The Darkside of Daft Punk

I am so damn lazy.  I have what seems to be an endless stream of incredible music flowing through my immediate airwaves all day and yet I share none of it with you! Perhaps i’m extraordinarily selfish, but  think i’m just lazy. So with that being said, I am sure you ‘ve heard of Daft Punk, and if nothing else you’ve heard ‘the summers biggest song’ Get Lucky maybe 1,000 times.  It’s kind of a  bummer because I like that song, but there are definitely more unique and interesting tunes on the album that I like more.  To the point, DARKSIDE, an electronic duo whom I had not heard of until last week, obsessed over Daft Punk’s album ‘Random Access Memories’ for as long as we did, and then they did something incredible. Main man Nicolas Jaar and his instrumentally talented pal Dave Harrington released a remixed album of ‘Random Access Memories’ called ‘Daftside’, and it is really special.  Very unique in it’s scope and simple in it’s execution I have been throughly enjoying it from start to finish.  Even if you find remix’s repulsive or, find the idea of Daft Punk being remixed repulsive, I think you should give these tracks a shot but listen to the album from start to finish.  I’m giving you a little teaser as usual but seriously, dive into the darkside (pun intended) of the internet and download this thing (piratebay is an excellent resource…) For now sip some….

 

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Monsieur James Blake

There is approximately one occasion that I can recall a man sweeping me off my feet…  Credit belongs to the electronic music making/singing/songwriting/great hair having virtuoso James Blake, and his cover of Feists ‘Limit To Your Love’.  By now most music fans must be familiar with his name (or are otherwise too involved in top 40 for me to care about lumping them into my generalizations), but perhaps not so much the content that comes with it.  So I am here to share a track that I find considerable compelling by the man from the Queen’s Island.  ‘Life Round Here’ is a sublime representation of what makes James Blake, James Blake.  Haunting vocals,a thumping beat and his famous harmonies.  It’s a track that I cannot wait to experience live in October, because for those that have not had the privilege of such an experience, James Blake is fucking loud.  I don’t know any other way to describe it (sorry mom).  And fucking loud in an incredibly eargasmic (sorry, ‘we both know that’s an awful line’ to quote James Murphy) way.  I first saw James Blake last summer at LA’s FYF, and when he came on he could hear the thumping from the ‘dance’ tent about 100 yards away.  He sat down and said something along the lines of ‘we will see if we can’t drown that out’.  He did.  ‘Life Round Here’ is off his latest album Overgrown, you should get your hands on it (get everything you can find that he’s made, it’s worth it).  While you search, sip some…

Mood Lighting

Just found this gem called ‘Black Mambo’ from UK based indie outfit Glass Animals.  If you’re like me and have never heard of the group, don’t feel bad they’re still floating in relative anonymity but I’m thinking they have a bright future.  They released an EP called ‘Leaflings’ last year, and according to their label, they are in the process of writing and recording new stuff! Keep your ears peeled friends, and for now dim the lights, get some wine and sip some …

Revolving Doors

I’ve been spending more time of late up and about in the wee hours of the morning. I have a lot to look forward to these days and I’m starting to feel like I don’t have enough time to accomplish everything I am working on.  Thus the late nights, and with late nights comes seemingly endless streams of good music (which I can never complain about).  I’ve been a fan of The Gorillaz for as long as I can remember and when they quietly released ‘The Fall’ in 2010 it took  awhile before I realized that they had put out some new stuff (mostly because I was still listening to ‘Plastic Beach’).  When I went to get my hands on it, I read that it was produced entirely using only an iPad which piqued my curiosity.  After going through the album I found it incredibly interesting and left it at that.  Now that a few of the tracks off that album keep coming up in my late night shuffle I have a new found appreciation for the unique sound that spills out of each track. Weather it be airport announcements or sounds of a river in Aspen, each song has something really cool to offer. I also feel like I was there each time frontman (and only man?) Damon Albarns developed a new track during down/travel time as he toured the US for ‘Plastic Beach’.  ‘Revolving Doors’ is an incredible track off ‘The Fall’ and I hope that by sharing it with you, you take it upon yourself to explore this album and see what surprises you find.  Sip some…

Stroke My Ego

The Strokes make my life easy.  Two weeks ago I got my hands on a copy of their latest album ‘Comedown Machine’ (now available to the masses) and I kept it for myself.  I won’t say I’m sorry.  Our time alone has been a revelation, my worries dissipated my problems faded.  I can never quite explain what this band means to me but I hold them very near and dear.  Their music has accompanied some of my best memories in life.  The album oozes the swagger and confidence that I have come to expect from The Strokes and I find myself entirely entranced by the whole thing.  It amazes me that after five years of no new music, I never grew tired of their first four insanely good albums.  I was thrilled when ‘Angles’ came out and felt I could go another ten years starved of new material and still be happy.  I didn’t have to starve. Start to finish this is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time.  No track is the same and The Strokes sound has been redefined yet again.  Julian Casablancas IS cool, he defines the word, his bandmates are it’s synonyms and ‘Comedown Machine’ is the quintessential textbook example.  I am sharing the first track you will hear  on the album called ‘Tap Out’.  You will love it and I sugest you make the album yours or see your relevance among your peers plummet.  Sip some…

More good things

Very early after launching this blog two years ago I shared a song called ‘Green Leaf’ by a really cool indie duo, Generationals (You can still find it here).  I am happy to say they have a new album on the way (‘Heza’ due out April 2nd) and I am posting yet another fantastic song by the boys from Louisiana.  Their music speaks for itself, so play it loud, dance around and enjoy a little extra sunshine in your day.  Sip some ‘Spinoza’…

Chili Peppers?

It’s been awhile since I have felt comfortable enough to share any music with you, and the fact of the matter is, that I have been listening to maybe three or four albums over the past several months, and I have already told you about them. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but I think it’s just been difficult for me to find anything better, and or, I have not actually been looking. I will say that when the latest Red Hot Chili Peppers album came out in 2011, I downloaded it and then subconsciously decided never to listen to it. Partly because I was disappointed that they no longer had the inimitable services of John Frusciante, and partly because I just dont enjoy their music like I used to. I heard the track ‘Did I let you know’ for the first time today, while on a serious shuffle bender, and my first impression was very warm. The song makes me feel happy, and I actually enjoy listening to it. I love the funky guitar riff and the jazzy wailing of the trumpet, and maybe it’s cheap thrills, maybe it’s my mood today but I think it’s actually a really good song… I know I had a strong urge to share it with you, and that’s usually a good sign. I think you will be pleasantly surprised (by the song and the Brazilian music video that I thought went well with it)… sip some…

More on Absofacto

I posted a track by the experimental/electro/pop band, Absofacto back in March, and I just caught wind of a new single that they dropped today.  Please hold your applause.  I was first introduced to this stellar duo 2 years ago and for that I am very grateful.  Their songs have graced many a precious moment in my life since, and I’m sure this track, ‘Backfire’ will do the same.  I suggest you head over to the bands website and pay, yes pay for ‘Backfire’.  It will be a dollar well spent.  While you’re at it, check out all of the music they have on there and go wild!  They have produced plenty of other great jams for your enjoyment.  As of this post the track only has 26 views on youtube, so please feel free to share with friends and watch your street cred soar. For now sip some…

Local Natives

I’ve been waiting for quite some time now to hear good news from one of my favorite bands, Local Natives. Thanks to a tip off from a good friend I got a taste of what’s to come from their sophomore album, heading our way in January. After one listen of the single ‘Breakers’ I sat in agony, bearing the burden of Father Time as it seems an unfair punishment to have to wait any longer for their new album. There’s not another band out there like Local Natives and I’m very excited to share this track with you today. If by some stroke of un-luck this is your first encounter then I suggest you get your hands on their debut album Gorilla Manor to help pass the time till January. For now sip some…

Get your Soulwaxed

Hello friends,  it seems that I have accumulated a vault of tracks that need sharing and I have neglected doing so.  I will try and make amends.  Today I want to share with you a fantastic remix of Arcade Fire’s track ‘Sprawl’ that will surely liven up your spirits, kick off a party and encourage you to get your groove on.  The men of the Belgian born Electronic/Dance/DJ group Soulwax are responsible for this jam (and many others) and you’d be wise to dig into their archives if this is your first encounter (see ‘Krack’). I had the pleasure of seeing half of Soulwax in the form of their DJ alter ego 2 Many DJ’s in Rome several years ago and they do not disappoint.  Share with friends, turn it loud or listen in solitude. The choice is yours, but this is definitely one to remember.  If you are lacking in visual stimulation of late, check out their documentary Part of The Weekend Never Dies.  That will give you a very healthy dose of Soulwax, and a little more insight into the life they lead.  Sip some…