A.M. Architect, an electronica duo comprised of Daniel Stanush and Diego Chavez, are hooking you up with free tunes just for being you.
You can grab a free download of their EP “Adaptation”, which consists of five songs that were written and recorded before A.M. Architect’s debut album, “The Road to the Sun.” Some of these tracks have been previously available on label compilations and as free downloads, but never as a collection.
Retraplayer, comprised of long-time friends Leon Briggs and Phillip Pearson, draw on elements across genres to create their unique sound dubbed as “Esoteric Pop.” To give you a sense of how complex Retraplayer’s sound is – just take a look at the duos listed influences which run the gamut from electronica’s The Prodigy to hip-hop emcees Jadakiss and Nas to experimental/indie bands such as Yeasayer and Passion Pit and even singer-songwriters John Mayer and Nick Drake.
“The Observatory” is a beautiful representation of all of the above. It’s mesmerizing, catchy, thought-provoking, and mysterious all at the same time. As Retraplayer’s Leon Briggs told us, “[it's written] from the perspective of someone who doesn’t believe in coincidence or chance and that every event that occurs is brought about them by their predominant actions and thoughts; cause and effect/attraction.”
Give it a listen below then head on over to Retraplayer’s website to grab a free download of “The Observatory,” which is the title track for their upcoming EP (August 4). You can also find the guys on Facebook.
Welcome to Bass Fest 2010 on The Round Table, featuring new music from Rusko and Bassnectar. If you have sensitive eardrums, easily annoyed roommates or are worried about collapsing the darn, I don’t recommend listening to the following artists.
If, however, you like dirty-ass bass and dance parties, I strongly recommend playing both as loudly as possible.
Bassnectar is first and, by far, the bass-est of the two. The tracks on Timestretch are so filthy dirty that you’ll probably have to mop the dance floor after they’re done. They’re also flippin’ sweet. If you haven’t heard the “Where is My Mind” remix by Bass Nectar, you are seriously missing out on some hot action.
Rusko, on the other hand, is a little cleaner, a little more pop – but still has enough bass to shake the floor. Right now, most, if not all, of his upcoming O.M.G. album is playing on the Rusko MySpace page. Check the video for “Woo Boost” below.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go up to the top of the darn and try to doo-wop this back to you.
Let’s school you right quick. DEVO was one of the first rock bands to make the synthesizer the core element of their music – beautifully blending technology with electronics to create atonal melodies and chord progressions. Though mostly a cult sensation, DEVO has been entertaining fans for well over 30 years and shows no signs of slowing down now. In addition to gearing up for Lollapalooza and Coachella, DEVO is readying their new album for release this June, and they’re doing things a little differently.
Starting today, DEVO fans can choose which songs make the final album. How does it work? Virtual guide Jacob takes you through the process at the DEVO Song Study site, where you listen to clips of 16 songs before selecting the final 12 you wish to make the album. After you complete the study, you then get to see a breakdown of what songs other fans have selected. I’ve personally taken the DEVO Song Study and can tell you, the boys are still on their game – it was very hard to choose just 12.
And just for being loyal readers, we’re streaming two full-length songs “Fresh” and “What We Do,” which could be featured on the upcoming album. Of course, the decision is in your hands. Don’t let us down! Visit the DEVO Song Study site now.
The music video for Pantha Du Prince’s “Stick to My Side” just dropped and, if you haven’t already, I recommend giving this German electronica artist a listen. His third album, Black Noise, came out in early February and, even though I don’t think he’s behind iamamiwhoami, I like him anyway.
“Stick to My Side” features vocals by Noah Lennox, lead singer for Pitchfork’s indie crush – Animal Collective, and the video features more man-tree action than I’ve seen since Little Otik. The difference seems to be that, in Pantha Du Prince’s world, the tree-men just want to dance, not eat your neighbors.
Who wants more Swedish pop? You know you do… Check out Miike Snow’s latest song “Silva,” remixed by Australian DJs Hook N Sling & Goodwill. This song is just what you need to dance your way into Tuesday. Glow sticks not included.
I’ve always gravitated to the lyrics of a song before anything else. I can overlook poor or over-stylized production, as long as the lyrics get me. It’s important to know that upfront before you hear my latest obsession, A.M. Architect, a duo of electronica savants. Yes, I said electronica, see where I’m going with this?
A.M. Architect’s debut album The Road to the Sun is so far outside my comfort zone, a trip into the unknown, and I like it. Check that — I NEED it. It’s easy to get lost in the ambient beats, to let the music lead the way with soothing backbeats, guitar tinges, and the occasional hand claps. So if you’ve had as rough of a day (or last few months!) as I’ve had — sit back, press play — and let A.M. Architect take the reins.
I was listening to Rob da Bank yesterday afternoon and, as I slipped into Electro-nirvana, I was treated to a most excellent remix of The Pixies’ “Where is My Mind.” The DJ goes by the name Bassnectar and, if you have a chance, I definitely recommend checking out his stuff.
Have a listen to the “Where is My Mind (Remix)” below and, if you like it, request your own copy after the jump. If you really dig Bassnectar (you will), grab his 2010 IDJ Mixtape as well.
At the 2010 P3 Guld Awards in Sweden, Fever Ray out ga-ga’ed Lady Gaga with a melting face and an over-the-top send-up of Gaga’s already over-the-top VMA costume.
Images via Homo-neurotic and The Lipstick Diaries
To be fair, though, Fever Ray (Karin Dreijer Andersson) isn’t exactly a poster child for normal conduct. If you don’t believe me, watch her video for “When I Grow Up.” In fact, she may even be more crazy than Lady Gaga. There’s costume-crazy, and then there’s WTF-crazy. Lady Gaga touches on both, but Karin seems firmly entrenched in the second.
If you’ve ever read The Round Table before, you’ll know that most of us are not Lady Gaga fans. Still, while I was enjoying Ray’s Gaga parody, I had to stop and ask myself – why the hate? What good reasons do I have for not liking Lady Gaga? Why can Fever Ray act all crazy and be acclaimed, but Gaga puts on a bunch of Kermit dolls and becomes a polarizing figure.
Our other favorite mysterious Swede must be slowly coming out of her shell, OR her popularity and acclaim from 2009 is proving difficult to keep under the radar in 2010. Either way, it’s good for us! jj has signed to Secretly Canadian and they’ve announced that they’ll release her second full-length on March 9, 2010.
Let’s hope this thing leaks early, because I can’t wait. No album artwork or early single available just yet, but the track list is after the cut. Interesting to note it opens with “My Life”, which may or may not be a redo of “My Life, My Swag” from jj’s debut EP, jj n° 1.
We started as a three friends having conversations about music during lunches together at the office. Since then we have expanded to seven members, including a Chi-town native, and the conversations have gotten bigger and better. The Round Table has grown into a casual setting where music aficionados can gather to discuss all things music. Topics include (but not limited to) artists and bands, new music releases, concerts, recording industry news and concerns, and the occasional nugget of entertainment gossip. We have tastes that cover the entire music spectrum and love to share them (and our opinions) with each other. We are The Round Table! Come join the conversation!
