Skinner recently let loose this re-do of BFL’s blog-o-verse smash “Atlas Hands”. With a pace firmly electro; laid back female vocals supporting big synthetic beats, Mike Skinner basically delivers up to what BFL would sound like if he sang on a Streets record. Hows that retirement coming, Mike?
Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Atlas Hands (Mike Skinner Remix) Doff of the hat to Details Of My LifeBenjamin Francis Leftwich 
(Official) (Facebook)
Rating 8.2
We are huge fans of Benjamin Francis Leftwich so we are super stoked to bring to you the North American premiere on his new track “1904”. The song, previewed from the forthcoming Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm LP, is a stunning piece of acoustic pop. Leftwich’s hushed vocal styling is framed by striking washes of accordion and harmony and held anchor by a simple percussive shuffle. Sample “1904”, as well as other tracks from Snowstorm below.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich – 1904Benjamin Francis Leftwich : (Official) (Myspace) (Facebook)
Rating: 9.0
b3sci favorite Benjamin Francis Leftwich’s first proper single comes to us via the gorgeous “Box of Stones”. A simple acoustic guitar figure provides the frame for a stunning narrative about love and possession. We are into it.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Box of Stones
Benjamin Francis Leftwich: (Pre-order) (Myspace) (Official)
Rating: 8.2
“See You Soon”, featured here from York UK (we totally thought he was American too!) singer-songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich’s “Pictures” EP, is the sort of song that takes a tremendous talent to compose. The lyrical imagery; an empty jet bound for leaving, a light without a spark inside a car bound to see your friends; are specific but they’re also imagined in a way; images of a past love in a place that’s not you. The melodic lines are framed by simple guitar strums set to a simple downbeat. The spare guitar, the stark evocative images, the hushed melodies, it’s sort of becoming the BFL sound. We can dig that.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich – See You SoonBenjamin Francis Leftwich: (Myspace) (Official)
Rating: 7.8
On “Pictures”, UK singer-songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich paints the gentlest yet sobering of tunes. Weaving the subtlest of imagery between spare strums of a simple guitar figure, Leftwich is open here, he’s vulnerable. The tune draws you in, the melody keeps you, the song connects you.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Picturesrating: 8.3
York, UK’s Benjamin Francis Leftwich recently recorded this slow jams version of the Arcade Fire MTV 2 hit. We’re big fans of the 21 year old and his subtle yet cinematic approach to the singer-songwriter genre. We rep’d his killer “Atlas Hands” tune in September and we are pretty psyched to bring to you this new cover. So let your fingers do the walking over to play button below, and let the jamming commence.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Rebellion (Arcade Fire Cover)Rating: 8.0
hola, mi amigos! yes its true! we’ve got the new fran healy jam! and shit is spotless. that you could fry an egg on top it spotless shit. the track features b3sci fav neko case. and is no doubt one of our fav tracks of 2010. go! also today! new tracks from benjamin francis leftwich, (he gives us the atlas hands, we give him the that’s a dope song hands) and foals (foals continuing their world beating streak of nonstop jams). tunes follow below. get low fran!
Fran Healy – Sing Me to Sleep (Feat. Neko Case)
London based singer-songwriter Marika Hackman recently unleashed this illustrative version of Warpaint’s “Burgundy”. Her delicate interpretation of the song is available for free download as part of Marika’s new five track covers EP that you can grab here. Catch Marika Hackman on tour opening for Benjamin Francis Leftwich this winter throughout the UK and sample “Burgandy” below.
Marika Hackman 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.0234
UK based folk duo Fossil Collective have offered up these free tracks to keep us calm and composed as we await their On and On EP, expected in October. Label mates with the likes of Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Little Comets on Dirty Hit Records, you could say they come from a good home. Follow this link to their site, stick your email in and it’s all yours. By Nathan Hetherington
Fossil Collective (Facebook)
Rating 8
“From Nowhere” is the first official release by new Liverpool based artist Dan Croll, a name we’ll no question be hearing a lot more from in the near future. Having already supported the likes of Michael Kiwanuka, James Vincent McMorrow, Map & Atlases and Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Dan has gained noteworthy attention with the release of just a few stellar demo tracks. Dan describes his lively blend of timely indie pop, “Whatever is on around me makes it into my head. I always like to say it’s a balance between acoustic, folk and digital. I’m between two points. I don’t know what you’d call that, a genre that hasn’t got a name”.
One thing for sure, “From Nowhere” is hard to resist. Dan is currently at work recording his debut full length expected sometime in 2013.
Dan Croll (Facebook)
Rating 8.3
Hey family. It’s that special time of the year again when the glitterati of the music industry descend on ATX to slap each other fives, layer their forearms in VIP wrist bands, and hopefully catch some cool bands. Planning for SXSW can be a daunting ask. The sheer number of bands, shows, parties, etc is ginormous. SXSW planning fatigue is real but b3sci is here to help! We’re setting you up with all our picks for can’t miss sets (our Top 5 for each nighttime hour of the festival) and showcases (our 3 faves for each night). Lego!
TUESDAY
Kendrick Lamar takes the 1100 Warehouse stage at 1 AM on Tuesday.
Showcases where you want to be:
1) Pitchfork @ Mohawk (& Patio): Schoolboy Q, Shlohmo, Star Slinger, Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire, Tycho
2) Warner Bros. @ La Zona Rosa: Flux Pavilion, Santigold, Theophilus London, Neon Hitch
3) Stone’s Throw @ Swan Dive: The Stepkids, MED, Strong Arm Steady
Can’t miss sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Shlohmo @ Mohawk (Pitchfork) (8:30)
2) Neon Hitch @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
3) Boy Friend @ Swan Dive (Yours Truly)
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Star Slinger @ Mohawk Patio (Pitchfork)
2) Theophilus London @ La Zona Rosa (Warner) (9:30)
3) Capital Cities @ Buffalo Billiards
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) The Stepkids @ Elysium (Stone’s Throw) (10:30)
2) Santigold @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
3) Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire (Pitchfork)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Electric Wire Hustle @ Swan Dive (Yours Truly)
2) Beach Fossils @ Club 606 (Root Music) (11:30)
3) Tycho @ Mohawk (Pitchfork) (11:30)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Schoolboy Q @ Mohawk Patio (Pitchfork)
2) Caveman @ Bat Bar (Campfire Trails)
3) Flux Pavilion @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Kendrick Lamar @ 1100 Warehouse (XXL Mag)
2) Saint Motel @ Treasure Island
3) Built to Spill @ The Belmont (Space Ducks)
WEDNESDAY
NPR’s Wednesday night showcase features a 9 PM performance from Sharon Van Etten.
Showcases where you want to be:
1) NPR @ Stubb’s: Sharon Van Etten, Fiona Apple, Alabama Shakes
2) Last Call w/ Carson Daly @ Red 7 Patio: Cults, Tennis, Lee Fields & The Expressions
3) Innovative Leisure @ 512: Hanni El Khatib, Nick Waterhouse, Allah-Las
Can’t miss sets:
7:00-7:59 PM:
1) Fiona Apple @ Stubb’s (NPR)
2) CFCF @ Barbarella (Dummy XO)
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Fidlar @ The Main (Vans)
2) Mux Mool @ Club de Ville (Ghostly)
3) Anoraak @ Mohawk Patio (The Agency)
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Sharon Van Etten @ Stubb’s (NPR)
2) Big K.R.I.T. @ Antone’s (Pandora)
3) Tristen @ Central Presbyterian
4) Ed Sheeran @ La Zona Rosa (Warner) (9:30)
5) Mansions on the Moon @ Velveeta Room
10:00-10:59 PM
1) Miguel @ The Belmont (SOB)
2) Kimbra @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
3) Tennis @ Red 7 Patio (Carson Daly)
4) The Wedding Present @ Swan Dive (Suicide Squeeze)
5) Mannie Fresh @ Hotel Vegas Patio (10:30)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Alabama Shakes @ Stubb’s (NPR)
2) Lee Fields & The Expressions @ Red 7 Patio (Carson Daly)
3) Juvenile @ Hotel Vegas Patio
4) xxxy @ Barcelona (Halo Cyan)
5) Bahamas @ St. David’s Bethell Hall (Brushfire) (11:30)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Miike Snow @ Hype Hotel (Hype Machine)
2) Gary Clark Jr. @ La Zona Rosa (Warner) (12:30)
3) 2 Chainz @ The Belmont (SOB)
4) Nick Waterhouse @ 512 (Innovative Leisure)
5) The Pierces @ The Studio (HGTV)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Kasabian @ 1100 Warehouse (101x)
2) Purity Ring @ Chevrolet Sound Garage
3) We Were Promised Jetpacks @ Easy Tiger Patio (Scottish)
4) The Drums @ Stage on Sixth (Frenchkiss)
5) Hanni El Khatib @ 512 (Innovative Leisure)
THURSDAY
The newly reunited Jesus and Mary Chain play The Belmont at midnight Thursday.
Showcases where you want to be:
1) Secretly Canadian/Jagjaguwar/Dead Oceans @ Mohawk (& Patio): Sharon Van Etten, The War on Drugs, Nite Jewel, Gardens & Villa, Bear in Heaven, Gauntlet Hair
2) Music Matters @ Stage on Sixth (& Patio): Nneka, Miguel, Marsha Ambrosius, Big Sean, Stalley, Kendrick Lamar, Machine Gun Kelly, Smoke DZA, Big K.R.I.T.
3) Pitchfork @ Central Presbyterian: Nicolas Jaar, Grimes, Purity Ring, Charli XCX, Fiona Apple
Can’t miss sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Body Language @ The Madison (Bond)
2) Shigeto @ Barcelona (Surefire)
3) Stalley @ Stage on Sixth Patio (Music Matters) (8:30)
4) Family of the Year @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (Chop Shop)
5) The Chevin @ Latitude 30 (The Agency)
Prev. Mentioned: Electric Wire Hustle @ Driskll Victorian Room (StyleX), Fiona Apple @ Central Presbyterian (Pitchfork)
9:00-9:59 PM
1) Benjamin Francis Leftwich @ Latitude 30 (The Agency)
2) Gardens & Villa @ Mohawk Patio (Secretly Canadian) (9:30)
3) Charli XCX @ Central Presbyterian (Pitchfork) (9:30)
4) White Arrows @ Stubb’s (Spinner) (9:30)
5) Penguin Prison @ Lustre Pearl (Dickies)
Prev. Mentioned: Kendrick Lamar @ Stage on Sixth Patio (Music Matters)
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Nneka @ Stage on Sixth (Music Matters)
2) Howler @ Bar 96 (Converse)
3) Girls @ Stubb’s (Spinner)
4) Robert Glasper @ Elephant Room
5) Curren$y @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
Prev. Mentioned: Lee Fields @ ND (Windish), Purity Ring @ Central Presbyterian (Pitchfork) (10:30), Saint Motel @ Stubb’s (Spinner) (10:30)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) The War on Drugs @ Mohawk Patio (Secretly Canadian) (11:30)
2) Meek Mill, Stalley & Wale @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
3) Colleen Green @ Hotel Vegas (Hardly Art)
4) Class Actress @ 512 Rooftop (Carpark)
5) Grimes @ Central Presbyterian (Pitchfork) (11:30)
Prev. Mentioned: Big K.R.I.T. @ Stage on Sixth Patio (Music Matters), CFCF @ The Madison (Bond), Miguel @ Stage on Sixth (Music Matters), Mux Mool @ Barcelona (Surefire), Nick Waterhouse @ ND (Windish), Schoolboy Q @ Clive Bar (S.O. Terik), Tennis @ Club de Ville (Paradigm)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) The Jesus and Mary Chain @ The Belmont
2) Nicolas Jaar @ Central Presbyterian (Pitchfork) (12:30)
3) The Temper Trap @ Stubb’s (Spinner)
4) Dev @ Chevrolet Sound Garage (12:30)
5) Seapony @ Hotel Vegas (Hardly Art)
Prev. Mentioned: Hanni El Khatib @ ND (Windish), Miike Snow @ Lustre Pearl (Dickies), Sharon Van Etten @ Mohawk Patio (Secretly Canadian) (12:30)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) T.I. @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
2) The Peach Kings @ Club 606 (The Roxy)
3) Oneohtrix Point Never @ Red 7 (Mexican Summer)
4) Niki & The Dove @ Driskill Victorian Room (StyleX)
5) Nite Jewel @ Mohawk (Secretly Canadian)
FRIDAY
Michael Kiwanuka will perform a set at St. David’s Sanctuary at Midnight on Friday night.
Showcases where you want to be:
1) KCRW @ The Parish: The Temper Trap, Crystal Fighters, Clock Opera, Alice Russell & Quantic
2) NME @ Latitude 30: Howler, Big Deal, Kindness, Chad Valley, Tashaki Miyaki
3) Biz 3 @ 1100 Warehouse: Skrillex, El-P, Hanni El Khatib, Nick Waterhouse
Can’t miss sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Alice Russell & Quantic @ The Parish (KCRW) (8:30)
2) 1,2,3 @ ND (Windish)
3) Tashaki Miyaki @ Latitude 30 (NME)
Prev. Mentioned: Ed Sheeran @ Stubb’s (Time Out), Nick Waterhouse @ 1100 Warehouse (Biz 3) (8:30), Tycho @ Clive Bar (S.O. Terik) (8:30)
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) AraabMUZIK @ Mohawk Patio (AM Only)
2) JMSN @ Club 606 (IAMSOUND)
3) Clock Opera @ The Parish (KCRW)
4) D/R/U/G/S @ The Madison
5) The Mynabirds @ Lamberts (Saddle Creek)
Prev. Mentioned: Hanni El Khatib @ 1100 Warehouse (Biz 3)
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) El-P @ 1100 Warehouse (Biz 3) (10:30)
2) Crystal Fighters @ The Parish (KCRW) (10:30)
3) Kindness @ Latitude 30 (NME)
4) The Big Pink @ Lustre Pearl (Dickies)
5) Karen Elson @ Stage on Sixth (Third Man)
Prev. Mentioned: Caveman @ Hype Hotel (IGIF), Nite Jewel @ Barbarella Patio (Wax Poetics), Star Slinger @ MACC (Pan Americana)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Thundercat @ Beauty Bar Backyard (Madison House)
2) St. Lucia @ Karma Lounge (Neon Gold)
3) Jack White @ Stage on Sixth (Third Man) (11:30)
4) Talib Kweli @ La Zona Rosa (Blacksmith) (11:30)
5) White Rabbits @ Hype Hotel (IGIF)
Prev Mentioned: Saint Motel @ Empire Automotive, Grimes @ Clive Bar (S.O. Terik)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Michael Kiwanuka @ St. David’s Sanctuary (Communion) (12:30)
2) Sepalcure @ The Madison
3) Cults @ ND (Windish)
4) YACHT @ Clive Bar (S.O. Terik) (12:30)
5) Daedelus @ Barbarella (Ninja Tune)
Prev Mentioned: Alabama Shakes @ Easy Tiger Patio (Girls Rock Camp), The Drums @ Stubb’s (Time Out), Howler @ Latitude 30 (NME), The Temper Trap @ The Parish (KCRW), The Pierces @ Stubb’s (Time Out)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Skrillex @ 1100 Warehouse (Biz 3)
2) Cloud Nothings @ ND (Windish)
3) PAPA @ Club 606 (IAMSOUND)
4) Girl in a Coma @ Easy Tiger Patio (Girls Rock Camp)
5) Laidback Luke @ Mohawk Patio (AM Only)
Prev. Mentioned: Alice Russell & Quantic @ Barbarella Patio (Wax Poetics), Dev @ Haven (Moodswing 360), xxxy @ Barcelona (Surefire)
SATURDAY
UK producer SBTRKT closes out the SBTURKS showcase at the Madison at 1 AM on Saturday night.
Showcases where you want to be:
1) Flowerbooking & FatCat @ Red 7 (& Patio): The Velvet Teen, Odonis Odonis, Ceremony, Breton, The Twilight Sad, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Star Slinger
2) Warp Records & Brainfeeder @ Empire Automotive & Club 606: Starkey, TOKiMONSTA, Daedelus, Hudson Mohawke & Lunice (TNGHT)
3) Huw Stephens @ Latitude 30: Toddla T, Slow Club, Maverick Sabre, Django Django, Clock Opera
Can’t miss sets:
8:00 PM – 8:59 PM:
1) Ceremony @ Red 7 Patio (FatCat)
2) Odonis Odonis @ Red 7 (FatCat) (8:30)
3) Savoir Adore @ Swan Dive (Red Ryder)
Prev Mentioned: Michael Kiwanuka @ Stubb’s
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) A$AP Rocky @ The Madison (SBTURKS)
2) The Velvet Teen @ Red 7 (FatCat) (9:30)
3) Blouse @ Frank (The Great Escape)
4) Charlene Soraia @ Frank (The Great Escape)
5) Madi Diaz @ St. David’s Bethell Hall (Hotel Cafe) (9:30)
Prev. Mentioned: Alice Russel & Quantic @ Stage on Sixth Patio (Nat Geo), Clock Opera @ Latitude 30 (Huw Stephens)
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Breton @ Red 7 (FatCat)
2) Fanfarlo @ Hype Hotel (Hype Machine)
3) The Belle Brigade @ Clive Bar
4) Blackbird Blackbird @ Malverde (Bond)
5) Starkey @ Empire Automotive (Brainfeeder)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Maverick Sabre @ Latitude 30 (Huw Stephens)
2) TOKiMONSTA @ Empire Automotive (Brainfeeder)
3) Best Coast @ Hype Hotel (Hype Machine)
4) White Denim @ Jacked Stage (Doritos)
5) Gemini @ Beauty Bar (UKF) (11:30)
Prev. Mentioned: Nneka @ Stage on Sixth (Nat Geo)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) The Heavy @ Stage on Sixth (Nat Geo) (12:30)
2) Dom Kennedy @ Scoot Inn (Thrasher) (12:30)
3) Jacques Greene @ Barcelona (XLR8R) (12:30)
4) Jimmy Cliff @ Stage on Sixth (Nat Geo) (12:30)
5) Hatcham Social @ 512 Rooftop
Prev. Mentioned: Anoraak @ Malverde (Bond), Daedelus @ Empire Automotive (Brainfeeder), We Were Promised Jetpacks @ Red 7 (FatCat)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) SBTRKT @ The Madison (SBTURKS)
2) Slim Thug @ Barbarella Patio (Texas Showdown) (1:30)
3) Braid @ Dirty Dog
4) Hudson Mohawke & Lunice @ Empire Automotive (Brainfeeder)
5) XV @ Hype Hotel (Hype Machine)
Prev. Mentioned: Beach Fossils @ The Parish (Captured Tracks), Star Slinger @ Red 7 (FatCat)
2011, it’s been real! To kick off our b3sci 2011 year end coverage, we start with Top 10 albums lists from each of b3science’s seven contributors. (We’ll detail our overall site picks in the next few days). 2011.
Troy:
01. Drake – Take Care
02. The Weeknd – House of Balloons
03. M83 – Hurry Up We’re Dreaming
04. Metronomy – The English Riviera
05. A$AP Rocky – Live Love A$AP
06. PJ Harvey – Let England Shake
07. James Blake – James Blake
08. Kendrick Lamar – Section.80
09. SBTRKT – SBTRKT
10. Active Child – You Are All I See
Mike:
01. WU LYF – Go Tell Fire to the Mountain
02. The Vaccines – What Did You Expect From…
03. Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch the Throne
04. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
05. Low Roar – Low Roar
06. The Weeknd – House of Balloons
07. Wye Oak – Civilian
08. Explosions in the Sky – Take Care, Take Care, Take Care
09. Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
10. Raphael Saadiq – Stone Rollin’
Chris:
01. WU LYF – Go Tell Fire To The Mountain
02. Girls – Father, Son, Holy Ghost
03. Giraffage – Comfort
04. The Vaccines – What Did You Expect From..
05. Washed Out – Within and Without
06. James Blake – James Blake
07. The War On Drugs – Slave Ambient
08. The Postelles – The Postelles
09. Harrison Hudson – American Thunder
10. Caveman – CoCo Beware
Trevor:
01. James Blake – James Blake
02. A$AP Rocky – Live Love A$AP
03. Wale – Ambition
04. Raphael Saadiq – Stone Rollin’
05. Harrison Hudson – American Thunder
06. Fiore – Fiore
07. Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm
08. M83 – Hurry Up We’re Dreaming
09. Mike Higbee – Secret Life
10. Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves – Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves
Erin:
Let’s be honest. I probably didn’t listen to ten complete LPs this year that I would somehow deem “best” – it just isn’t in me anymore, maybe. I did, however, have enough musical bests paired with actual full records I loved to complete a top ten. Let’s review my 2011 faves: there are ten, they are not ranked.
tUnE – yArDs, W H O K I L L (4AD)
If someone forced me to name my best record of the year, I’d bet this would be it. While I’ll never get over the late 90s stylization of her musical pseudonym, Merrill Garbus made songs that said things I wanted to hear couched in melodies and harmonies that push me from Africa to doo-wop to “America.” There is true joy in the music she makes, even if she’s talking about eating disorders or inner-city violence. High up on the “things I danced to alone in my room” list of this year.
turntable.fm/Spotify
While I’d consider turntable.fm mostly dead in my day to day life, it ruled my world for a few weeks over the summer. I heard more great stuff I know I would’ve never come upon on my own, but I guarantee you it wasn’t in dubstep rooms. I spent time chatting and playing jams with friends I wouldn’t see for months. Turntable gave me all of the plus factors of a 1996 chatroom backed with a way better soundtrack than I would’ve had then. Spotify swooped in a few weeks later, and now I find myself listening to nearly anything I want at any time while creating playlists with friends throughout the day. Not as immediate as turntable, but somehow less of a time suck. I don’t love the ads, but I know I can get rid of them if I want.
PJ Harvey, Let England Shake (Island/Vagrant)
Overwrought concept albums can be a drag. (Confessional: I am a long-time PJ Harvey fan, guilty of knowing all of the words to “Rid of Me” by heart at a very young age.) If someone had told me a concept album by Harvey about England, bloodshed and warfare would be one of my favorite releases this year, I might have been a bit perplexed. The melodies, language, and instrumentation around this record, however, do more to transport listeners rather than alienate them. “Inaccessible” is a word often used to describe records, and I could see how some of Harvey’s records may be that way. This, however, works magic.
Jay-Z & Kanye West, “Why I Love You” (Roc-A-Fella/Roc Nation/Def Jam)
I know this record is on everyone else’s list, and that’s fine, but only one of its tracks got repeat plays with me. The production on Watch The Throne is amazing, I can’t deny it, but nearly nothing about that record sticks for me. I revisited it months after it leaked and I still couldn’t get into it as a whole. Jay-Z and Kanye West are two of my all-time favorites and I thought this record would be my dream. It wasn’t. “Why I Love You”, though, is a jam. Great sample, great chorus, okay-enough rapping.
Iceage, New Brigade (What’s Your Rupture?)
There will never be a time in life that I don’t like channeling my inner teenage dude. I know he’s there, just waiting for me to listen to the Stooges for another few hours or cackle while watching episodes of Beavis & Butt-head. 24-ish minutes of gothy punk energy (the longest track at 3:08), Iceage are my Ramones for 2011.
Drake, Take Care (Young Money/Cash Money)
I can’t stop playing this record. Merrill Garbus and Drake might have to duke it out. I thought Thank Me Later was lackluster – too much bravado and cameo, not enough actual persona. With Take Care, though, I feel like Drake is getting back to a place where he’s comfortable: an introspective, lonely look in the mirror at fame and alienation from where he thought he was a few years ago to now. On hip-hop records I’m usually disappointed if they’re not full of bangers but this one tempers enough production with the same amount of restraint.
Willie Mae Rock Camp & Kelly Clarkson, “Since U Been Gone” (RCA)
Over the summer, I volunteered for the first time at Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls in Brooklyn. I spent an exhausting and fulfilling week making sure a bunch of 8 & 9 year olds made it to their instrument class, ate their lunches, and sort-of listened during workshops about the blues, gender, and other topics regarding women in music. Every counselor had her musical kryptonite and everyone very quickly found out Kelly’s jam was mine. I danced & sang to it all week when it played during various end-of-day dance parties, and one of the campers and I shared it as our best memory of the week from songwriting class. At the showcase wrapping up camp, the volunteer band played it as their song for soundcheck. I belted it just as I had every other day.
Party of Helicopters at Death By Audio, Williamsburg, February 13, 2011
I got my knees slammed into the stage all night long at this show, with terrible bruises to show the next day, but it was well worth it. They are my favorite band from my most formative years, the one whose album art my body will carry to my grave; every opportunity to relive that time while seeing them live is worth it. Even though they’ll never play “A New Kind of Power” for me no matter how many times I request it, I don’t care. I love them. Forever.
Björk, Biophilia (One Little Indian/Polydor)
There was a time growing up that I spent most hours lying on the floor in my room listening to records. Bjork was always a part of this ritual, and listening to this record sends me back to that time in my life (I am full of memories this year). “Crystalline” is a perfect hybrid of Telegram-style remixes and Vespertine vocals. “Cosmogony” hearkens back to the antics of Medulla. Everything is nostalgic, but everything is new. The David Attenborough-narrated companion iPhone app is an excellent companion if you can’t make up your own visuals in your mind.
Sharon Van Etten, “Serpents” (Jagjaguwar)
Seeing her play this live last Tuesday only further got me stoked for her record next year. Her voice is the most haunting to me, and this is that quality at its finest. Percussion and expansion of her sound into what it is on this track alone (I hear you, Aaron Dessner) bode well for the rest of Tramp. Can’t wait.
Bruce:
01. The Kills – Blood Pressures
02. Elbow – Build A Rocket Boys
03. The Airborne Toxic Event – All At Once
04. The Vaccines – What Did You Expect…
05. Foster The People – Torches
06. TV on the Radio – Nine Types of Light
07. The Black Keys – El Camino
08. Sleeper Agent – Celabrasion
09. The Rapture – In The Grace Of Your Love
10. The Wombats – This Modern Glitch
11. Honorable mention to My Morning Jacket and Teddybears
Elliott:
01. Alex Clare – The Lateness of the Hour
02. Nero – Welcome Reality
03. Thievery Corporation – Culture of Fear
04. SBTRKT – SBTRKT
05. Tyler, the Creator – Goblin
06. Bassnectar – Divergent Spectrum
07. Dave Nada – Blow Your Head Presents: Moombahton
08. James Blake – James Blake
09. M83 – Hurry up, We’re Dreaming
10. Crookers – Dr. Gonzo
