Slow Machete - Fallen Mangoes
Sound: Minimalistic, World, Electronic, Singer/Songwriter, Vocal Harmonies
One of the best albums of last year is online right now, free, and you probably haven’t heard of it yet.
I probably need to go back a little bit (in time). When most Dads show their sons classic rock, I got world music. I’m talking Rusted Root and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. On the way to school, every single morning. I had no idea that wasn’t normal. Because of that any incarnation of world music I instantly connect with.
And when I heard this song I pushed repeat right away. I listened to it (and the album) for most of a flight from LAX to JFK. ”Fallen Mangoes” is a beautiful mixture of minimalist electronic, singer/songwriter, and world music. The light voice(s) float in and out of the lyrics like the clouds above Dolores Park in summer.
If you need further convincing for whatever dumb reasoning, the track “Swollen Hands” is great too. Now, go get the album, its free.
(Song found on BRTE)
Lyrics Born - The Bay (ft. The Poets Of Rhythm)
Sound: Hip Hop, Wordplay, Old School Flow
If you are from the Bay Area and you listen to this song you are probably smiling. Because every line is true.
For me, the bay is home. And I couldn’t be more proud. And I’m smiling.
Niki & The Dove - Tomorrow
Sound: Pop, Electronic, Female Vocalist
Three female vocalists in a row. Its already a great summer for humans with only x chromosomes. Whats that? The word chromosomes doesn’t belong on a music blog? I agree, lets move on.
Just about everything in this song is fun with a toss to ’80s nostalgia.
- The simple synthesized beat and the way the song bursts at the chorus. ’80s!
- The lyrics “I’m going to let you show me / What it means breathe fire!” ’80s!
- Check out that album cover. Its like Labyrinth is putting on a production of A Mid Summer Night’s Dream. NAILED IT. (’80s!)
And I don’t blame them. The ’80s nailed pop music. And Niki & The Dove are bringing that pure pop back into our ears. And we should thank them for it.
Young Wonder - Flesh
Sound: Electronic, Pop, Female Vocals, Hip Hop, Club Banger
Wow. Young Wonder just burst on the scene. Coming from nowhere. Or, Ireland. And since I don’t care much for Guinness (if reading that makes you feel any negative emotion, rethink everything about who you are as a person) I would like everyone to accept Young Wonder as Ireland’s national treasure.
I love “Flesh.” We all picture ourselves walking into a crazy fresh club in Abu Dhabi when the track starts off, right? Cool, we’re on the same page.
Also, people are going nutty for Orange and I understand why. It’s an amazing track.
Also also, check out the whole album streaming on SoundCloud.
Ellie Goulding - Heartbeats (Cosmonaut Grechko edit)
Sound: Indie, Folk, Pop, Chiiiiill, Cover, Soft Female Vocalist
The Knife made a crazed dance track. Jose González turned it into a romantic slowjam. And now Ellie Goulding bridged the gap, with the help of Cosmonaut Grechko. The female vocals, back beat, and male/female tag team from The Knife’s side. The smooth melody and guitar from Jose González’s side. The track is great. Take a listen, or 5.
For all you visual people, I venn’d it:
James Vincent McMorrow - We Don’t Eat
Sound: Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Piano, Country, Soulful Male Vocals
You guys! Why did no one tell me about James Vincent McMorrow? Finally Tunage stepped up and told me.
To say I have had this song on repeat wouldn’t be fair to repeat. Usually repeat gets a coffee break or a union mandatory 30 minute lunch. I have given no suck luck to my repeat button. Sorry about that, Petey. (I named my repeat button.)
This song hits my sweet spot of a piano and drum combo. Then it hits my other sweet spot of letting the strings come in and take this to some next level shit. It builds beautifully.
His album (Early in the Morning) had a few more incredible tracks: ”If I Had A Boat” & “Sparrow And The Wolf.” He does a great job of towing the line between country and singer/songwriter. Listen now!
The Hood Internet - Without Kimmi (Usher vs Twin Sister)
Sound: Mash Up, R&B, Chill Electronic
People might be over mashups, but I’m not. At all. I used to search music forums for mashups while on AOL dial up. I’ve been here a while and I don’t plan on leaving any time soon. The Hood Internet are kings of the modern mashup. Their work ethic is fucking crazy. The fans just keep getting more gems.
Although Usher has more-or-less jumped the R&B shark and is a full studio man (was he ever not, though?) I think this track soars. Stripping away the cheesy-dance from Usher and using Twin Sister’s incredible and simple beat really makes the emotion feel raw in this. And it works, so damn well.
Original Usher track. (The music video is about Pangea coming back and us dancing because of it? YAY!) Original Twin Sister track. (This video could be a dark sequel to The Neverending Story movies. Its nutty.)
Hoodie Allen - No Faith in Brooklyn (feat. Jhameel)
Sound: Hip Hop
There once was this artist I liked from my old hood (SF), Jhameel. (Dusty Speakers song link!) There once was this rapper I liked from my new hood (NY), Hoodie Allen. THEN THEY MADE A SONG TOGETHER. Its like two of your best friends got together and had a really cool kid that wears baby ray bans, and baby converse, and goes to baby Coachella.
Hoodie’s new album is solid. Much like Childish Gambino I miss the days of yesteryear when all their demo tracks would be packed to the brim with pop culture punchline rhymes. But everyone has to grow up, I get it. Album is still solid.
Maps & Atlases - Fever
Sound: Indie Rock, Pop, Interesting Male Vocalist, Miike Snow minus the computer
So here it is, my favorite indie music secret: Maps & Atlases. Super catchy tunes with great lyrics and a vocalist that takes fluctuation risks ala Regina Spektor.
They have an incredible way of starting out albums that fucking hook you and make you want to stay around. Their last album started with “I don’t think there is a sound I hate more // than when you say you don’t love me anymore.” Brutal. Now its “When you are old and grey // I hope that someone holds you the way I would.” More sentimental, but the way its delivered makes you understand.
Fever is the second track on the album and its so damn good. Its like they know I have a summer mix and wanted to make the perfect song for it. Good on you, Maps & Atlases! Good on you!
Also, how good is that album title?! Delightful!
Also also, Remote And Dark Years is very good. Its begging to be used on a soundtrack. If none of you do it, I will!
Major Lazer - Get Free (feat. Amber of Dirty Projectors)
Sound: Ambient, Woman Vocalist, Electronic
This shit is chill. MEGA CHILL. Like, convertible down on the 101 and accidentally drive to LA from SF because you got lost in the cloud of chill.
Also, I have no idea how to classify this? Ambient? Electronic? Chill Pop? Thats how good it is— it doesn’t make sense to put it in a category.
Also also, its a free download here.
Andrew Sa - Baby (The Crystals Cover)
Sound: Cover, Piano, Singer/Songwriter, Crooning
This is pretty exciting post for me. Its my first exclusive track for the blog. (Or, pretty close to exclusive since his songs are on the internet already but haven’t been picked up yet) I just got back from Chicago to see his record release show.
But first a story that fills me with pride that I found out over my visit. I was the first person to “”“publish”“” (I can’t put enough quotes) Andrew’s music. A few years ago I had a clothing company that I ran with a few friends. Whenever anyone bought a shirt, we tossed in a free sampler of music we liked. The song was Only and its still a favorite of mine.
His record release show was really great. The venue was dark except for tea lights. The back wall was completely windows, showing the Chicago skyline at night. And there was some real energy in the room. People were excited to be there.
Below is Andrew rehearsing before the show, instagram’d of course.
The cd release was for his cover’s project, “The KISS Project.” He took motown classics and broke them down into simple piano songs. And it works. Very well.
He makes Locomotion art-y and listenable for the first time. The long intro is well worth the wait and adds some fun tension to the song.
The Ronettes’ Walking in the Rain gets a ukulele (by the very short and very sassy Annie Passanisi) cover while Andrew’s crooning take the front seat.
But my favorite song on the album is Baby, a cover from the 1960’s girl group The Crystals. The pace is fantastic and mellow. And when it bursts open at the end, it still keeps it simple while adding a raw finish.
TLDR; The concert was great. His new cover EP is great. His upcoming originals EP is going to fucking rule. Crooning is back.
Andy Davis - Chicago, City of Shoulders
Sound: Acoustic, Male Vocals, Singer/Songwriter
I am going to Chicago this morning to celebrate a few friend’s birthdays, finally see a game at Wrigley, and most importantly see my very talented friend BoneSa perform and release some new music. (more on that in later days)
This song is classic. Simple. A smidge soulful. I first got a hold of it in 2007 and it still shines.
Jai Paul - jasmine (demo)
Sound: Electronic, Chill, Pop, Oliver Tank-y
I have been sitting on this track for a week trying to figure out how/what to say about it. Its so good.
There is some sex in that voice. Kinda like a space-y Robin Thicke? Which lead me to a whole different realization.
Basically if you liked the movie Drive, care at all about mid-00s r&b, and wanna chill out— then turn up those dusty speakers.
Minnie Riperton - Les Fleur
Sound: Soul, Motown, Female Vocalist
BRTE does soul Friday. I do soul Sunday. I don’t actually do soul Sunday, but this song is so good it makes me think I should make it a thing.
The first time I heard this, I freaked out because I recognized the sample. After the initial shock, I realized the track is incredible. The crescendo is art.
John Hiatt - Have a Little in Faith in Me
Sound: Piano, Sultry Male Voice, Soft Rock
I am not sure if I am supposed to be embarrassed about how much I love this song. I really like this song. And its super cheesy. I have no delusions about that. But, I think I just embrace it and fucking belt along with this angel’s voice.
So, am I embarrassed? Nope. Fuck everyone else— this is great.
“I WILL HOLD YA UP! I WILL HOLD YA UP!”
