Friday Five

The Cribs - Cheat On Me

Here's the first single from Ignore the Ignorant, the upcoming Cribs album with new member, and Smiths legend, Johnny Marr. Between Modest Mouse and the Jarman bros, Marr is keeping very busy in '09. His impact is immediate, as riffs he and Ryan Jarman layer together sound as catchy as anything at the moment. Ryan's vocals sound like he just ingested drain cleaner, dude can belt it out. Last album Men's Needs... was produced by Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand and this one sees Nick Launay at the helm (YYYs, Arcade Fire, Talking Heads)... these guys keep some serious company and this album already sounds as good, if not better than the last.

Friendly Fires - Kiss of Life

Packaged with the deluxe version of their fantastic debut, "Kiss of Life" might be the best track yet. I caught them doing this song on Kimmel, very well may I add, though haven't decided on this official vid and the Elaine dancing:



Drake feat. Nipsey Hussle - Killers

Drizzy is no killer, though apparently he's been to the Amalfi Coast. Whoever Nipsey Hussle is sure likes rhyming "out" and "about." Keep 'em coming Jimmy.

Delphic - This Momentary

I didn't find out about this Manchester band until I'd left Manchester this summer. Their newest slow-burning electro single isn't as good as previously released "Counterpoint," but both are worth many listens. "Let's do something real..."

The Dutchess and the Duke - Hands

Excellent song from this duo's upcoming Sunset/Sunrise LP. Lovelorn, old-time western harmonies interrupted by some great guitar parts.

Newish, or New Ish (for the streets)

First off is Marvelous Toy, a band with an indie sound if you know what I mean, which I don't.  Kind of the Okkervil River hop, step, and a strum kinda deal.  Nothing groundbreaking, but"The City is a Washing Machine" is swell enough to keep from masking its goodness behind any sort of washing machine joke, and you know how plentiful those are.

Marvelous Toy - The City is a Washing Machine

Second off, which deservedly should be first given the picture, is Friendly Fires and their new album.  "In the Hospital" finds them playing The Rapture with less gusto, peppered with a little funk making it decidedly different than "Paris." "Jump in the Pool" is more of a middle ground between the latter and what they'll do in future, meaning slightly better.

Friendly Fires - Jump in the Pool

Free Black Kids Shows

Yes, you read correctly. Our friends at VICE are giving away free tickets for their live tour featuring Black Kids, Friendly Fires and Ipso Facto. All three bands are pretty darn good, but as previously reported, Black Kids have a special place in the hearts of those of us at BTA.

Lucky fans in London, Manchester and Bristol can register for free tickets here; band bios and myspace links can be found here. The gig in London is at 93 Feet East, which is wicked. I think it's first come, first served, so reserve your place now.

- a.m.p.m.

Black Kids - I've Underestimated My Charm (Again)
Friendly Fires - Paris
Ipso Facto - Balderdash

bonus random cover:
Kate Nash - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You (Black Kids cover)

The Grass is Always Greener...

Straight out of the United Kingdom comes Nic Nell. Remixologist (yes..it's a word..trust me) and artist in his own right, he's currently dropped a remix for Friendly Fires track 'On Board'. Too bad he was just a little too late to have it added on their remix 12 inch which was released this week. This, along with his own track entitled 'It's a trance off', have been in heavy rotation on my playlist since I received them. Fans of DJ Copy and Sportsday Megaphone will take a shine to his fast paced 8-bit melodies and thundering electro beats. Although the blazing tempo is a little more than what I usually pick up on, he definitley makes it work. Checking out the other tracks on his myspace will show further versatility in his work such as on 'I love robots but they', which is surprisingly different from these other tracks, in a good way. Nic Nell's first single drops in January on Salvia / XL Recordings. Definitely keep an eye open for it.

- Matty B.

Nic Nell - It's a Trance Off
Friendly Fires - On Board (Nic Nell's N-Tronica Remix)