Shepizzle

I can’t quite remember how I first stumbled upon Fujiya & Miyagi, but I do remember that I once I did hear them, they were the only band I listened to for at least two weeks.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I don’t like techno. I do, however, really like electronic music. I’m not really sure that I could properly draw the distinction between the two but my general rule of thumb is that if it sounds like it could be on Dance Dance Revolution, it’s techno and I don’t care to much for it. Fujiya & Miyagi DO NOT sound like they could be on DDR.

A band that references one of the single most important influences of my childhood in it’s very title has quite a bit to live up to in my book. Thankfully, F&M get the job done. Transparent Things, the first full length album from F&M, is full of very fun electronic pop that really makes you want to dance. The lyrics are funny and playful; it’s happy music and I love it and I think you will too!

• Fujiya-Miyagi.co.uk
• Fujiya & Miyagi on Myspace

Favorite songs include “Collarbone” and “Ankle Injuries”.

If you like Fujiya & Miyagi, try: Ratatat, Hot Chip, The Faint, The Postal Service.

Here’s “Collarbone” from Transparent Things.

They’ve got another sweet video for “Ankle Injuries”, you can watch it by clicking here.

First of all, do yourself a favor and instead of wasting time reading this review, just listen to these guys and let them blow your mind. Know right up front that I give them a 10.5 out of 10. For those of you that insist upon knowing a little bit about what you will be experiencing before listening, read on…

On Friday night, I was on a hot date with my wife and after a nice meal at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, we ducked into black chandelier and as the beats from “Wildcat” pulsed in my ears, my head started bobbing and I couldn’t help but bust a move right then and there.

The kid working at the store told me he was listening to Ratatat and let me hear a couple of his favorite tracks. As a result of this discovery, I got me some Ratatat of my own and I haven’t stopped grooving to it yet.

Ratatat is a duo consisting of Evan Mast and Mike Stroud. They produce an electronic blend of beats, synth, and electric guitar that is audibly delicious. I have a really hard time deciding whether it is rock or hip hop, the beats will surely get you moving and the guitar reminds me of Joe Satriani or Trans-Siberian Orchestra or something like that. I can’t believe it took me so long to hear these guys, I don’t know how I lived without this music.

Ratatat has released four albums to date, two remix albums that are definitely “off the hizzy” but they are a little strong on the lyrical side for my current liking. They have also released two albums, Ratatat (2004) and Classics (2006) with strictly original content. Classics has some truly magically moments when all of the elements of sound combine to truly transport me to some sort of funkadelic plane of existence.

Favorite songs include “Loud Pipes”, “Wildcat”, “Seventeen Years”, and “Lex”.

If you like Ratatat, try: Fujiya & Myagi, LCD Soundsystem, The Faint, Hot Chip.

• RatatatMusic.com
• Ratatat on Myspace

I really wanted to post a video but as far as I know, they don’t have any official music videos released. Seems as though these guys are a little bit low-key with that kind of stuff.

Sept. 25th just can’t get here soon enough! In Our Nature, the newest album from Jose Gonzalez will be released to the masses just in time for… Columbus Day? Well, maybe just in time to satisfy our cravings for smooth vocals, gently finger-picked classical guitar, and heartfelt lyrics.

The first single released from the album, "Down The Line", is featured on a compilation album that is currently available on iTunes. I can’t wait for the music video!

BTW, have you heard his collaboration with Zero 7 on their album The Garden? If not, grab these while you can (Right click and "Save Link As…")

• Crosses.mp3
• Left Behind.mp3
• Today.mp3

Also, check out this Jose Gonzalez review to read more about him.

Beirut has released their follow up album to Gulag Orkestar and it is definitely worthy of some buzz. The Flying Club Cup is the second full length ablum released by the band. It was pre-released on iTunes and will be released on October 9th.

The Flying Club Cup shows a quieter, more mellow side of Zach Condon and his orkestar. I had been looking forward to The Flying Club Cup because I was curious to see which direction the band would take with the new album. I dreaded the thoughts that they would produce a more mainstream sound and was maybe a tiny bit nervous that they would swing further in the other direction into some sort of psychadelic Balkan polka or something.

Thankfully, Beirut satisfied me by staying true to their unique sound. The songs are less rowdy and rambunctious than most on Gulag Orkestar, setting a quieter mood for the album. Zach’s distinct voice sounds even more mature, it’s hard to believe that he’s only 21.

Favorite songs include "Forks and Knives (La Fete)", "A Sunday Smile", and "Nantes". Be sure to pick this one up.

I’ve been meaning to get a review on Rilo Kiley up for a long time, it just took acutally seeing them live with Modest Mouse and Matt Costa to push me over the edge and make sure that I do all that I can to let you know about these guys.

Whether or not you have ever heard of Rilo Kiley as a band, you are probably familiar with some of the band members from other places, especially if you were born in the 80’s and grew up in the U.S. Lead singer Jenny Lewis was in The Wizard, a classic film for any kid who anxiously awaited the release of Super Mario Bros. 3. Lewis also contributed backup vocals to The Postal Service. Guitarist Blake Sennett (the guy with the red boutonniere in the photo) was on Nickelodeon’s Salute Your Shorts and Boy meets World. That’s right, you knew you recognized him from somewhere. Also, maybe you have heard of The Elected? That’s Rilo Kiley without Jenny Lewis.

Rilo Kiley is currently touring to support their most recent album Under The Blacklight. Their sound has changed a little throughout the years but they still deliver that relaxed Indie rock feel that has been their trademark. They’re a little more rock than folk and definitely worth a listen!

If you like Rilo Kiley, try: The Decemberists, Death Cab For Cutie, The Elected, Bright Eyes.

• RiloKiley.com
• Rilo Kiley Fan Hub

Visit our friends over at stereogum to see a video of Rilo Kiley’s “Silver Lining”.