Vampire Weekend release Contra

So in the States today (12 Jan) Vampire Weekend are finally releasing their much anticipated Contra album. Yes please. It was released in the UK on the 11th.

If you are interested in buying the album, but haven't heard enough to give you that final push in these times of economic turmoil, give the album a listen below.


Check out their first video off Contra, Cousins:


Here are a couple of songs to maybe get you in the Vampire Weekend mood off Contra:

Tracks removed because the WEB SHERIFF asked me nicely.

Bonus:
Exit Music (Radiohead Cover) :: Vampire Weekend | zSHARE

parkour motion reel

parkour motion reel
Uploaded by yom_. - Watch original web videos.

So amazing and time consuming.

Originally tweeted by @jpleriche

Animal Collective :: Brothersport (new music video)

Animal Collective just released their third single, Brothersport off the Merriweather Post Pavilion album.

Enough said.

Johnny Foreigner (UK) 'Choose yr side and shut up!' SA Tour

A while back (April 08) I did an interview with legendary Pretoria based DJ and VJ (visual jockey) Ben Rausch for an issue of Chew Magazine. He mentioned among other things, that he would love to play with Johnny Foreigner, a largely unknown act (around these parts) from the UK. (And by play you know that I mean syncing visuals with music, right?)

[interview as it appeared in Chew Magazine]

It was exciting therefore, that Johnny Foreigner decided that a South African tour was on the cards. This is to take place in February. More than that, our very own Ben Raush or Sassquatch as he is known by his fans, is to play alongside them! So in collaboration MK and Griet Artists, Johnny Foreigner and Sassquatch will be performing in the following cities:

13th FEB - CAPE TOWN

17th FEB - STELLENBOSCH

19th FEB - PRETORIA

20th FEB - JOHANNESBURG

26th FEB - RAMFEST - MAIN STAGE - 20:00

I can only assume venues will be decided soon. If you know, let me know.

Griet also put together this enticing teaser to get you in the mood for a party:

Maps

Living in Cape Town, a pretty small city for those who've lived here most of here most of their lives, you find that maps are not really as necessary as an ipod and griffin are in your car set up. All you really need in Cape Town is the aforementioned ipod, a jack, time (for the unpredictable Cape Town traffic), your sunnys and a sense of adventure. Because lets face it, just how lost can you get in a city where the mountain is there to guide every decision you make?

When in Melbourne, you need a map for everything. Because the city is so flat and is soooo spread out, you can get lost if you only lose concentration momentarily. In Australia you need four types of maps (location depending obviously). You need a road map for when you drive. [Never before have a treasured an electronic map as much as I did my TomTom while I was driving from one side of Melbourne to the other, an hour and thirty minute drive I might add.] You need a train map so you get on the right line. You need a ferry map for Sydney's water transport system. And, you need a tram map in Melbourne so that you end up where you want to, rather than not.

Speaking of maps, have you heard Maps from Yeah Yeah Yeahs? Probably. Have you heard the acoustic version and the Arcade Fire cover of Maps? Probably not hey?

Maps - Arcade Fire | zSHARE

Maps (acoustic) - Yeah Yeah Yeahs | zSHARE

The xx

The xx are a three piece out of the UK, London more specifically. While I was on my travels I was repeatedly told that I must listen to The xx. Friends' ipods played their tracks and I became accustomed to their rhythmic, mature sound. They released their debut album, xx in August '09 which has been met with two thumbs up from most critics. I stumbled across a few of their tracks on the interwebs. Here are three of the best. There are even elements of Animal Collective and Hot Chip sounding material in their music. The latter band is interesting, as The xx hail from the same school as Hot Chip. Tis great.
The xx Myspace.

Islands (Nosaj Thing Remix) | The xx (zSHARE)

Hot Like Fire | The xx (zSHARE)

Stars (Skinny Friedman DJ Edit) | The xx (zSHARE)

Australia

So you may noticed blogging was a little slow in December. The truth is, I was on a well earned trip to Australia (Sydney and Melbourne) with friends. Winner. So that's the explanation.
I am so glad I was not sitting next to this guy! I promise to blog more this month.