Sonic Youth

Sleeping States has been an ongoing musical project for ex-Midlander, ex-East Anglian, ex-Londoner and current Bristolian, Markland Starkie, since 2004. Originally inspired by the energy and DIY ethos of labels such as K Records in the US and Slampt in the UK, Markland has released a slew of records of various formats and lengths on numerous micro- and independent labels, both in the UK and abroad over the past five years. These releases, embracing the more lo-fi end of the recording spectrum, skip from genre to genre, from introspective folk to synth pop to choral doo wop, though always at the heart of his experimentation and exploration are confident melodies, minimal arrangements and a strong sense of romance.

Sonic Youth / Schizophrenia
A blast of one of the most innovative guitar bands of the last 25 years, at their best. With its lyrics influenced by pulp science fiction, chiming guitar reaching a squalling climax towards the end, and a surprisingly melodic breakdown for a band so focused on discord, it never fails to please. Plus, the opening drumbeat sets my spine a-tingling every time I hear it.

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The long-awaited debut EP for Australian band Lions At Your Door is finally out and it’s a very happening dancefloor filling indie-punk-jazz-rock recording which captures the raw energy of their live shows. Recorded at Sydney’s Linear Recordings (Teenager, Empire of the Sun, Lost Valentinos, INXS) the independently funded release was produced and mixed by the band themselves. Working with engineer Chris Vallejo, all tracks on the EP were recorded live to tape using analog recording equipment.

Beck / Lost Cause
Apparently Beck wrote most of the Sea Change album after breaking up with a long-term girlfriend. I don’t wish ill on the guy, but if songs like this come out of his broken relationships, I hope it happens again.

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Liverpool based four-piece, Screaming Lights, signed to Anti- Records (Tom Waits, Neko Case, Bob Mould) in January, making them the first new UK band the label has ever signed. Having previously toured with the Mystery Jets and Late Of the Pier, the band play the Secret Garden Party in July.

Ulrich Schnauss / On My Own
I have it on right now, and it’s new to me, and it’s brilliant.

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Amaya Laucirica was born into the rural solitude of Millicent, South Australia. She discovered music was more than a mere distraction, subsequently moving to Melbourne to expand her musical prospects where she recorded a rough five track demo CD. This was to become the basis for her debut album, Sugar Lights. The recordings gained the interest of several notables, including Mick Harvey, who offered assistance with arrangements, and Peter J. Moore, who mastered the album in Canada. Moore has previously produced the Cowboy Junkies, Neko Case and Emmylou Harris.

The Chills / Pink Frost
I was reading about this song somewhere and downloaded it, as you do these days. I fell in love with that lo-fi dark rhythmic sound. It kinda has an up drum beat but the lyrics are so dark. I went out and bought the record — Kaleidoscope World — on vinyl, which is a collection of their early singles. It was the first for me of the Flying Nun bunch, and I’ve had a curiosity for New Zealand pop music ever since.

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Melbourne-based rock band, Children Collide, are one of the hottest emerging artists of 2008. They’ve just been added to the Big Day Out bill, and currently have the featured album on Australian radio youth network, Triple J, with their recently released debut long-player, The Long Now.

Sonic Youth / Schizophrenia
The opening track off what is probably my favorite Sonic Youth album, Sister. I used to play this song in bands when I was fourteen. That was a while ago now and it still holds exactly the same weight with me as it did back then. A true classic.

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