Presets and Cut Copy at the Masquerade. Both acts were amazing, and it was a fantastic show. I was more excited to see the Presets, because I have really been enjoying their record for many months now. They totally deliver live, and I was very pleased with their show. The lighting was especially amazing.

I wasn’t really that interested in Cut Copy initially, because for whatever reason, their record just hadn’t meshed with me, but I can say that after last night, I will be spending a little more time with it. They were great in their own right, even though they really didn’t harness the lighting to move the crowd as much as the Presets did. I did state several times during their act that they were much better than their record let on, however, so I was pleased to find them great in concert.

Both acts were fantastic, and the vibe at the Masquerade was awesome. People were dancing, and the floor was literally pulsating from the bodies and energy. It was a great concert, and a great night with friends.

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, near and dear

5SF: september 26

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I’ll start with a newsworthy item: the big news today in pop was the premiere of Britney’s new single Womanizer; yes I have heard it, and yes, it is really quite good. I think that if Britney brings an album as strong as Blackout to us with Circus, I think that the chances of her having a proper comeback are very, very good. Since the song only debuted today, I have five other songs for this week’s 5SF, but perhaps Womanizer will make a future appearance on the 5SF? Only time will tell. Now that we have taken care of business, let’s get to the fantastic five for this week, shall we?

Will Young – Changes
*Swoon*… Alright, where to start about my love for the fabulous Will Young? I really came to know Will through his last CD, which is a mix of fantastic pop and jazz, all marked by his unmistakably beautiful voice. Song after song, I feel deep for that album, and still love it very much today. Well, earlier this summer, I heard that Will would be releasing a new CD this year, and seeing as it has been a good three years since Keep On came out, it goes without saying that I was excited to hear this news. After hearing the lead single, Changes (which I have waited to bring you until it got a proper release, and so I could have the damn mp3 for myself), I can say that Will’s trademark style and swagger are all over this track, and I find myself loving it more and more with each listen. Per usual, he pays a lot of attention to melding heartfelt lyrics with beautiful strings and emotive vocals. This song is fantastic, and only makes me even more giddy for the full release of Will’s upcoming CD, Let It Go… which just happens to be next week!!!!!

Friendly Fires – Jump In The Pool
I have to say, that the first time I heard this song, I couldn’t help but think of the Barry Harris/Pepper Mashay anthem of a similar name, Dive in the Pool; even though it is nothing like it. This song, unlike the aforementioned dance floor filler, harnesses male vocals with maraca style beats, and synthetic electronic backgrounds to make a track that reminds me a bit of the Klaxons, mixed in with some of the edge from the Presets (who I am seeing in concert tomorrow night). The result is a true aural surprise and a real delight; I like this song more every time I play it. I love how they use those undulating beats and rhythms throughout the song, and I especially like how they end it with the beats at the end. I was surprised by how much I instantly liked this song, and I am happy to pass it on to you.

Kings of Leon – Use Somebody
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_926_kingsofleon-usesomebody.mp3]
Before last weekend, I had never heard of Kings of Leon, even though they apparently have the number one song in the UK with Sex on Fire right this very minute. Well, I saw them on SNL, and the lead singer’s voice was so interesting (it reminds me a bit of Bo Bice; but without the long-haired, redneck-ness, and with a LOT more edge), that I wanted to check them out; and I am glad I did. While I didn’t fall head of heels for Sex on Fire immediately (it is good, and I do like it), Use Somebody is bursting with emotion, heart, and energy; and it is fantastic. The ache in his voice is almost able to reach out of the speaker and brush against your skin; you can tell he really longs for this person he is singing about. Overall, I have been digging their CD, mainly because of how interesting and flawless the lead singer’s voice sounds, and how they mix that with such a smooth rock sound. I am glad that I gave them a listen, because this song is a great find indeed.

The Killers – Human
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_926_thekillers-human.mp3]
I will start by saying that this song really, really surprised me. I haven’t traditionally been a fan of the Killers, mainly because of how much Hot Fuss was overplayed and over hyped. I did love Shadowplay, though, mainly because it was in Guitar Hero. That being said, when Human was released earlier this week, I wasn’t even interested in listening to it, but I did on accident (I was trying to listen to something else, and this was mistakenly linked as that song), and I found myself instantly really, really liking it! I have heard a lot of people kind of dissing on it, because it doesn’t sound like a typical Killers song, but I think that is why I like it so much. I really like it that they can do something that is a little different from their more commercial singles, and with Human, they may have just became part of a “you should really give us another chance” trifecta; first it was Coldplay with Viva La Vida, then it was Keane with Spiralling… and now, the Killers have wowed me with Human. What’s next!?!

Margaret Cho – I Cho Am A Woman
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_926_margaretcho-ichoamawoman.mp3]
Okay, this song is a little bit silly, but it is a lot sassy at the same time. I was really surprised (maybe that is the theme of today’s music?) that Margaret was going to do a pop album, and I was very apprehensive to hear the first song from it. I have to say that she has released a sassy, sultry, club-ish track; but she adds the “Cho” factor and makes you laugh with a well placed “bitch please” here and there. I am glad that I gave this a listen, because it really has me interested to see what else she has up her beautiful heavily tattooed sleeves. The voice overs just crack me up, and the synth on this track is just hot! She just wants to go crazy like Britney… handcuffed to a stretcher bitch! I love you Margaret!

Alright kids, there’s the goods. Now spill… which ones did you enjoy most? And what are you listening to?? Anything good?

five song friday, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: july 25

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Well, this week has been wrought with frustration; who knew that applying to go back to school would be so complicated? While I try to take care of these things, I am lucky to have my ipod handy, and good music to get me through the head pounds to my desk. I have 5 songs this week, some of which weren’t discovered until this week, and some of which didn’t make the cut from last week; even though they are great in their own right. Either way, let’s just get to the music, shall we?

The Presets – This Boy’s In Love
I don’t know what took me so long to get into this song, because I instantly loved the first Presets song I heard, My People, and even posted it in a 5SF a while back. For whatever reason, it took a while, but now, I cannot get enough of it. The beat is so retro-80s when accompanied by the vocals, and something about this song just speaks to me. Turn it up loud and jam out to some Presets (the hard beat change at 2:45 is fantastic), because the whole record is worthy of many, many listens. If you like both of these songs, do yourself a favor and check this guys out already. I am glad that I came to my senses; because this is truly among the other great records to come out so far this year.

The Weepies – Can’t Go Back Now
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_725_theweepies-cantgobacknow.mp3]
I’ll start by being honest about this song; I only downloaded their record because of how cute the cover was. Well, after listening to this song, I am glad that I took a chance, because they are fantastic!!! The lead singer almost sounds a bit like Paul Simon, although at times, he sounds more like the lead singer of Fountains of Wayne. Together with the female vocals, and the sweet melodies and gentle guitar, they craft a truly beautiful sound, and weave it throughout the record. I’ve only had the chance to listen to it a couple of times, but I am definitely liking what I hear with each subsequent listen. A great random find, if I do say so myself!

Lee Brice – More Than a Memory
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_725_leebrice-morethanamemory.mp3]
If I could describe Lee Brice in one word, it would be GORGEOUS. I don’t normally fall so hard for country songs, but this one is sweet, and beautiful; just like the singer. This boy is MORE than easy on the eyes, I am literally in full on swoon mood when I see his pictures. Whew, this boy makes me weak in the knees, and he has a great voice too. I found this song on iTunes randomly, and downloaded it right away. It’s funny how many things I find because I think the singer is hot… well, I guess it pays to be beautiful, doesn’t it? *swoon*

Jake Walden – For Someone
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_725_jakewalden-forsomeone.mp3]
This song is so simple, and so beautiful, and Jake’s voice is so hardened by contrast, that it is surprising when you first listen to it. His voice has this worn quality that really makes you listen to what he is trying to say. As he sings about his heart, and how he longs for love, you really get the sense that he has had some heartbreak in his life; which is again echoed in the well-worn nature of his voice. I love simple piano tracks like this one, and I am glad that I found this one to add to my music collection. Great song.

The Roc Project and Tina Arena – Never
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_725_therocproject-never.mp3]
Oh man, I can’t believe that I re-found this one recently. This song was one of those break up songs for me, because the lyrics completely summed up how I felt, “you’ll never see me trying, because our love is so past tense.” Damn. I love Tina Arena’s vocals in the song, and love the beat. It was a moderate dance hit back when it came out, but I prefer this original version much better, because there is an emphasis on the lyrics, which are completely awesome. This is the ultimate kiss off song, so all of you that think I am hating on Katy Perry’s half-assed-bigoted attempt at the same, listen to this one and take note. Just the line, “I don’t even want to be your friend”, is the ultimate fuck you, ex-boyfriend. This song got me through some hard times, and I was glad to recently rediscover it in my music that was gathering too much dust anyway.

Well, there’s your five for this week. I hope that you found something that you can enjoy, and as always, please let me know what you are digging, because I am always looking for the next best thing. I am like a music sponge, so give me something to soak up, will ya!?! Have a fun weekend, y’all.

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: march 14

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We have made it through another week, and it’s time for our weekly five song Friday. I am personally glad that it is Friday, because this week has been less than fun (mostly school related stuff). Either way, I am just looking forward to a good weekend, but then again, aren’t we all?

Let’s bring out the jams, shall we? This week has some off the wall bits, where some of the songs are a bit different than my “normal” tastes. Every once and a while, I am struck by a really strange song, and I love it because of its strangeness. Two such songs caught me recently, and I felt it fitting to put them together today. I am also bringing the pop hardcore this week, so strap yourself in, and let’s go!

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova – This Low
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_314_glenmarketa-thislow.mp3]
After seeing the quirky, sweet, and romantic movie Once, I was so taken by the music, that I had to snag the sountrack right away; but that wasn’t enough. I found out, that when coming together to make music for the film, Hansard and Irglova (who won an Oscar for their song Falling Slowly from the film) actually wrote more songs, which were released on a separate CD called The Swell Season, which I promptly snagged as well. This song comes from the Swell Season, and is amazing. It is almost like a David Gray track infused with a bit of Damien Rice. I love the whole CD completely, and I am so glad that I finally saw this movie, and got the music. Great stuff, I tell you. If you like this song, make sure to check out the rest…

Jo O’Meara – What Hurts the Most
Today’s “throwback track” is from none other than Ms. Jo O’Meara, who may be better known as the lead singer of the smash pop sensation, S Club 7. While S Club only really had a couple (or maybe only one?) of hits in the US, they were pretty huge overseas, and I would definitely say that I count myself as a fan. I chose this song, because of all the buzz that has been swarming around about Cascada’s version of this song, which I like, but I figured that most people probably haven’t heard this version, and I feel that Jo’s version is far superior. I have her solo album, and it is quite good; I hope that she does more in the future. She is a great singer.

Jesse McCartney – Leavin’
He grew up! That is what I said when I saw this video. I checked out Jesse’s new song, because I was amazed to find out that he actually co-wrote the mega-hit Bleeding Love, which was the best selling single of ’07 in the UK! I really like that song, and actually think it is pretty well written, so I wanted to see what little Jesse was up to these days. Well, I have to say, that I really like the vibe and the beat of this song, and even though I wasn’t a fan before, I am eager to see what he has up his sleeve for his upcoming record. If it is more stuff like this, I will definitely be picking it up.

Hot Chip – Ready for the Floor
Holy shit, this song is soooo freaking catchy. The first time I saw the video, I had a natural WTF reaction (because seriously, these kids are a bit weird), but I was instantly pulled in by the hook in this song. It so catchy and fun to listen to, and really makes me want to get up and dance about. While the repetitive part that starts the song could be left out (IMHO), the rest is fabulous electro that has made me pay attention to a group that I would normally (continue to) ignore (I’ve heard some of their other stuff, and it is not my cup of tea). I will be checking out their most recent album because of this song, but even if I don’t like it, I am in love with this song, and have been listening to it non stop all week!

The Presets – My People
Alright, I will warn you… before you watch this video, realize that the video is really fucking creepy, and totally the stuff of nightmares. Nightmares that you have while you are on psychotropic substances. Regardless of the strange video (which does sort of suit the song), this song is dark, pulsating, and enjoyable. It took a couple of listens, but even after the first listen, there was something about it that made me want to hear this song again. This is a grower, but it is one of those rare ones that really intrigues you at first, because there is something special about it, something that makes you want to investigate further. It reminds me of LCD Soundsystem a bit, but it makes me think of the stuff that I like about them.

So there’s your five songs for this week! I hope that you enjoyed some, or all, of them! As always, let me know what you are listening to, and hey, tell me what you thought of these songs. Perhaps you have suggestions that you want me to check out?? They might make future incarnations of 5SF, so you have to let me know!! I hope everyone has a great weekend.