Beat Stew Vol. 3 features Panther God & Wake (TFFP)

Friend-of-the-blog and future mixtape contributor Panther God joins (recently featured) Wake on the 3rd edition of Proximal Records’ “Beat Stew” series. The compilation, which includes West Coast heavy-hitters Matthewdavid (Brainfeeder) and Devonwho (All City), is being offered up for free download.

Fall Funk and Mr. Neuf are the Panther God and Wake tracks, respectively:

Video: Sumsun – Windstone

Sumsun is West Palm Beach’s Judson Rogers, who will be included with 17 other Florida musicians in Brasky’s upcoming compilation, Florida Indoors, Vol 1: Bedroom Beats, coming soon (booyeah!).

Here’s a peek at his new video for “Windstone”, a swirling sea of ambiance and rhythm (and a fine example of the Florida summertime vibe we set out to capture with Bedroom Beats)

Sumsun | Windstone from Leaving Records on Vimeo.

Video by Jesselisa Moretti and Miko Revereza

BRASKYCon 2011 – In Review (Video + Slides)

As many of you know, Brasky hosted our first annual BRASKYCon meetup this past weekend. We chose the Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach and reserved a handful of rooms for 2 nights. We had a total of 22 attendees if you don’t count the millions tuning in from around the world. Most were present when we held our award ceremony, featuring a bunch of semi-absurd awards and superlatives. The video below shows the impromptu “ceremony” in our cozy master suite on night #1:

The frames from the main slideshow aren’t visible in most cases, so we suggest you download the official powerpoint doc and follow along:

Download: BRASKYCon 2011 Award Ceremony Slideshow

Again, this was just night #1. The remainder of our weekend was filled with summer sun gayness, spontaneous displays of braskiness, and late night excursions into the Gulf. We’ll definitely be doing this again next year, so start thinking about your excuses now.

Chill Crosby II: Rave to the Grave by TFPP

Introducing TFPP, immediate front-runners for 2011′s Album Name of the Year.

Their new EP, Chill Crosby II: Rave to the Grave (released on Circuitree), is a 6-track collage of vocal-centric electronic grooves and dance hall miscellany. In their R&B moments they call to mind another famous electronic duo, the Junior Boys. Other tracks roll out semi-melodic rap verses in the avant garde style of Why? and Beck.

The influences of TFPP would appear to be vast and eclectic, creating a refreshingly unique EP that still demonstrates awareness of style trends in the world of lo-fi synth music. Support Florida music and give them a spin, starting with this hip-hop flavored heater, “I Love 80 BPM”:

Glitch Mob Headlines Big Lineup

You know that one show from last year that you hear your friends constantly recalling? The one you missed because you were trying to finish season 2 of (whatever)? Or maybe you missed it because Brasky.org wasn’t around to shout at you (“DUDE, GO. CHICKS.”). Well, as you probably guessed, I’m purporting next Wednesday’s lineup as one of those shows.

This was created on supercomputers running CS5

Tickets: $15/20 – All Ages

1. The Glitch Mob

   Originally based in LA, this group of beatmakers are largely credited as the fathers of “glitch hop” (in the sense of the genre that most maintain lately, for better or for worse). The Glitch Mob’s on-stage performance calls to mind the lost hope of theatrical electronic shows once promised by the Chemical Brothers some time in the mid-90s. Individually, ediT, Boreta, and Ooah have each been generating visibility for solo work and other collabs, and for this reason it’s reasonable to believe this could be their last joint tour. Reminder: I’m not a journalist and I’m talking out of my ass. But seriously, you heard it here first.

2. Phantogram

   We praised this duo so hard they probably have a restraining order on us. Their from-nowhere album, Eyelid Movies, is still a popular repeater on the Brasky jukebox. Fans of mellower indie stuff may enjoy some reprieve from the night’s onslaught of electronic laser battles, but don’t underestimate the horsepower Phantogram brings to their live sets.

3. Com Truise

   This dude’s been blowing up the blog scene (…”blog scene”?) with retro futuristic beats that surf on big, polished synths. Com Truise’s tunes have an uncanny tendency to feel like the theme of some situation from the 1980s–not because of deliberate nostalgia tactics (e.g. using notorious presets from old hardware), but because it’s just the essence of his music. Listen to it; you’ll get what I mean.

Top to bottom, this in intriguing night in the making. If all goes as expected, your friends will be talking about this show around this time next year. By then Glitch Mob’s members will be busy with shitty reality TV shows, Phantogram will be on the Rolling Stone, and Com Truise will be discreetly photographed handing a spliff to Thom Yorke in a kitchy recording studio. And when that “remember when” discussion comes up, hopefully this time you’ll be able to say you were there, too, jackassing it up with PBR-amped utterances and an obnoxious catalog of camera phone pictures to prove you were cool in 2011.

Universus Vol 1 features Caural, Take

Miami’s Circuitree Records has announced the first of 4 compilations to be released this year.

Universus Vol. 1 features tracks from beat scene pioneer Caural and LA’s veteran beatmaker Take. Future releases in the Universus series will include former Warp artists Luke Vibert (Wagon Christ) and Jimmy Edgar, among other prolific producers – whoa!

Universus Vol. 1
CIRC014
Released: June 14th, 2011

Tracklist:
1. Misel Quitno – Im Halbhohen Gras (Caural Remix) – Download
2. Take – Generation Gap
3. Peripheral – Ratrace
4. Sun Room Generator – Abduction

Circuitree has handed us Caural’s track for free download (below). As the press kit aptly describes it, “this is one for the jazz heads and glitch hoppers alike”.

Misel Quinto – Im Halbhohen Gras (Caural remix)

In other compilation news, Brasky.org has finished compiling a 17-track mix of Florida-only producers – stay tuned for updates on the release.

Matt & Kim and the Thermals: Pop Energy Meets Indie Cred

Matt & Kim

In a city where every coffee shop barista and/or free lancing twenty-something has started a psych/dream/pop “band”, Matt & Kim have been fixtures in the Brooklyn scene for years, winning over both music elitists and casual listeners. It’s hard not to like a duo that seems to have as much fun making and performing music as their fans have listening to it. In a time when sometimes hard-to-enjoy-live music dominates the playlists of indie-savvy listeners, Matt & Kim is the kind of show you go to because it will be fun and not just because the lure of the “scene”.

The Thermals

Much of the preceding also could be lauded on the Thermals. Traveling from Portland, the Thermals bring pop energy to punky tunes driven by the vitriolic cries of Hutch Harris. Hutch is truly one of my favorite vocalists over the last 5 years, finding the right blend of whim, anger, and well-chosen words to rage against religion, conservative America, and all that bullshit that serves to divide. Despite tackling a variety of heavy topics with genuine frustration, the Thermals ultimately take all of it with a grain (pillar?) of salt in favor of having fun, making them another great band to go see.

Animal Collective to Start U.S. Tour in Orlando

This is not Animal Collective.

Included on the US tour will be the return of 4th member Deakin to complement a lineup that boasts 3 artists who have kept busy with successful solo projects (Panda Bear, Avey Tare, and Geologist).

New US Dates

7-7 Orlando FL – The Beacham Theatre
7-8 Alpharetta GA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7-9 Columbia MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion (yes it’s real–first show hosted)
7-12 Brooklyn NY – Prospect Park
7-13 Millvale PA – Mr Smalls Theatre
7-15 Chicago IL – Pitchfork Music Festival

Sources:

• Contributor Marc S.
• Jambase
• Pitchfork

RA RA RIOT & Sleepy Vikings: Wednesday

Attention! Ra Ra Riot is swinging through the Sunshine State. Their calamitous ra-ra-riot’ing has awakened some Sleepy Vikings, who will join them as an opener this Wednesday at Crowbar. Ra Ra Riot hauled in widespread acclaim for their 2007 self-titled EP, and since have been touring, releasing singles, and participating in some side projects (including Discovery, a co-mingling with fellow New Yorkers, Vampire Weekend). This is also a great opportunity to check out our local up-and-comers, Sleepy Vikings, who are ready to unveil some new tunes, we hear.

This show is this WEDNESDAY, that’s the 9th, so claim tickets now! Crowbar has sold out before and will probably sell out again. Tickets cost more at the door anyway.
Tickets – $13

And don’t forget your jean shorts, plastic glasses, etc etc, and join as us we stand around idly and stare at attractive-looking people.

Here’s a recent single from RRR to get you in the mood, 2010′s “Boy”:

Songs That Generated Buzz in 2010 (Part 2)

As promised, here is part 2. Fifty more songs, once again accompanied with crucial context info about each track.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. Nothing But Our Love	“Nothing But Our Love” is the kind of song that stops you, reels in your attention, and insists: “stop worrying and rela… “Nothing But Our Love” is the kind of song that stops you, reels in your attention, and insists: “stop worrying and relax”. That’s a grossly subjective statement and should probably be completely disregarded. Just listen to it and I promise you’ll forget you were even annoyed at me. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Wild Nothing Gemini	One-man band Wild Nothing – Blacksburg’s Jack Tatum – is one of 2010′s noteworthy success stories. The project is barel… One-man band Wild Nothing – Blacksburg’s Jack Tatum – is one of 2010′s noteworthy success stories. The project is barely a year old, but Jack’s first album, Gemini, was voted a top 50 album by both Amazon and Pitchfork, among others. The music’s sound consistently captures the tones and moods of classic New Wave, while occasionally leaning toward more contemporary synth pop. It may not sound like it, but all the vocals are Jack’s. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Two Door Cinema Club Something Good Can Work	Hailing from Ireland, youngsters Two Door Cinema Club have quickly gotten a taste of being rock stars after their very s… Hailing from Ireland, youngsters Two Door Cinema Club have quickly gotten a taste of being rock stars after their very successful, US-tour-prompting debut album on Kitsuné, Tourist History. “Something Good Can Work” is just one of a handful of radio-worthy hits from a band I’m deeming 2010′s Phoenix. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Sufjan Stevens I Walked	Listening to “I Walked” is a reminder of the songwriting brilliance of Sufjan, who seems far from hitting his peak. Thi… Listening to “I Walked” is a reminder of the songwriting brilliance of Sufjan, who seems far from hitting his peak. This song is exceptional by most any criterion we test it against. Like most of the songs on Age of Adz, “I Walked” is a conspicuously emotional track. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Candy Claws Sun Arrow	Candy Claws songs all bear a distinct sound, but what’s amazing is that it’s truly unique. “Sun Arrow”, like the other … Candy Claws songs all bear a distinct sound, but what’s amazing is that it’s truly unique. “Sun Arrow”, like the other songs on the album, weaves together many layers of reverby synths and whispered lyrics. The mood is dreamy in a theatrical sense – every moment of listening to Candy Claws feels like living in a fairy tale. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
The Black Keys Everlasting Light	The Black Keys are in a league of their own in the world of blues rock. I still have to remind myself that I’m listenin… The Black Keys are in a league of their own in the world of blues rock. I still have to remind myself that I’m listening to two white guys. Their celebrated album in 2010, Brothers is full of plenty of hits. We’re giving the opening track, “Everlasting Light”, the nod in this year’s list. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Crystal Stilts Shake The Shackles	Coming off a well-receive album, Alight of Night in 2009, this noise pop group from NY drummed up some more criti… Coming off a well-receive album, Alight of Night in 2009, this noise pop group from NY drummed up some more critical praise with the release of this single. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Toro Y Moi Talamak	Toro y Moi is a real-life friend of Washed Out’s Ernest Greene, who has been often been credited as one of the originato… Toro y Moi is a real-life friend of Washed Out’s Ernest Greene, who has been often been credited as one of the originators of the chillwave movement. Toro y Moi’s sound bears the accompanying descriptions, distinguishing itself with an increase in glitchy edits and production accents. “Talamak” is a very accessible track for anyone tolerant of chillwave (the music–not the word). Footnote: He has another album due out any day now. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Tame Impala I Don’t Really Mind	Tame Impala has quickly become one of the most recognizable names on this list. Their debut album Innerspeaker w… Tame Impala has quickly become one of the most recognizable names on this list. Their debut album Innerspeaker was a tremendous success for the Austrialian band, with a sound that has drawn comparisons to–the Beatles!? Sure, we can hear it, but this probably means they’re going to die in a bus crash. Or kangaroo trampling? I can’t think of a better Aussie joke. In closing, listen to their music, it’s pretty good. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
The Morning Benders Excuses	We have attributed many songs on this list as sounding “retro” or “nostalgic”, but no song seems more deserving of that … We have attributed many songs on this list as sounding “retro” or “nostalgic”, but no song seems more deserving of that description than “Excuses” by the Morning Benders. Feels like senior prom in the 1950s, but I might be way off, I wasn’t there. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Caribou Odessa	I feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of properly reviewing this track. Simply be aware that this was the most wid… I feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of properly reviewing this track. Simply be aware that this was the most widely embraced single from Caribou’s critically acclaimed album, Swim. It’s a funky, dance-friendly, psychedelic track with far more subtlety than what I can communicate in a few sentences. The sound waves are better at explaining than me–give the song a spin, below. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Vampire Weekend Giving Up the Gun	Vampire Weekend had raised their own bar almost too high for their sophomore album, Contra, but songs like “Givin… Vampire Weekend had raised their own bar almost too high for their sophomore album, Contra, but songs like “Giving Up the Gun” support the case that Ezra & company didn’t lose a step. Wish we could say the same for MGMT (whose bar was probably higher, in fairness). Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Laurel Halo Supersymmetry	Laurel Halo became somewhat of an “it-girl” in the Brooklyn club scene, helped by the success of “Supersymmetry”, a song… Laurel Halo became somewhat of an “it-girl” in the Brooklyn club scene, helped by the success of “Supersymmetry”, a song that channels the spirit of 1980s club music. Whether 80s club music actually sounds like this isn’t something I know. But I hope it does. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Grasscut Muppets (Nathan Fake remix)	Nathan Fake layers his signature knob-twisting brushstrokes onto Grasscut’s “Muppets”, Nathan’s only release from this y… Nathan Fake layers his signature knob-twisting brushstrokes onto Grasscut’s “Muppets”, Nathan’s only release from this year. But it’s a good one, rich with high-atmosphere synth tones over a horse clopping of house kicks. Endless ride cymbals give the feeling of constant climax. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
School of Seven Bells Half Asleep	If you’re a guy in a band in New York, leave that band and find yourself a chick or two to collaborate with. This has b… If you’re a guy in a band in New York, leave that band and find yourself a chick or two to collaborate with. This has been a popular formula in the last 5 years, giving birth to new blends of electronically influenced indie music. School of Seven Bells fits into this description, and there was no better example of their dreamy indie pop than “Half Asleep”. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Wavves Post Acid	Wavves certainly deserves a few on this list, and choosing just one was a bit challenging. “Post Acid” seems to capture … Wavves certainly deserves a few on this list, and choosing just one was a bit challenging. “Post Acid” seems to capture both the sound and spirit of the album. While still noisy, some critics thought the guys cleaned up their sound too much. Bah. We would insist that the accessible hooks on King of the Beach are a nice break from the flood of fuzzy noise rock/pop that’s become popular the past couple years. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Twin Sister Phenomenons	“Phenomenons” is an especially vibrant single from Long Islanders Twin Sister. Guitars and keyboards measure out a slow… “Phenomenons” is an especially vibrant single from Long Islanders Twin Sister. Guitars and keyboards measure out a slow jam somewhat in contrast to a energetic, snare-led synth beat. The singer sounds like she’s wearing a nose clip when she hits lower notes, but we can get past it. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Crocodiles Hearts of Love	Be sure to hang on till around 2:30 when the song blooms with a bittersweet Weezer anthem. Very much in the spirit of S… Be sure to hang on till around 2:30 when the song blooms with a bittersweet Weezer anthem. Very much in the spirit of Surfer Blood’s “Swim”. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Tanlines Real Life (Memory Tapes remix)	Apparently the members of Tanlines have backgrounds in completely different, heavier styles of music. You’d never guess… Apparently the members of Tanlines have backgrounds in completely different, heavier styles of music. You’d never guess it listening to their album, characterized by Caribbean moods and soft synth soundscapes. Their album was very successful among “indie” circles, as supported by a crop of remixes that popped up this year. Tanlines vs Memory Tapes is an intriguing combination, and the result doesn’t disappoint. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Sleigh Bells Infinity Guitars	We’ve been a little biased in reporting Sleigh Bells because they are sorta tied to FL. Derek Miller, one half o… We’ve been a little biased in reporting Sleigh Bells because they are sorta tied to FL. Derek Miller, one half of the band, left FL for Brooklyn (noooo) and found Alexis, who would become the pop-friendly voice singing behind Derek’s soundwall of distortion and bass. “Infinity Guitars” fits this standard Sleigh Bells description, with an especially explosive finish. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Yeasayer Ambling Alp	If you’ve heard Yeasayer, you know it’s tough to pin them to one genre; the band once described their music as “Middle E… If you’ve heard Yeasayer, you know it’s tough to pin them to one genre; the band once described their music as “Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel”. Sure. Although their sound is constantly evolving and full of surprises, one staple you can really on is spirited singing from Chris Keating (which you can find in Ambling Alp). Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Domo Genesis Super Market [Ft. Ace Creator)	Domo Genesis, part of the under-20 rap crew "Odd Future", teams up with the now-infamous Tyler the Creator for a rap bat… Domo Genesis, part of the under-20 rap crew "Odd Future", teams up with the now-infamous Tyler the Creator for a rap battle about cutting in line at the grocery store. It's nice to see some levity from the Cali crew known for shocking rap delivered with an Internet troll's apathy, but this doesn't mean you won't get the wind knocked out of you by a few coarse lines. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Tobacco Motorlicker	Tom Fec, a.k.a., Tobacco, is a man to watch. He is most famous for being the frontman of Black Moth Super Rainbow Tom Fec, a.k.a., Tobacco, is a man to watch. He is most famous for being the frontman of Black Moth Super Rainbow. That said, his personal project Tobacco bears all the dreamy synths and ambient vocals you might expect, but also tests edgier, more hip-hop influenced sounds with Tobacco. "Motorlicker" lays on thick, raspy synths and a heavy beat, eventually rewarding listeners with that pleasant BMSR synths that make for a wonderful contrast of light and dark. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Marnie Stern Transparency Is The New Mystery	Marnie Stern teamed up with drummer/producer Zach Hill (Hella) this year to produce a frenetic, progressive album filled… Marnie Stern teamed up with drummer/producer Zach Hill (Hella) this year to produce a frenetic, progressive album filled with noisy verses. Marnie's fret-tapping guitar work mixed with Zach's trademark drum chaos makes for busy songs that can reward discerning ears. "Transparency Is The New Mystery" offers one of the more distinct and emotional choruses from Marnie's album. No crazy guitar shreds on this one, though. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Lemonade Lifted	Warning: The following description reads like a parody of other reviews here: "Lemonade is a Brooklyn-via-San Francisco... Warning: The following description reads like a parody of other reviews here: "Lemonade is a Brooklyn-via-San Francisco band that earned acclaim for their 5-track debut Pure Moods in 2010. "Lifted" clomps along with relentlessly tropical vibes--like, steel drums tropical--along with a curious assortment of fun sound effects. The vocalist sings somewhat dramatically against a relative bare backdrop, in the style of fellow Brooklyn performers Yeasayer." What can I say? The colorful/danceable/Brooklyn stuff was a huge influence on indie music in 2010. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
The Gaslamp Killer Carpool Dummy	LA's Gaslamp Killer has been gaslamp killing it the last couple years, but hit a new tier in 2010, thanks in part to the… LA's Gaslamp Killer has been gaslamp killing it the last couple years, but hit a new tier in 2010, thanks in part to the collective momentum of the west coast beats scene (Flying Lotus, Nosaj Thing, Daedelus, Tokimonsta, etc). "Carpool Dummy" hits hard with a palette composed almost entirely of glitched up drums. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Washed Out (ft. Caroline Polacheck) You and I	For everyone who fell in love with Washed Out's archetypal chillwave music in 2009, here's a 2010 single that you may've… For everyone who fell in love with Washed Out's archetypal chillwave music in 2009, here's a 2010 single that you may've missed. Similar to their super hit, "Feel It Around", "You and I" bumps along with a danceable beat, ambience everywhere, and restlessly arpeggiating synths. Hang on until 3:00 for Caroline's sexy cameo. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Broken Social Scene World Sick	While it's unclear from the lyrics, it's tempting to believe "World Sick" relates to exhaustion of a band known for its … While it's unclear from the lyrics, it's tempting to believe "World Sick" relates to exhaustion of a band known for its endless tours. Regardless the meaning, a big, splashy chorus warmly embodies the sounds of Canadian indie rock (reminder: BSS is a supergroup of Canadian bands/musicians) Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Frank (Just Frank) Die in Bed	Frank (Just) Frank are French (Actually) French, which helps further authenticate their adept revival of the post-punk m… Frank (Just) Frank are French (Actually) French, which helps further authenticate their adept revival of the post-punk microgenre "coldwave". (____)wave guitar tones, labored mumblings, and dark choral ambience are happily disrupted by peppy drum machines and optimistic guitar licks in this darkly--(excellently)--titled track. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Tennis Marathon	Tennis, a husband-wife duo, formed after the two spent nearly a year sailing the Eastern seaboard. As the story goes, i… Tennis, a husband-wife duo, formed after the two spent nearly a year sailing the Eastern seaboard. As the story goes, it was only during that trip that the couple learned the depth of each other's musical interest/talent, and promptly began recording upon return. The result is masterful mimicry of the doo-wop girl music of the 1950s, filled with maritime stories from the couple's time at sea. How fun. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
The Love Language Heart To Tell	With "Heart To Tell", The Love Language has found the sweet spot between pop folk and indie pop, creating their own bran… With "Heart To Tell", The Love Language has found the sweet spot between pop folk and indie pop, creating their own brand of cheerful rock and roll that drops the big chorus right when you're ready for it. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Woodsman Insects	Woodsman came on strong toward the end of 2010 with the release of a handful of excellent singles from their upcoming al… Woodsman came on strong toward the end of 2010 with the release of a handful of excellent singles from their upcoming album. These woodsmen (of Colorado) roll with reverbed, psychedelic guitars, washed out vocals, and steady (real) drum work. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Teengirl Fantasy Floor To Floor	Teengirl Fantasy has not even released a full length LP yet, but has generated a lot of buzz with the EPs and demos they… Teengirl Fantasy has not even released a full length LP yet, but has generated a lot of buzz with the EPs and demos they released in 2010. "Floor to Floor" kicks heavily with a mixture of whorling synths and dreamy vocal samples. Similar to Pictureplane, but there's a little more finesse in the production. This American duo of college students is currently studying abroad in Amsterdam. Jealous! Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Radiohead Reckoner (Nosaj Thing Remix)	Remixes are often a cheap strategy for piggybacking off of the success of someone else's song, but occasionally someone … Remixes are often a cheap strategy for piggybacking off of the success of someone else's song, but occasionally someone comes along that understands how to create a fresh work (via remix) without completely overriding the aesthetic of the original song. West Coast beatsmith Nosaj Thing has been winning at remixes all year, none better than his surgical reanimation of Radiohead's "Reckoner". Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Air Sing Sang Sung (Black Moth Super Rainbow Remix)	Air's 2009 song-to-hanglide-to, ""Sing Sang Sung"", was the lucky recipient of Black Moth Super Rainbow's remix treatment … Air's 2009 song-to-hanglide-to, ""Sing Sang Sung"", was the lucky recipient of Black Moth Super Rainbow's remix treatment earlier this year. The result is an irresistible static-splashed daydream interrupted occasionally by a noisy reinterpretation of the title hook. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
The Drums Let's Go Surfing	In a year full of surfy music, this takes the trophy for "Surf Song of the Year". It even has whistling in it.… In a year full of surfy music, this takes the trophy for "Surf Song of the Year". It even has whistling in it. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
TV Girl If You Want It	Jingling bells gently gallop along to funk-sampled drums as San Diego duo TV Girl sings a familiar story about that one … Jingling bells gently gallop along to funk-sampled drums as San Diego duo TV Girl sings a familiar story about that one ex that still manipulates you (but you're sort of OK with it). Read More | Listen | Download (192)
The Radio Dept. Heaven's On Fire	Secretly rock veterans, The Radio Dept. dropped what may be their most acclaimed album yet in 2010. "Heaven's On Fire" … Secretly rock veterans, The Radio Dept. dropped what may be their most acclaimed album yet in 2010. "Heaven's On Fire" delivers the brightness you expect from Swedish indie rockers, though frontman's Elin vocals remain subdued and introspective. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Joanna Newsom Good Intentions Paving Company	Joanna released yet another monumental album in 2010, 2 discs' worth of Newsom's intricate songwriting and storytelling.… Joanna released yet another monumental album in 2010, 2 discs' worth of Newsom's intricate songwriting and storytelling. "Good Intentions Paving Company" offers more than the usual harp serenade, as an assortment of instruments combine to weave an uplifting, folksy tale. Joanna trades in the harp for the piano on this one. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Letherette In July Focus	In 2009, Letherette nabbed some attention for his impressive In 2009, Letherette nabbed some attention for his impressive remix of Bibio's "Lovers' Carvings". In his first noteworthy release a year later, "In July Focus Rite" delivers another dose of sultry vocal samples on a sizzling beat. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Bonobo Black Sands	The title track from Bonobo's breakout album in early 2010, "Black Sands" oozes somber moods and themes of transition to… The title track from Bonobo's breakout album in early 2010, "Black Sands" oozes somber moods and themes of transition toward new and better times. The listening experience is more satisfying when you consider that Bonobo (Simon Green) tours with a complement of a half dozen musicians who bring his songs to life. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
The Babies Run Me Over	When asked "Where can I find more music like Wavves?" (people really ask this), I point them toward this band. It's a s… When asked "Where can I find more music like Wavves?" (people really ask this), I point them toward this band. It's a side project of one of the Vivian Girls, continuing in the spirit of their punk moods with the usual lo-fi garage sound. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Girl Unit Wut	Girl Unit's "Wut" seemed to penetrate several electronic subcultures in 2010, a rogue hit that would eventually get rele… Girl Unit's "Wut" seemed to penetrate several electronic subcultures in 2010, a rogue hit that would eventually get released via label. The track successfully blends crunk rhythms, spooky synths, and edited R&B samples, making for a surprisingly salient dancefloor hit. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Seapony Dreaming	As its title support, "Dreaming" is an ethereal song that showcases the nostalgic girl pop that drew listeners to Seapon… As its title support, "Dreaming" is an ethereal song that showcases the nostalgic girl pop that drew listeners to Seapony in 2010. Fans of Tennis will likely appreciate their sound. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Flying Lotus Zodiac Shit	One of many standout tracks from psych-IDM wizard Flying Lotus (Warp). Cool mini-video here. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Gumar and His Magical Midi Band Sliding Down Rainbows (The Great Mundane remix)	Portland's self-deprecating beatmaker, The Great Mundane, dolls up a playful song from... Portland's self-deprecating beatmaker, The Great Mundane, dolls up a playful song from local (but otherwise unknown) Gumar and his Magical Midi Band. We love the song for its blend of chippy high synths, gritty bass, and lighthearted lyrics. Very danceable despite a sluggish tempo. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Chloé Lacasse Les yeux d'un fou	Attn francophiles: Listening to Chloé Lacasse in "Les yeux d'un fou" is like listening to a songbird effortlessly... Attn francophiles: Listening to Chloé Lacasse in "Les yeux d'un fou" is like listening to a songbird effortlessly slalom through familiar melodies. Some very pleasant indie pop from abroad. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Shigeto Sky of the Revolution	In 2010, Michigan's Shigeto, a.k.a. Zach Saginaw, released a standout album with Ghostly International, Full Circle... In 2010, Michigan's Shigeto, a.k.a. Zach Saginaw, released a standout album with Ghostly International, Full Circle. Zach's music is richly layered, bright hip hop with IDM accents (headphones matter on "Sky of the Revolution"). Read More | Listen | Download (192)
The Bank Holidays Tripping Up To Fall In Love	If the Bank Holidays weren't on the other side of the earth--Perth, Australia--we'd probably all know who they are by no… If the Bank Holidays weren't on the other side of the earth--Perth, Australia--we'd probably all know who they are by now. "Tripping Up To Fall In Love", like many of their songs, bears the markings of the band's influences (The Shins, Belle and Sebastian, Peter Bjorn and John). Give it a listen to enjoy some mellow, polished indie rock. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Weekends Poor Piscies	Poor Piscies [sic…] is an anthemic single from SF-based garage rockers Weekends. Somewhere under wild guitars there are… Poor Piscies [sic…] is an anthemic single from SF-based garage rockers Weekends. Somewhere under wild guitars there are human murmurings and big kick drums. A fun track that ends too quickly at 2:04. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Zola Jesus Sea Talk	Soulful words and soaring synths make for a pleasing ballad from this American youngster who attracted attention after t… Soulful words and soaring synths make for a pleasing ballad from this American youngster who attracted attention after touring with Fever Ray. Her lowish voice and near inimitable composition style make her music remarkably unique, though ‘Sea Talk’ seems to be the album winner for its passionate chorus. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
HEALTH We Are Water	“We Are Water” starts with a furious pace and pulls you along on a splashy noise jam that provokes a variety of moods wi… “We Are Water” starts with a furious pace and pulls you along on a splashy noise jam that provokes a variety of moods with shrill guitars and ominous synths. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Delorean Real Love	Delorean is back in 2010 with a full length album released at the beginning of the year. In “Real Love”, dreamy dance m… Delorean is back in 2010 with a full length album released at the beginning of the year. In “Real Love”, dreamy dance music seduces with an up-pitched “ooh-ah” loop that rallies some club kicks to go along with an enchanting blend of echoey soft-rock toms and jingly synths. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Surfer Blood Swim	Being a Florida blog, we beam with pride whenever it’s time to talk about Surfer Blood. The South Florida youngsters ha… Being a Florida blog, we beam with pride whenever it’s time to talk about Surfer Blood. The South Florida youngsters have rapidly garnered national esteem for their debut album, Astro Coast. No single was bigger than “Swim”, which actually hit the web in 2009 (and landed them a spot in Pitchfork’s top 100). This song just piles on the power pop anthem juice, making it a pretty irresistible listen. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Siriusmo Einmal In Der Woche Schreien	Siriusmo has been flying somewhat under the radar, but those in-the-know in the electro-house scene have kept their eyes… Siriusmo has been flying somewhat under the radar, but those in-the-know in the electro-house scene have kept their eyes on this DJ. “Einmal In Der Woche Schreien” pumps along with frenetic energy and carefully sliced samples. Fun fact: “electro-house” is neither electro or house music. Discuss! Read More | Listen | Download (192)
Tyler, The Creator Seven	How the hell is this dude 18? Tyler (one of the rapper’s in the Domo Genesis song also on this list) sounds like a gnar… How the hell is this dude 18? Tyler (one of the rapper’s in the Domo Genesis song also on this list) sounds like a gnarled rap veteran. He raps like, it too. “Seven” hits hard but offers loungy stretches that bring Tyler’s vicious lyrics to the forefront. Read More | Listen | Download (192)
James Blake The Bells Sketch	“The Bells Sketch” is a fine example of buzz-producer (and proper Englishman) James Blake. The 21-year-old demonstrates… “The Bells Sketch” is a fine example of buzz-producer (and proper Englishman) James Blake. The 21-year-old demonstrates masterful use of negative space to create a suspenseful, haunting soundscape littered with scraps of repitched R&B and meticulously mastered synth accents. Also check out his popular cover of Feist’s “Limit to Your Love” featuring his own vocal work. Read More | Listen | Download (192)