Odeza – “Today”

One of my favorite things is finding some awesome new music.  The only thing better then finding awesome new music is finding free awesome new music, and that’s exactly what I found when I came across Odeza.

Odeza is consists of producers Catacombkid and BeachesBeaches from Seattle, Washington putting out their own version of lush, chilled out beats layered with perfectly warped vocals.  The name of their first (I think it’s his first, can’t find anything else) album is Summer’s Gone, and this is a perfect title.  Filled with a bit of melancholy that the end of summer brings, mixed with the beauty of fall that can only be brought in by the end of summer.

My favorite track off the album is called “Today,”, and it’s been on pretty steady play.  Pretty much anytime I’ve gotten into my car this week I’ve put it on.  It starts with a simple electric guitar riff, and takes it to another level as it starts to build up some steam with the introduction of some processed vocals.  It’s definitely a great way to start any day.

So hurry up and get your free download of Summer’s Gone right here, and get your day started off right!

Wild Cub – “Thunder Clatter”

The other day I came across the track on Indie Shuffle, and man it’s good.  I think I could listen to it on repeat pretty much all day.

It’s from two guys from Nashville who go by the moniker of Wild Cub.  Not necessarily the city you would think of for electro-pop, but there must be more to Nashville than country music because Wild Cub is one act you need to check out.

The name of the track is “Thunder Clatter.”  It’s a super fun song, filled with hand claps, guitar, and synthesizer.  Not to mention some great vocals.  It hints to Passion Pit and Tanlines with it’s superb production and overall danceability.  This ones definitely going on the iPod.  I hope you enjoy it as much as me.

Post-Thanksgiving Playlist

The turkey and pumpkin pie have been eaten.  Leftovers of aforementioned food items have been eaten.  You have no desire to brave the mall or big box stores.  What you’re in need of is a chilled out post-Thanksgiving playlist.  A chance to remember what you’re thankful, but most importantly to let your food digest.  Enjoy, and relax!

Of Oceans – “In Love, Not Limbo”

I randomly came across this track about a week ago, and it’s been on some heavy play via my ipod/computer.  I just can’t get enough of it.

The name of the project is Of Oceans, and you can check all of their work right here.  It’s mostly some EP’s and a few singles, but well worth checking out.  I have no clue about the actual name of the producer but he or she is from Detroit.  Not exactly where I would guess the artist behind this track is from, but that’s the beauty of the internet age.  You can make great music no matter where you live, and share it with the world.  I guess I just imagine the artist of this song sitting on a beach somewhere, perhaps mixing it poolside.  Not really sure.

Anyways, “In Love, Not Limbo” is a great track.  With some great use of a Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs sample, and this super sweet electric guitar riff placed over some super simple drum beat.  It’s really the perfect combination for a song to kick back and relax to.  Something all of us could use during the holidays.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the Thanksgiving madness, pop on your headphones and give “In Love, Not Limbo” a few spins.  You won’t regret it.

Sufjan Stevens – “Justice Delivers Its Death”

Sufjan Stevens has done it again.  Making an epic collection of Christmas EP’s that is.

Entitled Silver and Gold, this collection of Christmas music takes off where Steven’s last collection of music left off, but manages to take it to a whole other level.  Using much of the sparse acoustic, bedroom arrangements that have made Stevens a mainstay in the indie music world, but also incorporating all the new elements brought to life on the Age of Adz album.  This collection really has a little bit for anybody that is even remotely interested in anything that Stevens has put out.

Consisting of a total of 58 Christmas songs (If you include the cover of Prince’s “Alphabet”), these EP’s help to make Christmas music come to life again for a whole new generation.

On his Bandcamp site it states, “Who can save us from the infidels of Christmas commodity? Look no further, tired shopper, for your hero arrives as the diligent songwriter Sufjan Stevens.”  Stevens does exactly that, with the track “Justice Delivers Its Death.”  The song serves as a somber reminder to remember that Christmas isn’t about stuff, and maybe to focus on the ultimate gift that was given to us.  The salvation, freedom, and hope that Christ coming to a depraved world desperately in need of saving that was brought by a baby in a manger.

Thanks for the reminder Sufjan Stevens, because we absolutely need it!

 

The Modern Post – “Before the Throne”

If you’re looking for some worship tinged with some modern rock, then The Modern Post is a band you need to check out.

The Modern Post have an EP released via Mars Hill Church’s record label entitled Grace Alone, and it definitely delivers.  While they are definitely inspired by 90’s guitar driven rock.  As shown by their track “Before the Throne.”  Filled with plenty of drum fills and guitar riffs, and led by former Thrice front-man Dustin Kensrue.  While this isn’t Thrice, there is plenty to enjoy!

The Modern Post also find themselves equally inspired by the love of God, worshiping God with their own unique musical taste.  It’s certainly refreshing to hear about God’s love in a more relevant musical context, with some hymnal type lyrics.  Check out this EP, you won’t be disappointed.

Sun Glitters – “Mouth”

You know it’s going to be a good day when Sun Glitters releases something new.  Whether it be a remix or a brand new track, your headphones are guaranteed to get popped on your head.  Today we were lucky enough for it to be a brand new track.

The track is called “Mouth,” and it’s set to be released on Lefse records on December 18th via a 7″ single.  You can pre-order the 7″ on the Lefse Records website.  As for the song itself, it’s definitely a Sun Glitters track.  Complete with some eerie vocals, and that bass you just can’t get enough of.  This is definitely one worth pre-ordering, and could be a great Christmas present for that Chillwave fan that you just don’t know what to get.

Until the release, enjoy the track below!

Super Duper – “Falling”

With the success of the collaborative project of Hudson Mohawke and Lunice, TNGHT, it seems like instrumental hip-hop/trip-hop trap has really taken off in popularity.  With that in mind, I came across producer Josh Hawkins of Brooklyn who has put out his own offering of instrumental hip-hop.

Hawkins goes by the name Super Duper, and the name is definitely fitting.  His EP release Momentary, is filled with lots of bleeps, synths, produced vocals, and drum machine, yet still managing to have that hip-hop vibe to it.  The epitome of Hawkin’s instrumental craft is the track “Falling.”  While clocking in at just under 3 minutes, it takes the listener for a ride through the world of Super Duper.  Part video game, and part hip-hop, it’s definitely interesting enough for multiple listens.

Super Duper is definitely ready to fill a musical niche, and is making some darn interesting music.  You can check out his EP here.

Steven Cooper – “Bigger feat. Akon”

Last night at Chaos (Sagebrush Church’s Middle School Group), we had a guest musician come and perform.   His name was Steven Cooper, and he is a young rapper from Kansas City.

He had performed a few songs, one being his track “Bigger.”  It was great hearing some intelligent/non-corny lyrics coming from a Christian rapper, in a world where secular and Christian hip-hop rarely, if ever collide.  Not to mention some great production and fantastic delivery from Cooper.  He isn’t definitely someone to keep your eye on.

Even cooler, Cooper shared a little bit about his vision with us.  He shared his desire to serve as a bridge for the secular and Christian world, a place where he can really serve God.  I have to say he’s definitely on the right track.