Heartbeats by The Knife

Irresistable.

Teardrop

Listening to Massive Attack's 'Teardrop' never fails to take me back to my teenage years in the '90s. Along with a few other tunes (which is another story altogether). I initially thought the video's by Chris Cunningham, but the director is actually Walter Stern.


The reason for bringing up 'Teardrop' at this point in time is that it's been given the acoustic make-over by Newton Faulkner. Very moving.

Bonde do Role

It's all about Brazil, I'm telling you. The most exciting sound I've heard in the last few months is from Bonde do Role.

You've got to hear it to believe it.

Solta O Frango

Get the latest Bonde do Role news here: www.myspace.com/bondedorole

Five reasons to love Brazil:

1. Caipirinha
2. Brahma/Sagatiba
3. Samba
4. Beach Volleyball
5. Brasilia

Knock Knock, Who's There?

A blog to watch out for: Dead Air Space. And guess who's behind the abstract thoughts, anti-capitalism sentiments and the witty retort by Oasis' smart-arse remark about this band? It's none other than Radiohead's Thom Yorke. Beautiful...

Pet Shop Boys Exhibition

On the lower ground floor of London's National Portrait Gallery in the little foyer outside the bookshop, Pet Shop Boys is featured in a small exhibition. The highlight is the screening of their pop videos. Love Comes Quickly, It's A Sin, What Have I Done To Deserve This, every Pet Shop Boys classic you can think of. Just fabulous.

Don't forget to get the accompanying book Catalogue. It'd make for a great Christmas present actually.

Just Another New Band

I keep hearing about this Brazilian band CSS. Just today alone, I came across them four times - either someone telling me or reading about them in a blog. Leaving one with no choice but to get to the bottom of what I have (prematurely) dismissed as hype, and since having done so, I can properly recommend anyone to check them out.

Listen here to CSS, also known as Cansei de Ser Sexy. Their frontwoman, of Japanese-Brazilian mixed parentage, has a habit of throwing herself into the mosh pit.

No Surprises

And how could this not be included in the blog. Thom Yorke at his most miserable. Beautiful.

Radiohead - No Surprises

The Electric Company

Another childhood fave...

The Electric Company

Fraggle Rock

Remember this?

Ah, childhood...

Fraggle Rock opening tune

Arty Sound

Tate Modern has organised something quite exquisite for the rest of the year. They've invited musicians to compose music based on and inspired by a work of art. Chemical Brothers kicks off the event on 1 Sep. What's there not to like?

From The Guardian today, a quote from director of Tate Media, Will Gompertz, on the point of the exercise:

"You don't have to have an art history degree to come and enjoy the collection at Tate, you can just come in and take the emotional, the visceral experience away with you"

Cocteau Twins

It's just one of those days today. A moody and atmospheric tune is just the antidote.

Cocteau Twins - Cico Buff.

Hurt

Yet another music posting. I promise to move on to other interests tomorrow. This is Johnny Cash's version of Hurt. The original version is by Nine Inch Nails.

Spinto Band

While on the topic of music, here's another song that has one toe-tapping. The Spinto Band's Oh Mandy. What a song! Infectious and catchy, it's everything you wanted in a song for Summer and into Autumn/Winter.

O Yeah

A bit slow to catch on the Yeah Yeah Yeahs bandwagon, I'll admit. Karen O's brand of punk has completely taken over my music playlists. Show Your Bones is unbeatable.

Here's a tune from the album - Turn Into.