It's been a time, folks, but here we are again with another track. This one emerging from the collaboration of producer/musician Lindstrøm and eternal dance master, Todd Terje. "Lanzarote" is the name, and synths are its game. As music festivals begin and the air gets warmer, in sweeps that stomach-fluttering sense of adventure, for which Lanzarote is nothing but a catalyst. They'll even spell it out for you in kitschy lyrics in the last minute and a half. If you aren't booking a trip to the tropics by the end of this track, you're wishing you could. Listen in.
The self-titled album from Ohio based WALK THE MOON is the album I didn't know I was waiting for all year. I'd heard a few of their tracks before from their EP "I Want! I Want!", and a couple of them appear on the album, so I decided to check it out.
It's really hard for me to just pick out the highlights because, seriously, it's incredible. From the danceable lead track "Quesadilla", you're hooked. Every track has something to offer, but personal favorites include "Next In Line" (featuring a driving rhythm and some nice guitar riffs) and "Jenny" (coincidentally strikes me as a dancier version of The Killers' "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine").
The only time I doubted was during the slowed-down "Iscariot". Don't get me wrong, I love a more relaxed track, but one of my biggest pet peeves is when everyone (drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, voice, everything) is in rhythmic unison with short, spaced out phrases. I've never really enjoyed it, and that's how "Iscariot" starts off. As I was listening, I was thinking of skipping the track, but then WALK THE MOON is all like, "Hey Anthony, we got your back. We're gonna keep it slow, but here's a little bit of drums to spice things up a bit."
The album finishes off with the new and improved recording of "I Can Lift a Car", a gradual crescendo of energy that concludes the album perfectly. At only $6.99 on iTunes, this album is absolutely worth the purchase. Check out the included tracks, listen to the previews if you want, but you will not be disappointed if you just buy whole thing and press play from the beginning.
RAC (Remix Artist Collective) never disappoints me. Every once and a while I will find a song that I love to death, that I can't possibly imagine being any better, and RAC will make it into something incredible. That's not to say they improve on it; RAC has a particular gift for making you listen to a track from a different perspective, and "Sleeping Lessons" is no exception. This is one of my favorite songs by The Shins, and has always evoked a strong mental visualization, for lack of a better term.
Those I've talked to about The Shins, and specifically Sleeping Lessons, have oft heard me say that the song makes me feel like I'm inside a raindrop. You start out in a little droplet of water, falling from the sky, picking up speed, then finally hit the ground and burst into awesome.
The RAC remix works backwards, kind of. You start out on the ground, laying in the field, and then you start getting slowly pulled up towards the heavens, ascending and ascending, gazing in awe at all that is around you, until right you plant your feet firmly on the clouds and start dancing will all your homies and homettes.
If you think I'm crazy, you're right, but check out the track anyway. It's an awesome twist on an already incredible song. And while you're at it, check out RAC's site; there's tons of stuff you can sink your teeth into.
Alright, I seem to be a bit behind the times in writing about these guys, but I like them too much NOT to say a little something. Electric Youth is made up of music-making, Canadian couple, Bronwyn and Austin, who've released their EP in October of last year. Here's the thing: they've only got two original tracks by themselves, but you know what? That's ok. Because those two songs are bangin'.
You might have already heard of them via the soundtrack to "Drive" (that ethereal 80's beat "A Real Hero" you hear a couple times throughout the movie is a collab between them and College). I really really hope to hear of a full album release date for these guys soon.
I thought I'd give these guys a shout-out. They've dug up some amazing tracks (particularly remixes) that have provided a soundtrack to my life for the past couple weeks. Right out of Brasil, they have impeccable taste and serious style. Check it out here.
Some recently highlighted tracks:
I heard these guys (er, girls) play a little while back and they were incredible, to say the least! If the Punch Brothers had an upbeat rock sister-band, Alto would be it. They just released their debut track, "Vocable", to stream and download for free. Beautiful vocals, a catchy melody, and just a dash of bluegrass make this a track you will have on repeat for a while. They've been working in the studio recently, so be on the lookout for more new material in the future.
Easily said that I've fallen head over Louis Vuitton Odeon heels for Marina And The Diamonds sophomore album "Electra Heart" (what I've heard of it, at least). The US release date is still undeclared, but there are 6 or 7 tracks floating around out there that are killer, not to mention some seriously smooth remixes. If there was ever a diva out there to give Lady Gaga a run for her money, it's Marina Diamandis. The thing that really gets me? Her dangerous low range-it's an internal combustion of sound and ultimately makes me want to sing in a British accent for the rest of my life. I encourage you all to find your inner Primadonna and give Marina a listen.
Marina and The Diamonds-Primadonna
Marina and The Diamonds-Primadonna (B U R N S remix)
