CHOONS OF THE DAY: "PARALLELS" + "EARLY DAYS" - Kamp!

Polish synth-pop champions Kamp! return with another sleekly produced, Balearic single "Parallels" taken from their upcoming EP "Baltimore" released on 26th August by Cascine. No one does synth-pop quite as stylishly as the electronic trio from Łódź. Pre-order your copy of "Baltimore" 12" HERE!

Official press release:

"Kamp! continues to grow their global fanbase on the strength of their stylish synth pop, which fluidly melds modern versions of 80's new-wave with international disco. Their warm, layered production, hit-flavored melodies, melancholic vocals and Balearic brushstrokes, evoke images of dusk-till-dawn beach-parties and dusty mirrorballs in the corners of forgotten nightclubs."

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SHREM'S LIST OBSESSION: Top 5 "Kampest" Tracks by Kamp!

On the glorious occasion of Kamp! - Poland's #1 electro/indie act playing a gig here in Dublin for the first time I decided to go over their entire catalogue so far and cherry-pick the juiciest of their tracks to date. This Polish export are arguably one of the most successful groups to emerge from Poland on the electronic scene. Having conquered their native country, they have amassed a niche European fan base with their synth pop and nebulous vocals adding a new age dimension to retro disco. Reminiscent of summer night raves and hypnotic vibes, Kamp! are expected to play a debut sell-out gig at Button Factory on 9th May. For more info on the event please check out the official Facebook event for the concert HERE or buy your tickets directly at entertainment.ie.

#5 "CAN'T YOU WAIT"

#4 "DISTANCE OF THE MODERN HEARTS"

#3 "PATCHWORK (Kamp! Remix)" - Appaloosa

#2 "CAIRO"

#1 "MELT"

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SHREM'S INSTITUTE OF LOST CLASSICS: "LIPSTICK ON THE GLASS" + "LUCIOLA" + "SIĘ ŚCIEMNIA" - Maanam

Not one, not two but three tracks from the extraordinary Maanam in my "Lost Classics" section today. Fronted by the ultra-charismatic and uncompromising Kora, Maanam were among the most successful Polish bands whose songs by no means were ever lost classics there. Apart from a small success in the East Germany and "Się Ściemnia" being the first ever Polish Music Video to air on the international MTV the band's fruitful catalogue of post-punk classics, communism era stylee, remained hugely unexplored by the rest of the world. Maanam's sound in the 1980s could be considered a cross between Nina Hagen, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Blondie. These three tracks combined together should give you a clear indication of the band's versatility, universal quality and Kora's undeniably spectacular vocal acrobatics! I rarely blog about music from my country but returning to these tracks this week made me want to share it with a wider audience. Hope you enjoy it.

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SHREM'S GUILTIEST OF PLEASURES... VOL. 35: "Ja, Ruchomy Cel" + "Chodzę, stoję, siedzę, leżę" - Gayga

While in my homeland, Poland why not rediscover some of these kitschy 1980's numbers that were such an important part of my musical upbringing back in the communism days here. Gayga was our most oddball pop star that never actually became hugely popular probably down to the fact she was way ahead of her time and was quite simply too edgy for the mainstream media. A truly vibrant mix of Nina Hagen and The B-52's vibes with some 80's new wave and electro added in for good measure. Bonkers! Just the way I like it.

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SHREM'S DOUBLE TROUBLE: "MELANCHOLIA" /// "UNCONSCIOUS" - Rebeka

Polish synth-pop duo Rebeka have just released their fantastic debut album "Hellada" via Brennessel Records. It's an absolute feast for 1980's flavoured vintage pop, electro, nu disco and Balearic lovers. Iwona Skwarek's vocals are absolutely flawless, so is the production of this captivating Polish record seducing us with its attractive mixture of modern and retro. One of those albums which will go down a treat the summer season that's upon us. I just realised I haven't shared their previous single "Melancholia" here yet, one of the most charming pop moments of 2013 so far. Here it is accompanied by Rebeka's latest single, the dancefloor friendly "Unconscious". Let's get unconscious honey!



Unconscious by Rebeka

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SHREM'S DOUBLE TROUBLE: "HUJAWIAK" /// "NIE OGARNIAM" - Maria Peszek

The awe-inspiring. The charismatic. The ultra-talented. The uncompromising. Maria Peszek, the most daring and artistically impressive alternative pop star to emerge from Poland of the past decade, continues her energetic "Jezus Maria Peszek" tour promoting her 3rd album with a bunch of exclusive performances abroad. This Thursday Peszek performs a one-off show in the Button Factory, Dublin, a concert I simply cannot contain my excitement about. Her extremely poignant, brave lyrics, her rebellious attitude and outspokenness made her almost instantly a cult artist nationwide, gained her a truly devoted fanbase as well as a visible army of angry haters. A show not to be missed for both die-hard fans and those passionate about discovering new music emerging from different corners of the European continent. I happen to belong to both groups, so it sure shapes to be a memorable evening. For more details on Peszek's show in Dublin check out the event page on Facebook or get tickets on entertainment.ie. Maria Peszek performs in London 19th May and Ostrava 21st July. Here are two of her songs I cherish with a particular love.

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SHREM'S LATE MONDAY NIGHT SESSIONS: "DARKEST NIGHT" - Moullinex feat. Iwona Skwarek [Rebeka] + Remixes

"Darkest Night" was my favourite track from Moullinex's "Flora" pretty much from the moment I listened to the album for the first time. Iwona Skwarek (from Rebeka) is giving a solid vocal performance in this delightfully fruitful Portuguese-Polish collaboration. Buy the single now on Beatport with remixes from Xinobi and Kris Menace! Muito obrigado and dziękuję bardzo!



Moullinex - Darkest Night (Xinobi Remix) by XINOBI

Moullinex - Darkest Nights - Kris Menace & Pwndtiac Remix by Kris Menace

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SHREM'S LATE MONDAY NIGHT SESSIONS: "MELT" - Kamp!

Another magnificent piece of synth-pop from Kamp!, Polish electronic trio formed in Łódź in 2008. You may treat this as an Eastern-European answer to Cut Copy if you wish, but "Melt" - their second single available internationally, is a genius song to be filed under "Pure Pop Perfection". As compelling as their 2011 debut single for Discotexas "Cairo". The single is out 15th February with mixes by Midnight Magic, Xinobi and Zimmer.

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SHREM'S DOUBLE TROUBLE: "LUDZIE PSY" /// "SORRY POLSKO" - Maria Peszek

I was gonna announce it as the Polish album of the year but the more I listen to it the more I think it might actually be the album of the decade in Poland. Lyrically - groundbreaking. Musically - vibrantly eclectic. Vocally - simply stupendous! Maria Peszek is effortlessly the most important artist on the cultural scene of my homeland. 12 songs of constant goosebumps! Here are two of the highlights. Have a look at the video for "Ludzie Psy" and get involved in the fantastic interactive project of creating an alternative version of the video HERE!

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SHREM'S DOUBLE TROUBLE: "DARKEST NIGHT" - Moullinex feat. Iwona Skwarek /// "STARS" - Rebeka

Lisbon's finest dj export - Moullinex has just released his debut album "Flora" packed with house and synth-pop gems. "Darkest Night" featuring Rebeka's vocalist Iwona Skwarek is an immediate winner on the album with its Balearic lush vibe, luscious melody and Iwona's spectacular vocals. Good time to remind ourselves of Rebeka's "Stars" which dropped via Discotexas 6 months ago. Next to Kamp! they certainly are among the most promising acts to come out of Poland this year.

   Moullinex - Darkest Night (feat. Iwona Skwarek) by Moullinex

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SHREM'S DOUBLE TROUBLE: "PRZYZNAJ SIĘ" - June feat. Nosowska /// "ROZSZCZEP" - Nosowska

Katarzyna Nosowska is the most worshipped of all female artists in my homeland, Poland. The cult following of her band Hey is unheard of and incomparable with any other Polish bands of the past few decades. What I cherish Nosowska the most for is her solo projects though. Her fascinating excursions into more exprimental electronic soundscapes and more lavish productions are always a pure thrill. Last week to my absolute delight, Nosowska released a magnificent video accompanying the most uncompromising of the songs from her latest album "8" which also happens to be my number one favourite Polish song last year. Exuberant both lyrically and sonically! The other track is "Przyznaj Się" where she guest appeared on a tune by the relatively unknown band - June. Looks like she'll score a number one in my books for the second consecutive year...

   7 - Przyznaj Się JUNE feat. Katarzyna Nosowska by Kayax Label

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SHREM'S DOUBLE TROUBLE: "FINALLY" - Niewinni Czarodzieje feat. Novika /// "MUCHOMORY" - Maria Peszek

Last week I had an ultimate pleasure to participate in selecting some tracks for Tom Lowe's Audio Sunshine Show's special edition, entirely dedicated to the music of my homeland, Poland. It's been a pure fun session of cherry-picking eclectic sounds from the past 50 years in the history of Polish phonography. The result of it is a 2 hours long journey through Polish jazz, hip-hop and house with a bunch of nu jazz, klezmer and pure oddities thrown in for the good measure. You can listen to the show for free for the next month on RTE Pulse. If you're looking for the playlist head to Tom's Facebook. I was particularly delighted to see two following tunes making the final cut of the show. Enjoy:

  Niewinni Czarodzieje feat. Novika - "Finally" by SHREM

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SHREM'S LATE MONDAY NIGHT SESSIONS... "THIS TIME" - Lovebirds feat. Novika

 For five solid years, back in my university days, I'd never miss any of the "Radio Lazy Sunday" shows hosted by a girl named Novika. Years later, the very same girl established herself in Poland as a very well known dj, vocalist, producer and a record label owner. On top of all that she also finds time to feature on numerous dance projects, also internationally. The result of her joint effort with German house project Lovebirds comes in a shape of a fabulously summery and instantly haunting 'This Time".

   Lovebirds Feat Novika - This Time - Original Mix by lovebirds

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SHREM'S DOUBLE TROUBLE: "BELLA PUPA" - Kora & Püdelsi /// "WALKING ON THIN ICE (Felix da Housecat's Tribute Mix)" - Yoko Ono

Kora was our very own Siouxsie Sioux in Poland. Her cult status as a front-woman of Maanam, most charismatic of all punk & rock bands back in the 80's, was undeniable. In 1988 Kora teamed up with Püdelsi to release their explicit, uncompromising, noisy collaborative album "Bella Pupa". The title track resembles some of Yoko Ono's vocal tricks and post punk production. What a smashing occasion to play Ono's "Walking on Thin Ice" in Felix da Housecat's 'dancefloor-ready' mix I was totally hooked by back in 2003. Such a juicy pair, let's get this disco punk party started!



Yoko Ono - "Walking On Thin Ice (Felix da housecat Tribute Mix)" by SHREM

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SHREM'S INSTITUTE OF LOST CLASSICS: "GAJ" - Marek Grechuta & Maryla Rodowicz

This song always makes me very nostalgic and sentimental. It was released back home, in Poland, the year I was born. It saved itself a very safe spot among my most beloved Polish songs ever. Both Maryla Rodowicz and Marek Grechuta were back then the indisputable giants of the local pop scene. My iTunes tells me it's the 14th most played track of the +10k songs in my library... I do seem to have a particularly soft spot for it then indeed...

Marek Grechuta & Maryla Rodowicz - "Gaj" by SHREM

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "TICO TICO" + "PAPAYA" - Urszula Dudziak

One of the most famous Brazilian songs "Tico Tico" was recorded countless amount of times in countless different arrangements by countless artists all over the globe. Here's one of my absolute favourite versions of this evergreen classic, dipped in funk and disco, here's "Tico Tico" by Poland's prime jazz diva Urszula Dudziak and her human voice redefining vocals. The second track is her biggest single ever "Papaya" released back in 1975 in UK, Spain, Canada, Belgium and US.

Urszula Dudziak - "Tico Tico" by SHREM

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VIOLETTA VILLAS 14 September 1938 – 05 December 2011 - R.I.P.

Such sad news coming from my homeland today... The owner of the highest vocal range among all Polish singers and one of the most vibrant artists in the history of Polish music - Violetta Villas has passed away earlier on today...

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CHOON OF THE DAY: "O LESIE" - Nosowska

Nosowska's new single is out! Perhaps it wouldn't be my choice for the second single taken from "8" but the video indeed is stunning. How gorgeous are the Polish forests?

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CHOON OF THE DAY: "NOMADA" - Nosowska

Voted number 1 Polish Female Artist of all time by the Machina Magazine, Nosowska has just released her 6th solo album "8" promoted by "Nomada". This is one of the most impressive music videos I've ever seen being made in my homeland. Not completely hooked by the song just yet but I am at a loss of words when it comes to the video. Masterpiece!

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SHREM'S VINTAGE CORNER: "16 lat i 7 dni" - Violetta Villas + "Jeg snakker med mig selv" - Gitte Hænning

Two ladies. One Polish, one Danish. Two heartwarmingly old-fashioned early 1960's gems.

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