Expect big things. German singer songwriter Milky Chance will be releasing his new album “Sadnecessary” June 1st in Germany, although I couldn’t find any info on a North American release date. Funky riffs, raspy vocals and a reggae background make this my newest summer jam. Seriously, dancing in my chair right now.

Challenge of the day: Try, just try to not like his music. Get back to me 

Flashed Junk Mind

Stunner

Stolen Dance

Sweet Sun

Our sincerest apologies from us a FFF for our lack of new material being put up on the blog as of late. We were having some technical difficulties. None of us here claim to be computer whizzes or software engineers, just over exuberant lovers of music.

So with that being said I would like to introduce you to a very talented lady by the name of Emily Kai Bock. Emily (as far as I know) doesn’t sing or play any instruments, but her work has a profound effect on the music being released. Emily is a talented director based out of Montreal. One of my favourite new bands “Majical Cloudz”, also out of Montreal have a song/video out called “Childhoods End”. I was immediately drawn in by the black and white video to its portrayal of an artist, largely shunned by society, and his struggles with emptiness, feeling apart from the rest of the world and his struggles to express himself through his art. The more I dug into her work, the more I realized that some of my favourite new videos were also shot by her. She has done work with Grimes, Doldrum, Sebastian Schuller, Grizzly Bear to name a few.

Making a music video that works is no easy task, and Ms Bock pulls it off with visual ease and sophistication.

**a side note here: the actor in this video is Kenneth Welsh, the father of Devon Welsh from Majical Cloudz. See Emily’s interview here

Personal favourite “Nightlife” by Sebastian Schuller. Really captures the loneliness in a big city

With 6.5 million views this is perhaps her most well known work. Grimes – Oblivion

One of my all time favourite bands Grizzly Bear

Please check out her website, and send her some love!

http://www.emilykaibock.com/

One of the quintessential pieces to a day of snowboarding is a stellar playlist. With the right beats, you can live out your own video and conquer that hill.

Before you ask “Shouldn’t you be listening for people around you?” – 1) I’m a music junkie, and 2) I do a heck of a lot of shoulder checking to ensure that I’m well aware of my surroundings.

This year Chunk and I picked up season’s passes to our local hill – Whistler. Its been a wild year, with tons of snow, tons of good times and especially tons of great music. I’ll have more pictures as we progress through the year. Each week I’m going to give you a taste of whats new on the Snow playlist and keep you up to date on any stories that come out of the madness.

Here’s a few that were added for today’s session:

Ryan Hemsworth – BasedWorld

Feed Me – Trichitillomania

Wolfgang Gartner – Fire Power (Original Mix)

Nicolas Jaar – And I Say (Xinobi Edit)

Hello friends!

Its been a long while since we last spoke and much has happened! Concerts, trips, adventures, mishaps, debauchery and a helluva lot of of fun. The important thing is that I am back, and here to stay.

Big shout out to Jer and Kyle for keeping things rolling in my absence, and to all of you for coming back day after day to read our words.

I’ll leave you with some tracks that have kept my headphones bumping and my heartbeat pumping over the last few months.

Flume – Sleepless (feat. Anthony For Cleopatra)

Bonobo- Silver (Krizz Luco Edit)

Last Lynx – Killing Switch

ON AN ON – Ghosts

Ultraista – Gold Dayzz Maribou State Remix

More to come! Stay tuned…

Sounds like – The Smiths

Feels like – I didn’t even notice I was dancing to this

This Tampa trio has got some big names backing them. Tastemaker music website Pitchfork gave the group a 2,500 word review of 2011 album “Children of Desire” and are now featuring their new track “Anxiety’s Door” ahead of their upcoming “Total Nite” EP. They will be in Vancouver March 29th. I’ll be there.

I tend to drown myself in music these days. Skipping from websites, to blogs, to friends recommendations. There is a seemingly endless amount of content out there, and it takes something remarkable to catch my ear. Flight Facilitie’s “Claire De Lune” does just that. If a movie soundtrack could be put into a 7:42 minute disc, this would be my vote for best score. Stunning as she is talented, Christine Hoberg’s elegiac lyrics float on the soft strings and drums. If you close your eyes for a second, you might think you’re in this movie.

Find a quiet place, click play and let this song envelop you. And for God’s sake, don’t play this through laptop speakers.

The first gem I stumbled upon was “Only Son of the Ladies Man”. A true tribute to a man who had a way with women all his life, even up to the seemingly tragic end of his life.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings – Another tragic Hollywood song about planning an early exit and picking out their own casket.

On a little lighter side is “Writing a Novel”. Another brilliantly written story of a person taking an unknown drug from a Canadian shaman. I was laughing the first time I heard this…”I’m no doctor, but that monkey might be right!”

Alabama Shakes: from, you guessed it. Hugely underplayed group. Brittany Howard’s voice – nuff said, have a listen.

Sr. Sly – Found you out
Mysterious group releasing no names or band photos. Rumours said to contain singer from FTP. What do you think?
Revenge song with lots of collected anger

GriZ –  Smash the funk    
21 year old Michigan DJ with an absolute banger. *looks into crystal ball* I see a very bright future for this young man. Also just released his new album “Mad Liberation” for free here (,)(,)

C2C – Arcades 
Four piece turn table group from France. You be forgiven if you thought you landed in, perhaps, the best Zelda level ever. Very talented group, and a largely kept secret outside of France. Great artistic video to go with. Cutting mad shapes!

I’m very excited to share with you, ∆ (Alt-J).  A group of 4 young men who met while attending Leed’s University in 2007. Now while we could dig very deep into the meaning of this chosen symbol for a band name, it may indeed come down to the triangle being the band (or at least the lead singers) favourite shape (refer to Tesselate).  The first song of ∆’s that I heard was “Fitzpleasure”. A puzzling song in the traditional sense, it is a showcase of their eclectic tastes and ability to capture your attention. Seemlessly frolicking between genres and keeping your ears on edge, their new album “An Awesome Wave” does not dissapoint and has been met with critical acclaim.

First up, “Tesselate” where we first hear of the bands love for triangles and probably the only musical group to use a mathematical term of repeating shapes, as an innuendo of sorts. This soulful enigma comes with an amazing video, directed by Alex Southam and is a modern-day gangster remake of Italian Renaissance painter Raphael’s ‘The School of Athens’.

Second is another song that has been paired with a equally pleasing video. “Taro” has been combined with the 1988 film “Powaqqatsi: Life in Transformation”. The dialogue free documentary focuses on third world countries in conflict. The song and video work perfect with the Bhangra sound giving it that worldly edge. I truly did get shivers the first time I watched this.

And of course, Fitzpleasure.

The rest of the album is available to listen to here, orrr you can buy it on itunes

Port St. Willow is a melancholy, slow-burning, indie band currently based in Brooklyn, NY and the name Nick Principe assigned to his musical ventures. He released his debut full length Holiday, and it is fantastic. A lesson in musical impressionism, Holiday is born out of atmospheric comings and goings. A musical tide that at certain moments brings a wave of falsetto driven, multi-layered crescendos and at other times a textural dissipation of soft fuzz and subtle guitar plucks. Two stand out tracks, “Consumed” and “North” are perfect entry points into Holiday as a whole. They are saturated songs building slowly off muted coos and finishing in dense horns and pulsating percussion, walking a thin line between a parade piece and a funeral march. The ambiguity fits well for an album that drives on with immediacy but is unpretentiously singing to itself.

Port St. Willow – “Consumed”

Port St. Willow – “North”

Holiday is out now and was self-released, support the cause and buy it here.

When a friend first showed me the “Humans” a week ago, I was in disbelief that I’d never heard of them. As an avid fan of local homebred music  (mainly because it means I can see them in Vancouver more then once a year) I was blown away that I had never heard of these guys. Based in East Vancouver, Robbie Slade and Peter Ricq combine to create electronic music with a more human fringe by adding live vocals to their shows. And so, like a good human, I immediately went onto their website to buy their latest album “Traps”. Two tracks in particular have been playing ipod tennis on my playlist. “Da Ciel” is one of those songs that grabs you from the start and makes you wanna start moving. Cool downtempo beats laced with an oriental sounding harp(?) will, most assuredly take the edge off a stressful day. The second on my list that love made is “Possession”.  A more upbeat jam with hints of jungle dance party. Am I blowing your minds with wordy definitions yet?!
Da Ciel

Possession

Now I cannot in good faith, post this up without adding a couple extras  to the mix. One song, and its accompanying video had me literally LOL’ing on a Saturday afternoon I thought the alcohol had finally won. You will enjoy this video and if you don’t you either have no sense of humour or had a bad run in with a puppet cop at one point or another. “Bike Home” is the name of the song.

The last one I will add to the mix is an unabashedly pop song “Avec Mes Mecs”. Again, with the laughing, at its simple but to the point lyrics. An example “Gonna text you, cause I can’t do it when I’m high, gonna sex you, cause I can’t do it when I’m high.” So simple but yet so truuuue.

Who knew all we had to do is party?!
Bike Home Video

Avec Mes Mecs

Building the suspense of their new album due out Aug 21st, Yeasayer has dropped another bangin’ single. “Longevity” is a turn to a more electronic side sans jungle noises, quirkiness and downright twisted music video’s that made people either love or hate them to begin with. Personally I think they are fantastic. I had the pleasure of seeing them last April in Vancouver. It was one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen and if they come to town again I’ll be front row and centre. I wasn’t able to find this on Soundcloud as of yet, but their facebook page has released this video, literally 30 minutes ago.

On the eve of the Dia de la Musica music festival here in Madrid, I thought I’d take the time to highlight the bands that I look forward to seeing. With the likes of St. Vincent, Twin Shadow, Bear in Heaven, and James Blake all slotted on the same day, it’s shaping up to be quite a full day of wonderful music in sunny Spain. So lets get started…

The first time slot on my personal schedule goes to Zambri; two sisters putting out swerving, catchy, gothic, electro-pop. Their new album House of Baasa just came out and it hits hard, like two pissed off sisters trashing your front yard at night with dead, wilting flowers.

Zambri – “To Keep Back”

After them comes a certain lovely lady that should (hopefully) need no introduction: St. Vincent. Annie Clark has been touring her new album Strange Mercy for about half a year now, and it’s a treat to see live. Her swagger is undeniable and finely-tuned. Girls want to be her, both sexes want to date her; it is going to be a wonderful set.

St. Vincent – “Cruel”

Following St. Vincent will be Twin Shadow, the name George Lewis Jr. attaches to his slinky, soul-infused, 80′s electro-jams. He is prepping for the release of his new album Confess, and I must confess, I am excited to hear it. He said it “is the natural next step” from his wonderful previous album Forget, and the direction the single “Five Seconds” takes, is a path I will follow willingly.

Twin Shadow – “Five Seconds”

Continuing on with the day will be a set from Brooklyn electro-rockers Bear in Heaven. They just released a wonderful new album, I Love You, It’s Cool and I look forward to hearing how they will translate the layered, ethereal synths into a live show. Imagining it now, bears rummaging and running around heaven may just be the perfect name for these guys.

Bear in Heaven – “The Reflection of You”

And finishing the night will be a set from James Blake, the London based crooner and electronic producer. He has been gaining popularity for the past couple of years, seeing his self-titled album climb several charts around the world. He will be a fitting end to what surely is going to be a wonderful day of music in the Spanish capital.

James Blake – “Wilhems Scream (Live)”

Beat Culture is a DJ outta Hong Kong….heard of it? Ya, ok, but the kicker, is this kids 17! Heard his music on Hype last week and like a good blogger, did some research to find out who this man is. Turns out its a boy, who, on his facebook page talks about finally finishing highschool so he has more time to make beats. WHAAA?! Although his most recent album “Tokyo Dreamer” (a free download) has an amazing amount of running waters sounds lacing just about every track, you’ll be drawn in by each tracks different face and progressive build-up. In “If Only” at around the 1:30 mark, you may have the feeling of lifting your arms, jets start shooting out of your feet as you rise above the Tokyo skyline. “Midori” on the other hand, is a dreamy rainy day, with pop samples carefully placed. First up though is Useless, the song that got me interested in what this guy is doing. One listen and I promise, you’ll have the feeling something great is going to happen to you.

Both albums are free downloads so I’d encourage you to DL em, have a listen, and get this kid the exposure he needs before he’s even allowed to step foot in a club…

Useless

If Only
x

Midori

Niki & The Dove, the criminally catchy indie pair from Stockholm, Sweden, have been my go-to band for a couple months now. I just can’t seem to get their recent album Instinct out of my head, and the stand out track “Last Night” is fully to blame. As a whole, Instinct is perfectly intact. It rises and falls, speeds up and slows down. Therefore, “Last Night” is a perfect jumping off point for anyone to get into their music. The track starts slow, building off the perfectly timed stressed moments of singer Malin Dahlström’s subdued vocals. The beat bangs along, keeping both a slow pace and maintaing that your head keeps rising and falling. And then the song takes off in the chorus, where the rhythm and Malin’s vocals head for the sky, taking the listener to a place that only fleeting moments can take you. Malin croons with a certain swagger “Last night, we got married in a taxi … I loved you like there’s no tomorrow.” “Last Night” perfectly captures a night living solely in the moment, providing lyrics for the feelings that can be expressed and then towards the end of the song a muffled, indistinct, funky jazz break down for those certain moments that cannot be put into words.

Instinct is out now in the UK and comes stateside in August on Sub Pop. Get it!

New York City duo MS MR have a new song out named “Hurricane” and boy, is it strong. “Hurricane” is a open book tale of an untold regret. The lyrics are raw, dark and spoken at an emotionally vurnerable pose. Referring to a unknown god-like entity in the third verse “Lady Diamond” is her guiding light when she has fallen in front of someone she cares for. This anthemic song will have you clicking this << often as one listen never feels like enough.

Where have all the great guys at FFF gone to lately?! Well, as you know, evil doesn’t take a break and we have been out fighting all kinds of evil forces. Ok, the reality is, I think we’re all a little excited that spring is here and making every effort to make the most of it and enjoy some sunshine. My excuse is, that I recently was able to take a little mini-vacation to Europe where I got to meet up with fellow FFF contributor Kyle is his adopted city of Madrid, Spain. Great city. We made the most of every night and decided sleep could take a few nights off.

Here is a great new Sydney quintet, The Preachers. Their new song ‘Take a Card’ is garnishing attention on radio station Triple J unearthed music is Australian music’s holy grail for getting noticed. A fun duet, that’ll be sure to boost your spirits.

here’s the video

Warning to Hockey fans*** Lead singer is NOT Evgeni Malkin

Sufjan Stevens, Son Lux, and Serengeti have teamed up to form s / s / s – an electronic, slow-rap spitting, sonic jam, indie group. On the first track from their upcoming Beak & Claw EP one can easily hear each artist’s contribution: Sufjan drops some auto-tuned hooks while Serengeti delivers the slow, off-kilter rhymes. And Son Lux fans will recognize the slow-building, arena sized beat that mounts and escalates until it has no other option than to dissolve into his repeated words: “I am recoloring”. The track is a big contradiction; the rhymes are dark and seep through the beat, while the hooks and choruses are high pitched and they ride on top of it. But you can tell that it all works together, as your head nods and your eyebrows furrow into a confused look: “I think I kinda like this.”

s / s / s – “Museum Day”

Beak & Claw is out 3/20 on Anticon and it will also feature My Brightest Diamond’s Shara Worden and Themselves rapper Doseone.

Born in Alabama, raised between Berlin and New Jersey.

Born female, transitioned to male.

A black rapper with swastika tattoo.

There’s nothing conventional about Black Cracker, nor is the hip hop he’s just released.

New Album “Tears of a Clown” out April 1st

Very excited to share South Australian rock band Wolf & Cub.  This is the first time I’ve heard of these guys, but I’m loving what they’ve recently released – See the Light and All Through the Night.  Hope to hear more from them in the near future!

“Tennis”, the husband-and-wife duo of Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley are a breath of fresh air. Their sound, until recently, have been straight out of the 50′s diner era. In their recent release, “Petition” we hear a new fantastic branch out in their sound. Alaina’s voice seemingly floats over the verses effortlessly, leading us into the piano-heavy catchy chorus. Myself, I’ve had this track on repeat the last few days and I still can’t keep this chorus out of my head, although I’m sure I don’t have the words right…

Imagine Dragons is an amazingly talented group from Las Vegas (heard of it??). I was perusing this years line up for South by Southwest (SXSW) festival and ran into these guys’ live version of their song ” It’s Time”. Talk about killing it! These guys nail it live and I think I prefer the live version to the original! Expect big things for these guys and gals..

Here’s the original too

Imagine Dragons – The River

G’day!  Today I’d like to introduce a fantastic band from New Zealandthat goes by the name of Fly My Pretties. Featuring members of already well established Kiwi bands, this collaboration comes together every few years to create a live album, much to the pleasure of anyone living in the capital city of Wellington. Barnaby Weir, lead singer in the band “The Black Seeds” is their front man and pioneer, but a whole host of other talented NZ musicians are featured. I am a huge fan of this type of music because it is the true essence of music. There are no fancy light shows, the music isn’t changed in a studio and anyone who joins, joins because of their love of live music. What you see is what you get. Enjoy, my pretties

first up, is a beautiful acoustic song “Singing in my soul”. One of my favourites.

second off their 2009 album “A Story” is Old Friend another beauty and a taste of how good their live show is.

last but not least, a powerful song by Anna Codington. Unreal.

This man is one of my all time favorite artists. Through good times, bad times, and even the worst of times, Hayden and his phenomenal music have been by my side. It all started in 97, I was watching MuchMusic in my kitchen when I caught the video for “As Bad as They Seem“. (Yes, MuchMusic used to play music!!!) I had the album within a day or two and it has since been a staple of my collection. In the years since then he has released a number of albums, each one improving upon his sound and story telling.

A few years ago I had the pleasure of seeing him perform with Cuff the Duke at the Vogue theater here in Vancouver and it was hands down, one of the very best live shows I have ever seen. You know the mark of a truly great band is when they sound as good live as they do on the stereo in the comfort of your home. Hayden certainly did not disappoint in this respect!

His folk music spans the spectrum of emotions, and while often somber he has some amazing upbeat work as well. Here are some of his tracks, both old and new so you can get acquainted. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have over the years!

Hayden – Dynamite Walls

Hayden – As Bad as They Seem

Hayden – Hollywood Ending

Hayden – Damn This Feeling

Facebook | Official Website

No, not the vacation paradise but rather Canadian solo artist Afie Jurvanens’ alias. He has been linked to many other bands including playing piano for Feist. His latest track off of his sophomore album is a smooth stratocasteristic love song.

Bahamas – I Got You Babe

I’ve also added a live version of “Hockey Teeth”.

Full disclosure: I’m a sucker for disco.

For your aural pleasure today we have some more amazing music coming from Europe! Everyone, this is Moullinex. Moullinex, these are our friends.

Moullinex, aka Luis Clara Gomes hails from Munich, Germany and is serving up a feast of some sick variations of disco sounds to the world. You’ve got to hear it to believe it! These tracks immediately put a smile on my face, so my hope is that they will contribute to your Sunday being a Funday.

Facebook | Myspace | Soundcloud | Official Website

Get your Saturday night started right, and have fun out there!

You might have noticed the fancy new Soundcloud app in this post, and it is definitely something to shout about! Soundcloud has finally embraced HTML5! We will be using this format going forward so you can FULLY enjoy the blog on your iOS devices.

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

This post has a certain duality to it that I feel I should address from the beginning. Yes I want to write about CANT, the smooth, electronic, kinda funky-jazzy side project of Chris Taylor, the bassist/producer/vocalist/blonde dude from the band Grizzly Bear. But in addition, I need to write about a special night I spent with the band, eating Spanish tapas and drinking fantastic riojas for super cheap, enjoying the company of a humble, talented human being. So let’s begin…

November was one of those months that the musical gods favored here in Madrid. In one month The Antlers, Washed Out and CANT, Neon Indian, Wye Oak, Clams Casino, Fleet Foxes and Vetiver, and finally St. Vincent and Girls all made their way through Madrid (and then in the first week of December: Toro y Moi, Battles, and Real Estate decided to come too). So obviously I was a little swamped with all the good music made available to me. But with such a great line up (I mean St. Vincent AND Girls?) in front of me, the standout show was a surprise. CANT killed it, hands down, absolutely killed it.

They had a small opening set for Washed Out and began their set to a crowd of around twenty people (Spaniards being punctual? HA!). They were alloted a small time and got right to it. Chris brought along Dev Haynes from the previously highlighted band Blood Orange to play guitar and and also had a drummer and keyboardist with him to add new depth to his mostly electronic, synthetic sound. The set was one of the tightest, most in-synch sets I’ve ever seen, and to come from a backing band that seemed to be thrown together before the tour was absolutely amazing. They were all on point and had everyone that was smart enough to come to the show on time fully entranced. Washed Out came on afterward and sadly were pathetic. In comparison they looked like rookies, with lead singer Ernest Greene pleading for the crowd to pick their spirits up and join the pop-heavy high school dance party he was trying to curate, “C’mon now everybody!!!”

After the set finished I was inspired by the state of euphoria I was in after witnessing such wonderful live music to go say thanks as the band cleared the stage. I thanked Chris and he humbly thanked me back, then I proceeded to ask him if the band had any plans for the night, and if not that I would be honored to show him around Madrid. He said they’d love to and after the show he came up and found me and from there we went.

A couple bottles of ridiculously good red wine (it was real nice to have my sommelier cousin visiting me at the time), a few rounds of tapas, and some late night churros con chocolate entertained for most the night and after that we escorted them back to their hotel. Needless to say it was a fantastic night.

But the music!! Enough bragging Kyle! CANT’s debut album Dreams Come True is an odyssey into a polyrhythmic trance of slow hip-hop drums, reverbed guitars, smooth poignant pianos, and Chris’ well-oiled and well-tuned voice. The songs are at times beautiful and haunting, raging and docile, multi-layered and straight forward. They will lull you into a stupor before building into a wallowing fury (see: “She Found A Way Out”) or build and build until you find yourself head-bobbing to smooth 80′s electro-funk singing “Each time you said you loved me, each time you said you cared/ Just love me, love me like you said.” (see: “The Edge”) The production stands out as well, with slinky synths and sonic base notes all perfectly placed by the man himself (he has also produced albums for Twin Shadow, Blood Orange, and Class Actress). Dreams Come True doesn’t lie, there is truth to be found in all ten tracks. Enjoy a taste below.

CANT – “She Found A Way Out”

CANT – “The Edge”

And the video for “Too Late, Too Far” is a fun little nightmare too!

Close your eyes,
and kiss goodnight
And let you know
I’m by your side
Oh, I hope you know
Where I go, you’ll always go
Oh, I hope you know
As we go, you won’t be alone
Close my eyes, and feel the light
The way they move
Well its just like time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxuWlX2QqFA

Such a beautiful song from Megafaun’s new self titled album. Had this one on repeat all day. Enjoy.

Jamie XX is an acclaimed producer/remix king hailing from the UK. HIs most accomplished work has come in the band ‘The XX’, although his solo stuff is worth a listen too. A friend of mine showed me a ‘new to me’ song a couple months back and ever since then I’ve been hooked. “Far Nearer” is the name of the song and its steel drum magic that should be enjoyed with a corona on a beach somewhere. “New York is Killing Me” is a darker remix of a Gil Scott-Heron song
from his final album “I’m New Here”.

Jamie XX – Far Nearer

Jamie XX – New York is Killing Me

Hannes Fischer has indeed done it again. We covered him and some of his amazing remixes earlier this year, so when he sent me one of his latest, I couldn’t resist putting up more of his phenomenal work! How is it that everything this guy touches turns to gold? I’m not sure, but we are loving what you are doing out there Hannes, keep up the great work!

I also stumbled upon one of his latest remixes of our favorite indie vixen Lana Del Ray which has been included for your aural pleasure.

Little Dragon & Tycho – Little Man (Hannes Fischer Slow-Mo Edit)

Lana Del Rey – Video Games (Hannes Fischer Video Remix)

Facebook | Myspace | Soundcloud

Discovered this gem during my last (4th) viewing of The Art of Flight. Its a fantastic song by We Are Augustines titled Chapel Song. In the track, headman Bill McCarthy speaks about seeing his girl walking down the isle of a chapel, but its for another man. He is struggling to deal with it but towards the end, it becomes clear that this pain is really setting him free. “Tear up the photograph cus, Its a bright blue sky…” This song is from their debut album Rise Ye Sunken Ships, which was produced by Dave Newfeld of Broken Social Scene.

Bill has said that the music he writes comes from personal experience and reflection. Based upon this song and the story behind the band, the guy has been through a lot. Regardless of the trials and tribulations endured, he has persevered and in teaming up with Eric Sanderson & Rob Allen has created a winning combination. Check out the track and support this up and coming band!

We Are Augustines – Chapel Song

Also, here is the video for the track:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYXhAmlfNP0

?hd=1

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Alright, like many people, when I find a song that I reeeeeeally like, there is a good chance that it will end up on my iPod on repeat for a couple weeks. The mark of a truly great song is when they can withstand this onslaught and still be enjoyable in the weeks to come. Some might call this an affliction, but when a track is that good, you can’t help but want to listen to it! Besides, isn’t that what the repeat function is for?

In honor of my (and many others) affliction of “repeat-itis”, I’m going to take a regular look at what is “On Repeat” in my library. This week, we have a Goldroom remix of Niki & The Dove‘s track called Mother Protect.

I was taken by surprise that Goldroom was in the remix business as my only understanding of their music was based on my #1 summer song for 2011 – Goldroom – Morgan’s Bay. That surprise soon faded after hearing this track, and really, I should have known better.

Niki & The Dove – Mother Protect (Goldroom Remix)

They are set to release their first full length album titled Variations on Dec 2. The album is different in that much of it contains the work of other bands that Hundreds have worked closely with. The duo are currently on tour through Europe up until the official release of the album, so you may be able to catch them in a neighborhood near you!

Since they have been keeping a pretty tight lip about the songs on Variations, I have included a couple older tracks for you to get a feel for the band. However, check out the amazing video at the tail end of this post which is from the new album!

Hundreds – I Love my Harbour

Hundreds – Happy Virus

Hundreds – Wait For My Raccoon

The duo is set to release their first full length album called Debris in December – it’s a culmination of songs they wrote and recorded through the summer of 2011. What’s really amazing is that they completed all of the work on the album despite the fact that they live 700km apart. Technology has bridged that gap though, and allowed them to collaborate and create their soothing sounds from a distance.

Have a listen and check out what this great band has to offer, I’ve included a couple tracks off the new album for your enjoyment!

Old Amica – New Start

Old Amica – Granada

Here is another tidbit of theirs that I am really digging. Its a cover of the tireless hit from the mid nineties, “What is Love” by Haddaway. You know, the one from The Night at The Roxbury and that skit from SNL. Old Amica has taken that track and completely turned it around, giving it a sound that is much more appropriate for the lyrics of the song.

Old Amica – What is Love (Haddaway cover)

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Yes, the idea has been done by many. Ben Harper, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, all big names in the ‘guy with a guitar’ scene. These days it can seem like the genre can be a little saturated. One artist that has caught my ear lately is a fella by the name of Clarence Greenwood, also known on stage as Citizen Cope. If there’s one common factor I really appreciate in artists, it would be honesty.  The ability to tell a story showing vulnerability and openness to his listeners . “Citizen Cope” pulls this off effortlessly. I can relate to his music in any mood, switching between falling down and getting back up again in “Back Together” to a summer romance story in ” All Dressed Up”.

The album “Every Waking Moment” has been around for a few years, but is new to me, and perhaps new to you. Enjoy!

Citizen Cope – All Dressed Up

Citizen Cope – Healing Hands

Citizen Cope – All Dressed Up

After enjoying massive success on their debut album, †, Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay went back to the studio and changed their game. Today we will all get a full taste of how much change took place. Audio, Video, Disco still has much of the Justice sound that we have come to know and love, only this time they have added a lot more rock to the mix.

I’ve read some people saying that this album will never find its way into the club. I must totally disagree, as there will be parts of this album that will definitely shake dance floors around the globe. What’s even more exciting is that with the release of this album, the duo from France will surely be going on tour soon!

Have a listen to the new sounds, and when you love them, you can pick up the album on iTunes now!

Justice – Canon

Justice – Newlands

Facebook | Myspace

Come one, come all to the phenomenon that is Incubus.  At the ripe old age of 30 I’ve loved many different bands, for many different reasons, at various points in my life but none have remained as influential to me as this 5-piece from Calabasas, California.  Having been mainstream for well over a decade you wont find many people who haven’t grooved to an Incubus track at some point and chances are, this post wont be introducing you to anything new…although there may be the odd straggler   What it is about however is paying respect to a group of musicians who have laid down some of the most diverse and emotionally intense tracks of recent memory.

Major transitions in a popular band’s core sound rarely seem to work out well.  More often than not the fans responsible for a band’s initial rise in popularity revolt and cry sellout when the group experiments with a new sound, seeking to cast them back into relative obscurity.  The only mainstream band I can think of being able to overcome this and actually increase in popularity, besides Incubus, is Metallica – although I’m sure there are many more legitimate examples.  When Incubus was originally formed in 1991 their sound was unmistakeably funk-metal, a genre popularized in the day by the likes of Rage Against the Machine and Red Hot Chili Peppers.  A quick listen to any of their first few albums – Fungous Amongus, Enjoy Incubus, or S.C.I.E.N.C.E – will attest.  And then, seemingly out of nowhere, it happened.  Incubus embraced melody.

When Make Yourself dropped in 1999 it was clear something special had happened to the group – and people took notice.  Much like the band, I have never looked back.  For a solid decade post Make Yourself, Incubus churned out gem after gem, exploring some of the deepest corners and constructs of love, relationships, and idealism along the way.  It’s been one hell of a ride.

As I said earlier it’s likely none of these songs will be a first listen for anyone.  But sometimes rediscovering an old favorite feels just as good as discovering something new.

Incubus – I Wish You Were Here

Incubus – Echo

Incubus – Drive

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Powerful may be an understatement when talking about M83. Today I spent some time trying to figure out the words that came to mind when listening to some of the tracks from new album. Triumphant, uplifting and epic were just a few of the first ones. Throughout the album, they have found a way to tap into one’s soul and extract raw emotion. These key tracks are quite different from the rest of the album and offer some great contrast to the the wildly popular single, Midnight City, which was released as a free download prior to the album. To kick of the album, M83 has just begun a lengthy tour of the planet and may be stopping by a neighborhood near you!

Check out these tracks and see the magic for yourself:

M83 – Intro (ft Zola Jesus)

M83 – Echoes of Mine

M83 – My Tears are Becoming a Sea

M83 – Outro

Also, here’s the official video for Midnight City:

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

James Kelly Pitts is an up and coming folk artist from Seattle, WA. Mr Pitts’ amazing song “Kettle” is an honest reflection of his life, and is carried through with soothing guitars and just enough drums. Having just done a 15 hour drive from BC to Alberta (yes, it takes that long to change provinces) it was nice to have a new loaded up playlist of new buddies.

James Kelly Pitts – Kettle

This new track from Phantogram is not simply what I am sure is the best news of the day for Friends From Far fellow contributor Jeremy, but rather, a definitive statement from the band of where they are headed on their upcoming release Nightlife. The song builds off of elements found all over their debut Eyelid Movies, but has a lighter, more pop driven tempo. This is in direct contrast with the darker, heavier trip-hop influences that sometimes choked out the songs on the debut (don’t get me wrong though, Eyelid Movies is a great album). The song channels what the band did with tracks like “As Far As I Can See” and “Mouthful of Diamonds” and distills out some of the density that tracks like “Running from the Cops” and “When I’m Small” offers to Eyelid Movies. Sara Barthel’s voice can shine as she rides on top of, rather than smothered under, the flowing synth, twinges of horns, and the sampled “ohh”s and “ahhh”s. Feel free to stream “Don’t Move” below; but please, do the opposite.

Phantogram – “Don’t Move”

He makes an excellent point within the song in that whether you are on a wave or on the shore, you need to ride for the feeling, and enjoy that ride.

Have a listen or two or three! This track makes an excellent rainy day song, and with fall fast approaching, we have our fair share coming.

Bill Callahan – Riding For the Feeling

Facebook | last.fm | Official Website

Steps to gettting a cult following? Don’t give up all your details in your first interview. That’s exactly what  annonymous Sydney based DJ duet (although their mySpace claims they are from Trinidad and Tobago)  Flight Facilities have done. I’ve just found these guys but I’m already a big fan.The track “Crave You” was released last year in Australia and got rave reviews as well as a good amount of playtime on triple J. Add to that disco fun tracks “Foreign Languages” and “Feeling” and I was a fan. Everything I’ve heard from these guys so far, sounds great and they tour like mad, keeping the crowd wondering who these fantastic DJ’s really are…

Flight Facilities – Crave You

Aeroplanes vs Friendly Fires vs Flight Facilities – I Crave Paris

Flight Facilities – Foreign Languages

Flight Facilities – Feeling

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

When I first heard this song, by dubstep artist Mimosa, something about it just made me keep hitting repeat. Chilled out cruising music that is best described by a YouTube user on the video for “Psychedelic Stereo”. I had a good chuckle when I read this…and I quote:

“the beginning is smooth…reaal smooth. kinda gets you in the mood.. then…comes that raggae sound at 0:45….so i light my blunt…..but then the POlice come around1:15 and i freakout and run away to the dessert at 1:31…is the coast clear….yes…back to smooth….and all over again!! – TheDeviousbayb”

Mimosa- Psychedelic Stereo

Belgian-born Australian-raised artist Gotye got his nickname from his mother (awwwwwww). Although his mother used to call him “Gaultier” as a pet name. Getting his start in the late 90′s in a band that eventually disbanded, Wouter De Backer aka Gotye began sampling his on music out of boredom, and a way to deal with the bands break up. Over the past ten years he has been very successful in the Australian music scene, winning the coveted ARIA award for best male artist.

His most recent album Smoke and Mirrors, however, leaves me scratching my head. On one hand we have amazing new songs like “Somebody that I used to know” and “Smoke and Mirrors”. On the other hand we have overproduced, sounds-like-a-bahamas-cruise songs like “I feel better” and “In your light”….Regardless, the guy has talent and a striking voice that sounds like a young Sting. So I’m predicting a bright future for this guy.

First up, “Somebody that I used to know” ft Kimbra (another rising star from NZ).

Second, “Smoke and Mirrors“. Excellent dark use of instruments

Lastly, “State of the Art“. Auto-tune I can actually listen to

The experimental sounds of UK producer Tipper is something out of a sci-fi movie soundtrack. After a few listens of his electro-triphop-nubeat-new wave  sound you will feel like you’ve just lifted off in an happy inter-galactic spaceship. His 2010 album “The Broken Soul Jamboree” was critically acclaimed in the music world, although he’s no slouch in the industry. He has been creating his own music since the late 90′s and is widely acclaimed for his digital audio mastering.

Sitting at my laptop here, I am trying to dig through the (very limited) thesaurus in my head of how to describe his music. I’m basically running into a brick wall. All I can hope, is that you enjoy the music.

Tipper – Ever Decreasing Circles (needs to be listen to with bassy headphones, otherwise justice is not served)

Tipper – Tit for Tat

Picture yourself cruising down the open highway, windows rolled down, warm ocean breeze slapping you in the face. I feel like that when i listen to this song.

With his laid-back vocal delivery and acoustic songwriting, Amos Lee draws inspiration from soul music, contemporary jazz, and ’70s folk artists like James Taylor. In 2011 his album Mission Bell debuted at No.1 on the Billboard top 200 chart.

Stressed? Throw on some Amos Lee and feel it melt away.

Amos Lee – Windows are rolled down

Facebook | MySpace | Official Website

Hello my name is Diplodicus…..just kidding. I’m Adam and I am new here. Some people call me Chunk! I’m here to pass on excellent music from well deserved artists.

Born in Chicago, Mark Farina known world wide for his chunky-funky rhythms and deep underground house, has inspired many followers to indulge in the jazzy down-tempo dream. This track isn’t new but every time I hear it I lose track of the world around me.

Listen and enjoy.

Mark Farina – Dream Machine

ColoRADo’s Pretty Lights is quickly climbing the charts as one of my favourite electronic artists out there today. His style is original, his remixes are  fresh to perfection, and his funky bass makes me wanna cry tears of neon glowsticks. This is the second, and hopefully not last, post on Monsieur Derek Smith.

A friend of mine just saw him recently at a music festival in Washington state. She explained the visual picture of “Pretty Lights” coming on just before sunset, over looking a beautiful gorge, making the crowd lose their shit and smiles all around.

Here’s a remix of an oldie but a goodie.

Pretty Lights – Country Roads

and a fantastic video of “Pretty Lights” in  a Tennessee music festival ‘Bonnaroo’.

Pretty Lights – I Know The Truth

Well this is how they have described themselves on their Facebook page: “Velcome to ze hub of ze Something Experience. Zis is a personal message from ze High Command!!! Ve make ze hip hop, ze German dance, ze post-industrial, und ze funny ha ha’s of ze media. Velcome, one and all, all cultures und creeds, rich und poor, regular beautiful und uniquely beautiful!!! Ve love you!! Hahahahaahahahaaha!!!!”

Have a listen to the track, its pretty hilarious and will likely get stuck in your head.

The Something Experience – German Sparkle Party

Here’s the bizarre video for the track. For the most part (in between fits of laughing your ass off) you will find yourself wondering WTF as the harmless family’s home is invaded by strange people who convert the family, one by one, into sparkly party people.

Here we have the latest from the Toronto natives DC and Hook, who combine to make Zeds Dead. They have been pushing dubstep in a new direction with their selections of choice melodic base tracks. This one is certainly an excellent example of that – a sweet, upbeat melody that can get your day rolling in the right direction accompanied by a little bit of dub to get you smiling.

Zeds Dead – Coffee Break

I couldn’t leave you with just that! Have a look at some of the duo’s older works – you know me, I’m a sucker for a good remix.

Blue Foundation – Eyes on Fire (Zeds Dead Remix)

This final track is what got me hooked on ZD, the first minute was my ringtone for the longest time.

Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Zeds Dead Illuminati Remix)

Facebook | Myspace | Soundcloud

Coy, teasing, coquettish, flirtatious, provocative, seductive, inviting, just plain old-school Beverly Hills dive bar open mike night sexy? Yes, yes, and YES. This is Lana del Rey, and she sings beautiful songs. You will be hearing a lot more from her in the future so I’ll keep this post brief, and let the music speak for itself. She writes all her own music, and makes her own spliced up Youtube videos. She is not new to the music business having released a full length already, albeit with misguided leadership. She has bounced back and is looking to move on in the direction that “Video Games” and “Blue Jeans” is clearly headed, which is straight to the gut-wrenching depths of love and despair in the dark cavernous labyrinth of your heart. Lend her your ears as well, because she is ready to make love to them.

Lana Del Ray – “Video Games”

Lana Del Ray – “Blue Jeans”

“Video Games” and its B-side “Blue Jeans” will be released as a single October 9 digitally and a day later on limited edition 7″ via Stranger. She is currently working on recording a full length due early next year.

Baltimore’s favourite Electro/Hip Hop group just released a new collab with Santogold named “Car Song”. Try, just try, to dislike this song. Its way too much fun for a Sunday!

Spank Rock feat. Santogold – Car Song

Really taken a liking to Skrillex lately. The LA native has a knack for taking the best parts of house and the grimiest bits of dubstep to create some truly amazing sounds that will get just about any crowd jumping.

Deadmau5 saw the magic in him when he signed him onto his label Mau5trap and I’m sure you will too. He is currently about to embark on a world tour and may soon be in a neighborhood near you! Jer and I will be attending his show here in Vancouver when he stops by our neck of the woods on October 21st.

Maybe we will see you there!

This first track was one of the official anthems of our recent surf trip – was great to have these crazy beats running through the head as the waves came crashing down.

Skrillex – Kill Everybody

Here’s one of the remixes from his latest EP More Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites:

Skrillex – Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites (Kaskade Remix)

And to finish things off we have Skrillex’s latest video release in First Of The Year (Equinox). You are going to love the twist midway through the video!

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website | Soundcloud

This release is a prelude to their next album which is set to hit the shelves this October. There is some question as to whether this piece will be a part of that album, but really, it doesn’t matter as its doing a great job of filling the gap until we can get our hands on it.

I hope you enjoy these new sounds as much as we have!

Florence + The Machine – What The Water Gave Me

Also wanted to include the song that got me started with the band, Cosmic Love, which is melancholy and magnificent rolled into one.

Florence + The Machine – Cosmic Love

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

The New York duo released their first album this April under the DFA label and it is definitely worth checking out. If you fall in love, you are in luck as Some Children is available for a free download!

Holy Ghost! – Some Children

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Heard the preview of this track last week and it became an instant favourite. I’ve been waiting anxiously to hear the complete track and today my wish came true! This is the latest piece by the Swedish duo Dada Life and given the name of the track, I envision the Happy Tree Friends doing some serious damage to the hard hitting beats. Check it out!

Dada Life – Happy Violence

Also, here is a look at the video they put together for the track:

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Her band name itself translates into “pirate heart” and what does that mean? We aren’t really sure, but we are sure that this girl has some top notch talent. Having released her debut album in 2008, she is currently in the studio working on her second album. This new track is a cover of Weeknd’s “Wicked Games” and really puts a different feel on it. To me it sounds like an answer to the original from a woman’s perspective. Enjoy!

Coeur De Pirate -Wicked Games (The Weeknd cover)

You know me, I love a good remix, so here is a solid one which originally piqued my interest in her music.

Coeur De Pirate – Comme Des Enfants (Le Matos Andy Carmichael Remix)

To finish things off, here is the video from the Wicked Games cover. For those of you in the Vancouver area, you might recognize some of the snippets in the video. Have a look-see for yourself!

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

… when you take two of my favourite artists and mash them together? Pure awesome, that’s what! Here is a brand new mix by the French house master Breakbot.

Enjoy his take on one of Chromeo’s latest, When the Night Falls:

Chromeo – When The Night Falls (Breakbot Remix)

Here’s the video for the original track:

Back in 2000, Jesse Tabish and a group of friends founded a group and called themselves the “All American Rejects”. Jesse left the band shortly after and in 2004 created the group “Other Lives”. By 2011, Other Lives had released their second album. Had he stayed with now household name AAR, suffice to say Jesse would be a very rich man. Albeit sold out, over-produced and lacking any credibility in the music world. On the other hand, if he hadn’t left, none of us would be enjoying the incredible “Tamer Animals” album as much as we are right now. EVERYONE I have introduced this band to, has loved them. It’s like giving a box of chocolates to a friend who hasn’t had chocolate in a long time! So here you are, Stillwater Oklahomas’ best kept secret, ‘Other Lives’. Enjoy!

Other Lives – Tamer Animals
post script: if you are a fan of  Canadian band Wintersleep, you will notice some strong similarities on this track.
 

Other Lives – For 12

For 12 is a great track and just stumbled onto the new video for it. tres bien!

I am filthy green with envy whenever someone mentions Australia’s Triple J radio station. Funded by the government, and run by the ABC, Triple J is a national icon and a beacon of good taste sans corporate influence of what they should be broadcasting. They are all about new music, promoting new and local talent as well as showcasing international artists. One segment of the radio station is called Triple J’s “UNEARTHED” where new local talent competes online for bragging rights, recognition and exposure. The talent pool in the land down under is deep and the new tunes just keep coming. Battling for bragging rights right now is a gent out of Melbourne by the name of Albert Salt. He grew up with a classical background and is now giving the Electro/Acoustic thing a shot. I’m quite impressed with what he’s got so far and hope he gets the recognition he deserves.

Albert Salt – Fear and Loathing

I had the same thoughts at first, but upon listening I was pleasantly surprised. This was no joke, and the band coming through the speakers was a duo from Detroit who are bringing something new to the stage. Daniel Zott and Joshua Epstein play a unique blend of vocal harmonies over a base of electronic and traditional instruments. Their sound is a cross between Sam Roberts Band and Diamond Messages, giving them the popping beats to get the crowd moving and some amazing acoustic ability.

Since releasing their album It’s a Corporate World in June, they have been making a meteoric rise through the ranks of music. On Sunday there was an interview released by Rolling Stone after catching up with the duo at Lollapalooza. After being stuck on these guys for the last couple months now, I am certain that they are going to catch your ear and this won’t be the last you have heard from Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr.

Enjoy!

Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr – Morning Thought

Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr – Nothing But Our Love

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website | Soundcloud

In light of today’s date, I want to take you wayyy back to 1996. This track brings back a lot of memories and makes it way onto my playlist every year at this time.

NOFX – August 8th

A huge bonus of living in a different part of the world for an extended period of time is that you get to know the local music scene. Living in New Zealand I was introduced to some fantastic bands that I wouldn’t have known about if I hadn’t ventured there. Sadly, some of these band don’t make it ‘big’ in the international scene, but keep their local faithful following at home. No more so was the case of Mother Mother, a band originally from Quadra Island (google it) and now based in Vancouver, BC. While I was enjoying all the local talent Australia and New Zealand had to offer, I was missing out on, what now, is one of my favourite local bands.

Mother Mother is truly a unique band who harmonize beautifully, turn lyrics on their head and give a fresh new face to Indie Rock/Pop. Ryan Gulderman is clear front man, but Molly (Ryan’s sister) and Jasmin Park are the perfect vocal compliment to his voice. The band clearly has a creative chemistry that couldn’t have one without the other. Although I missed their last free concert at Stanley Park, I’ll definitely be snapping up tickets next time they come home.

Expect a very long and successful career out of Mother Mother and for God’s sake, go out and support your local bands!

Mother Mother – Verbatim

A song about how a guy doesn’t have to eat nails for breakfast to be what a woman wants. It’s interesting to say the least.

Mother Mother – Aspiring Fires
Off their new album “Eureka”

Now one song I couldn’t leave out was “Burning Pile”. I couldn’t track down a link for it, so youtube it is. Way too splendid of a song to leave out. The lyrics can make the worst day feel alright.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMxglMfOavQ

If you want all their songs, but are too cheap to buy their CD then go here,

Mother Mother on Soundcloud

and then go see them live!

In what has been (for me) a quiet July of new releases, the end of the month brought me something to latch on to and it came from a band that has continued to climb into the category of “my favorite bands” in the past couple years. Wild Beasts released Smother back in May during a period that saw new albums from a lot of good bands (Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Cults, Death Cab, Hooray For Earth, Bon Iver, Man Man, My Morning Jacket, The Antlers, and Son Lux) all come out in a month or so span. So suffice to say, I was overwhelmed with new music.

But Smother shined right through the rest of them (it failed to be….smothered? ahah, jokesss). Smother sees Wild Beasts take a huge step forward in a subtle way. They have refined their sound and continued the progression that their last album, Two Dancers, achieved. Lead singer Hayden Thorpe has matured his vocals into the perfect balance of intensity and grace. He leads the listener gently up and up in his falsetto until his voice breaks and we slide the slippery-slope back into his baritone. Like a sweet reduction in the kitchen, Smother is the boiled down progression of a band that has brilliantly come into their own.

Speaking to NPR about his favorite song off the album, “Loop the Loop” (streaming below), Thorpe describes it as a “crystallization” of what they have “been trying to write for ten years.” He continues, “And there’s lots of ghost notes — by ghost notes I mean almost imaginary parts. Sometimes when you’re recording a song it just hangs together in an effortless way.” “Loop the Loop” is three dimensional in the way only really well crafted songs can be, and it stands as a perfect indicator of the quality of Smother.

 Wild Beasts – “Loop the Loop”

Just recently they released the second single off of Smother, ”Bed of Nails” (also a beautiful song) that came with an unreleased B-side titled: “Catherine Wheel”. “Catherine Wheel” was an exciting new track for me because it took a slight step into the past. It’s dark and carnal in a way that wasn’t fully developed on Smother but is a part of how I fell in love with the band in the past. Thorpe’s voice embraces the seductive, sensual, erotic vibe it once exuded and the lyrics match the subject matter that their first album Limbo, Panto was full of (see songs “His Grinning Skull” or “She Purred While I Grrred”).

“Catherine Wheel” is streaming below and Smother is out now on Domino Records. Wild Beasts are touring this fall so catch them if you can, you won’t be disappointed.

 Wild Beasts – “Catherine Wheel”

Happy Saturday! And for any of you who like to sleep as much as I do, good morning! We’ve been having the most amazingly crappy summer so far on the west coast that it is a welcome sight to look out the window and see that those mystics at the weather network were in fact not lying, and we have ourselves a sunny day! While the rest of the country has been enveloped in a heat wave with temperatures breaking records, we have been dealing with a “cold wave” which seems more like Julytober.

With this new found sunshine and elevated temperatures, it does finally feel like summer and I think we need to celebrate with some summertime tracks.

Goldroom – Morgan’s Bay

The Glitch Mob – We Can Make The World Stop

Hey Champ – Cold Dust Girl (Gemini Club Remix)

Our last track of the day is an awesome, slowed version of Amy Winehouse’s Valerie, since she was taken from us today far too soon at the age of 27.

Amy Winehouse – Valerie (Slow)

Sometimes I criticize myself for taking music too serious. For allowing myself to get enveloped in the emotions of a song, created by someone I don’t know, about a circumstance that I may never encounter, written for someone I’ll never meet. It’s easy to get swept up in a artists utopian love stories, or to be enraged by a punk bands angst for government, working, anyone who’s not punk etc. So much so that I’ve fallen victim to it myself. When I was 15, I was entrenched in the world of money, guns,  and bitches. Well, not literally, but I lived vicariously through Dr Dre’s 1999 album “2001″. Looking back, as a scrony white kid who grew up in a small town that considered cultural diversity to be the exchange students in the school hallways, it was pretty LUdAcRiS……..

But, on the other hand, the very idea that a musician can affect your mood,personality, demeanor, must mean they are doing their job right. Music has meant different things to me at different times. There were times when I needed it to be motivated, times when the mood needed to be lightened, times when music was the only keeping my heart in tact, and times when I just needed to relax and chill. So to close, I don’t think you can ever take music too seriously. Let it be what it needs to be to you at that moment, take it in, embrace it and turn it up loud.

So in keeping with the whole “music blog” thing we got going on here. I’ll leave you with a few songs that have affected me at some point in my life. I’m sure you all have your own ‘life soundtrack’ and I hope that playlist keeps getting bigger Feel free to leave comments on what music is to you.

Goo Goo Dolls – Name
1995 album “A boy named Goo” was one of the first albums I ever obsessed over. These guys were my rockstars.

Dr Dre – What’s the Difference?
Now back to my old gangbangin’ days in the mean streets of Qualicum, British Columbia…

Band of Horses – I Go To The Barn Because I Like The Lyrics
Fantastic band who make falling in love seem like a good idea…

Yeasayer – Ambling Alp
Feeling unmotivated? Not anymore princess!

Modest Mouse – Float On
A catchy reminder to stop taking yourself so serious, and realize we will “all float on okay”

With that being said, all you Mau5 fans out there will be stoked as he will soon be starting his Meowingtons Hax Tour with lots of upcoming stops across North America!

Deadmau5 – Deer Bus

Deadmau5 – Where Are My Keys

 Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Future Islands, the criminally overlooked and under-appreciated trio from Baltimore/Greenville has been a band that has haunted me for awhile now. Statistically they would be my favorite band, having the most plays on my itunes for their song “Little Dreamer (Jones Remix)” featuring the lovely Victoria Legrand from Beach House (streaming below). But only half of their album Wave Like Home passed the test to make it on my ipod and I can say for sure they aren’t my favorite band. And somehow I missed 2010′s In Evening Air altogether. But how has a band made a song that I so fully subsumed and then not have anything else that sparks any intense interest in me?  I have traced the problem to an all too familiar source, in falling so deeply for one song, the rest of their music became peripheral. But finally the time has come to change all of that. Future Islands has grown tired of sitting in my itunes library having only half of their songs check-marked and having “Little Dreamer” stealing the show, they have bestowed “Before the Bridge”.

“Before the Bridge” is the A side to a limited edition 7″ they will be releasing on 7/19. The B side is titled “Find Love”, and the two singles are an attempt to explore “the flip sides of love.”  While not an easy task, after listening to “Before the Bridge” one could assume they may have succeeded in their attempt. Samuel T. Herring’s vocals immediately stand out; refined and polished, but also crude and coarse. His voice alone is an answer to the flip sides of love enigma. “Before the Bridge” is beautiful from its genesis, but a deeper inquiry fully develops it as a song to be remembered. The dreamy start quickly snaps into the backbone rhythm. His poetic songwriting beats with the heartbeat of the song and as the pulse picks up in the chorus so does the validity and the thrust of his words, “And if things hadn’t changed/ I would have buried you deep in my heart/ And if things had stayed the same/ I would have carried you as far as the sky”. And as the chorus exhales back into the flow of the song the most poignant and pointed answer to the problem of love that the song grapples with is laid before us, “And what is love is regret/ And what isn’t love is a test”.

With such an important song one can only hope that if a music video is made, it lives up to the song it is built around. But how does one make a video that explains the flip sides of love? Director Abe Sanders answered that question brilliantly. He directed a clip that embodies all the dualities of love. By shooting the main subject in a very impersonal, detached way, he succeeds in presenting the sense that we are watching in first-person the dreams of the singer; dreams that most likely are grounded in memories. This plays wonderfully well off the use of the past in the lyrics (“if things hadn’t changed” “if things had stayed the same”). The video is ambiguous, as love often is. It’s dark and light, sharp and soft, ethereal in part but then dense and extremely earthy.  It’s harshly permanent in the way certain memories can be, but as ephemeral and fleeting; just as the sun setting towards the end while the question is asked “do you believe in love?”  The last image, as the song regresses back to the dreamy sounds of the opening and the listener recognizes the subtle shift from past to present in the lyrics “Whatever has us now/ I can’t forget somehow/ For to forget a love is to regret”, is a book opening to the first page. The song, the video, the lyrics, and love have all come full circle – the story is waiting to be written.

Future Islands – “Little Dreamer (Jones Remix)” ft. Victoria Legrand

Future Islands – “Before the Bridge”

OK, so this title may be a little biased considering we share the same first name. However, what we don’t share is the ability to put every emotion we deal with, on paper, add a little guitar and a girl melting voice….but dammit do I ever appreciate it! Jeremy Messersmith is a UNSIGNED singer songwriter who resides in Minneapolis, MN. Messersmith’s album The Silver City came second in a Twin Cities poll (2008), losing out to hip hop artist Atmosphere. Not a bad artist to lose out to. He’s a one man show, many of his songs are love-based, and it is usually just him, a mic and a guitar.  Curiously, Jeremy must be a tad camera shy, as most of his music video’s are done in the form of quirky animation. Regardless, great artist, relaxing songs.

Organ Donor

A Girl, A Boy, and a Graveyard

OK so it has been a whole 14 years since White Town, headed by Jyoti Mishra, released his hit single “Your Woman”, but I can guarantee you when you hear this track’s catchy bass line, you will be hooked. Most of us recognize the song as one of those classic mid-90′s one hit wonders. And you wouldn’t be too far off the mark. Regardless, every time I hear this song I instantly feel good. Its a song that doesn’t seem to age or become uncool after a few years. The song is dark, a little sinister but with the beat thumping like a heartbeat, it’s candy for the ears.

Once again we get the king of funk kicking off tonight’s post for some more getting down like James Brown! The next piece we have is the current #1 house track on Beatport and finishing up is a classic track to keep the funk alive.

It’s a sunny Friday afternoon here in Vancouver and I hope that you are enjoying the sun with a smile on your face in your corner of the globe.

Welcome to your weekend friends!

James Brown – Cold Sweat (Captain Funk Dry Mix)

Oliver $ – Doin ya Thang

Alex Gopher – Super Disco

Icarus Himself is a two piece group from Wisconsins’ capital city, Madison. Combining simple guitar riffs, drums and a taste of electronica, Icarus has an original sound that is hard to dislike. The song “Half Ton Load” starts with synth and ends in banjo’s. A feat attempted by some(?), but rarely pulled off (!).  No tour dates outside of Wisconsin at the moment, but I hope they do come visit us soon! Now put your feet up and enjoy!

Sounds like: Cold War Kids meets The White Stripes meets KOL

Icarus Himself – Half Ton Load

Icarus Himself – Digging Holes

After many years of listening to this classic track by Cassius, someone has taken it upon themselves to bring it back into the spotlight. Sebastien Drums & Avicii have added a whole different spin on the track, adding Avicii’s signature pounding house sounds. All in all its a fantastic remake of the song that will appeal to a whole new audience while still giving goosebumps to those who know and love the original!

Sebastien Drums & Avici – My Feelings For You (Original Mix)

Disco was dead… but now it has become a zombie because of artists like Calvin Harris, who are steadily putting life back into it! His unique sound and signature vocals have carved out a place in the music scene for many years to come. He has been rocking across the globe from his home in Scotland and he has even made a few appearances here in Vancouver. (Phenomenal shows!)

I am sure that many of you are familiar with Calvin Harris’ hits from his latest album Ready for the Weekend like Flashback, You Used to Hold Me, and his collaboration with Dizzee Rascal – Dance Wiv Me. The question is whether or not you are familiar with his equally awesome earlier works. Let’s take a moment to get you acquainted with his first album, I Created Disco.

The great news is that he is getting set to release his next album later this year. Keep your ears to the ground and you will hear the beats coming!

Calvin Harris – Colours

Calvin Harris – Acceptable in the 80′s

To finish things off, here is his latest single, a collaboration with Kelis called Bounce:

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Hugo is an interesting cat, born in London and raised in Thailand, which he said was still hungover from the 60′s and 70′s. But that leftover music from those decades (which still had a home in Thailand when he was younger), has definitely influenced his music going forward. After leading a successful music career in Thailand, he decided to strike it out onto the global scene and moved to London. This ended up being a trying time for him but also was how he was eventually discovered by none other than Beyonce, who included his song Disappear on her album I am… Sasha Fierce.

Now calling New York home, Hugo is continuing his mission of taking his music to the world. Here are a couple of his tracks to wet your palette:

Hugo – 99 Problems

Hugo – Bread & Butter

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Its time to get out of the office, get your shit together and get out for a rocking good Friday night. That’s right, get up and get down like James Brown… See you out there!

Let’s get started by honoring the man himself:

James Brown – It’s Too Funky In Here (Funkstar de Luxe Mix)

Le Castle Vania – ZERO Machine

The Noisy Freaks – D.R.E.A.M. (Strangers “NIGHTMARE” Remix)

The XX – Stars (LAZRtag Remix)

Ex-Kurt Vile membered Philly based Americana rockers The War on Drugs are set to release their second proper album Slave Ambient on August 16th on Secretly Canadian. The band gave listeners a taste of what is coming last year on the sprawling and adventurous  Future Weather EP (album art above) and the shimmering “Coming Through” was the undeniable standout.

The directions for enjoying this beauty are fairly easy: push play on the player below. Then, turn the song up to a reasonably loud volume (and for goodness sake get some good speakers, your laptop speakers do music no justice). Find a nice spot on your floor to lay sprawled out on your back. Make sure your windows are open, the breezy vocals require breezy accompaniment. Close your eyes. Yes, yes your head is nodding; and yes those are your fears floating away, your anxieties too. That yellowish, orange cloud floating in the dark vastness of the backside of your eyelids is all that is left – it is her (or him) floating gently the rhythms of this song. It is you and the one (the one that may have gotten away, may have let you get away, may be with you now in reality, or may have yet to come) chasing white highway lines on a Midwestern summer’s night drive, or any other romantic tryst you can invent in the expansive potential our imaginations hold. Let Adam Granduciel’s croon sink in, “From the darkest point of the night, I want you. To be here like before, comin’ though.” Just give up by giving in, summer is upon us.

The War on Drugs – “Coming Through”

The War on Drugs Official Page , Myspace, or Facebook

For George Evelyn aka Nightmares on Wax (acronym NoW) it has always been about making music for “now”. Deeply trenched in the English music scene since 1988, he’s been creating soul music based on his experiences and interests.  If you are in the mood for downtempo “NoW” has got you covered. They’ve come a long way from the quirky first album in ’89 (love it or hate it) but there’s no way to fight the feeling relaxation after a track off of ’99′s “Carboot Soul” or ’02′s “Mind Elevation”. Cutting down my list of songs to four was a tough call but you can check out more of his more recent stuff here

In ten days time, I’ll be in San Diego meeting some buddies for a little relaxation, sunshine and surfing. I can guarantee I’ll be stocking my playlist with some Nightmares on Wax.

First up is Capumcap. One of my favourites, definitely got a Pogo feel to it, although given the timeline I’d say Pogo was influenced by Mr. Evelyn. Thoughts?

Ok so maybe I lied, not all NoW songs are relaxing, but guaranteed Pudpots will put a little swagger in your step.

Bit young to remember the 70′s and 80′s, but it sounded epic!

You Wish – Sampled from Judy Clay and William Bell’s 1968 hit “Private Number”

Above said original

Today marks the first day of summer with the summer solstice and in return we get the longest day of the year.

There’s a lot of discussion around the interpretation the summer solstice, and that changes drastically between different cultures. The underlying fact is that this is the day (for those of us living in the northern hemisphere) that the great big ball of fire in the sky blazes down on us the longest. That sounds like a  perfect reason to celebrate!

Let’s kick off another endless summer with some great music! First up we have a remix by Twin Shadow, who is set to make a visit to Vancouver on June 28th:

Hooray For Earth – Surrounded By Your Friends (Twin Shadow Remix)

Here is an example of some fantastic local talent. Drew Harris, aka Germany Germany, is an engineering student at the University of Victoria by day and a stellar DJ/producer by night. His upcoming tour schedule is focused on France and Germany (of course). We are looking forward to your return Drew and seeing you here in Vancouver!

Germany Germany – River

To finish, today also marks the release of the latest Bon Iver album, here is one the first singles, Calgary. I just bought the album on iTunes and am really enjoying the new direction he has taken. It’s some of his finest work and will definitely make an excellent addition to your library.

Twin Shadow | Germany Germany | Bon Iver

Running… its a great way to get exercise, gather your thoughts and take some time to yourself. As much as you love running, you likely still need some motivation to keep kicking one foot out in front of the other. For me, that motivation is definitely music, but not just any music – it’s hard hitting house and trance. There’s something about the speed and power of the beat helps your mind focus on the music rather than the burning in your legs or the persistent sweat that keeps trickling into your eyes.

I wanted to share some beats that have been keeping my feet moving over the last few months, so if you are looking for some new additions to your running playlist, these tracks will surely help you out!

Wolfgang Gartner – Undertaker (Original Mix)

Boys Noize – Shine Shine (AC Slater Remix)

Deadmau5 feat. Rob Swire – Ghosts N Stuff

Just a quick drop off of some wicked hip-hop tunes I’ve got on repeat at the moment. Getting more and more stoked for the summer time and all the shenanigans that it surely will bring. Happy Saturday!

New York’s Gorilla Warfare Tactics – Temptations

Australia’s Drapht dropped this sick little diddy “Rapunzel”

Chiddy Bang – Too Much Soul

If there is one good thing to come out of this, it would have to be all of the volunteers who took the time to clean up their city. It’s almost as if people forgot about the fact our team lost, and everyone went to the defense of our city. The backlash against the rioters is strong, and people have expressed their thoughts on the pieces of plywood covering up the smashed windows.

Anyways, I thought I’d share a few of my favourite Vancouver bands with you guys. If you haven’t had a chance to come visit this place, you should. It’s unreal.

much love from Van-City.

The New Pornographers – Moves

Mother Mother – Hayloft (I love these guys!)

Said The Whale – Camilo

Rascalz – Top of the world

Surely in your travels you have heard his smash hit “Hello” in which he collaborated with Dragonette (our favourite “sex-pat”). Martin has been keeping himself busy since that critically acclaimed release and is set to release his 5th studio album later this year.

This track is his latest single and is certainly going to be an anthem for the summer of 2011.

Martin Solveig – The Night Out

and here is “Hello” for all the people out there who have been missing out and haven’t heard it yet.

I also wanted to be sure to include all of the current episodes of SMASH, a comical series which is leading up to the album release and features his latest singles. Enjoy!

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Blood Orange is the undeniably smooth project of the Theophilus London and Solange Knowles co-writer Dev Hynes. The fashionable, 80′s inspired indie R&B music he is creating is in line with similar acts of recent popularity (The Weeknd, How to Dress Well, etc.) but transcends itself with it’s infinite cool. On “Sutphin Boulevard”, the funky guitar riffs and breezy rising and falling vocals keep your head bouncing in rhythm while agreeing to yourself, “yea man, it is so true”. And “Dinner” (produced by Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor) has a more layered, arm around your girl, Bacardi Breezers in hand feel. If “Sutphin Boulevard” is more Chris Isaak then “Dinner” is more Prince. Check out both below.

Blood Orange – “Sutphin Boulevard”

Blood Orange – “Dinner”

Myspace and Facebook

It’s about time that I posted on these guys. They are a phenomenal local act that really needs some more visibility.

Formed in 2007 and based out of Vancouver, Brasstronaut has a unique sound forged in orchestral rock and jazz with the occasional foray into electronica. I’d have to say that the somber sounds of their EP Old World Lies, struck a chord with me immediately as they seemed to be rooted in the rainy coastal weather we see during the winter months.

Here is one from their first full length album, Mount Chimaera, which was released in 2010:

Brasstronaut – Hearts Trompet

And here are the two tracks that instantly made me a fan of the group:

Brasstronaut – Requiem for a Scene

Brasstronaut – Old World Lies

One last tidbit! Here is the video for Requiem for a Scene:

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

English/Spanish electronic group Crystal Fighters are one of my new loves given their unique style and music fusion. Mixing electronic beats with acoustic guitars, as well as maintaining  a traditional “basque” musical influence.  They have been around for a few years now, so this may be old news but they are new to me. Hope you like!

First up is “Plage”. Excellent feel good song to start your Monday off with.

Next up is “In the Summer”. Great track. If you get a chance, youtube this. Craaazzy video.

Last one “Follow”. Saving the best for last.

Wintersleep is one of my favourite Canadian bands and they have been for a long time. Now, while most people recognize their most recent hits (Weighty Ghost, New Inheritors, etc), I remember them when only a select faithful crowd was listening. When their self titled debut came out in 2003, no one made much of a fuss. And to be fair, it wasn’t even close to main-stream/crowdpleasing. Nowadays, Wintersleep can command an audience that most Canadian bands would be jealous of, with bands like Ra Ra Riot opening for them. But if you sit down and give their earlier albums a chance you will realize the poetic, heartfelt lyrics that rip through the album. The songs have substance, meaning, angst, and personal experiences oozing out of them. Here are a few of my favourites from their earlier self-titled album released in 2003 and 2007′s “Welcome to the Night Sky“:

First up is Dead Letter & The Infinite Yes. I will never forget signing along to this one with my best friends while at their show at the Commodore last fall.

Next up is Search Party. A chilling song describing lost and broken dreams. “I used to dream about saving the world, now I just dream about the holidays. I used to write so many songs for my girl, now all I think about, is floating away”

Then we have Home. SO glad to be back home.

Finally, there is Orca. There’s a monster hiding… an Orca, and this spring its planning on eating a Bruin.

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Gothenburg, Swedens’ Little Dragon are doing just that. The very talented 4 person group have a new album coming up in mid-July and I’ll be looking to get my hands on it. The group has known each other for years and were friends before coming together as a band. I liken their sound to pop music you can easily enjoy, but aren’t embarrassed to tell your friends you’re a fan.

First up is their latest single Nightlight

Next is my personal favourite, My Step. especially around the :57 mark

Another tune, Constant Suprises. Groovy R&B feel to this one. They’re from Sweden?!

And finally, an awesome little interview of the band and where they get their inspiration from. Very cool.

A few weeks ago I was on one of my epic worktime Hype Machine tours and I stumbled across this track by Sister Nancy, which had a very familiar tune to it.

It took me a week of listening to finally pick out where I recognized it from, and that is from an old favorite Groove Armada track!

Sister Nancy – BAM BAM

Groove Armada – Fogma

Here we are, the long work week is over and its time for us to get back to what we do best, enjoying ourselves! I hope the sun is shining wherever you are, and that you have some spectacular plans for the rest of your weekend. Tonight, Jer and I will be heading out to see Yeasayer rock it out at the Commodore, and we are stupidly excited to go.

I’ve put together some tracks that have been playing frequently in my house over the last couple weeks which ought to help you get your Saturday started right.

Enjoy!

Breakbot – Shades of Black I always try to find an excuse to post new Breakbot

DJ Falcon – Unplugged

Generationals – Greenleaf

Fly Union – Long Run

French Horn Rebellion – This Moment

So, its just about June now and we are all itching to get back to the amazing times that we have during the summer. The days are starting to get warmer and longer and soon enough the outdoor concerts will be happening regularly again.

Here are a couple new tracks to get you thinking about the summer…

Dirty Gold – California Sunrise

Summer Heart – Please Stay

It’s official, and maybe has been for a while now. The Eighties and all their synth glory is back! Like a slow burn starting with MGMT, moving up to Chromeo, and morphing into Yeasayer, there’s no denying the 80′s influence in music these days. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you were brought up in the eighties. One band recently that has caught my ear, is a LA based group called Baby Monster. First track I heard of theirs called ” Fear of Charlie Sunrise” is a great track. So good in fact, you’ll wanna put on some tight jeans, lace up your chucks, shave one side of your head and call it punk! Enjoy my pretties!

Baby Monster – Fear of Charlie Sunrise

Here’s a bonus of a remix a while back.

Wolf Gang – Pieces of You (Baby Monster Remix)

The Remix Artist Collective (RAC) is made up of three gents from around the world who share something in common, they love to put a new twist on an already great song. The group was started by André Allen Anjos, who at 25 has already done some amazing work, as well as for some amazing clients.

Over the years he has brought in a few other members to add to the arsenal, namely Andrew Maury, who toured with Ra Ra Riot and co-produced / engineered their latest album. Most recently, Anjos has added another name to the roster in Karl Kling, who will undoubtedly be adding a new flavor to the mix.

When you find their tracks, you will be able to differentiate who’s work it is by the tags: Anjos – (RAC Mix), Maury – (RAC Maury Mix) and Kling – (RAC Karl Kling Mix).

Be on the lookout for these guys, as their empire is steadily growing. I have included a few of Anjos’ tracks to wet your palate:

Ra Ra Riot – Boy (RAC Mix)

Hockey – Too Fake (RAC Mix)

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Home (RAC Mix)

Facebook | Tumblr | Official Website | Soundcloud

Six-piece band Alpine (formerly known as Swiss), from the lovely city of Melbourne, Australia is some new fun ear candy. I would say the funnest part of having this blog comes down to one thing. The hunt. The eternal quest to find more inspiring music that makes you fall in love with music all over again. These guys make me feel that way.  While clocking in sounding a little like The XX / Phoenix, they definitely have their own unique sound. Their song “Villages” is an excellent example of that, and when the chorus drops at 1:28 your ears will be in for a treat. “Too Safe” is also a song that has been getting some playtime on my commute to work.  Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Alpine – Villages

Alpine – Too Safe

I first started listening to Bright Eyes’ (aka Conor Oberst) music back in 2007. I was definitely hooked but also needed to be in the right mood for it as most of it is acoustic and touches on the soft side. At the time my job was forcing me to listen to Rage Against the Machine and System of a Down as a natural calming tool. So skip forward a few years and what do I run into on my old computer, yes Bright Eyes. I’d never seen a video before of his, and the first one that popped up was “The First Day of my life”. A beautifully written song about finding that one person who is your special someone. Now without getting too mushy, I’ll leave you with the video and you can come to your own conclusions.

Bright Eyes – First Day Of My Life

This is the latest single from Hooray For Earth and I can’t seem to get enough of it. These gents from NY are currently touring North America after releasing this single and are set to release their new album within a month. They will be making a stop here in Vancouver June 5th with Architecture in Helsinki, so you will want to check for tickets to that show. I know I am.

Hooray For Earth – True Loves

Facebook | Mysapce | Official Website

He comes to us from Montreal and Preston Chin, the 19 year old producer known as Robotaki can really put it down. This track is a piece of his most recent work where he puts a different spin on one of Daft Punk‘s latest additions. Keep it up Preston, with the quality you have produced here, we hope you consider your music as more than a side project!

TRON LEGACY: Daft Punk – Derezzed (Robotaki Remix)

Facebook | Myspace | Youtube | Soundcloud

PS – Daft Punk, Please go on another tour!

Montreal group Bran Van 3000 is one of those bands that just doesn’t get old. It may have been a while since you’ve heard of them, but I can almost promise you, you know their hit single “Drinking in LA”. Released back in 1997 the song has a certain swagger about it that makes it hard to dislike. It is an apathetic view on the high pressures of California, particularly the Hollywood lifestyle. Their next big hit in Canada was the tune “Astounded” featuring Curtis Mayfield. Great song that sounds like it was plucked out of a 1976 album collection.

Bran Van 3000 – Drinking in LA

Bran Van 3000 – Astounded ft Curtis Mayfield

Fleet Foxes – The Shrine (Hannes Fischer Remix)

Souls Of Mischief – 93′ til Infinity (Hannes Fischer Remix)

Mechanical Bride – Colour Of Fire

Beyond the look, he always puts out solid music. Sébastien Tellier has been making sweet, sweet music since the release of his first album in 2001. He is not only talented with multiple instruments, but the guy can rock it out in three languages! Being a Frenchman, there has been some controversy around his use of English in his music, but that has really opened the door to a wider audience worldwide. His latest album Sexuality, released in 2008 was interesting as his label Record Makers collaborated with American Apparel for a 3 month pre-release exclusive to their stores. I remember seeing the album in the stores and hearing it on a few occasions. What makes the album really special is the fact that it was produced by none other than one half of what could be considered France’s most recognizable duo, Daft Punk.

For the pleasure of your ears, I have included a few tracks from his album Sexuality. The first two are some masterful remixes by some of our popular friends! The A-Trak remix is a definite show stopper and I remember Treasure Fingers dropping it on us at one of his shows. The place went absolutely nuts!

Sébastien Tellier – Kilometer (A-Trak Remix)

Sébastien Tellier – L’amour et la violence (Boys Noize euro mix)

Sébastien Tellier – Look


And finally, here is the video for the original of L’amour et la violence… its a really beautiful song and I had to be sure that you all got to hear it in its original splendor:

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Yeasayer are coming to our town at the end of May. I love these guys, they push the boundaries of cool. If you’ve watched a Yeasayer music video, you know they are not afraid to push the envelope, and some of their stuff is just flat out wierd. But when it comes down to it, their music is perfect. They are on a mad tour right now so look them up and see if you can get tickets!

One of my favourite songs by them is called “O.N.E.” , but even better then that is their country-fried version done live on Australia’s Triple J radio station.

So here’s both. You decide which one you like best.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Yeasayer – O.N.E. (The original)

Yeasayer – O.N.E “Country Fried” Triple J’s like a version

Yeasayer - Phoenix Wind

My sister introduced me to Cut Copy when she arrived home from a year in Australia. She had them on a mix tape  (that’s right, a CASSETTE) and she was super stoked for me to hear their music. We are both a bit nutters when it comes to music and introducing people to something new. These guys are another band that belongs to the explosion of great music from down under and they truly need to be seen live to appreciate their skill. There are certain bands that sound nearly identical to the CD when you hear them live, and Cut Copy is definitely part of that group. I have some extremely fond memories of seeing them live and shaking it all over the place.

Here’s some tracks for your listening pleasure:

Cut Copy – That Was Just a Dream

Cut Copy – Lights & Music (Boys Noize Happy Birthday Remix)

Cut Copy – Zap Zap

Cut Copy – Strangers in the Wind

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website | Soundcloud

Rediscovered this track the other day while helping a buddy move into his new apartment. During one of the trips, we were in his car when it came on his stereo and I said, “Damn this is good!”. It turns out that I had burnt it on a mix CD for him a couple years ago. We then decided that it’d be best if I shared it with all you!

Have a listen, its a great remix of an older song by Curses! and Holy Ghost does an amazing job of taking it and adding a new disco feel.

Curses! – The Deep End (Holy Ghost! Remix)

Tijuana Cartel- White Dove

Tijuana Cartel – Skank Tank

Like a breathe of fresh air, I was lucky enough to find these guys. Another awesome act coming from the West Coast aka Best Coast. It’s hard to not like these guys. Definitely  a big band feel, but an ability to connect to the listener in a personal way.

Now while the first song here is what got me hooked on them, I think the song could be shorter and perhaps a couple minutes could be chewed off the end of it. But what do I know. Its still a beautiful song that I’ve had on repeat for a while now.

Happy hump day everyone!

Typhoon – CPR Claws pt 2

Here is a live version of  Starting Over, a new song their new album

http://www.myspace.com/wearetyphoon

They have a unique sound, that through the vocals of Tiombe reminds me of Santogold. Have a listen for yourself and start your Saturday off dirty…

Cubic Zirconia – Night or Day feat Bilal (CZ Club Mix)

Also, here is a look at the killer video for the track:

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

He hails from Slovenia, and in listening to this music, I get the same feeling as when I discovered RJD2‘s music… this is some really good stuff.

Gramatik uses a unique blend of hip-hop beats and samples of funk, soul, blues and jazz to create something that goes down smooth and leaves you feeling good.

What’s more, is that the is offering up some of his music for free on his website – and it’s definitely worth the listen.

Here are a few tracks to catch your ear…

Gramatik VS Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Hip-Hop Heaven The epic classic that our parents, and most of us have listened to on more than one occasion. It was actually my grad song – go figure.

Gramatik – Hit That Jive Jazz madness. End of story

Gramatik – I’m Free A real mellow track that builds into soulful, funky beat

Gramatik – What More Can I Say This main sample in this is also used for the song by Common – Invocation.

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website | Beatport

Or not so much the case for Bon Iver, AKA Justin Vernon, when he initially came up with the name. He was stuck in bed fighting off a case of mono and watching old episodes of Northern Exposure. In one such episode, the inhabitants of the small Alaskan town were leaving there homes on a snowy morning and wishing each other “Bon Hiver”, French for good winter. He ended up deciding to drop the H in hiver, because he said it reminded him to much of liver, which is where his body was battling the mono.

At any rate, this is how the band was born. Justin spent a great deal of time on his own, writing and recording the first album “For Emma, Forever Ago” which was released in 2008 and received critical acclaim. It has been ranked as one of the best albums of the 2000′s. In 2009, the band released an EP titled “Blood Bank” and collaborated with St. Vincent to produce the track Rosyln for the Twilight: New Moon soundtrack.

The sound that the band is best know for is somber, folk inspired and full of rich harmonies. It really doesn’t take long to appreciate the time, effort, heart and soul that went into producing the songs.

Prepare yourself, the best news is yet to come! In March of this year, Justin announced that Bon Iver would be releasing a second album on June 21! The date happens to also be summer solstice, which may coincide with his statement that the album is taking a new musical direction. I can’t wait for the tour to begin.

Here’s a sampling of the magic that is Bon Iver:

Bon Iver – Flume

Justin Vernon – Hazelton

Bon Iver And St. Vincent – Roslyn

Bon Iver – For Emma

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

I remember my first time hearing Shadow, his album Endtroducing, in the basement of my friend’s cousin,  flipping out because we had found something completely new – turntablism. It was a huge discovery for us and evidently built the foundation for a lifetime love of electronic music. DJ Shadow has been a staple of my library for the last 14 years and it’d be safe to say that he is my favorite DJ of all time.

He has collaborated with tons of major artists over the years as his music has continually grown better and better. His record collection has also grown and grown to the point where it is rumored that he now stores all but a small selection of the 60,000 of them in storage units near his studio in a San Francisco suburb.

The music itself is downtempo mastery. At its heart is a hurricane of fantastic samples, scratching, very minimal amounts of vocals, and more often than not, strong drum beats that carry the song. We had the pleasure of seeing him live on his Outsider tour when he made a stop at the Commodore here in Vancouver, and let me tell you, it was something else. We had gone into the show somewhat worried that it would be a show of purely new music, but he did not disappoint. Every single one of his best tracks came out during that show and the crowd thanked him for it. It was truly an unbelievable experience.

Here’s a sampling of some of his best and brightest:

DJ Shadow – Building Steam With a Grain of Salt

DJ Shadow – Broken Levee Blues

DJ Shadow – In/Flux

DJ Shadow & Kid Koala – Third World Lover

DJ Shadow – You Can’t Go Home Again (One of the last surviving pieces of my vinyl collection)

And finally… Walkie Talkie. Hope you have enjoyed this trip down memory lane.

He’s a bad, bad, mothaf%^&n DJ…

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Canada’s own Dallas Green (aka City & Colour, get it?) is back with a new album labelled “Little Hell”. The first single is unlike anything he’s done on previous albums. Most of us know Dallas from the metal band Alexisonfire, where his girl-melting voice still manages to make the screaming vocals bearable. In 2005, Dallas came out with his first solo album “Sometimes”. His gentle voice, and raw lyrics made him a solo hit at home. Although, it wasn’t until 2008′s album “Bring Me Your Love” that the tattoo loving Green really started making a name for himself. A small band was put together, and City & Colour looked to take on the likes of America. I was lucky enough to see them right before they took off for the states back in 2008. The Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver was the perfect venue and as I suspected, his live show puts to shame anything ever put down on a record. So if you ever get a chance to see him, cough up the bucks, you won’t be disappointed.

City and Colours’ songs mean so much more than just catchy tunes. His song “Missing” brings back a lot of memories of my Grandmother, and the confusion I had when she passed. What is so amazing with his lyrics, is that there is always something, at sometime, that anyone can relate to. I got the sense when I saw him live, that people were there for other reasons then to be entertained.

First up is his new single “Fragile Bird”. I’m loving this one right now.

Here’s another Dallas classic. “The Girl” has been one of my favourite songs for a long time now. Heartfelt, without being cheesy.

Finally Sleeping Sickness, a great song featuring Gordon Downie from The Tragically Hip.

His critically acclaimed 2010 album Blacksands is classic downtempo. Prime listening at any time of the day, I find this album to be particularly relaxing.

Bonobo – Kong

Bonobo – Kiara

Bonobo – Eyesdown (featuring Andreya Triana & DELS)

Dublin’s James Vincent McMorrow writes and records his own music. And the world is a better place for it. He spent five months in 2009 on the coast of Ireland completely cut off from the outside world to write the album ‘Early in the morning’. He’s never played in a band before and only recently started singing. The album is full of acoustic gems and I can’t wait for him to visit our Canadian shores. “If I had a boat” is an hauntingly beautiful song, full of raw emotion. I foresee great things for this lad. Enjoy!

James Vincent McMorrow – If I Had A Boat

James Vincent McMorrow – We Don’t Eat

James Vincent McMorrow – This Old Dark Machine

Here are a few of the remixes I am loving at the moment. In no particular order here they are.

The Drums – Me And the Moon (Clock Opera Remix)

Mobb Deep – Give up the goods Remix

Robyn – I blame CoCo (Miike Snow remix)

That is sum durrrrty bass

enjoy!

LCD soundsystem have been killing it for the last ten years. One of those groups whose sound never really gets old, or unorginal. Thats why it was such a sad discovery to find out the group is retiring ( not breaking up).The held their last live performance a few days ago in their home city of New York at the famous Madison Square Garden’s arena. Their blatant discussion of every day things is what makes them so intriguing. From the changing face of New York, to the fact that many people still think they are British, LCD has this quirky way of making every day situations and cliches, into wicked songs. It’s not very often a band can make me sing the words professing that I am, indeed, North American scum! LCD Soundsystem, we salute you!

1. Dance Yrself Clean – A nine minute doozy with possibly the best beat drop in ages. Patience, wait for it…

2. North American Scum. enough said

And finally there’s Home. An awesome video to accompany an awesome song.

Galapaghost AKA Casey Chandler is truly a one man army when it comes to musical production. He hails from Austin Texas and to date has released 3 EPs which he has written, played and recorded himself.

Casey reached out to me today to introduce me to his music and truth be told, I have been loving it for a number of weeks already. His folk based music speaks to his influences from Simon and Garfunkel, Neil Young and Midlake. I enjoy the distinct resemblance to Death Cab for Cutie in much of his music. My favorite track of his so far, “Never Heard Nothing” is truly haunting and will surely find a place in your heart. A ghost story, if you will.

Take a moment to check out this up and comer, he has a bright future ahead and has made fans of us at FFF. Casey, keep up the good work!

Galapaghost -Never Heard Nothing

Galapaghost – The Demise of Me

Galapaghost – A Familiar Place

Facebook | Myspace | Soundcloud

This makes his moniker perfect because the tracks that he touches are turning into gold. Ashley Jones, AKA Treasure Fingers has been making a name for himself over the last few years and through both his own work as well as adding his synthy disco touch to remixes. With his recent work over the last year he caught the attention of A-Trak who promptly signed Ashley onto his label Fools Gold. Sounds like the perfect label for the man with the Midas touch!

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him perform the last few times he has been through this neck of the woods. He never fails to bring a killer show – Pemberton was amazing, as were his sets at Celebrities. Regardless of where you are hearing him, you are certain to enjoy his music and you will likely be coaxed into shaking your ass to his funky melodies.

I’ve included a few of my favorite tracks for you to sample, but be sure to check out his other, equally amazing work!

Treasure Fingers – Come True Tonite (Dub Mix)

Treasure Fingers – Lift Me (Gabriell Remix) LOVE the bass solo at 1:40

Treasure Fingers – Cross The Dancefloor

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

It was a big week, and a great weekend. Now it’s time for some relaxation before the beginning of another week and downtime is the right time for downtempo!

Allow me to introduce Little People (Laurent Clerc), a London based instrumental hip-hop / downtempo electronic music producer.

The mainstay of the sound is the way he strings together amazing samples and in doing this, he pulls off a magnificent blend of DJ Shadow, RJD2 and Pretty Lights. Most of his work could easily be used in a movie score to set the mood, so why not set the mood in your life for a little Sunday downtime?

Sit back, relax, and let these sounds help you unwind.

Little People – Basique

Little People – Moon

Little People – Fisticuffs at Dawn (Full Version)

Right now he is giving away some of his music if you check out his Facebook page! Also check out his website for further details.

George Lewis Jr. is at the core of Twin Shadow. He is known to record songs in hotel rooms on his own in the middle of the night. Watching some of his live stuff he seems to be the most laid back, unexcitable person around. Regardless, the talent is there and “Castles In the Snow” is one of my new favorites. It’s so good in fact, Rolling Stone named them band of the week in October 2010.

enchoi

Twin Shadow – Castles In The Snow

Twin Shadow – Castles In The Snow (Com Truise Remix)

Hooray for Earth – Surrounded By Your Friends (Twin Shadow Remix)

That was how I felt after watching Awolnation perform last night in Vancouver. Having heard a few of their tracks a while ago and an admirer of their song “Sail”, I still wasn’t blown away by some of their other stuff. The show started of with the upbeat tune “Guilty Filthy Soul” and “It’s Not Your Fault“.  Later in the set they finally played “Sail”. Let me just say that the live version of this blows the video out of the water. It was unreal. The last song/jam session, had the lead singer Aaron Bruno jump on the drums, while the drummer grabbed a guitar and  the whole band started headbangin. I’d give them 9/10 on their live show. I won’t go as far to say that their whole album is amazing, but they definitely have the potential to be something big. And I can guarantee the next time they come to Vancouver, it won’t be on a Tuesday night, it won’t be a 15 dollar ticket and I won’t get to stand 20 feet from the stage without feeling uncomfortably close to other fans.

Awolnation – Sail

They have been around a few years, but I seem to have missed them. Better late than never. Not a lot to say other than that, enjoy..:)

Django Django – WOR

Django Django – Storm

Django Django – Love’s Dart

Back at it again, Friendly Fires, the British synthpop dance group are set to release their second full length album this May. The group, consisting of Ed MacFarlane on vocals, Edd Gibson on guitar and Jack Savidge on drums has been rocking the airwaves and making a name for themselves since 2006.

They will be heading out on tour shortly and have a date set her in Vancouver to play at Venue. I’ve got my tix already… do you? Check out their sounds below and make sure you get out on Jun 4th to see them live!

Aside from the remixes of Skeleton Boy and Paris off their first album, this track takes top prize:

Friendly Fires – Photobooth

Here is the latest single from their new album Pala:

Friendly Fires – Live Those Days Tonight

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

What you might not have heard is a sampling of their instrumental work. These two tracks give you a sense that their musical abilities go well beyond those pieces that have found a home in the mainstream. Enjoy.

Phoenix – Heatwave

This next track runs through an epic progression until almost six minutes, where it drops into an almost separate, haunting piece:

Phoenix – Love Like a Sunset

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

I’m talking about the German-Norwegian band The Whitest Boy Alive. For those of you familiar with The Kings of Convenience, you will recognize TWBA’s lead vocals/guitarist Erlend Øye. In 2003 he teamed up with drummer Sebastian Maschat, bassist Marcin Oz and Daniel Nentwig on piano and never turned back. Really, how could they when they’re producing such feel-good, mellow-down tracks you can’t help but love?

Since then they have been putting out their unique sound and while it’s been a couple years since they have released an album, when they do, it will surely be great and you can rest assured that we will be waiting for their tour to begin!

The Whitest Boy Alive – Burning

The Whitest Boy Alive – Gravity

Another example of when a remix goes horribly right, this last track is done by Fred Falke and it’s flawless. One of my all time favorite tracks, it takes me back to the beach in Mexico every time I hear it:

The Whitest Boy Alive – Golden Cage (Fred Falke remix)

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Bibio, AKA Stephen Wilkinson, is a producer from the UK that crafts his unique lo-fi music by piecing together different samples, synth, guitars and vocals. Sounds like lots of different acts, right? Well he definitely isn’t.

To date he has released five albums under various labels and released his sixth album, Mind Bokeh, today!

This first track comes from one of his earlier albums, Ambivalence Avenue, and is one of my all time favorite feel good tracks. Enjoy:

Bibio – Lovers’ Carvings

Also, I couldn’t leave you without a sample of his new album!

Bibio – Anything New

Check out his Myspace page for more details.

Discovery is the love child of Rostam Batmanglij, the keyboardist from Vampire Weekend, and Wesley Miles, the vocalist from Ra Ra Riot. Their friendship and love for music collaborated to create the experimental funk/rnb group called Discovery.

With piano riffs and 80′s synths in what seems to be a crazy mash of beats that just work, Discovery has been one of those groups I never get sick of listening to. I met an American couple in Thailand last year who introduced me to them. We ended up traveling together and every time I got a chance, I’d be stealing Lisa’s ipod. 12 hour bus rides up to Bangkok were made that much easier by the discovery of Discovery!

Discovery – Swing Tree

This one is one of my favourites. He’s talking about meeting his brother, I believe, on the train line in Osaka Japan. Unfortunately his bro falls asleep and he has to watch him go round and round  on the loop line at 2 am.

Discovery – Osaka Loop Line

These two gentlemen are yet another phenomenal act from Australia – Bag Raiders. The duo, comprised of Chris Stracey and Jack Glass have put out a few EPs and released their first, self-titled album late last year. They have released some stellar remixes to date and their own work does not disappoint!

For those of you in Vancouver, we have the pleasure of seeing these two live, in full effect this coming Sunday at Fortune! You may still be able to get tickets, so once you have heard these next tracks, you may want to check Craigslist.

This first track is their latest single, titled Sunlight

You might recognize this next one from a recent McDonald’s commercial:

Bag Raiders – Shooting Stars

Bag Raiders – Sneaky Dub (remix of Sneaky Sound System – I Love It)

Check out their website and Facebook page to support these guys!

OK I know what your thinking…. A Bruce Springsteen remix…? Leave it out….! chuck in the name Trentmoeller and you can relax .. it just works.

Bruce Springsteen – State Trooper (Trentemøller Mix)

This duo, who are signed under Aussie label Falcona, have been a well kept secret. The electronic music scene in Australia is exploding, and it is keeping me wishing I could make the trip. It seems that there are so many great acts emerging from down under that the only problem is… getting them across the Pacific to us!

Cadillac has a new EP coming soon, which is eagerly anticipated as it will surely be another dose of their feel-good, new-disco sounds. There is a teaser clip for the EP on Youtube which ought to pique your interest.

In the mean time, you will just have to make due with their existing work. Oh darn.

Go ahead… get out there and get funky tonight.

Cadillac – Make You Feel

Cadillac – Later

Facebook | Myspace | Soundcloud

The Sun is out

Suonho – The Ghetto (suonho Reloved)

…and this track came on.  The DJ did a sick ass mix of it and at first we were laughing, but then we couldn’t get enough of it. Once again, Shazam to the rescue.

Here’s to putting on your dancing shoes tonight:

Grey and Hanks – Dancin’

Happy Friday!

Nanna Øland Fabricius, better known as Oh Land, just released her self titled album March 15th. Not only is this Danish product of an opera singer and organist stunningly beautiful, but she has a voice and musical style to match. She is the real deal.

Talent is her middle name, as she spent years studying at the Royal Danish and Royal Swedish Ballet acadamies, it was only due to an unfortunate back injury that she turned her focus into creating music.

This first track is off of her new album:

Oh Land – Rainbow

This is one of my favorites of hers – love the beat:

Oh Land – Perfection

And really, I couldn’t let this post be published without a solid remix! Enjoy:

Oh Land – Sun of a Gun (Yuksek Remix)

Check out her site and be sure to watch for much more from this gem.

After a little bit of a disappointing hunt, I retired and nodded off. This morning, however, lead me to this amazing song by Blackbird Blackbird. You may re-call him from one of my earlier posts. I didn’t even know how bangin’ this tune was until I got to my bus stop and just fell in love.

Blackbird Blackbird – Give You Everything

Check him out!

http://www.myspace.com/byeblackbird

While enjoying a loyal fan base, these guys have avoided mainstream attention. Alas, I don’t think it will last long. With a sound that rubs on the Local Natives + The XX and a dash of Interpol, things are looking up for these four lads from Toronto.

Here’s what the Toronto Star had to say about them.

“it’s impossible to disregard the talent and ambition on display in airy, sidewinding mini-epics such as “White Wolves” and “Colour Us With Youth,” both of which…reach for Foals’ level of offhand complexity and don’t embarrass themselves at all.”
- Toronto Star

Bravestation – White Wolves (my personal favourite)

Bravestation – Colour us with youth

Bravestation – Clocks & Spears

Khan plays a variety of instruments and has an angelic voice that is impossible to ignore. One of her first video’s “Whats a girl to do” is a simple, yet creepy play that fits the song perfectly. I don’t know what they put in waterlines of England, but the amount of quality music is seemingly endless.

Bat for Lashes – What’s a Girl to do

Bat for Lashes – Daniel (Live on 89.3 The Current)

After each working with bands that didn’t seem right, João Miguel and Luciano Oliveira decided they would join forces to take Brazil, and the world by storm. Since then they have taken some of our favorite songs and turned them into something new… something great!

They were in Vancouver last month and put on a stellar show at 560 – if you missed them (like I did) you can get your fix from these tracks:

Two Door Cinema Club -Something Good Can Work (The Twelves Remix)

Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal (The Twelves Remix)

Radiohead – Reckoner (The Twelves Remix)

Facebook | Myspace

No, I’m talking about Mord Fustang’s latest, and it’s hot. This guy is releasing solid gold and has a bright future ahead.

See for yourself!

Mord Fustang – Milky Way

Dude, keep up the good work! We are loving it. And PS: When you tour, come see us in Vancouver!

…and no, its not just in my head.

They have released some feel-good sounds that sound like a mix of Passion Pit and Air. What a perfect way to get your weekend going!

Here are two tracks off their first EP – I’m loving them, and I’m sure you will too!

Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks

Foster The People – Helena Beat

Model Son – The Heavenly States

Remember when CDs first came out?

They always seemed to skip a lot more, and there would be those times when it would catch a small sample and repeat it indefinitely, I would always say “This is the remix…” Occasionally this would also happen when watching a movie on DVD, and this track mimics that to a tee. It sounds like Dam Mantle has taken the score of a movie and made it “glitchy”, for lack of a better word.

It goes from mellow to momentous to mellow again. All in all, its a damn good track. Check it out for yourself:

Dam Mantle – Movement

These guys are a 4-piece live and electronic group which call London home. Headed up by front man Guy Connelly they have been making great music and providing us with some amazing remixes.

Here are a few tracks, the first two are a couple of my favorite remixes they have done, and the last is a special – their new single!

The Drums – Me & The Moon (Clock Opera Remix)

Phenomenal Handclap Band – Baby (Clock Opera Remix)

Here is their recently released single – Belongings!

Clock Opera – Belongings

… because there are few people out there who are consistently putting out soulful and truly awesome hip hop.

Since December of 1996, Common has been a favorite emcee. Upon hearing his albums Resurrection and One Day It’ll All Make Sense while still in junior high, I discovered a whole new genre of hip hop – one with some soul. His beats were unique, and had a jazzy feel to them. I am only now learning that much of that sound was due to Common’s work with J Dilla on his album Like Water For Chocolate.

Enjoy these selections, and all of his other great work, these are a few of my favorites:

Common – The Light (Produced by J Dilla)

Common – Invocation

Common – The 6th Sense (Feat Bilal) (Produced by DJ Premier)

Dragonette’s leading lady felt to leave the chilly shores of Canada for the eclectic streets of London in 2005. With the sauciness of Emily Haines, and the delicate voice of Feist; Martina Sorbara has carved herself a niche that is untouchable, although her music videos might lead you otherwise. Call it the Canadian condition, but we’d still like to call her our own.

Kaskade feat. Martina of Dragonette – Fire In Your New Shoes

Dragonette “Black Limousine”

Here is a different take on the Local Natives – a fresh remix of a tack from their debut album Gorilla Manor.

Local Natives – Wide Eyes (Teen Daze Remix)

I couldn’t agree more.  J Dilla, aka James D. Yancey and the beats that he has produced over the years have been a staple within my music collection.

From his collaborations with the likes of Common, Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde and Erykah Badu to his time as a member of Slum Village J Dilla has been killing it.

Unfortunately for all of us, his music career and his life were cut short by a blood disease (TTP) in 2006. The music community has continued to sing his praise since his passing and we have seen his influence ring true through the genres and sub genres he helped create within hip hop.

This is my shout out to J Dilla. Rest in peace good sir. Your beats will continue to rock in our headphones and in our hearts.

J Dilla – Dreamy (Brabe Cover)

J Dilla – So Far To Go (featuring Common & D’Angelo)

Slum Village – Fourth and Back (featuring Kurupt) (produced by J Dilla)

Here is an interview with Common where he talks about J Dilla, their work together, and his influence over the entire hip hop music scene:

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Heard this on Friday night through B3SCI and it’s been my anthem for this sunny weekend. Loving this track!

Wiz Khalifa has been making quite a name for himself over the last year and has a new album due out in 22 days. This is one of his earlier pieces and is a good indication of the talent this young man possesses at age 23!

Wiz Khalifa – I Choose You

Also, here is a remix of one of his latest – Black and Yellow:

Wiz Khalifa – Black & Yellow (Cookin Soul Remix)

Just found this the other night – the track is certain to be a hit with all of you folks who love Deadmau5 and Wolfgang Gartner. Much like their work, MF has found a way to pull at the heart strings that put you in a great mood and get you excited for the day or the night to come.

This track is worth a listen and a few repeats. I’m going to take it for a walk right now to snap a few pics of some new graffiti.

Enjoy!

Mord Fustang – The Electric Dream (Original Mix)

Check out his Facebook page and support this up and comer! Facebook: Mord Fustang

Better known as Pogo, he has been creating some amazing music using the world around him, well timed video and donations from fans around the world to get him on location. He has worked for some major film studios and was even performed for YouTube Play at the Guggenheim Museum. I am so thankful to have been introduced to this totally unique and completely groundbreaking new musician. Thanks Jer.

The first video -  is comprised of pieces of video he filmed while in Johannesburg, South Africa and is the first installment of his World Remix Project! (see below for info)

Pogo – Joburg Jam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs66ORnV5jU

Here is his first piece which utilized real world samples and was the inspiration for his World Remix project:

Pogo – Gardyn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBN-CAhOYQ0

From his page:

“World Remix is my idea for an upcoming album which would expand upon my live-action remixing concept, first displayed to much fanfare in my track and video Gardyn. The goal of my project is to travel the world capturing sights, sounds, voices and chords, and use them to compose and shoot a track and video for each major culture of the world. It will be funded solely by you the listener, and will be released worldwide on CD, DVD, and on my website PogoMix.net. I am deeply inspired by the films Baraka and Koyaanisqatsi, and hope to produce the best cinematography and music I humanely can throughout each project.

Every remix will be financed by pledges at KickStarter, funds made by the remix before it, and by prepayments for the next upcoming remix. If you purchase remix #001 or prepay for the upcoming remix #002, it sends me and my crew to our next destination to produce remix #002. With the release of each remix, I will state a fixed financial goal for the next destination which will be publicly viewable as a new project here on KickStarter.”

GET INVOLVED! http://kck.st/eyOiwM

…and I really can’t get enough of that. I’m thoroughly pissed that I missed him when he played in Vancouver last year. GRUM a.k.a. Graeme Shepherd released his debut album Heartbeats last May and has been making some simply sick additions to the remixing seen, as you will see below in Skeleton Boy. Don’t miss this!

But first, feast your eyes and ears on this work of art – Cybernetic. This track has some crazy sci-fi synth rocking through it that feels like Daft Punk, and the video looks like the Heavy Metal movie from 1981.

Friendly Fires – Skeleton Boy (GRUM Remix)

GRUM – Cybernetic

This amazing remix of Friendly Fires has made itself a permanent resident on my iPod for many months now, and it’s about time that you heard it too.

Friendly Fires – Paris (Aeroplane Remix ft. Au Revoir Simone)

I just stumbled upon this track while searching for the previous track. Yet another killer track brought to us by Breakbot. Dig it!

Aeroplane – Without Lies (Breakbot Remix)

Blackbird Blackbird – Pure

Blackbird Blackbird – Float On

If you’re after more by this chappy, check out his myspace.

Dan Snaith, the of Canadian-born head man electronic group Caribou is not only a musical genius, but is also a mathmagician! No really though, he has a PhD. in advanced mathematics.

The group got started with the name Manitoba, but after a legal battle, was forced to change their name. The new name came to Snaith during a random and once in a lifetime acid trip in a Canadian Prairie field, when a bear spoke to him and said, “Caribou is your name to go with”. It was on from there on and out and Caribou has produced a number of albums, most notably his two recent releases – Andorra (2007) and Swim (2010).

I was reminded of his amazing music when I stumbled upon this dubstep remixes of one his older tracks, and one of my all time favorite tracks. Check it out

Caribou – Hello Hammerheads (Dubstep Remix)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAU-hU_n2r4

Here are a couple more gems from Caribou, the latter two being from his album Swim, released last year. He now makes his home in the UK, so if you see him coming to your town, make sure you don’t miss it!

Caribou- Melody Day (Four Tet Remix)

Caribou – Odessa

Caribou – Leave House

Tinie Tempah – Pass Out

Kid Cudi – Soundtrack To My Life

Wale – The Breakup Song

This band, Adam Kesher,  is one of the latest to be produced by our favourite – Chromeo. This track is the latest off their upcoming album “Challenging Nature” and in an awesome turn of events, fellow Frenchman, Lifelike, has added his personal touch to the song.

Check it out!

Adam Kesher – Hour Of The Wolf (Lifelike Remix)

Having the pleasure of spending almost a year in Wellington, New Zealand and visiting friends in Chch (as its known) twice during my time there. These quakes really hit home.

New Zealand is such an amazing little country. The landscapes change so quick, the people are so unique and the musical talent is strong and varied. In such a sad time for NZ I thought it would be fitting to showcase some of their musical talent.

Fat Freddy’s Drop – Wild Wind

Kora – On My Mind

The Black Seeds – So True

Tike Taane – Always On My Mind

Does It Offend You, Yeah? – We Are The Dead

Does It Offend You, Yeah  – The Monkeys Are Coming

I had to add this to Jeremy’s post on this guy. This track has made a permanent home on my iPod in the last few weeks. Check it out:

Pretty Lights – So much in the Dark

The name is not one you would easily forget. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that these guys from Portland have some great music.

It didn’t take long for this track off their self-titled album to win me over.

Starfucker – Holly

Mike Skinner, aka The Streets is a British hip hop artist and record producer that has been putting out great tracks since 2000. His music has gone through much change in terms of the mood over the years, and definitely has a unique sound to it.   Here is one of the tracks off of his latest album – Computers and Blues:

The Streets – Going Through Hell

This duo has been filling the airwaves with their electrofunk beats since 2004. The band formed in Montreal and consists of Dave 1 on guitar and lead vocals and P-Thugg on keyboards, synthesizers and talk box.

You might have also heard of Dave 1′s brother, A-Trak, who is nothing short of a Canadian DJ legend and makes up half of Duck Sauce.

During the 2010 Olympics while at the Chromeo show, I noticed a smaller, older woman who was staring at the group as they performed. The look she had on her face, as she held her hands together as if praying, was that of pure pride. I clued in to what was happening so I started talking with her and found out that she was indeed the mother of one of the band members. It was pretty amazing to witness what looked like one of the first times she had seen them perform live.

These guys put on an amazing show, and if you ever get the chance, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to see them live.

If you have tickets to the show tomorrow, I’ll see you there!

Chromeo featuring Elly Jackson – Hot Mess (Duck Sauce Remix)

Chromeo – Night By Night

Treasure Fingers – Cross the Dancefloor (Chromeo Remix)

Calling Colorado home, Derek Vincent Smith has been putting some top stuff out there. Hard to label his genre as he dabbles in just about anything. Either way, you’ll be hooked and waiting for more. Enchoi

Pretty Lights – I Can See It In Your Face

This right here is one of those. I heard it on the radio driving home from a friend’s place tonight and I scrambled to try and write down the name of the track on my BlackBerry during the red lights.

Turns out this band, Jon and Roy, are a 4-piece folk rock/reggae band from Victoria. What better than to discover some solid local talent! I think I may have a new favourite for 2011 – see for yourself below.

Jon and Roy – Another Noon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udprpIq28jA

Here are a couple more of their tracks:

Jon and Roy – Any Day Now

Jon and Roy -Little Bit of Love

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

I can’t explain Shit Robot’s style other than “Its great!”. He originates from Ireland and recently released his debut album “From the Cradle to the Rave” last September. In the past he has done work with James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem and the similarities do come through in Tuff Enuff.

This track has funk, some interesting lyrics and a lot of awesome transitions.

Shit Robot – Tuff Enuff

He has just released a new album this week called “We Are The Doorways” which is influenced by the music of horror flicks from the late 70′s and early 80′s. You can check it out here and pick up the album

This first track is one of the most uplifting I have ever heard, and has put many smiles upon this face:

RJD2 – Ghostwriter

RJD2 – Smoke & Mirrors

RJD2 – 2 More Dead

Finally, check out this amazing video of RJD2′s, titled – Work it Out. The song is fantastic, as is the video, but its the story behind the video is even better:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-4ZzFzqmJA

From the YouTube video details:
“It features Bill Shannon who was born with a degenerative hip condition. His legs cannot carry his own weight and so he has lived a life on crutches. He has developed a new way of moving through life on his skateboard and the crutches. Though this may look like a recreational hobby or a debilitation, it is simply how Bill maneuvers throughout the day. In time to Rjd2′s song “Work It Out” we follow Bill as he makes his way around. At the slow start, Bill is descending the courthouse steps in downtown Brooklyn. It’s difficult, but he makes it down and the rest you’ll just have to watch to understand. Rjd2 plays several extras which you can try to spot as well. The video, directed by Joey Garfield, is one continuous single shot for the length of the song.

For more information on Bill Shannon, please see http://www.virtualprovocateur.com/”

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Here is a preview of his upcoming self-titled album, Alexander:

Alexander – Truth

Alexander – A Million Years

(Doesn’t this one sound like a cross of Paul Simon and Tom Petty? Pure awesome.)

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website

Onra – Relax In Mui Ne

Onra – The Anthem

“The Anthem” was chosen for a Coca-Cola commercial for the Beijing Olympics.

Here is Onra in an interview with the BBC on Dec 27, 2010 where he goes into detail on the inspiration behind his music.

Facebook | Myspace | Soundcloud

I had been sober for exactly 3 hours until I heard this track and became an instant fan. With a sick synth bassline rolling through this one by Com Truise, how could anyone resist?

Com Truise – Colorvision

Facebook | Myspace | Official Website | Soundcloud

Happened across these guys the other day. They have a great sound going on here, like a bit of Daft Punk mixed with early MSTRKRFT.

This will get your Saturday night going right.

LAZERDISK PARTY SEX – Lemonade is Still Popular

PS. Love the stormtrooper helmets – nice touch.

Facebook | Soundcloud | Official Website

Trophy Wife is a band based out of Oxford, England who has recently burst onto the scene. Last year they toured with Foals after releasing their first single, Microlite, in November.

They have a new EP coming out on Feb 28th called The Quiet Earth” / “White Horses, so keep you eyes open for more from these guys!

Trophy Wife – Microlite

Fred Falke is another purveyor of sweet french house sounds. He is a pusher-man of a signature “disco-guitar” sound that holds true through all of his work.

His music has an uncanny way of putting you in a fantastic mood, setting the stage for a great night out.

This first track is off of his first record, which was a collaboration with Alan Braxe was released in 2000 on Vulture records. After 10 years, the track still has the ability to get your feet rocking! In fact, I most recently heard this in Vegas at a Classixx set last month.

Alan Braxe & Fred Falke “INTRO”

Be prepared to be swept away – every time this track plays it takes me back to the beach in Mexico. (An all-time favorite track)

The Whitest Boy Alive – Golden Cage (Fred Falke Remix)

And last but not least, Hot Chip.

Hot Chip – Colours (Fred Falke Remix)

Do yourself a favor and check out his other work with the likes of Lykke Li, PNAU and Ladyhawke among others.

Facebook | Myspace | Soundcloud

What’s that you say? You haven’t heard of this musical genius? Take a moment to get acquainted. The way he pieces together tracks is something I can only compare to the likes of RJD2. It is very much hip hop, often with a distinct lo-fi minimalism to it, which made for excellent homework music throughout college.

He has been putting together these sickly awesome tracks since 2000 and has worked in conjunction with a number of other, solid artists. This post is part one of your introduction to one of my favorite musicians. Enjoi!

Prefuse 73 – End of Biters

Prefuse 73 – Pagina Dos

Prefuse 73 – Perverted Undertone

Prefuse 73 – Choking You

Armand Van Helden & A-TRAK Present Duck Sauce – Anyway

And this post wouldn’t be complete without “Barbara Streisand“!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu_zwdmz0hE

DAS RACIST – You Oughta Know

This is my favorite tune by Phantogram. The New York combo of Sarah Barthel (sorry boys, we’re now in a serious relationship) and Josh Carter is incredible. Definitely punching above their weight for just the two of them.  Mouthful of Diamonds is a perfect chillout/”Fuck this, I’m going for a walk” song.

Another couple of doozies I’ve added are off the same album:

Phantogram – Let Me Go

Phantogram – When I’m Small

The Black Ghosts – Anyway You Want to Give it ( Extended Version)

Diamond Messages is made up of Jason Craig and Anna Preston and are based out of a small university town in the Midwest. Sadly, due to geographical distance between the members, the band broke up. Fortunately for all of us, in late 2010 Jason has come through with some solo material.

The  Smoke & Mirrors EP was released 11/29/10 on and is available on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify. The EP has a distinct “RJD2″ feel to it, which I love and may be part of why I am enjoying it so very much.

First up is “Australia”, which has been on repeat on my iPod for a number of weeks. It is a very 8-bit sounding track, like it is a bunch of samples from some Nintendo game from my childhood.

Diamond Messages – Australia

Next we have “Liquid Summer”which is a great track from the EP and is accompanied by pieces of a 70′s movie called “A Swedish Love Story”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KNculERXUA

Enjoi!

Facebook | Myspace | Soundcloud

After sitting at my desk at work and watching it all day, I made sure to run out there and soak it up as soon as I could. In light of this first glimpse of sunshine, let me introduce you to a track by Jesse Rose called “You Know It”. It brings back the feeling of days gone by during carefree summers. Hot weather + beach… I miss you. Come back soon.

Jesse Rose – You Know It

crocodile rock, pottuvil sri lanka

A fun little tune by San Diego band Wavves. Perfect surfing music and brings me back to all the epic times in Sri Lanka. If you haven’t been…GO!

This first track is a video of his track Baby I’m Yours. The video is pretty amazing in itself since it is composed of approximately 2000 watercolor painted images. It ties together extremely well and makes for a good view.

Breakbot – Baby I’m Yours (feat. Irfane)

Stereo Provolone tugs at my heart strings which have a soft spot for funky house. See for yourself!

Breakbot – Stereo Provolone

Finally, I had to also include this remix that Breakbot did of Pnau – Baby, since I have been hearing it so much lately, due to its inclusion in Gran Turismo 5.

Pnau – Baby (Breakbot Remix)

Facebook | Myspace | Soundcloud

To start, I love these tracks, which are two of his latest singles and are a collaborations with Yota and Namebrand. Silicon Love has a real good feel to it, which made for a great summer anthem and Love Emulator is something you would hear in a club.

LIFELIKE / YOTA “Silicon Love”

LIFELIKE / YOTA “Love Emulator – Original Mix”

For your viewing pleasure, here is Lifelike & Kris Menace – Discopolis. I just realized that I had woken up a few weeks ago with part of this  track stuck in my head and couldn’t figure out what it was… until now.

This is sadly not the official video, but for some strange reason it has the most hits. Enjoi!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acKvD-C70_U

Friends From Far is made up of a few of us folks who really, really love music. After years of sharing music with our friends, and opening peoples eyes to new music, we figured it was time to broaden the spectrum and share it with you. Our intent is to introduce you to something new, something old, or even something forgotten.

We hope that you enjoy and join us for the ride!

Cheers!