::: Off the Radar :::

Air Return!

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Our beloved Air Return in 09'! They will be releasing new album 'Love 2' in October.

In the meantime they've released 'Do the Joy' the first track from their new album to anyone who subscribes to their newsletter. It's classic Air fare, electronic deliciousness. Can't wait for the album, Air has always been one of the best bands to listen to as the night sets in and I've been craving some new material.

With no further ado here is that track, plus the album tracklisting. Tic, toc...

MP3: Do the Joy - Air (YSI)

'Love 2' Tracklisting::

01 Do The Joy
02 Love
03 So Light Is Her Footfall
04 Be A Bee
05 Missing The Light Of The Day
06 Tropical Disease
07 Heaven’s Light
08 Night Hunter
09 Sing Sang Sung
10 Eat My Beat
11 You Can Tell It To Everybody
12 African Velvet

Microfilm

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Microfilm who had that amazing album 'Slingshot Orchestra' that I wrote about back in January are back with a New EP entitled 'International Velvet'.

The EP is stellar! It takes off right were Slingshot Orchestra left off. Dark electro-pop/industrial tunes. Bleeps, vocoders and crushing high hats abound. I have a feeling these boys grew out of a similar goth/industrial background that I did. If not they should have. This would have fit in perfectly at The Kitchen Club or The Church, a couple Goth clubs that I grew up with in my formative years in the early 90's.

Have a listen....

MP3: International Velvet - Microfilm (YSI)
MP3: BFF - Microfilm (YSI)

Alan Wilkis

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:38:00 +0000

Brooklyn, NY's Alan Wilkis who sent us that great remix of Phoenix's 1901 back in April recently released his own EP of original material entitled 'Pink and Purple'.

It's a very funky/synthy dancey blend and perfect for the summer. His music reminds me of fellow New Yorkers and friends Tigercity. TC fans will love this! He's been getting tons of great press including one of my faves NPR.

Here's a couple tracks from the EP. If you like these you can purchase the whole thing right from his myspace for only $6.99.

MP3: Snuggle Up to Nail Down - Alan Wilkis (YSI)

MP3: Gotta Get You Back - Alan Wilkis (YSI)

The Maccabees Return!

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:37:00 +0000

Just got the new sophmore album by The Maccabees 'Wall of Arms' thanks to my homeboy Victor Castro. Apparently it's tough to get here in the States. It's out in the UK already.

Still haven't fully digested the record (probalby gonna be doing that over the week-end), but I can already tell it's pretty special, so wanted to do a post for it.

The first track that caught my attention from this new album was the first single/video for 'No Kind Words' that the band released as a free MP3. Great track/video! Think it's still my favorite from the new album, but there are alot of jems on this one like 'William Powers', the heartachingly beautiful 'Love You Better', 'Can You Give It' and the slow album closer 'Bag of Bones'. I'm sure more will grow on me with time, but these are the first to catch my attention.

The album cover reminds me a whole lot of Pulp's 'His N' Hers' no??

Anyways here is the video for 'No Kind Word's', plus a couple tracks from the album and a sweet dance remix that I got for 'Love You Better' by Russell Lissack.

Think we may have a classic on our hands here folks, so if you like these tracks I'd definitely recommend picking this baby up.

MP3: No Kind Words - The Maccabees (YSI)

MP3: William Powers - The Maccabees (YSI)

MP3: Love You Better (Russell Lissack Remix) - The Maccabees (YSI)

Discovery

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Discovery is a side project by the keyboardist of Vampire Weekend and lead singer of Ra Ra Riot that just came out yesterday called LP. They have a link on their website so you can stream all the tracks and after a quick listen I'm loving it! It's breezy electro-pop a-la bands like Postal Service or Hot Chip and it couldn't have come at a better time, Summertime!

Above is an embedded link they offer with some of the tracks. Go to their site to stream the rest of it and then as I'm sure you're gonna love it, head out and buy yourself a copy.

Relentless

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:51:00 +0000

Relentless are an electronic San Francisco duo who contacted us recently. Glad they did cause they're damn good!

Great tech house dancefloor jams with a pop sensibility.

They sent us like 8 songs/remixes our way. I usually just listen to the first track or two when I get an email from an artist then trail off when I get an idea what they sound like, but not with these guys. I just kept on going, downloading them all. Not a bad one in the bunch!

My Itunes loves me for it, maybe you will too for sharing such great music with you??

Hard to pick which one's to post cause they're all so good, but here are some of my favorites in full 320 quality!

Enjoy!

P.S. Bands/artists keep sending me mp3's/videos for consideration on the Radar Blog. Send them to offtheradarmiami@gmail.com. Lately more and more of the content I've been posting has come from direct contributions that you guys have been sending me (which has definitely been on an upswing the last 6 months or so). Makes my life a whole lot easier, plus it equals more great music for all of us!

MP3: The City Loves You - Relentless (YSI)
MP3: UR Fired - Relentless (YSI)
MP3: Mono Love (After Midnight Remix) - Relentless (YSI)
MP3: William of Ockham - Relentless (YSI)

Mr. Oizo

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:59:00 +0000

Mr. Oizo from Paris, France is a mad man! In a good way. He puts out some incredible dance music that may be ahead of his time (as most geniouses are). This new remix I heard for his track 'Erreurjean' by Arveen & Misk is sick! It's got dancefloor mayhem written all over it. Join the madnesss!

MP3: Erreurjean (Arveen & Misk Remix) - Mr. Oizo (YSI)

Vitalic Returns

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:03:00 +0000

New Video from Vitalic for 'Your Disco Song' from their forthcoming new album due in September. Disco Head! (Hope this doesn't start a new fad). The endings not what you'd expect either. Ha ha...

AdamandEvil

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:10:00 +0000

AdamandEvil are LA duo Scott Fairbrother and Julian Shah-Tayler formerly from London band Whitey. Seems they liked the West Coast so much back in '07' they decided to make LA their home and have a go at it on their own.

Man, I must've played that Whitey track 'Wrap it Up' a million times back in the day. People loved that on the dancefloor. They're currently working on their self produced debut album with Danny Saber (David Bowie/Rolling Stones). Umm-amazing!

They have an unreleased self titled EP which was sent to us for review and I am thoroughly enjoying it! Great mid-tempo stuff. From indie rock to slower atmospheric tracks, all with a dark electronic pop flair. Slower is good...

URB Magazine said this about them:: 'LA's newest buzz band... well-tread yet still welcome breezy electro-pop.'

Wanna hear some? Of course you do!

Here's a couple of my favorites 'Weeds' and 'Outnumbered', plus a dance remix of Weeds by Daisy O-Dell that's also on the EP.

MP3: Weeds - AdamandEvil (YSI)

MP3: Outnumbered - AdamandEvil (YSI)

MP3: Weeds (Daisy O-Dell Remix) - AdamandEvil (YSI)

Zebra & Snake

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Zebra & Snake are a duo from Finland. They put out dark electro-pop with great bass lines that remind me of bands like Joy Division or Talking Heads, but with a poppier edge. Real good stuff!

Love their spastic, horror movie like new video for 'The Colours'.

Here is that plus a couple tracks to get you aquainted. Zebra Power!

MP3: Kohut - Zebra & Snake (YSI)
MP3: The Colours (Hannulelauri Remix) - Zebra & Snake (YSI)

Jason Lytle

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:54:00 +0000

Jason Lytle is the former frontman for the amazing indie band Grandaddy who called it quits a few years ago.

Recently he's moved on to Montana hunkered down and returned with his debut solo album 'Yours Truly, the Commuter' out now and I'm here to tell you it's just as good as anything Grandaddy ever put out! Amazingly haunting album, perfect for late night listens!

Fans of Grandaddy will not find much difference in this and his critically acclaimed albums 'The Sophtware Slump' and 'Sumday' both of which are amazing records. Particularly Sophtware which was the buzz album of 2000 for all the kids in the know. 'Crystal Lake' anyone?

I remember going to see Grandaddy perform in Orlando when they released Sophtware Slump with a bunch of friends in a rented van all those years ago. Ahhh the memories!

Get re-aquainted with Jason Lytle, you may find you were missing him and his amazing voice as much as I was.

Here's a couple stellar tracks from his new release plus the video for 'I Am Lost'. Beautiful! If you like these I highly recommend you pick up the album, you won't be disappointed!

P.S. You can also find Jason Lytle contributing vocals on the Dangermouse/Sparklehorse collaboration for 'Dark Night of the Soul'. You can find a post I did on that here. Here's a track from that collaboration as well.

MP3: Ghost of My Old Dog - Jason Lytle (YSI)
MP3: Birds Encouraged Him - Jason Lytle (YSI)

MP3: Jaykub (feat Jason Lytle) - Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse (YSI)

Holy Ghost!

noreply@blogger.com (Danny Ashe) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:33:00 +0000

Although New York City’s Holy Ghost! have been very busy remixing everyone from Phoenix to Michael Jackson to MGMT, most people I talk to, want to know “when are they going to release a follow up to the club hit Hold On?”

Wait no more Disco Children, I Will Come Back may sound like a promise, but it’s also the title of Holy Ghost’s much anticipated new song. It doesn’t disappoint as it has Holy Ghost! written all over it. It took a while but it was worth the wait.

Now, when are we going to see an album from these guys?

MP3: Holy Ghost!-I Will Come Back (YSI)

May 68

noreply@blogger.com (Danny Ashe) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:15:00 +0000

May68 is an unsigned Manchester quintet who has been on heavy rotation in my iPod. Great electro beats, smothered with sleek synth lines, thick guitars, exploding bass lines and a solid know-how of constructing catchy melodies.

I think this quote sums up their music best: "The perfect synthesis of giddy pop euphoria and dancefloor disco sensibility." David Sue – Citylife

The band is currently in the studio working on some new songs to be released hopefully in the next few months. In the meantime, I leave you with mp3s for Last Mile and White Lies. Check out their myspace page to listen to the rest of the EP, which I’m sure you’ll love.

MP3: May68-Last Mile (YSI)
MP3: May68-White Lies (YSI)

Crocodiles

noreply@blogger.com (Danny Ashe) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:40:00 +0000

I’m a huge fan of bands like The Jesus and Mary Chain, Suicide, The Stooges and Spacemen 3, but it’s rare that a new band comes along who can fit that bill, not to mention have the attitude and talent. Crocodiles are one of those rarities!

From the first listen of their 7” single Neon Jesus, I was hooked. I love the organs and soundscapes underneath that thumping bass line worthy of Joy Division comparisons. Not to mention the high pitched surf rock licks and a great rock n’ roll groove.

This San Diego duo recently released their debut album entitled Summer of Hate. It’s a fairly clean sounding album with some great jerky rockers and a few stabs at electronic noise; although Crocodiles really shine on slower tracks like Sleeping with the Lord where they put together a beautiful build up of synths and vocals.

I highly recommend this album to fans of any of the bands mentioned above!

Here are mp3’s for Neon Jesus and the track I Wanna Kill... Have a great week.
Cheers!

MP3: Crocodiles-Neon Jesus (YSI)
MP3: Crocodiles-I Wanna Kill (YSI)

VIDEO/REMIX SUNDAY

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:11:00 +0000

It's a rainy/lazy Sunday so I thought I'd post some videos/remixes for you guys while I'm couped up. Hope you like'em!

First off here is the new video from Who Made Who for 'Keep Me in My Plane'. Such a great video! Probably my favorite of the bunch. Gotta love artists with a sense of humor, people in general really.

MP3: Keep Me In My Plane (Reverso 68 Remix) - Who Made Who (YSI)

Next is Marina & the Diamonds. Was a little worried she might just be a one hit wonder, but it look's like she may be in it for the long haul. Her new video for 'I Am Not a Robot' is great! Gorgeous artsy, glammy video of her. Vivid color seems to be making a comeback in videos these days. I'm all for it.

MP3: I Am Not A Robot (Starsmith's 24 Carat Remix) - Marina & the Diamonds (YSI)

Diva extraordinairre Beth Ditto from The Gossip is not one of my favorite artists, but she's definitely a force to be reckoned with. An indie diva if you will.

Here is the 'Official' video for 'Heavy Cross' followed by an 'Unofficial' video that I found while I searched for this that was too good not to post.

MP3: Heavy Cross (Burns Remix) - The Gossip (YSI)

Finally here is the new video for Peter Bjorn & John's 'It Don't Move Me' another recent video with Michael Jackson themes (along with Yeah Yeah Yeahs 'Heads Will Roll'). Pre of course, I'm sure we're gonna be seeing tons more of it now.

This is my favorite PBJ song from 'Living Things', glad it's their next single. I always play this track out when I spin, original too not a remix. Unfortunately this video doesn't quite live up to the song for me, just kinda boring, but posting it anyways since it's one of my favorite tracks so far in '09'.

MP3: It Don't Move Me (Miike Snow Remix) - Peter Bjorn & John (YSI)

Since we had the Michael Jackson reference on that last PBJ video figured I'd end this post with a video from MJ himself.

Although 'Leave Me Alone' is not my favorite track from MJ (probably Billie Jean or PYT), it's one of my favorite videos he ever did. Real creative and pasty like. He tackles tabloids/paparazzi head on with this one, way back in 87' before the Paris Hilton's of the world. Wonder if the tabloid's will leave him alone now that he's gone? Doubtful...

Seb

theheadacheset@hotmail.com (Tom Wareham) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:39:00 +0000

Seb is a 20-something musician from the city of London and a fan of Off the Radar (he's read us before). He was previously involved in the industry working for Warners, compiling James Blunt masters and fixing Michael Buble's laptop.

He has since quit that job and is ready to unleash his talent with the release of his single News for You, which he wrote and produced himself. He describes the track as a more soulful Daft Punk meets George Michael. The song definitely has an 80's feel to it with a bit of a disco-esque drive. A propulsive, dancy beat and catchy chorus keep the song moving.

We will be keeping tabs on this guy for sure as he is planning to release a full length album later this year.

Here is his single at a full 320 kpbs, as well as the video for it.

MP3: News For You - Seb (YSI)

Pony Pony Run Run

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:40:00 +0000

Pony Pony Run Run are an electro-rock/pop band from France.

They sound like a mixture of fellow country mates Phoenix, Van She and The Cars. Which equals joy to my ears!

Been jamming their new album 'You Need Pony Pony Run Run' the last few days and I'd say that's a pretty accurate statement.

The first single's called 'Hey You' and is a grooving poppy number accompanied by a great summer video for it.

Seems they released stems to the single as there's lots of remixes out there for it. My favorites so far are their own PPRR dance remix (a bonus track on the album), the completely leftfield slower take by Mondkopf and the tweeked up version by Miami's own Mister James!, who's been putting out some great remix work.

All excellent remixes with their own unique take on it. Here are those for your listening pleasure. You can buy the album on Itunes now, like right this second!

MP3: Hey You (PPRR Dance Remix) - Pony Pony Run Run (YSI)
MP3: Hey You (Mondkopf Remix) - Pony Pony Run Run (YSI)
MP3: Hey You (MISTER JAMES! 'Hopeless Love' Remix) - Pony Pony Run Run (YSI)

Black Moth Super Rainbow

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:32:00 +0000

Black Moth Super Rainbow from Pennsylvania first caught my attention when I read that Dave Fridmann produced their new album 'Eating Us'. Dave's a genious! I pretty much like everything he touches, so I always look into any new bands he's working with. This one is no exception, another great band!

BMSR sound reminds me of Air and should appeal to fans of Air, albeit with more psychedelia, distortion and fuzz. That doesn't sound too bad right. Naw.. great stuff. A great late night record!

Try these two tracks on for size, plus a more uptempo remix of 'Twin of Myself' by Go! Team.

If you like these, chances are you'll like the album and should pick that up pronto.

MP3: Twin of Myself - Black Moth Super Rainbow (YSI)
MP3: Fields Are Breathing - Black Moth Super Rainbow (YSI)
MP3: Twin of Myself (Go! Team Remix) - Black Moth Super Rainbow (YSI)

Simian Mobile Disco (RETURN)

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:49:00 +0000

Simian Mobile Disco are getting ready to release new album 'Temporary Pleasure' August the 17th. Their first new album since 2007's critically acclaimed 'Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release'. Can't wait! As on previous albums they collaborated with different vocalists for this one as well. Some of the artists include Beth Ditto, Jamie Lidell and Gruff Rhys (my fave!)

They recently released the video for 'Audacity of Huge' ft Chris Keating of Yeasayer. The name's appropriate. I can see this track getting pretty huge, not that any of their other singles didn't. 'Hustler' and 'I Believe' were played out to death at clubs, particularly 'Hustler' (myself included).

The new video for 'Audacity' is a gorgeous work of art! The colors are super rich and vivid. One of my favorite videos so far this year, along with Yeah Yeah Yeahs 'Head's Will Roll' and We Have Band's 'You Came Out'.

Here's that plus the mp3 and a remix by Naum Gabo.

MP3: Audacity of Huge - Simian Mobile Disco (YSI)
MP3: Audacity of Huge (Naum Gabo Remix) - Simian Mobile Disco (YSI)

'Temporary Pleasure' Tracklisting :::

01 Cream Dream (Featuring Gruff Rhys)
02 Audacity of Huge (Featuring Chris Keating)
03 10000 Horses Can’t Be Wrong
04 Cruel Intentions (Featuring Beth Ditto)
05 Off the Map (Featuring Jamie Lidell)
06 Synthesise
07 Bad Blood (Featuring Alexis Taylor)
08 Turn Up the Dial (Featuring Young Fathers)
09 Ambulance
10 Pinball (Featuring Telepathe)

Team Rojas + (786) Debut Wednesday

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:45:00 +0000

Team Rojas are Miami/NYC duo EDG4R & STRAVINSKY (aka Edgar Rojas & Erick Rojas).

Known Edgar (left) a long time, even working together on a summer party we had a couple years ago called 'The Attic' at Jazid Tuesday Nights, along with Jonathan. Great guy and great taste in music! Don't know if I've met Stravinsky before, but definitely heard his name in our scene. Spinning around town at similar venues.

Team Rojas have just released a mini mix that they'd like to share called 'Before We Meet'. A precursor to the release of an Official Mix called 'Nice to Meet You' that is getting released on Turntable Lab in July! Way to go guys!

Here's that mini mix in full 320! If you like what you hear keep an eye out for that full mix and check out Team Rojas spinning in the flesh this Wednesday 6/24 at The Standard for our weekly shindig around 10PM. They will be our special guests of honor.

Before We Meet Mix by Team Rojas (28 Mins)

*** After The Standard (around Midnight) don't miss the Premiere of (786) next door at Purdy Lounge. A New Weekly Party for the New Miami with a Live Performance by Miami New Times Best Electronic Artist Panic Bomber! He puts on a hell of a show, looking forward to it. Then dancing till the wee hours with your's truly, Joshy Josh & DJPJ! Can't wait!! C u there and every Wednesday thereafter.

NightWaves + New Fever Ray Video

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:07:00 +0000

NightWaves are a DJ collective from L.A. who are making some amazing new wave sounding electro-pop they're calling 'dreamwave'.

A pretty accurate description of their sound and probably explains why I love them so much. Very similar to the stuff I play out when I spin.

They just put out this great Mix called The Dreamwave Hour 2 that's not letting me concentrate and find new music for you guys, so I thought I'd share the pain and let you guys suffer along with me.

Here is that plus a couple original tracks from them. Check out their myspace for more great stuff.

Wish they lived here, could use more DJ friends with similar taste in music.

MP3: Invinsible - NightWaves (YSI)
MP3: She's Electric - NightWaves (YSI)

Dreamwave Hour 2 Mix by NightWaves (72 mins)

On a similar vein here is the latest dark and eerie video (as we've come to expect) from Fever Ray. This one's for 'Triangle Walks'.

Enjoy and have a great week-end!!

MP3: Triangle Walks - Fever Ray (YSI)

Division Kent Remixed

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:29:00 +0000

On my way to spin for the Gen Art's Annual Shop Miami event, but wanted to leave you guys with something before I left.

Switzerland's Division Kent which I featured on a mixtape last year (see the post here) are set to release their debut album Gravity throughout Europe.

The album features a bonus second disc filled with remixes of all of their songs. A who's who of up and coming artists/remixers such as Joe and Will Ask?, Justin Faust, Love Motel & Keenhouse.

They sent us the remixes to check out/post and they're hot! Some great remixes here, perfect for the dancefloor!

Here are some of my favorites in full 320! If you like these I recommend you pick up the album. This bonus disc is great, especially for dance music lovers/DJ's. They will fit in nicely into your sets.

MP3: Salty (Justin Faust Remix) - Division Kent (YSI)

MP3: No Kryptonite (Baxter Beez vs Ben & Chico Remix) - Division Kent (YSI)

MP3: In the Headlights (Melnyk is Behind the Wheel Remix) - Division Kent (YSI)

MP3: Gravity (Joe and Will Ask? Remix) - Division Kent (YSI)

MP3: Rooftop Rallye (Love Motel Remix) -Division Kent (YSI)

Say Hi

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:59:00 +0000

Say Hi (short for Say Hi to Your Mom) is a solo artist from Seattle, Washington.

Late on this one. Their new album 'Oohs & Aahs' was released in March but when it comes to the incredibly shrinking indie rock market with fewer and fewer quality releases seeing the light of the day these days you kinda have to grab what you can, especially if it's a quality release like this.

The first track that caught my attention from them was 'November was White, December was Grey' which I saw on Hype Machine. Such an amazing slow jam. Beautiful, beautiful track with amazing subdued guitar work, gorgeous melodies, heartfelt lyrics and that voice! Made me stop in my tracks and rush off to get the whole album. I think you guys are gonna dig it as much as I do.

Here is that plus 'Hallie & Henry' and 'Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh..' two more great tracks from the album, but really there's tons of great songs on here. If you like these I highly recommend you pick up the whole album. A dare I say it, Classic.

MP3: November was White, December was Grey - Say Hi (YSI)
MP3: Hallie & Henry - Say Hi (YSI)
MP3: Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh - Say Hi (YSI)

Free Falling

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Mora) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:44:00 +0000

What goes around, come around... 1981. Skydiver by Neon. (What did you think I was going to post a Petty track? I did see him a concert a few years back and it was a damn good show though...).
I wouldn't mind skydiving over that skyline (hey that's my building on the left of the photo! That little white thing west of I-95). But I think most jumps in the 305 are done down south.

Come on all you disco afficionados... Let's see how long until I hear this track being played again. It was re-released in '06 as part of the Disco Galaxia compilation (along with a few other hard to find italo disco cuts). Skydiver is probably my favorite of the bunch. All these tracks are set to make an indie comeback (no way the mainstream is ready for this though... doesn't have enough autotune... or is autotune dead? H.O.V.A. gave it a death wish! damn he's good...)

MP3: Neon - Skydiver (ysi)

Joakim included the Neon track in the mix he did for Colette in '07. The best mix of the series, but you know I'm partial to Joakim. Speaking of Joakim... his new album, Milky Ways is out in September! I can't wait! So much so that I currently have his latest single Watermelon Bubblicious as my ring tone. AND now you can TOO!

Ring tone: Joakim - Watermelon Bubblicious iPhone ring tone (via Versatile Records)

Oh and you know I couldn't leave you without a Joakim track right?

How about his take on Royksopp's (most ridiculously (lame) themed song and video) The Girl and The Robot? Seriously, the video is a bit ca-reepy. Does the robot have a vibrator attachment? Okay I'll stop there. Joakim smooths the track out and gives it that driving beat that he has perfected.

MP3: Royksopp - The Girl and The Robot (Joakim Remix) (ysi)

the return of a-ha

offtheradarmiami@gmail.com (Ray Milian) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:18:00 +0000

I loooooove A-ha! 'Hunting High & Low from '1985' and 'Minor Earth, Major Sky' from '2000' have to be two of all time favorite albums, yet they're very different records. 'Hunting' is more electronic while 'Minor' is more of a mature/guitar based record, but always the melodies and gorgeous vocal work by lead singer Morten Harket. Love that they have both styles to choose from, depending on your mood.

New album 'Foot of the Mountain' (out now) sees them returning to a more electronic sound of debut album 'Hunting' but with sprinkles of 'Minor' thrown in and it's just about perfect. Of the time and on par with their best work.

Went to bed listening to the whole thing on my headphones last night and I highly recommend you do the same! Gorgeous stuff. Hard to believe that these guys are still putting out such amazing music 25 years into their careers like contemporaries Pet Shop Boys & Depeche Mode.

Too bad the U.S. still lags behind and views them as one hit wonders!? They've sold more than 36 million records worldwide and are popular in South America and Europe, especially their home of Norway. Get with it U.S!

Check out these two great mp3's from the album plus the video for first single 'Foot of the Mountain' which wouldn't have been my choice for first single, but beautifully done. Can you believe he's 50? Still has that baby face.

MP3: The Bandstand - A-Ha (YSI)
MP3: What There Is - A-Ha (YSI)