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Kick Kick Snare

2012-01-08T11:20:00.001-08:00

Kick Kick Snare

Posted: 08 Jan 2012 03:54 AM PST

The grizzly chaps from The 2 Bears, Joe Goddard (of Hot Chip fame) and Raf Daddy are set to release 'Be Strong', their debut album at the end of the month and we can hardly bear the excitement! A London record through and through, it ducks and weaves to the myriad sounds of the city, as The 2 Bears pursue the perfect party record. Never ones to shy away from mutating genres; this taster track delves into the previously unheard territories of dancehall country and is available to download for free from their Facebook page.

Listen: Time In Mind by The 2 Bears

Midi Matilda: Day Dreams + Red Light District

Posted: 07 Jan 2012 05:31 PM PST

Think Foster the People, ANR, Talking Pictures, Phoenix and whatever awesome dynamitronic-pop band that your into now, and throw Midi Matilda in with them, because your about to be bumping these guys 24/7. Side note, no offence to them, but I almost hope I don’t hear them in a roadside gas station/DQ in the middle of Indiana any time soon (Foster The People have come a long way in one year). This duo have two badass singles on bandcamp and a sick-nasty video that will keep you going for another month until their next song releases, so get some. Thanks Neon Gold.

Click here to view the embedded video.

MP3: Day Dreams by Midi Matilda

MP3: Red Light District by Midi Matilda

Midi Matilda Official
Midi Matilda on Facebook
Midi Matilda on Twitter

mixtape maestro (2.0)

2012-01-08T03:34:00.001-08:00

mixtape maestro (2.0)

Rick Ross featuring Buddy, Stalley & 2 Chainz “Party Heart”

Posted: 08 Jan 2012 02:01 AM PST

Ricky Rozay‘s latest mixtape, Rich Forever, finds the rotund rapper doing what he always does: mixing it up with a bunch of hip hop and R&B A-listers and up-and-comers over trunk-rattling beats while letting out his signature grunt every other five seconds and finding ever more colorful ways to describe his high-priced rides, eager-to-please centerfold-worthy groupies, drugs, dough and overall dangerousness.

And, yes, despite the fact that he can easily be accused of being on creative repeat since…well, he entered the game, the freebie set still manages to keep Ross’ familiar shtick awesome, its first half presenting a solid string of simple hood thumper exercises laced with endless Re-Tweet quotables (“They say I’m gettin’ money, must be illuminati/ Talkin’ to the Holy Ghost, in my Bugatti”; “Diamonds on my neck call it the ghetto’s guillotine”; “All I want for Christmas is my Pyrex”), while the even stronger, and more star-studded, second half (starting with the standout DVLP-produced, John Legend-featured title cut on) lays the buzz-sparking groundwork for the pushed-back-for-health-reasons God Forgives, I Don’t.

“Party Heart” arises from that latter group and, at least for the moment, it’s emerged as our on-loop favorite.

A nice change of pace from its more hard-hitting trackmates, the Chuck Inglish-produced “Heart” is all chillax West Coast flavor, with everyone involved sounding so blunted out of their minds against the smooved-out space-y groove, you can almost smell the aroma of the best ganja of the world coming through the speakers as the song plays on.

We dub it Black Light/ Lava Lamp Music.

“Party Heart” (featuring Buddy, Stalley & 2 Chainz) (DL):
Download audio file (Rick-Ross-Party-Heart-Feat.-Buddy-Stalley-2-Chainz.mp3)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

MuuMuse

2012-01-08T03:23:00.001-08:00

MuuMuse

Pete Tong Premieres Amazing Remix of Upcoming Alexandra Burke Single, “Elephant”

Posted: 07 Jan 2012 02:28 PM PST

It’s been just over a year now since 2008 X Factor winner Alexandra Burke released her last single (“The Silence”) and now–the silence has been broken! (Oh my God, I hate myself. Sorry. Keep reading.)

As previously announced back in early December, “Elephant”–Burke’s amazingly titled new single produced by the legendary Erick Morillo–will be released on February 26.

Last night however, BBC Radio 1′s Pete Tong premiered a brand new remix of the track on his show, produced by Romero & Nunez. And from what I’m hearing so far, it sounds absolutely (pardon the pun)… HUGE.

Although it’s only a tease of the track, “Elephant” certainly sounds like a BANGER. “There’s an elephant standing in the room/Although we’re all alone, it’s not just me and you,” Burke croons. (Whether or not her voice is as heavily Auto-Tuned in the original version of the song remains to be seen/heard.) “And it’s crushing me, there’s no room to breathe,” Burke powerfully belts out as the tension steadily builds to an explosive beat breakdown.

Oof! Sounds like an incredibly awkward situation for Alexandra. She really ought to be taking some advice from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills glamazon, Camille Grammar: We don’t say that, but NOW we said it.

According to Hackford PR, Alexandra will premiere the song next Thursday at the Tickled Pink concert, where The Saturdays and Little Mix are also scheduled to perform.

Can’t wait to hear the full track!

Elephant (Sympho Nympho Fanmade Edit) by thingofthenight

“Elephant” will be released on February 26. (iTunes)

We All Want Someone To Shout For

2012-01-07T23:55:00.001-08:00

We All Want Someone To Shout For

Memoryhouse – This Will Be Our Year (The Zombies Cover)
(exitpost) – Lake Monster
We All Want Someone To Shout For’s Best Shows Of 2011

Memoryhouse – This Will Be Our Year (The Zombies Cover)

Posted: 07 Jan 2012 07:43 PM PST

As a new years treat, Memoryhouse recorded a cover of The Zombies “This Will Be Our Year”. It’s a calm reassuring cover that is super smooth. Here’s the message that the band posted on their tumblr.

In light of the new year, Evan and I have decided to record a cover of one of our favorite Zombies songs, "This Will Be Our Year". Thank you everyone for all of your support in 2011, and I hope this song helps motivate you to lose 5 pounds, stop smoking, and watch less reality T.V. (or is that just me?). Lots of exciting things are in the works this year, onward and upward!

Download the cover below. Here’s the original.

[mp3]: Memoryhouse – This Will Be Our Year (The Zombies Cover)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

(exitpost) – Lake Monster

Posted: 07 Jan 2012 07:22 PM PST

Ken Herman is a fellow student at Binghamton Univeristy. He works under the moniker of (exitpost) and just released a pretty song titled “Lake Monster”. It’s a dreamy dose of ambient folk that is really easy on the ears. It’s great to see someone so talented coming out of Binghamton University.

Download the song below. He’s currently working on a 5 song EP.

We All Want Someone To Shout For’s Best Shows Of 2011

Posted: 07 Jan 2012 03:34 PM PST

(photo via here)

I was fortunate enough to see a great deal of shows in 2011, and it wouldn’t feel right not looking back and tracking down which shows were the best of the best. Whether it was catching bands like LCD Soundsystem & The Strokes at the always massive MSG, seeing Crystal Castles at a firehouse, or the many bands at Bonnaroo, there was plenty of great 2011 shows that I will always remember.

Lists are always fun, and I’m in a groove, below is my top 25 shows of 2011. You know it was a good year when The Strokes don’t even make your top 10, and you saw them twice.

25. Friendly Fires, The Naked & Famous, and Cults @ Central Park Summerstage (August 7, 2011)
24. The Drums @ Bowery Ballroom (November 2, 2011)
23. Real Estate @ Bowery Ballroom (November 23, 2011)
22. Passion Pit @ Cornell University (November 5, 2011)
21. The Horrors @ The Studio At Webster Hall (August 9, 2011)
20. Beach Fossils @ 285 Kent (July 2, 2011)
19. The Antlers @ Bowery Ballroom (May 20, 2011)
18. Wild Beasts @ Le Poisson Rouge (July 14, 2011)
17. The Vaccines @ Bowery Ballroom (January 20, 2011)
16. Death From Above 1979 // The Drums @ The Williamsburg Waterfront (July 22, 2011)
15. Animal Collective @ Prospect Park (July 12, 2011)
14. Caveman @ Glasslands Gallery (October 21, 2011)
13. Death Cab For Cutie @ Bowery Ballroom (June 1, 2011)
12. Cut Copy // Foster The People @ Prospect Park (August 11, 2011)
11. The Strokes @ Madison Square Garden (April 1, 2011)
10. Bon Iver @ Prospect Park (August 10, 2011)

- All the magic of their two albums came to life beautifully during a perfect mid-summer night. It was after all the hype of the new album, but right before all his recent fame. It was perfect.

9. Sufjan Stevens @ Prospect Park (August 2, 2011)

-Sufjan Stevens is just a natural performer. He put on an incredible show with lots of theatrics, costumes, and even cool lights. The real magic was when he played songs from Illinois. Hearing those songs took me back to highschool and brought back all those old memories. Now that’s live music for you.

8. The National @ The Beacon Theatre (December 15, 2011)

-The most recent of all these shows, so the review may be fresh in your minds. It’s likely to be the last time I see them for a while, and I’m ok with that because they were electric.

7. The Walkmen @ Bonnaroo (June 9, 2011)

- I love The Walkmen, but didn’t expect them to sound as stunning as they were during night 1 of Bonnaroo. I sacrificed finally seeing Sleigh Bells to see them play, and I don’t regret it for a second. They finally played “The Rat” for me as well. Just saying.

6. Radiohead @ Roseland Ballroom (September 29, 2011)

- I saw Radiohead play the Roseland Ballroom the night before my 21st birthday. I think you get the idea.

5. Fleet Foxes At United Palace Theater (May 18, 2011)

- Boy, did Fleet Foxes sound magical this night. United Palace Theater was the perfect place to sit down and take in all the beauty that surrounded you. Fleet Foxes are stars, and this concert proved it.

4. Crystal Castles @ Spin/Ray-Ban’s CMJ Flip Out Party (October 22, 2011)

- Everything you heard about Crystal Castles live (the good), is 110% correct. Alice Glass used me to propel herself into the crowd. It was just a big giant dance party/rave. A genuine great time. Everyone needs to experience this band at least once.

3. Arcade Fire @ Bonnaroo (June 10, 2011)

- It was a humid night, I was dripping wet, dehydrated, tired, slugging back warm beers, with no room to breath in a restless crowd. Then Arcade Fire came on, and all was forgotten. I was soon reminded of how great of a band that these guys are. They are saving rock music.

2. Arctic Monkeys @ The Music Hall Of Williamsburg (October 19, 2011)

- Arctic Monkeys are playing one of the smallest shows that they will ever play in Brooklyn? I thought I was dreaming. Being able to sing along and watch the Arctics work their magic from a mere few feet away was beyond a dream come true. It’s probably never going to happen again, and I realize how fortunate I was to experience it.

1. LCD Soundsystem's Final Show At Madison Square Garden (April 2nd, 2011)

- An easy #1 choice for me. I dropped an insane amount of money (yes, I do pay for my tickets most of the time, shocker?) to sit at the nosebleeds, and it was absolutely worth it. If that show was truly LCD’s last show ever, then I was blessed with one of the finest musical memories of our generation. James Murphy and friends jammed out for nearly 4 hours. They took intermissions, brought out guests such as Arcade Fire, and put on one of the greatest performances that I have ever seen. I’m sad that they are gone, but I’m happy I have such a happy last memory of them.

RIP, LCD.

Kick Kick Snare

2012-01-07T11:14:00.001-08:00

Kick Kick Snare

Meg Myers: Adelaide

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 05:06 PM PST

The world’s hottest ex-Jehovah's Witness, Meg Myers, is back offering her latest song to all passersby. Hot off the heels of her incredible last single MONSTER, comes another strong push at her audience in “Adelaide.” Through equal parts talent and sexy bitch, Myers exposes a sturdy backbone and brave temperament in this latest musical outing.

“I wrote Adelaide toward the end of a 3 year relationship,” Meg tells us. “Adelaide represents the side of me that was too coward and blind to leave an emotionally abusive relationship. In the verses I’m speaking to myself and in the chorus and bridge I’m speaking to him.” What Meg doesn’t say is that the song speaks to her audience all the more strongly because of her personal story.

No reference to Adelaide would be complete without a tip of the hat to Doctor Rosen Rosen, as well. An apple a day has nothing on his hearty musical prescriptions. I’m currently hanging surveillance cameras to surround his recording studio. Everything out the door, this song included, is worth our full attention.

Adelaide by Meg Myers

Meg Myers Official
Meg Myers on facebook
Meg Myers on Twitter

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Lana Del Rey: National Anthem

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 02:44 PM PST

The Interwebs’ hottest musical Femme Fatale, Lana Del Rey, must have quite the loose lipped team (pun intended, HAVE YOU SEEN THOSE BEAUTIES? Unanimous winner of Best Lips 2011 by KKS HQ), as leak after demo after leak has hit the net. The latest ‘National Anthem’ is the first track to really catch me since ‘Video Games’. (Sorry Brent please don’t beat me!) Her beautiful and unique voice sometimes doesn’t seem to fit the tempo of her music, but ‘National Anthem’ is brilliant. Lana channels a westcoast vibe that takes me back to the days when slow, soulful and gritty westcoast hip-hop ruled my radio – perfectly showcasing her brazenly seductive attitude. So take into account this is a leak and know the final mix will only be even more spectacular.

Ok Miss Del Rey, you have finally done it, I am under your spell.
MP3: National Anthem by Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey Official
Lana Del Rey Facebook

The Music Ninja

2012-01-07T04:39:00.001-08:00

The Music Ninja

[Click Electro] Valerna & Jen Lasher- Listen
Benny Goodman – Sing Sing Sing (Nick Thayer Bootleg)
[Throwback] Mew – Am I Wry? No.
[Electronica] Mr Fogg – Stay Out Of The Sun
[Soundtrack] Portland Season 2

[Click Electro] Valerna & Jen Lasher- Listen

Posted: 07 Jan 2012 04:03 AM PST

Presenting a sweeeeeeet gift to their fans, American duo Valerna along with fellow LA girl Jen Lasher have created ‘Listen’ with one thing in mind – big bass and simple construction. At 30seconds, you gotta have good pair of headphones to even hear any sound the bass is so low! Regulars at LA club Avalon - Brett Sorrentino and RJ Buchananare are always hustling the west coast so be sure to party hard with them if your in the area!

Download: Valerna & Jen Lasher- ListenDownload audio file (valerna-jen-lasher-listen-free.mp3)

If you like… then you’ll like….

Download: Simian Mobile Disco – 10000 Horses Can’t Be WrongDownload audio file (10000 Horses Cant Be Wrong.mp3)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Benny Goodman – Sing Sing Sing (Nick Thayer Bootleg)

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 03:10 PM PST

Remember the late 30's? Beautiful black and white scenes, the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge, Swing music…….Well I don't; I'm too young for that. But good music sticks around with no notion of time. And in this occasion it has traveled a long way to join us for the new year.

If you like some of those good old Benny Goodman tunes and live in modern times you're going to love this; Melbourne Dj Nick Thayer shows off his mash up skills in the classic song “Sing Sing Sing”; it captivates the great essence of the time period while modernizing the orchestra through great editing. I know The King of Swing would have never thought we would start 2012 this way.

Benny Goodman – Sing Sing Sing (Nick Thayer Bootleg)Download audio file (Benny Goodman – Sing Sing Sing (Nick Thayer Bootleg).mp3)

[Throwback] Mew – Am I Wry? No.

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 12:21 PM PST

We spend a lot of time listening to music to bring you guys the latest and greatest. Sometimes that gets a little tiring, and it’s nice to go to back to our personal playlists and jam something we truly love. While this song is a little older for what we typically post, it’s one of my all time favorites. “Am I wry? No” from the Danish Indie band Mew, is originally from the album Half the World is Watching Me. You can also find it on Frengers, as well as the compilation CD Eggs Are Funny.

This particular song is a little faster paced than others on this album, and has a great cross between indie rock and shoegaze pop. Lead singer Jonas Bjerre’s voice dreamily carries over fits of fast-paced drumming and soft,melodic breaks, creating something amazing from start to finish.

Make sure to support the band, and go pick up their albums on iTunes.

Mew – Am I wry? NoDownload audio file (Mew – Am I wry No.mp3)

[Electronica] Mr Fogg – Stay Out Of The Sun

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 12:14 PM PST

Dark electronic-pop maestro, Mr Fogg has unveiled the first track from his currently untitled forthcoming second album. 'Stay Out Of The Sun' is a razor sharp slice of intelligent, melodic electronica that sees Fogg's vocals seamlessly weave through a bed of sizzling percussion and brooding electronic textures, all anchored by a driving kick drum. Although not officially released until February 28th, you can pick up a free download of the single by heading over to Mr Foggs's website now.

Stay Out Of The Sun by Mr Fogg

[Soundtrack] Portland Season 2

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 10:10 AM PST

The wait is finally over, Portland will premier this Friday on IFC. Last year they featured a lot of indie bands as their soundtrack to their show and we hope season 2 is no exception. You can also catch up on season 1 on Netflix today.

MuuMuse

2012-01-07T04:23:00.001-08:00

MuuMuse

Sky Ferreira’s Photoshoot as Madonna for V Magazine Is The Greatest Thing In The History Of Ever

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 01:03 PM PST

STOP YOUR LIFE IMMEDIATELY.

Last week, Queen Sky Ferreira teased a behind-the-scenes shot from her upcoming photo spread in V Magazine‘s 2012 Music Issue, in which she posed as various states of Like A Virgin, Blond Ambition Tour and True Blue-era Madge.

The full spread has finally debuted, and it’s the most incredible thing ever.

Not only are the photos free of all flaws and an iconic homage in their own right, but there’s a few absolutely killer pull quotes to boot, including this very 2001 Godney moment (“I’m not 15 years old anymore. People wanted me to be something that I wasn’t and it wasn’t working”) and this be-all, end-all explanation of the Madonna phenomenon:

Madonna inspires me to be strong, fearless and smart. She’s more than just sexy, or someone with good songs, she’s the type of woman I want to be. I want to inspire people the way she has.

It’s just perfect. I’m actually tearing up now. Bye.

You can view the entire spread over at one of my favorite source for all things fashion-meets-music, Karl Is My Unkle.

Cher Lloyd Premieres Video for “Want U Back (feat. Astro)”

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 08:49 AM PST

Behold: The brand new video for Cher Lloyd‘s “Want U Back,” which, for whatever reason, now includes a guest verse by Astro, the 15-year-old rapper from US X Factor.

The ever-adorable Almighty Lloyd spends her time flipping through magazines and sorting through pictures of her and her gorgeous beau on her iPad (SO MODERN!), ruminating on the one that got away with some dumb blonde. Then the pictures start moving (what’chu sippin on, Cher?), and the swagga-fied songstress starts getting creative, injecting herself into each situation–she’s messing up that chick’s tattoo! She’s tossing popcorn at their heads at the movie theater! It’s silly. We’re having a lot of fun! I’m having fun!

And then comes that verse.

I mean…this kid hasn’t even been off the X Factor stage for ten minutes, and yet they’ve already carted him off to the UK to record a verse for Lloyd’s new single. And while I don’t want to exactly ‘go in’ on a baby…are you actually kidding me? “I gave her the ring instead of you”? Like, a ring pop? Is that we’re talking about here? Oh God. Just absolutely miserable. STAHHHP, RAHHHHN!

Slight Astro-nomical fail aside (why can’t we just let great pop songs be great?), the video is still absolutely adorable. I love seeing Miss Lloyd acting like a total goober! She’s just so…mad! UGH!!!

The Burning Ear

2012-01-07T04:06:00.001-08:00

The Burning Ear

[MP3] Foxes – “Youth”
[REMIX] Michael Jackson – “Who Is It” (Entrepreneurs Remix)
[MP3/VIDEO] Youth Lagoon – “July”

[MP3] Foxes – “Youth”

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 09:34 PM PST

a thousand dreams, its only just begun

♫ Foxes – Youth

Who: 22 year old Louisa Rose Allen
What: Big, stirring dance-pop, like The Good Natured, Patrick Wolf, Marina & The Diamonds
Where: London + Facebook / Soundcloud / Amazon
When: A debut LP in early 2012.
Why: I mean seriously, who doesn’t like foxes? They are like nature’s coolest dudes. Or in the case of Lousia here, dudettes. Set her crisp and pleading vocals atop a tower of musical might and you have a dance jam for properly kicking off 2012. “Youth” is big, pop, polished and doesn’t apologize for a second.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

[REMIX] Michael Jackson – “Who Is It” (Entrepreneurs Remix)

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 08:57 PM PST

i gave her passion, my very soul, i gave her promises and secrets so untold

♫ Michael Jackson – Who Is It? (Entrepreneurs Remix)

Entrepreneurs continues his quest to make slightly demented music and highly demented email submissions with this scratchy remix of MJ. Thats about it, really. Enjoy.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

[MP3/VIDEO] Youth Lagoon – “July”

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 08:42 AM PST

its just my lady, my friends, and i, smoking cigars and yelling at cars as they drive by

♫ Youth Lagoon – July

Who: Trevor Powers
What: Tender, emotional, cinematic. Like Arrange, Safe
Where: Boise, ID + Facebook / Soundcloud / Amazon
When: Debut LP The Year Of Hibernation is out now and made a lot of “best of” lists.
Why: Youth Lagoon already delivered one of the most moving (and best) music videos of last year with “Montana.” The music plays into the video so well that the song never caught on with me. Now director Tyler T Williams has returned for an equally stunning, if a bit eerier, video for “July.” This time I caught the song’s vibe and am now convinced I have been missing out on some Youth Lagoon. Grab one more great free track at the Bandcamp.

Youth Lagoon – July from Tyler T Williams on Vimeo.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

mixtape maestro (2.0)

2012-01-07T03:38:00.001-08:00

mixtape maestro (2.0)

Rich Kid Sound System Tackles Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” (Along With A Couple Others)

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 06:50 PM PST

Though Gotye‘s “Somebody That I Used To Know” spawned a bunch of inevitable remixes in the weeks following much of the blogosphere’s verdict of the international chart-topper being one of 2011′s Greatest Tunes Ever, we’re still a little surprised that the there wasn’t around a million more covers and re-imaginations of the massively acclaimed Police-ish record, especially considering the song’s “instant classic” pop quality seemed to ensure that the song would have reached “Rolling In The Deep”-like levels of remake ubiquity by this point.

Perhaps folks just needed a little time, as the past few days have seen a few remixes/ covers of the tune emerge on the Interwebs and begin striking up some considerable on-line noise.

Earning the nod of being the most musically creative of the recent “Somebody”-referencing bunch would have to be the amazing remix by Rich Kid Sound System, the versatile South Florida outfit adding slick rhymes that dig even deeper into the emotional turmoil of the original’s relationship soap opera drama (“You had my heart/ Tried to keep a piece/ Now all you want is a quarter back but that pass is incomplete”; “I used to know you/ Well at least the old you/ Damn she was so cool/ Now ain’t shit that I owe you”) while re-configuring the ballad into a stomping, slightly club-targeting hip-pop beast with the strength to become a hit all on it’s own.

Hear/ DL their remix below, then catch a couple other recent noteworthy covers of “Somebody”: one by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson of “The Way I Am” fame (via From Go To Whoa), and a second from Canadian band Walk off the Earth, whose version is highlighted by a very impressive (and, no doubt, future “viral sensation”) clip revolving around a “five people/ one guitar” theme.

DL: Ingrid Michaelson “Somebody That I Used To Know (Gotye Cover)” (alt)

Somebody That I Used To Know by Walk off the Earth

We All Want Someone To Shout For

2012-01-06T23:18:00.001-08:00

We All Want Someone To Shout For

Grimes – Genesis
[new]: of Montreal – Dour Percentage
[watch]: Sharon Van Etten – Serpents (Live On Fallon)
[music video]: Wilco – Whole Love
La Sera – Please Be My Third Eye
[new]: Lana Del Rey – National Anthem // This Is What Makes Us Girls
We All Want Someone To Shout For’s Best Songs Of 2011
[watch]: The Flaming Lips & Neon Indian Perform “Is David Bowie Dying?” Live

Grimes – Genesis

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 08:01 PM PST

“Geneisis” is a track from Grimes upcoming album, Visions. She just announced that she signed with 4AD, who will release the LP on February 21st.

“Genisis” is a journey through lush textured soundscapes that will leave you in awe. It soars high with a big beat and a star gazing tempo. Is she taking over for Bat For Lashes? Maybe.

Download it below.

[mp3]: Grimes – Genesis

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

[new]: of Montreal – Dour Percentage

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 07:36 PM PST

“Dour Percentage” is a new of Montreal song taken from their upcoming album, Paralytic Stalks.

of Montreal are on point on “Dour Percentage”, hitting that signature sound right on the bulls-eye. A funky beat groomed with those ever so familiar vocals. Paralytic Stalks is sounding pretty damn good so far.

It’s out February 7 via Polyvinyl. Grab a mp3 download below.

[mp3]: of Montreal – Dour Percentage

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

[watch]: Sharon Van Etten – Serpents (Live On Fallon)

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 03:08 PM PST

Sharon Van Etten made her network television debut count. She played a devastatingly great version of “Serpents” the other night for Jimmy Fallon. The National’s Aaron Dessner helps her out, playing guitar. It’s a must watch. Sharon is headed towards bigger things, thats for sure.

[music video]: Wilco – Whole Love

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 02:40 PM PST

If your the son of Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, your genes are certainly blessed with talent. Tweedy’s son Spencer directed a music video for Wilco’s “Whole Love” featuring younger brother Sammy and their friends Joey & Tavi. It’s an adorable video, something that both Jeff and Spencer should be proud of.

Watch the video below.

La Sera – Please Be My Third Eye

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 01:54 PM PST

La Sera, a.k.a Katy Goodman of Vivian Girls is back with a new album titled Sees The Light. Hardly Art will release it on March 27th.

To get the people going, they have released lead single, “Please Be My Third Eye”. It’s got that sunny Calfironia pop magic working at it’s side, making it as memorable as your best summer day. Download it below.

[mp3]: La Sera – Please Be My Third Eye

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

[new]: Lana Del Rey – National Anthem // This Is What Makes Us Girls

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 12:57 PM PST

So if your like me, you fell in love with Lana Del Rey after hearing “Videogames”. That throwback sound really did it for me. However, there’s plenty of signs pointing to the fact that the rest of her debut album, Born To Die, isn’t going to be much like the much famed single.

Over the last few days two new songs have leaked. The first was “National Anthem”, the second was “This Is What Makes Us Girls”. Both are straight up pop affairs that sound a little bit like Lily Allen (who I’m a fan of).

“National Anthem” has a hip-hop flavor going on that is pretty cool, but I’m not too hot on “This Is What Makes Us Girls” right now. Remember, these are just leaks and there’s always the chance that things may sound somewhat different on the big release.

Stream both tracks below.

Lana Del Rey – National Anthem:

This Is What Makes Us Girls

We All Want Someone To Shout For’s Best Songs Of 2011

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 07:30 AM PST

Here’s the list you all have been waiting for (top albums of the year can be found here). It’s 100 of my favorite songs of the year. The term “best” doesn’t leave much room for objectivity, and favorite sounds a lot more personal. I didn’t have the heart to limit these great songs to a list of just 25-50 because there’s simply too much good stuff out there. Take some time, download the mix, put it in iTunes and give it a spin. You can stream all the tracks individually, grab a zip file (for a limited time), or listen on spotify. Doesn’t matter to me, either way, just enjoy.

I present to you, my favorite songs of the year 2011:

100. Indian Rebound – Dance With Me
99. Horsecollar – Christopher
98. Balto – The Railyard
97. Manor – Rhodesia
96. Air Review – America’s Son
95. Airlines – Burial Grounds
94. Ravens & Chimes – Carousel
93. Mother Mother – The Stand
92. Handsome Furs – Repatriated
91. Friendly Fires – Blue Cassette
90. The Cave Singers – Swim Club
89. The Decemberists – This Is Why We Fight
88. Miles Kane – Rearrange
87. Jubilants – Antics
86. R E A L M A G I C – Hard 2 Keep
85. Guards – Do It Again
84. Glass Candy – Warm In The Winter
83. Fucked Up – Turn The Season
82. BOA – Push
81. Yuck – Shook Down
80. British Sea Power – Heavy Water
79. Swiss Lips – U GOT THE POWER
78. Big Deal – Chair
77. Gauntlet Hair – Top Bunk
76. Black Light Dinner Party – Older Together
75. Cults – Never Heal Myself
74. The Pains of Being Pure At Heart – Belong
73. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – How Can U Luv Me
72. Dominant Legs – Hoop Of Love
71. Death Cab For Cutie – You Are A Tourist
70. Dirty Gold – California Sunrise
69. James Blake – The Wilhelm Scream
68. Purity Ring – Lofticries
67. Holy Ghost! – Hold My Breath
66. Keep Shelly In Athens – DIY
65. Tennis – Pigeon
64. Los Campesinos! – By Your Hand
63. tUnE-YarDs – Bizness
62. Ducktails – Killin’ The Vibe (Feat. Panda Bear)
61. Destroyer – Kaputt
60. St. Vincent – Cruel
59. Atlas Sound – Mona Lisa
58. DUDES – SOMETHIN’ 2 SAY
57. Metronomy – The Look
56. Beach Fossils – What A Pleasure
55. Widowspeak – Gun Shy
54. Dum Dum Girls – Coming Down
53. Smith Westerns – All Die Young
52. Friends – Friend Crush
51. Panda Bear – Last Night At The Jetty
50. Washed Out – Amor Fati
49. Blouse – Into Black
48. The Antlers – Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out
47. The Weeknd – The Morning
46. Burial – Street Halo
45. Wilco – Art Of Almost
44. John Maus – Hey Moon
43. TV On The Radio – Will Do
42. Wild Beasts – Bed Of Nails
41. Real Estate – Green Aisles
40. Coldplay – Charlie Brown
39. My Morning Jacket – Holdin On To Black Metal
38. The Vaccines – All In White
37. Other Lives – Tamer Animals
36. Princeton – Clamoring For Your Heart
35. The Rapture – How Deep Is Your Love?
34. Tyler, The Creator – Yonkers
33. Girls – Honey Bunny
32. Jamie xx – Far Nearer
31. The National – Exile Vilify
30. Beirut – East Harlem
29. Jamie Woon – Lady Luck
28. The Black Keys – Lonely Boy
27. Toro Y Moi – New Beat
26. Azealia Banks – 212
25. Cass McCombs – County Line
24. Kurt Vile – Baby’s Arms
23. Caveman – Old Friend
22. The Deloreans – Buffalo
21. Wu Lyf – We Bros
20. Radiohead – Lotus Flower
19. Jay-Z & Kanye West – Niggas In Paris
18. Craft Spells – After The Moment
17. Zoo Kid – Out Getting Ribs
16. The Drums – What You Were
15. Summer Camp – Better Off Without You
14. Lana Del Rey – Video Games
13. Arctic Monkeys – That’s Where You’re Wrong
12. The Horrors – Still Life
11. The Strokes – Under Cover Of Darkness
10. Theme Park – Milk
9. Cut Copy – Need You Now
8. Fleet Foxes – The Shrine / An Argument
7. M83 – Midnight City
6. Bon Iver – Holocene
5. Youth Lagoon – Montana
4. The National – Think You Can Wait
3. Alex Turner – Piledriver Waltz
2. The Drums – Money
1. Real Estate – It’s Real

[ZIP]: We All Want Someone To Shout For’s Best Songs Of 2011 (889.8 MB)

Stream the spotify playlist

[watch]: The Flaming Lips & Neon Indian Perform “Is David Bowie Dying?” Live

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 12:15 AM PST

The Flaming Lips & Neon Indian got together at The Flaming Lips New Years Eve Freakout to perform their jam, “Is David Bowie Dying?”, from their collaborative EP. The performance took place at the Bricktown Events Center in The Flaming Lips hometown of Okalahoma City, Oklahoma.

The performance went down very smooth, must have been quite an experience. Watch the epic 7-minute performance below.

Kick Kick Snare

2012-01-06T11:43:00.001-08:00

Kick Kick Snare

Human Machine: Take My Hand
Blonds: K.O. / Treasure Coast
Blondfire: Walking With Giants
AVAN LAVA: Flex Fantasy Teaser Mix

Human Machine: Take My Hand

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 10:27 AM PST

We’re being told to fasten our laces and wash our faces. Its 2012! Surely, we are in the future now? “Take My Hand” comes courtesy of Human Machine. A track they’ve been holding back for the new year and it’s finally time to spread it like butter and suggest the world listen like trees. Remember their remix of Diplo's Horsey release last month? Yeah, it’s even better.

Human Machine – Take My Hand – Love Our Records by Love Our Records

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Blonds: K.O. / Treasure Coast

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 08:53 PM PST

I want to see this group live. Why? They’ve got some crazy layered sound stuff going on, it’s two people, and mainly, they will be playing HUGE venues within a year. Think Moldy Peaches, rusty Wu-Tang beats, beautifully-passionate lyrics, Best Coast and wooden roller coaster tempo changes. This music has me ready to buy their record now. The band consists of Jordy Asher and Cari Rae and supposedly they’ve been playing music since… Thanksgiving…. I dunno that could be a genius-hype stunt like anything Tyler The Creator says but I don’t care, this music is phenonenal and I recommend you get every track. Thanks to Dead Journalist.

MP3: K.O. by Blonds

MP3: TreasureCoast by Blonds

DOWNLOAD BLONDS ALBUM NOW
Blonds on Facebook
Blonds on Twitter

Blondfire: Walking With Giants

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 05:12 PM PST

The rising sibling duo of Blondfire are back with a new track entitled ‘Walking with Giants’. This time out they shed a bit of the indie-rock feel for bubbly synths and a warm rock sound. For a track written “about the kind of days when you feel like you’re on top of the world” Blondfire creates the perfect sonic feeling of sunny optimism.

Blondfire Official
Blondfire Facebook
Blondfire SoundCloud

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

AVAN LAVA: Flex Fantasy Teaser Mix

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 01:39 PM PST

Be warned this Teaser Mix lives ups to its name, dangling bright and beautiful pop bites right there in front of you, so close you can almost touch them, then in just over a minute it’s all gone again!

Flex Fantasy will be the sophomore EP for New York’s joyous shoe-gazing band of musicans, AVAN LAVA. The are taking a shift more toward my end of the music spectrum with a more high-energy, upbeat pop sound. The full EP will be released on February 21st, though I am not sure I can wait til then…so Girlie team, help a brother out!

AVAN LAVA Official
AVAN LAVA Facebook

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The Burning Ear

2012-01-06T03:53:00.001-08:00

The Burning Ear

The Best REMIXES of 2011 – Pt. 2 (July-Dec)
[VIDEO] Scissor Sisters – “Shady Love” (Feat. Azealia Banks)
[REMIX] Guillemots – I Don’t Feel Amazing Now (Mooli remix)

The Best REMIXES of 2011 – Pt. 2 (July-Dec)

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 03:11 AM PST

Ahem! Excuse me. If you thought you were taking a break because last weekend was New Years Eve then forget it. This is the first weekend of 2012 and it’s time to kick things off right. Below is a list of the best remixes of the past 6 months and they are quite restless so please let them out this weekend. Walks and feeding are optional.

Any glaring errors in judgement? Any additions you would make? Any good pizza in L.A.?

♫ = Click to play & right-click to download

25. ♫ Humans – Avec Mes Mecs (Joseph Martin Remix) / Epic song. Turned up to 11. Who knew that all we had to was party?

24. ♫ The Static Jacks – Into The Sun (RAC Maury Mix) / I like my bass (guitar) down low.

23. ♫ Kings of Leon – Sex On Fire (Al Fingers’ Juicy Remix) / Nope. It wasn’t all a dream. It really happened and it was good.

22. ♫ Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata (Sound Remedy Remix) / Don’t f*** with a classic unless you are going to do it justice. That goes double for my dog Beethoven. Good thing justice was served! Plus: wobbles I can stand.

21. ♫ Enrique Iglesias – I Like How It Feels (DWNTWN remixxx) / The original was on in every clothing store in the world for a while there. Making it massively enjoyable again is a huge feat.

20. ♫ Jeremy Glen – New Life (Amtrac Remix) / Soulful pipes strapped on express Amtrac headed for Danceville. Two tickets please.

19. ♫ Jessie and The Toy Boys – Push It (Doctor Rosen Rosen Remix) / It’s all about the chopped up “ohh” beat. Ride it.

18. ♫ Body Language – Holiday (RAC Mix) / Honey baked happiness! Candy coated danceability! Sugar roasted rhythms!

17. ♫ M83 – Midnight City (Alcala Remix) / One of the top remixed songs of the year had stiff competition but Alcala’s slow build explodes the original into the stratospheric massiveness that it always hinted at.

16. ♫ Grouplove – Colours (Foster the People Remix) / Grouplove and Foster The People? It’s like multiplying rainbows together. Of course it’s gonna be awesome.

15. ♫ EverythingEverything – Final Form (Cats Hero Remix) / One of the most spastic bands around stay exactly that way. And all is good in the world.

14. ♫ Gotye – Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra) (The 14th Minute Remix) / Piano! There were exactly 427 remixes of this song last year. Only The 14th Minute’s makes this list. (Although some others actually were pretty good)

13. ♫ Unouomedude – Frequency (The Soundmen Remix) / The Soundmen, man. The mutha-freakin Soundmen. Get some.

12. ♫ Angus and Julia Stone – Big Jet Plane (Stern* Disco Remix) / I almost scared to hear the original for fear of ruining the wide-legged elastic swagger of this hot buttered groover. So sexy.

11. ♫ Rihanna – We Found Love (Viceroy Remix) / Don’t hate. Dance. And make weird noises to the beat. No better or more refreshing take on this saturated jam.

10. ♫ Theophilus London – Why Even Try (RAC Remix) / A thousand fantastic RAC mixes ago there was this one. The soundtrack to an indie carnival fun house. Classic.

9. ♫ We Barbarians – Headspace (Grouplove + Captain Cuts Remix) / Remix tag team! This one goes off the high ropes at 0:40 for a full mat slam that keeps me pumped and robot dancing for like forever.

8. ♫ Citizens! – True Romance (Gigamesh Remix) / From the moment Gigamesh drops that beat it’s all over. The windows are down and I’m practically climbing out the window to get the whipping wind on my face. Thank goodness for seat belts.

7. ♫ Kelly Clarkson – Mr Know It All (It’s The DJ Kue Remix!) / DJ Kue absolutely crushed it this year. Radio pop has never had such a generous friend. You tell ‘em Kelly! DJ Kue got your back!

6. ♫ Donnis feat. Dev – Ring My Bell (DJ Hotsauce remix) / THE remix of the summer.

5. ♫ M83 – Midnight City (remixé par Who Killed JR) / The piano intro. The faraway creep of the familiar song. The tweaked out grooves. The way all that goes bonkers fireworks style when it drops. A late entry to the “Midnight City” remix game but an absolute crusher in my book.

4. ♫ KAMP! – Cairo (Moullinex Remix) / This one gets stuck in your head and then lays little dancing critters that bust synchronized dance routines every time you poorly sing along.

3. ♫ Lana Del Rey – Video Games (Hannes Fischer Video Remix) / The best slow-build payoff ever. Turn it up loud. Goose bumps. Every time.

2. ♫ Tim & Jean – I Can Show You (Jump Jump Dance Dance Remix) / Just try to hold back the sunshine blazing from every pore of this jam. I will dance every time I hear this remix. Guaranteed.

1. ♫ The Notorious B.I.G – Everyday Struggle (Frogs in Socks BiG Bootleg) / Just as you get your head around the odd and minimal beat you realize that Biggie sounds clearly than ever and everything fits in such an awkwardly perfect way you wonder how such a thing could exist. Then you understand that the world is full of all sorts of miracles that nobody can explain.

/// ZIP File ///

Artwork by Jacob Youngblood Ziegler

Be sure to catch all the 2010 "best of" lists!

Best Albums
Best EPs
Best Songs – Pt. 1 (Jan-June)
Best Songs – Pt.2 (July-Dec)
Best Remixes - Pt. 1 (Jan-June)
Best Remixes – Pt.2 (July-Dec) — YOU ARE HERE!
Best Music Videos
Best Cover Songs
Best Party Songs
Joel's Top 50 Remixes 2010
Joel's Top 10 Dubstep Remixes 2010

[VIDEO] Scissor Sisters – “Shady Love” (Feat. Azealia Banks)

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 04:17 PM PST

Scissor Sisters! Azealia Banks! Performing Children! Off-time lip syncing! Weird mustaches in the audience! It just keep getting better as the news is out that a new Scissor Sisters album is coming soon…

[REMIX] Guillemots – I Don’t Feel Amazing Now (Mooli remix)

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 11:17 AM PST

i don’t want to play any games, someone always loses and they usually share my name

♫ Guillemots – I Don’t Feel Amazing Now (Mooli remix)

The last time I covered Guillemots’ Fyfe Dangerfield he was exploding with love and seemed to be feeling quite amazing. His inconsistent feelings match how I feel about Guillemots so it is a treat to hear Mooli’s deft beatwork on this jam. Fyfe’s vocals pop, his lyrical plea to be loved shines, and the whole song trudges through bummersville with surprising ease.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

mixtape maestro (2.0)

2012-01-06T03:47:00.001-08:00

mixtape maestro (2.0)

Mac DeMarco “Baby’s Wearin Blue Jeans”

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 09:23 PM PST

After a few years spent fronting lo-fi Canadian outfit Makeout Videotape (check out the band’s music here), Montreal-based vocalist/ guitarist Mac DeMarco has opted to step out on his own, signing with New York indie label Captured Tracks with plans to drop solo EP Rock and Roll Night Club on March 20th.

“Baby’s Wearin Blue Jeans” is one of the cuts to be featured on the upcoming mini-collection and boy it’s an entrancing one, rocking some waterlogged-woozy indie-rock swagger as a delectable frame for DeMarco’s obsession over a woman who wears her denim quite well.

With his bluesy, Elvis-esque baritone helping strike up a devilish nocturnal allure amid the track’s distortion-veiled supply of chugging bass and drunken flickers of guitar, DeMarco finds himself completely enraptured by the vision of his lady “in a pair of Lee’s”, the fact that he only just seemed to meet (and quickly bed) her doing little to halt his fantasies of them being together “forever”…that is, of course, if she agrees to his one coolly delivered request: “Don’t take off those jeans”.

Hear the track below:

BABYS WEARIN BLUE JEANS by Mac DeMarco

(via)

The-Dream “ROC”

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 07:19 PM PST

“Roc”, the sex-obsessed lead single from The-Dream‘s upcoming fourth installment to his Love album series The Love, IV: Diary of A Madman, probably won’t go down as an essential part of the hitmaker’s catalog when all is said and done, but following last year’s excellent freebie album release 1977, where the singer-songwriter-producer used his signature chirp, brain-sticking vocal melodies and gorgeous sonic palette to mostly push post-break-up mope-woes, hearing him once again use his powers for the synth-glossed booty jam fare that helped make him one of the past decade’s strongest R&B male players does land like a breath of fresh air.

As with most Dream tunes of this ilk, the lyrical content can be simply reduced to “I wanna do it to you all kinds of freaky ways”, and, as always, it’s the highly polished sound of the track that will make it a favorite bump n grind cut for the moment, the groove’s throbbing churn of keyboards, electric guitar and Spanish guitar seduction hearkening back to those old ’90′s days when Jodeci and Silk were the guys getting your girls in a baby-making mood.

The-Dream – ROC

MuuMuse

2012-01-06T03:31:00.000-08:00

MuuMuse

Two Tweets, One Touch: Are The Original Sugababes Reforming?

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 07:37 PM PST

The Sugababes are, aside from Girls Aloud, generally regarded as the UK’s most successful girl group of the 21st century. With dozens of chart-topping hits–from “Overload” to “Freak Like Me” to “About You Now”–five Top 10 albums and dozens of awards to their name, the ‘Babes have consistently slayed for well over a decade–although not all as one defining unit.

Yet as much as the girls have become known for being a legendary powerhouse troupe of soulful divas, they’ve earned themselves just as strong of a reputation for the revolving door status of their members–the kind of constant switcheroo that easily puts the frequent chiding of Destiny’s Child‘s own member swap to shame.

When the group first started, the original Sugababes were Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhán Donaghy–who left after the release of their debut album citing an interest in pursuing fashion, and only later on revealing during an interview that Keisha was a “bully” that pushed her out of the group. She was replaced by Heidi Range in 2001.

Mutya Buena then took a leave in late 2005 and replaced by Amelle Berrabah, while Keisha Buchanan eventually bowed out (and/or was kicked out by Amelle and Heidi for–you guessed it, allegedly being a bully) in late 2009, leaving Jade Ewen to fill her spot.

But as the group’s original member count has slowly dwindled, so too has their reputation. Now in their fourth incarnation, the Sugababes have no actual Sugababes members remaining, and it’s come to the point now where the group is being heavily mocked in the media for looking like a desperate knock-off of the original brand.

For years, there’s been a steadily growing public outcry for the original ‘Babes to reform (if not just the stuff of Suga fanboy/girl dreams) and now, it seems those dreams are about to come true.

Back in October, UK blog Wot You Got reported that the original trio had reunited and were heading back in the studio to work on a few demos together to test out their sound after over a decade apart.

Earlier this evening, Keisha Buchanan just added fuel to the initial rumors by tweeting the following:

Hanging out in the studio with @professorgreen and two lovely ladies with bags of talent :-p lol

And then came a tweet from Mutya Buena:

@ studio wit professor green in tha building and 2 beautiful ladies

The third and final original member of Sugababes–Siobhán–isn’t on Twitter just yet, but the tweets still all but confirm the same thing: The iconic soulstresses behind hits like “Overload,” “Run For Cover” and “Soul Sound” are back in the studio working together. As of today, they’ve allegedly been involved with popular UK producer Professor Green. And according to some newer Internet rumors, they were even working with Xenomania‘s Brian Higgins and Miranda Cooper just before Christmas. And although there’s still no official confirmation just yet (although my boo over at The Prophet Blog just revealed that he’s known this to be true for a while), it’s pretty safe to say that this one’s a go.

Still, plenty of questions now loom: For one, what’s to come of the current Sugababes? Well, the news certainly doesn’t look promising. By most accounts, the group’s been quietly dropped from Sony/RCA. Ever since the non-release of “Freedom” by the Sugababes 4.0 which stalled only days before its release date last September and ended up being offered as a free download, the ever-withering troupe has fallen silent over the past six months.

Plus, in an interview published yesterday with Heidi Range–who’s now about to appear on Dancing On Ice–the singer openly admitted that the group’s not doing much these days. From Digital Spy:

“We were just in a period where we weren’t busy anyway. We were doing our own thing,” Range told Digital Spy. “We haven’t split up, no.”

Speaking about the group’s future, she added: “We’re not concentrating on it. I’m concentrating on this. We haven’t got anything planned at the moment.”

If the Sugababes 4.0 aren’t splitting just yet, their name remains intact. So what will the original troupe be called? Although it’s true that Mutya won limited rights to the Sugababes name back in August (quite limited, actually–as in paper goods, stationary and gift wrapping), it doesn’t seem as though the girls will be able to reunite under their original name. Any guesses on their new incarnation name?

If the stars truly do align, and the girls truly do reunite, only one thing’s for sure: I’m on overload.

Nadia Ali Teams Up with Starkillers to “Keep It Coming”

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 12:23 PM PST

Nadia Ali is a flaw-free disco diva. Like, almost offensively so. Offensively? Yes, let’s go with that. But she’s not just an offensively flaw-free disco diva–she’s also quite prolific.

It seems that every other week, Mizz Ali’s unleashing yet another smash to the delight of the dance community: From her latest solo single “When It Rains”, to her slammin’ collaboration with Starkillers & Alex Kenji, “Pressure”, to her latest Billboard Dance smash with Sultan & Ned Shepard, “Call My Name.”

To no one’s surprise then, Nadia’s already provided a brand new track to play with in 2012: The (rather fittingly titled) “Keep It Coming.”

Once again teaming up with Starkillers (the same man behind one of my favorite modern dance cuts, “Discoteka”), Ali’s coming locked and loaded with a massive booming bass and plenty of squealing synthesizers and bubbly beats for a full-on dance floor assault. “This is all I’ve wanted, yet I keep on running/So why am I running?/This is more than I have ever known, so just keep it coming,” the singer melodically cries out before Starkillers revs up for a major blast of House beats. It’s a surrious scorcher!

Don’t worry, Nadia–you can keep it coming forever. I’ll never get tired of those gorgeous, hypnotic vocals!

“Keep It Coming” was released on December 26. (Beatport)

The Music Ninja

2012-01-06T03:12:00.001-08:00

The Music Ninja

[Hip/Hop] 2AM Club – Every Evening ft. Chiddy
[Folk] MPSO – Can I Convince You
[Exclusive] Zeds Dead’s Top 5 Favorite tracks of 2011
[Experimental] Inspired And The Sleep – Running
[Indie] Silver Swans – Video Games (Lana Del Rey Cover)
[Electronic] Active Child – High Priestess (CFCF Remix)
[Electronica] Air – Sonic Armada (A Trip To The Moon)
[Jedi] Star Wars – Binary Suns (Coyote Kisses Remix)
[Dubstep] The Deans List – Dear Professor (Eliminate Remix)
SLDGHMR – Catch Fire (Drivepilot Remix) [dubstep]

[Hip/Hop] 2AM Club – Every Evening ft. Chiddy

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 04:21 PM PST

The 2AM Club and Chiddy collaborated together before on this, and have just dropped a remix of their 2011 underground success ‘Every Evening’. An unbelievably smooth track that complements Chiddy’s flow to perfection. A must-listen for anyone who loves pop-infused hip-hop, this version of ‘Every Evening’ is going to be on every radio station in no time at all.

2AM Club – Every Evening ft. ChiddyDownload audio file (Every-Evening-feat.-Chiddy.mp3)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

[Folk] MPSO – Can I Convince You

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 03:41 PM PST

Memoryhouse drummer Daniel Gray is set to drop his LP ‘Wisdom Teeth’ under his solo project MPSO (Mount Pleasant Sympathy Orchestra). ‘Can I Convince You’ is a hazy folk track, littered with hand-claps and woozy vocals over a simple guitar line. It treads the line between eerie and sweet, before bursting into a full-blown indie-pop climax. If you like ‘Can I Convince You’, then head on over to MPSO’s Bandcamp and download his Radiohead and Lana Del Rey covers.

MPSO – Can I Convince YouDownload audio file (MPSO – Can I Convince You.mp3)

[Exclusive] Zeds Dead’s Top 5 Favorite tracks of 2011

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 03:37 PM PST

With 2011 fading away in the rear view, we wanted to know what were some of songs that artists enjoyed for that year. You have to admit, there was a lot to choose from, which is why we’ll let the experts decide. First up in our Top 5 of 2011 series is neck-breakin’, beat-droppin’ bad boys, Zeds Dead. Check out their list of their five favorite songs from 2011, in no particular order.

Toddla T ft. Wayne Marshal and Skream – Streets So Warm (iTunes)
Toddla T – ‘Streets So Warm’ feat. Wayne Marshall & Skream by toddla_t

iTunes: Chris Brown- Look At Me Now Ft. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes (iTunes)
Download audio file (Look At Me Now Ft. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes.mp3)

The Weeknd – What You NeedDownload audio file (i6hbvosxxs.mp3)

Tyler the Creator – yonkers (iTunes)Download audio file (02-yonkers.mp3)

Deadmau5 – Raise Your Weapon (Noisia Remix) (Beatport)Download audio file (01 Raise Your Weapon (Noisia Remix).mp3)

[Experimental] Inspired And The Sleep – Running

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 02:39 PM PST

Experimental indie band Inspired And The Sleep describe their sound as “lo-fi lifeguard pop out of San Diego”. Their approach to songwriting is refreshingly organic, and allows the eclecticism of their music to come bursting into life.New single ‘Running’ is a vibrant melting pot of ukuleles, bongo solos, and incredibly catchy rhythms. Keep your ear to the ground for more from this intriguing band. ‘Running’ features on the record ‘Teenager’, out now.

Inspired And The Sleep – RunningDownload audio file (Running.mp3)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

[Indie] Silver Swans – Video Games (Lana Del Rey Cover)

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 01:14 PM PST

San Fran act Silver Swans are known for creating great cover versions, and their take on Lana Del Rey’s hit ‘Video Games’ doesn’t disappoint. In keeping with the slow vibe of the original, the Swans add gloomy electronic goodness while vocalist Ann Yu is at her most soft and vulnerable, making this version incredibly haunting. Expect to hear more from Silver Swans – their next record (‘Forever’) is out on February 7.

Video Games (Lana Del Rey Cover) by Silver Swans

[Electronic] Active Child – High Priestess (CFCF Remix)

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 12:21 PM PST

We don’t like to be hasty with this sort of thing, but CFCF’s space-age remix of Active Child’s ‘High Priestess’ is already looking like one of 2012's contenders for ‘Track Of The Year’. Building up from a twinkling xylophone, ‘High Priestess’ sees Pat Grossi’s vocals take on a powerfully theatrical vibe, creating an intensely cerebral piece of dance music. The original of ‘High Priestess’ is available on Active Child’s ‘You Are All I See’, out now.

[via PMA]

[Electronica] Air – Sonic Armada (A Trip To The Moon)

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 11:48 AM PST

We’ve been excited for Air’s latest project (an original score for Georges Melies’ ‘La Voyage Dans La Lune’) since the duo dropped this late last year. To tantalise us even further, they’ve revealed ‘Sonic Armada’, a hi-energy slice of electronica. Taking influence from krautrock guitar sounds and manic synths, this is a technically brilliant track. A must for all electronic fans, Air’s score will be released on February 7.

[Jedi] Star Wars – Binary Suns (Coyote Kisses Remix)

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 09:23 AM PST

The Star Wars’ Binary Suns Theme, originally composed by John Williams just got modernize into what it feels like an big room electro anthem. Coyote Kisses presents a remix that adheres to the very core of the original and it doesn’t come across as just another mix with added bass. The interwoven strings that glide through the entire track, the soft electronic melodies that transform into smaller wobbles for a smooth transition before the climatic resolution.

Download: Star Wars – Binary Suns (Coyote Kisses Remix) Download audio file (Jedi Theme (Coyote Kisses Remix).mp3)

[Dubstep] The Deans List – Dear Professor (Eliminate Remix)

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 08:39 AM PST

Dubstep and Hip/Hop are almost second cousins to each other. Dubstep IS DEFINITELY NOT “SLOWED DOWN HIP/HOP” but the two resemble a lot in their beat break structure (as explained by Bassnectar in this video). So when they come together, and when a producer is talented enough to surpass the amount of bad hip/hop-dubstep remixes, it really becomes a remarkable experience.

Eliminate transforms “Dear Professor” by The Deans List with his signature “hydraulic-sounding synth” and a talking bass capable of having a conversation with you. Mental from start to finish.

Dear Professor by The Deans List (Eliminate Remix)Download audio file (dear-professor-by-the-deans.mp3)

via

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

SLDGHMR – Catch Fire (Drivepilot Remix) [dubstep]

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 08:17 AM PST

While Drivepilot may be doing his debut on The Music Ninja, the Canadian born/Portland based producer has been well in the EDM scene with 4 EP record releases and more than 20 remixes in the last year and a half in his distinctive style that fuses Electro and Dubstep with a heavy Rock backbone.

Catch Fire is a slow born aggressive redo of French-Electro group SLDGHMR. You can grab SLDGHMR latest EP for free off their facebook, and here too.

SLDGHMR – Catch Fire (Drivepilot Remix)Download audio file (SLDGHMR – Catch Fire (Drivepilot Remix).mp3)

Original: SLDGHMR – Catch FireDownload audio file (03 Catch Fire.mp3)

We All Want Someone To Shout For

2012-01-05T23:54:00.001-08:00

We All Want Someone To Shout For

[music video]: Youth Lagoon – July

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 10:28 AM PST

There’s a lot to digest in Youth Lagoon’s music video for “July”. It was directed by Tyler T Williams who directed the amazing video for “Montana”. It’s a different feel from that video, but powerful in its own way. Watch the clip below.

Kick Kick Snare

2012-01-05T11:43:00.001-08:00

Kick Kick Snare

The Alabama Shakes: Alabama Shakes EP

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 11:05 AM PST

So while I took a few days off of blogging for nye and such, I was, for some reason, feeling pessimistic about what the blogosphere was going to treat my return. I think this is mainly because A.) my day at work was… another day at work. B.) the last time I went face-melt music searching on the blog ocean, I felt like I was paddling around on a kittie pool with nothing but a clock radio, a 2 liter of Jasta and a Popeye’s drum stick.

Well, after dropping off a bunch of canned food to a church (collected via a Xmas rager…great idea). The music blogs SLAPPED me in the face, said NOT TODAY and what happened? Well, the second track I pressed play on, introduced me to these: Southern comforting, Southern done-frying, southern church bell humping geniuses!!! (PREACH IT CALL AND RESPONSE STYLE). I’m excited, and not drinking, I swear. Anyway, they are the funky-southern blues version of Sharon Jones, JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, and Black Joe Lewis, their EP is available on bandcamp and thanks to mySpoonful for this one!!!

Click here to view the embedded video.

You Ain’t Alone

On Your Way

I Found You

Alabama Shakes Official
Alabama Shakes on Facebook
Buy The Alabama Shakes EP

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Vince Did It (Artist Formally Known As Frankmusik): Dynamo

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 12:00 PM PST

Down with Frankmusik, long live Vincent Frank!

It seems that Frankmusik is officially no more, but have no fear die hard fans, Vince has not given up on music. After parting ways with Island Records the unbelievably talented vocalist, producer and melody maker wasted no time creating new music. ‘Dynamo’ has just been unleashed for us all to enjoy.

Set free from label oversight and commitments Vincent is free to make the music he wants, he is an artist that has always been true to himself even while trying to experiment with other sounds. VDI is Vince being completely true to himself, and that in his own words will allow him to “Make music I want to hear in the future” and keep making the “Shit that I should have never stopped making”.

MP3:Dynamo by Vince Did It

If anyone remembers the raw energy, percussive staccato sound, and lush, layered melodies of the ORIGINAL ’3 Little Words’ will not be shocked by the return to a sound that seems to be truer to Vince himself – full unbridled creativity.

MP3:3 Little Words (Frankisum Mix) by Frankmusik

The Burning Ear

2012-01-05T04:18:00.001-08:00

The Burning Ear

[MP3] Macaw – “Get People”
[MP3] Chopstick & Johnjon – “Obviously She’s A w****”
[REMIX] PREMIERE: T-Pain ft. Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen – “5 O’Clock” (DWNTWN Remix)
[VIDEO] Clock Opera – “Once And For All”

[MP3] Macaw – “Get People”

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 01:15 AM PST

don’t hold on to those summer blues

♫ Get People – Macaw

Who: Caspar, Dom, & Martin
What: Dream pop, like Phantogram, Monarchy
Where: London + Facebook / Soundcloud / Amazon
When: The Rain Tears EP is out now and “Macaw” will be on an EP next year.
Why: Hollow rhythms, intimate vocals, and expansive beats make for a sound that envelops my ears. It darts from side to side, cutting up and back as it charts new ground with each change in the songs trajectory. But really it’s just a catchy dream-pop groove.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

[MP3] Chopstick & Johnjon – “Obviously She’s A w****”

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 09:34 PM PST

i’m hurting while i’m with you

♫ Chopstick & Johnjon – Obviously She’s A w****

Who: A Chi-Thien & a John(jon)
What: Deep House, sounds like Danny Dance, Jens Lindahl
Where: Berlin, Germary + Facebook / Amazon
When: Latest EP Suol Mates 1 out now
Why: When artists can strike a perfect balance between two genres like soul hip-hop and deep house it’s quite the spectacle. Chopstick & Johnjon did just that with the aptly titled song above. This one clocks in at nearly ten minutes, so grab some snacks, you’re in for an extended play.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

[REMIX] PREMIERE: T-Pain ft. Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen – “5 O’Clock” (DWNTWN Remix)

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 07:21 PM PST

its like boy just get your ass up in that car and come get all of this love

♫ T-Pain – 5 O’Clock ft. Wiz Khalifa, Lily Allen (DWNTWN Remix)

So apparently T-Pain teamed up with Wiz Khalifa and Lily Allen on a boring song about how T-Pain forgot to sex his girlfriend so she eventually texted him a reminder. Then Khalifa gets romantic with a verse about how he didn’t feel like banging any of the other girls in the club so he came home to you. Awww….

If all that just put you to sleep then thank goodness Los Angeles’s dance magicians DWNTWN reworked the whole thing into a jam that actually might keep you up until 5 o’clock. The Mike Tyson sample they worked into the intro is appropriate as this remix is basically Tyson’s the original. Baby eating aside, DWNTWN are on a serious roll and I have no doubt that this is the beginning of a long 2012 of great tracks.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

[VIDEO] Clock Opera – “Once And For All”

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 12:09 PM PST

What a song and what a story. Just watch.

The remix masters are finally stepping up their own game. Here is the 2009 version of the song for you to hold on to at home. We have all learned that we have to hold on to something.

♫ Clock Opera – Once And For All

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The Music Ninja

2012-01-05T03:59:00.001-08:00

The Music Ninja

[Exclusive] SBTRKT feat. Little Dragon – Wildfire (PatrickReza Remix)

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 01:13 PM PST

We’re stoked to bring you another exclusive from the young L.A. born producer, PatrickReza. This time he’s decided to remix SBTRKT’s song “Wildfire” off of their recently released cd. Patrick does a great job of letting the track maintain it’s original feel, but by adding a some new new percussion, wobbly synth, and a little grit, it becomes something entirely different.

If you dig his tracks, head over to his Facebook page and check out all his free downloads.

SBTRKT Feat. Little Dragon – Wildfire (PatrickReza Dubstep Remix)Download audio file (SBTRKT Feat. Little Dragon – Wildfire (PatrickReza Dubstep Remix).mp3)

[Folk] Wild Child – Darling Divine

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 11:37 AM PST

Wild Child will captivate you from the very first note. A journey of modern romance and the fortifying love of two people deeply united, ‘Darling Divine’ is from their debut album ‘Pillow Talk’ and mastered by grammy-winning engineer Erik Wofford. The Austin-based six-piece band excels at creating beautiful instrumentation with the magnificent vocals of female singer Kelsey Wilson.

Darling Divine by Wild Child

Pillow Talk by Wild Child

Pillow Talk, released 25 October 2011 can be purchased on their bandcamp.

MuuMuse

2012-01-05T03:19:00.001-08:00

MuuMuse

And It’s Not Even My Birthday…
Paris Hilton Talks About Upcoming House Album Due This Summer, World Remains Unprepared
That Girl Is A Monster: Introduucing…Meg Myers!

And It’s Not Even My Birthday…

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 09:24 PM PST

…OH WAIT, BUT ACTUALLY IT IS.

Yay! I’m 23! And…look! All of my bestest friends came together to surprise me with birthday cake and balloons!

There’s Godney (obviously), The Holy Madge and Queen Kylie–even Miss Keri Baby and Goddesses Heidi Montag and Courtney Stodden showed up! What an iconic, glamorous and star-studded event!

Thank you all so much for the birthday love!

And while we’re here: Thank you to every single reader/Muuser/MuuStan for visiting, reading, sharing, loving, and yelling at me in the comments every day to help make MuuMuse so utterly free of all flaws for over four years running. It’s my baybeh, and I’m so, so completely and utterly grateful for the wonderful people I’ve met along the way and the amazing opportunities I’ve had–from the minor (being featured in the New York Times) to the major (my tweet was read aloud on The Voice.)

Now then…

LET’S DANCE.

Paris Hilton Talks About Upcoming House Album Due This Summer, World Remains Unprepared

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 01:15 PM PST

SIT THE FUCK DOWN AND GET THE STARS OUT OF YOUR EYES BECAUSE NOTHING IN THIS WORLD COULD POSSIBLY MATTER MORE THAN THIS.

Paris Hilton, Flaw-Free Socialite and Queen of the Dance Floor, has finally begun opening up about her new album, which she says will be released this summer.

The iconic famous-for-being-famous person/sometimes songstress spoke about her new upcoming projects–including her music–for her cover feature in the January 2012 issue of FHM.

From the NY Daily News:

“I have a huge passion for house music,” she says in the January issue of FHM magazine. “It always has been my passion. I just haven’t been able to focus on it, because I have been doing reality TV for so long now.”

The New York-born heiress reveals she’s teamed up with top deejays to work on her next album, which she says will leave people “really surprised.”

“It’s very modern and very catchy; perfect party music,” she says of her sound.

Hilton, 30, reached momentary success when she released her self-titled debut album, “Paris,” in 2006. Though sales were generally low, her first single, “Stars Are Blind,” reached the Top Ten on music charts in 17 countries.

“There are just so many great deejays right now. And I should know, I’ve been to over 100 raves in the past year, so I’ve heard every type of music,” she adds.

As we already know, “Take Over Control” hitmaker Afrojack premiered a very early, genuinely mind-blowing demo of a track the two worked on together (tentatively called “Good Time”) at a festival last September.

Oh, and she’s definitely not kidding about the whole 100 raves thing–her Twitter’s been filled to the brim with TwitPics and tweets all year long inside clubs and arenas, where she’s been hanging out onstage with acts like Afrojack, Deadmau5 and Avicii.

Now, 2006′s Paris remains a pop gem. (Yes, I’m being completely serious, and anyone who disagrees with me is lying to themselves and almost definitely hates their life.) But this album? This might just raise things to a whole new level.

WE ARE NOT WORTHY.

That Girl Is A Monster: Introduucing…Meg Myers!

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 10:59 AM PST

Monster by Meg Myers

Genre: Alternative rock
Sounds like: Fiona Apple, Alanis Morrissette, Marina + The Diamonds

Meet Meg Myers, a rising musician based out of Los Angeles.

While details about the singer are still somewhat minimal, we’ve got one excellent tune to work with: “Monster.”

The song was co-scribed and produced by Doctor Rosen Dosen, the up-and-coming producer responsible for a couple of MuuMuse’s favorite remixes over the past years for acts like Britney and Lady Gaga, as well as his exciting collaborative project with a slew of rising female pop stars, including Kay and Jessie And The Toy Boys, called GIRLS.

Yet Myers’ sound is a complete departure for Rosen: There’s no pop beats to be found here–only jagged riffs and raw, vulnerable lyrics: “My love, too much/Your love, not enough,” Myers sadly croons above a slow-strumming guitar before launching into the song’s haunting chorus: “Oh, what it takes out of me to lay by your side!”

As Rosen explained to me, the song’s stripped production is a nod to ’90′s alt-rock–from Nirvana to Portishead. “What have I done? I’m a fucking monster!” Myers bitterly yelps at one point, her voice quivering with all the anguish of a classic Morrissette angst track.

Although Myers’ 6-track debut EP isn’t due for release until later in January, you can already hear two more cuts from the EP on her official website, including the piano-tinged, hook heavy “Adelaide” and “Poison,” which surges with a slightly more modern electro-rock flare (and was also featured on Rosen Rosen’s Girls Vol. 1.)

What I like most about Myers, as with fellow alt-rock chanteuses Skylar Grey and, to a somewhat more pop-oriented extent Marina And The Diamonds, Lana Del Rey and Sky Ferreira (when she’s in a more punk mood), is that she provides a breath of fresh air in a rapidly smothering climate of club-pop. Don’t get me wrong–I live for the stuff, but there’s more than enough room for some snarling, kick-ass rock chicks to come clawing their way to the top of the charts and adding some much-needed variety to radio.

Coupled with comeback LPs from industry veterans like Garbage and No Doubt a little later in 2012–along with the rumored, much-delayed return of Fiona Apple (dear God, let it be!)–this might just be the year that (good) rock finally makes a comeback.

“Monster” is available as a free download at Myers’ official website.

mixtape maestro (2.0)

2012-01-05T03:07:00.001-08:00

mixtape maestro (2.0)

Analog Players Society featuring Cecilia Stalin “I Can’t Wait (Nu Shooz Cover)”

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 08:11 PM PST

Keeping the ’80′s disco flag waving, here’s another nice old-school-tweaked treat, this time from New York City collective Analog Players Society pulling off a cover of Nu Shooz’ 1986 freestyle favorite “I Can’t Wait”…done island style.

More often than not you can’t go wrong with putting a reggae-ish twist on something, and what the cats in APS do here is definitely all kinds of right, their rich, live instrumental soundbed (including trumpets, saxophone, bass, organ and hand percussion) paired with the jazzy stylings of Swedish vocalist Cecilia Stalin encompassing all of the familiar fizziness of the original with an extra degree of ebullience that’ll leave you yearning to catch them somewhere in person to really soak in this re-fashioned groove.

Stream the track below or head on over to the act’s Bandcamp page to purchase it, and other material, on 7″ or digital formats.

Teen Daze “Let’s Groove”

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 02:23 PM PST

Too many times of getting prematurely excited over acts releasing songs with familiar titles only to hit play and discover that the track is no cover (and usually sucky in comparison to what we were anticipating) left us a little hesitant to check out Teen Daze‘ “Let’s Groove”, a song that shares the same name as one of the best post-disco jams ever.

So after finally getting around to seeing what this was all about while preparing ourselves for a major letdown, you can imagine the off-the-charts excitement that entered our insides from hearing those opening horn stabs, a sign that this cut actually did have something to do with Earth Wind & Fire’s timeless ’81 hit.

Expanding on the infectious party-funk feel-good of the original, the British Columbia-based Daze re-edits “Groove” into an even bigger monster of a dance-floor delight, making this the exact type of tune we would love to be engulfed in in our last breaths if 2012 actually did turn out to be the End of Times.

Thumbs all the way up, TD.

Let’s Groove by Teen Daze

Kick Kick Snare

2012-01-04T11:21:00.001-08:00

Kick Kick Snare

Wookie

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 11:01 AM PST

Arguably the most talented producer to emerge from the UK underground to date, Wookie (aka Xmen or Exemen), is a figurehead of the garage scene and has a striking number of club classics under his belt including remixes for the likes of Lily Allen, Jill Scott, John Legend, Gabrielle, Masters at Work, Jessie J, Soul II Soul, Angie Stone, Faithless, and Sia to name a few. His unique sound and the high caliber of production earned him respect throughout the industry making him one of the most sought after producers in the game.

Heavily influenced by his father, a reggae producer, Wookie began his career alongside reggae star Wayne Marshall. He produced the majority of Marshall's debut album "90 Degrees and Rising" which topped the Music Week dance chart for 3 weeks and the Urban Street Chart for 8 weeks. Shortly after the release of that album Wookie spent the next 10 years as an in-house writer/producer at the Soul II Soul Studios where he credits developing his sound remixing tracks for Destiny's Child, Public Enemy and Nas.

Wookie’s sound was in development during the late 90's which became apparent in his bootleg remixes leading to his self titled debut in 2000. These were the years I developed my undeniable passion for music which I credit, in large part, to this man. Now if I can only get him to remix a Deee-lite track, I can then die. If this is your first introduction to his music, I’m proud to share with you a world of soulful masterpieces in a modern style, that is as fresh as it is innovative and distinctive and without question essential. Prove it? Okay…

MP3: Sunshine (Wookie Remix) by Gabrielle

MP3: Got Me Burnin’ (Wookie Remix) by Ruff Diamondz

MP3: Hold it Down (Exemen Remix) by 4hero

MP3: Who You Are (Exemen Remix) by Jessie J

Wookie on facebook
Wookie on Twitter
Wookie on SoundCloud

Feist + Clueso Remixes From Hannes Fischer

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 09:37 PM PST

Hannes Fischer just hit me with two new remixes fresh from his studio in Berlin. The first is of Feist’s “Inside and Out” and the second, from fellow German artist Clueso, and of his track called “Gewinner.” Expect nothing less than wondrous landscapes of electronic music elements, with wide-ranging versatility, handcrafted by a house producer who was clearly raised with blues and jazz influences. Hannes is currently working on his first vinyl release, but in the meantime, plans to keep us entertained with a slew of tour dates and playful melodic remixes leading up to the occasion.

Feist – Inside & Out – (Hannes Fischer Edit) by Hannes Fischer

Clueso – Gewinner (Hannes Fischer Edit) by Hannes Fischer

Hannes Fischer on facebook
Hannes Fischer on SoundCloud

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The Music Ninja

2012-01-04T04:02:00.001-08:00

The Music Ninja

[Events] Behind the Scenes – Beta Nightclub
Memoryhouse – This Will Be Our Year (The Zombies Cover)
[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo Playlist (January Part #1)

[Events] Behind the Scenes – Beta Nightclub

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 05:18 PM PST

Ever wondered why Beta Nightclub is ranked in the top clubs in America year after year? Well, take a look at this behind the scenes video that they put together. As some of you may know, Beta is based in the heart of Denver, Colorado and brings in the top names of electronica music week after week. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out. Check out what they have going on this month.

January 5th – Manufactured Superstars
January 6th – Vaski
January 7th – Christopher Lawrence
January 12th – Dave Aude
January 13th – SPL and Triage
January 14th – Sydney Blu
January 19th – Marcus Schossow
January 20th – Hype
January 21st – Gabriel and Dresden
January 27th – Craze
January 28th – Sebastian Ingrosso

Look above. There’s more than enough reasons to hop in car, bus, or plane and get your ass to Denver. What are you waiting for?

Resident DJ, Jontron’s track “Oh!” was used in this video. Click the link below for a free download! And if you have questions regarding anything Denver, shoot me an email at clayton@themusicninja.com

Jontron – Oh (Original Mix)Download audio file (Oh (Original Mix).mp3)

Memoryhouse – This Will Be Our Year (The Zombies Cover)

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 10:54 AM PST

To help combat the back to work blues, Toronto based dream-pop duo Memoryhouse have dropped this gorgeous cover of The Zombie's 1968 classic 'This Will Be Our Year' as a free download via their blog, accompanied with the following message:

In light of the new year, Evan and I have decided to record a cover of one of our favorite Zombies songs, "This Will Be Our Year". Thank you everyone for all of your support in 2011, and I hope this song helps motivate you to lose 5 pounds, stop smoking, and watch less reality T.V. (or is that just me?). Lots of exciting things are in the works this year, onward and upward!

Memoryhouse – This Will Be Our Year (The Zombies Cover)Download audio file (This-Will-Be-Our-Year-The-Zombies-Cover-Memoryhouse.mp3)

With their debut LP slated for a February 28th release there's a high chance it really could be Memoryhouse's year.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo Playlist (January Part #1)

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 09:14 AM PST

Aren't the first days of the new year always the best? Everything seems promising, the littlest things give you inspiration and the excitement of what's to come is like opening Christmas presents all over again. Sure, the stigma of the year 2012 has us preparing for the worst, but what better excuse to live the next year like it's the last. Right? In short, it's time to take this year like a champ. Tip: Use our playlists as the soundtracks to the movie of your life. It will give it more of that dramatic effect.

Survival – Alpines

Download audio file (2j5p.mp3)

Brother – Matt Corby

Download audio file (2j5q.mp3)

Can You Get To That – Stone Darling

Download audio file (2j5r.mp3)

Like Water – Ladi6

Download audio file (2j5s.mp3)

My Heart (WhoMadeWho Remix) – Wildbirds and Peacedrums

Download audio file (2j5t.mp3)

Au Port – Camille

Download audio file (2j5u.mp3)

Down On You – Dems

Download audio file (2j5v.mp3)

Where Is My Mind (Pixies Cover) – Sunday Girl

Download audio file (2j5w.mp3)

MuuMuse

2012-01-04T03:41:00.001-08:00

MuuMuse

MuuMuse Approved: Neon Hitch – Fuck U Betta
JoJo Breaks Into Top 40 of Billboard Pop Songs Chart, Remains At Large
Paradiso Lost: Chelsea Korka Launches Solo Career

MuuMuse Approved: Neon Hitch – Fuck U Betta

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 05:32 PM PST

YASSSS! At long last, the studio version of Neon Hitch‘s “Fuck U Betta,” her latest Benny Blanco-produced single off of her upcoming debut album Beg, Borrow & Steal, has been unleashed onto the Interwebz.

Though Hitch has been performing this one live for months while out on tour, “Fuck U Betta” is finally making its formal appearance in 2012. Now, I’ve already been booty dropping to this one for a while now, and I must say: It’s still a staple in my nightly underwear-dancing-in-my-room sessions. Why? Several reasons:

For one thing (or really, for everything), the hook: “She can love you good, but I can fuck you betta!” I mean…DAMN! It packs such a punch! So you went ahead and found yourself a sexy piece? That’s nice, bet she can’t do it like Neon does! Personal anthem much?

Then, there’s that surging beat. It’s a little bit “Hold It Against Me”-lite until the chorus, which is actually a little “I Wanna Go,” right back to the dub-pop inspired skittering breakdown, which is a little bit “Hold It Against Me” again–making this one an easy win for fans of Brit Brit‘s Femme Fatale offerings. Plus, all the warped “Betta, betta, betta, betta, betta, betta, ay!” bits peppered throughout the chorus? So fun! So flail-worthy!

“Bad Dog” was a reg’lar pop stormer, but this? This one’s a no-brainer that’ll keep banging your brains out. Now get this track on the radio STAT!

I CAN FUCK YOU BETTUH, BAYBEE!

“Fuck U Betta” will be released this month to radio. (iTunes)

JoJo Breaks Into Top 40 of Billboard Pop Songs Chart, Remains At Large

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 12:16 PM PST

Authorities are now actively pursuing Queen JoJo after the former teen pop princess-turned-grown ass woman was charged with first-degree wig snatching and unlicensed use of flaw-free vocals this past weekend.

According to Billboard, the supremely talented pop perpetrator was seen breaking into the Billboard Pop Songs Chart at #38 for the first time in nearly 5 years with her latest incredible single, “Disaster.”

From Billboard’s Chart Highlights:

JoJo Levesque, who celebrated her 21st birthday Dec. 20, charts her first Pop Songs hit since 2007 with “Disaster,” the lead single from her forthcoming third album, “Jumping Trains.” She spent five weeks at No. 1 with “Leave (Get Out)” in 2004 and later scored top 10s with “Baby, It’s You” (No. 7, 2004) and “Too Little Too Late” (No. 2, 2006).

The Billboard team were not the only ones to bear witness to the event this week.

“With her recent game-changing chart debut on the Billboard Pop Songs chart, JoJo has revealed that not only is she more grown and sexy than your faves, but her enormously amazing new single, ‘Disaster,’ is slated to become the most important pop anthem of 2012,” explained Sam Lansky, a civilian who really likes JoJo a lot.

Though representatives from JoJo’s camp could not officially be reached for comment, Atlanta-based MuuMuse correspondent and grown ass woman expert NeNe Leakes phoned into MuuMuse headquarters to describe the event as “simply fabulous” before signing off with a final, chilling declaration: “Hi haters!”

We will continue to report on this story as it unfolds on the charts in the next coming weeks.

“Disaster” was released on September 6. (iTunes)

Paradiso Lost: Chelsea Korka Launches Solo Career

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 07:44 AM PST

Chelsea Korka – “Make Me Feel”

No amount of Patron could ever possibly drown out the pain inflicted upon the pop industry since the untimely disbanding of short-lived girl group sensation, The Paradiso Girls.

As the European response to the Pussycat Dolls, the quintet was responsible for a slew of smashes–from the 21st century’s greatest ode to alcohol (“Patron Tequila”), to the very good, slightly unintelligible sing-songy sass attack (“Who’s My Bitch?”), to–well, that’s all they ever officially released, actually.

Still, the group was at the precipice of a seemingly immaculate debut when they suddenly stalled, faltered and fell apart in late 2010, as confirmed by a seemingly drunken Twitter rant by smiley face emoticon enthusiast and former member, Aria Crescendo.

But as with every girl group dissolution, there’s always a few solo aspirations: Lauren Bennett has already been confirmed as the first member of the reformed Pussycat Dolls, Kelly Beckett is working on a solo project under the rather ominous alias “Fuzzy,” while Aria’s doing…I don’t know, something weird.

Last night, Paradiso ex-member Chelsea Korka–the group’s US-bred brunette and former Pussycat Dolls Present: Search For The Next Doll runner-up–launched her official solo website, along with 5 brand new tracks as part of her solo debut EP, due out “soon” on iTunes.

From Korka’s journal (which, much to my dismay, is not titled “Korka’s Korner”):

I wouldn't know where to begin to actually explain how excited I am to finally show you all what I love and what I have been up to since Search For The Next PussyCat Doll and Paradiso Girls. For the past year I have been working hard with Big Bad University and Mark Rosas on my solo project and now the time has arrived! I just want to have everyone escape to my world and have fun!

Chelsea Korka – “My All”

Crafted alongside rising producer Mark Rosas, LMFAO‘s SkyBlu and artist collective Big Bad University, Korka’s debut is a strictly dance-pop production–from “My All” and “Lost In The Music,” two straightforward forays onto the dance floor with wild, surging beat breakdowns not unlike LMFAO’s own drunk-pop tunes, to “Make Me Feel,” a slightly ’90′s-inflected club cut which provides a sparkle of Wynter Gordon‘s With The Music I Die: “I love the way you make me feel when I’m back in your arms again/Feels like a dream, I hope it never ends,” Korka dreamily croons on top of the soaring chorus, later diving into a Brit Brit-approved dub-pop breakdown.

Further into the collection, the gritty, rapid-fire dubstep beats and reverb-heavy vocals of “Big Cheese” vaguely recall M.I.A.‘s Vicki Leekx cut “Generation N.E.Y.”, while the whistle-happy “In Love Again” marries the sunshine glow of Alexis Jordan with a touch of throwback ’80′s euphoria a la classic Whitney Houston.

While it’s true that nothing could ever properly reproduce the spark of the Paradiso Girls, there’s certainly promise in Queen Korka’s solo project: She’s a great singer and a great dancer. So who knows? With some even edgier pop production and added polish, perhaps Korka herself will have us all drunk and throwing up again someday.

The Burning Ear

2012-01-04T03:20:00.003-08:00

The Burning Ear

[REMIX] Moby – “The Right Thing” (Kleerup Remix)
The Best EPs of 2011
[MP3] ANR – “Millionaire” (Kelis w/ Andre 3000 Cover)

[REMIX] Moby – “The Right Thing” (Kleerup Remix)

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 01:27 AM PST

lights flying ‘cross my eyes, oh it seems like this could be mine

♫ Moby – The Right Thing (Kleerup Remix)

We all do something right. Moby does soulful and sultry vocal samples over dance beats right. Kleerup lays spaced out elastic grooves right. So do your ears right and wrap them in this electric blanket of a jam. Used correctly it could keep you warm until spring.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The Best EPs of 2011

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 01:12 AM PST

The little bird in the artwork above may be a nod to the smaller nature of the EP but don’t think for a second that these mini-albums aren’t serious beasts. This is some Hitchcockian Birds business with ferocious and passionate music being delivered by some of the most exciting bands breaking out right now. It was certainly an exciting year for the often under-appreciated EP format. In the increasingly saturated music world I really enjoy a well crafted EP that leaves me reaching for the repeat button instead of checking to see how many tracks are left. So lets all cheers to the short and sweet.

♫ = Click to play & right-click to download

10. The Good Natured – Skeleton

♫ The Good Natured – Wolves / Single after sweet single didn’t stop this dark pixie and her band from delivering a great EP with even more surprises up it’s sleeve. Girl-fronted indie-Brit electro-dance at it’s finest.

9. Capitol Cities – Capitol Cities

♫ Capital Cities – Safe and Sound / Decidedly polished pop and decidedly un-polished chins have never gone so well together. Love songs for people who care. Care about their lovers and care about dancing with them.

8. Art Imperial – Surf Suburban

♫ Art Imperial – My Chrystal / Unhinged and ramshackle surf rock built out of the dreams of a man who lives hundreds of miles from the sea. I wouldn’t want any other soundtrack to a day at the real thing.

7. Theophilus London – Lovers Holiday

♫ Theophilus London – Why Even Try Feat Sara Quin / London dropped (almost) all the best songs off his debut LP months earlier in the form of this tightly packed bin of funky grooves and thick swagger.

6. Mammal Club – The Au EP

♫ Mammal Club – Otter / My speakers took a lot of damage this year from constantly cranking these tracks beyond recommended levels. Acutely angular and obtusely rhythmic these Brits cause severe shape pulling. And couch-mounted sing-alongs to impossibly wild vocals!

5. Jack Littman – The Mixtape

♫ Jack Littman – Sinking Ship / Dark and somewhat sinister, yet absurdly catchy and often silly, Littman exercises his right to contradict what you think singer songwriters sound like.

4. Mitten – See You Bye

♫ Mitten – Similar Sense / Absurdly catchy and kinetic indie music that is almost too solid for it’s own delicateness. Dance music for being alone. Summer music for winter time.

3. Jhameel – Dance

♫ Jhameel – Shut Up / This spot might as well be a double bill with Jhameel’s more recent Waves series as both 5 song collections serve as undeniable body movers, as well documentation of the light-speed evolution of one of today’s great musical talents.

2. Y Luv – How Chill Can You Let Go

♫ Y Luv – All Night / Stadium sized jams haven’t sounded this good in years. I saw these guys live a month ago and all 7 people in the audience felt something powerful. As for the rest of you yokels? Get yourself sorted ASAP.

1. Dream Jefferson – Sasquatch Bury Their Dead

♫ Dream Jefferson – Vampyroteuthis / Say what you want about Dream Jeff and their first of two near-albums of the year but I had this on the most vicious repeat regimen for most of the year. The Punch Perm EP was another winner but didn’t slam me as hard as this rap sandwich with a side of rock chips.

– ZIP FILE –

Artwork by Jacob Youngblood Ziegler

Be sure to catch all the 2010 "best of" lists!

Best Albums
Best EPs — YOU ARE HERE!
Best Songs – Pt. 1 (Jan-June)
Best Songs – Pt.2 (July-Dec)
Best Remixes - Pt. 1 (Jan-June)
Best Remixes – Pt.2 (July-Dec)
Best Music Videos
Best Cover Songs
Best Party Songs
Joel’s Top 50 Remixes
Joel’s Top 10 Dubstep Remixes

[MP3] ANR – “Millionaire” (Kelis w/ Andre 3000 Cover)

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 11:10 PM PST

where there is cheese there are rats, where ever there are rats there are cats, where ever there are cats there are dogs, if you got the dogs you got bitches, bitches always out to put their paws up on your riches

♫ ANR – Millionaire (Kelis cover)

Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean that the giving spirit doesn’t live on! TBE alums ANR dished out a 2-song gift over holidays and while their cover of “Little Drummer Boy” may have to wait a few months to dip into rotation, their take on Kelis & Andre 3000′s “Millionaire” is something else. There is weight here. Not many of us can identify with the pain of being rich but now we can know what it sounds like. And who doesn’t want to hear Andree 3000′s verses slowed to an easily followable speed? Plus they take on a whole different feel when they are sung with more heavy emotion. Well played, ANR.

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