KANYE WEST: Heard'em Say

This post is a composite of contradictions. First off, the music is by Kanye West, a presence so powerful, both indie scensters and hip-hop heads admire in equal reverence. The plinky piano riff is real nice. Then there's Adam Levine singing the chorus, currently of much maligned soul-pop band, Maroon 5. Maroon 5 are so hated by cred seeking hipster kids that it is a wonder Kanye would touch him with a broomstick. The inside dither is that Adam was passed around record label offices for a bankable music project more times than Tara Reid at a casting-slash-sobriety test. And lastly, the incomporable Michel Gondry directs so you know the playful imaginative video will astonish and perplex. So the awesome powers of Kanye and Michel neutralize the presense of Adam. Or maybe, Adam is cool... or maybe I'm more drunk than Tara. Watch the video (qt).

THE KNIFE: We Share Our Mother's Health

Here's something that will tickle your ears and your eyes. Uber-chic Stockholm electro-ists The Knife are now signed for US distribution by Mute. The video is directed by Brooklyn-based Japanese animator Motomichi Nakamura who describes the project as follows: "This was def. one of the best projects that I have worked on. The band gave me full creative freedom and they were very happy with the result. One of the film's concepts was to express pain in suggestive ways. Funny thing is that coincidently I had undergone nasal and septal surgery at the beginning of the project, and because of that I was in pain and my nose was still bleeding during the first two weeks of production (sorry for being so graphic...). Well, anyways enjoy the film!" Watch the video (qt).

PARIS HILTON: Stars Are Blind

Gossip bitch Perez Hilton lands the (painfully low-res) exclusive on the brand new, wait for it, yes, music video of the worlds most loathed socialite, Paris Hilton. Paris, you're worth millions, get a fucking website. The above title link goes to your wikipedia page, which is the equivalent of Canal Street "Louis Vuitton" handbag. That tired repeat offending nipple slip is edited out for the current sanitary state of American puritism. This, depsite the fact that 99% of Americans with internet access has seen her night-visioned coochie. Regretfully, I cannot say I hate the song, which surprising is adequately well sung, mature in composition and bears a breezy reggae feel in time for the summer. Deep down, I think we were all hoping for a supremely ambitious, gargantuan music career failure a la Victoria Beckham or Naomi Campbell. On principle, the fact that Paris Hilton has a record is an adequate summary of all that is wrong about American celebrity worship. Starfuckers! Watch the video (qt).

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE: Fire Eye'd Boy

Sneaky little peek at the latest video from Toronto indie supergroup. The concept of the video seems to revolve around the theme of "fear." The imagery is fraught with nostalgic gym class / boot camp / spa scenarios. There are alot of wife beaters, pale male physiques and tube socks. Clearly the band, and cameo guest Geddy Lee are having a good time. Watch the video (qt).

CADENCE WEAPON: Black Hand

After making claim that Edmonton is the new Montreal, and being scoffed at, here is some of the brand new hype coming out of the city that not only is cutting new angles in hip-hop, but will soon bring home the Stanley Cup. Yeah, you heard me Carolina. Download hot tracks (Black Hand and Sharks) and watch this groundbreaking video. Groundbreaking in the fact that it is probably the first ever hiop-hop video featuring a replica of the Edmonton skyline. Ever. Watch the video (qt).

RADIO 4: Enemies Like This

The angry post punk antics of Radio 4 are back. Having admitted their last album was somewhat of a misstep, the new album is infused with the same political vitriol, but with the addition on rubbery dubby basslines and hired hand on decks Jagz Kooner. This lead single is not my favourite from the album, but it may be the most pop formulaic. The video itself is a watch-it-oncer. Watch the video (win).

LADYBUG MECCA: You Never Get Over It

WSG tips me on a new solo project from Digable Planets alum, Ladybug Mecca. It's totally different and unexpected from the hip-hop bee-bop of her previous work. In fact, you can go as far as to say it's a straight up R&B record. I was bewildered when Digable Planets played Coachella 2006, when the only material they've put out in recently past was a greatest hits collection, compiled from, well, their two albums. While that's surprising, it pales compared to Ladybug Mecca very different direction and very confessional lyrics. Not sure what I think of it, but worth a listen. Watch the video (win).

SHRIFT: Lost In A Moment

Absolutely mesmerizing song by a dream team of progressive fusionist veterans. The sultry wispy vocals of trip-hop-n-bossa Smoke City alumus Nina Miranda with the production skills of Atlas alumus Dennis Wheatly make for delicious, mysterious exotica. This accompanying video to the title track is a fantastic juxtaposition of ghostly, beach-washed ambience with the urban claustrophobia of a downtown Tokyo sushi bar. The single shot clip spans the entirely of the restaurant, with well-framed portraiture of very authentic looking patrons for the bar's sushi rotating conveyor belt. While I still long for a new Smoke City record to be completed, Shrift's blend of sophisticated fusionist pop will more than keep me appeased in the short term. Watch the video (qt).

WHERE IS CLIPTIP?

I'm the weekend in Montreal for the Mutek electronic music, sound and new technologies festival. See ya!

JUSTICE: We Are Your Friends

While Veto announce they are not your friends, always the contrarian, French electro duo Justice sample the vocals of Simian's hit, transforming the chorus into a dance floor grinding anthem, and thus proving, without a doubt, that they are, indeed, your friends. When the full Justice album hits, the world will change as Xavier de Rosnay and Gaspard Auge teach all the world's children to rediscover the joys of dancing. Watch the video (win).

VETO: We Are Not Your Friends

This track is really awesome. Perhaps it's the studied melancholy of the Danish band's vocals, lyrics and instrumentation. Flourishes of electronic tinkering mix with rock performance posturing without veering towards emo's melodrama or new wave nostalgia. A thoroughly modern piece of music, as only the Danes know how. The moody video is directed by Peder Pederson. Man, kids are mean. Watch the video (qt).

OAKENFOLD: Faster Kill Pussycat

Guess what screeching global techno circuit party has returned to its city of origins since halted years ago due to legal and financial quagmire? Yes, friends, das ist korrekt. As the website proudly proclaims, the Love is Back- Berlin sees the Love Parade go storming through is causeways once again with all manner of vile repetitive beats and glowstick-twirling jaw-grinders. Well, such cause celeb must be enjoyed with the finest of technomusicality. Poised to reclaim the title of circuit master after his DJ set at Coachella, Paul Oakenfold has enlisted none other than Hollywoods finest white-trash typecast, Brittany Murphy, to add her surprisingly good vocals to this lead single from his forthcoming sophomore album. I have to admit, I was very pleasantly surprised by how spry the single is and how much I bopped my head to it. But then again, I have admitted to enjoying the new Nelly Furtado single as well and that throws my credibility in serious jeopardy. Now, DANCE! Watch the video (qt - stream).

ROGUE WAVE: Publish My Love

Who says cliptip doesn't enjoy a good bitch fight? Shadi proclaims the recent the Organ video posted here as "a fucking ripoff" citing this video by the dot-bust spawned San Fransisco band, lensed by director Matt Lenski, as evidence. While, I cannot deny the videos look remarkably similar, cliptip does ponder the possibility of two independently conceived treatments that executionally turn out to look... well... er... the same. You be the judge. Watch the video (qt).

ZERO 7: Throw It All Away

The British downtempo duo is back with a third long player of a decidely more pop infused take on their signature brand of steeped soul. This track features widgets of blue so desired by all it spurs a cottage industry. A cottage industry, that is, until the advent of widgets of mauve... Directed by Matt Lenski. Watch the video (qt - stream). UPDATED: video (qt).

THE ORGAN: Let The Bells Ring

Katie Sketch and crew return with a brand new single from what I can only suspect to be their forthcoming sophomore record. The video is astonishing, a graphic designers dream combining illustration, stop motion and digitally manipulated imagery, directed by Paris-based Valérie Toumayan. As much I am struggling to love the Vancouver quintet's new record, I can't help but fall in love with the video. Let's hope Katie's jet-set Marc Jacob-scouted modelling career is not interfering with band practice. Watch the video (qt).

CATO SALSA EXPERIENCE: Lovesick

Absolutely freaking hilarious. The Swedish Norwegian band go geezer in this video from their third long player. With feebly, geriatric drumming, cobwebs between the ears and a shaking guitar hand, you'll have a hard time forgetting the ace execution, from make-up effects, acting and direction of this incredibly novel video. Watch the video (win).

THE PRESETS: Down Down Down

Second single from the electro slappers from Australia. This duo is magic, and I must confess the album has been on spin cycle on the 'pod for weeks on end. This video, keeping in style with the DIY electro aesthetic takes the lo-fi approach, with some dramatic lightening zapping eye effects lifted straight from iMovie. Directed by the band and Kim Greenway. Watch the video (real - stream).

PHOENIX: Long Distance Call

Who is responsible for this video? Eh? There's this massive interuption that really adds nothing. It just wrecks my flow of this perfect little pop song. Lifted from their latest long player, now distributed in Canada by the ever bloating repoitoire of Broken Social Scene label Arts & Crafts, the album is described as more consistent and upbeat that their previous two. Pitchfork goes as far as comparing it to the "sloppier styles of The Strokes". Condensed, maybe, but sloppy? These guys tore up Coachella with their perfect little French accents. Watch the video (real stream). UPDATE: video (qt) is directed by long time collaborator Roman Coppola.

WHIRLWIND HEAT: Air Miami

While officially out in the UK July 17th, cliptip has obtained secret music video footage of the hipster douchbag band that people with white collar jobs just love to loath. With the band's insistence on sweat bands and knee high athletic socks, semi-pubescent facial hair and crunching guitar riffs, there can only be one conclusion: Grand Rapids, Michigan. Yes, the familiar Brooklyn zip codes do not apply, yet all the familiar cliches do. Get some, because despite the ennui, it's good. Watch the video (qt - stream). UPDATED: video (qt).

WHERE IS CLIPTIP?

Cliptip is taking part for the second consecutive year in the annual San Francisco Bay -To-Breakers footrace that spans the entire city from, well, Bay to Breakers. While cliptip and friends dressed up as Steve Zissou and the crew of the Life Aquatic last year, complete with laser equipped (inflatable) dolphins, and (costumed) jaguar shark, this year the gang is set to form a Guiness World record- the single largest smurf gathering in history. Blogging to continue when the blue make-up finally washes off.

SIMON REX: MC Dirtnasty

As though it were timed like a Swiss-made wrist watch, former porn actor, model, sitcom destroyer Simon Rex possibly out-crudes oil scion Brandon Davis's crass "firecrotch" tirade leaked earlier this week. It's almost like some publicist's dream diversion tactic. Chronic d-lister Simon Rex takes the anti-up with a shameless name dropping of all the LA beauties he proclaims he's bedded. So ridiculous and hysterical, it may pave the way for the inevitable K-Fed rap release. Watch the video (youtube).

LEWIS TAYLOR: Stoned Part I

UK based soul crooner Lewis Taylor lays down a relaxing groove for the R&B set. What's with all the white people soul that keeps getting pumped? The thing about this video is that it features Canadian singer Esthero with so much collegen gunned into her lips that she starting to look a little Amanda LePore. And that's not a good thing, you poor, poor Injected Lil' Grrrl. Maybe she was stoned. Watch the video (qt).

THE VINES: Anysound

The Vines' self loathing is, well, loathable. And while I find this track somewhat unremarkable, the video fortunately makes it worth watching. Directed by Olivier Gondry, it features the angst ridden Aussies in claymation. So collectively, the Gondrys have covered lego (White Stripes "Fell In Love With A Girl"), yarn (Steriogram "Walkie Talkie Man") and now clay. Any guesse what their next medium will be? Watch the video (youtube).

LANSING-DREIDEN: A Line You Can Cross

Arty, retro, muti-disciplinary and mysterious collective Lansing-Dreiden burst onto the music scene a couple years ago with a limited distribution album of eighties sounding new wave electro music. Now these New Yorkers are back with a second album, and here is the lead single. It's less accessible, but will undoubtedly meet with nodding heads with hipster creative types. A black and white performance piece video accompanies. Watch the video (qt).

HAFDIS HULD: Tomoko

How is this kooky new singer with the bizarro name? She was a lead singer to the Icelandic electronic supercollective Gus Gus (who also have a killer new single out) until she was "unceremoniously kicked out of the band". Well tough shit as Mom use to always say. Cause this little pixie has gone on to collaborate with FC/Kahuna, Ewan Pearson and Tim Middleton. And now she's finished her solo stuff and has released her first single. And it's a little weird. Of course, she is Icelandic so it must be the groundwater or sunless winters or 99% fish diet or something. This video has a dancer in a gold lame bodysuit. Steal this look, Lower East Side New Yorkers! Watch the video (qt).

THE OCTOPUS PROJECT: Music Is Happiness

Whacky indie trio quartet, the Octopus Project, played a jam session of upbeat instrumental rawk music at Coachella recently, hot after their Austin hometown buzziness at SXSW. The video is indie and sweet, with a well defined aesthetic of pixel disco, saturday night fever, and gameboy hamsters. Well conceived and well within budget. Directed by Nick Smith. Watch the video (qt).

GRANDADDY: Where I'm Anymore

Grandaddy officially pack it in with this final album of doodly lullaby pop. The LP is called "Just Like The Fambly Cat", which said feline, I assume, makes a meowing appearing in this here video. Leading voice of the Grandaddy project is Jason Lytle, multi instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and undying proponent of the "so-backlashed-it's-got-more-splatter-marks-than-a Mel-Gibson-born-again-knee-bender-epic" trucker hat. Watch the video (qt - stream).

SERVICES: Element Of Danger

Punked out electro from the Brooklyn duo of singer Tristan Bechet and synthman Christopher Pravdica. The shrill high-drama of blaring sirens and shouty lyrics brings a swift kick of exhilaration to the normally deadpan, feckless delivery of the electroclash undeadery. The low-fi video, which rings of David Lynch-loving film-school thesis project is directed by John Santos. Watch the video (qt).

NELLY FURTADO: Promiscuous

Well, I finally made my way back to civilization and am here to entertain you, once again, with scoured videos, found sounds, and all too jibbery blib blab. In my week or so of vacancy, I hope I did not miss too much web action, so tipsters welcome. Here's one that's been making quite a stir: snacky Canadian songbird, Ms. Furtado if you're nasty, has returned to poptastic form in collaboration with ace hip-hop producer and occasional MC, Timbaland. This is one hell of a track and I am not ashamed to say so. All you haters, hate on. Cause I like this song. And yes, that is Justin Timberlake making a cameo. Directed by Mr. X. Watch the video (flash). Download the video. UPDATED video (qt - stream). UPDATED video (qt).

WHERE IS CLIPTIP?

Well, it's official. Cliptip and friends are trecking down to the Coachella festival as of today. Piling into a motorcar and driving down the California coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles and then off to Indio to scorched bared skin, overpriced bottled water and over trafficked portapotties. And of course, musical delights by day and night. It's my official first attendence of this festival, and definitely the largest I've attended in North America. I'm sure I'll have spoils of sullied stories upon my return. Anyone have any tips for good road trip music? It's about 5 hours both ways...