Synth Pop-rockers The Naked and Famous will release their Remixes and B-Sides album on May 20th which includes this juicy collaboration with fellow New-Zealanders Kids of 88. “A Source Of Light” is the re-workings of their originally released track “The Source”. It is remixed, renewed and a welcomed interlude after a long band hiatus.
I’ve been listening to the 2010 album Passive Me, Aggressive You by New Zealand band The Naked And Famous a ton lately. In fact, if I were to make my best of 2010 list now, I’m sure I would have included them in ranks with The Tallest Man On Earth, Arcade Fire and Phantogram. But hindsight is 20/20 right?
I was albe though to name them as one of my fave new artists of 2010.
Aside from the standout (and arguably one of my top 5 favourite songs of the last few years) “Young Blood” and other catchy singles “Punching In A Dream” and “Girls Like You”, this album has depth and few (if any) weak points. I’ve found such gems in “The Sun” (below on as part of a C4 session) and the explosive “Spank” that have made me keep this as my go-to record for biking to work these days. Hopefully you know the record. If not, its not too late to jump into it.
Every time I hear the song “The Sun” by The Naked and Famous……
The Naked And Famous – The Sun from The Naked And Famous on Vimeo.
I keep hearing “Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead.
Of course its not really close to a cover, but I wonder if the latter influenced the former?
“The Sun” by The Naked And Famous, from the album Passive Me Aggressive You. Clip directed by Campbell Hooper and Joel Kefali of Special Problems.
[itunes link="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-sun/id424080287?uo=4" title="The Naked And Famous"]The Naked And Famous – The Sun from crs management on Vimeo.
Seems as if I’m still dealing with technical problems on indie music filter. You’ll notice a hell of a bunch of my posts include weird characters (ie. a question mark in a black diamond), which I think I know how to fix. Also, last weeks issues made my twitter feed go nuts. Sorry if it looked like I was being overly keen on new music, I didn’t mean to clog anyone’s stream. In the meantime, here’s a whack of different things I’m into online.
-As part of Giant System Chicago, here’s a band called Golden Birthday. Cool video, track and bandname (mine was my 19th).
029 Golden Birthday from Kyle Obriot on Vimeo.
-Two new videos of The Walkmen (via Stereogum).
-Canada Day celebrations in Toronto with Tragically Hip, Weezer, BSS, Hey Rosetta! and Buck 65.
and now for the remixes:
-Dave Sitek of TV On The Radio redoes “Young Blood” by The Naked and Famous.
Inspired by the blogs who have taken the time to mention their favorite new bands from 2010, I figured I’d take a shot at remembering the year and which artists came out of nowhere to impress these ears. Now, “Fave New Artists” for this purpose means new to my ears, as I’m sure many of these bands have existed pre-2010, I just hadn’t come across them yet. Hopefully, this list will also serve as a “keep your eye on these bands in 2011″. 
-Yellow Ostrich. NY based Alex Schaaf making bedroom lo-fi indie pop. His cover of Beach House’s “Zebra” made our Class of 2010 mixtape. Check out his unusual and refreshing song “Whale”,guaranteedyou’ll be singing backup by the end.
Yellow Ostrich – “WHALE” by Afternoon Records
-Teen Daze. This BC native has remixed everyone and probably graced more blogs than Kanye this year. I really loved his take on Washed Out’s “New Theory” (via P4k).
-Generationals. I’m probably late to the party on this band, but was immediately drawn into their music after hearing “Trust” (video).
-Data Romance. Vancouver based guy/girl group with a perfect combination of sweet melodies andslick electronics. They released a great single/video for “Bones” but I continually go back to one of their Monome Jams.
Monome Jam from Data Romance on Vimeo.
-The Pass came on to my radar after discovering their “Vultures” music video/contest running on We Listen For You. Check it out.
-Zachary Lucky. A glowing post by Jim on Quick Before It Melts got me into Saskatchewan’s folk/roots artist Zachary Lucky. I’m always putting on his record Come and Gone in quieter times, starting with “Town To Town”.
Zachary Lucky – “Town to Town” by indiemusicfilter
-The Naked and Famous. What could be the next big thing. Since hearing them back in June, they’ve been the #1 band I’ve recommended to people. Looking forward to see what 2011 holds for them.
The Naked And Famous – Young Blood from The Naked And Famous on Vimeo.
-Bravestation. This Toronto band has had a great start in 2010, hoping for big things for them next year.
Check out “Clocks & Spears”.
Bravestation – “Clocks & Spears” by indiemusicfilter
Look out for part 2.
