Are we dreaming...

It's properly Autumn weather at the moment and the skies are looking dreamy in the evenings. Here are some videos that fit the nostalgic mood of the moment very well...

The Sound of Arrows - Into The Clouds



There are no words that can describe how wonderful this is.
www.myspace.com/thesoundofarrows

Frou Frou - It's Good To Be In Love



Wistfulness and wonderful production. I love the lyrics and I love the video. Especially when Imogen has the rose - it's so overly-dramatic. Perfect.



Marina & The Diamonds - Mowgli's Road



Made by a guy who did a video for me, Chris Sweeney, who has a wonderful imagination and the skill to make it come to life for everyone else, luckily. A great fantasy video.

www.myspace.com/marinaandthediamonds

Kings Of Convenience - Misread



I saw them play for the first time ever last week at Barbican, and it took me back exactly to the summer of 2002 waking up to their album every morning. Every song is so well written, and has such a particular charm. One of their most charming, here.
www.kingsofconvenience.com

An Autumn Mix

Summer's gone again. This is a collection of songs that have kept me singing through the summer, and songs that welcome in some cooler months.

The Phenomenal Handclap Band - 15 To 20



I heard this song this morning, and I've been singing it all day.
www.myspace.com/phenomenalhandclap

The Tiny - Last Weekend



I've been hugely in love with this band since playing with them at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen .. 3 years ago. Their previous work is amazing, and this track continues to highlight the strength of the songwriting and the wonder of Ellekari's voice.
www.myspace.com/thetinythetiny


The Presets - If I Know You



Such an incredible video for a killer song. Start to finish - genius.
www.myspace.com/thepresets


Jose Vanders - Faces Going Places



I've known Jose for ages, and saw her play this week for the first time. She has an amazing voice, and a set of beautifully written songs.
www.myspace.com/vandersmusic


Wave Machines - I Go I Go I Go



I played with this band YEARS ago and since then they've recorded an amazing album, produced this - one of the catchiest singles I've heard in years - and made a great video for it. Fantastic band.
www.myspace.com/mywavemachine

Richard Peter Snapes & The Lie Awakes - I've Made Up Stories



Really, really cute video. Reminds me of early Fanfarlo videos [see earlier blogs] and had a great ending.
www.myspace.com/richardpetersnapes

Moshi Moshi

So by the end of July I will have played with almost everyone on Moshi Moshi's amazing roster. So here's a round up of what the label offers, and just how great the acts are.

Casio Kids - Fot I Hose



I can't even say how much I love this band. We played together in Birmingham and their stage show is just the most exciting thing ever. Crowds go wild, beats and instruments are everywhere. Instrument swapping, dancing and looking like you're having the time of your life are central. BEST. LIVE. BAND. EVER.
www.myspace.com/casiokids

James Yuill - No Pins Allowed



James is amazing - at remixing, at producing, at writing, and at playing live. Much harder on stage than on record. This is one of his most amazing moments. Heavy beats with great vocals and brilliantly-crafted lyrics. He's going to be so huge so soon.
www.jamesyuill.com

Slow Club - Because We Are Dead



Unbelievably good live girl/boy duo. Their debut album comes out really soon and is going to be an instant classic and massive summer soundtrack. Go see them as soon as you can. This song is great and the video is fantastic.
www.myspace.com/slowclub

Au Revoir Simone - Dark Halls



Slightly 'Virgin Suicides'-esque video for 'Dark Halls'. They kind of remind me of The Waitresses a little. I love the Casio tones and the beats. Also check out James Yuill's remix of them at his website.
www.myspace.com/aurevoirsimone

Euro Vision?

So apparently we're all excited about Eurovision today.

Err...

But here's an Eurovision/Euro-dance inspired playlist.

Maja Blagdan - 'Sveta Ljubav'



I remember watching Eurovision 1996 very vividly. With my parents, on a horrible brown sofa that we got rid of around the same time watching Eurovision wasn't something we did anymore. This song, though, is so mesmerising. Her dance sequence is pretty ... inspired ... and the screams, particularly the last one - are something else entirely.

Kasia Kowalska - 'Chcę znać swój grzech'

Similarly, this very dark, dramatic from the same year was pretty amazing. She kind of reminds me of Winona Ryder in Bram Stoker's Dracula. So basically, Eurovision 1996, a great vintage year.

Culture Beat - Mr Vain



So now onto more quality vintage Euro tunes. This one still sounds amazingly good. Great female vocals, ridiculous, but great lyrics, and awesome rap. HIT.

Corona - The Rhythm Of The Night



MASSIVE vocals on a huge, huge track. Whenever someone pulls this out at a party people go wild. Although nobody really knows what she's saying. Great pop moment when in an interview Olga, the singer, (who mimed, she was a model) couldn't pronounce the word "rhythm". Hmm... how do you spell giveaway? Archetypal shoulder pads, oversized earrings and shitty funfair setting = seminal 90s dance.

Yelle - Je Veux Te Voir



My favourite modern Euro export. Yelle is perfect really - image, sound, vocal delivery, and my God, this video.
www.myspace.com/iloveyelle

You got me dancing ...

These songs make me want to dance till I pass out. I can't stop listening to them at the moment.

Passion Pit - The Reeling



Oh my God this is one of my favourite songs this year. I feel like I'm in an old computer game, with my best friends and a huge party. And I LOVE this video. I want to be in it.
myspace.com/passionpitjams

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero



The first time I heard this, I remembered why I love this band. And everyone I know seems to have the same euphoria from this song. It makes me want to run outside and go absolutely wild. And the start of the video is such an incredible sequence. Simple but brilliant
myspace.com/yeahyeahyeahs

Filthy Dukes - Messages



Check out this insanely brilliant mash up of Short Circuit footage to Filthy Dukes' WICKED track 'Messages'. Impossibly catchy track, great lyrics, great vocals from Tommy Sparks, and Johnny 5 of course only accentuates the charm.
myspace.com/filthydukes

Rainy Day Mixtape

What a surprise. Rain. So here's a little mixtape.

M83 - Kim & Jessie



I walked to work today listening to this feeling very dramatic. I absolutely love the epic nature and the 80s sentimentality of it all. Such an amazing, amazing video to accompany a brilliant song.
myspace.com/m83

Richard Swift - The Novelist



A fairly dull static image of New York accompanies what is one of Richard Swift's most wonderful moments. From the double album 'The Novelist/Walking Without Effort', an archaic sounding number that introduced the remarkable man to me.
myspace.com/richardswift

Local Natives - Camera Talk



So everyone's talking about these guys at the moment. Their myspace is home to some gorgeous songs, none of which have a video at the moment. SO amuse yourselves with this great live performance! Great headbopping.
myspace.com/localnatives

The Title Sequence - Dinosaurs



I absolutely love this project. Formerly known as The Sound of Bailey, The Title Sequence make lovable indie musings such as this. Also check out 'Lovers', very reminiscent of Andy Williams / Kings of Convenience. Brilliant stuff.
myspace.com/thetitlesequence

Full at Easter

I'm so, so full. And have spent most of today in this disgusting state listening to some brilliant music.

Bat For Lashes - Daniel



I absolutely LOVE this video, and I love her imagery (initially I wasn't so sure circa debut album) and the production on 'Two Suns' is mind-blowing. However, this particular song ... it is basically this isn't it ...


(apparently the original video on Youtube is not "available in my country??" They're a British band for God's sake!!)

Still I think she is really quite something.
www.batforlashes.com

Sliimy - Wake Up



This is one of the songs I don't know whether I like, he sounds EXACTLY like a French male Kate Nash. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE the video. I would love to make one like this. So much fun.
www.myspace.com/sliimy

Super Furry Animals - Hermann Loves Pauline



They have a new album out ... today! And I love them so so much. This one of my favourite singles, and favourite videos.
www.superfurry.com

Sam Isaac - Come Back Home Tonight



I spent the day with Sam in a mutual friend's house with 22 people having a huge Russian Easter dinner. It was truly amazing. We were both hungover. As I was when this was filmed. If you look closely, you can spot me. Great song. Great fun.
www.samisaac.co.uk

Amanda Palmer - Oasis



Her album 'Who Killed Amanda Palmer' was one of my favourite albums last year. An incredible collection. And this video captures her tongue-in-cheek, wry humour, her musical creativity and her colourful approach perfectly. I love it. A touch of genius perhaps.
www.amandapalmer.net

April Playlist

I've spent most of 2009 so far in a really good mood and have been given, or found some amazing music. This is a little mixtape of what I'm listening to in the month of supposed rain, which has turned out sunny and full of good times.

Filthy Dukes - This Rhythm



I literally can't listen to this without wanting to dance. Which is unfortunate as I can't stop listening to it ...
www.myspace.com/filthydukes


Fever Ray - When I Grow Up



The Knife's leading lady has a superb new project.
www.myspace.com/feverray

Sol Seppy - Human



I was clearing out an old box of CDs for charity shops and I totally forgot I owned her wonderful, wonderful album 'Bells of 12'
www.myspace.com/solseppy

Slow Club - Me and You



If you can, go and watch these guys live. They are almost peerless. So incredible on a stage. They're much less garish and 90s than the video :) Great melodies and great lyrics.
www.myspace.com/slowclub


A Camp - Stronger Than Jesus



Their second album 'Colonia' is more sombre, maybe more sentimental than the eponymous debut, but has some real gems. Nina's voice is something quite special, and moments like 'Love Has Left The Room' have real majesty. Here's the lead single with a great video.
www.myspace.com/acamptheband

How Time Flies! And so did I ...

Wow ... so I haven't updated a playlist for over a year. Maybe that's a good thing, at least I've had things to do!

I went to SXSW (South by South West), a festival in Austin, Texas. I played 3 shows, and watched about a million. And these videos make a little mixtape of my favourite SXSW acts that I stumbled across...

Sky Larkin - Fossil, I

I bumped into these guys on a bus into town from our hotels, and had played with them at a night in London before, so we got chatting and I spent my first morning and afternoon in Austin with them. They're so great, and on stage they're even greater. Go see them. Now, if you can.
www.myspace.com/skylarkinskylarkin

Wildbirds & Peacedrums

They played at the End of the Road party and were absolutely incredible. A really amazing duo.

www.myspace.com/wildbirdsandpeacedrums

Ohbijou

I really loved their track on the SXSW website, a sort of lush, orchestral, romantic affair. Really charismatic and totally charming.
www.myspace.com/ohbijou

Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele

I watched this band play in the sunshine in the grounds of a gorgeous park. The vibe was perfect, the band were hilarious and super tight, and Dent is a very lovable frontman. Gig of the week. And I adore this song.
www.myspace.com/dentmay

Telekinesis - Tokyo

Watched these with 2/3 of Sky Larkin. The frontman/drummer learned from Death Can For Cutie's drummer apparently. He's an all round star, really. Great set, great band.
www.myspace.com/telekinesismusic

"I don't know what to do with myself" Autumn mix

Today is FREEZING! I've put together a little mix of heartwarming and heartbreaking songs that fit with the slightly wintery mood of the weather at the moment. Get a coat and scarf and find a pub with an open fire!

Emiliana Torrini - To Be Free

I love the lyrics in the chorus, they're pretty spot on. From her 'Love In The Time Of Science' album which I totally fell for all those years ago...
Emiliana Torrini myspace

Merz - Postcard From A Dark Star

Sadly the video doesn't really do the song justice, but it's one of my favourite EVER songs. Follows on nicely from Emiliana, and also quite fitting as it's getting dark very early these days... rubbish.
Buy Merz' album immediately

The Softlightes - Heart Made Of Sound

Wonderful, wonderful video by Kris Moyes for a really sweet track. Their album, brilliantly titled 'Say No! To Being Cool, Say Yes! To Being Happy' is nearly as good as its title.
The Softlightes myspace

Super Furry Animals - Run Away

The Super Furries' new single sounds *almost* like a Christmas single with the sleigh bells, which I guess is fitting as it might as well be December it's so cold. Also the video is hilarious, so it'll warm the cockles.
Super Furry Animals site

Brendan Benson - Cold Hands (Warm Heart)

Some great animations in this video. Remember gloves too.
Brendan Benson myspace (check out The Raconteurs' myspace from here too - or maybe not.)

Fun & Games...

Fun & Games

Student and teacher friends of mine are moaning about the return to school/uni now that September has kicked in, so I put together a mix of things reminiscent of childhood fun. The following videos make great use of toys, drawing, and generally anything detached from adult responsibility. Enjoy youth!

The Brunettes – Her Hairagami Set

My favourite new video!! Not only uses dolls and toys, but also presented like a Marvel cartoon strip. Brilliant. In every way.
The Brunettes myspace

The Go! Team – Panther Dash

Growing up as a child of the 80s, games like Pacman were pretty commonplace. This real-life re-enactment of Ms Pacman is brilliant. Set in the streets of New York. Where else.
(The Go! Team have just released their second album but stick with the first…. oops!)
The Go! Team myspace

Mum – They Made Frogs Smoke Til They Exploded

Great new track from Mum, with a beautifully animated, and slightly dark, video – kind of like a slightly twisted ‘Art Attack’.
Mum’s myspace

Tunng – It’s Because … We’ve Got Hair

Tunng are about to release their new album (I’ve heard a sneak preview – it’s GREAT) and this is a fantastic video for one of their earlier, also great tracks. Very kids’ TV, I love it.
Tunng’s myspace
Also, head here to check out the video to Tunng's new single 'Bullets', it's great! It's a Pitchfork exclusive at the moment though so can't embed it here :(

Rod Thomas – Your Love Is A Tease

Slightly egotistical I know, but this is a video my friend Matt Collett helped me make for one of my own songs using toys I found in my attic. After the feedback we got, I found out that pretty much everyone I know had that phone growing up…
Rod Thomas myspace

"Don't give up on your dreams, boy!"

So lots of my friends are making plans, making decisions and sorting out what they need to do to at the moment, so this mix tape is kind of centred around the future and its uncertainties… which is a good thing. If you knew what was going to happen then there’d be nothing to look forward to right?

I’m From Barcelona – The Painter (live)

Wonderful busked live version of my favourite I’m From Barcelona track, also where the blog’s title comes from.
I’m From Barcelona myspace

Noah & The Whale – 5 Years Time

Amazing live if you ever get to catch them. Very talented bunch of people. FYI “Laura” in the video is Laura Marling whose own solo stuff gets its own fair share of praise…
Noah & The Whale myspace
Laura Marling myspace

Camera Obscura – Let’s Get Out Of The Country

Time for a change? Great track from one of my favourite albums of the last year or so.
Camera Obscura myspace

Peter & The Wolf – Lightness

Not the Peter & The Wolf UK audiences might know, this one’s from Texas and slightly less jolly than the Liverpool based trio. The line “Every morning’s another chance to see a different me” caught my attention and I love the Leonard Cohen-esque vocals…
Peter & The Wolf myspace

Ace of Base – The Sign

“I’ve got a new life, you’d hardly recognise me I’m so glad”. Wise words from a band who – amazingly (!!) – sold 28 MILLION copies of their debut album. I’ll never tire of that fact. Sadly, I don’t think this video was ever cool though…
Ace of Base – read the story

"Your Once Eager Kiss" (Sue Hubbard)

Walking to get the Eurostar to Paris to visit my friend, I walked past Sue Hubbard’s poem on the wall that I’d totally forgotten how much I loved… when I first moved to London I saw this and loved the fact that it brightened up an otherwise dingy subway. This little mixtape comes based on its sentiment.

“I dream of a green garden
where the sun feathers my face
like your once eager kiss.”- Sue Hubbard, Eurydice

Sandie Shaw – Always Something There To Remind Me

The most perfect song with a total understanding of what happens at the end of a relationship. A friend once told me even as a young boy this made him cry almost every time.

Adem – Ringing In My Ear

I first heard this track back in September 2004 feeling a little sentimental after moving cities. A really beautiful song with nice live overdubs in the video.
Adem’s myspace

Merz – Verily

Merz’ 2005 album ‘Loveheart’ was a fantastic album and I only just discovered this video made for one of my favourite tracks from the record. A very sadly overlooked gem.
Merz myspace

Bjork – Unravel

Video shot for the backdrop of Bjork’s Greatest Hits tour, for one of her most gorgeous songs.
Bjork’s official site

Feist – Inside Or Out

Ok so I’ve already blogged Feist once, but this stripped down version of her Bee Gees cover is incredible. “What are we going to do if we lose that fire?”
Feist’s official site

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

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

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

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

Feist website

Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken

Camera Obscura myspace

Goldfrapp - Train

Goldfrapp's site

I'm From Barcelona - We're From Barcelona
(Not strictly "dancing" but some nice synchronised movement à la School photo)

They're not, you know
I'm From Barcelona myspace

And obviously a total classic...
Daft Punk - Around The World

Field Day

Some of the highlights from this year's Field Day event in London's incredibly sunny Victoria Park

Gruff Rhys - Candylion


Four Tet - She Moves She


Chromeo - Needy Girl


Bat For Lashes - What's A Girl To Do


BONUS: Despite the great music there was a LOT of this going on ...

Let's be more inventive!

A few nice reminders of how good music videos can be. If you're going to do something, might as well do a good job, right?

Fanfarlo - Ousiders

Fanfarlo myspace

The Schla La Las - 1234

Schla La Las' myspace

Eugene McGuinness - Monsters Under The Bed

Eugene McGuinness myspace

UNKLE - Eye For An Eye