A Rose of Any Other Name...

Minitel Rose are a brilliant band from where else other than those Gallic shores, and of course, from our favourite stable (maybe equal with Italians Do It Better), majestic Valerie.

Their first release, entitled 'The French Machine', has dropped and has some great follow ups to 'Continue' and their Valerie Theme.

Almost like a French Klaxons, they have that same mystic edged rock from somewhere in the future that is mysteriously able to be traced back to historic influences (such as the rather Middle Eastern tinged Magic Powder).

Check out my faves below and make sure you buy buy BUY The French Machine! I'm not actually the biggest fan of what seems to be the upcoming single - Magic Powder, but there is much much more! You can also hear further tracks from Minitel Rose here at the Valerie blog, an original named Business Woman – an homage to the rise of the powerful and independent woman in the 80s (aka SHOULDER PADS), and a remix they have done for French indie rock band Papier Tigre.

Minitel Rose // Better Days

Minitel Rose // Elevator

Minitel Rose // Be With You

Nice Raak

At urbandictionary, an anorak is

"A warm, heavy jacket worn by some of the nerdiest people, such as train spotters or pylon spotters."

We seem to think this Anoraak is quite terrific though. Part of the Valerie clan that Gee Wizz love and some around the blogosphere tip to be bigger than Banger, Anoraak is another artist inspired by 80's, lost love and melodic synths - a perfect formula in anyone's book.

We first got savvy on Anoraak a while ago with his remix of College's Teenage Color that left us yearning for more. And whilst we have heard a little more from a couple of their biggest proponents down at the esteemed discodust and hipsterrunoff (x2), we still want more!

So here is the Gee Wizz contribution to the cause. Look out for Anoraak and friends, because if we have anything to do with it, they will be 2008.

Anoraak - Endless Summer
Anoraak - Sunday Night Fever

There Is No Need To Ask...

This will be the song that is playing in the background when Natalie Portman and I partake in our first kiss.

And this is what she will whisper to me.


I would be a bit intimidated by her beauty, but I would like to think I will be able to conquer my nerves.



I wish I could have a Valerie compilation following me wherever I go.




And Natalie Portman too.


:)


College - Can You Kiss Me First?

Valerie

The Valerie clan are relatively new to me, they are a group of artists from France who have a damn cool blog that you can check out HERE.

The artists include Minitel Rose, The Outrunners, College, Anoraak and Maethelvin. Their music is totally 80's influenced and is a far sight better than all the other rubbish that is getting passed off as 'dance' music these days.

So if you're as sick as I am of slamming electro at the moment give these guys a listen.

College - Teenage Color (Rhuss Chimes Remix)

Maethelvin - My Favorite TV Show

The Outrunners - Cool Feeling

You can check out the Valerie myspace HERE, and from there you can check them all out.