New Music Preview No. 2

April 11, 2010 in bands,new music

Here, a mixtape of songs I’ve been loving this month.

The first cut resulted in something quite stormy and dark. It ultimately sounded boring to me because - although the thematic element I wanted was there – it was one long piece without any interesting twists or turns.

This version is a little different. It mixes up different styles and still somehow remains true to the theme I was originally going for.

Speaking of that theme, a few days ago I realized the mix is actually about someone (…that creative process!) which for me meant that i needed to finish it as quickly as possible to move on to the next thing! So, it’s finally done.

I think you might like it. Please enjoy (you can click the little arrow to download). Read about the artists below, and don’t forget to tell me what you think!

besos.

nic.

//tracklist

efterklang “modern drift”
jónsi “tornado”
foals “spanish sahara (mount kimbie remix)”
ellie goulding “under the sheets (chiddy bang remix)”
chiddy bang “kids”
the kissaway trail “SDP”
joan jett and the blackhearts “crimson and clover”
the national “bloodbuzz ohio”
near the parenthesis “diffused”
jamie cullum “if i ruled the world”

Who you’ll hear…

Efterklang

I can’t stop listening to this one from the amazing Copenhagen group named Efterklang. Wikepedia says that their name comes from the Danish word for “rememberance” or “reverberation”… you can definitely hear the meditative contemplation in their songs. The third studio album ”Magic Chairs” was released at the end of February – and it’s simply stunning.

http://www.myspace.com/efterklang

Jónsi

Jonsi is best known as the guitarist and vocalist for the Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. He kicked off his tour this month with a show at the showbox sodo in Seattle, followed by several more gigs including the Coachella Music Festival on Sunday – one of of the performances I’d be most eager to see. British film company 59 Productions designed stunning visuals for the show by incorporating Jónsi’s key influences on the album.

http://jonsi.com/concerts

http://jonsi.com/

Foals

This single on the mix is a remix of “Spanish Sahara”, from their 2nd studio album due in early May. I can’t decide if I like this version or the original better. They’re equally striking. What do you think?

http://awe.sm/53TOA

http://www.myspace.com/foals

Ellie Goulding

In a sea of young up-and-coming female singer-songwriters Ellie appears to be breaking the mold. She forgoes the popular genres of soulful underdog or goofy electro-pop darling with an album that’s uniquely her own. She won the Critic’s Choice awards at the 2010 BRIT Awards, setting the stage for big things to come. Album is out now in the UK.

http://www.myspace.com/elliegoulding

Chiddy Bang

Two college dudes bound for greatness, they’re making original beats AND cooking up great remixes of artists like Sufjan Stevens, MGMT, and Radiohead. Kanye-esque and super-fresh.

http://www.myspace.com/chiddybang

Joan Jett and The Blackhearts

A nod to the film The Runaways, in theatres now.

http://therunaways.com

http://greatesthits.joanjett.com

The National

This is the first single from their new release “High Violet”, out 5/11 via 4AD. You can snag a free download of the song from their site here: http://www.americanmary.com.