L.A. band Magic Wands re-style Madonna’s “Burning Up” (off her s/t debut) a 2012 indie beachside shoulder swayer (you know what we mean), selecting for some sleepy synth atmosphere, a deep-in-the-mix vocal, and a New Order-esque bassline. Hat tip Magic Wands.
Magic Wands 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.3
spf5Ø’s brand new edit for Crystal Castles’ “Empathy” is fire. Being punched in the gut repeatedly by the heaviness of a track has never felt quite like this. spf5Ø’s edit is such a slick mash of disparate yet complementary sounds and styles. AWESOME. We’re getting familiar with the rest of this guy’s back catalogue ASAP (right now).
spf5Ø (Facebook)
Rating 8.5
UK indie pop act Clock Opera deliver another impressive remix with their latest, a lo-fi synthpop take on Charlotte Gainsbourg’s single “Anna”. It’s all breezy electronics and gentle syncopations from remix start to remix end with Clock Opera proving yet again that, in addition to being a really great songwriters and a really great band, C.O. are top class remixers as well. Expect the A-list official remix projects to continue to pour in for Clock Opera. (DoML)
Clock Opera 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.2
By Bruce Rave
Have you been wondering whether Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros could follow the huge success of home? Here’s your answer, and it was posted on the band’s tumblr page. “That’s What’s Up” is an upbeat, country-tinged track that will make you feel…right at home. Knowing how Alex Ebert likes to keep things evolving, I bet the full-length will sound different than the last, but this song is cause for optimism.
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros (Official)
Check out Bruce’s “Go Deep” show on Fridays 1-3 pm Pacific, 4-6 pm Eastern, 9-11pm GMT. Also listen to past shows at Bruce’s blog and follow Bruce on Twitter.
Aw shit. Usher & Diplo’s “Climax” is already one of our favorite songs of the year. And then this happened. Kaskade refashions Usher’s R&B return a massive EDM club smash. You need to hear it now.
Usher 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.8
Austin band White Denim deliver a silky new tune in the form of the R&B tinged “Get Back to Love”. “Get Back to Love” is the perfect soundtrack for that special time when you find yourself in the “Steely Dan Zone” (you know what we’re talking about).
White Denim 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.2
“All You”, new from L.A.’s, The Cataracts is about to set pop radio on fire. “All You” ticks all the 2012 radio smash boxes and then some (big EDMish chorus, spazed out rapper verse, a cool sample of a recent hit – in this case the also Cataracts-produced “In the Dark” by Dev.) Seriously though, ever thought you’d hear (give Waka a beat, 10 G’s, and a ton of weed and he’ll probably rap over anything) Waka Flocka spit flames on a Kaskade sample? In theory, Waka’s inclusion on a track like this might invite notions of “train wreck” “are you shitting me?” and “ugh” but somehow it totally works! We love it, get with the new jam. (SB)
The Cataracts (Facebook)
Rating 8.3
Literally out of nowhere Kanye drops off a brand new heater. We think “Theraflu” will be appearing on DJ Khaled’s upcoming LP. Get with it.
Kanye West 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.5
UK R&B songstress and X-Factor alum Rebecca Ferguson gets a sharp throwback 90’s dance-esque push via a new remix from producer Cahill. Cahill’s mix has all the big beats and bombast (and huge vocals!) that classics in this genre are defined by. 100% pure love.
Rebecca Ferguson (Facebook)
Rating 8.1
Bass Drum of Death just fucked up your day. “I Wanna Be Forgotten” is the sort of meat and guts rock and roll we only wish we heard more of. BDD are two dudes from Mississippi that recorded their record using a laptop and USB microphone (and the aforementioned BASS DRUM OF DEATH). Tune in below.
Bass Drum of Death 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4
A banger that actually bangs. Star Slinger’s production on new track “Bad Bitches” is crazy; the intersection of so many diverse yet dope styles. (classic soul, southern booty rap, even world music) “Bad Bitches” is the new b3sci anthem.
Star Slinger (Facebook)
Rating 8.7
