First single “Under The Sheets” released in November 2009 I regarded to be the perfect, well structured song. Obviously I became curious about more songs from young and talented Ellie Goulding. The question was if she could proudly stand besides her strong predecessors Adele and Florence And The Machine. Although this is like mixing pears with apples as we Slovaks say – soully-jazzy Adele, indie Florence and synthpop Ellie.

But let’s have a look at my thought about album’s tracklist:

1. “Guns And Horses” – one of the best songs on the album, probably the most acoustical with cheeky sang finish
2. “Starry Eyed” – good current hit, a dancesong
3. “This Love (Will Be Your Downfall)” – very beautiful piece, great work with thick analog synth sounds, especially the bass one is really amazing, cool chorus, certainly my best song on the CD
4. “Under The Sheets” – Ellie’s first hit with interesting intro, super rhythm, bass and filling riffs, funky mood,  chorus makes me feel like on carousel, just don’t know if it’s the world that’s spinning or myself, tastily chosen raising arpeggios
5. “The Writer” – a bit too sweet pop for me but nice chorus
6. “Every Time You Go” – not bad, although one of weakest songs on the album
7. “Wish I Stayed” – totally catching song, Ellie’s got interesting “shivering” voice, energetic chorus and great song atmosphere
8. “Your Biggest Mistake” – electro pop, quite popular these days thanks to La Roux, though this is a softer one
9. “I’ll Hold My Breath” – 80′s? A bit of Wham!-style chorus. Sweet but a bit strange to hear in 2010 ;)
10. “Salt Skin” – I almost sang “bulleeeetprooof” at the beginning…

All and all, vibrant modern album with some of the songs I wouldn’t listen to, not knowing it’s from Ellie Goulding. Intelligent, not artificial music (as there’s a lot of such music in this style), definitely something fresh worth of listening.

Singer is newborn Jim Morrison-meets-Ian Curtis!!! No kidding, have a listen! I needed to check the band’s bio whether they are really Slovaks… impossible yet so true. I’m very pround now :) The best Slovak band so far! Sorry for talking nonesense most of the time this late hour but what a thing coming to my ears…

It seems to me that Lavagance hadn’t disappointed. Probably all new great Slovak indie bands are produced by Lavagance’s singer Marek Rakovický or at least have something else in common with him.

Welcome to new era of Slovak music! :) Oh, “I’m so happy, happy so…”

Don’t forget to visit Plastic Swans’ space.

Plastic Swans live

I will be back soon again I guess ;)

Here is the link: myspace.com/talkshowmusic. Song “3” is really great! I guess we will hear about these guys again. The same I thought about Lavagance when I was leaving Slovakia and I was not wrong…

I didn’t expect that much considering the strange name reminding me some American punk bands. But was amazed about the guys when I saw some videos on YouTube. Unbelievable simple, almost 1960′s sound, great great songs influenced heavily with classical music! The Beatles rang at the back of my mind when listening to some songs…

This young band of four boys from New York released their first album “Vampire Weekend” early in 2008. Unfortunately I couldn’t buy it in Ireland these days (or I didn’t try that hard) but finally get it on the net. Immediately I was in mood of grabbing a guitar and playing along. Songs like “Oxford Comma” and “M79″ jumped high enough to become one of the best songs I’ve ever heard.

Inspiring fact for me is that guys recorded their first album mostly on their own in basement and barn as they say ;)

Everybody who loves fresh good indie music should check this band out, you won’t regret. Ezra Koenig (vocals, guitar), Rostam Batmanglij (keyboards),  Chris Baio (bass) and Chris Tomson (drums) can be found on VampireWeekend.com.