Hear No Evil

Delta Heavy - Get By

Awesome stop-motion animation

posted by skorch

yvynyl:

Ghost Loft - Seconds

Been real hot on Los Angeles producer Danny Choi after discovering his single “Blow” a few weeks ago. Here’s a new one, just as whitelightning as the last.

Bonus points for his remix of JJ’s “Beautiful Life.”

posted by skorch

Notorious B.I.G. - Going Back To Cali (Viceroy “Jet Life” Remix)

What is it about modern BIG remixes and mashups that work so well?  I’ll be honest, I wasn’t into the 90s rap scene, so I don’t have any context into what was going on then - Tim would be more articulate about that.  All I know, is that I love these mixes. 

This one in particular, seems perfectly matched with the lyrics.  It’s a brazen 80s synth cheesefest mixed in with some caribbean steel drums that scream LA fun in the hot Cali sun.

“Spend about a week sittin’ on Venice Beach sippin’ Crist-o with some freaks from Frisco”

posted by skorch

Bonobo - Kiara

Chill, glitchy track from Bonobo.

posted by skorch

Mark Lanegan is one of my favorite artists.  I’m very excited to give this a listen.

posted by skorch

thedigitalouthouse:

The Black Keys “Gold On The Ceiling”

The Black Keys have blown the fuck up (wait, is that old news?).

My brother and I were having a riveting discussion about this very topic a few weeks ago (because as a curator of musical awesomeness, it’s kind of like my duty to discuss these things). His conclusion was consistent with mine. The Black Keys have, over the past few years, hit the big time. Radio play, and sold-out stadium concerts have become the norm, and honestly, that’s just swell.

This is not without it’s disadvantages though. None are as evident as the band’s musical evolution since they burst on to the scene over a decade ago. It’s not quite a stretch to say their music has changed from their gritty blues style, to an approach consistent with what you expect to hear on the, well, radio. 

I don’t actually think this is bad. It’s just the way the world works.

In the end, I’m still a huge fan, and I am supremely bummed I waited over 4 hours in Coachella’s online queue only to get denied (keep in mind this was a few weeks ago, and I’ve only now admitted it. Yes, I was that bummed). 

Looks like I’ll have to take to the streets in hopes of finding a way to see The Black Keys (and all the other amazing musicians who will be there). If you have a ticket, please refrain from telling me. Cool? Thanks!

I share these thoughts about this whole topic.

posted by skorch

Gotye - Don’t Worry, We’ll Be Watching You

There are a lot of hidden gems in the Gotye album - if you were expecting an album full of songs like Somebody That I Used To Know, you will be disappointed.

This vocals on this track reminds me of a deconstructed Deftones song.  It’s a slow, and dark song that builds into a pretty cool electronic beat near the end.

posted by skorch

posted by skorch

Roots Manuva - Here We Go Again

I was excited to see a new track from Roots Manuva.  He’s a great MC/Producer from London I haven’t heard from lately.  This track’s got some great, deep beats to it.  Listen to it with some high quality headphones and crank it up.

http://www.myspace.com/rootsmanuva

posted by skorch

Here’s a Ted Talk about what constitutes beautiful music by using an example of the ugliest song conceived.

It’s a fascinating story, and it got me thinking about pop vs progressive… crap vs substance.  If we all perceive pattern and repetition as pleasing (except for those crazy jazz folk), where is the line between good and evil music?

I propose this:  Music is the anticipation of patterns.  By the use of repetition, an expectation is presented of what is to come.  Pop music fulfills this expectation with little surprise.  It’s boring but comfortable.  One of the most basic human emotions is comfort and security.  

Progressive music builds up similar patterns - except it tricks you and deviates away at the last second leaving you confused and vulnerable to their new direction.  This elicits a different emotion - one of surprise, astonishment, awareness, appreciation, exploration.  These are higher emotions which I believe contributed to our evolution

Pop music is easy - the high-fructose processed food that mechanically hits all of our pleasure centers.  Progressive music is challenging, requires effort and ultimate better for the soul.  What two people are going to bond over the common passion for the latest Rhianna jam?  Who is going to annoy all of their friends with their passion about the latest Gaga duet?

Music is the greatest gift to man.  It can be used for both good and for evil.

Hear no evil.

posted by skorch

MuteMath - Blood Pressure

Somewhere between The Black Keys and Wolfmother:  a high-octane rock out.

http://www.myspace.com/mutemath

posted by skorch

live-listen:

Polish Girl by Neon Indian (Live on KEXP)

I’m always fascinated by how electronic acts translate into a live set.

(via live-listen-deactivated20120223)

posted by skorch

Amadou & Mariam - Dougou Badia (feat. Santigold)

Lavishly produced new track from the couple from Mali.  This will be in heavy rotation on my playlist for a while.

http://www.myspace.com/amadouandmariam

posted by skorch

Angus And Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane (Stern* Disco Remix)

A super duper chill and groovy remix.  Put on some nice headphones, crank up the volume and relax.

posted by skorch

Hype Machine’s latest Zeitgeist mix by White Panda

posted by skorch