Make Me Skream

A friend of mine recently told me that the best set he saw at this year's Winter Music Conference - nay, the best set he has ever seen - came at the hands of Skream, the 23 year-old dubstep producer out of London. I was surprised, but not that surprised. Skream is a big deal in dubstep circles, and his ability to cross dubstep borders that other producers can't has impressed me in the past. I'm sure his live set is completely gigantic.

Skream's second full-length, Outside the Box, is set for release on August 9th, and it is totally dope. His brand of melodic dubstep avoids a lot of the codeine-effect grunge bass that turns me off in Rusko's work, and it's actually pretty accessible. If you're looking for an entre into the genre, Outside the Box is a great way to work your way in.

There is one song, without a doubt, that rises to the top, that stands head and shoulders above the rest. That song is "Finally," a track that features the wonderful vocals of La Roux. Skream was name dropped with La Roux on my favorite song off of this summer's Lazerproof mixtape, "In 4 The Kill Pon De Skream," and I was psyched to check out the pair running wild.

The song. Is. Epic. I'm more obsessed with this song than I have been with any track since Animal Collective's "What Would I Want Sky" - I can't get enough. Turn on "Finally" and let it spin, over and over. Listen on low volume, listen on high volume. Listen in the car or in the dark. Get obsessed.

Skream f. La Roux - Finally (YSI) (filesavr)

Major Lazer f. La Roux - In 4 The Kill Pon De Skream (YSI) (filesavr)

A friend of mine recently told me that the best set he saw at this year's Winter Music Conference - nay, the best set he has <i>ever </i>seen - came at the hands of Skream, the 23 year-old dubstep producer out of London. I was surprised, but not that surprised. Skream is a big deal in dubstep circles, and his ability to cross dubstep borders that other producers can't has impressed me in the past. I'm sure his live set is completely gigantic.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLQBdx4HnklDW9Sfz8a4MQ8lXqubgxfAITCwca-_fl0vlnRsfRc_0npyRRbIuBRf20KuH1zktiX_PVg1SoBM5jXUbbcKjabuVSmL8SEniELyNksmWuRqfNZuW0S95HufZc11gyGZ_dUk/s1600/skreamTSRE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLQBdx4HnklDW9Sfz8a4MQ8lXqubgxfAITCwca-_fl0vlnRsfRc_0npyRRbIuBRf20KuH1zktiX_PVg1SoBM5jXUbbcKjabuVSmL8SEniELyNksmWuRqfNZuW0S95HufZc11gyGZ_dUk/s320/skreamTSRE.JPG" /></a></div>Skream's second full-length, <i>Outside the Box</i>, is set for release on August 9th, and it is totally dope. His brand of melodic dubstep avoids a lot of the codeine-effect grunge bass that turns me off in Rusko's work, and it's actually pretty accessible. If you're looking for an entre into the genre, <i>Outside the Box</i> is a great way to work your way in.<br /> <br /> There is one song, without a doubt, that rises to the top, that stands head and shoulders above the rest. That song is "Finally," a track that features the wonderful vocals of La Roux. Skream was name dropped with La Roux on my favorite song off of this summer's <i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_420064632" target="_blank">Lazerproof</a> </i>mixtape, "In 4 The Kill Pon De Skream," and I was psyched to check out the pair running wild.<br /> <br /> The song. Is. Epic. I'm more obsessed with this song than I have been with any track since Animal Collective's "What Would I Want Sky" - I can't get enough. Turn on "Finally" and let it spin, over and over. Listen on low volume, listen on high volume. Listen in the car or in the dark. Get obsessed.<br /> <br /> <b>Skream f. La Roux - Finally</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VtYnUwdVV0TWxjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/bCyPn1XO" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Major Lazer f. La Roux - In 4 The Kill Pon De Skream</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VtYnU5RkVoeWJ2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/BRp0cXDd" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Wise Blood Is Bringing It

Last week I had never heard of Wise Blood and now I love him. His tracks are thick and borrow from many different sources. There is this pervading sense of release that stays constant throughout his EP '+' that makes it deserving of multiple listens. The five short tracks are certainly fuzzy and home made, but they showcase some ragged percussion and infectious obscure samples. Who would have thought that a dude from Pittsburgh would be able to construct such crazy tracks fusing traces of soul with some drone-y, fuzzy stuff and that it would really work? Grab '+' fo' free over at his bandcamp and listen to it.

Wise Blood - Here Comes the Sun (YSI) (filesavr)

Wise Blood - B.I.G. E.G.O. (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_Ax_kH-eQf1MHcdLPlyeonUp6rQhmAdMK0Ts5iP9t4MKCt0H20PdXC5h4QCPgsn3XskIk8mLpR_N3C_vJPGsIxslTABIXQeyiS74AD84ievWWkGmB26Um8BCp_f5Tm035agoeMNLE3TQ/s1600/TSRE+Wise+Blood.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498034438437297970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_Ax_kH-eQf1MHcdLPlyeonUp6rQhmAdMK0Ts5iP9t4MKCt0H20PdXC5h4QCPgsn3XskIk8mLpR_N3C_vJPGsIxslTABIXQeyiS74AD84ievWWkGmB26Um8BCp_f5Tm035agoeMNLE3TQ/s320/TSRE+Wise+Blood.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" /></a>Last week I had never heard of Wise Blood and now I love him. His tracks are thick and borrow from many different sources. There is this pervading sense of release that stays constant throughout his EP '+' that makes it deserving of multiple listens. The five short tracks are certainly fuzzy and home made, but they showcase some ragged percussion and infectious obscure samples. Who would have thought that a dude from Pittsburgh would be able to construct such crazy tracks fusing traces of soul with some drone-y, fuzzy stuff and that it would really work? Grab '+' fo' free over at his <a href="http://hazemotes.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">bandcamp</a> and listen to it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wise Blood - Here Comes the Sun</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VuZGVVMVh6NEpjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/a2dI2uPf" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wise Blood - B.I.G. E.G.O. </span>(<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VuZGVhbEpENlEwTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/VMYw4ISG" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

New Cut Copy

Here's the new Cut Copy track. We're going to go stream of consciousness here for a bit: it sounds like the Beatles, it features some great keyboarding, hand claps yay!, it struts, not as electronic as In Ghost Colours. That about sums up my early thoughts, I don't really know what to expect from the upcoming album, but Where I'm Going is a very solid start.

Cut Copy - Where I'm Going (YSI) (filesavr)

Cut Copy - Far Away (Hercules & Love Affair Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09AZhB87mIhwcCpiDV0boUEPryDxLhfFunyKsaz-8QrlXYPymYCeIPdKFtLRTEDBzMcNZy2FNH24VOgzr6YIatP57x7TMzFNpv4-qOoLPk31lpQWiHtv9cIsOlx0EqgDr5RchHduA_AM6/s1600/TSRE+iphone.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498031267465472178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09AZhB87mIhwcCpiDV0boUEPryDxLhfFunyKsaz-8QrlXYPymYCeIPdKFtLRTEDBzMcNZy2FNH24VOgzr6YIatP57x7TMzFNpv4-qOoLPk31lpQWiHtv9cIsOlx0EqgDr5RchHduA_AM6/s320/TSRE+iphone.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" /></a>Here's the new Cut Copy track. We're going to go stream of consciousness here for a bit: it sounds like the Beatles, it features some great keyboarding, hand claps yay!, it struts, not as electronic as In Ghost Colours. That about sums up my early thoughts, I don't really know what to expect from the upcoming album, but Where I'm Going is a very solid start.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cut Copy - Where I'm Going</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VuZGVUb0I1aVpjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/IuCmYytz" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cut Copy - Far Away (Hercules & Love Affair Remix)</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VuZGVZWlRtUUUwTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/farawayherculeslovea" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Forest Swords: Summer Haze

Much is made about the art of the summer jam and I do love the poppy summer hits, but there is a darker side of summer. Forest Swords and LA Vampires & Zola Jesus do their best to bring out the swampy, humid, and sweaty side of summer. Imagine a dark, mysterious forest filled with pagans engaging in some sort of ancient ritual - these tracks are the soundtrack to that scene. These are some heavy (and weird) tracks and they are ready to take you places when you're tired of the usual summer fare.

Forest Swords - The Light (YSI) (filesavr)

LA Vampires & Zola Jesus - Bone is Bloodstone (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKQFTj9a4tfNfDEf9xgqXs20_sdV1DFPWEtIdJlp8q26aAMxstGcYgQJD0A60hfSbDOgtf0BceV4okW9ZSqwPFnVZPlk9Hvt8z9ue9EUhqIi6jjE4viyBckNpDJsLXKJmWw4AVIxjzh3w/s1600/TSRE+Vampires.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498017620391172018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKQFTj9a4tfNfDEf9xgqXs20_sdV1DFPWEtIdJlp8q26aAMxstGcYgQJD0A60hfSbDOgtf0BceV4okW9ZSqwPFnVZPlk9Hvt8z9ue9EUhqIi6jjE4viyBckNpDJsLXKJmWw4AVIxjzh3w/s320/TSRE+Vampires.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 226px;" /></a>Much is made about the art of the summer jam and I do love the poppy summer hits, but there is a darker side of summer. Forest Swords and LA Vampires & Zola Jesus do their best to bring out the swampy, humid, and sweaty side of summer. Imagine a dark, mysterious forest filled with pagans engaging in some sort of ancient ritual - these tracks are the soundtrack to that scene. These are some heavy (and weird) tracks and they are ready to take you places when you're tired of the usual summer fare.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Forest Swords - The Light</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VuZGVlZ2plaFEwTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/vWDD3HRo" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">LA Vampires & Zola Jesus - Bone is Bloodstone</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VuZGVkNmNsUit4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/57YCCsBB" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Stu Reid Under the Covers: Beyonce

In the same vein as Yael Naim's cover of Britney's Toxic, Mr. Little Jeans' cover of Single Ladies puts some big-rimmed glasses and worn skinny jeans on a pop jam. Upping the hipster cuteness and toning down the glamor, it's catchy and melodic, while still maintaining the spirit of the original. We need more of these kind of covers stat.

Mr. Little Jeans - Single Ladies (YSI) (filesavr)

Beyonce - Single Ladies (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4zzGvs8DXuP66E-MK5NUsmN8VJGkTjDM4ckQmVmMkoV-fQa6K0a0K11Qa74QoVEp6u_6GrsbuxBq09SgL1vVOURplGoFAFAe5VspoKBusLeCvSSU4DaNtBTIHjt_P5nWqjFQDhKbY2GB/s1600/TSRE+Beyonce.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498006917897199378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4zzGvs8DXuP66E-MK5NUsmN8VJGkTjDM4ckQmVmMkoV-fQa6K0a0K11Qa74QoVEp6u_6GrsbuxBq09SgL1vVOURplGoFAFAe5VspoKBusLeCvSSU4DaNtBTIHjt_P5nWqjFQDhKbY2GB/s320/TSRE+Beyonce.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 172px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>In the same vein as Yael Naim's cover of Britney's Toxic, Mr. Little Jeans' cover of Single Ladies puts some big-rimmed glasses and worn skinny jeans on a pop jam. Upping the hipster cuteness and toning down the glamor, it's catchy and melodic, while still maintaining the spirit of the original. We need more of these kind of covers stat.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mr. Little Jeans - Single Ladies</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VuZGVVNXZCSnF4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/aj8gNWTN" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Beyonce - Single Ladies</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VuZGVYTWNubHl4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/pDm2e0tP" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Blind Boys Open Eyes

Last week I had the chance to go see The Blind Boys of Alabama play a song in the beautiful Lincoln Center in NYC. It was an awesome show - the third night of three curated by the Blind Boys. The final night of the trio featured stellar guests like blues harp player Charlie Musselwhite and New Orlean's Hot 8 Brass Band. It was a stellar night of music in a variety of styles.

I first came into contact with the Blind Boys via The Wire, that excellent show that you either already watch or have been told by fifteen friends that you really should watch. The Blind Boys of Alabama sing the theme song "Way Down In The Hole" for the show's first season, my personal favorite rendition of the tune. It's a Tom Waits original, and his version (which is used in Season 2) is pretty incredible as well.

Additionally, M.I.A. recorded a song loosely based on Wait's original, that's unaffiliated with The Wire. It's probably my least favorite of the three, but it's still worth checking out. Check them all out below!

The Blind Boys of Alabama - Way Down In The Hole (YSI) (filesavr)

Tom Waits - Way Down In The Hole (YSI) (filesavr)

M.I.A. f. Blaqstarr - Save Ur Soul (YSI) (filesavr)

Last week I had the chance to go see The Blind Boys of Alabama play a song in the beautiful Lincoln Center in NYC. It was an awesome show - the third night of three curated by the Blind Boys. The final night of the trio featured stellar guests like blues harp player Charlie Musselwhite and New Orlean's Hot 8 Brass Band. It was a stellar night of music in a variety of styles.<br /> <br /> <div style="width: 426px;"><object data="http://www.melophobe.com/flash/MelophobeAutoviewerExtended.swf?mode=embed&xmlURL=http://www.melophobe.com/images/100716blindboys/gallerydata.xml&showURL=http://www.melophobe.com/concert-reviews/the-blind-boys-of-alabama-and-friends-lincoln-center-new-york-ny/&showTitle=melophobe | The Blind Boys of Alabama and Friends - Lincoln Center (New York, NY; Jul. 16, 2010)" height="320" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="426"><param name='movie' value='http://www.melophobe.com/flash/MelophobeAutoviewerExtended.swf?mode=embed&xmlURL=http://www.melophobe.com/images/100716blindboys/gallerydata.xml&showURL=http://www.melophobe.com/concert-reviews/the-blind-boys-of-alabama-and-friends-lincoln-center-new-york-ny/&showTitle=melophobe | The Blind Boys of Alabama and Friends - Lincoln Center (New York, NY; Jul. 16, 2010)'/></object></div><br /> I first came into contact with the Blind Boys via <i>The Wire</i>, that excellent show that you either already watch or have been told by fifteen friends that you really should watch. The Blind Boys of Alabama sing the theme song "Way Down In The Hole" for the show's first season, my personal favorite rendition of the tune. It's a Tom Waits original, and his version (which is used in Season 2) is pretty incredible as well.<br /> <br /> Additionally, M.I.A. recorded a song loosely based on Wait's original, that's unaffiliated with <i>The Wire</i>. It's probably my least favorite of the three, but it's still worth checking out. Check them all out below!<br /> <br /> <b>The Blind Boys of Alabama - Way Down In The Hole</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1Vrek9nNDRrUmswTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/4Kr0dyYL" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Tom Waits - Way Down In The Hole</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1Vrek9qaytoeVpjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/sQ198VSW" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>M.I.A. f. Blaqstarr - Save Ur Soul</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1Vrek90NEgrV3l4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/rjIoyWr4" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Majorly Lazerific

It's been a busy week around the TSRE universe - apologies for the scarcity of posts in the past few days. There have been lots of travels, shows, and other big news poppin'. But we're back to rock your face, mind, and body, have no fear.

To signal our return from the very brief hiatus (I mean, we're only talking two days here people), here are a couple of completely baller tunes. The first comes from Major Lazer's Lazers Never Die EP, which dropped yesterday. The whole EP is worth copping, but this track is one of the best - a remix from Buraka Som Sistema called "Bruk Out." It incorporates a lot of samples from Major Lazer's excellent Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers Do album from last year. I dare you to sit still while listening to it.

Because it wouldn't be fair to just leave you with one completely hype track, here's another recent Major Lazer product, my favorite song off of the remix album LazerProof. LazerProof finds Diplo and Switch remixing the entirety of La Roux's debut album, and it's completely bonkers. "In 4 The Kill Pon De Skream" is for sure one of my songs of the summer. Enjoy!

Major Lazer - Bruk Out (Buraka Som Sistema Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Major Lazer f. La Roux - In 4 The Kill Pon De Skream (YSI) (filesavr)

It's been a busy week around the TSRE universe - apologies for the scarcity of posts in the past few days. There have been lots of travels, shows, and other big news poppin'. But we're back to rock your face, mind, and body, have no fear.<br /> <div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aQ_nrjB1DY7LzfxQuo5UuQs9YQPP-cmnlTbiIlqIpBvtNbXMLtioWl3yLhu-8VfFPUIszbpce4NDoRyCybN9oEhAi9nJ2CIDMH6JWyG2rT6BmRQPQgboUIETXxLAQsdeZyZ-4AtEPQ4/s1600/Major+Lazer+majorlazerTSRE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aQ_nrjB1DY7LzfxQuo5UuQs9YQPP-cmnlTbiIlqIpBvtNbXMLtioWl3yLhu-8VfFPUIszbpce4NDoRyCybN9oEhAi9nJ2CIDMH6JWyG2rT6BmRQPQgboUIETXxLAQsdeZyZ-4AtEPQ4/s320/Major+Lazer+majorlazerTSRE.JPG" /></a></div><div>To signal our return from the very brief hiatus (I mean, we're only talking two days here people), here are a couple of completely baller tunes. The first comes from Major Lazer's <i>Lazers Never Die EP</i>, which dropped yesterday. The whole EP is worth copping, but this track is one of the best - a remix from Buraka Som Sistema called "Bruk Out." It incorporates a lot of samples from Major Lazer's excellent <i>Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers Do</i> album from last year. I dare you to sit still while listening to it.</div><div><br /> </div><div>Because it wouldn't be fair to just leave you with one completely hype track, here's another recent Major Lazer product, my favorite song off of the remix album <i>LazerProof</i>. <i>LazerProof</i> finds Diplo and Switch remixing the entirety of La Roux's debut album, and it's completely bonkers. "In 4 The Kill Pon De Skream" is for sure one of my songs of the summer. Enjoy!</div><div><br /> </div><div><b>Major Lazer - Bruk Out (Buraka Som Sistema Remix)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VuS3dsaTExUUR2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/fHoWUvX6" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /> </div><div><b>Major Lazer f. La Roux - In 4 The Kill Pon De Skream</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VuS3dtRSs1bmp2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/UP8iAAap" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Stu Reid Sampler: Dizzee Rascal Mines Rock's Big Beats

I was reminded the other night of just how awesome Dizzee Rascal's "Fix Up, Look Sharp" is. I think it may be one of my favorite hip hop songs of all time - the perfect combination of beat, flow, and lyrics that doesn't ever lose its appeal. What I didn't know was that the beat in the background is a very light rehashing of Billy Squier's "The Big Beat." Rascal takes the song's eponymous big beat and throws it behind his bars nicely. Gotta love a rapper who produces his own stuff and does it well. The original stands up really well on its own, though - tip of the hat to Squier for a pretty great song.

"Fix Up, Look Sharp" is also the highlight of Ratatat's Remixes Vol. 1. The guitar work behind Dizzee gives the track a very different vibe from the stomping beat of Squier, but it's equally hype. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this track, but I can tell you it's not enough.

Dizzee Rascal - Fix Up, Look Sharp (YSI) (filesavr)

Billy Squiers - The Big Beat (YSI) (filesavr)

Dizzee Rascal - Fix up, Look Sharp (Ratatat Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZYdkBu6k4YfKrv-NZk22Dbx9HFFbKmqZMEL6lcH19PZ78PasBaS3naASM4jTP6f3GNuaseItkcKogLXSDlsIA_dZDJ5PVH3gZiH0wgVWIQGOG08TKwkApdjnvoAYQ_JgYwCe_0VlGUc/s1600/dizzee-rascalTSRE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZYdkBu6k4YfKrv-NZk22Dbx9HFFbKmqZMEL6lcH19PZ78PasBaS3naASM4jTP6f3GNuaseItkcKogLXSDlsIA_dZDJ5PVH3gZiH0wgVWIQGOG08TKwkApdjnvoAYQ_JgYwCe_0VlGUc/s320/dizzee-rascalTSRE.JPG" /></a>I was reminded the other night of just how awesome Dizzee Rascal's "Fix Up, Look Sharp" is. I think it may be one of my favorite hip hop songs of all time - the perfect combination of beat, flow, and lyrics that doesn't ever lose its appeal. What I didn't know was that the beat in the background is a very light rehashing of Billy Squier's "The Big Beat." Rascal takes the song's eponymous big beat and throws it behind his bars nicely. Gotta love a rapper who produces his own stuff and does it well. The original stands up really well on its own, though - tip of the hat to Squier for a pretty great song.<br /> <br /> "Fix Up, Look Sharp" is also the highlight of Ratatat's <i>Remixes</i> Vol. 1. The guitar work behind Dizzee gives the track a very different vibe from the stomping beat of Squier, but it's equally hype. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this track, but I can tell you it's not enough.<br /> <br /> <b>Dizzee Rascal - Fix Up, Look Sharp</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VseVdnQ3R6RTlFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/WXUSYN9B" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Billy Squiers - The Big Beat</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VseVdnQ3RFd2Z2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/c3IBvzmQ" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Dizzee Rascal - Fix up, Look Sharp (Ratatat Remix)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VseVdtcWZENlJFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/b5atSCuc" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

The Pastoral Symphony Gone Mystical

Van Morrison’s 1968 album Astral Weeks has been among my favorite records for several years now. I’ve written about it once before, but I gave it a spin the other night and was inspired to write about it again. It’s one of those albums that offer a little something new every time you listen to it.

The opening track, “Astral Weeks,” is my favorite. I don’t know that a more mystically serene song has ever been recorded. Where to start—

Let’s start with the instrumentation: guitar, double bass, flute, vibraphone, and strings. The plucked bass provides an understated, bouncy energy, playing syncopated rhythms under the steady eighth note strumming of the acoustic guitar. But it’s hard to describe the effect of this song’s orchestration in technical fashion. The overall effect seems very natural—i.e. of nature—to me. It’s as if you recorded the sounds of an idyllic, pastoral scene, at sunrise or sunset or some other clichéd moment, and somehow transcribed them for this small collection of instruments. A modern-day “Pastoral” Symphony.

In this scene, Van Morrison plays the shaman, voice swirling in the center, pulling nature’s energies towards him as the song approaches its gentle climax, pulling you into it. And then his incantations gradually grow softer, finally reaching a whisper as the song fades away into the afterglow. Most of the lyrics don’t seem to make any logical sense. But Van ends every chorus with the words “to be born again,” and these words just seem to fit. It is a song of rebirth. And the song fades away in such gradual fashion that it allows you to come back down into reality with an easy landing.

Well, this got a bit weird. What can I say, it’s a song that’s hard to describe in anything other than a pseudo-spiritual way. Additionally, it’s one of the best recordings ever made. You heard it here.

Van Morrison – Astral Weeks (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQPNfVU9ZKENzD_SqHAgBAUpN8QCcW2souH6kqWBRdhLH5PnRStOJDYiLpeoVxulS8w0p3xchXP_YCGcwvPQQHpX4f6qeAfe8r_nW_J3ObLfrjx-p3Zsu8OCeBJCqGa6xUn8VsgrMKbk/s1600/3832671.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494310087035660914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQPNfVU9ZKENzD_SqHAgBAUpN8QCcW2souH6kqWBRdhLH5PnRStOJDYiLpeoVxulS8w0p3xchXP_YCGcwvPQQHpX4f6qeAfe8r_nW_J3ObLfrjx-p3Zsu8OCeBJCqGa6xUn8VsgrMKbk/s320/3832671.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 305px;" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Van Morrison’s 1968 album </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Astral Weeks</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> has been among my favorite records for several years now. I’ve written about it once before, but I gave it a spin the other night and was inspired to write about it again. It’s one of those albums that offer a little something new every time you listen to it.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The opening track, “Astral Weeks,” is my favorite. I don’t know that a more mystically s</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">e</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">rene song has ever been recorded. Where to start—</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Let’s start with the instrumentation: guitar, double bass, flute, vibraphone, and strings. The plucked bass provides an understated, bouncy energy, playing syncopated rhythms under the steady eighth note strumming of the acoustic guitar. But it’s hard to describe the effect of this song’s orchestration in technical fashion. The overall effect seems very </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">natural</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">—i.e. of nature—to me. It’s as if you recorded the sounds of an idyllic, pastoral scene, at sunrise or sunset or some other clichéd moment, and somehow transcribed them for this small collection of instruments. A modern-day “Pastoral” Symphony.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In this scene, Van Morrison plays the shaman, voice swirling in the center, pulling nature’s energies towards him as the song approaches its gentle climax, pulling you into it. And then his incantations gradually grow softer, finally reaching a whisper as the song fades away into the afterglow. Most of the lyrics don’t seem to make any logical sense. But Van ends every chorus with the words “to be born again,” and these words just seem to fit. It is a song of rebirth. And the song fades away in such gradual fashion that it allows you to come back down into reality with an easy landing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well, this got a bit weird. What can I say, it’s a song that’s hard to describe in anything other than a pseudo-spiritual way. Additionally, it’s one of the best recordings ever made. You heard it here.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Van Morrison – Astral Weeks</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (</span></b><a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T1VrclVKMHdwM2xjR0E9PQ" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">YSI</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">) (</span></b><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01astralweeks_2" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">filesavr</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">)</span></b></p>

Cee-Lo Drops A Baller Mixtape

I'm not sure exactly when this mixtape dropped, but Cee-Lo recently let loose a pretty awesome group of tunes called Stray Bullets. It's a sweet selection of signature Cee-Lo soul (particularly once you get past the first track), featuring his voice - a feature which is matched by no other male singer currently in music. His velvety voice is distinctive and enough to carry a song without any effort. I could listen to him sing for hours.

A few tracks stand out on this mix for me, although the whole thing is worth checking out. First up is "You Don't Shock Me Anymore," a tune that recalls - for some reason - the Hello Dolly tune used in Wall-E. It has a similar melody line, which I really dig. The more I listen to this song, though, the more I fall in love with Cee-Lo's voice. Damn if it isn't fine. Here's the Hello Dolly clip I'm thinking of, for reference - not an exact parallel, but for some reason it's ringing bells. And yes, that's Barbra Streisand.



The second tune is a summery, shimmering jam that throws Cee-Lo in with some bubbly pop. It's upbeat and it's pretty brilliant. Love both of these tunes. Cop them here, and then grab the whole mixtape - it's worth some spins.

Cee-Lo Green - You Don't Shock Me Anymore (YSI) (filesavr)

Cee-Lo Green - I Like It (YSI) (filesavr)

I'm not sure exactly when this mixtape dropped, but Cee-Lo recently let loose a pretty awesome group of tunes called <i>Stray Bullets</i>. It's a sweet selection of signature Cee-Lo soul (particularly once you get past the first track), featuring his voice - a feature which is matched by no other male singer currently in music. His velvety voice is distinctive and enough to carry a song without any effort. I could listen to him sing for hours.<br /> <br /> A few tracks stand out on this mix for me, although the whole thing is worth checking out. First up is "You Don't Shock Me Anymore," a tune that recalls - for some reason - the <i>Hello Dolly</i> tune used in Wall-E. It has a similar melody line, which I really dig. The more I listen to this song, though, the more I fall in love with Cee-Lo's voice. Damn if it isn't fine. Here's the <i>Hello Dolly</i> clip I'm thinking of, for reference - not an exact parallel, but for some reason it's ringing bells. And yes, that's Barbra Streisand.<br /> <br /> <object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JVA3jgpgIY8&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JVA3jgpgIY8&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /> <br /> The second tune is a summery, shimmering jam that throws Cee-Lo in with some bubbly pop. It's upbeat and it's pretty brilliant. Love both of these tunes. Cop them here, and then grab the whole mixtape - it's worth some spins.<br /> <br /> <b>Cee-Lo Green - You Don't Shock Me Anymore</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JTRGw0WlQ5NVZjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/CuHec8oD" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Cee-Lo Green - I Like It</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JTRGwwMVhubVZFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/bCJPSlT5" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Ukulele Dance Party Pt. 2 with David Wax Museum

Continuing my Appalachian jaunt here's some more ukulele (and guitar and mandolin) music from Boston-based The David Wax Museum. I don't know a lot about them, but The Persimmon Tree is a delightful and jaunty folk gem. I should really find out more about The David Wax Museum before my time in Boston is up.


The David Wax Museum - The Persimmon Tree (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj9A1x7o5jqzbL49mNUE2f7r4OPrgSS0a5RXUUUngZAOiSt1C6mlN7POV_HNyWhwBmQgqwbeltErKODYYb-pAWxAAXXDkz6zlNPfluczlhj9Y_t5L-EdL2mHxIlAPmCxaVEcybhTyUthA/s1600/TSRE+wax.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490995294819472018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj9A1x7o5jqzbL49mNUE2f7r4OPrgSS0a5RXUUUngZAOiSt1C6mlN7POV_HNyWhwBmQgqwbeltErKODYYb-pAWxAAXXDkz6zlNPfluczlhj9Y_t5L-EdL2mHxIlAPmCxaVEcybhTyUthA/s320/TSRE+wax.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" /></a>Continuing my Appalachian jaunt here's some more ukulele (and guitar and mandolin) music from Boston-based The David Wax Museum. I don't know a lot about them, but The Persimmon Tree is a delightful and jaunty folk gem. I should really find out more about The David Wax Museum before my time in Boston is up.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The David Wax Museum - The Persimmon Tree</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JUV0o4R3MzS3BFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/ejaf3O2f" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Ukulele Dance Party Pt. 1 with Dent May

Summer driving is unique and especially when it is through some delightful countryside certain music is necessary. This week I am making my way through North Carolina and Virginia and in addition to the new Big Boi and Black Keys, there is going to be a good deal of ukulele. The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele emerged from the Mississippi wilderness in early 2009 and definitely lives up to its title as unabashed feel good happy music. You Can't Force a Dance Party should be the anthem of every dour-in-the-heat hipster this summer. Dent May is also back with some new diy tracks, such as That Feeling, which continues his positive vibes with a little more fuzz and haze. Driving through the hills this summer you gotta have some ukulele.

Dent May - That Feeling (YSI) (filesavr)

Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele - You Can't Force a Dance Party (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktzrl8v_Jjc2_wCdPoZFu_7wcHD-Pk4FluKx7-xp9MQyKySxW-dTRbJxqYGzcCxS62tzRfuhWKCXgb5pCfkyEy1iXxaa1G5lGRSdjuiRIRxS2dLKC6ueQTauJpbBaRRIUDabqKTfer6RW/s1600/TSRE+ukele.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490994627668590274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktzrl8v_Jjc2_wCdPoZFu_7wcHD-Pk4FluKx7-xp9MQyKySxW-dTRbJxqYGzcCxS62tzRfuhWKCXgb5pCfkyEy1iXxaa1G5lGRSdjuiRIRxS2dLKC6ueQTauJpbBaRRIUDabqKTfer6RW/s320/TSRE+ukele.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a>Summer driving is unique and especially when it is through some delightful countryside certain music is necessary. This week I am making my way through North Carolina and Virginia and in addition to the new Big Boi and Black Keys, there is going to be a good deal of ukulele. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele</span> emerged from the Mississippi wilderness in early 2009 and definitely lives up to its title as unabashed feel good happy music. You Can't Force a Dance Party should be the anthem of every dour-in-the-heat hipster this summer. Dent May is also back with some new diy tracks, such as That Feeling, which continues his positive vibes with a little more fuzz and haze. Driving through the hills this summer you gotta have some ukulele.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dent May - That Feeling</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JUV0o1bWc1aVpjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/l0aWuDsT" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele - You Can't Force a Dance Party</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JUV0orYStVbTljR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/DNKpQQuM" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Eminem Makes Drake Look Like A Child

I was sitting in my apartment with my roommate the other day, talking about one of my favorite topics in recent memory: How much Drake's new album sucks. I wrote a diatribe...ahem, a review, over on Pretty Much Amazing, so I won't go into too much detail here. Just let it be known that I think it's boooooooooring.

As an example of this, my roommate played Drake's pretty forgettable "Over." Drake whines, doesn't rap particularly well, and generally doesn't take advantage of a sick beat.

Then I played Eminem's take on the very same beat. Which is simply, in a word, ferocious.

Then we shut our computers and wrote hand-written letters to Drake, imploring him to go back to acting.

Drake - Over (YSI) (filesavr)

Eminem - Despicable (Beat from Drake's "Over") (YSI) (filesavr)

I was sitting in my apartment with my roommate the other day, talking about one of my favorite topics in recent memory: How much Drake's new album sucks. I wrote a diatribe...ahem, a review, over on Pretty Much Amazing, so I won't go into too much detail here. Just let it be known that I think it's boooooooooring.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XllkmvFNIoUXpT6syTEoIJSCGaTqR3AinwRnM9f1b1WCusMfHDuOeC_JSv3rdzs_UyZMs1nbF2L7CP1fGPch36D6ePPj2g7ahKxGj9IfFGlsuw3P75tTW2bc34vzYnTNUN4qiqlLzwo/s1600/DrakeandEminemTSRE.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XllkmvFNIoUXpT6syTEoIJSCGaTqR3AinwRnM9f1b1WCusMfHDuOeC_JSv3rdzs_UyZMs1nbF2L7CP1fGPch36D6ePPj2g7ahKxGj9IfFGlsuw3P75tTW2bc34vzYnTNUN4qiqlLzwo/s320/DrakeandEminemTSRE.png" /></a></div>As an example of this, my roommate played Drake's pretty forgettable "Over." Drake whines, doesn't rap particularly well, and generally doesn't take advantage of a sick beat.<br /> <br /> Then I played Eminem's take on the very same beat. Which is simply, in a word, ferocious.<br /> <br /> Then we shut our computers and wrote hand-written letters to Drake, imploring him to go back to acting.<br /> <br /> <b>Drake - Over</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JRN3RWUnJ0TWxFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/DgWTyGta" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Eminem - Despicable (Beat from Drake's "Over")</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JRN3RXcWZvQnZ2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/sIsBUhs9" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Pogo's Back and Better Than Ever

I love Pogo. Unabashedly and completely. I think pretty much everything he touches turns to gold, and he manages to take a completely variable palette and produce a consistent and recognizable sound. You might remember him from his excellent remixes of Alice in Wonderland or the dreamy "Upular" he crafted out of snippets of Up. If you know his stuff, you'll be happy to hear he's back. If you don't know his stuff, you should be shivering in excitement. Build up much? Yes. But hopefully worth it.

The first fresh catch out of Pogo's camp is a little video he put together using sounds he created in his mother's garden. It's a pretty cool look at the sounds he uses (along with a sine wave generator) and it's especially cool to see him doing what he calls "a remix of the real world." Watch the video, it's dope.



Staying in his wheelhouse of remixing animated movies, though, Pogo dropped another huge track on us. It's created from snips and clips of the first Toy Story movie (or first two?) and it's completely baller. I encourage you to check out the video on YouTube - here's the track along with his sweet "Upular".

Pogo - Toyz Noize (YSI) (filesavr)

Pogo - Upular (YSI) (filesavr)

I love Pogo. Unabashedly and completely. I think pretty much everything he touches turns to gold, and he manages to take a completely variable palette and produce a consistent and recognizable sound. You might remember him from his excellent remixes of Alice in Wonderland or the dreamy "Upular" he crafted out of snippets of <i>Up</i>. If you know his stuff, you'll be happy to hear he's back. If you don't know his stuff, you should be shivering in excitement. Build up much? Yes. But hopefully worth it.<br /> <br /> The first fresh catch out of Pogo's camp is a little video he put together using sounds he created in his mother's garden. It's a pretty cool look at the sounds he uses (along with a sine wave generator) and it's especially cool to see him doing what he calls "a remix of the real world." Watch the video, it's dope.<br /> <br /> <object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cBN-CAhOYQ0&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cBN-CAhOYQ0&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /> <br /> Staying in his wheelhouse of remixing animated movies, though, Pogo dropped another huge track on us. It's created from snips and clips of the first Toy Story movie (or first two?) and it's completely baller. I encourage you to check out the video on YouTube - here's the track along with his sweet "Upular".<br /> <br /> <b>Pogo - Toyz Noize</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JRN3RSZ1B0NjlFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/3GJZ0rw1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Pogo - Upular</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JRN3RRUzh0Nit4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/upular" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Let Us All Remember Lykke Li For a Sec

For me at least Lykke Li got lost in the glut of Scandinavian imports that have been flooding the music scene in past years. I got her debut Youth Novels when it was released in 2008, but until recently had only granted it a passing listen. Perhaps on Ellie Goulding withdrawal I turned to Lykke Li and have been pleasantly surprised. Without much of the electro pomposity and veneer of much of the current girl pop, Lykke Li crafts addicting hooks that belie their simplicity. Handclaps, exposed rhythms, pianos and her delicate, yet extremely flexible voice create depth in what are comparatively uncluttered tracks. Sorry of the wait Lykke Li, but I have finally learned to appreciate the pop goodness that is Youth Novels.

Lykke Li - I'm Good, I'm Gone (YSI) (filesavr)

Lykke Li - Breaking It Up (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEdBObG6UwHhOtVjCUwl5ozqm74wQjJ-lfevUjENLswPyRFeJbbNmx8elc5Jo2osIVK42RKy1H6nh3mFc3L-GRkyBOSo4KEfaw8fme6WBTLQojUn40sGCQld2rJT1i0zosg0uD7YbBn6Y/s1600/TSRE+Sweden.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490994116825155090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEdBObG6UwHhOtVjCUwl5ozqm74wQjJ-lfevUjENLswPyRFeJbbNmx8elc5Jo2osIVK42RKy1H6nh3mFc3L-GRkyBOSo4KEfaw8fme6WBTLQojUn40sGCQld2rJT1i0zosg0uD7YbBn6Y/s320/TSRE+Sweden.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" /></a>For me at least Lykke Li got lost in the glut of Scandinavian imports that have been flooding the music scene in past years. I got her debut <span style="font-style: italic;">Youth Novels</span> when it was released in 2008, but until recently had only granted it a passing listen. Perhaps on Ellie Goulding withdrawal I turned to Lykke Li and have been pleasantly surprised. Without much of the electro pomposity and veneer of much of the current girl pop, Lykke Li crafts addicting hooks that belie their simplicity. Handclaps, exposed rhythms, pianos and her delicate, yet extremely flexible voice create depth in what are comparatively uncluttered tracks. Sorry of the wait Lykke Li, but I have finally learned to appreciate the pop goodness that is <span style="font-style: italic;">Youth Novels</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lykke Li - I'm Good, I'm Gone</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JUV0o5RkVtUUZjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/XeV3RgQG" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lykke Li - Breaking It Up</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JUV0o4Q1BKV1B2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/echyztzN" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

The Black Keys are BACK

After the disappointing Attack and Release, The Black Keys are back with Brothers, a tight and joyous work. It might just be me, but after a bunch of albums that while enjoyable had all begun to blend together for me, Brothers has reinvigorated my love of The Black Keys. The rhythms are tight, the guitars razor sharp, and the howling precise. The boys sound like they're having a ton of fun again after a stifled period. The first half of the album is catchy and upbeat and while the second half meanders both emotionally and energetically a little more, the album is worth listening to as a whole. I have been doing a lot of driving recently and Brothers has been getting some heavy run.

The Black Keys - Tighten Up (YSI) (filesavr)

The Black Keys - Howlin' For You (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7nBbogRmSUEgMMrmPYyrr2JDNxBjAGNg4wLtfhECXbOFxp8PtxVu_X_RdjdZvHAXipopofKRyoBid0xB1trx_Xq4KpFmBUTX-mFuKx0hgaJaw5LSa6FtLC1zyMfetBpxC7AdCTS6VZ3P/s1600/TSRE+black+keys.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490986921241658466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7nBbogRmSUEgMMrmPYyrr2JDNxBjAGNg4wLtfhECXbOFxp8PtxVu_X_RdjdZvHAXipopofKRyoBid0xB1trx_Xq4KpFmBUTX-mFuKx0hgaJaw5LSa6FtLC1zyMfetBpxC7AdCTS6VZ3P/s320/TSRE+black+keys.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px;" /></a>After the disappointing <span style="font-style: italic;">Attack and Release</span>, The Black Keys are back with <span style="font-style: italic;">Brothers</span>, a tight and joyous work. It might just be me, but after a bunch of albums that while enjoyable had all begun to blend together for me, <span style="font-style: italic;">Brothers</span> has reinvigorated my love of The Black Keys. The rhythms are tight, the guitars razor sharp, and the howling precise. The boys sound like they're having a ton of fun again after a stifled period. The first half of the album is catchy and upbeat and while the second half meanders both emotionally and energetically a little more, the album is worth listening to as a whole. I have been doing a lot of driving recently and <span style="font-style: italic;">Brothers</span> has been getting some heavy run.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Black Keys - Tighten Up</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JSVWRveDNlcEt4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/2Oo98Dn4" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Black Keys - Howlin' For You</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JSVWR1cTIzMWxjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/bhJQp6sD" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Two Gorgeous Remixes

Two gorgeous remixes passed by my desk in the past week or so, and I just need to share them with you. The mixes retouch one of my favorite new artists, Local Natives, and another artist who has recently been welcomed to my music library, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros.

The Local Natives remix is by Teen Daze, and adds a solid beat and some swirling synths behind the looped chorus of "Wide Eyes," one of the many excellent tracks on Local Natives' Gorilla Manor. It jazzes up a slower song without running over the original - an excellent example of just enough.

The second mix is RAC's remix of "Home," ES&TMZ's most ubiquitous song. You can always count on RAC to do something awesome with already solid tracks, and he doesn't disappoint here. A heady and spaced out take on a downhome singalong song that manages to take a great song to another level of happy buzz. Loving this tune, hope you do too.

Local Natives - Wide Eyes (Teen Daze Remix) (YSI )(filesavr)

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (RAC Mix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Two gorgeous remixes passed by my desk in the past week or so, and I just need to share them with you. The mixes retouch one of my favorite new artists, Local Natives, and another artist who has recently been welcomed to my music library, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2gvE4qzaHhxdbZc3cOXCsvF-svTK3iWoWur8N4wMrSTdOjXFSVfS1g4P7qeSJFAlnLuXAIUD6yetEv0RhXXwNSlGpXApiuPTbQE4yQjfFSzMLuuuWydFy-PW7bSixU91EnTV8c5ptXY/s1600/andre_racTSRE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2gvE4qzaHhxdbZc3cOXCsvF-svTK3iWoWur8N4wMrSTdOjXFSVfS1g4P7qeSJFAlnLuXAIUD6yetEv0RhXXwNSlGpXApiuPTbQE4yQjfFSzMLuuuWydFy-PW7bSixU91EnTV8c5ptXY/s320/andre_racTSRE.JPG" /></a>The Local Natives remix is by Teen Daze, and adds a solid beat and some swirling synths behind the looped chorus of "Wide Eyes," one of the many excellent tracks on Local Natives' <i>Gorilla Manor</i>. It jazzes up a slower song without running over the original - an excellent example of just enough.<br /> <br /> The second mix is RAC's remix of "Home," ES&TMZ's most ubiquitous song. You can always count on RAC to do something awesome with already solid tracks, and he doesn't disappoint here. A heady and spaced out take on a downhome singalong song that manages to take a great song to another level of happy buzz. Loving this tune, hope you do too.<br /> <br /> <b>Local Natives - Wide Eyes (Teen Daze Remix)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JTT20zcVhrYUR2Wmc9PQ">YSI </a>)(<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/bBzLqkBo">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (RAC Mix) </b>(<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JTT202eFg3bUEwTVE9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/479jOBkv">filesavr</a>)

Cute Pug on Your Day Off

Hope everyone had/is having a great 4th of July weekend here in the US of A. I'm up on Lake Winnipesaukee, so here's a picture of a cute pug on the lake and some light warm weather tracks. The Oberhofer track in particular has it all - hand claps, jangly things, as well as plenty of ooohs and aaahs.

Katy Perry - California Gurls (Passion Pit Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Oberhofer - o0O0o0O0o (YSI) (filesavr)

Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFYuDXH-1qp_RYNHnXYEYPctf05KJMR7ZJ2UAM1S76D2lDmiWXds8KvVgsuGaNHVkE4xmpES7BAu2FLn6IbqbCPXh_02iQ01mmRl4fOb4Z4T_W-2uRZk8PdQcOEnK5qnzA7eX1HnF4ca2/s1600/TSRE+PUG.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488523711747332098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFYuDXH-1qp_RYNHnXYEYPctf05KJMR7ZJ2UAM1S76D2lDmiWXds8KvVgsuGaNHVkE4xmpES7BAu2FLn6IbqbCPXh_02iQ01mmRl4fOb4Z4T_W-2uRZk8PdQcOEnK5qnzA7eX1HnF4ca2/s320/TSRE+PUG.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" /></a>Hope everyone had/is having a great 4th of July weekend here in the US of A. I'm up on Lake Winnipesaukee, so here's a picture of a cute pug on the lake and some light warm weather tracks. The Oberhofer track in particular has it all - hand claps, jangly things, as well as plenty of ooohs and aaahs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Katy Perry - California Gurls (Passion Pit Remix) </span>(<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JSOGNYQzNUME5FQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/gFXiZX4f" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oberhofer - o0O0o0O0o</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JSOGNVdkcwVW52Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/AtTJB6tB" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks </span><span>(<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JSOGNWUnJwcFZFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/P9omct70" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /></span>

Happy Fourth of July! Go Blow Things Up!

Well, it's the day of our fine nation's independence, which is call for celebration. We may be knocked out of the World Cup, we may continue to lose in the World Baseball Classic, and we may be steadily trying to ruin things all around us in the world, but America's still pretty cool. Let's celebrate by shooting some things up into the sky and then blowing them up.

Here are some tunes to soundtrack your pyrotechnics.

Animal Collective - Fireworks (YSI) (filesavr)


Drake f. Alicia Keys - Fireworks (YSI) (filesavr)



Explosions in the Sky - Your Hand In Mine (w. Strings)  (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_t8CcQ19KcwMtzommW8kC-8p3FGFhKUU9VgnTv6q1cbDEKhHTe56gf5EjFDhFSzBItvQWFMCXrZIn5ot2m-y8X9NacjRE3tC1x9n0sREOrjv3aB-5Svu0q92USa08lOVpiCu4vqDfs0A/s1600/grilling+obamaTSRE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_t8CcQ19KcwMtzommW8kC-8p3FGFhKUU9VgnTv6q1cbDEKhHTe56gf5EjFDhFSzBItvQWFMCXrZIn5ot2m-y8X9NacjRE3tC1x9n0sREOrjv3aB-5Svu0q92USa08lOVpiCu4vqDfs0A/s320/grilling+obamaTSRE.JPG" /></a>Well, it's the day of our fine nation's independence, which is call for celebration. We may be knocked out of the World Cup, we may continue to lose in the World Baseball Classic, and we may be steadily trying to ruin things all around us in the world, but America's still pretty cool. Let's celebrate by shooting some things up into the sky and then blowing them up.<br /> <br /> Here are some tunes to soundtrack your pyrotechnics.<br /> <br /> <b>Animal Collective - Fireworks </b>(<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JURkJUSEJPSHcwTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/kMH9Lf2Z" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <b><br /> </b><br /> <b>Drake f. Alicia Keys - Fireworks </b>(<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JURkJTeFU5RmF4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/1Culb6gg" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <b></b><br /> <b><br /> </b><br /> <b>Explosions in the Sky - Your Hand In Mine (w. Strings) </b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JURkJkRkVYSHp2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/Onu0i8fJ" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

The First Robyn of Summer

I have been totally obsessed with Robyn recently, particularly the first four songs on her awesome new album Body Talk Pt. 1. It's the first of three proposed releases in 2010, and if the rest live up to the standard set by this one, she will win the year. The album has a sheen to it that is undeniable - it's pop genius. While the first half is considerably better than the second, it's plenty to sustain me.

Robyn started out making music when she was 12 and certainly has had her fair share of ups and downs. This album, however, is a major up. Big up yourself, Robyn.

The first track, "Don't Fucking Tell Me What To Do" is a mission statement of the rebellious woman. The second tune, "Fembot," is an upbeat assertion that Robyn is in control. The fourth, "Cry When You Get Older," is simply brilliant. This whole album is baller, go buy it. 'Nuff said.

Robyn - Fembot (YSI) (filesavr)

Robyn - Cry When You Get Older (YSI) (filesavr)

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I have been totally obsessed with Robyn recently, particularly the first four songs on her awesome new album <i>Body Talk Pt. 1</i>. It's the first of three proposed releases in 2010, and if the rest live up to the standard set by this one, she will win the year. The album has a sheen to it that is undeniable - it's pop genius. While the first half is considerably better than the second, it's plenty to sustain me.</span></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL46FSJWAQbTI9EtIL6gT3-aOloGbkBXXyLlNilfNVHQdICPchH7fV6ldD6gsTzttxRO4Dg0M45GaZIdi_-sgSM00oHaLK85KRPvnVqyNYoyn1vuTDedUhgoNBL75ZQIO-UM5JLPZ7B4/s1600/robynTSRE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL46FSJWAQbTI9EtIL6gT3-aOloGbkBXXyLlNilfNVHQdICPchH7fV6ldD6gsTzttxRO4Dg0M45GaZIdi_-sgSM00oHaLK85KRPvnVqyNYoyn1vuTDedUhgoNBL75ZQIO-UM5JLPZ7B4/s320/robynTSRE.JPG" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Robyn started out making music when she was 12 and certainly has had her fair share of ups and downs. This album, however, is a major up. Big up yourself, Robyn.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The first track, "Don't Fucking Tell Me What To Do" is a mission statement of the rebellious woman. The second tune, "Fembot," is an upbeat assertion that Robyn is in control. The fourth, "Cry When You Get Older," is simply brilliant. This whole album is baller, go buy it. 'Nuff said.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Robyn - Fembot</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JURkJVNXZrYUEwTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/JhCn44zW" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Robyn - Cry When You Get Older</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JURkJVNXZtMEpjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/2jgOCiY2" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /> </span></span></div>

The Tribe

In my very first post ever, ages ago, I made brief mention of my love for A Tribe Called Quest. I've been listening to them a lot of late, so I figured it might be time to drop a couple of their tracks.

Anyhow, so it was the Beasties that turned me on to the Tribe, via 1994's "Get it Together" which featured Q-Tip. I remember researching Q-Tip, discovering Tribe, and listening to a few of the 30-second clips you can get on Amazon. From the intro to "Check the Rhime", track 1 on Anthology, I was sold, and went out and bought the album.

I've been returning to the Tribe periodically ever since. While their rhymes aren't always stunning, Q-Tip and Phife Dawg have a great, contrasting flow--Tip with his smooth sexuality, Phife with his more in-your-face charisma. And then there are the beats, courtesy of the third member of the Tribe, Ali Shaheed Muhammad. His pioneering use of jazz and soul samples provided a more laid-back groove--a perfect match for Tip and Phife (though Tip in particular). It's hard for me to imagine Q-Tip being nearly as successful if he'd been rapping over Run-DMC-style beats.

So below are a couple of tracks for your enjoyment. There's the classic "Award Tour," which you should now already, and then there's "Electric Relaxation," probably their sexiest track, and then "Excursions," which really drives forward with its repetitive, bouncy bass line. Enjoy.

A Tribe Called Quest - Award Tour (YSI) (filesavr)
A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation (YSI) (filesavr)
A Tribe Called Quest - Excursions (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRO1mMGwQtJSFUjkx_SOCx3zrQDDBEt83PXTF-mb8td0qwDMzwMbMp2hJUtdJe-XLES-3hCByV6WX-A3nquwcPCtsqRnNX1dKzJv0Cyvta6Erp0j3Zd2nTABGDypyIpTjppHH6MoPyus/s1600/tribe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489305020710551938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRO1mMGwQtJSFUjkx_SOCx3zrQDDBEt83PXTF-mb8td0qwDMzwMbMp2hJUtdJe-XLES-3hCByV6WX-A3nquwcPCtsqRnNX1dKzJv0Cyvta6Erp0j3Zd2nTABGDypyIpTjppHH6MoPyus/s320/tribe.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 208px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">In my very <a href="http://www.thestureidexperiment.com/2009/02/coming-soon-to-blog-near-you.html" target="_blank">first post ever</a>, ages ago, I made brief mention of my love for A Tribe Called Quest. I've been listening to them a lot of late, so I figured it might be time to drop a couple of their tracks. </span> <div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Anyhow, so it was the Beasties that turned me on to the Tribe, via 1994's "Get it Together" which featured Q-Tip. I remember researching Q-Tip, discovering Tribe, and listening to a few of the 30-second clips you can get on Amazon. From the intro to "Check the Rhime", track 1 on <i>Anthology</i>, I was sold, and went out and bought the album. </span></div> <div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;">I've been returning to the Tribe periodically ever since. While their rhymes aren't always stunning, Q-Tip and Phife Dawg have a great, contrasting flow--Tip with his smooth sexuality, Phife with his more in-your-face charisma. And then there are the beats, courtesy of the third member of the Tribe, Ali Shaheed Muhammad. His pioneering use of jazz and soul samples provided a more laid-back groove--a perfect match for Tip and Phife (though Tip in particular). It's hard for me to imagine Q-Tip being nearly as successful if he'd been rapping over Run-DMC-style beats.<br /><br />So below are a couple of tracks for your enjoyment. There's the classic "Award Tour," which you should now already, and then there's "Electric Relaxation," probably their sexiest track, and then "Excursions," which really drives forward with its repetitive, bouncy bass line. Enjoy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Tribe Called Quest - Award Tour </span>(<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JTb2VJYXk4aU5jR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/I71AB5vj" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JTb2VJYXkzMW14dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/pWkuZH7s" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Tribe Called Quest - Excursions</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JTb2VJYXlRWUt4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/jx8risef" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /></span>

Blips and Bloops: Two Sweet Remixes

There are two types of remixes that I like - remixes that give a new style to a good track and remixes that give a good beat to a pop track. I recently stumbled across two such remixes that really got me excited. I know I've been posting a lot of remixes lately (kind of the kick I'm on when I'm not listening to albums in order to write reviews) so hopefully you can dig it.

The first remix is of Radiohead's iconic "Idioteque," possibly one of the best songs in that legendary band's oeuvre. Another site that I write for, Pretty Much Amazing, rated it the #2 song of last decade and I have trouble disagreeing with that sentiment (which is good, since I wrote the review). It's just a baller track. Savile takes the track and cuts it up, preserving the echoing synth snares and oscillating pads while otherwise obscuring the song. When the iconic beat comes back in for the final minute of the song, it's tough not to feel something bumping in your chest. The remix is reminiscent of Animal Collective's great remix of Phoenix's "Love Like A Sunset" - a chilled out and stretched new take on an awesome old song.

Where that first remix is a delicious meal, Passion Pit's remix of Katy Perry's "California Gurls" is a salty snack. Like most Passion Pit remixes, the song is overlaid with synths and pops, taking an already high-energy song to an entirely new level. There are some interesting beats and growling samples that nicely transform a pop song into something you can maybe convince your hipster friends to listen to. Passion Pit even manages to turn Snoop Dogg's entirely lackluster verse into something more than a voicemail message, which is admirable. The original tune here is a blip on the pop radar, but Passion Pit's own blips and bloops make into something more mixable. Use it to kick off your next indie dance party.

Radiohead - Idioteque (Savile's Rapture Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Katy Perry - California Gurls (Passion Pit Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSKvMrvQNj3xlwGxt3rHXM8UPvUviCHaidkrih7aS73JPcQSnCW0vcvmj7OsXnbzSx8jfjoAe0Zt_99-Orn5WXKPEIjorv7r8B-iCok8wtslrmBceiHY-gJ01pxpZnc-wIVU8LLlqXNM/s1600/katy-perryTSRE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSKvMrvQNj3xlwGxt3rHXM8UPvUviCHaidkrih7aS73JPcQSnCW0vcvmj7OsXnbzSx8jfjoAe0Zt_99-Orn5WXKPEIjorv7r8B-iCok8wtslrmBceiHY-gJ01pxpZnc-wIVU8LLlqXNM/s320/katy-perryTSRE.JPG" /></a></div>There are two types of remixes that I like - remixes that give a new style to a good track and remixes that give a good beat to a pop track. I recently stumbled across two such remixes that really got me excited. I know I've been posting a lot of remixes lately (kind of the kick I'm on when I'm not listening to albums in order to write reviews) so hopefully you can dig it.<br /> <br /> The first remix is of Radiohead's iconic "Idioteque," possibly one of the best songs in that legendary band's oeuvre. Another site that I write for, Pretty Much Amazing, rated it the <a href="http://prettymuchamazing.com/feature/02-radiohead-idioteque" target="_blank">#2 song of last decade</a> and I have trouble disagreeing with that sentiment (which is good, since I wrote the review). It's just a baller track. Savile takes the track and cuts it up, preserving the echoing synth snares and oscillating pads while otherwise obscuring the song. When the iconic beat comes back in for the final minute of the song, it's tough not to feel something bumping in your chest. The remix is reminiscent of Animal Collective's <a href="http://www.thestureidexperiment.com/2009/10/smoooooove-remixes.html" target="_blank">great remix</a> of Phoenix's "Love Like A Sunset" - a chilled out and stretched new take on an awesome old song.<br /> <br /> Where that first remix is a delicious meal, Passion Pit's remix of Katy Perry's "California Gurls" is a salty snack. Like most Passion Pit remixes, the song is overlaid with synths and pops, taking an already high-energy song to an entirely new level. There are some interesting beats and growling samples that nicely transform a pop song into something you can maybe convince your hipster friends to listen to. Passion Pit even manages to turn Snoop Dogg's entirely lackluster verse into something more than a voicemail message, which is admirable. The original tune here is a blip on the pop radar, but Passion Pit's own blips and bloops make into something more mixable. Use it to kick off your next indie dance party.<br /> <br /> <b>Radiohead - Idioteque (Savile's Rapture Remix)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JURkJXRSs5NVZFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/l0ED4RIU" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Katy Perry - California Gurls (Passion Pit Remix)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JURkJha0RtNEt4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/gFXiZX4f" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)