DJ Mehdi + Santogold = Love

Santogold - Lights Out (DJ Mehdi Remix)

DJ Mehdi! Man, I just listen to his music and walk down the street with a big smile on my face. This mix of Santogold’s “Lights Out”, mixes some chill guitar licks with some of Mehdi’s electronic style. I love Mehdi’s work, just because I’m not a huge fan of dubstep and heavily electronic remixes. When Mehdi incorporates an electronic aspect into his music, he knows how to make it very instrumental and work it nicely into the music. Mehdi just adds a lightened feeling to music. If you haven’t heard his mix of “Animal” by Miike Snow, listen! Then you’ll know what I’m talking about. DJ Mehdi is just one of those enthusiatic DJs that makes some pretty enlightening music! Listen, relax, and feel good!

Check out Mehdi's video for his signle "Signatune" :

Bluebird, Bluebird

The Tallest Man On Earth - Where Do My Bluebird Fly

Tis a melancholy song. The Tallest Man On Earth has a a nice folk that just makes you want to ponder your existence. If you love the sound of Bon Iver and Bob Dylan you’ll probably be fond of the sound that’s produced by this guy. I haven’t been able to find much Bob Dylan sounding music these days which is why I’m very enthusiastic about this artist. There’s also a type of Conor Oberst sound incorporated into his music. Hope you enjoy.

Watch a little feature film with The Tallest Man On Earth performing “Where My Bluebird Fly” on Sydney Harbour.

The Man On Earth's Myspace.

Back And Forth

Choir Of Young Believers - Action/Reaction

Choir of Young Believers is just one of those bands that has fun with their music. Having my alarm clock waking me up with this song just started me off on a good day. The music that this group produces is so organic. Listen to some of their other stuff and I’m sure it will put you in a great mood.

Choir Of Young Believers - Next Summer

Check out their Myspace for concert details and what not.

What it do?

Grizzly Bear - Knife (Girl Talk Mix)

Girl Talk. I don’t even know what to say. I just had my iTunes library on shuffle and this gem started playing. I had the honor of seeing Girl Talk (Gregg Gillis) live. It was by far the best show I have ever attended in my life. He knows exactly what the crowd is craving. I gave him a nice hug after the show, definitely one of the most epic moments of my life.

As Gillis does not like to be called a DJ but rather a “sound musician” the tracks that he creates usually completely alter the original song. As you can see in this “remix” he throws in vocals from other songs, and samples beats from a variety of other tracks. I mean yeah, I will definitely give him the title of sound musician because his songs are completely different and just give off such a positive vibe. I love every track that he creates, some of the best music I ever heard is created by Gillis himself. Props to you Mr. Gillis. I hope to see you again soon.

Check out an interview with Greg Gillis!

Girl Talk live in Omaha, NE:

The Man Cried Out

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Remix)

Finally, A-Trak comes out with another remix (this one being exceptionally brilliant). This is said to be A-Trak’s final remix as he is beginning to focus on his solo work. This leaves a majority feeling sad, as A-Trak (Also known as Alain Macklovitch) has created some of the most incredible mixes to graze our planet. I must say that I am heavyhearted about A-Traks seize of mixing, but I am also excited to see what kind of new delectable tracks he’ll be producing in the future.

Also,

A collaboration between Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Common, and A-Trak that I thoroughly enjoy:

Dizzy Dizzee

Dizzee Rascal - Holiday (Laidback Luke Remix)

Laidback Luke knows how to remix an already superb song into a energetic mix that makes you want to jump for joy.

After seeing Dizzee Rascal’s performance at Electric Proms the day before yesterday, I was blown away. Dizzee Rascal knows how to please a crowd. In his performance he was backed by the 16-Piece Heritage Orchestra. Check out the video below to see Dizzee performing with the amazing instrumentalists.

Electric Proms, hosted by BBC, is expected to have some more outstanding performances. The festival lasts from the 20th to the 24th of October. Check out the 2009 lineup here.

Tell Me A Story

The Dodos - Fable

I just recently heard this song. I instantly became a fan of it. I’ve heard other songs by The Dodos and I really do love their work, but I definitely felt strongly about this song. It’s such a beautiful song. One of those that just makes you happy.

The American Rock band consists of Meric Long and Logan Kroeber. Also this year (2009), they recently added a new member Keaton Snyder who plays vibraphone for the band. The band has been together since 2005, and may I say they’ve made some pretty remarkable music. The label that I would place on most of their music is simply “feel good” music. They have a beautiful sound to them and I’m hoping they release a few more albums as that would make my day.

ALSO, listen to these gems:

The Dodos - Fools

The Dodos - Troll Nacht

Jackhammerin'

The Spinto Band - Jackhammer

Ah, what a nice sounding group. Any song with a few very well executed harmonies thrown in is always nice. Of course, larger groups can produce a much larger and energetic sound; The Spinto Band proves exactly that. The energy produced by this group is so unique and just makes me want to get up and bust some moves. They seem like they would have such a ball recording, they’re such a fun group to listen too. I’ve been playing this song on repeat for the past few days. It’s for sure been cheering me up!

Also listen to their cover of Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra!

The Spinto Band - Mr. Blue Sky (ELO Cover)

A few more tracks:

The Spinto Band - Pumpkins and Parsley

The Spinto Band - Oh Mandy

Much Love.

Brotherly Lovin'

Old Wives Tale - Royal Fresh

The group, Old Wives Tale consists of two brothers Jaime and Felipe Valencia. The brothers combine their two sounds, one being electro and the other rock. The two different sounds create a product of what you think would be somewhat resembling a remix, but is actually an original track. They’ve created some pretty amazing songs with this style.

When I think of the two genres being used in the group, first thing that comes to mind is Boards of Canada, but this is not the case. The two brothers create something that would be incredible to see live. Their songs include insane loops and just exceptional vocals. The styles that they’ve chosen to combine are very well executed by the two.

Check out their music video for Amphetamine:

Chromosome X

A Faulty Chromosome - Little Miracles

I’m liking the sound of this group. In this song they use a beautiful array of instruments to lay down a beat. They use some synths and also sample a few clips of people speaking. The electro type sound that they have with the energetic vocals and beats is such a beautiful combination. Just a relaxing group of tracks that they produce. Experimental groups these days come up with more and more to try.

Hey, listen to this!:

A Faulty Chromosome - Incubate’r

Minty Fresh

Spearmint - A Trip Into Space

Such a great sounding band. All of their songs have such an awesome energy that just makes you want to jump for joy. If you listen to some of the other songs of their Myspace (link above), you will realize what kind of verve they produce in all their tracks. I wish that their was more that I could share with you, but they are a smaller band. So again, check out their myspace! Definitelely a highly recommended listen.

Check out their Myspace!

Howl

Sea Wolf - You're A Wolf

I’m hoping that you’ve heard of Sea Wolf, just because they are one of my favorite bands. The group is led by Alex Brown, a local from Los Angeles. It’s cool to think that he attended NYU for film and is now creating some of the best music out there. If you haven’t heard the track You’re A Wolf consider this a highly biased suggestion. Sea Wolf is one of the most refreshing sounds out there. I definitely recommend getting a bunch of their songs and just putting them on shuffle, I’m sure it will put you in a good mood. All I can say is the members of Sea Wolf are very talented, and you should check their works out right away.

Able, Ready

Ready, Able - Grizzly Bear

I have to say Grizzly Bear is one of my favorite bands in the whole world. I have all of their albums. I felt it was appropriate to post this because tomorrow night they will be playing at the Palladium. They are one of my favorite bands to see live, I saw them when they played at the Wiltern about 5 months back and it was one of the best shows I’ve been to. If you ever get the chance to see them, please do. This is my favorite song by them it’s off Veckatimest, which is their latest release.

Water Is Falling

Waterfall - Daniel Rossen

Daniel Rossen has projects coming out of his ears. Being a member of Grizzly Bear, and being in Department of Eagles on the side probably makes him one of the busiest musicians out there. But almost a month ago he released a solo track. It has the same sound as all of his other work. I’d love to see him release a full album, the more Grizzly Bear, Department of Eagles like music the better.

Raking Up Some Leaves

The Rakes - That's The Reason

Oh, how I love British bands. The Rakes have such a wonderful sound to them. And if you haven’t heard of them yet, their new album is expected to be released in the US on October 20th! They have a nice punk sound incorporated into their songs that is easy to enjoy. You should definitely check out their first two albums if you like what you hear.

Check out The Rakes performing live at Astrolabe, Orleans:

Also, listen to these!

The Rakes-When Tom Cruise Cries

The Rakes-The Light From Your Mac

The Rakes-1989

The First Day of Shorts

Surfing USA

The Drums - Let's Go Surfing (The Clean Shaven Grins Out There Remix)

In all honesty I enjoy this remix of the song better than the original (The Drums - Lets Go Surfing). The Drums have a very “mixable” sound, that is very attractive to the alternative loving crowd. This song was calling out for someone to remix it, and The Clean Shaven Grins Out There did exactly that. This remix is an excellent work and deserves props for the sweet product that was produced. Nonetheless this a great listen, check it out!

Boogie It Up

Peter Bjorn and John - Nothing to Worry About (Mick Boogie Remix Ft. WALE, Young Chris, and Rhymefest)

I’m such a fan of alternative groups mixed with artists such as Rhymefest. Peter Bjorn and John lay down some nice beats under this track. I haven’t heard much from Mick Boogie lately, but he is definitely one of the elites. He helped create a unique type of mash-up that is becoming more and more popular. All his work just seems to cheer me up.

Definitely take the time to visit Mick Boogie’s

Of course Peter Bjorn and John (the guys who brought you the catchy tune, “Young Folks”) are one of the most talented groups out there right now. I’m so grateful to have seen them live. They’re just such a friendly group of guys who produce some sick music. Be sure to check out some of their other tracks, as I’m sure you’ll be pleased.

Peter Bjorn and John - Stay This Way

Party N' Tatatat...

Notorious B.I.G - Party and Bullshit

Oh Ratatat, how you pull ma heart strings. Not only does Ratatat create insane originals, but they mix like none other. I’ve heard some pretty terrible edits of my man Notorious, but I am highly impressed with the sounds produced by Ratatat. As Ratatat already has the sound the people want to hear nailed, they easily create mixes and mash-ups that would make anyone ecstatic with joy. Congratulations Ratatat, for knowing what my ears like to hear.

Also LISTEN to:

Kanye West - Get ‘Em High (Ft. Talib Kweli, Common) (Ratatat Remix)

Jay-Z & Beanie Sigel - Glock Nines (Ratatat)

Watch RATATAT perform one of their originals live:

Slow Things Down

Grizzly Bear - Slow Life (Ft. Victoria Legrand)

Grizzly Bear has one of the most refreshing sounds of our time, I’m just going to put that out there right now. When you just need to sit back, relax, and intake some beautiful music, Grizzly Bear is your savior. In this song, they feature Victoria Legrand. In a few live performances I’ve seen, Victoria has been called up to perform with the band. The quality of sound that she brings to the songs definitely adds a nice touch. Hopefully, Grizzly Bear will work with Legrand more, as the sound produced in this track was an excellent one.