Swedish House Mafia – Miami 2 Ibiza (Vocal Mix) [MF]

Bravestation – a new-wave, post-punk, indie-pop four-piece – have just released their second EP which was prosaically titled ’2010 EP’. Having listened to its five versatile tracks on repeat all week, I can genuinely say that it is one of my favourite releases of the year. As demonstrated in my failure to define a singular genre of Bravestation, they are a notably talented band with the ability to create music consisting of many, many different styles.

That said, there was one thing that I found to be consistent within every song, and that was the atmospheric nature that is so evident in Bravestation’s music. It becomes present immediately after pressing play and is maintained right up until the final second; arguably hanging around even after you’ve turned your speakers off. The melodic guitar and vocals are beautifully accompanied by upbeat drums and finally completed with an electronic touch. Though clearly of a different musical nature, their ability to create this sense of atmosphere and aura around each track draws similarities with dream-pop duo Beach House. With regards to general sound, I could hear aspects from The Temper Trap, and others have even mentioned Yeasayer.

However, maybe we should not be trying to find similar artists, and just accept the fact that this sound is simply Bravestation.

These guys have a big future, and I can’t wait to hear more. Check out two of the tracks from Bravestation’s new EP below.

Bravestation – White Wolves [MF]

Bravestation – Their Calling [MF]

For more on Bravestation check out their bandcamp/myspace page, and purchase the EP on iTunes.

The British duo started out back in early 2009, when they began posting their demos online. Since then, they have gained a strong following, and their new EP ‘Exempt From Classification’ (to be released next month) is sure to create even more hype.

Listen to a couple of my favourite tracks below. Seriously, do it, these guys are excellent.

LectroLips – Kiss This (Electric Garden Filthy Remix) [MF]

LectroLips – Love Has Lied (I Can Feel It Dub) [MF]

Don’t be fooled though – Styrofoam Ones are not only appealing due to this energy. The masterful incorporation of pop genres within their music provides an effective and intricate blend of styles which is rarely achieved. To be honest, I’m hooked. After a couple of listens you probably will be too.

‘Blue Lines’ is a track off their current self-titled EP, which is available on iTunes.

Styrofoam Ones – Blue Lines [MF]

Here is another track (and a remix) that I thought I would add as a bonus:

Styrofoam Ones – O.T.T.A.P

Styrofoam Ones – O.T.T.A.P (Torro Torro Remix)

Neighbors – Bodies [MF]

Here are a couple of tracks from artists that I would definitely see, should I attend again. Enjoy!

The Middle East – Blood [MF]

The Morning Benders – Excuses [MF]

The National – Bloodbuzz Ohio [MF]

Public Enemy – 911 Is A Joke [MF]

Hoodie Allen is a diverse rapper, notable for his blend of different styles of music and genres. His most recent work samples a diverse array of artists and sounds from UK pop singers (Marina & The Diamonds) to indie rock staples and upstarts (Death Cab for Cutie and Two Door Cinema Club).

Of the three artists today, Hoodie Allen is the name that you are sure to hear crop up again soon. His music is dope. Check out these two tracks from his upcoming mix-tape Pep Rally.

Hoodie Allen – You Are Not A Robot (feat. Marina & The Diamonds) [MF]

Hoodie Allen – Words Of Wisdom (feat. Two Door Cinema Club) [MF]

Mouf and Master Rogers combine to form Mouth’s Cradle – a more pop based style of music than Hoodie Allen, but still essentially of the same genre. This said, the duo do cite a prominent rap influence from lyrical genius GZA. When this is combined with a solid foundation of pop and electronica, it forms to produce an eclectic blend of music which is upbeat, appealing and leaves you wanting more. This track is off a mix-tape the duo produced, sampling Train’s ‘Hey Soul Sister’… The title says it all. God I wish it was summer again in Melbourne.

Mouth’s Cradle – Summertime [MF]

Last but not least, is a hip hop, electronic duo known as AudioDax. Krypton FLO and Tremble united at school to create music of this electronic/hip-hop/pop nature. I don’t really need to say anything else about their background, or aspirations, because the lyrics in this track put it better than I ever could. Have a listen.

AudioDax – Matter Of Time [MF]

Despite my supposed deep and profound love, I completely forgot about Joe Neptune… That is, until last week when I rediscovered it. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing either, it meant that I was able to enjoy some quality music all over again. I could experience the whole concept once more.

Last year, I probably would have said that my favourite tracks were ‘No Time To Grow Up’ and ‘Just Go Indigo’. However, since my ‘rediscovery’, I’ve had a bit of a change in heart. Included below are some of my (new) favourite songs off the album. If this is your type of music, I strongly encourage you to buy the whole album, as it really is quite fantastic. Check out iTunes for details.

Joe Neptune – My Other Dream Of You [MF]

Joe Neptune – Here Now, Waiting [MF]

Joe Neptune – I Shall See My Love No More [MF]

After a somewhat stressful week, my introduction to Lovers and Poets’ opening song ‘Life Is Strange’ proved to be both calming and thought provoking. The rest of the album was of a similar caliber, showing much potential for future productions by the pair.

Lovers and Poets have produced a satisfying and enjoyable debut album, with traces of a La Roux and Massive Attack influence. It features memorable pop hooks in conjunction with thoughtful electro-synth sounds. Standout songs were the aforementioned ‘Life Is Strange’, as well as a more upbeat ‘The Things We Do For Love’.

Check them out and let me know what you think:

Lovers and Poets – Life Is Strange

Lovers and Poets – The Things We Do For Love

If you like, head on over to Amie Street to purchase.

Mat McHugh returned after a solo stint, and the group has come together to create a smooth fusion between Roots and different aspects of Reggae, particularly Dub and Dancehall. This style is accompanied by a strong emphasis on matters such as love and relationships; an influence that could almost certainly be traced back to Mat’s recent engagement.

My personal favourite track on ‘Spooks’ was ‘After All This Time’. This reggae styled ballad tells the romantic love story of a couple’s continuous love for each other; frequently referring to Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet. It is a clean, beautiful and appealing song which I am still not bored with, despite having listened to it many times.

Other standout tracks are without a doubt ’10:10′, and then probably ‘My Mind Is An Echo Chamber’.

Have a listen and let me know what your thoughts are!

The Beautiful Girls – After All This Time [MF]

The Beautiful Girls – 10:10 [MF]

The Beautiful Girls – My Mind Is An Echo Chamber [MF]

He is a very talented guitarist and singer/songwriter, which is clear all throughout his latest album. Jonathan’s style of music is hard to define, as many of his songs feature different genres and influences. In his own words:

“It’s everything from pop, to blues, to soul.”

His ability to perform in such a range of genre’s is testament to his talent as a musician. Jonathan Clay is sure to be a big name soon, if not already.

Check him out, have a listen, and experience the healing powers it beholds. This music is good for the body. Enjoy.

Jonathan Clay – Close To You

Jonathan Clay – Bonnie and Clyde

All in all. Its pretty good. Have a listen.

Notorious B.I.G. – I’m Going Back To Cali Gurls (Katy Perry Remix) [MF]

That ominous, magical day has arrived: Saturday. You’ve pushed through a week of grueling pain, in the form of school/uni/work or maybe even just boredom. Now that it’s here, your going to need music for the biggest night of the week! Here’s a selection of different tunes to get you on the d-floor. Enjoy.

Tiesto & Diplo – C’Mon

SHM (Swedish House Mafia) – One (Radio Edit)

Tiesto & Tegan and Sara – I Feel It In My Bones

Royskopp – What Else Is There (Thin White Duke Mix)

I have come across a few remixes of KiD CuDi’s ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ (off his album, ‘Man on the Moon: The End of the Day’). These two are probably the best I’ve heard, particularly the ‘Them Jeans Remix’ which I can’t get enough of. Check them out.

KiD CuDi – Pursuit of Happiness (Them Jeans Remix) [MF]

KiD CuDi – Pursuit of Happiness (Steve Aoki Remix) [MF]

Bonus: KiD CuDi – The Prayer (which I discovered on EtMusiquePourTous here) [MF]

KiD CuDi’s ‘The Prayer’ features a sample from Band Of Horse’s ‘The Funeral’. For more on Band Of Horses, check out this post on their new album: Band Of Horses – Infinite Arms.

Right now I’m lying on the couch, stee-ruggling and the only thing keeping me going is these chillin’ RAC mixes. Have a listen, they’re really good.

The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition (RAC Mix) [MF]

Tegan And Sara – Back In Your Head (RAC Mix) [MF]

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Home (RAC Mix) [MF]

As a huge Crystal Castles fan, I was so excited to get my hands on their new album, unofficially dubbed CC2. Despite hearing some negative reviews about it, after listening through it a couple of times I can safely say that I like it. I might even love it. It’s a solid album all the way through, featuring classic Crystal Castles sounds in a diverse bunch of songs. Here are a couple of my favourites. Enjoy.

Crystal Castles – Suffocation [MF]

Crystal Castles – Intimate [MF]

Crystal Castles – Not In Love [MF]

You can order/pre-order it here: http://crystalcastles.com/

Firstly, I would like to point out how amazing the cover of this album is.

Secondly, the music. Certainly a highly anticipated album of 2010, Band Of Horses latest – ‘Infinite Arms’ – is set to be released on the 18th May. I only listened to it for the first time tonight and I thought it was pretty good. Perhaps not as solid as some of their previous work, but I think it will be one that’ll grow on me. That said, there were two tracks that did take my fancy in particular. I really liked them. Do you? Have a listen and let me know:

Band Of Horses – Factory [MF]

Band Of Horses – Way Back Home [MF]

Pre-order/Buy: http://www.bandofhorses.com/

Their previous album LP3 (said to have been recorded at the same time as LP4) acts as a taste of whats to come. And when I say taste, I mean it – by no means is LP4 a mere equal to its predecessor, this album is definitely a step up. Ratatat maintain their characteristic guitar riffs and electric synths, and then add a whole heap of other awesome stuff. The end result is a more sophisticated Ratatat sound. LP4 is set to drop on June 8, 2010 – check out their site and pre-order this baby, you wont regret it: http://www.ratatatmusic.com/

However, to keep you tiding over until then, I’ve hooked you up with two of their new tracks. Enjoy.

Ratatat – Drugs

Ratatat – Grape Juice City

Before you ask, yes there have been a bazillion xx and/or Biggie remixes to flood the world wide web. And yes, whilst there have been some good ones, there have also been some very average ones. However, this album is certainly not average. If you haven’t yet heard about it, I am referring to wait what’s album ‘the notorious xx’. The 24 year old New Yorker took the debut album of ‘The xx’ and handpicked a Notorious song to mix with each track. The end product was incredible.

“the notorious xx began as an idea in my sister’s apartment, where I was trying to figure out what it would sound like hearing juicy over vcr, and since then expanded to include all 11 tracks of the xx’s debut album chopped, sliced, and mashed up with biggie’s vocals. I made it over the span of a few weeks…”

Check out a couple of the tracks for yourself:

wait what – juicy-r:

wait what – one more chance for a heart to skip a beat:

wait what – mo stars mo problems:

Download/Listen to the whole album on SoundCloud.

Surprisingly, it didn’t take that long to choose what the subject of my first blog post should be. I wanted to write about a recent, pleasant song, that I didn’t have any problem hearing repeatedly – and this came to mind immediately. In my opinion this track by Beach House meets all that criteria, put simply, I love it! But then again, if you hate nice, new music that doesn’t get old, you probably wont feel the same way…

‘Zebra’ is my personal favourite song off Beach House’s latest ‘Teen Dream’. Though I enjoyed the whole album, this track stood out for me. Alex Scally’s melodic guitar captured me in the first 10 seconds; nicely complimented by Victoria’s smooth (sometimes haunting) vocals, the duo have delved just that little bit deeper with this one. This striving for a further sophistication in their music is apparent all throughout ‘Teen Dream’.

“Any way you run, you run before us
Black and white horse arching among us”

It is a beautiful track that I recommend to all. Listening to it gives you this wonderful floating sensation. Try it for yourself.

Beach House – Zebra [MF]

Buy the album on iTunes.