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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Billie the Vision and the Dancers : A man from Argentina

Billie the Vision and the Dancers. The brainchild of Lars Lindquist and some honest friends. This track typifies their simple and sincere approach to music. A great song to  smoke cigarettes to.

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Flying Lotus : Tea Leaf Dancers

Addictive beat production by California’s Flying Lotus combined with sultry soulful U.K. female vocalist Andreya Triana relents to a unique flavor of hip hop. It is heavy yet smooth; a space-age lounge-type track that is very easy to listen to on repeat. Though the Reset EP was released back in 2007, Tea Leaf Dancers remains a classic to ears of every aural-walk of life.

Listen to “Tea Leaf Dancers” Here

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Santogold x Diplo : Icarus

This week I offer an experimental track from Santogold and Diplo’s “Top Ranking” mixtape. Can’t muster many words besides “haunting” and “beautiful”. This experiment was a success. Diplo has such a good ear I wish more of his output was like this, and less club-a-dub. Anyway, most of the credit here should be given to Arthur Russell. The loop is a sample from his epic “this is how we walk on the moon” and Santogold… she takes Arthur’s original and breathes into it new life.

Listen to “Icarus” Here

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J Period & K’Naan : Don’t think twice

Somali born rapper K’Naan teamed up with producer J Period to form The Messengers. The duo has released a trilogy of mix tapes in tribute to some of the world’s most influential musicians. They have released mix tapes honoring Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Bob Dylan. Its an in genius idea executed perfectly. This particular track is off the Bob Dylan tribute, make sure to check out the Fela and Bob Marley tributes too! Enjoy…

Listen to “Don’t think twice here” here

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Wavves: So Bored

SO FUN! San Diego resident Nathan Williams makes blistering, doo-wave rock about teenage boredom in sun-drenched suburbia. The self-described surf punk says his sound is about: “buried melody. A combination of musical influence both from my parents and friends growing up.” This means a stew of Beach Boys harmonies and the lo-fi energy of Nirvana and Sonic Youth.
Listen to “So Bored” Here

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