RIP MJ.

Those words have been crashing Twitter, where phrases reflecting MJs death have comprises ten out of ten Twitter trends. I think this is a first.

In memorium, I’m posting my favorite Michael Jackson song. Its probably not my single favorite MJ video, but its one of the best.

These mini-movies are part of what sets the King of Pop of part in my mind and what will forever secure his legacy as one of the only people to combine funk, rock, and disco, then sell hundreds of millions of records in the process.

These nine-minute music videos are always a great view. String a couple of these together, and you have an Adam-Sandler sized movie, though I’d probably rather watch Happy Gilmore for the 59th time instead.

Hot Chip is an electropop band from the London area. Founding members Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard started the band in 2000, originally composing songs on acoustic guitar, but soon started experimenting with a more electronic sound, true to the band’s style today.

their first full album was released in 2003, and they are close to releasing their fourth full length album.

Their song ‘Over and Over’ is particularly well known, but ‘And I Was a Boy from School’ is my personal favorite. Listen above.

Young Love, a New York City alt dance band, will get you up and at ‘em in no time.

Dan Keyes is the main man behind the project, singing lead vocals, and handling most of the music production. He formerly fronted a post-hardcore band based out of Austin called Recover.

Young Love is a quite a departure…

This song was also featured in the 2007 Fifa Soccer soundtrack.

Hailing from the real world rap video of South Beach, Miami, Afrobeta is an electro disco band, featuring the lovely Cuci Amador on vocals and keys. Listen for some Latin influences, plus the standard electro goodness and beats.

Like many unsigned electro acts these days, I’m waiting for a stellar remix of this song from some DJ heavyweights to bring them to the top.

And I quote: ‘Workout, Work Hard.’ Well I may, but I’ll have to grab a coffee first.

The keyboard licks just after the main chorus sold on me this jam – reminiscent of a Rick James tune from the early 80s. That, and the guy on the right’s facial hair arrangement. Well done, sir. Well done.

The 70′s called. They want their mustache back.

In all seriousness, these guys are good. They do tons of remixes too. For proof, check out this remix of the Klaxons.

Van She is another Australian band signed to Modular Recordings. They have been described as ‘fresher than Flavor Flav’ , ‘Fresh like Coriander’ , and ‘Fresher than the Fresh Prince.’

I’m going to go out on a limb here and call them ‘Fresher than Fruit by the Foot.’

Similar Jams:

Presets – Girl and the Sea
Cut Copy – Hearts on Fire

Zoot Woman was created as an instrumental project for current members Stuart Price and Adam Blake in 1999. Bass and synth player Bee Hatherley since joined the band in 2004.

Stuart Price and Adam Blake also record and remix tracks under the electro alias of Paper Faces. They remix tracks by the Scissor Sisters, Madonna, and yup, you guessed it Zoot Woman.

Stuart Price has also worked with Madonna directly as a producer.

If anyone is going to lead us into this second coming of New Wave, Electro Pop, its these guys (and girl).

Songs Similar to Zoot Woman – Hope in the Mirror

Phoenix – If I Ever Feel Better
Cut Copy – Hearts on Fire

Pomomofo, pronounced exactly as it’s spelled, is a band from Sydney, Australia that fuses electro, rock, and new wave, with a heavy influence on the latter. If Jerry Bruckheimer ever decides to make Beverly Hills Cop IV, he should make sure that Pomomofo writes the music.

If you see Pomomofo in concert, they may even try to stand up on office chairs (as pictured above), but no guarantees..

Their music video for the song Islands is pretty sweet as well. It pays tribute to everyone’s favorite 90′s video game – NBA Jam. Anyone remember the Bill Clinton cheat code?

Similar Jams:

Music Video for Chromeo – Tenderoni
Van She – Changes – GLOVES Remix

Great disco remix of the Van She song Changes.

Started in 2005, Van She has the typical electro rock lineup. One guy on guitar and vocals, another guy on guitar and synths, one guy on bass, and one guy on the drums. I wonder which guy is on the MacBook Pro? My guess is the same guy that is also on the synths.

Some people call Van She one of the freshest sounds from Sydney, Australia. They definitely put together a nice mix of electro, new wave, and funk. You can detect pieces of their style through this remix, but overall, their sound is quite a bit different. More posts on Van She are coming. If only this blog was my day job…

Track found via WhoTheHell.

Similar Jams:

Listen to Chromeo – Tenderoni
Listen to Cut Copy – Saturdays
Listen to Scissor Sisters – Comfortably Numb

And I quote from this song ‘You’re my Tenderoni. Tenderoni.’ What is a Tenderoni? Good question. I’m between an old, old wooden ship and 19 year old college girl wearing leggings and neon sunglasses, the type that typically fills the venue at any Chromeo show.

Based in Montreal, Chromeo’s singer and frontman, David Macklovitch, is currently earning his PhD in French Literature. Maybe Tenderoni refers to an old, old wooden FRENCH ship.

David’s brother, Alain Macklovitch is currently Kanye West’s tour DJ. Quite the fam. I’m looking forward to the Kanye/Chromeo joint project, followed by Kanye taking full credit for the album.