Introducing some Computer Magic and a Black Celebration
Words: Babooshka always Dressed in Black
02/04/11 - Updated
New New Yorker Computer Magic is the electro baby of Danielle Johnson; a curious menagerie of quaint vocals infused with retrospective spaced out sci-fi bleeps. Listen, listen, listen to 'In So Many Ways' for the strange but noteworthy amalgam of otherworldly vocals backed by the cosmos age.
Let's not be afraid to mention the 80's, the intro is scarily Steve Millar Band 's 1982 'hit' 'Abracadabra' but don't be put off and feel the 'hit' love. Definitely melodic and understated synth music, warm and uncluttered and to keep on your radar this coming year.
Currently touring to promote her debut EP 'Electronic Fences' with the help of band members Adam Green and Chris Egan, the quirkiness of Danielle's Computer Magic is resulting in some unusual and peculiarly 70's sounding Apollo 13 orbital catchiness.
EY pick from the debut is 'Running' which will prick the ears of Depeche Mode fans with its 'Enjoy the Silence' penchant and the lo-fi loveliness of St Etienne in places. In the rising excitement of other EY faves Austra's upcoming album 'Feel it Break', it's good to hear some newbies with 'modey' energy in the current climate where the girls are making waves with a bit more edge and electro exploration.
Leading nicely to a big 'Black Celebration' of the first generation electro band Depeche Mode, still consistently making an impression in contrast to the many tired and desperate bandwagon comebacks of late.
For all you lovely anoraks, jump here for XFM's hour long interview including Daniel Miller, the big man of Mute and Gareth Jones the sound engineer for a number of Mode albums.
As an extra treat there is a snippet of the demo for 'A Question of Lust' which was, startling revelation, inspired by the super skinny black jean lovelies Jesus and Mary Chain.
A 25th birthday for arguably the best and darkest Mode album, 'Black Celebration' reigns outside of mainstream popdom with the genius of tracks like 'Stripped' and 'Dressed in Black'. It's not hard to see why new bands are echoing this sound, whether intentional or not. Hurry up June 6th as we wait impatiently for Remixes 2: 81-11. Already covered here but if you missed it in some over excited 'Credo' inflamed madness, check out the super fab Alex Metric remix of 'Personal Jesus'...lovelovelove.
Probably the best Human League interview...ever
Text: Orac
The Human League have given what must rank as their most frank interview to date in a lengthy Q&A session with The Arts Desk that went live last night. The trio speak candidly about their career including behind the scenes fall-outs during the making of 'Crash' with Jam & Lewis and why 1990's 'Romantic' was doomed to failure.
There are also hints of court action with former band members over song writing credits that pushed the band to total breaking point, whilst the most surprising revelation comes from Philip with regards to William Orbit who mixed several of the 'Romantic' tracks;
'He remixed six of the tracks but he only really did it because he'd signed to Virgin. It was a back-door deal because they could get him cheap and maybe have his name hyped up a bit by having it associated with a group they still thought had a name. It was just horrible'.
Joanne also reveals how the League turned up at Orbit's door to see how he was getting on with the 'Romantic' mixes;
'...he wouldn't let us in which was a bit strange'.
Other highpoints include Philip's thoughts on why 2001's 'Secrets' didn't quite work for him personally;
'We did the wrong album. We concentrated slightly on the wrong areas. It had too much trebly high-mid, not enough bass, was a little bit complicated, too close to Bjork, too close to Depeche Mode. It wasn't quite right'
The Arts Desk interview is the closest we'll come to an official Human League biography and we recommend it very highly here at EYHQ.
