NEW: Kurt Vile 'Wakin On A Pretty Day FREE DL

Damn this is good. Check out the track taken from the forthcoming album and download it for free HERE.

NEW: Bonnie Prince Billy 'I See A Darkness'

Check out the Bill Berman directed video for Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy’s new version of I See A Darkness, recorded with Ben Boye, Van Campbell, Emmett Kelly, Danny Kiely and Angel Olson. The track is from his upcoming EP Now Here’s My Plan – a collection consisting of new versions of Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy classics recorded by Steve Albini, due for release through Domino on July 24th.

ALBUM REVIEW: Mountaineer 'The Real Mcqueen' out now on Leng

I hadn't heard of Mountaineer before. So in case you are in a similar marine type vessel here's a few fun facts; 1.They are a German band. 2.This is their second album. 3.They are on the same label as Idjut Boys and Ray Mang. 4.They don't sound like either of the aforementioned.

This album embodies summer listening. It goes well with a barbecue, a cocktail by the pool, a picnic in the park or a drive with the top down next to the sea. OK so I haven't actually listened to the album whilst doing any of these things. I wonder if my sweltering hot Parisienne apartment counts? There is no stand out track ('Golden Chalk' if you push me) for me. I think it's better to listen to this album as a whole unit and because of the MOR sensibilities nothing really offended or made me want to turn of the stereo. It's all very upbeat, positive summer chill out for vibes for the masses; don't miss it!

4/5

CTZN V41N

ALBUM REVIEW: Laura Lopez Castro & Don Philipe 'Optavivo' out 13 December on Nesola

It's sometimes hard to pinpoint exactly why you like something then put it into words. With Optativo I have had a difficult time trying to express myself without using the hackneyed clichés and platitudes. Do you know the Secret Love series of compilations on Sonar Kollektiv? Any one of the 10 songs on the album could feature on this compilation series. So if you have heard of Secret Love then you know what I'm talking about and you can stop reading and go get yourself a copy.

If not then please keep reading. The album is one of those immense works of beauty that one is lucky enough to come across once or twice a year if lucky. I haven't been this moved by a single album since Digitonal's 'Save Your Light For Darker Days' but this is not in the same genre as that masterpiece so there is really no comparison to be taken.

LLC's voice has a dreamlike quality (cue cliché's) that simply has to be heard to be believed. It's soft, rich, sensual, soothing, gentle, matriarchal yet not overpowering and reminds me of home and good good times without the sentimentality. This is coupled with the overwhelming warmth of Don Philipe on guitar. The duo have a chemistry that works on so many levels beyond words. This album is a feeling, a gorgeous positive feeling of wonderment, enchantments and relaxing vibes and bon temps that soothe the soul. It's a perfect accompaniment to any chill out session but beware putting it on before you want to do anything strenuous as it will sap your energy and take you back to  the couch.

5/5

CTZN V41N

VIDEO: Bliss feat Ane Brun 'Trust In You Love'

This is just one of 17 awesome tracks featured on the latest edition of folk songs compiled by Kenneth Bager called 'Folk But Not Folk 2' on the legendary Music For Dreams label.

VIDEO: James Yorkston & BEFP 'Mary Connaught & James O'Donnell

Hot piece of upbeat Folk from Yorkston et al. He might be Scottish but I'm using this as my England shindig warm-up song right now, so cheers James! C'mon England! The song was originally released as a single back in November 2009 check the Domino site for more details.

VIDEO: Pastels / Tenniscoats 'Vivid Youth' out now

Love the retro, home-made feel to this video from a song taken from the album 'Two Sunstes' that was released last September on Geographic.

ALBUM REVIEW: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zero's 'Up From Below' out now on Rough Trade

Gawd that band title ain't half a mouthful and it sure don't roll offa the tongue that easily either. Don't sweat it tho' cos this is a barnstorming hippie folk hoe down for y'all to get your sun-drenched, summer, feel-good teeth into.

The album starts off well with the superb '40 Day Dream' (see the live performance at Rough Trade East video below) and continues  through to the excellent 'Home'.

Yes it's hardly the most mind-blowingly original work this side of Saturn but it workd and it's summer and time for some outdoor shenanigans that needs a suitable sioundtrack and this debut album mot certainly could be part of it.

4/5

CTZN V41N

SEE:

DOWNLOAD: May Chill Out Mix MP3 FREE DOWNLOAD

Hope you are all well and enjoying the slow build up to the Summer. Why not take a break and listen to (or download) my latest mix?

I decided to do a chill out mix this time as it's coming up to holiday time :)

I wanted to show you that I'm not just about DJing electro. I love all types of music and I think that Vainzine reflects that so I picked some of my favourite tracks that fit the genre and voila.

The mix is a little bit crackly as I'm having some issues with serato but I'm working to get that sorted out and it's still listenable. The crackles actually make it sound like it was recorded on an old phonograph.

DOWNLOAD: May Chill Out Mix mixed by CTZN V41N

TRACKLISTING:

1)Soap & Skin 'Brother Of Sleep'
2)Das Volt 'Gestures' (Will Mills Redux Mix)
3)Island Line 'Just Like The Old Days'
4)Digitonal 'Wide Eyed, Wrapped In Love'
5)Caroline Weeks 'The Return'
6)AK-Momo 'Boys & Girls'
7)Massive Attack 'Teardrops' (Mad Professor Remix)
8)Hatchback 'Nesso'
9)St. Vincent 'Save Me From What I Want'
10)Jon Hopkins 'Light Through The Veins'
11)CFCF 'You Hear Colours'
12)Weird Tapes 'TV Romance'
13)Sideshow Feat. Cortney Tidwell 'Televison' (All Night Long Version)
14)Subway 'Testing'
15)La Roux 'In For The Kill - Skream's Let's Get Ravey Remix'

LISTEN:

DOWNLOAD Previous Mixes:

DJ CTZN V41N April Fairtiliser Mix