Roy K. Sopp, Jr.

ROYKSOPP - JUNIOR

First, a pronunciation lesson: it’s ROYK-SOPP, not ROY-SKOPP. Okay then, now that that’s all cleared up...
“Junior” is Royksopp's most accomplished release yet, an inspired and ambitious musical endeavor full of pure pop hooks and dancefloor slammers. Royksopp enlisted the help of lots of superstar guest vocalists including Robyn, Lykke Li, Karim Dreijer of The Knife, and fellow Norwegian Annell Drecker (who appeared on Royksopp's debut, “Melody A.M.”).

Check out the track "Happy Up Here":


Get your own copy of "Junior" here.

Insurgentes

STEVEN WILSON – INSURGENTES

Steven Wilson's debut solo album, Insurgentes, was recorded over two years in studios in Mexico City, Japan, and Israel. Wilson is a member of several bands including Porcupine Tree, Blackfield, No-Man and Bass Communion, but explains that "when I began writing these songs, I quickly realized that they would be best suited to an album under my own name. It was an intuitive, almost unconscious writing process that resulted in a kind of `poetry of melancholy.’"

Check out my favorite track, "Harmony Korine," here:


Get your own copy of "Insurgentes" here.

Nightdrive With You

ANORAAK – NIGHTDRIVE WITH YOU
“Nightdrive With You” is the 2009 album from 80s-inspired French Electro act Anoraak. It’s cool electro-pop along the same lines as Hot Chip, M83, Cut Copy and Neon Neon.

Check out the track "N.ever E.nding R.omance D.isaster" here:


Get your own copy of "Nightdrive With You" here.

Epic Garden Music

SAD LOVERS AND GIANTS – EPIC GARDEN MUSIC

Sad Lovers and Giants originally formed in 1981 and produced a psychedelic post-punk sound typical of the times. Obvious comparisons would be the Chameleons, early Cure, and Simple Minds. This CD includes the early singles as well as the album itself, making it a perfect document of the band at this time, or a great introduction for the uninitiated.

Check out the track "Imagination" here:


Get your own copy of "Epic Garden Music" here.

Cranes

CRANES – CRANES
Cranes continue their transition from the guitar-based shoegaze sound of 1991’s “Wings Of Joy” to the current keyboard heavy ambient electronica of their ninth studio album, “Cranes.” Of course the constant throughout is the eerie sound of vocalist Alison Shaw.

Check out my favorite track, "High and Low," here:


Get your own copy of "Cranes" here.

Hush

ASOBI SEKSU – HUSH
Asobi Seksu’s “Hush” is their third album as a band, and their first for the Polyvinyl label. Now a duo, Yuki Chikudate and James Hanna retain their shoegaze aesthetic, though overall “Hush” offers a bit less distortion and reverb, and showcase a bit more of Chikudate’s ethereal, chorusy vocal talents.

Check out my favorite track, "Mehnomae," here:


Get your own copy of "Hush" here.

I'm A Slacker

OK, so SubPop's Dntel "Dumb Luck" remix contest deadline was about two years ago, and I just got around to doing mine. Obviously a little late for the fame and glory, but since it's done, here's the greenmachine remix for your listening pleasure:


Feel like making your own? Contest details and the link to download the vocal track are here.