Author Archives: Ricky Stephens

About Ricky Stephens

Ricky Stephens is an independent musician and music reviewer from Tampa Florida.

Machinedrum – Let It ft. Melo-X (edIT Remix)

Posted by Ricky Stephens - February 17, 2012

Very seldom do I hear about a remix and enjoy it more than the original track. I guess there is just part of me that likes to hold on to the original of something because without it there would be nothing to remix at all. Edit‘s version of Machinedrum‘s “Let it”, though, makes me really question the way I’ve been looking at remixes because I actually do think its better than the original. While Machinedrum’s song is a great foundation, Edit’s subtle additions really fill out the track and make it bigger. His penchant for riding the bass and adding high pitched synth leads give the track an almost eerie feel for the vocals to build upon.

Edit, real name Edward Ma, has been quite unstoppable since forming the supergroup The Glitch Mob. Make sure you check our exclusive interview with him a few months back.

[Cover] The Arkells – Video Games (Lana Del Rey)

Posted by Ricky Stephens - February 17, 2012

Ontario’s indie rock favorites, The Arkells, have released a new cover version of Lana Del Rey’s song “Video Games”. Their version retreats from the electronic and orchestral overtones that hold sway in Lana’s original almost completely. Instead, the band has provided a new look into the song by way of acoustic finger style guitar and a slightly quicker delivery; A departure from even their own usually upbeat sound, this new take shows the group’s musical versatility.

The Arkells- Video Games (Lana Del Rey)

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arkells

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via: Blah Blah Blah Science

Alternative/Rock

Radiohead – Codex (Hannes Fischer Edit) [Fresh]

Posted by Ricky Stephens - February 17, 2012

Hannes Fischer is known for his dub- house remixes. He has gained a lot of attention through his work on tracks from both Feist and SBTRKT. His latest effort, a new take on Radiohead‘s “Codex”, should prove to be an excellent addition to his impressive and expanding portfolio.

With his remix of “Codex”, Fischer has taken a minimalistic approach. He has taken nothing away from the original dynamics of the song, but added to the track through his thoughtful and atmospheric editing. The constant bass drum and reverberating vocal lines give the song an ethereal feel that is complimented by effect heavy textures and a memorable piano part. Fischer’s edits really capture the original idea and keep it intact while presenting it in a slightly new way. Well done.

Radiohead- Codex (Hannes Fischer Edit)

’radiohead
codex

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[New] The Kooks- Naive (Jean Tonique Remix)

Posted by Ricky Stephens - February 16, 2012

Shiny Disco Club’s Jean Tonique is a remix master on a mission. His latest triumph is an edit of the ever popular “Naive” by The Kooks. While the original song is upbeat and catchy on its own, Tonique’s additions give the song a jumpy, disco, update just in time for spring break and summer fun.

Download: The Kooks- Naive (Jean Tonique Remix)

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kooks

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Remixes

[New] Marissa Nadler- The Wrecking Ball Company

Posted by Ricky Stephens - February 16, 2012

Marissa Nadler is now streaming the first track preview from The Sister– the new companion album to her 2011 self titled release.

The track, named “The Wrecking Ball Company”, is a slow paced and atmospheric take on Marissa’s previously established sound that plays out like an old movie. The subtle voice of the finger style guitar fills out the track while Marissa’s own vocal parts dance harmoniously over the layers. The two working together give the track an other worldly feel that is as beautiful as it is haunting.

The Sister is set for release on Marissa’s own Box of Cedar label on 5.29.12

Folk

[New] Sailor & I- Tough Love

Posted by Ricky Stephens - February 16, 2012

Stockholm band Sailor & I have carved a niche for themselves with their thematic indie music. Their first release, John Franklin, paid homage to the late, great, explorer through song while simultaneously putting the band on the map. For their third release, the band has teamed up with Swedish producer Alexander Sjödin, and really let him take the reigns from song writing to production. The Tough Love EP, set for release toward the end of March 2012, is supposed to be as much a musical journey for the listener as it is for the band- who employed a new range of instruments, including a string quartet, to further mature their sound.

The title track from the EP “Tough Love” is a mesh of emotions that swim laps around the idea that love is tough and hard to hold onto. The music kind of sounds like what you would get if you put Noah And The Whale, Bon Iver, and Aztec Camera in a blender and digitally mixed what came out. The song really takes off at about the one minute mark, with the introduction of the first chorus, and musically shines through the murky waters of the angst driven lyrics until coming to full fruition in the bridge.

[New] He’s My Brother She’s My Sister- Can’t See The Stars +Tour

Posted by Ricky Stephens - February 15, 2012

Las Angeles folk/blues band He’s My Brother She’s My Sister have announced a special treat for fans who come out to their shows leading up to their SXSW date: a special preview of their new album. The two song set is said to feature the tracks “Can’t See The Stars” and “Let It Live Free” from their new LP and is only available to concert goers.

“Can’t See The Stars” is a musical nod to a past era. The percussive stomping and tambourine in the beginning accent the vocal lines while leaving just enough quiet space to cue the chorus in dramatically. The gang vocals make the song feel huge and the swinging rhythm of the vocal line grabs you and never quite lets go.

The band, named in reference to brother/sister vocalists, have been making a name for themselves through their energetic live show and relentless tour schedule. The SXSW tour dates are:

2.28.12 – San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
2.29.12 – Visalia, CA @ Cellar Door
3.01.12 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
3.02.12 – Santa Barbara, CA @ SOHO
3.03.12 – San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
3.04.12 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Moe’s Alley
3.06.12 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
3.07 .12– Boise, ID @ Neurolux
3.08.12 – Jackson, WY @ Pink Garter Theatre
3.09-.12 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre (With The Growlers)

Folk