Craaze: Snow Lights (Red Hot Chili Peppers x Ellie Goulding Mashup)

There's a secret formula that some mashup artists just GET that takes disparate ideas that never in a million years would be combined, but who--with a mixture of alchemy, what must be black magic, and some music programs--morph these separate pieces into something that seems so natural you would never know they were apart, and swear they were always meant to be together. Think of it as holy matrimony for songs. 

Craaze struck gold here. More seamless than products that don't contain seams, Red Hot Chili Peppers 'Snow (Hey Oh)' was MEANT to be crooned over the tune of Ellie Goulding's 'Lights'. It's way too perfect, way too listenable, and just makes me smile. Enjoy a free download below and cuddle up with this for the coming snow!

Childish Gambino: Telegraph Ave (Hip Hop)

'Because The Internet' is poised to drop on December 10th and I couldn't be more excited. One of the very few rappers whom I actually follow and consistently enjoy, Childish Gambino just brings something fresh, quirky, and unstoppable to the game. It also helps that 'Community' is one of my all time favorite shows and he plays Troy on that...Also he wants to be Spiderman and heavy influenced Stan Lee's creation of the newest SpiderMan...also Tina Fey hired him to write on '30 Rock'...also his name came from the online Wutang Name Generator...also he’s never had sex listening to his own records, but recommends James Blake... So yeah, Donald Glover is pretty damn awesome. 

Another thing that's damn awesome? His new song 'Telegraph Ave'. Sick beat as usual, sick verses as usual, sick vibe as usual. Listen below and be sure to preorder 'Because The Internet' on iTunes! 

Another blog favorite Ta-Ku has already provided a remix and it's super chill and enjoyable!

The New Pornographers: The Spirit Of Giving (Happy Thanksgiving!)

As the holiday season begins its wonderful lifespan, it is unbelievable that it is already Thanksgiving! A time for family, for frivolity, and for a ridiculous amount of food, I LOVE Thanksgiving! I hope that each and every one of you stuff yourselves beyond any point of decency or good nature, and then go a little bit further just to prove your American Citizenship. I know I will. 

The New Pornographers are perfect holiday music with their communal fireside-singing atmosphere and their feel-good tunes. Also, it doesn't get much better than A.C. Newman AND Neko Case! In 'The Spirit Of Giving', here's one of my favorites of theirs which is just wonderfully composed and gets kind of heartbreakingly beautiful around the 1:34 mark. Enjoy, and a happy Thanksgiving to all! :) 

P.S. I'm on a merrily child-blocked wi-fi network, so I'm using a proxy to access YouTube...Just let me know if the link isn't working and I'll find a different way to post the video. Happy Holidays! 

Wild Child: Crazy Bird (Indie Folk Majesty)

If you love Whale bands (that is to say, good, joyous, magnificent bands) then you'll love Wild Child! Even without the great indicator of greatness of having 'Whale' in their name, these indie darlings deliver songs full of heart, quirkiness, and beauty! Already a huge fan! Give it up for the band that was named the best indie band and the best folk band of the 2013 South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival, AND the selfsame group that has soundtracked a Purina Cat Food commercial! These wild children have big things in their future! 

Paint fights, crotch burgers (you'll see), giant foxes, banana walking, exploding toys, naked lawn-mowing, yoga-Jenga, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup glasses are just some of the awesome things you'll witness in this absolutely bonkers and absolutely brilliant music video! Enjoy! 

Claire: Games (Passion Pit Remix) (Indie-Synth-Pop-Gold!)

Claire describe themselves as, "a band that finds itself somewhere between synthpop, electronic-pop, half-time beats, hip-hop and indie and they´re ready to be let loose on the stages of the world". 

Sounds too good to be true, eh!? Well, it gets even better! Passion Pit jumps into the mix to bring this song from fun and games to fun and games and Passion Pit!!!!! Who knew Passion Pit had such a pension for vocal distortion and remixing! Claire's lovely synthpop masterpiece is given such a fresh take and truly shines! The epic deep voice at 2:27 is unreal!!!! Enjoy! 

Check out the original and show your love for this up and coming band!

Coldplay: Rainy Day

Apart from the awesome-tastic fact that it was just revealed that Chris Martin disguised himself as a skeleton to help Win Butler (Arcade Fire frontman) DJ at an Arcade Fire show at London's Roundhouse earlier this month, this song kind of perfectly describes today in unparalleled eloquence and poise. It was both quite rainy and indeed a day in our modern sense of the word. 

'Rainy Day' sounds quite unique compared to most Coldplay especially with its wild intro. I swear to you that if you stay until the 1:08 mark you'll thank me, everything from that point onward is pure magic! Off of their bonus-track-esque album 'Prospekt's March', 'Rainy Day' is a gem that many don't know about from these geniuses, and well worth a listen! My dad even likes this song! 

The crooning, "I love it when you come over to my house" for the last 30 seconds of the song beckons you to the safety of indoors to stare redolently out at the rain and wonder. 

Enjoy! 

Felix Cartal: New Scene (CRNKN Remix)

I've featured Felix Cartal before for his expert blend of electronic music paired with passionate female vocals, and 'New Scene' is no exception. CRNKN take Felix's original a few steps further with a subtle reworking that feels even more fluid than the original. Making a very dubby feeling drop at the same time smooth and completely unlike dubstep, CRNKN craft a winner! Enjoy a free download below! 

Minnesota: Stardust Redux (Chillstep)

Minnesota offers up a fresh electro-chill track here that sounds like what I imagine stardust sounds like! Dreamy and with pinpricks of spacey echoes, this song is a ride. Things fade out at 0:45, the cosmos open up at 1:07, a dubby soundscape of almost emotional breakdowns crashes in at 1:30, and the chill just won't stop the rest of the track! Super fresh, and it's free, so snag below! 

On an unrelated note, anyone doubting how awesome rollerblading is should watch this video and be utterly amazed...and want to move to Canada! So epic!

Satellite Stories: Australia (Don't Ever Let Her Go) (Best Band Ever?)

I can't even. I think The Decemberist's get a run for their money as my favorite band every single time I hear the effervescent, sparkling, exuberant, SOOOO energetic, and just hands-down perfect Satellite Stories. This is like the 8th time I've had them on the blog, but they're just amazing. I swear to you, that the best $10.99 you've ever spent is right here on iTunes at this link! You get a whopping 19 songs from these Finnish superstars, AND a digital booklet AND tunes to fuel the rest of your life AND a pet dinosaur! Ok, maybe you don't get the dinosaur, but it's so worth it! Please support them!!!!! Better yet, fly to Europe and see them live! I'll be eternally jealous! 

No song is bad on their new album 'Pine Trails', and almost every one I want to post about, but I'll contain it to 'Australia (Don't Ever Let Her Go)'. "DeLoreans" seem to be a running theme throughout this album, and this song starts off with a soft croon which quickly advances into throbbing and pulsating guitar riffs to have you dancing the whole night away! Fuel your Saturday on the best Finnish Indie Rock Neo-Punk Pop ever! ENJOYYYYYYYY! 

Also, you simply HAVE to watch the 'Scandinavian Girls' music video! The whole band are such goofy looking adorable guys, but they got all stoked and just have a ton of Scandinavian models walking around them while they play the song! It's too funny AND it's a fantastic song! Enjoy!!!!! The 1:50 mark in this song blows my mind. They fade out into something just so gorgeous. Enjoy! 

Duke Dumont feat. A*M*E: Need U (100%) [Dave Edwards Remix] (Funky-Fresh and Fantastic)

What happens when Funkalicious coincides with electronic pop, a dash of vocals, and lots of booty-poppin' head-boppin' energy! The irresistable lead in just hooks you, the humming reels you in, then the vocals firmly cement you in front of your computer to listen to this gem. Duke Dumont has an amazing original song here to work with, and Dave Edwards just takes this to a magical place! If you're not dancing by 1:30, I suggest a routine doctors appointment! Enjoy! 

I 100% can't stop listening to this song, and I need you to 100% give it a chance and listen and download for free below. You won't be disappointed!

The original song isn't nearly as pumpin', bumpin', and dance-friendly, but I'll be darned if it doesn't have one of the greatest music videos in which a poor soul has a boombox in his stomach, and everyone around him is having dance parties while he just wants to get it out. 13 million other people have loved this video, so join them comrades! Enjoy!

NONONO: Pumpin' Blood (Scandinavian Electronic Indie Pop Magic!)

You're going to be screaming YESYESYES before you know it about how great NONONO is! Scandinavia has a knack for relentlessly producing the best bands ever of late (Satellite Stories anyone?) and NONONO is no, no, no exception. Composed of two beat-makers who fuel the electronic pop backgrounds, and one ice maiden who works full time as a psychiatric nurse when not making hauntingly epic music, these guys have a great story and a better sound! 

There's literally no way you can dislike this. Within the first 10 seconds an irresistible whistle hooks you, then Stina Wäppling gets the whole wide world whistling with her awesome voice. The epic music video of a dancing and whistling man atop the rocks at sundown near the ocean completes a top-notch song by yet another scandinavian sensation! Enjoy immensely! 

If this is tickling your fancy immensely, but you want something just a bit more dance ready, look no further than a blog regular: The Jane Doze! They kill it on this remix that strips nothing from the original and just creates a feel good song to get your body 'Pumpin' Blood'! Fantastic echoes thrown into Stina's voice, which make for a fantastic and fresh take! Enjoy! 

Cold War Kids: Miracle Miles

Every American Indie Rock band needs to cut loose and dress up once in a while, eh!? 

Opening this miraculous lyrical and aural mile of sound, Cold War Kids sing out, "I was supposed to do great things" atop a riff throbbing with a restless intensity. The song pulses along beautifully but breathlessly, until the gorgeous 1:53 fade that slows down enough to remind both us and the song to, "Come up for air, come up for air, come up". The 3:00 mark until the end is my absolute favorite, but is far too short, and this miracle mile is over before it has even begun. 

Enjoy! 

Groove Armada: At The River (Beyond Groovy)

Seriously, these guys have a full armadas worth of groove up their sleeves. It's unstoppable. Summer days, lazy ways, and a relaxing haze settle over everything when this song comes on. Big shouts to Garrett Ewing for exposing me to this powerfully groovy track! The shortened music video version jumps right in with the seductively floating vocals, but I'm even more partial to the 6:33 minute version, because who would ever want to shorten this magic!? 

My goodness, it's hard to not be fond of sand dunes and salty air after a few listens of this smooth trumpet infused beauty! Enjoy! 

And to make that groove last even longer...

Gramatik: My People (Dope First Electronic Concert!)

What a long overdue blog post! It's been a few days now since I last posted, and boy have I missed this therapeutic upchuck of my thoughts, music, and ramblings every night! 

I took a wee break to relax and catch up on things a bit, and I feel fresh, rejuvenated, and ready to settle into a nice healthy cycle of sleep deprivation once more! I kid, I kid... I had a full weekend of going to a Gramatik concert, drinking boba, exploring sushi boats, finding Engrish, volunteering, eating chestnuts (not a fan AT ALL), hiking, going to Lake Arrowhead, eating gigantic waffles, having cream soda, watching movies, running a half-marathon, and oh yeah, HAVING MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH MEGHAN! Who knew one weekend could be so incredible! I'm the luckiest man on the planet to have gotten to spend the last year with someone as special and wonderful as Meghan Proulx, and I have every confidence our incredible adventures will continue to be life changing! Happy Anniversary my love! 

I saw Gramatik this past Friday with my roommate and it was quite the experience. Neither of us having ever been to a more electronic concert before, we didn't quite know what to expect from the crowd, the performers, anything. We showed up at what we considered quite late, only 10 minutes before doors opened, because we were used to indie shows like Walk The Moon having lines around blocks even an hour before doors open. Alas, when we walked up, we were literally 2nd in line, which was uncanny. We got front row, on the fence spots, and then the insanity was unleashed! 

The openers Exmag were similar chill electro-soul like Gramatik, and their jazz guitarist was super cool and funky (turns out he's also in Gramatik) They played for a while and everyone was vibing and the atmosphere was pretty cool. Then suddenly, without the customary long while between sets while roadies set new instruments up and everything, the other opener started nearly instantly and things went bat-poop crazy! This DJ's name was Herobust, and he unleashed some of the grossest dubstep remixes I'd ever heard. At one point Perrin turned to me and exclaimed, "This is filthy!" As filthy as it was, it was hard not to get caught up in the raw energy of everyone raging around us, so it was actually pretty fun to just wiggle your body in the absolute weirdest and seizure-like motions imaginable for song after song. What the music lacked in originality and subtlety, it made up for in bass and raw energy! Certainly a good learning experience for what a massive EDM festival might be like. 

Finally, Gramatik came out, and the rest of the night was an amazingly trippy light show, complete with remarkably fun to dance to beats. A very interesting mixture of dubby and glitchy beats along with very chill jazz guitar and old-timey samples, every song was fresh and interesting. Definitely not what I was used to or expecting, but you can't complain about front row concert experiences! 

This song, 'My People', is actually a collaboration between fellow electro-soul artist Griz and Gramatik...hence Grizmatik. It's dope if I do say so myself! Super cool vocal distortions, and a very sick, unique sound that incorporates a lot of live instruments! Great drop at 1:06, "1,2,3. Grizmatik!" Enjoy! 

Snag a free download here! 

I just discovered this one called 'Just Creepin', and its beat is just waaaaaaaayyyyyyy to cool, creepy, and irresistible to let slide. Snag a download below!

Chelsea Lankes: Ghost (Chill Female Fire)

I swear: you could find ten amazing female artists every day and still not even scratch the surface of all the talent that is out there! 

Chelsea Lankes is an up-and-coming artist who sounds like one of the dreamy and magical voices that make up the vocals of every Adventure Club song. And that's high praise! The vibe is chill, the voice is off-the-hook, the beat is a head-bobber, and the lyrics are as haunting as the title. I can't get enough of 'Ghost'! There is some real magic at 2:07, and 3:37. Enjoy a free download below and look out for more from Chelsea! 

Hall And Oates: You Make My Dreams Come True (Dance-tastic!)

In celebration both of No-Shave-November and to commemorate how awesome of an ending to Two Door Cinema Club this was, here's some Hall & Oates for you! After their raucous encore, TDCC bid their final adieu's and the house lights went up. Just when people were turning around to disperse and live out their miserable little lives compared to the raw energy of the night, what should come blasting over the speakers but 'You Make My Dreams Come True'!?

Many of the hipsters were worried they might cut loose and have some fun, or perhaps scuff up their (insert a clothing name here, I draw a blank after naming Gap and Old Navy...), so they didn't stay and dance, but the intrepid and awesome groups of people who did stay all started busting out the funkiest of funky moves, and it was absolutely beautiful to take part in! Literally nothing could have put the cherry on top of the night better than this coming on! It's just such a feel good tune! Perrin, Meghan and I danced out what little energy we had left and then ecstatically embraced each other to revel and cherish the probably-unrepeatable dance-moves that had possessed our bodies with otherworldly power. 

This song will get you moving and has been known to restore life to corpses...just warning you. Enjoy and happy Monday! 

Toro Y Moi: Talamak

Hipster flares, hipster smoke, and hipster frivolity all to a hipster soundtrack...sounds like the perfect Sunday playlist!

A chill song from Toro Y Moi that has just about the coolest sounds ever from 1:47 to the end. Nothing too jarring, nothing too slow, 'Talamak' is that perfect "eh...I should start homework, but I'm realllllly loving sitting here" song. Enjoy!

Two Door Cinema Club: The World Is Watching (Another Incredible Concert!)

Another weekend, another concert! I truly live such an amazingly blessed life to go to school in a place with access to so much live music, to live in a world with such stellar bands, and to have such amazing friends who want to share the incomparable experience of concert-going with me! 

Seeing Two Door Cinema Club for an astounding third time tonight was every bit as epic-tacular-pendous as the last two times! My arms and legs are exhausted from jumping and gesturing, and my voice is squeakier than a high-pitched opera-mouse from screaming at the top of my lungs for many hours. The light-show, the throbbing bass, the exhilarating thrill of joining heartstrings and interweaving vocals with hundreds of multiple-layers-of-clothing-clad Pomona hipsters. It was so great! Random and spontaneous acts of dancing were the name of the game! 

St. Lucia were just as top-notch as the last time I saw them open for Two Door, they killed it, it was just a shame that all the Pomona hipsters either didn't know them or were too cool to dance for the opener. Their performance of 'September' had me nearly having a seizure on the dance floor it was so exciting. Check them out and buy their new album on iTunes here! 

Certainly one of the most emotional of TDCC'S catalogue 'The World Is Watching' is just too beautiful, and reminds us to dance, to dream, and to seek love. Enjoy this super fitting sky-diving video put to the song! (Hey, extra bonus: you might even learn some spanish from this lyric video!) Gorgeous! GO SEE A CONCERT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, ALL OF YOU! Much love, Miles out.