Monday, January 31, 2011

James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream



Too soon for more James Blake? Never! "The Wilhelm Scream" is actually from the less-samples-and-more-vocals self titled album, and it's a hypnotizing brain worm.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues


After three long years, Fleet Foxes finally return with a new album titled Helplessness Blues. Oh, you're so welcome. They're kind enough to give us the title track for appetizing pleasure: building up with soft ramblin' blues, their signature vocal harmonies surely come crashing in, flooding the scenery. It all ends in with a withering waltz; a class act.   


Saturday, January 29, 2011

James Blake - Footnotes


As far as minimalist dubstep music goes, it doesn't get more unintuitive as this structured mess, or more compelling for that matter. Its builds on an unlikely combination of soft, clattering beats and alien talk being tased by paralyzing synths. The track is actually from last year's CMYK EP, but it was compelling to revisit while anticipating James Blake's more soulful self-titled debut album (cover art above), out in February.

mp3: James Blake - Footnotes

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Panda Bear - Atiba Song




This is a treat for those eagerly awaiting Panda Bear's new LP, Tomboy; more so if you have or ever had a thing for skateboarding. He does a great job soundtracking this clip and gives a fresh, sentimental perspective on the sport. The track won't be in the new album, and, honestly, it doesn't feel like it belongs in that soundscape. It's already in the right place anyway.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Wild Nothing - Vultures Like Lovers


Apparently, this one's been out for quite a while now; but for many, they heard it first on Wild Nothing's latest EP, Golden Haze. The EP is, in contrast to the floaty debut album, Gemini, a tad more gritty and aggressive. That's still pretty chilled out by any normal standard though.

mp3: Wild Nothing - Vultures Like Lovers

Also...

mp3: Wild Nothing - Golden Haze

Ducktails - Killin' The Vibe


Sometimes there's beauty in simplicity and repetition. This is a short tale of an escape long overdue, making the best of it while it lasts.

mp3: Ducktails - Killin' The Vibe

Lower Dens - Batman


It's hard to make out what this track is all about. If anything, the dark superhero is surely not something that comes to mind. The only apparent relation is the mystery behind them. Sewer-y guitars, absent minded drumming, and a combination of wavering falsetto and crooning, low vocals make this song an intriguing concoction.


Saturday, January 22, 2011

High Highs - Flowers Bloom


For a second there, it seemed like High Highs were off the radar for good, thankfully not anymore. They just posted this short n' sweet track that sounds like it could be a dramatic album opener. I'd bet on it!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Dream Cop - Marooned




Happy Birthday indeed.

Also...

Best Coast - Crazy For You




I Can Has Cheezburger does Wes Anderson

Minks - Cemetery Rain



Minks are like the nice guy in a group of punks, less attitude and more modesty and nostalgia, but still punk at heart. They're debut album, By The Hedge, isn't groundbreaking, but still creative and refreshing. Check it out.


Saturday, January 8, 2011

High Highs - Open Season




Promising Australian newcomers High Highs seem like they only have this sweet track and a great Wild Nothing cover out at the moment, but that's enough to know they're headed in the right direction.

The Jameses - Fifth Dimension


If you can forgive the awful cover art, check out this pumped up clackering psychedelic shit-storm from The Jameses' latest 7", Caribou. Aspirin recommended.