Written by willshoob on Thursday, 29 of July , 2010 at 11:39 am
Who’s up for some funky summer time grooves? The eccentrically awesome music of Xenia Rubinos recently entered my life, and it’s made me extremely happy. Xenia is from Brooklyn, and crafts exotic jams that sound like too many different things to describe in one sentence. She told me that her recorded music hasn’t quite caught up to her live show, but I find her recordings to be absolutely fantastic. This must mean she has the best live show of all time, yeah? If you’re down to venture with me, she’s playing the Silent Barn in Brooklyn tomorrow night. Her Elephant Songs EP has been playing on my Itunes non-stop since I got it yesterday. I’m digging “Los Mangopaunos” in particular, with it’s jazzy hits and Spanish (?) vocals that are infinitely charming. The song gets a little raucous, but in the best way possible. Some more percussion fuels the fire before a Dirty Projector like hocketing pattern enters the track. A truly infectious yet intellectual song, you should give it a couple of listens before reaching a verdict. I’m also really digging “Pan Y Cafe”, a short and sweet track that features call and response vocals of “Pan y cafe” between Xenia and drummer Marco Buccelli. The vocal line gets more urgent before a pulsing drum line enters, and Xenia’s vocals are filtered through some kind of effect. Xenia does more talking than singing on this track, but it’s a strategic approach, because a melody would have probably slowed down the undeniable energy this track has to offer.
If you want some summer jams that sound nothing like anything you’ve ever heard, I highly recommend you give her a listen or two. Like I stated earlier, she’ll be playing at The Silent Barn tomorrow night in Brooklyn, and her live show is pretty “rollicking.” Expect some new music from her by the fall.
Written by hKWAP on Thursday, 29 of July , 2010 at 8:36 am
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Alright folks, here it is – the comprehensive recap of my listening ventures as of late. The mix includes mostly newer cuts, supplemented with a few quasi-throwbacks and unreleased tracks(sshhh!) that will be sure to sustain and/or re-affirm any waning summer optimism. For many of us, August is a denouement to the glory and carefree ecstasy of July – an all to abrupt and inevitable decline towards the 9 month drudgery known as scholastic life. It’s as if the entire word is coming down from an incredible but unrealistic high: the month of August serving to remind us of the banality and unproductive nature of daily life. So please, use this Mix to perpetuate good spirits and as a reminder that the ride isn’t through quite yet…DOWNLOAD IT HERE
Track List (order isn’t important - shuffle that shit)
El Guincho – Bombay (embodies summer)
Zach Hill feat. Deerhoof – Memo To The Man (intriguing and expectedly raucous collab.)
Ariel Pink – Round And Round (this one really grew on me, easily one of the most unique vibes in recent memory)
Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (recommended addition: if you feel so inclined, add modern man to this list. My favorite cut of the record, just somehow slipped my mind when penning this mix.)
Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place (maybe one of my favorites of all time )
Stornoway – Zorbing (most likely to: be the next belle and sebastian)
Ra Ra Riot – Boy (catchy and consistent, coupled with a dirty bass line)
Written by willshoob on Wednesday, 28 of July , 2010 at 12:23 pm
Freddie Gibbs’ Str8 Killa EP comes out on Tuesday, with his Str8 Killa No Filla mixtape dropping tomorrow. The EP is coming courtesy of Decon Records, the label that has seemed to emerge as the go to indie hip-hop label this past year. They released Rakaa’s fantastic Crown of Thorns not too long ago, and they now have releases for Freddie Gibbs, Black Milk, and Gangrene (The Alchemist & Oh No) coming our way in the next few months. While Gibbs seems to be the most anticipated release, the Black Milk record is going to be great, and the first track from the Alchemist/Oh No collab is fantastic. In anticipation of the Str8 Killa EP, we have “National Anthem (Fuck The World)”, and an accompanying video. There is something about Freddie Gibbs’ flow that is so easy to connect with and latch on to. “National Anthem” is a prime example of this, especially when he moves into a double time flow. The chorus is fantastic, with Gibbs almost moaning “One for the money, two for the motherfucking haters keeping my name in the game.” There’s a fantastic interview with Gibbs over at Hip Hop DX that I highly recommend you check out.
Black Milk’s Album Of The Year isn’t hitting stores until September 14th, but that doesn’t stop him from making some pretty bold statements regarding the quality of the record. Based on first single “Welcome (Gotta Go)”, it may not be the album of the year, but it’s one of the better hip-hop tracks of 2010. The beat is passive aggressive in the sense that it’s only as intense as you make it. The more invested you become in the track, the more it will give back. The beat definitely isn’t “electronic”, but it has some artificial elements to it that definitely keeps the track moving. Last but not least from Decon, we have “Chain Swinging”, the first single from the upcoming Alchemist/Oh No project. The record doesn’t come out until October, but I have a feeling it’s going to be fantastic. The beat on “Chain Swinging” is awesome, with both producers contributing both vocals and instrumentation to the track. The record also features guest appearances from Raekwon, Fashawn, and Guilty Simpson. In addition to “Fuck The World” from Gibbs, and new tracks from Black Milk and Gangrene, I also have a bonus Gibbs track for you all. Adult Swim did a great job with their singles series, releasing great music from artists such as Madvillain and Cults. I thought it was over, but they apparently added a bonus single, recorded by none other than Mr. Freddie Gibbs. Download that one below as well, and take the Madvillain one too while you’re at it.
It was the day before the american election 2008 and I was filled with a hopelessness that only a McCain supporter could have shared with me at the time. I was in Washington DC to perform for swedish TV, sitting in the couch with a profesional smile on my face, joking with the hosts and discussing the lobster with the TV chef. I saw the clips online sometime ago, it’s amazing what an actor I can be if I really make an effort.
I lived in America back then, up in New York. At the time I felt like everything I touched was turning to shit and I had decided to put everything on one card. Subconsciously I knew I needed to hit the bottom so I could work my way up again. I needed confirmation, I needed someone to tell me it wasn’t going to work out, not this way. Yes, there was a girl involved in this. I was very much in love with her.
Some things you just go through. You don’t write about it, you don’t turn it into art because it can’t be turned into art. I didn’t write any songs that year because you can’t pour manure into an espresso machine and expect a cappucino to come out. When they announced the results and the streets filled up with people celebrating I felt happy to be part of something bigger than myself. It was a feeling that lasted me until the very last days of December 2008 when I finally sat down in my old teenage room at my parents house and I wrote this song. Then the year ended.
It’s a song of hope. When love turns it’s back on you it’s nice to know there’s a world out there that doesn’t give a shit about your problems. That forces you to keep your head held high and move on. A world that is fragile and beautiful. Maybe it can sound cold to some of you, but let me make it clear that I believe in love, I just get so wrapped up in it sometimes that I need to put it into proportion. It’s something you have to do a lot when you’re Jens Lekman.
There are three things nobody told me that I have to deal with right now.
First off: Nobody told me that “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People is such a fucking jam. The LA based quartet seem to have crafted a perfect summer pop song. It’s both effortless and cool while being infinitely catchy and infectious. It’s Young Folks for 2010, and I mean that with both its positive and negative connotations. Enjoy it before it becomes inescapable.
Second: EMO DUBSTEP!? Yes indeed, everyone’s favorite genre that has rapidly mutated into a battle of the filthy basslines (as well as spawning some of the most original and inventivemusic out there right now) has reached a hilarious climax. I guarantee your amusement. Seriously, it’s hysterical.
Finally: it’s really hard to get people to listen to your music. With that in mind, allow me to indulge in some good old fashioned shameless self promotion. I make electronic bedroom pop as The Gabriel Gutierrez Band!. Don’t be afraid, it’s not a bland regurgitation of The Postal Service, nor a compilation of everything bad about the 80′s. It’s a bit better than that. Check out Zooey Deschanel or Coldest August, you won’t be disappointed.
Written by willshoob on Monday, 26 of July , 2010 at 11:43 am
Not many things make me proud of LA like our fantastic music scenes do. I saw Fool’s Gold in Central Park yesterday, and had one of the best concert experiences of my life. It was pouring rain, but that made little difference. They were so solid, I couldn’t have cared less what the weather was like. A few of those dudes are also in the amazing Foreign Born, with one of those guys also helping out Glasser, and another one who did production for the debut Best Coast record. Then there is Blake Mills, who we have a big ‘ol profile on coming in the next couple of weeks. His debut LP Break Mirrors is one of my favorites this year. Of course, this is far different than LA’s other scene, the just as prolific beat scene. Led by Flying Lotus and his homie, we’re seeing new faces emerge within the scene, although some of those faces aren’t quite new (Baths). Falling somewhere in between the two scenes is Evan Voytas, the at times brilliant songwriter originally from Pennsylvania, but currently chilling in LA. He’s been steadily releasing tracks on the internet for over a year now, and while a few haven’t been so great, many are fantastic. The latest track for download is “I Took A Trip On A Plane”, and it’s one of the better ones available so far. This is seemingly taken from his upcoming record, which is being prepped for a release at the end of the year. Lyrics vary from “la di da’s” to “I took a trip on a plane”, all placed over a beat made for relaxation and a guitar part entering at all the right times. There’s nothing too extravagant about the track, but it’s subtleties are what makes it worth listening.
Another LA group I’ve been really digging lately is Teen Inc., the funk duo who are equal parts old school California funk and new school soul. “Fountains” sounds like an Ariel Pink track, or rather what I wished an Ariel Pink would sound like. Hints of Dam-Funk are also apparent, the LA funkster who these dudes probably (indirectly) owe a few thanks to. Dam has led the emergence of new school funk in the LA scene, and Teen Inc. probably wouldn’t be nearly as popular as they are if it wasn’t for him. Of course, that’s taking nothing away from the music, because the music is fantastic. They have a 7″ available to buy here, which I highly recommend you do.
Written by willshoob on Saturday, 24 of July , 2010 at 7:02 pm
We tried to go to Siren Music Festival last weekend, but when we arrived at Coney Island it was too hot and too crowded so we turned around and watched Manchurian Candidate instead. I’m thoroughly satisfied with my decision, except for the fact that we missed Apache Beat (and Holy Fuck, but the post isn’t about them). They were apparently really good, and I can guarantee you that they were better than Matt & Kim because I don’t like Matt & Kim. Ever since I missed their set, I can’t stop listening to “Another Day”, the Talking Heads inspired track from their upcoming record, entitled Last Chants. Talking Heads are one of my favorite bands of all time, so any band that sounds remotely like them I’ll most likely enjoy. The guitar part on “Another Day” has David Byrne/Jerry Harrison written all over it, while the unconventional sounding drums give the song a disco-y vibe. The vocals are placed perfectly, taking rests at all the right places, helping build momentum for the chorus. Loud moans of “I should have known” are accompanied by an edgy guitar, that by now sounds as if it could be coming from no one other than David Byrne. Apache Beat’s disco infused rock music is perfect for summertime, so do yourself a favor and download “Another Day” whenever you get a minute. They have a show at the Brooklyn Bowl on July 31st, so if you’re in New York make sure to head down to Brooklyn and check ‘em out.
Written by willshoob on Thursday, 22 of July , 2010 at 1:48 pm
Details about Marnie Stern’s upcoming record have recently emerged, and I can’t help but notice the title of track number five, “Female Guitar Players are the New Black.” While the statement needs to be taken with a grain of salt, there seems to be some truth to it as well. St. Vincent shreds harder than most male guitar players out there, as does Marnie herself. Sharon Van Etten’s latest track has been playing constantly on my Itunes, as has Buke & Gass, and Shannon Stevens. Many of these female artists are a real breath of fresh air with all the lo-fi/chillwave garbage that’s currently being thrown around. Marnie Stern’s latest track “For Ash” is a tremendous exercise in balancing pure chops with creative edge. Marnie and drummer Zach Hill balance each others busy tendencies nicely – not necessarily canceling each other out, but making each person’s role seem fitting within the track. The vocals range from Marnie yelping over double kick drum, to group vocals passionately singing about who knows what. As busy as the track seems, it oddly feels like one of Stern’s most accessible tracks to date. The cool thing about her is that she can sound as insane as she does on “For Ash”, while we listen and take it in as any other Marnie Stern song. What’s going to make her upcoming record so fantastic is that she’s taken “any other Marnie Stern song” and upped the ante to an insane degree. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the record.
I consider Sharon Van Etten to be the female equivalent of Kyp Malone. Yes, she did tour with him under his Rain Machine moniker last year, but it’s the way she utilizes her voice that reminds me of Kyp. She ranges from delicate to emotionally charged on a minute to minute basis, controlling the track and directing the instrumentation with a simple inflection in her voice. She has tremendous power, but she knows just when to use it, and more importantly how to use it. “Love More” is the first single from her upcoming record Epic, and it’s a fantastic example of this. The track is a slow burner, churning and churning with well placed electric guitar and jangly percussion. Her voice never gets too powerful, because it doesn’t need to. She stays so sturdy within the track, any slight misstep with her vocals can throw off the entire song. She seems to walk a tightrope that only she knows exists, putting pressure on herself to make the right choices within a song. Luckily for us, Van Etten seems to be a thinker, not one to throw ideas against the wall and see what sticks. Everything about “Love More” seems methodical and planned, and that’s what makes it such a successful track.
While I have your attention about female musicians that absolutely rule, I highly recommend you check out Asthmatic Kitty’s re-issue of Shannon Stephens’ debut record. Shannon was part of Mazuki, Sufjan Steven’s band before he went on to his highly successful solo career. Stephens makes beautiful folk driven rock that’s crafted with the finest attention to detail and extreme intelligence. Download “Catch The Morning Line” below, and listen carefully to the bass line, it’s killer.
I’d also like to quickly direct your attention to Dave Greenwald’s Rawkblog, one of my favorite websites on the internet. Since St. Vincent doesn’t have any new music out these days, so I didn’t focus on her in this article. Dave however, recently made a really nice appreciation post on St. Vincent, which you should check out right here.
Written by willshoob on Tuesday, 20 of July , 2010 at 1:10 pm
For us exceptional human beings who don’t follow the all too fast paced genre that is chill wave, summer jams have been a bit weak. Sure, there has been the occasional track with a summer-y vibe, but nothing has really been given the role as “the go to summer jam…” Until now that is! Not only do we have one Tape-approved summer jam, we have multiple! Starting things off is the always fantastic Lewis Pesacov, who took the Local Natives remix contest to a new level with his excellent version of “Wide Eyes.” Lewis reps LA proud with his PHAT beat that takes the Local Natives track to a new level. Shimmering synthesizers that remind me of T.I.’s “What You Know” accompany handclaps and a thick drum beat. Lewis chops up the guitar part, giving it a swing-ish feel. He takes a minimalistic approach with the verse, having the main vocal line and chopped up harmonies lead the way. The verse is so successful because it makes the chorus so much bigger. The track also features Aristotle Pop A Bottle, a rapper who does a solid job occupying the listener. I see his verse more as a time filler than anything else, and he does more than a good enough job leading the instruments back into the chorus, where the song really shines.
Up next we have the latest from El Guincho. After a year or two off, the dude has been mighty prolific, with his fantastic Piratas de Sudamerica EP, and now the first track off of his upcoming Pop Negro full length. Steel drums are about as summer as it gets, and “Bombay” is full of them. Yes, I don’t understand a single word of this song, and no, I don’t need to. If El Guincho does a video for this track, it better be centered around a pool party, because that’s all I can imagine while listening to this track. Pop Negro is coming in the fall, which will make the distant memories of summer all too painful. But let’s enjoy “Bombay” for now, it’s an excellent summer treat.
Written by hKWAP on Wednesday, 14 of July , 2010 at 7:58 am
Past FYF Fests (formerly F Yeah Fest) have been somewhat of a love/hate thing for me. First there was the quaint 2008 festival, headed by No Age and Matt and Kim: an introduction into the power and vitality of the L.A. community arts circuit. Followed by an unforgettable L.A. Scavenger Hunt, F Yeah weekend rounded out the summer in style. One year later, the festival had sprouted from a small gathering to an musical juggernaut, boasting a high end lineup and a new location. The day was poised to be a triumph yet between the cancellation of Dan Deacon, and some poor organization, the day left a lot to be desired. (the scavenger hunt was also postponed, adding to the overall disappointment) Still, FYF seems hell bent on redeeming itself, revealing a roster that, at a 25 dollar clip, seems simply too good to be true. So, barring any cancellations or logistical nightmares, FYF will be back with a vengeance this September 4th. Check back for updates regarding the show/an FYF Tape Mix…
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