L.A.-based trio Wildcat! Wildcat! put on for the quiche loving set (W! W! tweet at us and we can talk quiche recipes) with it’s 8-o’clock-in-the-bedroom jam “Mr. Quiche”. Like on a tune for tune basis, this is one of the better pop melodies we’ve heard so far this year. So yr probably not going to want to miss out on “Mr. Quiche” now, before you hear it covered by Adam Levine on “The Voice” next week.
Wildcat! Wildcat! – Mr. QuicheWildcat! Wildcat! 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.5
Singer/songwriter Robby Hunter and singer/MC Brenton Brown hook up here on Bob Marley’s birthday to record a fresh, well-executed, could-soundtrack-a-diapers-commercial (seriously, can see it now) cover of Bob’s classic “Three Little Birds”.
Robby Hunter & Brenton Brown – Three Little Birds (Bob Marley)Robby Hunter 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.8
For new mixtape compilation illadelph/matic, Okayplayer and Mick Boogie delve deep into the archives of both The Roots and Nas. The set features 36 prime outtakes and rarities, including appearances from Slick Rick, Roy Ayers & Cee-Lo Green. Our favorite from the mix, which you can sample below, is the original version of The Roots hit “Break You Off” which featured an in-his-prime D’Angelo on the hook (Musiq Soulchild appeared on the final mix).
The Roots – Break You Off (Feat. D’Angelo) (Original Version)The Roots 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.9
Yeahhhhhhhhh, we can tip to this. Our dude Scolla grabs Phil Ade and Gerald Walker for a five-star slow-knocker. Tip them tins.
Scolla – The Jones (Feat. Phil Ade & Gerald Walker)Scolla 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.0
The Knocks absolutely smash this cover of M83’s big “Midnight City” track from last year. Grabbing popstress Mandy Lee (who sounds uncannily like Deadmau5 collaborator Greta Svabo Bech), the NYC duo put a spotless pop/electro shine on the M83 jam. Easily the song of the week.
The Knocks – Midnight City (Feat. Mandy Lee) (M83)The Knocks 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.8
We’ve got an exclusive(!) preview of evergreen pop duo Josh and Mer’s “So It Goes”. The Portland-based artists will be releasing their debut LP Planet Music next week on V-Day 2012. Check it out below!
Josh and Mer – So it GoesJosh and Mer 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.1
“In The Yard” is the latest track off Bowerbirds’ upcoming The Clearing release. The song offers an insightful and ambitious take on the band’s unique style in the context of a clamored indie pop world. Not unlike “Tuck the Darkness In”, the song’s production values are no less lush. (like a Be Here Now for twee folk). Check out The Clearing via Dead Oceans on March 6, and catch Bowerbirds on tour throughout the spring.
Bowerbirds – In The YardBowerbirds 
(Dead Oceans) (Facebook)
Rating 8.0
By Trevor Meyer
Shimmering Stars come to us from Merritt, British Columbia. “Hold on Magnolia” is an ambient slow burner that manages to shine as a bright light amongst the modern, oversaturated shoegaze scene. Originally written by Jason Molina, this tune draws inspiration from some of the classic early 60’s artists such as Del Shannon and The Everly Brothers. Shimmering Stars’ “Hold on Magnolia” channels the inventiveness of the past greats and transforms into a melancholic, yet hopeful piece. A perfect supplement for relaxation and contemplation.
Shimmering Stars – Hold On MagnoliaShimmering Stars 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.1
KILL KILL KILL is the new and forthcoming 45 RPM vinyl release from Vacant Fever. Bands like Vacant Fever have made parents hate rock and roll since the 90s… 80s, the 70s; shit, forever depending on when and where you’re parents are from and what your beliefs in rock and roll are. “Yeah Yeah” calls up the twilight years of popular grunge with the balance of KILL KILL KILL exploring more of that and many of the other great diy roots of influential indie rock.
VACANT FEVER – Yeah YeahVACANT FEVER (Offial)
Rating 8.1
By Chris Gedos
“Diego” is the opening track from Moonlight Bride’s upcoming Twin Lakes EP, set for release Feb. 28th, the day before leap year day. These Chattanoogans are adept at toeing the line between noise-pop and shoegaze, however faint that line may be. A lullaby acoustic and accompanying vibraphone provides a great intro for the rollicking beat, but when the acoustic returns after the noise pop verse and 90’s chorus, we begin to hear a method behind Moonlight Bride’s madness. Kinda like if the Gin Blossoms decided to play like MBV. Expect these cats to generate a stir at SWSX. Oh! And BTW, Super Bowl XLVI prediction: Giants 30, Patriots 21.
Moonlight Bride – DiegoMoonlight Bride 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.08
TEED, tonight, let go the premiere of his latest track “Tapes & Money” on Annie Mac’s Radio 1 show. Definitely feeling this subtle little headknocker after the first couple spins. Sample for yourself below. (DoML)
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – Tapes & MoneyTotally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4
Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” is one of best pop songs of all time. Heavy is the song that wears a crown like that, as it’s often that the most iconic of songs are the most often targets of (really bad) covers. Active Child cut this version of “Sweet Dreams” while in Australia this week and while it’s maybe not our favorite all time version of the track, AC’s go does stand well enough on its own to merit a spin.
Active Child – Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics)Active Child (Facebook)
Rating 7.8
