For this week’s Fitted Fridays, I came across an old design of SSUR’s that recently appeared on Amazingstore.  If anyone recalls, SSUR’s ‘Wonder Wheel’ New Era Fitted actually came out on August 4th, 2007.  Roughly a week before Daft Punk, The Rapture and a few Ed Banger camp dj’s invaded Coney Island, it couldn’t have come at a better time.  Initially, this cap which features Deno’s Wonder Wheel embroidered all over the cap came in a more accessible black and yellow colorway.  On the other hand, the above black landmark embroidery over a white base was a bit more elusive much like the fedora inspired fitted.  A limited run of these highly detailed 59Fifty’s is available at Amazingstore.

As a side note, this gives me a thread of hope that the SSUR ‘fedora’ will resurface again one day.  Hopefully.

Image Source: Amazingstore

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Mille “Crysteena” Fears of Tigers Remix
Deluka vs Miike Snow “OMFG vs Animal”
Alphabeat “Digital Love” Daft Punk Cover
MEN “Simultaneously” Lauren Flax Remix
MVSEVM “French Jeans” Dada Life Remix | buy the EP at Beatport

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Download Boner Jams Vol. 4

Images: davidmontes

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A Night Out With Cut Copy (2006) | Interview with Cut Copy

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Tracklist:
Overlanders – “Love Is Strange”
ELO – “Meant To Be”
Cut Copy – “Autobahn Music Box”
Metroarea – “Honey Circuit” (Drums)
Mito – “Droid”
The Cars – “Let’s Go”
Suicide – “Sweetheart”
Daft Punk – “Fresh”
Out Hud – “It’s For You”
Blackstrobe – “Fitting Together”
Cut Copy – “Going Nowhere” (Sebastian Remix Drums)
Poni Hoax – “Budapest”
Colder – “To The Music”
Tom Vek – “If You Want”
The Police – “The World Is Running Down”
Tiga – “You Gonna Want Me”" (12″ Dance Mix)
Digitalism – “Zdarlight”
The Woodentops – “Everyday Living” (Adrian Sherwood Mix)
Zongamin – “Bongo Song”
Telex – “Moscow Disco” (Carl Craig Dub)
Munk – “Disco Clown”
New Young Pony Club – “Ice Cream”
Black Box – “Ride On Time” (12″ Dance Edit)
Franz Ferdinand – “Do You Want To” (Erol’s Glam Racket Mix)
The MFA – “The Difference It Makes” (Superpitcher Mix)
New Order – “Temptation” (Edit)
LCD Soundsystem – “Tribulations” (Lindstrom Dub)
Giorgio Moroder – “From Here To Eternity”
Digitalism – “Jupiter Room”
Tom Vek – “I Ain’t Saying Goodbyes” (Phones Mix)
David Bowie – “This Is Not America”
Phoenix – “If I Ever Feel Better”
Cut Copy – “Going Nowhere” (Whitey Remix)
The Pixies – “Where Is My Mind?”

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The Twelves Essential Mix

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Track listing:

Fever Ray – Seven (The Twelves Remix)
The Rapture – Sister Saviour (DFA dub)
Phoenix – Fences (accapella)
Cerrone – Look for Love
Kraftwerk – Music Non Stop (vocoder)
Daft Punk – Da Funk
Glass Candy – Last Night I Met a Costume
LCD Soundsystem – Nike Run (excerpt)
Yelle – Ce Jeu (The Twelves Remix)
Chemical Brothers – Music-Response
Mr. Oizo – Two Takes It
D Train – You’re the One for Me
Metric – Help I’m Alive (The Twelves Remix)
Roger Sanchez – Computabank
Chilly – For Your Love
Dynasty – I Don’t Wanna be a Freak
Radiohead – Reckoner (The Twelves Remix)
Siriusmo – Last Dear
Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream (accapella)
Zeigeist – Humanitarianism (The Twelves Remix)
Eddie Tour – Up the Glitter
Gaz Nevada – IC Love Affair
Phoenix – Lisztomania (accapella)
Groove Armada – Drop The Tough (The Twelves Remix)
Methusalem – Robotism
Gossip – Standind in the Way of Control (accapella)
Chromatics – I Want Your Love (The Twelves Remix)
Laid Back – White Horse
Metronomy – Radio Ladio
Sparks – Tryouts for the Human Race
M.I.A. – Boyz (The Twelves Remix)
Daft Punk – Voyager
Indeep – Last Night a DJ Saved my Life (accapella)
The Virgins – Rich Girls (The Twelves Remix)
Fleetwood Mac – Dreams (The Twelves Remix)
In Flagranti – Just Gazing
Alan Parsons Project – Be Like You (The Twelves Remix)
B.W.H. – Stop
Chemical Brothers – Block Rockin’ Beats
Karen O & The Kids – All is Love (The Twelves Remix)
Fleet Foxes – Mykonos (The Twelves Remix)
Patrick Alavi – Power
Michael Jackson – Thriller (Instrumental)
Justice – Stress (siren)
Kano – Ahjia
Mr. Oizo – Gay Dentists
Donna Summer – I Feel Love
Cerrone – Give Me Love
Mr. Oizo – Hun
Chic – Everybody Dance
Coldcut – Timber
Basement Jaxx – Rendez-Vous
Les Rhythmes Digitales – From Disco to Disco
Alex Gopher – Motorcycle
Nirvana – All Apologies (The Twelves Remix)
Kraftwerk – Trans Europe Express
The Black Kids – I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You (The Twelves Remix)
The Rapture – House of Jealous Lovers
Scenario Rock – Skitzo Dancer (Justice Remix)
Daft Punk – Aerodynamic
Boyz Noize – Arcade Robot
Basement Jaxx – Good Luck (accapella)
The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby (The Twelves Remix)
The Twelves – Nightvision (Daft Punk)
La Roux – In For The Kill (The Twelves Remix)

To end this year and decade properly, the Buffet Libre Dj’s have put together a very special mixtape.  Working with influential names in the genre that is edm, this mix contains the best of the 2000 through 2009.  Enjoy the next 76 minutes and download the mix here.

As a side note, I kinda wish Miss Kitten & the Hacker’s ‘Frank Sinatra’ track was a part of this mix.  Having heard ‘Silver Screen Shower Scene’, I thought the two would blend well together.

Tracklisting:
1 – Sintonia Buffetlibre
2 – Intro
3 – Vitalic – Fanfares (Selected by LADYTRON)
4 – LFO – Freak (Selected by ETIENNE DE CRECY)
5 – The Chemical Brothers – Saturate (selected by ORBITAL)
6 – Radiohead – Idiotheque. (selected by TERENCE FIXMER)
7 – Vitalic – La Rock 01 (selected by EDITORS)
8 – Underground Resistance – Transition (selected by BEN SIMS)
9 – Buy Now – For Sale (selected by MSTRKRFT)
10 – Missy Elliot – Get Ur Freak (selected by MATTHEW HERBERT)
11 – Chemical Brothers – Salmon Dance (Crookers remix) (selected by YELLE)
12 – Daft Punk – Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (selected by MARTIN SOLVEIG)
13 – Juan Maclean – Happy House (selected by RADIO 4)
14 – The Rapture – House Of Jealous Lovers (selected by DIGITALISM)
15 – Audion – Mouth To Mouth (selected by SLAM)
16 – Simian – We Are Your Friends (Justice remix) (selected by GROOVE ARMADA)
17 – Pilooski – Beggin (Franki Valli edit) (selected by THE RAPTURE)
18 – Orbital – Belfast (selected by FERRY CORSTEN)
19 – Metro Area – Miura (selected by LCD SOUNDSYSTEM)
20 – Lindstrom – I feel Space (selected by SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO)
21 – Closer Musik – Maria (selected by JAMES HOLDEN)
22- Stephan Bodzin – Marathon Man (selected by GUS GUS)
23 – Quench – Dreams (Sebastien Leger remix) (selected by THE TEENAGERS)
24 – Switch – A Bit Patchy (selected by FATBOY SLIM)
25 – Felix da Housecat – Silver Screen Shower Scene (selected by EROL ALKAN)
26 – Dustin Zahn – Stranger (Len Faki Podium Remix) (selected by VITALIC)
27 – Justice – Waters of Nazareth (Erol Alkan remix) (selected by THE BRAVERY)
28 – James Holden – A Break In The Clouds (selected by UNDERWORLD)
29 – Roger Sanchez – Another Chance (selected by ROGER SANCHEZ)
30 – Bob Sinclar – World Hold On (selected by BOB SINCLAR)
31 – Kelley Polar – Satellites (selected by JUNIOR BOYS)
32 – Glass Candy – Rolling Down The Hills (selected by THE AVALANCHES)

Its been a good minute since I’ve last visited Neonized Magazine.  Recently, they have dropped their 8th mixtape featuring Radiocontrol.  I don’t anything about the cat, but he starts things right with an Eminem inspired intro.  In fact, if you weren’t familiar with anything on the playlist, at least you know the intro is a sure sign of bangers to come.  Enjoy the mix.  And afterwards if you’re wondering if the tracklisting is missing a few titles here and there like miike snow’s ‘animal’, stardust’s ‘music sounds better with you’ or mstrkrft’s ‘bounce’, you’re absolutely correct.  Not sure why Radiocontrol omitted them from the tracklist, but the above mentioned tracks along with others were snuck in with perfection.

Like what you heard?  Download Neonized 8 – Radiocontrol here.

Tracklist
01 Intro (feat Eminem & others)
02 Duck Sauce – aNYway
03 His Majesty Andre – Pete Thong
04 Phonat – Set me free (Louis La Roche mix)
05 Scott Grooves – Mothership Reconection (Daft Punk mix)
06 Rex the Dog – Bubbilicious (Congo Rock mix)
07 Boys Noize – Jeffer (Para One mix)
08 B Rich – Make me dance (Noise Up mix)
09 Felix da Housecat – Elvi$
10 Sidechains – Can’t love you babe
11 Phoenix – Liztomania (Der Die Das mix, Radiocontrol edit)
12 Hidden Cat – Get with it
13 Major Lazer – Pon de floor
14 Sidney Samson – Riverside
15 Rusko – Cockney Thug (Caspa mix)
16 Radiocontrol – Bulls on Blood (”booty = culo” bootleg edit)
17 Fake Blood – The Dozens

We at Killahbeez always get asked what we would recommend to buy for so-and-so for the holidays. So to help all the holiday shoppers out there we’ve released a guide of items that are on our personal wish list and may match up with the person you’re looking to buy a gift for. The first guide went out yesterday with Mona Alice Oakenfold breaking down her Too Hot Not To Cop holiday gift guide, today the Bloated Penguin, Van and myself have put together a list of video games and movies that are must have’s for that film buff or gamer in your life.

Video Games

Bloated Penguin’s Top 5 Games:

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition

The anticipation for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2 is creating a global sickness and I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of people suddenly came down with a case of H1N1 on November 11th. As a holiday gift COD4MW2 is ideal. Spring for the Prestige Edition and you’ll also nab a pair of working night-vision goggles (because you need them – trust me). It will allow your recipient to play the game to death over the holidays and master the tricks of the trade before having to head back to work or school. From a multiplayer sense, this is going to be HUGE. Clans are already being formed and global rivalries are starting to brew. As a multiplayer first person shooter, COD4MW2 is one of the most anticipated games of the year. Buy Here

DJ Hero

Guitar Hero blasts through our apartments; Rock Band keeps the cops on speed dial for your neighbors and now DJ Hero can give you the ultimate party game. Activision has basically taken another successful arcade music game and console-ised it again, but you really can’t complain. With artists such as Daft Punk, Jay-Z and DJ Shadow attached to the game, you’ll be able to pretend you ARE a real DJ. Lets not get confused here though. DJ Hero is not a game for DJ’s. DJ Hero is a game that lets non-DJ’s pretend they know what they are doing; in the exact same way Guitar Hero lets people think they are musicians. As a fun goof-around party game, DJ Hero is ideal. The music is modern, it allows for some creativity and after playing a few times, is actually quite easy to pick up. Again, if you become awesome at DJ Hero it does not mean you are a DJ… Just sayin’ Buy Here

Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story – Nintendo DS

The DS is still my handheld console of choice. I’ve toyed around with the PSP and a few “games,” on the iPhone, but the DS still rules in my mind. The third installment of the modern day Mario RPG, Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story take DS players on a crazy adventure throughout the Mushroom Kingdom and actually into Bowser’s body. Yes, you read that correctly. The Italian plumbing brothers shrink down to microscopic size and fight their way through Bowser’s insides. The story is very Super Mario Bros. in that Bowser once again tries to kidnap the princess. This time though, Bowser is thwarted and brainwashed by and old enemy. The traditionally side-scrolling franchise goes ¾ RPG and adopts the turn-based fighting method. Progression is much in the same as players earn Bro Points to increase levels of strength. I like games that I can spend a lot of time with and have multiple options so Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story is a near perfect choice. For those buying holiday gifts for people who travel, this game is great. Buy Here

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman: Arkham Asylum has already been rated as one of the best games of the year. Released a few months ago, the game follows the world’s greatest detective through a series of levels deep within Gotham City’s institution for the insane. It’s no surprise then that he inevitably runs into his greatest nemesis, The Joker. As a brand new saga in the Batman video game franchise, the story is great to follow for any DC fan. From a production standpoint Arkham Asylum is nearly flawless. With a great voice cast lead my Mark Hamill as the Joker once again, Batman: Arkham Asylum plays more like a movie than a video game. Players can roam around Arkham looking for items and battling crazy folks as well as play as The Joker – a twist gamers have been waiting for. Even though this game has been out for a while, I still suggest picking it up for someone if they are new to the PS3. This is a great game to introduce someone to the console. Buy Here

Halo 3 ODST –  XBOX 360

It’s strange, after playing (and sucking horribly at) every Halo game I really ran out of enthusiasm for the latest release from Bungie. But it didn’t take long to get back into the mindset of the Halo Universe. Halo 3: ODST isn’t just another addition or money grab for the franchise, this newest in the Halo series actually has some significant improvements in my mind. With a brand new storyline to follow in campaign mode, Halo 3: ODST has also created a new way of fighting with the 4-Way Coop Firefight. Okay, maybe it’s not groundbreaking as it’s basically Horde, but its still fun to team up with some friends and blast the shit out of a bunch of aliens. Buy Here

DT’s Top 5 Must Have Games:

Assassin’s Creed 2

In Assassin’s Creed 2 you play a “new hero by the name of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a young Italian nobel, and a new era, the Renaissance. The story in this one is one of family, vengeance and conspiracy all set in Italy.

That’s the press stuff, from my perspective the game looks sick. The first Assassin’s Creed was a huge favorite of mine and I spent hours playing and re-playing it over and over. I would expect the same from Assassin’s Creed 2 as well. Slick graphics, decent storyline and the movement in the game are hard to ignore for any gamer. Buy Here

Available for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

This game picks up 2 years after the events of the first Drake’s Fortune. The main character, of course, is Nathan Drake and he’s convinced by fellow friends / thieves that he should join them in their latest quest to look for Marco Polo’s lost treasures. You soon find that you’re looking for the Cintamani Stone from Shambhala. Throw in a few familiar characters, new ones and new villains and you have your basic plot. The storyline is actually pretty good and kept me pretty interested throughout. The gameplay is essentially the same as the first one.

Unlike the first one though, this one is a little bit longer, which is a good thing, and there’s multi-player options available, both co-op where you can play with a friend and competitive. These are pretty good addons that help extend the life of the game. Another cool thing is that when you collect treasures and get trophies you make money, with that money there’s a store where you can buy weapons, different outfits / skins (play as Elena) and cheats, like one-shot kills and unlimited ammo. The store factor makes you want to replay the game again so that you can outfit yourself with some cool weapons that you didn’t use during your first run. Buy Here

Available only for the PS3

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2

A season full of sequels and these sequels don’t suck. The latest to this list is Modern Warfare 2 part of the Call of Duty series, but looks like they decided to drop the “Call of Duty” title and just call it Modern Warfare, though they have tons of material that conflict with that thought, especially on their website.

Aside from all that, fans of the Call of Duty series will know what to expect. A GOOD ASS SHOOTING GAME! Yeah you play through the storyline and such, but this is truly one game, for me anyways, where I pop it in and go directly to the online multi-player competitive modes. The first Modern Warfare had a ridiculous shelf life for me, which is something I always look for in a game. I’m not looking to spend $60 – 80 just to play a game for a week and not be able to extend that playing time any more. The online community for Modern Warfare is huge as well, so you can always find games to play in anytime of the day. Buy Here

Available for PS3 / Xbox 360

Batman: Arkham Asylum

One of my favorite games that I played this year was Batman: Arkham Asylum. Batman has always been one of my favorite superheros, 2nd only to Spider Man. The love affair with Batman started in the summer of ‘89 when my cousin took me to the local theatre to watch the movie. That film got me hooked to the character. Over the years we’ve seen numerous Batman titles on video gaming systems, but let’s be honest, they were all pretty damn forgettable. None of them did what this game did and that’s making you feel like you were actually Batman. The glyding, fighting system and the fluid movements make this a favorite of mine from this year and a perfect pickup for any gamer. Buy Here

Available for PS3 / Xbox 360

Resident Evil 5

I hate scary games, I hate scary movies, I hate when shit pops out of nowhere. PERIOD. But I’ve always seem to love the Resident Evil series despite the above hates, the game and story line has always drawn me. I have to be honest though, any time before I play a RE title, I have to mentally prepare myself for the scary shit, it’s the only way I can get through the game. I hear creepy music and it’s over, my character is hiding in the corner so that I can cess out the situation around me. Yes I am a dork, but like I said I hate scary things. This game is fun from beginning to end and has a great co-op mode as well so that you can play with a friend online. Definitely recommended for fans of Resident Evil or just like scary shit in general.  Buy Here

*****************************************************************

Films, TV Series

Van’s Top 5:

GOEMON

Once upon a few years ago, there was a scifi by the name of Casshern by director, Kazuaki Kiriya.  I wasn’t a fan.  But Goemon’s trailer simply blew me away with the cgi ninja action.  The story is loosely based on the shinobi/thief, Goemon, that attempted to murder Toyotomi Hideyoshi but failed and was burnt in a giant pot of oil.  Having seen the trailer, I am almost obsessed enough to buy the ultimate blu-ray edition.  But with region encoding discrepancies that wouldn’t be a reasonable choice.

Ponyo

Hayao Miyazaki is one of the few Gods of anime.  Osamu Tezuka and Satoshi Kon are the other two.  With heavy influence on the environment and a twist of fantasy, his feature films always leave an audience feeling good about having attended a Studio Ghibli experience.  Shamefully, Ponyo is the one movie I have not seen yet and I’m waiting on the dvd.  The official American dvd release is in March 2010, but heres a link to a region free dvd.

Astro Boy DVD Mini Set Volume 1 and 2

Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy is iconic and synonymous to the word, anime.  The 2009 remake did not disappoint and I would love to see it over and over again.  As a matter of fact, I’m on ebay right now trying to pick up some Astroboy goods.  Yep, its that good.  Now as far as a stocking stuffer goes, the original 1963 series broken down into 2 mini dvd sets completing the series.  Currently, both volumes can be purchased at either Best Buy or Amazon.

Buy Astro Boy Vol. 1
Buy Astro Boy Vol. 2

Inglourious Basterds

Two thoughts, saw this twice and Quentin Tarantino is back.  Coming out from hibernation and fulfilling a nazi hatin’ jews dream is the ultimate action flick that doesn’t skimp on the gore.  Whether you’re faint of heart or not, I still recommend watching Inglourious Basterds. Buy Here

Star Trek

For those that didn’t appreciate Star Trek before, this 2009 prequel may make the layman do some reverse engineering and dig for episodes when Picard wasn’t Professor X and Janeway wasn’t.. doing whatever she’s doing today.  This is another movie, where the cast and director sold me right off the bat. Buy Here

DT’s Top 5:

500 Days of Summer

I just recently saw this movie and have to admit, I loved it. I love Zooey Deschanel and goddamnit Joseph Gordon-Levitt was brilliant in it as well. This is not a love story, and they state that at the beginning of the film as well. To me this film does what very little or no other love gone wrong story does and that’s showing that the main character eventually moves on and comes out a changed, but better person and the life continuums move forward. So many films just leave it at the relationship didn’t work out and that’s how it ends, leaving a blah taste in my mouth. I don’t want to see that shit, whereas in 500 Days of Summer, I felt like Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character Tom Hansen, could’ve been me and actually was me at one point of my life and made the film that more enjoyable as it was totally relatable. Buy Here

Star Trek (Blu-ray)

I was never a super fan of Star Trek, though growing up I did watch it a lot, A LOT, but I didn’t consider myself hardcore by any means. For example I can say I’ve never seen any of the Star Trek movies, just the tv series. This was no ordinary Star Trek movie, it does a great job in establishing the origins of the crew and how they came about to working with one another. The story line for me, was pretty good and the action sequences weren’t overdone ala Michael Bay styles. Definitely a great addition to any Trekie or film fan period. Buy Here

Sin Nombre

I came across this film, basically through boredom. I read the back and thought it was interesting and decided to watch it. I’m glad I did too, the movie is really a refreshing story and really well captured by director Cary Fukunaga. There’s two story lines and eventually they intersect and shows how one affects the others and the following consequences that develop. Buy Here

Mad Men Season 1 & 2

I was debating back and forth between which tv series I would place in this slot, but after finishing season 3 of Mad Men, I had to go with the Mad Men series. Seasons 1 and 2 are available now and you’re most likely able to catch season 3 replaying for the next bit. I love the writing on the show, I love Don Drapers’ coolness and his I-don’t-giveafuck attitude. If you’ve not seen the show, it’s a look inside the advertising business in the 50’s / 60’s and just how things went down back then. So pick up seasons 1 and 2 on the cheap and then catch season 3 while you can before it disappears and you have to wait for it on dvd. Buy Here

Anvil: The Story of Anvil

Here’s a pretty damn cool documentary. At the age 14, best friends Robb and Lips made a pact to rock out as team forever and formed a band called Anvil. Anvil. as it’s told, influenced a a whole musical generation that includes bands like Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax to name a few, but they never hit it big. That doesn’t stop them from dreaming and working to achieve their goal. This documentary was totally inspirational and ya, I won’t lie, I cried a little. You definitely have to check this out. Buy Here

Bloated Penguin’s Top 10:

Up

Did you cry? No seriously, did you at least drop a single tear? Up, in my mind was one of 2009’s best flicks (review here). Pixar just seems to be getting better and better and when they release DVD and Blu-Ray versions of their movies, they never skimp on the extras. When Up is released on Blu-Ray on November 10th, fans can buy a 4-disc set that includes the feature in both DVD and Blu-Ray forms, a digital copy to take on the road and an entire disc devoted to the extras. If you didn’t have a chance to check this out in the theaters, make sure to at least borrow it from a friend and never give it back. It’ll be worth it. Buy Here

Whatever Works

I think Woody Allen’s movies lately have become a genre of themselves. Basically he has a particular style that a lot of people try to emulate (never well) and a different way of telling a story through dry humor. His classics like Annie Hall really define this type of storytelling and Woody’s latest movie Whatever Works fits the bill. When you take a brilliant storyteller like Woody Allen and team him up with a comedic genius like Larry David, this is what you get. Whatever Works is look into how we influence each other and then grow as people. Larry David plays a once physicist professor now chess instructor who suffers from panic attacks named Boris. Boris is divorced, disabled and disconnected from the world until meets Melodie played by Evan Rachel Wood. Melodie changes his life, but in doing so, actually adopts some of Boris’ tendencies and thoughts on the world. If you love Woody Allen, you’ll thoroughly enjoy Whatever Works. If you don’t love Woody Allen, then I still suggest picking this up so you can at least pretend to love him and sound smarter. Buy Here

Californication Seasons 1 & 2

Hank Moody is my muse. Ever since the pilot, Californication has been one of the best shows on television hands down. David Duchovny plays a successful novelist named Hank Moody. Hank’s tendencies range from adultery to self-loathing, but his personal journey to be the best man he can be is what makes this show amazing. With a great cast that includes Evan Handler and Pamela Adlon, Californication has the perfect mix of sex, drugs, smack talk and rhetoric. If you know someone who both hates and loves themselves; Californication is the show for them. Buy Here

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Chances are you, or someone you know already owns all of the previous 5 Harry Potter flicks. Although Half-Blood wasn’t the best of the bunch (review here), at the very least it is needed to complete the collection. What is interesting about this release is that not only will you get the feature, but Harry Potter DVD’s and now Blu-Rays come full of extras. Much like the Watchmen Blu-Ray, Half-Blood contains Maximum Movie Mode (which looks like its becoming a Warner Bros Blu-Ray staple) where viewers can get a full interactive experience complete with split screen capability where the directors can explain certain shots. For the film buff and the Harry Potter maniac, Half Blood Prince is a good pick up. Buy Here

Glee Season 1 Volume 1: Road to Sectionals

The runaway TV hit of 2009 has to be Fox’s Glee. The ragtag group of high school outcasts complete with a wheelchair kid, a gay kid, a stutterer and an over-achieving performer have sung their way to top of the iTunes download charts. Although this DVD be won’t be released until December 29th, it might be a good idea to pre-order this as a gift for a fan. There’s no doubt that Glee Season 1 Volume 1: Road to Sectionals will draw doorstep lineups, so skipping the crowd alone is a gift already. Buy Here

Fringe Season 1

The first season of Fringe has been on DVD and Blu-Ray for a few months now, but it doesn’t mean it’s not a good gift idea. Fringe is probably the best show for someone who is interested in the sci-fi genre, but doesn’t consider themselves hardcore (Killahbeez’s 8 things to know about Fringe). For example, I would get this for someone who knows Skully’s first name, but not for someone who refers to her as, “the redhead.” The first season of Fringe was full of twists and smart dialogue that bring a much-needed quirkiness to a genre that can sometimes alienate new viewers. At its heart, the show is about adjusting to changes – changes in the world, changes in family and changes in relationships. Leave it to JJ Abrams and his crew to throw in a sci-fi angle, and you’ve got a hit. You’ve got Fringe. Buy Here

District 9

Seen it yet? Seriously, everyone has been talking about District 9 ever since it hit theaters a few months ago (District 9 Reviewed). The short version is that a bunch of aliens stop their ship on top of Johannesburg South Africa and after much debate, humans decide to go into the ship. They discover a dying race of aliens and move them to ground level where they live in slums. The film covers the story of the man who is in charge of evicting the aliens and in turn, changes both physically and emotionally. On a global scale, this flick has made over $200 million and it doesn’t even hit DVD stands until December 29th. Much like the first season of Glee, it might be a good idea to nab District 9 on a pre-buy. I have a feeling this is going to be a popular purchase over the holidays. Buy Here

Star Trek

When this flick was announced I think everyone had their doubts, but being in the hands of JJ Abrams these days has been like having a rabbit’s foot up your ass. Star Trek was a huge hit in theaters this year (review here) and when the DVD and Blu-Ray hit stores November 17th I wouldn’t be surprised if the sales were off the charts. The tale of how the original crew of the Starship Enterprise was formed is fleshed out through a tale of friendship between Captain James Tiberius Kirk and Spock. With great performances from Chris Pine and Zach Quinto, Star Trek is actually more than just an action packed sci-fi flick, it was an exploration into how JJ Abrams and his writers can take a concept and add to it. Buy Here

The Hangover

The Hangover was really this year’s only stand alone comedy (review here). Although I wouldn’t put it into the realm of Classic like Old School, it was definitely one of the better comedies to hit screens. With a relatively small cast including Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helm, The Hangover is a great little story about one of the craziest bachelor parties ever. Taking place in Vegas (like there’s any other place to do it properly), four friends set out on trying to solve the mystery of what exactly happened the night before. With a series of hilarious events including a Mike Tyson right cross and a white tiger, The Hangover DVD is a great pick up for anyone looking for a good laugh. The unrated version hits stands on December 15th. Buy Here

The Work of Directors Spike Jonze, Michel Gondry, and Chris Cunningham

If you know a filmmaker, or at least someone who is interested in visual arts, then The Work of Directors Box Set is the perfect gift. Focusing on the early works of 3 of the most interesting visual artists today, this set gives viewers a first hand look at the different methods each filmmaker takes. The Spike Jonze version contains some of his amazing music video work with the Beastie Boys, Gondry’s features stunning imagery of how he created videos for Bjork and Cunningham’s version contains nightmarish visuals from his work with Aphex Twins. Although pricey, The Work of Directors Box Set is a perfect gift for filmmakers – assuming they don’t already own it. Buy Here

STV SLV and ABX, better known as The Hood Internet, recently compiled their fourth mixtape.  Given any opportunity, Killahbeez gladly promotes and supports The Hood Internet.  Check out the stream below and download the continual mix here.  Or for those in need of the individual tracks, here is the mediafire link.

On a side note, I commend the duo for collaborating with fellow Chicago artists.  In the past, The Hood Internet have linked up with Chuck Anderson of NO PATTERN. The fourth volume mixtape’s cover art is courtesy of Karen Tisel.

The Mixtape Volume Four:
1. Intro
2. David Banner vs Fujiya & Miyagi - Get Like Pterodactyls
3. The Beastie Boys vs Matt And Kim – Good Ol’ Fashion Rump Shaker
4. Kanye West vs Cage & Aviary – Touch The Television
5. Lil Wayne (feat. Babyface) vs Royksopp – Comfortable Up Here
6. Passion Pit vs Juvenile – Back That Sleepyhead Up
7. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince vs Daft Punk – Summer Circuit
8. Public Enemy vs HEALTH vs Nosaj Thing – Bring The Tabloid Sores
9. AZ (feat. Ghostface) vs The Golden Filter – Solid Gold From New York
10. Modest Mouse vs Kanye West – Floating Paranoia
11. Clipse vs Yuksek – Kinda Like A Big Break
12. Weezer vs Glass Candy – Buddy Holly’s Imagination
13. Bangers & Cash vs Bag Raiders – Bang Raiders
14. Amanda Blank vs VEGA – No Reasons To Like You Better
15. Michael Jackson vs Ratatat – Billie “Wildcat” Jean
16. Kid Sister (feat. Pitbull) vs Phonat – Free Control Ocho
17. Twista (feat. Erika Shevon) vs Boys Noize – Wetter And Jeffer
18. Flo Rida (feat. Ke$ha) vs MSTRKRFT – 1000 Times Right Round
19. R. Kelly (feat. Keri Hilson) vs Sally Shapiro – Number One Christmas
20. Drake vs The Rapture – Best Jealous Lover I Ever Had
21. Bon Iver vs Friendly Fires vs Aeroplane – Lump Sum Of Paris
22. Jeremih vs Handsome Furs – Birthday Furs
23. Yung LA vs Solid Gold – Who Ain’t I Gonna Run To?
24. Major Lazer (feat. Santigold) vs Dirty Projectors – Hold The Stillness
25. Dead Prez vs Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks Of Hip Hop
26. Soulja Boy vs Joe Jackson – Swaggin’ Out
27. OJ Da Juiceman (feat. Gucci Mane) vs Discovery – Make The Loop Aye
28. Glasses Malone vs Chromatics – A Moment To Remember Haterz
29. Paper Route Gangstaz vs Animal Collective – Animals Collecting Money
30. B-Hamp vs Little Boots – Ricky Bobby Boots
31. Ghostface Killah vs Beirut – Save Me Concubine
32. Keri Hilson vs The Glitch Mob/TVOTR – Red Dress Turnin Me On
33. Dorrough vs Bibio – Fire Ant Paint Job
34. Outro

Source: The Hood Internet

Click on link to download.

The Twelves “The Twelfth Hour” Mix

Tracklist:

Methusalem – Robotism
Groove Armada – Drop the tough (The Twelves remix)
Glass Candy – Miss Broadway
Daft Punk – Da Funk
Dj Agent 86 – Wavestate
Gossip – Standing in the way of control
Gaz Nevada – I-c love affair
Phoenix – Lisztomania
Arpadys – Mystery Rock (Vlad Maywad edit)
The Do – On my shoulders
Zoot Woman – Information First
the jacksons – shake your body
mr oizo – two takes it
bushy – sqezy soul
zeigeist – humanitarianism (the twelves remix)
snoop dogg – sensual seduction
juan maclean – no time
dj agent 86 – magic
k.i.d. – hupendi musiki
franz ferdinand – ulysses
siriusmo – discoding
dan hartman – vertigo / relight my fire
air – sexy boy
fever ray – seven (the twelves remix)
pacific – hot lips (the twelves remix)
patrick alavi – power
dynasty – i dont wanna be a freak
metronomy – radio ladio
siriusmo – last dear
empire of the sun – walking on a dream
elitechnique – spectral escape
the virgins – rich girls
black kids – …dance with you (the twelves remake)
the juan maclean – happy house
m.i.a. – boyz
cut copy – so haunted
space – magic fly
pnau – with you forever
eddie tour – up the glitter
mr. oizo – hun
cerrone – give me love
mr. oizo – steroids (ft. uffie)
tiga – shoes
kano – it’s a war
daft punk – revolution 909
radiohead – scatterbrain (the twelves remix)
terry poison – comme ci comme ça (the twelves remix)
sebastien tellier – sexual sportswear
chemical brothers – it doesn’t matter
database vs. french horn rebellion – beaches and friends (the twelves remix)

Pitchfork has recently taken on the dubious task of listing the top 500 tracks of the 2000s, something definitely easier said than done. Their list starts off with N.E.R.D’s “Run To The Sun” and works up to Kid Cudi vs Crookers “Day N Nite”, which honestly I thought might’ve ranked higher, but this remix was just a huge personal favorite of mine.

Their top 20 looks like this:

1. Outkast “B.O.B”
2. LCD Soundsystem “All My Friends”
3. M.I.A. [ft. Bun B and Rich Boy] “Paper Planes (Diplo Remix)”
4. Beyoncé [ft. Jay-Z] “Crazy in Love”
5. Daft Punk “One More Time”
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Maps”
7. Missy Elliott “Get Ur Freak On”
8. Radiohead “Idioteque”
9. Animal Collective “My Girls”
10. Arcade Fire”Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)”
11. Gnarls Barkley “Crazy”
12. OutKast “Hey Ya!”
13. LCD Soundsystem “Losing My Edge”
14. Jay-Z “99 Problems”
15. The Knife “Heartbeats”
16. The Rapture “House of Jealous Lovers”
17. Annie “Heartbeat”
18. Hercules and Love Affair “Blind”
19. R. Kelly “Ignition (Remix)”
20. The Walkmen “The Rat”

The top 20 I gotta say is pretty dope with the exception of a few tracks, such as R. Kelly’s “Ignition”, that was some hometown love right there no doubt. But Outkast “B.O.B”, I couldn’t agree more. Think of a track that hits you harder and leaves more of resonating feeling…can’t can ya, cus you’re thinking about how dope this track really is and you’re probably looking it right now…here lemme help you.

I don’t usually write much or anything on these afternoon jam posts, cus it’s all about the music. But HOLY FUCK. This minimix is fuckin’ a-m-a-z-i-n-g. It’s 5 minutes of pure bliss. If you’ve not heard of GRUM, then you need to get on the man’s jams on the quickness. Anyways, as mentioned this is a 5 minute mix with, count ‘em, 35, yes 35 songs. Check the listing below the download link.

Click on link to download.

GRUM “Minimix”

1. Fleetwood Mac – Everywhere
2. Duran Duran – Girls On Film
3. Donna Allen – Serious
4. Foreigner – Urgent
5. B.W.H – Stop
6. The Flirts – Passion
7. Digital Emotion – Dont Stop
8. Toto – Africa
9. Moroder – Im Left Youre Right
10. Thomas Bangalter – Turbo
11. Fischerspooner – Get Confused
12. Grum – Woah
13. Buggles – Video Killed the Radio Star
14. Telex – Moskow Diskow
15. Robbie Williams – Lovelight (Soulwax Remix)
16. Daft Punk – Aerodynamic
17. Kenny Jammin jason with Fast Eddie Smith – Can U Dance
18. Justice – Newjack
19. Human League – Dont You Want Me
20. Go West – Goodbye Girl
21. Expose – Come Go With Me
22. Orbital – Lush 3-1
23. Stardust – Music Sounds Better With You
24. Pointer Sisters – Dare Me
25. Le Knight Club – Soul Bells
26. Styx – Mr Roberto
27. Kano – Another Life
28. Felix da Housecat – Control Freq
29. Company B – Fascinated
30. Grum – Sound Reaction
31. Doctor’s Cat – Feel the Drive
32. Friendly Fires – Skeleton Boy (Grum Remix)
33. Outrage – That Piano Track
34. Grum – Runaway
35. Fleetwood Mac – Never Forget

Click on link to download.

College “The Light Of Your Dress”
Daft Punk “Tron Legacy Theme” Cryda Luv Rework
Hot Chip “Ready for the Floor” LA Riots vs Villans Remix
La Roux “Bulletproof” Fred Falke Remix
Casiokids “Gomur Mamma”

In 3 days photographer, Matthew Wartman assembled this time-lapse video of Niagara Falls with his Nikon D90.  The next 2 minutes and 7 seconds is a real visual treat with DeVotchKa’s ‘The Winner Is’ as a well suited soundtrack.  The first 4 seconds sorta reminds me of Daft Punk’s Coney Island invasion.  Whereas the rest reminds me of summer trips up along the east coast of Canada with Dave and family when I was still able to cross the border.  Enjoy.

Source: Vimeo

Click link to download.

NightWaves Dreamwave Hour Two

1. NightWaves – August in G#
2. Fred Falke & Alan Braxe – Automatic
3. Cut Copy – Far Away (Bag Raiders Remix)
4. NightWaves – Invincible (Snow Picnic Remix)
5. The Whitest Boy Alive – Golden Cage (Fred Falke Remix)
6. Fear Of Tigers – Layers
7. Mirrors – Look At Me
8. Daft Punk – Emotion (Binary’s Werewolf By Night Remix)
9. Shazam – Luckier
10. Phoenix – Lisztomania (Classixx Version)
11. NightWaves – She’s Electric (Vega Italo Dub)
12. Casio Social Club – Count Your Lucky Stars (Diogenes Club Remix)
13. Keenhouse – Civic Transit (Anoraak LAX Remix)
14. Van She – Changes (G.L.O.V.E.S Remix)
15. Debbie Deb – Lookout Weekend
16. Fabian – Heatwave
17. NightWaves – In August Revisited

This week’s Mixtape Mondays comes courtesy of  Voules Random.  For the next 75 minutes, expect a fair split between funk and electro from Frenchman, The Phantom’s Revenge.  All I can ask is how I’ve managed to sleep this artist?  If you’re feeling the “Sincerely Yours” mixtape like me, check out his production work on his myspace and support the man on beatport.

Download “Sincerely Yours” here.
TRACKLIST
Neon Indian – Deadbeat Summer
DJ Mehdi – Pocket Piano (Joakim ‘Berger’ Remix)
Database – Gotta Take Your Love
Siriusmo – Gummiband
Simian Mobile Disco – It’s The Beat (Siriusmo Remix)
Shadow Dancer – The Bad Thing
Amanda Blank – Might Like You Better
Breakbot – Penelope Pitstop
Mr Oizo – Steroids (Mr Oizo Remix)
Leonardus – Painkiller
Axel Le Baron – Run
Daft Punk – Face to Face (Night Drugs Rework)
Miike Snow – Animal (Fake Blood Remix)
Ebony Bones – The Muzik (The Krays aka Yuksek & Brodinski Remix)
Zombie Nation – Mystery Meat Affair (Shadow Dancer Remix)
Electra – Feels Good
Feadz – The Bright Side
Van She – Kelly (M83 Remix)
Phoenix – Lisztomania (DerDieDas Remix)
dIRTY 1200 – Blaaaa
Discofunk – Watching you
Venice – Roll
Treasure Fingers – Cross The Dancefloor (Laidback Luke Remix)
Lykke Li – Breaking It Up (Punks Jump Up Remix)
Metronomy – Heartbreaker (Discodeine Mix)
La Roux – In For The Kill (Lifelike Remix)
Big Gipp – Hot (Treasure Fingers Remix)
Basement Jaxx – Raindrops (Louis La Roche Rework)
Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream (Pierce Classic Mix)
Tommy Sparks – Miracle (Grum Remix)
The Twelves – Nightvision
DatA – Blood Theme
Boys Noize – Starter
Joakim – Watermelon Bubblicious
Tony Lionni – Found A Place
Pitto – Feelin
Passion Pit – Better Things (The Phantom is drunk remix)
Major Lazer – Pon de Floor
Daft Punk – Oh Yeah
Maral Salmassi – My Shit Is On
Djetronic & Spoek – Dirty & Hard
Armand Van Helden – Illin’ N Fillin’ It
Johnny D & Nicky P – Major Sea
Jesse Rose – Touch My Horn (Crookers Remix)
The Shoes – America (Brodinski Remix)
Coeur D’amour – Wild Lovin’
Tommie Sunshine – Limit Of Your Mind (Nic Sarno Remake)
Bag Raiders – Turbo Love (Shinichi Osawa Remix)
Cécile & Venice – White Holes
Michael Jackson – Thriller
Sleepy Hollow – Sincerely Yours

DJ Pump – Fly By Night Mix (One Day Later #55)

Download Here.

Tracks:

Jaymz Bedford – Just Keep My Boogie
Henderson & Whitfield – Dancin To The Beat
Maxine Singleton – Don’t You Love It
Lotti G – What’s It Worth (Dub)
David Bendeth – Feel The Real (DJ Pump Edit)
Slang – Knock You Out
Mobley Gang – Groove For You
Cash – Hot Thang
Tom Browne – Thighs High
La Toya Jackson – Bet’cha Gonna Need My Lovin’
Serious – Serious Intention
Hercules & Love Affair – You Belong
Jazzanova – I Can See feat. Ben Westbeach (Holy Ghost Remix)
33HZ – Sentinel of Love (Eli Escobar Remix)
Love & Electrik – Never Wanna Get Over You
Ciara & Justin – Love, Sex and Magic (M-Rock’s Detroit Tabla Mix)
Metro Area – Wafer (DJ Pump Space Boogie Re-Edit)
Wham – Enjoy What you Do (B.Cause Rapp-Less Re-Vamp)
AJK – Tangent
The Alan Parsons Project – Be Like You (The Twelves Re-Edit)
The Paradise – In Love With You
Electric Light Orchestra – Evil Woman
Daft Punk – Face to Face
Treasure Fingers – Come True Tonight (Dub Mix)
Pineapples – Come On Closer (Dub)
Lykke Li – Dance Dance Dance (Grandtheft Remix)
Cut Copy – Far Away (Hercules & Love Affair Remix)
Bumblebeez – Rio (Jimmy2sox & U-GO-B Remix)
Britney Spears!!! – If U Seek Amy (U-Tern Remix – Instrumental)
Ahzz – New York’s Movin
The Firebolts – Party Hearty Get Down
The Real Thing – Love’s Such a Wonderful Thing

Thanks to Voules Random, I came across one half of Trompe Le Monde, Mikey Mmmuscles aka Mike B.  In support of his Canadian West Coast tour, Mikey Mmmuscles created the TTTOUR MMMIX filled with Parisian House, Aussie synth pop and DFA favorites to name a few genres.  Basically something for everyone.  Enjoy this week’s Mixtape Monday and indulge in the download link and tracklisting below (for you individual track hypem mp3 hunter and gatherers).

On a side note, Vega’s track – ‘No Reasons’ is effin amazing.  Has Texas been the missing link for phenomenal Northern American electropop?  Aside from GhostHustler and Vega, are there any other hidden gems in the Lone Star state?

Download the TTTOUR MMMIX here.

Tracklist:
Phoenix – Lisztomania (Classixx Version)
Get Famous! – Slip Away
Friendly Fires – Paris (Aeroplane Remix ft. Au Revoir Simone)
Sebastien Tellier – Kilometer (Aeroplane ‘Italia 84? Remix)
Holy Ghost! – Hold On (Mock & Toof Remix)
WhoMadeWho – Out The Door (In Flagranti Remix)
Groove Armada – Drop The Tough (The Twelves Remix)
Oldfolks Home – I Hate Dell (Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees Remix)
Damn Arms – Destination Pt. II
Daft Punk – Around The World
Vega – No Reasons
Animal Collective – My Girls (Gigamesh Remix)
The Juan MacLean – Happy House
Sneaky Sound System – I Love It (Fred Falke Remix)
Linus Loves – Prom Night
WhoMadeWho – The Plot (Muzzle Flash Remix)
Simian Mobile Disco – I Got This Down (Night Facilities Remix)
The Gossip – Heavy Cross (Fred Falke Remix)
Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks (Fred Falke Remix)
Cut Copy – Far Away (Damn Arms Remix)
Passion Pit – The Reeling (Calvin Harris Remix)
Vampire Weekend – The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance (Chromeo Remix)
Hot Chip – Touch Too Much (Fake Blood Remix)
The Juan MacLean – One Day (Surkin Remix)
San Serac & The Tranzistors – Zanadu (Tyler “fetch” Fedchuk Remix)
Santogold ft. Spank Rock – Shove It (Grandtheft Remix)
Friendly Fires – Jump In The Pool (Thin White Duke Remix)
Sneaky Sound System – It’s Not My Problem (Thin White Duke Remix)
Bat For Lashes – Daniel (Death Metal Disco Remix)
French Horn Rebellion – Up All Night

Click on link to download.

Bat For Lashes “Daniel” Death Metal Disco Scene Remix
The Twelves “Night Vision” Daft Punk Cover

On Thursday night March 5, disco / electro / house heads in Vancouver were treated to the musical stylings of Alan Braxe. Braxe, one of the true originators of the French Touch  sound of disco-house, is probably best known for his early work with Thomas Bangalter (One half of Daft Punk) as Stardust and in particular the song that they released “Music Sounds Better With You”. But the man has always kept grindin’ and makin’ people shake their asses whether it be his own music, solo remixes or teaming up with Fred Falke and blowing peoples minds.

Anyways the DJ Set on Thursday night, needless to say, was effin’ amazing. He played joints across the board, freaking some newer shit like Treasure Fingers and then dropping Chaka Khan on heads then changing it up with his own remixes. There was no doubt that music heads in the house were enjoying every little bit of it. Oh and did I mention, the man is nice as hell and mad humble. That and he’s a friggin’ chain smoker, I think I saw him duck down below the decks smoking at least 1800 times within his set, okay more like 8 – 10 times, but daaaaamn son.

I actually had the opportunity to shoot some shots for Killahbeez, but without some help this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible. So we’d like to thank Matty Cee from Fastlife (www.myspace.com/thefastliferepublic) and Nate S. over at DHM (www.dhmbars.ca) for hooking us up with some love. Folks, make sure you check these sites out and keep it locked upcoming sets, cus they are bringing in quality DJs.

Check a few of the photos below and hit our Flickr page for the rest of them. For those of you wondering what I’m shooting with, I recently picked up a 10.5mm Nikon Fisheye lens, so that’s what you’re seeing shit through.

Killahbeez Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/killahbeez/

Few artists can break down language barriers and find success, yet Yelle, a French Pop Artiste, can certainly state that claim as she has done just that. Her music, despite being sung entirely in French, has gone global and specifically infecting English speaking countries with her sound, yes sound. Listen to her album Pop-Up and you’ll understand. The electro-pop sounds make you euphoric and you can’t help but dance. Her live show takes the energy of the album and multiplies it by a 1000, giving you a feeling that you’ve just enter an aerobics session. So it was a great pleasure to have a chance to interview her last month, touching on topics such as how the group started, musical and fashion influences and a host of other topics.

Killahbeez: Hi Yelle, thanks for taking the time and doing this interview with us.

Yelle: No prob!

KB: So for those who are new fans of Yelle, can you breakdown how the group formed with you, GrandMarnier and Tepr and why the group decided on the name Yelle?

Yelle: I met GrandMarnier first and we became good friends. We decided to do music together in 2005 and we chose the name Yelle at the beginning for “you enjoy life” and it was just YEL, but then we decided to feminize it with one more L and E! Tepr met GrandMarnier because he used to be a journalist and he was writing an article about GM’s previous band. We asked him to join us on stage and for the album in 2006.

KB: Your album, Pop-Up, has a fun and playful sound to it, how do you translate that to the stage and bring that energy out?

Yelle: The live show is like an extra power of the album. It’s like a dj set with the energy of instruments (GM on the drums, Tepr on keyboards, me singing and hitting my floor tom). Performing live is what we prefer; we are a rock band when we are on stage!

KB: [laughter]. Yeah I couldn’t agree more.

KB: Writing for this album, how much of the lyrics are about your life and how much of it is just about a 25 year old girl (which you happen to be as well) living life and having fun?

Yelle: With GM (GrandMarnier) we find the theme in our life, in my real 25years old girl life! Of course it’s funny to imagine some stories but it’s always apart of reality!

KB: So do you feel that singing in French has been a barrier at all to breaking into the North American market, or do you feel like good music is good music and people don’t necessarily care about the language?

Yelle: It’s maybe exotic for English speaking people to listen French songs. But yes the music is very important and if the people are curious they’ll try to find the translation of the songs. It’s not a barrier, we have this particularity and it’s cool!

KB: Yeah I was definitely initially drawn to the energy of the music before diving into the lyrics a bit more.

KB: How would you describe your sound? I mean in some songs there are times when it definitely sounds like you are rapping, yet maintaining a pop / electro vibe.

Yelle: We did a real electro pop album with some fantasy sounds. I think I’m more a singer than a rapper; my rap is so old school! I discovered the rap music with Warren G and Snoop Dogg when I was a teenager and yes I like that!

KB: You mentioned Snoop Dogg and Warren G, who or what else influences your music and sound?

Yelle: I’m a big fan of Pop music with Madonna, Blur, Prince, and more and I was listening lots of rock bands and French singer when I was young, with my parents. Then I had a crush on Daft Punk, with my bro.

KB: Speaking of Daft Punk, a lot of French artists, such as Daft Punk, Justice, DJ Mehdi, SebastiAn and including yourselves, are getting a lot of recognition in the US. Do you feel like each of you are influencing one another with your sounds?

Yelle: It’s not the same sound, and not the same crew. We appreciate them but we can’t say they are an influence, except Daft Punk, for sure, cause they do have songs, you know what I mean, it’s not only about sound, it’s about songs. But we are from the same generation yes, and we all watched the Fresh Prince!

KB: [laughter]

KB: So changing topics here, in all your pictures and in all your videos you’re so well dressed. Who or what influences your fashion sense? Any favorite designers or pieces of clothing that you can’t live without?

Yelle: I like to play with my outfits for a long time! I like to wear colors but black and white stuffs too! I just like to have fun with my style like in my life so I’m a big fan of designers like Jeremy Scott, Andrea Crews, JP Lespagnard or JC de Castelbajac who are really into pop art, they have lots of fun in the way to dress people! I’m a big fan of bags and shoes!

KB: Would you ever think of starting your own clothing line?

Yelle: We have some merch on tour and on a web site call www.recreation-center.com! Creating a clothing line is one of our project, yes.

KB: Going back to the topic of music, Tell us a bit about your experience at Coachella, what was it like performing at such a huge festival? Do you prefer big venues or smaller more intimate venues?

Yelle: Playing in Coachella was totally crazy and amazing!! We were a little bit nervous cause we were playing at the same slot of Portishead but the crowd was there, they were dancing and screaming, it was a very good night for us! We like to play sometimes in little venue to be closed from people but it’s really intense and fun to be on a huge stage too!

KB: What’s next for Yelle, any other projects or collaborations that you can talk about?

Yelle: Katy Perry just asked us for a remix, we did it, but now we really want to focus on the next album. Can’t wait to go back in studio and work.

KB: Anything else you want to say to your fans that read this?

Yelle: We love you!