John Foxx & The Maths Live

Wow, two "shares" of Artrocker postings in a row.  Can't help sharing some quality stories and videos, when it comes from a wonderful publication like Artrocker. (No, this isn't a paid for by Artrocker.) Anyway, enjoy this performance of the band's song "Catwalk", just posted yesterday, from this past summer at a London's event space called XOYO. (Can't help the commercial preceding it - a necessary evil these days - even if the music is not bad.)

No doubt a precursor to the Artrocker Awards, held last night, where John presented Gary Numan with the Legend Award. (For goodness sake, they could have given each other one of those!)

By the way, the Band of the Year?  BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB. Since this story isn't about them, enjoy one of their latest video, Shuffle, at You Tube.

Dave Formula of Magazine: Artrocker Interview

Watch and listen as keyboardist, Dave Formula (Magazine, Visage), talks with Artrocker about his career. His first band, St. Louis Union, winner of a 1965 Melody Maker contest, was a mod/blues/soul combo. Here, he was known as David Tomlinson, before sharing a flat with Martin Hannett, and becoming a part of what was to become Magazine.

After Magazine and Visage, Dave tried life in a few more bands/projects - Ludus, The Angel Brothers, and Design For Living -before deciding to work on a solo album.

After working on his solo project for a year, with many members of Magazine, Robert Wyatt, and Swing Out Sister's Corrine Drury, it was finally released last year under the title "Satellite Sweetheart".

So, without further ado, keep on scrollin' and listen to Dave Formula.

M83: Synthpop Shoegazing

For a band whose name is derived from a galaxy (Messier 83), you would imagine a sound that might be descibed as "space rock". But M83 probably owes more to the Cocteau Twins or the Jesus and Mary Chain than Pink Floyd or Hawkwind.

Their extensive use of pedals and effects, and other synth sounds, coupled with emotive lyrics, they have created an almost hybrid sound. Main band member, Frenchman Anthony Gonzalez, has been creating this sound for over ten years.

Their upcoming sold-out show at Toronto's Lee's Palace is considered a highlight on the GTA's musical calendar of events.

Here's the first video taken from their most recent release, Hurry Up We're Dreaming. The song's called "Midnight City". Oh, and you may recognize it from a recent Victoria's Secret commercial (if you were paying attention to the music), or heard it over the closing credits of an episode of HBO's How To Make It In America. Enjoy the creepy "Children of the Corn"-inspired video, something far removed from a lingerie commercial.



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IloveM83

She Wants Revenge: Dark Dance

This musical duo, known collectively as She Wants Revenge, hail from "The Valley" (as in San Fernando), and have been gaining respect and admiration from fans and peers with their dark, dancey brand of rock and roll.

Respectful of their 80's influences, their synthpop sound has gained them support status on the tours for many of these same influences - Depeche Mode, Psychedelic Furs (even proving ultimate hero worship by covering "Love My Way"), and most recently Peter Murphy. Often compared in the press to gothic rockers such as Joy Division, Bauhaus, and Sisters of Mercy, Adam Bravin and Justin Warfield prefer to be regarded as more of a "dark dance" sounding band, not only "dark wave".

In a 2009 interview at hellox6.com, Justin described it as such:

"Dark wave to me is much darker than what we do. I mean honestly I consider it dancy rock n roll, not like rock n roll like early stones dancy rock n roll but certainly rock n roll to me like dance. And we’ve said before it’s like dark dance because it’s an easy way for people to wrap their heads around it. But you say dancy rock n roll and someone can think Eagles or Death Metal. If you get more specific yeah it’s dark and its influences lie in stuff like Psychedelic Furs, Franz, and stuff like that....."

With three albums and numerous EP's under their belt, including the 2011 release, Valleyheart, She Wants Revenge continue to mine that dark 80's synthpop beat. A quick check on You Tube reveals numerous videos, official and fan-based, for your viewing pleasure. A must-see....

Taken from Valleyheart, here's the Official Videos for the first two singles:

Be sure to visit their website for the free download of a half-dozen remixes of "Take The World".

If you're keen to see this pair live, and you're in the Toronto area, She Wants Revenge play Lee's Palace on November 23rd, in support of goth influence Peter Murphy, who is touring to support his latest release, Ninth.

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The Ice Choir: Synthpop Saavy

Formed as a side project of Kurt Feldman, drummer of The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, The Ice Choir recalls that 80's synth sound of bands like Camouflage, When In Rome, and New Order.

With their debut 7" single, "Two Rings" scheduled for release on November 15 in the US and UK, could they be poised to be considered a contender for "the next big thing"?? Their nostalgic sound has already been leaked through Soundcloud postings, which I have included below.

In their short career so far, they have also contributed a remix of  "Two Rings" to Recorded For Japan, a compilation album containing songs recorded between April and June 2011 to aid the victims of the earthquake, resulting tsunami, and nuclear emergency that happened on March 11th, 2011 in Japan. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this compilation will go directly towards the continuing recovery and reconstruction effort, specifically the Japanese Red Cross. Details on it`s availability are at the band`s website.

I'm sure it won't be long before we hear The Ice Choir on radiojive.com and/or Radio Zazoo. In the meantime, enjoy the tracks here.

As a visual treat, check out the boys performing their namesake song, "The Ice Choir" live, aboard a party cruise earlier this year.

Two Rings by theicechoir

The Ice Choir by theicechoir




http://the icechoir.com

http://theicechoir.bandcamp.com/

Moogfest 2011 Highlights

Had to share this update on the festival mentioned in a post below. Courtesy of NPR Music and All Songs Considered, there are some wonderful photos, plus full concerts from Moby, Austra, and Tangerine Dream to name a few. Don't forget to check out the story on the "Mayor of Moogfest", Brian Eno, plus a story on the man whose namesake the show derives itself from - Robert Moog.

For all the exciting stuff, click on the link - 

NPR Music: Moogfest 2011

As an added bonus, check out XLR8R's Moogfest 2011Wrap-Up for another point of view.

Humble and Fred are coming to wreck the Internet!!!!!!

For the first time in fifteen years, since they shared a morning show together, venerable ex-CFNY (and various GTA stations) radio personalities, Humble Howard Glassman and Freddie P Paterson have found themselves both unemployed at the same time. Figuring they had nothing to lose and everything to gain, they decided to take their careers to the Internet.

Starting today, you can now enjoy a show bereft of any corporate interference - totally uncut and as wacky as they wanna be!

Here's the "official" press release, from earlier in the week, as cut and pasted from their website, humbleandfredradio.com:

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2011 /CNW/ - As the unprecedented power of the interactive technology, mobile platforms and social media continue to revolutionize the way we work, live and play, one of Toronto's most successful morning radio teams, Humble and Fred, are launching an innovative alternative to commercial radio, embracing the new and emerging social radio movement and because they need a job.

Hyper-localized, social and interactive, HumbleandFredradio.com will exist well beyond the bounds of mainstream media and commercial radio. Being driven by social technology, it will cover all platforms and depend on viral distribution. With the cutting-edge and irreverent content that today's audiences want, delivered through apps and podcasts, the new show format will give the listeners more control and participation in what they are experiencing and hopefully make Humble and Fred some money.
"It truly is a revolution in the way we can think about radio," says Howard Glassman, the seasoned media industry veteran and voice behind the radio persona Humble Howard. "This is a new and truly authentic and alternative radio experience featuring raw uncensored commentary, news, fresh music, exclusive special guests and just the right amount of fart jokes."

Patterson says, "We can't wait to be stupid on your smart phone. It is time to realize that the way we reach our target audiences and deliver content needs to change with ubiquity and social graphing the key to new markets."

For the past two decades the Humble and Fred Show has been synonymous with cutting edge, irreverence and funny radio in Toronto. Voted best morning show in Canada four times, the team will speak directly to their loyal audience using the power of social media. For years, the show was number one with the 18-34 demographic and now those people are in the much sought after 25-54 demographic and are looking for refreshing content not heard anywhere else on terrestrial radio.

The new show is set to launch October 15, 2011.

Personally, I feel the idea of a podcast for these two is ideal. There were some mornings I would tune in late, only to hear some dweeb in the office ask if I heard some bit, only to realize it happened an hour before I woke up. With the benefits of a podcast, I can listen anytime I want, without the fear of missing anything.

So head on over to the humbleandfredradio website to subscribe, so you won't miss anything. Oh, and check out Scary Pete's little introductory video.

Moogfest 2011

If you have some free time at the end of this month (October 28-30), and you are within driving/walking/flying/ distance of Asheville, North Carolina, you may want to seriously considering taking in Moogfest 2011. This synth-centric gathering is filled with many Radiojive.com artists, including Passion Pit, Crystal Castles, Austra, Matthew Dear, Flaming Lips, and Gold Panda to name but a few.

The Saturday lineup includes a Brian Eno "Illustrated Talk" - Brian, and an overhead projector, will be discussing and displaying his thoughts on art, music history, and screwdrivers amongst other things. 

Also featured all weekend will be an installation of his enigmatic "77 Million Paintings", an ever-changing display of images, accompanied by his ambient sounds. Click on the play button below to hear and see Brian's introduction to the installation.

Pirate Broadcast #013

Well summer has gone by quickly. Who has had time to spend behind a computer screen when the weather has been so great? Once again, apologies for not posting this sooner, to all those who have been waiting with bated breath.

Pirate Broadcast #013

1. Tijuana Cartel - White Dove (2010) - Hailing from the Gold Coast in Australia, this four-piece incorporates world beats and electronica to create their sound: "Multi-layered grooves, touches of slide and flamenco guitar, trumpet,Vocals and Afro Cuban Percussion mixed with some hardened electronica", according to their bio. Influences not unlike Canada's Tea Party, there is a hint of retro 80's as well.

2. Brian Protheroe - Hotel (1976) - Today, Brian's well-aged good looks have brought him more acting roles (MI5) than musical recognition. But his background was in folk/blues/rock, going back to the mid-60's when the Beatles topped the charts. From Folk Blues Incorporated, he augmented his income performing in repertory theatre in London. He was discovered on the stage and a solo career began. Taken from his third album, I/You (which also features members of Jethro Tull), "Hotel" garnered much airplay on the fledgling Spirit of Radio's playlist.

3. John Foxx and The Maths - Evergreen (2011) - The ex-Ultravox vocalist continues to create with this track taken from the Interplay CD released this past spring. A recent issue of MOJO Magazine featured a demo version cover of Pink Floyd's "Have A Cigar". For a free download of the finished version PLUS a download of Evergreen, click on this link to MOJO's website.

4. The Wombats - Techno Fan (2011) - Sharing a hometown with The Beatles, this fourth single from these Liverpudlian's album, This Modern Glitch, has been tearing up the UK charts this summer with this track. Their tongue-in-cheek lyrics and sound recall the American pop feel of bands like Weezer. Fans in the Southwest US can look for them this fall at The Voodoo Experience music festival in New Orleans on Oct 28-30.

5. Austra - Beat And The Pulse (2010) - This Canadian performer's 2010 release, One Big Silence, continues to find fans, and this track is one of the reasons. It's video, directed by Claire Edmondson and featuring topless dancers, ensures it's non-inclusion in the daytime programming at Muchmusic, and maintaining it's indie, somewhat underground, status. Dark, almost gothic, this is late night music.

6. Shreikback - Loving Up The Thing (2010) - Back with original guitarist/singer Carl Marsh and guest Andy Partridge (XTC), Barry Andrews is back for the twelfth Shriekback album, Life In The Loading Bay.  To quote the record label verbiage, "Despite the increased quotient of subtle textures and atmospheric embellishments, Barry still knows how to deliver a knockout hook, as on the glorious ‘Loving Up The Thing’, which could wreak similar havoc on more discerning modern dance floors as their ‘My Spine is The Bassline’ did in the early 80s."

Until next time......

- Williams Blood (Aeroplane Remix) (Radio Edit)

- Williams Blood (Aeroplane Remix) (Radio Edit)

Pirate Broadcast #011 and #012

Holy Smokes! Has it really been that long? For all you Radio Zazoo fans looking for the latest tracklists, my apologies. Life has been getting in the way of art, it seems. I've barely had time to search out some new sounds, let alone compile a show and follow up here. As a matter of fact, I am presently sitting in a library posting this piece.  So, I'm not sure how the formatting will be on this PC.

Did everyone get a chance to hear Live Earl Jive and Beverly Hill's special visit to the Marsden Theater a few weeks ago? David was a congenial host, as usual. It was so nice to hear them all together on the air again. David's chat room was all abuzz......as one of the people logged in for a while, I can personally attest to the warm welcome listeners were giving the visitors from Hollywood.

Anyway, let's get to it. You are probably dying to know what the latest shows have had. Well, read on.....

Pirate Broadcast #011

01. The Vaccines - Post Break-Up Sex (2011) - One of the NME's "Bands To Watch" for this year. They totally rocked SXSW in Austin this year. This is the first single from their debut. Can you hear the influence of The Ramones in there?


02. Film School - Heart Full Of Pentagons (2010) - This "Brit 80's" sounding first single from the San Fran based band's fourth album is highly addictive.


03. The Honey Month - The Owl (2010) - This roots-based band out of Brisbane OZ has a sound pumped with the drums high up in the mix, resulting in a base, almost tribal, sound. This demo continues to get airplay on Triple J, and is a free download on their Triple J Unearthed page.


04. Boy George - Amazing Grace (Original Version) (2011) - The Boy is back, and sounding better than ever! Taken from his new CD, Resident Alien (just released in the US), this song has received numerous remixes around the net. But I present the original here. Click on the link to check out his website for more. This gets addictive with each listen. 


05. Daniel Lee Kendall - Lost In The Moment (2010) - Speaking of addictive, another from the Triple J Unearthed files, this fun little song of unrequited love is one that should be destined for better things. This, too, is getting major airplay on Triple J. You'll find yourself whistling the chorus somewhere where you least expect it.....driving you nuts! Click on the link for his MySpace page, and go here for a free download of "Lost In The Moment".

(12/21/2011 - UPDATE!!!! Don't know if this broadcast had anything to do with it, but Mr. Kendall's cute little ditty is presently being heard over Canadian television airwaves over a Christmas themed Peoples Jewellers commercial, viewable here on You Tube, as posted November 11, 2011.) 


06. Angus and Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane (2010) - Really pushing OZ this time (unintentionally, but they're just so damn creative down there!), as I serve up the Number One song from 2010's Hottest 100 on Triple J. This folk duo out of Sydney touched the hearts of many with their song of unrequited love. Needless to say, they are getting airplay in the UK and Europe. The US will soon follow, I'm sure, which it already has since the song is featured in a new Maybelline commercial. (MySpace)


07. Pharaoh House Crash - Return of Beauty Queen (2009) - Mashups are something that are either really good or really bad. This one, in my opinion, is really good. Sounding like a reggae remix of the original, it works beautifully. Since it appears mashups are an unwritten "no-no" on Radiojive, (licensing issues, maybe???) allow me to sneak this one in at the end of the show.


08. Gary Lewis - Coke Commercial (1965) - Thought I'd throw in a false ending to the show for something different,,,, a little commercial break... I love the line "We never make it through a recording session without Coke!?" .....yeah, OK....


Pirate Broadcast #012

1. Blancmange - The Western (2011) - Taken from the new CD, Blanc Burn, Mssrs. Arthur and Luscombe are back with this track full of their British sense of humour and Middle Eastern rhythms, and what seems self-inspired from their own "Living On The Ceiling". Keep an ear out for the first single, "Drive Me". 


2. Martin Solveig (feat. Dragonette) - Hello (2010) - This "guilty pleasure" is all over Toronto pop radio right now.....can't get it outta my head. French electronic music DJ, Martin Solveig teams up with Canadian songstress Martina Sorbara of Dragonette for this infectious dance floor filler that peaked at number one in a few countries in Europe, plus the 2010 Dance charts in America. Is it one of those "love it" or "hate it" songs? Maybe.

3. The Kickdrums - Something's Gotta Give (2011) - The Kickdrums, born in Cleveland, living in Brooklyn, are back with a "heavy-on-the-bass" 80's inspired, party song taken from their new EP of the same name. To name drop a bit, these guys have worked with everyone from Ben Harper to 50 Cent to Good Charlotte and remixed for Kanye and Peter Bjorn & John.  


4. Rusty - Wake Me (1994) &
5. I Mother Earth - So Gently We Go (1994) - Two classics, culled from the CFNY playlists of 1994, both with similar syncopation. Hearing them back-to-back only confirms the similarity and dichotomy of the two - it's like the two groups were jamming together and they each heard/took a different song from the session. I was always waiting for 'NY to play them like this, but I never did hear it. Click on the link and check out some fun footage from The Rock in Brampton, circa 1997, at Rusty's website.