Radio Kurtodrome 44
Oh, why do we torture ourselves with compiling Best Of lists (over at the Kurtodrome called "Democratische 99")? Well, one reason is because you'll discover some new bands while you're looking for bands you want to include in your annual list. Radio Kurtodrome 44 partially benefits from that, lasts 30 minutes (to the second) and is another edition we're proud of. Let's hope you'll agree.
MEANWHILE BACK IN COMMUNIST RUSSIA - Chinese Lantern
Let's fade in with Meanwhile Back In Communist Russia. It's not easy to find online evidence of this band with a rather diffucult name, but we found a BBC Oxford page with even an entire song. The lyrics of Emily Gray have been praised by many indie journalists, so there's no need for us to do the same. The truth is when I wasn't really paying attention, the name Black Box Recorder (especially "Child Psychology") flashed through my brain. Meanwhile Back In Communist Russia's second album is called My Elixir; My Poison.
THE FRENCH - The Wu-Tang Clan
Darren and John of Hefner wanted to do something a bit more electronic, so Hefner is no more (at least not for a while). Long live The French and their first album Local Information. If you like this song, add .org to the band's name and go to the official site (where one can download this song in zipped format - which is why Radio Kurtodrome preferred the stream from label Too Pure's website).
KRISTIN HERSH - Your Dirty Answer (D)
In 2003 Hersh released The Grotto and maybe the Democratische 99 will have some audio proof of that. While we're all waiting for the final list, let's go back to 2001 and Kristin Hersh's album Sunny Border Blue.
ISOBEL CAMPBELL - Amorino (D)
As most of you know, Isobel Campbell left Belle & Sebastian for a solo career. For those of you who heard The Gentle Waves, you'll know what to expect. Isobel's album is called Amorino and here's the title track. Expect a bit of French before the song fades out.
JOHN GUILT - Howl (D)
A bit too controversial for American radios, John Guilt is more popular in Europe. Early in 2003 Munich Records released The Mirrors and Uncle Sam, the first album the band made after changing their name from Maestro Echoplex. I think this is the 3rd time Radio Kurtodrome played a track from Maestro or Guilt (see RK5 and RK29) and this song might just be the best we've ever played.
SOPHIA - Oh My Love (D)
Question: should "Oh My Love" be included in our 2003 or 2004 list? Some shows included this in the 2003 list, but since the new Sophia album People Are Like Seasons will be released in January 2004, Radio Kurtodrome decided to wait a year for Sophia and this MP3 that has to warm you up for the upcoming record.
THE WISDOM OF HARRY - Sports Boy (D)
And the song which will accompany us to a perfect 30 minutes is a brand new track from The Wisdom of Harry, who did amazingly well in our Best of 2000 list. Their new album is called Torch Division and is out on Matador Records. That's it for this Radio Kurtodrome. Next up will be 2003's Democratische 99 with many audio and video links, so Radio Kurtodrome's next edition will be another live special. I'm sure you'll understand and won't complain. For now... bye bye!
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