Andrew Bird - Give It Away [Video]

To quote Andrew Bird, "Piñata's are fun." Case in point, his new video for Give It Away, the second single from this year's Break It Yourself. Mildly disturbing, but ending on a redeeming note, see what happens when a living, breathing piñata attends a child's birthday party.

The video was directed by Jessica Paliza, and stars Moe Farrah, as the unfortunate Piñata.

Lastly, I'm giving away 3 copies of his new EP, Northwest Passage. Simply leave a comment below, or follow me on twitter (@theearlynerd), sending me a tweet using the hashtag #NWPassage. Good Luck! 

The xx - Angels

The xx released their new single, Angels, yesterday, the first from the upcoming Coexist. The track, a dreamy mix of adoration and devotion, is reminiscent of Polica or Beach House.

Angels, is available now, and Coexist, has a release date of September 11, via Young Turks Records. See the full tracklist after the video. They have also announced a Fall tour, with a stop at the Congress Theater, October 20. Tickets on sale this weekend.

Tracklist:
1. Angels
2. Chained
3. Fiction
4. Try
5. Reunion
6.Sunset
7. Missing
8. Tides
9. Unfold
10. Swept Away
11. Our Song

Band of Horses - Knock Knock

Band of Horses, announced the release of Mirage Rock, their fourth studio album on Tuesday. Produced by the legendary, Glyn Johns and scheduled for release on September 18th, You can hear the first single, Knock Knock, below.

Those who pre-order the album through iTunes, will receive the new single immediately, plus a bonus track, Ego Nightmare. No details yet on a vinyl, or deluxe package. See the full tracklist after the video.

The band will head overseas in November, after they complete their supporting slot on the current My Morning Jacket tour, which includes a stop at Pritzker Pavilion, August 22. Lawn seats are still available.


Tracklist:
1. Knock Knock
2. How To Live
3. Slow Cruel Hands of Time
4. A Little Biblical
5. Shut-In Tourist
6. Dumpster World
7. Electric Music
8. Everything's Gonna Be Undone
9. Feud
10. Long Vows
11. Heartbreak on 101

Introducing: L'Etranger

To be perfectly honest, Ben "L'Etranger" should be on your radar, but more than likely isn't. The UK producer has all the talent in the world, remixing or creating tracks with so much French House flare, it should come with a disco ball. The latest is a reworking of Alan Braxe & Fred Falke's Most Wanted, released this morning.

I've been a fan of his since I heard his remix of Napoleon III's The Unknown Unknown, last year. Slowly, but surely, some original tracks have been coming out (Touch, Falling For You, Darlin') and 2 great mixtapes. His rework of Kool & The Gang's Get Down On It for The Ignition Switch's mixtape series is flawless.

Check out a few of my favorites, all available for DL, except Falling For You. Plus both his mixtapes. "Like" him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter or Soundcloud. Anything to get this guy on US soil for a few shows.

Azealia Banks - Nathan (ft. Styles P)

Harlem MC, Azealia Banks released Nathan, over the weekend. The third song from her upcoming mixtape, Fantasea.

I know there is a lazy formula in music right now, with so many artists using electro beats, but she is working with some talented producers and the results are incredible. London producer, Drums of Death, is helping out this time with huge bass and short circuit synths.

Listen/download all 3 tracks (Nathan, Aquababe & Jumanji) and grab the full mixtape on July 11.