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Track Reviews

Rave’s Fave: Portugal. The Man – Evil Friends

Portugal The Man - Evil Friends

The new single from Portugal. The Man is, for me, a pleasant surprise. “Evil Friends” has a quirky, melodic bounce that stands out very nicely, and my ears can’t resist. While PTM have a sturdy following, I’ve since felt the band needed an extra boost to rise above the upper middle. This just might be the track. By Bruce Rave

Portugal. The Man – Evil Friends

Portugal. The Man alaska (Facebook)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by
03-25-13

Ajimal – This Human Joy

ajimal

The notion of “spare piano ballad” is one of those music blog keyword pastiches that is difficult, at times, to disentangle from the copy and what those words actually indicate. “This Human Joy” a “spare piano ballad” that is new from UK artist Ajimal is the example of what those words should indicate. “This Human Joy” sounds a bit of James Blake, sure, but the melody & arrangement (& harp) are really top class and standout as true high bars within this genre.

Ajimal (Official)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
03-25-13

Smoke DZA – Ghost Of Dipset (Prod. By King Thelonious)

SMOKE DZA

The first release from a recent run of collaborative sessions between MC Smoke DZA and producer King Thelonious, “Ghost of Dipset” also acts as a tribute and valediction for 10 years of Diplomatic Immunity. We know Killa Cam reads the site (and hopefully Smoke DZA does too), so glasses tipped in both y’all direction as we toast to 10 more years.

Smoke DZA – Ghost Of Dipset (Prod. By King Thelonious)

Smoke DZA newyork: (Facebook)

Rating 8.0

brown8

reviewed by
03-25-13

Say Lou Lou – Julian

say lou lou

The dreamy cinematic (& very good) “Julian” is new from London-based sister dudo Say Lou Lou (a/k/a Saint Lou Lou). Look out for a digital release for “Julian” coming soon with remixes from Dan Lissvik, Monsieur Adi & more!

Say Lou Lou sweden (brown8

reviewed by
03-25-13

Mount Kimbie – Made To Stray

mount kimbie

Welcome back, Mount Kimbie. The much lauded U.K. duo announced today the release date of their debut LP via Warp Records which will be May 27th. To ease that Mount Kimbie need until then, MK have let loose the studio version of the LP’s excellent lead single, “Made To Stray”.

Mount Kimbie – Made To Stray

Mount Kimbie (Official)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
03-25-13

Christina Aguilera – Let There Be Love (ArkAngel Remix)

Christina Aguilera let there be love

Right OK. We can’t believe how much this new Xtina remix rules either (read the first appearance on b3sci of the phrase “Xtina remix rules”). The b3 team doffs our collective hats to L.A. DJ ArkAngel for pulling of a feat of Herculean (something like cleaning the Augean Stables) scale by rinsing “Let There Be Love” into something all fresh, shimmery & awesome. We’re jamming to it.

Christina Aguilera-Let There Be Love (ArkAngel Remix)

ArkAngel california (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

brown8

reviewed by
03-25-13

Misun – Promise Me (produced by Nacey)

misun

D.C. collective Misun trade in the retro tinged guitars for arpeggiated synths (of the analog sort) with their latest electro pop gem “Promise Me”, produced by none other than trusty, local boardsmith Nacey. Get familiar below.

Misun – Promise Me (Produced by Nacey)

Misun maryland (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
03-25-13

Young Wonder – Flesh

young wonder

As Young Wonder prep to release their newest EP, Show Your Teeth, it’s only fitting that we revisit this juicy gem from their self-titled debut. This Irish duo create a soundscape of ethereal, beat-driven electro-pop that’s delectable. So sink your teeth into this piece of “Flesh”, over and over again. By Desiree Autobee

Young Wonder ireland (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
03-24-13

AlunaGeorge – Attracting Flies (Baauer Remix)

alunageorge

The formula is simple for AlunaGeorge. Write a great song and let it explode all over the internet. Next, take one of the bigger DJ/producers out there, have them remix the song and create even more buzz. Earlier it was Hudson Mohawke, now it’s “Harlem Shake” creator Baauer. The math is simple people, just enjoy. By Brian Litwin

AlunaGeorge (Official)
Baauer newyork: (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
03-23-13

Rustie – Triadzz

Rustie

Massive. Loud. Rowdy. Rustie knows how to rule the dance party. All dub and club, “Triadzz” is the second of two new singles from the Scottish producer. He cleans house with this electronic track’s massive buildup and killer drops. “Triadzz” may even make those electro skeptics bob their heads a bit. By Phoebe Anne Severin

Rustie scotland (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
03-22-13

Shlohmo – Bo Peep (Do U Right) (ft. Jeremih)

shlohmo-bo-peep-do-u-right

It was Shlohmo’s 2012 remix of Jeremih’s “Fuck U All The Time” that first left us all a little speechless. At the time, it seemed an original collaboration between the two might only be a far off dream. As 2013 rolls into Spring, that dream has become a reality. Jeremih and Shlohmo’s new track “Do U Right” demonstrates an intense chemistry between the two artists. It’s a superhuman collaboration that perfect for the dance floor. Check it out below. By Phoebe Severin

Shlohmo – Bo Peep (Do U Right) (ft. Jeremih)

Shlohmo california (Facebook)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
03-21-13

GRMLN – Teenage Rhythm

GRMLN

You feel that cool rush of air emanating right now from your laptop’s speakers? No, it’s not your DVD burner freaking the f out, it’s the sound of something fresh and interesting infiltrating your eardrums. GRMLN a/k/a Californian via Japan rock musician Yoodoo Park is the responsible party for all that freshness. Mr. GRMLN’s debut LP Empire will be released on June 4th. You can learn how to blog just by checking our fresh.

GRMLN (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
03-21-13