Category Archives: music

music, on the rise

[on the rise] Alex Winston

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Alex Winston is an indie pop/electronic singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Detroit.  Since moving to New York in 2010, she’s been working with production duo The Knocks and has received quite a bit of praise all-over the blogosphere for the past year or so.

Winston is definitely an artist to keep your eyes and ears open for in 2011. While her songs are just as fun and catchy as the recent influx of female popsters (ie Marina & the Diamonds, Robyn, MNDR, Zowie, etc), there’s something quite unique and infectious about Winston’s sound that sets her apart from the others (don’t get me wrong though, keep the good female popsters coming).

Check out some of my favorite tracks below and be on the lookout for more Alex Winston this year (her Sister Wife EP is out March 8th, more about that here).

Alex Winston – Choice Notes
 Alex Winston – Sister Wife
 Alex Winston – Yours to Keep (Teddy Bears Cover)

Be sure to head on over to Heavy Roc Music where you can stream and download more Alex Winston.

music, on repeat

[on repeat] Theophilus London

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My frequent collaborator, 35mmBeats, introduced me to this mix-tape maestro way back (at least 6 months ago), though I must admit, it wasn’t until the last month or so that I really gave this artist the listening time he deserves.  But for the past week, i’ve listened (almost exclusively) to Mr. London and i’m quite impressed/obsessed.

It’s hard to describe Theophilus London’s sound.  Yes. He’s a Brooklyn rapper, but his electro, dark synth, 80’s hip hop, indie influences, and songwriting skills (not to mention his keen fashion sense), set him apart from the typical hip hopper.  I should also note, he’s reached critical acclaim without ever releasing a full length.

Some of my favorite Theophilus tracks are below, but be sure to pick up the Lovers Holiday EP on February 8 (preorder) and keep an eye out for his debut full length, which is set for a Spring release.  Also, be sure to bookmark This Charming Blog to maintain your Theophilus fix.

[UPDATE] You can stream the entire Lovers Holiday EP courtesy of Spin Magazine.

Theophilus London – GREY X SAGE (Sabali Remix)
 Amadou & Mariam – Sabali (Theophilus London Remix)
 The xx – You’ve Got The Love (Theophilus London Remix)
 Theophilus London – Flying Overseas (feat Devonté Hynes & Solange Knowles)
Theophilus London – Why Even Try (feat. Sara Quin) [free download here]

music

‘Rolling Blackouts’ Out Today!

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Rolling Blackouts, the latest from on of my all-time favorites, The Go! Team, it out today!

This is the 3rd full-length release from the Brighton sextet and the new album once again embraces the cheerleader chants and breakdance beats that have dominated their sound since they first released Thunder, Lightning, Strike back in 2005.  I absolutely love this record and it’s safe to say it will end up on my best of ’11 list.  Standout tracks include T.O.R.N.A.D.O., Secretary Song (feat. Satomi Matsuzaki), Apollo Throwdown, Yosemite Theme, and Ready to Go Steady, but there really isn’t a bad track on this album.  Do yourself a favor and purchase Rolling Blackouts via Amazon or iTunes.  And if you get a chance, catch one of their live shows.

The Go! Team – T.O.R.N.A.D.O.

Also, check out the latest video releases for Ready to Go Steady and Rolling Blackouts.

mid-week mixtape, music

Mid-Week Mixtape: 2/2/11

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Here are the tunes making my work week that much more enjoyable.  Enjoy!

Acid House Kings – Are We Lovers or Are We Friends?
More Acid House Kings here.

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Fright Night (Nevermore)
More Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti here.

Blackbird Blackbird – Float On (Modest Mouse cover)
More Blackbird Blackbird here.

Braids – Glass Deers (Teen Daze Remix)
More Braids here.

Childish Gambino – For the Fans (Warm Heart of Africa)
More Childish Gambino here.

Zowie – Broken Machine (RAC Remix)
More Zowie here.

live music, music

Tristen//Charlatans at the Garden Gate

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The latest from Nashville songstress, Tristen, is out today courtesy of American Myth Records.

I’ve been listening to the new album, Charlatans at the Garden Gate, quite a lot over the last couple of months and it’s become a definite favorite of mine.  Doomsday and Baby Drugs are hands down my favorite tracks, but the entire album is worth your time, so do yourself a favor and grab a copy (via Amazon or iTunes).

Tristen is also out and about on tour in support of the new album.  Last night, a lot of lucky LA locals got to see Tristen and Peter, Bjorn, and John for free, courtesy of KCRW and it’s a school night.  If you weren’t one of those lucky locals (i’m in that boat), you still have the chance to see Tristen tonight at The Echo (again, courtesy of KCRW).  Info for tonights show at The Echo can be found here and the rest of Tristen’s tour schedule can be found here.

Tristen – Baby Drugs