Blog: Like Sugar

An essential track for Summer. "Beach Slalom" by Bos Angleles. Listened to it about 5 times in row. Thanks to DIY for listing this! d e m o by Bos Angeles

I have to address this: while I enjoy the sound of Washed Out, there is this nagging feeling that I have heard it all before. I can't sit through the entire album. I know that saying "it sounds the same as" is a cheap shot, a lazy way of expressing an opinion... but I gotta say, this has little repeat power for me. I probably wouldn't say a single thing about the album if it wasn't showing up on mixtapes and podcasts. It's rather mediocre, and I think I have listened to way too much chill-out music over the last [...]

San Diego's own Photovoltaik offers the sound we love (dark wave electronic new wave post punk synthpop) with 6 lovely tracks at Bandcamp . I look forward to more coverage for them. I like where they are going and given the local aspect, I am especially interested!

*oly crap, this one excited me at once. I love the crunchy aspect of the beats and the tempo allows play at any time of day or night. Another reason I encourage you to sign-up with RCRD LBL. Unexpected day off... new !Distain to listen to. "On / Off" is the CD title. I love my German synthpop. Note that distain is a different word than disdain , something I never noticed for quite some time. Now, why the "!" in the [...]

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I have a serious eye condition. Typing is a pain in ass because I can't see the screen clearly. I'm in the care of a doctor and a specialist, so I have faith that I'll recover eventually. My previous post mentioned Pictureplane. Today the mighty RCRD LBL offers the track for download! A perfect Summertime song by Acid House Kings now has a video (digital single came out 28, June). I meant to post this last week, but I felt I was listening to [...]

Listening to the entire new Pictureplane album, " Thee Physical ", and this one is my my pick for best track: Post Physical by PICTUREPLANE Track "Real Is A Feeling" is a close second stand-out.

• PICTUREPLANE - Post Physical

If this gentle track doesn't grab you on first play, try it again. There is a subtle beauty that brushes over your ears like wind. Perfect dreamy music and voice for the Summer (and even the Winter for you in the Southern Hemisphere!). Pallers - Come Rain, Come Sunshine on Sweden's Labrador Records. Download or stream here .

Looking something like trip-hop all these years later? I have found Skai Nine satisfies my search. Crisp electronic arrangements that get your head nodding. Explore Skai Nine on Soundcloud . Best to sit back and listen to several tracks, as the sound hits different moods. Nova by Skai Nine

• Skai Nine - Nova

San Diego's indietronic duo White Apple Tree (WAT) win me over, quite easily, with this mid-tempo track from their 2nd album "Smooth Jaws". 37 Records' White Apple Tree is celebrating a 2011 MTV Euro Movie Award nomination for breakout independent German film, Kokowääh. WAT's hit single, "Snowflakes," is featured in the film and appears on the official soundtrack for the movie. The film's buzz helped " Snowflakes " reach the Top 10 on iTunes Deutschland, while the soundtrack reached #11 on Amazon Germany. You'll be hearing more from White Apple Tree here on Like Sugar soon! [...]

I am not sure if this will work outside the US, but here goes: NPR is hosting the entire new Washed Out "Within And Without" album (out July 12). You can stream the whole album or listen to individual tracks here . This electronic music will appeal to fans of Ulrich Schnauss , dreampop, Slowdive, shoegaze, etc. You can't beat free music to chill to! Oddly, this is on Subpop , a label headed in the right direction, unlike 4AD which is off the rails! Don't forget to listen to my latest project: "Viernes" (only [...]

Not sure I'll post much about Glastonbury, but I thought this was worth sharing. The insanely catchy Two Door Cinema Club played perfectly, showcasing this evidently popular track (What You Know). Original above, live version below.

"Viernes" is a new series of alternative electronic music mixes for your Friday night ritual. Focusing on the deserving tracks I am unable to feature on my regular Like Sugar podcast. Expect Brit-pop, synthpop, electro and 80's + 90's gems. 40 to 50 minutes and should be out on Fridays, so sorry for the late post. Facebook and Twitter saw prompt posts, I neglected my blog due to the overwhelming urge to dance. So, listen via stream or download here (zshare). I have had this project on the back burner for a long time. My original intent [...]

I've played a few tracks by The Horrors on the podcast and posted a bit about them. Here we have Horrors vocalist Faris Badwan pairing up with Rachel Zeffira to create that 60's boy-girl sound that I can't get enough of. I don't listen to this type of music every day, but when I do, I line up a few hours worth. If Sarah Records was still going, Cat's Eyes might have had a chance to join them (yeah, I know, Cat's Eyes is on a major label). Summing it up: I just love [...]

• KIDS ON A CRIME SPREE - Trumpets of death

The Whip: Wired Together (Sampler) by Southern Fried Records Underwhelming? Maybe. Still, there is something about these guys that engages me. Beats Junior Boys and Chromeo. You listen at the right hour and you may be surprised.

• Southern Fried Records - The Whip: Wired Together (Sampler)

Crystal Stilts - Shake the Shackles from Army Of Kids on Vimeo . I'm thinking there are too many bands with the word "Crystal" in their name. Certainly, Crystal Castles are quite popular, and then we have Crystal Fighters, The Crystal Method, Crystal Gayle... and that might hurt other Crystal-named bands. Enjoy some Crystal Stilts .

From Mirrors ' first documentary that aired on Channel 4 on June 9, 2011 as part of the 4Play program.

Footage of new band line up :

Rather happy with this remix collection of 80's tracks . I think these charted in the UK more than here in the US, so this is especially listenable. Track-list here .

I always knew this would be a Stars single! Pair it with PIL . I suggest listening, rather than really watching this one.

Ivy's new album 'All Hours' will be available Sept 20th but you can get your hands on two of the tracks "Lost In The Sun" & "Distant Lights" now at iTunes for only $0.69 each. IVY - All Hours [Album Sampler] by nettwerkmusicgroup