Despite making waves in the electronic music scene for nearly a decade, the recent release of Todd Terje‘s LP It’s Album Time marks the first full-length record for the artist. Recognized for his collaborations with Franz Ferdinand and Robbie Williams, Terje is the Norwegian DJ/producer known for his balearic beats and Italo disco synths. Stream the album single “Delorean Dynamite” and all its bossa nova flavor below.
At long last, Lykke Li has dropped her third studio album, I Never Learn as of today via LL/Atlantic Records. The Swedish siren’s highly-anticipated album is essentially an ode to a devastating breakup, wrought with expansive studio production and emotive power ballads. “Gunshot” is the glaring standout track of the album, with its anthemic chorus and lush reverb-laden vocals. Listen below, along with a heart pounding remix by Dutch producer Joris Voorn of another single off the album, “No Rest For the Wicked.”
Pharrell’s chart-topping, hit single “Happy” is ubiquitous by this point, and already numerous bootleg remixes abound. However, even the happiest of subjects often have a melancholic underpinning, which is exactly what is explored by French musician and director Yoann Lemoine (aka Woodkid) in this ‘sad’ rendition of the Pharrell piece. In a beautiful and poignant contrast from the original, Lemoine infuses the melody with a dramatic instrumentation of strings, piano, and minor chords — exposing the fragile core of its predecessor. Stream the gut-wrenching result below.
Another Saturday night calls for another Remix Roundup — so let’s get started shall we? First up, we have the new Claptone reconstruction of RÜFÜS‘s third single “Sundream.” The German producer adds some tight deep house percussion that doesn’t stray too much from the original — perfectly lending itself to your late Saturday night activities. Next, Marian Hill has reworked singer Zella Day‘s “Sweet Ophelia” into a funky, fresh chopped-up reinterpretation worthy of your time. And finally, NYC production duo Follow Me regale us with their high-energy single “Somethin’ Bout You,” that will indeed make you want to follow them — or break out into dance — one or the other. Get down with this groovy dance floor track by streaming below and picking up the free download on Soundcloud.
French producer Darius dropped the sizzling single “Hot Hands” with the release of his EP Romance earlier this year, and it is indeed hawt. Released on Roche Musique Records, the EP is filled with dreamy disco-laden tracks, as one would expect from a French house label. Get your hands on the sultry groove below.
Montreal’s Mac DeMarco released his new album Salad Days via Captured Tracks the first of this month. And for only a 23-year-old, DeMarco demonstrates remarkable craftsmanship — and a world weariness that is a marked departure from earlier efforts. Albeit still quirky in his aesthetic, the Justin Kirk look-alike manages to show a more authentic side of himself on the LP with his blend of understated pop and lo-fi sound. Stream the dismal single “Passing Out Pieces” below.
Brother/sister duo BROODS has made quite the impression on the blogosphere, and with their hit debut single “Bridges” it’s easy to understand why. Produced by the Grammy award-winning (and Lorde producer) Joel Little, the New Zealand siblings Georgia and Caleb Nott are clearly poised for international success with their ethereal atmospheric sound. What’s really blowing me away though is the below remix from NY production duo ASTR, who apply a breathtaking balearic beat and melody that manages to elevate the original in my mind. If you’re in the DC market, you can catch BROODS at U Street Music Hall this Friday, May 2 and ASTR opening for The Knocks at 930 Club June 16.
This dreamy new remix of Bon Iver’s “Holocene” from Satchmode is the perfect downtempo soundtrack for this rainy day in the district. The LA production duo keeps Justin Vernon’s vocals at the forefront — adding an underlying shimmery layer of immersive synths to stunning effect. Listen below, and pick up a free download over on Soundcloud.
Time for another edition of Remix Roundup! The LA producer Goldroom has been killing it lately, and I’m loving his mix of MS MR‘s “Hurricane.” This track has already been given the remix treatment several times over, but Goldroom brings something new to the table with signature sun-drenched production. Next we have EMBRZ, the boy wonder from Ireland with a knack for glitch-pop. His take on The 1975‘s track “Settle Down” is spot-on with his chopped up synths and sonic dreamscape. And finally, Dutch artist Nick Van Hofwegen (Young & Sick) has teamed up with Harvest Records labelmate, Mr Little Jeans to give her song “Good Mistake” a darker, more digitized remodel. Retaining the original catchy melody that makes the original so brilliant, the soulful ‘Y&S $500 Remix’ is a fresh new way to enjoy the electropop number. Stream all three electronic gems below.
Yes, Public Service Broadcasting is the name for a band — composed of the corduroy-obsessed J. Willgoose and his drumming companion Wrigglesworth. The pioneering London entity samples from old public information films and sets them to contemporary music. Granted exclusive access to WWII-era archives from the British Film Institute, their propaganda-inspired music is an educational aural affair complete with krautrock guitars, banjo, atmospheric synths, piano and propulsive drums. Experience the spectacular PSB by streaming “Spitfire” — the lead track off their 2012 EP The War Room below.
poetry in an empty coke can 