February Mix Tape

Memoryhouse B-Side Release

If you're in the North East region of the US right now, you probably have the same view I have from my window. Non-stop snow because of this so called "snowicane" (We have AccuWeather to thank for that nonsensical move to dub a new genre of natural occurrence). In any case, this new b-side by the Ontario based duo, Memoryhouse, is making this weather tolerable. I spent a good 15 minutes listening to their songs and staring outside my window. 15 minutes well spent, I must say. Bonfire has all the elements that make you feel like curling up in your Snuggie. The mellow guitars go amazingly well with the dreamy vocals.

"Let's get cold together."

Bonfire - Memoryhouse

This is off To The Lighthouse, set to be released March 2. You can pre-order the limited To The Lighthouse 7" (500 copies) here and receive a free download of their unreleased song Coma.

Other Memoryhouse picks:

Lately (Deuxième) - Memoryhouse


To The Light House (Millionyoung Remix) - Memoryhouse

Pyramiddd / Starfucker

Indie-electronica band out of Portland, Oregon. Tips on putting together a really good band: adept to a wide range of instruments (obviously). These four guys are full of talent. You've got Josh Hodges (keyboard, guitar, vocals, drums), Ryan Biornstad (vocals, turntables, keyboard, guitar) Shawn Glassford (bass, keyboard, drums) and Keil Corcoran (drums, keyboard, vocals, guitar). I don't think they've blown out yet, but I'm sure it will happen anytime this year. Myke Ptyson is the bright light at the end of a cold dark tunnel (winter). I think Spring/Summer when I hear this. Handclap anyone? C'mon, you know you want to!


Myke Ptyson - Starfucker

I'm throwing in this Cyndi Lauper cover they've done. Nicely done, I must say.

Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper Cover) - Starfucker

Markus Hasselblom

Ladies, Wrangler's Blue Bell Campaign. You might take an interest in the 'power' this ad gives you. Gentlemen, you'll have to make do with the background music. It's composed by this Swede, Markus Hasselblom. Not much about him online, but this track is more than enough for now. Some pretty hypnotizing guitar riffs on this one.

Ring The Bell, Tony - Markus Hasselblom

DCUP

No, we aren't talking cup sizes here. Sydney based electro DJ, DCUP came out with this latest creation a week ago. Smooth funk filled track.


Style (Rainbows Of Death Remix) - DCUP

"Have your own kind of style now, not like the rest"

This is one I've had for sometime now. AWEsome.

I Can See (DCUP Remix) - Jazzanova ft. Ben Westbeech

Shout Out Louds x Ratatat

I'm backtracking here. Ratatat worked their magic on this Nordic band's tune. Guitar + Synthesizer = Bang Bang!


The Comeback (Big Slippa Mix By Ratatat) - Shout Out Louds

Throwing in this oldie as well.

Wildcat - Ratatat

Vanishing Point

Trip out on this!

Bad Veins

Ladies and gents, I present the next big band: Bad Veins. The reason for such a big statement will only be clear after you've heard these tracks. This dynamic duo from Cincinnati, composed of Benjamin Davis (songwriter, singer, guitarist, keyboardist) and Sebastien Schultz (drummer) have apparently been getting a lot of press outside of the blogosphere since mid last year. These guys bring a familiar sound to the table that is reminiscent of The Strokes. Every element of these songs are executed with utmost professionalism. It's hard to come across an artist that can play different instruments and make them sound so distinctive all in one track. To add to that, the dirty distorted vocals make it even a better listen. All in all, their work is genius. I can't wait to see these guys finally make music industry limelight.

Thanks to Steph from forthebeat for the heads up on these guys!

BAD VEINS ANNOUNCE TOUR WITH WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS
10-Date North American Tour Kicks Off at Bowery Ballroom in NYC on February 11th

2.17 - Casbah @ The Tremont Music Hall - Charlotte, NC
2.18 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
2.19 - The End - Nashville, TN
2.20 - Maxine's Pub - Hot Springs, AR
2.21 - Hailey's - Denton, TX

Dry Out - Bad Veins


Gold And Warm - Bad Veins


Go Home - Bad Veins

The Radio Dept.

It has never taken me this long get used to a song. I've had this track for almost a month now yet it took awhile until I got comfortable with this pop sound that these guys took on in this song. Don't get me wrong, The Radio Dept. is definitely on my top 10 list musical acts. I guess I was just expecting more of their old stuff. The melancholic voice, dreamy instrumentals, those are what got me hooked on them in the first place. After constantly listening to this new track, I've learned to LOVE IT. I'm just happy these guys are finally releasing a new album this year, it has been way too long my friends.

Heaven's On Fire - The Radio Dept.

Cyndi Seui

I just spent 30 minutes trying to figure out if this dude is Filipino. From Bangkok, Thailand, Cesar B. De Guzman mixes a flurry of electro genres. This is one of his more chilled out tunes. The second one is an awesome remix of Miami Horror I posted last year.

All It Takes - Cyndi Seui


Don't Be On With Her (Cyndi Seui Remix) - Miami Horror

Safe

I guess I might as well just make this permanent. Sunday Slowdown, people! I present...Chris Edley. There are only two pictures of him I could find on the web. It was either him shirtless holding a piece of poultry, or this. I opted for the less disturbing image as you can see. Believe it or not, this guy started as a multi-media artist. He was doing the art for all the MGMT videos before he decided become a recording artist. I guess this is another tune you can add to your chillwave playlists (I KNOW, when will it ever end?). This track is as calm as -insert poetic, serene setting- . It has got mellow beats and soothing synths that could possibly lull you to sleep.

Twenty Years On - Safe

The video just sets a whole different vibe though. Probably one of the most unrelated things ever.

The Morning Benders

From the Bay Area to the Empire State. This indie-pop quartet is bringing the sunshine back to the East with their fresh and laid-back style. Their music shows immense talent despite their young age. This video was their first material I came across. Simple yet acoustically perfect. This other track I'm putting up from their upcoming album, Echo (set to be released on March 9), and the cover of Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, back that previous statement up.

Promises - The Morning Benders


Dreams (Fleetwood Mac Cover) - The Morning Benders

New Crookers Single

Awesome new single from their new album out on March 8. There is no clear version available online YET, so you all have to settle with this one for now.

Cooler Couleur (Feat. Yelle) - Crookers

Does it Offend You, Yeah?

This is an old track I just recently came across. Lifelike did an AMAZING job here. I wouldn't be surprised since he's released a couple of good tracks. Putting this out because it's a Friday, and I'm sure all of you are heading out tonight for some downtime (or partytime) from work, school or whatever it was that drained the hell out of you during the week. In any case, this is the perfect song to set you on Weekend Mode. The title speaks for itself. Enjoy!

Epic Last Song (Lifelike Remix) - Does it Offend You, Yeah?

This is another remix of Lifelike's that I posted a couple of months back.


Barcelona (Lifelike Remix) - Plastiscines

Toro Y Moi

This is from his latest album, which you can purchase here. I'm really loving this song right now, then again, we can expect nothing less than stellar from this guy so yes, I love the whole album. Plus, it's freeeeeezing here in New York, but it's music like this that gets you through the day all warm and kicking. Relax, don't do it, when you want to go to it!

Low Shoulder - Toro Y Moi

Yeasayer x Alan Wilkis

I've been meaning to upload this for quite some time. Great remix of Ambling Alp by Alan Wilkis, a friend of Musicphile|osophy from Brooklyn! Check out his remixes here!

Ambling Alp (Alan Wilkis) - Yeasayer

Keepaway

Brooklyn just keeps coming out with amazing artists. KeepAway unloads an abundance of beats onto this track that it goes harmoniously well together with their echoing voices. Personally, their vocals in this track, as well as the entirety of the song, sound a lot like Animal Collective. With a hint of "chillwave" that is. This newly dubbed genre seems to be attracting a lot of hopeful talent. I'm just hoping that it doesn't get overly-saturated that it dies out soon.

KeepAway - Yellow Wings

Erlend Øye Remixed

Yeah, don't let the glasses fool you. This guy thrives on the geeky look. Erlend has got all the ladies at his beck and call. I came across this Twelves remix awhile back and it was just too good not to post. Also, I just downloaded Erlend's album, Unrest (circa 2003) last month just to see what how he was doing before he paired up to form the great Kings of Convenience. I highly suggest that you purchase the track because it is well worth it. The minimalistic but head-bopping electro beats go smoothly together with Erlend's pure and plaintive voice. He never seems to have the need to over-stretch his lungs. Whatacoolguy!

A Sudden Rush (The Twelves Remix) - Erlend Øye


A Sudden Rush - Erlend Øye

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

This song has grown on me so much since I first downloaded it a week ago. Now psychedelic rock has never really been a thing of mine but this song is just so damn catchy. The tune sticks with you. I felt like one of those vigilantes in movies riding in those beat down, dust covered Mustangs, driving down a long stretch of road with tumble weed in sight all around, and the Devil's Peak in the horizon. Yes, I have a very vivid imagination! But going back to the song, the bass and the drums on this are amazing. It's a kind of tolerable kind of rock that I can listen to over and over. I can't wait for their album to be launched this March. As I mentioned in my post on Free Energy, it's tough to bring back an old sound to a new generation, but Free Energy and B.R.M.C are one of those few that do a good job.

Beat The Devil's Tattoo - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Efterklang

Copenhagen, Denmark. I've recently accustomed myself with the tunes of Efterklang. I find myself drawn to the bands versatility. Some of their work reminds me of (and I wouldn't be surprised if they were influenced by) Sigur Ros. Some of their songs are heavy on string based instruments that give of a European folk sound. They also make use of some female/child falsetto voices. That kind of music takes a learned ear to appreciate. This sample from Efterklang's latest album shows that the band might be coming out with a more easy listening set that has lighter notes yet maintaining their dream-like sounding instrumentals. These guys have signed with a new label just last year and are releasing their latest album under their new home on February 22. You can purchase it at the band's website.

Modern Drift - Efterklang

Jamie Lidell

The English musician and soul singer is back. Although this time, he seems to have taken on a more mellow tone. This is just an assumption though which I'm just basing it on this one track from his album new album, Compass, set to be released on May 18th here in the US. I enjoyed the track sans the funk that was prevalent in his last album, Jim, released back in 2008. He seems to have incorporated some guitar strumming akin to Jose González. Who isn't in need of some dose of melancholy anyway? haha


Compass - Jamie Lidell

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. From his album Jim.

A Little Bit Of Feel Good - Jamie Lidell

Music Videos

I have a renewed fancy for music videos. Back when I had little knowledge outside the genre of popular music, I thought nothing of music videos. I would watch it on MTV, but I'd never really pay attention to it in relation to the song. Now though, I see how everything really has to come together in the video to make the listening experience all the better. I stumbled upon this new song of Camera Obscura that has a pretty awesome visual concept along with it. The vocals and instrumentals are that kind of dreamy pop that ring in adolescent memories. The music video might be too cheesy for some of you but I like the old school editing that was done. Every shot makes you wish more and more you were right there in Europe trailing behind them. This brings me to the video it reminded me of: Next Time Around by Little Joy. Similar concept, same kind of editing except this was more 'indie' (pardon the loose use of the term) and over all a feel good kind of visual experience.

French Navy - Camera Obscura




Next Time Around - Little Joy

Caribou

Daniel Victor Snaith a.k.a Caribou, formerly Manitoba apparently oozes with intelligence. Not only does he come out with catchy tunes, but he holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of Toronto and a PhD from Imperial College London. So there is probably some science to his crafting of melodies.

Anyway, watch out for the release of his new album, Swim, on April 20. Definitely something to look forward to! This new track is just a taste of what is to come. Strangely sounding A LOT like Erlend Oye, this is one tune you can dance to anyway you like.

Odessa - Caribou

Air x Breakbot

Suave work by Breakbot on this remix. I really liked the original because of the mellow instrumentals but the song apparently fits well in Breakbot fashion beats.


So Light Is Her Footfall (Breakbot Remix) - Air Download

Grafton Primary

Again, from Sydney, Australia. If their music wasn't good, I honestly wouldn't know what to think of these guy. I mean c'mon, I get that the picture is black and white, but red cowboy boots? These guys sound like The Presets x VHS or Beta. Great stuff actually. I always thought that new wave vocals went really well with electronica. Maimi Horror, as usual, did an excellent job with this remix. For you budding DJs, how about try this on one of your sets?


I Can Cook (Miami Horror Remix) - Grafton Primary Download

As for this one, just blast the volume and "rock out."

All Stars - Grafton Primary Download

Free Energy

4 buddies from Philadelphia, PA. I've been listening to these guys for the past two days now. Their melodic guitars are old school classic rock, it's good to hear a band that can bring back such a sound. They are likened to sounding like staple bands such as Cheap Trick, Boston and Fleetwood Mac.

I was hoping to watch them last Friday as they did a free show with Hot Chip, but I wasn't cut out for the weather.

Hope Child - Free Energy Download


Dream City - Free Energy Download


Dream City - Free Energy Download

I saved the best for last.


Something In Common - Free Energy Download

Klaxons: No Diggity Redux

After their prized songs, Golden Skans and Gravity's Rainbow, this English band moves on to put a spin to one of the good ol' 90's hiphop songs.

Pretty decent vocals. I'm glad they kept with the essence of the song. If there is anything else I loath more than someone squeezing the toothpaste container right in the middle, it would be crappy remakes of songs.

No Diggity - Klaxons Download

Simian Mobile Disco Remixed

Again with the problem of overlooking. Gotta keep tabs on my iTunes. This is from last year but it's still as good as it was the first time I heard it. It's a pretty slow one but boy does it sound sexy.

Cruel Intentions (Heartbreaks Slow Action Remix) - Simian Mobile Disco Download

Memoryhouse x MillionYoung

I have a bad habit of downloading music and completely forgetting that I have to go over it again. I've had this track on my iTunes for the last two week apparently and it sickens me that I hadn't put up such a good track right away.

Memoryhouse is a duo composed of neo-classical composer Evan Abeele, and photographer Nouvion. Their name "Memoryhouse" tribute to German composer Max Richter’s work whose project originally meant to escape the paralysis of winter. How fitting to the blistering cold weather here in New York.

Anyway, this track is full on chillwave. One of the best I've heard actually. MillionYoung did an excellent job on the remix. Ambient loops, soothing synths, the ringing guitar riffs akin to Radio Dept.'s first album make this track unbelievably eargasmic. I've got this on repeat.

To The Light House (MillionYoung Remix) - Memoryhouse Download

DJ Haircut a.k.a Mayer Hawthorne

A look back into Hawthorne's past when he used to go by the moniker, DJ Haircut.

Mayer Hawthorne - 1000 Paper Cranes Download