Well I feel that as I am posting this on the first day of the grand year that is Two Thousand and Nine I should put up some of my preferred music released in the last 12 months. Firstly, I’m afraid to say that I will be doing it in the clichéd way of naming releases (that’s including EP’s and LP’s) - which is always hard work so I may just have to do a similar idea to this soon but merely using single tracks. Secondly, I wish to point out that these are not necessarily what I feel to be the best albums of ‘08 because that would take me forever and then I would probably still be no closer to a conclusion. I think I will end naming the albums that I have listened to most in this list.

I chose the seemingly random number of 6 because I couldn’t limit it to the normal 5:

6 . Kitsune Maison Compilation 6 - Various Artists
A great collection of electronic tracks from such artists as Digitalism, La Roux, AutoKratz and many more. Definately worth a buy.

5. Oracular Spectacular - MGMT
MGMT seem to have taken the world by storm, and their major label debut is anything but a disappointment - a great album worthy of the soundtrack to ‘08 in my opinion.

4. Music For An Accelerated Culture - Hadouken!
From USB sticks to pure digital releases - Hadoukens numerous collective releases were finally released in their debut full-length album, and anyone who even remotely likes them must have this album.

3. Nights Out - Metronomy
Metronomy’s second album carries on from the first very well. Sticking to the original but catchy style this is a truly great release that makes it into my top three.

2. Fantasy Black Channel - Late of the Pier
A fan of the band for a few years now, I have been eagerly awaiting the full release of this debut album after listening to numerous demo’s and remix’s. An amazing first LP, worthy of the second spot.

1. Tonight (EP) - Yuksek
Throughout making this short list I have to admit the few tracks released on Yuksek’s 6th EP, “Tonight” have always stuck in my head as the ones I have constantly been listening to in the last year. Only released in September I really do admit that this does come in at number one for me - the songs are just masterpieces in my opinion. A MUST have.

To sum up, I feel that there is a huge amount of potential there - since half of those releases are debuts, and all of the artists have a lot more to give I am sure. It’s been a good year for music, but obviously everyones list will be different so just add any comments if you want to put forward yours.

Happy New Year,

- Stuart

The Rakes have announced they are set to release their third album ‘KLANG’ on the 23rd of March, with the single ‘1989′ one week earlier (16 March) on 7″ and download through V2 / Co-operative.

The album was recorded at Planet Roc Studios in Berlin and produced by Chris Zane (Les Savy Fav, The Walkmen, Passion Pit).

I am pleased to announce I may share the full tracklisting with you:

You’re In It
That’s The Reason
The Loneliness Of The Outdoor Smoker
Bitchin’ in the Kitchin’
The Woes Of The Working Woman
1989
Shackelton
The Light From Your Mac
Muller’s Ratchet
The Final Hill
Never Get Married

Also, the band managed to film a bit whilst locked away recording the album. A bike / walking tour of the facilities cut to the first single ‘1989′ is the result - but please note; it’s not official video, just a preview of what’s to come.. you can find the video on youtube by clicking here.

Check it all out! ^_^
- Luu

Simian Mobile Disco was born from the remains of Simian, by James Ford and Jas Shaw whilst DJ’ing between gigs. This is around the time that their record company launched a competition for bedroom acts to remix the Simian track, ‘Never Be Alone’. A remix by, a then, unknown French production duo named Justice started to become a party anthem - and is still played now years after its release. Songs like, ‘Hustler’, ‘It’s The Beat’ and ‘I Believe’ have since been released, and the Debut album from the duo, Attack Decay Sustain Release came in at #59 in the UK Album charts despite their underground appeal. James Ford has also been involved in many album productions, including the Mercury Prize-winning Klaxons album, Myths of the Near Future.

So… 6/12/08. Little Johnny Russells. Portsmouth. Simian Mobile Disco DJ set! What were they doing there!? I don’t know but the guys from Sumo did a great job to get them. Of course, representatives of EyeMayListen were there. Me and Matt went along to see this amazing event in the years calendar, and were not disappointed. We arrived to Little Johnny Russells, a pub converted for the carnage that was about to hit the almighty Albert Road. Almost empty at first, the crowds soon started gathering and it was becoming increasingly harder to buy a drink, however service was resumed once the night really started to kick off.

Photos by Josie Curtis

At about 10.30 i think, James Shaw appeared behind the decks and what magic was to follow. Great atmosphere, great tunes and a great name on the ticket. The night was brilliant. His mixing was a very good and everyone in the building loved it. No sign of James Ford, but what the heck - great night anyway! My ears were slightly deafened I think - due to standing next to the speakers but it was worth it. Great night, so if anyone gets the chance to see them - do it!

- Stuart

I have recently been introduced to Eleanor Jackson aka La Roux. I first heard her new single, “Quicksand” a couple of weeks back when it came in at second on the track listing of the aforementioned Kitsuné Maison Compilation 6. This is now being released through Kitsuné on the 15th December.

“La Roux” - simply meaning “The Red Haired One” is to me, described best I think, by a quote I read, saying that she is; “targeting charts, clubs and hearts”, and to be honest I totally agree. The melodies in her songs could almost become electro chart-toppers by themselves but she says herself, “It’s not that I can’t listen to music without words that mean something, I do all the time. It’s just not the kind of music I want to make. I’ve cried between vocal takes. I want to connect with people at that level.”

She is not alone in this creation however… no credit can be taken from the other half of La Roux. Ben Langmaid helped produce the music that creates the style, almost unique to her and the duo are sure to produce more great stuff in the future. La Roux is on my personal list of new artists to watch in the next year and I’m sure this won’t be the last time I write about them!

- Stuart

Good old friends of Eyemaylisten, Drive A, have new material and we are very happy to shout about it. They are back with a great new look and have certianly matured; I can almost perv on them now ^_^.

Their new single; ‘Are You Blind’ is worth checking out. It’s a stretch out of the sound we are used to hearing from them, their sound has developed and we’re liking the vibrations! It’s less rocky and it seems they are embracing a more punkesque vibe. It’s definately addictive. The new album; ‘Loss Of Desire’ is due for release in February 2008 and we will most certainly be giving you a full review when it comes around - I can’t wait. They are very talented lads.

Watch the short video they filmed for us back in June!
- Luu

Good morning. I have something of great delight to share with you on this beautifully muggy Sunday morn; Boom Boom Satellites and their CD “Exposed”.

“Japanese dance rock pioneers Boom Boom Satellites (aka
bassist/programmer Masayuki Nakano and guitarist/vocalist Michiyuki
Kawashima) celebrates their 10-year anniversary with the digital release
of “Exposed.” Boom Boom Satellites are widely considered one of the
first true “dance rock” band’s (the genre didn’t even exist back then)
and their impact is felt in the music of some of today’s most popular
artists. “Exposed” offers 12 tracks that blends philosophical lyrics and
an untamed physical rave experience with the toughness of rock’n'roll
and the precision of electronic programming.”

Well, I hadn’t read that part of their bio before I cracked into this album and wasn’t suprized when I finally did read it. This album definitely mixes a rock sound with some beautifully electronic based vibrations and merges effortlessly. I am so into them they haven’t been off my stereo… in fact, I’ve had to turn my last.fm tracker off so I don’t look like a loon listening to them over and over. I have a severe weakness for Jrock, although if you listened to their album without a visual aid you probably wouldn’t know any different, they present themselves in clear English throughout the album.

The first track that catches me is, “Bring It On Down.” It sounds familiar in a really pleasurable way. I may have heard it already but I’m finding it hard to place just where. It’s fast moving, catchy and repetitive in a comfortably tingly way. It sends vibrations to the musical soul and makes you want to move. If you love electronica, you should check these guys out. If you are on the Hadouken! bandwagon, these guys aren’t as in your face but will fill the gap with a uniqueness. You can check out their video of the track “Easy Action” here on youtube.

There are twelve tracks on the album but “Six Fourty Five” is easily the strongest track for me, closely followed by “Fiends” and “Get Back In My House”. All three tracks are very much electronica based with immense lyrics. This is music I would expect to hear on a good night out. It would be easy to OD on these guys.

All of the tracks on the album carry an indefinite quality and do not compete with one another for play time, each being unique. There is not a track on the album I would dare to skip, which is rare for me. They have a clearly distinguishable sound. I am in love.

MP3: Shut Up And Expload - Boom Boom Satellites

- Luu

Well goodness me, didn’t that take some time. Our internet resources have been out for a long long time.. and still are.. but alas, we are learning to work around it. At least until VIRGIN sort themselves out. I have also literally JUST got back from Istanbul. Turkish music is most defiantly different, probably something I would respect a little more if I knew the language better. Luckily Matt had donated his ipod to moi so I survived all the long hours of traveling.

So.. a lot has been going on. We have been sent lots of music and have ALOT to discuss. Firstly, Mesh-29. We received their nice little album through the post about a month ago. It’s official release date was 20th Oct, you can pop over to Media Addiction and get a limited edition signed&numbered copy.. Or just get it from itunes. The album’s called Secret Traffic. Kudos to the album artist, I love it. It’s nice, organic and portrays the sound well. Gives it a recycled paper feel. Although… Mesh-29 are far from recycled. They are rolling with the whole independent music scene, which many of you will know by now we fully admire and support.

The album itself is very soft, well contained and thought provoking. The piano solos bring thoughts of Placebo (this might just be me finding that likeness) but somewhere between the unmistakable vocals and thought provoking acoustic sounds lies a deepness. Ok, they are not ‘pop’, they are not ‘nu-rave’ or ‘electronica’, but they are organic and that’s what I like about them. Soooo… check them out (click on their name in the above paragraph to visit their myspace) and let me know what you think!

Secondly; Dan Black. I received an email about this guy and hella, he’s been on repeat ^_^. If you only click on one of my recommendations today be sure to click on this video; Dan Black ‘Yours’ Video (directed by Paris-based Chic Et Artistic) because I am very much addicted. The track ‘Yours’ is different. Foremost, this is not lovey-dovey. It’s an electro anti-love song fueled with a new kind of angry yet passionate beat. The video too is well composed also, so for the visual among you; feast. I am loving this vibration, so get onboard.

Image; Eleanor Hardwick

If you want more, I can give you more; MP3: Dan Black - HYPNTZ. Ok, so possibly not the first to take Rihanna’s Umbrella beat, but it’s different. So many have tried and failed… but here I am certain Black gets it. Give him a spin. You won’t be disappointed.

I have so much more to come, my inbox is litorally jam packed, so rest assured your sterio will be fuelled with a lot more over the next few days.

Hope everyone had fun in the snow in England

Also I hope everyone likes our new guest writer Stuart…
-Luu

Joseph Mount. One of the other artists who has been a great influence on my music tastes in the last couple of years. You may know him better as Metronomy. Joseph Mount performs his strange and catchy instrumental electropop live with Oscar Cash and Gabriel Stebbing; known for their charming dance routines and light shows (most famously - the use of push lights stuck to their chests).

The debut album, Pip Paine (Pay the £500 You Owe) was released in 2006, under Holiphonic Records. I found it’s catchy and unforgettable sound very hard to stop listening to and it was a refreshing change from some of the music I was listening to at the time. The newly released Metronomy album, Nights Out with songs such as, “Radio Ladio”, “Holiday” and “Heartbreaker”; is made in a simlar style to the last one but with a more refined sound. They also engaged in their first headline tour this year, supported by London based act Primary 1. It proves to be a fairly successful year for anyone involved with Metronomy and I’m sure this will continue into the future.

Stuart

Hey Stuart here, and since this is my first appearance on Eyemaylisten I thought I’d briefly say a bit about a couple of artists that have been constantly drumming through my ears in the last year or so.

Firstly, the young talented DJ and producer, Benoit Heitz aka Surkin. The 20 year-old from southern France first appeared a few years ago mainly hitting the French clubs in Paris with his club hits, ‘Radio Fireworks’ and ‘Ghetto Obsession’ from his mini-album Action Replay. His fast-paced, cut-up mixing of old and new electro and house packs a hard punch that no dance fan could ignore. His newer projects; a solo EP, ‘Next of Kin’ and newly released joint production with label-mate Bobmo under the title ‘High Powered Boys’ are his most successful yet. Just the album to come now…

Secondly, I would like to mention one of the front runners of the new wave of French electro, Pierre Busson aka Yuksek. His productions and remixes alike have captured the interests of many. His is sound hard to describe because it is so unique. I would say that his songs are made for the dancefloor and although a mix of techno rhythms, pop structures and accurate melodies make his music easy to listen to; the art of the thumping beat make his music, personally I think, un-rivaled in clubs.

Stuart

Guest Writer: Sid - Music Liberation.

Lock up your son’s and daughter’s because Jon Jones And The Beatniks Movement are in town. Actually lock up anyone you have a passing interest for, as these boys take no prisoners!

Hailing from Bradford, this young haired motley crew play a bleak blend of garage/stoner rock with some vicious punk undertones. Suffice to say their not going to be the next darling cover stars of NME. But they might just be your new favourite band.

Recently released E.P “Engine Rooms” featured some of the band’s strongest material so far in their relatively short career. It’s fast, slow, heavy, quiet, but always pretty weird. The bass is deep, guitars are manic and the drums intense. Front man “Irish Joe” has a pretty distinctive voice, but that said it is quite similar to that of Guy McKnight from Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster. Not that that’s a bad thing. There’s also a link to The Horrors, particularly with their ghoulish sounds, but JJ & The BM are nowhere near as commercially accessible as the London based band.

Released on the gloriously named “Fuck Off Records”, the E.P “Engine Rooms” is available now. It’s a refreshing change to hear a band experimenting and not caring what anyone else thinks of them. The band has a few gig dates scattered around various places up North, check their myspace for more information.

Sid - Music Liberation