Jaguar Farm

It being the Fourth of July in Los Angeles, it seems only fitting to celebrate another Los Angelino's music. Jaguar Farm is the solo project of Alex Ladarola, a budding songwriter who claims Liars, Animal Collective, Philip Glass, Neu!, Franz Schubert, Steve Reich, Stereolab, Frédéric Chopin, and Kraftwerk as influences. While he doesn't muster up to the more classical on that list and isn't quite as intense as the more modern acts, there's something utterly smart about his wacky pop sensibilities. "Baby's On Fire" -- a Brian Eno cover -- is reminiscent of an Ariel Pink rambling with some delicate and thoughtful orchestral undertones ... almost as though he worked with Owen Palette on it. "Blizzard" sounds like a lo-fi Zappa covering the Unicorns; "Land of 1000 Lakes" dabbles with jazzier arrangements and sparser production. While all the songs are especially sketchy -- they are demos! -- they're all boldly self-aware and ambitious. Hook this guy up with a fancy studio and he'll do some wild stuff with his endearing tunes. Jaguar Farm - Baby's On Fire (Brian Eno Cover) Jaguar Farm - Blizzard Jaguar Farm - Land of 1000 Lakes

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Lykke Li/El Perro del Mar/Anna Ternheim Film

Lykke Li/El Perro del Mar/Anna Ternheim from Anthem Magazine on Vimeo.
Some of you may have already seen the Lykke Li/El Perro del Mar/Anna Ternheim video I assisted in making for Anthem Magazine, but if you've yet to check it out, then click here and be amazed.

As expected, the three were a pleasure to meet and work with, although Lykke Li was a little tougher to deal with. Their respective performances were jaw-droppingly stellar, too ... Lykke Li is the energetic, overtly expressive "child" whereas El Perro del Mar and Anna T. are more mature, subtle. All three performances offered phenomenal insights into their characters and songwriting talents, aptly complimenting the interviews.

Anyway ... enough yappin', just check the film out!

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Metronomy and Black Kids Remix My Beloved Lykke Li

Not only did BBBD discover Lykke Li Stateside, but we've persistently been her biggest fans. Our review of her live show at the El Rey in L.A. sort of cements that sentiment.

Anyway. London-via-Brighton's Metronomy (an outfit we were on at the very beginning) and Black Kids have remixed my beloved Lykke Li's "I'm Good, I'm Gone," with quite promising results. Black Kids' interpretation involves more atmospheric flourishes, heavy post-punk bass lines, and dancier guitar hooks, but reverently maintains the original vocals for the most part. It sounds sort of like what would happen if Lykke Li formed a rock band ... with Damon Albarn, maybe. Metronomy's remix is, as usual, quirkier and more electronically-driven ... and a little eerier. The three-piece has dropped in lots of spooky synth ditties and light funky riffs. Sort of a toss up between these two, so ... check 'em out for yourself!

Lykke Li - I'm Good, I'm Gone (Metronomy Remix)

Lykke Li - I'm Good, I'm Gone (Black Kids Remix)

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Bakers at Dawn

Nebraska's CD-R indie label, Series Two has added a new artist to its roster, and, as usual, made a wonderful selection! Bakers at Dawn (AKA Marcus Sjoland) hails from Malmö and sounds sort of like Elliott Smith or Nick Drake ... done Swedish style.

The singer/songwriter has released a CD-R album on the twee/lo-fi label, Canarie Records and now has a new album out on Series Two entitled Best of Bakers at Dawn (he's only been around for three years or so and is already releasing retrospective compilations of sorts ... must be a prolific guy).

The below MP3s are pretty low quality, unfortunately, so just sample 'em and buy the full-length over at Series Two Records' MySpace page. It's hot and sunny in L.A., but this slow, melodious, and contemplative music seems somehow fitting. It brings peace and harmony to the cacophony outside.

Bakers at Dawn - Hopeful

Bakers at Dawn - Endless

Bakers at Dawn - Tomorrow

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Lykke Li + El Perro del Mar

Whoever dreamed up the paring of Lykke Li (MySpace) and El Perro del Mar (MySpace) was ... a genius. (It's might've just been record label politics, but in all sincerity, putting the two Swedish chanteuses on the same bill is a phenomenal idea.)

The artists represent the two main cities in Sweden (Ms. Li hails from Stockholm while El Perro del Mar comes from the slightly less trendy Gothenburg); they both are reviving soul music in their own way; they both slyly dig their way into your heart with their minimalist yet rhythmic and funky style and aesthetic; they both will leave you wanting more. Like a well curated museum exhibition, the Lykke vs. del Mar U.S. tour is moving in how the two singers contrast each other. Lykke is in your face and unabashedly pushes the envelope -- you'll succumb to her wacky dances and melt to her bold vocal talent -- while El Perro del Mar is more subdued and delicate, sublimely merging the old soul of the 1960s with the lo-fi indie-pop of Swedish compatriots like Jens Lekman. The back-to-back sets will stun you ... the similarities with connect the two while the differences accent the other's talents, fortes, and unique qualities.

BBBD is proud to say that it was one of the first Stateside blogs to show love for Lykke Li (thanks to a tip from the wonderful T. Cederteg, and we urge you all to check out a show. This is a rare and exciting opportunity! Check out the widget after the jump to get the scoop on shows and all that good stuff.

Lykke Li - Dance, Dance, Dance

Lykke Li - Everybody But Me (diskJokke Remix)

El Perro del Mar - Somebody's Baby

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New Parker Lewis

Mad For It Inc. has finally released the much-anticipated Parker Lewis Written and Directed By Parker Lewis EP. You can download the whole thing right over here.

Parker Lewis had us dropping our jaws (and tapping our toes!) with "Dirty Dancing," and while the other songs he's released don't quite match up to that spectacularly heartfelt lo-fi pop tune, the Swedish singer/songwriter is definitely one talented and mega-appealing dude.

Check out "Disappear Here" below ... if that doesn't suck you in, then I've no idea what will. Love this guy. 2008 is going to be his year. And 2009 ... and 2010 ... and 2011 ... and I'll stop so as not to jinx it.

Parker Lewis - Disappear Here

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New Biker Boy Single

One of BBBD's favorite Swedish record label, Hybris (which has recently united with a few other labels to form The Swedish Model -- check it out!), has a whole bunch of new singles out this month.

My favorite is "March Song" by Biker Boy (MySpace) and the accompanying Kalle J. remix. See, Biker Boy is releasing a new song every month and, predictably naming them, "[Name of the month] Song." Here's what he's got to say about his third attempt at the series:

Enjoy the new floorfiller "March Song"!
Download for free during the first week of March.
The song is also remixed by the genius Kalle J!
Dance, dance, dance.

Enjoy it! A sort of Pet Shop Boys synth-infused mellodramatic pop tune with a great atmospheric vibe and bouncy rhythms.

Biker Boy - March Song

Biker Boy - March Song (Kalle J. Remix)

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New Björk Remix

Björk is everywhere right now, what with Stereogum's Enjoyed: A Tribute to Björk's Post and all ...

I just got this great remix of "Wanderlust" from Frankfurt's B-Ju ... it's a contemplative and dark club track, definitely, but the original Björk sound and style shines through despite some major editing. One of the better remixes I've heard ...


Björk - Wanderlust (B-Ju Remix)

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Lykke Li Re-edited by Sumo

Damn it, Sweden keeps getting more and more interesting. The music scene is perpetually morphing and diversifying, making it difficult to "get bored" of the Scandinavian nation.

BBBD wrote of SUMO (MySpace) last year, but the quartet has since passed under our radar. Which is a shame since they've been keeping busy with a new single, "It's Good" (which incidentally features Juvelen), and a tremendous amount of DJ and club work.

The one remix (technically it's a re-edit, but what the hell is the difference?) that caught my eye ear was of Lykke Li's "I'm Good, I'm Gone" (the best track off her Youth Novels LP). It's pretty true to the original and instantly recognizable as Lykke's song, but SUMO slowed things down a bit, added a goofy little synth line, some funkier rhythms and drum fills, and layered Ms. Li's vocals in a subtlety different manner. Very cool. Very good.

Get down to this jam. She's in Austin right now, I think ... be prepared for a Lykke explosion!

Lykke Li - I'm Good I'm Gone (SUMO Re-edit)

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Remixes for Moto Boy!

By our count, BBBD has written about Sweden's up-and-coming Freddie Mercury, Moto Boy ... three times. But don't worry, the Songs I Wish I Had Written roster member is worth continued praise; not only does he have one of the best voices out there at present, but he writes fresh and exuberant music that you just can't get enough of. Check out the eponymous debut LP here if you don't believe me ... or dig around the BBBD archives for some other tunes (here and here).

Anyway, Moto Boy has now officially made the leap from private music (the stuff you listen to while assuming the fetal position and crying on your bed, wallowing in your sorrows) to dance/club music with a couple remixes Discobelle debuted.

Check them out below (one by Chris Price, the other by Jocke & Knifven). FOrtunately, the remixes retain Moto Boy's wonderful vocal chops while throwing in a few sultry beats, orchestral lines, and club gliss for good measure.

Moto Boy - Young Love (Chris Price Remix)

Moto Boy - Young Love (Jocke & Knifven Remix)

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Taken By Trees, "Sweet Child O' Mine"

Listening to a cover song, one can't help but think, "Would this song have been better had the original not been written and instead the cover be the only testament to its existence?"

Such is the case with Taken By Trees' (MySpace) latest cover, Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine." Listening to this tune, I can't help but think, "Axel Rose sang this; Guns N' Roses friggin' composed this tune!" And perhaps that's why it just ain't stickin'. It's too attached to something of utmost cultural importance and significance (or lack thereof -- I won't judge).

That being said, the cover is surprisingly true to Bergsman's roots -- it sounds like a Taken By Trees song. Should that be enough for me? Am I being unfairly judgmental here? It's a good song, why not enjoy it, right ...

I ask you the same!

Taken By Trees - Sweet Child O' Mine

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New El Perro del Mar LP

And by LP, we really mean long-player. From the Valley to the Stars is lengthy! Sixteen tracks!

BBBD predicts that -- with "heavy hitter," "indie divas" like Feist, Jenny Lewis, and Joanna Newsom in between albums -- 2008 will be the year that Swedish singer/songwriters make it big. Lykke Li, with her stripped-down soul/R&B tunes is already proving this to be the case, and El Perro del Mar (MySpace) is only showing this to be much more than a passing trend.

El Perro del Mar's follow-up to her eponymous U.S. debut is quite the stunning record. More refined and varied but still just as focused on the Gothenburg native's angelic, floaty vocals talents, From the Valley to the Stars will warm your heart and put you in a good place; a humble, if not mildly depressing spot. Here's what she's got to say on it:

I wanted to make something as unfashionable as an album in the classic sense of the word - in terms of its composition and the idea of a theme. The theme itself was initially something as simple yet complex as heaven and it led me into a wide and seemingly endless search for a means, a language in which to express myself. Although during this time I was, even though I mostly didn't realize it, following a certain train of thought - that of love, grief and loss, solace and hope, deepest despair and wildest childish euphoria - to the lowest and the highest of heights.

The record's out on April 22 on The Control Group in the States.

Last thing -- doesn't "Somebody's Baby" remind you of a certain Jens Lekman song? They're meant to be ...

El Perro del Mar - Somebody's Baby

El Perro del Mar - To Give Love

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Alice {Musics}

Before I kick this one off, keep in mind that the below song is a demo, and therefore, I believe, not fully reflective of how great this artist can be.

Alice {Musics} is a a U.K. singer/songwriter backed by a few instrumentalists. It seems to be her project, though. On first listen, a few things'll pop out at you in particular. One, she slips piano lines into nearly every bar of every song. Two, she has a pretty great voice, right? Strong and uniquely mystical and style. I like it a lot when she harmonizes, too. Three, the non-piano and non-vocal lines are especially sparse, but when they do incorporate into a tune, they're much welcomed. Like an extra bonus, a surprise ... sporadic bass lines save these songs in some cases and congeal the ideas into true "songs" as opposed to vocal sketches.

I'm enjoy the EP, and am especially curious to hear what Alice {Musics} has to offer in the future. She's being received well in the U.K. and has some good songs under her belt and a digestibility and creativity to her that's greatly sought after. Fingers crossed ...

Alice {Musics} - Not In This Kitchen

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Lykke Li (Again)

(A) BBBD already wrote about Sweden's darling Lykke Li (MySpace) like ... eight months ago. Take that, hype machines around the world! You heard it here first!

(B) Ms. Li has only gotten better (way better, actually) since we wrote of here. I'm sorry, but I must share this with you all. Her debut album, Youth Novels, is just too damn good. Really, really good. (How many ways can I say, "really good"?) You must check out some of the newer, mastered songs ... and BUY IT!

Lykke Li - I'm Good, I'm Gone

Lykke Li - Everybody But Me

Lykke Li - Time Flies

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Jonna Lee

Phew ... long day. Tough day. Definitely need this one.

Jonna Lee (MySpace) is a Swedish singer-songwriter, and a very good one at that. I tend to be quite the non-fan of singer-songwriter stuff, especially when it's driven merely by simple rhythm guitar melodies, airy keyboard backgrounds, and super sparse, high-hat-heavy drumming, but Jonna Lee does it well and does it with conviction and an authenticity that most folk-leaning individuals wash out with overly ego-centric arrangements and songs. Lee sounds like another instrument in the band as opposed to the center of attention and one glimmer of talent and soul.

Indeed, these songs are not only catchy and relaxed, chill, but also organically layered and warming. Don't you hate those people on the street that'll randomly walk by singing some crummy song with next to no talent, but thinking they're the best in the world? I always feel like singer-songwriters (broad generalization here) subject me to the same disservice. Lee has proven me wrong: I want to hear this girl all day long.

And hey -- she collaborates with Ed Harcourt on one of the tunes! Be sure to check out "I wrote This Song," though -- it's the best of the bunch below. It sounds like what would happen if Victoria Bergsman got a jazzier, more confident voice. Cool.

Jonna Lee - I Wrote This Song

Jonna Lee - Dried Out Eyes

Jonna Lee - And You Love (feat. Ed Harcourt)

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New Moto Boy

The stupendous Swedish crooner, Moto Boy, just released a new song, "Young Love," on the great record label, Songs I Wish I Had Written. I love this song. Had it come out a few weeks ago, I can guarantee it would've made one of my year-end lists.

A serene melding of Freddy Mercury's vocal talents, the feminine side of David Bowie, and the briskness of great New Wave originators like Echo & the Bunnymen or heck, early U2. This song, this "Young Love" song ... is solid gold.

Download it. Listen to it at least ten times. It'll cradle you to sleep, perk you up when down, or just relax you, wind you down. A beautiful plucked guitar riff, simple, quasi-psychedelic drumming, swooning Beach Boys backing harmonies ... a terrific package.

Hopefully the label'll release a single for the song that you can actually buy ... but until then, we're subjected to listening to a lower fidelity digital download. Damn.

Moto Boy - Young Love (Short Version)

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Nancy Elizabeth

I'm on a bit of a Manchester streak here. First the Control review, now Manchester-based Nancy Elizabeth (although she's half Ian Curtis' age were he alive today).

Nancy Elizabeth (MySpace) is another, absolutely refreshing member of the British folk movement. She "mixes folk with post-rock influences to make her enchanting and dynamic music." I agree with the folk part, I agree with the enchanting part (I'm listening right now and can't seem to type at a speed greater than one word/minute), and I see the dynamic part, but post-rock? Maybe not so much. Ms. Elizabeth's sound is utterly serene and peaceful with an underlying organic and imperfect vibe. This'll make me sound like a hippy or something, but listening to this music sounds like the moonlight shimmering on a calm dark sea: there's something tumultuous under it, an ebb and tide, that occasionally pokes itself out of the "sea" that is her body of music, but for the most part, this stuff is incredibly delicate and harmonious.

She released her debut LP, Battle and Victory, on October 1 via The Leaf Label. From what I understand and from what I've heard, it's a very solid opener.


Nancy Elizabeth - Hey Son

Nancy Elizabeth - I Used to Try

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Carbon Copy

Am I being delusional or is this Remi Nicole a carbon copy of Lily Allen?
Although, since she's black, I can't call her a carbon copy. And her music is more acoustic-leaning, but still ... all I've heard so far are the demos on her MySpace page.

Damn, I almost feel remorse for even posting this ...

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Not From Around Here

This post has no geographic unity -- Australia, Iceland, and the UK are all included -- but I'd like to think that musically, there's some sort of focus.

Hafdis Huld is a chick from Iceland (don't hear much from them these days), and boy is she cool. More accessible than Bjork, but certainly quite a creative force. Her voice is sort of girly, but there's something mature and reserved about it. I like it ... And hey -- she's got a blog! How cool is that!?

If you're into crazy sort of dissonant and spacey ambient stuff, then ii is the group for you. They're from Australia, and have been around for something like three or four years now. I like how they apparently improvise a lot of their stuff ... that style usually connotes more planning. Yeah, they've got MySpace.

I'll admit it ... I'm usually not really into male singer/songwriters. They bug me for some [stupid] reason. Anyway, Fionn Regan is good enough. He's got a humble voice -- which I like -- and he seems to write some pretty down-to-earth simple folky guitar music. Not something I'll ever get into (sorry), but he's pretty good. Check him out at his MySpace page!

Last (for now), but certainly not least is Skatebård, a Norweigen electronica/dance one-man group. Dark, spacey, pulsating dance music that wakes you up while slowing you down, mellowing you out. I love layering, therefore I love Skatebård quite a bit.

Hafdis Huld - Tomoko
Hafdis Huld - Fucked Up Mind
Hafdis Huld - Who Loves the Sun
Skatebård - Data Italia

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