Stuff Happening In Perf

This weekend is going to be massive.

First on Friday night is The Whip at Shape. 8-Bit rock at its finest that you can dance your ass off to. Riding the tidal wave of dance rock, get ready to be whipped into shape, ha sometimes I surprise myself.

The Whip - Sister Siam (James Rutledge Remix)

The Whip - Dubsex



Saturday night is the seven headed - 56 fingered juggernaut that is !!! rolls into town for what promises to be one of the shows of the year. The amount of good reports I have heard about these guys is just ridiculous and to say I can't wait would be one of the biggest fucking understatements ever.

!!! - Sweet Life

!!! - Take Ecstasy With Me (Magnetic Fields Cover)


Sunday will take in the We Love Ministry of Sounds the poor man's version of the East Coast tour but hey beggars can't be choosers. There are some good acts Mixmaster Mike, Cassius, Oizo, Ajax and Bonde De Role (with new femmes), hopefully they're all at the one venue so we don't have to venue hop too much.

Cassius - Feeling For You

Jamie Lidell - Little Bit Of Feelgood (Mr Oizo remix)

Bonde De Role - Solta o Frango (crstbl rmx)

Lost Valentinos - Face is on the Wall (Ajax Remix)


The Friday after that is the Berlin Sessions with electro-tech wizards Ellen Allien and Modeselektor and one of my absolute favourite producers of the moment LINDSTROM!!! Space disco is blaring out of my stereo a lot these days and Hans Peter Lindstrom is at the forefront. He and his Olsoians/Oslites??? (people from Oslo) buddies Prins Thomas and Diskjokke are killing it everywhere. Cannot wait for this one, get your tix early as I reckon this might sellout rather quickly.

Modeselektor - Sillkon

Ellen Allien - Caress

Lindstrom - Another Station (Todd Terje Remix)

And as a bonus mp3 cos its fucking hot (recommended)

Diskjokke - Folk I Farta

Love Yous All

Lots of good new shiznizzel

Van She and Pendulum are both back with new material. Pendulum's second album In Silico is out very soon and Van She's debut V is supposed to be out August but then again it was supposed to be out in Feb so who knows. When you cross them both you know you are in for something good.

Pendulum - Propane Nightmares (Van She Tech remix)

Buy Pendulum from Trackitdown

Minimal heroes Booka Shade also have a new album about to be release called The Sun and The Neon Light. It is simply superb, it is the best LP of the year so far and I wouldn't be surprised if it stayed that way till the end of 08. This is my favourite track from the album and will be the second single released. Check out some more samples at their myspace, and they won the Beatport award for best tech-house, fuck yeah.

Booka Shade - Charlotte

Buy Booka Shade stuff

The Ting Tings are hot shit at the moment. I am starting to hear them everywhere and for good reasons. Their first 3 tracks released have been gems and the Calvin Harris remix is very impressive. If they keep putting out tracks like this they will be around for a lot longer. For a two piece they have a great sound with strong percussion and drums rounded out with simple guitar and shrieky femme vocals. And yes she is hot.

The Ting Tings - Shut Up And Let Me Go

The Ting Tings - Great DJ (Calvin Harris remix)

That's all for now
Sorry about being away for so long

Back very soon

Bmite

When It All Just Seems Too Much....

Sometimes you listen to too much music that you think you should, rather than music you really want to listen to, it makes you lose enthusiasm for music. Does anyone else find this? I sometimes really think I only listen to albums just so I can say I have. Anyway babbbbles.....

After to listening to the genius that is Carles from Hipster Run Off's classic remix of Nude by Radiohead, I was thinking to myself "If I was an original, cool-as-fuck music artist, who would I want, besides Carles, to remix my track?"

Radiohead - Nude (Hipster Runoff Remix)

This is who I came up with:

For a playful electro remix I would ask either The Twelves or The Shoes.

The Twelves are a duo out of Brazil that rose to fame with their remix of M.I.A's Boyz and they keep going from strength to strength in everything they do. I really am a little bit over electro but these guys seem to keep it imaginative and fresh and I haven't found a remix of theirs I didn't like. The following remix of The Black Kids is simply outstanding.

The Black Kids - I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You (The Twelves Remix)

And the track that got them started...(I know it's a little dated)

M.I.A - Boyz (The Twelves Remix)

Next choice would be French kids The Shoes. They also do a great takes on indie tracks to make them a little more dance-able. I posted about their stunning remix of Primary 1 back here and now here is a remix of UK popsters Mystery Jets (which my girlfriend goes nanas for) and an orignal of theirs to top it off (which has a nice little "the drums!" sample too, perhaps from The Ting Ting's Great DJ?)

Mystery Jets - Young Love (Shoes Mix)

The Shoes - Knock out !

Enjoy ze weekend, LYA

Which Daft Punk vinyl to buy from Ebay?

This is a bit of random post but promptness will be appreciated as the bidding ends in 5 hours.
The choices are:

Daft Punk - Technologic:
1)Original
2)Peaches Remix
3)Vitalic Remix
4)Basement Jaxx Remix

Daft Punk - Prime Time Of Your Life
1)Para One Remix
2) The Brainwasher (Erol Alkan's Horrohouse Dub)

Daft Punk - Revolution 909
1)Original
2)Roger & Junior's Revolutionary War Mix
3) Accapella

I'm personally leaning towards this:

Daft Punk - Prime Time Of Your Life (Para One Remix)(Highly Rec'd)

Fucking amazing in my opinion.

PLEASE VOTE IN THE COMMENTS!!!

See you at Fred Falke tomorrow night.

The Whitest Boy Alive - Golden Cage (Fred Falke Remix) (Highly Rec'd)

LYA

Peeps To Catch @ V Fest

With the rest of Australia having already enjoyed Richard Branson's fruits, it is now Dullsville's turn and I must say the lineup has come together quite nicely. Timetable clashes are inevitable at these things but hey, deal with it. In my opinion kiddies the earlier you arrive the better with quality acts on from the get go. With Modular newbies Plug-In City at 1:45 and ice-cold disco heroes Glass Candy at 2. Cut Copy will be giving their setlist a major makeover with the release of In Ghost Colours which should be a relief to die hard Perth fans that saw them on each of their four appearances across the nullabor in the past 12 months. Swedish pop geniuses The Tough Alliance may well unfortunately drag me away from Cutters as the Melbourne lads will be back soon but the same can't be said of the boys from Gothenberg. TTA will probably get an undeservedly small crowd to their clashing with Cut Copy but they will put on an incredible show i'm sure. Next will be a quick peep into the DJ tent to see Italians Do It Better head honcho Mike Simonetti who I hope will be pumping out some great disco and Italo. Then back to check out the Rakes who I have been a fan of ever since hearing 22 Grand Job about 3 or 4 years ago. Then there is a serious bit of clashing with Modest Murphy, ex-Moloko member Roisin Murphy and Gomma label boss Munk. I wasn't able to see them two years ago at Southbound but I heard they were a bit lacking anyway. Which ever ways the wind is blowing..... Anyway.....

Here's a few track to go with to get you amped. If you haven't got you ticket you can still get them now (like I just did) here.

Plug-In City - Broke On A Wheel

Glass Candy - Beatific

The Tough Alliance - Silly Crimes

Cut Copy - Feel The Love

The Presets - A New Sky

Roisin Murphy - Overpowered [Kris Menace Remix]

LYAllimite

I'm back (bearing gifts)

Hello and sorry about the significant lack of action in these pages in recent weeks. Uni and footy have both gone back and I have just been busy with lots of stuff. Saying that though, what I do have for you kids is PLENTY of good new music.

Starting Off With Some Disco...

As you are probably all aware, 2007 was the year of electro. Releases from the genre were being gobbled up like biccies at a kids picnic (or music festival). Outstanding albums from Boys Noize, Justice, Digitalism, Para One .... the list goes on, dominated a year culminating in the Summer festivals being ruled by chainsaw basslines and daft punk synths. But as I said, electro was so 2007 and 2008 will be the year that sees the return of disco. Leading the charge are James Murphy and the DFA. Their first album of the year in Hercules & Love Affair has exploded into the world with Anthony (yes from And The Johnsons who has that omni-sexual voice) contributing to vocals on a few tracks. Do your self a favour and BUY this album so you can show it off to your friends and when disco really starts rolling this year be able to say 'yeah i was there from the beginning man'. It's an electronica gem that never wants to sit still and the boys and girls from Brooklyn obviously paid attention when their parents were telling them debaucherous stories from their times at Studio 54.

Hercules and Love Affair - Blind feat. Anthony (Frankie Knuckles Remix)

Get the free track Hercules Theme from here

Next is Disco DJ/Remixer Jaques Renault. A very cool cat from Brooklyn also is throwing his hat in the ring with the big boys and has just released this stellar little number for Moby. Check out his RCDLBL page for a free track and some more info on his various releases is available here.

Moby - Disco Lies (Jaques Renault Remix)

Up next is Glaswegian remix master Maelstrom. I really like a lot of the remixes he is doing for some new and some older tracks. He has a great sound and i'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from him in 2008. Pick up his new 12" with 3 quality remixes here, check his myspace for a free mix. And here's a sweet older remix to dload.

Metro Area - Muira (Maelstrom Edit)

Scandanavia, well Norway in particular have been putting out some damn fine spacey type disco for a couple of years now. Prins Thomas, Lindstrom and Todd Terje have been at the forefront of this movement and are steadily building up healthy back catalogues as well as keeping up a steady stream of new releases. Their take on disco takes a colder, more minimal approach rather than lush strings and playful predictable basslines, they have sparse synths and more distortion but are still nevertheless disco at their heart. Tuck you earphones IN.

Lindstrom – Another Station

Dennis Parker – Like An Eagle (Todd Terje mix)

Buy some vinyl (and a turntable if you need to) from Lindstrom and Todd Terje from Juno

If we are talking disco, how can we discuss the subject properly without mentioning the French. Vocal/funky house pretty much evolved from disco in France with the ‘French Touch’ through people like Etienne De Crecy and Daft Punk. They are still some of the finest purveyors in the genre. Fred Falke is often only recognised with his partnership with Alain Braxe but deserves a lot of respect in his own right. Not only that he is touring throughout Oz in the coming months, so do yourself a favour and grab a ticket while you can. (Also head over to VHS or Beta's Last FM Page for a free mp3 of the original of Burn It All Down)

VHS or Beta – Burn It All Down (Fred Falke mix)

I was trooping through some old CDs the other day and found this absolute gem on the Music Sounds Better With You single. A blissed out early house classic from 1998, I can’t believe this was 10 years ago, it would sound equally as amazing if released today. It also shows that Sinclair was there at the beginning and he didn’t start his career with a song about whistling.

Stardust – Music Sounds Better With You (Bob Sinclair Remix)

Lifelike is another artist who is regarded very highly around the highlighter offices who is also blending the disco and house sound that is quite a distinctive when heard. He has influenced people like Cut Copy, as can be seen on his appearance on the So Cosmic Mixtape. Make sure you buy some Lifelike mp3s y’all.

Ericola ft. Annie – Follow Me (Lifelike Remix)

Arcade Lover are Darshan Jesrani from Metro Area and Dan Balis from Escort, a combination made in heaven if there ever was one. This has a perfect shaped discofied feel to it with it feeling like an Escort track but a little more cosmic. Get your best Sennheisers out for this one kiddies.

Arcade Lover – Fantasy Lines (In Dub)

Wrapping up the disco section of this post are Al Kent and his Million Dollar Orchestra. Kent is an avid vinyl collector and is credited as having one of the largest disco collections going around. After many years of collecting he decided to try his had at creating his own, and what a fine job he has done. Following in the footsteps of Escort and their modern day live disco, the Million Dollar orchestra has revived the live genre and has done a fantastic job. Larger than life sounds with live strings, hopping rhythms and great vocalists are features throughout their debut album Better Days, buy it from BBE

The Million Dollar Orchestra - Funky Funk Beat

Aussies Taking Over The World.

Lets not underestimate the amount of domination Oz artists are demanding throughout the world. New albums, fresh sounds and a shitload of touring are enabling our homegrown artists to garner worldwide respect in everything they are doing.

The first great album of the season has to be Pnau's self title third record. It sees Pnau venturing all over the electronic music ladscape, from the intense 8 bit bleeting of Wild Strawberries to the absolutely stunning collaboration with ex Teenager bandmate Ladyhawke. It is possibly their strongest ever track that has been on repeat on my shower CD for about the past 4 weeks. It is strange to see why the combination of Pnau's Littlemore and Ladyhawke couldn't seem to find the same magic with Teenager as they did with this track. Perhaps that is being a little harsh. Anyway enjoy this slice of Daft Punkesque house, and support Aussie music, buy a SIGNED COPY here for $20 or the Tour Edition 2CD for $20 as well!!!!

Pnau - Come Together

Next is Miami Horror and his harem called Gameboy/Gamegirl. Gameboy/Gamegirl have just brought out a stellar new EP, pick it up at Beatport or any good local record stores. Their sound is as fresh as newly cut grass, combining elements of baltimore, baile funk and glitch electro. Femme Fatale repeater vocals, booming beats and chunky basslines = party starting heaven. A few of the tracks have been floating around for a while but their sound comes out a lot better when refined on CD rather than a compressed mp3. They are coming to Perth to launch the EP at Shape with 80s electro genius Miami Horror also playing a DJ set. On a side note Highlighter besties Electrorash have his amazing new remix of Datarock's FaFaFa. Go and get it right now and a while your at it, grab your plastic and get a ticket to the EP launch too, I'll be there.

Gameboy/Gamegirl - Pumps And Rumps (Zombie Disco Squad Remix)

The Modular crew also have a very busy month ahead with anticipated releases from Cut Copy (which drops Saturday) and The Presets (around the 12th of April). I'd say head on down to your local record store to pick up Cut Copy if you're keen as (like me) to get your hands on it as if you order it over the net you will prolly have to wait till after easter to get it. If you can't wait until then they are streaming the whole album over on their myspace. While your there click the link over to their mailing list to get a free mp3 of Joakim's remix of Hearts On Fire and if you didn't have it, a free mp3 of So Haunted over at their Last FM page. The Presets though are a different story with you still being able to pick up a SIGNED COPY of their new album Apocalypso from JB for $20 effn bargain! Also head over to their modular page to sign up to their mailing list and get a free My People remix. Also head-hyperboler and all round naughty-boy Dave has posted the new Presets track over at Hyperbole.

And lastly we couldn't help but let you all know that masters of funky minimal Booka Shade are releasing their third studio album and follow up to Movements. It will be titled The Sun & The Neon Light and it set for release in May, I can't find a preorder for this yet but you can rest assured dear readers I will keep thee informed. A great remix from the 5 Years Of Get Physical compilation, buy it here.

Booka Shade - Vertigo (Henrik Schwarz Remix)

If you have read this far well done friend but I must make one last request. As uni is going back and my spare time seems to be diminishing steadily I am putting out the call to any budding music bloggers who would like to write for this esteemed journal. Whether you go to lots of shows and you want to contribute some reviews or are the first to get their grubby mits on hot new albums to share, Highlighter needs you. So no matter where you are in Australia or the world, if you would like to be a correspondent please email me at highlighterblog@hotmail.com and let me know.

The Beatles - Help!

Phew, love yous all

Benjimite Out

In Need Of Something New....

Ok its time for some new tunes from some Highlighter faves. They are all first singles or new tracks from bands and come with a rarity, cover or older track just for good measure. All of the artists below have new albums coming out and all would be worth your hard earned.

The Kooks
The Kooks really do tend to polarise people with some people thinking they are a bit soppy but I for one enjoy their catchy melodies and hooks galore.

The Kooks - Always Where I Need To Be (Radio Rip)

Lily Allen - Naive (Kooks Cover)

Preorder the new Kooks album Konk

Tapes 'n Tapes
I saw Minneapolis's finest last year and they were amazing. They unfortunately probably don't have the best memories of Perth as they had a heap of their gear nicked from their van while swimming at Cottesloe. A message to future bands touring Perth, swim at North Cott or Grant Street, the bogans generally stay at Cott Main. Needless to say I cannot wait for their new album and hopefully another chance at seeing them live.

Tapes 'n Tapes - Hang Them All

Tapes 'n Tapes - Futon Fire

Preorder the new Tapes 'n Tapes album Walk It Off

The Black Keys
A new album for rock's favourite two-piece and with it comes a new producer in the form of genius Dangermouse. Keys' purists may worry about Mouse taking them away from their roots but one listen to this new single will dispell any doubts about the direction they are heading in, and let's face it after three albums of relatively similar material, a breath of fresh air can never hurt.

The Black Keys - Strange Times

The Black Keys - Just Got To Be

Preorder the new Black Keys album Attack And Release

Jack Johnson
Some people really don't like Jack, but hey we all have guilty pleasures and there will be no words dissing our favourite surfing troubadour on these pages. Whether his new material can ever replicate the fresh sounding surf-pop we had on his first two albums is doubtful but it will be easy listening road trip music that will go down with a cold Bright Ale and a sea breeze, nice.

Jack Johnson - If I Had Eyes

Jack Johnson - Rainbow

Order the new Jack Johnson album Sleep Through Static

Guillemots
Guillemots debut album was a slice of twee slightly experimental pop beauty, tracks like We're Here and Trains To Brazil were perfect and had me hooked for a long time. As always highlighter recommends listening to them with a spliff and good pair of headphones. The single definitely is more accessible than some of their previous stuff but I will reserve my judgement for the album.
Guillemots - Get Over It

Guillemots - Kriss Kross

Preorder the new Guillemots album Red here

Matthew Dear
Regular readers will know that highlighter is a big Matthew Dear fan, and even though he doesn't have an album coming out, he does have a limited edition Black Version of his debut album Asa Breed which went criminally unnoticed by most of the music community. If you didn't heed our advice the first time, get it now, you won't be disappointed.

Matthew Dear - Don't Go This Way

Matthew Dear - But For You

Preorder the new Matthew Dear album Asa Breed (Black Edition)

Love Yous All.

Sexuality

Thanks to Patrick @ Kyogoi for the photo (show Canada some love and check his blog)

No, as much as some people would like it to be this isn't a porn site. But we do have some love related goodies up our sleeve for the highlighter faithful and that comes in the form of Sebastien Tellier's new album Sexualtiy (buy it here). His gorgeous 2005 track La Ritournelle would still have to be one of my most favourite tracks ever (you can still pick it up here) and his third album just can't arrive soon enough. Luckily enough we don't have to wait anymore, produced by robot Guy-Manuel De Homem, Sexuality is Barry White for the noughties. Lush synths, rhythmic percussion and some sex vocals lifted off some sort of 80s porn. It doesn't get much better. NME has been kind enough to stream the whole album for you right here, you have to sign up to their site but it's no biggie. This would have to be one of my most anticipated albums of the year so sit back, slip your towelling dressing gown on, light some candles and away you go....

Sebastien Tellier - Pomme (From Sexuality) : Removed at labels request

Sebastien Tellier vs Vicarious Bliss - La Ritournelle (reprise) (Highly Recommended)

Sébastien Tellier, Mr Oizo & SebastiAn - Chivers As Female

Principles Of Geomoetry - A Mountain For President Feat Sebastien Tellier

LYA

ST Myspace

Buy ST Stuff

Feeling The Good Vibrations

A special stationary treat for you kids today, a guest post by good highlighter chum and chief hip hop head Jordy O, the Good Vibrations 2008 review, without further ado....

Good Vibrations 2008 started with a new venue and a fresh outfit. There was a good chance to check out a lot more festival get ups during the long walk from the entry point to the festival grounds. The hip hop heavy lineup was well represented in costume, especially from the lads. Amongst the girls, being hot was popular. I love summer festivals!

The first act that we saw was the really cool group Thievery Corporation who seemed to produce a new MC for every track. There was certainly a lot of energy coming from the stage and that was thrown back with interest by the crowd eager to get their dancing shoes warmed up for a big day ahead. It is always a good thing to see a big band jamming as there are so many things to look at throughout the set, whether it be the hand percussionist relentlessly slapping skin or the brass section adding some nice groove and intermitent stage dancing.

Thievery Corporation - Coming From the Top

From that set we wandered over to the Roots stage to see underground rap icon Pigeon John. Pigeon was very keen to get the crowd involved in the show and there were "Make some noise" and "If you hear me say ho!" comments being thrown around with almost reckless abandon. With just a DJ and a mic to help him out with his show, Pigeon John ran and bounced around the stage to put on a very memorable show. He is as funny as they come and not at all afraid to joke about his longevity/celebrity ratio. "Lemon to a Lime and a lime to a lemon/ Underground Hip Hop equals no women!" Pigeon was very kind to hand out his self proclaimed 68th and 69th copies of his new album to the Good Vibes crowd. I will definately be joining his quest to go gold in Australia.

Pigeon John - Hello Everybody

We then went back to the Good Vibrations stage (creatively named) to see Scotland's own Calvin Harris. Going from a funk laced reggae sound, to a solo MC, to an electro infused rock band highlights the range of genres at festivals these days. To be honest, it was a bit too much of a contrast for me to properly feel the vibe so to speak. Having said that, trying to leave the crowd was a very hard thing to do as the place was packed all the way back to the bar area. And once out of the sardine tin and with my ears suitably adjusted, I found myself enjoying the band a lot more. It was a good entree for things to come at the very least.

Our next big gig, after a walkabout, was The Rapture. We had a sweet spot, were well stocked with drinks and ready to rock our socks off. To my amazement, Lyrics Born came on stage to introduce the band. I couldnt believe that he was there for a start and almost felt cheated that, having been there, he wasn't performing. How could you have someone like Lyrics Born back stage and not have him grace the crowd with a set? I don't think I will ever understand it. Anyway, The Rapture was absolutely awesome! They were a highly anticipated act and they did not disappoint. "Don Gon Do It" and "Get Myself Into It" were crowd favourites that got a big sing along. The New Yorkers were a big hit.

The Rapture - Get Myself Into It

Following on the same stage was Cypress Hill. I was standing with a big Cypress fan and that made the set very enjoyable to watch. B-Real's voice and lyrical ability and Sen-Dogg's in-your-face attitude made for a great dynamic. They ran hot for their last half of the set where they came out with "Insane in the Membrane", "Hits From The Bong", "Dr. Greenthumb" back to back and "Rock Superstar" shortly after to wrap it up. They also came up with possibly the best stage prop I have ever seen, a massive inflatible gold buddah. While it was inflating, Sen-Dogg lit up a baseball bat and smoked that shit! We saw what we came to see.

We moved on to see Pharoahe Monch. I had not seen or heard him before but he came with a huge recomendation from two of my most respected opinions on all things hip hop so I was hanging out to see him perform all day. He was outstanding, a true highlight. His lyrical powers and versatility were off the heezy fo' sheezy (he has much better material than me). He looked the part too with a bid afro and a couple of guest MCs and backing singers added to a great atmosphere. I danced my little heart out.

Pharoahe Monch - Body Baby

The last act of the night was Kanye. He was a great showman and had obviously put a lot of thought into his show. I thought his sound levels were spot on and I did enjoy the set. For some reason though, I thought it fell short of a really good performance, for reasons I find hard to articulate. I think, unlike Cypress Hill, he spaced his fan favourites too far between each other and didnt keep the crowd up for long enough. It was a little bit up and down with the energy levels. However, the lights show was a really good asset to his show, and I thought his costume changes was one of the highlights of the day. What other male artist would wear three costumes on an hour and a half set? Also his neon watch was as unique as it was fantastic. Ending the show with his Daft Punk remix was the perfect finale.

Kanye West - Get 'Em High feat Talib Kewli and Mos Def

All in all it was a very enjoyable day and I cant wait for next year, I just hope Herisson Island can get a little bit more grass cover to avoid the dustbowl, but then again, it generated nostalgia about our beloved ampitheatre and this festival's former residence.

Flairs

In to my inbox floats a new couple of tracks by Englishman Lionel Flairs (sweet name), he has played bass with pretty much every musician in France.

The posted track is a little discofied electro burner which is rather cool, but much cooler is the A-Side to the single 'Better Than Prince" (unfortunately we arent allowed to post it) so you'll have to hit up his myspace and check it out. A bravado'd up, bass heavy bomb. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from them.

Flairs - Truckers Delight

LYA