#125 Hello, My Old Heart!

Fuck, I must admit - I missed blogger and this "place". But the post is not a good bye, I think its more of a hello-ish thing. A lot of things have changed since the last time I saw these letters on the top of my browser.

Its early in the morning on Sunday 7th of October and as always there's a severe lack of light in my room in Barcelona (AKA the tiny Mordor). The past few months I discovered shitloads of things and I would like to think I changed in a better direction. Oh, yeah - as I wrote in my last post before leaving to Spain weweregivenhope is evolving into something more professional, better looking and probably way more useful. And I like it. I am completely aware I will trade-off the opportunity to share personal thoughts on the new platform but things were supposed to evolve and the opportunity to work with the rest of crew is just...once in a life time. Cool people by the way, don't hesitate to contact whoever you want, I am sure they would like it (for now you can find their info on our Facebook page).

So, the landing page of Stereofox will be launched tomorrow night (Monday) I hope and the official website will be up somewhen in November. I sincerely hope you like out efforts and keep finding interesting music.

My next blog will be more marketing oriented but obviously there will be a lot of music as well. So, for the time being I'm moving to himynameisivo.com.

Oh well, I wish you all the best and don't hesitate to contact me whenever and wherever you want. I chose Hello my old heart for the soundtrack of this post. The beginning is a bit sad but later on there's this weird positive feeling that makes me very happy.

Cheers and thank you for the 5 minutes of your day! =)

#124 Evolution through Revolution

There are some great news on the horizon! It's been more than a year since I started the blog and don't get me wrong - I am still loving it, but I would finally be able to take the idea to a whole new level. So we - a bunch of international music geeks with various and most importantly - useful skills, will be working on creating a fresh hot spot to transmit and spread cool music. From graphic designers and web developers to business kids, all united by the passion for music. 

Honestly, I am so thrilled that this project would transform into something much more professional, better looking and most importantly - valuable to the reader. We would cover a vast range of music styles and will introduce a great number of upcoming artists, but I guess its a bit early to reveal all the spicy details behind the development. However, despite that it would take a while until the website is fully developed, you will definitely hear a lot about it before the initial launch as we start our marketing campaign and promotion activities. And to keep things in the spirit of the blog, I would like to share a very catchy and fresh hip hop track I came across today. Do not hesitate and hit the download button on the right!

Huey Mack - Settle Down Ft. Scolla & Kimbra

#123 This town needs guns

I would describe the process of collecting stock exchange listing information for about 400 companies as everything but fun. Unfortunately (for me) that is how I spend my summer days so far, even though summer in the Netherlands is quite an abstract term.

Anyhow, the point of the short introduction was to lead to the essence of today's post. In order to keep myself NOT bored to death I've been listening an album from This Town Needs Guns (you gotta love the name of those fellas) - Animals. If I'm correct there you might be able to find their name somewhere in the blog, but my first encounter with that album was just a week ago and I'm totally digging it!

Personally, I love the artwork and the concept of naming all the songs after the animals you see in the picture (some of which I heard for first time, yeah didn't do my homework back in the days). Ok, I talked enough so let's just cut to the chase. Basically, my personal opinion of the album is quite positiveso if you have some time to waste - just dive in! My favourite "animals" are - the Pig, the Lemur, the Rabbit, the Crocodile and the Badger.

Enjoy!

#122 We Could Go Forever

Ok, so I got a few good tracks from the past week, some dub/electro stuff, if I have to label them myself. Anyhow, they are a good solid basis for very chilled and relaxed weekend! The reason for the post is a track by Bonobo which shuffled on my winamp (yeah, I know - its pretty old school) - We Could Go Forever!

Next in the pocket, there's an French DJ introduced to me by a close friend of mine and by my surprised, he has used Bulgarian samples in his track, which personally grabbed me immediately - check it out, the tune is way above decent... Fumuj - Pollie.

Finally (that structure reminds me of one of those TOEFL essays, firstly, secondly ....) I just randomly got this from my youtube section, nevertheless me gusta! Quantic - We got soul

#121 Let's throw in some songs for the sake of throwing in things

And it's late night's out-of-nowhere-urge to share a few links. However, my tiredness prevails over my brain so I'll be quick and make your life easier - enjoy the three, kind of different songs, I've been playing the last few days. Hopefully, someone would like ..something.

Pinback - Barnes

Ben Howard - Call me maybe (ps. I find the original impossible to listen...)

Sysyphe - Sinking

#120 Lucidity

I've been waiting for the release of the album I'm about to quickly present you for a long, long time...meaning years. Frankly said, I will be quite biased in my comment because it is the second album of one of my closest friends. His name is Daniel - a great friend, multi-instrumentalist, producer and a musical inspiration (to me)... and  on top of that he is quite young given his musical maturity.  The guy plays ....God knows how many instruments and sings quite well (which you will hear in the album). Heptagram - a one-man project is his and it totally kicks ass.

Basically, the album Lucidity is recorder by him with the assistance of a few other musicians - you can hear very interesting combinations between the usual rock instruments and saxophone/kaval (a traditional Bulgarian instrument). You can find out more about it at his bandcamp site! Also, you can download the whole album for free or decide how much are you willing to pay for it - it is up to you. As far as I know from my personal conversations with him, he just wants to spread the music out there and... its for whoever you like it.

Regarding the album, I had the opportunity to listen to it 3-4 times and now I'm focusing on abusing the replay button of specific songs, but of course it is up to you whether you are going to like it. My only piece of advice and personal recommendation is to listen to it once from the beginning to the end - you won't miss out. Even if it is not your cup of tea, the album is pretty diverse in my opinion - there are various musical genre influences which you can find through the songs.

ps. my personal favourites so far are Boundless, Ten Foot Samurai, Heritage and Lucidity... just for the record ;)

#119 This Head I hold

As I said in the previous post I'll try to be a bit more active as I've neglected the blog slightly in the past few months. However, I didn't waste my time so there are some pretty interesting tracks on my mind which I would like to share with you guys! Also I am planning on expanding the Promising Artists section with evoking bands I came across with lately!

The daily urge to share was because of Electric Guest - This head I hold, absolutely brilliant band and track can brighten up any gray and dull day (my humble opinion..)! I guess they are classified as indie/electro pop but the song sounds quite funky... personally I'm quite eager to check out their other stuff, but first I need to abuse the replay button on youtube ;)

Besides them... I guess I would throw these stuff in the melting pot - Raphael Saadiq - Big Easy and Purity Ring - Loftcries

I hope you liked the music and if you do - pass it along, would be highly appreciated! :)

#118 One hour before the trip /post-rock/

 I wrote the post few days ago (the italic part below), but I had no access to Internet so...here it is now, a few days later. I guess it turned out quite the post-rock post! By the way the purpose of the trip wasn't accomplished but...it was an interesting experience and I guess it gave me some food for thought to write in the future...and motivation! So I hope I am more active in the upcoming weeks! Salut.

So, I guess it will be one of those posts where I kind of pour my thoughts into the screen. For some reason feels the only possible and appropriate place at this very moment. And I definitely have the urge of pouring out the things I've got on my mind. Anyhow, tomorrow I'm leaving on a short trip the outcome of which would determine so many things in my life ...at least in short-term period, although I guess it would influence my life in general. It's a huge thing. And I really want to succeed. It feels (which deeply I realize is not correct) like the only possible next step for me. So, I'm not gonna lie that I feel a weird feeling in my stomach, like I've been punched. Then again, at least its a feeling. Ok, I'll go and do what I need to do. You? You can enjoy the songs I've been listening tonight, listed below.

One hour before the trip - Vagabond

Hammock - The Silence

[The] Slowest runner [In all the world] - As the Sea Swells She Bleats and Moans Like a Goat in Heat

#117 Water is my eye

I am quite positively sure that last Sunday I experienced the best concert I've even been to. In case you are wondering who I saw - it was Ben Howard. Anyhow, I won't describe into details the great musical and emotional experience but in a way the concert is related to the next songs. I just remembered how cool tapping is so I started to search similar artists and I came across Newton Faulkner, name I've seen before but never paid attention to his music..and it was a mistake.

I believe his cover of Teardrop (originally by Massive Attack) rocked my music world quite a lot, given the fact its just a youtube video. It's just amazing. Both the live (which I personally prefer) and studio version. For a tiny spec of time a strange came across my mind - why I picked up the drums instead of guitar. Then again I came back to Earth and it all made perfect sense ;)

One of the first tapping guitarists I found during my teenage years - Erik Mongrain - Airtrap

aaand a classic...John Butler - Ocean

#116 Sun will rise

Finally, a time and inspiration for a new post... life has been a carousel of exciting events and experiences lately which I guess changed me a tiny bit...in a better direction. There are some of the songs I found recently, so feel more than free to abuse the replay button.

Of Monsters and Men - Little talks

Pinback - Good to sea

Bonobo feat. Speech Debelle - Sun will rise

#115 I will walk with my hands bound

Usually I try to post not so obviously-famous (if thats a word?!) bands, but I just have to say something about Pearl Jam. It's the best study music ever, I think I heard the "Ten" album like..a dozen of times those days in the library..and trust me - those days are long..like giraffe long (wtf?!). Amazing album, from the first to the last song. The weird thing is that I've been listening to it since I remember myself but just now realized that most of the lyrics are quite..dark. And random thought - Jeremy reminds me of Pump up kicks from Foster the people (well the other way around..) :) 

Garden, Release, Why Go, Oceans, Black, Alive, Jeremy, Deep, Once, Porch, Even flow. Ten, one of the best albums from the 90s.

#114 The library music

Scrolling through the last posts it is quite obvious I haven't been very active in posting for a while. It's not because there is not good music to be shared... I guess I really felt quite idea-less (wtf, is there such word?). Anyhow, a friend of mine just put some good words about it so I kind of felt the call for hitting the CTRL+V a couple of times tonight. So, thank you mi amigo =)

Despite of being extremely awful live, Angels and Airwaves still have kick-ass song ..such as Start the Machine.

Let's throw in the post some good library music - Ratatat - Gettyburg and The Banana Sessions - Bananas (well thats very creative..)

#113 No use for a title

I feel the overwhelming urge to say...nah, say is way too dull.. to shout, scream ..oh well, just pass the following message - music is and has always been one of the greatest creation of our kind. It's fucking mental and mind-blowing. It's like... anyway - you know, I bet! Also, I love Incubus. Probably one of the few bands from my childhood I never got tired listening to. And despite the fact I have posted about them many times, it needs to be done again, sick sad little world!

Ok, I'll try to post something not THAT well-known so that paltry post might be useful to the few who read it =)

RUFUS - We left very promising young Australian band..their scene is almost never disappointing!

the next band actually makes me very, very proud! Quite the pleasant surprise from Bulgaria..- Southwick - Pink Skies

#112 Pinkpop

Summer is coming...well, kind of and the major festivals around Europe are announcing the upcoming line-ups so I had some fresh ideas for bands I haven't posted before on the blog! I would really like to check out Pinkpop in the Netherlands, legendary festival, but yeah... money don't grow on trees, so will see =)

I come across The Wombats very often (the name) but never listened to their music before, but I really liked what I heard so far! So the reason of the post today is Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves).

Another interesting bands (in my opinion) that will be on that festival this year are... Blood red shoes - I wish I was someone better, which are playing in the city where I live soonish, so fingers crossed.. and lets say.. Bombay Bicycle Club - Always like this

#111 Let me tell you about my day

Sometimes I really do enjoy quiet weekend evening..you know, without the usual lets-burn-this-city Friday/Saturday nights. It's not like it was very productive night, but I saw a funny movie, that just..takes your mind off things - the sitter. Anyhow, the best thing of the movie was the soundtrack, part of which are a couple of Raphael Saadiq songs. Funny coincidence, I might see him live on Monday. The guy is just truly amazing, despite all the troubling things one might have his music can always..you know just..make you go out of your daily bubble and smile. I'll throw a couple of other good songs ... and just call it a night, but I hope you enjoy the links below. 

Raphael Saadiq - Sometimes

The tallest man on Earth - The Dreamer

Mew - Introducing Palace Players <3

#110 Climb Mountain, O Snail /post rock/

Just came back from a concert and the post-discussion which was related to the music ...development throughout the last 5-6 decades. Anyway, I am far from the idea to describe the interesting conversation I had today but ..it just charged me to drop a line or two. So, back to concerts. I saw the new project of Mark Lanegan (from Screaming Trees) and I must say I was more then pleasantly surprised. The thing I like about going to see live performance is that there is always something new to learn, see, even copy. I feel recharged. That's the thing I would probably always love about music, regardless the genre and the emotions brings up in me (you, her, him etc.) - feels like a fresh charge of electricity through the body. It's quite late and it just feels like post-rock, again. Enjoy.

Russian Circles - Xavii

We're from Japan - Black bag work

Tides from Nebula - Siberia

#109 Karma /electro-pop/

After almost a month of ...hiatus ?! :D...due to the enormous hunger for time of my thesis I finally sat down behind the laptop to drop a line or two! A lot of cool music is coming up, but unfortunately the posts will probably be short...which might be appreciated by some. Enjoy!


College feat. Electric Youth - A real Hero (its part of the Drive OST and.. I highly recommend it)


Abandon - Feel it in your heart


Weekend Wolves - Karma

#108 Good weather for an airstrike

It's been a roller coaster of events lately so I just didn't have the physical opportunity to post anything. Anyhow, In the few lines I get to share here, I feel like just stating how important friendship is and I am glad there are some really amazing people around me. Regarding the music, the reason for the post is Toe - Good bye. A brilliant composition, I must say, especially if you enjoy some of the benefits of the place where I live. Total relaxation and some japanese (I believe) vocals. For the rest I will be completely random... lets see..

He is we - Happily ever after

Kid Sam - We're made of water

#107 The appleseed cast /indie, post-rock/

Some time ago I wrote about the debut album of Moving Mountains. Anyway, I've seen the name of the Appleseed Cast many times ago throughout the years but never paid much attention to their music, until recently, cause they were pointed as influential for MovMou.

Long story short, I had to check out their stuff and now it's hard to say which band I prefer more. So yeah, the Appleseed Cast. Some describe them as indie post rock. I think, they are good for  Sunday evening.

The Appleseed Cast - Fight Song

The Appleseed Cast - As the little things go

The Appleseed Cast - Innocent vigilant ordinary

If you liked what you heard, I reckon to check their music more thoroughly, which frankly said I should do as well.

#106 There is always hope

This is the story of Chris. Chris cannot see with his eyes. He sees with his heart. Chris cannot walk. Chris though has an imagination, so he can travel everywhere. And he stars speaking. He is well-mannered, relaxed and knowledgeable young man. He is noble. He speaks slowly and properly. There is no sympathy for him, there is just respect. There might be tears, but they are not tears of sadness. So I keep watching his story. He says he is happy. Why? Because he knows he makes people happy. And he does - he makes me happy. And he is happy as well - he feeds on other people's happiness and that's the most noble thing that can exist in our world.

 Fuck, I wish there were subtitles to the video I am watching now, so all can just grasp a tiny piece of this incredible Bulgarian boy. Chris is one of those miracles that stands there..above everything and ...just inspires with his actions and words. It might sound stupid to some people, but this is the way I experience this and I want to share it...that boy is one of the reasons I keep having hope and I do believe that watching this interview, in a way, made me a better person. It is cliche, but why do we complain? Especially for the minor everyday problems. Such a fragile (in first sight) physically boy is so strong on the inside. And that's possible for all of us. We face troubles, problems, pain but...

...one of the guests in the show said - "I want his will to live, his perspective about life, the power of his soul, his energy..."

Chris wrote a book and he sings. He sings very well. You don't need subtitles for that. THIS is the video. In case you don't know Bulgarian go to 4:00 and tell me I'm wrong.

Chris, I know you will never read this, but you are priceless. I can keep writing till the morning and it won't be enough. Thank you for being who you are.

You just inspired hope.

Regards.

There is only one song today, and its enough Grow on, grow up, grow out.

#105 Frozen pizza vs chicken /dubstep, drum n bass/

My inability to write something significant reached the point where I actually googled "quotes". That's what happen when your daily routine is bounded to reading articles and the most exciting moment during the day is when you face the epic dilemma "frozen pizza versus chicken". Anyway, eager with anticipation....I came across nothing else besides some cheesy stuff, so..umm enjoy the songs? =)

Xelient - Choose me (dubstep mix)

Netsky - Escape

Nero - Innocence (Feed Me remix)

#104 Those who tell the truth shall die, those who tell the truth shall live forever

Although I have written about post-rock and Explosions in the sky before, its just one of those days. It's like.. the music is so relaxing, epic, aggressive... I am aware that it sounds controversial but the truth is that this kind of music (for me) can be anything - a background for your lazy Sunday or can just accompany you during a boring jogging session. Can  can make you sad, can make you happy or nostalgic, melancholic..everything. It's a blessing for those who are into that kind of stuff. 

The subject is quite vast on the other hand, there are many upcoming bands and I am glad post-rock is drawing some sort of attention of the public. It's not a hype, but people do enjoy the music.

So this is what I've been listening today. More from this band/genre will be posted in the blog without any doubt.

Explosions in the sky - The only moment we were alone the live version
  
Explosions in the sky - The birth and death of the day the video is..please see for yourself, my English is way too poor

Explosions in the sky - Green Death the real eargasm starts@1:10

Explosions in the sky - Yasmin the light


Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever.

#103 Don't look away /indietronica/

I observe significant lack of ideas for anything different than oh-crap-that-is-boring comment, so lets make our lives a bit more easier and just skip to the chosen songs. I guess it's gonna be this kind of electro/pop post... like if the Smiths had sex with...Daft Punk? I just really like the first song.

R e a l M a g i c - Hard 2 keep

Empire of the Sun - Walking on a dream

Cut Copy - Lights & Music

#102 Eurosonic Noorderslag

Ok, I had to drop everything and start writing that post, cause a super awesome coincidence just ..occurred.

So, I was just browsing random videos as a background to my reading in the extremely boring library and I came across Vondelpark - HipBone. So, after listening to the song like 5 times, I decided to abandon reading about the global and industrial diversification of companies, and check their profile on last.fm...and apparently they are part of the Eurosonic festival, which is happening in the city where I live. I've been thinking to write a short post about some bands playing there and finding out that those guys are part of the festival was ..well, cool coincidence. So check them out along with other artists playing here this weekend.

Vondelpark - HipBone

Phuture Shock - Don't Let Go *FYI: amazing Bulgarian band*

Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Pictures

Madeon - Pup Culture

2:54 - Scarlet

Great Mountain Fire - Late lights 

James Vincent McMorrow - Early in the morning

...and many, many more. More than 250 artists are performing - from dubstep to hip hop to..acoustic rock. Those who have tickets are lucky bas.... people! For the rest of us - there's always youtube.

#101 Fast, fast /indie rock/

OK. Finally, after couple of days fighting with this retarded platform I managed to change the design a bit. The blog is going to be modern from now on and its gonna have its own humble Facebook page which you can like or hate on ..on the bar on your right - whatever rocks your boat, mate.

Ahh, yeah - the posting is back on. I am glad for all the things people said about not stopping and the couple emails I got from strangers. So I guess it feels like taking things a tiny step further. Damn it, writing on this white (on my screen) box is awesome. There is a rush of blood through my body. Not my penis though, well a bit. More like the brain I guess. So Isis are blasting through my headphones, but I guess today I'm just gonna post you some of the tracks I've been listening to the past weeks. I guess its a bit indie night so lets stick to that. Umm, enjoy?

Little Comets - Her Black Eyes (thx my Russian music friend)

Let's Buy Happiness - Fast fast

Emily and the Woods - Steal His Heart