inner nerd » Robot Rock

History: Veronica Vasicka (2010)

beaker — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 19:47:04 +0000

Founder of NY-based revivalist label Minimal Wave talks about her work.

Herself a diamond in the rough, Veronica’s pirate radio station-turned-label has fittingly refocused attention on some spectacular, mostly unknown or forgotten artists. Beyond reissues, Veronica’s bringing to light new talent with a penchant for stripped down, analog sounds, like Medio Mutante.

SCHEMATIC: An interview with Ford Models and a link to the Minimal Wave Facebook group…

Facebook Group

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Robot Rock du Jour: Hooray For Earth – True Loves (Cereal Spiller Remix) (2011)

beaker — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 19:28:53 +0000

While this song is uncomfortably close to mainstream for my circuit boards, this deconstructed remix by NYC incognitos Cereal Spiller is just off the beaten path enough to ensure safety. The real winner here, tho, is the animation created by UK-based artist Cyriak Harris.

SCHEMATIC: True Loves (Album Version) with another great video…

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RIP: DJ Mehdi – Signatune (Thomas Bangalter Edit) (2007)

beaker — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:06:37 +0000

Sad, sad news today. French/Tunisian producer and DJ, Mehdi Favéris-Essadi, died last night, reportedly after the roof on his house gave way during a birthday party. Condolences to his wife, family and friends. If he was anything like his music and performances, he was a truly vibrant and gifted young man.

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Robot Rock du Jour: Factory Floor – Real Love (2010)

beaker — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 17:25:42 +0000

I interrupt your regularly scheduled whatever to bring you this uncut diamond from the London underground.

Factory Floor has future classic written all over them. Shows in NY and Philly in late September and early November.

SCHEMATIC: Real Love (Album Version), Lying and Wooden Box…

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Robot Rock du Jour: LCD Soundsystem – Someone Great (2007)

beaker — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 17:21:32 +0000

So, I pretty much avoid big time acts and there are very few “modern” bands that make what I deem to be exceptionally rad music. LCD Soundsystem, however, is the king + queen of them all.

I created this stop-motion video as part of my graduate program thesis work. 100 hours of wood cutting and photographing. If you dig it, peep my process photos.

SCHEMATIC: Videos for Home, Daft Punk is Playing at My House…

Home

Daft Punk is Playing at My House

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Robot Rock du Jour: Starter – Minijupe (1981)

beaker — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 18:17:16 +0000

OK. So, pretend for a minute that lead singer Francis Foss DOESN’T look and sound like Dana Carvey taking the piss out of no wave bands.

In that hot minute, you will surely discover how rad this song is because you, after all, love les minijupes (miniskirts) as much as I do. And Korg MS-20s.

SCHEMATIC: Dana Carvey, record label and cover artwork, some band photos…

Dana Carvey – Choppin’ Broccoli (SNL Audition)

Starter – Minijupe 7″ (1981)

Starter – Starter LP (1981)

Starter – Band Photos

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Robot Rock du Jour: Mr. Flagio – Take a Chance (1983)

beaker — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 06:22:37 +0000

In case you were wondering, Mr. Flagio is a hairy-chested robot from space.

This song has everything one could ever ask of an Italo track. It is a perfect mix of robo space disco, electro and synth pop with a killer bass line, rock solid vocoder and a fantastic breakdown. An essential part of any Italo collection.

SCHEMATIC: Instrumental version…

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Robot Rock du Jour: G.A.N.G. – KKK (1983)

beaker — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 18:10:13 +0000

I can actually feel my skin getting hot under the southern Italian sun. The gentle sound of waves crashing and the sand, warm beneath me.

This song is a warm italo breeze on a cool February day. Slow burning and soulful. This particular clip features the ORIGINAL two track reel-to-reel master, so the sound quality is pristine.

SCHEMATIC: 12″ versions and another track by G.A.N.G…12″ Club Mix

Dub Mix + Bonus Beats

Incantations (1983)

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Robot Rock du Jour: Disk Drive + Printer Singing

beaker — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:19:25 +0000

These folks take nerd music to a totally new level.

SCHEMATIC: More tonal nonsense from highly unlikely heroes and heroines…

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Robot Rock du Jour: Daft Punk – Derezzed (2010) (TRON: Legacy)

beaker — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:58:54 +0000

TRON: Legacy + Daft Punk. Full coverage of the original film and remake soon.

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