Pete Tong let loose this new Alesso track a couple hours ago and we’re sort of on the fence about it. We heard a preview of “Raise Your Head” a few days ago, and sort of collectively did the James Brown 6.0 face as we listened to it. The full version sounds a bit more mean (good) but the track’s still leaving us a bit cold. Give it a spin yourself and see how you’re feeling about it.
Alesso – Raise Your HeadAlesso 
(Facebook) (Soundcloud)
Rating 7.7
The James Blake train keeps rolling, after a 2011 that’s included an LP and an EP, J. Blake intends to release a second ’11 EP in December called “Love What Happened Here”. “At Birth”, which is excerpted from the EP, brings some of that James Blake 1-2 back that was missing on the “Enough Thunder” EP. Expect the usual J.B. vocal cuts, piano jabs, and rhythmic multilayers with a touch darker edge.
James Blake – At BirthJames Blake 
: (Official) (Label) (Myspace)
Rating 8.4
Well, isn’t this just tops? Look for this remix to get its official release on November 25 c/o Permanent Vacation.
Removed at request of label.
Friendly Fires – Hurting (Tensnake Remix)
Tensnake 
(Soundcloud) (Facebook)
Rating 8.5
Deadmau5’s “Aural Psynapse” is a brand new rework of a track that originally dates to around 1998-2002. Pre-dubstep and pre- the heavier house that later became part of the Deadmau5 sound. Peep the track below.
Deadmau5 
(Official) (Facebook)
Rating 8.5
UK dnb producer Wilkinson puts a fresh spin on Nero’s “Reaching Out” single.
Nero – Reaching Out (Wilkinson Remix)Nero 
(Facebook)
Wilkinson (Ram Records)
Rating 8.2
Dirty Bombs newest EP Alpha Transmisson is a great listen for all you dance rockers out there. The band has built a substantial following throughout the northeastern United States, and is continuing to blossom. Versatile songwriting and musicianship is represented throughout the album, so this album appeals to all walks of life. This EP makes me think of The Faint, New Order, and Manic Street Preachers to name a few. Clever synth hooks, and craftily woven bridges bring originality to Alpha Transmission. “In Every City”, a great dance piece (also my favorite track) will have you shakin’ in no time. Contributed by Trevor Meyer
Dirty Bombs – In Every CityDirty Bombs 
(Facebook)
Rating 8
You may have heard the syrupy tones of Jessie Ware before on records by SBTRKT or Joker but we’re not gonna talk about that we’re gonna talk about her voice. And what a voice it is. Ms. Ware’s ability to evoke precise emotion and feeling and still maintain expert phrasing and vocal rhythm is at a level that is truly exceptional. Get (re)familiar below.
Jessie Ware – Strangest FeelingJessie Ware (Facebook) (Twitter)
Rating 8.2
LA band Batwings Catwings sort of sound like the b3sci blog distilled into a band. Lovers of punk and metal but with an affinity for top 40 and hip hop BC are definitely b3 kindred. Heavy guitar music with great pop songwriting sensibility gets us really excited. We’re psyched to debut the band’s track for “Early Exit” b/w “Radio” (which you can download here for free).
Batwings Catwings – Early ExitBatwings Catwings 
(Facebook) (Twitter)
Rating 8.1
Slim Thugga (the dude with Houston on his back. Literally, it’s tattoo’d on his back.) drops a tough new track with “Can’t Stop”. Slim AND Spitta both bring top shelf heat to the track but the real showstopper is the beat, which seriously knocks. Get it.
Slim Thug – Can’t Stop (Feat. Curren$y)Slim Thug 
(Facebook) (Twitter)
Rating 8.1
“Yes!” by recent signer to JD’s So So Def label sounds like a soon-to-be staple on mainstream urban radio, 106 & Park, your life, etc. The track sort of reminds a bit of Trey Songz or even Miguel, like the vocal will sound familiar to the listener in that way, but without sounding like a copycat of either of those dudes. Nice track.
Santell – Yes! (I Wanna Hear You Say)Santell (Twitter) (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.1
Waves and Waves do a self-described “electro-space-folk” take on one of the b3sci team’s consensus favorite songs of ALL TIME. The quieter bits of the cover are especially good, almost Hope Sandoval-esque.
Waves and Waves – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan)Waves and Waves (Official) (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.1
“Domino”, new from LA singer-songwriter Lucy Schwartz, sounds pretty much exactly like its subject matter. The organ-driven track is a slow build, dominoes falling in line one-by-one, a build pulsing with a great dramatic tension laid on by subtle guitar and tom-tom drums. The melodies on “Domino” are great; but its been bugging me all day… – where have I heard that melodic resolve in the verse before? It’s not The Cranberries’ “Zombie”, although similar, ugh…. Help! Anyway, peep the track, you will like it. And look out for Lucy’s “Keep Me” EP out now.
Lucy Schwartz – DominoLucy Schwartz (Official) (Facebook)
Rating 8.0
