Author Archives: michelleg

[Indie] HAIM – Falling

Posted by michelleg - February 12, 2013

After pouring over HAIM‘s electric/rock/pop/infinitely delicious tracks “Don’t Save Me” and “Send Me Down” the last few months, we’ve been more than ready for new material. Thankfully, the LA-based sister trio heard our prayers and released this new cut called “Falling”. There have been live videos of it floating around the interwebs, but here we get the finalized studio version. And…damn is it good: hushed crooning, throbbing & shattering percussion, funky bass grooves, and even a little sharp, badass guitar-work. Once again, there’s something so classic rock, yet so undeniably modern pop about it all.

’HAIM – Falling’

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“Falling” is available now via iTunes and will be on an EP of the same name, out April 1st.

Alternative/Rock

[Indie] Elephant – Skyscraper

Posted by michelleg - February 11, 2013

Bluesy and soulful is “Skyscraper”, the new single from even newer London-based duo Elephant. It’s addictive right from the first listen so we won’t keep you in suspense. Hit play below and let the organs ring and rattle your bones and Amelia Rivas’ vocals coax and persuade you into a rousing euphoria.

’Elephant – Skyscraper’

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The Skyscraper 7″ drops March 25th via Memphis Industries.

Alternative/Rock

[Indie] Youth Lagoon – Mute

Posted by michelleg - February 11, 2013

Even though it’s been a few years since Youth Lagoon‘s debut The Year Of Hibernation came out, it’s still a staple album on my playlist, and, naturally, I’ve been anxiously awaiting his new material. We got a taste of his sophomore album, Wondrous Bughouse, with the quirky “Dropla” not too long ago, and now we have another new song. “Mute” shows us his signature warmth and dreaminess, but also points to his exploration of other sounds and textures. Rather than just showering us with “instantly gratifying” melodies, he takes his time and flexes some complexity here and there. I think it’s safe to say we’re more than ready for the challenge. Listen in below.

’Youth Lagoon Mute’

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Wondrous Bughouse comes out March 5th via Fat Possum Records.

Alternative/Rock

[NEW] The Postal Service – A Tattered Line of String

Posted by michelleg - February 11, 2013

The Postal Service — yes, the Ben Gibbard side-project that we all thought we’d never hear from again — has returned with a new song in tow: “A Tattered Line of String”. It retains the quirky electronics found on the band’s classic album Give Up, but sounds a bit more upbeat and full-bodied, showing Gibbard injecting more of his solo singer-songwriter work into the cold metallic sounds. The track channels the robotic, intergalactic nicely when it makes great use of Jenny Lewis‘ (of Rilo Kiley) vocals. Listen in below.

This new tune, along with another one called “Turn Around”, will be on The Postal Service’s 10th anniversary deluxe edition of Give Up, due out April 9th on Sub Pop.

’The Postal Service – A Tattered Line of String.mp3′

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[NEW] James Blake – Retrograde

Posted by michelleg - February 7, 2013

Here it is, ladies and gents: James Blake‘s new song “Retrograde”. The downtempo, yet still buzzy electronic track is absolutely beautiful, emotionally crushing and sexy in that, well, James Blake way. We’ve been waiting for this to surface and now that it’s here, we’ll be spending a lot of time with it. The song was premiered about an hour ago by Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1; it’s off his forthcoming album, Overgrown, due out April 8th. Check it out below!

’James Blake – Retrograde ‘

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Electronic

[Funky] FKJ – So Much To Me

Posted by michelleg - February 7, 2013

Are you guys familiar with Paris’ own funky maestro French Kiwi Juice, aka FKJ? We posted his slick, excellent single “Lying Together” back in November, and subsequently featured some worthwhile remixes, too. Now, he’s back with a new track called “So Much To Me,” and as you might expect, it’s full of solid, hip-moving, body-grooving funk vibes alongside smooth, light keys and a generous helping of soulfulness. Aside from the lovin’ message of the tune, the music itself hits you right in the heart and warms you to the core. Yet another delightful jam from this French man. Check it out below.

’FKJ – So much to me’

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Electronica

[Indie] Shout Out Louds – Illusions

Posted by michelleg - February 7, 2013

On Shout Out Louds’ latest track “Illusions”, we’re given a blissful, icy breath of Swedish indie pop sounds. The song, so dreamy at times that you wonder if it is indeed an “illusion” (sorry, had to go there), features bits of an underlying grooving bass, brawny yet calming vocals, and some airy falsetto work in the chorus. It all comes together nicely — and seamlessly too — and should make getting through the last few days of the week a little easier.

Shout Out Louds new album Optica comes out February 26th via Merge Records.

’Illusions’

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Alternative/Rock