I Wish I Were A Mixtape: August 2007

Wednesday 29 August 2007

French Connection

So I booked a last minute cheap Eurostar to Paris, and thinking about the city and the amazing times I've had there with friends and just wandering around, I've put together a little mix. Loosely centred around something French and/or Paris... here we go.

Camille – Ta Douleur

Camille has caused a stir both in and out of France with her album 'Le Fil' and this track shows her at her most catchy, and innovative using all sorts of vocal noises to make her beats.
Camille's official site

Yann Tiersen – Live aux Eurock, Rue de Cascades

Since penning the soundtrack to Amelie, Yann is pretty synonymous with French culture, his music instantly characterising Paris. Here he is improvising live showing just how talented he is.
Yann's official site

Malajube – Montréal -40° C

Coming from French Canada, Malajube have just started picking up a more international fanbase and this track (and video) are ace.
Malajube's myspace

Of Montreal – Suffer For Fashion

Ok, so Kevin Barnes ISN'T actually from Montreal. And he doesn't sing in French. But his brainchild Of Montreal are fantastic. Plus Fashion is an interal part of Paris culture so this video almost gets away with being included... [really? maybe]
Of Montreal's myspace

Air – Playground Love

One of France's most famous contemporary electronic exports excelled themselves with the Virgin Suicides soundtrack, and this video is just brilliant. Trivia: Gordon Tracks is in fact the pseudonym of Thomas Mars from Phoenix!
Air's myspace
Phoenix's myspace

Saturday 25 August 2007

Here comes the sun

In response to London FINALLY having a day of glorious sunshine, here's a mix celebrating the season that Britain so often misses. Although the second I post this it's going to rain, isn't it? [Yes.]

Husky Rescue - Summertime Cowboy

A band that slipped under the radar with their first album. This is its highlight and a good little video (bar the woman in the clouds. Skip those few seconds...)
Husky Rescue myspace

Hot Chip - Boy From School

Chips are usually hot. But feel even hotter in the summer. But at least school is always out!
Hot Chip myspace

The Sundays - Summertime

THAT VOICE...

St. Vincent - Paris Is Burning

If you've ever been to Paris in the middle of summer, you'll probably have thought the same thing. Incredible artist performs a track from her debut album.
St. Vincent myspace

Beirut - Postcards From Italy

For those lucky enough to have had a summer holiday...Beirut myspace

Emiliana Torrini - Summerbreeze

Gorgeous track from her 'Love In The Time Of Science' album, live at Queenscliff Music Festival, 2005
Emiliana Torrini myspace

Friday 17 August 2007

Animal instinct

Animals are brilliant. Not only are do they make great pets but they also perform brilliantly in front of a camera, as this mixtape will demonstrate.

Loney, Dear - Saturday Waits

My favourite, favourite, favourite video.
Loney, Dear myspace

Bjork - Triumph Of A Heart

As a bit of trivia, Spike Jonze is actually the cat when it dances, then through the wonder of technology becomes a cat!
Bjork official website

Ed Harcourt - Apple Of My Eye

Actually one of my least favourite Ed Harcourt songs, but a good video (even though the cat's ugly as sin)
Ed Harcourt myspace

Fatboy Slim - The Joker

Again, the song is nothing to get excited about, but the video is just ace.

Aphex Twin - Donkey Rhubarb

Ok, ok, so they're not REAL bears, still great though.
Warp Records site

Wednesday 15 August 2007

Good Dancing (?)

Like many people I like a good dance. These videos feature some of my favourite dancing. Whether it's "good" or not is totally irrelevant. Feist is my pick, by a long shot.

Feist - One Evening