Only some weeks after letting you know about this amazing new band from Cardiff and their wonderful debut single, “All I wanna do”, now it’s time to confirm the commotion and clamour their songs are creating amongst the music press and 50s girl-group fans. Rough Trade compares them to Kirsty McColl and CAMERA OBSCURA, Hipersonica to BELLE & SEBASTIAN and THE BEACH BOYS, New York newspaper The Village Voice turns them into a magical daydream of THE RONETTES, weblog Parallax View makes them single of the week and Pitchfork considers them relatives to Phil Spector‘s wall of sound. And let’s not forget about the two radio sessions the band has recorded for British BBC: the first one, last February, for Bethan Elfyn‘s show on Radio 1, and their second appearance live on the BBC by mid-March, this time for Marc Riley. After such enthusiastic reactions, we cannot do other than euphorically annouce that their second single, “Let it slip”, has been released. Born from the same sessions that resulted in “All I wanna do”, and with Ian Catt (SAINT ETIENNE, TREMBLING BLUE STARS, NOSOTRÄSH, THE FIELD MICE, SHAMPOO, THE BOO RADLEYS, Kahimi Karie) on production duties, this new single holds four delightful songs: “Let it slip” (which gives the single its name), “I don’t believe in love”, “I want you back” y “Shoulder”. But the best thing about this release is the way it reaffirms our already strong belief in the single format’s grandeur, especially when a band such as THE SCHOOL is able to record four songs that could very well be earth-shaking hits.

It’s hard to imagine a better declaration of principles than the first phrase that you read on the website of the Swedes SPEEDMARKET AVENUE; it’s a self-definition which goes as follows “a pop music collective led by a little guy who looks like a cross between Charles Manson and Marc Bolan.” The fact of the matter is that this Swedish band is going to be, without a doubt, one of the musical references of 2008 for all POP lovers in capital letters, with a perfect concept of melody, putting them in the same ballpark as THE AISLERS SET and THE FAIRWAYS; jangle-pop with precious wind arrangements, played with freshness and emotion. Their second album, “Way Better Now,” produced by Jari Haapalainen (member of HEIKKI and THE BEAR QUARTET, but also producer of ED HARCOURT, INTERNATIONAL NOISE CONSPIRACY, THE CONCRETES and CAMERA OBSCURA, with whom these Swedes collaborated on their last album, “Let’s Get Out of This Country” ) is a demonstration of inspiration of a band able to aim in the same way the girl-groups of the 50’s did (THE RONETTES in “The State of Harmony”) and the shoegazers (“Sirens” evokes memories of SLOWDIVE), managing immediately with intelligent melodies, intensity and textures ("Way better now," "Accident" and "Don’t fall in love" are inevitable singles). In conclusion, similar as to how one can read a book over and over again in different ways, the new CD allows the listener to apply his or her own form of listening to the album: the patient way, the urgent, immediate, energetic or melancholic way...This richness is what makes the second album of SPEEDMARKET AVENUE so grand.

SPEEDMARKET AVENUE, a Swedish group with a refined atmosphere, will prove to be, without a doubt, one of the most talked about musical references in 2008 for all POP lovers in capital letters.
In “Way Better Now” they leave a good mark of their roots, as an advance to their second album, titled “Way Better Now” as well. On one hand, the title song is electric and fast-paced, finished off with a glorious chorus, in a more distorted THE ESSEX GREEN kind of sound, while “The New Idea” emanates a certain air of the songs that Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood played, offering a more innocent facet of the group, yet elegant at the same time. Two songs produced by Jari Haapalainen (producer of ED HARCOURT, INTERNATIONAL NOISE CONSPIRACY, THE CONCRETES and CAMERA OBSCURA, among others) which gives us one of the best virtues of the group; their all-terrain inspiration covers multiple styles and sounds, but has always embraced the pop and melody flag. Groups such as THE AISLERS SET, THE LUCKSMITHS, LADYBUG TRANSISTOR guide us to their sound but SLOWDIVE, THE CURE and TREMBLING BLUE STARS do as well.

Limited edition [White Vinyl]

It may be possible that you may have never heard of them, but this is totally understandable they have only played four different concerts since signing to Elefant at the beginning of the summer of 2007. The fact is that this group of seven, led by the peppy Liz offers a well-rounded presentation (Amen to the delicious “Kiss You in the Snow” which came out on our holiday single!), where their handwriting marks are above and beyond excellent. More importantly, the pop tunes are filled with emotion. “All I Wanna Do” reminds us of CAMERA OBSCURA and embraces passion with the legacy of Phil Spector, with a chorus filled with moving romanticism and a song that grows with the intensity as each compass is played, embellishing the melancholy until it stops and it leaves you shivering. “Valentine” has something else in store for the listener, as it is on the other side of the single, with a tight chorus (a must to dance to!), an agile rhythm and Diana Ross thinking that THE SUPREMES never ended. An amazing B side! Another great work to add to the list of producer Ian Catt (SAINT ETIENNE, TREMBLING BLUE STARS, SHAMPOO, THE BOO RADLEYS, Kahimi Karie, THE FIELD MICE). Pitchfork, Plan B and Under the Radar have all spoken highly of them, comparing them to classic bands such as THE BEATLES, ELO and THE BEACH BOYS and more modern groups like SATURDAY LOOKS GOOD TO ME, BELLE & SEBASTIAN and LUCKY SOUL, among others.

Limited edition [Pink Vinyl]

LA MONJA ENANA is not your typical group with a defined path. Throughout their long, and at times, slower than usual career, they have played in Sweden, Russia, Paris and they put out a compilation in France and Mexico. The band has also been Single of the Week in Melody Maker. All of this happened without much effort from the group. LA MONJA ENANA is relaxed because they know that every once in awhile, without having to move a finger, something un-heard of happens and changes their career. Perhaps its largely due to their scientific-literary-paranormal theme in their music or it could simply be that when you listen to their music without preconceived notions, you appreciate all of the wonderful tunes with a catchy melody, a crystal and natural voice, together with surprising sounds.

The fact is, LA MONJA ENANA has numerous fans in Spain anxiously awaiting for the release of their album, “Humo y Espejo.” We are folks who sell out their concerts, sing along to their songs and know the perfect gestures which go along with each line.  We understand the references of Philip K. Dick and Jack Clayton in their older songs and with their brand new songs, we’ll catch on to the references of Lemony Snicket in “Café Kafka” and of Jorgen Leth in “Humano Perfecto.” We are people who admire how all of this may convert into a song and sound so great, catchy and melancholic at the same time. We are people who are elated that a group like LA MONJA ENANA exists, because, someone finally has written a song like “Heróes del Pasado” about the glorious oldies and because they dare with one of the most unusual songs by Jonathan Richman, “I’m a Little Dinosaur,” offered as a bonus track on the album. Text by Belén from L-KAN

"Planeando en tu Azotea" is a cd, musically speaking, more luminous, direct and immediate, perhaps less Baroque than their last album, with the majority of songs hardly going over two minutes of duration, following the norms of classical pop. As always, in the proposal of the Tamarit siblings, we find references to popular music across the decades, from easy listening (Ennio Morricone, Henry Mancini, Antón García Abril, Esquivel, Augusto Algueró), soft pop (Margo Guryan, LOVE GENERATION, OCTOBER COUNTRY, CHAD AND JEREMY, HARPERS BIZARRE), folk pop (THE GENTLE SOUL, PETER PAUL AND MARY, THE SEEKERS), bossanova pop (Claudine Longet, Chris Montez), psychedelic pop (THE BEATLES, Syd Barret, SAGITTARIUS) even French pop (Coralie Clément, Françoise Hardy, Marie Laforêt), melodic Italian pop (Pino Donaggio, Fabrizio De André) and above all, Spanish pop from the 60's and 70's (VAINICA DOBLE, SOLERA, JOSÉ Y MANUEL, NUEVOS HORIZONTES, Cecilia). Moreover, the new work catches glimpses of soundtracks by Danny Elfman and the music of Él Records (Louis Philippe), passing over North American bands from the 90's such as THE LEGENDARY JIM RUIZ GROUP and Scandinavian pop (early CARDIGANS, CLOUDBERRY JAM, SUPER). Therefore, in songs like “El Universo” or “Ven, Siéntate” we can delight in pop from the sixties, while in songs like “Yo que Hago Aquí” we taste the folkier aromas. “Tan Fácil” is delicious soft pop and “Dos o Tres Meses” and “Querido Miedo” are samples of the best Swedish pop. On the Baroque and cinematographic sides, we have “No Sé Por Qué” and “Mañana,” songs which introduce us to an ambitious group with a proposal completely original, one that distinguishes this band from the other musical artists of this country.

The new EP of SINGLE deepens even more the unexplored grounds which we caught glimpses of in the first two EP's and her fabulous debut album. The song which opens up the new EP is a strong statement of intent which inspired the name of the album "Pío Pío." A sampling symphony with Bollywood styles floating about, forming a multicolored collage from reshaping and mixing together a little bit of reggae, country, easy listening, including a brief reference of KRAFTWERK, creating impossible melodies and completely new rhythms. Along with the chirping of the piano of the star song, there are another three songs on this splendid CD-Single. "Té chino" is practically a lyrical tour de force and is a playful waltz between Teresa and her habitual collaborator on the piano, Rafael Guillermo (POP TOPS), "Cantiga para pedir dos tostoes," a cover of a song of the 70's by the Portuguese singer, José Mário Branco. The frenetic and psychedelic version counts on the collaboration of Rafael Guillermo, again on the piano, and ANTI on background vocals. Finally, “Los Muebles” is a poetic and an aggressive song, as well; experimental, showing the endless restlessness and curiosity of this one and only musical project: it shows a Teresa converted into an Iberian Yoko Ono whaling out poems of the Argentinean writer, Julio Cortazar, with the counterpart of the serene and warm voice of Jose Anitua (ex CANCER MOON), who collaborated on “Sic Transit Gloria Mundi,” the last song on the last album of LE MANS.

And we still haven't touched on the cover art, the spectacular photography where Teresa's image is displayed as a bird-woman, a princess of disappeared civilizations that lived in trees and dominated with the skill of silver work. Once again, the photo, as well as the helmet that Teresa has on is the master work of Javier Aramburu.

We all miss Dan Treacy and TV PERSONALITIES. After all the years of amazing songs and magnificent albums, we have waited almost a decade to hear the unmistakable voice of Dan again. Luckily they have put out two new albums: “My Dark Places” (2006) and “Are we Nearly There Yet?” (2007) which were supposedly the beginning of a new era, after the experience Dan had crossing the desert.

On behalf of Elefant Records, we are proud and excited to put out the world exclusive new single of TV PERSONALITIES “The Good Anarchist.” One truly cries out in jubilation when listening to this song! Only true alchemists of pop can achieve to produce sounds of such sensibility in just a little over two minutes. Echoes of bands such as VELVET UNDERGROUND, SHOP ASSISTANTS and CAROUSEL ring about on this single, as well as the voice of Swede Johanna Lundström for the first time and Dan playing the guitar. The B-Side sparkles with the fabulous “She’s Always Been There for Me” with the classic TV PERSONALITIES (basically Dan and Ed Ball) although it includes an irresistible touch of Northern Soul and a catchy rhythm that makes you put on your dancing shoes and leave your Ben Sherman shirt soaking in sweat! It’s all a big surprise wrapped up in a 7” single and a definite must for long-time fans of the group, as well as newbies which became fans with their last few albums!

Limited edition

Françoise Cactus and Brezel Göring [STEREO TOTAL], make their comeback in 2007 with the new album (the fantastic “Paris-Berlin”) which brings them back to their lo-fi roots. The best group in the world, according to MOMUS and “…the best pop group in the world” as noted in The Guardian, has shown that their formula stands stronger than ever with this album. Rough edged, romantic, vulgar, warm and in your face as always are the key components which bequeath us with the 14 shots launched against boredom and apathy. One of them being “Plastic” which Françoise and Brezel chose to open up their first Single for Elefant, this time in a fun Spanish version. As their followers know, this French-German duo has always toyed singing in other languages on their albums. They have sang in Japonese, Turkish, Italian, English and also in Spanish. It’s the first time they have released an album entirely in our language and furthermore, with the peculiarity of the remaining songs being covers of classic songs from the Elefant catalogue chosen by the artists themselves. The first pleasing song is one of the most popular hits of LA CASA AZUL, "C'est fini" (which is off the album "Tan simple como el amor") a sparkling mix of rock, jumping sensations and rawness all in one. Continuing to mesmerize us, the next cover is from the group LE MANS, “Un Rayo de Sol” from the album of the same title. This version respects the original so much that you can hardly tell the difference if it were not for the absence of the sax simple. To finísh up, “Arte” by NOSOTRÄSH, which opens their album "Popemas" in a dub version which quite frankly seems to be a remix of Ibon Errazquin in love with reggae and Jamaican sounds. If you’re still not convinced of the wonder of this album, the vinyl comes in scarlet passioned red. Enough said!

Limited edition [Red Vinyl]

We have also put out a limited edition white vinyl of our holiday single!!

To celebrate the holidays, we have finally made our long-awaited wish come true by creating a festive holiday Single to give away to our mates!

With this single we would like to give thanks to everyone who has helped us througout the years, especially fans of the label, without their help none of this would be imposible. A special single with songs which will make us forget all the hard times and help us ring in the New Year with bells and whistles. This single will be freely given to anyone who purchases an Elefant order which exceeds 20 euros. For those of you who would like to have more copies to give as holiday gifts to friends and ring in the New Year, there is also the option to buy it at a reduced price.

Four songs from the latest signed Elefant artists. The most recent one, THE SCHOOL, a project of 8 restless musicians from Cardiff which put out their first song precisely on this single. Last September, they packed their bags and moved off to London to record, under the guidance of Ian Catt, seven delicious songs which will be put out in two singles at the beginning of the year, a sweet and exquisite carol with a very 50’s holiday pop feel to it. Caitlin and Sauna [they are only 6 years old!], our kids HELEN LOVE show their adoration of Joey Ramone is more alive than ever and continues throughout the generations, they create a snowman out of Joey Ramone and this way, Santa Claus won’t have any problems finding them!! Absolutely adorable! CORAZÓN inspires us with their brilliant, sad and melancholic carol highlighted with rural folk strokes, providing an authentic flavour of Christmas. Carlos and Nando are placing the final touches to their new and highly anticipated album, an album  which includes the production of Ibon Errazkin, practically guaranteeing a classic spot in the Elefant catalogue. To culminate the single, Nicole and P, our friends from Hong Kong, wanted to celebrate the holidays in a special way; they always mention their friends in their songs, so it is of no surprise that the protagonists are the recently married Por and Mach to the happy Newlyweds!

"I will never forget the interstellar high I got when I first bought and played “Punk boy” by HELEN LOVE, their third single, on my record player. The first time the needle made contact with the single, it became my single of preference of all time. Although this was more than 10 years ago, it’s still my favourite. I finally discovered what it was like to not be alone in the world knowing that there were other people out there who understood punk, who “got” the RAMONES, who appreciated bubblegum the same way that I did and would never want it to cease to exist. Each and every HELEN LOVE album gives me another chance to experience this instant euphoria over and over because their albums still tend to be the best albums of the year. The new songs could all possibly be immediate classics. Jam-packed with colourful pop icons and brilliant endless nostalgic memories of the history of pop: 60’s bubblegum pop personified, the omnipresent Joey Ramone, a tribute to “Jet” by the WINGS, referencing Rodney Bingenheimer and countless others.  The product has scintillating melodies, poetic fun, biting guitars and playful synthesizers.  Although it sounds like such a cliché, I must say that the new HELEN LOVE album sounds just like HELEN LOVE. Without a doubt, this makes the latest HELEN LOVE release, my album of the year". Text by Guille Milkyway [LA CASA AZUL]

There´s a limited edition of this album for vinyl lovers. [600 copies / pink colour]

Only 5,000 copies of this special limited edition were produced

With this album, Guille Milkyway makes a big step forward in the evolution of his sound and the concept of one of the more successful records we have ever released in Elefant Records.
Musically, the songs are based in the same patterns that turned them into world cult artists: melodic pop songs, with catchy choruses that are easy to strum and singalong. High class pop music, that here shows itself as intentionally artificial, more made in Shibuya than ever. Songs are here maybe more complex than before, but always keeping the timeless classic pop influence that, along with its coups d'effect, sudden changes and surprising twists, describe the magical touch of the songs by LA CASA AZUL.
In the music by LA CASA AZUL live together without any problems 50's doo wop and 60's easy listening and 60’s bubblegum, 80's technopop, 70's disco and 90's shibuya-key and europop; references to such different yet close bands and artists as ELO, PILOT, Hugo Montenegro, PIZZICATO FIVE, Jean-Jacques Perrey, DENIM, Jacno, Enoch Light, Lio, Silvetti, The Jetset, Scoobydoo... Or to mention more contemporary names: APRILS, YMCK, PLUS TECH SQUEEZE BOX, CAPSULE, Andreas Dorau, STEREOTOTAL, HELEN LOVE, THE GO! TEAM, THE BRAN FLAKES, SCISSOR SISTERS, OPTIGANALLY YOURS...

Limited edition [White Vinyl]

Many months have passed ever since HELEN LOVE was signed onto Elefant Records and put out their first single on our label and the endless waiting for the arrival of new songs has been far too long for the group’s fans. We have anxiously awaited for this moment and are finally able to announce the release of the new single, a splendid and explosive appetizer of the imminent brand-new album, “It’s My Club and I will Play what I want to, “ the fifth album of their musical journey, which will be out at the beginning of 2008. Is there any better way to start out the new year?

“It’s My Club” (the new single and the tune which will open their full-length) is an absolute hit and a declaration of principles which perfectly define the spirit of HELEN LOVE; Bubblegum-indie-punk-rock-disco fast and catchy; a boundless night dancing under the stars until sunrise in a dreamy club with amazing dance floors, gigantic video screens (with the RAMONES live in 1976, of course), laser rays, strobe lights, multicolour light shows and the best pick of music, courtesy of our hostess Helen, just to enjoy the magnetism to the fullest on a great summer night in a special Club. Two exclusive songs are also included on this special limited edition single; “Boots On” with a tribute of the classic late 70s song “Video Killed the Radio Star” by THE BUGGLES and “Jennifer Hanley” a rock star which every adolescent kid on the planet dreams of. In short, three excellent songs of pure punk-pop which demonstrate the exclusive and singular universe of HELEN LOVE, an authentic pop feast, a colourful world of eternal youth.