Rising sun on a secluded beach

French duo Polo & Pan were brought to my attention via the epic soundtrack LP for Eden, where their excellent track Rivolta appears. Then this track pops up which is even more up my street.

The plucky guitars complimented by the ethereal singing and wonky organs underpinned by the sweetest balearic beat. There is something of a tribal feel too as the singing turns to chants. My only negative is that it’s not short!

Let’s hope we hear more from Paul Armand Delille et Alex Pan very soon.

Sunset Hours, Vol. 2 - Marini's on 57

For those who don’t know Marini’s On 57 is a stunning venue in Kuala Lumpur situated on the 57th floor of a skyscraper next to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers that dominate the KL skyline. Sunset Hours is now shaping up to be a great compilation series with the music lovingly chosen by some of the worlds finest selectors. Last year Volume 1 was curated by legendary Ibiza DJ from Jose Padilla from The Cafe Del Mar. This next instalment in the Sunset Hours series is a collaboration between two highly respected veteran DJ / producers, Afterlife and Chris Coco, both known for their eclectic approach to music and strong associations with Ibiza, which is displayed beautifully on this mix.

Les Baxter’s Jungle Flower adds a touch of elegance with the Club Des Belugas Remix freshening it up, originally from their 2009 LP Zoo Zizaro.

You can hear how this influences Mark Barrot below.

Coisa Boa

Nice remix from Javelin of Moreno Veloso Em Todo Lugar Voz Boa, which appears on the Brazilian’s Coisa Boa LP. He is one of the sons of the legendary Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso and his first wife Andréa Gadelha Veloso.

Carrie & Lowell

Widely regarded as his best album to date, Carrie & Lowell is an LP that definitely earns respect with every play. Sufjan Stevens is often a required taste, here he sounds at his most intimate, stripped back to lush arrangements. Should Have Known Better is a beautiful song.

SNOB

Paolo Conte, back with another LP, Snob has a flavour of South America, specially on this superb track Tropical with it’s jazzy trumpets and latin bongos. The master Italian singer, pianist, composer, and lawyer is still going strong at 77.

“A gruff smoker’s voice, a piano style that wanders from honky-tonk to tango palace to tony cabaret, and a weathered romantic’s world view have made Paolo Conte a well-known songwriter in Italy.” (The New York Times)

Snob, the new studio album by Paolo Conte produced by Rita Allevato contains 15 new songs: a return to the origins of music and texts that have made Paolo Conte an artist appreciated all over the world. A return that is also, inevitably, evolution and ongoing research; exploration of soundscapes and words that, as the old trouvailles, in addition to disclosing unusual meanings, are transformed into pictorial sounds and images.

Buy it on iTunes here

Akaliko 

Transatlantic trio Paqua introduced themselves with the release of Dinosaur Zappa in 2012, a hazy, low-slung psychedelic rock work-out; a year later, the trio followed it up with Late Train, a dub-soaked Balearic rock groover. 

In June this year they unleashed their debut LP, Akaliko [a Buddhist word meaning timeless] It's an apt description for an album that’s full to the brim with sun-kissed beauty, hazy guitars and bongo beats. We Are What We Are is stellar tune from an LP that grows in wealth with continued plays. 

The trio are formed with UK DJ/producer Paul Murphy (AKA Mudd, famed for his beautiful balearic compositions), longtime collaborator Alex Searle, and Quinn Luke from New York's Phenomenal Handclap Band. Highly Recommended.

Buy on iTunes - click here

Sketches from an Island

Soaking up the sunshine vibe and catching up with all the summer music after spending time out traveling and listening to new music. Mark Barrott’s new LP combines his previous two EP’s and newer tracks to create Sketches From An Island.

Yes the island is of course Ibiza and this is the ultimate Dreamy Balearic delight. A journey of cascading rhythms that evokes the sunshine and long days messing around on the beach. Formentera Headspace Blues (Pt's. 1 & 2) is Barrott’s epic ambient journey into utopia. Deep Water wonders into an eastern vibe while Back to the Sea is a short interlude into Sacred Islands, a piano piece that feels like you’ve been transformed to a forgotten place in paradise.

Bliss.

Check it out here on iTunes

Tropicallia

L’Adulte was the first single from Sébastien Tellier’s L'Aventura, his sixth LP, and stands out as a the lead track, I love the way Tellier mixes the playful chorus with the straight from heart seriousness of the verses.

A gentle bossa beat underpins Telliers signature melodies and Gainsbourg-esque croon. Tellier goes bossa nova, what more could you wish for?

The man himself says: "Brazilian music is perfect as it’s full of mysterious chords and strange melodies, but also light & sunny. I feel my previous albums were just tests to reach this point."

This is the life for me

This is a lovely chilled out bossa nova version of the old 1981 original by British dance music group Freeez, it was released on the debut album of the same name. Giles Petterson’s latest venture into Brazillian music has brought together an amazing group of artists, collectively called Sonzeira he’s produced a full album entitled Brasil Bam Bam Bam. Brazilian vocalist Emanuelle Araújo takes a laid back approach to the track, dripping with a sunshine groove, perfect for lazy sunny days.

Check the rest of the LP here on iTunes.

Sunset in Paradise

Watching the sun go down in a baking hot climate with the most amazing views is how I see this piece of music. After a lot of traveling lately this tune was my end of the day song that I put on to watch the sun set with a chilled glass of wine.

Although called Lovers in Paris, it better suited to the rolling hill’s of the southern French country side than the capital. Jacob Gurevitsch’s guitar playing together with the accordion is very reminiscent of the 1986 film soundtrack Jean de Florette by Jean-Claude Petit. Just beautiful.

Love's Crushing Diamond

The twinkling of wind chimes in a breeze on a bright clear sunny day, a cacophony of different instruments meander into the foreground sound, a short pause before awakening Jordan Lee's softly spoken words whisper through the dreamscape - this is the intro to most beautiful LP your likely to hear for sometime.

Mutual Benefit, Brooklyn's multi-instrumentalist Jordan Lee's debut Love's Crushing Diamond is a chilled-out indie-pop masterpiece. Echos of Arcade Fire, Beirut and Grizzly Bear here and there, but the whole record is so easy to listen to it swells with euphoria moments through swooning, thickly textured strings and melodic acoustic strums.

Sometimes my heart and brain conspire / to set everything on fire Lee sings on Golden Wake, the first big tunes certainly sets the mood for this stunning record.

The sheer captivating Advanced Falconry is a natural highlight on first few plays, but the rest of the LP quickly becomes as good with all the delicate intricacies wrapping you up in a warm glow. The rarefied folk and graceful multi-layered instrumentation caresses the senses into a dreamlike state. That Light That's Blinding is just a perfect 4 minutes of lush strings and plunky piano with heavenly female harmonies (Virginia de la Pozas, Julie Byrne and Cory Siegler)and Lee's own evocative voice.

A complete album that finishes with the divine Strong Swimmer as the epic closer, running in at just over 7 minutes it's a fitting end to a breathtaking collection of 7 songs. The plucky banjo drifts along the lazy river of blissful sounds it passes along the way. One major criticism is at 32 minutes it's all over far to quickly but it truly is a stunning debut and absolutely HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Buy now - iTunes

These are the top 30 LPs that rock our world last year. 

1. Daft Punk - Random Access Memories
2. The Limiñanas - Costa Blanca
3. Kanye West - Yeezus
4. Footprintz - Escape Yourself
5. Matthew E. White - Big Inner
6. Empire Of The Sun - Ice On The Dune
7. Saâda Bonaire - Saâda Bonaire
8. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II
9. Arcade Fire - Reflektor
10. Bonobo - The North Borders
11. Devendra Banhart - Mala
12. Forest Swords - Engravings
13. Daniel Avery - Drone Logic
14. John Grant - Pale Green Ghosts
15. Bill Callahan - Dream River
16. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
17. Washed Out - Paracosm
18. DJ Koze - Amygdala
19. Blood Orange - Cupid Deluxe
20. Boards of Canada - Tomorrow's Harvest
21. Foxygen - We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors Of Peace & Magic
22. My Bloody Valentine - mbv
23. Taragana Pyjarama - Nothing Hype
24. Jon Hopkins - Immunity
25. Earl Sweatshirt - Doris
26. Darkside - Psychic
27. Deafheaven - Sunbather
28. M.I.A - Matangi
29. Proviant Audio - Drift Days & Disco Nights
30. Classixx - Hanging Garden

Bonjour Monsieur 

Sébastien Tellier returns with LP Confection, it's a mostly an instrument affair, with all the quirky nuances that we've come to expect from the Frenchman. There are links throughout the LP that entwine the songs together, it feels very much like a complete soundtrack to a romance set in a fantasy world.

L'amour Naissant is undoutably the lead track here and the only one that features Sébastien's vocals. The rolling beats are very reminiscent of Tellier's seminal 2004 hit La Ritournelle (a bonafide classic). L'amour Naissant II and III also pop up later in the album in slightly different guises each coining the rolling piano hook throughout. The whole LP picks up somewhere in the vein of his 2006 compilation LP Universe, tracks like La Ballade Du Georges from that LP would sit along nicely in the mix.

So if your after more like 2008's Sexuality or last years My God Is Blue then you may feel disappointed, but if you approach it as a mellow soundtrack to a floating fantasy then you'll enjoy the subtle quirkiness gently weaved through lush orchestration and downbeat grooves. Good to see you again monsieur Tellier!

Escapism Music

As with all their previous LP's Boards of Canada make beautiful music with an uneasy edge to it, like a dramatic soundtrack to an unmade film. This track from their latest LP Tomorrow's Harvest sounds like a lost track from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Perfect listening for those late late nights in the small hours of the morning. Cyclosa is a spider genus in the family Araneidae, think about that when listening to this and it takes on a new vibe. Tomorrow's Harvest throws up plenty of rewards with persistent plays to take your to another place.

Escapism music for the connoisseur. 

Buy it on iTunes here.

Blissed-out vibes

When the sun comes out you can't do much better than adding a bit Nickodemus to the proceedings. Gira Do Sol is an old favourite from 2009's Sun People LP featuring the the beautiful vocals of Brazilian songstress Liliana Araujo. Infecious percussion that oozes blistering hot sunshine from every beat. Recommended.

Big Love for a Big Album

One of the first great albums of the year has to be Matthew E. White's Big Inner. Well, certainly in the UK anyway as it was released in the US back in the summer last year. An LP of string-laden country-soul-gospel that's a pure delight from start to finish. Matthew E. White's ear for a melodic tune renders an album that transcends Big Inner into classic status.

Big Love will undoubtably be the track that will lead a legion of fans to Matthew E. White's live shows, but Big Inner ("beginner") will throw up more favourite tracks than the average debut. White built a studio, Spacebomb, in his attic, he has affiliations with Bon Iver (whose first album about loss Big Inner faintly recalls), Megafaun and the Mountain Goats. He reminds me of the great Kevin Ayers in many ways, specially his voice which is no bad thing at all. Get your copy now, Highly Recommended.

Buy it on iTunes

Official site click here

A winter warmer

I've been listening to Willy Mason's latest LP Carry On loads, it's a real grower with a variety of styles from the singer songwriter. Pickup Truck was my first favourite track, rocking a bluesy riff with a hip-hop beat. It's Mason's third album, produced by Dan Carey, The New Yorker released Carry On in UK last month (Yet to be released in the US.). His gravelly tones are what sets him apart from the average singer songwriter, set to bluesy sensibilities the album is an easy listen that tells a story and brings in glitchy sonics and drum machines. The dub beats of Restless Fugitive are hypnotic and the bongo beats on the lament of Shadows in the Dark are sublime. It appears that the work of Dan Carey (MIA, Hot Chip, Kyle) has added to Mason's folky sound to broaden the textures and beef out the beats. Willy's not completely new to this of course after his guest vocal on The Chemical Brothers Battle Scars in 2007, a great track (Also worth checking out the Beyond the Wizards Sleeve Remix). I strongly advise giving Carry On a spin and find the perfect album to keep you warm during winter. Highly Recommended

More info on Willy Mason Click Here

But it in iTunes click Here

Late Night choice

One of the best Late Night Tales compilations for a while, the compilation series that maintains a quality output have chosen the effervescent Friendly Fires, an inspired choice as it turns out. The selection covers many genres as well as uptempo house, obscure indie, disco-funk, art-pop and ambient chill. This tune is a stand-out, fourth track in, anthemic porn-disco Fly Like An Eagle by Dennis Parker. And it's not just the old stuff that makes for an impressive collection, Melody Echo Chamber's Endless Shore is a welcome addition from a great artist. Friendly Fires’ exclusive cover version of the ’78 electronic classic Why Don't You Answer by Eberhard Schoener and Sting sounds like one of their own.

Surprise choice perhaps is Olivia Newton-John's cover of the Elton John classic Love Song from Tumbleweed Connection, an amazing version that I've never heard before. Also includes choice cuts from Cocteau Twins, SBTRKT, Iron Galaxy, Bibio, Stereolab, Slowdive, Joe Simon and Sonna. 

Definitely one of the best comps of the year and certainly one of the best Late Night Tales comps ever, no mean feat considering it's on it's thirtieth edition. Highly Recommend.

Buy it now on iTunes

Tiki Tropical!

Former Concretes' frontwoman Victoria Bergsman released her third album last month as Taken By Trees. Following the excellent Eden LP which Bergsman recorded in Pakistan she's now been to Hawaii to record the follow-up Other Worlds. I love the whole Hawaiian sound of steel guitars and tropical beats mixed with Bergsman's soft laid back vocal style. Produced by Henning Fürst this album is the perfect accompaniment to to the summer, so listening to this in the cold autumn months soon warms you up inside deeming of hotter climates.

Intro song Horizon starts with the sound of the sea while coconut shells clip clop out the beat and the first sounds of Hawaiian steel guitars subtly twang in the background. Highest High drifts with ease and grace, filling your head with beautiful sounds of tiki wooden percussion, whirring guitars and Augustus Pablo-esque melodica. Dreams sets off into a faster pace with balearic beats and more luscious steel guitars.

Pacific Blue adds to the tropical mood with ocean-breeze steel pans and a easy going carnival beat. Only You sounds like a lost Cure song re-imagined by Bergman. Large ups the pace once more for a skanking ska beat with horn section and intricate percussion giving us a calypso flavour. Dub reggae tune Indigo dub is pure horizontal relaxation and blends nicely into reggae tinged I Want You. The album finishes with Dreams (Coconut Cut) bringing the sound back to where it started laying in a hammock on the beach sipping on a planters punch. Wonderful. Highly Recommended.

Buy it on iTunes here.

Just add a hot sun in a clear blue sky for maximum effect!

Perfect tune for a hot sunny day, El Guincho knows how to soundtrack the summer with this feel-good hit. As recommended by Jamie xx, taken from the 2010 album Pop Negro, the steel pans add a calypso vibe with chiming melodies and choppy percussion, bliss!

El Guincho is the recording alias of Spanish musician Pablo Díaz-Reixa. Also a member of Coconot, Díaz-Reixa rose to prominence with his 2008 album, Alegranza!

Officia site, bands place in MySpace, 

Impressions de voyage

Avec son nouvel album Les passagers, Berry nous donne rendez-vous pour un voyage en première classe.

Elise Pottier AKA Berry's second album is all about traveling with the one you love. I spent last week driving around France with this on repeat (together with Sebastian Tellier's excellent new album - My God is Blue) and it's a beautify crafted album of folky songs and french pop with a Gainsbourg-esque arrangements holding it all together. This, the title track is my current favourite. Following her excellent debut Mademoiselle this is the perfect follow-up, recommended.

Like this? Try: Francoise Hardy, Jane Burkin, Olivia Ruiz

Real Good!

There's a cold fresh breeze, the sky is a lush shade of blue without a cloud to be seen, aeroplane vapour trails draw lines in the expansive space and the sun silhouettes the horizon. 

The start of winter is here and New Jersey's Real Estate have made the perfect soundtrack to lazy Sunday's on a fresh winter morning. Following up their excellent self-titled 2009 debut, Real Estate are back with a clean crisp sound on Days. An effortlessly easy listing carefree LP that floats along with rolling rhythms and gentle shimmering guitars, rich tones and breezy harmonies. 

It's real is an upbeat tune that is about as fast as it gets, a nice feel good tune that in riches the soul. The album finishes with the epic  - All The Same, a perfect finish to a great LP. Days is out now, Highly Recommended.

Buy it on iTunes here, The bands place in MySpace, Domino Records

Like this? Try: Deehunter, Beach House, Sun Airway

Tales of the Unexpected

I used to love Tales of the Unexpected when I was a kid, specially the theme tune. The Bullitts and Passion Pit have come together and laid a vocal over there iconic instrumental theme. Makes me smile listening to this. The Bullitts have done quite a few film theme make-overs, including Taxi Theme (Bullitts main man Jeymes Samuel), The persuaders (with Roisin Murphy) and Magnum Force (with Wretch 32). Check there Facebook page for more, free to download, click here.

Bullitt's official website here.

I started digging out some old Lee Hazlewood tunes after listening to Kurt Vile, this one is a bit of a classic taken from Nancy & Lee's first album together. Recorded in 1968. The husky-voiced, country-and-western-inspired Hazlewood wrote and dueted on many of Nancy Sinatra's albums including her biggest hit These boots are made for walking. Summer Wine (originally the B-side of Sugar Town) sounds like the cross between spaggetti western and a James Bond soundtrack.

Like this? Try: Richard Hawley, Nick Lowe, Johnny Cash, Bill Callahan

John Barry RIP

Five time Oscar winner, inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and OBE John Barry died aged 77 on 30th January. The legendary film composer best known for his iconic work on 11 Bond films made an incredible contribution to music. Born in York, England, as John Barry Prendergast, he trained as a pianist and then took up the trumpet. He founded a jazz group, the John Barry Seven, in 1957. "The James Bond movies came because we were successful in the pop music world, with a couple of big instrumental hits. They thought I knew how to write instrumental hit music," Barry said.

All the bond soundtracks are classics of course, but I still love the theme to Midnight Cowboy, composed by Barry in 1969 to accompany the film directed by John Schlesinger, and starred Dustin Hoffman and then-newcomer Jon Voight in the title role.

Get the soundtrack on iTunes

Time of an interlude...

South of the Border is the third album by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, originally released in 1964. About a trip to Mexico, this has a bit of a spaghetti western feel about it. Herb's dramatic sound is at it best on tunes like this. South of the Border was originally written by Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Carr and published in 1939 for the film of the same name starring country star Gene Autry. Vocal versions of this song were recorded by Frank Sinatra (on the classic album - Come Fly With Me) and Patsy Cline.

Love the typography on the cover artwork too!

Buy it on iTunes