Download: Psapp continue to license, not sell out
We suppose good things do come in pairs, which is why we're offering TWO downloads from one of our favorite DUOS (get it?) Psapp, and showing their latest commercial license for Disaronno featuring the song "Hi" showcasing some lovely TWIN sisters. Reminds us a bit of those classic Doublemint Gum commercials, only with much better music and sexy ladies.
Psapp are a phenomenon. Their sound is unique and cannot be swiftly categorized (some have said they've invented their own genre "toytronica") yet it fits so well to corporate ads and network TV. They are in some ways the quintessential indie band in their aesthetic and approach to making music. But if the general public mostly don't know them by name, they almost certainly know their music. Their song "Cosy In The Rocket" is the title theme to Grey's Anatomy, and they've been licensed almost 20 times in the past few years to shows like Nip/Tuck, CSI:NY, The OC (RIP) and have soundtracked ads from brands like Volkswagen, Absolut and Powerade. How does an indie band with only two full releases make such waves in the tv and corporate world? It can only be explained by their fearless and irreverent angle in making genre-defying music. In a world where music companies are increasingly trying to find talent for the express purpose of licensing their stuff to film/tv/ads etc, here is a refreshing example of a cool band making great music for music's sake and having success come with it. Much respect.
Psapp, made up of the London-based duo Carim Clasmann and Galia Durant, are busy at work on their 3rd LP in their London studio (something tells us they're not watching too much TV or commercials while recording), and have recently completed a remix of Astrud Gilberto's 'Bim Bom' for the new Verve Remixed album. Should be dope. Thanks to the generosity of Domino Records and Chrysalis Songs publishing, and the band themselves via management, we can offer two very rare if not unreleased Psapp tracks for our dear SEEN readers. Enjoy.
Download: Psapp - Hi (Sutekh Remix)
Ads: Lily Allen covers "Mr. Blue Sky" for French SFR commercial
Rumors are flying that Lily Allen's next single could be a re-record of ELO's "Mr. Bluesky". Here's video of a commercial for French phone company SFR which features Lily and her version of the classic tune. We're all looking forward to her next album, but it sounds like that probably won't be coming any time soon. According to her website she is currently in the studio but people are saying that she's taking her time on it and we probably won't see it until 2009. Good luck at the Grammy's Lily.
Click here to download the track from her fansite blog.
Peep footballer Thierry Henry's version here:
Download: Operator Please Connect Me To Australia...
Australians know how to party. They're also pretty good at rocking out (just visit Thailand for proof) . Operator Please is a co-ed 5 piece from Gold Coast Australia and it seems they do both of those things very well. Their song "Get What You Want" was recently featured in this Australian commercial for Virgin Blue airlines which depicts a guy who's just trying to get what he wants in life. Originally the band was formed by lead singer Amandah Wilkinson so that she could compete in her school's battle of the bands.
Of course they won, but they never actually got the grand prize box of donuts they were promised. Rave reviews from NME and a feature on the front page of Myspace have been some consolation and now they're signed to EMI in Australia and Brille for the UK, living the dream of every band ever formed for a battle of the bands.
Check out the commercial above and download the song here.
