Amtrak
Recently he contacted us and sent us a few tracks for review and I have to say they are mighty fine! His music is electro-pop, so you know I'd dig that right away.
He's definitely in the right field too. Great vocals and an ear for catchy pop hooks. His music reminds me of The Twelves and I love them!
Seems like he's just starting out too, so it feels appropriate that he's on Off the Radar. He's put out an EP called Why? from which these tracks are from. He's also working on his debut album 'Dirty Dancing' which he promises to have out soon. Can't wait! We'll be keeping an eye out for that.
With no further ado get ready to fall in love with Amtrak.
MP3: In Love - Amtrak (YSI)
MP3: Running to You - Amtrak (YSI)
MP3: Why You Look So Blue? - Amtrak (YSI)
P.S. If you're in Miami be sure to stop by The Vagabond Tonight as our good friends Waterford Landing will be Performing Live, plus as always music by Danny Ashe and Ray Milian from Off the Radar! Always a great time!
Cheers!
Julian Plenti
Thanks to our buddy Victor Castro who sent me the album I've listened to the whole thing and I must say it is excellent! Most of the tracks are slower ballads, but his trademark voice and delivery is still here and sounding as good as ever! Definitely a more mature record and I'm loving it. Highly recommended!
This will serve nicely to hold off Interpol fans until their next release and maybe make them a few more.
Here's the first and third track from the album 'Only If You Run' and 'Skyscraper'.
MP3: Only If You Run - Julian Plenti (YSI)
MP3: Skyscraper - Julian Plenti (YSI)
Memory Cassette
Recently they released their EP 'Call & Response' which was limited to 500 vinyl pressings that quickly sold out. (Although digital versions are still available)
Along with the EP they released a Free Remix EP appropriatetly titled 'Call and Responses' featuring friends remixing their tracks, including some of our favorite artists CFCF, Weird Tapes & Sail a Whale.
Great stuff! Soothing midtempo, atmospheric, electronic music. Perfect for late night listens. Especially loving the Weird Tapes version of 'Surfin'.
Their label Acephale Records contacted us and asked us to help spread the word about the release and with music this good we couldn't say no.
Here are 3 of those remixes in full 320 bit rate!
MP3: Surfin (Weird Tapes Version) - Memory Cassette (YSI)
MP3: Last One Awake (CFCF Version) - Memory Cassette (YSI)
MP3: Surfin (Sail A Whale Version) - Memory Cassette (YSI)
Disco Pusher
Here's just a small sample of their stellar work...
MP3: Last Call (Disco Pusher Remix) - Brazilian Girls (YSI)
MP3: Stars (Disco Pusher Remix) - Au Revoir Simone (YSI)
MP3: Pulse (Disco Pusher Remix) - Ben Jelen (YSI)
MP3: Faint (Disco Pusher Remix) - Jihae (YSI)
MP3: Camera (Disco Pusher Remix) - The Editors (YSI)
New Bag Raiders Video
MP3: Shooting Stars - Bag Raiders (YSI)
SUMMER MIXTAPE
Most of these are random tracks that I haven't been able to fit into a post and have been accumulating in my playlists, but I think are blog worthy. Don't you just love us?
Enjoy!
First off here's a couple of my favorite tracks from the Danger Mouse/Sparklehorse collaboration 'Dark Night of the Soul'. The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne's opening track 'Revenge' is probably my favorite of them all. Such a beautiful slow song and great message. Can't get enough of it. The Julian Casablancas (Strokes) track 'Little Girl' is killer as well. Works well on the dancefloor too.
MP3: Revenge (feat. Wayne Coyne) - Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse (YSI)
MP3: Little Girl (feat. Julian Casablancas) - Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse (YSI)
Spoon recently released a 3 song single called 'Got Nuffin', (their first new music since 2007's Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga). Love them, but they should have just released the title track, it's the best one. Classic Spoon Rocker!
MP3: Got Nuffin - Spoon (YSI)
Islands unveiled a new single the other day called 'No You Don't'. Love them! This one's only 128 kbps, but hey you can get a listen. Can't wait for the upcoming full length 'Vapours'.
MP3: No You Don't - Islands (YSI)
Tanlines did this stellar Remix of Bombay Bicycle Club. Love BBC's vocals!
MP3: Dust on the Ground (Tanlines Remix) - Bombay Bicycle Club (YSI)
Bottin does some great housey stuff. This track of his 'No Static' is great for the club, especially early in the night to set the mood. Played it out quite a bit already.
MP3: No Static (Club Version) - Bottin (YSI)
Been loving the Crocodiles stellar debut album 'Summer of Hate'. Hard to find psychedelic rock that sounds this classic right off the bat. Here's one of my favorites 'Soft Skull (In My Room)'. When it kicks in about 14 seconds in it's a little piece of heaven. If you don't have it I highly recommend you pick it up! Grab 'I Wanna Kill' (my other favorite!) and 'Neon Jesus' on a previous post we did here.
MP3: Soft Skull (In My Room) - Crocodiles (YSI)
Another new album/artist that I'm digging is Pony Pony Run Run. Electronic dance pop fun! Check out opening track 'Out of Control' and single 'Hey You'. Grab some previous remixes we posted for them here.
MP3: Out of Control - Pony Pony Run Run (YSI)
MP3: Hey You - Pony Pony Run Run (YSI)
KIT who I wrote about last week heeded our calls for more music and sent us these two excellent tracks! Midtempo electro-pop yumminess! Thank you!
MP3: Vanished Uh Uh - KIT (YSI)
MP3: Lucky Charm - KIT (YSI)
This Ladyhawke Remix was sent to us. It's a pretty sweet track, played it out quite a few times already.
MP3: Dusk till Dawn (CJJ Sick & Tired Mix) - Ladyhawke (YSI)
Finally I leave you with these 5 excellent dance remixes. Yearning to be played on the dancefloor. Will you oblige?
MP3: Audacity Of Huge (Allez-Allez Remix) - Simian Mobile Disco (YSI)
MP3: Shadow Run (Arveene & Misk Remix) - Husky Rescue (YSI)
MP3: Your Heart Feels (Designer Drugs Remix) - Thieves Like Us (YSI)
MP3: Rue De L`Arsenal (Yuksek Remix) - Bot'ox (YSI)
MP3: Destination (Ted & Francis Mix) - Damn Arms (YSI)
ANR Release Rational Geographic Vol. II
You can download the 6 tracks for FREE on their site now at www.anrmiami.com. Just give them your email and city/state and you're in! I highly recommend you do so. These guys are on the verge of blowing up. Getting write-ups on Pitchfork, Stereogum and Off the Radar of course. Hehe...
Here's a couple of my favorites, but they're all quite excellent!
MP3: Florida - Awesome New Republic (YSI)
MP3: Woman - Awesome New Republic (YSI)
Here's a short 1 min. clip of them rocking out including, The Vagabond were I spin Fridays and Saturdays.
The Dead Weather
Once again Jack White proves why he's one of rock's last great hopes. The debut album 'Horehound' released last week is spectacular!
It sounds like it came straight out of the Classic Rock Era. A mixture of classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin in tracks like 'Treat Me Like Your Mother', The Doors in tracks like 'Rocking Horse' and Janis Jopelin on tracks were Alison sings like 'Hang You From the Heavens' or 'Hey Pony'. Vocals on the record are shared by both Alison and Jack though, dueting on many of them.
I swear Jack's spirit must have come straight out of the 70's. He captures the spirit of that era like no other in our generation and he pumps out these tracks/side projects so easily. They just ooze out of him. This album is a heavy, soulful, gritty rock record and it couldn't have come at a better time. When rock seems to have almost disappeared.
Keep Rock Alive Jack!
Here's first single 'Treat Me Like Your Mother' and album follower 'Rocking Horse', plus the amazing gunslinger Quentin Tarantino-ish video for 'Treat Me Like Your Mother' were Jack and Alison shoot it out to NOT Death?!
MP3: Treat Me Like Your Mother - The Dead Weather (YSI)
MP3: Rocking Horse - The Dead Weather (YSI)
*** Just got this sweet Remix Diplo did for 'Treat Me Like Your Mother', so I figured I'd add it to this post. Enjoy!
MP3: Treat Me Like Your Mother (Diplo Remix) - The Dead Weather (YSI)
New Passion Pit Video
MP3: To Kingdom Come - Passion Pit (YSI)
Atlas Sound
Atlas Sound is an experimental ambient solo project from Deerhunter frontman Bradford James Cox. His second album Logos is slated for release on October 20th, 2009 but an unfinished sketch was accidentally leaked from his own blog late last year. The album will feature guest appearances by Panda Bear’s Noah Lennox and Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadier.
The reason for the solo project in Cox’ own words, "It's just that I have ideas that I can't make work with a five piece rock band...there's kind of this palette of sounds that I use that I don't necessarily get to use with Deerhunter". So there you go!
Here is an mp3 of the Noah Lennox track Walkabout. It sounds different than the one leaked, but I’m not sure if it’s the final version so take advantage of it.
I personally love the soundscape and subtleties of this song. I definitely recommend headphones for this one!
Enjoy!
MP3: Atlas Sound-Walkabout (ft. Noah Lennox of Panda Bear) (YSI)
Plus, the video for Recent Bedroom off of their first album Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel.
The Sounds
They sent me the CD by mail the other day and I've been digging it. I must have played 'Painted by Number's' from their last album quite a few times a couple years back. It always got the dancefloor jumping.
This new album is of a similar vein, pure rock n' roll fun (which is sorely missing nowadays). It's uncanny how much the lead singer looks like/sounds like Debbie Harry from Blondie. She's like our generation's version of her. Glad someone's carrying the torch.
Here is the video for their first single 'No One Sleeps When I'm Awake', plus two of my favorites from the album 3 and 4 respectively 'My Lover' & 'Dorchester Hotel'.
MP3: My Lover - The Sounds (YSI)
MP3: Dorchester Hotel - The Sounds (YSI)
*** Umm right when I posted this I got an email with a disco tinged Hey Champ Remix of Beatbox, their next single so I figured I'd include that remix in this post as well. Seems they are also gonna be opening up for No Doubt on their upcoming tour. Pretty impressive! They're gonna be playing in front of alot of people and will no doubt be making alot of new fans.
MP3: Beatbox (Hey Champ Remix / Extended DJ Edit) - The Sounds (YSI)
It's My Lucky Mix
So like always, I tried mixing some new tracks that are gaining my attention (I hope other people's attention as well) and a few others you might (or probably will not) recognize. So check it out and if you see me out and about, pretend you listened to it and tell me how much you loved it.
I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors.
Signed,
Chris Mora
P.S. I have a version of this that is split into tracks, so if you want it as separate tracks (still mixed) shoot me an email.
P.P.S. Thom Yorke also wishes you the best. From the upcoming compilation Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs of Mark Mulcahy. As always from Mr. Yorke, an amazing song.
MP3: Thom Yorke - All For The Best
Best of Luck Mix
1. Fun Boy Three - Best of Luck
I heard this track and I immediately knew I had to start the mix with it. FB3 is one of my current musical obsessions (made up of Terry Hall, Neville Staple and Lynval Golding after they left The Specials).
2. Curses! - The Deep End
I have played out the Holy Ghost! remix of this track like crazy, but the original version highlights the female vocals with some 90's beats thrown in for the mix. Notice that both Curses! and Holy Ghost! have an exclamation point in their names. From hence forth I will be known as Chris! Mora! TWO exclamation points in my name! That's next level....
3. WhoMadeWho - The Plot (Discodeine Remix)
These Swedes are good. And when remixed by Discodeine (uuuummm Pilooski and Octet) it's doubly good. Nay, triply good.
4. The Mighty Dub Katz - Magic Carpet Ride (Son of Wilmot Mix)
This was a fluke that ended up working. Fatboy Slim knows how to get people to shake their bootays. The Mighty Dub Katz is one of his alias.
5. In Flagranti - Brash & Vulgar
The entire latest release by In Flagranti is amazing. I love the creative use of the sample in this (title) track.
6. Strangelets - Riot of Planet 10 (Blitz Gramsci Remix)
When those synths come in... watch out now!
7. Joakim - Watermelon Bubblicious
First of two Joakim tracks. This is a non-album teaser track leading up to his next full length out in September. If electronics instruments could have a heated discussion, this song would be the result.
8. Gui Boratto - Like You (Supermayer Remix)
Dance floor ki-ller.
9. Noze - Kitchen
The start of my kitchen theme. Notice how most house parties ended up in the kitchen. Coincidence? I think not.
10. Joakim - Come Into My Kitchen
Joakim number 2 and kitchen reference number 2. See a pattern?
11. Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance (Baruko Som Sistema Remix)
Her voice is like cotton candy. Too much of it and you'll get cavities. So the song only plays for about a minute.
12. To Rococo Rot - Ivx 4
I love this song. I don't know if you can dance to it. I can. Or at least I think I can.
13. Liquid Liquid - Optimo (Sample 608 Remix)
Yes it's an official Liquid Liquid remix released by Domino. The EP also has The Loving Hand (Tim Goldsworthy of DFA) and Matthew Dear... suckers.
14. Subway - Simplex (Gatto Fritto Remix)
Fantastic sweeping single from the Soul Jazz label. It segues into the next track really well (in bed). (Doesn't adding 'in bed' to anything make it sound good?)
15. Shit Robot - Triumph
I feel like I have heard this song all my life. Timeless. In fact, I think they used it as the Miami Vice theme song for a couple of seasons in the 80's.
16. Syclops - Where's Jason's K?
Futuristic Jazz Music (FJM)
17. Nathan Fake - Turtle
18. The Soft Pink Truth - Over You (No Love)
The project was started on a dare. Guess who won?
19. Tensnake - In The End (I Want You to Cry)
Why aren't people talking about htis guy more? After his latest EP expect a flurry of "Tensnake" remixes hitting the dancefloor. I love the build up in this song.
20. Roy Davis Jr. feat Erin Martin - I Have A Vision (The Juan Maclean Remix)
The vocals begin to swirl around you at one point. Juan Maclean knows what he's doing. Well so does Roy Davis Jr.
21. The Juan Maclean - Tonight
Like I said, "Juan Maclean knows what he's doing."
22. N.A.S.A. - N.A.S.A. Anthem
Fun project with a shit load of guest artists.
Hope you enjoy it and play it over and over and over and over again.
MVSC
MVSC are an electronic/rock band from Belgium. They seem to be a bit bi-polar. Either veering towards downtempo/experimental or full throttle danciness and I'm glad for that.
As a DJ I like the dancier side. Tracks like album title 'Sunderland' (which reminds me of The Bravery) and 'Sunshine Discoid Trip' are sure fire dancefloor hits.
Then they also have their more experimental/downtempo side with tracks like 'The Game You Never Play' (which reminds me of a cross of Sade & Radiohead) and 'Fat Boy' which gets a little more experimental.
All in all it makes for a great album listening experience. Variety keeps things interesting.
Here's one of each style for you to check out. Hear more on their myspace. Album's out now.
MP3: Sunderland - MVSC (YSI)
MP3: The Game You Never Play - MVSC (YSI)
New Holy Ghost Video
That's also the legendary producer Arthur Baker reprising his role in the original New Order video. Apparently they met him a night out on the town and after telling him what they planned on doing he insisted on playing himself. They were gonna have James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) play his part. That's also Nancy Whang from The Juan MacLean doing a damn fine acting job as well.
In addition to the video, here is a Classixx Remix of the track that I came across the other day. It's a very nice reworking of the song. Just as good as the original, but in a totally different way. Ahhh the beautfy of a good remix. Danny posted the original here a couple of weeks ago if you don't already have that.
MP3: I Will Come Back (Classixx Acapulco Nights Version) - Holy Ghost! (YSI)
P.S. After watching the original New Order video for 'Confusion' I wanted to include it in the post to show you how good of a job they did. Spot on on alot of things. Minus a few minor changes (no more tapes and clothes aren't as cheesy) He he... Enjoy.
KIT
Air Return!
In the meantime they've released 'Do the Joy' the first track from their new album to anyone who subscribes to their newsletter. It's classic Air fare, electronic deliciousness. Can't wait for the album, Air has always been one of the best bands to listen to as the night sets in and I've been craving some new material.
With no further ado here is that track, plus the album tracklisting. Tic, toc...
MP3: Do the Joy - Air (YSI)
'Love 2' Tracklisting::
01 Do The Joy
02 Love
03 So Light Is Her Footfall
04 Be A Bee
05 Missing The Light Of The Day
06 Tropical Disease
07 Heaven’s Light
08 Night Hunter
09 Sing Sang Sung
10 Eat My Beat
11 You Can Tell It To Everybody
12 African Velvet
Microfilm
The EP is stellar! It takes off right were Slingshot Orchestra left off. Dark electro-pop/industrial tunes. Bleeps, vocoders and crushing high hats abound. I have a feeling these boys grew out of a similar goth/industrial background that I did. If not they should have. This would have fit in perfectly at The Kitchen Club or The Church, a couple Goth clubs that I grew up with in my formative years in the early 90's.
Have a listen....
MP3: International Velvet - Microfilm (YSI)
MP3: BFF - Microfilm (YSI)
Alan Wilkis
The Maccabees Return!
Discovery
Relentless
Great tech house dancefloor jams with a pop sensibility.
They sent us like 8 songs/remixes our way. I usually just listen to the first track or two when I get an email from an artist then trail off when I get an idea what they sound like, but not with these guys. I just kept on going, downloading them all. Not a bad one in the bunch!
My Itunes loves me for it, maybe you will too for sharing such great music with you??
Hard to pick which one's to post cause they're all so good, but here are some of my favorites in full 320 quality!
Enjoy!
P.S. Bands/artists keep sending me mp3's/videos for consideration on the Radar Blog. Send them to offtheradarmiami@gmail.com. Lately more and more of the content I've been posting has come from direct contributions that you guys have been sending me (which has definitely been on an upswing the last 6 months or so). Makes my life a whole lot easier, plus it equals more great music for all of us!
MP3: The City Loves You - Relentless (YSI)
MP3: UR Fired - Relentless (YSI)
MP3: Mono Love (After Midnight Remix) - Relentless (YSI)
MP3: William of Ockham - Relentless (YSI)
Mr. Oizo
MP3: Erreurjean (Arveen & Misk Remix) - Mr. Oizo (YSI)
Vitalic Returns
AdamandEvil
Zebra & Snake
Love their spastic, horror movie like new video for 'The Colours'.
Here is that plus a couple tracks to get you aquainted. Zebra Power!
MP3: Kohut - Zebra & Snake (YSI)
MP3: The Colours (Hannulelauri Remix) - Zebra & Snake (YSI)
Jason Lytle
Recently he's moved on to Montana hunkered down and returned with his debut solo album 'Yours Truly, the Commuter' out now and I'm here to tell you it's just as good as anything Grandaddy ever put out! Amazingly haunting album, perfect for late night listens!
Fans of Grandaddy will not find much difference in this and his critically acclaimed albums 'The Sophtware Slump' and 'Sumday' both of which are amazing records. Particularly Sophtware which was the buzz album of 2000 for all the kids in the know. 'Crystal Lake' anyone?
I remember going to see Grandaddy perform in Orlando when they released Sophtware Slump with a bunch of friends in a rented van all those years ago. Ahhh the memories!
Get re-aquainted with Jason Lytle, you may find you were missing him and his amazing voice as much as I was.
Here's a couple stellar tracks from his new release plus the video for 'I Am Lost'. Beautiful! If you like these I highly recommend you pick up the album, you won't be disappointed!
P.S. You can also find Jason Lytle contributing vocals on the Dangermouse/Sparklehorse collaboration for 'Dark Night of the Soul'. You can find a post I did on that here. Here's a track from that collaboration as well.
MP3: Ghost of My Old Dog - Jason Lytle (YSI)
MP3: Birds Encouraged Him - Jason Lytle (YSI)
MP3: Jaykub (feat Jason Lytle) - Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse (YSI)