* * * * * * * * * * *WELCOME* * * * * * * * * * *

LAST UPDATED: 08/Dec/2005 All links fully functional. ****************************************************

Hello Ipod owners!

Welcome to our musical feeding ground. New music, freshly cut and served steaming hot (with a sprig of virtual parsley) for your delectation...
...all with the help of Itunes. Feel free to forage and nibble on our MP3s, music news and sordid gossip.
Each Itunes button links to its corresponding MP3. You couldn't get simpler if you mutliplied David Beckham by Posh Spice.
Check out the Menu (on the right) and wash your paws when you're done.
La La La...
BARK.

Meal: Modular presents Leave Them All Behind

One of this year's hottest Indie/Rock/Electro compilations. Well worth checking out. Excellent work from bands such as The Rakes, Bloc Party, The Fiery Furnaces and The Presets as well as excellent remixes courntesy of Erol Alkan, Tiga, Phones and Whitey. The italicised tracks aren't available on Itunes, but all the rest are so just follow their links.

Disc: 1

1. The Rakes – Retreat

2. Cut Copy - Bright Neon Payphone

3. Death From Above 1979 - Romantic Rights (Erol Alkan Remix)

4. The Long Blondes - Giddy Stratospheres

5. Cazals - Poor Innocent Boys

6. Panico – Transpiralo

7. Bloc Party - Banquet (Phones Disco Edit)

8. Rubicks - I See You

9. Fiery Furnaces - Single Again

10. Tom Vek - I Ain't Saying My Goodbyes

11. Whitey - Leave Them All Behind

12. Midnight Juggernauts - 45 & Rising (Cut Copy Remix)

13. Chromeo - Me & My Man (Whitey Remix)

14. Kiki & Silversurfer (Feat.Captain Comatose) - Shake Off

15. The Knife - You Take My Breath Away

16. The Presets - Girl & The Sea

17. The Kills - Good Ones (Jagz Kooner Remix)

18. The Killers - Mr Brightside

Disc: 2

1. Bloc Party - Banquet (Phones Disco Edit)

2. Whitey - Leave Them All Behind

3. Long Blondes - Giddy Stratosphere

4. Kiki & Silversurfer - Shake Off

5. The Rakes - The Retreat (Phones Mix)

6. The Cazals - Poor Innocent Boys

7. Panico – Transpiralo

8. VHS or Beta - Night On Fire (Cut Copy Remix)

9. Presets - Summer Of Love

10. Chromeo – Needy Girl

11. Soulwax - E Talkin (Tiga remix)

12. Fiery Furnaces - Single Again

13. Sons & Daughters - Dance Me In

14. . DFA 1979 - Romantic Rights (Erol Remix)

To buy on Amazon click here.

For more info on Modular and its DJs click here.

Meal: Dangerdoom - The Mouse and the Mask

Dj Dangermouse has been one of our favourite DJs ever since he had the balls to sample The Beatles' 'The White Album' and mix in Jay Z's 'The Black Album', eventually producing 'The Grey Album'. If you haven't already checked it out we suggest you drop everything and start downloading.

Yes, the only place you'll find this album is on the net. When EMI Records caught a whiff of Danger Mouse's little project it issued a 'cease and desist' order. It may have put an end to the vinyl pressings, but fortunately not the MP3s.

After his 2003 outing with MC Jemini and his production work with Gorillaz on Demon Days, Danger Mouse finally hooked up with the awesome MF Doom and have produced a mix of Hip Hop and cartoon sounds. As Itunes doesn't carry it yet, Amazon is the next best place to find it and it currently stands in our top 5 albums of the year.

The Mouse and the Mask (mp3 tasters):

Mince Meat

Sofa King

The Grey Album:

MP3s

Torrent

The Grey Video (watch John Lennon breakdance and Ringo Starr DJ):

Quicktime

Snack: We Are Scientists - The Great Escape

Okay, let's be honest: here at FYI we'd kind of given up on California producing decent rock music to shake our amps to, but since We Are Scientists popped up we've had our faith renewed.

They look like 3 bored office workers who one day decided to pick up instruments and discovered they were blessed with magic, funky tit-fingers capable of creating sweet rock sounds and we believe them to be better (yes, better) than sliced bread. Their single The Great Escape is all we ever wanted + more...

Check out the video:

Windows Media Player (High)

Also, check out the cool adverts (Quicktime) for their new album With Love And Squalor here and here.

Album links to Itunes will follow shortly.

Snack: Gorillaz - Dirty Harry

Check out the video:

Windows Media Player: High / Low

Realplayer: High / Low

Meal: The Dead 60s - The Dead 60s

One of our favourite albums this year is The Dead 60s' excellent, self-titled debut. We've covered their single Loaded Gun before, but here we have the whole great, big, dirty camel to play with.

Their brand new single, Ghostfaced Killer, is out on November 21st (links in due course). We've got the video streams below for your delectation.

Check out their album if you haven't already:

Pick of the best:

Riot Radio

A Different Age

Just Another Love Song

Loaded Gun

Horizontal

You're Not The Law

Check out the videos:

-Riot Radio (30 sec clip)

Windows Media Player: High / Low

Realplayer: High / Low

-Loaded Gun

Windows Media Player: High / Low

Realplayer: High / Low

-Ghostfaced Killer

Windows Media Player: High / Low

Realplayer: High / Low

Snack: Goldfrapp - Number 1

If the Glam Rock stylings of Ooh La La didn't do it for you, we reckon the Eighties synth-pop of Number 1 could be right up your alley. Out this week, here at FYI we think this little gem might just lubricate Alison Goldfrapp's passage to the top...Ouch!

Check out the video:

Realplayer: High

Side Dish

On the menu for you Goldfrapp connoisseurs, Mute Records have just launched their own podcast station, Mute Station, and transmission numero uno is an exclusive chat with the band, which you can download here for free.

Also, check out the mini-documentary Little Bits Of Goldfrapp, available here:

Realplayer: High

The video is directed by Dawn Shadforth; the mastermind behind Goldfrapp's 'Train' and 'Ooh La La' videos and most recently 'The Importance of Being Idle' by Oasis. Huzzah!

Snack: The Go Team

They've been described as a mix between Sonic Youth and The Jackson 5, but in our minds we like to think of them as the saviours of 2005. They're the only band this year to make us jump up and down and try to sing-a-long whilst listening to our Ipods in the middle of train stations (not the best place really is it? but the sniffer dogs love us:)

We have to lament the fact that the techno-bitches at Sony BMG haven't added their album Thunder Lightning Strike to Itunes yet, so for now we have to make do with a flawless version of Huddle Formation from their Radio 1 session. Check it out:

Also check out their styles in the video to Bottle Rocket (which, in our humble opinion, isn't their best work).

Check out the video:

Realplayer High / Low

Windows Media Player High / Low

Download a live version of one of our favourite tracks Huddle Formation (recorded live at the SXSW festival) right here.

GO TEAM GO!!

Snack: The Decemberists - 16 Military Wives

Belle and Sebastian wannabes or talented in their own right?

Here at FYI we'd argue the latter option. This talented five-piece have produced one of the year's most outstanding albums, Picaresque.

With a lead singer skilled in the craft of creative writing it's no wonder that every song is a story in itself. '16 Military Wives' is the perfect example of what The Decemberists do best and the video isn't bad either.

Check out the video:

Quicktime - High

Torrent video file downloadable from here

Some Decemberists tracks to get you hooked:

Human Behaviour (Björk cover)

Here I Dreamt I was an Architect (from their 1st album Castaways & Cutouts)

The Chimbley Sweep (from their 2nd album Her Majesty)

Meal: Annie - DJ Kicks

It's not often that we feature compilations on FYI, but Richard X's best mate Annie has taken time out from promoting her own album Anniemal and churned out an outstanding electro-pop collection of some of her favourite tracks for K7! Records' DJ Kicks series.

An excellent 5 track remix EP features the excellent Bongo, as well as Wedding in its original and remixed forms. The full LP (which you can acquire from your friendly local record shop or at Amazon) features some choice tracks from the likes of Zongamin, Mu, Death From Above 1979, Le Tigre plus a few corkers of her own.

To download a free MP3 from the compilation and enter a cool competition in conjunction with clothing line Triple 5 Soul click here for her DJ Kicks microsite.

Or check out the 5 track EP:

Check out the video to Heartbeat:

Quicktime

Windows Media Player

Realplayer

Also, download the Y£$ remix of Annie's Always Too Late for free below and say thank you by visiting her lovely homepage:

MP3: Apple / Windows

Snack: The Cardigans - I Need Some Fine Wine...

I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need To Be Nicer. It's a big ol' title for The Cardigans' excellent comeback single and one which we're slowly coming to remember, helped mainly by the catchiness of the track.

The video is also a stonker with Nina flexing her performance muscle. Check out the mic-stand swinging (nutter!).

Anyway, here at FYI we were big fans of their change of direction on Long Gone Before Daylight, but it's good to know they're back on the rockier paths of the musical landscape with such a brilliant and strong album. Bring on the live shows...

Check out the video:

Realplayer (clip) - High

Snack: Joanna Newsom - This Side of the Blue

Things always taste better 2nd time around. When Joanna Newsom's album The Milk-Eyed Mender was released last November it did well enough to register on the musical radar, but it's the power of TV advertising which has dragged Miss Newsom and her harp back into the spotlight.

Following mobile company Orange's use of her seminal track This Side of the Blue on their lovey-dovey NY blackout ad, interest in Newsom has ignited once again. To us, her music is always worth revisiting and this track remains a FYI favourite.

Check out the video to 'The Sprout and the Bean'

Quicktime - Low

or download a live version here for free.

Appetiser - Skin

She left Skunk Anansie to pursue a solo career, which EMI Records seemed to believe in, but somehow the down-tempo sounds of Fleshwounds left the big bosses twiddling their thumbs and the records failed to tempt former SA fans.

After 3 years away Skin has now been signed to V2 records and will once more grace the stages of the UK on her Alone In My Room tour. Let's hope this time she sticks to what she's good at and steers clear of any James Blunt collaborations (although it does bring beautiful images to mind).

The single Alone In My Room is released as a download single only on November 7th.

Snack: HK119 - Pick Me Up

Half performance artist, half electro-nutter, HK119 is in a league of her own and is a fast rising act.

With her album due for release at the end of the year she's out on the road giving Fischerspooner a run in the craziness stakes and acquiring some new (Icelandic) friends in the process.

Appetiser: Madonna

A tasty piece of news has reached us about Mrs Ritchie's upcoming album, 'Confessions On A Dancefloor'. The first single will be called 'Hung Up' and is being produced by Stuart Price of Les Rythmes Digitales fame. A small clip of the new track is currently doing the rounds on Madonna's new Motorola advert.

The album will consist of dance tracks and according to Madonna's publicists Liz Smith will have 'no ballads or messages'.

We're already salivating at the thought of it...

Snack: Franz Ferdinand - Do You Want To?

The boys are back! It's the year for comebacks, we tell thee. Back with one of the year's catchiest rockers, The Franz seem a hell of a lot more conifdent and dare we say...cocky.

We like the new stuff and think the retro vibe (imagine the T-Birds from Grease running riot in Tate Modern) of the video is an excellent compliment. Ooooh baby!

Check out the video:

Windows Media Player (clip): Here

Realplayer (clip): Here

Quicktime (full): High / Low

Snack: LCD Soundsystem - Tribulations

Hoping to cash in on their festival success (including top performances at Glasto, Benicassim and T in The Park) , LCD Soundsystem are releasing electro whopper 'Tribulations' from their eponymous debut album.

Although the track is genuine club stomper and a fine example of what LCD do best, we have to admit our fondness for Tiga's remix, as ever he raises the proverbial bar that little bit higher.

If you don't have Itunes and want to hear clips from their album click here.

Check out the video:

Realplayer: High / Low

Windows Media Player: High / Low

Snack: Les Rythmes Digitales - Jacques Your Body

Children of the Eighties rejoiced when Citroën aired the ad for their C4 car featuring a dancing robot and rekindling the public's love for Transformers.

The soundtrack to the ad proved a big hit too and has been re-released along with a new video adding yet another hit to producer Sturt Price's CV.

Which is your favourite video? You choose.

Check out the videos:

Original promo:

High / Low

New promo (WMV):

High / Low

and finally:

The original Citroën ad

Appetiser: Gorillaz - Dirty Harry

Heads up for fans of the cartoon band. The third single from Gorillaz's excellent Demon Days will be the very funky and slightly trippy Dirty Harry. You heard it here first.

Work has begun on the video to Dirty Harry which will be put together by Gorillaz director Pete Candeland and his capable team of animators who were recently the humble recipients of a handful of MTV Video Music Awards in the States recently. Congrats to them! Now bring on the happiness...

Snack: The Dandy Warhols - Smoke It

Watch the Dandies get pet friendly in the video to their new track Smoke It. While it may not be as radio friendly as some of their past hits, it's nonetheless a welcome return for Portland's finest.

Check out the video:

Realplayer: High / Low

Windows Media Player: High / Low

Meal: Antony and the Johnsons - I Am A Bird Now

Winner of the 2005 Nationwide Mercury Music Prize, Antony is a unique talent. His voice is mostly compared to Nina Simone, but on first listen to his music it becomes clear that he is a talent without comparison.

I Am A Bird Now is an excellent collection of songs featuring guest vocals from Rufus Wainwright, Devendra Banhart, Boy George and frequent touring partner Lou Reed. Despite the big names, some of the best tracks on the album feature Antony on vocals. Case in point the formidable love song Hope There's Someone. Definitely a breath of fresh air.

Check out the video:

Windows Media Player: High / Low

Snack: Gwen Stefani - Cool

We've always known that Miss Stefani wasn't a natural blonde (something about collars and cuffs) and finally our suspicions have been proved right.

See Gwen cavorting around the Italian lakes in her natural hue in the excellent video to Cool, a mid-tempo track which will no doubt prove another hit from her Love Angel Music Baby album.

Check out the video:

Windows Media Player (High)

Snack: Kanye West - Gold Digger

Album number two (Late Registration) from Mr West sees him in amazing form, but more about that in a couple of days time.

Gold Digger follows the success of Diamonds From Sierra Leone and sees him joined by Jamie "Can't Touch This" Foxx on vocal duties. The video is a Hype Williams work of art and includes cameos from Jamie Foxx, John Legend and the darker beauties of the Playboy mansion.

Check out West on the cover of Time magazine here.

Check out the video:

Windows Media Player: High / Low

Realplayer: High / Low

Snack: The Little Flames - Put Your Dukes Up, John

Yet another band from the Deltasonic stable (home to the Dead 60s and The Zutons), The Little Flames are incredible, fresg and well worth a listen. Put Your Dukes Up, John is one of their first releases, their album is yet to hit the fan. Kaboooooom!

Snack: Ladytron - Sugar

A most triumphant return for this Liverpool-based band. Mixing rock into their electronic soup, Sugar is one of the best tracks by a British band this year. If you're looking for something extra special to Feed Your Ipod check out the Spirytus Remix of Sugar.

Check out the video:

Realplayer

Windows Media Player

Meal: Goldfrapp - Supernature

It's 3rd time lucky for Goldfrapp, an amazing band that you might find gigging in some smokey, underground electro club in Narnia.

Supernature is their 3rd studio album and an electro glam monster with references to 70s Glam Rock and 80s Electronica.

Tracks we recommend:

Ooh La La

Ride A White Horse

Lovely 2 C U

Koko

Click here to check out the full album:

Appetiser: The Strokes

They're back! Hoorrrah! The Strokes announce their imminent return with their new album 'Juicebox'.
The album is slated for a January release with their first single hitting the shops at the end of November. We'll keep you posted.

BOOM SHAKALAKAAAAAAA!

Snack: DJ Format - Separated At Birth

White boys in Hip Hop...with the exception of Eminem it's never really been a winning formula, but somehow Brighton's Matt Ford has solved the equation which puzzled Vanilla Ice for so many years.

DJ Format's production values are flawless and his Canadian MCs (yes, we had no idea Canadians rapped either) are as funny as they are lyrically skilled. 'Separated At Birth' is he perfect intro to Format and some refreshing doses of old school Hip Hop.

Check out the video:

Windows Media Player: Low / High

Snack: The Rakes - Work, Work, Work (Pub, Club, Sleep)

Fans include the NME, Marmalade Magazine and XFM; they can't get enough of them. Personally we think they're great, but draw the line at kissing their trendy shoes. The excellent 'Work, Work, Work (Pub, Club, Sleep)' combines the lyrical style of Mike Skinner and the guitars of your favourite Franz Ferdinand tune. Have a nibble and see what you think of the UK's favourite new band...

Check out the video:

Windows Media Player: Low / Medium / High

Snack: Dead 60s - Loaded Gun

Football and music, that's all Scousers care about!

Their track record is pretty impressive in both fields and flying the flag lately for the music camp are The Dead 60s.

Brash, punkish with a touch of ska here and there, they're pretty different to fellow Merseysiders The Zutons and The Little Flames.

'Loaded Gun' is one of the stand out tracks from their forthcoming eponymous album, due out on Sept 26th. Well worth a listen.