live: Matthew Dear

"Your life will only be just what you want it for"

Matthew Dear's Bobk-approved Asa Breed is one of our favorite electronic releases of the past year. His wizardry at crafting computer-based music is apparent, which is why we were skeptical when he announced that his tour in support of the album would feature a live band.

Dubbed "Matthew Dear's Big Hands," the group showcases Matthew on vocals/computer, John Gaviglio on bass/vocals, and Mark Maynard on drums. They recently stopped by Public Radio International's "Fair Game" where they played three tracks (see below) and laid our fears to rest. Check HERE for more info and tourdates (including a Ghostly/DFA joint Halloween party at Studio B in Brooklyn!)

Matthew Dear's Big Hands- Deserter
Matthew Dear's Big Hands- Death to Feelers
Matthew Dear's Big Hands- Fleece on Brain
(All tracks recorded October 3, 2007, live on "Fair Game")

As an added bonus, listen to a streaming version of Hot Chip's "jaw-dropping" remix of the Asa Breed track "Don and Sherri." Look for the full single in stores October 16, courtesy of Ghostly.

DFA: Still Going Theme

"Piano House Revival"

DFA Records has secured the exclusive license to the soon-to-be-anthemic single from NYC electronic duo Still Going. While the 12" doesn't officially hit the streets until September 25, the title track, Still Going Theme, has been enjoying some healthy buzz ever since James Murphy spun it at last years DFA Holiday party. Since then it was featured on Lindstrom & Prins Thomas' acclaimed Essential Mix, and will be included on LCD Soundsystem's much-anticipated FABRICLIVE 36 mix.

The piano propelled track is an instant crowd pleaser and according to Fact Magazine will "make even the darkest, grimiest nightclub feel like the sun-splashed pool party of your dreams" and convince the listener that "life is fundamentally good." Decide for yourself by listening here, and purchase a full, digital copy here.

Link removed by request.

nu musik: Escort

"21st Century Disco Revival"

Love it or hate it, Disco was a cultural force in the mid to late 1970s. Now over 28 years after the unofficial Death of Disco, the genre is steadily making a comeback, be it with the punkier edge of DFA Records, the spacey Scandanavian groove of Feedelity, and lately, the classic retro stylings of Brooklyn-based Escort.

Formed in 2005 by Dan Balis, Eugene Cho, and Darius Maghen, Escort strives to recreate the fun-loving and dance-friendly vibe of the disco era. They achieve their goal by enlisting a small disco army to help them record the tracks they have written, complete with numerous background vocals, harmonious horn sections, and punchy string arrangements. While the music definitely has a modern twist, it wisely maintains a strong vintage disco feel. Escort performs live whenever they can, or more accurately whenever they can find a stage big enough to accommodate up to 15 musicians. (Their next scheduled date is for August 25, 2007, when they will be performing at the P.S.1 Summer Warm Up concert series).

After releasing four 12" vinyl singles on their own label, the group is busy working on their debut LP. Check out the B side from their 3rd single, and also an incredible, nostalgia-inducing Muppet video for their latest track below.

Escort - All That She Is (from Escort 003)

(Fresh new video for "All Through The Night", from Escort 004)