2010FM - May Edition Three

UK producers and remix sensations Mock and Toof released their debut full-length Tuning Echoes on Monday of this week. Riding a reputation as one of the most sought after acts on the DJ circuit, Mock & Toof demonstrate what happens when one combines an education in house music with a love of experimental pop and psychedelic rock.

Duncan Stump (Mock) & Nick Woolfson (Toof) are two of the UK’s most creative music producers. Having made a name for themselves via 12” releases on James Murphy’s DFA Recordings and their own Tiny Sticks imprint; the pair have forged a reputation for brilliantly off-kilter, disco-fuelled house grooves that are laced with originality. Enough originality in fact to have caught the attention of Hot Chip, Zero 7, Holy Ghost! and Groove Armada who’ve all come calling for their remix services.

Their press release goes on "Tuning Echoes is not a “nu-disco” album of grooves. It would have been far too easy for the duo to compile ten club tracks and call it an album. “We’ve never been about ‘nu-disco’, whatever that means anyway…” Explains Duncan. “Anyone who knows our music will know that we’re a bit all over the place as producers, if we like an idea we run with it and we’re much more comfortable being eclectic and not pigeonholed.” Dont be put off by words like 'disco' and 'club scene' this is all about developing a quite unique album that has really captured Beehive Candy's interest.

Featured Track: Farewell To Wendo
Website: MySpace.
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Sonny Smith, front man of the group Sonny & The Sunsets, has launched a gargantuan art project called 100 Records that is currently running at San Francisco’s Gallery 16. Sonny dedicated one year to write 100 songs that were recorded over various sessions with his band The Sunsets, The F**karoos, solo recordings, and even recording sessions in his esteemed camper Sluggo. Close to 80 visual artists created faux 7” record covers of fictional bands and singers created solely by Smith...In addition is a homemade custom built working jukebox loaded with all 100 songs to play in the art show. The songs on the jukebox range from pop, concept ideas, spoken word, instrumentals, surf, garage, folk and rock n roll.

Gallery 16 has put out 100 Records ‘Volume 1’, a limited edition of 40 box sets including reproductions of 12 of the art covers, with a CD of 16 original songs inside. 100 Records ‘Volume 2: I Miss The Jams’, coming out on Turn-Up Records in early June, is another box set including five 7” splits with 10 of the fictional artists represented. Volume 2 also features fellow San Francisco singers Ty Segall, Tim Cohen (Fresh n Only’s), Heidi Alexander (The Sandwitches), Donovan Quinn and more.

Interestingly, two of the bands created in the project, The F**karoos and The Loud Fast Fools, have become real bands in addition to random appearances in live shows by Earth Girl Helen Brown and Zig Speck.

100 Records will be featured at Okay Mountain Gallery in Austin, TX opening June 5th as well as Cinders Gallery in New York opening August 13th. Look for 100 Records ‘Volume 3’ later this year.

Featured Track: To Young To Burn.
Website: MySpace.
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Steve Hackett releases his new album 'Out Of The Tunnels Mouth' on the 8th June 2010.

He has also shared one track from the forthcoming album free over on the AOL radio blog. In support of the new album Steve will be touring North America from the 18th of June, just click on the picture to enlarge and see the tour date details.

Having only heard the song shared through the AOL radio blog Beehive Candy are not really in a position to say much more than it's good enough to repeat here, and if this song is anything to go by we look forward to listening to the full album.

And we have written all this without one reference to his 'former band' either, not bad eh?

Featured Track: Fire On The Moon
Website: Official. AOL radio blog.
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The City And Horses, have been around for several years and just recently sparked new attention with their song "I Miss It All" that was featured in the Paper Heart movie.

The City and Horses is the work of a Brooklyn songwriter and former Cosby Show extra named Marc.  While firmly steeped in the indie tradition, The City and Horse's songs traverse many genres of pop: from twee to power to psychedelic to chamber to folk to lo-fi and back again. The common threads are idiosyncratic vocals, often accompanied by surprising harmonies, and clever and heartfelt lyrics that mix the wit of Stephin Merritt with the wist of Stuart Murdoch (or something).

Anyhow this song came our way and sparked our imagination, the band are now with ever growing Paper Garden Records who seem to have the knack for spotting some 'stuff' we like.


Featured Track: I Miss It All
Website: MySpace.
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The Super Vacations made their first recordings in August of 2007. They released their first LP on Shdwply Records in April 2008.

Currently all of the band members are living in Virginia. Since the release of their first LP they have played a bunch of shows on the East Coast, had over 15 different members, toured the US with Gary War and Teeth Mountain, and have members playing in several other high-profile acts . In January of 2009, they began working on a new record.

The new album 'Thicker Milk' will be out some time in June and many thanks to Rob from the band, who fowarded the Beehive a copy of  this whirlwind of a new album. We love it! Check them out!


Featured Track: Glowing.
Website: MySpace.
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Invisible Elephant is the project of one man and his assortment of randomly acquired instruments, ranging from frog guiros to pre-school toy drum kits. These are melded together with found sounds, synthesizers and spectral vocals to create a dream-like wash of psychedelic noise which defies simple categorisation. Veering from ethereal softly-spoken psych folk to walls of monolithic feedback in a heartbeat, it's difficult to pin the sound down to one genre.

Well that's how the promo describes Invisible Elephant, and on the strength of the featured track we kinda agree. Actually this is a fine way to finish off this 2010FM round up, there have been a few quite contrasting tunes and Invisible Elephant dont let us down. More please!


Featured Track: Communication Part II.
Website: MySpace.
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Featured Tracks:

Jenny Lewis - Live In Orlando 2009

As mentioned in The Watson Twins feature, the pathway that led Beehive Candy to the twins was through Rilo Kiley and their lead singer Jenny Lewis.

It's notable that performing as a solo artist Jenny has an alt country feel that is quite different to the music of Rilo Kiley, and demonstrates another dimension to her musical talent.

Occasionally we feature audienced sourced material here, provided the audio quality is very clean and does the artist and the concert justice, which is the case with this recording.

Recorded live at the Plaza Theater, Orlando, USA, last year on the 29th June this is a really good concert from Jenny Lewis.

Source: Audience

Sound Quality: Very Good stereo mp3@192kbps.

Genre:Indie Rock, Alt Country.

Set: Full Concert.

Set List:

01 Silver Lining
02 See Fernando
03 The Charging Sky
04 You Are What You Love
05 Pretty Bird
06 Carpetbaggers
07 Jack Killed Mom
08 Black Sand
09 Godspeed
10 Happy
11 Rise Up with Fists
12 Just Like Zeus
13 Handle with Care
14 The Next Messiah
15 Acid Tongue
16 The Big Wave
17 Born Secular

Website: Official HERE.

Comments:

In 2004, Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes invited Jenny Lewis to record a solo record for record label Team Love. Described by Jenny Lewis as "a kind of soul record", Rabbit Fur Coat (released January 24, 2006) features contributions from Oberst, M. Ward, and Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine. Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie (and Lewis's bandmate in The Postal Service) guests on a cover of The Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care."

The Watson Twins provide accompaniment on the album, billed as Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins. Lewis toured with the Watson Twins in support of the album three times in 2006 and appeared with her band on The Late Show With David Letterman, The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, Late Night With Conan O'Brien and Later with Jools Holland.

In 2008, Lewis released a second solo album, this time without the Watson Twins, titled Acid Tongue.

Download links in comments below or click on the picture.

The Watson Twins - Morning Becomes Eclectic 2007

This is The Watson Twins on KCRW's wonderful Morning Becomes Eclectic programme, this particular performance took place on Monday 9th April 2007 at KCRW Studios, Santa Monica, CA, USA.

I would imagine like a good number of music fans I became aware of The Watson Twins when they recorded 'Rabbit Fur Coat', their collaboration under the name Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins.

Jenny Lewis was of course the singer with Rilo Kiley, a band that has been mentioned in positive terms here on Beehive Candy in the past.

This set includes a number of songs from their excellent 2006 release 'Southern Manners' and is a good introduction to the band for those unfarmiliar with them.

Source: Studio Soundboard

Sound Quality: Excellent stereo mp3@160kbps.

Genre: Alternative country, indie folk

Set: Full Studio Set

Set List:

01 - Intro
02 - Southern Manners
03 - Waves
04 - Shoot The Lights Out
05 - Interview
06 - Friend And Foe
07 - Darlin' Song
08 - Only You
09 - Outro
10 - I Summon You

Website:  Official Site HERE. KCRW HERE.

Comments: 

The Watson Twins are identical twin sisters named Chandra and Leigh Watson. On Wedenesday March 10th 2010, they performed another superb session on the Morning Becomes Eclectic programme which can be streamed on KCRW website through the link HERE.

Download link is in comments below or click on the picture.

2010FM - May Edition Two

In support of their new release, Sweet Sister, Annuals are currently touring with The Most Serene Republic and What Laura Says for the first leg of their summer tour .

In 2006, the six members of Raleigh, NC group Annuals earned critical acclaim with their debut album, Be He Me.  Their expansive, energetic sound and tight pop sensibilities captured the hearts and ears of listeners and critics alike, and was followed by, Such Fun, on Canvasback Records in 2008. At an age where many are just starting their careers, Annuals, armed with a reputation for solid songwriting and several years of experience, now goes back to the formula and sound that first cemented their acclaim. The Sweet Sister EP marks band leader Adam Baker's return to the producer role, Annuals' return to a more tight-knit DIY collective, and a pure distillation of their trademark quirky pop experimentalism.

Fri May 21st @ Hailey’s Denton, TX
Sun May 23rd @ Old Rock House St. Louis, MO
Sun May 23rd @ Old Rock House St. Louis, MO
Tue June 15th @ Dc9 Washington, DC
Wed June 16th @ North Star Bar Philadelphia, PA
Thu June 17th @ Great Scott Allston, MA
Fri June 18th @ Knitting Factory Brooklyn, NY
Sat June 19th @ Maxwell's Hoboken, NJ
Sun June 20th @ Mercury Lounge New York, NY

Featured Track: Loxtep
Website: MySpace
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Prepare to be swept away by Vancouver-based Buckman Coe and the debut album “Latest Waking,” released on 3/6/2010 said the press release, well if the couple of tracks I have heard are anything to go by than they may well be spot on.

They went on Produced completely independently and without commercial support, “Latest Waking” represents an artist who, without years of training or formal development, has exposed himself completely, offering listeners a sincere, honest, and unaffected first look into the mind of this burgeoning musician. With beautiful vocal melodies complementing lush soundscapes that evoke the artist’s coastal Vancouver upbringing, “Latest Waking” is a testament to what you can do in the studio without fancy equipment and funding, but with creativity, innovation, a stripped-down approach, and grade-A songwriting.

When I first listened to the featured song I thought of Jeff Buckley and although no one person can really ever replace him this guy has a style that develops fond memories of Jeff whilst having his own quite separate prescence.

Featured Track: Mistakes and Victories
Website: Official
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Ganglians head out on the road for a European Tour and will begin tacking their new record upon their return.

They have kindly sent out a demo and on the strength of this we are happy to give them and their remaining tour dates a mention. See we can be easily pleased!

5/21 - Dublin, US - Whelan's
5/22 - Belfast, GB - Menagerie
5/23 - Belfast, GB - Captain's Rest
5/24 - Manchester, UK - Deaf Institute
5/25 - Cambridge, UK - Portland Arms
5/27 - Bordeaux, FR - Le Saint Ex
5/28 - Barcelona, ES - Primavera Sound Festival
5/29 - Barcelona, ES - Primavera Sound Festival
5/31 - Faenza, IT - Clandestino
6/1 - Bari, IT - Eremo
6/2 - Terracina, IT - Le Scallete
6/3 - Roma, IT - Circolo Degli Artisti
6/4 - Torino, IT - Spazio 211
6/5 - Paris, FR - Villette Sonique @ Parc de la Villette
6/8 - Malmo, SE - Debaser
6/9 - Gothenburg, SE - Pusterviksbaren
6/10 - Oslo, NO - Revlover
6/11 - Stockholm, SE - Debaser
6/14 - Helsinki, FI - Semi Final
6/15 - Turku, FI- DYNAMO
6/17 - Copenhagen, DK - Loppen
6/18 - Hamburg, DE - Prinzenbar
6/19 - Dresden, DE - Ostpol
6/21 - Prague, CZ - Club 007
6/22 - Berlin, DE - Bang Bang Club
6/23 - Amsterdam, NL - Paradiso
6/24 - Ghent, BE - Pleasure
6/25 - Nottinham, UK - Bodega Social Club
6/26 - Leeds, UK - Brudenell Social Club
6/27 - London, UK - Bardens Boudoir

Featured Track: My House.
Website: MySpace
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Luna is Honey has become a fixture in Los Angeles' burgeoning, increasingly diverse, and always progressive DIY music scene since their inception in 2006.  Having played in various bands together since their early days as goth teens who gradually transitioned into more melodic, more adult, less gaudily-stylized disillusionment, guitarist/vocalist Josh Crampton, drummer Amorn Bholsangngam, beatsmith/soundscape artist Jay Francisco (also known as jbts), and keyboardist Elijah Crampton (also known as E&E) joined forces once more to coalesce their love for punk intensity, pop sensibilities, jazz spontaneity, and dreamy sonic textures.

Having self-released two full-length albums on CD-R and cassette formats (2008's Rhino Sinners and 2009's Raptor Red), the group has crafted what may be their most accessible, most immediately enjoyable release yet. Copy Cats (available now) is a fine introduction to the world of Luna is Honey for those who have lived beyond the reaches of the L.A. music scene and the most accurate representation of the band as a formidable live entity. Bassist Tyler Binkley has joined the ranks to round out the line-up.

Featured Track: Who Wouldn't
Website: MySpace
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Mutts contacted the Beehive directly and pointed us in the direction of their EP 'We Float'.

Intrigued to listen to the three member band centred around Keyboards, Bass and Drums, I have to say right up front that they ooze energy and passion, however they do not use punchy volume to disguise any weaknesses, in fact quite the opposite, yes they are 'loud' but they are a tight well crafted group of musicians worthy of closer inspection, and to make things easy you too can download the EP in return for signing up for their email newsletter. If you do nothing else on this visit, go grab a copy of the EP and introduce yourself to Mutts, and next time you need a quick rock around your room you have the perfect soundtrack!

Featured Track: Beggar
Website: Official
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Oholics are a six-piece psychedelic rock band hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden. They formed in 2005, when they discussed the lack of real rock acts in Sweden. Since then the mission has been to create mind-blowing, beer-fueled rock tunes. The music is often described with reference to early Stones mixed with Pink Floyd, Primal Scream, Oasis, Strokes etc. London meets New York.

They’re also teaming up with Pledge Music, a new interactive site where fans help support the artists, while also contributing to charity. Pledgers have the opportunity of gaining invitations to private events such as an Oholics Beach Party or special fan-only releases. In the case of Oholics, listeners will not only be supporting the album release and a full North American tour, but will also be directly donating to the American Indie Ritual Object Repatriation Foundation. They also happen to tick several Beehive Candy crucial boxes including from Sweden and not suprisingly pretty damn good.

Featured Track: Step Inside.
Websites: MySpace. Pledge Music.
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I guess Beehive Candy have been a little slow on the up take with Phildel.

After all her achivements to date include.

- Currently writing with Rupert Christie (who created the string arrangements for Kate Bush's 'Aeriel' album)

- Her music has been featured in a number of high profile advertising campaigns throughout Europe (Expedia 2008, Generali 2009, Marks & Spencer 2010)

- Phildel performed the music for award-winning designer Henrietta Ludgate's fashion collection at London Fashion Week 2010.

- Phildel is collaborating with Peter S. Beegle, renowned fantasy author of The Last Unicorn, on music for the audio version of his upcoming collection of poetry.

- As a child, Phildel was forbidden from playing music in her own home and spent her school recesses writing and practicing her songs, until she ran away at age 17 to pursue her dreams.

She proudly unveiled her newest release in April , ‘Tales From The Moonsea’, a 6-track EP brimming with fantastical, meditative sound-scapes. Released by Warner Chappell Music Publishing, the collection showcases a unique fusion of acoustic folk, neo-classical, and pop-rock traditions and most important of all its just sublime and we love it.

Featured Track: Disappearance Of The Girl

Website: Official
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Featured tracks:

Amy Winehouse - Norway 2007.

This is Amy Winehouse live on the Amfiscenen Stage at the first Hove Festival in Arendal, Norway back on the 26th June 2007.

This is a superb concert and includes a couple of excellent covers (Cupid, and Monkey Man) along with the regular material performed at the time. Despite the obsession of tabloid newspapers over every little flaw and mistake in Amy's life this concert reminds us of just how good an artist she is.

During her 2009 stay in St. Lucia Amy Winehouse worked on new music with producer Salaam Remi. It has been confirmed by Island that a new album is due in 2010, Island co-president Darcus Beese said, "I've heard a couple of song demos that have absolutely floored me".

On 27 April 2010, Winehouse's spokesperson said she was recording new material with Mark Ronson.

Source: Soundboard

Sound Quality: Excellent stereo mp3@192kbps.

Genre: Soul, R&B, jazz, funk, doo-wop, swing, ska

Set: Full Concert.

Set List:

01 - Addicted
02 - Just Friends
03 - Tears Dry On Their Own
04 - He Can Hold On Her
05 - Cherry
06 - Back To Black
07 - Wake Up Alone
08 - Love Is A Losing Game
09 - Cupid
10 - Hey Little Rich Girl
11 - Monkey Man
12 - You Know I'm No Good
13 - Rehab
14 - Me And Mr. Jones
15 - Valerie

Website: Official HERE. Hove Festival HERE.

Comments:

Hove Festival (Norwegian: Hovefestivalen) is a music festival held on the island Tromøy outside of Arendal in southern Norway. It was held for the first time from 26-30 June 2007. The Hove Festival was a new festival for all people believing that combining the best artists with on site camping, nature, beaches, water and idyllic surroundings made for the ultimate festival experience.

Reloaded August 2015 see comments.