Jean-Philip Grobler, aka St. Lucia, released the September EP this week and it has been on repeat, especially the Alex Metric remix. The New York resident, originally from Johannesburg, continues to build on the buzz created by his debut EP, with more hypnotic, electro-pop.
The latest track, September, has all the right elements: soaring vocals, hand claps, horns and new wave synth. If The Presets and Penguin Prison had a baby, it'd be this.
The talented Alex Metric, turns the song on its side, bringing the vocals to the front and adding a bit of dirt and grime to the beat. Reminiscent of MSTRKRFT, minus the distortion, this is a must have.
Want more? Head over to St. Lucia's Facebook page and get the "Punks Jump Up" remix. Happy Friday!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Andrew Bird - Three White Horses
Andrew Bird will release his second album of 2012, on October 30th. The album titled, Hands of Glory, is said to be a companion piece to this year's stellar, Break It Yourself.
During a show at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium in April, Andrew explained that one of his pedals had broken earlier in the day and because of that, they would have to play a few songs differently. Whether that was simply stage banter, or the actual genesis of the project. Hands of Glory, has attempted to recreate that sound, recording all members with one mic and acoustic instruments.
You can listen to the opening track, Three White Horses, below and even watch my recording of Orpheo Looks Back from the mentioned Ryman show. Limited edition pre-order bundles are available now, including an "orange splattered" 180 gram vinyl option. A hand-numbered, signed lithograph is also part of the package.
During a show at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium in April, Andrew explained that one of his pedals had broken earlier in the day and because of that, they would have to play a few songs differently. Whether that was simply stage banter, or the actual genesis of the project. Hands of Glory, has attempted to recreate that sound, recording all members with one mic and acoustic instruments.
You can listen to the opening track, Three White Horses, below and even watch my recording of Orpheo Looks Back from the mentioned Ryman show. Limited edition pre-order bundles are available now, including an "orange splattered" 180 gram vinyl option. A hand-numbered, signed lithograph is also part of the package.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Band of Horses - Mirage Rock [Full Album Stream]
Band of Horses will release their fourth album, Mirage Rock, next Tuesday. But, you can listen to the entire album right now. That's the good news. The bad news is the album as a whole, is a big disappointment.
The band worked with legendary producer, Glyn Johns, and while the intention might have been to bring in some classic rock elements, the result is misguided and mediocre at best. Glyn Johns has worked with some of the best artists (The Who, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin), and it feels like the band thought his reputation was enough. They might have even heard Ryan Adam's brilliant Ashes & Fire, which Johns produced last year, and thought he could do it one more time.
But, a producer is only as good as the material he has on front of him, and a handful of songs come off as first-draft demos. It's not all bad, just not quite as cohesive as you would expect from a band known for a certain sound and a producer who has captured some of the greats at their best.
I love the strut at the beginning and end of How To Live, it has an Allman Brothers flare, and more than likely the best example of John's production skills. Ben Bridwell's voice has always had a bit of strain and wear. Couple that with the pragmatic lyrics and you have a real, emotional connection.
A Little Biblical, is another highlight. Direct and to the point, with the best refrain of the entire album, you'll find yourself humming the melody and tapping your feet. Shut-In Tourist, might be the only song they test the waters and stretch out. They don't wander off too much, but it's a hint of what they are capable of.
Dumpster World, starts off a dreadful second half. To the casual fan, the rest of the album seems pretty generic. Even worse, I doubt actual fans can find a song they'd want to hear in concert. I predict a lot of bathroom breaks if the guys load upcoming shows with the new material.
The most baffling song is closer, Heartbreak 101. I still don't know if I even like it, or it's just a welcomed break from a five-song string of bad. With spoken word lyrics closer to Bruce Springsteen meets Tom Waits, and strings, I'll take what I can get.
The band worked with legendary producer, Glyn Johns, and while the intention might have been to bring in some classic rock elements, the result is misguided and mediocre at best. Glyn Johns has worked with some of the best artists (The Who, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin), and it feels like the band thought his reputation was enough. They might have even heard Ryan Adam's brilliant Ashes & Fire, which Johns produced last year, and thought he could do it one more time.
But, a producer is only as good as the material he has on front of him, and a handful of songs come off as first-draft demos. It's not all bad, just not quite as cohesive as you would expect from a band known for a certain sound and a producer who has captured some of the greats at their best.
I love the strut at the beginning and end of How To Live, it has an Allman Brothers flare, and more than likely the best example of John's production skills. Ben Bridwell's voice has always had a bit of strain and wear. Couple that with the pragmatic lyrics and you have a real, emotional connection.
A Little Biblical, is another highlight. Direct and to the point, with the best refrain of the entire album, you'll find yourself humming the melody and tapping your feet. Shut-In Tourist, might be the only song they test the waters and stretch out. They don't wander off too much, but it's a hint of what they are capable of.
Dumpster World, starts off a dreadful second half. To the casual fan, the rest of the album seems pretty generic. Even worse, I doubt actual fans can find a song they'd want to hear in concert. I predict a lot of bathroom breaks if the guys load upcoming shows with the new material.
The most baffling song is closer, Heartbreak 101. I still don't know if I even like it, or it's just a welcomed break from a five-song string of bad. With spoken word lyrics closer to Bruce Springsteen meets Tom Waits, and strings, I'll take what I can get.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Hot Chip - Look At Where We Are (Major Lazer Remix)
Looking for more Hot Chip? I got'cha. Actually, Diplo and Major Lazer got you. For 24 hours (22 since this post), Diplo is giving away their remix via Soundcloud.
It's been out for over a month, and a favorite this summer. Stop reading, and download. The clock is ticking...
It's been out for over a month, and a favorite this summer. Stop reading, and download. The clock is ticking...
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Hot Chip - How Do You Do (Todd Terje Remix)
Hot Chip's latest single, How Do You Do, is getting the remix treatment, with none better than the Todd Terje remix. Todd manages to stretch the song to 9 minutes, building it slowly, while keeping the beat strong. After listening to this, you might find the original too abrupt and constricted. I know I did.
No word on a digital release, only way to grab this is on a 2x12" next Tuesday, the 11th. Along with Terje's remix, you find James Zabiela, Ossie, Mickey Moonlight and Joe Goddard switching things up.
No word on a digital release, only way to grab this is on a 2x12" next Tuesday, the 11th. Along with Terje's remix, you find James Zabiela, Ossie, Mickey Moonlight and Joe Goddard switching things up.
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