Living Without You

The last I heard from Monarchy was their bubbly and fun song "You Don't Want To Dance With Me." The lyrical content of this song is little heavy (clearly meant to be a post-breakup jam) but it's balanced well with the awesome electronic instrumentals. It's delightfully upbeat, and I can deal with that.

Monarchy - Living Without You

Don't Leave

Nothing like a good Ellie Goulding cameo in a song. I haven't heard from Seven Lions since their equally awesome track "Strangers," featuring Tove Lo. I love how slow this one starts out and keeps a pretty steady rhythm throughout. "Don't Leave" is part of their EP Worlds Apart, which I hope to get around to listening to soon.

Seven Lions - Don't Leave (feat. Ellie Goulding)

A Sky Full Of Stars

Oh my... I don't think anythings could possibly make me happier than a collaboration between Coldplay and Avicii. This is absolutely fabulous and uplifting in the classic Coldplay way. Going to be listening to this one for awhile considering how it leaves me in a state of bliss.

Coldplay - A Sky Full Of Stars

All I Need Is Your Love

At the beginning, this song sounds like a cheesy pop hit, but just wait a few seconds and then it'll make sense as to why I'm posting it here. Yep... there it goes just before the minute mark. It's obviously another electro/progressive house track with lyrics that can relate to pretty much anyone and a beat and drop that are both catchy AF. So add this one to the list and enjoy.

Deorro vs. Adrian Delgado - All I Need Is Your Love

Gold Remixed

Oooh okay. I like how Clark Kent softens up this track and makes it ooze perfection with the slow builds and sharp drops. It's kind of a song of polar opposites that work well in contrasting each other side by side. I can deal with it. Stay gold, Ponyboy.

Adventure Club - Gold Ft. Yuna (Clark Kent Remix)

Weird Dark Things

To answer your question: no, I'm pretty sure a title for a song couldn't be any more vague than "Weird Dark Things." I'm assuming here that they mean dark thoughts, but who knows... they could be addressing caves, black holes, or Raisinets. Anyways, the last of Bronze Whale that I heard was their remix of "Everything To Me" by Lips, and this latest work definitely eclipses that. The drop almost catches you by surprise because it goes so deep but it's so damn good that it works. Don't get lost in any obscure thoughts like the title but this song just provides a plethora of feels as you can get lost in the beat.

Bronze Whale - Weird Dark Things (ft. Khai)

Tennis Court Remixed

Flume does not disappoint in this latest galactic and gooey remix. The collaboration is unexpected to say the least but he works it and plays nicely off of Lorde's vocals..."it's a new art form showing people how little we care"... dope.

Lorde - Tennis Court (Flume Remix)

Payback

Interested in having an aggressive Saturday morning? This. All about this. I mean most people will probably wait to darty or until Saturday night but this song just makes you want to go right now. Listen to it, or have an exponentially lamer day.

Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman X Steve Angello - Payback

Fancy Remixed

You should want a bad bitch like this... yes, Iggy Azalea is one of my top ten favorite baddest bitches for sure. Fancy is obviously boss on it's own but this remix by Yellow Claw is a pretty swell take on the original. This song is just one that I keep coming back to and I don't really know why. Normally I feel like I would get annoyed with a song that changes around so much but this one keeps me going.

Iggy Azalea - Fancy (Yellow Claw Remix)

Wassup

In case you forgot about Timbaland's classic "Indian Flute" just like me and probably the rest of the population, this song is a brilliant reminder of how magnificent it was, but with better verses. So yeah, take a listen for yourself and enjoy, because I can't imagine someone not liking this track.

Sango x GoldLink - Wassup

Play It Right

I've been meaning to post this for a few days now, because I knew I couldn't just let this track pass me by. I love hearing something new from Sylvan Esso, who brought us the equally as soothing "Coffee." The layering of the vocals really hits the spot in this latest track and the instrumentals add a touch of previously unheard of greatness and wonder. Honestly, Sylvan Esso brings some fresh spunk to the table and I love the direction in which they're headed.

Sylvan Esso - Play It Right

Let Go

Oh yes. I am loving hearing all of these singles from Little Dragon's upcoming album Nabuma Rubberband. The slow beat of "Let Go" perfectly capitalizes the sexy and soulful vocals. I love how the whole track seems to unravel upon itself. Listening to this would be the perfect way to unwind and let go (hehe) after a long day like today.

Little Dragon - Let Go

When It's Alright

Not only is this beat catchy AF, but Sam Smith's voice also just makes me melt, plain and simple. Juun hails from Munich and I don't know where this collab came from, but it works. They create the perfect level of grooviness with this track, and I'm looking forward to hearing more from them.

Juun - When It's Alright feat. Sam Smith

Wasted

Ok, Tiësto, I mean I'm down for some shameless partying promotion. (Be real, who doesn't like getting wasted?) I think my favorite line of Matthew Koma's is "Lay all your laundry on the bed, then I'll lay in it instead" because that just reassures me that I'm not the only one who does this. Not your typical Tiësto song, but I'll take it.

Tiësto - Wasted ft. Matthew Koma

Faded Remixed

Not only was the original of this song amazing, but I highly recommend checking out Zhu's entire newly released EP. Steve James swoops in and just charms the pants off this song, adding some awesome drops along the way. The piano addition really works here too. Check it out and jam.

Zhu - Faded (Steve James Remix)

Patterns

Whoa, alright. Tourist does not disappoint with his latest release "Patterns." He kills it as the electronic backbeats steadily build throughout the song without overshadowing the awesome and soulful vocals by Lianne La Havas. This sexy futuristic track stuns as it flows and goes beyond its time with unexpected combinations of sounds.

Tourist - Patterns (feat. Lianne La Havas)

Pools

Glass Animals is back with another soothingly amazing track. The smooth jungle like vibe of "Pools" snakes around you with the warmth and comfort of your favorite blanket. The whispery vocals are once again dead on, delivering playful lyrics of disappointment: "I smile because I won't do/ I smile because you won't do." I love everything about this and I'll be honest, this song has been on repeat for the past 24 hours.

Glass Animals - Pools

Heavy Crown / Volvic

What ok this song just put me in a brilliantly good mood. The bubbly 80s synth is pleasantly uplifting alongside the positive vocals ("Everything will be just fine, by default or design...") and I can't get enough! The lyrics are open and honest in a way that pop music normally strays from, but that's what makes it so good.

Y.O.U. - Heavy Crown

Also, Y.O.U.'s latest single just dropped a few days ago. It's just as amazing:

Y.O.U. - Volvic

The Journey

Wow, so okay the very talented Tom Misch is only 18 and is a composer, songwriter, guitarist, violinist, and singer. He has recently come out with an EP that was entirely produced in his bedroom. Seriously cool. I'm not even going to bother asking what you were doing at 18 because I wouldn't really like to give the honest answer to that either. Anyways, when asked about the EP (check out the whole thing here), Tom reported back, "Basically this EP is me attempting to making instrumentals that will affect people's moods in a positive way but also make people think, all produced and recorded by myself in my bedroom. I've used a combination of obscure jazz samples, but mostly live instrumentation that I've recorded, so I recorded guitar, violin, bit of vocals and sound effects, etc." He seems like a pretty cool dude and his music speaks for itself with more chill vibes than I can even handle.

Tom Misch - The Journey

Ukiyo

Oh shit. The latest from Hermitude is in and I'm in love. It sounds like a faraway dream of a distant utopia planet, with their signature scrambled vocals and some martian-like sounding synth, but they still bring the heat with the smooth bass. I don't know if I really need to say anything else but they're on point as always here. Definitely going to be listening to this one on repeat for awhile. So just soak it all up and enjoy!

Hermitude - Ukiyo

Sleeping With A Friend Remixed

Ok, so I still love The Chainsmokers, but their most recent remix is not their best. But that's probably because I first hear Kat Krazy's remix of "Sleeping With A Friend" about two months ago and was just blown away. They probably were too, but they took a very different route with the song. The Chainsmokers' version seems slower, with more focus on instrumentals (quieter vocals), and much more minor but maybe that's just me. I always find it interesting to see how different DJs go in various directions with the same song. Check them both out below:

Neon Trees - Sleeping With A Friend (Kat Krazy Remix)


Neon Trees - Sleeping With A Friend (The Chainsmokers Remix)

Next To You Remixed

Elephante is pretty up and coming in the electro house remix biz. Though I didn't have much taste for his "Selfie" remix, this one does him much more justice. It's still pretty slow for being a remix of this kind and the beats begin to feel a little bit repetitive, but it's enjoyable nonetheless.

Oh Be Clever - Next To You (Elephante Remix)

No Rest For The Wicked Remixed

Mhmm, I have always more than lyked Lykke Li. Her awesome and most recent track "No Rest For The Wicked" gets a terrific twist from none other than Klangkarussell. An unexpected collab, but well played, friends.

Lykke Li - No Rest For The Wicked (Klangkarussell Remix)

West Coast

Fresh new Lana coming in HOT (no like, actual-west-coast-debuted-at-Coachella-hot). Even though this feels like one of those twisted California commercials littered with celebrities, it's signature Lana. Those somber slowed-down beats that combine perfectly with her whispery vocals work wonders in this tune. It's more of a rock-ish (saying that very loosely) vibe for her, but I still dig it. I'm excited to hear more singles from her upcoming album Ultraviolence.

Lana Del Rey - West Coast

2 is 8

Don't mind the mathematically nonsensical title (I mean, really how is that possible), but Lone leaves us feeling good with his latest "2 is 8." The repetitiveness of the beat finds a way to avoid being annoying and makes me feel like a kid skipping to school on a sunny day (please don't ask me where these bizarre metaphors are coming from). His album Reality Testing is due out June 17.

Lone - 2 is 8

Shine Remixed

I'm still trying to figure out what makes Kygo's remixes so desirably catchy. The constant rhythm definitely helps but at the same time I feel like the upbeat-ness of his tracks add an almost Disney-like quality to the original of the song that I can't quite fully explain (correct me if I'm wrong here). For some reason it seems like I could be going on a safari with Timone and Pumba to this beat, in every good way possible. Maybe it's just that Kygo keeps things pure and simple in the way that other DJs just erase. I don't know, but I do like it.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Shine (Kygo Remix)

Another one of my favorites by him is his remix of "Younger" here:

Seinabo Sey - Younger (Kygo Remix)

Sights Remixed

Excuse the absence, I am finally recovered from a 103˚ fever that I had all weekend (party)!!! Anyways, Tourist comes back to us with his powerfully smooth finesse in his remix of London Grammar's "Sights." Clearly the tourist in him didn't want these sights to go unseen..ha. Tourist's tunes always reach a dramatic peak of rhythm and eventually fade out, which is a pretty fun trait. The beats play off the seriousness of the vocals and give the song an even more relaxing vibe than it began with. Love your work Tourist, keep it up.

London Grammar - Sights (Tourist Version)

Summertime Sadness Remixed

I know, I know. It's not even summer, why does the DJ keep on playing "Summertime Sadness???" All Selfie-related questions aside, you're probably also asking yourself how it's possible to come out with another remix of this song. Well, it's possible, and here it is. Thanks to Hotel Garuda, who also brought us the awesome mix of "Rhythm Of The Night," this song is brought to a different level of funk, that strays far away from any of the house remixes that it has previously experienced. I'm a huge fan of this version, as it transforms the most somber Lana into something unexpected: groovy. It brings out the true pop in her that often gets lost in her most seemingly serious vocals. Once again, Hotel Garuda is able to excellently provide a new dimension for a track and, in this case, most seamlessly so.

Lana Del Rey - Summertime Sadness (Hotel Garuda Remix)

Rather Be Remixed

Ok Cash Cash, I see you. This very fresh and clean remix of Clean Bandit's "Rather Be," is extremely well-excecuted. Sometimes songs with as many words as this become more complicated to remix that well, but the instrumentals really contribute in adding to the beat for this one. Something about this version comes across as sophisticated and refined (can you call electro house that???) but it just makes sense in a way that I wouldn't have necessarily thought of to begin with.

Clean Bandit - Rather Be (Cash Cash & Valley Remix)

Rage The Night Away

Clearly Waka Flocka Flame is trying to follow in Lil Jon's footsteps in trying to become a rapper that accompanies electronic/house beats. I mean, it's without a doubt severely aggressive. I'm still processing. I can handle it but I don't know if I necessarily like it. On the other hand, thanks to Steve Aoki's dirty drops, it stays true to its title and makes me want rage my face off to a ridiculous level and take things to new heights on this thirsty Thursday. Still on the fence about this one. To me, it's comparable to trying to get the best ingredients in a smoothie but coming up with a questionable brown liquid in the end... or just trying to make something work that maybe can't. It's definitely challenging in an unexpected way but at the same time I'd like to say "fuck it, why not." Update: Steve Aoki looks like a baby alien in the final version's album artwork, but yeah ok the final version is pretty dope indeed. I can deal.

Steve Aoki - Rage The Night Away feat Waka Flocka Flame

Stand Still Remixed

Flight Facilities songs have the malleability and flexibility required to facilitate any excellent remix. I'm a big fan of their recent release, "Stand Still," and Slow Magic reworks it to add the perfect amount of funk. I'm glad they left the whistling in, obviously. But the beats aren't overwhelming at all and balance out the softness of the song with a sufficient amount of charm.

Flight Facilities - Stand Still feat. Micky Green (Slow Magic Remix)

Paradise Awaits

As far as I'm concerned, ZHU can do no wrong. I'm not sure where he gets these always dripping wet vocals but he has clearly mastered finding the perfect electronic beat to pair them with... every time.. without fail. "Paradise Awaits" certainly meets (if not exceeds) my expectations for him and of course, I will be awaiting his next release (will it be paradise??? yes).

ZHU - Paradise Awaits

Here For You

I'll be honest, I don't think I've heard of Gorgon City before Rudimental reposted this song of theirs on Soundcloud. From what it sounds like, though, they'd make for the best friends ever. As the album artwork suggests, even if you're across the ocean they'll be there for you (!), positive vibes and all. I'm loving this perfect springtime song.

Gorgon City - Here For You ft Laura Welsh

Don't Wanna Dance Remixed

I've already declared my love for MØ's divinely smooth voice, as it is again reflected in her original "Don't Wanna Dance." However, in this version, Goldroom uses his signature upbeat style to create what he calls an "island" remix. It maintains super upbeat vibes and is one of those tunes that just makes you want to move and groove. I'm definitely going to be listening to this one for awhile.

MØ - Don't Wanna Dance (Goldroom Remix)

Paris

"Paris" is the second song we've heard from Little Dragon's upcoming album, Nabuma Rubberband, which is to be released on May 13. There is something about the dissonance of motley sounds that's in all of Little Dragon's tracks that works in inexplicable ways. Their music is without a doubt what you would call "different," and though it doesn't sound natural to your ear, it's catchy, soulful, and upbeat.

Little Dragon - Paris

I Think I Like You

So this is another one of those tracks that I kind of hate myself for liking so much... I mean I think I like it... get it?? Ha, yeah okay I'll stop that now. Anyways, I can't really pinpoint on why this is so damn catchy (maybe the oooh oooh ooh's?).... but the song seems to come full circle from beginning to end and the vocals are super smooth, which is definitely a contributing factor to the catchiness... but it's complicated. Okay, now I'll really stop.

Siren - I Think I Like You

Darling Are You Gonna Leave Me Remixed

First of all, London Grammar is one of the most legit groups I've listened to in awhile. Though their sound is somber, it's extremely poetic in a way that doesn't lose touch with the music. This remix oozes the most relaxing of vibes, as LCAW completely charms  the pants off of London Grammar's hypnotically enchanting "Darling Are You Gonna Leave Me." I love the added percussion and beats because the song becomes more uptempo than the original. It stays pretty evenly peaceful throughout, but still makes you want to jam a tiny bit in the best way possible.

London Grammar - Darling Are You Gonna Leave Me (LCAW Remix)

Smokestacks

This seemingly dark track somehow manages to find a way to feel empowering with its steadily building rhythm. Layla's exceptional voice is super calming and the layering of the chant-like vocals really add some mystery to the mix that I can't stop listening to.

Layla - Smokestacks

Meet Me In The Pale Moonlight

Oh Lana, you don't disappoint. In her signature sassy and demanding style, Lana is back with "Meet Me In The Pale Moonlight." This song pretty much declares that she's okay with being someone's one night stand and how some dude should ditch his girl because she's "the sweetest girl in town," but whatever, it's still pretty chill. The Daft Punk-esque guitar riffs complete the song because the rhythm of the vocals is a little off to me. Nonetheless, I like it enough and am curious to hear more from her upcoming album, Ultraviolence.

Lana Del Rey - Meet Me In The Pale Moonlight

My Silver Lining

I first heard of First Aid Kit when they covered Fever Ray's "When I Grow Up" flawlessly with their smooth angelic voices (see below; the accompanying stop motion video that someone did for it is pretty cool too). Anyways these Swedish beauties/Free People poster children are back, this time with a very folkish/almost 70s sounding country western track, "My Silver Lining." Their sound is so refreshingly unique especially in today's standards of pop and what not. The lyrics of this track are pretty inspirational and powerfully positive to reinforce any trickle of hope you may have to just keep on keeping on. I'm excited to hear their upcoming album, Stay Gold, due out June 10 (also curious about the silver/gold combo...?).

First Aid Kit - My Silver Lining

First Aid Kid - When I Grow Up (Fever Ray Cover)

"Too much time spent on nothing, waiting for a moment to arise..."

I love this little stop-motion video!

***Bonus: You are probably already familiar with this track because it's pretty old but I still love it. Beautiful remix.

First Aid Kit - Winter Is All Over You (Baauer Remix)

Poptimism

So this isn't a song post (!) but I just came across a very thought-provoking article regarding the current world of music. This brilliant article from the latest New York Times Magazine regarding 'poptimism,' which was previously unbeknownst to me as the counteraction of 'rockism' (I have so much to learn). Mr. Gauld ardently challenges today's worshipping of pop music and its superstars and pushes for listeners to further explore musical options by keeping their ears open for different sounds from what is so commonly mainstream. It's also interesting to remark that what so many music critics write positively on is indeed pop music meant for people much younger than them. However, I don't think that music is necessarily restricted to age groups, and if a 40 year old enjoys the latest Katy Perry album that's fine by me. 

Southern Sun

Totally switching gears on you here, Boy & Bear comes at me like a smooth blend between the sounds of Fleet Foxes and The Shins. This song is the first solid acoustic one that I've heard in awhile and makes me want to soak up the southern sun even more than I already did before.

Boy & Bear - Southern Sun

Boy Oh Boy Remixed

I don't know about you, but Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott brings back some serious good memories for me--mostly the fly as fuck Adidas tracksuits and her album Under Construction (the most repeated CD in our house when it was released, thanks to my sister), from which the masterpiece "Work It" hailed. Apparently 2002 was the mere beginning for "Work It," because here it has been transformed into something incredibly different thanks to our friend Diplo. This song could be seen as incredibly annoying if you're not in the mood to party, but I enjoy it nonetheless.

Diplo - Boy Oh Boy (TWRK Edit)

Mrs. Vandebilt Told Me

I wish I could explain where this came from (hence the UFO album artwork?) or why I like it so much, but I can't totally justify it. All I know is that this rarely successful collab of acoustics + rap is super duper perfect for your Friday afternoon.

Big Boi - Mrs. Vandebilt Told Me

Atmosphere Remixed

I've been meaning to post this one for awhile now, and it still hasn't gotten old. Instant Party! is some random dude from Seattle, but he does a boss job of remixing Kaskade's "Atmosphere," adding tons of bomb bass along the way to transform the song into something totally different, but equally as awesome.

Kaskade - Atmosphere (Instant Party! Festival Remix)

Goddess

No words on this song, just straight up amazing sounds/feels. There is so much going on that at first you might thrown aback, but don't let it faze you. It builds and breaks so gently you aren't even aware that it's happening. I don't think a song has ever made me feel like I went to space and back quite like this one. There are so many incorporated elements that I can hardly handle it (in a good way--the synth string!) but it just makes you want to closes your eyes and smile. And then--suddenly--it's over, but oh, is it so good.

Chrome Sparks - Goddess

Heartache Fetish

I've had this one saved as a draft for almost a week now, but it's so damn good I couldn't forget about it. I love how everything in this song seems to go from inside out. The vocals are so full of soul but stay away from being overwhelming, making this track perfect for unwinding from a long day.

Young & Sick - Heartache Fetish

Midnight Remixed

Wow, yes. Tiësto brings some trancelike magic to one of Coldplay's latest, "Midnight." I feel like he's one of the few that can work with material so mainstream as Coldplay and handle it so well (think back to the Paradise remix). This reverts back to the more calming style of house.. crazy right.. but it definitely works and is totally soothing in way that you never thought possible. After all, it's still Coldplay.

Coldplay - Midnight (Tiësto's Experimental Tech House Bootleg)

Holding On To Heaven Remixed

I would say I'm sorry for posting more of The Chainsmokers, but I'm really not. Let's just say that this song was able to give me chills today during my run in 80 degree weather. They just do a phenomenal job with this song and bring out the best in the desperate vocals to create the perfect jam. I don't have much to say other than that, so enjoy!

Foxes - Holding On To Heaven (The Chainsmokers Remix)

Bonus: if you haven't heard The Chainsmokers' set from Ultra last weekend, it's pretty dope so check it out:

You're Mine Remixed

Fedde Le Grand takes on a Mariah Carey song... I can dig it. The build is pretty slow but it's definitely manageable because the drop makes up for it. There's really not much more to say about this because it's pretty phenomenal so okay bye.

Mariah Carey - You're Mine (Fedde Le Grand remix)

I Should've Guessed

First of all, I CANNOT wait to see RAC at Lollapalooza later this summer. Second, RAC's latest LP, Strangers, Pt. II, was finally released today! The whole album is full of bright tracks that are sure to put you in a good mood. The awesome thing about RAC is that some of these songs are full of bitter lyrics if you actually pay attention to the words, but the beat is always so bubbly and catchy, you hardly notice. It's a strange concept, but it truly works. Here's one of my favorites from the LP:

RAC - I Should've Guessed (feat. Speak)

Revolution

I don't think I can handle the greatness that Galantis keeps releasing. With each track, they seem to get better and better. In their latest, "Revolution," the vocals perfectly pair with the building and falling beat. The lyrics are pretty admirably cheesy, but that factor doesn't bother me because it's just that good. To me, they balanced everything out very well in this song and I am so glad their EP has been completely released, but can't wait for more from them!

Galantis - Revolution

Something About Us Covered + Remixed

First, Owl Eyes released an amazing cover of Daft Punk's "Something About Us." Then Chores decided to put a spectacular spin on it. This edit oozes an appropriate amount of funk and is a sure way to have a terrific Tuesday.

Owl Eyes - Something About Us (Daft Punk Cover / Chores Edit)

Now You Know My Name

Any relatively good tune with whistling involved: count me in. The Derevolutions bring us the cute and catchy "Now You Know My Name" with positively benevolent feel-good vibes... absolutely perfect for springtime. The out of tune sounding guitar in the background instrumentals give it a little bit of quirk but somehow manages to blend together very well.

The Derevolutions - Now You Know My Name