London Grammar – poetry in an empty coke can

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

Posted on October 18, 2014October 20, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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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.

RMX ROUNDUP: alt-J + The Golden Pony / London Grammar + Claude VonStroke / CAZZETTE + Oliver Nelson

Posted on September 20, 2014June 20, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Time for another Remix Roundup! First up in this week’s installment, Brooklyn-based house duo The Golden Pony put their spin on Alt-J’s “Hunger Of The Pine.” Keeping the general temperature of the original, they turn up the tempo while infusing some kaleidoscopic synths into this deep disco edit. In other words, everything you loved about the original but now with a dance beat! Pick up a free download on SoundCloud.

And then we have the lovely new Claude VonStroke reinterpretation of London Grammar‘s single “Strong.” As opposed to the High Contrast Remix we also love, celebrated producer/DJ and pioneer of Dirtybird Records Claude calls out the softer elements of the original. Interweaving Hannah Reid’s lustrous vocals with a guitar riff and house shuffle, the result is a gorgeous effort — the chord change around the 1:48 mark will melt your heart. You can find this track on London Grammar’s compilation of If You Wait mixes, available on iTunes.

Finally, Swedish producer Oliver Nelson renders CAZZETTE‘s track “Sleepless” into a nu-disco gem. The original has inspired a myriad of remixes, but Nelson hits just the right note with his effortless retouch. Stream below.

RMX ROUNDUP: London Grammar + The Aston Shuffle / ZHU + Odesza / Racing Glaciers + backstroke.

Posted on July 5, 2014June 20, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Welcome to another edition of Remix Roundup! Let’s get started with a scintillating new rework of London Grammar‘s “Wasting My Young Years,” by Aussie producers The Aston Shuffle. Having already been remixed several times over, the Sydney duo manage to put a new, up-tempo take on the track with their signature house sound and the addition of steel drums. Next up is the phenom new remix of ZHU‘s hit track, “Faded,” from Seattle production duo Odesza. Somewhat different from their prior releases, Odesza’s darker treatment with the use of distorted guitars and earth-shattering percussion makes for a dizzying and disorienting experience in a deeply satisfying way. Last up is the new remix of Racing Glaciers “First Light” from DC’s own remix artist, backstroke.. Elegantly crafted with an expansive soundscape, shuffling synths and tranquilizing trumpet, backstroke. have made one for the books, already claiming the top spot on HypeM. Stream all three below, and pick up the backstroke. remix gratis on Soundcloud.

Tourist – Patterns

Posted on May 15, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

British producer Tourist‘s new EP Patterns dropped this past April, showcasing once more his talented production chops. The title track, “Patterns” is particularly beautiful as it features the soulful vocals of Lianne La Havas and a backing choir. I’m also partial to his seamless remix of London Grammar‘s new single, “Sights,” but that should be no surprise to anyone who follows this blog as my love for LG is well documented. Stunning through and through, it’s safe to say this re-creation is out of sight. Stream both songs below.

RMX Roundup: London Grammar Edition

Posted on April 13, 2014June 20, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

In honor of their upcoming sold-out 930 Club show in DC on Monday, this edition of Remix Roundup is dedicated to one of my favorite artists at the moment — London Grammar — and the myriad of remixes devoted to them. So many in fact, that it was difficult to pare down to just the top five (can you tell I’m a fan?). Alas, it had to be done.

First up is the top-notch rework of their track “Hey Now” from Tensnake, an upbeat disco remix that hits euphoric levels at 2:55. Next we slow things down a bit with Budo‘s rendering of “If You Wait.” The Seattle-based producer takes the gorgeous vocals of Hannah Reid and accentuates them with different instruments in this downtempo rework — available for free on Soundcloud. Next we have High Contrast‘s energetic recast of “Strong,” and producer Paul Woolford‘s perfectly punched up rendition of collaborative track with Disclosure “Help Me Lose My Mind.” And rounding out this week’s epically long installment of Remix Roundup (#sorrynotsorry), we have Henry Schwarz‘s bass-infused version of “Wasting My Young Years.” The German producer’s reinterpretation encapsulates everything the group embodies — powerful, poignant music with shimmering soundscapes and haunting vocals. Stream below and let me know your favorite, (if that’s possible).

POETRY’S TOP TRACKS OF 2013

Posted on December 30, 2013December 13, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

It’s that time of year again — the time in which the year’s best ear candy is served up in one delicious location for your listening pleasure. Unlike last year, however, I’ve streamlined my ‘best of’ index into a selective top ten list — so you KNOW they’re the cream of the crop.

Cheers to CHVRCHES, Disclosure and Arctic Monkeys amongst others for bringing us their indie A-game in 2013. So basically, well done to the UK; thanks for the aural alchemy. All of these artists made an impact on the music scene this past year in a major way — so if you see some cross-collaboration, well, there’s a reason. Without further ado, I present my top picks for 2013:

1. Disclosure – Latch (ft. Sam Smith)

Bonus: Disclosure – “F For You” (TEED Remix)

2. CHVRCHES – “Recover”

3. Dillon Francis – “Without You” (ft. TEED)

4. AlunaGeorge x Disclosure – “White Noise”

5. Arctic Monkeys – “Do I Wanna Know?”

6. MS MR – “Think of You”

7. Bombay Bicycle Club – “Carry Me”

8. BANKS – “Change”

9. Kanye West – “Blood On the Leaves”

10. London Grammar – “Strong”

Bonus: London Grammar – Wasting My Young Years (Sound Remedy Remix) + Free DL

And last but not least, the award for Best Remix of the Year goes to:

Grizzly Bear – “Will Calls” (Diplo Remix)

London Grammar – Everywhere You Go

Posted on December 18, 2013August 21, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

London Grammar have uncovered an unreleased gem (incidentally one of their earliest recordings, according to Rolling Stone) — so you know I had to share it. Although the track diverges from the group’s usual electronic fare, it’s nice to hear Hannah Reid’s vocals float over an acoustic guitar so effortlessly in this musically simple song. So good, I can’t stand it.

The track can be found on their new Nightcall EP. Also the trio will be touring North America in 2014, so check out the dates below. I suggest you get your tickets now, as their show at DC’s U Street Music Hall this October was by far the best I saw all year.

2014 North American Tour Dates:
1/15 – Baby’s Alright – Brooklyn, NY
1/16 – The Box – New York, NY
3/17 – Fitzgerald’s Upstairs – Houston, TX
3/18 – Granada Theater – Dallas, TX
3/21 – The Crescent Ballroom – Phoenix, AZ
3/22 – Vinyl, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Las Vegas, NV
3/23 – House of Blues – San Diego, CA
3/25 – El Rey Theater – Los Angeles, CA
3/27 – The Independent – San Francisco, CA
3/28 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR
3/29 – Neumos – Seattle, WA
3/31 – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC
4/03 – Varsity Theater – Minneapolis, MN
4/04 – Metro – Chicago, IL
4/05 – Shelter – Detroit, MI
4/07 – Phoenix Concert Theater – Toronto, ON
4/09 – Irving Plaza – New York, NY
4/11 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
4/12 – Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA
4/14 – 9:30 Club – Washington D.C.

London Grammar – Nightcall (Joe Goddard Remix)

Posted on November 10, 2013November 17, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Although I had heard the London Grammar cover of Kavinsky’s “Nightcall” before seeing their show in October, it had failed to hold the same allure as the rest of their music. That all changed however hearing the downtempo track performed live, from the powerful pipes of Hannah Reid herself.

The original cover is a slow-to-build ballad, but Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard has rendered a captivating reinterpretation with the addition of drum and bass. The single will be out December 8th — but you can pre-order it here.

London Grammar – Strong (High Contrast Remix)

Posted on August 25, 2013September 20, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

The EP for London Grammar‘s new single “Strong” is set to release September 1, which includes the High Contrast remix by Welsh producer Lincoln Barrett. With his trademark addition of d&b, the rework is a solid – dare I say stronger – reinterpretation of the original.

Listen below, along with another track off their Metal & Dust EP, “Darling Are You Gonna Leave Me.”

London Grammar will be playing at DC’s U Street Music Hall October 6th.

London Grammar – Wasting My Young Years (Henrik Schwarz Remix)

Posted on June 17, 2013June 17, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Continuing the trend of London Grammar from last week, today I had to share the UK group’s third single “Wasting My Young Years” released off their new EP yesterday. The original track is a pop ballad featuring the haunting vocals of Hannah Reid, which have been likened to those of Florence Welch. The EP includes this powerful rework by German house producer Henrik Schwarz, a beautiful bass-infused composition that only serves to strengthen the original.