Land of Giants : Cannibal Dolls

This is the sound that a ton of contemporary bands are trying to emulate. And if they did it this successfully, I’d fully support them.  As it is, “Cannibal Dolls” was the a-side on the one record that Land of Giants ever released… in 1982. It’s paranoid ‘n’ eerie synth lines match its lyrics: “Lock up your children/Devils in disguise/Lock up your children/Devils in their ey-eyes.” The band recorded a number of other demos throughout the 80’s, which, in response to overwhelming requests, are now being released together, here…

Listen to “Cannibal Dolls” Here

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Your Twenties: Folks Back Home

Your Twenties is a band from London that blend a curious mix of upbeat, keys-driven alt pop and west coast-styled rock fusion. The frontman of the band is former member of Metronomy but broke away and started Your Twenties on his own. Listen to ‘Folks Back Home’ of the album Caught Wheel below.

Listen to “Folk Back Home” Here

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Major Lazer : Pon De Floor

Pon De Floor is hands down one of the catchiest beats of 2009. It is neither a surprise to see your friends blast this song in the car to get them into party mood en route to the club; nor is it a surprise to see a club dancefloor mood become sixty-nine times more pumped once the dj drops the needle on this particular record. Major Lazer released their album ‘Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do’ just this past summer, no doubt an album worth buying if you’re one to get excited over the works of Diplo, M.I.A., Santigold, Switch, Crookerz, and the likes. Be sure to check out the video for this track as well, it is definitely a comically creative visual pleasure [note: you are required to sign in to view it on YouTube as it is "inappropriate for some users"].

Listen to “Pon  De Floor” Here

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Camille Yarbrough : Take Yo’ Praise

Camille Yarbrough is best known as the voice featured on Fatboy Slim’s rock-your-socks-off hit, “Praise You.” Her sexy, sassy self was originally recorded in 1975 on her first and last album, “The Iron Pot Cooker.” No matter how long her one hit wonder has been in the music pot cooking, we still think it is hot and ready to serve.

Listen to “Take Yo’ Praise” Here

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Gray Kid: Lonely Love

The first time I saw the Gray Kid perform many years ago on Valentine’s Day at Spaceland in Silverlake, CA, I fell in love. His one-man-band, wacky beats and off tempo dance moves come together in a high-energy and mesmerizing performance. Whether he’s rapping over old MOP songs or singing one of his original sultry melodies, Gray Kid kills it every time.

Listen to “Lonely Love” Here

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Julee Cruise: Falling

If you’re a David Lynch fan, you may know Julee Cruise from her musical appearances in Blue Velvet and most famously, in Twin Peaks. Still, her music goes unnoticed to most. I came across her album several years ago separately from Lynch’s introduction, but have revisited in in light of Halloween as I’ve been watching the Twin Peaks series. It reminded me of my love for her dreamy, retro sound. Her album Floating Into the Night was released in 1989, but it remains in the melancholy-music hall of fame. Listen to Twin Peaks theme, Falling below.

Listen to “Falling” Here

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Wild Yaks : River May Come

One of the most exciting and enthusiastic bands I’ve ever encountered has been Wild Yaks, fronted, surprisingly, by a balding, 30-something, self-proclaimed “shoe salesman from New Jersey” named Rob. Rob is dedicated to his craft and dedicated to his fans. He sends out semi-regular emails to pretty much everyone he meets (just email him to include yourself: wildyakslake@yahoo.com), either espousing the fanatical nature of this or that, or asking if anyone has a cellphone charger in brooklyn, and sometimes attaching special mp3s.

Their music is passionate. Every member pours his heart out every moment on stage.  Although the five-piece band, including a wild sax player (is that dude still around? i hope so), are all east-coasters, they have a bluegrass-tinged rough and roaring rock sound. They have been getting more and more love in the press as of late, they have a debut album dropping next week, a badass cliff-jumping video, a documentary in the works, and lots of love to give.

Listen to “River May Come” Here

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The Very Best: Rain Dance (feat MIA)

The three members of The Very Best hail from Sweden, France and Africa. As one would expect, their sound has a global diversity to it. Warm Heart of Africa, their second album, was released in September of 2009 and features collaborations with MIA and Ezra Koenig. Their infectious music is picking up a lot of recognition here in the states.

Listen to “Rain Dance” Here

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Neon Indian : Deadbeat Summer

Alan Palomo is Neon Indian, the male musician who albeit being recognized only recently will have already toured the world come 2010. His music is melancholic and memorable, based around childhood events, high school crushes, and hopeless romance. Deadbeat Summer feels like a stoned summer of youthful daydreams, warped and relaxed. Palomo’s album Psychic Chasms released this month goes to show, both orally and aurally, that a bright future is the offspring of a gloomy past.

Listen to “Deadbeat Summer” Here

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Juliet Commagere : Overcome

Juliet Commagere may appear to be a brand new face in the music world, but like many of the surprising engenes that seem to pop up out of nowhere, Commagere has some thick roots in the industry. Until now, she has been best known as the keytar-playing front woman of the band Hello Stranger, which has opened for everyone from the Foo Fighters to Kings of Leon. She also sang back up for Inara George in the Bird and the Bee. Her friends include legendary slide guitarist Ry Cooder’s son, Joachim, (her high school sweetheart), and Robert Francis is her brother. Now regarding her music…Commagere’s debut record ‘Queens Die Proudly’ was released this month. The tracks are dreamy and beautiful with an edge of emotional darkness.
02 Overcome

Listen to “Overcome” Here

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La Roux : I’m not your toy

I won’t even bother with an introduction or description here. If you are still unaware of La Roux then this track will introduce you to their 80’s 8bit vintage synth driven style. What more can I say, some think La Roux may not have delivered as solid a track here in comparison to “in for the kill” and “bulletproof” but t0 me its a HOT track. Songs like these make me wish I was a teenager in the 80’s. Enjoy…to see more on La Roux click here.

Listen to “I’m Not Your Toy” here

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Le Corps Mince De Francoise : Ray Ban Glasses (Norman Palm Winter mix)

Le Corps Mince De Francoise are two sisters and their friend hailing from Finland, (hence their English is spot on).  Norman Palm, a German arty/folky softie has ever so kindly made a light & upbeat remix of their song “Ray Ban Glasses”. It’s crisp, catchy and should have anyone who listens to it dressing daringly with a spring in their step.

Listen to “Ray Ban Glasses (Norman Palm Winter mix)” Here

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Françoise Hardy : Comment Te Dire Adieu

The first track on this 1968 album holds the same name as the album itself and for well-deserved reason. It is French pop at its finest even for those who do not know a word of French. Though it is about saying goodbye it seems to raise spirits with its light and playful charm. Comment Te Dire Adieu is infective in every way – from the drums to the lyrical melody, the words to Françoise‘ sweet fragile voice.

Listen to “Comment Te Dire Adieu” Here

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Röyksopp : This must be it (Thin White Duke Remix)

The Norwegian duo Royksopp never fail to amaze me when it comes to delivering fresh new innovative material. With accompanying vocals from Swedish singer Karin Dreijer of Fever Ray they have once again hit the mark. Since the album version of this track has been rampant all over the net this week ill freshen it up and introuduce you to the remix done by Jacques Lu Cont also know as Thin White Duke. His remix of Royskopp’s previous track “what else is there” is firmly one of my favorite tracks and he has done remixes for artists like Madonna, the Killers and Seal.  Anyway be sure to check out the other remixes and music video too!

Listen to “This Must be it” here

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Karen O. : All Is Love

We are all ecstatic with excitement for the release of Spike Jone’s Where the Wild Things Are this month. And it seems this is one highly anticipated film that will live up to expectations. In anticipation for the actual movie, I suggest you listen to its soundtrack. A compilation of original songs by Karen O. (yet another genius element of the WTWTA machine). Karen O. delivers a delicious array of magical and whimsical melodies, often featuring the laughter and cheering of little children, which is aptly appropriate for the soundtrack to this movie. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this album before, after and during your Where the Wild Things Are viewing experience.

Listen to “All is Love” Here

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