Four Tet’s latest remix creation (this time for Tennessee-based R&B singer Justin Timberlake) sent the synapses the internet-wide ablaze earlier today. So in the event that you were up to something this afternoon that didn’t involved being parked in front an internet screen and you haven’t heard Four Tet’s “Suit & Tie” remix yet, you can sort that out below. (p.s. it’s really really good).
Four Tet 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.2
This is really real. We don’t actually know much about Kat Dahlia, other than that she’s from Miami and born of Cuban immigrant parents. She could be anyone really. Object #1 here is the strength of the writing, the conviction and power of the vocalist, and the refreshing quality of “Gangsta’s” sound. We expect comparison after comparison to Lana Del Rey or Santigold or hip hop or whoever/whatever to surface but none of that really matters either. Removed from the hype/the music journalism panopticon/black hole, we are witnessing the genesis of a real and singular star.
Kat Dahlia 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.2
Roosevelt, who impressed last fall with his debut track “Sea”, returns with sophomore single “Around You”. Light, airy, “summery” but still very well conceived as a pop song, “Around You” is very impressive indeed. Look out for an EP release from Roosevelt a bit later this year on Greco-Roman.
Roosevelt Balthazar 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.1
Zella Day lends her sparkling vocals to Swedish House Mafia’s current hit “Save The World Tonight” on this beautiful acoustic rendition. Don’t miss it.
Zella Day – Save The World (SHM Cover)Zella Day 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.3
Misun’s impressive run of singles continues with new release “Darkroom”. The same D.C.-based cast from “Harlot” and “Battlefields” are your primaries again on “Darkroom” with rising newcomers Misun teaming with the equally skilled producer Nacey. “Darkroom”‘s blend of tight as tight hooks & instrumentation with just the slightest tinge surf rock in the guitar & drums is very very good and it may well be Misun’s best track yet (which is saying a lot).
Misun – Darkroom (Produced by Nacey)Misun 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.2
Lady, the duo of 90’s R&B-stress & BlakRoc collaborator Nicole Wray and UK singer Terri Walker that we first hipped you to back in November, delivers a second single perhaps better that their first. The minor-keyed “sneaky groover” “Get Ready” is a different look as compared to that first single (the sunny skipping “Money”) for the Truth & Soul Records artists but its definitely one we’re into, like REALLY INTO. Excellent.
Lady 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.3
The all nu-disco all the time cruise liner just landed at B3 station with an ace (and funky!) little mix for our friends Blondfire via SF remixer Funk LeBlanc. Spin it below and don’t be too shy to buy us a pina colada.
Funk LeBlanc 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
F Y F E remains a somewhat mystery, having created quite a buzz in the blogoshphere with his January single, “Solace” followed by a solid month of silence. He is back now with a new track, “St Tropez”. and the song shows the work and time put in. FYFE’s simple vocal and lovely lyrics like “take me home, is this not home dear?” are drenched in twisty drums and with delicate synth and guitar. Though “Solace” did set the bar high, “St Tropez” is not far behind. By Phoebe Anne Severin
FYFE (Facebook)
Rating 8.3
Providence-based Magic Man are really really talented; almost too talented (give these other new bands a break guys!). On “Paris”, the band’s debut track (!), everything’s an A+’ from the melodies (very good), to the hooks (very plentiful), to arrangement (very skilled). If “Paris” is any indication (and it’s an emphatic one) Magic Man could be in store for a really major 2013.
Magic Man – ParisMagic Man 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.2
That moment when one of your favorite artists returns from a long hiatus with really great new material is truly a gift. Danish duo Quadron’s return single “Hey Love” is one of that moments for the b3 squad. “Hey Love” wins on its irresistible drum hook and singer Coco O’s subtle as silk empassioned delivery. It’s new Quadron!
Quadron 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.4
New York soul songwriter Jared Evan makes his B3 debut with the feel good “Are We Almost There Yet?” Evan gets on well enough on the track; particularly in the melody department, where JE’s laid back flow and in-no-hurry sung hook do nicely to complement Statik Selektah’s excellent (and the track’s true star) sunny Sunday afternoon beat. Jared Evan’s Boom Bap and Blues project is due a week from today, February 26th.
Jared Evan – Are We Almost There Yet?Jared Evan (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
