Ugh. I'm incredibly disappointed that the Chicago Mylo date was cancelled.. I swear, hearing "In My Arms" live in a packed, sweaty, energized club would have made for one of 2006's very best highlights. Can't say much else expect that this song's a pure joy to listen to.

Mylo - In My Arms


yea indie rock. I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness is a 5-piece from Austen, TX, whose recent release has been gaining momentum (thanks in part to a push from indie superstars Spoon). The 80's new wave influence is strong, but thankfully, I never get the impression that ILYBICD is simply a retro-revival act. "According to Plan" has a strong, danceable, driving beat that gives almost gives the song a gothy, electro slant. Of course, this makes much more sense upon learning that Paul Barker - of Ministry fame - had produced the record. In any case, it's a nice little tune from the best rock record i've heard in at least a few months.

I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness - According to Plan

-David

There's something about a woman's whisper that captures the deepest spectrums of human condition. The aching voice draws me in, as if their pain were my comfort. I guess this post is some sort of reminder that women are not talentless as they seem. I like simple men, but I love complicated women.

Islaja- Laivat Saapuu















Hanne Hukkelberg- Searching

















Under Byen- Byen Driver













-John

Oh Cam'ron how I'll remember thee. Killa has inexplicably taken claim to NY by ripping apart its finest. Actually, he's always been nuts, cruising around Brooklyn in his magenta Ferrari, but to devote eight minutes humiliating Jay-Z is a bit excessive. Not to mention his problems with G-Unit, but I don't know how Dipset will manage either of these feuds. Cam is almost too cool to fault, and I can't see him coming out on top of this, but as far as I'm concerned, Cam is the King of New York.

im laughing at your ugly ass
you ugly dog
you ugly
you ugly man
i mean you ugly
you ugly
i mean you look like fragglerock and all that

-This isn't even clever. Just mean. I swear he's just trying to bring Jay to self-loathing.

Cam'ron- You Got to Love It

-John

Last Thoughts on 2005

Some closing thoughts on 2005. Good year for music, though lacking the incredible highs of '03, nevertheless presented an abundance of great things to listen to. Before I bid '05 farewell, I've decided to highlight some songs that I’ve overlooked during the year, reminded by year-end lists and some backwards digging through the old harddrive.

Booka Shade – Mandarine Girl
House jam of the year. A deceptively bare and simple hook gradually builds towards a completely fulfilling, euphoric climax.

Tod Dockstader – Raga
Music that moves between the lines, and yet deserves to be heard in the foreground. 70+ year old Dockstader combines echoes, drones, feedback, and loops to create an incredibly moving, self-reflecting brand of minimalism. This semi-legendary figure in the avant-garde makes imitators sound like the infants that they are.

Paul Wall – Sittin’ Sideways
I saw Diplo spin this jam on Friday night, and the entire place fucking erupted. Wall has a laid-back and soulful flow that sounds completely effortless. I’m shocked the self-proclaimed “people’s champ” didn’t light up the airwaves this year. Whatever, the mass’s loss, I suppose.

Robyn – Handle Me
Admittedly, I completely missed the initial wave of hype on Swedish pop star Robyn. Robyn’s best-known for her U.S. top 10 hit “Show Me Love” from a few years back. Like her single “Be Mine,” “Handle Me” is bursting with energy, attitude, wit, and blessed with an unforgettable hook.

Matias Aguayo – De Papel
Yea microhouse, I didn’t forget about ya this year. Aguayo’s “De Papel” is slinky, subtle, sensual, and completely erotic. Like sex music for brainy IDM types… yea, something like that.

-David