Check out the mixtape kills released by the Swedish duo jj. Comprised of Elin Kastlander and Joakim Benon, jj has a penchant for making electronic covers of popular rap and hip-hop songs. Their unique style caught the attention of Pitchfork, which gave their debut album an 8.6. They’ve even toured with The xx, back in March and April of this year.
Gold Panda's Lucky Shiner
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Check out some of the latest jams from British producer Gold Panda. His lo-fi, beat-driven electronic sound can most appropriately be described as hypnotizing. If you’re a fan of Washed Out or Toro y Moi, you should definitely give Gold Panda a listen. His stuff has received critical acclaim from such publications as Pitchfork, Dazed and Confused, The Guardian & NME, among others. Be sure to grab his debut album, Lucky Shiner, which is set to be released in on CD and vinyl mid-October.
M.I.A. Performs "Born Free" on The Late Show with David Letterman
Yesterday, M.I.A. performed the track “Born Free“ from her latest album /\/\/\Y/\ on The Late Show with David Letterman. The performance was characterized by the singer having an entourage of look-a-likes singing and dancing along with her. Pretty strange if you ask me, but it’s something that I’m not surprised to see her do— it’s her way of addressing the recent criticism that’s been tossed around about how she’s fake and an impostor.
Making a surprise cameo appearance alongside M.I.A. and her posse was Suicide band member Martin Rev on the keyboards.
Stream M.I.A.'s Latest Album MAYA
M.I.A.’s third album /\/\/\Y/\ (MAYA), is now available for stream on her MySpace. After giving it a couple of quick listens, I’m surprised to say that I’m a little disappointed. I really _wanted to fall in love with it, since I still listen to _Arular and Kala on a weekly basis, but it didn’t happen.
I walked away thinking that there isn’t a standout song on /\/\/\Y/\. I know she’s been pushing for “XXXO” and “Born Free“ to be her hit songs ever since they were released a few weeks ago, but I just haven’t been feeling them. Maybe this album needs a little time to grow on me. Take a listen and decide for yourself:
New Crystal Castles "Celestica" Music Video
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Experimental electronica duo Crystal Castles’ self-titled second album was released just last month to critical acclaim, and with good reason. It’s easily one of my favorite albums of the year, on par with Broken Bells’ self-titled debut, Broken Social Scene’s Forgiveness Rock Record, and The National’s High Violet. Tracks like “Doe Deer,” “Empathy,” “Vietnam,” “Intimate,” and “Celestica” have been on repeat on my iPod for the last 30 days.
The Canadian duo’s latest music video for “Celestica” has just been released. It features lead singer Alice Glass taking a leisurely stroll through a forest and eventually an overgrown cemetery during the day. A little strange and eerie, but then again, I’ve seen worse.