IM // UR | Gotye, Learnalilgivinanlovin and Passion Pit

We swear this isn't an ironic listening. We love Beyoncé and 4. OK, we might unironically skip straight to track 5, 'Party', produced by Kanye West and with rap by Andre3000, because we ain't no stay-home-mums that need all those ballads about being broken hearted and finding the right person. But, after that, the album turns into a beautiful compilation of classic r'n'b, soul and a bit of sweat-inducing booty tracks - not too many though - that sound surprisingly courageous considering the actual state of pop music. And for that, we bow down and hail Queen B. P.S. Get the deluxe version, for those extra couple of amazing tracks.

WE // R \\ WEARING

The name of this label has been interpreted in many ways; from 'bass-seekey' to 'base-ike', but the correct way describes exactly what this label is about: BASIC. Bassike delivers easily breezily cut staples with an interesting little twist that keeps them from being your run of the mill. For those that live in climates like that of Australia (where Bassike hails from) or Brazil, you'll know how easy it is to make fashion faux pas when the weather gets hot and the prospect of wearing anything but a bathing suit becomes slightly unappealing; Bassike is all and everything you need.

WE // R \\ WATCHING

Before watching HBO's Game of Thrones, I assumed the series would tend a bit more towards the blood-dripping Danish movie Valhalla Rising rather than fairy-tale stories a lá 'Lord of the Rings'; and for that I didn't really like the series at the beginning. But slowly, I found myself submitting to tales of bad kings, midget juggernauts, savage warriors and... dragons. And that happened probably because there aren't exactly good guys and bad guys here, like there are in Tolkien stories - and that is, of course, a simplification of his work. Another reason I relented to this series is because of the intriguing political backstage element that leads to the ever-happening dance of thrones. Oh, and did I mention the gratuitous nekkid-ness?

WE // R \\ GOING

Of the slew of new spots having opened up in Sydney in the last six months, The Norfolk on Cleveland St in Surry Hills has been one fated with success. Owned by some of the same kids that have brought The Flinders back to life (and currently, it's incredibly quick onset of 'The Norms'), you'll undoubtedly find The Norfolk rammed with all kinds, vying for a bite, a beer and a spot in the garden out back. The aim of the game is to cultivate Aussie pub culture at it's best; and it's doing a pretty decent job so far - if only you could get a table!

WE // R \\ READING

Super Sad True Love Story is the third book from the writer of the best selling Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart. Incidentally, I read him name dropped in Flavorpill's Ultimate Hipster Reading list and in the same sentence as James Franco (they're buds, apaprently) just before I finished his latest offering. Don't let any of that put you off, or take away any of the sad scary brilliance of Super Sad True Love Story; written from the perspective of one 39 year old Lenny Abramov, son of Russian immigrants and in love with the impossibly cute and cruel Eunice Park. A satire that cuts to the bone, Super Sad True Love Story is exactly it's title. And it's good.

Gotye, Learnalilgivinanlovin and Passion Pit

Tuesday // August 18, 2009 at 08:06 // filed under Music

gotye

Do you like old funk songs that sound like they were recorded in the 70s and could make any Sunday afternoon the best you've ever had? Then you should stop reading this and press play on the video below.

Gotye - Learnalilgivinanlovin

Gotye is an Australian musician (born in Belgium) who has released some albums but finally manage to catch my attention with his latest international single. And I have to blame the fact that they asked Passion Pit to remix 'Learnalilgivinanlovin' for the American release of the single (via the amazing blog/label Neon Gold).

The remix is the best so far from Passion Pit. They kept the funk vibe of the original and added some welcome synths that balance the experimental and danceable side of the band. Hpoefully they will stop with the "I was born in a 90's rave" type of remixes that they've been releasing.

Flash Content

Gotye - Learnalilgivinanlovin' (Passion Pit Remix) [mp3]

Now let's go back to the original. 'Learnalilgivinanlovin' is a classic born hit that features all the big band elements you expect from a funk song - including brilliantly sung vocals. If played in a movie, the song would be the soundtrack for the sunny-day-at-the-park-SLASH-the-moment-I-knew-it-would-be-forever type of thing.

Flash Content

Gotye - Learnalilgivinanlovin' [mp3]

Now excuse me while I go chasing for Gotye's entire discography. Don't forget to order the 7" single via Neon Gold and Puregroove. Certainly worth it.

POSTED BY RAPHAEL CAFFARENA

TAGS: Passion Pit, Gotye // LINKS: Gotye