A Real Hero

If you haven’t yet, go see DRIVE! This is a film that reminds us why we love cinema, from the direction and cinematography to the writing and acting. However, the most compelling part of the film was the soundtrack. From the Kavinsky in the opening credits to the epic ballad by College and Electric Youth that courses through the movie. The synths and 80s beat create a detached and unaffected feeling that parallels the Driver and his ability to inflict stomach churning violence with no emotion. And yet, layered over the synthesizers and drum machine is a beautiful chorus that calls out to even the most apathetic of us all, letting us know that just like the Driver somewhere inside us we have the ability to be a real human being…and a real hero.

Toucher Française

In anticipation of the new Justice album I was going back over some of my favorite French Touch tracks. There was one track in particular that I have been searching for ever since my hard drive was wiped. I knew that it was by some artist with a name that was missing a vowel. This is currently the popular way of creating electronic artist names see; SBTRKT, MGMT, STRFKR (full disclosure: I considered calling this blog SHRKBRND, I shit you not). Finally, it came to me, the Artist was TePR and the song was Minuit Jacuzzi, but it was this remix by DatA that had been reRUBed by Justice that really blew my mind.

While searching for anything I could find by TePR on soundcloud and hypemachine I came across this amazing Remix of Yelle’s “Ce Jeu”(sorry couldn’t find a good link Youtube it). I loved the singers voice and the way the french sounded against the beat. It was then that I remembered this obscure remix by Steve Aoki that I was obsessed with about two years ago, and sure enough it was by Yelle. I have included the video of the original song, and if I’m being frank, it’s pretty hot. If only I could understand what she is saying.

tUnE-yArDs

How sick is this video? Those kids are so great, the song is pretty damn solid too. I must admit that I checked this artist out on the recommendation of Rolling Stone. I know, I know, but Pitchfork gave tUnE-yArDs’ new album W H O K I L L an 8.8 so…you know. After giving the album a once over I must admit it is pretty god damn good. However, the star for me is “Bizness” which is the tune synched to that awesome video you just viewed. tUnE-yArDs, which incidentally is really annoying to type, is the brainchild of Merrill Garbus a singer songwriter from New England. I love the way she overlays different vocal tones to create loops. However, her mouth isn’t just good for making cute sounds and interesting cinematography, she can really wail.

Up All Night

The first time I heard Nadastrom’s moombahton edit for “Up All Night” by Alex Clare it had been quite a long day. I got off of work late and then rushed to a friends surprise birthday party. Everyone at the party got pretty lit and we decided to head to the Saint to see what the resident DJ, MUSA, was playing for her OBSESSION Party. The fun continued into the morning and I began to feel weary. It was no fault of the DJ but the day and the booze had taken their toll, that is until I heard this song. Instantly I was revitalized, all I wanted to do was move. I was already privy to the whole moombahton meme but at that time I wasn’t really taking it seriously. When I woke up the next morning, I could not get this song out of my head. The original by Alex Clare is produced by Diplo and Switch of Major Lazor fame, or infamy, depending on how you feel about that new Beyonce single. No knock on Switch or Diplo but the Nadastrom remix kills the original. This version showcases Clare’s vocals more than the original and when the drums come in it’s all na-na-na-na-na-na, the combination will keep you up all night and I bet you’ll be thinking about it in the morning.

Cubes a here

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Cubes have been released….and while i was stoked about the lineup the cubes left something to be desired. The second weekend offers a multitude of scheduling conundrums. For example, on May 5th Wilco is playing at the same time as Maceo Parker, and on May 7th Jimmy Buffett, The Strokes, and Lauren Hill all have the same time slot. I will be all in for Arcade Fire and the Neville Brothers on May 6th and 8th respectively. You can find the full schedule here.  If this is your first Jazz Fest, the Gospel Tent is not to be missed, it is intimate and inspiring. I’ve seen the most ardent atheist catch the Holy Ghost the first weekend in May, and when i have a free moment that’s where i’ll be. The Selvys were my favorite gospel act last year. I think the Gospel Tent gives us all a moment to lay down our burdens, reflect, and thank God that we have New Orleans for another year, if only for a weekend or two. To that I think we can all say Amen!

Moombahton!!

This song, Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition (Axwell & Dirty South remix) (Nadastrom Moombahton Edit), is an example of one of the musical genres I hope to explore. You may not have heard of Moombahton yet, but I promise that in the next year you will. Moombahton has been pioneered by a cadre of latin inspired DJs led by Dave Nada of Nadastrom. If we are all lucky Moombahton will be the Dubstep of the future. However, while dubstep may make you want to pump your fist and bro out, Moombahton will make you wanna move your hips and make out. Hope you enjoy this first tidbit, there will be more to come.

Do you trust me?

Let’s go on a journey. Let’s take a trip. Let’s learn about the music that shapes our lives. If you trust me your eardrums will never be the same.