Miike Snow

Miike Snow‘s upcoming album Happy To You could turn out to be one of the best of 2012. “Paddling Out” is a strong track from this Swedish trio that holds the electro-synth-pop feel that makes Miike Snow such an original sound. After the strength of their debut album, self-titled Miike Snow, the band will need an arsenal of amazing tracks to keep up but honestly I expect nothing less. 

Check out "Paddling Out" below and "Cult Logic" one of my many favorites from their first album. Happy To You is set to hit stores March 27th.

Miike Snow- Paddling Out

This is my first post on Tricks and Beats and I hope there will be many more.

-Spoons

Goodbye, Pepper Rabbit

Xander Singh of Pepper Rabbit, an LA based indie pop duo, announced just last Friday that  "Pepper Rabbit will live on only in the realm of the 2 records and any live shows that have already been performed. There will be no more Pepper Rabbit records or shows". Singh broke the news with an eloquent and truthful letter he posted via Facebook. Huge bummer for their fans, but I expect and look forward to seeing the two band members show up in the music scene in other ways. You can read some of Singh's heartfelt post below:

"I want to say something real quick about the song "Older Brother". There is a reason that song was Pepper Rabbit's most popular song. It was the most honest song I ever wrote. I am so happy for everyone's response to that song, and it really warms my heart that so many people connected with it. I think a little bit more honesty in the music industry would do it some good. But most importantly, to share a feeling, and and experience with so many people who I've never met has been the greatest thing I've experienced in my life. And to the person I wrote it about, I deeply miss you and think about you everyday"
Pepper Rabbit-Older Brother
 
"In summation, it doesn't matter why Pepper Rabbit had to end, that will stay within the people involved. But I have to say that everyone who ever bought a record, illegally downloaded a record, came to or snuck in to one of our shows, I thank you dearly from the bottom of my heart. And to everyone professionally involved with Pepper Rabbit, and to all the bloggers and publications that supported the band, I can't thank you enough for your support."


"It's very hard to be an "indie band" these days. You spend 100% of your time trying to get the band to another level, 75% of the time on tour losing money, and the rest of your time in either complete elation, or complete doubt. So I urge your all to support your friend's bands, support your favorite bands. Support bands that you don't even like, because everyone deserves the time of day, everyone deserves your respect until the proven otherwise. Everyone deserves a chance, so give it to them, it doesn't take much effort. It doesn't take much effort to help people explore their passion. And that counts for life, not just music."


I'll miss you guys.
Pepper Rabbit-Rose Mary Stretch

Kick-Ass Females of 2011

As other blogs have been posting their "Best of" lists for 2011, I've been wondering how to contribute to the music recaps of the year. Instead of a full-fledged list, I thought I would compile some tracks from this year that I've enjoyed featuring female vocals. As a member of the female tribe, I suppose I also feel an urge to represent my singing sisters, and these gals absolutely brought it musically. Whether they wrote and composed or simply added their lovely voices, these songs are the better for it. Let's hear it, ladies.

(In no particular order)

1. Little Dragon-Please Turn 

2. Wye Oak-Civilian

3. Friends-I'm His Girl

4. St. Vincent-Surgeon


5. Purity Ring-Ungirthed

6. Austra-Lose It

7. tUnE-yArDs-Gangsta

8. Kimbra-Cameo Lover


9. Yelle-Comme Un Enfant (Oxford Remix)
Yelle - Comme un enfant (Oxford remix) by Oxfordsounds

10.  The Braids-Lammicken

11. Summer Camp-Better Off Without You

12. Lykke Li-I Follow Rivers

13. Class Actress-Keep You

14. Rihanna-We Found Love (Star Slinger Remix)

15. Twin Sister-Bad Street

16. Polica-Wandering Star
Wandering Star by POLIÇA

17. Cults-You Know What I Mean

18. Laura Marling-Sophia

19. Mr. Little Jeans-Rescue Song (RAC Remix)

20. Alright...this is a guilty pleasure. Artistic value? Not much. Deciding factor for inclusion in this post? "I got the swag and it's pumping out my ovaries". Enjoy (or not).
Kreayshawn-Gucci Gucci

Austra

It takes a delicate balance of concentration and ignorance to sit down and actively listen to music, especially when you're expanding your repertoire and looking for some new tunes. It's a fight of wanting to dissect and analyze while letting it take over the brain reigns at the same time. Hopefully, every so often you'll come across something that makes the time and effort worth it. Coming across Austra has currently made up for this whole last week of sifting through crappy tracks. The Toronto-based band released their debut album in May of this year "Feel It Break". It's an electronic and vocally driven project, harmony and synth-heavy. Katie Stelmanis heads the vocals with a heroic tone (the girl could lead an army with her voice). Check out the video for "Lose It" below, along with "The Beat And The Pulse, both from Feel It Break.



Austra-The Beat And The Pulse

Finals Mix

Early December is about the time I start wishing I went to Hogwarts (yes, still). If you're taking part in the university system, then chances are the cruel, cruel event that is finals week is upon you. Here are some tunes on the mellow, minimalist, and instrumental sides to make the studying just a little bit easier.

1. Four Tet-Sing
2. Damien Jurado-Nothing Is The News
3. Röyksopp-Eple
4. MOTHS-blisters
5. MOTHS-Summer
6. Volcano Choir-Island, IS
7. Yppah-I'll Hit The Breaks
8. Toro Y Moi-Talamak
9. Andrew Bird-Hot Math
10. Explosions In The Sky-Human Qualities

Video: Yelle-Comme Un Enfant

French electro-pop princess, Yelle, released her video for "Comme Un Enfant" out into the wild yesterday. What do you know-she's doing choreography with funky costumes in a studio setting...again. I was really hoping to see something different from her, but it seems to be what she does best. Maybe I just miss the "Ce Jeu" french fry glasses...
Nevertheless, here's "Comme Un Enfant"

Poliça

Channy Casselle (of Gayngs) is making ripples in the music world with her new project "Poliça". All I really needed were the two tracks up on their site to pique my interest. Channy's vocals resemble a darker Ellie Goulding with a thick texture of synths and drums laid out underneath-a hint of funk coming through. Check them out in LA on the 18th at The Satellite if you're a Southern California native.
Here's "Dark Star"
Polica - Dark Star by Alcyoneslight