There seems to be a good amount of mixed emotions about Ms. Del Rey these days. Will she achieve global domination or fade off into the distance in 2012? Hard to say at this point but she is captivating indeed. Her intoxicating beauty, haunting vocals, retro sensibility, and those lips! I am a fan.
She recently did a performance to a small crowd poolside at the infamous Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. It was documented in HD for your viewing pleasure. Debut EP and full album are both due in January.
Brodinski continues to take the dance world by storm with his techno inspired sound. His latest is a much hyped (well deserved) remix of the latest single from the new Justice album. His take on “On’n'On” is very much a big room monster that is sure to pummel sound systems and ear drums around the globe. After two minutes of just the kick and vocal….the fun really begins. Out now via Ed Banger Records.
Six years in the music/blog game…a lifetime in blog years. Music and DJ culture will continue to make up the central nervous system of this site but it’s time to expand our (my) horizons. Just too many other creative outlets I am passionate about and a freshly rebranded/redesigned site to showcase them. I hope that this doesn’t turn any of you away who come here strictly for music. Additionally, I am excited about the new readers this expansion will bring into the fold.
Was tough to sort out what to publish as the first non-music related post on the site. Then I remembered this great two part video series by the guys at Gear Patrol from a few months back. In partnership with Intel, they got a group of head “cool-hunters” together for dinner/drinks and documented their discussions regarding communications, technology, and how both have impacted their businesses (blogs). I have a healthy respect for the guys who started A Continuous Lean, Cool Hunting, Partners & Spade, Svpply, and Thrillist. Would have been fun to sit at the table an engage in this conversation. One day I hope to host a similar event.
Just in time for Christmas comes the final installment in a trilogy of mixtapes from The Weeknd. I absolutely love the branding and marketing (or lack thereof) behind this project. Genius. This package starts off with a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana” where Abel Tesfaye’s vocals sound so familiar you’d think it’s the “King Of Pop” himself. Also included is the cough syrup induced “Initiation” that was previewed a couple months back. As a conclusion, the title track “Echos Of Silence” is a haunting ballad that sounds as if it could have been recorded in a castle. Overall, a fitting end to the series. This marks the beginning of the next phase of The Weeknd’s career. I imagine a world tour is already in the works for 2012 along with Drake. Stay tuned. In the meantime, give the mixtape a listen and let us know what you think.
Perseus made news a few months back with his stellar remixes of Mark Ronson’s “Record Collection 2012″ as well as Jeremy Glenn’s “New Life.” He’s back with a three track EP the includes a song that really pulls on the heartstrings. The bits and pieces that make up the track “Russian Girlfriends” touch on an amazing period in American hip-hop and R&B. Not to mention, a particularly memorable time in my own life. Who didn’t love P.M. Dawn?? Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet’s smooth vocal riding over the top of the classic beat from Eric B. & Rakim’s “Paid In Full” is such the magical combination.
‘Tis the season of giving, and indie label FRENCH EXPRESS is definitely feeling generous as they are sharing the EP for free. Download it here.
Australian duo the Voltaire Twins came to my attention recently via Lifelike’s remix of the tune “Animalia.” Today, we get another solid remix care of Moullinex. This time it’s a reinterpretation of the EP’s title track “Romulus.” He takes the essence of the original and beefs it up for the club.
Download the single “Anamalia” including the Lifelike remix here.
