BEEEEAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSS

I'm a huge TV On The Radio acolyte - particularly for Tunde Adebimpe. The man's voice is unparalleled. So I was psyched to hear that he hooked up with rapper Beans, from Antipop Consortium, for a new track. Beans enlists Tunde to sing the hook, and sing it he does.

Beans has always had the best flow in Antipop Consortium, and he has rightfully been the most successful foray from that group. This song is no different, and it shows pretty well what TV On The Radio would sound like on some Blackalicious track; in particular, this tune reminds me of that group's "Release" featuring Saul Williams.

Dope dope dope. Really digging this track.

Beans f. Tunde Adebimpe - Mellow You Out (YSI)

Tunde Adebimpe - Unknown Legend (Neil Young Cover) (YSI)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJKx2QhoQ-Zbo2EEI__K7EiJ2AZ22eFkQcBVBfDeKCncbQXqfsra_FhrQku_crnkyKf9ZSqNNh4Qb4ryR7RaTV5hC2H4Rh5UU0MAahObfoH1YHBIJFn0DFG3OiiC1-46_R0xaLOvhZQU/s1600/tundeTSRE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJKx2QhoQ-Zbo2EEI__K7EiJ2AZ22eFkQcBVBfDeKCncbQXqfsra_FhrQku_crnkyKf9ZSqNNh4Qb4ryR7RaTV5hC2H4Rh5UU0MAahObfoH1YHBIJFn0DFG3OiiC1-46_R0xaLOvhZQU/s320/tundeTSRE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I'm a huge TV On The Radio acolyte - particularly for Tunde Adebimpe. The man's voice is unparalleled. So I was psyched to hear that he hooked up with rapper Beans, from Antipop Consortium, for a new track. Beans enlists Tunde to sing the hook, and sing it he does.<br /> <br /> Beans has always had the best flow in Antipop Consortium, and he has rightfully been the most successful foray from that group. This song is no different, and it shows pretty well what TV On The Radio would sound like on some Blackalicious track; in particular, this tune reminds me of that group's "Release" featuring Saul Williams.<br /> <br /> Dope dope dope. Really digging this track.<br /> <br /> <b>Beans f. Tunde Adebimpe - Mellow You Out </b>(<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/bFlHb3BEQ0NsUi92Wmc9PQ">YSI</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Tunde Adebimpe - Unknown Legend (Neil Young Cover)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/bFlHb3BJYXlOQncwTVE9PQ">YSI</a>)

Foster the People Make Jams For All Seasons

Foster the People are responsible for one of my favorite songs of this past summer: Pumped Up Kicks. It is catchy and languid at the same time, just like summer. While still without a proper full length release, Foster the People are inching in that direction with the release of an EP featuring two new tracks. Helena Beat is anthemic, while still retaining the nerdy aesthetic. Pleasant sounding synths and handclaps abound and everyone is happy. Pretty much sums it up. Ones to watch in 2011.

Foster the People - Helena Beat (YSI) (filesavr)

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

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKgEM8P2ecFzG7C6USb_yjgKVbpR4doR7s-GIFT0dvBy3cn_SIfPe8SWm712r7RbYenZ1UFd-s-PlnG-7DPxYZc7ASCP_Ub58wDn3Gi7FxxGO2xIwsM38OkcfPBHEKhDkikfW4oBSajRP/s1600/TSRE+Bananas+Foster.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563742687340822658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKgEM8P2ecFzG7C6USb_yjgKVbpR4doR7s-GIFT0dvBy3cn_SIfPe8SWm712r7RbYenZ1UFd-s-PlnG-7DPxYZc7ASCP_Ub58wDn3Gi7FxxGO2xIwsM38OkcfPBHEKhDkikfW4oBSajRP/s320/TSRE+Bananas+Foster.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>Foster the People are responsible for one of my favorite songs of this past summer: Pumped Up Kicks. It is catchy and languid at the same time, just like summer. While still without a proper full length release, Foster the People are inching in that direction with the release of an EP featuring two new tracks. Helena Beat is anthemic, while still retaining the nerdy aesthetic. Pleasant sounding synths and handclaps abound and everyone is happy. Pretty much sums it up. Ones to watch in 2011.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Foster the People - Helena Beat</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/bFlGOGNlYStwaFJFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/wOsp1gIr" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/bFlGOGNRMm1CSWRFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/P9omct70" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Das Racist Revisited, And Heems Looks Back

Let's do a little Das Racist doubleshot today. I've been getting more and more into that rap duo, the more I've listened to Shut Up, Dude and Sit Down, Man. The raps are just good on an intellectual/social commentary level that a lot of hip hop doesn't reach, which makes them eminently revisitable.

Part of the Das Racist trip has involved following Himanshu Suri on twitter (@heems). He's half of the pair, and about as close to diplo as you can get on Twitter without delving into schlock territory.

Recently @Heems dropped this remix of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream." He slows the song down to a trancelike state, and then lays some great lines on top. The first verse is nice, but the second one really seals the deal for me - "Flashback, teenage Heems" starts it off, and then the words play off the beat with a great patter throughout. Listen up to see what I'm talking about it, it's great.

The other recent Das Racist tune to come across my ears is a solid remix by bhts. bhts takes the best song off of the excellent Sit Down, Man - "hahahaha jk" - and remixes it with a more twilight zone in the dance club feel. It's weird and excellent simultaneously, just like Das Racist.

Get into it.

Heems (Das Racist) - Teenage Dream (Katy Perry Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Das Racist - hahahaha jk (bhts remix) (YSI)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsAnuy64j0EF6SxvCehcTYGfz5i4Oq97dYEDlTVETJ8iODdl2jYeBvXF1fGM6JjnS6lYGlNPI7Ok_yGCfs4B7-P6N5QWNqr5wxQyOruPBPlfRWd35nnR8XEIe1zfZGbYbMEErrHYfOwA/s1600/2010_03_das_racistTSRE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsAnuy64j0EF6SxvCehcTYGfz5i4Oq97dYEDlTVETJ8iODdl2jYeBvXF1fGM6JjnS6lYGlNPI7Ok_yGCfs4B7-P6N5QWNqr5wxQyOruPBPlfRWd35nnR8XEIe1zfZGbYbMEErrHYfOwA/s320/2010_03_das_racistTSRE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Let's do a little Das Racist doubleshot today. I've been getting more and more into that rap duo, the more I've listened to <i>Shut Up, Dude </i>and <i>Sit Down, Man</i>. The raps are just good on an intellectual/social commentary level that a lot of hip hop doesn't reach, which makes them eminently revisitable.<br /> <br /> Part of the Das Racist trip has involved following Himanshu Suri on twitter (@heems). He's half of the pair, and about as close to diplo as you can get on Twitter without delving into schlock territory.<br /> <br /> Recently @Heems dropped this remix of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream." He slows the song down to a trancelike state, and then lays some great lines on top. The first verse is nice, but the second one really seals the deal for me - "Flashback, teenage Heems" starts it off, and then the words play off the beat with a great patter throughout. Listen up to see what I'm talking about it, it's great.<br /> <br /> The other recent Das Racist tune to come across my ears is a solid remix by bhts. bhts takes the best song off of the excellent <i>Sit Down, Man</i> - "hahahaha jk" - and remixes it with a more twilight zone in the dance club feel. It's weird and excellent simultaneously, just like Das Racist.<br /> <br /> Get into it.<br /> <br /> <b>Heems (Das Racist) - Teenage Dream (Katy Perry Remix)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/bFlHb3BPdzg3N0EwTVE9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/bbIpvUgO">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Das Racist - hahahaha jk (bhts remix)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/bFlHb3BKTlErV3hFQlE9PQ">YSI</a>)

The Precocious Youngsters are Back! And How!

The Smith Westerns are young, but that has not stopped them from already releasing a pretty solid self titled debut last year. On January 18th they will release their second album (and first proper one) entitled Dye It Blond. And it is GOOD! Many of you have probably heard the first single Weekend and the entire album captures that exuberant and nostalgic lo-fi sound. It reminds me of if circa 2010 hipsters were transported to Pleasantville and had a dance party. Most striking is how much more polished it all sounds. Take for example the track Imagine Pt. 3, once a promising demo and now cleaned up into an epic ballad. The first version is from Dye It Blond, and the second is an unreleased demo. Check out the slight, yet crucial, changes. The Smith Westerns are making moves and it sounds great.

Smith Westerns - Imagine Pt. 3 (YSI) (filesavr)

Smith Westerns - Imagine, Pt. 3 (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHGDzLDKfe66jfXzA_Qp3AYUoTpPpvxdvL2QxsBn_30O8HG-BanqSwdWzWWkSgBH4V_WCr5EwZS8bo_Y02EFCEtWJCzn5J_co_O4E_oeXSjz-34oz7Rbg8ONLQw3X_3qqMiajjeS_6wPs/s1600/TSRE+Fries.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560362104731624850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHGDzLDKfe66jfXzA_Qp3AYUoTpPpvxdvL2QxsBn_30O8HG-BanqSwdWzWWkSgBH4V_WCr5EwZS8bo_Y02EFCEtWJCzn5J_co_O4E_oeXSjz-34oz7Rbg8ONLQw3X_3qqMiajjeS_6wPs/s320/TSRE+Fries.png" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" /></a>The Smith Westerns are young, but that has not stopped them from already releasing a pretty solid self titled debut last year. On January 18th they will release their second album (and first proper one) entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">Dye It Blond</span>. And it is GOOD! Many of you have probably heard the first single Weekend and the entire album captures that exuberant and nostalgic lo-fi sound. It reminds me of if circa 2010 hipsters were transported to Pleasantville and had a dance party. Most striking is how much more polished it all sounds. Take for example the track Imagine Pt. 3, once a promising demo and now cleaned up into an epic ballad. The first version is from <span style="font-style: italic;">Dye It Blond</span>, and the second is an unreleased demo. Check out the slight, yet crucial, changes. The Smith Westerns are making moves and it sounds great.<br /><br />Smith Westerns - Imagine Pt. 3 (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/RlRxWUhrdGo5eFh2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/6gEjMhUt" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br />Smith Westerns - Imagine, Pt. 3 (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/RlRxWUh1dzhtNEx2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/XHAZbxJD" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Finally, The Living in America Remix

I first heard rumor of the nominally awesome remix collaboration between Massachusetts synth rockers Dom and Alabama rapper Gucci Mane over the summer and it has finally arrived! I'm not quite sure what I think yet, it is certainly interesting, slower, and a bit weird, but is it good?


Dom - Living in America Remix [feat. Gucci Mane] (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HEtS1e8ZR4-heYfHvWVJqD4ysCq8g6YCzH6HUq4ugT8j4oC50_uEPTwopdVDKno9nbH7c03eM1p3pKRCeWSB90ZhF9Kr3YUoD6V9ScadqHsejvMPnJAYmc26_gRIOa9fqvcE9Wu_enSF/s1600/TSRE+Dom.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560360798821588130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HEtS1e8ZR4-heYfHvWVJqD4ysCq8g6YCzH6HUq4ugT8j4oC50_uEPTwopdVDKno9nbH7c03eM1p3pKRCeWSB90ZhF9Kr3YUoD6V9ScadqHsejvMPnJAYmc26_gRIOa9fqvcE9Wu_enSF/s320/TSRE+Dom.png" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 320px;" /></a>I first heard rumor of the nominally awesome remix collaboration between Massachusetts synth rockers Dom and Alabama rapper Gucci Mane over the summer and it has finally arrived! I'm not quite sure what I think yet, it is certainly interesting, slower, and a bit weird, but is it good?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dom - Living in America Remix [feat. Gucci Mane]</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/RlRxWUh1Z2pvQUx2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/qrCx3WsM" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Take A Baths

One artist that definitely didn't get his due on this here page in 2k10 was Baths, the solo project of Will Wiesenfeld. He's a dynamic performer with a Passion Pit-esque sound. Where those guys tend toward the pop side of synths, though, Baths cuts it up, opting for a glitchier sound. His debut album, Cerulean, is reminiscent of Four Tet's poppier moments, and definitely worth a listen for fans of that sort of thing.

Check out a couple tracks from Baths below. These tunes, along with Gold Panda and Kids & Explosions, have been satisfying my glitchy synth pop electro needs for a few months now.

Baths - Aminals (YSI) (filesavr)

Baths - Lovely Bloodflow (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOx2eKx1wNESlP2bMvPGgDzyOJ4tIT11xMwBYKGYuhjA-ReY8Z3CZTPKeijPHP3RaYFErNpUbIq-tNLLWl4k6LGK7QBPdMqAloiqytKz6wIPuVYXH3k0KrKJ_r4ZiQta6RXcNodxbUYS8/s1600/BathsTSRE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOx2eKx1wNESlP2bMvPGgDzyOJ4tIT11xMwBYKGYuhjA-ReY8Z3CZTPKeijPHP3RaYFErNpUbIq-tNLLWl4k6LGK7QBPdMqAloiqytKz6wIPuVYXH3k0KrKJ_r4ZiQta6RXcNodxbUYS8/s320/BathsTSRE.jpg" width="320" /></a>One artist that definitely didn't get his due on this here page in 2k10 was Baths, the solo project of Will Wiesenfeld. He's a dynamic performer with a Passion Pit-esque sound. Where those guys tend toward the pop side of synths, though, Baths cuts it up, opting for a glitchier sound. His debut album, <i>Cerulean, </i>is reminiscent of Four Tet's poppier moments, and definitely worth a listen for fans of that sort of thing. <br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> Check out a couple tracks from Baths below. These tunes, along with Gold Panda and Kids & Explosions, have been satisfying my glitchy synth pop electro needs for a few months now.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <b>Baths - Aminals</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/RlRvZHlvQTZoeVkwTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/J6bYlW06" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <b>Baths - Lovely Bloodflow</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/RlRvZHlobEFPSHcwTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/jdGGkKpU" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

How About Atlanta in 2010?

Happy 2011! I hope everyone had an evening to their liking. Bring on the 2011 music, but first there are a few more matters to be discussed from 2010.

How big was Atlanta in 2010? Big Boi released a killer album earlier in the year and Janelle Monae's transition from sci-fi chanteuse to R&B pop powerhouse began this year with the ArchAndroid. Don't get me wrong, the Real Housewives of Atlanta and Michael Turner have a lot going for them every year, but the intersections and crossovers between Sir Lucious and the ArchAndroid really stamped the Atlanta aesthetic on popular music this year. Not only superlative musically and full of new sounds, these albums self-consciously sought to be fun and lighthearted. Hear that Stankonia throwback in Cold War?

Big Boi - Shutterbug (feat. Cutty) (YSI) (filesavr)

Janelle Monae - Cold War (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tP6nsiJYQxkUd7Po3gLkZPRFvwbU3ZyIUX6n0shMZsuGh4QxVJL-XM-sAGpL6_l9UehcAula1-Hk0QqHuY3WvAdT35cClUYo3zyZL7zx9-TxbbDem-DvTC3pk9VZiv_2WD_q2aIIdszS/s1600/TSRE+Sumi.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556321986964504354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tP6nsiJYQxkUd7Po3gLkZPRFvwbU3ZyIUX6n0shMZsuGh4QxVJL-XM-sAGpL6_l9UehcAula1-Hk0QqHuY3WvAdT35cClUYo3zyZL7zx9-TxbbDem-DvTC3pk9VZiv_2WD_q2aIIdszS/s320/TSRE+Sumi.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 280px;" /></a>Happy 2011! I hope everyone had an evening to their liking. Bring on the 2011 music, but first there are a few more matters to be discussed from 2010.<br /><br />How big was Atlanta in 2010? Big Boi released a killer album earlier in the year and Janelle Monae's transition from sci-fi chanteuse to R&B pop powerhouse began this year with the <span style="font-style: italic;">ArchAndroid</span>. Don't get me wrong, the Real Housewives of Atlanta and Michael Turner have a lot going for them every year, but the intersections and crossovers between <span style="font-style: italic;">Sir Lucious</span> and the <span style="font-style: italic;">ArchAndroid</span> really stamped the Atlanta aesthetic on popular music this year. Not only superlative musically and full of new sounds, these albums self-consciously sought to be fun and lighthearted. Hear that Stankonia throwback in Cold War?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Big Boi - Shutterbug (feat. Cutty) </span>(<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/RlRxTG16MGNnYU5FQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/WmMXZ22z" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Janelle Monae - Cold War</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/RlRxTG16Y1M1bmhjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/dPKv2nox" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)