The sound of the future: modern, electronic, synths, 80’s DNA, and the R&B sensibility that gives it a satisfying groove which is a total breath of fresh air. The build up to the chorus is sensational, “I just called you up to get the play by play.” It is instantly catchy and screams for a sing-a-long. Only the inclusion of that smooth female voice could give it that extra boost. I have never anticipated an album more for this year than Autre Ne Veut’s Anxiety out on February 26th. For another chance to be mesmerized, check out his other song, “Counting.”
TORO Y MOI RETURNS
Anything In Return is his solid, genre pushing, sleekly produced, melodically pleasing third album that is ripe for crossover appeal and more mainstream attention. My first favorite album of 2013 and my favorite song off the album is “Cake.”
WINNERS OF 2012
In the Number One slot is Purity Ring with “Shrines”
Beach House “Bloom”
School of Seven Bells “Ghostory”
Fiona Apple “The Idler Wheel”
Frank Ocean “Channel Orange”
DIIV “Oshin”
Japandroids “Celebration Rock”
Jessie Ware “Devotion”
Best Coast “The Only Place”
Wild Nothing “Nocturne”
MNDR “Feed Me Diamonds”
Tanlines “Mixed Emotions”
Alt J “An Awesome Wave”
The XX “Coexist”
Pictureplane “Thee Physical”
Haim “Forever EP”
Solange “True EP”
Sky Ferreria “Ghost EP”
Katy B “Danger EP”
Hot Chip, ‘In Our Heads”
As 2012 enters its final third, there are four albums that still resonate with me deeply that I cannot stray from listening to over and over again. Although September and the coming months will draw some extremely accomplished new collections from esteemed artists, the XX, Fiona Apple, Beach House, and Purity Ring still remain at the top.
I wish I could wait until it is finally released next week, but after downloading the album before the link was wickedly removed (lucky me), I have been listening to Coexist, the xx’s followup to their 2009 critically acclaimed debut album, XX, nonstop for awhile. It is a hypnotizing record from start to finish. Dark and mysterious, sensual yet cold, alarmingly catchy, but with less hooks than their previous collection of songs. It feels modern with a total 90’s minimalist house music throwback crafted seamlessly by member Jamie XX. The vocals once again overlap, still as emotive and constrained as ever. They glide over each other, total contradictory tones that mesmerize and haunt afterwards. The production has more of a dance influence this time around, but it is very stripped down. Rather than pushing their defined sound further, it almost seems like the band takes it back a step, creating more of a punch with the less is more strategy. After sampling through their past record again, it is hard to say which one I prefer more. What I really want is to hear a new one, “Swept Away,” on repeat. Listen to it on http://www.npr.org/2012/09/03/160323435/first-listen-the-xx-coexist as an encapsulation of what I mean.
We are very excited to announce Nicolas Jaar, David Cross and the full comedy line up to FYF Fest.
Reblog this image for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the festival. 2 winners will be picked tomorrow at 3:00pm
The Idler Wheel is the grand return of Fiona Apple. She’s feisty, furious, contemplative, reserved, hopeful, content, stoic, emotionally vindictive, philosophical, enraged, at ease, loving, warm, and emotionally distant. How could she possibly be all of these different characteristics? How could she possibly illustrate all these qualities through her voice? How could the music of mostly her voice, a piano, and percussions exhibit such arresting beauty? Only Fiona Apple can do this. I love her and this album is everything I’ve been wanting and more. Her fourth classic. By the way, sit down Adele. This is how you do heartbreak (“Regret”).
One of the most deliriously uplifting, beautifully crafted, joyful rides I’ve ever gone on when listening to an album. This album has been heavily anticipated and I really believe this may be my favorite album Hot Chip has ever created. Concisely and cohesively unfolding with synths and striking guitar overlaps, birds chirping and melodies floating, drums flourishing and vocals in magical cohabitation. It takes a few listens to fully grasp all that the album offers. This second to last track, “Let Me Be Him,” is for me, their best song in their entire catalogue. It is scrumptious and delicate and extends a warmth that I feel comforted by with every listen. I hope everyone enjoys In Our Heads just as equally.
Best debut of the year thus far. With its own brand of funk and disco, this new band from Brooklyn has me up and dancing around the room. I just feel cool listening to these songs. Friends is the name of the band, so good luck searching for them. Manifest! is the name of the album, so good luck trying to sit still when listening. It is totally cohesive and meant to be enjoyed with its light and dance-oriented soundscape. I found it incredibly difficult to pick one song to showcase, but “Home” I feel briefly encapsulates the album. Samantha Urbani is the main singer and songwriter and I cannot wait to see what other genius ideas she comes up with next. It’s all so hipster that it’s way too fun to deny.
