I want to share some of my recent listening experiences with you, so here are some quick recommendations. They are all meaningful releases, regardless of vintage.
Dita Von Teese – Dita Von Teese
Dita Von Teese, who essentially repopularized the art of burlesque (and what a fine art it is), has teamed up with one of my favorite musicians of all time, one Mr. Sébastien Tellier. Together, they combine some quintessentially Tellier compositions presented with the seductive spirit and breathy chanteusery of Teese.
The result is an album that satisfies considerably with a host of hooks, poignant lyrics, and damn fine musicality. I love it.
(Label: Record Makers)
Lou Rebecca – Lou Rebecca
In January, Austin-based, Paris-native Lou Rebecca released a captivating synth-pop record colored with avant-pop and dance vibes. Her beautifully franglais vocals blend superbly with spacey guitars and electronic instrumentation, all seemingly held together with tastefully roomy reverb and a dreamy, ethereal sense of wonder.
Her label appears to have some copies of her self-titled EP still available in black vinyl, but an icy blue variant from Italians Do It Better has long been sold out.
(Label: Holodeck)
Classic Mixtape: College’s The Secret Diary Mix
Let’s be nostalgic for nostalgia. This mix that David “College” Grellier put together in 2009 features some classics of the golden age of pre-Drive synthery, with the obvious focus on his debut album Secret Diary. You can stream the 51-minute .mp3 here. The setlist is below:
1. College – “The Golden Messenger”
2. I.M.S – “Dancing Therapy”
3. College, feat. Anoraak – “Fantasy Park (Loose Shus Remix)”
4. Sneaky Sound System – “When We Where Young (Breakbot Remix)”
5. Live Element – “Something About You”
6. Clio – “Eyes”
7. V.U.L.V.A – “White BMW (Legowelt Remix)”
8. The Hasbeens – “Make The World Go Away”
9. College, feat. Minitel Rose – “The Energy Story (DVAS Remix)”
10. Miami Horror – “Make You Mine”
11. Fred Falke – “8:08 pm @ The Beach”
12. Coeur de Pirate – “Comme Des Enfants (Le Matos Andy Carmichael Remix)”
Wojciech Golczewski – Mohawk (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Horror director Ted Geoghegan and synth composer Wojciech Golczewski, a Vehlinggo stalwart, team up again tell the story of the clash of white Americans and the Mohawk tribe during the War of 1812. It’s fitting — the treatment of Native Americans historically has been, at best, a horror. (The director and composer previously scared the shit out of us with the exquisite We Are Still Here.)
On Mohawk, Golczewski easily dials up intense feelings of foreboding and terror, complementing the tragic, vengeful tone of the film.
(Label: Data Airlines)
Jordan F – Oblivion
The Australian synthwaver Jordan F has been making engaging outrun and synthwave for at least five years, releasing great albums on pioneering label Rosso Corsa and on NewRetroWave’s NRW Records imprint. Even so — even after capturing the hearts and minds of synthwave fans across the world for years — he still seems underrated.
People need to get on board, because this time he’s returned to Rosso Corsa with an especially rewarding experience. Jordan F has crafted a collection of cuts that flow with the strength and consistency of a synth score for a film not yet made. It’s an often dreamy helping of bliss.
(Label: Rosso Corsa.)
Oh, and by the way, buy everything that will ever come out via Burning Witches Records.
I see you’ve made it this far. While you’re here, you might want to pre-order the new Vehlinggo logo tee, screen-printed with TLC on soft and durable Pima Tee. The price will go up after March 15, so get on it.
