// Chris Brown - Talk Ya Ear Off //
It's been a while since I've heard Timbaland turn out a beat as nice as this - it sounds like a Justin Timberlake FutureSex-era production. This time, though, the benefiary of Timbo's handiwork is none other than Chris Brown. Built on some creative Timbaland beatboxing, "Talk Ya Ear Off" is definitely club-friendly without sounding too canned. Brown is chameleon-like, putting his own flair on the verses while channelling a little bit of JT on the chorus. He even attempts - albeit questionably - a little Michael Jackson during the break. All in all, it's a solid toe-tapper that'll make a fine addition to any R&B dance playlist.
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Contender for Top 50 of 2011 alert. Easily one of the most hyped releases so far this year, The Pains' sound harkens to some of our favourite 90's alternative rock bands. It would be cool if they did it all on their own, but the truth is some of that vintage (holy crap is early 1990's "vintage" yet?) alt sound is owed to their teaming with British superproducers Flood and Alan Moulder. These two legends can count U2, Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, and The Killers as their past collaborators. Ho hum. Check out their album, also titled Belong. Past Me is playing air drums to this as we speak. Hell, Current Me is air drumming too.
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You'd think that a band called "The Wilderness of Manitoba" would be from Manitoba, but these guys actually call Toronto home. Rich, layered vocals and masterful control of pacing and harmonies are the hallmarks of this folk quintet. I've been listening to their album "When You Left The Fire" for about a week now, and it really is one of the most complete albums I've heard in a while. Nothing about them is overwhelming, which is ironically a godsend when you're like me: always thirsting for the next sound/song to knock me out of my chair. "Hermit" is the first song of theirs I came across, and it remains my favourite. Just don't listen to it while operating heavy machinery...
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For those of you who like Lupe and/or still haven't gotten sick of B.o.B's "Airplanes". By the way, Lupe proves that he was made for this beat. Originally slated for L.A.S.E.R.S., the track was passed into Bobby Ray's hands at the request of Atlantic. Including "Nothin' On You," that's two hits that B.o.B. jacked from Lupe. Gee, I wonder why the guy hates his label...
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Labelmates to MGMT and Francis & The Lights, this Brooklyn-based indie pop duo has recently caught my attention with their new single, "Sparrow." It could be a transitive property of that wicked glowing ball of christmas lights they have (above), but there is a warmth and innocence to them that I can't deny. In true dreampop style, "Sparrow" reminds me of stupid love - the kind that is awkwardly normal when you're young but really, really uncool when you're older. Maybe that's what they're trying to get away from? Puppy love really is a lie, after all.
// The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong //
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Contender for Top 50 of 2011 alert. Easily one of the most hyped releases so far this year, The Pains' sound harkens to some of our favourite 90's alternative rock bands. It would be cool if they did it all on their own, but the truth is some of that vintage (holy crap is early 1990's "vintage" yet?) alt sound is owed to their teaming with British superproducers Flood and Alan Moulder. These two legends can count U2, Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, and The Killers as their past collaborators. Ho hum. Check out their album, also titled Belong. Past Me is playing air drums to this as we speak. Hell, Current Me is air drumming too.
// The Wilderness of Manitoba - Hermit //
Download
You'd think that a band called "The Wilderness of Manitoba" would be from Manitoba, but these guys actually call Toronto home. Rich, layered vocals and masterful control of pacing and harmonies are the hallmarks of this folk quintet. I've been listening to their album "When You Left The Fire" for about a week now, and it really is one of the most complete albums I've heard in a while. Nothing about them is overwhelming, which is ironically a godsend when you're like me: always thirsting for the next sound/song to knock me out of my chair. "Hermit" is the first song of theirs I came across, and it remains my favourite. Just don't listen to it while operating heavy machinery...
// Lupe Fiasco - Airplanes //
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For those of you who like Lupe and/or still haven't gotten sick of B.o.B's "Airplanes". By the way, Lupe proves that he was made for this beat. Originally slated for L.A.S.E.R.S., the track was passed into Bobby Ray's hands at the request of Atlantic. Including "Nothin' On You," that's two hits that B.o.B. jacked from Lupe. Gee, I wonder why the guy hates his label...
// Savoir Adore - Sparrow //
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Labelmates to MGMT and Francis & The Lights, this Brooklyn-based indie pop duo has recently caught my attention with their new single, "Sparrow." It could be a transitive property of that wicked glowing ball of christmas lights they have (above), but there is a warmth and innocence to them that I can't deny. In true dreampop style, "Sparrow" reminds me of stupid love - the kind that is awkwardly normal when you're young but really, really uncool when you're older. Maybe that's what they're trying to get away from? Puppy love really is a lie, after all.
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