Kowalskiy SIngles Club #15

And now for the return of your favourite, infrequent delve into the country's musical singles market.  We're nearing the 100^th single don't you know!  Not yet though, maybe next time 'round.  Until then, here's another batch of singles looking to tickle your ivories, pluck your strings or God-willing, maybe even blow your trumpet!  What you get up to once you've clicked the artwork and followed these links is entirely up to you!  Take it away singletons...

Knife Gang Shop Raid by Naked Strangers

"Five dedicated nudists seek likeminded strangers for induction into mystical eastern sex-pact. Knowledge of local dogging spots a must. Do you enjoy love under bridges, fumbling on buses, knitted lingerie and consensual human sacrifice to a higher cause? Then please, get in touch." - Mark Stockl (Naked Strangers)

Apparently that ad's been in the local papers for a while with no success.  So, if you're up for meeting some Naked Strangers for a touch of NSA fumbling and sacrificial happenings, then this is the track for you.  It's the first of a trilogy of tracks this lot will be releasing.  I've heard them all.  They get better and better!

Let's Make Money by Thank You So Nice

"Two socially awkward history anoraks seek equally awkward significant others with a penchant for discussing French critical theory. One hyper multi-lingual hourglass with a penchant for dress-up seeks pie chef. In all cases troubadours need not apply." - TYSN

What a lovely polite bunch Thank You So Nice sound.  Their tracks do too you'll be glad to know.  This FREE three-track download was recorded at Swanfield Studios and is out now.  Non-troubadours click the artwork for your copy.   

Ivory And/Geraniums on a Spit by North American War

"Ivor and Gerry, bored couple, 45, recently split /made single (we were singing in different keys). Petite, slim, good fit for all u players. Ivor's feedback just wasn't having Gerry's la-la-la's. On the flip side failure 2 harmonise begs the question: Are U the 1 to take us for a spin? ;-) faster please!" - Anna (North American War)

Now that all sounds a bit swingerish doesn't it??  North American War  released their debut EP through Winning Sperm Party a while back.  This is the follow-up double A-side for all those willing to take them for a spin!

She Can't Take It by Sacre Noir

"Film Noir / David Lynch fan seeks similar. Must not be afraid of twisted clowns or broken dolls, dark spaces or catchy riffs. Single & ready to rock your world – based in Edinburgh, but willing to travel. Don’t believe the hype “She Can’t Take It” – find out for yourself!" - Carrie Beattie (Sacre Noir)

It's not often you hear the words "Female fronted dark electronica" around these parts.  This lot are based in Edinburgh and they have an album out later this month if this tickles your fancy.  Here's the video to go with it!

Trespassers by The State Broadcasters

"Suffer from seasonal affective disorder? Looking for love? Trying to quit smoking? Let State Broadcasters help you. We'll warm your heart and tickle your nose until you fall head over heels in love with us. We already love you, yes, yes we do." - Graeme Black (The State Broadcasters)

And they're back!  If, like me, you loved their debut album The Ship And The Iceberg, then this will be right up your street.  They're the most recent addition to the Olive Grove roster and if this is anything to go by, that's quite a coup!  It's out for FREE on the 11^th  of June.  The launch gig is at The Captain's (Rest) on the 14^th June with Randolph's Leap and "special guests".  Intriguing...

TOGETHER APART by PET

"Two is company but three is a small business! Yup let's get serious and have a threesome! Bring a pen!" - PET

This is the fourth time that one fifth of my tips for 2012 have been on here.  Talk about playing the field... this mob love being single.  It's another impressive beast, fit to soundtrack the filthiest of threesomes! Out to download soon.  Watch this space!

Lover's Eyes / These Nights by The Sunset Clause

"16 strings and 2 sticks looking to find someone who don't see nothing wrong with a little bump 'n' grind. We don't like to boast, but we can all catch Haribo in our mouths and one of us can grow a real moustache." - Michael McFadyen (The Sunset Clause)

Please note, other kids-and-grown-ups-beloved gummy sweets are available.  As for these two songs, they're two of the best I've heard this year.  Kudos to The Pop Cop for drawing my attention to them.  This is the debut double A-side.  Expect to hear a whole lot more!

An Ode To JJ/Fat Man's Chin by Yaya Club

"Self-confessed Woody Allen look-a-like seeks fan of quirky self-deprication for heavy petting and possible earjobs. Must not have a sense of humour." - Darren Vincent (Yaya Club)

No sooner had I noticed the announcement from the Kircudbright Tape Club, clicked the link and had a listen, than I get an email from Darren. Spooky!  This "lo-fi-quirk-folk-pop" gem is FREE to download so get clicking the artwork. 

Michael (We Really Should Go) by Ravena

"Four self-loathing Scottish lads seek the company of someone new. Desperately lacking the confidence of some of our more handsome friends, but we don't really talk about that. Love for clumsy dancing preferred. Mutual lamp fetish a must." - Noel McMonagle (Ravena)

Could you be something new?  If so, what are you waiting for!  Click on the artwork and get your hands on this 3-track FREE single.  I mentioned this before, but it's a very impressive debut from this Glasgow quartet. More of the same please lads!

Coastal Skid Spy Wok v11.0

'Tis a wee bit sunny outside, with not a cloud in the sky, so I'll make this week's not-strictly-a-podcast-but-not-far-off-it a quickie.  Here's six more Scottish tracks from everyone's favourite German-based Swedish music-hosting site...

It's been 5 years since NYPD's John McClane, fought off fire-selling cyber-terrorists.  Well, apparently he's back, this time with a debut album out on Halleluwah Hits.  Strangely, he's developed something of a Glaswegian accent.  Weird...

   Nailed To The Cross by Die Hard (courtesy of Halleluwah Hits)

I'm of course joking!  This is the debut album by Glasgow's Die Hard.  Scotland's answer to the Animal Collective... except with an album you can actually listen to and enjoy without thinking "what the fuck is this pish!?"... I think that's fair.  Right, onto one of my favourite bands in Scotland at the moment, PET.  They're due to release their fourth single TOGETHER APART at the start of next month.  It's up streaming on Bandcamp just now, but sadly, not SoundCloud.  So you'll have to make do with their previous offering, the equally-great WEAR BLACK.  Those guys and gal love their CAPITALS.

   WEAR BLACK by PET

Which nicely leads us onto Capitals themselves.  Smooooth!  Their new single All These Years is out on June 4^th.  Is it any good I hear you cry?  Yes.  Yes, it is.  But don't take my word for it.  Have a listen below.

   All These Years by Capitals

Now we move onto a track from Café Disco which tips the scales at a whopping 9-and-a-half Awesomes... an Awesome being a unit I just came up with having had a bit too much sun and coffee.  The scale is however, analogous to the standard 'out of 10' scale.  Time to stop typing...

Persona by Cafe Disco

Next one is from The Winter Tradition... slightly unseasonable choice maybe given the searing ball of heat in the sky at the moment.  But, it's a great track.  It's out now, so if you like it, get buying!  Incidentally, I was in San Diego a few years back.  Pished it down!  In June as well.  What a shitehole!  And what's with people calling each other 'homes' all the time!? 

   San Diego by The Winter Tradition

I feel now like I should have been picking nice summery songs.  Maybe something like this, or this.  But no.  I'll end with this from Dundee's An Echo because I like it.  Not that I don't like those others mind you.  I do.  I'm just drawn to this one that wee bit more today.  Plus, it's free!  Right, factor 30 on.  I'm offski...

   Six Alive by An Echo

Kowalskiy Singles Club #12

So Valentine's is over for another year, yet it seems there's more singletons out there than usual!  Time then to hand the floor over to those harpless romantics (yes, these introductions are getting worse!). If you like what they have to say for themselves, click on the artwork, have a listen, and if you're boxes have all been ticked, get downloading! There's a bumper bevvy of beauties this time so there's gotta be one out there for you. Take it away...

The Day That Friction Overcame Fun by Johnny and the Giros

"Young and slightly attractive males seeking other males and females to join us in watching Omnibus's (omnibi) and having private sexy raves. Loves spending Sundays in pubs and trawling social networking websites for the possibility to obtain more cyber friends. Hates feeling alone and unwanted by all of you. Ambitions - The boy who ate all the cake in that film... Yeah him." - Scott Forsyth (JATG)

With that mention of 'friction', it's clear Johnny has been on his own trawling the net for far too long! So if you fancy joining him and his Giros, maybe watch some Hollyoaks or River City omnibi at the weekend, then get clicking on the artwork. The single came out at the beginning of February and is a belter!

Jealousy/Sinking Ships by Capitals

"Two Highland ex-pats seek friendship (and maybe more?) in the Big Smoke. We humbly bring you our double A-side 'Jealousy/Sinking Ships' by way of a present. With dark production, broken beats and haunting lyrics of heartache and loss, we don't wish to scare anyone off, rather express that really we're just two sensitive souls looking to find that special someone. Could it be you?" - Angus & Keir (Capitals)

Awwww, don't they sound lovely!? Not half as lovely as their double A-side though. If you loved Hello World, you'll lap this up. Don't you know it's bad manners to refuse a present...

Eikon by Two Wings

"Eikon seeks some hairy fairy ears to put the 'Two' back into 'Two Wings'. Enjoys long walks in the countryside, cheap wine and cosy nights in with some dank smelling records. The featherless and/or flightless need not apply." - Owen Curtis Williams & Ben Reynolds (Two Wings)

Sucks for you flightless wonders out there!  This 2-track single is out on the 12^th from twosome Two Wings.  Fans of RM Hubbert's brilliant new album may recognise the unique vocals of Hanna Tuulikki.  Ben's ain't too bade either!

WEAR BLACK by PET

"Must enjoy heavy petting from the word go. Mutual masturbation by midnight. In it for the honey. Wear Black knickers" - Pete Boggon (PET)

Oooh kinky! Talk about being unlucky in love though. This is PET's third appearance in the Singles Club. Three appearances, three brilliant tracks. As usual, it's proof they're one of the finest new bands in the country.

Push/Pull by The Cat That Walks Alone

"Mr Yin WLTM Mrs Yang for polar opposites attract. Animal magnetism a plus. Must have lovely hair and own transport." - Cameron Laing a.k.a. The Cat That Walks Alone

Feline lonely? Well spare a thought for this cat. If what Cameron say's 'pushes' your buttons, then grab your coat... you've 'pulled'. The single has been out for a few weeks, so go bag a copy pronto!

The Halfway House by Letters

"5 piece dark cello pop noiseniks seek delightful young brunettes interested in a post valentine dark, medium to fast paced, throbbing 3 minute and 27 second encounter that'll have you smiling, singing and leave you crying as you deal with that all too familiar feeling of 'le petite mort'." - Mikey Ferguson (Letters)

We all know by now that Letters can do no wrong in my eyes. So it goes without saying I think their upcoming third single is suuuperb! It's out on the 19^th March with their Scottish tour starting just after that.

Heart Attack by The Draymin

"Hairy-faced strobe-lover with a dirty disco heartbeat, good mover on the dancefloor with a fondness for late nights and talking shite. WLTM something, preferably human, with a bit of stamina, sick SOH and big pair of binoculars for nights out in the bushes." - Gec Livingstone (The Draymin)

With their debut album out next month, The Draymin are giving away this track free to anyone out there with a fondness for dirty disco beats and good dance moves.  Binoculars optional!

Photograph/Cold Water by Tom Fool

"Newly single nob twiddler seeks compassionate listener. Must have own transport and be able to see the wood for the trees." - Rick Webster (Tom Fool)

Missing Unkle Bob yet?  I am!  But fear not, the newly-single Tom Fool is here.  With a stellar line-up comprising Unkle Bob's Rick, Gang of Four's Andy Gill and backing vocals from Eddi Reader, this double A-side promises a lot!  And it delivers.  You can get your hands on it from the 12^th.

Bury You by Where We Lay Our Heads

"Glasgow foursome seeking companionship and more. If you like dancing with your hips, milkshakes, greyhounds and macaroni pies we could be the ones for you. Non smokers preferred.x" - Wull Swales (WWLOH)

I defy you to say no to a combination of greyhounds and macaroni pies! WWLOH's new single is out on the 19^th of March, same day as Letters' latest offering. Why's that relevant... well, they're both on tour together, that's why! More on that on Kowalskiy in the future. Watch this space!

The Seed by Plum

"Artistic, passionate female seeks creatively minded, big-hearted, generous and empathetic listener to share stories with...and maybe fall in love. Must enjoy gardening, planting seeds, flowers, making wishes and believe in fairies. I look forward to hearing from you." - Shona Maguire a.k.a. Plum

Oooh awkward! Both Shona and her beau (Capitals' Keir) have both supplied singles ads this month. Read into that what you will folks... Anyway, this is the title track and single from her upcoming album. Should have featured this before but I... 'plum' forgot!

Footnote To Love by Ajimal

"Interchangeable and shape-shifting fluid line up of members, occasionally manifest as solo artist, occasionally smothered in face paint. Likes: Beaches, Baths and Brel Dislikes: Gymnastics and lipgloss (don't ask). WLTM woman* to make child with and thereafter dedicate aforementioned song (Footnote to Love [Part One]) to aforementioned child. It is probably worth noting that embarking upon a relationship with Ajimal does mean embarking upon a potentially lifetime partnership with whosoever happens to be in the line up at that time (see Three Musketeers).

* If you happen to actually be Jacques Brel, this requirement is void, we'll find a way." - Fran O'Hanlon a.k.a. Ajimal

Last but in no way least, is the magnificent specimen that is Ajimal. A specimen who oddly likes face paint but not lip gloss... go figure! Footnote To Love is available to pre-order now by clicking the artwork. It, and indeed all his music to date, is just phenomenal. Go get!

Kowalskiy's Free Monthly 5-track Scottish EP #19

The eagle-eyed among you will no doubt have noticed I've not posted my tips for 2012 yet.  Well, I'm gonna level with you.  More and more lately, I'm finding less and less time to blog.  So this year, I figured I may as well kill two birds with the one stone and combine those tips with this years first EP. I thought long and hard about which five bands to pester for a track, and ended up going for the five bands responsible for my favourite singles of 2011.   Thankfully they all said yes!  One of them even allowed me to give away said favourite single for gratis in this month's EP!

So here they are, my five tips for all-round-musical greatness (in the order they appear on the EP)...

1.  My Tiny Robots - Other People Matter (Anyone who has heard last years' epic single Rock Bossa Nova Fourbeat Black will understand why these guys have been tipped.)

"This track is taken from the 'Rock Bossa Nova' EP that we released last year and recorded with the good people of Tape studios Edinburgh. The session's for the EP took place in a little cottage near Aviemore and some how ended up with six grown squeezed into a four man Hot Tub, I'll leave the rest to your imagination!!! Once enough time had past after this incident we went back up north and recorded the three tracks we are currently releasing as a series of singles, which can be purchased through our band camp or on iTunes, Spotify etc." - Gareth Anderson (My Tiny Robots)

2.  The Machine Room - Broken Love Game (demo) (First caught my attention with their single Girly and I'll happily go on record as saying these are one of the most exciting bands in the country at the moment!)

"I tired to meld some sugary shoegazy guitar sounds with a more disco rhythm, telling a tale of a broken love game." - John Bryden (The Machine Room)

3.  PET - Anchor (Now a three-piece, Singles Club favourites PET blew me away with their single Middle Child Syndrome.  There's just nothing else quite like it around these parts!  Here's a great demo Björk cover.)

"Bjork is quite a woman. This PET cover of 'The Anchor Song' from her debut 'Debut', came out of a love of her playful, simple repeating melody. Stripped of all of the free time joining horns bits it seems to leave more of a Song - duly we called our demo Anchor." - PET

4.  Wolves Of Winter - The Art Of Temptation (My favourite single of 2011 was in fact, this very song.  New single The Thaw is out soon.   If it's even half as good as this, then I can't wait!)

I'm sure we'll hear from Wolves Of Winter in due time.  Until then though, let's just let their music do the talking for them...

5.  French Wives - Blue Boy (Orange Juice cover) (Last but by no means least, are this fantastic Glasgow bunch.  Numbers burnt itself firmly into my brain last year, as did this.  With any luck, 2012 will be their year.)

"Blue Boy is one of only 3 covers we've ever done as a band, the other 2 being Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses and You Give A Little Love from Bugsy Malone, so it's easily the most credible! We first worked on it to play live for "one night only" as part of a single launch at the Glasgow School of Art in order to pay homage somewhat to the musical legacy of its alumni. However, we quite liked the version in the end, and when asked to do a cover version for Vic Galloway's BBC Scotland show it was an easy choice." - Scott Macpherson (French Wives)

Here's hoping we hear a lot more from these five bands in 2012.  Each have singles, EPs and/or albums already in the pipeline, so there's plenty to look forward to!   Anyway, I hope you enjoy this months EP... and the 18 others over on my bandcamp page.  That's your lot 'til February 16^th.  If you fancy appearing on a future EP, fire me over a wee email (kowalskiy2@gmail.com) and we'll go from there.

Kowalskiy Singles Club #9

Hey folks, I've got a brand new bevvy of beauties for you.  All ready to whisper sweet nothings into your ears!  If any of them sound like they're up your street, then click on the artwork, have a wee listen and get downloading.  Who knows, one of them might strike a chord with you...

Middle Child Syndrome by PET

"Middle child Hilton heiress seeks last born ‘Golf Sale’ sign holder to spawn progeny and re-adjust the imbalances of world" - Matthew (PET)

Sounds like a very worthy cause!  And a brilliant song to boot!  Middle Child Syndrome is the second release from one of Edinburgh's brightest new bands, PET.  All three tracks are very good indeed!  Oh, and it's out today!

Change by Mummy Short Arms

"Lonely Mum with arm disability seeks a nice man or woman to listen to her stories. Must like shaving Mummy’s legs." - Stuart Brown (Mummy Short Arms)

How tragic does that sound?!?  The song though, is anything but.  It's a great song, and one of a surge of beauties from newbie Glasgow label Flowers In The Dustbin... whose name sounds ever-so-slightly romantically-tragic too.  

The Art of Temptation by Wolves Of Winter

"Devilishly handsome, charming, gentlemanly types seek patient listeners with an interest in melancholy, movies, pianos and reverbs. Must also have a keen interest in sitting, xbox, sleeping, football, more sitting, eating, wine, sleeping." - Scotty (Wolves Of Winter)

This one's a revelation!  They've just popped up out of the blue with a track that is fast-becoming one of my favourite tracks of the year.   Keep an eye on this mob!  The track was recorded at Elba Studios and it's out NOW!

(I Am So Bored Of) Acoustic Guitars by Otherpeople

"Video Director seeks emotionless band, willing to sit and stare at a square of black sticky tape on the wall opposite for 4 minutes straight while being doused in various substances.  Reverse thinking a bonus, catchy indie music preferable, hatred of acoustic guitars vital." - Ben Cowie

You may know Ben from the brilliant video-blog Detour. So you know he's a dab hand at making videos... just like the one he done below for this track from Otherpeople's EP!  Feast your eyes below...

Numbers by French Wives

"Lonely 1 seeks another 1 to make 2 for general enjoyment and constant reassurance. 3 favourite things are arithmetic, thermometers and The Count from Sesame St.  You will be required to count to me like him late at night. It helps me sleep." - Scott Macpherson (French Wives)

A nice wee number this one is too!  It's the first track from their upcoming, and much, much, MUCH anticipated, debut album.  Stay tuned later this week for a wee interview with the band.   

Guild Of Defiants by My Tiny Robots

"Lonely and looking for love, four tired-looking males of differing size and shape seek friendship or more with anyone willing to listen to their inane ramblings and temper tantrums. Must love Chris Rea, own at least three fifths of the Kajagooggoo back catalogue, have an interest in amateur robotics and enjoy casual wood thievery of a weekend. An enjoyment of a certain brand of arty odd-pop would be good, but is in no way necessary." - Gareth Anderson (My Tiny Robots)

Kajagoogoo??  Get off my blog!!  This is the new single from odd-poppers My Tiny Robots.  It's out a week today from their Bandcamp site and follows hot on the heels from their free giveaway of the OUTSTANDING Rock Bossa Nova Fourbeat Black.   Until next week, you can hear the new single streaming on Soundcloud by clicking the artwork.

Crater (Mogwai remix) by Laki Mera

"Variable sound waves would love to meet primed ear canal for ritual union. Must be willing to vibrate violently to the sound of one hand clapping." - Laki Mera

Last but by no means least, here's a track from Glasgows Laki Mera's album The Proximity Effect, remixed by the mighty Mogwai.

Kowalskiy Singles Club #5

You know the score by now, it's time for me to play matchmaker once again with all the 'singles' out there.  Before we see how our singles got on last time round, lets have a look at the new batch of hopefuls.  If any of them hit the right notes with you, then click on the cover art and get better acquainted.  Happy downloading...

Eternal Optimist by Maydays

"Eternal optimist seeks bi polar pessimist for life balance and weekends spent sky diving and paint drying. Looking for long term but willing to concede it might never happen. Empty glass preferred to avert current spillage crisis." - Darren (Maydays)

Originally released in May, this is a cracking single from Maydays.  So if you're looking for long term commitment and weekends in watching paint dry, this may be the match for you!  Take my word for it though, it's a lot more exciting than they're letting on.  Plus it's FREE!

White Picket Fence by Foxgang

"Song seeks a person that understands the fact that we could have been lovers; someone with different Television. You were right there? We were right there too." - Joe (Foxgang)

Another FREEbie this one.  It's part of the second compilation by Krakow-based record label Loose Wires and in true Foxgang fashion, it's fantastic!    

What They Built by mitchell museum

"Spacey Junk-pop WLTM Doe-eyed VGL Record Label Executive with GSOH for LWITP, HH, B/D and long term financial security. We are OTS and would like to experiment with you.  Must have a love of Pink Floyd, home haircuts and board games. Soldering skills a definite plus. ACA.  NUWT" - Kris (mitchel museum)

You may be too late to get this single in the done-to-death mini-keyboard format, but you can still get it in the more obscure emm-pee-three one.  Mark my words, it'll never take off!  Anyway, as always, this is a belter from the guys!  You can hear the B-side, a cover of MIA's Paper Planes over here.

She's Gone by Ed Muirhead

"Harmonious, lovelorn cynic-on-the-rebound seeks simple-minded music-lover to pick three chords and make a song... Enjoys tea and biscuits, sunshine and clouds... GSOH essential." - Ed Muirhead

This one's a FREE track from Tattie Records' debut release, Mr. Muirhead's own album Cage For The Clouds.  We all enjoy some tea, biscuits and sunshine... maybe the clouds is pushing it a bit though.   It's a lovely wee song, and once again it's FREE so give it a go.  Comes with a nice wee handwritten animation too.

What you Building? by PET

"Heavy feather pop contortionists seek un-feeble minded ear acrobats. Will not bend over backwards for just anyone. BSOH required" - Matthew (PET)

A brilliant wee single here from Edinburgh's heavy feather pop contortionist trailblazers!  Guaranteed to float your boat, providing you have a BSOH.  It's a name-your-price one so have a listen first then make your mind up. 

Climb/Don't Want To Hear It by New Town Triptych

"Confindent, loyal and tenacious lonely heart seeks like-minded music appreciator for long walks on the beach. No challenge too great, no mountain too high, together we'll get there. In it for the long haul this time, no more disappointments. Strings attached ;) " - Stephen (New Town Triptych)

Their debut EP 'Just How You Designed' was awesome, this follow up single is just as good.  Lovely, acoustic, folky pop for all to enjoy.  It can be yours for two measly US dollars!