Hot Like Fire

I know, I know, it's been a while. What can I say? I've been busy. But I'm not going to bother you with the ins and outs of that. Luckily though, amongst all the madness, I [thankfully!] found time to do some record shopping, the fruits of which recently arrived. 

There's nothing quite like that feeling of excitement, like the the suspense is killing you, when you see a record-shaped package sitting there, casually waiting for your listening attention. It's a moment when you have that same sense of anticipation like you used to at Christmas time or something. I know, in this internerd era we're meant to be pirates of the high seas and all... Which is fine and mos def has it's place and benefits, but I have a love of the old school tactile side of records. And enjoying the art and all that. So totally retro, I know, I know. Analogue almost. But whatevs. Humour me.

Black Black was an unwitting discovery. They're a group from LA, they're friends with folk like Health and No Age. Their [debut?] single is a great cover of Ace of Base's [!!] Feels like Magic. They remind me a little bit of Kimya Dawson, who I'm not a big fan of, but there's something compelling about them. 

The Phenomenal Handclap Band were the reason that I found my way to the record shop, I was hunting out their 15 to 20 / Testimony release. TPHB is a Brooklyn based group who I think are going to be huge this year. They've got great hooks and basslines. They're a bit 60s soul. A bit Brazilian funk. Equal parts psychedelia and disco. They've got a debut album dropping in the next few months. They came about after two New York underground DJs decided to start a band, they got a few friends who play around town, with bands like the Dap-kings,TV on The Radio, Anitbalas Afrobeat Orchestra and others together, recorded a few jams and have since produced a debut album with help from folk like Jon Spencer, Jaleel Bunton and a bunch more. They also have a pretty excellent blog.

A hot tip, if you like Nathan Fake and you're thrilled that his next album is on it's way - due in a few days, apparently. Head across to Pure Groove 'cause they're selling some special signed copies of his current EP.

And while you're there, pick yourself up a copy of The XX's 7" - Crystalised / Hot Like Fire. You've probably heard their Womack and Womack cover of Teardrops, which is nice and all, but their original stuff is SO MUCH better. Here's the video for Crystalised and then go and buy the song. You've no doubt read a whole lot of internerd love about them so I'm not going to go on about them, other than to say I'm quietly anticipating their debut album in July.