MPFree - December 2014

Lily & Madeleine - Can't Acknowledge It (Live at the World Café)

Wednesday 31 December, past Helen Squad Mary Anne

This live track from Indianapolis sisters Lily and Madeleine is an incredibly honest performance with perfect harmonies playing out the confusion of a breakup. The opening bass line echoes the awareness of your heartbeat in these situations and the strings and piano compliment Lily'due south warm alto & Madeline's sparkling soprano, without tipping the track into cheese territory.

Download Lily & Madeleine - Tin't Acknowledge It (Alive at the World Café)

This version of the runway is from a live operation at World Café in Philadelphia and originally appeared on the two sisters 2d album Fumes. Information technology's an anthology of transition and discovery, of moving from childhood to adulthood and the confusion and exploration that accompanies it.

Wild Beasts - Soft Future

Tuesday 30 Dec, by Helen Squad Mary Anne

Synths and pulsate loops replace guitars and vocals in this great track from Kendal boys Wild Beasts. As their first ever instrumental slice, Soft Time to come feels like a moment of broad eyed discovery, a combination of organic and futuristic sounds that deport you along in waves to psychedelic discoveries. Information technology'southward a different direction and 1 that we dearest.

Download Wild Beasts - Soft Futurity

The rails was released aslope the also previously unheard Claret Knowledge, equally function of a project with Parisian animator Mattis Dovier. Together, the band and Dovier created a GIF novel to accompany the two tracks with the theme of the story being "the confrontation of a human and a robot in environments that are foreign to them", we strongly recommend checking out online.

Deft - The Nighttime Time

Monday 29 December, by Helen Squad Mary Anne

Today's MPFree is something with a bit of energy, which volition we promise will assist you reconnect with Monday or at least milk shake you lot slightly from a Christmas sleep. It's a cute piffling electronic vanquish from Croydon based producer Deft and serves every bit the closing cut from his latest piece of work the 'Blue Jasmine EP'

Download Deft - The Dark Time

Having studied Digital Music and Sound Art at University, Deft describes his latest EP equally "Futher explorations with footwork/dnb with ambient pieces, a direction I desire to take farther in the future". With previous work drawing influence form HipHop, business firm, Jungle and Footwork, we hope you enjoy this new gem for your downloading pleasance.

Dormouse - Christmas Time is Here

Today'south MPFree is a bit mystery. Information technology'south a lovely version of Christmas Time Is Here by a band/creative person called Dormouse, who we have very piffling data on sadly. What we can tell y'all though, is that the delicate delivery of this runway evokes wonderful memories of a childhood Christmas, of bobble hats, sledging and Christmas Eve excitement!

Download Dormouse - Christmas Fourth dimension is Hither

The much loved original came from The Vince Guaraldi Trio, offset appearing on the album A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965. This version is taken from a free EP called Christmas Yay Christmas, so you're actually getting 5 tracks for 1 (well information technology is Christmas after all) . The EP was originally released online in 2011 by those kind folk at Hawkshead Recordings , who we also have very petty information on, and so if you're reading this Dormouse & Hawkshead , thanks and Merry Christmas!

Brendan Canning - No Doubt Or Fire

Tuesday 23 December, by Ashley Team Laverne

Today's MPFree, although not about Christmas, will hopefully become u.s. all in the mood for joyous / reflective times. It certainly sounds like nosotros should all be eating chestnuts past the open fire, waiting for Santa to come. But it's really about Robin Williams. And you're not only getting one song to download today, it'due south a six-rail EP.

Download Brendan Canning - No Doubt Or Burn down

Courtesy of those folks at Canadian label Arts & Crafts, the 6-track EP finds 5 artists writing and singing about subjects that touched them in 2014. From "the misleading illusions of liberty and the voice" or existence "a voice that will champion underdogs and the thought of goodness", this compilation volition certainly get the old grey affair ticking over, whilst pulling at the emotions. A actually interesting piece of piece of work, it includes Broken Social Scene'southward first material since 2010. And on the subject of Cleaved Social Scene, original member Brendan Canning – and they've had a LOT of members – also provides a solo track titled "No Dubiety or Fire", which was inspired by the sad death of Robin Williams.

Francois & The Atlas Mountain - Douce Nuit

Monday 22 December, by Ashley Squad Laverne

We're keeping it Christmas and nosotros're keeping it festive with today's MPFree. This "classic" yous'll all know, so bring together along now. It'southward just a complete bonus that information technology's been recorded past lovable French rogues Francois & The Atlas Mountain.

Download Francois & The Atlas Mountain - Douce Nuit

Our very own Tom Ravenscroft asked the ring – and several others - to record a Christmas cover for last Friday's show. And they duly obliged past covering Silent Night. Grab up with the testify to hear the likes of The Beverage, Dan Michaelson, Benjamin Shoos, and Broncho – and at that place'south a pretty extraordinary Hip Hop Xmas mix, featuring Bussa Bus AKA Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, and Ghostface Killer. They're back in the UK play at the finish of Jan, Leeds 29th and 30th in Glasgow. Certainly worth an ounce of your encephalon fourth dimension, likewise check out their 4th anthology Piano Ombre, released earlier this yr.

Francois & The Atlas Mountain-DouceNuit

Felicity Williams - This Is What I Want

Friday xix December, by Ashley Team Laverne

Today's MPFree is a wonderful little number that appears on an entire anthology's worth of Christmas compilation goodness, each runway being made bachelor to download. Thanks to those lovely guys at Line Of Best Fit, their Ho! Ho! Ho! Canada seasonal compilation is becoming a bit of a staple in the Christmas music calendar.

Download Felicity Williams - This Is What I Want

This year, they've selected Canadian artists writing Christmas songs for good causes, and whilst they desire to share it with yous for free, if you do feel compelled to show your affection for said music, then why not pick your favoured charity and donate. We featured The Mountains & The Copse' Icebergs from compilation no.5 last year, this year it'southward Felicity Williams' This Is What I Want, from compilation no.half dozen. Non much is known about Felicity, but scouting around information technology seems she sings with chamber jazz quartet Hobson'due south Choice, Bahamas and Alex Lukashevsky and has worked with the likes of Snowblink, John Southworth, Ben Gunning, Cleaved Social Scene, and Bernice. Such is that vox, we hope she produces more solo fabric soon.

Seazoo - Happily Taking Advice From An Imaginary Sergeant Eddie Stone Late December

Thursday xviii Dec, by Ashley Team Laverne

Today'due south MPFree is a lovely bah humbug festive number that BBC Horizons - a Welsh scheme prepare to develop new talent - actually asked this band to record. "Nosotros cobbled this together concluding week" they said. Very laid dorsum this lot, but they know how to create beautiful soundscapes alright.

Download Seazoo - Happily Taking Communication From An Imaginary Sergeant Eddie Stone Tardily December

"SEAZOO is a five-slice device happening now", they declare on their Facebook page, and because how this has been 'cobbled together' it'due south a pretty solid matter. "I don't desire any uninvited guests, late December" they repeat over a the most melancholic of melodies. This is their new single, released properly on 19th Jan by Label Fandango, only available from their Bandcamp page as a 'name your toll' download. So go figure! And whilst y'all're there, check out their Maida Vale sessions. You lot tin can likewise catch them live at the following:

23/12/14 - Wrexham, Central Station

thirteen/01/15 - London, The Shacklewell Arms

20/01/15 – Chester, Telford's Warehouse

x/02/15 – London, The Social (Huw Stephens Presents)

Spain – The Fighter

Wednesday 17 Dec, by Ashley Team Laverne

So we're all right in the thick of the festivities here on the Lauren Laverne show, and even when a song is about Christmas, we still like it to remind us of this well-nigh glorious of celebrations. Today'southward gratuitous download comes from Kingdom of spain

Download Spain – The Fighter

This is from an unabridged anthology's worth of music that's available for free download from those lovely folks at Dine Lone Records, which includes the likes of Broncho, Lucius, Sylvan Esso and James Vincent McMorrow. Espana take been around for quite some time now, forming in 1993 by Los Angeles based Josh Haden (son of jazz bass player Charlie), splitting up then reforming in 2007. He says of how he named the ring: "The proper noun of the band comes from a dream, and to me everyday life is very dream-like. Dreams are part of what inspires me and what has inspired the content of the songs, and will go along to." And lush and dreamy it is likewise. They recently released their 5th anthology Sargent Place last month and this track appears on both the anthology and the label sampler. Information technology's a great album to throw on and work to, checking dorsum when you find yourself constantly asking "what is this?" In a proficient manner! Download at present.

Four Tet – Parallel Jalebi (Hudson Mohawke RMX)

Tuesday sixteen December, by Ashley Team Laverne

Today's MPFree is a pummelling electro-rave by London'due south electronic powerhouse, Four Tet, remixed by Glaswegian producer Hudson Mohawke. If you could create electricity from music, these two would basically exist nuclear fusion.

Download Four Tet – Parallel Jalebi (Hudson Mohawke RMX)

Parallel Jalebi is originally taken from last twelvemonth'due south Beautiful Rewind, Kieran Hebden's 7th anthology. It'southward available to download from the LuckyMe collective / label, every bit every year they produce their own take on the advent agenda by releasing a free song each day on the run up to ol' Chrimbo. So instead of cheap chocolate and a picture of some carol singers that looks like information technology was drawn by me, you get some incredible tunes to wrap your presents. And you lot volition wrap faster to this we can guarantee it! This runway was backside door no.11, and we've already had How To Dress Well and Kelela. It'southward a masterful collection of rarities, alternate versions, and brand new exclusives and it's been going to 6 years, so bookmark the site for next year already.

Four Tet – Parallel Jalebi (Hudson Mohawke RMX)

Tom Williams & The Boat – Christmas So Much Amend Now You're Here

Monday 15 December, past Ashley Team Laverne

Then we're kind of adulterous today, we know, but we're embracing the cyclic nature of the festive season by bringing y'all the wonderful Tom Williams & The Boat…which was actually MPFree Christmas last twelvemonth. In fact, nosotros might just exercise information technology every year.

Download Tom Williams & The Boat – Christmas So Much Ameliorate Now Y'all're Here

Christmas… was really released 2 years ago now, and information technology's become an annual staple on this show. From an album entitled For Folk's Sake It's Christmas, which also features the likes of Goodnight Lenin and Ellen and the Escapades, it's such a stripped back affair, complete with harmonica (named every bit many Christmas songs as you lot can that have a harmonica in them…get!!). Information technology's raw, information technology's beautiful and makes u.s. desire to just sit down by the fire, opening presents, the pets are effectually, it's snowing outside and a great film (such every bit Die Difficult) has just started on the tele. Ahhh Christmas. Download now.

Lydia Ainsworth – Wicked Game

Friday 12 Dec, by Ashley Team Laverne

At that place'south nothing incorrect with a good cover version is at that place? Just covering i of the near covered songs in music, that'southward a different matter entirely. That's what Canadian vocalist, and former label mate of Grimes, Lydia Ainsworth is attempting right hither, post-obit in the footsteps of Chris Isaak's immortal 1989 Wicked Game.

Download Lydia Ainsworth – Wicked Game

Stripping information technology back to pianoforte, layered vocals and a dash of product really brings out the haunting beauty and sparseness of the rail. Lydia released from debut album Right from Existent in September, which is a collection of the two EPs she released online earlier this year. We recently played the opener 'Candle', and we'd have to say she's yet another creative person to keep your centre on next year. Go and see her play live why don't yous:

• 17-Feb-fifteen London | Sebright Arms

• 19-Feb-15 Manchester | Gullivers

• 20-Feb-fifteen Brighton | Prince Albert

Menace Embankment - Blue Center

Thursday xi Dec, by Ashley Team Laverne

Sometimes you merely can't continue a good thing subconscious, and that's why Leeds duo Menace Beach are today's MPFree. This is a coherent piece of fuzz, distortion, Jesus and the Mary Concatenation, Suicide, and Death In Vegas all rolled into i.

Download Menace Beach - Blue Eye

They've been MPFree previously with the completely addictive Fortune Teller, and their near recent single Tastes Like Medicine volition be on the six Music playlist in a couple of weeks. Then things are looking skilful for Ryan Needham and Liza Violet, forth with ring members Nestord, MJ, and Matt Spalding. Particularly every bit their debut album Ratworld is released 19th January. They also play the following dates next year, so you tin can see their fantabulous shoe gaze drone live in front end of your very eyes:

• 19th Jan - Leeds, Jumbo Records

• 20th Jan - Nottingham, Rough Trade

• 22nd Jan - Kingston, New Slang

• 25th January - Glasgow, Broadcast

• 26th January - Manchester, The Castle

• 27th Jan - Birmingham, Hare and Hounds

• 28th Jan - Bristol, Louisiana

• 29th Jan - London, Sebright Arms

• 30th Jan - Brighton, Prince Albert

• 1st Feb - Leeds, Brudenell

Young Sinclairs – Dead Stop Street

Wednesday 10 December, by Ashley Team Laverne

Today's MPFree comes from a quintet from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. That place may sound familiar to you free music fans, as The Young Sinclairs have been our free download before. Then expert is their psychedelic oeuvre, we wanted them back on the show.

Download Young Sinclairs – Dead Stop Street

Their self-produced, DIY approach is clear to see here as the lyrics are laid bare, backed by a live sounding band harking back to late 60s recording techniques. That all adds up when y'all find out that they're function of the and then-called Magic Twig Community; a group of musicians hiding out in the wood with their purely analogue recording studio. Principles trumping style? We similar! Their album This is the Young Sinclairs is out at present.

Dum Dum Girls - On Christmas

Tuesday 9 December, by Ashley Team Laverne

We've been waiting so, and so patiently to play Christmas songs, and now we're right in the thick of things. Everybody's favourite shoegazers have gone all Synth-Pop and spangles for this petty number, complete with sleigh bells and all around joy.

Download Dum Dum Girls - On Christmas

This is beingness made on available on a famous shoe brand's holiday-themed half dozen-track Noise To The World 2 compilation – of which all of the tracks you can download for complimentary should you lot wish. An original song, produced by Kurt Feldman of Ice Choir and information technology'south going to get us all in the spirit of snow, mulled wine and mince pies. Commence!!

Our Girl – Our Daughter

Monday 8 December, past Frank Team Laverne

After a brief interruption for Friday'due south Smashing Pumpkins prepare, we're back on track with another MPFree. Today'south offer is a blissed out, shoegaze belter from Brighton upstarts, Our Daughter.

Download Our Girl – Our Girl

Soph Nathan heads upwards Brighton three-slice, Our Girl – joined by drummer Lauren Wilson and bassist Josh Tyler. This self-titled track is the beginning nosotros (or anyone, for that thing) have heard of them, and we can only hope at that place'due south more to come; as a statement of intent, it'southward a remarkably strong one – Nathan's soft, husky, vocals sit down atop a wall of sound that would make MBV proud. Good work, gang.

Liars - Mask Maker (Extended Version)

Th four December, past Frank Team Laverne

Yesterday, Liars were number 13 on our Albums of the Year list. Today, we offer you a gratis download of Mess's opener, the avant-pop banger, 'Mask Maker'.

Download Liars - Mask Maker (Extended Version)

Previously available only as a bonus track on the Crude Trade edition of Mess, today's MPFree sees the LA experimental trio at their most iconoclastic. It has been a hell of a year for Angus Andrew's band, with their seventh anthology seeing them break through into new levels of success. With its dark, techno-influenced, synth lines, and its abstract (and frankly a little odd) vocal samples, 'Mask Maker' serves as the perfect manifesto for this newest incarnation of Liars, a band who sit down on the border between art and music.

Send Me To The 'Lectric Chair - Haley Bonar

Wed 3 December, by Frank Team Laverne

What'southward that we hear rattling away backside the distinctly garage-looking door, marked 'iii', on the advent agenda? It'southward Haley Bonar, of course, working abroad at today's electrifying MPFree. Pry information technology open, perch on an amp, and savor.

Download Haley Bonar – Send Me To The 'Lectric Chair

Hot on the heels of her terrific album, Concluding War, 'Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair' is Haley Bonar'southward contribution to Empress of the Dejection, a tribute record for Bessie Smith. The record features an all-female line-up of musicians, including Jenny Owen Youngs and Alessi's Ark, tackling the country fable'southward songs. With its breakneck footstep and rough, shouted vocals, Haley's effort transforms Smith'south soft-spoken plea of resignation into a powerful cry of defiance. Information technology is a welcome last give-and-take on the South Dakota native's incredible year.

Daisy Victoria – Nobody Dies

Tuesday 2 December, by Frank Team Laverne

Time to yank open up another door on the musical appearance calendar and indulge. Today'due south MPFree is an impressively majestic slice of synth-laden pop from Daisy Victoria.

Download Daisy Victoria – Nobody Dies

Following hot on the heels of her lauded 'Centre Full of Beef' EP, 'Nobody Dies' is the title track from the Norwich singer'south 2d release this twelvemonth. Having drawn comparisons to Kate Bush, Blondie, and P.J. Harvey, it's no wonder she has been leaving a trail of adoring admirers in her wake – ourselves included. Daisy has recently supported Martha Wainright and Trivial Comets, as well every bit embarking on a mini tour of her ain. Your last chance to catch her this year is December 16th at Hackney'due south Power Lunches. Head to her Bandcamp to become hold of the full EP, available equally a 'name your price' download.

Tonik Ensemble - Until We Meet Once more (feat. Shipsi)

Mon i December, by Frank Squad Laverne

Just similar that, the days become colder, the nights become longer and Dec rolls around again. We're kicking off our musical advent calendar with a suitably chilly Icelandic soundscape from Tonik Ensemble.

Download Tonik Ensemble - Until We Meet Once more (feat. Shipsi)

Tonik Ensemble is the musical output of Anton Kaldal Ágústsson. Together with a revolving line-up of trusted collaborators, he explores the infinite in between electronic sounds, and more traditional, organic, instruments. The consequence, as with today's MPFree, is an atmospheric and sometime eerie arroyo to vocal writing. 'Until Nosotros Encounter Over again' is the get-go single from Tonik Ensmeble's debut album, Snapshots, to be released in Feb.

Tonik Ensemble - Until We Meet Again (feat. Shipsi)

Monday 1 Dec, by Frank Squad Laverne

Only like that, the days become colder, the nights get longer and December rolls around again. We're kicking off our musical advent calendar with a suitably chilly Icelandic soundscape from Tonik Ensemble.

Download Tonik Ensemble - Until Nosotros Meet Again (feat. Shipsi)

Tonik Ensemble is the musical output of Anton Kaldal Ágústsson. Together with a revolving line-upwardly of trusted collaborators, he explores the infinite in betwixt electronic sounds, and more traditional, organic, instruments. The upshot, as with today's MPFree, is an atmospheric and sometime eerie approach to song writing. 'Until We Meet Once again' is the first single from Tonik Ensmeble's debut anthology, Snapshots, to exist released in February.

Everybody loves a spot of free music, so open your minds and get downloading at present.