SBTRKT - It's A Crime...

That this anonymous London based producer has released such a stellar self-titled debut (courtesy of tastemakers, Young Turks).  This is easily on my top 10 list for 2011.  Check out the first highly addictive single, "Wildfire," featuring the unbelievably talented Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon (that's not her in the video though...that girl is a hot mess, emphasis on hot).

Fresh production combines with a classy and clean delivery.  Syncopated beats keep your foot tapping and give breath to the piece.  And I can't say enough about the vocals.  Yukimi is in full command, every nuance of her melody perfectly illuminated in the mix.

Literally, every track on this album is a winner.  For instance, "Pharaohs."

When that beat kicks in, it's all over for me.  Once again the mix is absolute perfection.  I'm a sucker for round bass and an emphasis on rhythm.  Perfectly tasteful synths and a playful use of the equalizer reminds us that SBTRKT is definitely a DJ, first and foremost.

He's currently on tour. Crossing my finger's he makes his way over to the west coast.  I want that mask...

Vandaveer Digs Down Deep

This is a video from Vandaveer's previous album Divide And Conquer.

As great as Divide And Conquer was, his latest album, Dig Down Deep, is his best yet.  Read more on my blog for the spectacular modern family website, The Next Family.

Boom Clap Boom Clap Boom...

Copenhangen's Boom Clap Bachelors have a new EP, Mellem Dine Læber.  The BCB are a collection of producers, DJs and live artists, often including the remarkable Coco (of Quadron), and my newest love, Liv Lykke (not to be confused with Lykke Li).  This is an old clip featuring both of these ladies in a scaled down acoustic performance.

Unitards aside, this is a brilliant performance.  It is rare to see artists with such depth and evocative control over their vocals.  I only wish I knew what they were singing about...

This latest EP (courtesy of Plug Research) gives us more chilled out future electro poetry.  Liv Lykke's piece "Andres Hænder" is especially lovely.

My favorite part about this group is that quirkiness.  I mean...unitards people.  The video for Coco's classy addition to the latest EP, "Løb Stop Stå" satisfies my craving for weird (though "Falder ind og falder ud" is incredibly strange, as well).  Enjoy.

Happiest of Tuesdays to you.  

Aural Fixation - Summer Bites & Bytes

Time for the latest Aural Fix.  This time, my roommate tackles Summer Berry Sour Cream Pancakes (o.m.gastrointestines), while I tackled the summer jams...

Now that you're amped up, check out the rest of the musical cuisine courtesy of Tadpole Audio.

Eddie Vedder & His Ukulele

So beautiful...

Hear more on my blog for The Next Family.

Kreayshawn - Love It or Hate It?

I just can't decide...

I love me some showty rappers.  Missy Elliot and Nikki Minaj have a special place in my heart.  But Kreayshawn (if that's even your real name)?  I just don't know if I can make room for you.

The good news is I finally know what it would look like if Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga had a love child.

She's like a female Childish Gambino meets Das Racist meets The Lonely Island, only I can't decide whether or not she's joking.  But I am really digging those hints of 90s West Coast Gangster Rap.

In conclusion, I've decided I like this chick, but I'm a little scared to see what comes next.

Mr. Little Jeans Meets Arcade Fire

Norwegian dream pop artist Mr. Little Jeans recently released this stunning cover of Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs."

You can download the track for free HERE.

Mr. Little Jeans, aka Monica Birkenes, stands just over 5 feet, but packs one powerful punch.  Influenced by fierce women like PJ Harvey, St. Vincent, Bjork, Santigold and Feist, she infuses her music with an edgy femininity.  Her icey sweet vocals and ear for catchy melodies could easily lend themselves to top 40 pop, but her playful arrangements lean just far enough to straddle that line between commercial and indie.  This is a successful recipe reminiscent of artists like Oh Land and Little Boots.

The beauty has recently turned a lot of heads, garnering a record deal from Sony and recognition from fellow artists.  Both The Naked and Famous and Pacific have put their own spins on Mr. Little Jeans' "Rescue Song," but my favorite rework has to be from RAC.

"Rescue Song (RAC Remix)" - Mr. Little Jeans

You can look forward to her full length debut this year with production by John Hill (Santigold, M.I.A).  Definitely one to keep your eye on.