Author Archives: michelleg

[Indie] Generationals – Spinoza

Posted by michelleg - January 9, 2013

New Orleans-based duo Generationals will put out their third album, Heza, this Spring. The new LP is the follow-up to 2011’s Actor-Caster, a record that gained the indie rock group quite a bit of success, including spots on commercials and even the HBO hit show Girls. This week, they preview their forthcoming release with a new track. Titled “Spinoza,” it’s a delightful and jangling surf-pop tune, and a nice way to pave a bright and sunny anticipatory path toward the full-length. Check it out below!

’Generationals – Spinoza’

Buy

Heza comes out April 2nd via Polyvinyl Records.

Alternative/Rock

[Synth Pop] Ra Ra Riot – Dance With Me

Posted by michelleg - January 8, 2013

New York-based quartet Ra Ra Riot reveal yet another track from Beta Love, their forthcoming third album. Aptly titled, “Dance With Me” is a synth-laden, cheerful plea to get ya out on the floor, dancing shoes all laced up and ready to bust a move. The bouncy beckoning carries with it an infectious quality, which, unsurprisingly, can also be found on the band’s previously shared songs, the title track and “When I Dream”. Tune in below!

’Ra Ra Riot Dance With Me’

Soundcloud

Ra Ra Riot’s Beta Love drops January 22nd via Barsuk Records.

Synth-pop

[Stream] Free Energy – Love Sign

Posted by michelleg - January 8, 2013

Fun-in-the-sun indie rock band Free Energy are gearing up to release their sophomore album, Love Sign, next week. We’ve heard a few cuts off the LP already, including “Hangin” and the newly dropped “Girls Want Rock” (below). But just in case that isn’t enough — is it even possible to have too much fun? — the band has put the entire 10-track record online for our streaming pleasure. Listen to all of Love Sign here, courtesy of Rolling Stone, and be sure to purchase it on Tuesday, January 15th.

’FREE ENERGY – Girls Want Rock’

Buy

Alternative/Rock

[Hip-Hop] Adam Tensta ft. Elliphant – Rat In The Snow

Posted by michelleg - January 8, 2013

Adam Tensta is rapper whose debut album It’s a Tensta Thing earned him the 2008 Swedish Grammy for best hip-hop/dance/soul album. Here he teams up with fellow Swede artist Elliphant. She brings much of the same vivacious dancehall/electronic vibes that we saw on her hit “Down On Life,” effectively making “Rat In The Snow” a pretty addictive track from all different angles. Download it below and be sure to check out its official music video here.

’Adam Tensta – Rat In The Snow w. Elliphant’

Download

Active Child – His Eye Is On The Sparrow (Hymn Cover)

Posted by michelleg - January 7, 2013

Often referred to as having a pristine indie “choir-like” voice, it’s both surprising and not to see Active Child taking on this classic Gospel hymn “His Eye Is On the Sparrow”. The song has seen many incarnations; it’s been covered by Whitney Houston and Jessica Simpson, but it might actually be most familiar to those fans of Whoopi Goldberg’s Sister Act 2. In the film, it’s performed by Lauryn Hill and Tanya Blount. Active Child makes it his own, but at the same time stays true to the original’s purity and ethereal power. Bravo, here.

’His Eye Is On The Sparrow’

Soundcloud

Darwin Deez – Free (Unicorn Kid Mix)

Posted by michelleg - January 7, 2013

Indie musician Darwin Deez will release his sophomore album, Songs For Imaginative People, next month. He’s shared its first single, “Free (The Editorial Me)” and now he’s sharing its accompanying remix by Scottish producer Unicorn Kid. The rework is sparkly and synth-heavy, very fluid & feel-good, especially as it’s built around a loop of Deez just exclaiming “Cause I’m freeeeeee, yeah!”; if you’re low on chocolate or caffeine, consider this the little, sweet necessary kickoff to the workweek. Go on and get up out of your cubicle for this one.

’Darwin Deez – Free (Unicorn Kid Mix)’

Buy

Check out more music from Unicorn Kid on his Soundcloud.

AlunaGeorge – Thinkin Bout You (Frank Ocean Cover)

Posted by michelleg - January 7, 2013

Last week we brought you a taste of AlunaGeorge‘s new album, Body Music, in the form of the woozy and sensual track “Diver”. Today, we’ve got another treat from the UK duo: a live cover of Frank Ocean‘s “Thinkin Bout You”. Taken from BBC Radio’s 1Xtra’s Hot for 2013 Live Lounge special, their rendition is light, lovely and washed with reggae-tinged synths. Check it out below! For more music, including a live version of a new song, head over to BBC’s site.

’AlunaGeorge – Thinkin Bout You (Frank Ocean Cover for 1Xtra Live Lounge)’

Soundcloud

via SoulCulture