Contributed by Chris Gedos
Check out “Atale”, by France-based Norwegian artist Djidiot. What starts out as a minimalist indie loop-de-loop ends up becoming so much more. The song’s early minimalism gains so much more power once Djidiot flexes his classical muscles (Holla at yo etude!) It almost sounds like four or five ditties strung together to make a cohesive whole. This is music designed to take you on a journey. Tres bien.
Djidiot – AtaleDjidiot 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.4
Contributed by Chris Gedos
Song two off Slothbear’s 2010 LP Qids (no u) is called “White Christmas”. After the first few guitar notes, (they’re adept at the instantly recognizable lick), any and all Bing Crosby comparisons dissipate into the crisp, Long Island night. The use of background falsetto yodels during the verse is a simple trick, but one so effective it’s befuddling. Herein lay the magic of Slothbear—their experimentations come off as natural and unpretentious. They’re unafraid to take a chance while somehow fitting those strong choices within traditional Rock constructs. Probably one of the best new bands on the East Coast and hardly a lad has ever fancied these cats. Santa better have a surprise in their stocking!
Slothbear – White ChristmasSlothbear 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.48
The Maccabees rolled through the BBC’s Live Lounge today and dropped this neat, borderline cinematic take on their track for “Child”.
The Maccabees – Child (Live @ BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge)The Maccabees 
(Official) (Myspace)
Rating 8.4
So we’ve got something new from LDR. It’s the big beat, kinetic track for “Off to the Races”. The tune definitely sounds like Lana; but it’s a bit different look for her than what we’ve heard so far. After the first couple listens, we are definitely feeling “Off to the Races” a bit more than “Born To Die” (zzzz). Girl, Lana, if we may, you gotta give us a little of that soul, a little of that good; we know you’ve got it there somewhere in that cold dark little heart of yours. Don’t be coy with it, girl. Hit up a preview after the jump.
Lana Del Rey – Off to the RacesLana Del Rey (Official) (Facebook)
Rating 8.3
Contributed by Trevor Meyer
Feeling that Christmas Spirit yet? Here’s a nice Christmas gift from Irish shoegazers, September Girls. Santa’s going to be bumpin this from his sleigh, so why don’t you?
September Girls feat. The #1s – I Want You Back (For Christmas)September Girls 
(Facebook)
The #1’s (Facebook)
Rating 7.7
We dropped a teaser back in October, now the full version of Madeon’s massive track for “Icarus”. Let me see them hands.
Madeon – Icarus (Original Mix)Madeon (Soundcloud) (Facebook)
Rating 8.6
Bear Driver have just let loose on this new video for “Let the Cold,” the adjoining track on their forthcoming double AA single expected early 2012 via Adventure Club Records. Get a free download of the A-side “Never Never” at their soundcloud and get into some proper fuzzy guitar pop below.
Bear Driver – Let the ColdBear Driver 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.11111
German DJ Bunte Bummler does a nice minimalist spin on one of the best tracks of 2011, it’s Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know”.
Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (Bunte Bummler Edit)Bunte Bummler 
(Facebook) (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
Heard Cleveland (Cleveland hip hop radio all day) DJ Steph Floss drop this bomb on Z 107.9 tonight and have had it on repeat ever since. Nice horn-tipped beat. Ciroc Boys.
French Montana – Shot Caller (Remix) (Feat. Diddy & Rick Ross)French Montana (Facebook) (Twitter)
Rating 8.3
Four Tet just let loose on “Moma” previewed from the forthcoming We Are The Works In Progress compilation expected January 10, 2012. The track showcases a refreshing minimal take on electronic layers. Sit back and prepare for a journey into the retro future.
Rating 7.6
If you were to stumble upon “One Fast Move Or I’m Gone” while surfing your local radio dial, you’d likely ask yourself – who’s that? In fact you may even have several educated guesses. The AAA ready track hits a sweet spot for modern rock and British guitar pop fans. The Danish collective have recently released their Rick Parker produced (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Dandy Warhols, Von Bondies) debut LP, Infrared Daylight, and after having toured with Crocodiles and Crystal Antlers in 2011, are no doubt posturing themselves for an equally awesome 2012. Peep “One Fast Move Or I’m Gone” by Black Light White Light below as well as an intense music video starring some random Danish sheep dog.
Black Light White Light – One Fast Move Or I’m GoneBlack Light White Light 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.3
Hmmmm, so what do we have here? Fantasy Island are a duo out of L.A. that play what can probably be described as lo-fi blue-eyed soul (haha, yeah, we totally just took it there.) “Breaking a Heart” has a neat little hook and some pretty interesting “melodic shit” going on in the vocals and in the keys/synth. It’s an interesting sound for sure, and one we are definitely spinning. Give Fantasy Island a spin down low.
Fantasy Island – Breaking a HeartFantasy Island (Facebook)
Rating 8.0
