Friday, August 29, 2014

Can't Stop Playing (Oliver Heldens & Gregor Salto Remix)

Amazing new release of the full track of the remix of "Can't Stop Playing." I just can't stop playing it!!!! Hehehe. Ignore me, I'm just delirious happy that it's the weekend. Amazing bass. Check it.

Dr. Kucho! & Gregor Salto - Can't Stop Playing (Oliver Heldens & Gregor Salto Remix)



P.S. If you want more of Netherlands based Oliver Heldens to get your freaky Friday on, check out his track "Koala" that was released earlier this summer... when I wasn't posting anything.

Oliver Heldens - Koala

Home (Kat Krazy Remix)

Oh boy, do I love a good Kat Krazy remix. Girlfriend just knows what she's doing with her high energy tracks. Here, she plays up Sam Roman's swarthy voice absolutely perfectly. Enjoy!

Naughty Boy - Home ft. Sam Romans (Kat Krazy Remix)

Pushing On (Tchami Remix)

Oh shit, what can I say other than love at first listen. I do have a weakness for French DJs, especially those based in Paris, but Tchami absolutely kills it in this remix (not sure if the ~'s are obligatory). This edit totally electrifies the original, bringing dance-level energy in to knock your socks off. Groove to this. Happy Friday!

Oliver $ & Jimi Jules - Pushing On (Tchami Remix)

Catching Up: The White Panda

The White Panda was one of my first mashup DJ obsessions in high school, so it's awesome to me to see how their work evolves and progresses, especially as they have been releasing more and more original remixes. (Side note: sophomore year of college I said hey to them after their show and then later hung out with them at a bar, nbd). So yeah, I love them.

I don't know if any of you were as obsessed as I was with Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek" in late middle school. The real mystery is actually what did she say?! I've been dying to know for like ten years now. I never did watch the OC, but I did catch that season 2 finale where Marissa shoots a firearm to this dramatic tune. More important, I mostly watched the SNL parody of that scene... many a time. Anyways, awesome remix of really just that classic line of the song here.

Hide & Seek ft. Audien (White Panda Edit)



Although there have been a shit ton of Disclosure remixes, I don't think I've heard a mashup of one of their tracks. As per usual, The White Panda brings some serious originality here in pairing "Latch" with "Cooler than Me" by Mike Posner. (Like, wut? Who thinks of that?) This is a fun track and I know you know all the words.

Cooler Than Latch (Disclosure ft. Sam Smith// Mike Posner)




Long live The White Stripes. I mean, even my dad loved them. And Meg White is a badass drummer. Pretty unexpected remix but nonetheless dope.

The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army (White Panda Reboot)



I love a good Flume track, and even more I think I love it with Kanye West even better. You may think that this song might have been forever marked as one of The Hangover themes, but no, this is awesome. P.S. I'm not getting a sig on my beeper.

Insane (White Panda Vocal Edit)

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Always Somethin

You might remember Kill Them With Colour from their awesome mashup/remix of A$AP Rocky that they released last year. This track is magical perfection and shows us that they not only kill with color, but also with floral guns (that maybe shoots really thorny roses, I don't know, but either way it's badass). Although I was surprised by the bass during the first listen, it is actually well executed. If you ever need to straight up call someone out on their shitty behavior, just play this song. Don't be that person that keeps coming up with "another lame excuse" or you could end up having a song like this written about you, which might not be that bad considering I can't stop listening to it...

P.S. If you're as curious as I was, the original of this track is called "Heard It All Before" by Sunshine Anderson, a North Carolinian R&B singer/resident sass. I did indeed watch the entire video, during which Sunshine eats ice cream (?) out of a container that has the label "Single" printed on it... soml.

Kill Them With Colour - Always Somethin

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Heroes

The self-contradictory Tove Lo (not on drugs? or really does have bad habits and has to stay high all the time? I'm not sure I get which kind of girl she wants to be...) makes her second cameo in a house song, and pretty much kills it with the help of some DJ (idk if you've heard of him), Alesso, who made me not want to raise the roof, but rather tear it up, earlier this summer. Either way, Tove Lo, I'm not sure I think you could be my hero (heroine, I guess) due to your obvious mental instability related to your boy craziness. Side note: is her name an anagram for "to love"??? Momentary mind blow. BUT, don't get me wrong, she rocks the vocals in this song as Alesso persists as one of the kings of house and continuously makes me want to dance.

Alesso - Heroes (feat. Tove Lo)

Oliver Nelson

Warning: bulk post ahead.

What is there to say about this electro mastermind? Self-tagged as "future disco," the suave Swede Oliver Nelson has created a pretty unique category for his addictive remixes. With the perfect balance of funk and electronic input, these phenomenal tracks just make sense. It's interesting to me to see how he puts the same disco/light electro vibes in so many different songs from a myriad of genres.

As, I've already mentioned, there's no better way to bring some funk than by means of terrific talk box vocals in a track. Tobtok (tok box?) and Emil Heró do exactly that in this brilliantly executed remix by Oliver Nelson. Showin' and tellin' me we're magical is exactly what this song does (in addition to taking me higher, ugh fine). Groovy, funky, exactly what you need.

Tobtok ft. Emil Heró - Higher (Oliver Nelson & Skogsrå Remix)



This track is a bit more upbeat, but it is contagious and catchy and every way possible thanks to Oliver Nelson's refined electronic touches. I caught myself singing it in the shower the other day for absolutely no reason (not à la Becky G). Also Ella Henderson's voice is pretty dope... mine, on the other hand, is not. So funky in all the right ways and not having anything to do with paranormal activity.

Ella Henderson - Ghost (Oliver Nelson Remix)



After hearing the original of this song, listening to this remix is pretty impressive when you think how did you get this from that? Awesome funky guitar touches are sprinkled throughout this one and the upbeat synth is the perfect way to mellow it out.

The Kooks - Forgive & Forget (Oliver Nelson Remix)



Same kind of style, equally as amazing.

Tomas Barfod - Busy Baby Feat. Nina K (Oliver Nelson Remix)



An interesting take on the original, once again mellowing it out and giving it slower, even MORE feel-good vibes.

Route 94 - My Love Feat. Jess Glynne (Oliver Nelson Remix)



Funk + Funk = ultimate funkmasters flexed.

Chromeo - Night By Night (Oliver Nelson Remix)

Bad (The Rooftop Boys Remix)

I'm not sure of who The Rooftop Boys are exactly, but I'd love to meet them somewhere atop a building. This is only their second track that they've released (the first was an interesting, almost-there remix of Bound 2, with no rap included). I think they hit the nail on the head here with the sound that they're aiming for: Hawaiian shirt vibes. And there's nothing "bad" about that... Well done and hopefully the next track will be just as good!

David Guetta & Showtek - Bad (The Rooftop Boys Remix)

Friday, August 22, 2014

Break The Rules

Happy Friday, you hooligans. Take this track and run with it. Enjoy these pretty clichéd teenage girl lyrics in Charli XCX's awesome almost shouting vocals.

Charli XCX - Break The Rules

The Latest: Hotel Garuda

I love the upbeat vibes Hotel Garuda continuously delivers to their remixes. They are clearly well versed in handling Lana Del Rey's vocals quite excellently. Their latest take on Lana's brilliant/dark/whispery "Ultraviolence" is amazing and flows perfectly.

Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence (Hotel Garuda Remix)



Hotel Garuda released this remix just yesterday, and it plays well in their signature style of upbeat funk. Also, I'm not sure who this Anna Lunoe character is, but she has a pretty rockin' voice.

Anna Lunoe - All Out (Hotel Garuda Remix)



This remix of theirs is a bit older, and I know you're asking why I'm even posting another remix of Chromeo's fantastic track, "Jealous," but I think it's worth a mention if you have yet to hear it!

Chromeo Jealous (Hotel Garuda x Sweekuh Remix)

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Alison Wonderland

Sorry for all of these bulk posts but ok, so I first heard Alison Wonderland (props for the very clever name/mad hats off to Lewis Carroll) back in May with "I Want U" but didn't post anything for 3 months so yeah. But she just released "Cold" actual minutes ago. It starts off as pretty #dark with some Lido-esque sound effects but then evolves and goes down the rabbit hole into a deep electronic track. I really enjoy her open confessional in this track of the chorus that just repeats "I'm too cool for this." Maybe a little stuck up, but I kind of feel that too way in some situations so thanks for Alison Wonderland for getting that.

Alison Wonderland - Cool



If you haven't heard this song I don't really know where you've been. Kind of like teenage girl fantasy-esque who can't control her hormones in the lyrics but dope drops that are surprisingly fantastic.

Alison Wonderland - I Want U



Alison might be confusing herself with the Queen of Hearts in this track, which offers a repetitive yet oddly soothing chorus of "never tell me lies." I love the electronics of this track; they seem to come and go at the perfect times.

Alison Wonderland - Lies


Hoodboi calms down "I Want U" in this sick remix that gives the track a whole new feel.

Alison Wonderland - I Want U (Hoodboi remix)


On the other hand, GANZ freaks out with this remix, making it even bigger than it was and the drops even deeper. Who knew it was possible? Go GANZ.

Alison Wonderland - I Want U (GANZ Flip)




P.S. I'm quite unsure about the meaning behind the repeating "AA" on all of the album artwork... let me know if you have any ideas...

Throwback Thursday... Remixed

Some of your favorite older tracks have been given an awesome spin. In case you haven't heard ANY of these (slim chance) they're an accumulation of my favorite remixes from this summer.

I absolutely love all of C2C's work (not even just because they're amazingly French), and this is no exception. They bring a newfound electronic form of funk, including a plethora of their signature record backspins that only they can pull off in a song. The beat is contagious with an elevated energy level and building anticipation. To say the least, this mix does Mr. Stevie Wonder some serious justice. If you don't know C2C, or their amazing remix of "When A Fire Starts To Burn," I highly recommend you check out their other work on their soundcloud.

Stevie Wonder - Superstition (C2C Remix)



The only real downside to this remix is that it's the edited version of this song, which I really don't understand, because there's few an intro like Ja Rule's "WHAT'S MY MOTHERFUCKIN' NAME" bark. Anyways, the two Parisian producers of Basic Tape bring some new fire to this staple track of 2001. After investigating their Soundcloud, I also discovered their dope remix of Nelly Furtado's "Promiscuous," which is also posted below. They include a decent amount of piano that works surprisingly well in both tracks. Excited for this new discovery and can't wait to hear more from them!

Jennifer Lopez ft. Ja Rule - I'm Real (Basic Tape Remix)




Nelly Furtado ft. Timbaland - Promiscuous (Basic Tape Remix)



I haven't heard from Tim Gunter in awhile, but you can never go wrong with a Snoop Dogg remix. The idea of Snoop's drops into the modern day sense of drops is absolutely brilliant and the drops themselves are pretty dope. The heavy synth brass can come off a bit strong at first, but you'll warm up to it.

Snoop Dogg - Drop It Like It's Hot (Tim Gunter Remix)



There is really nothing better than hearing the first few seconds of a song and knowing you'll love the rest of it, and then kind of losing your shit when you listen to it all the way through for the first time because fuck yeah good music. I didn't think Ludacris' deep voice could get any lower (how low can YOU go, Luda?) but Action 52 proves me wrong. It might even sound better deeper, but either way it just works in this remix. Pretty damn solid.

Ludacris - How Low (Action 52 Remix)



This is probably the last song I ever thought would get an excellent electro house makeover, but whoa, what, this is Sum 41? I thought I swore I was done with them after 2006. Disorienting, but it works. Awesome build and the drop isn't too shabby either.

Sum 41 - In Too Deep (Kasum Remix)

Catching Up: Coldplay Remixes

I hate to be one of those cliche girls, but Coldplay honestly is one of my favorite groups of all time. They cut me deep. So naturally, since I dig the originals of their songs, I will probably like most of the remixes of them.

There were a lot of remixes of the already phenomenal "A Sky Full Of Stars," but I think something that was already so electronically based might be more difficult to play up and a lot of them I didn't really enjoy. Sultan + Ned Shepard's attempt transformed the song into a bit of a cheesy house jam that I felt didn't really work. It's hard to spin off from Avicii, I guess. On the other hand, I really must applaud Instant Party! for his baller remix of this track. For a song that I was convinced couldn't get any better, he really does give it that extra kick that it could use (ahem, BASS). I absolutely love when something good graduates to something even better and he does that in perfecting this track.

Coldplay - A Sky Full Of Stars (Instant Party! Remix)



Continuing with their latest album, Ghost Stories, comes the mystical remix of "Magic" by AlunaGeorge to which I am strangely drawn. It's kind of funky because it does feel like there are a lot of random things going on in this remix. However, I think it does work considering that she pretty much stripped Chris Martin's vocals from the original and did whatever she wanted with them. This remix evolves as it progresses and I really enjoy that aspect of it.

Coldplay - Magic (AlunaGeorge Remix)



Here we might find ourselves in "Trouble" (hehe) in going back to Coldplay's debut album, Parachutes. I love a good Royal Refix, and this one does not disappoint in the slightest.

Coldplay - Trouble (Royal Refix)

Touched

This song is pretty old, but again, it's one that I keep coming back to without getting sick of it. If you haven't heard of What So Not yet, I'm not sure what you've been doing... you should just tell me. But anyways, this was one of the first tracks the Australian duo came up with in the studio and I think it's pretty awesome. I don't think I've really encountered such a compilation of sounds together at once that actually work so well in their dissonance. Give it a listen:

What So Not - Touched

Till Sunrise

First came their fabulous track, "Fifteen," already two years ago now. Since then, Goldroom has mostly been releasing various heavenly remixes, like this one. Their latest, "Till Sunrise" is an amazingly dreamy song with whispery and misty vocals that could lull me into a wonderful afternoon nap. Enjoy the fantastic relaxing vibes that come with this track!

Goldroom - Till Sunrise

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Make Me Feel Better

Just to give you an idea, here is the original of this song, because there actually "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing."  Long live Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell. It just doesn't get any better than Marvin's sweet voice. But it's pretty cool that Alex Adair was able to make an entire song out of one line from this amazing classic: "You make me feel better, so let's stay together," at around 1:25. And yeah, this song does make me feel better, how could it not with the amazing vibes it exudes?

Alex Adair - Make Me Feel Better

Wasting My Young Years (The Aston Shuffle Remix)

Not only does the original of the song make me want to cry because of how good Hannah Reid's vocals are but also because the title might be true/makes me question even more what the hell I'm doing with my life. So thank goodness The Aston Shuffle came along to give this song a little more life and vivaciousness with their amazing remix that makes me smile instead. Perfect amount of energy here.

London Grammar - Wasting My Young Years (The Aston Shuffle Remix)

Le P Remixes

Cool things I did not know: The soulful swede Seinabo Sey is only 23 and based out of Stockholm. She became popular after Kygo's remix of her song "Younger," and Le P brings a similar tropical vibe to her latest single, "Hard Time." I love the contrast in this remix; Le P just somehow finds a way to make it work. He works his idle synth beats again over "Giants" by Bear Hands as well, though it's not as relaxing because the lyrics are kind of shouted, but maybe that's just how I feel... it still works doe.

Seinabo Sey - Hard Time (Le P remix)




Bear Hands - Giants (Le P Remix)

I Own It

This is definitely one of the songs that was love at first listen. Female rapper? (Angel Haze kills it)... A little aggressive with the lyrics? Check and check- that's all I need. Tbh, there's no denying the catchy chorus and beat. I especially love the line "content with my wrongness" because I feel the exact same way. See what you think:

 Nacey - I Own It ft. Angel Haze

Say My Name // Memories That You Call

Hooray for hearing from Odesza again! As I have already professed my obsession for their awesome feel good electronic tunes, expect nothing but the best. "Sun Models" was their first single that they released awhile ago from their upcoming album In Return, which is due out September 9 (can't wait). Also, wonderful call with the double exposure album artwork. Since then, they have released "Memories That You Call" in July and "Say My Name" yesterday. Both are fabulous, but I will say I love that "Say My Name" contains actual lyrics that I can clearly decipher by Zyra in a sweet honey voice. Enjoy the upbeat amazingness of "Say My Name" and the slowed down excellence of "Memories That You Call" below:

Odesza - Say My Name (Feat. Zyra)




Odesza - Memories That You Call (feat. Monsoonsiren)

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Catching Up: The Chainsmokers

Honestly, I was not overwhelmingly impressed with The Chainsmokers' second release of original material, "Kanye." (I'm willing to overlook #Selfie, because it was a love/hate relationship... mostly only love because it was so bad yet so good... you know exactly what I mean.) Anyways, I don't really understand the basis of this song. The beats are good but the lyrics are pretty stupid. I respect the novel of a description that Drew and Alex of The Chainsmokers presumably wrote about the song, but if they wanted to have a song about "being yourself" and "doing you" then they could have just included lyrics more like that because I don't think that Kanye is the ultimate artist that represents doing whatever the fuck he wants and always getting away with it. He has plenty of "haters" but it's kind of for legitimate reasons, but whatever. It's not that I don't like him, it's just kind of a weird concept to me (weird celebrity worship kind of shit), but again, that's just me. They trimmed the track on soundcloud to a minute and a half (so you would be more tempted to buy it, I suppose) but this sample suffices for me, I think. See what you think:

The Chainsmokers - KANYE ft. Siren



I think I might forever prefer that The Chainsmokers just stick to their baller remixes. If you haven't heard the ridiculous original of "Drinking About You" then I don't know where you've been. Obviously, the subject is a bit depressing but you can't deny this remix is catchy af. The Jump Smokers' remix of this track was pretty dope too.

Bebe Rexha - Drinking About You (The Chainsmokers Remix)



Love Jose Gonzalez, and love that they decided to remix this track. The outcome is absolutely phenomenal! Need more remixes.

Jose Gonzalez - Step Out (The Chainsmokers Remix)

Curtains (Dinnerdate Remix)

To answer your question, yes, I am most definitely still playing catch up on posting my favorite tracks from this entire summer. This has not been an easy task considering the fact that I have so many. Anyways, here is a spectacular remix of Swedish band Last Lynx's "Curtains" that transforms it into an even dreamier track, while still giving it a little bit of upbeat funk. I've also posted the original because I thought it deserved some attention as well!

Last Lynx - Curtains (Dinnerdate Remix)




Last Lynx - Curtains

Superstar (Cosmo's Midnight x Lido Remix)

This quick little remix by one of my favorite's right now, Lido, does some serious justice to AlunaGeorge's ridiculously unique voice. Great drops and upbeat feel, ya heard?

AlunaGeorge - Superstar (Cosmo's Midnight x Lido Remix)

Girl vs. Work It

This mashup is pretty old but so bizarrely brilliant that I just had to share it with you. As always, I stand by anything related to Missy Elliott, and mixing "Work It" with "Girl" (work it, girl) by Jamie xx only seems wildly appropriate. Enjoy.

Jamie xx & Nicolas Jaar - Girl vs Work It (Nico's Bluewave Edit)

Now You Know (Bobby Green Remix)

I had never heard of Tiger La before this remix, but the original of this track is pretty good, with an unexpected amount of edginess. However, Bobby Green elevates it to a completely new level of jam. Even though it feels like the chorus is being shouted at us, it just makes it that much better and feels oh so right as it is surrounded by a fabulous build and release. This one cuts me deep.

Tiger La - Now You Know (Bobby Green Remix)

Stay With Me Remixed

If you say you don't like Sam Smith or at the very least his hit song "Stay With Me," you are straight up LYING. And everyone around you will know. So don't even try to take that route. When I first discovered the Prince Fox remix of this already amazing and heart-wrenching tune, I found myself trying to turn the volume up louder when it was already maxed out. Need to surround myself in this song for awhile/keep it on repeat. Prince Fox just completely cuts open this track and makes it ooze drippy drops in which I get lost. Ugh it just makes too much sense. So many feels. The Soul Clap remix, as their name might give away, is a bit more upbeat but equally as wonderful. I really can't stop listening to either one.

Sam Smith - Stay With Me (Prince Fox Remix)



Sam Smith - Stay With Me (Soul Clap Remix)

SNBRN

I love hearing more from LA-based tropical house DJ, SNBRN. (That was a lot of all caps in one sentence for me..) Anyways, his latest remixes continue to deliver his signature upbeat vibes and anyone who returns the mack can go far in my book. Also, who couldn't love 50 cent and Nate Dogg's voice an octave lower in his "21 Questions" remix? That question was rhetorical, so it doesn't count.

Mark Morrison - Return Of The Mack (SNBRN Remix)



50 Cent - 21 Questions (SNBRN Remix)

Thursday, August 14, 2014

I Am

This is one of those instrumental tracks that I really enjoy but I can't exactly tell you why. In "I Am," Nicholas Cheung brings us a soothing blend of hushed whispers, more or less, with a nice slow beat that just lulls me to sleep. On that note..........

Nicholas Cheung - I Am




Honors

John Dahlback, who I mostly know from his fire remix of "Big" by SneakySoundSystem (talk about a #tbt..) is back at it with his latest track, "Honors." The buildup is a bit long for my taste, but it gets better with time and emerges with a burst of high energy electro-pop. I'm not really sure what the title has to do with the song, but I'm willing to overlook it. Another fun dance jam that I'm sure I'll play more than I expected.

John Dahlback ft. Rebecca & Fiona - Honors

You Are My Summer

I don't know much about La+ch, the producer of this track, but from the sounds of it, he knows what he's doing in terms of creating one of the catchiest tracks of this summer. Coleman Hell and Jayme (more artists that I've never heard of prior to this track) sing silly but awesome characterizations of summer over the contagious backbeat, which, by the way, lives up to my hopes with its awesome sax and glockenspiel instrumentals. Can't get enough of this one.

La+ch - You Are My Summer Feat. Coleman Hell & Jayme

Me dê amor (El. Train Bootleg Edit)

I'm not exactly sure where this track came from, but I dig it. It's a bit languid in sound and makes me feel like it's okay that it's 1 pm and I'm still in my pajamas (no, really, I am). Hopefully this gives you the same relaxing vibes it gives me! Check it:

Sango - Me dê Amor (El. Train Bootleg Edit)

Love Alight

I'm so happy to hear from Crystal Fighters again! I first heard their soothing tune "At Home" back in 2010 and immediately fell in love. Then, they released their happy, ukelele-based track "Plage" and I fell even more in love. Their latest, "Love Alight" definitely takes on a deeper feeling and uses more electronics than their previous work, but it's been awesome to see this group evolve. It's a perfect upbeat summer jam and makes me look forward to their upcoming tracks.

Crystal Fighters - Love Alight

Control (+ Remix)

This openly confessional song by Olympic Ayres, an upbeat duo from Sydney, is entirely refreshing. It's been awhile since I've heard from a new indie-ish group that I actually enjoy but they absolutely kill it. Can't wait to hear more from them!

Olympic Ayres - Control



***BONUS: A lil' remix for your listening pleasure.

Olympic Ayres - Control (Pat Lok Remix)

Lost You

This is another song that's a couple of months old but I still love it and therefore it deserves a post! It's pretty monumental in pairing the awesome vocals of Twin Shadow alongside Zeds Dead's sickest beats. Phenomenal and leaves me coming back for more every time.

Zeds Dead - Lost You (feat. Twin Shadow & D'Angelo Lacy)

So Good

Let the title of this track speak for itself. Not only is this "So Good," it's actually fantastic. These are the sultriest vocals I've heard in awhile and the slowed down beat goes perfect with the weaving synth throughout. I especially love the little guitar bit. Just listen to it already and you'll get it!

Nao vs. A.K. Paul - So Good

Left Hand Free // Every Other Freckle

Alt-J has slowly been trickling out new singles from their upcoming album, This Is All Yours, which is due out September 22. These two are the latest, but leave me wanting to hear more! I love how upbeat "Left Hand Free" is. The vocals are distinctly alt-J, but the beat seems to me a bit more Black Keys-esque, which I absolutely love. Side note: does anyone know what N-E-O-O-M-G-G is supposed to mean? Am I stupid? (Just answer the first question..) I like the new direction of this tune and hopefully hints at a more rock-ish album. Moreover, "Every Other Freckle" seems to suggest somewhat the same, although it is a little more alternative-y sounding, but I still like it. Give both a listen below:

alt-J - Left Hand Free

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alt-J - Every Other Freckle

Catching Up: Thomas Jack

The leading man of the "tropical house" movement, Thomas Jack, out of Sydney, Australia, is back at it just in time for your perfect end-of-summer jams. Honestly, I don't think I could have imagined "Teenage Crime" outside of its sweaty dance/electro/house genre, but clearly, Thomas Jack has some creativity that comes bursting forth in this mellow remix. Both "Teenage Crime" and "Gold" have awesome synth guitar in their remixes that slow them down just the right amount. Who knew that was possible? Go Thomas Jack, go. Can't wait to hear more.

Adrian Lux - Teenage Crime (Thomas Jack Remix)



Gabriel Rios - Gold (Thomas Jack Remix)

P L A Y

I am going back through all my drafts of posts and trying to publish all of them and here is a little indie pop gem that I didn't want to get left behind! A sweet beat combined with dreamy vocals is a good match. Nothing but good vibes here.

Fickle Friends - P L A Y

Best Friend Remixed

Following the release of their latest album, Supermodel, Foster The People decided to have a remix contest for one of their singles, "Best Friend." I admit, I have yet to explore the full album, but I do know how much I love this group from their debut album, Torches, and this single is awesome sauce. (Can we talk about how awesome the album artwork is?) Although neither of these remixes won the contest, they are my personal favorites. I had never heard of Jai Wolf or AObeats before, but I knew Wave Racer would provide some additional upbeat funk to this track. Foster The People was also amazing at Lollapalooza this year and really delivered with a spectacular live show... I really want to find a video of their performance!

Foster The People - Best Friend (Jai Wolf x AObeats Remix)



Foster The People - Best Friend (Wave Racer Remix)

Awake (Com Truise Remix)

We've already discussed my ardent love for all that is Com Truise (not to be confused with the crazy scientologist that stands on Oprah's couches [is that an outdated reference? I don't know anymore #feelingold]). This remix gives the acoustic original a huge electronic facelift, full of of galactic synths galore.

Tycho - Awake (Com Truise Remix)

Music Sounds Better With You (Eat More Cake Remix)

With a name like Eat More Cake, I'm bound to like any remix that this London-based DJ creates. The original of this song dates all the way back to good ol' 1998. It was a one-time collaborative effort of the group known as Stardust. They used a sample from the song "Fate" by Chaka Kahn, which evolved into "Music Sounds Better With You." With this amazing influence, the perfect amount of funk was created when the song was recorded in Paris by Daft Punk Productions. Makes sense now, right?

Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You (Eat More Cake Remix)

Feel Your Love

I must admit, I do love a good talk box, first introduced onto the scene by none other than Mr. Peter Frampton. Falqo uses it in combination with a radiant and upbeat energy of synth and funky guitar. This track is reminiscent of Daft Punk but seems a bit more exuberant and outreaching, which is something I love about it.

Falqo - Feel Your Love

Clocktower (Sound Remedy Remix)

Sound Remedy is consistently impressive in their remixes, and this one of "Clocktower" by Noosa does not disappoint. Noosa's milky voice is perfectly cushioned by synth and amazing builds and drops. It seems pretty mellow at first but then just kind of explodes into an electronic dream piece using Sound Remedy's signature effervescent energy. Check it out here:

Noosa - Clocktower (Sound Remedy Remix)



*****Bonus: TBT to that other time Sound Remedy remixed Noosa to create one of my favorite songs ever. Talk about a match made in heaven.

Noosa - Walk On By (Sound Remedy Remix)

C.U.B.A

Sometimes I only really like one part of a song, and the rest is just okay. That's the case with Calvin Harris' latest single... I just fast forward to 1:30 every time and only listen to about 2:20 because the rest of the song is just kind of meh/tolerable. That being said, see how you feel about it because I'm kind of a weirdo. Calvin Harris put on one hell of a show at Lollapalooza's center stage this year and I can't wait to see what else he'll be releasing soon!

Calvin Harris - C.U.B.A

My Love

Here's another oldie (not really that old, but whatever) that I thought deserved a post, because I keep coming back to it. So many good sounds involved in one song! I especially love when it breaks down into the piano/synth combo. Amazing and particularly groovy.

Route 94 - My Love feat. Jess Glynne

True That



So in case you missed it, Michael Cera (George Michael Bluth) apparently dropped an album yesterday. It's actually pretty good if you're into the lo-fi alternative scene, or just feeling moody. Anyways, props to you Michael Cera for putting yourself out there. Check it out below:



Wednesday, August 13, 2014

I Got What You Need (Every Night)

Oh, this is just another amazingly and contagiously upbeat track of which I can't get enough. It's short and sweet and to the point. The openly honest lyrics present an offer which more often than not gets lost in obscurities between two people, so its pretty refreshing to hear. It's true, "everybody needs someone," and this song does indeed have what I need.

Lane 8 feat. Bipolar Sunshine - I Got What You Need (Every Night)

Gecko (Overdrive)

This is another song that I felt like I couldn't not post even though it was released back in May. I don't really know if the title somehow relates to Geico (I'm convinced that it does), but the beat that surrounds the vocals is just perfection and I dig the always cheesy house lyrics. But you can't deny, it does automatically make you want to dance.

Oliver Heldens X Becky Hill - Gecko (Overdrive)

Circles

More and more, songs are being released that can't necessarily be categorized or placed in one single genre because music is infinitely expanding into more exploratory territories... which continues to blow my mind. I don't really know what to call this song, but I do know that I love it. Machineheart writes on the Soundcloud page for this track,
Circles ventures into this whole idea about making the best out of your situation. It's a reminder that when you face resistance or difficulty, you'll want to have people around you who are going to remind you of what your intentions were in the first place. 
Pretty cool idea and well-spoken. Vanic adds some dope drops that fall at the perfect time to surround the lovely, encouraging vocals and gives it the unexpected twist that I often search for in music.

Vanic X machineheart - Circles

Need Ya // NINETIESGIRL

I love everything about this song, and yes, that includes the bizarre outro. Kailo's voice is like honey and the repetitive "I need ya's" of the chorus give this song the most positive, feel good vibes you could imagine. Do yourself a favor: listen to it now and be happy.

Kailo - Need Ya Feat. Aela Kae



Bonus: Any song with this title is an instant winner in my book.

Kailo - NINETIESGIRL

Pretty With Her Eyes Low

I think the Furby (?) album artwork speaks a lot about the weirdness of this song. Not only are they creepy and off-putting af (I had one that never shut up) but they had the biggest eyes of any of my toys that seemed to stare you down. I guess they were the inspiration for the title, which takes a different direction than any Hasbro toy. (I can hasbro? Ok, I'll stop).. Anyways, I still never really know how to classify Diplo other than a mastermind of electronic mystery, but damn do I enjoy his work. (Also this collab with Grandtheft, kudos to him too). I mean really, how can you react negatively to that drop that hits at 1:30? I can't explain it, but it just works.

Diplo & Grandtheft - Pretty With Her Eyes Low

Faded (Odesza Remix)

Ah yes, nothing better than two of my favorite worlds colliding, Zhu and Odesza. So many good things about this remix. I love how much Odesza slowed it down instead of taking it in the other direction. I love pretty much everything about its hazy sound and could leave it on repeat for awhile.

ZHU - Faded (Odesza Remix)

  

Speakerstax

I randomly found this song as it automatically started playing on the ridiculously amazing Colette Paris website. Their player is a treasure trove of songs that I otherwise would have never heard, so I wanted to take a moment to appreciate this one especially. There are a lot of strange elements in this song (like the long "ahhh" in the background) but once they're appropriately stacked together, they work wonderfully.

b a y o u - Speakerstax

Idle Hands

There's nothing that I could relate to more than being demanding AF towards a DJ, which is probably why I love this tune so much. Yeah, it does sound a little tween-ish (okay, a lot, especially the lyrics other than the chorus) but there's just something so undeniably catchy that I keep listening to it again and again. As the song commands... "just play the music motherfucker don't stop..." DUH.

EXGF - Idle Hands

Sock It 2 Summer

As per usual, The Hood Internet continues to kill it with one of their latest mashes. Also anything having to do with Missy Elliott is an automatic yes. Who could forget the fantastic video for the song featured in this mash, "Sock It To Me?" (When can I arrange to have a custom Transformers/Power Rangers suit like hers made? Because I want one.) She is a pioneer in weird, original badassery that continues to be seen in girl rappers/bosses today. Additionally, Missy is the reason that my sister and I fell deeply in love with Adidas tracksuits. I don't know how The Hood Internet had the genius to pair this with the ever soothing "Indian Summer" by Blood Cultures, but it works in magical ways that few could anticipate. I would really hope to say that I socked it 2 summer this year.

The Hood Internet - Sock It 2 Summer (Missy Elliott x Blood Cultures)

In The Air (SNBRN Remix)

This song is so bright you might just get a snbrn. Ha. I'm a big fan of the dark sounding original version but love this new prolonged and tropical twist. Add some funky piano chords to the mix and I'm in. Enjoy!

Morgan Page - In The Air (SNBRN Remix)

You Got This

Sometimes I like house music because it is the only thing that can motivate me to go faster than my constant five miles an hour on the treadmill. This is one of those songs that mainly applies to that purpose and the title is way too perfect. You know it's legit when it gets a BBC Radio 1 premier, but I'm not sure who this Danny Howard is (where the fuck is Pete Tong when you need him).

Fedde Le Grand - You Got This

Katching Up With Kygo

As aforementioned, Kygo has an ability to remix songs without taking anything away from them and adding his signature "tropical house" sound to create absolute dreams of tracks. I am hoping to see him in Chicago in October with Thomas Jack, which would just be the epitome of chill as fuck (kind of kidding, but not really..). Anyways, here are some of his latest, as he makes The Weeknd sound even sexier than normal (who knew that was possible) and Coldplay's "Midnight" even more mystic.

The Weeknd - Often (Kygo Remix)



Coldplay - Midnight (Kygo Remix)

Truth

I don't really know how to classify this song other than a blend of electronic mastery, nonintrusive repetitive vocals, and just the right amount of bumpy bass to make it a little aggressive. Kudos Branchez. I already fell in love with them from their fantastic remix of "High You Are" (I still am not sick of it) and this song proves that they are more than capable of coming up with their own fabulous original material.

Branchez - Truth

Tear It Down Remixed

This is another one of my summer anthems... it makes me happy every time I listen to it and never ceases to make me want to jump up and dance. Nothing is better in a disco-esque remix than some jazzy sax, amirite?! No really, I do love it.


The Aston Shuffle - Tear it Down (Gamper & Dadoni Remix)

Suga Suga Remixed

I don't know if you guys ever loved the original "Suga Suga" by the rap moguls (kidding) Baby Bash and Frankie J as much as I did, but to me, it reflects the perfect nostalgia for early 2000's hip hop (I also know every word). Also, if you watch the video, you can see that blue-eyed Baby Bash is already ahead of the times in sporting his badass bucket hat. (In case you haven't heard, they're making a comeback à la Rihanna.) Anyways, this refix by Royal definitely does it justice in slowing down the original and sticking to the simple choral question: "Suga, how you get so fly?" But really how did you? Hopefully the answer lies somewhere within the beat.

Baby Bash - Suga Suga (Royal Refix)

Pizza Guy

Let's start off with the fact that this song is named PIZZA GUY. Does it get better than that? No. It doesn't. It does however, make me want pizza every time I listen to it, so there's that. Anyways this song is kind of old, but I've been obsessed with it for awhile so that doesn't change much for me. I don't really know what they're saying throughout it but I just try and hum along the best that I can. This is the disco-electric-funk vibe that I live for. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Touch Sensitive - Pizza Guy

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

History

I'm not sure where to begin with "History" because it has turned into one of my favorite anthems for this summer and still doesn't get old even though I've been listening to it since April. I guess that might say enough though... just let those warped Michael Jackson vocals of the sample wash over you. Actually wait--the fact that Le P classifies himself as "ChillHouse" is really enough--you'll understand once you listen.

Le P - History

Bad Habit / Around Town / Forgive & Forget

The Kooks, a British boy band that has been around for 10 years (never to be confused with 1D, thank goodness), is back and releasing a new album, Listen (which I'll be sure to do), due out September 5. They have been dropping singles left and right to lead up to it, and thus far, Listen seems like it will be a phenomenal album. My favorites so far are "Bad Habit," "Around Town," and "Forgive & Forget," which all exude a contagious upbeat rhythm alongside a most sultry electric guitar. These tracks convey that this group comes from a multitude of incredible influences as they integrate the classic rock group sound in an astoundingly contemporary way.

The Kooks - Bad Habit




The Kooks - Around Town 




The Kooks - Forgive & Forget

Trust In You

Another recent release from yet another one of my favorite DJs, Tourist. Honestly, I never thought I could enjoy the repetition of a sequence of so few words, but I like to think of this kind of electronic music as abstract art... I would never know what to put on a blank canvas but, damn, do the artists have a way of filling it with something I could never imagine. Check it:

Tourist - Trust In You

Bet Dap Goom Bown

Despite the seemingly nonsensical title, this song is amazing. By this point, you all should know how much I adore 20syl's upbeat, funky, and melodic tracks. With the repetitive commands to "get down" sprinkled throughout this song, that is exactly what I want to do when listening to it. I love the way 20syl seems to weave in and out of what a track is and the totally new creature that it becomes after his manipulation of it. Another amazing tune from him that emits feel good vibes all around.

20syl - Bet Dap Goom Bown

Mt. Olympus

This is one of the more aggressive rap songs I've heard recently but damn, Big K.R.I.T. does not fail to deliver. This song is an impressive flurry of words with witticisms and commentary on the expectations people have for rappers. Fast forward to around 2:20 and prepare to be blown away by the extremely rapid pace of Big K.R.I.T.'s rhymes, who apparently does not care what you think of his work at all.

Big K.R.I.T. - Mt. Olympus



P.S. Flashback to when I heard first Big K.R.I.T. back in 2010 when he rapped over a brilliant sample of Adele's "Hometown Glory."

Big K.R.I.T. - Hometown Hero

Holding On For Life Remixed

If you haven't listened to Broken Bells' latest album, After the Disco, I highly suggest you do so now. The smooth and melodic vocals of James Mercer never cease to amaze me. Not only does the original of this song rule as well, but Zeds Dead's remix sure does give it a little kick.

Broken Bells - Holding On For Life (Zeds Dead Remix)

Ain't No Sunshine Remixed

The original of this track is, to say the very least, iconic and renowned for it's expression of loneliness and immediately makes me think of some gruff man drinking alone at a bar. Lido somehow works his magic over this song and succeeds in not detracting from it while adding elements of sound that you would least expect to hear (cue the water drip drops and clock ticks). The heavy drops don't hurt it either. Take a listen and enjoy this sexy spin of a classic:

Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine (Lido Remix)

the return

Oh, dedicated internet life how I have missed you. I've spent the past few months rehabilitating myself to the real world, "past the screen," and have seldom opened my laptop for any reason. It's nice to have a phone to provide temporary distractions but my computer is like a black hole most of the time, so I figured it would be nice to get away for awhile. Anyways, now I'm back! So if I still have any readers that would be cool, but if not I totally understand your abandonment. I'm not going to skip right to my favorite current songs, but I will post my favorites from the past couple of months because I believe they simply can't go unnoticed! You can, however, just go to my soundcloud to go straight to listening without having to read my banter.

*Note: if you're coming across this blog for the first time, all these posts are going to look like I'm extremely behind on the scene, but I'm not really, so forgive me. It's crazy how fast a few months can pass when you are actually living life!