Archive for August, 2008

BOTR vol 09

Published by
billy
at August 30, 2008 in andre 3000, best of the remix, black dominoes, botr, bugo, burntpiano, coin operated boy, coldplay, crystal castles, cut copy, daft punk, fhr, fleet foxes, gorillaz, headburn, health, hot chip, john legend, knightlife, la riots, lazrtag, lil wayne, mgmt, mp3, mstrkrft, music, nas, nt89, red hot chili peppers, remix, starters, this is ivy league and ting tings. 15 Comments

OMG, TGIF, welcome at last to another BOTR on TWF.  I thought this month I would try to get this volume of Best of the Month onto the interwebs in time for the extended holiday weekend {only extended for us Yanks, much apologies to the rest of the globe.  And have fun working on Monday}.  For those of you looking to get some folks dancing at a Labor Day party {or just looking to get the ladies in the mood} feel free to download all the tracks below or cruise through this link to check out all the other BOTR volumes.

All the tracks in one zip file : here {zshare = left click}

If you’d rather just download the music and not read my totally brilliant commentary {it’s currently 1:13 AM as I’m typing it} click the link above and be on your merry way.  All the tracks below are available to be downloaded directly from this page.  Simply right click and save it.

mp3 : Bugo - Sesto Senso (NT89 Remix)
I have no idea what’s going on in this remix.  It’s fast, it’s slow, it’s Italian.  It’s quite and loud and eerily it lacks a discernible beat for almost the entire track.  It reminds me of dreaming.

mp3 : Coldplay vs Nas - If I Viva la Vida (Starters Remix)
The Nas rhymes feel a bit overclocked up on this track, but they flow nicely with the Coldplay anthem.  I kinda wish Nas was actually on more of the song, but that’s just me.  It’s a great remix.

mp3 : Crystal Castles vs Health - Crimewave (LAZRtag Remix)
If I was in the dark on the Bugo remix above then this track leaves me standing outside, in freezing rain, with a new moon.  Yet for some reason I love the cold, I like the rain, and darkness, apparently, is a good friend.  Wait for the beat to drop about ninety seconds into this one.  It is worth the wait.

mp3 : Cut Copy - Hearts on Fire (Knightlife Remix)
Question; Who knew a remix of Cut Copy could make them sound even more like they’re a band from the eighties?  Answer; Knightlife knew exactly what to do to make Cut Copy into even more of a cliche.  A very danceable, lovable, Miami Vice-able cliche.

mp3 : Daft Punk - Harder Better Faster Stronger (Coin Operated Boy Remix)
Just when you thought this song had been remixed far {and I do mean far} too many times, along comes a new track that simply begs to be heard.  Easily one of the top three tracks in this volume this is a must download.  Wait for everything to hit the floor at exactly one minute into the track.  Just brilliant.

mp3 : Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal (Black Dominoes Remix)
I have nothing to write here, I’m still listening to the Daft Punk remix.  Ok, that’s done {played it twice}, on with the show.  This track is short and sweet and serves as a perfect transition piece between dance beats.  Dig it.

mp3 : Gorillaz - Kids With Guns (Hot Chip Remix)
What’s not to like about a band made up entirely of cartoon characters?  Nothing.  And sweet and steady remixes of their tracks are welcome as well.  Especially this one.

mp3 : John Legend and Andre 3000 - Green Light (MSTRKRFT Remix)
I’ve died and gone to heaven {twice} and this is the music they play while you wait in the queue at the pearly gates.  Honestly it is that good.  This is magic {or is it “illusions!, Michael”} contained in four amazing minutes.  Could this be the surprise smash hit of the summer?  Could this be a one song repeat style playlist for an entire party?

mp3 : Lil’ Wayne - Lollipop (LAZRtag Remix)
Who the frak allowed Lil’ Wayne to make this list?  Have no fear, I’m firing my editors tomorrow.  As long as it’s on the list you should hear the way LAZRtag makes Lil’ Wayne not only bearable but actually relevant.  They should win a Nobel Prize for this.

mp3 : MGMT - Kids (Burntpiano Robo Remix)
Be warned, this remix might be the most addicting song you’ve heard all month.  Not kidding.  The entire track has been reworked {this could almost count as a cover song} into pure digital bliss.  Even the vocals.  Not kidding.  And you’ll love it.  Double not kidding two point one.

mp3 : Red Hot Chili Peppers - By The Way (Headburn Remix)
This is the perfect kickoff track for any party the world over.  Throw this seven minute wonder onto the top of each and every playlist you’ve ever created.  It’s a slow starter, it’s a quasi crowd pleaser, and it just might be the best RHCP remix I’ve ever heard.

mp3 : The Ting Tings - That’s Not My Name (LA Riots Remix)
Hand. Claps. Are. Awesome.  Period.  LA Riots have made this track into something great.  Great things are awesome too.

mp3 : This Is Ivy League - London Bridges (FHR Remix)
Hey kids, now that you’re home from school let’s think of something constructive we can do with our holiday weekend.  I feel like this could easily be the background music to some trippy modern day after school special.  The type of school special that would feature copious amounts of high fives and thumbs ups.  Maybe even a cut-it-out or two.

Ok, enough of my blathering on and on.  I’m tired, it’s after 2 in the morning and I was partying hard the last day or so.  Have fun this weekend on whatever continent you’re currently residing.  Cheers, and come back often.

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The Weakerthans

Published by
billy
at August 28, 2008 in indie, mp3, music and weakerthans. 3 Comments

A couple of days  ago I mentioned my penchant for liking songs about cats.  I probably should’ve been more specific.  I should have mentioned I particularly like songs from the point of view of a cat.  Namely a certain Canadian cat who goes by the delightful moniker Virtute.  As far as my research team {er, me} is concerned Virtute first made her debut on the music scene with a song on The Weakerthans’ 2003 album Reconstruction Site (amazon) (itunes).  It was on this track where she {I assume she’s a she due to Virtute not generally being associate with male cats} lamented the depression of her owner.  She encouraged her owner to live life again.  To invite people and friends over and to forget the past and all those awkward emotions associated with it.  Her best line, “we’ll pass around the easy lie / of absolutely no regrets / and later maybe you could try / to let your losses dangle off / the sharp edge of a century / we’ll talk about the weather or / how the weather used to be.”

Apparently her pleading and good natured ribbing didn’t quite pull through for her lonesome owner.  On last year’s album by The Weakerthans, Reunion Tour (amazon) (itunes), Virtute the Cat again takes the stage and explains why, in the end she chose to leave.  There was a great big world out there and her curiosity simply could not be ignored anymore.  Maybe it was her owner’s depression, maybe he was just getting older, or maybe Virtute and her owner were too similar to share the same space for such a long time.  They both depended too heavily on each other as an emotional crutch and it wasn’t healthy in a long term situation.  In the end she’s ultimately sorry that she left, but she knew she had to go.  If you’re listening to this song the line to wait for is “but I can’t remember the sound that you found for me / I can’t remember the sound.”

mp3 : The Weakerthans - Plea from a Cat Named Virtute
mp3 : The Weakerthans - Virtute the Cat Explains Her Departure

I’m a huge fan of The Weakerthans {I chose their latest album as the second best release of 2007} and these two tracks illustrate a great point about the band.  They can take literally any subject matter and make it relevant to everyone.  And even while they’re making a universally understandable song they have a gift for making each thought, each emotion, each song apply in some unique way to each and every one of us that has had the pleasure of hearing their music.  Here’s to hoping that Virtute makes another appearance on their next project.

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Francis and the Lights

Published by
billy
at August 27, 2008 in francis and the lights, indie, mp3 and music. 3 Comments

I’m not sure what Francis and the Lights were aiming for with their 2007 EP Striking {which I can’t seem to find available anywhere}.  The first track sounds a lot like eighties mainstream revival while the second track reminds me a lot of what Justin Timberlake would sound like if he really was Prince.  Then there’s a slightly awkward slow jam in the middle of the five tracks {excellent if you’re looking to work on the ladies}.  The last two tracks diverge from, well, everything, and they take on their own melancholic flavor.  I can’t decide if these are songs I would expect to hear on a jukebox or on the radio.  You decide.

mp3 : Francis and the Lights - My Goals
mp3 : Francis and the Lights - I’ll Never Forget You

My Goals is the second track on the EP and I’ll Never Forget You is the closing track.  They’re both fine tracks but I’ll Never Forget You is far and away the best Francis and the Lights track I’ve heard thus far.  Overall I would say the EP showcases some raw talent that might best find its way on a proper full length.

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This Is Ivy League

Published by
billy
at August 26, 2008 in indie, mp3, music and this is ivy league. 2 Comments

The weather today is gorgeous and some gorgeous tunes from This Is Ivy League are a perfect match for low humidity, sunshine, and temperatures in the upper seventies.  On their debut, This Is Ivy League (amazon) (itunes), this duo creates pop music that sounds bit like the Beach Boys, a bit like Kings of Convenience, and a bit like Belle and Sebastian {minus the Belle}.  Overall it’s breezy pop music that moves along nicely from track to track and is as fun as it is well crafted.

mp3 : This Is Ivy League - The Richest Kids
mp3 : This Is Ivy League - Love Is Impossible

I first listened to these boys a few months back when I stumbled up on their brilliant cover of an Arcade Fire classic.  After I posted about that, over here, I was sent a copy of their album to listen to.  Some albums just get lost in the shuffle {well that and I do my best not to have the same artist appear twice at the same time on the main page - gotta spread the love}, but it’s a shame that I’m just now putting these tracks up.  The album is really solid and laid back.  Listen.  As a final note, sometimes, on some tracks, I feel like some of this album would be what The Strokes would sound like if they grew up in the bright sunshine of Boca Raton instead of the cavernous streets of New York.

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Of Montreal

Published by
billy
at August 25, 2008 in indie, mp3, music and of montreal. 3 Comments

It’s a Monday, and although I haven’t officially started my job yet {still waiting for a visa application and then a chance to move to Shanghai} I do have a distinct feeling what Monday’s are all about.  They are usually meh.  And when I’m feeling lethargic or down and out there is one song that consistently pulls me from the depths of any sort of despair and sets my feet to dancing.  That would be this song which hails from last years Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? (amazon) (itunes).  If you can keep yourself from dancing when the “oooh, ooohs” start at just after four minutes into the song you should have someone check your pulse.  The stream of consciousness narrative in this song is just brilliant.  I love the lines “at least I author my own disaster” and “things could be different, but they’re not.”

mp3 : Of Montreal - The Past Is A Grotesque Animal 

Of Montreal, aka Kevin Barnes, are putting out their new album, Skeletal Lamping, on October 7th of this year and the rumours continue to circulate that they’ve taken a leap off their beaten path.  This could mean an amazing album is hitting shelves soon.  Keep your ears open.

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Moby

Published by
billy
at August 22, 2008 in job offer, moby, mp3, music and shanghai. 8 Comments

I’ve liked Moby since the day I started finding music on my own.  He’s always been good in my opinion, and although there are numerous haters populating this world, without Moby today’s music would be much different.  Today, as well, is a perfect day for these two Moby songs.  I just received a job offer to go work in Shanghai and I’m almost certainly going to take it.  This will mean a bit of travel, probably a bit of money out of pocket, and in the future my posts will probably hit the net at a different time of the day.  Also, it will mean leaving behind a slew of friends, a lot of good times, and a lot of things that can only be found in the States {family for one}.  Fortunately, and this is a bonus for me, this time around there will be no girlfriend left behind {the last time I moved to China was a bit rough}.

mp3 : Moby - God Moving Over The Face Of The Waters
mp3 : Moby - When It’s Cold I’d Like To Die

Both of these songs just felt right for the mood of today.  It’s overcast, there’s a slight drizzle, and it’s a lazy afternoon complicated by the decisions and planning associated with this new job offer.  Thanks to Moby for making enough songs to essentially have a soundtrack for each day in my life.  Both of these tracks hail from a compilation Moby put out in 2000 simply titled Songs (amazon) (itunes).  It’s one of my favorite discs of his and if you already have Play this is the second album you should get.

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The LK

Published by
billy
at August 20, 2008 in dance, lk, mp3, music and pop. 2 Comments

The LK is a dance pop {possibly noise pop} group based in Malmo, Sweden.  They craft songs that are very reminiscent of Spitzer or The Postal Service.  Each track on their latest album, VS The Snow (amazon) (itunes), is filled with enough blips and bleeps to keep even the most electronically minded individual at ease.  On top of their solid electronics knowledge base they craft songs filled with smooth melodies and bouncing rhythms.  While some groups struggle to find their own way The LK has found a way to fit into a preexisting musical niche while grabbing a bit of the spotlight for themselves.

mp3 : The LK - Tamagotchi Freestyle
mp3 : The LK - Private Life of a Cat

Tamagotchi Freestyle has some backing tracks that are almost dead on Postal Service material {and I love the title of the track}.  And in this review being compared to anything involving Ben Gibbard is akin to being compared directly to Zeus himself.  Private Life of a Cat might have made this post due to my penchant for listening to songs involving cats {see The Weakerthans} or it might be because this is a solid track that showcases their depth as a group.  If you like The Postal Service or Spitzer this is a definite must for your collection.

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The Fray

Published by
billy
at August 19, 2008 in fray, mp3 and music. 5 Comments

Sometimes blogging can be as much of a curse as it is a blessing.  Let me start with the blesssings.  I get a load of free music, usually more than I have time to listen to.  I also, on the rare occaision, receive some free tickets to see certain artists play live.  The curse comes into play when you see the sheer volume of music I receive.  Even when I love a band I usually only have them in rotation for a few months before they’re drowned out by the latest album from the next twenty great bands everyone simply must listen to.  Sometimes old favorites get lost in this mish mash of new music.

Fortunately for the music world this past weekend my brother got married.  I did my duties as the best man and gave a wonderful toast {or so I thought}.  The reason this affects this blog is simple.  During part of the weekend I had the pleasure of riding along in my mom’s minivan.  She listens, almost exclusively, to contemporary christian radio and occaisionally there’s an oldies station or two that gets in on the rotation.  Most of the time I cringe simply at the mention of the modern mainstream christian music scence, but on this fateful day they played a song to which I have listened countless times and I sing along with regardless as to who’s listening.

mp3 : The Fray - How To Save A Life

Hearing this song again brought back a flood of memories, mostly associated with my final year of university and a trip I took to Mt. Everest, but it also made me curious.  The Fray have been working on their new album for a ridiculous amount of time.  Their last album,  2005’s How To Save A Life (amazon) (itunes), was insanely popular and yet here we are, three years later, and no followup.  Their website claims they’re working on it now, Metacritic claims it’s supposed to be released this summer {exactly when is still up for grabs}, and their myspace doesn’t even show up on a quick google search {wake up PR folks}.  So their next album allegedly will drop soon.  Until then you can put this song on continual repeat and hope for the best.

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Mates of State

Published by
billy
at August 18, 2008 in indie, mates of state, mp3 and music. 1 Comment

I’ve been a quiet fan of Mates of State since my days at university.  Anecdotally speaking I discovered their music around the same time I started listening to Yo La Tengo, not that it matters.  Anyway, for the past few years Mates of State have been sitting quietly off center on my radar screen.  I’ve listened to each of their albums a couple of times through, I’ve been pleased with their sound, but nothing really grabbed my heart and mind until now.  Their latest disc, Re-Arrange Us (amazon) (itunes), is phenomenal from open to close.  Each track is beautifully crafted and I love how this duo has taken the time to let each song linger on for just the right amount of time.

mp3 : Mates of State - My Only Offer
mp3 : Mates of State - You Are Free

It’s rare these days to find an entire album which you love from start to finish.  So many talented bands create three to five standout tracks and then muck up the rest of the album seeking simply to fill out the rest of the disc.  Not so with this release from Mates of State.  Re-Arrange Us is a solid album and deserves a listen from anyone still reading this blog.

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Shawn Smith

Published by
billy
at August 14, 2008 in indie, mp3, music and shawn smith. 0 Comments

Shawn Smith is known by a lot of names.  Sometimes he’s a solo artist, but most of the time it seems he drifts from side project to side project.  Occaisionaly he hooks up other notable Seattle musicians, occasionally he strikes out on his own.  He lists a slew of influences for his style of music and I guess if you listen closely enough you’ll find each and every one.  I personally hear a lot of Joseph Arthur in his solo work.  There’s  a certain relaxed complexity that each of them share.

mp3 : Shawn Smith - Leaving California
mp3 : Shawn Smith - Wrapped In My Memory

Both of these tracks hail from Shawn’s solo album Shield of Thorns (amazon) which he released in 2003.  Some of you may recognize his sound from the television show the Sopranos.  Leaving California would fit in on almost any Joseph Arthur album {and yes, I do mean that as a rather large compliment} while Wrapped In My Memory throws off a piano vibe hauntingly similar to more recent tracks by The National.  What both tracks boil down to is simple west coast music that sounds good no matter what mood you’re in.

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Sia

Published by
billy
at August 13, 2008 in coca cola, commercial, mp3, music, olympics and sia. 4 Comments

If you live in the States, and have been watching the olympics at least half an hour a day {and really, with all this coverage how could you not?}, you’ve probably seen this recent Coca-Cola commercial.  For those of you who won’t or can’t click through to that youtube link the commercial features inspirational music with a steady montage of famous olympic and special olypmpic moments.  Each and every time I saw the commercial one thought nagged on my brain.  What is that song?  I knew I had heard it, I knew it was familiar, but I felt as if something was just slightly off.

mp3 : Sia - Breathe Me

Turns out I was right about everything {as I usually am}.  The song is Breathe Me from Sia’s 2006 album Colour the Small One (amazon) (itunes).  In all actuality the music they use is really an instrumental edit of the song.  Basically they’ve taken the instrumental interlude and linked that first fifteen seconds together with a clip from the instrumental bridge which starts at about 3:15 into the track.  Overall it’s a great commercial and it’s nice to see Sia getting more exposure {even if they cut her vocals from the ad}.

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The Cyanide Valentine

Published by
billy
at August 12, 2008 in cyanide valentine, indie, mp3 and music. 0 Comments

The Cyanide Valentine seems to me to be made up of equal parts indie/dance/electronica, The Kinks, and sublime acoustic guitar pop.  On some songs they spice life up a bit with a dash of Flaming Lips whimsy, but their bread and butter technique appears to be combining classic sounds with modern technology.  From start to finish on their 2007 album,  The Three Sides of the Cyanide Valentine (free download on their website), they take you through a lackadaisical journey that is as relaxed as it is polished.  Each and every track is great.

mp3 : The Cyanide Valentine - MegaFauna
mp3 : The Cyanide Valentine - The Reprise

I honestly can’t figure out why it took me so long to post about this talented group.  I’ve had this album for quite awhile now and I’ve listened to it a lot, but for some reason it remained on my hard drive and away from this page.  Sometimes I believe my subconscious tries to hide these lesser known gems away from the spotlight so in some perverted way I can retain a little slice of ownership.  I know that sounds ridiculous, but I bet that’s how a lot of us bloggers act; you hear a great band and sometimes you selfishly want them all to yourself.  It can’t be helped.  Or maybe I should start a support group.  Or maybe we can all be content that eventually the music is shared, even if it takes awhile.

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Brett Dennen

Published by
billy
at August 7, 2008 in brett dennen, indie, mp3 and music. 5 Comments

It’s official, Brett Dennen needs a hair cut.  Trust me on this one Brett; cutting your hair would be good for your career.  You already have slightly awkward facial tics while you’re playing {think John Mayer’s classic grimaces} and while your long hair oft strays in front of these moments it’s not helping as much as you might think.  Consider this an open and honest letter Mr. Dennen.  I’m about to say good things about your music, unfortunately I cannot stand idly by whilst your hair continues to gnaw away at your talent.

I’m glad I got that off my chest.  On to my next point.  Why hasn’t Brett Dennen had more exposure?  He’s obviously talented, his music is solid on almost every track, and his lyrics are what Jason Mraz would write in his dreams {on his best days}.  This year he’s on the John Mayer tour and recently he’s played some late night shows {I believe I caught him on Conan and on Carson “I’m a massive tool” Daily}.  All of these are good things.  Dennen’s popularity is at an all time high.  My question is why it took so long for this to happen.  His big songs right now hail from his 2006 album So Much More (amazon) (itunes).  What happened in the past two years which held Brett Dennen down?

mp3 : Brett Dennen - Ain’t No Reason
mp3 : Brett Dennen - She’s Mine

Ain’t No Reason is a brilliant track, one of my favorite.  I like the recent stripped down version of She’s Mine, that Brett’s been performing on talk shows and select festival stages, more than this studio version {the cheesy elevator music drums just detract too much from his vocal performance}.  The entire album is filled with songs in a similar vein to these two.  He makes a certain easy type of indie folk music that is at much at home with John Mayer as it is with Jack Johnson or Jose Gonzalez.

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Bruce Springsteen and Barack Obama

Published by
billy
at August 6, 2008 in barack obama, bruce springsteen, mp3, music and politics. 8 Comments

I had the good fortune of having two tickets to get into Barack Obama’s northern Indiana town hall meeting which took place earlier today.  Barack was charismatic as always and his speech was filled with rhetoric and patriotism not heard since the speeches of JFK.  Fortunately it seems as if Obama actually has plans and strategies to back up his platform of hope.  He spoke for over an hour and during that time, in keeping with the town hall theme, he fielded some questions from the audience.  Let me tell you I was disappointed in the lack of intelligence put forth by my fellow Hoosiers.  No one asked what Barack’s opinion was on the rationale behind the theory that America acts as the World Police, that we largely shirked all responsibility by failing to ratify the Kyoto Treaty, or that we seem to feel as if invading Iraq was justified due to the strife and calamity prevalent under Sadam Hussein when all over the world over 25,000 people die every single day for lack of food and potable water.

What we needed was a question about something that actually matters.  No one asked about Barack’s stance on nuclear power, immigration, or illegal aliens currently in this country.  I personally would’ve liked to hear Senator Obama detail his plan to have American made cars getting 150 miles per gallon in the next ten years {a far sight better than Bush’s plan to have a fleet average 35 mpg by 2020}, or to hear Barack answer literally any question about anything to do with China.  All my opinions on the questions aside, I feel as if Senator Obama is on the right track when he says that he wants to change the way Washington D.C. operates.  I would appreciate a question on whether or not Barack supports a complete ban of lobbyists in Washington.  Alas the majority of questions he fielded were simple and boring {and even though my hand was raised I was not called upon to voice a question}.

mp3 : Bruce Springsteen - Livin’ in the Future

At the end of the meeting Barack Obama shook hands with as many voters as he could find, much to the chagrin of the Secret Service, while the campaign gurus opted to play Livin’ in the Future as Senator Obama’s exit music.  Now this isn’t the first time The Boss has been associated with politics, Obama, or with political happenings across this nation, but I personally found the song choice a little melancholic.  Although the song is catchy and upbeat the lyrics paint a fairly bleak picture of the future.  I personally would choose to play Mates of State’s song Get Better with the repeated chorus of “everything’s gonna get lighter even if it never gets better” and the repeated line “forget all your politics for awhile, let the color squeeze around.”  Maybe I’m joking.  Maybe that’s why I’m an unemployed blogger.

Rock the Vote

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The Walkmen

Published by
billy
at August 5, 2008 in album, indie, mp3, music and walkmen. 5 Comments

One of my favorite bands has released their latest album and I must say it is quite brilliant.  In a smooth step The Walkmen have chosen to release their album, You & Me, exclusively on music retailer Amie Street’s web store.  The full album download is only five dollars and for each album purchased five dollars is donated to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  You can download individual tracks, buy the full album, or stream the entire album simply by following this link.

I love the fact that these boys from New York have released their album for a mere five dollars and I’m also pleased they chose to do so with a nontraditional retailer {aka not iTunes}.  The fact that each album sale helps fight cancer is the icing on the cake.  Kudos to The Walkmen.

mp3 : The Walkmen - In the New Year
mp3 : The Walkmen - Four Provinces

The album is full of amazing songs.  I’m not yet sure if this album is at the same level as Bows+Arrows, but I must say up front that it is a classic Walkmen creation.  Almost every track contains sprawling guitar soundscapes and Dylanesque style vocals.  There are ballads as well as rockers here on You & Me and from the start to the end you’ll love every second.  And saying that is saying a lot.  The album clocks in at over fifty minutes in length and contains fourteen tracks.  For a five dollar download this is one album whose value simply cannot be beat.  I would look for You & Me to be all over top ten lists in a few months {I’m almost sure it will be on mine}.

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BOTM vol 09

Published by
billy
at August 4, 2008 in akon, best of the month, bob dylan, botm, boy bathing, database, gnarls barkley, grizzly bear, indie, lily allen, mates of state, midnight martyn, mp3, music, mystery jets, nathan moomaw, ne yo, santogold and secret life of sofia. 5 Comments

Someday I’m going to use Photoshop again and update the Best of the Month graphic.  Until that day comes {I’ll need to snag a new computer first} I’ll keep the old picture and instead focus on bringing some good music to the interwebs.  Here below are the best thirteen tracks I heard during the previous month.  By no means are these the best tracks that were made/released during the past month, but they are the best tracks that I personally had time to listen to.  Enjoy the music and tell your friends.

All the tracks in one zip file : here {zshare = left click}

mp3 : Akon - Sorry, Blame It On Me
I don’t know why, but I love this song.  I heard a parody of it on a random youtube video and was instantly reminded how great this song is.  So, in a roundabout way, I thought of Akon and all the things he’s probably sorry about.  At least he didn’t blame it on the rain.
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mp3 : Bob Dylan - Dreaming of You
Bobby has been a little creepy lately.  Ever since he was featured in a Victoria’s Secret commercial he’s come across like a lecherous old man perv {and maybe he is}.  This song does nothing to erase that mental image, but Dylan is still Dylan and he continues to make good music {even if it sounds like it might be influenced by the work of his boy Jacob}.
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mp3 : Database feat. Midnight Martyn - Party People
Granted, this probably, almost, kinda, sorta should qualify for a spot in Best of the Remix series.  For some reason it ends up here and you should all be less judgmental of my list making abilities {i can has mad skills!} and more supportive of hearing awesome tracks.
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mp3 : Gnarls Barkley - Going On
Will the dynamic duo ever hit the heights of Crazy again?  I’m inclined to say they won’t, but on the other hand look how another duo, Outkast, consistently has come through with smash hit after smash hit.  This track might not be quite Crazyesque, but it is awesome.
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mp3 : Grizzly Bear - While You Wait For The Others
For most of their career Radiohead has chosen fine bands to open for them when the tour the U.S.  {with exception of their tour with Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks}.  Grizzly Bear sounds a bit like seventies rock driftwood that’s washed up along the Radiohead shore.  And for some reason they pull it off.
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mp3 : Lily Allen - Everythings Just Wonderful
Off the top of my head I’m inclined to believe Lily Allen is the best female solo artist out of the UK.  I would bet she would agree.  She’s definitely the best hip hop lady from Britain.  That is undisputed.  Part of me secrectly likes her because she’s so full of herself.
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mp3 : Mates of State - The Re-Arranger
If you’re only going to download one track today this should be your choice.  I’ve been a Mates of State fan for awhile now, but this takes their music to a new level.  The layers in this song are brilliantly well done.  Three cheers to Mates of State.
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mp3 : Nathan Moomaw - March
The album this track comes from is really interesting to listen to.  Mr. Moomaw wrote one song a month for each month he was twenty six years old.  March is my birth month and he wrote a nice slice of melancholy for me… or March, whatever.
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mp3 : Ne-Yo - Take A Bow (Rihanna Cover)
My disdain for Rihanna has been well documented so I don’t feel I need to rant about her again.  I am glad to present this cover to you.  Ne-Yo takes this song to a level Rihanna could never imagine {even if she is hot}.
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mp3 : Santogold - Icarus
The opening track sounds like what I imagine a drunken goose and whale duet would sound like.  When the drum kit is added into the mix the song becomes sublime.  Literally ear candy.  Even the whine laden childish vocals seem to fit here.
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mp3 : The Boy Bathing - The Beaches Meet the Sea
I really enjoy The Boy Bathing.  Although this isn’t my favorite track by them {I posted that awhile back} this song is a solid example of their talent.  This is a classic example of what indie pop can {and should} sound like.  It builds and builds adding layer upon layer until there is a sonic complexity that is gorgeous.
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mp3 : Mystery Jets - Flakes
There are some bands that I enjoy less in their pure form and more in their oft remixed tracks.  Mystery Jets are one of those bands.  For some reason I usually can’t get my attention to be totally involved in their music outside of remixes.  This track, though, has staying power.
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mp3 : The Secret Life of Sofia - Nanda Devi
I simply love this song and I think each and every single one of you should promptly download this track so you can love it too.
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That’s all I have today.  Enjoy the music.

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BOTR vol 08

Published by
billy
at August 1, 2008 in beatles, best of the remix, black kids, botr, britney spears, brodinski, css, data, digitalism, gaspar, gordon gonzola, gorilla zoe, hydroz, james rutledge, japattack pitbull, katy perry, kylie minogue, metro station, mgmt, mia, mp3, mstrkrft, music, phrenzy, radioclit, remix, santogold, snoop dogg, soulwax, steve aoki, tiga, twelves and yuksek. 6 Comments

Well another month has come and gone.  Another thirty or so odd days and another slew of blog posts, emails, and other various forms of communication have brought to my attention enough new tracks to compile a new volume of Best of the Remix.  For those of you who are new here let me explain a bit.  Each month I compile two separate lists here on The World Forgot.  One list contains the thirteen best remixes I’ve heard in the previous month {BOTR}.  The other list which usually appears around this time of the month is a mix of the best tracks I’ve heard which aren’t classified as remixes {BOTM}.  Today I bring to you volume 8 of the series.  Enjoy the music.

All the tracks in one zip file : here {zshare = left click}

mp3 : Black Kids - I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boy Friend How To Dance With You (The Twelves Remix)
Easily one of the best remixes I’ve heard yet this year.  The original track is already outstanding, but this remix takes the song to new heights.  Such great heights even.  Simple brilliance.

mp3 : Britney Spears - Gimme More (Gordon Gonzola Remix)
If more of Brit’s original tracks were this beefed up I’m sure her career wouldn’t be so much in the crapper as of late.  This remix pops and adds just the right amount of edge to little Ms. Spears.

mp3 : Digitalism - Pogo (CSS Remix)
This remix goes in a different direction from the first two tracks.  Where they were bass heavy this remix is loopy, psychedelic, and pop infused.  It’s a different tack on the standard remix and I like it.

mp3 : Katy Perry - I Kissed a Girl (Mr Gaspar Remix)
Does anyone remember the sensationalism that surrounded the old group tATu?  I doubt it.  Do you think anyone will remember Katy Perry after the bounce/scandal apparent in this song wears off?  I doubt it.  At least we have the remix.

mp3 : KylieMinogue - Wow (CSS Remix)
Kylie was awesome when she was playing the part of a {hot} scientist in Biodome.  Since then she’s gone on to make a name for herself in the pop world.  And to be honest the remixes of her tracks have been brilliant as well.

mp3 : Metro Station - Control (Steve Aoki Remix)
This remix by Steve Aoki takes this little ditty by Metro Station and freaks it out, gives it some amphetamines, and leaves the listener slightly more ADD than they were before.

mp3 : Metro Station - Wish We Were Older (Phrenzy Remix)
This track is a bit different than the remix of Control.  It would fit more in line with Thin White Duke’s remix of The Killers and less in the ADD category of glitchy technological remixes.  Classic.

mp3 : MGMT - Electr