frank ocean // wiseman

Frank Ocean is that rare artist inhaling the exhalations of angles’ dreams, then he opens his mouth and the stars weep rivers.

Although I have written extensively regarding the young and super-talented Mr. Frank Ocean, I find myself penning yet another ream of inadequate words in an attempt to describe the magic of yet another gorgeous song titled, ‘Wiseman‘. The official word, is originally the song was supposed to be included in Quentin Tarantino’s deep dirty southern film ‘Django Unchained‘soundtrack. But alas, it didn’t come to pass.  It’s ok though, ’cause we still have this beautiful song released out into the world for us all to enjoy. Peace. Continue reading “frank ocean // wiseman”

cosmonaut grechko // singin’ (ft. joywave)

It only takes a moment to get acquainted with your new favorite artist.

Lo-fi synth-pop got a fresh new candy-colored coat of shimmering space dust via this 2011 release. And of you’re looking for somebody to blame, then Cosmonaut Grechko is the talented culprit. Dropped over year ago CG’s ‘Alaska 2100’ EP was met with rave reviews and then some. So, just in case you missed it, well here’s your chance to give your ears something magnificent to listen too. You can also cop the release via iTunes. Peace. Continue reading “cosmonaut grechko // singin’ (ft. joywave)”

jade hopcraft // saint

When such beauty hits you, you are left spellbound and in awe, perhaps even gasping for more.

At times I stumble across amazing and wonderful songs which leave me breathless and I am immediately taken under their wing.  There is much comfort in one’s ability to get lost, and found, in the simple uncomplicated beauty of song. These occurrences remind me that life and living is still full of pleasant surprises aplenty. Jade Hopecraft is one such surprise, this young Cornwall, U.K. transplant sings carefully penned odes with a kind of spiritual serenity which enable the listener to suspend all earthly worries. Listen, as her song “Saint,” washes over you. Afterwards, one feels, if not totally redeemed, then at least buoyed. Also, check out the B-Side which offers up the hauntingly beautiful, “Habit,” the Saint single release is available via iTunes and Amazon. Peace. Continue reading “jade hopcraft // saint”

parenthetical girls // rejoice! rejoice!

Perched eloquently atop all the hope of the season comes good tidings from afar.

Portland, Oregon-based foursome Parenthetical Girls have composed and released an ethereal, yet beautiful set of Christmas songs. And quite frankly this compilation embodies (and exceeds) all the sonic elegance one has come to expect from Zac Pennington & Co. Currently, their gorgeous song “Rejoice! Rejoice!,” is available for free downland via soundcloud. In addition, I ardently implore all seekers of things precious and beautiful to head over to the band’s bandcamp page to listen to, and purchase the complete 5-song ‘Good Christian Men Rejoice, It’s Parenthetical Girls’ EP. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Peace. Continue reading “parenthetical girls // rejoice! rejoice!”

tennis // my better self

Some voices grab you and demand that you pay attention. Alaina Moore is stalking my walking dreams in gossamer seductive, albeit aural form.

Although the band Tennis dropped their amazing sophomore album ‘Young & Old’ at the beginning of the year, you still got time to get acquainted with them. After the jump watch the band’s “My Better Self,” video. The album is also available via iTunes. Peace. Continue reading “tennis // my better self”

simian ghost // autumn slowmo (for the dejected realist) ep

If you could distill all of varying degrees of heartache and the ambiguity of doubt mixed with desire it may sound something like this.

Simian Ghost has earned a storied place in hearts and minds everywhere with their brand of heartfelt odes. SG’s songs leaves tear stains upon pillows and pepper hope within clasped hands poised in prayer. And if you desire deliverance from the ills of existence or a potent balm of distraction from mundane worries, then the band’s latest, ‘Autumn Slowmo For The Dejected Realist’ fits the bill and then some. After listening to the new 3-song EP there is little wonder why this band has gained such a faithful and adoring following. By the way, the Autumn Slowmo EP is available for free downland until January 1, 2013. Peace. Continue reading “simian ghost // autumn slowmo (for the dejected realist) ep”

trails and ways // border crosser (the sheshen remix)

Like a tall cool drink of refreshing spirits, Trails And Ways are serving up round after round of 100-proof feel good music.

Oakland, California-based band Trails and Ways thought it would be a grand idea (and it is) to have all of the songs off their EP remixed by artists they admire and draw inspiration from like all good muses should. The band’s forthcoming remix EP, is set to drop January 8th, 2013. After the jump, check out the “Border Crosser (The Seshen Remix),” and “Nunca (The Highweights Remix).” Peace. Continue reading “trails and ways // border crosser (the sheshen remix)”

malcanisten // clive wearing (our sunday best)


Nostalgic and heartfelt magic shrouded in the warm minimalism of tender musical expression – like soft falling rain silhouetted by distant thrumming thunder.

Amsterdam-based acoustic folk band Malcaninsten represents the very best in terms of songcraft and musical arrangement. On their debut song release “Clive Wearing,” the listener falls immediately under a spell cast by tender picked strings and the earnest homespun vocals of Sjaak Kassies. What better way to spend a lazy Sunday enwrapped in such a pristine and soulful endeavor. Peace. Continue reading “malcanisten // clive wearing (our sunday best)”