Jim, the Jimmeister , Jaiminator, Jimbo, Jiiiimmm...

Sometimes you need a break from the 4/4 beat and the electro-crunchiness that is sweeping across "indie" dance floors. You need something you can groove to, sing along too, that's where Jamie Lidell comes in. He some how manages to distinct himself from more mainstream modern blue-eyed soul acts similarly to how Jamiroquai did it (shall I say?) at the turn of the century. Perhaps it is the influence of his label Warp Records (Aphex Twin, Autechre, Sabres of Paradise) that helps him push the envelope in his genre. You gotta admit his voice is smooth, and his production is near flawless; yet it still feels like he is performing right next to you. Did I mention the hooks? You cannot have good pop music without a good hook.

So, he is back with a follow up to 2005's Multiply, JIM - the new album - is in stores April 28/29, 2008.

Get a free MP3 of the unreleased track 'Figured Me Out (LA Garage Mix)' by signing up to the newsletter now. The track is not a full on club remix (thankfully) but definitely a jam.

From Multipy and Mutiply Additions (remix album):
MP3: When I Come Around (YSI)

These next two tracks really showcase Jamie's voice.
MP3: Mulitply (In A Minor - Piano by Gonzales) (YSI)
MP3: A Little Bit More (Herbert's A Little Bit Less Remix) (YSI)

Only Jamie could pull off the moccasins with no socks look with class. hahaha...

Ready for take off! We're Going Out There...

Next up for new music is completely on the flip-side (compared to the last post). I have been listening to a bunch of stuff released by Peanut Butter Wolf's Stones Throw label (Matt and I actually had a talk about it at The Standard on Sunday) and just discovered their off-shoot label called Now-Again Records that specializes in funk releases.

What I discovered is beyond amazing...

"From the drummer sampled by Madlib and Yesterdays New Quintet... From the band that backed DJ Shadow..."


Malcolm Catto leads The Heliocentrics through psychedelic, jazz, funk, hip hop, electronic and to be honest once you start listening, you don't care. In fact, I want to finish up this post, just to keep listening to it without interruption. These are one of those records you play from start to finish. The songs meld from one to the next but never get boring. The bass line keeps it moving, the drums snap your mind in and out of consciousness. On top of that I really enjoy the space travel theme of the album. Sprinkled with choice spoken samples it helps keep the album cohesive.

MP3: Sirius B (YSI)

Why does it take TWO years?

... for an album to come stateside? I still do not understand it. Money is at the root. Or lack there of. But it still does not make sense. There are popular/respected/established artists that still only see their albums released as $30 "import" editions. Perhaps this will change as digital music takes a stronger hold on the market. But I am still a sucker for a nicely packaged album. Have you seen the 3D cover for Arcade Fire's Neon Bible? The faux suede cover of The Beach Boys Pet Sounds? Or Radiohead's "book versions" of Kid A and Amnesiac?

Junior Senior had their last album (released in Japan in 2005) shelved for U.S. release until this year! 2 years later. What changed? Anyways, their album is finally coming out here in August minus the import sticker price.

The single sees them growing up a bit and throwing a little more vocal, a little more Chromeo (not as shiny though so we got some variety), and definitely some funk. They get a little help from Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson of The B-52's!! By the end of song you can feel how much fun they had recording it.

MP3: Take My Time

Workin' for the Weekend...

It's FRIIIIIDAY!! What? You thought we were going to leave you high and dry as you planned your playlist for the weekend? Come on now, we got the tracks to keep your body shakin' straight through 'till Sunday night!!

First up is a relatively new group from the Midwest, called Codebreaker (I'm talking Milwaukee here people! Schlemeel, schlemazel, hasenfeffer incorporated stuff). But do not let that fool you. These guys have got the electro-funk thing down pat. Check out the MySpace profile for two more tracks of theirs (downloadable!!)

MP3: Are You Ready 2 Love?

Continuing on the electro-funk path, the second group honestly does not need an introduction.

All I have to say is Chromeo-meo-meo!

MP3: Fancy Footwork (Guns N Bombs Remix)

Codebreaker is actually playing/DJ'ing a night with Chromeo in San Francisco this summer.