WEEKLY TRACK ROUNDUP #9
“Come Thru” - Drake (James Blake version)
Nothing was the same after James Blake mixed up this track. The Mercury Prize nominated producer has hit it big since his self-titled first album. The dance emphasis on this track only further showcases his incredible talent. Using a biting beat for the moody Drake chorus, Blake crafts a track that is bound to be heard at the discotheque very soon. This rework pairs very well to his Harmonimix work, his remix moniker, and I'd highly advise banging his Destiny's Child remix of 'Bills, Bills, Bills' right now.
--Eric
“Totally Nice” - Paula
Elegant Indie Pop with a vintage touch, David Carriere is an incredibly underrated songwriter from the Montreal area. The style of this track, and others on the album, pull influence from the 80s, both rhythmically and melodically. Formerly of the band Silly Kissers, David now plays in the indie band TOPS, in addition to his solo project, Paula. The only Paula LP, Relaxed Fit, came out on Arbutus Records last year. This is my favorite track (although the whole album is incredibly well-written).
--Zack
“Ratchet In My Benz ft. Juicy J” - Ty Dolla $ign
Ty Dolla $ign exists in a world of rappers rapping about Bentleys and 'Raris. He chooses a Benz for the subject of what he and his female friends decide to get ratchet in. The modesty of Mr. Dolla $ign shines through in this daring choice of car. The soothing R. Kelly-esque vocals on the chorus juxtaposed with Juicy J's pussy-obsessed rhymes that promise bitches a feeling like none other than those of a runaway slave make for a really solid track that you'll feel good about bumping wherever you go.
Download Ty Dolla $ign's mixtape for free here.
--Walker
“Let's Roll “ - Porest
The renowned Wyatt has prepared a statement in the form of a quote from President Buchanan:
"Expansion is the future of our country, and only cowards fear and oppose it."
--Y@
“The Funniest Joke” - Butterflies On Strings
Butterflies On Strings was an indie pop quartet based out of London that mixed the sweet vocals of lead singer Allan Harrod with expert musicianship and quietly powerful lyricism. While the band announced its breakup early in 2013, it leaves us with a small but dazzling collection of songs, including "The Funniest Joke", which begins as a beautiful melody before lending its way to an instrumental finish. If you like the track, be sure to check out their website, where the band has put up their complete discography for free download.
--Daniel G.
“In Sarah, Mencken, Christ And Beethoven There Were Women And Men” - Tortoise
Tortoise's "In Sarah, Mencken," off their 1998 album TNT, is a beautifully crafted fusion of jazzy post-rock and electronica. Its gently undulating bass line guides you through calming soundscapes of groovy, organic percussion and intricate guitar/synth arrangements. As influential players in the development of post-rock, Tortoise's affinity for slow-building, spaced-out composition is easy to hear as "In Sarah, Mencken" glides up and down through mellow shifts in dynamic. Get lost in this track gorgeous track; each listen yields new discoveries.
--Chris
“We Exist” - Arcade Fire
Reflektor, Arcade Fire's fourth album, came out in all of its 85-minute-long splendor on Tuesday. There are many words that can describe the record, but for me only one phrase rings true: Reflektor is fucking awesome. At no point is it better than the slinky and dramatic "We Exist". Every review I've heard that mentions the song sounds something like "blah blah We Exist blah blah Billie Jean blah blah bass line". To be fair, the parallels are definitely there, but the song is so much more than that. Check out the layered instrumentation, the excellent use of foreground and background, and the awesome, chiming guitar riff.
--Daniel B
“Love In Motion (feat. Mayer Hawthorne)” – SebastiAn
You may recognize this song from the critically acclaimed Victoria Secret ad "Guilty by Gucci". Anyways, this song is guilty of being friggin' awesome. It is by corny (yet banging) French Grindhouse icon Sebastian. Sebastian is signed to the one, the only, and the legendary Ed Banger Records. This song features American Soul Artist Mayor Hawthorne and a bada$$ in your face attitude. LISTEN BUDDY
--Nick
"Carry On, Turn Me On" – Space
"Touch me / Feel me / Love me / Take me / Carry on / Turn me on"
Space is a French space disco group from the late 70s. "Carry On, Turn Me On" is from their debut album, Magic Fly. I discovered them through a 70s French Electronic playlist by XLR8R a few weeks ago and I'm hooked. The sensuality of this song is perfect: when you're getting ready in the morning, fresh out of the shower; when you're writing your government essay; when you want to feel "good"; when you're preparing for an enema, etc. How can anyone not be taken by its invigorating nature? The way Madeline Ball wails, "Tooouch mee, feeeeeeeelll mee…" Come on.
--Chelsie
