Here are some goodies for you kids....
1. Daft Punk - Human After All
I guess when you are as innovative and kick ass as Daft Punk, you can take your time and release one record every four or five years. If this track is any indication, the record should not disappoint. It just makes you want to party!
2. The Streets feat. The Futureheads - Fit But You Know It
This, ummm, I guess you would call it a remix appears on the second disc of the UK CD Single for Fit But You Know It. The Futureheads sing all the choruses and their angular guitars play throughout the verses. When I heard about this track I thought it would suck, but it actually works so well that it is almost better than the original. iTunes Download
3. Pilate - Melt Into Walls
Toronto based band that has a pretty cool Coldplay/Radiohead thing going on. There's a lot of buzz around these guys, and I am sure you are going to start hearing a lot about them real soon. This track is off their debut record, Caught By The Window. Puretracks Download
4. Muse - Muscle Museum
Well you should all know who Muse is, especially considering the fact that they have been touring for what seems like 5 years now. This track is off of their first record, Showbiz, and was one of the first tracks I ever heard by them...still one of my favorites. If you are lucky enough to ever find the US CD Single, buy it. There is an awesome remix of this track by Soulwax on there. iTunes Download
5. M83 - Don't Save Us From The Flames
This track is off of the new M83 record, called Before The Dawn Heals Us. They (actually it's only one guy now) are a French band that create what can only be called Synthgazing music. It kind of sounds like a bunch of the Shoegazing bands of the mid 90s, but with crazy strings, electronic drums and synths everywhere. Definitely a little dramatic and different, but if you like the style you will like it a lot. iTunes Download
6. Automato - Focus
If you are into hip-hop of any kind, but especially stuff like the Beasties, Tribe and Jurassic 5, then you need to check out Automato. Their self-titled debut was released last year on Dim Mak, and was produced by the DFA. The record is all over the place, and they do stumble here and there, but the good far outweighs the bad. iTunes Download
7. Weezer - Jamie
To me, nothing says summer like taking speakers, putting them in the windows facing outside and playing the first two Weezer records really, really loud. I have been missing the sun and warmth in this dreary Chicago weather, so I have been trying to channel June through Weezer lately...and man I almost forgot how much they rock! This track is one of their many (not-so)rarities from the Blue Album sessions. I don't know how this track didn't make it onto a record, because it's one of their best. iTunes Download
8. I Am Kloot - Storm Warning
This track is from I Am Kloot's debut record, Natural History, which I have been listening to non-stop for over three years now. They are a three piece from Manchester, who I had the great fortune of seeing at the 2002 Reading Festival in the UK. It appears that they are finally getting a well deserved push here in the states. I would describe the music as whimsical acoustic based pop, but that really doesn't do justice to what they sound like. Great record for rainy days...free downloads of some other tracks here.
9. Estelle - 1980
Try and picture a female version of The Streets, with the attitude of Missy Elliot and you should have a close approximation of what Estelle sounds like. This track is off her debut record, 18th Day, and it's a definite Jam...I hum the chorus for days. I think the record is only available as an import in the States, but you can get it used for a decent price. Also, check out her site for audio and video streams.
10. The Beastles - Mother Nature's Rump
Mashups rule! You know you love them, so don't go acting like you think they are silly and gay. Yes the Grey Album was cool, but I am a bigger fan of the Beastie Boys than I am of Jay-Z, so I like these a bit better. Download then from DJ BC's site.
