Monthly Archives: August 2011

Tha Carter IV – Lil Wayne

Hey Guys and Dolls, so you know that Lil Wayne dude, and that Carter IV album coming out in like 5 days? Well guess who got it already and is going to give you some new previews for your listening pleasure? No prizes for guessing who-

Yeah, I’d love me too.

Download President Carter – Lil Wayne

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Download It’s Good – Lil Wayne Feat. Jadakiss and Drake

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Download Outro – Lil Wayne

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-Spark
(Cheers to my brother Me2 for the heads up)

What The Water Gave Me – Florence + The Machine

I’m not going to hide my excitement at this. Florence + The Machine has such an expressive style that ebbs and flows from the quietest whispers to roaring screams. The production by Paul Epworth and supporting band members do a great job setting the tone for Florence to let go of any reservations and pour her heart into her voice.

So I’m positively giddy to hear the first single release of Florence + The Machine’s upcoming second album: “What The Water Gave Me” shows off the full spectrum of Florence’s musical personality. It moves in from a gentle drum beat, then Florence starts off singing gently and becomes more forceful. It builds into a roar midway through the track, leaving you with a false climax that threatens to overtake your consciousness. Florence says of the track’s inspiration, “It’s a song for the water… Because in music and art what I’m really interested in are the things that are overwhelming. The ocean seems to me to be nature’s great overwhelmer.”

Download  What The Water Gave Me – Florence + The Machine  +

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If you got the same feeling that I did, then right about now you can’t wait to hear more of her. Lucky for you that I’ve found these B-sides and other relatively unknown tracks.

Download  Swimming – Florence + The Machine

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Download  Hardest Of Hearts – Florence + The Machine

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Download  Heavy In Your Arms – Florence + The Machine

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Download  Falling – Florence + The Machine

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[Exclusive Interview] Tunde Olaniran

No matter which way you look at it, Tunde Olaniran is unique. A unique man, a unique artist, a unique musician. The easiest way to make sense of it would be to look at his multicultural heritage and his life spent in several disparate countries. But beyond that simple explanation, Tunde Olaniran is unique because he chooses to fight the norms and set his own path, musically and otherwise, and because he believes in striving against defined boundaries. His music reflects this belief, as do the visuals and music videos surrounding his latest release.

The First Transgression is the first in a series of five EPs collectively titled The Five Transgressions. The single, “Cobra,” is a powerful example of Tunde’s diverse musical influences. On top of a base of dark synths and deep electronic music, Tunde incorporates elements of rock and hip-hop, tying the track together with an emotive and forcefully delivered vocal performance.

First, listen to the single below, or check out the full EP The First Transgression on Bandcamp. Even if it may not turn out to be your thing, but everyone should at least give this EP a listen if only to wonder in amazement at the mesmerizing medley of sounds.

Cobra – Tunde Olaniran

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We talked with Tunde Olaniran about his musical influences, what “transgression” means to him, and the range of sound in his EP.
To read the full interview, click “Read the rest…” below.

Read More…

Childish Gambino

If you haven’t heard of Childish Gambino, you may have heard of his alter ego: Donald Glover (some say alter ego, some say identity), who was one of the stars of Derrick Comedy and TV’s “Community.” He advertises himself as a rapper for white people, that doesn’t conform to normal rap stereotypes.

Regardless, this guy is hilarious, and his humour comes through loud and clear in his lyrics. It’s one metaphor after another and they’re all fantastic. Check out these songs, and if you like them you can get the free mixtape here

Download My Shine – Childish Gambino

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Download Freaks and Geeks – Childish Gambino

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-Spark

Right Here – Skrillex

Found this intense unreleased Skrillex track; exactly what you’d expect from him, some heavy bass that’s overshadowed by his use of dozens of samples that make up his unique style – in a way, it’s very similar to the call-and-response style of house that Wolfgang Gartner is famous for. He must spends days just putting together the sample collection for each track, and just like Gartner he times them to perfection, so that the samples become part of the track’s melody.

Download  Right Here – Skrillex  +

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Thursday (Mixtape) – The Weeknd

Thursday is the second in a trilogy of mixtapes from Toronto-based RnB singer The Weeknd. The first mixtape, House Of Balloons, immediately brought attention to his captivatingly high voice. His lyrics feel emotionally present in a way that can place you in the scene of his artistic vision. It urges you to let go of your self-control and indulge yourself in the dirty talk. But at the same time, he feels almost casual in his delivery, while saying lines like “It seems like them over there are your best friends / Cause everything you do leads to bad / You think I could be your best friend / Baby I could fuck you right.”

One of the highlights of the mixtape, “The Zone”, lays a slow, deep beat as the base for his soaring multifaceted voice. It’s the ideal example for how the understated production separates Thursday from his first mixtape. The Weeknd’s voice is highlighted in just the right spaces, and interspersed throughout the record are periods of near-silence, setting the mood like dimming the lights before making love. And that’s the vision that really defines the album:  an orgy in slow-motion, black-and-white.

Download  The Zone – The Weeknd feat. Drake  +

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Download  Thursday – The Weeknd

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Download  Lonely Star – The Weeknd  +

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Avicii

Avicii is my favourite DJ. With his insanely effective pump-up beats, and smooth melodic transitions he never fails to disappoint.

Recently I discovered a track that made me spit up my cereal.

You Like Avicii. you Like David Guetta. That’s Right. Here they are together.

Download Sunshine – Avicii & David Guetta +

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Here is one of my all time favourite Avicii songs, and a great remix too (although we might have already posted it err…)

Download Levels – Avicii +

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Download Where Them Levels at – Jeff Rowe

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-Spark

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