Billed as “genre-bending”, and a “non-stop electro-pop dynamite” and filled with enough energy to power an entire city, Brooklyn-based Alan Wilkis brings his new EP, “Pink and Purple”. Recorded at his home over the last year, his second release (the first being 2008’s Babies Dream Big) takes the music one step further. The vivacious energy and its determination to break typical genre definitions make it a perfect choice for the electic musical choices on Something Chewie. Enjoy today’s track, “Snuggle Up To Nail Down”:
I’m currently away on holiday, so I’ve picked out one of my favourite posts of the last year for you to enjoy – so whilst I’m not here, you can still get some good music – and if you’re a new reader/listener, it might be something new to you, or encourage you to browse through the archives. I will be back in the beginning of September!
Being described as "one of the best covers of all times", The Postal Service’s rendition of Phil Collin’s "Against All Odds" certainly tries its best to please. The Electronic/Indie-pop duo of Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie) and Jimmy Tamborello (Dntel) puts their distinct style on to a classic song, and completely redesigns the song. I’ve listened to it so many times since my friend sent it my way – and that’s exactly the type of song that I want to place on to Something Chewie. Here’s hoping you will enjoy "Against All Odds" as much as I do: Download MP3
A favourite around these parts, Scott Matthew (not to be confused with UK singer Scott Matthews) has had several tracks featured on Something Chewie. In early 2008, he released his first studio album, aptly self-titled. Fortuitously, the album was finally released in the UK this month, so now we (and Australia, New Zealand and Japan) can also get their hands on it. Once again, his gentle tones mix with his awesomely powerful music – backed by a variety of musicians to complete some mellow, sorrowful, but also uplifting pieces of music. Today’s track is taken from his new album, and since its now available in the UK too, there should be no excuse not to buy it! Enjoy today’s track, “Abandoned”:
Let’s quickly brush over the fact I missed Wednesday, *ahem* and get straight on to the music! Today’s track comes from Tom Fox, a singer-songwriter from the UK who released his debut album, “Midnight Rain” in 2004. Songs from his album and his follow up EP have apparently received over a million downloads across the globe. Today we’re featuring a track that’s full of funk, guaranteed to get you moving! Although Tom put his music on hold to concentrate on business interests, most of the songs from his album and EP are available free to download on FoxTunes.net or for purchase on several music stores. But for now, enjoy today’s track, “Electric City”:
Nashville based Black Magic produce some indielicious bizarre music – and have a sweet story to boot. They first met in 2006 and exchanged only brief words, but in 2007, one half of the future band, Chris, found a song on MySpace and ended up listening to it over and over – and has luck would have it, it was from Dexy, the other half of the future band. They exchanged lots of packages and gifts – and one of Dexy’s favourites was a magic wand. When Dexy moved to Nashville with the help of Chris, they picked the appropriate name of Magic Wands. And further more appropriately, recorded a song “Black Magic” which is today’s track:
Eheheh… okay, so I got completely snowed under on Wednesday, then Thursday was of course busy (and by busy, I mean, I went to Manchester to see The Dark Knight on an IMAX cinema – and that does count as very important in my books!) and now it’s Friday and I’m completely snowed under again. Joy! Time for another Best Of to keep you satiated whilst I try my best to catch up on work? I think so! Today’s track is one of my favourite ever songs, and from the minute I first heard the shortened 1m30 used as a theme tune, I couldn’t wait for the full song. From the Japanese band Monoral, and on their latest album Turbulence, we have again "Kiri":
British five-piece band, Ben’s Brother, so named after lead singer Jamie Hartman’s bigger brother Ben, released their first album “Beta Male Fairytales” in July last year. A typically British alternative rock/pop band, the album included some great songs, quite often in the key of Keane, but that’s no bad thing. When it was released in the US later, a bonus track was included, that strikes me as even better. It was released in the UK, but just missed the top 40, reaching #41 in the charts. Apparently the band has another single on the horizon, but it might not see a release until 2009, when I guess its fairly likely another album will follow closely behind! For now, enjoy today’s track, “Stuttering”:
Formed in 1997, Love Pyschadelico is Kumi and Naoki, and a massive band in Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan. After four successful albums, the band began to expand its fanbase, touring across Asia, and now 11 years on, they’re now trying to break through into America. I won’t attempt and fail to place their music in genres, although they’ve been described as having “big Brit-pop choruses” with “super-catchy guitar and keyboard buzzing-rock”. Vocalist Kumi often switches between Japanese and English, often completely without you noticing. All in all, good listenings, so enjoy today’s track, Love Pyschadelico’s “Standing Bird”:
A far gentler track, at least to start with, in today’s “Existentialism on Prom Night”. You’ve already heard the backstory for Straylight Run, so it won’t be repeated today. Instead we’ll focus on the music. This is my personal favourite track from their entire repertoire, a brilliantly powerful piece of music that really builds up its momentum. The song is from their first album, which also has a few other spectacular tracks, as already featured, way back when. Last month, on June 10th to be precise, the band reportedly went into the studio to begin work on their third album – which is always exciting news when there’s new music about! For now, I hope you will enjoy today’s track:
Alternative Pop Rock Electro Indie (phew!) act Fresh Body Shop from Paris gives a awesomely rocking ensemble in their 2007 album, “Tasteless”. Whilst researching the band from their Jamendo profile, my limited French understanding made me think I had gone completely insane… but let’s not consider that for too long, and get on with the music. Lyrics, helpfully for the uninitiated in English, their album is an awesome mix of both ambient music and heavy hitting tunes, like the second track, “The Game” (which can be heard on their MySpace) Although slightly jarring, the jolt it gives you is a bizarre feeling, and creates an excellent atmosphere for the entire set of music. Today’s track, “Mr. Weirdo” is an example of the… weird music they produce. And, hey, eclectic music is what we’re all about here on Something Chewie! Enjoy today’s track!
Billed as “genre-bending”, and a “non-stop electro-pop dynamite” and filled with enough energy to power an entire city, Brooklyn-based Alan Wilkis brings his new EP, “Pink and Purple”. Recorded at his home over the last year, his second release (the first being 2008’s Babies Dream Big) takes the music one step further. The vivacious energy and its determination to break typical genre definitions make it a perfect choice for the electic musical choices on Something Chewie. Enjoy today’s track, “Snuggle Up To Nail Down”:
A far gentler track, at least to start with, in today’s “Existentialism on Prom Night”. You’ve 
Alternative Pop Rock Electro Indie (phew!) act Fresh Body Shop from Paris gives a awesomely rocking ensemble in their 2007 album, “Tasteless”. Whilst researching the band from their