IM // UR | Lightspeed Champion and the King

To say that Local Natives are this year's Fleet Foxes isn't wrong, but not that right either. Local Natives are softer, brighter and lighter than their widely critiqued sort-of-counterparts. Gorilla Manor is a delicious debut that should be listened and loved for its own merits and there are 12 of them here; from the beautiful single 'Airplanes' to the epic journey of 'Stranger Things'. For fans of harmonic vocals, delicate guitars and gorgeous layers (and I bet there'll be a lot of you).

WE // R \\ WEARING

You know about FAJ right? That's Fanny and Jessy as they are also known, and this duo have one of the coolest young labels coming straight out of London. They debuted their first range last year entitled 'I Hope You Die Soon' and they're also responsible for the infamous tee of the same name (and it's sibling, 'Suck It You Fuck') which I actually often find gets quite a warm reaction despite it's sentiment. This month they're showing their hotly anticipated sophomore collection for AW 2010 which no doubt will be full of their trademark wicked humor and edge. Definitely ones to watch.

WE // R \\ WATCHING

Honestly, who isn’t? The sixth and final season of Lost, one of the best series ever created, just started and we are sure spending more time talking, reading and thinking about it than watching it. Well, from what we read some mysteries won’t be answered (the real meaning of the numbers, anyone?), but if there's something we've learned from accompanying Locke’s island friends (and enemies) is that the travel is always more enjoyable than the actual place it’s taking you to. Well, not if the smoke monster is trying to kill you.

WE // R \\ GOING

The latest station on the Drunky Town train line is in Sydney, Australia at a little club in the Spanish Quarter (actually it's just two Spanish shops next to each other on the same street or something like that in the CBD) called GoodGod, which plays host to soirée of the moment, Slow Blow. Word has it that in January, Karen O crashed Sydney's current cool kids party, but to be honest by that time everyone was too busy dancing and cutting loose in D-Town to care. And that's the true mark of a good time - when you find yourself twirling about without a care in the world. Or it could just mean you're trashed. Heh.

WE // R \\ READING

You know those films where there are all these supposedly 'intertwined' stories and lives? Quite a cliché concept for both books and movies I suppose, but rarely does it really resonate in either medium. David Mitchell though (not the Peep Show one) manages to spin tales into tightly woven rugs that are quite fantastical yet believable, moving without being overly sentimental, eclectic and incredibly entertaining. He also writes straight narratives too, with just as much panache and verve. I just (re)read Number9Dream though any and all of David Mitchell's books are highly recommended...and he's got a newie coming out this year. EXCITEMENT.

Lightspeed Champion and the King

Wednesday // January 27, 2010 at 15:10 // filed under Music

Dev Hynes is such a chameleon. He was a noisy teenager in Test Icicles, then an excellent modern folk singer, then his voice did a nice turn on the electronic lines of Basement Jaxx's 'My Turn' - not to mention all his one-release-garage-rock projects - and now he's decided that it was time to cover the King of the Rock.

In order to celebrate the release of his second album under the name of Lightspeed Champion (Life is Sweet! Nice To Meet You., out on the 1^st of February) he's giving away a cover of Elvis's 1963 hit song 'Devil In Disguise'! His version is exactly like the original and that's impressive in itself (have you ever tried to fit into the king's shoes?).

Flash Content

Lightspeed Champion - Devil In Disguise [mp3]

And if that wasn't enough, Domino is also generously giving away a song from the new album. 'Madame Van Damme' keeps the 60s vibe of the Elvis cover and is also catchy as hell, but this time you can actually hear Dev's touch in the song.

Flash Content

Lightspeed Champion - Madame Van Damme [mp3]

According to Domino, this album is going to be very inspired by American country, 70's guitar and classic piano. Let's hope he's getting the much deserved praise this time!

POSTED BY RAPHAEL CAFFARENA

TAGS: Lightspeed Champion, Dev Hynes, Elvis Presley // LINKS: Lightspeed Champion