In
MGMT's latest, the duo inspect a shape-shifting photo-machine before entering inside to give children psychedelic ice-cream and ask for directions from men with lightning bolts on their heads.
Directed by So Me, the dudes responsible for Justice's 'D.A.N.C.E'
MGMT - 'It's Working'
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This video for new Brooklyn band
Small Black is kinda old now (December last year), but a) the EP from which it comes has just had a local release so it seems appropriate, and B) it's one of my favourite clips in a long time.
The vid for 'Despicable Dogs' is a character study in the twilight vein of Air's 'All I Need', our hero of the piece being Small Black vocalist Josh Kolenik's gracefully aging surfer uncle. It's one of the rare instances when the marriage of the song and visuals make both so much more affecting than they might on their own.
Kolenik elaborated on the casting to
Dazed Digital:
We recorded the whole EP at my Uncle Matt’s house and spent many hours with him, just watching TV, drinking crystal light & taking rides to the beach. He’s always been a life hero of mine, just surfing, fixing cars & fishing all the time and it seemed like a natural fit to feature him a video. He’s also hysterical and just ripped on the band and crew mercilessly for the entire shoot, focusing on Juan’s hair & dirty shoes most often. We want to do another video with him in the future, that is going to be more glitz/action/commando if the right song and budget pops up.
I love it.
Small Black - 'Despicable Dogs'
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Swedish pop gem
Robyn is releasing three albums this year. Three. And so far the first installment,
Body Talk Pt.1, has found its way on to the stereo far more than I anticipated. Such is its easy way with the minimalist, hook-laden dance-pop song. 'Dancing On My Own' is a perfect example.
Robyn - 'Dancing On My Own'
Body Talk Pt.1 is out this Friday 18th.
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Supergrass wrapped up their career in Paris over the weekend, playing a set that began with their latest album and working back to finish with the first song they ever wrote. Which just so happens to be the best thing about them: 'Caught By The Fuzz'.
Supergrass - 'Caught By The Fuzz' (last song ever)
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I don't know much about US band
Hey Champ, beyond liking the band name enough to click on it and discover dolphin breasts and men trapped in triangles. I'm happy to leave it at that for now.
Hey Champ - 'Neverest'
PS: this drummer is at the wrong gig: