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Nitelife // On The Run (Our Sunday Best)

Here in Michigan you kind of know what you’re getting into, we got four seasons. At times though, it seems there is only two; a hot, too muggy season, and a bitterly (schizophrenic) cold season. Pretty simple right? But when listening to the sunshiny music of Ann Arbor, Michigan-based electrolyte-synth duo Nitelife, it is easy to imagine tropical-esque weather the whole year round. Darin Rajabian and Caroline Myrick are the figurative gas and pedal propelling this bright shiny new musical vehicle forward. And as frontwomen go, it is easy to get lost in the flurry of sweetness that is Caroline Myrick’s vocals. Vocals I might add, which are perfectly counterbalanced by the clever and whimsical synth-work of Darin Rajabian. And with a sound reminiscent of 80’s electro-pop (think New Order meets Erasure), and add the echoing vocals of a 90’s Artificial Joy Club, but with the edges all billowy cotton-ball soft, and your pretty close. Regardless of musical references, you’ll not only like the first single release “On The Run,” but the whole kit and kaboodle of their Radio EP is not only good, it’s highly recommended. Check it out after the jump, and after you click play, this chilly Michigan weather will be a distant memory. Peace. Continue reading “Nitelife // On The Run (Our Sunday Best)”

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Marrisa Nadler // The Wrecking Ball Company

With a voice like cold winter air raging ’round a broken heart, Marissa Nadler delivers her songs within the low temperatures of the tenebrous. Invoking scenes of solitude and a hard-won forbearance to just get through it all somehow, some way. And if the lyrics to her song “The Wrecking Ball Company” are the cold and bland offal of a ruined relationship, then Marissa Nadler’s sweet voice is the honeyed medicine of remedy. So grab a heavy afghan and a finger or two of good whiskey and waltz with this dark nightsong deep into the odes of sorrow. A word of caution though, this song is a cold lover, it’ll ring around your delicate ears, yet it’ll leave you gasping at its conclusion. “The Wrecking Ball Company” is the first single offered from the forthcoming release The Sister, scheduled for a May 29th release on this artist’s very own Box of Cedar Records.
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This Is A PopScene #1 // (Various Artist)

I got this in my inbox about 8 hrs ago, and even after I read it I was a bit hesitant about writing a review. Don’t get me wrong, it’s for a good cause. I mean, aside from big business and world governments who can turn their backs on sick children? Well, not me. So, after a spell I sat down at my workstation (kitchen table) and clicked on the bandcamp link and listened. Now, even before I clicked play I scanned the bands listed and not one did I recognize, and for some reason that excited me to no end. Who doesn’t like discovering new music, right? I’ll say this, This Is A Popscene #1 is totally badass for all the right reasons. Sorry for the vulgar language, but badass is the first adjective that came to mind, and it’s an apt and formidable descriptor for the music on this compilation. You’d do well to remember the lot of featured bands here, culled from the UK, Ireland & US, and with a diversity of sounds, that not only compliment, but exemplifies a host of serious up & coming talent. Without a doubt this is a twofer, you buy the great music and you’re supporting a great cause too. As my Pa used to say, “You can’t beat that with a stick.” Peace. Continue reading “This Is A PopScene #1 // (Various Artist)”

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Laura Marling // A Creature I Don’t Know

I think I’ve been remiss (maybe subconsciously) to submit a review of Laura Marling and her of the deep earth music for reasons I cannot fully explain. And, I suspect that by now you’ve already heard of her and are equally selfish when it comes to sharing her songs. I won’t write much, and I’ll only say this, get Ms. Marling’s 2011 release A Creature I Don’t Know and it will become like treasure buried within your heart. Peace. Continue reading “Laura Marling // A Creature I Don’t Know”

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Kishi Bashi // Manchester (Live Performance (Video)

When I first heard Kishi Bashi sing the song “Manchester” it instantly hit a chord with me, it’s like a tidal wave of sunlight, or akin to time spent with a good friend and every second spent in their company is all smiles a magical laughter. The song Manchester just leaves me feeling refreshed and just ‘good’! I hope it has the same effect on you. Now, Kishi Bashi has the highly imaginative, and expertly shot Brandon LaGonke directed live performance of Manchester, with not only more of his beautiful lulling voice, but his Pied Piper violin work is as beautiful as it is masterful, and o-machidō sama, just check it out after the jump. Peace. Continue reading “Kishi Bashi // Manchester (Live Performance (Video)”

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the weeknd // balloons of haus + chi duly

Not one to rest on his laurels Brooklyn, NY-based producer Chi Duly puts a hell of a spin on one of Toronto’s soon-to-be favorite sons The Weeknd. And what he’s done is no mean feat, on Balloons Of Haus what you hear (and your body feels) is a cross sampling of The Weeknd’s complete body of work. From his first offering House Of Balloons, then onto  Thursday, and finally culminating in the latest Echoes Of Silence. Now, The Weeknd’s  growing mass of fans can move from listening to Abel Tesfaye in the bedroom and move it to the dance floor, but I have a feeling the vertical dancing will be just as dirty. My fedora off to Chi Duly for giving us another shining example of his production prowess. Peace. Continue reading “the weeknd // balloons of haus + chi duly”

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Brother Ali // The Bite Marked Heart

Brother Ali and Rhymesayers present a sparkling brand new 7-track free EP, The Bite Marked Heart. And it features a veritable who’s who of guest appearances: Aby Wolf, Nikki Jean, Phonte, and Stokley Williams (of Mint Condition). Yep, you get all this, plus the stellar production work of the usual suspects,  Jake One and Ant. Also, I’ll keep you posted on Brother Ali’s forthcoming LP Mourning In America and Dreaming In Color. But for now, enjoy The Bite Marked Heart EP and just chill. Peace. Continue reading “Brother Ali // The Bite Marked Heart”

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Cherub // Doses And Mimosas

Jordan Kelley and Jason Huber, bka as the too-sexy-not-to-be-cool duo Cherub, are back and laying down their erotic brand of Pop music like an experienced plumber laying pipe. Yeah, you know damn well it’s THAT kind of party! And rest assured their track “Doses And Mimosas” is only a primer for what awaits fans when their forthcoming LP MoM & DaD drops. But, if there debut Man Of The Hour was the fan-frenzy concert, then MoM & DaD is the party after  after party the after party. It’s when J.K. and J. H. have returned to their respective hotel suites with an exquisite femme fatale in tow, and what happens next is experienced in slow motion and through a swirling haze of that King Cannabis. But more on that later. With Doses and Mimosas you’re treated to more of what makes Cherub such a fun band to listen to, the music is horizontal-dance worthy, and it is a whole lot of party, and you better take pictures. Because a Cherub party, although a wickedly good time, is a motherfucka’ to recall the next day. Yes, the bad boys below the Mason–Dixon Line are back and they got the music that’s still so damn good your ears are gonna want to have its baby. Peace.

P.S. And don’t forget to vote for Cherub’s Doses And Mimosas on the Hype Machine Continue reading “Cherub // Doses And Mimosas”

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Christopher Norman // Connect Me

Born in Traverse City, Michigan but currently residing in Ann Arbor, MI the ingenuous and highly catchy music of Christopher Norman has burrowed its way into my head … and I like it. This bright new up and coming singer/songwriter/producer is well on his way to gaining, not only recognition here in Michigan, but he is more than poised to make a huge splash elsewhere as well. Want proof? Listen to his indie-produced single “Connect Me” and if it fails (it won’t) to get you moving and smiling, then you my friend may be in need of a defibrillator or an hearing-aid. Also, check out his sonically well-crafted EP2 released September 2011, this is 5-beautiful songs shot through with enough giddy frisson to last you long after the songs have ended. Yes, you may have guessed, I’m a fan. Peace.

“Connect Me” (2012)

EP2 (2011)