Chromeo – Lost On The Way Home (ft. Solange)

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On Chromeo‘s latest LP, White Women (released May 2014), the Canadian electro-funk/disco duo teamed up with Solange to create soulful single “Lost On the Way Home” — an 80s-inspired synthy duet about a relationship gone sour. Dave 1 of Chromeo and Solange duel it out on the track, but it’s the gripping vocals of the Knowles songstress that steal the show with her repeated refrain ‘And you know it’s gonna take time’ — which sounds like it was sampled straight out of an 80s pop song.

Stream the melancholic gorgeousness below, along with a more upbeat remix from Mat Zo. The british producer ups the tempo and transforms the track into an uplifting drum and bass electro-affair. Snag the mix gratis on Soundcloud!

Louis Weeks – Fold

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Louis Weeks is a Baltimore-bred, DC-based composer and songwriter who produces music for tv/film by day, while crafting his own material by night. His debut LP, shift/away, released January 2014 is a masterful compilation of innovative indie pop that was put together over the course of two years. Weeks weaves together different instruments, sound effects and layering on the album to create a fantastic dreamscape, reminding us of the artistry of Owen Pallett. Listen to the compelling single, “Fold” below and check out his Soundcloud page for more. The word is that Weeks has a new album in the works, so we have that to look forward to as well.

Local DC brethren will have the chance to catch Weeks live next Wednesday, November 5 at Gypsy Sally’s, a show curated by Communion Records.

BROODS – ‘Evergreen’ LP Giveaway

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In case you’ve been living under a rock, the NZ duo BROODS released their debut LP Evergreen earlier this month — and in celebration of the occasion we’ve got a few CDs and other goodies to give away. Produced by Joel Little (the not-so-little producer behind Lorde), it’s no wonder that the album debuted at #1 on the charts in New Zealand, as well as earning plaudits on the international stage. The brother-sister duo demonstrated range in the array of singles they released leading up to the album, including the somber “Mother & Father,” the more lighthearted “L.A.F,” and of course standout track, “Bridges.” Fans needn’t fear about the quality of the remainder of the album, however, as evidenced by tracks like “Everytime” below.

To add to their list of accomplishments, the group recently went on tour supporting UK crooner Sam Smith. We had the good fortune of attending their DC show in September, where BROODS effectively warmed up the audience for Sam, who proceeded to melt the crowd with his masterful vocal chops, bashful British charm and powerful pathos. But we digress.

For your chance to win a copy of the BROODS LP Evergreen and other paraphernalia — including a BONUS CD of Sam’s — leave a comment below or send a tweet to @CokeCanPoetry!

RMX ROUNDUP: Blood Orange + a/jus/ted / Disclosure + cln / Sam Sure + Jaded

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With Halloween less than a week away, we decided to dedicate this week’s Remix Roundup to some of the darker house mixes currently in our rotation. First up is the a/jus/ted Remix of Blood Orange‘s “Uncle ACE.” The edgy Dev Hynes original — described by Pitchfork as “mysterious, desperate, [and] empathetic” — is a tribute to NYC’s destitute youth who seek refuge on the ACE subway line at night or else doomed to wander the streets at “the witching hour.” In the a/jus/ted rework, NYC duo consisting of legendary producer Justin Strauss and cohort Teddy Stuart craft the harrowing tale into a nearly nine-minute exercise in synth wizardry.

And what artist screams All Hallows’ Eve like the mask-adorned faces of Disclosure? Check out beat farmer cln‘s retouched version of Disclosure and AlunaGeorge‘s collaboration, “White Noise.” The Australian producer Callan Alexander puts his own unearthly spin on the rapturous original through the use of distorted vocal effects and dramatic synths.

Finally, UK singer Sam Sure — whose vocals we heard on the TCTS track “You” — has already seen his sole single “Hunger” (released October 20 via Black Butter Records) reworked by a handful of producers. We’re partial to this Jaded edit though, with its deep house groove, entrancing basslines and downright eerie looped vocals. Stream below as you get your pre-Hween dance on.

Vance Joy – Mess Is Mine

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Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy rocketed to international success this past year with the help of breakout single, “Riptide,” which rose to the top of the HypeM charts within hours of release and the Billboard Alternative Songs chart soon after. The indie folk artist (born James Keogh) abandoned a career in law to pursue a more creative path, playing open mic venues in Melbourne until eventually scoring a deal with Atlantic Records.

His debut album, Dream Your Life Away released this September is pure raw folky goodness with infectious hooks and pop influences. Listen to his single “Mess Is Mine” along with “Riptide” below, and pick up the album on iTunes.

Vance will be playing to a sold-out audience at DC’s 930 Club this Saturday, October 25.

Adult Jazz – Am Gone

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In honor of the CMJ Music Marathon happening in New York this week, we thought now would be a good time to highlight the Leeds-based group and featured CMJ artist, Adult Jazz. Four years in the making, the British quartet released their complex debut, Gist Is this August. Showcasing a uniquely variegated sound with influences of chamber pop, prog rock, and of course jazz, lead singer Harry Burgess has said that the album explores weighty subjects such as the challenges of communication, empathy, morality, and the search for meaning.

Stream the stirring track “Am Gone,” and if you’re in the NYC area, get jazzed for their CMJ performances below (full schedule here).

Adult Jazz CMJ dates:
10.23 – Rough Trade – 10:00PM
10.24 – Rough Trade – 12:30PM
10.25 – Brooklyn Bowl  – 8:30PM

RMX ROUNDUP: London Grammar + Jacques Lu Cont / Casino Gold / Ayer + Keljet

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Welcome to another Remix Roundup, a semi-biweekly segment in which we bring you the latest and greatest remixes and electronic offerings around. This week’s installment begins with the new Jacques Lu Cont remix of none other than London Grammar (a CokeCan favorite). The Grammy award-winning producer Stuart Price (repping his JLC moniker for this production) delivers yet another exceptional effort, comprised of progressive beats and Hannah Reid’s potent vocals. While we’re used to L’Gramm mixes being of the more ethereal variety, we dig the euphoric dance vibes that JLC brings to the equation here.

On another note, London Grammar is coming back to DC to play another sold-out show at 9:30 Club November 7, so we hope you didn’t wait to get your tix.

Next up is an original production from the LA brotherly duo Casino Gold. We first encountered their lustrous track “Sunbeams” while listening to Goldroom‘s recent Otoño mix, where it was a featured track. Sampling vocals from The Temptation’s “I Wish It Would Rain” alongside slick deep house production, we love Casino Gold’s contemporary take on the classic.

Lastly, we bring it down with Keljet remix of Ayer‘s debut single, “Circle Down.” Dutch producer Keljet infuses some nu-disco life into the lush original by Ayer, the Brooklyn singer/producer duo consisting of Danny Schmittler and Mickey Valen. Keljet’s adds his signature shimmering production style to the Rhye-esque track that is sure to excite your senses. Ayer will be performing in NYC’s upcoming CMJ fest 10/21-25, so definitely check out the schedule if you’re in the NY area.

[GIVEAWAY]: TV On The Radio @ 9:30 Club on 11/16

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Gather ’round Coke Can denizens, we’ve got two tickets to give away to the sold-out TV On The Radio show on Sunday, November 16 at DC’s 9:30 Club. If you missed your chance to grab tickets to see Tunde, Kyp, and the rest of the lads make music, well now’s your chance. Enter to win by leaving a comment below or sending a tweet to @CokeCanPoetry.

They’re sure to be in good form as they parade their latest wares from their forthcoming album Seeds, notably among them the new single “Happy Idiot” (which you can preview below). Even if you’re new to TVOTR’s scheduled programming, we highly encourage you to check them out. Their recent fare boasts seriously catchy melodies backed by resolute basslines, while their older releases run the gamut from lo-fi funk to semi-orchestral threnodies.

Standout tracks from their back catalog include “Ambulance,” “Will Do,” and “Wolf Like Me.” To whoever wins: if they play “Blues From Down Here” or pull out their a capella cover of the Pixies’ “Mr. Grieves,” please leave our contributor Jon a message telling him how it was.

Ready, set, good luck!

Seekae – The Stars Below

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We’re basically obsessed with all things Future Classic, which hosts the likes of Chet Faker, Chrome Sparks, and Flume — and Seekae, the up-and-coming trio from Sydney is no exception. They dropped their debut album The Worry in September, containing downtempo tracks such as “The Stars Below” (below), and the textured “Test & Recognise” that Flume introduced to the masses with his epic rework. In contrast from the latter, “The Stars Below” is more of a progressive ballad (or anti-ballad), bathed in seductive synths that hold you in suspense until the desolate ending. Stream below, and pick up the full LP on iTunes.

TV Girl – Birds Don’t Sing

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TV Girl is a postmodern pop band out of LA who released their debut album, French Exit this past June. The group incorporates looped samples, 80s-like synths, trip hop beats and catchy low-pitch vocals in what amounts to lovable lo-fi bubblegum pop. Piano, harps, xylophone and woodwind are also orchestrated in their songs, making for an easy and breezy listening style. Stream the track “Birds Don’t Cry” below and pick up the album on iTunes.