The Cold Cut

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My First Remix...
2008-05-05 23:34:00
Coldplay- Violet Hill (Cold Cut Remix ) (Link 2)Just thought I would share something with you: I was messing around with the new Coldplay single earlier on Garage Band, and my doodling turned into a remix of sorts. It's just about good enough to post (aka not totally rubbish), so please leave a comment with your thoughts.Music is, in my opinion at least, designed to be open to interpretation. Therefore I decided to try my hand at the old remixing, and I can assure you, it's a lot harder than it seems. I wasn't a huge fan of this single when it was released, but it's a definite grower. In my remix I hope I have brought out some of the more important aspects of the song: its maritime connection, a little more power in the lower end of the spectrum- bass in particular. There are a couple of cool tricks that I picked up today- inversion, reversing etc.- which have found their way into the remix.Anyway, I have to say I really enjoyed the process- having a Mac is brilliant, but the uti...

New Arctic Monkeys? Want Some?
2008-05-04 23:09:00
A few weeks ago the Arctic Monkeys officially announced that they would be moving back to the studio this summer to record their third album.With this news came heaps of speculation, and already new songs are starting to appear. The first, 'Sandtrap', is a 2 minute live version, currently used as the introduction to 'This House Is A Circus'. Other new material includes 'The Fire and the Thud' and 'The Lovers' 'Put Me in a Terror Pocket', all of which are available for download below. The songs are either acoustic or live versions.The third album will be an interesting one. For me, their talent was never in question, but for all the haters there can no longer be any doubt that this band is far more than a one hit wonder. And now, with the confidence issues behind them, the Arctic Monkeys sound as if they want to experiment. The band claim they have 6 demos recorded, all of which will probably find their way on to the new album.Arctic Monkeys- Sandtrap (Link 2)Arctic Monkeys...

More free music: Don't you just love CSS?
2008-05-01 03:00:00
CSS- Rat Is Dead (Rage) (Link 2) (Link 3)It seems as if everyone is trying to get a piece of the 'free music' pie nowadays. Radiohead and NIN cashed in, but everywhere you turn, there are more generous bands offering their latest song free, requiring very little effort on our part.The Long Blondes did it with 'Century'. Coldplay have now done it with 'Violet Hill'. CSS are the latest group to jump on the bandwagon, with much better results than the previous two examples.CSS have put a new song up for grabs on their website, and it rocks. Hard. Now reduced in numbers (since Ira Trevisan left), the Brazilian five-piece have been hard at work for their second album. I'm predicting a slightly more mellow affair... Love foxx's english has really come on, and considering she's now shocked by her lyrics from their debut, the x-rated stuff will no doubt be found in less abundance.Their new album, entitled 'Donkey' (how very CSS!), is released on 21st June, but this new cut (not th...
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Coldplay: 'Violet Hill'
2008-04-30 08:50:00
Coldplay- Violet Hill (Link 2) (Link 3)My initial reaction to this song was a resounding 'hmmm'. My fears weren't entirely misplaced. Coldplay haven't stepped too far astray, but 'Violet Hill' isn't quite good enough to justify a 3 year absence. The band, however, have not lost their radio friendly roots. My brother found himself humming the tune a mere 5 minutes after listening to the song.Many people have drawn Oasis comparisons, mostly due to the vocals and newly beefed up backing section. Piano, however, runs the show- kicking in 40 seconds in (after a resounding drone), the keys power this song through to its finish. The lyrics are weak: 'I wanna be a soldier who a captain on some sinking ship would stow far below. If you love me, won’t you let me know?', but all in all, 'Violet Hill' is a nice introduction to the new album.Even though I'm slightly dissapointed, I'm happy to have them back. However, with this (and the shoddy album cover), Coldplay have become a l...
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Coldplay reveal 'Viva La Vida' artwork...
2008-04-29 07:44:00
Earlier today, Coldplay pulled back the curtains on the artwork for their forthcoming album, entitled 'Viva La Vida '- or 'Death And All His Friends'. The band use a painting by French Romantic painter Eugène Delacroix from 1830 called ‘Liberty Leading The People’. And to be honest, it's fairly shit. Not only does it not fit the album title, but it really isn't Coldplay.The first single from 'Viva La Vida'- 'Violet Hill'- will have its first radio play tomorrow evening. Following this play, it will then be available for download (free!) from the band's website.Chris Martin has proclaimed this album as a departure. This really worries me- what was wrong with the old Coldplay?Coldplay- God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (Link 2)
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100000 hits
2008-04-29 01:30:00
Update: Turns out I labelled all the tracks incorrectly (bar the Madonna one). Sorry!This isn't another victory lap- just another commemoration of a big event (for me, at least). I must admit I'm feeling like shit at the moment (school's great, its just my body is apparently in a mood with me!)- I've got aches in places I didn't even know existed, a back which seizes up and the makings of a terrible summer cold. All in all, I just want to sleep. Lots.Anyway, 100000 down, many more to come. Here's some tunes. More posts coming later on today.Dangermouse- December 4th (Link 2)Madonna- 4 Minutes (Timbaland Remix) (Link 2)Lil' Wayne- Lollipop (Gabriel Antonio Remix) (Link 2)
More About: Hits

Lily Allen- New Hair→New Direction→New Demos
2008-04-23 22:22:00
Lily Allen - I Could Say (Link 2) (Link 3)Lily Allen- I Don't Know (Link 2) (Link 3)I once made the mistake of proclaiming Kate Nash as Lily Allen's protege, and immediate superior. I was quickly cut down by my brother ("she's good, but she's got a long way to go before she's as good as Lily"). He was right- whilst Kate Nash is alright, Lily has the makings of something great.The way she came to fame was interesting, and it was exactly the right path to take: distancing herself from her father. Obviously, Lily has had a hard time recently (I'm not going to explain the circumstances... you do the work), and that comes across in her new demos. Its as if 'Smile' never happened. And yet, these tracks were released in much the same way- by Lily herself- and will no doubt find popularity as the plays rack up (95000 on the first day, in case you were wondering!).As the press commonly do, they obsessed over her appearance- in particular, the blonde hair. Why? The signs are all there ...
More About: Lily Allen , Demos , Lily

Madonna's 'Hard Candy' Leaks Again... And Again... And Again.
2008-04-22 08:05:00
Madonna- Give It 2 Me (Link 2)Madonna- The Beat Goes On (Ft. Kanye West) (Link 2)Madonna's having a hard time at the moment. Under attack from the press for her 'hard' image, and her refusal to retire, the last thing she needs is a load of tracks to leak from her new album. And yet the whole album was released onto the web today, three days before 'Hard Candy 's release.I'm actually quite impressed... this 'hard' image doesn't really bother me too much- the music is what matters, after all. And people can continue to be frustrated with Madonna, asking her to retire. Why? Would you, when you can continue to produce number 1 singles/albums into your 50's?The new tracks are fairly impressive, with the production values coming through strong. Pharrell and Timbaland produce the bulk of the album, with Nate Hills contributing the remainder. Madonna seems to have enlisted a who's who of rap and hip hop acts, which is important considering this is meant to be her first foray into ...
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The Hot List: MSTRKRFT, Portishead, Cut Copy & m83
2008-04-19 20:03:00
It's impossible to catch every piece of 'hot' music flying around. Sure, the invention of The Hype Machine, Elbows and Paper Thin Walls helps, but even listening to their popular lists solidly wont give you a full flavour of the groundbreaking tracks that are released every day. I have, as always, neglected a collection of post-worthy musicians over the last few busy weeks. The Hot List will hopefully get me back up to speed! Without further ado, I present to you MSTRKRFT, portishead, cut copy and m83.Metric- Monster Hospital (mstrkrft remix) (Link 2)Fergie- Fergalicious (mstrkrft remix) (Link 2)MSTRKRFT (Master-kraft, for the slower witted members of the gene pool), haven't been around for too long. Their output, however, has been getting rapidly superior and audacious in the two and half years since formation.First things first, they are truly worthy of their welebrity (I hope to coin a phrase!), having shown their skill by ably transforming shit tracks into golden stools. Tak...
More About: Portishead , Copy

Guess Who's Back. Back Again. I Am!
2008-04-17 16:57:00
Cajun Dance Party- The Race (Link 2) (Link 3)Cajun Dance Party- The Hill, The View And The Lights (Link 2) (Link 3)The break from blogging was a lot shorter than I imagined- let me briefly explain my absence. Over the weekend I spent some time in London- watched my sister destroying her previous time at the London Marathon. Basically, she was brilliant. On Monday I had an interview with IBM- it was super intense, but really enjoyable. All in all, the last couple of weeks have been some of the most crucial to come thus far- the revision for the last of the endless school exams, and trying desperately to secure a job for my gap year.Anyway, intense, intense, blah, blah, blah. And as much as I'm feeling the pressure, there are some people my age who have much more weight placed on their shoulders. I am, of course, talking about Cajun Dance Party. In a recent interview, lead singer Daniel said:“We’re very proud of our debut album. It’s taken a long time but now it’s done, we ju...
More About: Guess Who , Back , Guess

Busy days
2008-04-13 21:19:00
I just thought I would write a quick post- the next few days are hectic, so I wont be able to post for a week or so.I should be back to full speed by the weekend- see you then!
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Crookers: Ditty, Ditty, Ditty...
2008-04-11 06:49:00
With remixes, I'm easily impressed. Attach a sufficiently huge bass-line, chop and change the song format, affix some other random sounds and we can have a long lasting relationship.I was destined, therefore, to love Crookers. They've got a simple formula, which delivers, over and over again: take a song no-one else has touched, glue a grungy bassline to it and then present it as musical gold.Crookers are an Italian duo: DJ PHRA and Bot, with a stash of remixes to their name. Given the nature of their music (solely remixes) the prospect of a Crookers album is confusing. Which direction will they take? Will they produce original material? Or will they continue to remix tracks?Anyway, check out the ACDC remix below (great for sport, trust me) and a nice new version of Trash by The Whip.AC/DC- Thunderstruck (Crookers Remix) (Link 2)The Whip- Trash (Crookers Remix) (Link 2)For a peek at their tour dates and some more tracks, head over to their MySpace

New music podcast!
2008-04-09 22:22:00
Another day, another podcast- I've been bitten by the bug! It's so easy... I promise I will get back to writing soon- I'm just feeling a little bit uninspired at the mo'.Just a short one- a load of new(ish) tracks, with some oldies interspersed...New music podcast... (Link 2)1. Captain- Spoils2. Synthar- Hurricanes3. Courteeners- Not Nineteen Forever4. Crystal Castles- Courtship Dating5. Audiobytes For Autobytes- 143 chp6. Battles- Tendency7. Foals- Balloons (Live At Nottingham)8. Le Tigre- Deceptacon
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The Cold Cut Podcast: April
2008-04-08 21:46:00
Update: What a learning curve! I think I could make a much better podcast second time around, given I now understand how to use Audacity. I might go back and put in new vocal cues... expect more podcasts soon! And watch out for the podcasts on iTunes.So, with the one year anniversary, I decided it was time to start branching out. Therefore, today I take my first steps into the world of podcasting. I wasn't initially convinced- radio, which you can download- ooh! However, it seems to have gone the distance, and I feel that its time The Cold Cut crosses over into another world.As I mention in the podcast- I'm new to this, so things are likely to improve very quickly. One thing is clear: your voice never sounds the same when recorded... I sound a little suicidal at the beginning (school, work etc), so I had to get a little more excited about the music.Download the April edition of The Cold Cut podcast... (Link 2)Tracklist:1. Eve/Radiohead- Tambourine Reckoning2. Artful Dodger- Someth...
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Happy Birthday
2008-04-08 05:14:00
Just a few random tracks I'm enjoying at the moment...Radiohead- Street Spirit (Link 2) Vampire Weekend- Oxford Comma (Link 2)The Courteeners- Aftershow (Link 2)Madonna/Britney Spears- 4 Minutes To Break The Ice (Link 2)On 1st April 2008, The Cold Cut turned 1. A momentous occasion, don't you think? So momentous that I forgot to post about it on the day...Anyway, the site's been going for just over a year, and although it was a bit of a bumpy start, things are settling down nicely. At first it was 'The Cold Cut', devoted to anything and everything. Then it was films, music and TV. And finally, music. It now has a clear cut identity... although I still cover anything that takes my fancy.I used to obsess over stats, but recently it has become more of a treat to see the hits increasing. At the moment, I'm getting around 1000 a day.That might not sound like a lot, but on one particularly boring day I had a look at how many hits some of the most popular music blogs were getting dai...
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The Long Blondes: 'Couples' Review
2008-04-07 07:45:00
Rating: 7/10- A steady album, sadly let down by three songs.The Long Blondes - Century (Link 2) (Link 3)The Long Blondes - Guilt (Link 2) (Link 3)On my first listen of The Long Blondes 'Couples ' I actually mouthed some unmentionable things. I absolutely adored 'Someone To Drive You Home', and simply put, this doesn't hit the mark, at least not on its first spin. In the two years between their debut and 'Couples', their music has certainly lost a little of 'STDYH's magic, replaced by a passion for experimentation, and the sweet taste of progression. This isn't a failure by any means, but it also isn't the follow up we were expecting.In short, they've attempted to go punk (truly, this time around). Simply put, their music is no longer punk (more a blend of electro-indie), nor is their image (updated from berets and striped tights to civvies), but their delivery most certainly is: even now, they're still learning to play their instruments, but there are clear signs of advanc...
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Kanye does it again...
2008-04-06 07:40:00
Kanye West's post-'Graduation' campaign is going well. Three great singles, some nice live performances, four Grammys, and now two good videos to his name (unfortunately, 'Stronger' wasn't up to scratch). That's right, the third single has been announced- 'Homecoming', featuring Chris Martin.The video has some nice touches (that outline idea is pretty well executed), and the video fits the jaunty piano and weird dancing, from featuring artist Chris Martin. I guess that's one thing you can expect from a man who named his daughter 'apple'.Some treats for you- as well as 'Homecoming', an inventive Diplo remix of what was the last single- 'Flashing Lights'.Kanye West- Homecoming (Link 2) (Link 3)Kanye West- Flashing Lights (Diplo Remix) (Link 2) (Link 3)
More About: Kanye

Estelle: Shine Review
2008-04-04 04:20:00
Rating: 9/10- Estelle delivers once again... only second time around, to much celebrationEstelle- In The Rain (Link 2) (Link 3)Estelle- Pretty Please (ft. Cee-Lo) (Link 2) (Link 3)I can only imagine how Estelle must be feeling at this moment in time. The last ten years, since her career began, have been building towards this moment: recognition. For the first time in her career, she has been pushed to the forefront of music.'1980' was the introduction, charting at 14, and followed by 2004 debut 'The 18th Day'. It was a great album, with guest spots from Talib Kweli and John Legend, but didn't have the desired impact. Despite winning a MOBO for Best Newcomer, the album peaked at #35. Estelle kept the connections alive by featuring in Legend's 'Save Room'. He repaid her tenfold by signing her to his new label, Homeschool records. And 'Shine ' is the culmination of the last 3 years.Her career was riding on this album- she has talent, but we all know that great artists sometime...
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Mash-ups: A music fan's best friend... (New Links)
2008-04-02 00:05:00
Be afraid... very afraid. Maxl RacksonI love mash-ups. Its two for one. Buy one get one free. Whatever you want to call it. That is, when you are lucky enough to find a good one.Either way, when executed well, a mash-up is elevated a level above the original songs. Generally, you have to search long and hard for a truly brilliant combo, but I've done the work for you. Enjoy, and think of the possibilities. In order of brilliance:Rihanna/New Order- Shut Up On A Blue Monday (ComaR) (Link 2) (Link 3)Simply genius. Whoever put two and two together should really quit their day job. This is one of the rare occasions where the songs fit perfectly together. Seamless. Rihanna becomes bearable- it must be a miracle. Listen, NOW!Nirvana/Michael Jackson- Smells Like Billie Jean (Link 2) (Link 3)Imagine: this is what MJ would sound like if his voice was a bit lower, and he wrote brilliant grunge music instead of sickly pop gems. And stopped screeching. Cha-mon-e.Crystal Castles/Bloc Party- Hunt...
More About: Music , Links , Friend , Mash

Inbox Round Up
2008-03-31 06:16:00
I'm starting to get snowed under by all the emails- if I don't mention you, I apologise... it's not because I don't like you, just time issues!Delorentos- Any Other WayCatchy tunes abound with this Dublin based 4 piece. They particularly caught my eye through their painstaking attention to detail- as well as taking this approach with the music, it also extends across to their home page/Myspace. Oh, and their album titles- latest offering 'In Love With Detail' received extremely positive reviews, being hailed as 'the sound of a band realising their potential'. True dat- How many other bands can actually pull off indie-pop?Situationists- This City Holds Us AllTheir introduction comes in the form of a four part harmony, arresting as it is: 'ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba'. The message is clear: this is a band that will not be ignored. Musically located somewhere between The Futureheads and The Kooks (amiable qualities only!), their brilliant new EP- 'This City Holds Us All'- is ex...
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Jon Regen: Singer-Songwriter Extraordinaire
2008-03-30 07:15:00
Jon Regen - Let It Go Unbeknownst to many, I have a soft spot inside for a bit of jazz. At school, I enjoy messing around on the saxophone, and when someone like Jon Regen gets in touch, I cannot resist indulging myself. It is fitting that he is the first jazz artist to be featured on this blog.This isn't straight jazz, though. The songs on 'Let It Go', his new album, offer a half and half mix of jazz and pop, a la John Legend ('Get Lifted' era, not 'Once Again'). The piano is used as a focus rather than an after thought- there is a lot of instrumental versatility, moving from literally slamming the keys to mildly depressing them. And Jon's voice? Distinctive, and yet hard to compare (a good thing), the only thing obvious about it is that it is strong enough to take him upwards.The talent is all there... all Jon needs is a lucky break. And that break must be close; 'Let It Go' has seen a host of positive reviews, and featuring artists including Andy Summers (of The Police) ...
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The Cool Volume II: All The Rage
2008-03-30 00:20:00
Edit: Okay, so all 14 songs are on Hype machine. They're not doing too badly, but I had an idea. The other day I had chart domination for a little while, (1-4 most popular tracks), and wouldn't it be cool if I got 1-6 or 1-14 (if you so wish). Basically, if you have the time, head over to hype machine, listen to the tracks and drop a big fat heart on them. Cheers...The Cool Volume II: All The Rage (zip file, album artwork included)Single tracks available below...I'm feeling pretty chilled out at the moment. I'm on holiday, spending some time with the 'rents- I have things to do, but overall life is just ticking along. However, when I started this post a good month or two ago, I was in a fit of rage (disclaimer for friends and family- not brought on by people, just a circumstance). You know that feeling- you want to put your fist through a wall or something similarly solid. I was helplessly frustrated when I started this post- luckily, I'm not anymore (although I'm still a lit...

The Cold Cut... Version 2.0
2008-03-28 23:38:00
Finally. I can almost hear you breathe a sigh of relief. The Cold Cut has been looking a bit dated recently; my writing has come on in leaps and bounds (or so I'm told!), my reputation is starting to build, but I felt like the appearance of my blog was holding me back. Now, its time to become part of the major league. Welcome to The Cold Cut Version 2.0.The new template has been a long time coming; this one looks a lot more professional, and forced me to learn my way around HTML. I can change the polaroid, and might even set it up so it changes between multiple images each time the page is refreshed. Ooh- edgy!I hope this is a bit easier on the eyes. What caused the rapid change? Well, given 3 of my tracks sit in the 1, 2 and 3 most popular tracks spot on the hype machine (and another at 5!), I thought it was about time for something new...

Mystery Jets: '21' Review (NEW LINKS)
2008-03-27 18:11:00
Rating: 8/10Truly rewarding experimentation from the Eel Pie Island troop...Mystery Jets - HideawayMystery Jets- Half In Love With ElizabethAfter the dulcet tones of 'Young Love', '21' might come as a surprise. Firstly, we weren't expecting air raid sirens as the instrument to herald its arrival, on 'Hideaway', the opening track. Secondly, for some, the fact that the quality of 'Young Love' is translated across to the album might be unexpected- from the beginning, this is already superior to their ramshackle debut, 'Making Dens'.The Mystery Jets are not an ordinary band... their formation, appearance, music- everything has that strong sense of individuality about it. How did they come to be? Under the tutelage of Henry Harrison, lead singer Blaine's father, the band developed their brand of progressive rock as young teenagers. It was this style of music that made up 'Making Dens', unfortunately eclipsed by releases from London scenesters Jamie T and The Maccabees. It is...
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The Definitive- Justice: Remix Gold (New Links)
2008-03-26 05:15:00
When I first heard Justice 's '†', I was impressed, but not as much as the hype said I should be. Worst of all, I found the Daft Punk comparisons confusing: they're a duo, and they're French. Must be the next Homem-Christo and Bangalter, then. Never mind the fact that their music is only loosely similar.However, the album really crept up on me- mostly due to its marketing: the videos have all been excellent (watch DVNO, NOW), and the endless stream of remixes has kept up their exposure. Everyone has had a go, and whilst some have been more successful than others, there is no doubt that '†' is remix fodder. Even Justice have contributed- "What? So you weren't happy with the original song? Oh well...". Put it this way- wikipedia has a whole page devoted to Justice remixes. Here are a few of the best:Justice- DVNO (Justice Remix )Justice- Phantom Pt. II (Boyz Noize Remix)Justice- D.A.N.C.E. (Les Rhythmes Digitales Remix)Over the last few weeks, a more interesting application ...
More About: Gold , Links