SoundDessert

New Build Builds Excitement For April Release

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:59:00 +0000

New Build, the collaborative project started by Hot Chip's Al Doyle and Felix Martin, with engineer Tom Hopkins, released their first single, "Finding Reasons" featuring Planningtorock's Janine Rostron, back in September. Since then more details and songs off the project have been released. The album titled, Yesterday Was Lived and Lost, streets April 3. To build up anticipation for the release, New Build has uploaded a little 4 track teaser (including "Finding Reasons") on SoundCloud. If you haven't had a listen yet, now's the perfect opportunity to get caught up on these amazing new wave-meets-reggae dance hall jams.

Grizzly Bear's Daniel Rossen's Golden Silence

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:49:00 +0000

While Grizzly Bear is readying to release a new album sometime this year, following up their masterpiece, Veckatimest, a number of band members have been working on solo projects on the side. I personally couldn't get enough of the gorgeous synth tracks laid down by Chris Taylor under the moniker CANT. Now his band-mate Daniel Rossen has released two tracks from his forthcoming solo EP, Silent Hour / Golden Mile, slated for release March 20th. The singer/songwriter pairs his emotive vocals with orchestral harmonies on "Saint Nothing," while the temperament to"Silent Song" is a bit more spirited. Swapping piano strokes for twangy guitar licks and a chorus of souring vocals, Rossen delivers and shows his diversity, on both of these stunning tracks.

Jack White, Interrupted

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:44:00 +0000

The unrivaled Jack White has announced he'll be releasing his debut album Blunderbuss on April 24th. The first single off the album, "Love Interruption" is an acoustic roots rock track that incorporates folk and blues elements. Nashville singer, Ruby Amanfu provides supporting vocals to White's demands on love.

Given all the projects White supports via his Nashville-based label Third Man Records, including rock 'n' roll hall of fame inductee Wanda Jackson, and his 'Blue Series' including artists First Aid Kit and Laura Marling, it comes as no surprise that White himself has taken a more Southern rock direction on his latest recording. White states in the press release that Blunderbuss is, "an album I couldn't have released until now. I've put off making records under my own name for a long time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas."

Listen to "Love Interruption" here:

The Xylos Are 'Ready To Be On Display'

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:39:00 +0000

Brooklyn-based Xylos, deliver ethereal electro-pop replete with emotive songwriting. Singer Monika Heidermann's breathy vocals ascend alongside synth keyboards and echoing bass hits on tracks like "X-Ray" and "Second Order" off their self-titled debut album, available now.

The band recently visited The Alternate Side to perform some songs for their In Session series. Xylos discussed how its been writing and recording their follow-up album, as well as some of the band members' more 'alternate' day jobs (SAT teacher, chair yoga instructor). Read the interview here.

Listen to the live recordings of "X-Ray" and "Summer Song" below:

Emily Wells Takes It Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:39:00 +0000

Emily Wells is an artistic enigma. The multi-faceted singer/songwriter incorporates classical instrumentation, soulful vocals and hip-hop production into her music, creating a striking contrast between hard and soft. A one woman show, Wells plays the violin, drums, guitar, analog synthesizers, beat machines, ukulele and cello - many of which she manages to juggle all during her live performances. Listen to her rich harmonies and arranging on "Take It Easy"

Emily Wells - Take It Easy by St Mon Teruel

Emily Well's latest album Mama is slated for release April 10th via Partisan Records. She'll be celebrating her album release at the Bowery Ballroom, April 9th.

Following the release of Mama in the spring, Wells will be focusing on the release of Pillowfight, her collaborative project with producer Dan The Automator (Gorillaz, Kasabian, Ben Lee).

Honestly, I Can't Take Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:04:00 +0000

Toronoto Synth-pop duo Trust are releasing their debut LP, TRST February 28, which features the newly released single, "Sulk." The industrial style track is soaked in heavy reverb, that pairs perfectly with vocalist Robert Alfons' brooding, lush vocals.

Trust - Sulk (Single Edit) by Arts & Crafts

The pair will be in NYC this March. Catch 'em if you can:
3/8 Mercury Lounge tickets
3/9 Glasslands ‎tickets

Ladyhawke Is Black, White & Blue For You

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:48:00 +0000

It's been a couple years since we've heard anything from the electro-maven Ladyhawke. Yet is seems her creative juices have been flowing and she's ready to release a new LP called Anxiety, which features this upbeat new single, “Black, White & Blue.” Expect to see a lot more from her this spring, as the LP streets March 19th. If the rest of the recording is anything like this poppy electro tune, it's sure to have people up on their dancing feet.

LADYHAWKE - Black, White & Blue by dual_bign

Arctic Monkeys and Pulp's Richard Hawley Release "You & I"

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:25:00 +0000

Arctic Monkeys and Pulp's Richard Hawley have collaborated on a turbo-charged rock track titled, "You and I." Revved up on guitar riffs and open-road motifs such as, "the engine's running, can't decide if I should ride away," it has all the makings of a classic greased up rock track (ample guitar solos included). Though one would expect nothing less from two iconic British acts.

Arctic Monkeys - You & I (Feat. Richard Hawley) by weallwantsome1

Miike Snow Make A Splash 'Paddling Out'

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:31:00 +0000

Miike Snow have released another track from their upcoming album Happy To You, out in March. The song "Paddling Out" is just as intoxicating as the former, "Devil's Work" released last month. Electric keyboard and percussion pairings make for a heady dance track that's more carefree than some of their more famously fervent strains. I can't wait to hear more.

Tickets for Miike Snow's Happy To You Tour are on sale now.

Paddling Out by miikesnow

Oh Griminy

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:26:00 +0000

Grimes deliver an ethereal sensory experience. More than a band, they conceptualize their art beyond music and into performance, dance, video and 2D art. Lead singer Claire Boucher has an arresting voice that's paired with daydream-like melodies. Listening to Grimes may make you feel like you're floating away on a cloud - in other words light, tranquil, carefree.

The busy duo is readying for the release of their EP Visions (their fourth in two years) out January 31st. I suggest familiarizing yourself with some of their older material, if you haven't already. As Claire sings on "Avi" from Geidi Crimes (2010), "I will take your breathe away," and she's right about that.

Listen to "Genesis" from their upcoming EP Visions.

Santigold Tells Lady Gaga To Shut Her 'Big Mouth'

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:04:00 +0000

Santigold went "hard" and now she's going "big" with the release of "Big Mouth," her first video from her upcoming album, Master of My Make-Believe, slated for release in the spring. At one point in the song she insults Lady Gaga with the lyric, "Gaga-ga all slightly off/not me I take the loss.” In the video Gaga is animated as a mermaid wearing a crown--that gets devoured by a tiger with Kim Kardashian-length eyelashes. The crown is then taken as a prize and placed on a pedestal in what I'm guessing is Santigold's 'grand chamber.' Clearly the quick-witted lyricist has some beef with the pop star, and is using her mouth to get it off her chest. Aside from that, overall the video is saturated (figuratively and literally) with colors, bold prints and that's right, animations. I have to say the look of the video and the song itself remind me a lot of M.I.A's style.

Santigold is also sporting a slightly different look in the video. She's swapped her shorter amber-colored hair for longer black locks, and wearing what looks like a black leather romper. It's less 'Brooklyn we go hard' and more pretty/feminine for the singer. But that said, lets be real here - her edge isn't going away any time soon.

What do you think of the new song and the new video for "Big Mouth"? Weigh in, in the comments! And download the track for free at Santigold.com

Now, Now Hear This

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +0000

Minneapolis based Now, Now got their start fresh out of high school back in 2008. Since then they've traveled cross-country, gone on a European tour, shortened their name (formerly Now, Now Every Children) and have grown as songwriters and musicians.

Their new album Threads is slated for release this spring via Trans Records. Produced by Howard Redekopp (Tegan and Sara, An Horse, New Pornographers), their emotive songs, paired with Cacie Dalager and Jess Abbott's delicate vocals make for a mesmerizing combination. Their single "School Friends" is a cool, downtempo track, feigning indifference about an unrequited love. Listen here:

Now, Now: School Friends by Trans Records

In contrast I'm also really enjoying the uptempo "Jesus Camp (Remix)" mixed by Brad Hale from their Neighbors EP. Check it out:

Jesus Camp (Remix) by nownowmusic

This Silence Kills

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Berlin-based Dominique Dillon de Byington, aka Dillon, is a pretty young thing, at the fresh age of 19, with an arresting voice. It has some childlike qualities to it, reminiscent of Lykke Li, and also possesses a strong range. The songstress got her start posting videos on YouTube which led to gig offers and a growing following. Check out the striking and provocative "Thirteen Thirtyfive" below, record live at Studio 8 in São Paulo, Brasil.

Dillon's debut album, This Silence Kills, is out now via BPitch. Grab a free download of "Thirteen Thirtyfive via LastFM here.

Beat Culture Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

17 year old Sunik Kim of Beat Culture just released Tokyo Dreamer (January 15th), his second album in the past year. In his words, his music is comprised of "dense, atmospheric, messy glitch/dub songs." It's ambitious, experimental and invigorating. On Tokyo Dreamer the sound of water plays an integral role on the album, consistently cascading, crashing or falling (as the case may be) in the background of the majority of the tracks. Check out "Before You Go" below, and score a free download of the album over on his SoundCloud page.

Beat Culture // Before You Go from Feel Good Lost on Vimeo.

A Litany of Sound

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Portland-based duo Litanic Mask create haunting, echoing songs, ripe for the score of an epic film trilogy. Their ascending melodies build and swell, casting the listener into a synth haze. While the tracks on their SoundCloud page are listed as demos, they sound quite divine if you ask me. I couldn't pick just one track to share (as I said they are quite epic sounding) so please enjoy pursuing these and more songs on their SoundCloud page.

LITANIC MASK -/-/-- DEMO--\-\- by litanic mask

Without A Hitch

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:54:00 +0000

Neon Hitch is a badass electro-pop vixen (and yes that is her real name). She's been performing in a variety of ways since she was a child. Traveling around with her parents in a caravan, she worked with them as a street performer, and by the age of four was traveling with a circus, where she picked up an array of talents including training as a trapeze artist, fire swinger and stilt walker. The BBC even filmed a documentary on her unconventional family.

All grown up and realizing she possessed another talent - singing, Neon Hitch has been aggressively pursuing a music career for the past few years. Though you may not know it, you've heard her sing background vocals on songs for Kesha, 3OH!3 and Miike Snow.

Now Neon Hitch is getting ready to release her very own debut album, Beg, Borrow and Steal, expected out early this year. Her songs have heavy dance beats soaked in attitude. On the electric track "Bad Dog," Neon cries, "Sit and be a good dog or I'ma put you down, bang bang, like a bad dog." Listen to the first single off the new album, F*ck U Betta here.

Neon Hitch - Bad Dog by NeonHitch

Love What's Happening Here

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:25:00 +0000

Sultry electro-soul, I'm loving James Blake's latest track "Love What Happened Here" off his new EP of the same name. The three song EP is Blake's second EP and third release of the past year. The man clearly has a lot bubbling underneath the surface and isn't wasting any time in sharing what he's come up with. A motley assortment of rhythms and sounds, "Love What Happened Here" has got it all going on - a little jazz, R&B and of course electro goodness. Have a listen:

James Blake - Love What Happened Here by KRKDL

Man, Kids These Days

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:56:00 +0000

Steve Bays and Parker Bossley (lead singer and bassist of Hot Hot Heat respectively) have been working on a side project by the name of Fur Trade. They've gradually released four songs to date on their tumblr, and plan to stick with this format in revealing additional songs from their project. Steve Bays' unmistakable voice rings out over cool guitar riffs and a cleaner more stripped down sound compared to that of Hot Hot Heat's fired up anthems. So if you were wondering (like me) what these Canadian blokes had been getting up to lately wonder no more. Check out one of their new tracks, "Kids These Days"

Kids These Days by furtradeband

SoundDessert's Best Singles of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:55:00 +0000

As 2011 comes to a close I give you, in no particular order, my list of the 25 best singles of the year. Click the selected links to hear the tracks. These songs will have you dancing, feeling nostalgic, and at times emotional, but always free. Enjoy, and as always, share your favorites in the comments. Happy New Year! Here's to another amazing year of music in 2012!

1. CANT - Believe

CANT - Believe (taken from Dreams Come True - Terrible Records / Warp Records) by Warp Records

2. Marina & the Diamonds - Radioactive

3. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy

4. M83 - Midnight City
   Midnight City by M83

5. The Ting Tings - Silence (Bag Raiders Remix)
   The Ting Tings - Silence - Bag Raiders Remix by the-ting-tings

6. Miike Snow - Devil's Work
   Devil's Work by miikesnow

7. Marques Toliver - Charter Magic

8. Ben L'Oncle Soul - Soulman
Ben L'Oncle Soul - Soulman by FrenchMusicUK

9. MEN - Who Am I To Feel So Free (Antony Version)

10. Peter Bjorn and John - Second Chance

11. Gotye - Eyes Wide Open
Eyes Wide Open by Gotye

12. Gil Scott Heron and Jamie xx - I'll Take Care Of U

13. Cults - You Know What I Mean
   Cults - You Know What I Mean by cultscultscults

14. Gang Gang Dance - Mindkilla

15. Lykke Li - Jerome
   Jerome by LykkeLi

16. WIM - See You Hurry
   WIM - See You Hurry by modularpeople

17. Lady Gaga - Marry The Night

18. Wild Beasts - Lion's Share

19. Foster The People - Call It What You Want
Foster The People 'Call It What You Want' by Threesixzeroproduction

20. Beirut - Santa Fe
Beirut - Santa Fe by Revolver USA

21. Kanye West, Otis Redding, Jay Z - Otis

22. Bon Iver - Calgary
Calgary by boniver

23. Adele - Someone Like You

24. Purity Ring - Lofticries
Lofticries by PURITY RING

25. First Aid Kit - Marianne's Song

SoundDessert's Best Music Videos of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:47:00 +0000

Here's my list of the ten best/most memorable music videos of 2011! Add your faves in the comments!

1. Robyn - Call You Girlfriend

2. Skrillex - First of The Year (Equinox)

3. Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

4. Air - Painted Love

5. Lykke Li - Sadness Is A Blessing

6. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out

7. Foster The People - Call It What You Want

8. tUnE-yArDs - Bizness

9. Adele - Someone Like You

10. OK Go + Pilobolus - All Is Not Lost

SoundDessert's Best Albums of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:54:00 +0000

These are the 20 albums that wowed me, stayed with me, and that I played incessantly this past year (with the exception of a couple end-of-year releases (e.g. Black Keys), but these late comers still deserve equal praise). They became my partners-in-crime for dashing around the streets of New York, getting revved up for a night out, or calming my nerves when I needed some peace of mind. Any of your favorites missing from this list? Share them in the comments! Click the links to hear samples from the albums.

Adele - 21
Who had the best year ever? Why Adele, of course. I was not exempt from being pulled into the emotional vortex that was 21. I won't admit exactly how many times I listened to this album, but lets just say it was enough to put her first on this list.

The Kills - Blood Pressures
I was absolutely obsessed with this album this year. Each track delivered an onslaught of pure rock 'n' roll the way it should be. Seeing The Kills perform live at Terminal 5 only solidified my love for this unstoppable twosome. After Jamie Hince's nuptials, I even found myself warming up to Kate Moss' over-saturated image and purchased the happy couple's wedding spread in Vogue. That's called dedication, friends.

WIM - WIM
I don't know if this album can even be described as music, but rather a thing of beauty. WIM's self-titled debut album is the most breathtaking recording I heard all year.

Boy & Bear - Moonfire
These Australian indie rockers hit a home run on their first full length album. Drawing comparisons to Mumford & Sons (who they've toured with) they certainly stand out for their arrangements, song-writing and resounding harmonies.

The Civil Wars - Barton Hallow
The Civil Wars haunting melodies made them stand out from the crowd this year. There's no mistaking the magic created by pairing Joy Williams and John Paul White's magnetic voices together.

Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes
Lykke Li really grew into herself as an artist on this album, creating a hazy dance record oozing with emotion. It seems the edgier Lykke Li is hear to stay and that is quite alright with me. Bring on the spikes and chains Lykke Li, you gave us some and we want more.

Florence + The Machine - Ceremonials
Ms. Welch is so posh she deserves a title as official as the Duchess of Cambridge in my eyes (though not certain this can be arranged without marrying a prince?). Releasing a follow-up to a debut album as wildly successful as hers (Lungs, 2009) is a daunting task for any rising star, and Florence surpassed expectations with a magnificent, sophisticated release that could bring any non-believer to their knees.

Cults - Cults
Everyone's favorite (worst-kept secret) band Cults created a frenzy in the indie world. Their minimalist approach to social media didn't keep fans from digging for more on these wonderkinds. Soon the word was out on who was behind the music taking over everyone's earbuds. The Brooklyn based duo's hazy snyth music creates a sense of nostalgia that gets into your blood.

Foster The People - Foster The People
"Pumped Up Kicks" put this Cali-based band on everyone's radar, but this entire album kicks-ass from start to finish.

Danger Mouse And Daniele Luppi Starring Jack White And Norah Jones - Rome
An album inspired by 60's Italian soundtracks attempting to replicate the American Western. this collaboration (5 years in the making) is nothing short of a masterpiece.

St Vincent - Strange Mercy
Strange indeed, this more sinister release is truly one of a kind from the incomparable Annie Clark

Beirut - The Rip Tide
The compelling Beirut wowed with another exceptional album. Zachary Condon's voice never fails to lift my spirits, no matter my mood.

The Antlers - Burst Apart
This atmospheric recording is other-worldly. Peter Silberman's piercing, soaring voice transports the listener to another dimension.

Beth Ditto - Beth Ditto
Beth Ditto stepped out on her own and wowed with her signature power-house voice and glitter-infused dance-pop on this release. It should come with the warning: play loud, dance hard.

Tune-Yards - Whokill
Merrill Garbus is all about doing her own thing, and that's what makes her so compelling and refreshing. Whokill delivers a fresh dose of her free-spirited, Africa-flavored, merry making music.

Deer Tick - Divine Providence
Their folk-tinged rock 'n' roll makes you feel rebellious just by pressing play. You'll have "a warrant out" for this band.

The Black Keys - El Camino
These boys have never let me down, and the rock-drenched El Camino is no exception.

Bjork - Biophilia
Bjork amazed once again with another incredibly ambitious album that doubled as the world's "first app album," creating a truly interactive and groundbreaking musical experience.

Zola Jesus - Conatus
This resounding recording captivates with dark, dramatic melodies and ambient overtones.

I Break Horses - Hearts
These sparkling hazy synth melodies from the Swedish natives will have anyone's heart pumping.

Trent Reznor & Karen O Immigrate

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:36:00 +0000

Trent Reznor & Karen O together equals the amazing, twisted, industrial "Immigrant Song." Collage created by David Fincher. Sink your teeth into this.

Young Juveniles

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:31:00 +0000

I don't know much about the band Juveniles aside from that they're French and they were featured on a Kitsune EP. What I do know is that they have a cool vibe, and make great synth-soaked rock songs. Check them out. Download their latest track "Hard Working Girl" for free on their website.

Arcade Fire Moves Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:19:00 +0000

Arcade Fire have released a new interactive video off their amazing album The Suburbs. Watch the regular video above, and for all the high-tech action check out the video over on Sprawl2.com There's a lot of dancing, lots of costume changes and a lot of masks. Check it out.

How Ya Gonna Do It?

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:44:00 +0000

Smith & Burrows is a collaboration between singer Tom Smith from the Editors and drummer Andy Burrows of Razorlight. Their album, Funny Looking Angels was released in November and is a collection of Christmas covers with some originals mixed in. If you're looking to add a little indie-rock to your holiday playlist, then you're sure to enjoy the titled track: