Shameless 03: '90s Throwback

Remember the days when the radio actually mattered and influenced our music purchases? Unless you've always been a pretentious indie-devotee, there was probably a time when you too listened to the influx of teen pop artists in the late 1990s. Admittedly, some of them deservedly fell off the face of the earth after manufactured pop went out of vogue. Some of the best singles from that period, however, wouldn't sound too out of place in today's music world. For instance, if Backstreet Boys released another "Everybody," they'd probably be a hit again (at least in the UK where "pop" isn't a dirty word). Sure, Hanson's "MMMBop" isn't exactly a stroke of musical genius, but nostalgia's sake it would be hard to find a better track to capture the spirit of pop music and of many of our childhoods in the late '90s. Today's last throwback is Britney's still-excellent "Stronger," back from a time when her court appearances weren't international news and having a hit single wasn't a rare, awe-inspiring occurrence.

Hanson, "MMMBop" [zShare]
Backstreet Boys, "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" (Radio Edit) [zShare]
Britney Spears, "Stronger" [zShare]

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Tender Ballads 01: A Primer

Tender. Ballads. Essential to anyone's music library, this particular brand of slow song transcends all normal notions of musical taste and even decency. Tender ballads cut deep and hit emotional soft spots, at times reducing listeners to inexcusable displays of sentiment. While certainly appropriate at any time of day or night, tender ballads are best enjoyed in the late hours of nights out, when there's nobody left but your closest friends and your raw, confessional feelings for company. I considered placing tender ballads under several existing categories, but realized that they unquestionably warranted their own post series. Here are some classic tender ballads to get started. Of course, there are many, many more where these came from, so don't fret if one of your favorite tear-jerkers is missing from the initial list.

First up is possibly the tenderest ballad ever, Leona Lewis's "Bleeding Love" (previously featured in the Best Singles of 2007 list). Next is the first song to ever be dubbed a "tender ballad" by my friends and me, Bonnie Tyler's overly dramatic and cheesy "Total Eclipse of the Heart." For some rock tender ballads, look no further than U2's "With Or Without You" and Coldplay's "The Scientist," both tried-and-true fixtures in the tender ballad canon. I'd recommend keeping tissues handy and dangerous objects out of reach for these. Look for some Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys, among others, in the next installment.

Leona Lewis, "Bleeding Love" [zShare]
Bonnie Tyler, "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" [zShare]
U2, "With Or Without You" [zShare]
Coldplay, "The Scientist" [zShare]

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Serve Chilled 05: Ambient Sounds

It's been far too long since I updated the Serve Chilled post series, so here are some addictive, more ambient-based tracks. Boards Of Canada perfected a soundtrack for relaxed driving with their most recent release, the Trans Canada Highway EP. Aphex Twin's abrasive "Come To Daddy" was followed on its single release by the delicate "Flim," marking an appropriate comedown from the harsh title track. Röyksopp have become masters of the downtempo genre, as evidenced by the chilled single "Sparks" from their excellent debut record. Just sit back and enjoy.

Boards Of Canada, "Left Side Drive" [zShare] (from the EP Trans Canada Highway)
Aphex Twin, "Flim" [zShare] (from the EP Come To Daddy)
Röyksopp, "Sparks" [zShare] (from the album Melody A.M.)

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Mixed & Mashed 09: MSTRKRFT

As promised, here is the much-anticipated MSTRKRFT remix of Kylie Minogue's new single "Wow" (the official cover is posted above). It far outshines the CSS and David Guetta mixes (see Hits 12 for the feature on "Wow"), but could have used some more of Kylie's vocals to really make it a five-star mix. Meanwhile, check out some other worthwhile MSTRKRFT reworkings (and there are many!). Their remix of Annie's "Heartbeat" remains my favorite of the bunch, but Justice and Space Cowboy also get nice French filtered house makeovers.

Kylie Minogue, "Wow" (MSTRKRFT Remix) [zShare]
Annie, "Heartbeat" (MSTRKRFT Remix) [zShare]
Justice, "D.A.N.C.E." (MSTRKRFT Remix) [zShare]
Space Cowboy, "Running Away" (MSTRKRFT Remix) [zShare]

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Covered Up 07

The only running theme for today's post is unexpected covers. All recorded from Radio 1's Live Lounge, each new version somehow works against all odds. Robyn's take on Kelly Clarkson is heartbreaking, while Alicia Keys and Natasha Bedingfield make nice laidback tributes to The Fray and Keane, respectively. Sugababes continue their regular tradition of covering indie rock tracks with their recent take on "Hey There, Delilah." The most surprising of all are the pop covers by The Kooks and Franz Ferdinand, which give new life to very out-of-character tracks by Ace Of Base and Gwen Stefani. Most of the tracks below have also not been released commercially (except for the covers by The Kooks and Franz Ferdinand), so enjoy!

Alicia Keys, "How To Save A Life" (Originally By The Fray) [zShare]
The Kooks, "All That She Wants" (Originally By Ace Of Base) [zShare]
Robyn, "Since U Been Gone" (Originally By Kelly Clarkson) [zShare]
Natasha Bedingfield, "Somewhere Only We Know" (Originally By Keane) [zShare]
Sugababes, "Hey There, Delilah" (Originally By Plain White T's) [zShare]
Franz Ferdinand, "What You Waiting For?" (Originally By Gwen Stefani) [zShare]

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Hits 12: Wow Wow Wow Wow

Kylie Minogue releases her latest single "Wow," an uplifting pop number reminiscent of "Love At First Sight," next month in the UK, backed by three new b-sides and a wide range of remixes. Taken from her tenth album X, "Wow" will be released in the UK and Australia while the Calvin Harris-produced "In My Arms" will be the European single (still no word on US releases). The videos have just been filmed back-to-back in Los Angeles, and should both premiere by the end of the month. Meanwhile, here is a promo-only radio edit of "Wow" that adds a heavier synth line and extra bass (I prefer the album version). In addition, check out the remix by CSS. If you like that, be sure to look out for hot remixes by MSTRKRFT and David Guetta in the coming weeks (I'll keep you posted).

Kylie Minogue, "Wow" (Radio Mix) [zShare]
Kylie Minogue, "Wow" (CSS Mix) [zShare]

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Dear Ibiza 07

This post doesn't have a specific unifying theme or idea behind it like most of my others. As always, though, it is backed up by great music. Here are three tracks currently getting attention in the clubs. First up, Rihanna strikes gold for about the tenth time in the last twelve months with her upcoming single/club promo track "Breakin' Dishes." Her Good Girl Gone Bad album is just cranking out the hits, and each of its singles has had some awesome remixes, like this featured club mix by Soul Seekerz. Next, The Chemical Brothers get a much-needed rework of recent single "The Salmon Dance." This remix by Hervé makes it the club stormer it could have been, far eclipsing the disappointingly lackluster original version. Last, a recent hit by Freemasons, with their dancefloor cover of Alanis Morissette's "Uninvited." It isn't their best single, but does employ their trademark addictive beats quite nicely. Now get dancing!

Rihanna, "Breakin' Dishes" (Soul Seekerz Remix) [zShare]
The Chemical Brothers feat. Fatlip, "The Salmon Dance" (Hervé Remix) [zShare]
Freemasons feat. Bailey Tzuke, "Uninvited" [zShare]

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Open Your Box 09: 12" Rarities

My record collection is already growing much faster than I had planned on (it's at 7 LPs and 9 12" singles after three weeks!). At this rate, I'll be broke, albeit well-versed in cracks and pops in their all their analog glory, by the end of the semester. Before my music addiction finds me unable to pay for an internet connection, I'll try to unleash some lost vinyl gems for my fellow enthusiasts. I've finished my first round of vinyl-to-mp3 conversions and have unearthed a few rare tracks. I was lucky enough to come across the 1985 12" pressing of New Order's greatest single ever, "The Perfect Kiss," while browsing a random used vinyl store in Hillcrest this past weekend. On the A side is the full, unadulterated original 12" mix of the song, released no where else. "The Perfect Kiss" has been featured on countless New Order releases, but only on the 12" is it completely unedited (their classic Substance compilation edits it down to eight minutes, while its parent album Low-life and most greatest hits discs cut it in half and leave out an entire verse). As if that wasn't enough to satisfy lovers of the rare and unheard, I also grabbed Madonna's second-ever single release, the double A-side "Burning Up"/"Physical Attraction," featuring an extended 12" mix of the former that didn't make her debut album. Last, check out the exclusive vinyl-only bonus track from the new album Lust Lust Lust by The Raveonettes (still not out yet in the United States, the vinyl comes with cool 3D glasses!). Once you've recovered from the initial onrush of ecstasy, download and enjoy!

New Order, "The Perfect Kiss" (Extended 12" Version) [zShare] (from the 12" single)
Madonna, "Burning Up" (12" Version) [zShare] (from the 12" single)
The Raveonettes, "My Heartbeat's Dying" [zShare] (vinyl-only bonus track from the album Lust Lust Lust)

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Classics 13: Wrong Impressions

A very specific mood inspired this post about mistaken intentions and wrong ideas. Natalie Imbruglia's old single "Wrong Impression" is an optimistic track all about giving an object of your affection the wrong signals. Similarly, Amy Winehouse addresses the difficulty of remaining platonic with a certain someone despite past romantic entanglements in "Just Friends." Blondie look at the dilemma of misread emotions from the other side, after love has gotten in the way, in their classic disco-infused hit "Heart Of Glass." Enjoy the tracks and good luck to anyone in similarly sticky situations!

Natalie Imbruglia, "Wrong Impression" [zShare] (from the album White Lilies Island and the compilation Glorious: The Singles 97-07)
Blondie, "Heart Of Glass" [zShare] (from the album Parallel Lines and the compilation Greatest Hits)
Amy Winehouse, "Just Friends" [zShare] (from the album Back To Black)

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Classics 12: A Lad Insane

I came up with this post after seeing a shirt at Urban Outfitters with a lightning bolt-like stripe that reminded me of David Bowie's look circa Aladdin Sane. It's said that the album's title track is a pun on "A Lad Insane," and found Bowie wondering who could possibly love someone who couldn't quite figure himself out or even really keep it together very well. In the same vein, The Beatles' better-known "Nowhere Man" is a classic anthem for anyone feeling lost. More recently, Gnarls Barkley were ubiquitous with "Crazy," their ode to crazed artistry. If I can link these three very different songs somehow, I know I'm not totally out of my mind (but that question can be left for later).

David Bowie, "Aladdin Sane (1917-1938-197?)" [zShare] (from the album Aladdin Sane)
The Beatles, "Nowhere Man" [zShare] (from the album Rubber Soul)
Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy" [zShare] (from the album St. Elsewhere)

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Fresh 02: Dirty Disco Youth

For the second feature on up-and-coming acts, I present Dirty Disco Youth, a DJ who has declared, "I fuckin' can't and I fuckin' don't want to dance to minimal techno! Honestly speaking I don't even want to dance...I want to freak out!" To make good on his dancefloor ambitions, Dirty Disco Youth has a whole load of hot tracks on the decks for all eager listeners out there. Like many electronic music converts, Dirty Disco Youth started out playing classical instruments as a child, converting to synthetic sounds at the ripe age of 10. By 13, he was producing tracks, and as of 2006, the Dirty Disco Youth moniker was in full swing. With a round of increasingly hyped performances across Europe throughout 2007, along with some great press attention and numerous American radio sets, 2008 is set to be the year of Dirty Disco Youth. First on the decks are three hot new tracks, including an original song and two rave-ready remixes for Outlander and New Young Pony Club. Look out for upcoming releases and imminent North American gigs on Dirty Disco Youth's myspace page.

Dirty Disco Youth, "The Kids Want MAXIMAL" [zShare]
Outlander, "VAMP" (Dirty Disco Youth's Rave-Work) [zShare]
New Young Pony Club, "The Bomb" (Dirty Disco Youth's Maximal Bomb Remix) [zShare]

FRESH UPDATE: Spitzer, the band featured in the first Fresh post, have just been confirmed as one of the remixers of Kylie Minogue's forthcoming Europe-only single "In My Arms." Previously just a rumor, the remix will now be included on the 12" picture disc release. Keep an eye on this page for the remix as soon as it becomes available.

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Mixed & Mashed 08: Goldfrapp

In the run-up to the release of Goldfrapp's upcoming fourth album Seventh Tree, I thought a round-up of some choice 'Frapp mixes would be appropriate. The featured remix is the soon-to-be-released Maps version of their latest single "A&E." It's a dreamy take reminiscent of some of the mixes from the Felt Mountain album (though I wouldn't count it among their best remixes). The Gui Borrato remix, on the other hand, drags "A&E" into the clubs to great effect, but I didn't include that to prevent giving too much away. Also in line with Goldfrapp's more downtempo material is M83's excellent remix of "Black Cherry," which managed to perfectly mesh M83's layered, emotional electronics with the beauty and delicacy of the original track. The re-released "Strict Machine" single saw it get a whole new remix package, including a great, albeit predictable, club treatment by Benny Benassi. The commercially-unavailable Steve Angello remix of "Number 1" is one of their finest club moments, turning the already synth-loaded original into a chopped-up house monster. If you like these mixes, check out their full-length remix album We Are Glitter (I purposely didn't include any of those here). Released exclusively in the US, it features mixes of tracks from their superb 2005 album Supernature from a wide range of contributors including The Flaming Lips, Múm, Ewan Pearson, Carl Craig, the DFA, Benny Benassi and more. While it (or this post) won't be able to cover all of their best remixes, hopefully you've just whet your appetite and decide to seek out more.

"Black Cherry" (M83 Remix) [zShare]
"Strict Machine" (Benny Benassi Sfaction Edit) [zShare]
"Number 1" (Steve Angello Mix) [zShare]
"A&E" (Maps Remix) [zShare]

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Preview: Upcoming Music

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been out of town for the past few days and away from a computer (except for quick Facebook checks, of course). Despite my recent absence, this blog has still been getting respectable traffic, meaning that I have tons of amazing and loyal visitors on the lookout for new music. I'm back at my laptop and have a stack of new records just waiting to be listened to, so check back here in the upcoming weeks for some great finds. First on the horizon is a feature on Goldfrapp's best remixes, including an exclusive, as-yet-unreleased remix of their new single "A&E" alongside some rare back catalog reworks. Thanks to Amoeba in Hollywood, Poobah Records in Pasadena (my favorite remaining hole-in-the-wall record shop) and a little used vinyl store in Hillcrest, there are loads of discoveries from vinyl to look forward to. See you soon!

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Happy 10,000th!

This past Thursday, this blog reached 10,000 unique visits (meaning that repeat visits on the same day or multiple page views are not counted). Way back in October, when I started writing about my music collection and finds, I was excited to reach 100 visitors. Now, less than three months later, there's real reason to celebrate! Thanks to everyone who's stopped by. I hope you've at least enjoyed some of my recommendations. For the occasion, here's a Nelly Furtado oldie that I was just turned on to this past week by a friend. It's also the first track to be converted from my new record player to digital format, so look for more of those in the near future.

Nelly Furtado, "Party's Just Begun (Again)" [zShare] (from the album Whoa, Nelly!)

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Covered Up 06: Blondie Ambition

Recently, I've been on somewhat of a Blondie binge. My main enabler has been their remastered Greatest Hits collection from 2002, the perfect introduction for anyone interested in the band's hits. With Debbie Harry's distinctive voice and solid song construction on nearly every track, it's no wonder why many of their songs have endured to the present day as modern classics. Their songs are covered with surprising frequency by artists from every genre. Of the countless revisited takes out there, here are a few I still listen to. Nouvelle Vague strip down "Heart Of Glass," basing their version on the original reggae-inspired demo of the track (which was eventually pushed aside in favor of the disco-flavored final cut). Mandy Moore does a straightforward pop cover of "One Way Or Another." The mash-up "Rapture Riders" isn't really a cover version, but is a notable remix that meshes their genre-bending "Rapture" with The Doors' "Riders On The Storm."

Nouvelle Vague, "Heart Of Glass" [zShare] (from the album Bande À Part)
Mandy Moore, "One Way Or Another" [zShare] (from the album Coverage)
Blondie Vs. The Doors, "Rapture Riders" (Single Edit) [zShare]

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