ListenUp
From “Bad Jokes” to a choral take on “Untrust Us,” our look back at the music we tweeted this week
Jeremy Deller + Melodians Steel Orchestra: Voodoo Ray
Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studio Two in collaboration with Vinyl Factory, English Magic is the three-song soundtrack to a new film by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, currently on view in the British Pavillion at the Venice Biennial. Our friends at Amateurism recently came across the EP, and along with highlighting the playful rendition of A Guy Called Gerald’s 1988 hit “Voodoo Ray,” there’s an insightful video explaining the project in full, as well as Deller’s interest in using the steel drum sounds of London’s renowned Melodians Steel Orchestra.
Jeremiah Jae: Bad Jokes Mixtape
Chicago-born, LA-based rapper and producer Jeremiah Jae signed to Britain’s multifarious record label Warp and to celebrate, the equally wide-ranging artist dropped “Bad Jokes Mixtape.” The nine-track mix features fellow members of the Black Jungle Squad and on-point production from Jonwayne and Flying Lotus—whose Brainfeeder label Jae first signed to in 2007. The son of Robert Irving III, a notable jazz composer and Miles Davis’ music director, Jae’s experimental nature is informed by his youth—one spent playing the classical piano, guitar and drums, and studying visual art. “Bad Jokes” is available for free from Dat Piff.
Capital Children’s Choir: Untrust Us
For an electronic synthpop song about cocaine, the Capital Children’s Choir in London performs a stellar cover of the Crystal Castles’ song “Untrust Us” at the famous Abbey Road recording studio. Using just their voices and hands, the children reproduce the looping synth patterns and drum samples—keeping it truly a cappella. The most hauntingly beautiful moments are when two girls emulate, using only their voices, what Crystal Castles singer Alice Glass created by digitally manipulating hers. Be sure to check out their equally awesome cover of “Shake It Out” by Florence and the Machine as well.
Factory Floor: Turn It Up
London’s post-industrial dance rock trio Factory Floor recently dropped “Turn It Up,” the first single from their upcoming release on DFA Records. Factory Floor comes out swinging on this upbeat, if at times slightly disorienting, high energy, dance-til-you-puke sonic journey. Known for their mix of analog and digital instruments, the drum-kit on this track provides a visceral heartbeat while a menagerie of electronic synths, drum-pads and vocal samples bring the song to life—imagine if New Order traded their guitars in for drum-pads. Stripped down, yet rich in texture, Factory Floor’s anticipated release drops 10 September 2013.
Eliza Doolittle: August Playlist
Thespian-turned-singer Eliza Doolittle took a turn at guest-blogging on Hunger TV this week in honor of her newly dropped single, “Big When I Was Little.” The rising star mostly provides insights to her recent achievements, which, in addition to her new hit, include singing on Disclosure’s album Settle and co-authoring a track with beloved London producer Wookie. Her final post this week culminated in an August playlist, which is a motley mix of songs that the self-dubbed “control freak” says is a reflection of her obsession with making playlists and DJing wherever she goes.
