First Listen: Battles - Gloss Drop

(The First Listen Series is born out of my habit to tweet on the fly as I listen to a new record, delivering my ultimate first impression of an

album. And we all know how important first impressions are.)

Today's First Listen....

(Battles - Gloss Drop)

Santigold feat. Karen O - GO

I like Santigold. Admittedly, she's not one of my favourite musicians but she continues to impress. Her collaborations are always fun, lively and just gets you going.

This collaboration with Karen O is no different. It pushes you, it's not even a nudge, it just shoves you into this whirlwind of unrelenting energy.

This is GOLD star, dope.

The Tribal Gathering Of Tongue Tasters

The Tribal Gathering of Tongue Tasters is The Substation's new music and sonic arts programme. The Substation has invited a selection of the finest emerging and established sound artists, bands and collectives to challenge the definition of home-grown music and performance. This is the first performance for 2011.

Saturday 2nd April, 8pm
Venue: The Substation Theatre
Admission: $15 and $10 (students)
To purchase tickets please call Mish'aal 6337 7535 / 6337 7800 or email boxoffice@substation.org
Band merchandise will be on sale.
Presented by The Substation.

Codes And Keys

Codes And Keys (Gibbard Solo, Live in SF) by TwentyFourBit.com

Out 31st May 2011.

Music and The Singaporean Identity

The Pigeonhole, a new cafe with an interest in books and the arts, will hold their first Music Camp tomorrow at noon. The concept is pretty simple. Anyone who wants to speak can come, post their topics and everyone will vote on who will speak within the limited 6 hours alloted for the event.

Primarily concerned with the identity of the made in Singapore brand, a rather confident self would jump at this opportunity to air my thoughts about what is lacking in our scene. However, I have never done public speaking and have reservations about my orating skills. I fear I will be undone by my nerves.

Thus, instead, I think I'll post my thoughts here and perhaps, some day I will grow some cojones to air these views in public.

Waiting For The National

On the 15th of March 2011, The National were supposed to play at the Esplanade as part of the Mosaic Music Festival. However, as many of us already know, they cancelled the show because of the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Instead, the band released this track that day, perhaps to tide us over till future meetings. (At least, I'd like to think there is some reference in the title to our current sense of loss.)

And yes, Matt and co., if you continue to make music like this, I think I can wait.

Acknowledgment

If you followed this blog since it's incarnation, just 3 days ago, you may have noticed a significant improvement in web design.

I have only gratitude and love for my friends: Arisya, Dzul and Zay for their very meticulous contributions and opinions with regards to the design of this blog. They never tire to remind me I am colour blind and in need of professional help. I love them for their honesty and all their help.

As Dzul kindly puts it, "This blog now looks like it belongs to a 24 year old".

Thanks you guys & girl!

As a token of my gratitude, I know the three of you love this song and since it is Friday, this is for you...

Jeff Parker Gave Me His Guitar Pick

It's a dream come true meeting Jeff Parker and squeezing in a chat with him during Tortoise's meet and greet session after their show. He is, in my personal opinion, one of the best jazz guitarists today.

His solo work is what drew me to listen and to appreciate Tortoise. The fluency of his lines are second to none. You can see each and every note translate into an emotion from his facial expressions. It is truly amazing stuff.

Jeff Parker soloing on 'Oladipo' from lenny gonzalez on Vimeo.

I am so blessed to have met the man, and of course the rest of Tortoise. They are a great bunch of musicians, and I will always be a fanboy.

The Trees & The Wild

The Trees and The Wild - Kata by akuokay

I went to watch the guys from The Trees & The Wild perform last Monday night. It was a wonderful mix of indie-folk/pop befitting a cool Monday night. They combined great melodies with insanely beautiful vocal harmonies.

I knew they were good but I had no clue they were that breathtaking. It compelled me to buy their debut album, Rasuk. I was fortunate to even get a copy, as band manager, Teguh, revealed they had sold 80 copies of the album over their weekend show in Kuala Lumpur. It is not surprising really, I am blown away by the album. It's simply stunning.

After their set, I was introduced to the band by two of my friends, Amir and Rebecca. We had a brief chat about muddy suede shoes, Laneway Festival and utilising the Internet to create new songs with singer, Remedy.

It was good music and definitely, good company. I can't wait to meet the guys again in the future. At least, I have Rasuk to tide me over.

Lady Luck

It's no secret one of my eagerly awaited releases this year is Jamie Woon's Mirrorwriting.

Stereogum premiered "Lady Luck" on its website today. That signature soulful voice and eclectic beats make for a splendid midnight soundtrack.

Jamie Woon - "Lady Luck" from stereogum on Vimeo.

It's a familiar story. One that we all know, sometimes luck just evades us and everything feels like a mess. This world is a mess. From the violence in North Africa to the horrific earthquake-tsunami-nuclear meltdown in Japan, it really does feel like lady luck ain't smiling on the people at the moment.

But we must have faith. Things will turn around.

It ain't something you can synthesise
It ain’t something you can buy
Ain’t got nothing to do with wrong and right
Got everything to do with time