Thursday, December 31, 2015

Alesso's Anthem is What You Need for New Years


If you're sitting at home right now making a playlist for your New Years party, quick cop this one and put it on that mix. Alesso's Anthem is available for free download for the next 24 hours before you'll have to spend your hard earned $1.00 on iTunes tomorrow. I'm not exactly sold on it being strong enough to justify it's song title, but there's a catchy, Far East Movement-esque sample that works well with the speaker thumping bass. My favorite part of the track is the beat breakdown around the 2:50 mark. The deceleration from upbeat progressive house to a slower, trappier sound was a cool change of pace.

As a bit of icing on the cake, Alesso put together a nice two and a half minute video of highlights from 2015. Have fun tonight, y'all, catch you next year...#Anthem

Alesso - Anthem

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

"Magic Hour With Super Powers, We Can Be Famous"


Everything that RAC touches seems to turn to gold. They don't make a type of music, specifically, other than good music. Their tracks are generally upbeat and addictive, which are two adjectives I'd use to describe Magic Hour.

Sure, it's as sugary as bubble gum coated in sugar, but my goodness does it go down smooth. Led by the angelic voice of Little Boots and a gradual guitar build up that gives way to a celebratory hook, there's a lot to like. The gentle synth ride out on the beat is even more easy-going if you're in the mood for something you can slowly nod your head to. Not sure if you're picking up on this, but there's a good chance I'm going to be heading over to iTunes to cop this one in a minute...#MagicHour

RAC feat. Little Boots - Magic Hour

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

HudMo & LuckyMe Are on a Mission to Help Syrian Refugees


Another year, another LuckyMe Advent Calendar. This is now the seventh year they have put together a string of consecutive releases celebrating the holiday season. Last year they kindly asked for donations that would be put toward the Marie Curie Cancer Care. This year, instead of asking for donations, they simply ask that you share the advent tracks far and wide because all proceeds of YouTube and Spotify plays will go toward the Syrian Refugee Crisis.

As far as the new music goes, it just so happens your boy Hudson Mohawke kicked off the Advent Calendar in melodic fashion two days ago. He decided to take on John Carpenter's Escape From New York Theme from 1981 movie. Check the original below for reference...
Compared to final version, HudMo's synths are a bit crisper and the tempo is slightly quicker. Even though there's no drop per se, there's a palpable clap added to the upbeat synths around the 1:30 mark. It's a triumphant rendition and one that should be able to span across generations. Cue up the nostalgia on this reboot and be on the look out for the next nine days of free releases via LuckyMe Records...#EscapeFromNY

Hudson Mohawke - Escape

Monday, December 28, 2015

DJ Snake Goes Wild on Propaganda


DJ Snake isn't usually one to make harsh, edgy Trap music, but this week he made an exception. Channeling his inner Major Lazer spirit, he let loose a new banger that will have you bouncin' and twerkin' like you're possessed. Propaganda has a healthy ebb and flow that will stretch you to both ends of the tempo spectrum. It's half frenetic, half slow bass with plenty of edge to lend credence to the governmental takeover vibe. Not sure this will ever be released as a top 40 single, but it's one of those tracks that I appreciate because it's different from what he usually puts out. If there's one thing I'm taking away from this track, it's to expect that unexpected as DJ Snake ramps up to his forthcoming debut album in 2016...#Propaganda

DJ Snake - Propaganda

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Ten Days of Falling Finally Gets a Parachute


It's gotten to the point in electronic music that it's hard to be novel. That speaks to the meteoric rise that the genre has experienced, but like anything that becomes accepted by the masses, there's much more copying what works that truly deviating from the mean. When I think of deviating, it's remixes like the one below that stand out in my mind. Before digging in, press play below on the original version of Ten Days of Falling from Shlohmo...

If you're like me, you were struck by how dark and haunting the original sounds. To put it into context, it would seem perfect serving as a horror movie instrumental. Before you go thinking the remix is all bubble gum and rainbows in comparison, check yourself. It starts out just as haunting, but Baauer's use of a high pitched, soothing vocal sample provides a glimmer of light to an otherwise dark track. The rolling bass line creates an ethereal feel to the remix and makes it a lot more easy on the ears. Even though the lack of vocals on both versions result in something that sounds like more of a musical composition than your average single, I'm really digging how well Baauer turned creepy looking lemons into lemonade with this one...#TenDaysOfFalling

schlomo - Ten Days of Falling (Baauer Remix)

Saturday, December 26, 2015

"Cause I'm Always Repping for That Low Life"


Generally speaking, this internet property is a Future free zone. It usually takes a substantial effort from another artist to push a track to listenable status when they have to make up for his lack of talent. In this case, The Weeknd and Metro Boomin stepped their game up to make up the otherwise garbage filled, sing-songy verses. The gentle thunder brought by the rolling bass line combined with The Weeknd's feathery soft vocals that pack a punch are what make Low Life worth the listen. It's yet another bit of evidence as to why The Weeknd has us all eating out of the palm of his hand right now...#LowLife

Future & The Weeknd - Low Life (prod by Metro Boomin & Ben Billions)

Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas From LCD Soundsystem


It's hard to come to terms with my feelings about the song below. Christmas is such a joyous holiday, it's really hard to warm up to such a lyrically depressing track like LCD Soundsystem's new one Christmas Will Break Your Heart. On one hand, there's complete elation that LCD released their first new track in five years since disbanding and mostly retiring. On the other, it's a depressing and emotional ballad that will tug and pull at your heart strings for a full four and a half minutes. Man, take the roller coaster of emotion with a grain of salt, but whatever you do, don't take it too seriously and by all means have a Merry Christmas...#ChristmasWillBreakYourHeart

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Jauz & marshmello Go 50/50 on 100%


If I were to pitch to you a list of artists that are due for a breakout in 2016, both Jauz and marshmello would be on that short list. They've both been lighting it up with remixes and original creations, it's only appropriate that they come together on a track before the end of the year. The best part about it is they decided to come together on Duke Dumont's Need U 100%. On the remix, they transformed a catchy pop/house track into a bouncy, bass heavy banger. There's a soothing, bass heavy vibe to it that screams Jauz, but the high pitched repetitiveness has marshmello written all over it. You get the best of both styles on this one and collectively they take the original to new heights...#NeedU100

Duke Dumont - Need U 100% (Jauz & marshmello Remix)

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Beware Anderson .Paak is in the Building


Those of you who did their do diligence by giving Dr. Dre's latest Compton soundtrack a full listen will be familiar with the name Anderson .Paak. Featured on a whopping six of tracks on the compilation, you could almost it a debut album for him. It's a tough call because Animals was really dope, but I'd go as far as saying his new single below might be his best to date. Featuring a top notch verse from The Game, the jazzy, laid back flow of the track will quickly earn and keep your attention. It's some smooth R&B, which is hard to come by these day.

The best part about it? Anderson's debut album, Malibu, is due out on January 15th. Buckle yourselves up for some easy listening, enlightened Hip Hop y'all Anderson's on the way...#RoomInHere

Anderson .Paak feat The Game & Sonyae Elise - Room In Here

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Alison Wonderland Transform's Bieber's What Do You Mean


It appears that A Wonder DJ is at it once again. I know, I know, more Bieber, but take a deep breath and give this one a chance because she did a number on the original. Picture a more chopped up, slightly faster version of the original with a show stopping drop. It a cool use of tempo, speeding it's way to the top, giving way to a bass heavy, bangin' slow drop. The use of her own complimentary vocals and samples from the original track make for a cool back and forth as the track draws to a close. It's a creative mix and a rare electronic track that excels in it's ability to transform the original into something completely different. Tip of the cap, I really enjoyed this one...#WhatDoYouMean

Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean? (Alison Wonderland Remix)

Monday, December 21, 2015

Slow Trap is the New Tasters Choice


Slow, melodic trap is quickly becoming my drink of choice when it comes to electronic music. About a year ago, months would go by without hearing a track like What So Not's Gemini. The sub-genre of slow trap is now being flooded with releases, but that doesn't take away from how chill and soothing heights that the track below is able to achieve. Much in part to the soulful vocals of George Maple and jazzy rhythms thrown into the mix, there's a cavalcade of reasons why you shouldn't have a problem latching onto this one. While you're at it, feel free and check out What So Not's new Gemini EP that dropped on iTunes. Where there's smoke there's fire and there's enough heat on the one below to warrant a full spin...#Gemini

What So Not feat George Maple - Gemini

Sunday, December 20, 2015

NGHTMRE Hits the Boost Button on Street


With Christmas just around the corner, the saying 'tis the season should now apply to being remixed. Judging by the stellar cartoony Mad Decent cover, NGHTMRE came correct with his own chopped up version of his highly acclaimed Street. When listening to the new Street VIP mix, it all makes sense. There's even some clinky jingle bells sounding samples sprinkled into the mix as that could fit somewhere under the Christmas umbrella. The drops are exaggerated, the bass is amplified, it's like hitting the boost button when listening to the original. If you're into the original and like when things get turnt up a bit, this one will be right up your alley...#NGHTMRE

NGHTMRE - Street (VIP Mix)

Saturday, December 19, 2015

When Music Goes Pitch Black, It Sounds Like This


Switching gears a bit on an EDM tip toward an easygoing progressive house track from Vicetone. While some people are continuing to hype "Newgrass" as the next big thing that appropriately mashed two unrelated genres (Bluegrass and EDM), I'd argue that there's more a much more electronic version of Newgrass that has even more potential. Sure, the Southern sounding vocals on your favorite Avicii tracks can be addicting, but how about what Vicetone did on Pitch Black? You've got the chill acoustic build up, but instead of pop vocals delivering a Top 40 quality hook, he instead inserted this big room, house beat that comes crashing down in a crescendo of cascading electronic goodness.

Basically the new one below is what Newgrass would sound like if electronic music got to do the honors of mixing acoustic guitar into EDM. Maybe I'm nerding out a bit too much with over-analysis, but I love songs like this because it goes in a direction that sounds familiar, but takes the listeners expectations a step further with it's originality. For those of you that want to keep this one all to yourselves, you'll have to continue circulating this one on heavy Soundcloud repeat until January 11th when it drops...#PitchBlack

Vicetone - Pitch Black

Friday, December 18, 2015

Videos of the Week December 14


A bit of an EDM heavy top five this week with new videos from a couple formidable duos leading the way. First, you've got the tremendously weird quasi-animated Set Me Free video from Dillon Francis and Martin Garrix. Can't say I've ever seen anything like that or if it's a good or bad thing. For more of a down to earth display of music, Zedd and Selena have your back with their energetic performance of I Want You to Know at Jingle Ball. Rounding out the EDM vibe was The Chainsmokers Roses Uber edition. Couldn't have picked a more fun duo to set the tone for that type of activity.

In non-electronic new, there was a blast from my childhood with the Independence Day 2 trailer. Conspicuously missing was Will Smith, which takes the excitement down a few notches, but I'll remain cautiously optimistic until Rotten Tomatoes tells me whether it's worth seeing. And last, but far from least was Kygo's performance of Firestone at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert. The sheer fact that Trop House made it to that type of award event is mind boggling. Kudos to Kygo for continuing to do amazing things...#Kygo
Dillon Francis & Martin Garrix - Set Me Free (Video)

Zedd & Selena Gomez Perform I Want You to Know at Jingle Ball 2015

The Chainsmokers - Roses (Uber Edition)

Independence Day Resurgence (Trailer)

Kygo Performs Firestone at Nobel Peace Prize Concert

Photo Credit: YouTube

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Skrillex Wants You to Make a Move


It's been a while since we've been privy to a new dose of Skrillex flavored electronic music. I now have to specify electronic music because of the quality he brought to the resurrection of Bieber. Where the original version of the track below by OSWLA's own Torro Torro is more of an attention grabbing house banger, the remix takes a much different direction. For those who looked down on all that pop dabbling, this one will be better suited to your usual Skrillex taste. If you're looking for production breadcrumbs, the sharp synths and bouncy dubstep are a dead giveaway. Don't hesitate to rock this one out at that Christmas party you're hosting among friends this weekend...#MakeAMove

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

A Fresh New Take on House From Habstrakt


If there's one thing I wish I could get more out of electronic music as a whole, it would be dramatic tempo changes that switch between house and drum/bass identities. I get that your eyes may have glazed over at that last statement, but I've got an example to illustrate my point. Take Habstrakt's new track She Goes. For the first three minutes it's a bouncy, uptempo, club rocker. Then, around the three minute mark, it turns on a dime, giving way to a this really dope beat breakdown that puts a halt on the tempo and emphasizes the drum and bass elements of the track. It's a little thing, but when you listen to a lot of electronic music it all starts sounding the same. This wasn't the usual dose of same and I appreciate that. Keep an eye out for Habstrakt's new My People EP that just hit iTunes earlier this week...#Habstrakt

Habstrakt - She Goes

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Mazde Knows Trap and You Should Know Him


I like my trap big with heavy boisterous instruments and cut up samples. Something in the neighborhood of what Mazde is dishing out with Kuwait. On the track you'll find a gradual tempo, with soothing synths to offset the attention grabbing percussion. It has that sort of experimental feel that you'd expect from an RL Grime, which I see as a big plus.

Seeing that this is his debut on the blog, I'd be remiss if I didn't point you a few other directions in case you like what you hear below. A few of my favorites include Battas and his remix of Disclosure's Lose My Mind. He's got a wide range of vibes ranging from chill to melodic to bouncy. Definitely an artist you want keep an ear out for because his music will grip you and hold tight...#Mazde

Mazde – Kuwait

Monday, December 14, 2015

GRIZ With More Sax on Sax on Sax


The world of EDM needs more sax! Lucky for us, GRiZ is equipped with just futuristic funk we need. Sticking with the trend of refreshing original creations, GRiZ pushed the reset button on one of his better tracks, A Fine Way to Die. Below is the original because I know you enjoy it when I include the original for reference...

If you like layers of funk on top of funk, you'll enjoy the new version of the track. Where the original was more chill funk, the newer version seems a bit more danceable. Plus, anytime you add more sax to an already saxy beat, good things happen. Don't be bashful, head on over to cop this fine little creation for free.50...#AFineWayToDie

GRiZ - A Fine Way To Die (GRiZ Remix)

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Foxes Comes Through With a Power Ballad


It's been well over a year since I posted an emotional power ballad. That's less of an indiction of where my music tastes have drifted and more of an indictment on the shrinking number of vocalists capable of creating a song as heart-wrenching as the one below. Almost exactly two years to the day, I posted Foxes powerful debut single Holding Onto Heaven and since then I've always kept an ear out for new material from her. Since then she hasn't let up, releasing a handful of singles, none more powerful than If Leave Me Now.

If you haven't heard the original, that's fine because the video version does the song better justice anyways. Sure, the vocals are incredible in their own right, but the orchestra assist is what takes it over the top. The strings, piano and steady beat all combine to create a mix of somber and exhilarating. Tip of the cap to Foxes for reinvigorating my love for ballads with this one...#IfYouLeaveMeNow

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Cola, Curry and Djemba Come Together as One


Djemba Djemba is on a roll this week! First they gave into the moment all over again with Kiesza and now they're back on the grind flipping Cola Splash's recent track Curry Drinker. Check the original below for reference...

In comparison, Djemba's version bounces and clangs it's way into your heart, putting more emphasis on the chopped up, high pitched vocals. If you listened to both, they're not too far off, which is why it's one of those rare times you may listen to the original above and be scratching your head. Still, if you dig in enough, you'll unearth a bit more melody in the remix, which is why I would most definitely call it my favorite of the two versions...#CurryDrinker

Cola Splash - Curry Drinker (Djemba Djemba Remix)

Friday, December 11, 2015

Videos of the Week December 11th


Overall a fun and crazy diverse top five this week. I can safely say that all videos not including Lexy Pantera will be fighting for the runner up spot this week. No words are needed to set up Lexy's twerkfest to DJ Snake's Middle. I mean even ladies gotta slow clap to her ability to dance and put on a show, right?

In the land of music videos, The Weeknd went all artsy on us with his In the Night video that featured his girlfriend Bella Hadid. Speaking of the night, Nero blessed Into the Night with some animated, futuristic visuals. Then Baauer blew all of our minds with what appears to be free falling car sex? Not sure about all that craziness, but what I am sure about is Jim Gaffigan's ability to produce gift ideas. Needless to say, this week's top five ends on a lighthearted note...#HolidayGiftGuide
Lexy Pantera Twerk Freestyling to DJ Snake's Middle

The Weeknd - In the Night (Video)

Nero - Into the Night (Video)

Baauer - GoGo! (Video)

Jim Gaffigan's Holiday Gift Guide on Fallon

Video Credit: YouTube

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Funk With Me Gets Funkier and Doesn't Funk Around


Is there such a thing a being too much or too over the top in EDM? Normally, I'd say no way, the unbridled energy is what makes electronic music so appealing. Then, I listened to Snails and Big Gigantic's VIP mix of their track Funk With Me. You wanna talk about hitting the gas pedal and keeping it on the floor for a full two and a half minutes! Although I appreciate the trappy beat breakdowns sprinkled in the mix, the sax is almost completely extinguished in favor of balls-to-the-wall, ear-rattling synths. Tonight I may have finally reached old man status because this one was a big much for my taste. Who knows, maybe it'll tickle your fancy, though. There's no denying it packs a punch, so by all means, if your latest playlist needs a jolt of energy, this one will more than do the trick...#FunkWithMeVIP

Snails Ft. Big Gigantic - Funk With Me (VIP)

Wednesday, December 09, 2015

"Every Child, Every Brother Who's Caught in the Crossfire"


With every new release, I get more an more intrigued by Stephen. I keep trying to find an adequate comparison for him stylistically, but he's simply cut from a different cloth. I'm most impressed with his storytelling and songwriting, but his bouncy, electro-dub sound is really interesting. There's always an edgy guitar riff threatening to break loose in his tracks, which helps build the intensity in his music.

Crossfire has all of the elements mentioned above and is another solid track from Stephen. It's a song with a purpose that makes you question why some people are caught in the wrong time at the wrong place. The question of "why wasn't it me?" always seems to surface and the song below faces the feeling dead on. Considering the events of the past month, the song couldn't have come at a better time...#Crossfire

Stephen - Crossfire

Tuesday, December 08, 2015

Cudi Remains Polarizing on Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven


Man, what's the deal with Kid Cudi? Just when everyone was getting excited for his new "experimental" album and subsequent tour, the tour gets called off and his album gets run through a wood chipper review wise. I've spent the better part of 15 minutes scouring the internet for a positive review of Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven, but it's tough. That's not necessarily an indictment on Cudi because he's never made mainstream music, but it proves how fickle critics can be.

I'm not about to tee off on Scotty because he's made some incredibly powerful music in his day. I'm actually a fan of the title track of his new album below because of how it raw it is. The repetitive acoustic beat is simple, but sets an apropos tone for Cudi's characteristically somber flow. If you're a fan of Cudi, you don't listen to hear about rainbows and unicorns, you listen to hear the angsty struggle and pain. It's not a departure from the usual tone of his music, which is why I like Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven. I'm not quite ready to get on board with the whole album, but we'll see if a few laps around the two disc, 26 song double album changes that stance...#SpeedinBullet2Heaven

Kid Cudi - Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven

Monday, December 07, 2015

"You Wanna Leave Her, Don't Hurt Nobody"


Stop the presses, we now have a solid date on Kygo's debut album. Circle the date, February 12th, 2016 is when we'll all finally be subject to an entire album's worth of tropical goodness. By tropical goodness, I mean exactly what Kygo's new single with Maty Noyes sounds like. It's a typical symphony of good vibes, marked by a cavalcade of flutes and synths. Instrumental aside, Maty Noyes just made a name for herself on the track. I can't say I knew her name before Stay, but I won't soon be forgetting her vocal abilities. Simply put, if you're a fan of Kygo, you'll really enjoy this track and are now that much more excited for what's to follow in two months...#KygoStay

Sunday, December 06, 2015

"It's the Thought of You That's Drivin' Me...."


Majid Jordan is without a doubt my favorite OVO Sound artist. The duo has a knack for crafting funky R&B marked by their smooth, falsetto flow. Their newest single is one of my favorites of theirs, reminding me a lot of their previous single Forever. Both have a rolling bass line that forces you to nod you head along to the beat. There's much more of an emphasis on the vocals on Something About You, so if you're looking for something to sing along with, you're more likely to like this one. For reference, their new self-titled 12 song debut full length album is due out in early February. Feel free and cop the pre-order if you're a fan of their first two singles off the album...#MajidJordan

Majid Jordan – Something About You

Saturday, December 05, 2015

Djemba Wants You to Just Give It To The Moment


Remixing the original version of your own track is becoming a popular thing to do these days. While it might be easy to knock DJs for continuing to recycle rather than coming up with new material, I've been a big fan of the majority of the re-creations. If you'd like to add another to the list of re-creations, Djemba Djemba's newly flipped version of Give It To The Moment deserves it's fair share of limelight. Before giving the new version a chance, check out the original below...

Where the original allows Kiesza to shine with a more gradual tempo, the remix is much faster and trappy. Both are great productions by Djemba Djemba, but I'm a sucker for the chipmunk samples and bouncy bass, so if you pushed me to pick one I'd go with the newer version. Head on over to Djemba's site for the free DL while it's still up...#GITTM

Kiesza Ft. Djemba Djemba – Give It To The Moment

Friday, December 04, 2015

Videos of the Week December 5th


There's something for everyone in this week's top five. Leading off is Kendrick Lamar's hype performance of Alright on Austin City Limits. Say what you will about Compton's prince, but you can't knock his ability to own a stage. Speaking of owning a stage, Rozes and Drew did their thing on stage performing Roses on the Late Late Show. If you're wondering whether The Chainsmokers handle the backup vocals, I think that question was answered.

If lyric videos are your thing and you can prevent yourself from wilding out to rowdy trap music, then Doctor P and Far East Movement's video for Business should do the trick. My favorite video of the week is hands down the South Park style visuals for Ying Yang Twins, Mr. Collipark and Atom's Booty Bounce Pop. Never thought I'd be so entertained by animated booty popping. And last, but not least, we got a much clearer picture of what Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice will be about. Yes, there will be some Superman and Batman conflict, but eventually they have to band together with Wonder Woman to conquer the savage alien beast. I know, sounds awesome, right?...#BatmanvsSuperman
Kendrick Lamar Performs Alright at Austin City Limits

Chainsmokers Perform Roses on the Late Late Show

Doctor P feat Far East Movement - Business (Video)

Mr. ColliPark, Ying Yang Twins & Atom - Booty Bounce Pop (Video)

Batman vs Superman Trailer

Image Credit: YouTube

Thursday, December 03, 2015

"Born With a Rubber Spine, Loose Skin and Vacant Eyes"


Song writing is and will always be an under appreciated reason why people end up liking particular songs. So many times we write off pop music as being manufactured, but there's usually good reason why your Justin Biebers and Taylor Swifts end up making music that people can universally enjoy. There are talented people who are pushing the right emotional buttons with words and vocal demos that end up turning into top 40 songs that (fill in the blank) ends up singing.

All of this is relevant because they song below is a great ballad that is executed by two incredible songwriters. I've been on James Fauntleroy for years as that ghostwriter you've never heard of that deserves the lions share of the credit for songs blowing up, but Gallant is great in his own right. His gradual delivery mixed with storytelling sucks you in from the first bar and it only gets better as the song progresses to the second verse when a slow moving beat emerges. The song is the second of twenty songs that Redbull is debuting to close out 2015 as part of their 20 Before 16 series. It's gotten to the point that I rarely post ballads anymore, so I hope you take your time and enjoy this one as much as I did...#Borderline

Gallant x James Fauntleroy - Borderline

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

Sincerity Reigns Supreme on Feint's New One


There will always be room for bubbly, effervescent House music on my weekly playlist. Like, for example, Feint's new one Sincere. It's one big happy chord progression that gives way to an even brighter drop. Picture 100 rainbows in an aerosol can sprayed out in one continuous stream, that's what you an expect below. It's also a great example of how the cover sets the tone for the track. The falling through the clouds imagery fits really well with the overall sound. This couldn't have come at a better time as many of us look for that mid-week, hump day boost to get through the rest of the week. Feel free to indulge in the shot of happy on your way to a smooth final 48 of this week...#Sincere

Feint - Sincere

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

"Think I Loved You in Another Life"


If you're into hard hitting, club echoing House music, I've got just the track for you tonight. I'm admittedly late to the party on this one as it dropped two months ago, but today it was finally given the video treatment, leading to this post. I haven't posted anything from Shaun Frank or KSHMR before, but the Spinnin' Records cosign should give them plenty of momentum. Heaven is a combination of great vocals from Delaney Jane and a bouncy chord progression that will earworm it's way into you brain. It's a nice balance of melodic and energetic, producing a nice ebb and flow between verses and hook. Full disclosure, the video is a bit on the dark side, so enjoy the visuals and consider yourself prepared for the dramatic tension...#Heaven

Shaun Frank & KSHMR feat Delaney Jane - Heaven

Monday, November 30, 2015

Flosstradamus Makes a Jack U & Post Malone Sandwich


Those of you thinking that Cyber Monday is strictly for online purchases need to check yourself. Flosstradamus just flipped that assumption on it's head with their mashup of Jack Ü's Where R Ü and Post Malone's White Iverson. The track starts out innocently enough, but when the hook comes around it all comes together like that relationship between two of your good friends that you never saw coming. It shouldn't be a big surprise, but Post's vocals work pretty well over the bouncy Diplo/Skrillex beat. It's seamless enough that you could convince me his vocals were meant to be there from the start. Credit Flossy for being creative enough to mash these previously unrelated hits into a brand new reincarnation...#WhiteIverson

Jack Ü X Post Malone - Where R Ü Iverson (Flosstradamus Edit)

Sunday, November 29, 2015

"I'm Gonna Be Free, But Maybe Not Tonight"


2015 is slowly winding to a close. When I think back on it, there will be a short list of artists that have emerged, making the previous 365 that much more memorable. Near the top of that list is Galantis who have quickly become one of my favorite electronic duos. Gold Dust might be one of my favorite songs of the year and who could forget the funk they delivered on Peanut Butter Jelly?

This week they released a new spin on Florence and the Machine's Delilah that is as moving as the original. When listening to the remix it became abundantly clear that there's something about Florence Welch's vocals that meshes well with the energy that goes along with build ups and drops. To their credit, Galantis tossed in this really catching rolling bass line to the track that feeds the remix's big room sound. It's a testament to how the Swedish duo not only excel at making their own music, but they're capable taking vocal performances to another level...#Delilah

Saturday, November 28, 2015

"When I'm Lying Here, Will You Take Me Home?"


Even though Tiesto is becoming known for stylistically catering to more of an American pop audience, he's always going to be able to churn out great remixes of ballads. I'm talking John Legend's All of Me or Beyonce's Drunk in Love type of remixes. They're great examples of ballads turned into beautiful progressive house anthems.

Now let's add another new one to Tiesto's never-ending discography with his remix of Jess Glynne's Take Me Home. If you haven't heard the original, it's an emotion dripped ballad that fully showcases Jess's stellar vocal abilities. For reference check her video out for it below before you listen to Tiesto's remix that injects a angelic chord progression to the original...#TakeMeHome

Jess Glynne - Take Me Home (Tiesto Remix)

Friday, November 27, 2015

Videos of the Week November 27th


I'll be honest, with the American Music Awards being last weekend, it was tough picking my top five favorite videos of the week. To make things simple, I picked the most novel and interesting performance of the night, which went to Pentatonix. Their orchestra aided acapella rendition was quite a sight to see. Similarly, SNL's Thanksgiving gone bad where Adele's Hello saves that day was a pretty funny skit. Yes, the song is getting to be extremely overplayed, but I like that people are being creative with it now at least.

The final bit of novelty of the week came from the Muppets and Eminem My Name Is mash up. Every time I click on one of those videos, I roll my eyes thinking that this one is going to be just like the last ones. Then, I watch the video and end up being really entertained, so take that for what it's worth. In the world of music, Avicii created an inspirational mini-movie for his newest single Arrows. Really cool father daughter story having to do with high jumping, so give that a watch. And last but not least, Alex, Drew, and Tritonal came through with a typically entertaining competitive spin class video for Until You Were Gone. Everyone seems to fall in love with their spin instructor, so it was fun to see them poking fun at something that a lot of people can relate with...#UntilYouWereGone
The Chainsmokers & Tritonal – Until You Were Gone (Feat. Emily Warren) (Video)

A Thanksgiving Miracle From Adele

Pentatonix Star Wars Tribute at the American Music Awards

Avicii - Broken Arrows (Video)

The Muppets Singing Eminem's My Name Is
Photo Credit: YouTube

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving From Dillon Francis & Kill the Noise


Generally I don't post on big holidays because the whole reason we have holidays is to get away from the usual day-to-day and spend time with loved ones. I'm making an exception today because Kill the Noise and Dillon Francis just gift wrapped us all a Thanksgiving themed banger. It's chalked full of South Park samples and turkey noises, similar to their prior collaboration Dolphin on Wheels. No need to go deep on this one, it's a novelty at best, so indulge if your family needs a nice laugh tonight over dinner...#TurkeyOnWheels

Kill The Noise & Dillon Francis - Turkey On Wheels

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Adele's Hello Gets Hella Mello


In case you haven't heard Adele's new single Hello or the millions of remixes of the track, here's another to throw on the pile. At first, it'll be tough to tell that you're listening to a remix, but after the hook marshemello injects a heavy amount of bass to the original. It's a characteristically cheery, snappy and bouncy rendition of what may someday be considered a classic. If you were to press me to pick a favorite between this mix and Good Life version, I'd probably give the nod to the Trop House re-make I posted two weeks ago. I will say that marshmello's version was successful in that breathes much needed life into a song that is becoming borderline overplayed and monotonous. Overall this one fits in well with mello's growing collection of vibrant and happy tunes, so if you can get over it being yet another Hello remix, you just might like it...#HelloMello

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

"Doctor Please, Give Me a Dose of the American Dream"


If I've figured out one thing about Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, it's that their music is far from formulaic. They've always made what they believe is great music without regard for what others are doing. Their style resides somewhere between Hip Hop, Pop and Soul, making it a neighborhood I enjoy visiting.

Their newest one features yet another 'em to church vibe that is elevated to new heights by the incredible voice of gospel singer Leon Bridges. If you don't know Leon, you will after you hear his vocals on the track. His vocals invite you to listen intently to the story that Macklemore tells about prescription drugs and their impact on people. I've always been of the mindset that if done tastefully, music is a great medium get across a greater message. Without getting in to deep, sometimes it's hard for me to watch pharmaceutical companies advertise to people. Drugs can be helpful and at times necessary, but if we spend as much money trying to prevent things from going wrong, we wouldn't need to rely on chemistry to get us back to healthy. (Stepping down off my soap box)...feel free to check out the debut of the track at the American Music Awards last weekend...#Kevin

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat Leon Bridges - Kevin

Monday, November 23, 2015

Doctor P Goes to the Far East for Business


First and foremost, Doctor P is a name you should know if you're into dubstep. He's been lighting up the UK with loud drum and bass samples for the better part of a decade. Fast forward to present day where he's hooked up with everyone's favorite dance music crew, Far East Movement. When combined, their rowdy styles compliment each other pretty well. Far East brings an easily sample-able sound that fits well with clangy percussion, edgy synths and heavy bass drops. Apologies for the clean, BBC Radio 1 version, but if you're willing to be patient, you'll be able to cop this one on Black Friday when it hits your favorite internet e-tailer...#DoctorP

Doctor P feat Far East Movement - Business

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Flosstradamus Wants You to Put Your Lighters Up


In the land of rowdy trap music, Flosstradamus is royalty. What I enjoy most about their brand of trap is that their sound skews toward Hip Hop with the rolling, heavy bass lines. You know what you're getting into when you press play and you better be in the mood to wild out.

Having said all that, their collaboration with up and comer NGHTMRE delivers the goods with a catchy break beat that teases you up until the chopped up, show stopping drop. The back and forth between the vocal sample and heavy bass drops make for three and a half minutes of audible chaos. For the record this along with Prison Riot are two big reasons why their new eleven song EP is well worth checking out...#LightersUp

Flosstradamus & NGHTMRE - Lighters Up

Saturday, November 21, 2015

"When Everybody Go, I'm Hoping That You Stick Around"


Ooohhh man, Akon putting together a Trop House track?? You want to talk about a match made in heaven, holy crap! Thanks to Matoma, we now have a confirmation of how great Akon with a little bit of autotune sounds over calypso chords. Stick Around is as poppy as you'd expect lyrically, but the soothing, flute driven house beat is ever-so melodic. I'll be the first to admit, I haven't posted enough Matoma on the blog, but this new one might just tip the scales in his favor. Can't say for sure whether this is going to end up on an album for either artist, but that's why they release singles on iTunes. The real question remains, how long will it take T-Pain to embrace the Trop House movement...#StickAround

Akon & Matoma - Stick Around

Friday, November 20, 2015

Videos of the Week November 20th


It's getting hard nowadays to find videos that don't involve Justin Bieber. Here I was thinking that Bieber's rendition of Sorry on Fallon was the only sighting in the this weeks top five, but then I watched the Zoolander 2 trailer that he found a way into. While the original Zoolander is considered by many as a modern day classic, I can't claim fanboy status on it. I will say that there aren't as many slapstick comedies nowadays, so I'm giving it a 40% chance of freshness on Rotten Tomatoes.

In non-Bieber related news, Krewella gave us a peek behind the curtain on their golf cart ride turned in-depth interview. They've caught a lot of bad publicity from their group breakup and found their way in the crosshairs of deadmau5 (like many others), but they still find a way to come off as genuine. Simply put, they make fun music and pour energy into their music, which is something that's really easy to get behind.

In other EDM news, Madeon's new video for Nonsense dropped this week. I'm always amazed by the futuristic aesthetic he injects into his videos. Last, but definitely not least, is Logic on the mic for seven straight minutes. Beat after beat, he stays in zone and shows exactly why he's one of the top lyricists in the game...#Logic301
Zoolander 2 Trailer

Justin Bieber Performs Sorry on Fallon

Krewella Tell All in EDC NY Golf Cart Confessions

Madeon feat Mark Foster - Nonsense (Video)

Logic with a 7 Minute Breakfast Bars Freestyle

Photo Credit: YouTube

Thursday, November 19, 2015

"Come on Parliament Funk"


There are few acts in electronic music that can create loud, controlled chaos. Some can do the loud, others can deliver a nice drop, but few can do it in an organized way like Knife Party. Case in point Parliament Funk off their new four song Trigger Warning EP. There's a hint of guitar riffs, bouncy chords, bright synths and soft piano all in one four minute and twenty second period. I'd liken it to Nero's ability to effortlessly inject heavy dubstep elements into hard driving electronic rhythms. There's an organized intensity that allows it to be listenable despite punching you square in the face. With this song, Knife Party has reached new funky heights on their way to paving a unique path through the monotony of mediocre EDM...#TriggerWarning

Knife Party - Parliament Funk

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