Listen to UMO take on the Otis Redding classic, recorded in May at BBC’s studio in Manchester, UK. UMO embarks on a US/EU/US tour, check the dates here ».
If you haven’t given UMO a shot for whatever reason, “Swim and Sleep (Like A Shark)” is easily one of the songs of the year. The album isn’t as consistent as I would like, but that’s one hell of a song.
If there’s one thing we can all agree about Chris Laughman, the man behind Wise Blood, it’s this: even if you aren’t his biggest fan, when he’s on fire everyone feels the burn. “Alarm”, from his upcoming debut LP id, is easily one of the best tracks he’s produced in about four years of trying (via Stereogum).
Pair one of the year’s best beats, including alarm sounds crafted from deftly mixed horn samples, with Laughman’s terrifying narrative about getting revenge on a club that kicked him out, and that’s why “Alarm” is one of the best tracks of the year so far. I’ve always noticed a bit of an ego from Wise Blood, in interviews, on stage, in his music… but maybe it really is the id, the uncoordinated, instinctual drive of your subconscious. It’s what contains the basic human desires, wants and needs present at birth. Anyone can cultivate an ego, but it takes a real boss to be a passenger to your next-level-ness. Maybe someone should tell Kanye?
Nah, keep that bitch in the dark.
id is out 6/25 via Dovecote. Vinyl here »
Well this was unexpected. After BODYWORK wowed us earlier this year with a rather unstoppable track called “Tame”, we mostly expected the English newcomers to release another single or two, get signed, maybe an EP, tour with the xx and then release a debut a year later… you know, the ushe‘. Behold, there’s still room in this hyper-connected world for the rare surprise or two and BODYWORK’s debut LP The Grind is full of ‘em.
Here’s the album’s title track:
Download The Grind right here for free »
I’ve been really high on Mood Rings since they released the best EP of 2011 with Sweater Weather Forever, and I guess I’m not the only one. The folks at Mexican Summer took notice and are now setting to release the Atlanta trio’s debut LP, VPI Harmony, on June 25th. Mood Rings have released a few new songs recently, but “The Line” might be the most promising since 2011′s “Indian Hills” »
Preorder VPI Harmony on vinyl now »
Previously: “Promise Me Eternity” MP3
I’m always fascinated by bands that win Grammys in other countries and have little traction in the USA. Such is the case for Swedish outfit Karl X Johan, winners of the “Best Music Video” Swedish Grammy in 2012 and are now expanding their sound with catchy new single “Never Leave Me”. Well produced and with more layers than your mom’s lasagna, “Never Leave Me” drives forward with scattershot percussion and pop infused percussion that HAS to be what M83 would sound like if he snorted a line of Crystal Light powder. Spin it:
