Wolf Alice : Silk

Wolf Alice are a band that continue to impress with every move they make. One of my favourite songs is 'Silk'. I was sat listening to 'My Love Is Cool' with my wife and needed to post it. I am sure you have heard it and are aware, but this is for me and needs to be documented. From start to finish the track resonates deeply. The opening has the drama and cinematic beauty of a Lana Del Rey hit, coupled with the vibrant score of Drive. The song then sidesteps into a marching anthem of agony and loss. A track I will enjoy forever.

DREAM WIFE

Dream Wife are a London based 3 piece making unadulterated Alt-pop, filled with raw guitar hooks, sweeping vocals and a beat that doesn't quit.

'Hey Heartbreaker' is the bands debut single and I really like it. I love how the track opens, a few rattles on the snare and then you are dropped into the thick of it. I could see this working perfectly to open a film, like 'Empire Records' or 'High Fidelity'; something cool, something that needs an all killer no filler soundtrack. That's why this song works, it has a timeless quality that brings an instant likeability and fits seamlessly with the best of your music.

'Hey Heartbreaker' is the opening track from their self titled EP, due for release March 11th via Cannibal Hymns.

Ellé : My Favourite Records

About a year ago, I began a musical pilgrimage. Curious as to where most of my favourite acts get their influences, I decided to listen to the back catalogues of some of the worlds greatest artists. 

Already a huge fan of The Beatles and David Bowie, I began re-listening to what were already some of my favourite albums. From there I moved on to the likes of T-Rex, The Rolling Stones, to Pink Floyd, The Smiths, and even relatively modern day acts such as Coldplay. 

For my first post on Perfect Mixtape, I decided to write up a list of my favourite 5.

5 : The Beatles - Revolver

This Album metaphorically fell into my lap. 

Me and my husband often spend some of our time watching music videos on YouTube, and the final track from this record, 'Tomorrow Never Knows' popped up as a suggested track. From there I rediscovered the brilliance of this album, in a way I wouldn't have understood back when I was 13. 

The euphoric, unpredictable and trippy tendencies of this album have led it to become my favourite by The Beatles. You can find a song for any mood and situation, but it ultimately works best to listen from beginning to end.

Favourite Track : Tomorrow Never Knows

4 : Pulp - Different Class

I think at some point over the years I've heard most of the songs from this album, but only recently heard them as intended, and discovered how brilliant the record is as a whole. 

Some of Pulps most iconic singles are on the album, such as 90's anthem 'Common People', and some tracks that really surprise you. I particularly liked the unusual 'I Spy', a song I felt had taken influence from Pet Shop Boys.

Favourite Track : Sorted For E's & Wizz

3 : The Velvet Underground & Nico

Arguably the most influential record ever released, The Velvet Underground & Nico has the ability to transport you in time. The avant-garde 1960's New York is felt in every track, be it the glamour of 'Femme Fatale' or the morbid but perceptual 'Heroin'.

I first heard of the record at a friends birthday, when she recieved a copy of the vinyl as a gift. Since then I have fallen for every single track. It has an indefinable sound that I seek out in music, and the magic doesn't stop with time travel, it has the ability to make you feel narcotized.

Favourite Track : Venus In Furs

2 : David Bowie - Hunky Dory

I debated for quite some time on which order to put the next two records. This may seem like a futile thing to debate, but I'm a sucker for properly conducted lists. 

Hunky Dory is in my opinion, the coolest album of all time. With songs like 'Andy Warhol' it isn't hard to see why; The Velvet Undergrounds influence is evident. To me it sounds like a 'how to' on being strange but chic. I adore the song 'Kooks' which I feel is a song I needed age 14. It's Bowie telling you that being weird is fine; inviting you to his party. 

Favourite Song : Life On Mars (obviously)

3 : David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

The reason Ziggy is my number one is that it fills me with so much emotion. It was the first Bowie album I really fell for, and still has the ability to make me weep within the first verse of 'Five Years'.

You can also feel Bowie's fascination with astronomy in this record, with songs such as 'Moonage Daydream' and 'Starman'. Astronomy is something my curious mind has begun to delve into, and this is just the perfect soundtrack. 

Favourite Song : Moonage Daydream

Rina Mushonga

Yesterday saw the release of 'Bullet', the new EP from Rina Mushonga. Recorded in Rotterdam with Frans Verburg (producer), the 4 tacks were performed and produced by the pair in Fran's basement. The EP is not only a showcase for the pure talent Rina possesses, but the exceptional music skills the pair hold, giving them the ability to fully create the sound they envisaged.

Having recenly moved to London and signed to PIAS Recordings the future is looking bright for Rina. You can see her perform live this month at the Queens Head in Islington on Feb 23rd and at the Queen Of Hoxton on feb 25th. If you're reading from Amsterdam, you can catch her supporting Bloc Party at the end of the month (what a gig!).

Be sure to listen to the EP below in its entirety, each track is masterful. 

NTS Radio : Dont Assume

http://www.nts.live/schedule

With an ever growing appetite for new music, there becomes a need to stray from the conventional sources and embrace an outlet that is broadcasting truly creative and diverse music.

I could spend 2 hours on Google and develop a palate of other peoples opinions and feed them back on here, but the truth is I am just stepping into this. My wife and I describe it as 'Amsterdam' because we first heard such eclectic music like this there; the feel the music creates gels so well with the wonderful city. Now while I am sure the stations sounds provide a great vibe to chill to, they also driven by the same liberal and innovative passion that embraces difference and shows how it can be done if you break from the norm.

I look forward to lots of future listening and hope to share many great tracks on here with you.

The Front Bottoms

Naturally I talk music at work, and recently a colleague recommended 'The Front Bottoms' to me as her family really like them. Each time we discussed the band I intended to have a listen when I got home, but always forgot for whatever reason. 

Tonight I remembered and thankfully so. They have a nice sound that reminds me of some Death Cab, Polar Bear Club, Frank Turner and Motion City Sound Track; which therefore means they sound awesome. 

Have a listen to these tracks below:

Twin Size Mattress

Funny You Should Ask

Thanks Jo & Aaron!

Radio Days

Sundays are radio days, and I guarantee I hear a great track every week. Something I've never heard, something that just pops out and grabs you and makes you need to know what it is, who its by, its age, era, style, genre, influences, scene, culture and history. 

The track below is (so far as I'm listening as I type) today stand out. There's just something cool about it, I felt drawn in and carried along as it ebbed and flowed to its conclusion.