MiS | Moving in Stereo

Quick! What do you think of when I say, Moscow? Zangief and vodka? Yes, me too. But what I didn’t know is their adoration for 80s inspired bright synth-based pop, as well. If you didn’t get enough of Cut Copy’s swaying beats and sunshine evoking synths, Tesla Boy from Moscow might be the new-wave, meets electro act to fill their shoes in 2009. Not everyone making dancy and mainstream appealing beats are Australian. The trio has taken cues from Prince, my favorite sections of Maniac, and most elements of 80s inspired pop you wanted to show back up in 2009 to create fire. Catchy, even irresistible blends of sound are what this trio brings to a genre I lately never tire of.

Tesla Boy :: Electric Lady

Tesla Boy :: Spirit of the Night

I turn to hip-hop to smile; for a carefree few minutes when I’m fiending for beats & rhymes. Embrace the fun and humorous aspect hip-hop can provide. For instance, People Under the Stairs, a LA duo 10 years strong with seven LPs, likes to enjoy themselves. Numerous tracks off their latest, Carried Away, were constructed for the weekend, or intended to rock a party in throwback style. Many were written for the heads who know how to take a step back and take things for what they are.

To last a decade in the underground scene, the love for the craft of samples, scratching, artful poetry needs to be strong. After listening to PUtS’ Beer, their adoration for the frosty beverage is equally intense – possibly on another level even. Lyrics straight to the point can only make you smile, smirk, remember why you listen to music.

You like Ed Hardy? WE LIKE BEER!

You like hanging out on Twitter? WE LIKE BEER!

Step elsewhere, if you’re looking for something else…

People Under the Stairs :: Beer

A smooth, yet funky beat intended more for the club; but by no means is the duo not smiling and pumping their fists…

When browsing the ‘net, you come across a lot of hyperbole. But when uttered through reputable sources, I stop and take a listen. It sometimes works out; and other times, I wasted three-five minutes of not listening to this. The hype went something like: hottest electronic cut of 2009. Since the club this year hasn’t seen my fancy footwork, nor have I kept my ear to this scene, I figured, why not?

Joy Orbison outta London starts M83- minimalistic, slowly begins to build with light laser-like synths; female vocal stabs are set in motion and the funk begins care of an upbeat tempo and BASS. Quality UK-garage, I guess. Not sure what the electronic track of the year could/would be. Decide for yourself if this is it. Most club tracks do repeat themselves – loop over and over again so you can find that groove. Maybe you’ll step to the dub and work your two-step.

Joy Orbison :: Hyph Mngo

Would it be a catastrophe to disregard all new music? Specifically, cease searches for the next intriguing act, not big, because like you, I’m all about substance over style. I should allocate all resources and efforts into discovering – re-discovering for some – the groups and songs of past. The tracks that are timeless; ones that people return to again and again; songs that ignite musicians to become who they are today. Immerse myself in artists of yesterday that influenced acts I praise today. Surely, no one has time to keep tabs on the current happenings and attempt to play catch-up with acts from a generation or two ago, right?

No. While viewing 1/7th of a 70 minute documentary on the French act Phoenix’s listening habits, where the boys converse about 20 of their favorite tracks, I discovered a pop gem from my parents’ generation. I Can’t Let Go, by Evie Sands, clocks in at a crisp 2:18 seconds and follows a less is more philosophy. Like the French foursome examines, the idea is to compose songs that aurally appear simple; although in reality, require sweat, experimentation, and maybe a happy accident or two. Or, maybe, pop composition is something that came instinctively to Ms. Sands. And now, like our narrators, I love this song, too.

Evie Sands :: I Can’t Let Go

Another overlooked gem with a similar musical structure (i.e. a fuckin’ gem)

Frank Wilson :: Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)