Video: First Communion Afterparty's "Field of Flowers"

Check out the video for "Field of Flowers" by Minneapolis psychedelic band, First Communion Afterparty.



First Communion Afterparty's influences include the Black Angels, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, the Velvet Underground and the more obscure psychedelic bands of the 60s. I've hung out with them at their studio during my visits to Minneapolis and they're a great bunch of people. I honestly think they are one of, if not the best, band in Minnesota at the moment.

First Communion Afterparty on myspace

Einar Stenseng

Lately I've been digging the music of Norwegian musician Einar Stenseng. Drawing influences from Nikki Sudden to Tom Waits to Nick Cave, Einar's music is just absolutely lovely.

His new album, Stenseng II is out now on as well as for download or CD purchase at amazon.

Einar Stenseng's Official site

Crystal Castles in Dazed

I was never a huge Crystal Castles fan before, but the feature about them in the new issue of Dazed & Confused is brilliant. It doesn't perceive them as some stereotypical hipster group, but rather a duo of nomadic misfits who don't own phones and still live on the wrong side of the tracks.

Also, since reading the article, I have become a bit more obsessed with their hauntingly beautiful new single, "Celestica". Have a listen, if you haven't already....



Their 2nd album, Crystal Castles II, is out now.

Crystal Castles' Official site

Dead Skeletons

This summer I'm going to Iceland, so I've been a bit busy checking out bands based there. There is one band that I am quite keen on at the moment, called Dead Skeletons.



They formed in Reykjavik, Iceland and the it's basically Anton Newcombe with Nonni Dead and Henrik from Singapore Sling. Also, Sunsplit are involved with recording of the track "Dead Mantra". This debuted last year, so I'm late to discover it..But their music is brilliant and if you're a fan of Brian Jonestown Massacre, Singapore Sling and/or any bands with a similar sound....have a listen because you'll probably love it:

Dead Skeletons on myspace
and
Alan McGee's article on the Dead Skeletons

Video: Zola Jesus "Night"

Over the past couple days I've really been loving this - hope you do as well...



I can definitely hear a bit of a Siouxsie Sioux influence, whether it's intentional or not, and maybe a bit of Fever Ray (who she is supporting in the UK and France this September). No matter, it looks like Zola Jesus (aka, 21-year old Nika Rosa Danilova) is definitely an artist to watch.

Her EP, Stridulum, is out now via Sacred Bones.

Zola Jesus on myspace

Brian Jonestown Massacre at the Glasgow ABC

Last night we went to see Brian Jonestown Massacare at the ABC in Glasgow. The audience left something to be desired (some bloke spilled beer all over my dress, lovely). However, the music was brilliant! The played old favourites such as "Anemone", "Hide and Seek", "Jennifer", as well as more recent tunes "Here it Comes" and "When Jokers Attack" (both from 2003's And This is Our Music).

I love that Matt Hollywood has re-joined the band, as they played some of his songs, including "Oh Lord" and "Not If You Were the Last Dandy On Earth" (I particularly enjoyed the latter). Joel Gion was the centre of attention as well, once again compelling the audience with a swish the of the tambourine.

Overall it was an amazing set. I realized it was the 9th time I've seen Brian Jonestown Massacre, and every time I've walked away loving their music more than ever. It's no surprise that I've been listening to their albums for most of the day today.

A few photos:







Download:
Brian Jonestown Massacre - Anemone.mp3

London

Here are a few photos from this past week in London. Went to Abbey Road, the old Black Panther HQ, visited the vampire bar and browsed through Sister Ray Records in Soho and had a great time...

Screen Vinyl Image Remix Album

This week Electro/psychedelic band Screen Vinyl Image released their new remix album via Custom Made Music. The album features remixes by their friends, including Remarkably Spy! (Christo from The Vandelles), San Francisco psychedelic outfit I.H.M.C. and others...

Download one of the tracks free below:
Screen Vinyl Image - Chaser (Hypefactor's Blood On Your Hands Remix).mp3

and preview the entire album here.

If you're a fan of SVI's album Interceptors, this album is a must-have as the albums wonderfully compliment each other.

Screen Vinyl Image on myspace.

The Dirty Cuts' new summer single

My labelmates, The Dirty Cuts, (also signed to Edinburgh label 17 Seconds Records) will be releasing a new single entitled "Yummy Mummy" in July.

You can download the fab Dino Bardot remix of the upcoming single, here:
The Dirty Cuts - Yummy Mummy (Dino Bardot remix).mp3

Their current single, "2 Page Spread" (which I own in 7" format, love and therefore recommend) is now available at Glasgow record shops such as Avalanche Records, Monorail Music and Mixed-up Records as well as Rough Trade east in London, Piccadilly Records in Manchester and Avalanche and Fopp in Edinburgh.

The Dirty Cuts on myspace

Video: The Divine Comedy's "At the Indie Disco"

Sorry that the recent entries all seem to be videos...but that's just the way things are at the moment! I can't help but not post this one....It's the new one by The Divine Comedy, and it is lovely....



The single will be released as a download on 23rd May...and you can pre-order their new album at their official site.

Video: M.I.A.'s "Born Free"

After reading about all the controversy, I finally came across M.I.A.'s new video for "Born Free" last night. And I love it.

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

I think the video is very powerful. Even though the video is fictional, this is currently happening with certain ethic groups in different areas of the world. My only advice is do not watch it right before you fall asleep. I did that last night and ended up having a nightmare about armed soldiers chasing me down.

M.I.A. on myspace