Posts by: Switch
I have no musical talent. It's a shame, because I'm kinda addicted to music, all genres, shapes, and cup sizes.
Maaajor Laaaaaaazer
This is just strangely amazing. Major Lazer ftw.
Levels [Music Video]
Brilliantly funny music video for Avicii’s “Levels.” I particularly like the part where the nurses zombie-dance down the corridor.
-Switch
The Good Natured
Who They Are:
An electro-pop band tinged with gothic elements, The Good Natured has been my personal pleasant surprise of the last few weeks. Although strictly speaking this is electro-pop, lead singer-songwriter Sarah McIntosh (in the photo) has a knack for writing suggestive lyrics that, unlike most pop songs, need several listens to appreciate. The closest easy comparison would be a more forceful version of Marina + The Diamonds à la “Shampain.”
What They Sound Like:
Fast and powerful drum rhythms impose a sense of urgency, while the synths range from dark and filthy to Katy-Perry-bubbly. In front of it all, McIntosh pours out lyrics along the lines of: “Wake up to the sound of nothing to insanity // Reaching for the knife to cut a hole in front of me // Raindrops hit the ground they shimmer all in black and white // Open up the door in to the night.”
Their most recent single “Video Voyeur” is available as a free download from The Good Natured’s Facebook Page.
Video Voyeur – The Good Natured +
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From the Skeleton EP:
Skeleton – The Good Natured
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Download Wolves – The Good Natured +
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And for an extra dose of awesome, here’s the bass-ier remix by Grum.
Download Skeleton (Grum Remix) – The Good Natured
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I first found out about The Good Natured through their feature on ”Alive” by Adrian Lux.
Download Feel Alive – Adrian Lux feat. The Good Natured +
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And now Adrian Lux has released his remix of “Video Voyeur” on YouTube (audio only).
-Switch
Daniela Andrade
After finding a large following on YouTube (combined video views of 2.4 million), Daniela Andrade has already released an EP and several singles on iTunes at just 17 years old. Utilizing nothing but an acoustic guitar and her voice, she lays out an emotionally provocative atmosphere in each of her songs. Here are a few of the covers she’s done to introduce you to her talent. Hit the link below for her original singles released on iTunes.
Download Big Jet Plane (Angus & Julia Stone Cover) – Daniela Andrade
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Download Everything (Michael Buble Cover) – Daniela Andrade
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Download Bulletproof (La Roux Cover) – Daniela Andrade
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Head over to her iTunes page to listen/download her original singles. Or her YouTube channel for videos of all her songs.
-Switch
The Lateness Of The Hour – Alex Clare
A singer-songwriter from London, Alex Clare made a big breakout this summer with his debut album The Lateness Of The Hour. I’ve been meaning to write about this forever, but somehow or another I kept putting it off. Don’t allow yourself to make the same mistake, because this album is too good to pass up. Produced by the geniuses behind Major Lazer – Diplo and Switch (the real one, not me) – the album ends up with a dancehall feeling at its most energetic points. “Up All Night” comes to mind as an example – coupled with grungy power chords and a filth-laden bassline, Clare’s voice shines above the noise. It’s a strange mixture: soul and dancehall jumbled together, but somehow it just works.
Download Up All Night – Alex Clare
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An absolute beast of a remix by Skream, the song is stripped bare of any grunge elements, keeping just a high-pitched melody and a half-step beat kicking in at 1:30. Years later, Skream is still championing the development of the original sound of dubstep (a.k.a. not head-thrashing bro-step).
Download Up All Night (Skream’s Behind Closed Doors Remix) – Alex Clare +
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Absolutely beautiful – just a simple beat and Clare’s powerful voice
Download Caroline – Alex Clare +
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To top it off, a fantastic, grungy remix by Distance
Download Too Close (Distance Remix) – Alex Clare
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And finally, a supremely happy, catchy song that you’ve probably already heard somewhere:
Hands Are Clever – Alex Clare
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If you’re in the UK, you can head over to iTunes to get the full album. Sadly it’s not available in non-UK online stores just yet.
-Switch
Maria Rose & The Swiss Kicks [Album Release Party]
Following up on the online release of their debut album, Maria Rose & The Swiss Kicks are having an official CD release party in Flint, MI on Dec. 23rd. If you’re going to be in the area and interested in attending, get all the info on the Facebook event page.
And also take a look at our review of the album with downloads of a few songs.
-Switch
Saturday Night Gym Club and Chagall [Rework]
You may remember Chagall from our review of her debut EP just two weeks ago. And by now you should certainly be familiar with Saturday Night Gym Club.
Just last week, I was tipped off about a collaboration and possible remix that they were working on together, and now we’ve just got the first fruits of that collaboration. Available to stream: Saturday Night Gym Club’s rework of the Chagall single (the one I was raving about) “A Walk In The Dark.”
Retaining the heartfelt expression of the original, but with the chopped vocals and lush electronic soundscape that are now trademarks of the SNGC story-telling sound, the ambient vibe of the rework is like a magical overture to your soul.
A Walk In The Dark (Saturday Night Gym Club Rework) – Chagall
Memorable moments: the opening two notes, the introduction of the drum samples at 1:15, the open-ended space after the second chorus (2:23).
Chagall with Saturday Night Gym Club
There’s still more collaborative awesomeness (and purchase links) to come, so follow our Twitter feed to stay up-to-date.
-Switch