Sammy Banana’s first remix for one of the big dogs (universal) leaked this evening. He just left for a quick Euro tour, you know Like ya do, but will be back to his old tricks and usual gigs .
Kid Cudi-Make Her Say ft. Kanye West & Common (Sammy Bananas Remix)
Pavement will be back next September with a benefit show on the Summer Stage in Central Park. To celebrate I thought I would share this cover of Box Elder as done by Brooklyn’s Pet Ghost Project. Now go get your ticket acquisition plan in order.
So, the full posts and reviews about the musical acts seen last weekend at Monolith are in the works but I thought I’d share a bit of the imagery from this weekend. The first shot is from the top of the amphitheater where the Main Stage was. Amazing view, especially Sunday when the skies were clear.
For Monotronix the Press took the stage while the band freaked out amidst the audience. Certainly changed things up and even more certainly messed with the wee altered minds of those trying to push towards the center of that insanity.
There were all sorts of interesting people watching. Some clearly put a lot of effort into their Monolith look(more than one clown costume and native ameican head dress were spotted). Other’s literally just rolled out of bed (the scene must haves: Camelbaks, dugout, and trendy but functional layers). But the two fellas who really grabbed my eye were the ones captured above. Look closely, admire and tip your hat to whatever process, chemically induced or not, brought them to Red Rocks in all this glory. And yes, there is a ginormous inflatable bottle of Southern Comfort in the background.
Today we’re messing around in Breckenridge enjoying the mountains and the beautiful fall colors. Basically though, I’ll be relaxing so that I can power through my extensive show schedule for the next two days. Here is my final installment in the Monolith series.
Phoenix – Lisztomania from KEXP RADIO on Vimeo.
They covered Air’s Playground Love live on NPR
Frightened Rabbit
This is quite possibly the sweetest video ever.
Last Tango In Brooklyn (via Glorious Hum)
Well folks, I have arrived for a little play time in the mountains before digging into the plethora of awesomeness being served up at Monolith Saturday & Sunday. Tonight’s schedule is far more laid back; BBQ, beers and football. But before that begins I want to share with you some more of the acts on my “to see” list. These are all towards the top (ie, you’ll be reading posts about them next week for sure)
Ida Maria – Oh My God from John West on Vimeo.
Yet again Daytrotter caught the essence of Ida in We’re All Going To Hell, another song with personal anthem potential.
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
Lately I have gotten in the habit of asking bands about other acts they’ve performed with/heard/respect that may benefit from a little more attention. So far the results have been fantastic. I have discovered a whole mess of new groups and since its what I do I’m going to start sharing them with you. Starting with this twofer.
The Darlings were brought to my ears by Greg 
Sullo the lead singer of Dinosaur Feathers. While discussing what promising indie pop there is out there today he dropped their name and when I said I wasn’t familiar with them he gave me a look that implied I needed to immediately get my hands on some.
I have been beyond plused by their work. There is a Pogues-esqu balance in their arrangements with smart lyrics delivered sincerely (even if that means agrily like on If This Is Love) while
punkier instrumentals keep you on your toes and wanting more. They have been getting some excellent, and well deserved, press and I’m glad to add my ups to the pile. Try these two tracks on
and, as always, support the live show. The Darlings will be in Philly on the 19th if you’re free get yourself there.
Hezekiah Jones is a group suggested by James of
River City Extension [who are playing at The Fire tomorrow night incidently]. HJ is a group that records with a whole troupe of contributors and then performs live with whomever is available and both deliveries a equally delectable. Perhaps due to the rotating cast’s constant; Raphael Cutrufello. Cutrufello writes the songs and provides lead vocals as well as a number of other instrumental noises and does so with luring beauty. His voice is clearly informed by the folk tradition but maintains an authentic indie balladeer vibe pushing HJ’s songs towards a really fresh end of the spectrum. This ripe flavor is made even more potent by the variety of “instruments” used to create arrangements surrounding the vocals. Whether the song calls for sweet lilting support from a guitar and tender harmonies or raucous banjo strumming and banging pots and pans there is always the right mix there to create the perfect sound.
They cover a range of topics from love to politics and all of it draws you in, makes you think and more often than not bob your head in time. Hezekiah Jone performs quite a bit in Philly and the surrounds so you should have no problem catching the live action. In the mean time start your collection with these two superb tracks:
Want to stay updated on what shows I’m looking forward to? Subscribe to the calendar. I’ll be posting it monthly just to keep your lazy folks tuned in but if you want to know every time I add a show or event then hook yourself up.
Ben Lee has brought the gang back together. 14 years after they first futzed around together, and after some v. successful solo/side projects, Noise Addicts has put a new free album out there for mass consumption. Recorded on a whim (of sorts) the playfulness and quirky but intelligent lyrics are still there. You can download it here: NOISE ADDICTS . It will bring genuine playful joy to your day, guaranteed.
Sheenabeaston is responsible for bringing this track to my life. In a post I can do nothing but support and sympathize with ie. a massive dump of stuff just to catch up. So, if you enjoy this raga-ish undeniably move busting track check out the rest of what the lady’s got posted.
Jump Up 2 This (Major Lazer vJack Beats) – Melechtric Remix
When this track bounced my way I was in a total new wave mood so I’m not sure if that is why it sits so well in my ears but I have hit the repeat on this one numerous times and at a certain point a girls gotta stop trying to figure out why and just go with it. Your turn…
Beep Beep Beep (Extended 12″ remix) - Tiga
The brilliant Pasta Primavera posted this cross between spacey synth and old school rhyming. Mr Wrangler has touch when it comes to mash ups. Finding the right way to pull these to together is an sign of true skill. Its like they were meant to be.
I Got Soul vs National Anthem - Dave Wrangler
The original in this case is magnificent on its own but with Kolt13′s spit and polish it carries it an anthemic place. Push it at just the right places and holding back to emphasize the build. I applaud thee.
1901 (Phoenix) – Kolt13 Remix
It has been a chaotic few days around these parts. I have moved my sister into her 6th floor NY walk up, moved myself into my new 5th floor Philly walk up, hit two major deadlines at work, had a pretty unexpected element of a project I’m working on fall apart at the v. last minute and finally I have been knocked into a wonderful new world of bloggerness with all the #replyall
shenanigans. Finally, things are unpacked (mostly), project is on the mend, and new forums and groups are being formed and my mind is coming together. But, I hope you can understand that this week my remix preferences leaned towards more chill tracks. And these were the best of what I discovered…
Skinny Friedma
n one half of Philadelphyinz sent me this retake on Bon Iver’s Blood Bank. Its bass heavy and even more spare and hollow than the original. Scaling back when it comes to remixing takes real skill and Skinny Friedman de-liv-ers.
Blood Bank (Bon Iver)- Skinny Friedman DJ Edit
The Very Best is an international outfit (hailing from London and Malawi) that combines the “catchy” of quality afro pop with the smarts of indie music. Their newest single features Ezra Koenig (he of Vampire Weekend fame) and this remix by Architecture in Helsinki tosses in a marching band feel that just tickled me.
Warm Heart Of Africa – Architecture In Helsinki Remix
Mason Proper 
is playing the remix game by releasing a whole EP of remixes of their stuff. This one by Wallpaper has a mid-90′s tasty candy shell. It made me want to do the Carlton dance and toss in a bit-o-disco to fully appreciate everything this has to offer.
Safe For The Time Being (Mason Proper) - Wallpaper Remix
CJ Milli came back at me after my last post of her skills with this CeCe Peniston vs FACT (Mstrkrft remix) and it so screams of summer that I used what little energy this stupid hot weather hadn’t sucked from my body.
Finally, Los Angeles – CJ Milli Remix
And now that I’ve set you up with some delectable soundtrack fodder for your evening I’m going to enjoy the deck of my new place…
