Best EPs of the Year 2015

After yesterday's list with our favourite concerts of 2015 list, now it's time for the EPs which, in this Blog's view, it's a regular source of music gems that doesn't get the attention it deserves. So, in order to make our humble contribution and highlight this wonderful format, here you have, in our opinion, the best 15 EPs of the year (no singles, 3 to 6 songs). Hope you enjoy!


15. High & Vibrate- The Persian Leaps 
14. CRUSHED- PONY
13. Lemonseeds- Morels
12. Dregs- Tuff Love
11. Headcase- Day Wave

10. Nevski- Nevski

9. When you need me the most- Alpaca Sports

8. Montaña, guía y milagros- Victoria Ford

7. Seconds- Seconds*

6. Bodyheat- Bodyheat

5. Murder Shoes - Murder Shoes

4. I don't want to let you down - Sharon Van Etten

3. Roygbiv- Flyying Colours

2. Over Easy - Diet Cig

1. Wild- Young Romance

*(Technically not an EP but a split LP with band Joya, but considering both bands have six songs, and the release consists of two separate EPs, each with their own artwork, we included Seconds on the list)

Want to check the best EPs of 2014? Click here
Or the ones selected in 2013? Click here
And 2012? Click here

The "Records List" coming shortly!

The Bloodbuzzed Jukebox Week 71

A long and, in principle, meaningful weekend (three years of constant stupidity makes me a non-believer sorry but, supposedly, there's an important election day this Sunday) that we need to enhance & empower (and let's admit, distract ourselves from) with an eclectic & diverse TOP TEN playlist.We encourage you to surf trough our list! Indiepop, folk, Spanish indie, new discoveries along with consecrated bands. What more you can ask for? And remember, it's also available at our Soundcloud, so please join us! 

Direct links to 2015 Jukebox playlists
Week 36  Week 37  Week 38   Week 39  Week 40 
Week 41  Week 42 Week 43  Week 44   Week 45
Week 46  Week 47   Week 48  Week 49   Week 50  
Week 51   Week 52  Week 53  Week 54    Week 55  
Week 56   Week 57   Week 58  Week 59   Week 60 
Week 61   Week 62   Week 63  Week 64  Week 65 
Week 66   Week 67   Week 68  Week 69   Week 70 

Best Records of the Year 2014

After EPs and Books, now it's time for the Best Records of 2014. As previous years, we have listed our favourite 30 LPs, the releases that we have enjoyed the most. Many of these bands have already appeared at our "Discoverer Section", others have been played at our "Bloodbuzzed Jukebox Series" and a bunch of them have done our "These Go to 11" questionnaire (thank you, thank you, thank you). Many tough decissions have been made, excluding many bands & records that we love, but finally, here it is. So many amazing music gathered here!

30. Our Years in the Wilderness - The Hi-Life Companion
29. Let You Go- Tape Waves
28. Mundo Fatal- Me and the Bees
27. Do What You Want To, It’s What You Should Do- Flowers
26. The Sea- Beach Beach
25. Une Longue Si Attente- Watoo Watoo
24. Seeds- TV on the Radio
23. Floristry- Trick Mammoth
22. Feel Not Bad- Sw/mm/ng
21. Too True- Dum Dum Girls
20. Fumes- Lily and Madeleine
19. Burn Your Fire For No Witness- Angel Olsen
18. Courting Strong- Martha
17. Before There Were Pictures- Pale Lights
16. Go Guitars- She Sir
15. Nobody Wants to Be Here and Nobody Wants to Leave- The Twilight Sad
14. Fruits del Teu Bosc- Renaldo y Clara
13. Paperback Ghosts- Comet Gain
12. La Foto Fantasma- Cosmen Adelaida
11. Sealed with a Kiss- Alpaca Sports
10. Siesta- The Zebras
9. The Best Hunter- Boutade
8. Up at Lagrange- The Hobbes Fanclub
7. The Luxembourg Signal- The Luxembourg Signal
6. Are We There Yet?- Sharon Van Etten
5. Always- Alvvays
4. Honeyblood- Honeyblood
3. Atlas- Real Estate
2. Loom- Fear of Men
1. Rips- Ex Hex


Want to check last year's list? Then check here
And 2012's? Click here
And 2011's? Just click here

Best Records and EPs of the year 2014... so far

Hard to believe, but half of 2014 is already gone. So, as we do every June since this Blog was born, time to take a look to what year has offered in terms of music so far. As started in 2013, before the list of best songs that will arrive late in the forthcoming week, here's another with our favourite 25 records & EPs of the year to date (all 2014 releases already available). Listed in alphabetical order (the "proper" best-of list comes at the end of the year). Just a way to recognize a bunch of great works!

Are We There Yet?- Sharon Van Etten

Atlas- Real Estate

Before There Were Pictures- Pale Lights

Burn Your Fire to No Witness- Angel Olsen

Courting Strong- Martha

Dalliance- Gold-Bears

Detour- Soft Science

Floristry- Trick Mammoth

Flyying Colours- Flyying Colours

Fruits del teu Bosc- Renaldo & Clara

Gingerlys- Gingerlys

Go Guitars- She Sir

Indiepop or Whatever!- When Nalda Became Punk

In Dreams- Fireflies

La Foto Fantasma- Cosmen Adelaida

Loom- Fear of Men

Mundo Fatal- Me and the Bees

New Gods- Withered Hand

Our Year in the Wilderness- The Hi-Life Companion

Sealed with a Kiss- Alpaca Sports

The Best Hunter- Boutade

The Double EP: A Sea Of Split Peas- Courtney Barnett

Things Too Obvious to Sing- The Very Most
Une Si Longue Attente- Watoo Watoo
Xeristar- Linda Guilala

Premiere: Alpaca Sports remixed by The Very Most!

And a wonderful premiere to end the Alpaca Sports day at the blog!!!

In a 1-10 scale of awesomeness a collaboration between Alpaca Sports & The Very Most (yes, a match made in heaven) is, at least, an 11, so imagine how happy I am to be writing this. Both bands met at the last New York Popfest, where Andreas Jonsson asked Jeremy Jensen to remix one of his songs. Now that the Swedish duo is about to release their highly anticipated debut album, “Sealed with a Kiss”, this February 24th via Dufflecoat/Luxury Records, it’s time to unveil what the talent of our indiepop hero from Boise have done with the already adorable tune “Just for Fun” (available on the special CD if you pre-order the record, something you should be doing ipso facto). For once, a remix name does justice to the song. Judge yourself below, but this "Mandolin Magic" is a 10 in my book...

These Go to 11: interviewing Alpaca Sports

Next musician to respond our questionnaire is Andreas Jonsson, the young man behind Alpaca Sports. What can I say? He is an indiepop genius, has been proving his talents since 2012 with each new tune offered... and now he is ready to conquer the world. So, when I'm very very old I'll remember one day I interviewed this music legend to be... These Go to 11!

Andreas meets his band name

Andreas Jonsson, Alpaca Sports

Andreas started his pluperfect twee/indiepop project in early 2012, and with the help of Amanda Akerman and Carl Jirestedt, plus a bunch of rotating musicians, he has been offering us, relentlessly, pop gem after pop gem in gorgeous 7" format singles. "Just for Fun" and "I Was Running" came out via Dufflecoat Records/ Luxury Records that same year, while in 2013, on the same labels, arrived the irresistible "He Doesn't Even Like You" and "Telephone", the latest being a split single with another seminal Swedish band, Acid House Kings. More recently it was the turn of "As Long as I have You", out on Cloudberry Records, making forthcoming February 24th a highlighted date on any indiepop lover's agenda. That's the day when debut album "Sealed with a Kiss", again on Dufflecoat/Luxury comes out. Pop world beware, Alpaca Sports and their delicate, lush, catchy and memorable music is here to stay!

Music aside, one of most famous
Swedish exports

1. First record that you bought (be honest)

My first LP was a compilation with all the songs from the Pippi Longstocking-movie. First cd is embarrassing! Melodie MC – Northland Wonderland (here’s the big hit "Dum da Dum"). I’m pretty sure I still know the whole rap-part.

2. First and last concert you have attended (be honest too!)  

My first concert must have been when I went to see the Swedish band “Mora Träsk” as a kid. The last concert I attended ( not playing ourselves) was probably to see labelmates Katakomb play at Jazzhuset in December.

3. Guilty pleasure (song/band you shouldn’t like but you do, yes, it’s the embarrassing question)
This New Years Eve I ended up dancing like a maniac to “Lucky” by Britney Spears. I was in chock and screamed to my friend Sophie, “why do I like this song so much?!” I think she has it all on camera, so I’m in big trouble haha.

4. Most precious music item you own (collector mode on)
Must be my LPs and singles with The Hit Parade. My favorites are “More Pop Songs” and “With Love from The Hit Parade”. I also got the “Emma’s house” 7” by The Field Mice as a gift from Gary from Dufflecoat Records, that one is very precious to me.

Underrated indiepop 

5. Favorite lyrics (not yours)

The first one that came to my mind was “I want the one I can't have, and it's driving me mad, it's written all over my face” by The Smiths. Then I thought of  “the best looking boys are taken, the best looking girls are staying inside” from “Judy and the Dream of Horses” by Belle and Sebastian. But I don’t know if they’re my favorites.

6. Musician/s you would like to meet (should be alive, for obvious reasons, but you can choose a dead one too)
Even though it scares me a bit to meet musicians I admire, I think it could be fun to have a cup of tea with Julian Henry from The Hit Parade.

7. Favorite artwork album (not yours)
Orange Juice “You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever”. But oh, difficult question! I already regret my answer…

8. Books or movies? Depending on your answer recommend us one (trick: you can choose both)
Movies. I’m addicted to drama/romance and I just saw the Chinese movie “The Road Home”, which I can highly recommend. One of my favorite movies is Tornatore’s “Cinema Paradiso”.

9. Song (of yours) you are most proud of
“She’ll Come Back for Indian Summer”. I always love playing that one live.

10. What’s does it mean indie for you? (yes, the “serious question”)
Heart, soul and bap bap ba’s.

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I finally won the lottery and I’m now living on the French riviera. With a glass of wine in my hand I’m enjoying life in the sun with my wife and kids.

Zillion thanks Andreas!

Music to Look Forward in 2014

Another blog tradition: our new year's music wishes! A small summary of the releases/events we're looking forward to. And yours?

1. To begin with, our traditional & most beloved sure-fire: Jeremy Jensen, aka The Very Most, will be back quite soon with new lush and charming songs. But the challenge in 2014 is greater. Seeing each other again. UK on the horizon! 
2. Another sure-fire is going to be my first gig of the year: Basia Bulat at the end of January presenting "Tall Tall Shadow". Plus, few weeks later it will be the turn for Savages. Oh My, Oh My. 
3. The Hi-Life Companion keeps me waiting way more than is reasonable! "Our Years in the Wilderness" has to arrive very soon, we need it! 
   
4. There's an indiepop genius up north (Sweden) called Andreas Jonsson who has been releasing stunning tune after stunning tune in adorable singles for almost two years. Now Alpaca Sports is going to offer a full album, entitled "Sealed with a Kiss", scheduled for February. What if it is so perfect we don't want to hear anything else? Show some mercy for the rest of musicians out there Andreas! 
5. Young bands conquering the world.This is REALLY the year Planet Earth (at least the part that's not deaf) should fall forever in love with Fear of Men and Let's Buy Happiness. And 2014 should be also the year where the young indiepop army from the Dunedin scene (courtesy of the lovely people at Fishrider Records) conquers the world. It would be a much better place anyway. 
6. Two favourite voices of mine are expected to offer new music this year. Rose Elinor Dougall will offer a follow-up to her fantastic "Future Vanishes" Ep. Can't wait. But the COMEBACK in big capital letters for me is the reunion of Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott. Record on the works. To hear them together again...to hear her again....it's been so long. Goosebumps already. 
   
7. Indietracks, Indietracks, Indietracks, Indietracks... repeat 'til become truth!
8. Fourth Primavera Sound Festival. I already posted my wish list recently. Check it here.
9. Even more & records expected: Northern Spies, Hospitality, Belle and Sebastian, Me and the Bees, Grushenka, Cosmen Adelaida, The Swapsies, Young Romance, Sharon Van Etten, Be Forest... And what do infallible labels like Shelflife, EardrumsPop, Slumberland, Matinée, Test Pattern, Fortuna Pop!, Dufflecoat, WWNBB, February Records, El Genio Equivocado or Discos de Kirlian have prepared for us? And yes (let's go mainstream for a second), it's true this time. It's a U2 year. Maybe too late? We'll see...
10. And finally, the most personal one: you're going to see (better said read) me writing quite a lot out there. Here's hoping for the very best...

Of course, there are many more out there, eager to be discovered. The year in music could be spectacular!

Primavera Sound 2014: My Wish List

It's another tradition to honour. The Primavera Sound Festival will unveil its line-up on January 28th, it seems that with a movie (intriguing!). The few names announced so far, Arcade Fire, Pixies and Neutral Milk Hotel are not very exciting for me, and rumours like NIN, Beck, Neil Young or Kanye West are so worrying, not to mention terrible proposals like Daft Punk (just my opinion of course). So, as we did on previous years, here's how my wish list would like. It's a mix between personal desires and bands that, seeing their agendas, could very well be in Barcelona next May... Fingers crossed, because it could be an incredible edition! If you follow my advice... maybe the slogan #bestfestivalever might be true, hehehe....

1. Alpaca Sports. The pluperfect indiepop band, how long without them in Barcelona? Not fair.
2. Beth Orton. Needed. Too long since the last time I saw her.
3. Cat Power. Dropped last year, but she's still touring, so second chance in 2014? It would be fantastic.
4. Decemberists, The. Still one of my must-see bands. Still!!!!
5. DIIV. Same case as Chan Marshall. Eagerly expected.
6. Fear of Men. Debut LP ready for Spring. Mandatory band to watch & hear on 2014
7. Go Violets. My best EP of 2013. They deserve a spot in Barcelona...
8. Hospitality. New album arriving on early 2014, they do have to cross the Atlantic this time...
9. Julie Ruin, The. Kathleen Hanna is back, and happily, she's also touring. Even more than that, they play in France on May 27th, so their schedule fits wonderfully... Enough said.
10. National, The. I know it. You know it. Everybody knows it. Dates fit so well. Won't be as special as seeing them in L.A. but of course, we'll be there.
11. New Zealanders. Primavera Sound bring newcomers Trick Mammoth and Males to Barcelona. And Prophet Hens (all three bands courtesy of Fishrider Records). And Astro Children. I could go on....
12. Real Estate. We know there's an album on the making, so we want them back.
13. Rose Elinor Dougall. Arguably one of the most haunting voices ever imo, her latest EP, "Future Vanishes", is another solid step on her striking solo career so far. Sophomore album and tour are on the works so please make a stop in Barcelona...  
14. San Fermin. Can you imagine how amazing could be a San Fermin gig at Auditori? American tour ends in March, so why not an European leg in Spring?
15. Sleater-Kinney. Wild Flag is over, they gathered on stage at a Pearl Jam's gig recently and the buzz keeps going. If it's not just a rumour, this is a MUST for Primavera Sound. Enough said (part II)
16. Slowdive. Kind of a rumour again, although Rachel and Neil are reuniting for some gigs in London, so here's hoping...
17. Softies, The. Or any combo, new project in which Rose Melberg is involved. With The Softies I want to claim a much bigger space for indiepop at Primavera please!!
18. Torres. Another MUST (why only in Madrid this Autumn?). At Auditori it would be mind-blowing. 
19. Wild Swans, The. Reissues and more reissues, why not a tour throughout Europe? Or at least Barcelona in Spring? Paul Simpson say yes!
20. Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Didn't like "Mosquito", one of the biggest disappointments of the year imo, but I have to see Karen O at least once live... 

Math and Physics Club & Alpaca Sports new wonders!

If yesterday was folk, today I have to write about two wonderful indiepop comebacks.

First, a most welcomed return after three years of silence. Math and Physics Club are back with single "Long Drag/Across the Paper", just out on Matinée Recordings (yeah I know, Bubblegum Lemonade and now this?, the explanation is simple: the label is always on a roll). The release precedes the Seattle band's new album, "Our Hearts Beat Out Loud", out later in the year. The title track, "Long Drag" is simply stunning, pulse-beating, addictive and joyful (how many times I have written that hand-claps can make the difference?) and a killer chorus. In contrast, b-side "Across the Paper" is a mellower, more intimate affair immediately recalling Allo Darlin' with their ukulele. Charming. What a comeback!
And second, Alpaca Sports. AGAIN. "He Doesn't Even Like You" is their new single and, AGAIN, is a gorgeous, naturally irresistible, and catchy as hell pop tune (backed with a Tiny Fireflies remix of "I Was Running"). One more song and I will start to think the Swedish have sold their soul to the devil (indiepop devil, that is) and that's why they keep releasing gem after gem effortlessly (or at least, that's what it seems). Please, Alpaca Sports, release them together so we can finally have them compiled! Plus, and needless to say, have to watch them live...

Winter-Spring 2013: agenda of concerts

Not in the best of moods lately (work issues), so what's best than live music in order to cheer up a bit! Let's take a look at our provisional agenda of concerts until summer (hope it grows)!

JANUARY
31. Veronica Falls at BeCool

FEBRUARY
15. In-Somni Festival at Sala Bikini. Arizona Baby + Stay + our beloved Partido
16. In-Somni Festival at Razzmatazz 2. Los Punsetes + Extraperlo + Tweak Bird
21. The Raveonettes at Music Hall
23. Minifestival de Música Independent de Barcelona, at Espai Jove Les Basses. A chance to see Amor de Días live, plus The Primitives!

MARCH
7-9. Madrid PopFest! at Sala Clamores, Madrid. Really hoping to make it! Northern Portrait, Alpaca Sports, This Many Boyfriends, Burning Hearts.... too good already!
13. Beach House at Sala Apolo

APRIL
19. Allo Darlin' at BARTS Espai Club (Artèria Paral·lel)
20. Jane Joyd at Music Hall
27. Eels at Artèria Paral·lel

MAY
17. Alessis' Ark at BARTS Espai Club (Artèria Paral·lel) 
22-26. Primavera Sound Festival. Of course.

JUNE-JULY
Who knows? But a couple of Festivals are in the agenda....


Majority still pending, some due to "calendar issues", but the majority, due to "economic issues" (depressing I know), but green means confirmed: already got the tickets or to be accredited (expected!). Sure many others will come!

Best Songs of the Year 2012: 25-1

And here it is: the end of this music countdown with the 25 best tunes of 2012, always in my modest opinion, of course. Hope you have enjoyed this personal music ride!

25. Ununiversizable Us- The Very Most
24. Chained- The XX
23. Song for Leigh- The Walkmen
22. Silver Lining- Guards
21. The National Health- Mäximo Park
20. Myth- Beach House
19. Ivory Coast- Pure Bathing Culture
18. The Rifle's Spiral- The Shins
17. I Got Nothing- Dum Dum Girls
16. Just for Fun- Alpaca Sports
15. Motoring- Toy
14. I'm So Unclean- Evans the Death
13. You Forget So Easily- ExLovers
12. Capricornia- Allo Darlin'
11. The Right Profession- Hospitality
10. Mosaic- Fear of Men
9. Easily Led- Fountains
8. Ruin- Cat Power
7. So Long You Pretty Thing- Spiritualized
6. Off the Wall- Lee Ranaldo
5. On the Spectrum- The Hermit Crabs
4. Follow On Your Own- Young Romance
3. Last Leaves of Autumn- Beth Orton
2. We Can't Be Beat- The Walkmen
1. Leonard- Sharon Van Etten

You can check the complete list of the 100 songs here:
First part: 100-76
Second part: 75-51
Third part: 50-26 

Want to check the 2011's list? You can do it here:
First part: 100-76
Second part: 75-51
Third part: 50-26 
Fourth part: 25-1

Best Songs of the Year 2012: 50-26

Hope you are enjoying the Bloodbuzzed Songs of the Year 2012 so far. After the previous two chapters now it's time for the tunes ranked between positions 50 to 26, with the mandatory grooveshark playlist to listen them included. The final part, with the top 25 songs of 2012 will be online tomorrow. Have your say! 

50. Slow Trains- Anaesthetics
49. Our Old Centre Back- Cats On Fire
48. Alférez Provisional- Los Punsetes
47. Teenage Icon- The Vaccines
46. No Sleep- Fountains
45. Sing Up for the Boys in Green- The Very Most
44. Revelation Blues- The Tallest Man On Earth
43. Tightrope-Fanfarlo
42. I Was Running- Alpaca Sports
41. Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings- Father John Misty
40. Eighth Avenue- Hospitality
39. The Letter - Allo Darlin'
38. Only You- Big Wave
37. I’ve Always Known- Rose Elinor Dougall
36. Even the Blind- Echo Lake
35. Genevieve- Stealing Sheep
34. Train from King's Cross Station- Tender Trap
33. Tendons in the Night- Shrag
32. All Your Gold- Bat for Lashes
31. Afraid of Summer- Lost Lander
30. Never Speak of it Again- The Holiday Crowd
29. Catch Your Cold- Evans the Death
28. Dawn Chorus- Beth Orton
27. Simple Song- The Shins
26. Serpents- Sharon Van Etten

Primavera Club 2012: my wish list

Swans, a quality and prestigious name but very far from my tastes was filtered a couple of days ago. Today, Gabi Ruiz tweeted the full line-up of the Primavera Club 2012 (December 5 to 9) will be announced  next Tuesday12th. So, as I did with Primavera Sound last spring, here's how my wish list would like... aside from my impossible and recurring dreams (I guess) of bringing The Very Most, The Hermit Crabs, Nat Johnson or Electrelane to Barcelona, I just made the list from bands that could be possible seeing their agendas so far... so here's hope!

Alpaca Sports. Well, they are simply one of the most delicious acts that have appeared this year.
Corin Tucker Band, The. The album is just arriving, so they should present it, so why not Barcelona? Or maybe for Primavera Sound 2013. Another amazing option (would love to have both) is to include Wild Flag, still have to come here!
Echo Lake. Touring UK in October....
Evans the Death. Similar case to Echo Lake.
ExLovers. No dates means options? Hope so.
Fonda. They release a new album very soon, so the time is right....
Fountains. The best new band of the year?
Hospitality. My Nº1 choice of the list. They end their American tour in November so...
Motorama. Finally, finally, finally, please...
School, The. Another must-see.
Shrag. "Canines" deserves a stop in Barcelona!
Softies, The. The Chickfactor celebrations gathered them for some gigs. Needless to say that would be a dream come true...
Stealing Sheep. Recently discovered, and completely haunted. How will they sound live?
Strawberry Wiplash. Wouldn't it be nice if Matinée Recordings had a special section at Primavera each year?
Toy. Similar case to Stealing Sheep. Counting the days for the record to arrive...
Wild Nothing. Their calendar dates seems to fit nicely...
Young Romance. Favourites from the blog, Claire and Paolo are an absolute must.

Back with the best music!

All good things come to an end. My holidays are over, and despite going back to work, the neverending heatwave in Spain, our corrupted politicians and the despicable Republicans on the American campaign, and the unacceptable Pussy Riot imprisonment in Russia (what a dictatorial regime) are enough to depress everyone, but at least not today. We still have many songs on the agenda to enjoy.

My beloved Beth Orton is showing us bits of her new album, "Sugaring Season", out in October 2nd. Hear her below, playing three tunes "Dawn Chorus", "Candles", and "Poison Tree" plus personal favourite "Sweetest Decline" on acoustic, stripped down versions. Magic.

I'm pretty sure you want more, so here's "Magpie", gorgeous first song of the album (you can download it too). Can't wait for the record!
Beth Orton - Magpie

I already told you to keep an eye on the Swedish band Alpaca Sports. Here are two superb recent tunes to prove it, "She'll Come Back for Indian Summer" and the irresistible "I Was Running", new single to be released at the end of August. Fantastic indie-pop, among the best of the year so far!
Alpaca Sports - She'll come back for Indian summer by Alpaca Sports
I was running by Alpaca Sports

And another blog discovery to end the post. Post-punk/shoegaze band Fountains latest single is "Easily Led" and is spectacular. Do this guys now they have penned an instant classic? Please have a listen! Review coming shortly!