Great Day, Great Song.

Obligatory Bon Iver Shout Out

I’m not quite sure what to say about this one. For starters, I, uh, I love Justin Vernon. Big fucking surprise there, who doesn’t. Nothing better than a scraggle-haired hipster on a nylon string-thing that can actually make you feel something. I’ve been a huge fan of his Blood Bank EP on rainy days or in the arms of someone special, of “The Wolves” off of For Emma, Forever Ago while enjoying a smoke in the dog park with my best friends, and of his contribution to Dark Was the Night in “Brackett, WI” as I raced through a very crowded Grand Central on the way to track 42, night after night. In any setting, when you’re in any mood, and no matter where you are – Vernon is a beacon of chill. Nothing stands in his way. With his softest harmonies and sweetest words (Only love is all maroon, lapping lakes like leary loons, leaving rope burns - reddish ruse), Vernon via Bon Iver might be just what you want to hear, always. In the simplest of terms – his sound makes you happy, calm. Happycalm. Need I say more?

To be perfectly honest, Bon Iver’s new self-title leaves me feeling clever and sleepy, for lack of better adjectives. Holocene is my current favorite – I love how Vernon has grown in this album, and this track shows it best in my opinion. The static-like marching drums in combination with a sultry piano and wood instrument is beautiful – the perfect addition to an already uniquely soothing sound off this record. Michicant is another favorite, hypnotizing but somehow shocking, revealing a much more ambitious side to Vernon that works quite well.

Brace yourself for much less acoustic and romantic Vernon. It might be a lot to let go of for some of the die hard fans (many of which I’ve encountered), but I think it’s incredible to see an artist like Vernon consecutively produce great albums that show great progression and risk in the creative process, from album to album. Reminds me a lot of the way Beck and Radiohead have grown. We’ll see.

The State of Dubstep Spring 2011.

                                     Bristol, UK's Joker, who is having one hell of a month.


Here we are ladies and gents, June 2011. The year is almost halfway through and its already been almost three months since the last state of Dubstep I wrote in early March...crazy shit. Anyhow, this article is devoted to the last three months in Dubstep in terms of hot tracks, trends, developments, news, etc. You don't wanna miss this one Dubheads.

  The Last SOD there was a big focus on American artists and how couldn't there have been, they dominated the winter of 2010/2011. Skrillex was dropping a track pretty much every week, 12th Planet had just released a couple of sweet remix's, and Zeds Dead's new singles were in. Thats not been the case in the last few months. Sure, Skrillex is still a single's maniac, but this last few months has seen a return to the big English names in Dubstep. I can't say I'm sad to see it.

This is in no small part thanks to BBC Radio One's newest Dubstep driven show, In New DJ's We Trust. No single DJ hosts the show twice in a row which has allowed for incredible guests like Plastician. However, the real hero's of the show are Dubstep Icons Skream and Benga. Everyone should recognize these two from their uber-prolific solo careers as well as comprising two thirds of Magnetic Man, a UK based electronic group with several top 25 hits in Great Britain.  They host approximately one episode a month and they are pretty much guaranteed to be the strongest. In it they premier new tracks from DJ's as well known as Rusko and as obscure as superginger as well as premiering new drops of their own. While not all of the DJ's are from the UK (both Skrillex and 12th Planet have made appearances), the vast majority are from British soil.

                                             Skream and Benga

      In New DJ's we trust isn't anything brand new, its been around since November of 2010. It's just only in the last few months that its really made waves on both sides of the Atlantic. The tracks aren't what some of have to expect of British producers, dark menacing tracks without any dance club potential (see early Skream and Benga). While most of the music isn't as wobble and scratch centric as the American brand of Dubstep it still delivers with catchy, accessible beats.

     Take Bristol's Joker, who recently dropped the first track from his upcoming album, a number entitled "The Vision (Breathe In)" featuring fellow UK native Jessie Ware on the vocals. Its big, its bass driven, but its 100% danceable, arguably the catchiest track with Jokers name on it and certainly his most poppy original (his remix's tend to be more danceable). While Joker has never been the most brooding of the UK hyperdub lot, the direction his single took reflects the larger direction Dubstep has seemed to be heading. If you look at the UKF's Dubstep geared Youtube page, you'll notice that every other track seems to have a female hook in it somewhere. This is completely unlike, say, 2006, when it was pretty rare to find vocals on anyone's tracks. Camo and Krooked, Skism, all these guys are headed more and more towards the dancefloor.

    The fanbase will always find something to hate in a genre despite their love for it. Already sellout accusations are being hurled left and right as OG's seem to be shifting their direction. Strange thing about all of it is how natural the transition seems to be. Joker, Skream, Benga, Zomby, these are guys who have been making the same dark bassy music for the last half decade or more. And while they definitely maintain some of their roots (see Skream and Bengas track output on In New DJ's We Trust), it probably gets stale after awhile. There is something intensely appealing about dropping a track at a concert and immediately seeing people hit the floor and dance, no need to feel out the slower passages.

     Where will Dubstep go next? My guess is its already headed their. The dirty beats will remain intact, but vocal driven tracks will increase along with the general dance floor appeal of the genre. My biggest hope is that fan's will maintain open minds in remembering this is a genre of boundary breaking progression and that to complain about it selling out only serves to leave it stagnant like so many past genres, electronic and otherwise.

Be cool guys, and keep listening.

                                                             UK producer Distance.


Here are a handful of the dopest tracks that dropped in the past few months. Enjoy safely!


The Vision (Breathe In) - Joker ft. Jessie Ware

Joker - The Vision (feat. Jessie Ware) by KineticMuzik

All Fall Down ft. Shaz Sparks - Camo and Krooked (A longer version can be found via Youtube)

Camo & Krooked - All Fall Down feat. Shaz Sparks (Original Mix) by Camo & Krooked

Strange Behavior - Feed Me ft. Tasha Baxter

Feed Me Feat. Tasha Baxter - Strange Behaviour by Twiks

Unknown - Dream and Integral

Integral and Dream-Unknown(Skream Benga Radio 1 Rip) by integral3rd

Promises - Nero Ft. Sub Focus

Nero ft. Sub Focus - Promises by TaKoHANDz

Things Fall Apart - Zomby ft. Panda Bear

Zomby - Things Fall Apart [ft. Panda Bear] by pipppo

Enjoy this one friends. I'll try to write more.

142 Beat Per Minute Mondays!

Well, its been awhile but MUT is back with our flagship segment. I had a bit of a vacation, which was lovely, but its time to get back to work. Enjoy these bangers, they are some of the best we've had.

Note: A State of Dubstep spring edition is coming up very soon, get pumped.


Cocaine - MartyParty

Cocaine- MartyParty by Chill Vibe


Falling - Distance

Distance ft Alys Blaze - Falling by skoal

Gimme The Loot - Superginger

Notorious B.I.G. - Gimme The Loot (superginger Remix) FREE DOWNLOAD in the description! by superginger

In Pieces - J Majik and Wickaman

J.Majik & Wickaman - In Pieces (Radio Edit) by Ministry of Sound

Snarled - Skream

Skream - Snarled by darylauguste

Enjoy!

TBX Current Favorite

142 Minute Beat Per Minute Mondays! (With nice lady voices)

Here we are once again with another installment of 142 BPM Mondays, with the dopest dope in Dubstep. This issue is focusing on an instant recipe for success in almost all forms of electronica, combining tunes with female vocals. The merging of pop and electronic music isn't anything new, but it constantly provides us with banging tracks that appeal to all sorts of people, from purists to tweens new the the genre. While this isn't necessarily a good thing, nobody can deny the appeal. 

Here are some sweet tracks that I know your gonna love. I mean cmon, who couldn't? Right?

Four Floors - Sunday Girl (Diplo Remix)

Sunday Girl - Diplo Vs. Sunday Girl - Four Floors by Sunday Girl

It Ain't Over (Document One Remix) - Mishal Moore

It aint over (document one remix) by documentone_dubstep

Brave (Gemini Remix) - Kelis

Kelis - Brave (Gemini Remix) by Gemini

Run You Down (Ft. Reija Lee) - Phesta

Run You Down (feat. Reija Lee) by Fresh On Campus

Cruel Intentions (Joker Remix) - Simian Mobile Disco

Cruel Intentions (Joker Remix) by VacayVitamins

This may be the last post for a little while. As you may have noticed, I didn't post the weekly Friday or Sunday segments. I'm four days away from freedom and I've been swamped with preparing for it, making arrangements etc. I'm going to write a State of Dubstep Spring Edition sometime in the next week, but after that nothings certain. We'll have to wait and see.

PEACE!

Swollen Summer: A Playlist.

Swollen Summer: a playlist.

In an effort to satisfy most of our summer munchies, I won’t be doing a review. I figured it’s only appropriate to send out a kick ass playlist of my favorite summer tunes. Please note RAC, because I’d really love to spread the word about them (The Remix Artist Collective). I heard these DJs a couple years ago through stereogum and I can’t get enough. They have consistently put out some of the best remixes I’ve ever heard, which can be found and downloaded here: http://remixartistcollective.com/

Enjoy, rascals.

DELOREAN - STAY CLOSE (RAC REMIX)
RAC VOL 2 by RAC

FOSTER THE PEOPLE - HOUDINI (RAC REMIX)
RAC -- Houdini RAC Remix by Jenniferlouiselyon

RADIOHEAD - NUDE (RAC REMIX)
RAC Portfolio by RAC

LYKKE LI - I FOLLOW RIVERS
I Follow Rivers by LykkeLi

THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART - BELONG
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - Belong by Slumberland Records

VIRTUAL BOY - LOST TREASURE
Virtual Boy - Lost Treasure by Madison House

SAINTSENECA - GOD BONES
God Bones by paperbrigade

BON IVER - THE WOLVES (ACT I AND II)
Bon Iver - The Wolves (Act I and II) by firarland

DOG IS DEAD - GLOCKENSPIEL SONG
Dog Is Dead - Glockenspiel Song by charmfactory

DOG IS DEAD - RIVER JORDAN
Dog Is Dead - River Jordan by The Wounded Jukebox

one week.

142 Beat Per Minute Mondays (Darkness)! EPIC MEGA POST (With Downloads)

I've really fallen out of love with Skrillex. It was a brief fling, but I've come to view his tracks as nothing more then chainsaw sounding gimmicks, devoid of any real life. He's not even dirty, just manic in his use of effects and sounds. Its music made for a new generation of dubstep fans, and the energy and power behind it is undeniable. Its just not that good.

 Its with that thought in mind that I bring you a extra special, massive 142 BPM Mondays! There are fourteen some odd tracks here, all of them dark, melodic, and menacing, just like Dubstep should be. There's nothing wrong with listening to some dope Katy Perry remix's now and then if thats your bag. But its not mine, and I want you guys to revel in all that is glorious about this genre. Some are old, some are new, all are bangers through and through. Were pulling out all the stops on this one.

Best of all, you can download all of these songs via Music, Unicorns, Thoughts, by clicking the link below each song. Boom.

Follow, comment, etc. Lets try to get this to 100 views in the next day!

Daryl


Wondering (Dirtyphonics Remix) - Does It Offend You, Yeah?

Wondering - Does It Offend You, Yeah? (Dirtyphonics Remix) by bestofdubstep.com
Download

Haunt You - Flux Pavilion

Flux Pavilion - Haunt You by ENSUPERTREND
Download

Natalia's Song - Zomby (Dedicated to a friend of mine)

Zomby - Natalia's Song (BBC Radio 1 Rip) by kycok_govna
Download

The City (ZeroPointOne Remix) - Milosh

Milosh - The City (ZeroPointOne Remix) by darylauguste
Download

The Vision - Joker

Joker - The Vision by darylauguste
Download

Asda2 - Rusko

Rusko - Asda 2 [New Song !] by Haxyl Prime
Download

Sun and Moon (Distance Remix) - Above & Beyond Feat. Richard Bedford

Above & Beyond feat. Richard Bedford - Sun & Moon (Distance Remix) by aboveandbeyond
Download

Stories (Dream Remix) - Ghost and Misty

Ghost & Misty - Stories (Dream Remix) by Q-ba
Download

Spliff Dub (Rustie Remix) - Zomby

Zomby - Spliff Dub (Rustie Remix) by RoyalDutch
Download

Just To See Her - Synkro

Synkro - Just To See Her by darylauguste
Download

Make You Sleep - Kryptic Minds & Emika

Kryptic Minds & Emika - Make You Sleep by darylauguste
Download

What You Banging On About! - Magnetic Man vs Redlight

Magnetic Man vs Redlight - What You Banging On About! by darylauguste
Download

Vampayaa (Starkey Remix) - Tayo Meets Acid Rockers Feat. PupaJim

Tayo meets Acid Rockers ft. Pupajim "Vampayaa (Starkey Remix)" by starkey
Download

Darkin It - Skream

Skream - Darkin It by Mooreeya
Download

and for the Skrillex fans out there.

Pixel Cheese (Skrillex Remix) - DeadMau5 & Feed Me

Pixel Cheese (Skrillex Remix) - Deadmau5 & Feed Me by KineticMuzik
Download

There you have it folks, some incredible tracks. I worked my @#!*% off doing it as well, so I'd appreciate all the love you can bestow. Peace!

Sleepy Sunday Sleepers for the Sleepy at Heart.

Week two of MUT's Sunday Segment, which covers relaxing, beautiful songs old and new. With school almost out of the way everybody's days get progressively more relaxing, so feel free to listen to these songs any day of the week! Its OK.

Memory Loss - The Radio Dept.

The radio dept - memory loss by pausainfinito

That Is A Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths

There is a Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths by Christiane Simo

Oh Mandy - The Spinto Band

Oh Mandy - The Spinto Band by user5543978

Sunday Morning - The Velvet Underground

Sunday Morning - The Velvet Underground by FOE

Hope you enjoy.

CHECK IN TOMORROW FOR A HUGE 142 BPM MONDAYS! 10 TRACKS, THE DOPEST WE'VE EVER HAD!

Forgive Me Father! Fridays!

                              An unrelated, eye-catching picture.


Another new weekly segment coming atcha! Music so seductive, so beautiful in its sexual majesty that you will have family members disowning you as a result of the things you do while listening to it. Geared towards music for the dance floor, Forgive Me Father! Fridays! is in favor of kicking on those boogie shoes and getting hot and heavy on a Friday night.

Back On You- Kaskade

Kaskade - Back On You by Twanizzle

Firework (Fred Falke Mix) - Katy Perry

Katy Perry - Firework (Fred Falke Remix) by kevinthekid

Dancehall Queen (Prod. by Diplo) - Robyn

Robyn - Dancehall Queen (produced by Diplo) by FirstUp!

Dirty Talk (LAZERDISK SEX PARTY Remix) -Wynter Gordon

Dirty Talk (LAZERDISK PARTY SEX REMIX) by LAZERDISK PARTY SEX

Enjoy these little beauties. Just not to much.

HAPPY FRIDAY

Some More Freckly Love

Taking a break from writing an atrocious senior paper. New Australian band Cloud Control has my heart. Take a listen.



*Gold Canary is my favorite. Great summer album. Reminds me a lot of Fanfarlo and Arcade Fire.
Cloud Control by infectiousmusicuk

Strange Talk. Indie Music...From Australia.

Strange Talk is an Indie music outfit from the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia. Like all Australians they are very happy to be living in Australia, and their music reflects the fact that Australia is really awesome. Cause their music is really awesome. They've released a four track, self titled EP (called Strange Talk, for those of you who don't know what self-titled means) and you guys should all go check it out. Its hip, its different, and its fun. What more could you want for a beautiful spring afternoon, hand in hand with your love...praying for that first kiss.

Here are some songs.

Climbing Walls - Strange Talk

Climbing Walls by Strange Talk

We Can Pretend- Strange Talk

We Can Pretend by Strange Talk

142 Beat Per Minute Mondays!

Hey there folks! Once again we're back with 142 BPM Mondays, highlighting the best and brightest in Dubstep. It doesn't get much fresher then this, so hold onto your nutsack's (literal or otherwise) and prepare to be the coolest kid in school. 

Fire (Ft. Ms. Dynamite) - Magnetic Man 

Magnetic Man - Fire (Feat. Ms. Dynamite) by The Honour Roll

Right Beside You - Jakwob

Jakwob - Right Beside You by Keep It Dub

Sick Bubblegum (Skrillex Remix) - Rob Zombie

Sick Bubblegum (Skrillex Remix) - Rob Zombie by The Kollection

Beautician - Dillon Francis (We got a sweet post on this guy coming up)

Dillon Francis - Beautician by Annie Mac Presents

Linstigator - Disclosure

Disclosure - Linstigator by DISCODUST


If this doesn't get you laid, nothing will. You're probably not very attractive.

                                                                                                                         

Surprise!

TOO STICKY.

Sleepy Sunday Sleepers for the Sleepy at Heart.

Sundays are great days. You wake up at noon and spend the rest of the day nursing a hangover, doing homework, whatever it may be. It's a time that calls for quiet music and soft noises. Thats why we at MUT are creating a new segment focused on beautiful, sleep inducing songs to spend your Sunday daydreaming to.

Enjoy!

Green Grass of Tunnel - mum

múm - Green Grass Of Tunnel by snap2244

Heavy Water / I'd Rather Be Sleeping - Grouper

Grouper - Heavy Water / I'd Rather Be Sleeping by user9442579

Bored Games - Wild Nothing

Bored Games-Wild Nothing by mydarksky

Man in a Shed - Nick Drake

Man In A Shed by familydinner


If you have any questions about the artists, the new segment, whatever, leave us a comment. We're more then happy to oblige.

P.S: Happy Easter to the faithful out there!

Dead Meadow: for the loud at heart.

Solid hard rock has gone missing. In part, I understand – there is an unfortunate stigma revolved around a lot of psyche and grunge rock these days (which I believe radio is to blame for), and with the rise of incredibly hyped dub and electronic fads of the past few years, it is easy to sweep more classic, melodious guitar drones and richer rock bass and drums under the rug. Sometimes, though, I do really worry that a lot of us have lost appreciation for – in the simplest of terms – good, hard rock. My current favorite is D.C. originated band Dead Meadow.

I’d classify this band as more of a bluesy, psychedelic breed, with some of the most beautiful distortions I’ve heard since my front row Sonic Youth experience. Their self-title debut album is dynamic, sassy as hell, and honestly feels like a blunt to the face (totally serious). Turn up Sleepy Silver Door in your headphones and close your eyes. I’m so addicted to the crazy cymbals and bass bubbles that make the hypnotizing guitars feel like they’re crawling down my spine. Indian Bones and Rocky Mountain High are lovely follow-ups, full of boiling energy and stunning, sweaty sex – picture a White Stripes/70’s Stooges lovechild. Dragonfly and Beyond the Fields We Know are a slower set, but some of the romantic songs of their kind. I won’t talk too much about Feathers, the bands fifth album, because it’s my least favorite (although still unbelievable as a whole) – much less hard and head-nod-able, but don’t get it twisted, kids – Heaven and Let It All Pass are tracks off this record that I could listen to until my ears bleed.

Old Growth is their newest album and an absolute joy. Beautifully written and excessively fun. Enjoy.

Dead Meadow - Sleepy Silver Door by maraton

Rocky Mountain High by Dead Meadow

Grouper's new EP Alien Observer, Sadly Destined for Obscurity

Liz Harris, alias Grouper. The Portland based singer-songwriter has been around for awhile. 2008's "Dragging a Dead Dear Up a Hill", the most recent Grouper album, was beautiful and sleep inducing, haunting and tiring at the same time. Harris's music can be characterized by song titles the likes of "We've All Gone to Sleep" and "Heavy Water /I'd Rather Be Sleeping". Its soft and slow, frequently bordering on ambient. Yet there's something beautiful and accessible to Groupers music that most ambient lacks. It feels like its coming from the bed of an ocean or the deepest recesses of your bed, its enchanting and inviting, it makes you feel safe and unnerved at the same time, as it can be quite creepy.

  The latest Grouper output is the distant "AIA: Alien Observer", which has Harris going back to her roots pre "Dragging a Dead...". Her voice is more layered and obscured by various sounds. Where her previous LP took away a lot of the fuzz that shrouds Grouper tracks, "Alien Observer", brings it back, though admittingly to a more sparing degree then some older albums.  Highlights of the album are the title track, unusually short for a Grouper track at less then four minutes, it has Harris floating above the song, rather then controlling it. Her voice adds to the haunting atmosphere and indeed serves largely as a setting rather then a director of the music.

What makes Harris's story tragic is the fact that she will never come to obvious prominence in the music community. While her albums have attracted attention and a good set of followers (myself included), her music is slow and requires an attention span far surpassing that of the average music listener (ya I'm a snob, so what?).

Buy Groupers music, support those artists that test the patience of listeners. Or I'll get you. Or something, whatever.

Alien Observer - Grouper

Grouper: "Alien Observer" by alteredzones

She Loves Me That Way - Grouper

Grouper - She Loves Me That Way by Add Void

Tessa's been blessed with the opportunity to co-author, and she wants you to listen to Phantogram.

These days, we’re all looking forward to a happy spring pick-me-up, aren’t we? I would argue that the darker days of Sigh No More, the King of Limbs, and Teen Dream, while all hypnotic and some of my own recent favorites, should be left in the slushy, grey days of winter. I’ve gotten sick of walking around to my favorite Bon Iver’s (new EP in June, brace yo’selves), I’ve become bored of No Age and Local Natives and all these bands that fit my winter fancy. I’ve even grown bored of those filthy dubstep groans we all hold so close to our tired little teenage hearts. This is why, in the first warm, perfectly breezed, pollen-filled days of spring, I feel the desperate need to spread the word about one of my new favorites, not only appropriate for spring, but hopefully for the duration of my last few months before heading off to college – no, not Helplessness Blues ("Sunlight over me no matter what I do!") – Saratoga Springs based band Phantogram.

I have a love/hate relationship with pretty much all chick singers. I left the Beach House concert early this year because, frankly, I don’t care too much for Victoria Legrand’s ‘earthiness’ (feel free to judge me). Florence Welch’s singing, after frequent listening, has become less pleasant and more whale-like. Grace Potter’s sex-filled rasp get’s old. I will even admit, after years of denial, that Regine Chassange (when left alone) leaves much to be desired (…come on, you know it’s true). However, upon first shuffling through Phantogram’s debut album Eyelid Movements, I found myself with quite literally no complaints. Not to mention the duo has previously opened for Metric and Yeasayer. What more could trendy little hipster scums want?

Sarah Barthel is ballsy, specifically for a young, sexy female who (I’m sure) had every opportunity to slut away her talents on some sub-par pop album off some big, fancy label. Her voice, often times in company with guitarist Josh Carter, is subtle, but arguably as sassy and powerful as current chart-topper Adele. Her voice on Eyelid Movements is dynamic on each track – mysteriously muted while equally strident, easy on the ears while curiously impossible to replicate (my shower head can vouch for me). My favorite track off this album is Mouthful of Diamonds, which features some of the sparkliest guitars I have ever heard. Yes, sparkly. You’ll have to hear it to believe it (see below). “Wake up, you’re getting high on your own supply” Next, I’d recommend When I’m Small, another favorite. This track is equally as psych-poppy and catchy, but arguably darker and beautifully eery. “I’d rather die than to be with you” Turn it Off and Running From The Cops are also big hitters in my book.

There’s something about this part of the year that begs for unfortunately catchy pop singles, troubled MC’s and love songs. What Phantogram so artfully supplies is a fresh sound that echoes gorgeously articulated ruminations on unrequited love, royally fucking up, caustic criticisms of close friends, and big fat “FUCK YOU” ‘s to unsuspecting individuals. There’s nothing like a good pop album that sends shivers down your spine and pumps out solid modern funk at the same time. I don’t know about you, but this is what I’ll be clumsily dancing to for the next few weeks or so.

Props to Daryl for letting me in on this hip endeavor. I feel fucking special. TBX out.

Phantogram When I'm Small by cessinorman


Phantogram - Mouthful Of Diamonds by ana_satana

The Weeknd: House of Ballons

   Every now and then I come across something truly special. There are lots of great albums with hype built up for months before the release. They come pre-packedged with billboards, Rolling Stone articles, and David Letterman performances. Much rarer are those left field hits that take you by surprise in a genuine way free of staged publicity and sex scandals.

  The new mixtape "House of Balloons" from Canadian group the Weeknd is a great example of something occupying a sonic territory so specific and haunting that its hard not to pay attention. Originally anonymous, the Weeknd is the project of Toronto based R&B singer Abel Tesfaye and several producers from around the area. Its music for night owls. Sexy, scary, and sad, the Weeknd occupies a sonic territory thats characterized by drugs and loneliness. They don't live in the ideal world but there's something romantically alluring about it. The only comparison in terms of sex appeal and sadness I can conjure is the xx's self titled debut in 2009.

  "Codeine cups paint a picture so vivid
Fakes try to mimic get girls timid
But behind closed doors they get oh so rigid"

These lines appear on one of the albums high points, the sad, pseudo-triumphant "The Morning". The world of girls, drugs, and forgotten nights seems to be taking their tole on The Weeknd, who never seem satisfied or happy with where they're at.

This review is to short to really merit a rating, its enough to say that "House of Ballons" is a gem, always sexy and inviting, yet never content.


What You Need - The Weeknd

The Weeknd - What You Need by The_Weeknd

The Morning - The Weeknd

The Weeknd - The Morning by The_Weeknd

142 Beat Per Minute Mondays!

10 followers! I feel like the prettiest girl at the dance.

I know this completely contradicts my last segment, but I'm a sucker for some heavy tunes without the explanation. Here are some nice bangers for your ear cavity's.


We Don't Eat (Adventure Club Remix) - James Vincent McMorrow

James Vincent McMorrow - We Don't Eat (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix) by Adventure Club Dubstep

The World is Ours - Tokimonsta

Tokimonsta - The World Is Ours by darylauguste

Thou Shalt Always Kill (Vaccine Remix) - Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip

Thou Shalt Always Kill ( Vaccine Remix ) - Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip by darylauguste

A Blog Post on Blogging (With Some Cool Tracks)

                                                  London based  producer Eleven Tigers.



I haven't written to much this last week. Part of that has been due to sheer busyness (a ton of preparations for summer, going home after six months of treatment, etc) but the bulk of it is that I just didn't know what to write about. Its been a struggle to think of creative fodder for the blog while also distancing it from the "post a song, write a sentence", blog stereotype.

Which is why I've decided to have a little conversation (mostly with myself, I only have nine followers after all) about the nature of blogging and why it can be such a polarizing force in music (Odd Future's Tyler the Creator pulls no punches in repeatedly insulting the blogosphere) while also serving as an influential force (the same group of guys Tyler rags on are the chief reason he's as well known as he is today).

Blogging is an inherently narcissistic endeavor. To start a blog one needs to be confident in the content of the blog as well as their ability as a writer. You also have the impression that people might be interested in what you have to say. Blogging is not for the self-conscious, the internet is a cesspool of ridicule and if you listen to every negative thing hurled your way it will cripple you. While I'm focusing on music blogs, this is true across the board, whether you have a Wordpress, Blogspot, or god forbid, your own website. The idea of people listening to what you have to say and liking the things you tell them they should like is an appealing idea, not so much as a power grab but as a general community service/ pat on the back.

The problem with most blogs is the lack of substance. I'm active on The Hype Machine (hypem.com), a website devoted to compiling music from a library of blogs. Its a great resource for getting new music and observing what the community is favoring as a whole. The blogs themselves aren't great. An average post consists of a few sentences describing the artist, maybe a clever one liner somewhere, then a few tracks. Its boring an un-inventive. It speaks of a community of bloggers who value the self fulfillment of a large audience and a heavy stream of posts above substance.

This is because the job of blogs isn't to be well spoken or interesting. Its the passing on of music to the masses, and the promotion of various up and coming groups. There aren't many good articles on Odd Future in blogs but their music can be found in just about every single one. At this point in time blogs best use is providing hits for songs, albums, artists, etc. Its not a trajectory I see changing anytime soon and the common consensus seems to be that if you want to be an art @#!*% and write, go get a job from Pitchfork. Blogs are meant to be quick and dirty blips of music, no more and no less.

What I'd like to see is a blogosphere dominated by substance over output. It offers those who see blogs as musical bibles an opportunity to really become knowledgeable on the music their listening to, and thats a powerful sentiment. I'm not arguing for an army of pretentious music snobs, the "her musics a bit obtuse, frankly" type. A musically informed public renders more accountable artists and record labels. Would people shelling fifty plus bucks to go see Ke$ha if they knew the amount of production tricks that go into making her sound decent? They probably would, there are certain things you just can't change. Still, it would bring more awareness to what goes on in front and behind the scenes in making music, in marketing music, in consuming music.

Here's hoping for a new age is blogging. After all, where would music be without us, the lonely narcissists. Certainly a lot more Barry Manilow.



Here are some eclectic bangers for your listening pleasure. It just wouldn't feel right without them.


I'll Take Care of You (Jamie xx Remix) - Gil Scott Heron

Gil Scott-Heron - I'll Take Care of You (Jamie XX Remix) by Posh Magazine

Guilt - Nero

Nero - Guilt by azurochka

Stableface - Eleven Tigers

Eleven Tigers - Stableface by darylauguste

Tyrant Destroyed - Twin Shadow

01 Tyrant Destroyed by pippsta