Beach House @ Webster Hall

I know Zack posted about seeing Beach House in Boston about a month ago, and I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I just wanted to take a second to echo his thoughts. I had the pleasure of seeing them two nights ago at Webster Hall in New York City, and my mind was completely blown. The more I think about it, the more sure I am that it was the best concert that I've seen in quite some time.

The setting was perfect - Webster's large open hall made everything seem larger than life, a great match for Victoria Legrand's voice. The songs, from top to bottom, were stellar. They played mostly from Teen Dream, but touched on four songs from Devotion and another from Beach House. My favorite songs opened the set, closed the main set, and finished the encore. I came in with medium-sized expectations and they were completely surpassed in every way.

Beach House also played a new song - the first time they'd ever played it live - called "White Moon." It was stellar; check out the video below. I'm already excited for the follow-up to Teen Dream. Which, coincidentally, I'll be listening to all weekend.



Beach House - Used to Be (YSI) (filesavr)

Beach House - Zebra (Ring Trick Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

I know Zack posted about seeing Beach House in Boston about a month ago, and I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I just wanted to take a second to echo his thoughts. I had the pleasure of seeing them two nights ago at Webster Hall in New York City, and my mind was completely blown. The more I think about it, the more sure I am that it was the best concert that I've seen in quite some time.<br /> <br /> The setting was perfect - Webster's large open hall made everything seem larger than life, a great match for Victoria Legrand's voice. The songs, from top to bottom, were stellar. They played mostly from <i>Teen Dream</i>, but touched on four songs from <i>Devotion</i> and another from <i>Beach House</i>. My favorite songs opened the set, closed the main set, and finished the encore. I came in with medium-sized expectations and they were completely surpassed in every way.<br /> <br /> Beach House also played a new song - the first time they'd ever played it live - called "White Moon." It was stellar; check out the video below. I'm already excited for the follow-up to <i>Teen Dream. </i>Which, coincidentally, I'll be listening to all weekend.<br /> <br /> <object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gPz-LlO9B4E&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/gPz-LlO9B4E&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /> <br /> <b>Beach House - Used to Be</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo2WUhxeFhvQUpjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/usedtobe" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Beach House - Zebra (Ring Trick Remix)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo2WUhxeFhwM2xFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/zebraringtrickremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Best Cover Band Ever?

Months back, I wrote about a band that I felt was underrated: Hall and Oates. Recently, I’ve been listening to a band that I feel is similarly underrated: Three Dog Night. Though of a different era, Three Dog Night’s core hits are just about as catchy as those Hall & Oates classics.

I was surprised to learn that none of the members of Three Dog Night actually write music, so almost all of their songs are covers. Yet they handle these covers with such creativity that one forgets the original songwriter. Take the ubiquitous “Joy to the World.” Ever heard of Hoyt Axton? Well, he’s the country music singer-songwriter who wrote this classic.

“One,” (originally performed by Harry Nillson) is probably my favorite Three Dog Night track. It exudes such panicked hysteria as singer Chuck Negron repeatedly wails about that loneliest of numbers. And then there’s “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” a cover of a song that was originally written by Randy Newman for Eric Burdon of the Animals. One of their three Number One hits, Three Dog Night turns Newman’s original into a groovin’ soul number with a great infectious chorus. Indeed, Randy Newman himself cites this as his favorite version of the song. Though Wilson Pickett does a mean version himself…

And so I pose the question: Might Three Dog Night be the greatest cover band of all time? I’m hard pressed to think of a better one… I mean, c'mon, they have an album called Golden Bisquits! Check out the tracks below and weigh in if you'd like.

Three Dog Night – One (YSI) (filesavr)
Three Dog Night – Mama Told Me Not To Come (YSI) (filesavr)
Wilson Pickett – Mama Told Me Not To Come (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5bjl1Fr-pstlSSmgnCIuNbC0b0-VcGtmd_PXoHp4Df-J4QIZAfMJ46BLz5d-Tmcn748U7r6OMWdjS_7WTNmy_VPAV3yy-p-JTneLE6CzEIvjKFTqpXiADYyg7pPPsNlwo4ZOH4bQ8sE/s1600/Three+Dog+Night.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468365185110635314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5bjl1Fr-pstlSSmgnCIuNbC0b0-VcGtmd_PXoHp4Df-J4QIZAfMJ46BLz5d-Tmcn748U7r6OMWdjS_7WTNmy_VPAV3yy-p-JTneLE6CzEIvjKFTqpXiADYyg7pPPsNlwo4ZOH4bQ8sE/s320/Three+Dog+Night.JPG" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 228px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Months back, I wrote about a band that I felt was underrated: <a href="http://www.thestureidexperiment.com/2009/09/infected.html" target="_blank">Hall and Oates</a>. Recently, I’ve been listening to a band that I feel is similarly underrated: Three Dog Night. Though of a different era, Three Dog Night’s core hits are just about as catchy as those Hall & Oates classics.<br /><br />I was surprised to learn that none of the members of Three Dog Night actually write music, so almost all of their songs are covers. Yet they handle these covers with such creativity that one forgets the original songwriter. Take the ubiquitous “Joy to the World.” Ever heard of Hoyt Axton? Well, he’s the country music singer-songwriter who wrote this classic.<br /><br />“One,” (originally performed by Harry Nillson) is probably my favorite Three Dog Night track. It exudes such panicked hysteria as singer Chuck Negron repeatedly wails about that loneliest of numbers. And then there’s “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” a cover of a song that was originally written by Randy Newman for Eric Burdon of the Animals. One of their three Number One hits, Three Dog Night turns Newman’s original into a groovin’ soul number with a great infectious chorus. Indeed, Randy Newman himself cites this as his favorite version of the song. Though Wilson Pickett does a mean version himself…<br /><br />And so I pose the question: Might Three Dog Night be the greatest cover band of all time? I’m hard pressed to think of a better one… I mean, c'mon, they have an album called <span style="font-style: italic;">Golden Bisquits</span>! Check out the tracks below and weigh in if you'd like.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Three Dog Night – One</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo1ZGlrNXZvQUpjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/18one1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Three Dog Night – Mama Told Me Not To Come</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo1ZGlwY3l0Nit4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/06mamatoldmenottocome1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wilson Pickett – Mama Told Me Not To Come</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo1ZGlwY3llcEkwTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/21mamatoldmenottocome1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</span>

Your Twin Sister Is Hot

I saw Twin Sister open up for The Morning Benders last week, and I was blown away. Specifically, I was entranced by lead singer Andrea Estella. Her voice is brilliantly textured, a combination of Leslie Feist’s cuteness and Victoria Legrand’s smoky throatiness. Man do I dig that type of stuff.

Twin Sister is still working on their polish a little bit – in concert they were really good but not flawless. But it’s easy to forgive a few misplaced notes here and there when the songs are so addictively catchy. “I Want A House” is easily my favorite of their songs, a spaced-out and laid-back tune reminiscent of The XX.

“Nectarine” is a little more upbeat, but retains the casual vibe that makes this band so rare – they’re patient without seeming lackadaisical. A male vocalist takes the microphone here, joined by Estella only for some slippery little harmonies. Nice. I really dig their sound, looking forward to hearing them more in the future. These guys are onto something good.

Twin Sister – I Want A House (YSI) (filesavr)

Twin Sister – Nectarine (YSI) (filesavr) 

I saw Twin Sister open up for The Morning Benders last week, and I was blown away. Specifically, I was entranced by lead singer Andrea Estella. Her voice is brilliantly textured, a combination of Leslie Feist’s cuteness and Victoria Legrand’s smoky throatiness. Man do I dig that type of stuff.<br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9goxME9cmbhBahHU1p8qxmCRWsLAf2uxDMubOXO-VGOhzKqAdaEoOwu3vb2RS_Cu3eE56rpGw2qoksrc1LZpFnMT4NWfStQ9sNFvRbmiuSIcx9o4DF50FJ4GrSSjAiENNBLmxFKbhGr4/s1600/twinsisterTSRE.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/AVvXsEh9goxME9cmbhBahHU1p8qxmCRWsLAf2uxDMubOXO-VGOhzKqAdaEoOwu3vb2RS_Cu3eE56rpGw2qoksrc1LZpFnMT4NWfStQ9sNFvRbmiuSIcx9o4DF50FJ4GrSSjAiENNBLmxFKbhGr4/s320/twinsisterTSRE.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Twin Sister is still working on their polish a little bit – in concert they were really good but not flawless. But it’s easy to forgive a few misplaced notes here and there when the songs are so addictively catchy. “I Want A House” is easily my favorite of their songs, a spaced-out and laid-back tune reminiscent of The XX. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal">“Nectarine” is a little more upbeat, but retains the casual vibe that makes this band so rare – they’re patient without seeming lackadaisical. A male vocalist takes the microphone here, joined by Estella only for some slippery little harmonies. Nice. I really dig their sound, looking forward to hearing them more in the future. These guys are onto something good.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Twin Sister – I Want A House</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo1MFh1Uzd0TW14dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/iwantahouse" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Twin Sister – Nectarine</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo1MFhrNkdiR0t4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/nectarine" target="_blank">filesavr</a>) </div>

Knock Knock. Who's There? The Knocks.

I’ve listened to The Knocks in heavy rotation before, but mostly in the context of their absolutely baller remixes of some major tunes (Ellie Goulding, Britney Spears, Jackson 5). Recently, though, they dropped an original track, and I have to say this much – it’s dope.

The nice thing about The Knocks’ original is that I don’t feel duped. I don’t feel like they set me up with one style of remix only to pull a switcheroo and release a single in a completely different style. This tune, “Blackout” takes the essence of what makes their remixes so good – pulsing beats, piano driven riffs, echoing vocals – and applies it to their own song. It hits, it pops, it works.

This track is not a classic. It’s not a song for the ages. It’s not even, maybe, a song that will keep spinning for more than a few weeks. But it’s the type of pop nugget that is perfect for a late spring night when you want an upbeat tune that doesn’t rip a song you already know. Enjoy it, and wash it down with some old Knocks rehashings.

The Knocks – Blackout (YSI) (filesavr)

Ellie Goulding – Under The Sheets (The Knocks Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

The Jackson 5 – The Love You Save (The Knocks Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

I’ve listened to The Knocks in heavy rotation before, but mostly in the context of their absolutely baller remixes of some major tunes (Ellie Goulding, Britney Spears, Jackson 5). Recently, though, they dropped an original track, and I have to say this much – it’s dope.<br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3LmptCXy90u3HmmxY_0C6wzcm4QS8QIsg6jFhIwZmcTnm38f1IhblF5KZT-7JdmRBM1kypGeX8gdKbVpGarikHpjLyqak8hHiqo9qBGzpaTMSOrP1HvXeXbaQBKSc4D74GQIsfAbOHA/s1600/knocksTSRE.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/AVvXsEjC3LmptCXy90u3HmmxY_0C6wzcm4QS8QIsg6jFhIwZmcTnm38f1IhblF5KZT-7JdmRBM1kypGeX8gdKbVpGarikHpjLyqak8hHiqo9qBGzpaTMSOrP1HvXeXbaQBKSc4D74GQIsfAbOHA/s320/knocksTSRE.JPG" /></a>The nice thing about The Knocks’ original is that I don’t feel duped. I don’t feel like they set me up with one style of remix only to pull a switcheroo and release a single in a completely different style. This tune, “Blackout” takes the essence of what makes their remixes so good – pulsing beats, piano driven riffs, echoing vocals – and applies it to their own song. It hits, it pops, it works.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal">This track is not a classic. It’s not a song for the ages. It’s not even, maybe, a song that will keep spinning for more than a few weeks. But it’s the type of pop nugget that is perfect for a late spring night when you want an upbeat tune that doesn’t rip a song you already know. Enjoy it, and wash it down with some old Knocks rehashings.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Knocks – Blackout</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo0SU5FQXA5NVUwTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/blackout" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ellie Goulding – Under The Sheets (The Knocks Remix)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo0SU5BYTJrYUJFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/underthesheetstheknocksremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Jackson 5 – The Love You Save (The Knocks Remix)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo0SU5FQXBCTW52Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/theloveyousavetheknocksremix_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Ratatat and Glitch Mob Looking Good

So Ratatatatatat, kings of all things buzzy guitar instrumental indie rock related, are back with their latest uncreatively-titled full length, LP4. This, on the heels of its predecessor LP3. Great work naming team. Very informative regarding where each release falls in the chronology of the duo’s discography.

Long story short, everything I’ve heard from the album is killer. Totally great, as almost everything Ratatat has released is. Where LP3 took a step back from some of the bombast of Classics and their self-titled debut, LP4 finds a happy medium with laid-back “Swisha” type grooves mixed with huge “Lex” and “Seventeen Years” grinds. Looks good on you, Ratatat.

It’s a good thing that Ratatat has stepped their game up a bit here (I was a tad disappointed with LP3) because Glitch Mob is right on their tail. Glitch Mob cops a little bit of Ratatat style, but adds some of their own flair here and there to keep the enthusiasm from waning. It’s the next step in the revolution that Ratatat has been a progenitor of – the instrumental, hip-hop-inflected indie rock. Next stop: Glitch Mob Remix Record.

Mmmm these tracks are tasty.

Ratatat – Neckbrace (YSI) (filesavr)

The Glitch Mob – Drive It Like You Stole It (YSI) (filesavr)

The Hood Internet - Billie "Wildcat" Jean (Ratatat vs. Michael Jackson) (YSI) (filesavr)

So Ratatatatatat, kings of all things buzzy guitar instrumental indie rock related, are back with their latest uncreatively-titled full length, <i style="">LP4.</i> This, on the heels of its predecessor <i style="">LP3</i>. Great work naming team. Very informative regarding where each release falls in the chronology of the duo’s discography.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyJM-16MDY08tWIi1y9NmIRhWE7RAOSN3y5ccTcNDlYlIh-PrUuwRS9_vL8Zfr-IDSGRx_L_UI4CgGYsUc8ftrEmASnRLkscERQHrzHOLZvE_HC25Me08AggmQ54Q5B94ImCC_CXVkyM/s1600/ratatatTSRE.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/AVvXsEjDyJM-16MDY08tWIi1y9NmIRhWE7RAOSN3y5ccTcNDlYlIh-PrUuwRS9_vL8Zfr-IDSGRx_L_UI4CgGYsUc8ftrEmASnRLkscERQHrzHOLZvE_HC25Me08AggmQ54Q5B94ImCC_CXVkyM/s320/ratatatTSRE.JPG" /></a>Long story short, everything I’ve heard from the album is killer. Totally great, as almost everything Ratatat has released is. Where <i style="">LP3 </i>took a step back from some of the bombast of <i style="">Classics</i> and their self-titled debut, <i style="">LP4 </i>finds a happy medium with laid-back “Swisha” type grooves mixed with huge “Lex” and “Seventeen Years” grinds. Looks good on you, Ratatat.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a good thing that Ratatat has stepped their game up a bit here (I was a tad disappointed with <i style="">LP3</i>) because Glitch Mob is right on their tail. Glitch Mob cops a little bit of Ratatat style, but adds some of their own flair here and there to keep the enthusiasm from waning. It’s the next step in the revolution that Ratatat has been a progenitor of – the instrumental, hip-hop-inflected indie rock. Next stop: Glitch Mob Remix Record.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Mmmm these tracks are tasty.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strike><b style="">Ratatat – Neckbrace</b> (<a>YSI</a>) (<a>filesavr</a>)</strike></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="">The Glitch Mob – Drive It Like You Stole It</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo2Qk14ZEszMW14dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/driveitlikeyoustoleit" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Hood Internet - Billie "Wildcat" Jean (Ratatat vs. Michael Jackson)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo2Qk14ZEt5UkUwTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/billiewildcatjeanmichaeljacks" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Be A Good Kid And Read The Books

I love The Books. Love them. The Lemon of Pink is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful pieces of sound collage I’ve ever encountered – up there in brilliance with DJ Shadow and Four Tet. It’s an album that might not fully take after the first listen. But years after first hearing the record, I still find it growing on me with every subsequent spin.

Brilliant though they might be, The Books are not prolific. Perhaps that’s a sign that excellence of this sort – particularly in this genre – takes time. DJ Shadow takes ages between albums. Prefuse 73 puts out an album every few years and is considered fairly prolific. Four Tet waits a bit between each of his full releases. So it was with great pleasure that I heard that The Books are releasing a new album in the coming months - the first noise from their camp in over 4 years.

It was with even greater pleasure that I listened to the first single from said album, a song called “Beautiful People.” It picks up where Lost and Safe left off – a genre bending, mathematics-infused song that is as hypnotic as it is strangely catchy. This album is easily one of my most anticipated of 2010.

The Books – Beautiful People (YSI) (filesavr)

The Books – Tokyo (YSI) (filesavr)

The Books – Pagina Cinco (Prefuse 73 Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpQo48bAdsfWz8L5cEyOTFBYDzScLGJgSqmM2kSb2fF-3CF9bf9ChtC4h9nvZv2iQpPYKGD57_Z5xVnKk31XO2-xwfwc79gkeyAuzG53DRRALgsB8hxEJhfl7AyTvsD4kJsp0E9cwV44/s1600/booksTSRE.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/AVvXsEgBpQo48bAdsfWz8L5cEyOTFBYDzScLGJgSqmM2kSb2fF-3CF9bf9ChtC4h9nvZv2iQpPYKGD57_Z5xVnKk31XO2-xwfwc79gkeyAuzG53DRRALgsB8hxEJhfl7AyTvsD4kJsp0E9cwV44/s320/booksTSRE.JPG" /></a>I love The Books. Love them. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lemon of Pink </i>is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful pieces of sound collage I’ve ever encountered – up there in brilliance with DJ Shadow and Four Tet. It’s an album that might not fully take after the first listen. But years after first hearing the record, I still find it growing on me with every subsequent spin.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Brilliant though they might be, The Books are not prolific. Perhaps that’s a sign that excellence of this sort – particularly in this genre – takes time. DJ Shadow takes ages between albums. Prefuse 73 puts out an album every few years and is considered fairly prolific. Four Tet waits a bit between each of his full releases. So it was with great pleasure that I heard that The Books are releasing a new album in the coming months - the first noise from their camp in over 4 years.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal">It was with even greater pleasure that I listened to the first single from said album, a song called “Beautiful People.” It picks up where <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lost and Safe</i> left off – a genre bending, mathematics-infused song that is as hypnotic as it is strangely catchy. This album is easily one of my most anticipated of 2010.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Books – Beautiful People</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo3bUpTSWV6NE94dnc9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/beautifulpeople">filesavr</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Books – Tokyo</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo3bUpTSWV6NEpjR0E9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/tokyo">filesavr</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Books – Pagina Cinco (Prefuse 73 Remix)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo3bUpTSWVsUit4dnc9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/05paginacinco">filesavr</a>)</div></span></span>

Missed the Boat Big Time: Edan

I've been hearing about Edan for a long time and much to my detriment I waited until now to finally check out Beauty and the Beat. Wow, I missed out big time. This album is beautiful, especially because of its identity crisis. Edan seemingly could not decide weather to make a funk or a hip hop album, so he made Beauty and the Beat embody both spirits. The funk takes the lead on Funky Voltron where Edan successfully layers hip hop vocals over an old school bass line and smooth horns. The hip hop rises to the fore on tracks like Fumbling Over Words that Rhyme and later on Mr. Lif and Dagha arrive to spit some fire. If it is a nice day where you are, get Beauty and the Beat plop yourself down and listen to this beautiful piece of work. There is so much musicianship, so much appreciation of musical history, and so much love put into it.

Edan - Funky Voltron Feat. Insight (YSI) (filesavr)

Edan - Fumbling Over Words that Rhyme (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeiq098ZtO_ZjODk3wZ_Cqc6ni9EpKXBMklC3Cp4kpcSnrUsJEYscv8rXyWhHarZJ3yJKqlCIa-w-dN5mOgr0co_QCkdaW486POBhOZRe_mvhyphenhyphenVMd8n08qF0PTQlWuR4GklYfw53uEVcF/s1600/TSRE+Edan.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465728119749222802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeiq098ZtO_ZjODk3wZ_Cqc6ni9EpKXBMklC3Cp4kpcSnrUsJEYscv8rXyWhHarZJ3yJKqlCIa-w-dN5mOgr0co_QCkdaW486POBhOZRe_mvhyphenhyphenVMd8n08qF0PTQlWuR4GklYfw53uEVcF/s320/TSRE+Edan.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>I've been hearing about Edan for a long time and much to my detriment I waited until now to finally check out <span style="font-style: italic;">Beauty and the Beat</span>. Wow, I missed out big time. This album is beautiful, especially because of its identity crisis. Edan seemingly could not decide weather to make a funk or a hip hop album, so he made <span style="font-style: italic;">Beauty and the Beat</span> embody both spirits. The funk takes the lead on Funky Voltron where Edan successfully layers hip hop vocals over an old school bass line and smooth horns. The hip hop rises to the fore on tracks like Fumbling Over Words that Rhyme and later on Mr. Lif and Dagha arrive to spit some fire. If it is a nice day where you are, get <span style="font-style: italic;">Beauty and the Beat</span> plop yourself down and listen to this beautiful piece of work. There is so much musicianship, so much appreciation of musical history, and so much love put into it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Edan - Funky Voltron Feat. Insight</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo3Q1ZxeFhsUjgwTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02funkyvoltronfeatinsight" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Edan - Fumbling Over Words that Rhyme</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/OHo3Q1Z0R0ZtUUh2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/04fumblingoverwordsthatrhyme" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)