Fever Ray/ "Now's the Only Time I Know" (j-wow remix)

Fever Ray's S/T is one of my favorite albums of 2009 and electronic artist Karin Dreijer Andersson's (of The Knife and Honey is Cool) debut. The album plays a lot like the phenomenon of an eclipse. The bleak instrumentals mask, but don't impede, Andersson powerful drone; and in turn her vocals coddle/surround the rich blacks creating a subtle contrast of tone. While the album concocts some of the most intricate music-inspired-moods, it does not position itself for more of a popular listen in electronica or any genre. It is niched.

That was until J-Wow (of Buraka Som Sistema) turned "Now's the Only Time I Know" into a rave-party-banger, making Andersson's vocals less meditative and more dance inspiring. J-Wow doesn't remove the introverted soul from the track entirely, but rather, just makes it get out on the dance floor. One of the best remixes this year!

Pitchfork gave a shout out for this track to appear on Diplo's next mixtape. I wouldn't mind hearing that...

Stream> Fever Ray:: "Now's the Only Time I Know" (j-wow remix)

Salvador Santana/"Keyboard City" (dan deacon remix) [ft. gza]

The constant intermixing-world of remixes can produce some pretty strong material. Salvador Santana, Carlos Santana's son, first remixed "Keyboard City" where GZA does a verse on the track. Dan Deacon then took the remix of "Keyboard City" and remixed the remix. Deacon ups the keyboards and adds his signature distorted synth.

Salvador Santana:: Keyboard city (dan deacon remix) [ft. gza]

[via Pitchfork]

Cheerleader (neon indian remix)

Neon Indian, crafty chill wave architect of 09's stand out Psychic Chasms, remixed Grizzly Bear's "Cheerleader." Neon Indian puts out two remixes titled "Sega Genesis P-Orridge" and "Studio 6669." Both add a jolt of electricity, removing the patience from the original.

[via Pitchfork]

mp3 squeeze

MGMT doesn't reinvent the wheel with this track nor did they care to reinvent "Doomed."  If you're like me and have never heard "Doomed," then you will enjoy hearing new stuff from MGMT.

Violens:: Doomed (mgmt remix)

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Jay released another track from the anticipated Blueprint 3 (release set for September 11).  "D.O.A." is a statement track that sings goodbye to the Auto-Tune.  Jay Z vocalizes his struggle to stay true to his style as hip hop continues to loose its edge. (straying from what Jay calls "black hoodie rap" ) The track is produced by No I.D. and Kanye West (irony).  The production is rootsy and simple setting an organic environment that leads us to believe that Jay is still the only MC "to rewrite history without a pen."  

Jay Z:: D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)

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Phaseone remixes Animal Collective's glistening "Daily Routine."  Where most remixes tend to elaborate or re stylize, Phaseone cleans up and smoothes out what can be considered one the more "rough around the edges" tracks off of Merriweather Post Pavillon.

Animal Collective:: Daily Routine (phaseone remix)

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Toro y Moi is dream audio project from Chaz Bundick out of Columbia, SC.  Great use of panning effects and textures leave you suspended.  Bundick is also known for the visuals that accompany his music.

Tory y Moi:: Blessa

Toro y Moi:: Talamak