Using Spotify so much has somehow also increased the number of CDs I buy. Here are a few I’ve bought this month, none of which are available on Spotify.
Glass Candy – “Deep Gems” (Genre: discophonic)
A collection of singles, b-sides, and rarities. Glass Candy are one of the best of the new wave of synth-disco bands coming out of the States. Spotify has a few of their tracks (including the superb “Digital Versicolor” as featured on the soundtrack to to the recent hard-man movie Bronson – if you like Moroder, you must listen to this!) but none of the albums. If you like this space discophonica, check out the Milky Disco compilations from Lo Recordings (all on Spotify thankfully).
Desire – “II” (Tour CD) (Genre: discophonic)
A new Glass Candy/Chromatics project, Desire are the perfect mix of the pop glaze of Glass Candy and the synthpop sounds of Chromatics. Both this and the Glass Candy CD are available from the Italians Do It Better store.
VNV Nation – “Of Faith, Power and Glory” (Genre: futurepop)
VNV Nation’s 7th album, and the second to be released on their own Anachron label. I’ve followed this band for a while now and have seen them live a few times too. I think Ronan Harris is the best lyricist alive, so many of his songs have some kind of profound meaning or imagery. If you’ve not seen it, spare 4 minutes and watch this incredibly moving video: Doll Face featuring “Illusion” by VNV Nation. This new album is quite possibly their best yet: it’s certainly the most consistent and distills everything that’s good about this band into one album. It almost works like a greatest hits, but made up of new songs if you know what I mean.
Various Artists – “Electronically Yours Volume 1” (2xCD) (Genre: synthpop)
Three years in the making, but the wait has been worth it: Rob aka Orac’s baby finally see the light of day and he’s not reneged on his promise to showcase the very best in new synthpop (as well as some choice tracks from slightly better know artists such as Client, Marsheaux, and Northern Kind). It’s certainly something special: the care and attention that’s gone into this release shines through from the selection, mixing, sequencing, and gorgeous packaging including two pull-out posters of custom art from Christina Christoforou. Deservedly the number 1 selling album on MusicNonStop on release, this compilation is a great primer to the current state of female-fronted British and European synthpop.
You won’t find many of these artists on Spotify yet, but if you have any interest in electronic music then get yourself a copy of Electronically Yours and enjoy some great electro-pop music!