memory cassette
Way back when I remember raving on here about Teengirl Fantasy, this young dreamy DJ duo who had a single that Alex and I really loved. And by God we still stand behind that. But the praise that I gave to Teengirl I really should have reserved for Memory Cassette, a far superior group in a similar style out of New Jersey. They’ve gotten a bit of Pitchfork love of late and are starting to bubble as a result, but the music still bests the hype. Their Call & Response EP is absolute magic. It’s cinematic and wistful and just a bit druggy, too. If you liked Air’s Virgin Suicides score, you will love this. (That got your attention!)
All four songs on Call & Response are spectacular, but opener “Surfin” is particularly so. It’s effortless, ’80s disco dream-pop that just glides and charms. “Body in the Water” is a bit more opaque — more mood piece than pop song — and completely immersive. “Asleep at the Party” might be the best of all. The female vocals are a bit more assertive than usual, and the swooping keyboard strings almost burst with their intensity. And finally, “Last One Awake” is maybe the weakest here, but it’s still fantastic. Just a bit more twinkling than I typically go for. Anyway, download this!
Surfin’ has a spectacular 80s vibe. I dig a lot of this woozy, narcotic sound, which is everywhere now. Not sure what to call it, either (dreamcore? chillrock?). Pitchfork has an interview with the band and an embed of one of the songs on the EP.
http://pitchfork.com/news/36016-rising-memory-tapesmemory-cassetteweird-tapes/
Anyway, if I can break away from Rodrigo y Gabriela’s last two albums — which I just discovered and are FABULOUS — I’ll check out the rest of Memory Cassette’s EP.
Since I’m shamelessly advancing a personal agenda, I’ll link to a RyG YouTube clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPhVpIlc1vs
Sorry to highjack the thread.
That DID get my attention. Air kinda lost me after that…
“If you liked Air’s Virgin Suicides score, you will love this. (That got your attention!)” Yes it did.
“Air kinda lost me after that…”
I’m kinda in the same boat the music air made definitly changed and I grew hot/cold with with
“But the praise that I gave to Teengirl I really should have reserved for Memory Cassette,”
You had me at “But”
Added this to my check out list
Chill wave revolution 2009