Shout Out Out Out Out is DIY or die … well maybe not die. These guys are friendly Canadians, after all. The Edmonton natives run their own label, produce their own records, take their own photos and even run their own website. It seems the band works well together. Incidentally, it came together after the members, punk-rock exiles, bonded over a love for synthesizers. Their first album came out in 2006, and this summer they released Spanish Moss And Total Loss. Below is a mix tape frontman Nik Kozub made MAGNET.
“Now That I’ve Given Up Hope, I Feel Much Better” (download):
Todd Terje “Inspector Norse”
Terje made this great record (It’s The ARPs) using the ARP 2600 synthesizer for every sound. While that is an impressive feat in itself and tremendously appealing to the synth nerd in me, it’s the songs that shine through. I find it reaffirming that this tune has become something of a club hit. We are all big fans of Terje’s work; he has an amazing sense of humour in his music and DJ sets. Video
Spacemen 3 “Big City (Everybody I Know Can Be Found Here)”
Spacemen 3 are probably my fave band of all time. I really love long songs filled with pulsing repetition, and this song (a Sonic Boom joint from the Recurring album where Sonic and J. Spaceman were no longer working together) is a perfect specimen of my personal tastes. Great for long drives; just put this jam on repeat and zone out. Video
Manuel Göttsching “E2-E4”
Speaking of long songs … This hour-long proto-house tune by Ash Ra Temple’s Manuel Göttsching totally blew my mind when I first heard it. One of those records that still sounds amazingly current almost 30 years after it was released. Video
Neu! “Isi”
This is my favourite Neu! song, off of their third album, Neu! 75. Piano, synth and textbook motorik drumming. Another great song for long drives. I have most certainly been influenced by Neu!, and this song in particular, in my own writing. Video
Free Energy “Something In Common”
I love how every single Free Energy song is a celebratory pop anthem. I always find myself reaching for their records in the summertime. This one is off of their first seven-inch on DFA Records, and I’ve been throwing it on summer mix tapes for pals since it came out a few years ago. Video
Poolside “Do You Believe”
This Poolside smash hit came out well more than a year ago now, but I’m still amped on it and playing it out like crazy this summer. This to me is another quintessential summer song. Relaxed and uplifting at the same time. Perfect for a rooftop or patio party (or, of course, a poolside party, but we don’t really get to do that in Edmonton). Video
Severed Heads “All Saints Day”
A great industrial pop single from 1989, that again, still sounds current enough for me to play in DJ sets now. Guaranteed to get any goths lurking in the shadows onto the floor. Video
When Saints Go Machine “Terminal One”
When Saints Go Machine’s album Konkylie was one of my top picks from last year. I was a little disappointed when I bought my LP copy that this song ‘Terminal One’ was omitted from on-Danish pressings of the album. Video
Violens “Acid Reign (In The Trees mix)”
I prefer this alternate version to the album version (from Amoral). I think the video is pretty amazing, too. (I can feel those tears, maaan.) This version appeared on a split seven-inch with Twin Shadow (as well as on their free summer mixtape, which definitely deserves a listen). Violens strike me as being a really creative and unique band. Video
Coma Cinema “Only”
I’ve been loving all of Coma Cinema’s musical output for a while now. I think it’s crazy that he gives his music away for free. (I would gladly pay.) There is a degree of volatility and depression to Coma Cinema’s music that I find kind of unsettling (not to mention his somewhat terrifying Twitter account filled with suicidal sentiments and self destruction; if anyone knows this dude, I think he needs a hug, stat). I’ve been known to write somewhat depressing lyrics myself, but listening to Coma Cinema often makes me think, “Well, at least I’m not as bummed out as that guy.” This one is from his Stoned Alone album. Video
