WILD TONIC: April 2010

Monday, April 26, 2010

Wild Tonic Has A New Home!

Wild Tonic has moved here.

The archives have been shifted there but will remain here as well. Please visit the latter for new posts.

See you over there for more refreshments offered in mp3 and videos!

Thank you!

Robyn: Dancing On My Own

And... we have the fourth Robyn song off of Body Talk pt. 1! I cannot wait until the damn record is released. All these teasers are just getting too good and this one is the best of them of yet! Remember her hit song, 'Be Mine," where she sings about lusting for a love she'll never have? "Dancing On My Own" could be a sequel to "Be Mine" as far as I'm concerned because this is the stuff that made the world fall in love with her again on her last album.

Robyn could come off as pathetic by pitying herself in lyrics such as "I'm in the corner/Watching you kiss her/Ohhhh!" but thank God she deals with heartbreak alongside a hot disco beat! There's nothing like a good rhythm to help you dance your troubles away and with "stilettos and broken bottles," it doesn't sound like Robyn is going to be sitting down anytime soon. (Hey, it's better than eating your feelings.)

I'm still enjoying "Fembot," "None of Dem" and "Dancehall Queen" but this one is the cream of the crop so far. Check the new track out below!

Devendra Banhart will always hold a special place in my heart. Whether it's his androgynous looks, his long locks, his quivering vocals, or just his whole hippie folk-freak appeal, Rejoicing in the Hands, will continue to be one of my all time favorite albums.

His latest album, What Will We Be, is his first album released on Warner Brothers and with a bigger and mainstream label, his sound did unfortunately change. It's not that I don't like the fact that "Baby" is still playing off of Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon's "Lover," but it is straying away from his original folk roots which echoed Vashti Bunyan.

However, with a new album and a new sound, comes new videos (with hot haircuts!). I suppose I should have mentioned this in the beginning of the post, but the video for "Foolin" is pretty much NSFW. It's not anything extremely gory or sexual, but just enough to make you feel embarrassed if your supervisor walks by your desk while you watch it.

Check Devendra Banhart's video for "Foolin" out below!

Inara George has pure talent running through her veins. Literally. Her father was Lowell George, the late founder of a rock and roll group called Little Feat. Perhaps you've heard of them? So with music in her blood, George was bound to bring us some great material of her own. Although very different from her father's sound, George does bring something different to the table each time whether she's wrapping silky jazz melodies around pop chords with Greg Kurstin (the other half of The Bird and The Bee) or when she's playin' a little country with her girls in The Living Sisters.

Kurstin is a well known producer and boasts a very impressive resume with names such as Lily Allen (It's Not Me, It's You), Marina and the Diamonds (The Family Jewels), and Sia (We Are Born). All of this is on top of being an incredible multi-instrumentalist and appearing on more than 40 albums. He's often busy in a session so this leaves George to wander off into other projects as well.

Her latest project (besides the Hall and Oates cover album in The Bird and The Bee) happens to be part of a Sargent Singles series which is being overseen by Gus Seyffert (of Los Angeles' Willoughby). Her song "Q," which is off of Sargent Singles Vol. 1 and also a part of the Vosotros family, is a nice duet with Seyffert. The soft beats and bare arrangements that dip into jazz-pop welcome George's smooth vocals as if Kurstin were writing the beats. However, the accompanying vocals definitely carry Seyffert's tone.

Vosotros lives up to the meaning of their name (music for you all) and has once again added a nice collection of songs to their label with the revolving door of musicians they bring together. You can download George's track along with Charlie Wadhams' "Arranging My Life" over at Sargent Records' site. You can also stream and grab "Q" from the widget below!

There aren't too many indie bands which consist of three very elegant and slender gals who play three synths and pretty much sound really rad as well. Au Revoir Simone first caught my attention when they released their debut album, Verses of Comfort, Assurance of Salvation back in 2005. Their sweet electronica chords and delicate riffs layered underneath angelic vocals in songs such as "Hurricanes" and "The Disco Song" separated them from other female groups and since then, they've gotten even better at it.

In 2009, they released their third studio album, Still Night, Still Light, and although it lacked the cohesiveness the first two albums had, "Only You Can Make You Happy" definitely stood out as one of the best tracks. For a very mellow band who has personified "ethereal" to another level, the intro was what impressed me. The beats dug a little deeper and the keyboard riffs tremendously sparkled - even for them.

So, when I heard Brooklyn duo, PUNCHES, had officially remixed the song, I was curious to listen to it as a real dance song. Since the duo's mission is to "plan on setting the night ablaze in a club near" me with their indie disco vibes, I checked it out and guess what? It's good. It's really good. Check it out below!

The Golden Filter: Hide Me (Peter Bjorn and John's Hortlax Cobra remix)

Half Ohio, Half Australian-based band, The Golden Filter, is getting ready to release their debut album, Voluspa, in the US on June 15th. You can head on over to the band's set to stream the entire thing since it's already been released over in the UK.

To get us ready State side, they've released their single, "Hide Me" and are also offering a remix of it done by Peter Bjorn and John. What's interesting about this is that they've previously remixed PBJ's "Lay It Down." It reminds of me of the time Violent Femmes covered Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" after Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse covered "Gone Daddy Gone."

The Golden Filter has been a band on the rise for a while here in the States and I unfortunately missed them at SXSW due to a long line. If you haven't heard their music yet, I highly recommend checking out "Hide Me" below along with the remix!

"Last year Jetskiis was formed by a singer living under house arrest, a bassist without a valid mailing address, two recently unemployed drummers, and a guitarist in the midst of a gender epiphany." If that doesn't describe the life of every other band, I don't know what does. Times can be rough especially when a person's drive and passion dares to steer away from typically financially-stable career path.

However, the rough times are what make the blood of musicians stronger and it is essentially what pumps out of them during the best of songwriting times. Luckily for us, San Francisco-based band Jetskiis have taken all their downtime to churn out some rad material such as "Bodymore." Honing the "Island Grunge" genre, the band comprised of former members from New Centuries and Send for Help, is getting ready to release Spraycation which is receiving guidance from Apollo Sunshine's Jeremy Black.

Their sound definitely echos their influences. Vocals are reminiscent of Roxy Music. There are hints of Meter-esque funk and a bit of pop swagger a la Billy Ocean somehow manages to come together with lo-fi grunge. The melodies are solid enough to carry the song, but the reverb-drenched guitar and bass lines tell me they're not in a hurry. When a band offers laid back hazy textures and credibility, it's worth taking the time to sit down and listen.

Grab and listen to "Bodymore" below!

Apparently, all the kids are raging about this B.o.B character. I'm only aware of his existence because he features the butter-smooth vocals of Bruno Mars on "Nothin' On You," and now, the hype is currently surrounding his new track, "Airplanes Pt. 2," which features with Eminem and Haley Williams.

Eminem is a great artist in his own right but I don't find myself blasting his music... ever. Hayley Williams has some pretty amazing vocals but I'm not a fan of her pop punk band, Paramore. The track they all collaborated on together isn't exactly my cup of tea either.

However (as you may have previously seen and read)... I am, indeed, a fan of Crystal Castles. "Celestica" has been on repeat all weekend and I'm still loving it. So when I was approached by DJ Tanner (Yep, just like the Full House character) with a mash-up of Crystal Castles and B.o.B, I took a listen for the sake of Alice Glass. It turns out that I like the combo much better than B.o.B's original version alone because Crystal Castles really enhance the flow.

Each track in the mash-up complement each other quite well in a very clean-cut layered fashion. Take a listen below and grab the track if you wish.

Sensual Harassment: Fever, Daddy Long Legs (D as in Dead Remix)

I'm a bit late on discovering this group. However, that's what is so great about the internet these days. I reach out to bands with open arms and they come running in for a strong embrace. That's basically a ridiculous sappy metaphor for how Sensual Harassment found me on Sound Could. (Yay, the DropBox is working. Keep 'em coming!)

With that said, I'm glad they found me because I almost missed out on the the opportunity to share this Brooklyn-based band who slides New Wave and Shoegaze together in such a manner, the Electronica genre, itself, gets dizzy from all the different textures. Ultimately, Sensual Harassment lives up to their name as their songs are drenched in smooth, player-like psych-pop melodies and reverb that gropes at you from another space-time continuum. After you discovered the end of a track has placed you in a new destination, you realize you've enjoyed yourself on the way there.

Take a listen to "Fever" and "Daddy Long Legs" below!

We have a new single from Blur for the first time in seven years. Yes; that's what I said. I don't know what else to say about this except that it must be a miracle. In celebration of Record Store Day, the band's official website has made "Fool's Day" available as a free download so no one is stuck with an illegally obtained and low quality version of it. Let's face it. If anyone's going to download a new Blur track, they're going to want the best sound quality.

It goes the same for the band. As much as I enjoy Gorillaz, Blur will always trump Damon Albarn's new project which is unfortunately mostly known for "Feel Good Inc." (Don't get me wrong. It's a great track; that's why it got so popular. However, the mainstream needs to dive deeper than that radio track!) They've got to uphold their legacy.

It's a bit odd posting a new Blur song. I feel slightly closer to the twilight zone by doing so. Take a listen to it below and grab the Mp3 at the link below!

Beach Fossils: Youth

I missed a lot of great bands while I was at SXSW back in March. Of course, that's always the case with that many bands all playing the same city at once. Plus, it was my first trek out to the annual Austin festival and I really didn't plan it out as well as I could have. One of the bands I was sad to have missed out on is Beach Fossils.

Led by Dustin Payseur, the Brooklyn-based band have only released "Daydream" earlier in the year but are finally getting ready to put a self-titled LP out on Captured Tracks. If you go to their MySpace page, all three songs seem to have a similar vibe with titles such as "Daydream," "Lazy Day" and "Vacation." Beach Fossil's self-recorded sound fits right in but it doesn't sound cheap and rough like most homemade files. Instead, vocals come off lax yet sincere.

Take a listen to "Fossils" below and hear for yourself.

Ducktails, otherwise known as Matt Mondanile of Real Estate, is back with another ambient lo-fi tropical tune for us and I am purely elated since "Wishes" was one of my top 10 songs of 2009. The new track, "Mirror Image," is a whirlwind of looping synths and gentle drum tracks this time around. This type of hazy psychedelia never gets old.

The 7" is slated for release on May 25th via SHDWPLY Records. There's no doubt I'll be picking that up as soon as it hits the stores. I'm also hoping Mondanile will team up with Julian Lynch on a 7" sometime again soon.

Take a listen below...

Surfer Blood blew up even before the release of their album, Astro Coast, just like I thought they would. (I did put them in BeatCrave's Bands To Look Out For in 2010.) These baby-faced guys have charmed the pants off of both girls and boys with their bro-anthems a la surf rock.

I still love "Swim" and "Floating Vibes" but this cover I recently came across just made me crush on them a little bit more. I'm not sure if I know anyone who actually hates the Beach Boys, but I'm glad the guys of Surfer Blood don't because their rendition they've recently made available makes me really happy. Take a listen to it below!

Brooklyn-based band, The Antlers, made one of the most gorgeous albums of 2009 with their melodramatic and sorrowful tones on Hospice. Ever since I realized how impressive that album was, storytelling never sounded the same to me again. (The album even made my Top 20 Albums of 2009.) It's hard to believe all those packed arrangements came from only three band members as well.

They're just released the beautiful sepia-tone and haunting video for "Sylvia" which you can watch here. They are also currently offering a free EP titled New York Hospitals (still trailing off the Hospice title). Grab the EP below with the widget!

Scissor Sisters is definitely the band I think of when it comes pure European electro music that isn't so intense it falls into the trance genre, but what's odd about that is the band's New York origin. They've won numerous Brit Awards and continue to maintain a renowned status in the club scene overseas. However, as heavy as our electronica scene in the States may be (particularly NYC), it seems as if we aren't welcoming the Scissor Sisters' mash up styles of disco, glam rock and pop as much as we could.

It's a shame that Americans have not branched out beyond the band's cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb," because they really do have a talent for threading bits and pieces together for a sparkling effect.

As proof, I'd like to share "Invisible Light" with you. The track is the closer on their upcoming album, Night Work (which has very interesting cover art, might I add) and I enjoy how the dark elements play with the bouncy choruses. It's over six minutes of dance Heaven. Check it out here.

Beach House: Zebra (UK Radio Edit), The Arrangement

Today is Record Store Day! It's a great way to celebrate the fact that there are still record stores offering us the physical gifts of music, so make sure to make your way to your favorite local record store and grab some Record Store Day exclusive releases! (If you're in Los Angeles, I highly recommend getting your behind over to Origami Vinyl as there will be bands performing in the loft for free... and free Colt 45!)

Like so many musicians who are honoring this special day, Beach House and Sub Pop are offering two tracks from their Record Store Day 12". The first is a stream of "The Arrangement" and the second is a free mp3 of the UK Radio Edit version of the lovely "Zebra." Whether you're at Coachella or not, this all makes for a perfect weekend!

Check the tracks out below! (You can also grab/listen to "Norway" here.)

Music Go Music released one of the most underrated albums of 2009 with Expressions. I have no clue as to why anyone would dismiss their music as it is a fantastic combination of pop anthem melodies, electro-bliss, and the lovely vocals of Gala Bell (aka Meredith Metcalf). Although they attempt to maintain mysterious with their aliases (in addition to Gala Bell, there is TORG and Kamer Maza), most Angelenos are well aware that these musicians are the same members of lo-fi indie rock group, Bodies of Water.

Meredith's vocals are distinguished enough to come off recognizable and besides, who else can sound exactly like ABBA? (A major reason for why I love this band.) Music Go Music always has a sense of humor as well. Most of their videos have "taken place" on shows from the 70s and they're always playing quirky and entertaining characters.

The official video for their song, "Light of Love," is no different as all three members take on the roles of stage performers who offer oddities as their talent. Watch it below!

For the release of the first installation to her three part-project, Body Talk, Robyn has conveniently made three new tracks available for everyone to hear. The upcoming Body Talk pt. 1 takes her new found love for electronica music to another level as she has worked with artists such as Royksopp and Diplo. Neither collaborating artist is much of a surprise though. She's made guest appearances at Royksopp concerts and Diplo... well, Diplo pretty much works with everyone these days.

The Royksopp track, "None of Dem," is a bit too mellow for me as I'm used to her previous tracks such as "Who's That Girl," but it's still a refreshing listen. The Diplo track, "Dancehall Queen," has been in the works for a little longer since it used to be called "No Hassles."

The latter is more of an enjoyable listen for me, but take a listen to the new Robyn tracks below to make your own conclusions. You can also listen to "Fembot" here.

Critics' mixed reactions to The Morning Benders' latest album perplexes me whenever I listen to it. Big Echo has as much charm as Talking Through Tin Cans. I especially enjoy "Excuses" which you can listen to here.

"Promises" isn't a bad track on the album either and after seeing the official video for it, I think I enjoy it a bit more. It's funny how that works sometimes. The video stars only kids, but they definitely don't do things kids normally do. Very grown up activities are shown such as smoking, drinking, passing time in strip clubs, handling heavy machinery and more... Oh how the world has tainted our young ones today.

Check it out below!

Hot Chip: She Wolf (Shakira cover)

Although I'm completely jealous of her body and the way she works it on stage, I wouldn't call myself a fan of Shakira. I'm almost certain "Underneath Your Clothes" put me off of the Columbian singer for good. Besides that hit, most of her songs have been mediocre in pop terms, and when I first heard "She Wolf," I almost hated it.

What I don't hate at all is Hot Chip's cover of the song. Not only are they a prominent electronica band who deserves the praise, but they do an incredibly good job on covers. (For example: Their cover of Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing.) The intro in Shakira's version is a bit awkward for me and but it is more tolerable than the chorus. (Don't even get me started on her "howling" in the recording.) With Hot Chip, they immediately pull my attention in with the first beat they pump out. Unfortunately, they insert some howling as well.

Take a listen to their cover below. I've also included Shakira's version which pales in comparison.

The Flaming Lips Music Video: Powerless

The last time The Flaming Lips released a music video, we got an eyeful of things we weren't asking for. Yes, we're talking about massive amounts of nudity and yes we all saw Wayne Coyne's junk. This time around, their video for "Powerless" is much more subdued.

At least it seems like it during the first few seconds. We see a girl mysteriously tied to a chair without any explanation and without any other human being around either. It starts out slow but is immediately intense as the six-minute song tells a sorrowful story. Things start to get a bit paranormal once we see a monkey drop its jaw. Let's just say that the visuals aren't epileptic-friendly.

Take a look...

Some bands like to create certain intervals of time between teasers from an upcoming album. Fortunately, The National isn't painfully teasing us because they've recently released another track from High Violet. Hot on the heels of "Bloodbuzz Ohio," we now have the pleasure of treating our ears with the new track, "Afraid of Everyone."

Personally, I think the first track has a bit more gumption but the second track is only making me more excited for the album release on May 10th. Take a listen to it below!

If you are unware of the fact that Robyn has shed her saccharine-sweet, bubblegum pop persona and upgraded into a top notch electro-pop songwriter, then you must have been living under a rock within the past few years. When Robyn first made a name for herself in the States with sappy songs like "Do You Know (What It Takes)" and "Show Me Love" during the 90s, she was forgettable. In fact, she was so forgettable that we didn't really hear from her again until she released her self-titled album on her own label, Konichiwa Records, after being inspired by Swedish electro duo, The Knife.

Robyn was finally released in the States during 2008 but because it was only a re-release for us, most fans already knew all of the songs. The pop star's transformation definitely made my ears perk up and the album became one of of my most-played of the year.

Now, after having such success by doing things her own way, Robyn's recently announced the news of three upcoming albums. The first one up is titled Body Talk pt. 1 and the first taste we get from her on "Fembot" isn't bad. It continues her robotic themes from the last album and still maintains the quirkiness she provided on past songs such as "Handle Me" and "Konichiwa Bitches." Check it!

Warning #1: NSFW. Warning #2: Not for those with weak stomachs.

With those two things disclaiming any responsibility to whatever reaction you may have to HEALTH's new video for "We Are Water," I can conclude that I have always taken their music as something great to be on drugs to (hypothetically, of course - see this interview I did with them back in 2008) rather than a score for a very short horror film.

Director, Eric Wareheim (of the Tim & Eric show and also previous director for some crazy Major Lazer videos) has helped me hear their music in an entirely and disgusting new way. In the video below, you are automatically put into an awkward - if not scared - position as you watch a girl running from an insane man holding a machete (and wearing only underwear). I'm not really sure why she's wearing a blonde wig either.

The ending is gory. Don't say I didn't warn you. However, it's another one of those videos where you are enticed enough to watch until the end. Check it out below if you dare...

Deer Tick: 20 Miles

2009 was a great year for Americana indie folk band, Deer Tick. They were the first band to be interviewed as part of Brian Wilson's BriTunes series on NBC, Born On Flag Day was released and mastermind of the group, John McCauley, got engaged to Nikki of Those Darlins.

Now, McCauley and company are getting ready to release The Black Dirt Sessions, one of their most personal albums yet. Although they had a good year, the album ironically deals with darker issues and includes the track, "Christ Jesus," again. Titus Andronicus guitarist, Ian O'Neil, also joined the band on tour as the acoustic guitarist.

Check out "20 Miles" below!

Fol Chen: In Ruins

Although Fol Chen may seem mysterious in who they are when it comes to photos for the media, the band is up, close and personal when it comes to performing live. My first opportunity to catch Fol Chen live was random, but the memory I took home with me last year was stored away and organized in the "band on the rise" section in my head. (The fact that they shamelessly offered a live cover of Mariah Carey's "Emotions" also didn't hurt.)

With their breakout and infectious single, "Cable TV" (from debut album, Part I: John Shade, Your Fortune's Made), they did rise to some critical acclaim they deserved. They are currently on tour with Liars and are about to release their sophomore effort, Part II: The New December, which is slated for release on July 6.

You can take a listen to their new track, "In Ruins," below. It has the familiar touches of melodramatic lyrics and electro bits of funk. Kárin Tatoyan provides lead vocals on this one.

Although their "Sad Robot" EP was a nice consolation alongside distraction, most fans like myself cannot wait for the release of upcoming album, The Five Ghosts. Come June 22 via Soft Revolution Records, we'll finally be able to hold a brand new studio album from Canadian band, Stars.

To tide us over, they've released the album's lead-single "Fixed." Compared to their last couple of albums combined, the single is a bit more synth-heavy. However, I've always thought of Stars as the pop version of Arcade Fire, so it suits me just fine. Plus, Amy Milan's vocals are enough of a comfort to soothe me no matter which direction this album ends up going.

Check "Fixed" out below!

Not too many people agree with me, but I really do think the gods who created Avi Buffalo and The Postal Services' existences have molded their sounds into one band called Freelance Whales just for me. Twee hasn't sounded this good in a very long time. Proof? I can listen to their album, Weathervanes, without skipping one track. Their lyrics are quirky, they've got mad musicianship with multiple instruments, and the vocal melodies soar to all the right heights.

"Generator ^ Second Floor" is just one of their excellent tracks and the video they've recently released to accompany it is adorable and weird as expected of them. Check it out below! You can also download their song, "The Great Estates," (my favorite) here.

Robotanists: Exiled State of Mind (Jay-Z and Alicia Keys cover)

Now as much as I love Hall and Oates, I'm not going to follow a Hall and Oates cover band around. Cover bands aren't my cup of tea but I do love it when my favorite bands put out magnificent covers for a side project. See, side projects are supposed to be side projects and most of them are just for fun. However, if you're The Bird and The Bee or Robotanists, cover albums come off as genius.

Robotanists made my Top 50 Songs of 2009 with their song, "Wait A Minute Here," and they've recently released their Shapes and Variations album which includes covers of seven diverse tracks. You've got everyone from INXS to Lykke Li to Joe Jackson and the best part is that every track is completely breathtaking. As I've previously mentioned before, Robotanists have been featured on BeatCrave many times for a good reason. They are one of the few bands in LA who create down-tempo music that has the same integrity as a hardcore rock song.

Their cover of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" has been completely rewritten except for the melody and it's a perfect listen on any LA day. Also, check out their smooth rendition of Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" here. (Robotanists translation: "Are You Really Going Out With Her?")

If you personally think you know me and haven't realized that one of my favorite bands in LA is Local Natives, then perhaps you don't know me at all. Also, if you're a BeatCrave reader, you may have noticed my shamelessness as I gush over this quintet more than enough on the site.

However, if you were also a fan of Local Natives and had the ability to share great music with the masses, you'd be the exact same way... right? Of course, I'm right. I'm a huge sucker for harmonies and after they changed names from Cavil At Rest to Local Natives and became a band that focused on the vocals more than the instrumentals, they really hit gold with that concept - and only because they can do it exceptionally well. Also, just because they've got tight knit harmonies does not mean they lack the musicianship in regards to their instruments. One of my favorite things about Local Natives is the heavy percussion they provide in each song, no matter what the tempo is. Dripping harmonies + pounding percussion = match made in Heaven for this girl.

So, when the rad Sheena Beaston shared this Russian Adults remix with me, I just knew I had to share it with you all. Does it mean a band has made it if they've gotten remixed? Maybe. Maybe not. All I know is that I'm pretty stoked about this remix. Check it out below!

The boys of Signals always put a on great show and it should be no surprise to you if you were ever a fan of The Mae Shi. I have to admit I was a bit heartbroken after their "break up," but with three core members still playing together and putting music out as Signals, I couldn't stay unhappy.

Signals have recently released a video for "What Dreams' which is a track on their 7" record. It also includes the song "Silverfish." You can grab a copy at any of their upcoming shows. Until then, check the video out below. It's a really awkward watch in the beginning - almost a bit gross - but it grows on you as the awkwardness turns into hilarity.

Florence + The Machine: Flakes (Mystery Jets cover)

I love me some Florence Welch. Not only is she just drop dead gorgeous but she's got this majestic power in everything she does. Florence + The Machine's album, Lungs, was definitely one of my most listened to albums in 2009 and it even made my Top 20 Albums list on BeatCrave.

It's been a while since we've heard some buzz about the redhead and her band, so I thought I'd toss out a cover she had done a while back. Not only is she a unique singer but she doesn't have bad taste in other music either. This cover of Mystery Jets' "Flakes" just makes me admire her even more since I believe Mystery Jets is one of the most refreshing bands to come out of England within the last few years.

Take a listen to her cover of "Flakes" and if you'd like, you can listen to the original as well afterward.

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti has gained a cult following since Pink (aka Ariel Marcus Rosenberg) started making his psychedelic pop music in 2004. The music he provides with Haunted Graffiti often includes many layers in both instrumental and vocal melody.

The latest and first song Pink is offering through his new label, 4AD, is "Round and Round" and it's nothing but a feel-good song which is exactly why I love it. You can stream it below after the jump. If you like what you hear, it's being offered only as a limited 7" and digital single for a short time after April 26th. However, if you join Ariel Pink's mailing list here, you can grab the mp3 now.

Check it out below!

Xiu Xiu, has a certain dark aspect to their music (their latest album IS named Dear God, I hate Myself). Jamie Stewart consistently sings in a generous, rich, and gothic tone, but Xiu Xiu also maintains a lot of synthpop, ambient and techno elements. So, it makes perfect sense that they release a video for "This Too Shall Pass Away (For Freddy)" that looks completely like a video game while you hear inserts of 8-bit sounds here and there in the song.

It's a bit violent but also a kind of cute. If you don't think that's a possible combination, just watch it below and decide for yourself.

So I have no idea how I missed out on this Hot Chip video which was released in early March, but I have to say... it's one of the most hilarious things I have ever seen in my life. Hot Chip is often known to have an automatic cool European factor to them and also have released videos more like this one. However, the bizarre storyline which accompanies the song "I Feel Better" (off of their latest album, One Life Stand) trumps everything else for me.

In an alternative universe somewhere, there is a boy band singing Hot Chip songs, deranged sorcerers join them on stage only to kill them off and then, a floating head comes and shoots fire out of its mouth. It all sounds silly, but it's supposed to be and they completely succeeded with this comedic approach that has nothing to do with their song. It was directed by the insane English comedian and actor Peter Serafinowicz, after all.

Watch it below! It's ridiculously funny.

Blair: Rampage

Another artist I've really been digging for the last few months is Blair, an acoustic singer-songwriter and Brooklynite by-way-of Los Angeles. Her debut album, Die Young, (via Autumn Tone) is one of the funnest albums I have heard in a while. For those of you who think that god awful Ke$sha is fun, man, are you not listening to anything with substance!

With Blair, you do have substance - and plenty more. With catchy tunes like "Candy in the Kitchen," "Rampage" and "Hello Halo," she provides sweet vocals that are reminiscent of Mirah and songwriting structures similar to those that turned us onto Liz Phair back in the day. Die Young, (which we gave a glowing review of on BeatCrave), is packed with cohesive strengths that blend rock and indie pop together. The fun aspect derives from the innocence peeking out of the tall tales she sings.

Check out "Rampage" below! If you haven't already heard it, your Blair discovery is long overdue.

So, I know I'm behind on posting something about Entrance Band, because not only have I heard about them for a while now but after I saw them last night at Bardot in Hollywood, I was completely blown away. There were a lot of crazy things happening during their set and it all fit right into their psychedelic/stoner rock vibe they have going.

Not to mention, Paz Lenchantin, is one hell of a musician. Although she is insanely rad on the bass for this band, she's also played with a handful of other bands such as A Perfect Circle, Zwan, and musicians such as Melissa Auf de Maur (of Hole). Lead vocalist and guitarist, Guy Blakeslee, has also toured with his fair share of big names such as Sonic Youth, Devendra Banhart, Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

If you haven't seen this band live, I highly recommend going out to experience their sound. Also, grab their track, "M.L.K." below if you don't already have it. (Also, a review and photo gallery will be published soon on BeatCrave!)

Last week on BeatCrave, we reported on a upcoming and seventh album from English electro gods, The Chemical Brothers. The new album, Further, will be released on June 8th via Freestyle Dust/Astralwerks and if that news alone doesn't make ravers and ecstasy lovers foam at the mouth, a preview of the album has recently surfaced!

Yesterday, BBC Radio's Pete Tong premiered their song, "Escape Velocity," which embodies everything great about the electro scene in Europe. (I'm having flashbacks to my experience at Fabric in London.) The track has an incredible drive and naturally gives your endorphins a push. (In other words, you don't really need drugs for this listen, kids.)

A video has surfaced for your listening pleasure (via Consequence of Sound). Check it out below! If you don't mind all the promotional inserts from Pete Tong during the listen, you can go ahead to Scottish Friction for a download as well.

Janelle Monae Music Video: Tightrope (feat. Big Boi)

Janelle Monae is one of those artists who has been put into all the different genres and aspects of the music industry one can think of. Her sound is retro, fun, and soul-oriented but she's opened for acts such as of Montreal and No Doubt. What's interesting about that is the fact that she's signed to Diddy's Bad Boy Records and was able to start her career thanks to meeting Outkast's Big Boi.

After being nominated for a Grammy in the Best Urban/Alternative Performance category for her song, "Many Moons," Monae comes back to his us with the lead single "Tightrope" off of her official and debut album, The ArchAndroid. As expected, the song and video features Big Boi and it's a pretty fun watch with all her futuristic motifs always slipped in.

Watch it below!

San Francisco-based band, Girls, came out of nowhere last year when the took over everyone's hearts with their album, Album, but there was a good reason behind that. I'm sure their NSFW videos for "Laura" and "Lust For Life" may have helped boost their popularity, but the best part about Girls (besides the fact that there are no girls in the band) is the way lead vocalist, Christopher Owens, sings. It's gritty, heartfelt, and sometimes you don't know whether to find it endearing or heartbreaking.

The other day, a video of Girls performing Radiohead's "No Surprise" surfaced and thanks to We All Want Someone, we can not only watch it but listen to it as well. Watch the performance below and grab the audio as well!

Vampire Weekend? Seriously - forget about them. I know I have ever since I discovered Fool's Gold. With members of Israeli, Iraqi, Argentinean, Brazilian and Mexican heritages who sing in half Hebrew and also boast musicians from Foreign Born, We Are Scientists and The Fall, they offer the best songs of African rhythms and melodies. It's only natural for a band whose ethnicity is so diverse.

They take it into another beautiful direction with their song, "Nadine," where they combine the sounds of early American R&B and Ethiopian music. The video directed by Adria Petty (Tom Petty's daughter), is classy as the song sounds - if not cooler. Filmed on the grounds of the famous Hollywood Forever Cemetery (although it may be hard to believe, they are an LA band), the video was shot in black and white as they put on a show for a small group of their closest friends.

Watch the video below and grab their hit track, "Surprise Hotel" from last year.

The Happy Hollows is one of the bands that make me really proud of the LA music scene. With the NYC music scene so heavily based on electronica and Canadian bands trying to cram as many people on stage as they can, Los Angeles has many small bands, like this trio, who offer a very organic and raw sound that amplifies strength in performance and songwriting structure.

This band's popularity recently skyrocketed within in the past year, but the acknowledgment is actually way overdue. Post-punk is at its best with members, Sarah Negahdari, Charles Mahoney, and Chris Hernandez and they do it all while having a blast, too.

Proof? Just watch their new video for "Big Bad Wolf" below. The Happy Hollows always manage to churn out entertaining videos, but this one just blows my mind in how much it falls into the "acid-tripping" realm. Watch for yourself! Then grab their track, "Faces," if you haven't already!

What is there not to love about the band, The National? If their last album, Boxer, didn't pull you in with those rich, deep baritone vocals of Matt Berninger weaving in and out of their robust arrangements, you've got another chance to dive into this ear candy.

The National is slated to release their upcoming album, High Violet, this spring on May 10th via 4AD and if it's even half as good as the last album, it'll probably get a lot of spins from me. The album's lead single, "Bloodbuzz Ohio," is a nice reminder of what this band can do and some pretty good foreshadow of what the album will be like.

Take a listen to "Bloodbuzz Ohio" below!

Jón Jósep Snæbjörnsson (aka Jónsi) is well known for being a member of the critically acclaimed Icelandic band, Sigur Rós. (Ring a bell, anyone?) Although anyone has yet to hear of a new album from Sigur Rós, fans have something pretty exiting to anticipate.

Come April 6th, Jónsi will be releasing a new (but solo) album titled Go and it will come with a limited edition box-set. This will be a follow-up to his album, Med Sud, but this one will be the first to be sung in English.

The Icelandic singer recently did a session on BBC Radio and performed a beautiful cover of MGMT's "Time To Pretend." If you wondered how Jónsi would sound singing English, this cover should be a good preview. Also, this rendition sounds a lot better than anything on MGMT's new album.... Check the cover out below!

The Morning Benders: Lovefool (Cardigans cover)

Contrary to the beliefs of those who have just gotten into the music from Berkeley, California-based band, The Morning Benders have been around since 2005. They've paid their dues as they they've played countless show, put out several EPs and finally have gone on tours with big names such as Yo La Tengo, MGMT, and Yeasayer.

One of the more recent bands The Morning Benders have toured with is Grizzly Bear and it worked out in their favor. Their latest album, Big Echo, was then produced by Grizzly Bear's bassist, Chris Taylor. Although many have been split on their reactions to the latest album, I find that there are still quite a few gems such as "Excuses."

You can take a listen to that track as well as their fun cover of The Cardigan's "Lovefool" below!

Although I still wish Jona Bechtolt were still making music with Khaela Maricich as The Blow, I can't deny that the music he's making as YACHT is just as fun. Originally just a one-man show, YACHT has since then expanded into a two-member band with the rad Claire L. Evans. Instead of watching powerpoint presentations along with Jona's lonely dancing, there are now two crazy beings to behold.

YACHT has recently released a new video for their track, "The Afterlife," and it's a quirky as they are. Jona and Claire are repeated doused, sprayed, and dunked into water. Slow motion is used as well. It's one of those videos where you ask yourself why you're watching a certain sequence like that but for some reason, you don't stop watching until it's over.

Check the video for "The Afterlife" below!

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