scissorkick

Look, I don't care if you subsist on A Steady Diet of Nothing, Chocolate and Cheese or American Beer the bottom line is that at some point you have to recognize that you can never be too cool for a good time. Sure, I loved my Minutemen and Primus in High School but that never stopped me from getting into Greg Bott's front seat and swilling straight from a jug of Ernest & Julio Gallo while "Slo-B" by Basscube was realigning my spine through force 10 amplification. No matter what path we've chosen, 33Hz is there to remind us of the things that make the most sense -- a memorable melody, a room full of lovely ladies, and that great smell of Poppin' Fresh dough coming straight from the over. Maybe it's a Long Island thing -- we being from the place where Freestyle and Hair Metal gleefully coexisted in the 80s -- but the boys of 33Hz touch some kind of special nerve. And I'm sure they will for you too. Think how great it would be if you had a bootleg of Cameo performing live in a Six Flags Amusement Park "Sound Booth" before he recorded Cardiac Arrest. So get on the train now people. Although they've been tagged the "American Phoenix" I really think they have a sound more like if you channeled The Fatback Band or Dazz Band through some subtle King Crimson "21st Century Schizoid Man" filter. Sure it's electro funk -- and perhaps I'm stretching because I know a couple of the guys -- but there is something more substantial to their sound. I know it's not brand new (hence the Old Reliable graphic) but today's post really sums up the band's sound and is an absolutely killer track. Check out this download of theire single "Digital Lover" and make sure to head to their web site where you can stream 3 additional tracks. Resources

Posted by Steve at 8/25/2005 07:52:00 PM | Permalink | Comments   

Consider yourself warned. The Kudu promotional machine (aka the great people at Backspin) is currently greasing it wheels ready to deliver the next big stars to emerge from the renowned East Village spot Nublu. First they drop the Wax Poetic stuff featuring the then unknown Norah Jones, then Brazilian Girls emerge from Avenue C to worldwide acclaim. The next to drop from this seemingly untouchable hotbed of fusion creativity will undoubtedly be Kudu, the duo/trio who back up their nostalgic NYC fashion aesthetic with an even more nuanced approach to the nexus bridging early 80s electro and late 70s no wave. They have a look. And more importantly they communicate their sound in perfect unison with their style. Few bands these days can be so expertly -- and honestly -- art directed. With Chok Rock, Outhud, !!! and others, this brings a throwback dance party squarely into the 21st century. Again, you've been warned. This is the first of three posts dedicated to a resurgence of quality 80s tracks that have little or nothing to do with the godawful dance punk happenings of last year. At time when production was as much about style as it was technical acumen. QUICK ANNOUNCEMENT Before I make a formal announcement about the scissor sound soiree in September, I just want to explain those 3 big question marks on the small flyer to your right. We had booked Apsci to play and were really excited to have them since we are big fans. But just yesterday they got the call to join Blackalicious on their tour in the Fall. That's great news for them but leaves us minus a band. Today some calls went out and I think what was definitely a negative might be turned into a positive as I might add 2 more acts to join Boston's Matters and Dunaway. The word has been sent out to good friends 33Hz , as well as Skeletons and The Girl Faced Boys (on Ghostly), Kudu (posted above) and local Warp band Home Video. We should have a complete line-up in a couple of days and then I'll formally invite all you readers to come join us and get crazy with the crew. Resources

Posted by Steve at 8/24/2005 05:28:00 PM | Permalink | Comments   

Check out the review of Jugoe's new "The Rustbelt EP" on Properly Chilled, a recent discovery that covers all things downtempo with features, reviews and links and more. The newest (and some already say best) 12" from Bastard Jazz should be out in a few weeks. Check back for a post in a couple of days.

Posted by Steve at 8/18/2005 11:14:00 AM | Permalink | Comments   

It was probably around 1998 when I officially gave up on DJ scratch records. Not that there haven't been amazing records released since then but that was the year Q-Bert dropped Wave Twisters and perhaps it was the combination of weed and Old English but given the state I was in at the time I was conviced that scratching could not get more complicated and creative. That record was as welcome a mind-fuck as there was back then. And while all you scratch afficianados (who have a library of past DMC championships at the ready ) already know about Japan's DJ Kentaro many of you have probably never heard of him. The man is like the Takeru Kobyashi of turntablism, bringing it back to an art rather than a heavily practiced, almost forecfully communicated skill. And the dude cuts up video on the sick Pioneer DVJ digital turntable as well so as to truly differentiate himself from not only other DJs but the increasing masses of video jocks all over the world. Who else then but Ninja would be the first to break this cat worldwide. On the upcoming DJ Kentaro On the Wheels of Solid Steel, the Ninja clan present a double disk (CD & DVD) showcasing Kentaro's unmatched abilities. But unlike recent scratch-centric mixes, this is actually listenable and won't cause an aneurysm within the first 1000 baby scratches. Not only does Kentaro prove his mastery of both traditional and digital decks, he also shows a solid song selection -- to me the most important aspect of DJing -- and seemlessly mixes some of Ninja Tune's absolute best. From relative newcomers like Jaga Jazzist and Pest to old reliables like Wagon Christ, Coldcut and Vadim (even throwing great cuts from Clifford Gilberto and Animals on Wheels) Kentaro represents both Ninja Tune and himself with an elevated class and creativity. An amazing follow-up to Scruff's Solid Steel mix and a must-have for students of Zen sounds worldwide. Today's post is a short roughly 2 minute intro to the mix created by Kentaro. I think it best summarizes his unique style and should get you amped for the mix which comes out in a month or so. Resources

Posted by Steve at 8/18/2005 10:29:00 AM | Permalink | Comments   

Nice little nugget from an upcoming remix record by Bay Area post-rock trio From Monument to Masses. Don't be fooled by the deceptively titled name (they are not an emo-core act) because Schools of Thought Contend is a much more palatable set of 13 remixes and 2 new tracks influenced by artists ranging from Fugazi and Refused to DJ Shadow and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. The track I posted today is a nice piece of things-are-looking-up electronic rock. Remixed by Thunderbirds are Now! (that's two "!" bands in 2 sentences, if only I could work !!! into the post) it is becomes reminiscent of a track sounding as if Her Space Holiday remixed a Get Up Kids instrumental. Now I know what you are thinking, but before you come running to Brooklyn with torches ablaze, listen to this track and then make up your mind. Happy, happy. Scissorkick News I have confirmed that our first annual ScissorSound party is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24th in Brooklyn at Studio BPM. Booked to help us celebrate our first year is BK's own Apsci and Matters + Dunaway, Boston's instrumental synth rock superstars. We are all very excited. DRM and myself will lay down the tunes between bands and you can expect a lot of classic cuts -- early Warp, Ninja Mo' Wax, Pork and Pussyfoot tracks in addition to classic indie rock, mid-90s hip-hop and of course the Ganja Cru's "Supersharp Shooter." Will be a jam and a half. Mark your calenders NYC people. More info to follow. Sign up

Posted by Steve at 8/10/2005 11:55:00 AM | Permalink | Comments   

I won't go too much into David Axelrod's past as it is much better preserved and communicated on the links pasted below. But I will say that for those of you unfamiliar with his work, a fantastic new compilation will be in stores on August, 13 produced by Eothen "Egon" Apapatt of Stones Throw Records. This compilation takes the self-taught producer/arranger/engineer and focuses on his years at Capitol Records from 1966-1970. In that time the Grammy Award-winning Axelrod released three of his finest albums, Song of Innocence; Songs of Experience; and Earth Rot and produced major records for Cannonball Adderley, Lou Rawls and British actor David McCallum among others. As recently as 2001, Axelrod recorded an album for James Lavelle's Mo' Wax imprint. It was a brief but fitting relationship as it is easy to champion Axelrod as the father of modern, cinematic downtempo music. His combination of breakbeats, ambience and moody strings is so way ahead of it's time it's almost shocking. I decided to post "The Edge"" because you will undoubtedly recognize a section as a sample used in a famous hip-hop track (no hints). And "Song of Innocence" is really a quintessential Axelrod track, exemplifying the true tools of a master. Make sure you grab this comp when it comes out, it is a must-have for any interested fan. Resources

Posted by Steve at 8/08/2005 01:21:00 PM | Permalink | Comments   

The sophomore release from Australia's Mark Mitchell, aka Clue to Kalo, marks a giant step forward for the young songwriter. His debut release for Mush, Come Here When You Sleepwalk seemed limited not only by the technical resources around him by the record's morose, bedroom electronic pop aesthetic. On his soon-to-be-released One Way, It's Every Way however, Mitchell evolves audibly as a songwriter, crafting a record more closely akin to Minotaur Shock's Maritime than to his Mush label counterparts. With a voice eerily reminiscent of Elliot Smith and heavily layered textures of near-psychedlic, often pastoral soft rock and electronics, Mitchell has released a serious contender for 2005's best record. The most obvious sonic touchstone here is UK's Badly Drawn Boy but astute listeners will hear fluctating nods to the anachronistic electronica of Nobody and even moments of Beatles-esque cohesion. Sure it's a big complement but it's simply an acknowledgement of a huge step forward. Not only does it excite me to see a young songwriter so perfectly translate his ideas to tape but it is obvious by the number of guest players on this record that Mitchell finally has the means to fully communicate his musical ideas. This is an electronic rock/pop record truly indicative of the year thus far -- and a much more compelling and challenging listen than anything Pitchfork has recently deemed praiseworthy. I sure as hell hope this record doesn't get lost in the crowd; it would really be a shame. Download if you like: Badly Drawn Boy, Elliot Smith, Minotaur Shock, Nobody, The Beatles Resources

Posted by Steve at 8/05/2005 10:54:00 AM | Permalink | Comments   

scissorkick is doing two things that we rarely do here on the site. First, it is not our policy to overtly sell product. Sure we push music on all of you almost every day but that is done firmly with the artists in mind. But we recently received a few issues of Heavy.com's excellent Sumosonic mix series. Not only was I impressed by the range of content on these expertly curated comps but I was really excited by the tone of the whole thing. Nice design, smart choices, collector's cards for the kiddies. The newest one is #40 which features tracks from a ridiculous mix-tape-like army of artists including Chok Rock, Jaga Jazzist, Hot Chip, Herbaliser and scissorkick friends 33hz. The second thing I rarely do on this site is actually praise Sa-Ra Creative Partners. I think they have been a bit overrated and I have yet to really recognize what people (read critics) think is so amazing about their sound. Plus, that name... But the newest Sumosonic has what I think may be one of Sa-Ra's best remix efforts yet taking a track from Four Tet's somewhat dissapointing new record Everything Ecstatic — "Sun Drums and Soil" — and flipping it toward some uncharted spot between electro, funk and IDM. While it may only be something for really progressive dance floors, it is nonetheless an interesting track. Enjoy! Resources

Posted by Steve at 8/04/2005 11:28:00 AM | Permalink | Comments   

Over the last few years we've seen an increase in the number (and variety) of anti-war albums and tracks released by indie and mainstream artists alike. From Green Day and Jada Kiss to Trans Am and Steve Earle, there's been an overwhelming response to our aggressive global politics through song. In the back of my mind however, I always thought there was one person missing from the melodic protests, an individual who for better or worse has always worn her opinions not just on her sleeve but visibly as a second skin. Sinead O'Connor's history is well know but for many, she has become simply an afterthought. Yet someone with such an iconic, controversial past cannot — should not — simply sublimate away into thin air, thus scissorkick is excited by the release of her newest project this September. O'Connor teamed up with the legendary reggae/dub producers Sly and Robbie to record an album of classic reggae covers at the historic Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica including tracks by Lee Perry, Peter Tosh and Burning Spear. I've decided to post a poignant rendition of Burning Spear's "He Prayed," a track whose lyrics seem appopriate to welcome back a sorely missed, undeniably honest superstar. Resources

For more information on Sinead O'Connor check out her homepage.


Sinead O'Connor :: "He Prayed" (Burning Spear Cover)

Posted by Steve at 8/02/2005 02:35:00 PM | Permalink | Comments   

Scissorkick is featured again on Salon. That makes it twice in a month! Big thanks to Thomas Bartlett of Salon's reliable Audiofile blog for representing some beats and electronic music on our favorite daily dose of lefty leaning news and culture. We are humbled and honored, but more importantly, we're glad to be able to list some of our favorite artists on a site with so much traffic and open-minded, conscious music lovers, many of whom listen to a broad spectrum of music beyond indie rock and alt-country. Hopefully more than just a niche group will be feeling this mix and perhaps some tragically underexposed artists will get some love.

Click this link to go to Salon.com and check out the "Sick of All This Saccharine Indie Rock" mix.

Posted by Steve at 8/01/2005 06:20:00 PM | Permalink | Comments   

Few bands have been able to consistenly output music as listenable as the neo-psychedelic minimalism of The American Analog Set. Sure, you can grab some bullshit Best of Ibiza Chillout '05 type compilation to cast that needed late night lull, but The American Analog Set (commonly referred to as AmAnSet) bring the real deal -- a smart blend of subtle loops, soft vocals and gentle melody that has surprisingly endured far longer than the work done by their similarly-toned contemporaries. They truly hold the highest batting average of all the bands I pitch to uninitiated friends; they are just that difficult to dislike. Frontman Andrew Kenney has been all over the place as of late, recording with Morr Music's Styrofoam among others and for a while it was unclear if AmAnSet had broken up. But alas, they return with Set Free due for a fitting release this September. My initial listen of the new record left me less than immediately excited although I was comforted by a couple of tracks that signaled a return to the earlier form of older releases like The Fun of Watching Fireworks, From Our Living Room to Yours, and The Golden Band. I think AmAnSet are at their best when they keep things minimal (which they do on the new record) but use more percussive techniques (vibraphone, voice, brushed snares) to communicate their impeccable melodic sensibility. Instead, Set Free takes a step backward toward a thickened guitar sound, one which clearly defines their obvious influences but unfortunately obfuscates their own contributions to the evolution of memorable, mollifying indie rock. They are too significant, too established a band to hide behind walls of noise, even if that noise is no louder than the din of insects communicating on a quiet country night. Resources

Posted by Steve at 8/01/2005 04:06:00 PM | Permalink | Comments