Then let us pray that come it may
(As come it will for a’ that),
That Sense and Worth o’er a’ the earth,
Shall bear the gree an a’ that.
For a’ that, an a’ that,
It’s coming yet for a’ that,
That man to man, the world, o’er
Shall brithers be for a’ that.
Happy Burns Night!
Single of the Week
The XX – VCR (Young Turks)
Our heroes of 2009 keep their trajectory aloft with the release of VCR, one of many highlights from their eponymous album that quite simply blew everyone away at the close of the last decade. Innocent kalimba melodies launch their trademarked spacious soundscapes before an equally naïve bassline from Oliver gently tug us towards Romy’s confessional vocals, tender, fragile and completely exposed for ears to love. We cant praise the young promise of this trio any higher than their tottering steps allow. They’ve been nurtured intelligently, occupy their own distinct and our hats are delightfully off. VCR has been softly caned on the office stereo so much that week’s top single can go no further than to the XX. No questions. Rewind? Yes please.
And the rest…
DJ Hell ft Bryan Ferry – U Can Dance (Gigolo)
What a pairing. Who would have thunk it? DJ Hell generally does as he pleases and thank god for here we get glammed up techno, the likes of which we’ve not heard for a while. It’s dated romantic vocals are its charm though I doubt everyone will be singing from the same sheet on this as it’s definitely a retro affair. Driving nocturnal bass keeps heads down on this tip whilst a standout remix from Sir Carl Craig sees him up the narcotic synth stabs to epic proportions. Robert Hood would be proud. A great single delivered by a triptych of true, if disparate legends.
Mr Fogg – Keep Your Teeth Sharp (Kicking Ink Recordings)
Crunchy electro pop descends on us here. Mr Fogg is doing things differently. Already part of the wave of ‘Bandstocks’ where artists float themselves like public companies in return for investment, El Foggio here also preferred to build up his fan base in the Nordic regions before attacking the UK. Whilst doing this he doles out lovely melodies woven deftly amongst blocks of bass that Erol Alkan eats for breakfast. There’s a distorted swagger in here but its tempered sweetly with strings, cerebral chimes and kitchen sink percussion that recall Psapp and Lali Puna. A delightful balance of noises.
Poirier – Low Ceiling (Ninja Tune)
Our favourite Canadian dancehall don really won’t let it lie. He’s completely relentless. Though with Low Ceiling EP he’s taken his bashment rhythms and upped to pace to frenetic levels. Inspired from his earlier days in the rave scene its a throwback to big 808 drums and lysergic pulses that step subtly away from his more Jamaican inspired signature sounds. But only just. He does indeed bring back the spirit of acid house in particularly agreeable ways but keeps the slamming drums on the right side of the Caribbean. His debut LP brews nicely as each single brings us ever closer. We have his number so watch out. We also have an exclusive DJ Podcast in February so make sure you swing back by here to hoover up more of his acerbic beats.
And finally…
Owl City – Fireflies (Island)
Who gives a hoot about these ballbags? Not Clash. Please note this. Here we have one of the most important and glistening examples of why major labels and dance music form a heady mix as suitable as human shits in Caesar salads. This is awful guff where they attempt to inform us that 10,000 firefly bugs give Owl City 10,000 hugs and teach them how to dance. A foxtrot to be precise. Vocoded dance ballads are never good and these fuckers make the Crazy Frog sound like Kraftwerk. Its utter shite and should be avoided at all costs. It’s all made even more disappointing by the fact that 13 million people have watched this video on You Tube. And its only out this week. We repeat: utter utter shite.
