Saturday, December 26, 2015

Mink & Shoes

Very super into this. Old again, but if you haven't heard it, you should listen immediately. I love how soft the vocals are and if you listen closely to the lyrics, they're pretty fantastic. So funky in every good way!

Psychemagik - Mink & Shoes

The Dreamer

Nothing like a sweet as honey voice and lyrics that say "it's not about you anymore" to get you kickstarted to move on into 2016. This track is pretty old, but as I've already said, I'm behind and still reviewing my most-listened to tracks of 2015. This one is smooth as butter and is so relaxing. What a gem.

Anna of the North - The Dreamer

Believe You're Mine

This song reminds me of something you might have heard on an early 2000s MTV reality TV show... in every good way possible that is!!! (RE: Eighth and Oceans "Beautiful Love" by the Afters). So anyways, I love all the sadness and despair of the lyrics but also the fact that you can still totally jam out to it.

Nada Surf - Believe You're Mine

Monday, December 21, 2015

Borderline / The Cops

This is one of those older tracks of 2015, but I still love it and listen to it pretty frequently. As always, Vanic puts an incredible twist on an already good song, which pretty much encompasses not knowing how to feel--something I can fully relate to. This one was definitely one of my 2015 obsessions.

Vanic X Tove Styrke - Borderline



Also loved his spin on K. Flay's track "The Cops." Awesome stuff!

Vanic X K.Flay - The Cops

Hightimes

It's funny when I haven't seen work from someone in awhile I find myself wondering if it's just another new group.. but no, I knew The Big Pink looked familiar. I have a few songs of theirs from about 5 years ago like "Dominos" and "Velvet." Their latest "Hightimes" continues their previous vibes in the best sense. I love the slow vocals in their songs; they give you enough time to process and really think about the music. A perfect track to unwind to, listen here:

The Big Pink - Hightimes

In The Air

If I still had a car to drive, I would jam to this song with the windows rolled down. Nothing like a relaxed rock-ish sound to pair with the wind in your face and hair. This is clearly a song about moving on, and puts a nice uplifting vibe in the air.. hehe. Enjoy!

Ten Fé - In The Air

Saturday, December 19, 2015

You're Light (Star Slinger Remix)

I have been a fan of Star Slinger ever since I discovered him back in 2010 with his Volume 1 album, and his song Mornin' quickly became one of my all-time favorites. Seriously, to this day, it still puts me in a fantastic mood every time I hear it. So I've enjoyed following his more recent work and it's cool to see how he has evolved throughout the years. I first heard his remix to "You're Light" this summer and have been listening to it since. I feel like the different kinds of beats that he adds to this one are thoughtful (can you say that about a remix?) and really bring a nice vibe to the song. It's a nice relaxing mix, in which Star Slinger really shines.

Harrison - You're Light (feat. Maddee)(Star Slinger Remix)

Shine (Danny L Harle Remix)

For some reason, altered voices in remixes have never bothered me. In fact, I quite like them--even the chipmunk-ish ones. That being said, I really enjoy this video game sounding remix by Danny L Harle. It brings some fun energy and incorporates some good ol' fashioned 90s rave sounds that I just love.

Years and Years - Shine (Danny L Harle Remix)

Remember

The beats on this one are fantastic. It's so weird to think about that when people make electronic music they're pretty much starting from nothing and that most of it is left up to their imagination, which I think gives them all the more credit for creativity. "Remember" is so good and it's laid-back vibes work wonders on my anxiety, so just listen and chill.

Feki - Remember

Spectrolite

This is one of those songs that feels like you're in a dream sequence that you never want to end. I love it. Seriously I've listened to it on single repeat more times than I care to admit. The sounds blend together in this kaleidoscopic manner that makes everything super hazy but vibrant at the same time and I just can't turn away. The vocals are superb as well and mix so nicely. All I was able to find out about Bayonne is that it's a guy named Roger Sellers from Austin, Texas and this is the only song that I've found by him so far. Anyways, I hope he continues making tracks like this because I clearly can't get enough.

Bayonne - Spectrolite

Burn (Vasta Remix)

Again, this is one of those tracks that I'm not quite sure how to classify, but all I know is that I really dig it. The almost hip-hop beat adds some awesome layers to the kind of naked-sounding original. However, it's still incredibly soft spoken, well-done, and creates a nice chill vibe.

Lapsley - Burn (Vasta Remix)

World Without You (MÖWE Remix)

Like most blogs/people/online publications/what have you, I'm going back through my favorite songs of 2015, but, well, the fact is that I didn't get to even post most of them. So I've been compiling a list on my Soundcloud if you're interested, or I'll just keep trying to post most of them individually here! Anyways, I really love this remix by the dynamic duo of MÖWE. They add such a nice vibe to this song that is a bit sad but has a good message in the end--"don't forget who it is that you are."

Hudson Taylor - World Without You (MÖWE Remix)



***Bonus track***
Check out this equally awesome original!

MÖWE - Chasing Clouds

Monday, December 14, 2015

Be Together (BKAYE Remix)

Ugh I just love it when a remix makes a good song like ten times better. BKAYE (self-identified as a Connecticut college kid, dope) takes this already awesome track to the next level and makes it way less depressing than the original, which I know is still good, but didn't it make you feel just a tiny bit too desperate? Anyways, this remix is bumpin so you should turn it up and jam.

Major Lazer ft. Wild Belle - Be Together (BKAYE Remix)

Closer

With a perfect blend of chill and upbeat, Duck House nails it with "Closer." Its hopeful and bubbly pop sound blends a little bit of psychedelic right in quite nicely. Enjoy!

Duck House - Closer

Sunday, December 13, 2015

You're Good But I'm Better

Kill J, thanks for killin it and getting all my sadness. I wasn't quite sure about this one at first, but the more I listened to it, the more I fell in love with it. I especially appreciate the vibrant chorus and the little "woo's!" spread throughout the track. With more and more songs these days I'm like, "Whoa, I've never heard anything like this!" and honestly it's hard to know what to expect. But nothing is better than being constantly pleasantly surprised! Keep it up Kill J.

Kill J - You're Good But I'm Better

SAINT WKND

Let's be honest, the weekend is and will always be a saint in our lives--rescuing us from those shitty weeks and giving us most of the best memories for the weeks to come. Anyways, now that it's unfortunately over, we need some good beats and, ahem, a positive vibe, to make it until next Friday. Thankfully SAINT WKND has got us covered. Full disclosure, I heard "Positive Vibe" last spring when it was first released, but like most of the songs I heard last spring, I was too bust galavanting in Paris to post them (and I'm pretty sure everyone knows their hit track "My Type"). No complaints. But they resurfaced recently again for the awesome remix of their track "Lost (Runaway)" by Fabich (see below). The sprinkled in bass and beats to it gives it a little extra kick. Enjoy!

SAINT WKND - Positive Vibe




SAINT WKND feat. INGLSH - Lost (Runaway)(Fabich Remix)

Metaphysical

Autograf always knows how to crank out a killer tune and "Metaphysical" is no exception. I love the plethora of various layered instrumentals--they work extremely well together--and Janelle's high-pitched voice blends quite nicely with it all. Autograf also had some cool insight on the inspiration of the song: "To us Metaphysical isn't about the origin of the universe. It's about the reality we create in our own lives. When we peel back the layers, we're all just human inside." PREACH.

Autograf - Metaphysical (ft. Janelle Kroll)

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Marcus Marr & Chet Faker

As always, I am still catching up on songs. It's a fast world of music out there y'all, so it's not easy to always be on top of it when you have like 5 other lives to live, but I like to try and give it a go. Anyways. These tracks brought forth from the cool collaboration of Marcus Marr, a London-based DJ/producer, and Australian vocalist Chet Faker, who you probably know from his biggest songs, 1998 and Talk Is Cheap. Additionally, the album artwork is psychedelic and dope. "Birthday Card" is definitely a more low key, chill house-ish kind of track, though still remaining quite upbeat. Chet's vocals are just a bit softer and subdued. However, "The Trouble With Us," is much funkier and outspoken. Love the instrumentals here. They're both worth a listen, check them out below!

Marcus Marr & Chet Faker - Birthday Card



Marcus Marr & Chet Faker - The Trouble With Us

Tip Pit

So I first heard this song as I was dozing off on the train (daily routine, etc.) and it was just perfect for that soothing vibe I was seeking. The vocals reminded me a bit of Passion Pit but I love the contrasting slow and dreamy instrumentals! I really love the line "'Cuz what I really want and what I really need is something that'll make me feel good" because uh, yeah, same. Super chill, good vibes ahead.

World Champion - Tip Pit

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Come To Me (Ofenbach Remix)

I love the way that Ofenbach has transformed this almost country-sounding folkish song into something totally upbeat and danceable. It's one of those tracks that I can listen to over and over again, still dancing, still feeling like I could listen to it again later without ever really getting sick of it. Love it!

Lily & Madeleine - Come To Me (Ofenbach Remix)

Another Day In Paradise

Music that actually makes you feel good is pretty exceptional and when they bring forth happiness makes it all the better. Such is the case with "Another Day In Paradise" by Quinn XCII thanks to an ideal combination of chill lyrics, an awesome beat, and overall good vibes.

Best words:
"75 degrees and a dope sound, all you need to live fine"
"And I be runnin' 'cuz I figured out the more I slow down the less I get out"

Quinn XCII - Another Day In Paradise



***Bonus track: This more recent track by Quinn XCII just brings me back to saying how relatable his lyrics are. Dope instrumentals as well.

Quinn XCII - Stung

Be Right There

This is a few months old, but I don't really care because I'm still totally into it. As we know, Diplo tends to straight up slay and this track is no exception. He's integrated house sounds of today with some super 90's synths (I'm reminded of "Be My Lover" by La Bouche, a classic of course) and killer vocals. Take 4 minutes of your day to dance to this contagious beat!!!!

Diplo & Sleepy Tom - Be Right There

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Stay (ft. Maty Noyes)

Ugh, Kygo just keeps killing it in every good way possible. Honestly, I don't see how someone could not like him or his tunes. He stays true to his work and it continues to be incredibly eloquently produced. Also, the fact that he's incredibly good looking doesn't really hurt either. His latest, "Stay," has some great vocals by Maty Noyes and I always enjoy seeing the track preview by piano via his Instagram (see below). Enjoy and let the good vibes roll.

Kygo - Stay (ft. Maty Noyes)





A video posted by Kygo (@kygomusic) on

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Berlin Blues

Whoa. I love finding artists like this vibrant South African, Alice Phoebe Lou, who just reflects sheer and raw talent. The intonations in her vocals are strangely reminiscent to Regina Spektor (who, of course, I absolutely adore). On the other hand, the acoustics and rhythm pick up are a bit more fun and rugged. Huge fan!

Alice Phoebe Lou - Berlin Blues

Crystalised (Edu Imbernon remix)

Some songs will forever reek of nostalgia, and for me "Crystalised" takes me back to my first car, driving (probably a bit recklessly) with the windows down and sunroof open, spring's cool air in my face and the wind in my hair. Even though this remix is pretty old, some slip through the cracks, and I'm grateful to be discovering it now because it's pretty swell and brings up some GoOd TyMeZ. Ya know.

The XX - Crystalised (Edu Imbernon remix)

Sunday, November 29, 2015

AMTRAC

If you haven't heard of AMTRAC, it's really time to get on this train. Heh. I first posted one of his remixes (When Will I See You Again) last January. Seriously though.. staying on track, I can't get his songs out of my head. They're great for a run, some dancing, what have you, and I can't get enough.

AMTRAC - Darkest Sound




AMTRAC - Lover



This one might be my favorite.. just hold on.

AMTRAC - Hold on



And this one is pretty old, but still awesome.

AMTRAC - Those Days


Oops / I'm back

Haha remember that time I thought I could run a music blog? Oops, my bad. I'm back to share with you some of my favorite tunes of the moment. And hopefully I'm back to stay, but who knows because life is pretty in your face... and sometimes I don't want to stare at my computer screen but would rather live outside of it. Anywaysss here are some of my recent obsessions!

So I was oddly attracted to the original of this track by Travi$ Scott, just because it was an unexpected slow jam but with a nice counteracting bass. Anyways, this cover by Moxie Raia has taken it above and beyond. Her soft voice works wonders.

Moxie Raia - Drugs You Should Try It (Travis Scott Cover)



I'm really in love with this upbeat remix of Flight Facilities track, "Two Bodies." Don't know much about Henri, but he slayed the original and his remix always makes me want to boogie. Let's move.

Flight Facilities - Two Bodies (Henri Remix)



When a track breaks things down without being annoying, I can't help but applaud that. There are so many directions that it could go at that point, and to make a choice of a good drop is something to be proud of. A little rap seasoned on top never hurts either!! This one is fire.

TOKiMONSTA - Put It Down (feat. Anderson .Paak & KRNE)



RÜFÜS has definitely been putting out some super sounds recently, and his "Like An Animal" is no exception. However, with a little twist on top of it by the likes of Dom Dolla, it's pure magic. Rawr.

RÜFÜS - Like An Animal (Dom Dolla Remix)



Ok so I've been a fan of Kill Them With Colour for awhile; they put out a unique kind of song that isn't always easy to categorize, but of course I find that beautiful and absolutely adore the blending of trap and trance and beyond. That being said, Get High VIP is fucking fantastic.

Kill Them With Colour - Get High VIP



That's it for now, but I'll definitely be making an effort to post more regularly! Xoxo

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Y//2//K

If you're looking for some good slow Sunday tracks to not get out of bed to, Y//2//K has got you more than covered. (I'm pretty sure it's just one guy, but I can't find one definitive bio.) Of course, Band Of Horses' "The Funeral" is slow enough by itself, but imagine it even slower... and sadder... Y//2//K nailed it, especially with all the added hip hop trills in there.

Y//2//K x Honest - Funeral



Even though I personally prefer red, this version of white wine isn't too shabby. Check it out:

Y//2//K - White Wine ft. Mark Johns



This might be my favorite... I love reflecting on Waka Flocka's super deep and meaningful lyrics, and this slowed down version is really perfect for that. In all seriousness, like who comes up with this? Yes, but no, but yes...

Y//2//K - there are things you can't forget



**Bonus: yeah, he did a remix of that Sophia Grace song, and I will admit to liking it.

Sophia Grace - Best Friends (Y//2//K Remix)

I Don't Fuck With Classics (Big Sean x The Knocks)

The Hood Internet: I love you, please never stop making the best, simplest, smoothest mashups in the game. This mix is perfectly counterbalanced between Big Sean's aggressive "lil stupid ass bitch" calling and the classic groove of The Knocks. This seamless combination puts me at ease quite nicely.

The Hood Internet - I Don't Fuck With Classics (Big Sean x The Knocks)

Bloom (Lane 8 Remix)

I'm loving this simultaneously upbeat yet perfectly ambient remix of one of my favorite Odesza tracks by Lane 8. You can't help but let it put you in a better mood. Such a good combination.

Odesza - Bloom (Lane 8 Remix)

No Type (Rae Sremmurd Cover)

I have always been one for ASTR's ethereal sound, but their latest cover of "No Type" just goes above and beyond. There's honestly nothing like slowed-down hip hop, in my opinion. Check it out to see how you like it!

ASTR - No Type (Rae Sremmurd Cover)

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Real Love (The Chainsmokers Remix)

Okay, I'm glad The Chainsmokers are finally starting to restore my former faith in them. Although this mix takes things in quite a different direction for them, (much slower tempo, more bass, less electro house) I might just like it. The original of "Real Love" and Jess Glynne's voice is magnificent too so that doesn't hurt either. The one thing I could do without is the sax samples because they feel a little too far out of place for me, but other than that I think I dig it quite a bit. It feels cleaner, crisper, and more intentional--a good spin on an already marvelous, magical track.

Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne - Real Love (The Chainsmokers Remix)

Dusk Funk

I'm a bit late on this one, but it brightens my mood every time I listen to it! This is some phenomenal funk brought to you by Bondax, from dawn until dusk. The vocals by Ayah Marar cut pretty deep and flow perfectly into the groove.

Bondax - Dusk Funk ft. Ayah Marar

Krazy Kool Kanye Kovers

Kill me for that title, but whatever.

This cover of "Through The Wire" by Fyfe is excellently executed. He keeps it mostly acoustic--I'm a big fan of the deep xylophone--save for the signature screams from Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock's "It Takes Two," which is an incredibly amazing addition.

Fyfe - Through The Wire (Kanye West Cover)



When two awesome DJs collaborate, don't be surprised to hear something fantastic. Cool and unique cover, dig it.

Kanye West - All Of The Lights (Prince Fox X Hotel Garuda Cover)

Through The Roof

A good beat and a good mood are one in the same--they're both contagious. I love this new direction that Hermitude is going towards with reggae-ish sounding vocals and heavy traplike bass. Good vibez all the way. Looking forward to hearing what other new material they come up with!

Hermitude - Through The Roof

Made In Heights

I have so much love and respect for groups that come out with original material, because I feel like a large majority of everything else that's being released right now is just a remix of someone else's work. (If you aren't a frequent reader, I obviously respect remixes as well, but coming out with something that speaks for itself is a pretty impressive feat.) Anyways, I've been meaning to post Made In Heights (Sabzi + Kelsey Bulkin) for awhile now and have been listening to "Ghosts" and "Panthers" since they were released this fall. Kelsey's milky voice gets an amazing R&B/hip-hop layer added to it through Sabzi's production and these songs create a wonderful dissonance that's simultaneously soft and rough at the same time in a way in which one would never think to do but works flawlessly. I love the raw originality and talent of this duo and can't wait to hear more of their work! Stay high, stay fly.

Made In Heights - Ghosts



Made In Heights - Panther



PS- I absolutely love the sassy, eye-rolling album artwork for this one. Props. 

Pink Medicine

I'll avoid making any Pepto Bismol related jokes and just say that this one goes down much easier (although it is undeniably dope). This song doesn't remind me of medicine at all, but more of a sparkly unicorn of mythical synth and rhythm because this, my friends, is one of those tracks that I file under the undefinable "electronic bullshit" label. Not bullshit like its a bad thing but it's just a smorgasbord of good sounding electronic bullshit that you can't fully and justifiably explain to yourself--why you like it or why it sounds perfect together. Nonetheless, it's amazing and makes you feel good, so I tend to keep the electronic bullshit around. Enjoy.

Bearson - Pink Medicine



***Bonus: A fun and bright lil remix by Bearson.

The Lighthouse and the Whaler - Venice (Bearson Remix)

Monday, January 19, 2015

So Many Zhu Remixes, So Little Time

Honestly, no, I am not sick of ZHU yet, and I find his tracks as tantalizing as ever. These recent remixes give two of my favorites of his totally different vibez. Like I know you don't want to hear another "Faded" remix, but trust me on this one... you'll be glad that you did. This remix of "Paradise Awaits" by a previously unknown FKJ slows it down to take things in a completely different direction while adding some funk and groove to this already utopian track.

ZHU - Faded (Mysto & Pizzi X Moiez Remix)



ZHU - Paradise Awaits (FKJ Remix)

Monday, January 12, 2015

Live This Nightmare (NGHTMRE Remix)

I'm not even kidding, this track leaves me speechless. I'm not quite sure how to classify it but I just know it's bomb. It just produces so many feels at once ughhh. Can't stop listening. Amazing job by NGHTMRE with this remix, although I can't tell you why he felt compelled to include that last vowel in his name. Also, I love the emphasis on the words "feel the beat" because I most certainly do.

The Griswolds - Live This Nightmare (NGHTMRE Remix)



***Bonus: I don't check the price, all I do is swipe... duh.

Rae Sremmurd - No Type (NGHTMRE Remix)

Hard Hitters

Most of these tracks are from last fall, but I find myself continuously going back to them because they are just dope.

This one just refuses to ever get old. So much love for this heavy track infused with hints Daft Punk and can't wait to hear more from the Oliver duo.

Oliver - Light Years Away



With a title like "Cowboy Bebop" how could you doubt it? I think Royal lassoes in his DJ skillz pretty solidly in this one, as it's original material and not a remix. The bass hits deep and it's short enough to keep your attention without getting carried away.

Royal - Cowboy Bebop



When I said "hard hitters" I was mostly referring to this one by Madeon. (Imperius curse from Harry Potter anyone?) I've absolutely loved this French DJ since he released his track "Pop Culture" back in 2011 with its fascinating video of his hands mixing up several different tracks. Needless to say, his latest here does not disappoint.

Madeon - Imperium



I love the new dimension that Louis The Child brings to Zella Day's "Compass." The wobbling drops are pretty unique and I love the digitalis synth that comes in towards the end of the track.

Zella Day - Compass (Louis The Child Remix)



Even though the lyrics of this track might seem a bit sad and desperate, Amtrac brings some uplifting vibes to it. It's ambient in the perfect way and is a good one to just chill to and find some peace.

Shakka - When Will I See you Again (Amtrac Remix)



I definitely won't be getting over this song anytime soon. Yes, the words are a bit harsh, but it kind of forces you to re-examine your life and ask yourself what the fuck you're doing with your time. I definitely consider myself to be "one of the dreamers," so this is a little motivational to get my shit together, try to be better, and do something that truly matters. With a clever band name such as Hopium, I expect it to be good, and Two Can brings some serious heat with the bass in his version of the track, which really makes it much better.

Dreamers - Hopium (Two Can Remix)



I love this track so much that I tried (in vain--I can't talk that fast without breathing/swallowing) to learn the Kendrick Lamar verse of it. SO FIRE. And this remix by Nightizm makes it even better in my opinion. Songs that convey a real message mean a lot to me; we are all probably luckier (more #blessed) than we can ever truly fathom, so be grateful and go as far as you can with that luck.

Schoolboy Q & Kendrick Lamar - Blessed (Nightizm)

Dear Mama (Boehm Remix)

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with tropical house + amazing rap tracks, which obviously includes 2pac. This came out awhile ago but I'm just now hearing it and love the carefree vibes it brings with it.

2Pac - Dear Mama (Boehm Remix)