Friends with benefits...

Love mix-CDs especially from my bud JD, who every 5 years or so will throw me a bone with tons of fun kitschy music! His latest installment had a lot of awesome tracks which I'll probably get to listing here eventually but a stand out track on the CDs was Echoplex by Miami Horror. So of course I ran to youtube more of their stuff and discovered an amazing album, Illumination. I'm including the vid for Moon Theory because well the guy in the video is foine but also it's a great jam. Can't get enough of Miami Horror, neither will you! Check it!

Friday's Soundtrack...Helplessness Blues.

Fleet Foxes' new album, Helplessness Blues, is out and I must say it's pretty good music! In a sense it resembles early Paul Simon/Grateful Dead but Robin Pecknold has a certain twang in his voice that sets him apart from the others. You can stream the entire album below. They're playing @ The Fox in Oakland on May 5th, unfortunately the shows sold out; troll Craigslist/StubHub you may get lucky! Check the stream it's good music for the workday and god knows you won't be doin' much work today.



Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues by Bella Union

Roommates are tons-o-fun.

Nothing get's an indy band back in the spotlight like a good remix. Today, now, now every children is that band. Their song Roommates was remixed to amazing results and can be downloaded for FREE below! Check out their other stuff too I'm diggin' Outer Space from their Not One, But Two EP. They definitely have concert sounds so we'll see if they plan on doin' a show here soon!

to the weekend...

Although it seems like years away summer is almost here! Unfortunately for San Franciscans that mostly means rain and clouds. This is good reason to plan weekend getaways! Desert Hot Springs sounds pretty hot to me; loungin' poolside with a negroni and some sexy music. Try this on for size: Air's Love 2. It's not a new release but good nonetheless. You gotta pick and choose the tracks but here's a few boozy tunes to get you started.

sade 2.0

Sade is incomparable but if you were to try, Szjerdene would be a close facsimile. Her lastest single Lead the Way is making waves in the R&B soul front. Produced by Robin Hannibal of Quadron, you get that soulful funkiness that Robin does but it's a little more Aloe Blacc a lot less Little Dragon. Have a listen to the jam with a glass of wine tonight and chill the fuck out! Check it. (also check out the second song which is pretty freakin' smooth)

A Generationals Apart.

Work has got me feeling a little abused like a coffee maker in an office (thanks Shakira). This post is gonna be short and sweet. Generationals: nice sound, awesome vocals, and killer arrangements. Check out the new album, Actor-Caster. You can download the single, Ten-Twenty-Ten on amazon FREE! You can also check them out in Davis, CA @ Sophia's Thai Kitchen July 17th. Hopefully they'll make their way to SF! I think a tweet's in order. Keep you posted!

our love is King...

I'm thinkin' of hot languid days...this weekend is scheduled to be hot and balmy. To help you stay cool add some smooth sounds from King. Although more of a novella, The Story gets right to the point with, The Story; moves to some higher ground with Supernatural and ends tightly with Hey. Make sure to get the EP it's super cheap and so worth it. Check it.

Lucidly Dreaming of You.

My taste in music is about as consistent as SF Muni so you might notice a sort of Jekyll & Hyde mix of music on the blog. One thing that remains constant is my taste in electronic beats. While late-night trolling through YouTube I stumbled upon another gem. Zwicker's, Songs of Lucid Dreamers, switches from amazing beats, sing-a-long jams and a couple of ballads so it's hard to figure out what kinda dream you're having. I can guarantee you won't want to wake up though. The entire album is freakin' amazing. Check it!

Black Night, White Light.

I'm a big fan of italo-disco; so I was surprised to stumble across Groove Armada's Black Light album. It's a departure from 2007's SoundBoy Rock with it's House vibe. Check out Song for Mutya featuring Mutya Buena of Sugababes. With Black Light you hardly recognize Groove Armada. They do what they do so well and this album is no exception! My favorite track so far features Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music and it's called Shameless, something I know we all can be. Make sure to check out the reworked album, White Light. Groove Armada scratches up Black Light tracks and makes some awesome music! Check it!

The Fall? I'd say.

The Gorillaz released their new album last week, aptly titled The Fall. I wasn't really sure what to expect from the new album but I was hoping it would continue on the same vibe as their last, Plastic Beach. Instead the Gorillaz decided on a more trip-hop bangin'-on-pots-'n-pans sound. There are still some good tracks to jam to though; Detroit,Bobby in Phoenix, Joplin Spider and Amarillo (best on the album, by far). I'm throwin' in, To Binge, from Plastic Beach so you can hear how far The Fall really is. Check it.

Vivo Sonhando!

I'm super excited about tomorrow. Tomorrow, I get my record player and records back. Sadly tonight would be the perfect night for some bossa nova LP's and wine but I'll make do with iTunes and beer. Here are a couple of canções (songs) to keep your night slow and easy. If you're so taken by the rhythm you can check out BossaNova on 8th St this Sunday for some live music and dancing. Cafe DeLuxe in the Haight is also an awesome place to enjoy good BossaNova jazz and some killer pizza! Check it!

People should fall in love with their eyes closed...Warhol.

Andy Warhol was all about raw beauty and sex. Which is why his screen tests, while seemingly benign, actually have this thick dark, sullen quality. Dean & Britta were asked to create a soundtrack to those screen tests. Thus 13 Most Beautiful: Songs for Andy Warhol's Screen was born. Beautifully performed, each screen test was matched to gorgeous rock, pop and orchestral arangements. They all work together to capture the moment of each test. Gorgeous. The DVD is amazing so check it. Here's my favorite; it features Nico of the Velvet Underground:

Cocktail Party.

Introducing the perfect soundtrack to your next party. Kitsuné Maison Compilation 9 (Petit Bateau Edition) will make for a sexy, sassy, successful cocktail party. Killer tracks from Washed Out Belong, Crookers feat Yelle Cooler and Couleur, Two Door Cinema Club Something Good Can Work, and Gypsy & the Cat Time to Wander (Joan of Arc Remix) are to die for! So stock that bar and send out the invites because daddy's ready to party.

Recollection: Norah Jones

When Norah Jones released her first album Come Away with Me, I was smitten. I probably listened to that album a million times before it wore out. She's released a number of albums since then but none have really had the widespread success of the first. I'm blogging about her now because I think her music deserves some respect. It's soulful, bluesy and signature Norah Jones. Here are some standout tracks that require some attention, check 'em.

Vacation on my mind...

Super, super busy at work and can't stop thinking about pending vacation time. No big post this afternoon just a great song by a great artist. Miike Snow Silvia and the remix. Take them for what they're worth...

Eskimo Boys are Hot!

I'm busier than a hooker in the Tenderloin today, but I wanted to share this track with you. I've been trying to get more info about Strange Talk but haven't come up with too much other than they're an Aussie band making great music. They are touring the Outback, through May, in support of their self-titled EP, so if you happen to be there definitely check them out. I'll repost when I get more info; until then, enjoy.

Goodbye never sounded so good...

I have heard a few William Fitzsimmons tracks over the years and enjoyed them, a lot actually. I stumbled upon the Pink Ganter remix doing research for a different post and have got to say it's gorgeous. The original is also amazing; the guy's voice is no joke. So have a listen and try not to get too depressed. His latest album came out in February of this year and you can catch him May 08 @ The Independent

Get into this Bizness.

So the new tUnE-yArDs album, whokill, is out today and it doesn't disappoint. It's trippy, funky, catchy; almost too much to handle. It's a mix of Fiona Apple, The Sugarcubes and PJ Harvey: TOO much to handle. My Country, Doorstep, Bizness [the video is amazing] are some of the tracks I'm really diggin' so far. Honestly, not everyone's gonna enjoy the album but don't be a pussy and check it anyways. tUnE-yArDs will be playing Great American Music Hall April 26!

Cover your tracks!

Young Galaxy has officially blown my mind with their latest album Shapeshifting. If you ask me it's sexy summer jams a-la Roxy Music. It definitely would fit in at that daydreamy pool-side soire you're planning. What's that you say? No soire? Well shit...it makes for great Dolores Park listening too. Favorite track is Cover Your Tracks, which has been remixed to high hell. Take a listen to this remix by Freedome of Death; one word-sultry. I'll be daydreaming at the Laundromat tonight so throw me a bone and check it.

Too Beautiful to Work

Enter a world where being beautiful means never having to work. The Luyas Too Beautiful to Work would be the soundtrack to that life and it's exactly what you would expect from the Quebecois. Stereolab-sound creeps into a number of the tracks but the standouts are Too Beautiful to Work, Tiny Head, Canary and I Need Mirors. They'll be joining Blonde Redhead on June 30th @ The Independent.

Somethin' that my heart beats for.

I can't hardly contain my excitement; Quadron performs @The Regency Ballroom tonight!!! They've been on serious repeat for a while now and tonight they open for Raphael Saadiq if he's your thang. If not, Quadron is definitely worth the price of admission. They got some serious R&B soul but add that quirky-funk Danes are gettin' known for and you got some major jams! You're gonna be hearing more and more about them and they'll also be peforming @ the UCLA Jazz/Reggae Fest in May. Def. gonna be checking that out!

White Arrows through my heart.

Last night's Cults show was spectacular. It was Divisadero Art Walk so we kinda hit that up @ Mini Bar SF which to our surprise makes a mean Negroni. There was some pretty amazing artwork up! Lucky for us we didn't miss the opening act, White Arrows! I'd like to gush and gush about Cults, who were awesome, but White Arrows really stole the show. They had shit loads of energy and the music was a-mazing. Towards the end of their set they did a cover of Bruce Springsteen's I'm on Fire but their entire set was rockin'. Check it.

Go-Gos A-Go-Go.

I'm a wee bit hungover so posts today are a little meh...BUT!!! The Go-Go's are coming to The City August 11 @ The Fillmore! HELL YEAH! *ugh my hangover* I can remember singing and dancing along to the Go-Go's as a kid! Our lips are sealed, Vacation, Cool Jerk and this track, Head Over Heels! To see them live, WHOA just can't wait!!

One of them days.

So last night's Yacht concert @ Bimbo's was absolutely amazing, electrifying even. There was a pretty large crowd and the band didn't disappoint! The opening act, Bobby Birdman, tore it up; he's also part of the Yacht crew. His electronic angsty tunes were catchy and danceable. Unfortunately for me a few Tom Collins @ Tony Nik's gave me two left feet so we hung out on the sidelines! I posted about Yacht before so check that out but have a listen to some Birdman NOW.

Ain't no Shame In this Game.

Sometimes when artists emerge seemingly out of nowhere with similar sounds and beats (M.I.A./Santigold) it's inevitable that a gem gets lost in the rough. That's pretty much what happened to Amanda Blank. She released her album I Love You back in 2009 and don't know about you but I never heard a single track from it. I was listening to my Pandora stream and her song Shame on Me came up. I did some youtube research and discovered that the entire freakin' album is dope ass! Check it and make sure to have a listen to A Love Song an awesome cover of the same track by LL Cool J with back-up by Santigold. At one point RCRD.LBL was offering free downloads, check the links you may still be able to DL 'em.

Youth in Revolt.

Anyone who's a Cocteau Twins fan can appreciate the sound of Recharge and Revolt the first single off of The Raveonettes latest Raven in the Grave. As a matter of fact the entire album has a Cocteau streak running through it and a modest amount of Stone Roses too. They're playin' Bimbo's 365 on May 10th. Check it.

New York State of Mind

Is it just me or does this track feel like a hot sticky day in New York City? You know those days when you're so sticky everything makes you wet (get your mind out of the gutter!). I love how the music kinda comes at you in waves, like street noise. It's definitely one for a sunny afternoon. Keep it for the weekend! Check it.

California Dreamin'

Dreamy beach music always makes me a bit sad. I mean not sad in a depressed way but sad in a I'm-longing-to-be-@-the-beach-forgeting-all-my- troubles sad. Best Coast is dreamy beach music and damn if it doesn't get me in a summer sun kinda mood. But what Best Coast does even better is capture that loneliness that you feel after a breakup or when first meeting someone and that spark ignites but you aren't quite sure what's up. I couldn't decide which song fit here best but honestly the entire album is too good. Best Coast will be performing @ Outside Lands in August. Check it.

Endlessly in love with Duffy.

There's no sound like Duffy's sound. A doo-wop inspired first album Rockferry was a breakout success and her follow-up, although not as groundbreaking, still has that unique Duffy soulfulness. She hasn't announced any U.S. tour dates in support of Endlessy but I hope that happens, finger's crossed. Here are a couple of my favorite Duffy tracks. The second track begins at the 1:24 mark.

AWESOME DEAL! Lykke Li for $3.99

Amazon is offering Lykke Li's latest Youth Novels @ an amazing price. It can't be beat; she'll be playin' to a sold out show May 30 @ The Regency BallroomThe Regency Ballroom. Check it .

Why, Yes...Giantess.

Yes Giantess has that 80's synth sound down! It's as though they recorded music, bottled it, threw it into the ocean and 20-some years later it's been discovered. They released their album Siren last year and it's pretty freakin' good. I smell an 80's theme party! Check it.

Chemical Brothers & Hanna.

I'm chompin' at the bit for Saturday to get here. That's when I'll make my way to Kabuki Theater to watch Hanna. It stars two blockbuster actors, Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett with the lead played by Saoirse Ronan, of Lovely Bones (another amazing movie). If you haven't heard about Hanna climb out from under that rock you've been living under and watch the trailer! The Chemical Brothers produced the sounds for the film so at least the movie is guaranteed to have a killer score. Here's one song that stood out for me, Hanna.

this Calrissian ain't no traitor!

I discovered millionyoung through a friend's facebook post and downloaded the EP Be so True immediately! I couldn't get enough of the track Cynthia. It's politely lusty and has a groove that reminds me of early Stars. With the release of Replicants Mike Diaz continues the journey he began with the EP. If you've heard the soundtrack for Roman Coppola's movie CQ and loved it, you're definitely gonna dig this album. So far Calrissian is rubbin' on me big time, check it. Oh and it helps that the guy is FOINE!

The farmer and Adele...

Adele's latest album came out in the US in February but the buzz around it's release and the first single Rollin' in the Deep began way back in November. Anyone who's seen her live knows she's a vocal powerhouse who can belt it out like a young Etta James. Her performance at Bimbo's a few years back blew my mind, I mean she gave me goosebumps! She's playin' a sold out show @ The Warfield but I know a lot of fans have been petitioning her to do a second show. I just did here. This song is pretty freakin' amazing and really shows what she can do vocally. GOOSEBUMPS.

One listen and your Body Moves.

UPDATE: Van Go Lion just confirmed they'll be making their way down to SF & LA before years end!! RAD.

One part Ditto + two parts Robyn / a pinch of Pet Shop Boys = Van Go Lion. I recently discovered Van Go Lion through a podcast. I spent half an afternoon listening to what they had to offer via youtube and decided I like them, a lot. They have the hardness of Ditto but the electro-pop heart of Robyn. They released their self-titled album last year and have a new single Body Moves out now. It doesn't look as though they're touring anytime soon but they're a stones throw away in Portland!

'Body Moves' by Van Go Lion by VanGoLion

It's a Nordic invasion!!!

You want further proof that some great tunes are coming from our Nordic brethren; look no further than Oh Land. Story goes she performed at SxSw and immediately after was signed to a record label. She's gotten a lot of hype and was added to the Scissor Sisters @ The Warfield concert April 16th. You can also see her @ Cafe du Nord April 13th. One listen to her self-titled album will confirm she may just be the future of pop music and I for one am lookin' forward to that future. Start off with this track Human, but may I suggest you listen to it with earbuds, your office speakers won't do it justice. Oh, and your boss said GET TO WORK!!

Friendly Suggestion.

Although I'm having a hell of a time staying awake this morning I'm still listening to Cats Eyes Not a Friend. Why? Have a listen and you'll discover it's hauntingly gorgeous music. Even Pope Benedict himself enjoys their music which is why they performed @ the Vatican earlier this year. Their album drops April 11 and they'll be playing @ The Independent May 07. You can also stream the album, Spotify

Breakin' it down.

It doesn't get more funky than Toro y Moi. It's early neo-80's funk that you're hearing right here. This track off of TyM's latest album Underneath the Pine is so smooth you just might forget it's 2011. The video takes me back to watching the Warriors on TBS after school. It doesn't stop with this track though, check out Got Blinded which sounds a bit Stereolab. Other awesome tracks to check out are Divina, Light Black and Good Hold. Here's New Beat check it.

A night with Angie Mattson.

I'm a huge Cowboy Junkies fan and can listen to their Trinity Session album over and over, but their latest just doesn't have that heartbreaking, soul-searching and on my last leg feel that they had in the past. Enter Angie Mattson. When I discovered her and listened to her albums it was like being that awkward teenager again. Growing up in the middle of nowhere it was easy to get lost in a song. I'd have to say the track that's been on repeat for me is Thank You, off her 2007 album Given to Sudden Panic and Early Retreat. Give her a listen and if you like you can see her live @ Hotel Utah April 20th.

Lights! Camera! Action!

Ellie Goulding kinda came out of nowhere with her U.S. debut album Lights. The entire album is on point with a mix of ballads and torch songs to get you movin'. She's being compared to Tracy Thorne but you'll have to decide for yourself if the comparison is warranted. Either way you're gonna love her music! She's headlining an April 14th show at Rickshaw Stop, tickets are only $13 @ the door.

Anyone who had a Heart.

If you're into experimental R&B soul then I got a compilation album for you. The Heart starts out strong with a great track from Jimetta Rose and continues on a trippy flow throughout the album. Also check out standout tracks from Exes4Eyes, Union Analogtronics and Georgia Anne Muldrow. I have to say though the best track on the album is from Vindahl feat. Coco Malaika of Quadron. The track reeks of slow sex and sweaty nights; something we all can appreciate.

Hot Weather, Please Stay.

As the news of weekend cold & rain spreads around the City you can damn well expect hordes of people rushing to their neighborhood park, outdoor pub/bistro to soak up every last bit of sol! As for me I'm gonna be hittin' up Oakland Art Murmur which from all accounts should be a freakin' hot blast. Speakin' of hot blasts, there are a lot of intense tunes comin' out of Sweden lately and this track by Summer Heat is no exception. So, madre dios...

I just wanna Go Outside.

It's another unbelievable day in San Francisco. Unfortunately for most of us were stuck in the office pretending to plug away; such is life. I've had Cults Go Outside on repeat all morning and think this mix by 2 Bears fits the day perfectly. Cults have a huge internet following and they've recently started a U.S. tour. They'll be coming to SF April 14 with guests Magic Kids and White Arrow @ The Independent so check them out.



White Arrows: Coming or Going


Magic Kids: Summer