I have been wanting to post something by Hockey guys since I first heard their single Too Fake (via Pinglewood). Simply one of the best tracks I have heard in the past 12 months and they have more. They sound like the best bits of The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem stuck in a blender with a bit more soul to taste. The guys are going to be one of the bands to watch in 2009. I think that’s probably enough hype for them to live up to now. (BUY)
Hockey – 3am …

Photo courtesy of Bang Bang Dot Dot
The dreamy blissful synth pop of this track by Damn Arms could not be further from the rain pouring down/into my window, but who could possibly want to miss something that puts you right back on the golden sands with the beautiful people.
Damn Arms – Destination Part I (via Palms Out Sounds)
Destination Part I is on a Double A-Side out soon on Bang Gang 12 Inches

Stars of Sunday League are my first ‘absolute must’ find of 2009. This sensational little band are as Scottish as they come and it’s utterly charming. Their beautiful folk ballads with indie-tinged edges are completely unique and should be given a listen by fans of all genres. They’re currently in the studio, so watch this space for more updates.

Laura Marling has been received with critical acclaim since the release of her first album ‘Alas, I Cannot Swim’ back in February 2008. The album was  nominated for the Nationwide Mercury Prize …

I obviously haven’t been paying enough attention to certain parts of the UK music scene as these two bands had passed me by, with certain parts of the BBC taking notice. I am, however, hoping to rectify the situation right here, right now.
First a little bit about the label SONS ltd out of Stoke-on-Trent. SONS stands for Soul of North Staffs and they are a pretty small UK indie label with only a handful of artsts on their roster. But quite a collection that is, with The Novellos and Raphael …

It has been a long time coming, but definitely worth the wait with 2 discs worth of electro-pop to electro-noise perfection. As per usual, some of these you will know and others you should.

Passion Pit are tipped to be huge this year (even by the BBC) and this remix puts some better beats behind it. Little Boots offer some more of their beautiful electro-pop and Yukseks puts his golden electro touch on Tommy Sparks. The Random (as a duo and Tony Roballo on his own) also offer something special and …

So it seems Jamie T (MySpace), a favourite here on The Blue Walrus, has been spending a good deal of time in the studio and has given everyone a new year’s surprise with a new track for download.
The track reflects the rough production values of his demos, and sounds a little more punk and aggressive than the more popular of his earlier works.
Jamie T – Fire Fire
..and here’s the video: