Producer Amerigo Gazaway has released an album of mashups from very different genres creatively titled Fela Soul, featuring the smooth and cerebral hip hop testimonials of De La Soul draped over the African rhythms of Nigerian instrumentalist Fela Kuti. The album consists of 8 dance-able tracks and includes a touch of the Gorillaz on the album closing Feel Good Inc. If you enjoy old school, laid-back hip hop and/or tribal beats, this is a must get.
Toro y Moi's Chaz Bundick has made music that has been categorized under the chillwave umbrella and his latest EP Freaking Out does not disappoint. Lo and hi fi mix with retro dance synths to get you out of your seat. This is easily one of the year's best dance efforts to date.
Beirut's Zach Condon has evolved his sound through many cultural influences, combining elements of Eastern European folk with Western pop. His band employs many diverse and non-traditional musical instruments, including the rotary valve flugelhorn, the ukulele, the mandolin and horns not typically found in pop. This unique instrumentation is complimented by his extraordinarily different and beautiful voice. Santa Fe is an ode to his home town off of his latest release, The Rip Tide.
Texas based artist and chillwave phenom, Neon Indian released his new album, Era Extrana, this week and this standout immediately got my ears perked. Alan Palomo, aka Neon Indian, creates a collage of synth tones and drum beats that will cause gamer nerds to flood dance halls.
Chillwave pioneer and native Georgian, Ernest Greene released his second full length under the Washed Out moniker earlier this year, this time surrounded by a full band that includes his wife. You can hear his most recognizable hit, Feel it All Around as the theme song of IFC's comedy sketch show Portlandia.
Oklahoman Annie Clark, otherwise known as St. Vincent, started out as a member of the Polyphonic Spree and later toured as a member of Michigan native Sufjan Stevens' band before setting out on her own to form St. Vincent. Strange Mercy is her third effort and again showcases her mastery with arrangements as well as her vulnerable and effortless church choir voice.
Austin based four-piece and SXSW mainstay White Denim blend many genres, especially blues and progressive rock to my delight. The above video for album stand out Street Joy may be ripe with over-the-top retro cliche, but the song itself covers all blemishes.
Canadian electronic duo Purity Ring appears to have many influences, especially beat driven hip hop. Both members have backgrounds in more traditional band composition, yet when they are producing as Purity Ring they are at their best. Looped and sampled synth beats are laid out and Megan James' ghostly vocals dress them up. I can't wait for the upcoming complete release.
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