The xx har indspillet denne cover af Last Christmas og får den til at lyde lige præcis så "broken-hearted", som Wham! vel aldrig rigtig formåede...
Showing posts with label The xx. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The xx. Show all posts
December 17, 2012
November 20, 2010
OMD vs. The xx...
Never been a fan of cover versions and probably never will be. But from time to time a few interesting do come along and (my) childhood heroes OMD covering The xx certainly wasn’t something I saw coming. Isn’t the normal procedure that new upcoming bands cover songs by bands they’ve been influenced by? And not the other way round? But nice for a change! Although OMD has labeled it “rough mix”, their cover of VCR sounds like it could easily be a lost track from one of their recording sessions 30 years ago. Doesn't it?
OMD - VCR (rough mix)
OMD - VCR (rough mix)
January 18, 2010
xx...
Still all smiles following The xx’s performance at Vega Friday evening. I truly enjoyed the concert and I left the venue with the feeling that the band delivered exactly what I expected they would. Quiet and introverted (shy?) on stage, and instead letting the music speak for itself. I thought they did so rather convincingly, but scanning through reviews and comment sections, I can see that not everyone agrees. However when reading the inputs, it really strikes me that I’m not sure exactly what people were expecting! Okay, it was Friday evening, so perhaps a few were hoping for loud dance beats to kick off the party. Though partying isn’t the first thing that comes to mind (not my mind at least), when listening to the album. Perfectly illustrated by the band’s cover version of the close to unbearable Teardrops, which, for the first time ever, sounded as melancholic and depressing as the lyrics indicate it should. Admittedly the sound throughout the concert was a little too low (though it was quite nice not needing the earplugs), but since I wasn’t standing close to any of the bars, the ignorants, who stayed there chatting instead of paying attention to the music (why some people buy tickets and then opt not to hear the band is simply beyond me), never became a nuisance to me. So I’m sorry, but nothing could really spoil my evening, and here’s to hoping that the band will pay us another visit some time soon!+ Basic Space
+ Stars (Dave Wrangler Remix)
The sophomore album Howl To The Moon by Danes The Floor Is Made Of Lava will be out on March 22. I quite liked the band’s dance rock dominated debut All Juice, No Fruit, but according to the press release, the band will be more “classic rock” sounding on the forthcoming release. First single All Outta Love (out February 1) should be first indication of whether or not there’s any truth to this. As a blogger I still fondly recall, how 5 tracks from the debut were okayed for promotional use, but a repeat of that scenario seems highly unlikely. Just for fun I checked, and it seems like all 5 download links are still working, so why not...
+ You Ain't a Bitch (Bitch)
+ IKEA Did A Job On You
+ Sucker Love
+ Told Her I'm From Compton
+ Do Your Sister
December 11, 2009
A bag of warm chestnuts...
Wednesday I had to attend a meeting in Copenhagen and though I’m happy to no longer be working in our Capital city, I did enjoy the 1 hour train ride. Moments where I can sit quietly doing absolutely nothing without having a bad conscience are rare, so naturally I embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm. Decided to spend most of the time on the train listening to the much talked-about debut album by The xx and although previous listens have revealed that it is a fine release, it wasn’t until this point I understood how truly great it really is. Inspired by this revelation I immediately decided to buy tickets for the band’s concert at Vega, Copenhagen on January 15, which lead to a rather huge (and positive) surprise, when I saw that it had been moved from the small stage to the larger one (thus tripling the capacity), and with only a few tickets left! So while I was sleeping the hype apparently reached Denmark as well? But tickets have now been secured and I do expect that this will be the perfect way to kick off 2010.
+ Basic Space
When The William Blakes frontman Kristian Leth announced earlier this year that he was teaming up with Danish singer Morten Remar, I approached the news with some skepticism, as I haven’t been all that interested in the doings of mr. Remar’s since he released the Som De Andre Gør single in 1987 as part of the duo Back To Back. Yesterday a video for the constellation’s first single Lige nu og her was uploaded, and despite the single being released as far back as June (available via iTunes), yesterday was the first time I actually bothered checking the song out. To be honest, I cannot stress how glad I am I did! This is straightforward pop music and I see no point in pretending anything but, which probably means that it's something you’ll get tired of after some time! But at the same time I’ve been struggling to recall the last time (if ever) I heard a song that I was able to hum following the first listen (meaning that it’s catchy beyond belief) and then (after the second run) beg my wife to give a listen. And now I’m asking (begging if you like) the rest of you to listen to it as well! For the curious, a debut album should be out on Speed of Sound some time next year.
Speaking of Speed of Sound. Seems like the self-titled debut album by Sleep Party People will be out on said label on January 25. That's really great news!
+ I'm Not Human At All
Paul Rijnders of Anything Box shares a reproduced version of his old track Wonderful at Soundcloud. Good stuff!
+ Wonderful
+ Basic Space
When The William Blakes frontman Kristian Leth announced earlier this year that he was teaming up with Danish singer Morten Remar, I approached the news with some skepticism, as I haven’t been all that interested in the doings of mr. Remar’s since he released the Som De Andre Gør single in 1987 as part of the duo Back To Back. Yesterday a video for the constellation’s first single Lige nu og her was uploaded, and despite the single being released as far back as June (available via iTunes), yesterday was the first time I actually bothered checking the song out. To be honest, I cannot stress how glad I am I did! This is straightforward pop music and I see no point in pretending anything but, which probably means that it's something you’ll get tired of after some time! But at the same time I’ve been struggling to recall the last time (if ever) I heard a song that I was able to hum following the first listen (meaning that it’s catchy beyond belief) and then (after the second run) beg my wife to give a listen. And now I’m asking (begging if you like) the rest of you to listen to it as well! For the curious, a debut album should be out on Speed of Sound some time next year.
Speaking of Speed of Sound. Seems like the self-titled debut album by Sleep Party People will be out on said label on January 25. That's really great news!
+ I'm Not Human At All
Paul Rijnders of Anything Box shares a reproduced version of his old track Wonderful at Soundcloud. Good stuff!
+ Wonderful
September 4, 2009
x+x...
Patting (not padding - should have paid more attention in English class 25 years ago; dammit) my own shoulders! Remembered today what I forgot yesterday, so xx has been getting a few good listens today. Hype has to be one of my least favorite words and The xx has certainly been getting their fair share of attention the past few months. Normally this means that I wouldn’t even bother listen to them, just to be able to wave that banner saying “I’m no bandwagoner”. Nothing but stubbornness I know and more than a few times it has caused me to miss out on something pretty good. But luckily this time it hasn’t, and of course this amazing debut deserves all the hype, all the positive press and the zillion (now zillion + one) blog posts it has been getting so far.
+ Basic Space
Spreading faster than something that spreads really, really fast is news about the forthcoming album Bonfires on the Heath by The Clientele. Chromewaves shares his excitement and has more info as well as a few promo tracks.
Lots of people seem thrilled about the Saint Etienne remix of the TPOBPAH track Higher Than The Stars. Quite frankly I’m bored stiff, so I’m really not sure whether people actually enjoy the remix itself, or simply has fallen in love with the thought of Saint Etienne doing the remix? However the original version of the track is simply fantastic and probably better than any song found on the debut album, which is a remarkable achievement as the debut was (and remains) nothing but marvelous. Download both versions at Polaroid (or the remix below).
+ Higher Than The Stars (Saint Etienne Visits Lord Spank Remix)
US electro pop combo Null Device is generously giving away an album worth of music for free via bandcamp. The collection has been named Recursions and features a total of 12 tracks; “six remixes, 2 remakes, one cover, 2 demos and a live recording”. I've quite enjoyed previous releases by Null Device, but I seriously doubt that I'll ever learn to truly appreciate remixes and remakes. Especially I see no point in the remaking of Footfalls, as the original is vastly superior to the new version.
+ Footfalls
+ Footfalls (2009 version)
+ Basic Space
Spreading faster than something that spreads really, really fast is news about the forthcoming album Bonfires on the Heath by The Clientele. Chromewaves shares his excitement and has more info as well as a few promo tracks.
Lots of people seem thrilled about the Saint Etienne remix of the TPOBPAH track Higher Than The Stars. Quite frankly I’m bored stiff, so I’m really not sure whether people actually enjoy the remix itself, or simply has fallen in love with the thought of Saint Etienne doing the remix? However the original version of the track is simply fantastic and probably better than any song found on the debut album, which is a remarkable achievement as the debut was (and remains) nothing but marvelous. Download both versions at Polaroid (or the remix below).
+ Higher Than The Stars (Saint Etienne Visits Lord Spank Remix)
US electro pop combo Null Device is generously giving away an album worth of music for free via bandcamp. The collection has been named Recursions and features a total of 12 tracks; “six remixes, 2 remakes, one cover, 2 demos and a live recording”. I've quite enjoyed previous releases by Null Device, but I seriously doubt that I'll ever learn to truly appreciate remixes and remakes. Especially I see no point in the remaking of Footfalls, as the original is vastly superior to the new version.
+ Footfalls
+ Footfalls (2009 version)
September 3, 2009
x...
I’m sharper than ever! Brought The xx debut album with me to work this morning, so I could give it a few listens. Just forgot to check whether the CD was in the sleeve or still in the CD player. You’ve probably guessed it. The sleeve is here, the CD is at home, which means that there will be no The xx listening for me today.
Still a little bit depressed that I’m going to miss the Crunchy Frog 15 year anniversary party on Saturday. Missing the EPO-555 farewell concert obviously hurts (and probably will for some time), but missing the debut concert of Lars and The Hands of Light feels pretty bad as well.
+ EPO-555 - Hyperschlieb
+ Lars and The Hands of Light - Me Me Me
I’ve had the great fortune today to listen to the forthcoming single Sea of Regrets by I Like Trains and it’s an absolute monster of beauty running for nearly 6 minutes. The single will be released October 12 and is the first single from the band’s second album, which should be out some time early next year. Daily Motion has a (rather poorly sounding) live video of the song.
The Ski Bunny Remix of the forthcoming them:youth single Halo is on constant rotation this afternoon. Just like the previous track F.R.A.N.C.E., which I posted some months ago, the remix of Halo is simply infectious and a much welcomed infusion of energy. The single will be out September 28 on Dirty Boots Records.
+ Halo (Ski Bunny Remix)
+ Halo (video)
+ F.R.A.N.C.E.
Still a little bit depressed that I’m going to miss the Crunchy Frog 15 year anniversary party on Saturday. Missing the EPO-555 farewell concert obviously hurts (and probably will for some time), but missing the debut concert of Lars and The Hands of Light feels pretty bad as well.
+ EPO-555 - Hyperschlieb
+ Lars and The Hands of Light - Me Me Me
I’ve had the great fortune today to listen to the forthcoming single Sea of Regrets by I Like Trains and it’s an absolute monster of beauty running for nearly 6 minutes. The single will be released October 12 and is the first single from the band’s second album, which should be out some time early next year. Daily Motion has a (rather poorly sounding) live video of the song.
The Ski Bunny Remix of the forthcoming them:youth single Halo is on constant rotation this afternoon. Just like the previous track F.R.A.N.C.E., which I posted some months ago, the remix of Halo is simply infectious and a much welcomed infusion of energy. The single will be out September 28 on Dirty Boots Records.
+ Halo (Ski Bunny Remix)
+ Halo (video)
+ F.R.A.N.C.E.
August 22, 2009
Saturday evening...
This has a somewhat familiar ring to it I guess? Wife’s out, the kids are sleeping and I’ve just found a cold beer in the fridge. So time to hear some music, read plenty of mails and check a few blogs.
Just found a mail from Song, by Toad Records telling about the release of the Meursault EP Nothing Broke. Released in April, so hardly news anymore, but since this is my blog, who’s there to stop me from mentioning anything that’s new to me? The acoustic EP is said to be “a little on the morose side”, but we all like being a little miserable from time to time. Don’t we? No matter what; promo (and title) track Nothing Broke is an absolute beauty!
+ Nothing Broke
Chris doesn’t seem to think all that highly of Britney Spears and I find it real difficult to blame him. But why does he hate tigers so much that he wants them to meet her (I doubt very much that they'd even bother having her for dinner)?
Note to self. Need to listen more to Brooklyn band The Library! If you want to beat me to it, the band's 7 track debut album The Life and Times of Rosa Lee is a free download.
+ TomKat
+ The Life and Times of Rosa Lee
Chromewaves has once again cost me a few quid. This time I was somehow convinced that the only proper decision would be to order the debut album xx by UK quartet The xx.
+ Basic Space
Hmmm. Most of the music I've downloaded today has been not just good, but real quality stuff. That's quite nice for a change. But great songs often get extensive listens, which then detracts your attention from potential thing to feature in a post. (Probably my backward way of saying that today's post is a lot shorter than I hoped it would be, thanks to the fine things I've come across.)
New Aerial single All Refrain is the next in line of great things tonight. It's catchy, haunting and a little bit noisy, which to me is a close to perfect combination. From the band's third album Put it this way in headlines that will be out on Nomethod Records some time this fall.
+ All Refrain
That was it I'm afraid. Have a great Sunday!
Just found a mail from Song, by Toad Records telling about the release of the Meursault EP Nothing Broke. Released in April, so hardly news anymore, but since this is my blog, who’s there to stop me from mentioning anything that’s new to me? The acoustic EP is said to be “a little on the morose side”, but we all like being a little miserable from time to time. Don’t we? No matter what; promo (and title) track Nothing Broke is an absolute beauty!
+ Nothing Broke
Chris doesn’t seem to think all that highly of Britney Spears and I find it real difficult to blame him. But why does he hate tigers so much that he wants them to meet her (I doubt very much that they'd even bother having her for dinner)?
Note to self. Need to listen more to Brooklyn band The Library! If you want to beat me to it, the band's 7 track debut album The Life and Times of Rosa Lee is a free download.
+ TomKat
+ The Life and Times of Rosa Lee
Chromewaves has once again cost me a few quid. This time I was somehow convinced that the only proper decision would be to order the debut album xx by UK quartet The xx.
+ Basic Space
Hmmm. Most of the music I've downloaded today has been not just good, but real quality stuff. That's quite nice for a change. But great songs often get extensive listens, which then detracts your attention from potential thing to feature in a post. (Probably my backward way of saying that today's post is a lot shorter than I hoped it would be, thanks to the fine things I've come across.)
New Aerial single All Refrain is the next in line of great things tonight. It's catchy, haunting and a little bit noisy, which to me is a close to perfect combination. From the band's third album Put it this way in headlines that will be out on Nomethod Records some time this fall.
+ All Refrain
That was it I'm afraid. Have a great Sunday!
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