Oddisee - "Invisible Walls"

We'll get back to the 2013 year-end rundowns in a minute, but let's take a quick pause and listen to some brand new Oddisee. As if dude didn't just release one of the best albums of the year in The Beauty In All (and a dope mixtape accompaniment in the form of Tangible Dream), he's also got new ish for the new year. "Invisible Walls" will appear on the Mello Music Group comp Mandala Vol. 1, Polysonic Flows out January 28th 2014. Peep it now!

2013 In Review - The Longlist Part 1

Well we're at that point in the calendar when the parents are running around buying items of their kids wishlist and the folks like me are creating lists of a different sort. My compatriot at UMFM, Station Manager Jared McKetiak and I will be doing our NINTH annual Year End Wrap-Up show on New Years' Eve counting down our Top 20 Songs and Albums. Normally I cut it really close to the wire in whittling my longlist down but I have to record the program early this year as I'll be away for NYE and so my Top 20 has been finalized and my "missed it by that much" list is burning a hole in my soul. These are the albums I considered by didn't select - I think they're great though and there's a bunch of them so this list is divided into three parts. The first 20 selections alphabetically are below. ____________________________________________________ A Tribe Called Red - Nation II Nation [Pirates Blend] This is the record I had hoped would take home the Polaris Prize amongst the shortlisted albums. Jay Arner - Jay Arner [Mint] I got hip to Arner when I was visiting family in B.C. and discovered the Bleating Hearts. While that band is no longer, Arner soldiers on and released a great record under his own name. He also swung by UMFM and did a great live session for us. Baths - Obsidian [Anticon] Cerulean was my #8 record of 2010. Obisidian is no slouch of a record either so it's saying something that a great record from a past Top 10 act didn't make the 20 this year. Beliefs - Beliefs [Hand Drawn Dracula] This Toronto duo was one of my discoveries of the year - the folks at Hand Drawn Dracula always bring the goods, but with this Jesus & Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine inspired record, they brought the great. Big Deal - June Gloom [Mute] More shoegazing tunes, this time from a London UK duo on Mute. James Blake - Overgrown [Atlas/Polydor] Another past top performer that didn't make the final list this year (seriously, I could have made a different Top 20 with just albums from past Top 10 album creators). Blue Hawaii - Untogether [Arbutus] Great year for Arbutus Records and for Blue Hawaii member Raphaelle Standell-Preston who you'll hear more from on New Years' Eve. Boats - A Fairway Full Of Miners [Kill Rock Stars] This isn't just on here because I'm on it (seriously though, I sang some vocals on a record on KRS!!!). Klachefsky and co. continue on with the off-kilter but on-point pop they've always crafted. Bosq of Whiskey Barons - Bosq y Orquestra De Madera [Ubiquity] Ubiquity is one of those labels I always make time for when it comes to reviewing their new releases (and their re-issues on Luv 'N Haight) and the fine folks there hooked me up with an early 7-in. from Bosq that served to stoke my fires for the full-length. This is some dancehall madness here. Botany - Lava Diviner [Western Vinyl] I already shared this cut from the album back in August, but if you missed it give it a listen now and then check out the rest of the record. Danny Brown - Old [Fool's Gold Records] While he's made a name for his mixtapes, Brown dropped a pretty outstanding album here. Chance The Rapper - Acid Rap [Independent] Speaking of mixtapes, this is the best of the year. Go cop it at Chance's homepage. Louise Burns - The Midnight Mass [Light Organ Records] Burns was #6 in 2011 for Mellow Drama, a garage gem a la Dum Dum Girls, but she went darker here. Curious to see where she goes next. Bill Callahan - Dream River [Drag City] I can't remember which site put this at #1 for the year, but this understated, beautiful album from Callahan is getting love on a lot of lists. Deservedly. Classixx - Hanging Gardens [Innovative Leisure] Borderline is a stand-out track I've been spinning all year, but the rest of the album is of a note. Chris Forsyth - Solar Motel [Paradise of Bachelors] Forsyth is like James Harden when he was on OKC. Best sixth-man in the biz and always solid off the bench - with Kenzo Deluxe on Northern Spy last year and the four-part Solar Motel on Paradise of Bachelors this year, dude just continues to do things with the guitar that I love, but just haven't put him in as a starter. The selection below is just a tease of the 12-minute-plus full take of Part III. Grand Analog - Modern Thunder [The Shadow Cabinet] Former Winnipeggers went big city and bigger sound on Modern Thunder. Admittedly it's been years since they moved to T.O. and they've been moving toward the new sound over an even longer period. The good get better and this is their best. Grey Reverend - A Hero's Lie [Ninja Tune] I still scratch my head over this coming out on Ninja Tune - I guess there's the Bonobo connection, but as part of the NT roster this is even more left-field than Fog. That said, it's also gut-wrenchingly beautiful and I'm just glad it got released. headshotboyz - highlelujah [Independent] I have Andrew Jervis to thank for introducing me to this production team from Budapest. His Bandcamp Weekly podcast has become a must-listen and it's where I first heard selections from highlelujah. Don't sleep on either. Tim Hecker - Virgins [Paper Bag Records] I kinda think this record is going to make the Polaris shortlist for 2013/2014 - or at the very least the longlist. It's been greeted with universal acclaim and that's saying something for a work this dark and unique.

Charles Bradley ft. the Budos Band - "Changes" (Black Sabbath cover)

Christmas came a little early. The fine folks at Daptone Records put this little chestnut up on Soundcloud yesterday. If you were lucky enough to score the Black Friday Record Store Day 7-in. then this isn't new, but Bradley covering Ozzy was a surprise for me...

Black Dirt Oak - Wawayanda Patent

While I'm still mulling over my faves of this year, the first great album of 2014 has already crossed my desk. MIE Records, by way of Northern Spy, will be releasing Black Dirt Oak's Wawayanda Patent. BDO is a group comprised of members of Pelt, No Neck Blues Band, Desert Heat, Rhyton, Pigeons and more and hopefully some of those names will get you excited. I'm lucky enough to have heard the whole album, but here's the first track they've shared widely; "Florian's Wind."

Zara McFarlane - "Police & Thieves"

While it's not an original, this reworked version of my favourite Clash song is yet another stunner from Zara McFarlane's forthcoming LP, If You Knew Her. If the rest of the album holds up like this, I'll be figuring out where to put it on my Top 20 in twelve months.

St. Vincent - "Birth In Reverse"

St. Vincent's gone a little disco on this first track from her forthcoming record. Late February release for the self-titled LP.

MR.CAR/\\ACK - "Calm The Fuck Down (Carmack...)"

Sometimes we all need to calm the fuck down.

DENA - "Bad Timing"

WAY mellower than the other DENA cuts I've posted here, but "Bad Timing" is a misnomer as it marks the official announcement of an impending full-length from the Berlin/Bulgarian artist. Flash comes out February 24th on Normal Surround / !K7. About time.

Charles Bradley - "Ait It A Sin (feat. The Bullets)"

A little treat from Daptone Records for those who didn't get their hand on the Black Friday Record Store Day release (though seriously, there's a second record story day? and it coincides with Black Friday?). "Ain't It A Sin" is another slice of impassioned soul from the Screaming Eagle of Soul.

Kraked Unit - "Chinese Puzzle (20syl Remix)"

DOOOOOOOPE. Now I want to see this Casse tête chinois flick.

French Horn Rebellion & Savoir Adore - "The Fire"

They've tagged this as "Next Jack Swing" on Soundcloud. I'm old enough to remember jack swing when it was just new and while this doesn't quite echo the O.G., it's still a heck of a song and a pretty great collaboration. Savoir Adore vocals are a great complement to French Horn Rebellion's cuts. "The Fire" is available as a free download so go cop it.

The Precious Lo's - EP

I was gone, but now I'm back. Took some time off to celebrate / deal with the birth of my third son on Halloween. Wasn't at work, wasn't listening to any new music but back at both now and top of the list to check out was this self-titled EP from Toronto duo The Precious Lo's. Been waiting on this for a bit and it was worth the wait and then some. COP IT ON BANDCAMP!!

Josef Salvat - "Every Night"

There is another song I can't think of the title for, and googling has been to no avail, but the opening notes of this new song feel like there should be an "mmm shbop shbop" group vocal in the background a la that old ditty. "Every Night" has a timeless feel and I can't wait to hear more.

Submotion Orchestra - "1968"

Not sure of the significance of the year 1968 for the folks in Submotion Orchestra, but I know it for the student riots of that year and the effect they had on future university architecture both here at the University of Manitoba and at University College Dublin where I previously studied. Those wide, low-slung concrete steps? Kinda awkward for the human gait, but perfect for tanks. Regardless of its providence, this song is quite nice.

Canis Major - "Free Beat - Logic Type"

I just discovered this cat last night thanks to a tip-off from Dan Fernandes of Sick Notes Radio when we were talking fresh producers out there. Was boppin' my head to his Beats x Beats album right from the top and immediately gave him a "Like" on Facebook. Then tonight I'm scrolling through my feed to discover he's dropped another ill beat. Get on this kid now before he hits the stratosphere because this is next level.

Bird - "The Whole World Knows"

It's PLEDGE-O-RAMA time at UMFM (I encourage you to donate to help support the station I work at if you dig the music I post here - a lot of it passes across my desk at the station at which point I share it here) and I've been putting in some late nights manning the phones. I've been digging La Notte, the full-length by bird since the summer, but driving home at 3am each night, "The Whole World Knows" has become my low-key anthem. "No one can fuck with us now."

Le Couleur - "Voyage Amoureux"

Take a love trip.

Greg Macpherson - "1995"

GMac probably looked the exact same in 1995 as he does in this video. The guy's an ageless wonder and a music-making machine. Don't sleep on his new record, due soon on Disintegration Records.

Zara McFarlane - "Angie La La (ft. Leron Thomas)"

Angie La La (Means I Love You).

Boardwalk - "Crying"

Loving the renaissance of dream-pop featuring women with beautiful voices. Self-titled record out on Stones Throw next week

Earthless - "Violence Of The Red Sea"

This is just the beginning of the new Earthless record, From The Ages. Staggering opener though - it's like batting Mike Trout first.

Tru Thoughts new website compilation

My love for the Tru Thoughts label should be pretty apparent to anyone who follows Reductive Reviews on the regular. From longtime label stalwarts like Quantic to recent signings including UK rapper Ty and more, Tru Thoughts have a wide-ranging catalog unified by one thing: QUALITY. I have never met a TT release I didn't enjoy and there have been some that I truly love. If you're unfamiliar with the TT roster this is a brilliant entree to their stuff. The fine folks at Tru Thought have put together a 15-track compilation which you can check out on their Soundcloud account or get as a free download. If you've been sleeping on these folks, it's time to wake up.

Tei Shi - "M&Ms"

I might be pretty biased since my wife & I are "M&M," but this Tei Shi track is pretty great. Love the pacing and the change of pace when the guitar line comes in around the 2 minute mark. Ethereal gets tossed around a lot, but what the heck, this is pretty ethereal.

Ryan Hemsworth - "Against A Wall" [Video]

I've already given you an opportunity to hear this cut from the new Ryan Hemsworth record, but now's your chance to see it too.

Charlie Johnson's Paradise Ten Orchestra - "You Ain't The One (Tall Black Guy remix)"

I know not everyone's a big fan of Boardwalk Empire but I'm still enjoying the illegal actions in Atlantic City and the chicanery in Chicago. Moreso know that the folks behind the show have released an album called Sounds Of The Onyx [Chalky White's club, natch] with barrelhouse-era tunes reworked by the likes of DJ Jazzy Jeff and Reductive Reviews favourite Tall Black Guy.

Christien Summers - "Take Me With You"

If you've been pining for a new Saint Etienne record, then boy do I have a song for you.

White Lung - "Blow It South"

Here's a little something to rouse you from the mid-week malaise. Late October / early November can't come soon enough...

Quantic & Nidia Góngora - "Muévelo Negro / Ñanguita"

OH. GOD. YES. Nidia Góngora - part of the fantastic group of musicians responsible for the Ondatropica album that came out on Soundway a little over a year ago, has teamed up with Will Holland, aka Quantic (he of the midas touch) for an amazing 7' that you can hear in its entirety below. Heck, you can even flip the record yourself.

Slakah the Beatchild - Soul Movement Vol. 2

The first great album of 2014. Seriously loving the cuts that Slakah the Beatchild has posted on the Bandcamp page for Soul Movement Vol. 2. If these are the sounds that didn't make the "album proper" I'm going to have to reserve a spot on next year's Polaris ballot. Mark your calendar for January 6th, 2014.

Pattern Is Movement - "Untitled (How Does It Feel?)"

It is a brave band that tackles a song that D'Angelo absolutely owns. But Pattern Is Movement deliver a pretty solid take with just enough spin on the ball to keep it in the strike zone.

Myron & E - "Cold Game" and "On Broadway

With any luck, I'm going to be interviewing these guys next week for TGIFR, but regardless of my luck, you're in luck if you haven't heard Myron & E before. These live takes are fantastic.

Oddisee - "Own Appeal"

How you grade yourself is the mark that matters most. Truest words I've read in a while. "Own Appeal"'s got universal appeal.

Mirror Travel - "I Want You To Know / Mexico"

It's not exactly music to set the world on fire, but these tunes would be perfectly suitable for watching the dying embers.

Widowspeak - "Ballad of the Golden Hour"

I posted about them way back in January, but I finally caught Widowspeak live last night when they opened for Iron & Wine here in Winnipeg. Certainly I've listened to Almanac several times since it came out back then, but it wasn't until hearing them in person that I finally put my finger on what I was hearing. Taking Reductive Reviews all the way back to its "this + this = that" roots, Widowspeak are if Julee Cruise fronted a version of Curve that came out of the American South. Hear it for yourself on their show-closer, "Ballad of the Golden Hour."

The Precious Lo's - "More Than Friends (ft. Maylee Todd)"

More goodness from two of Toronto's finest.

Thomas Dybdahl - "This Love Is Here To Stay"

God does Dybdahl have a beautiful voice. I've been transfixed by his new album What's Left Is Forever, and "Dice" remains one of my all-time favourite songs (seriously, how much is crammed into under two minutes?) Here's a live performance of "This Love Is Here To Stay," the wonderful lead-off track to the new album.

Nat Baldwin - "Look She Said"

Nat Baldwin has a new record coming out on Western Vinyl. Need I say more? "Look She Said" is up on SoundCloud if you need convincing.

Cate Le Bon - "Are You With Me Now?"

After listening to the latest from Le Bon, the answer is an emphatic 'yes' to the question the song poses.

Low Leaf - "June Gloom"

Best non-classical use of a harp I've heard since Dorothy Ashby (and seriously, if you don't have Afro-Harping, BUY IT).

Ryan Hemsworth - "Against A Wall (ft. Lofty305)"

This is against a wall like Linda Fiorentino pushing Peter Berg against a fence in The Last Seduction. HOT.

Fé - "Time (Official Video)"

Remember when I told you to listen to Fé's "Time?" Well now you can watch it. Day two of dudes with nice boots in the wilderness...

Shad - "Fam Jam (Fe Sum Immigrins)"

Shad's kinda pulling an Uncle Drew in the video for this latest. Can't place the guitar-line sample, so I'm gonna wake up at 3am one of these nights with the answer...

Moonface - "Everyone is Noah, Everyone is the Ark"

I just marked my calendar for October 29. That's the day Julia With Blue Jeans On comes out.

Cate Le Bon - "I Think I Knew (ft. Perfume Genius)"

This is just absolutely lovely. Love love lovely.

Portugal. The Man - "Evil Friends (Jake One remix feat. Danny Brown)"

I can't even...

TV On The Radio - "Million Miles (Official Video)"

Another video for you all. This one from a forthcoming album that seems poised to be good rather than one that's been out for a while and established just how fantastic it is...

Evening Hymns - "Arrows (Official Video)"

I can't speak highly enough of this record. Still wish it made the shortlist. While this isn't the image I had in my head when I first heard "Arrows" it certainly matches the music.

Botany - "Anchor"

With the school year looming, make sure you enroll in Botany. Full length's not until the end of October on the always great Western Vinyl, but you can put the first track in your syllabus playlist now.

Oddisee - "Lonely Planet"

Put down your "Europe By Backpack" guide and pick up this Lonely Planet instead... First single from the new Oddisee full-length, The Beauty In All.

Grand Analog - "The Great Rhyme Dropper (ft. Shad)"

Winnipeg peeps, don't miss out on the Modern Thunder release show at Union Sound Hall on Thursday August 22nd. For the rest of you, just don't miss out on Modern Thunder, the new album from Peg City expatriates Grand Analog. If you need convincing, peep the first single, featuring Shad.

Various - Two Syllables Volume Nine (First Word Records)

If you're up-to-date on Reductive Reviews, then names like Tall Black Guy, Souleance and Yosi Horikawa will be familiar to you even if the label First Word Records doesn't ring a bell or this is your first experience with the Two Syllables compilation series. Bookmark First Word Records because it's about to become your favourite new label if it wasn't already.

Blitz The Ambassador - "African In New York"

Found this one on Ghana Mixtapes last week. Of course I'm going to check out a track that seems like a Sting cover, and of course I'm gonna love it.

The Beatniks - "Wear Your Love Like Heaven"

Former Yellow Magic Orchestra members putting the magic in this Donovan cover. Not new, but new to me and maybe to you...

Sylvan Esso - "Play It Right"

Play it. Right?

TorMiller - "Headlights"

There is just something about this dude's voice. I can't put my finger on it, but it reminds me of someone. Particularly when he hits the chorus. Listen for yourself and let me know if you figure it out!

Jimmy Fallon, Robin Thicke & The Roots - "Blurred Lines"

Happy Friday everyone. Enjoy the weekend. I'm off to Islendingadagurinn to enjoy Greg Arcade & his Rockin' Band, Oldfolks Home and the Bokononists at the stage I'm putting on tonight. The smile on my face will get wider, but this is what put it there.

Shad - "Stylin' (featuring Saukrates)"

As if dropping The Spring Up with Skratch Bastid wasn't enough for 2013 Shad, dude is about to unleash the long-awaited follow-up to TSOL, Flying Colours this autumn and if the first cut, "Sytlin'" is any indication, he's due for another Polaris Prize nomination.

Fé. - "Time (Radio Edit)"

I don't really know much about Fé. other than the link to "Time (Radio Edit)" showed up in my inbox and I took the title at its word and gave it a few moments. You should too.

Royal Canoe - "Bathtubs"

I've been sitting on the full-length from Royal Canoe for a little while and it is fantastic. Listeners to my show on UMFM will have to tune in on August 16th to hear an interview with the band prior to their two local release shows and to hear more from Today We're Believers, but in the meantime you can check out the amazing video for "Bathtubs."

Royal Canoe "Bathtubs" (Official Video) from Nettwerk Music Group on Vimeo.

Yasiin Bey, Dead Prez & mikeflo - "Made You Die" (Trayvon Martin tribute)

Kudos to Bey, the Prez and mikeflo for recording this. It's just a tragedy they had to.

Elvis Costello & The Roots - "Walk Us Uptown"

If Elvis Costello and the Roots want to go for a walk, I will go uptown, downtown and pretty much anywhere around town with these giants.

Pro-Arte - "Jedna Mala Plava (Scrimshire UKgo Edit)"

Slovenia represent. This right here is why you follow folks on SoundCloud - finding this in my feed a couple of days set was just a fantastic surprise. I love discovering different sounds and going down the rabbit holes the internet opens up. Reminds me a bit of when I heard 3 Hur-El for the first time and took an extended Turkish bath exploring the scene they came out of. Original non-Scrimshire version can be found here, and I encourage you to start clicking the other videos to the right as well...

A K U A - One's Company EP

All credit to my friend Emily for this one. She put me on to her friend a k u a when she posted "Gravity" on Facebook and I was instantly smitten with this woman's sound. Regular readers of Reductive Reviews will no doubt hear some overlap between One's Company and other soulful electronic artists featured so if you've liked some that, you'll love all of this.

Souleance X Bonafide Beats #42

To quote the MC around the 7 minute mark, "Ain't no no time for faking tracks." Definitely no time for that, but you need to make the time for this 50 minute mix.

Help Fresh Kils & Mad Dukez!!

Fresh Kils is no stranger to the pages of Reductive Reviews and one of the best beat-makers in the game right now. His MPC 1000 was among the gear stolen from the car that Kils, Mad Dukez and Uncle Fester are touring in so he definitely needs your help to keep making the goods. Give what you can.

The Heavy Blinkers - "Perfect Tourists"

East Coast (orch)/power-pop outfit The Heavy Blinkers make perfect summertime tunes. Irrepressibly fun stuff that will put a bounce in your step. No surprise they've enlisted pop-purveyors Jenn Grant and Sondre Lerche to help out on the forthcoming full-length, Health. Here's the first track from them in nearly eight years.

DJ Dad - "How Many PBR's?"

This is me. Well actually, it's a whole bunch of other folks, some of whom have been featured on this blog, mixed together by me.

Jungle - "Drops"

This here is an astronaut sex jam. Come down from the clouds indeed.

The Russian Futurists ft. Jeremy Greenspan - "Cochineal Red"

I was away on holidays at a cabin all last week and pretty much completely unplugged for a week. It was a great thing, but I'm playing catch-up now and one of the things I missed was this phenomenally catchy collaboration between Junior Boys' Greenspan and The Russian Futurists. They had me at the 7 second mark when the bass drops in below the synths.

Typhoon - "Young Fathers"

Not sure if I count as a young father at 36, but this song still resonates. "When you're young / you have your whole life before... and now your choices surround you / indecision confounds you." This second single from Typhoon's White Lighter just builds my anticipation even further than the first one.

James Younger - "Monday Morning"

I only recently discovered this little slice of pop (rock) perfection, despite the fact that Vancouver artist James Younger released it in December of last year. The Bandcamp listing for Youngers says an album is TBD (it just might be called Feelin' American based on the pic on Soundcloud), but the contact info is for Light Organ Records, a label that has consistently delivered the goods and were responsible for my #6 record of 2011, Louise Burns' Mellow Drama. So the stage is set for big things from young James. And finally, we've got a Monday morning that won't fill us with dread.

The Cairo Gang - "Take Your Time"

When I first listened to Tiny Rebels from Bonnie "Prince" Billy backing band (BPBBB?) The Cairo Gang, I had to do a google search on "Take Your Time" because I was convinced this little slice of trippy psych-folk was a cover from an obscure seventies-era Haight-Ashbury act. Nope. The track below is an original but you'd be forgiven for thinking that the "time" The Cairo Gang is taking comes from the past. Ultimately the songs on Tiny Rebels suggest what you'd get if you put Fifth Dimension and Sweetheart of the Rodeo in a blender. This musical smoothie's got something a little stronger than echinacea mixed in. Tiny Rebels comes out July 23rd on Empty Cellar.

Abahambi - "Abahambi"

Somehow, with all the crate diggers out there, there are still treasures being unearthed. This 1975 afro-psych-funk slice from Abahambi's Freeway record out of Johannesburg is the best thing involving the Black Pearl since Jack Sparrow's first voyage.

Yosi Horikawa - Vapors

I previously posted the Wandering EP from Horikawa, and now I've got to share the full-length Vapors. It's another stunner, with some slow builds and some that just hit you across the head from the start. If you catch Horikawa's Vapors, the only cure is to listen to more Vapors.,

Myron & E - "Clap Sing"

Tell the world about it.

The Rub - The Rub EP

To paraphrase Bill Shakespeare, here's the Rub.

Painted Palms - "Upper Floors"

"Upper Floors" is some top-shelf material. Swirling guitar, echo-y vocals and an insistent danceable beat. The whole Nothing Lasts Long EP is available here for PWYC. Support Painted Palms and good music.

Gruf The Druid - "Driving Home (ft. DJ Brace)"

It has been more than a minute since Gruf last dropped a cut, but take a minute to listen to the title-track from his long-coming long-player. Cuts by DJ Brace!

Vic Mensa - "Orange Soda"

Personally I'm an A&W Root Beer guy but I drank up this new Vic Mensa joint like a thirsty man.

Demigodz - "Raiders Cap (SCOPIC Remix)"

You can peep the original here if you haven't heard it, but I'd recommend giving the SCOPIC remix a listen. He takes all the symphonic hardness of the original and mellows it out a bit with a funky swagger and some killer horn lines - without losing any energy.

JJUUJJUU - "A Forming"

The only time I've ever heard reference to juju, the connotation is that it's "bad juju" (and probably totally racist). But this particular JJUUJJUU is the good stuff.

Remy Shand - "Killing Fields"

Killing Fields. Totally slayed to discover Remy Shand's got some new stuff to hear. FINALLY. Dude pulled a Brian Wilson on us and I'm glad to see he's moved from the bed to the couch to share this cut.

Lizzie and the Yes Men - "Deserts"

The b-side to "The Broadwalk" is as good, if not better than the A cut. Seriously "Deserts" is an oasis of sound.

HT Heartache - "Hearts Are Toys"

HT might not believe in love at all, but I do, and I love this song. Can't believe it took almost three years to discover it.

Rodion G.A. - "Cantec Fulger"

Been a little busy finalizing my Polaris picks and reviewing WCMA nominees so I haven't been listening to a lot of non-specific music, but just discovered this today and had to share. Can't wait to hear The Lost Tapes in its entirety. As a big-time coffee drinker, I have to say that Folger's ain't Choice, but Fulger certainly is.

Aion Clarke - "#Ready"

Despite having played this on my show three weeks ago, I've yet to post this track until now. I'm ready to hear more from Aion Clarke after this stellar cut, hashtag or no.

The Reflections - "Summer Days"

Do yourself a favour and download this song now. Load it on your phone or your mp3 player or other gadget. Then take it outside and bask in the sunshine of this song regardless of the weather in your neck of the woods. And yes, this is the same Reflections whose Gardens & Villas remix I previously posted.

Barbarossa - "Turbine"

Love the solidity and insistence of the guitar line and snare balanced against the near-weightlessness of James Mathe's vocals.

Typhoon - "Dreams of Cannibalism"

It's somewhat fitting that the first song from the new Typhoon record has dreams in the title - the band's first two albums were kinda slept on. Here's to the third time being the charm when White Lighter is released on August 20th. Free download on Soundcloud.

Classixx - "Borderline"

I have spent the morning working on UMFM's charts, which really just amounts to adding up spins and transcribing results. It's the kind of mindless thing where what I put on in the background can frequently claim the lion's share of my attention, and today, I have spun this song (and the full-length from which it comes) pretty much non-stop. "Borderline" is not a borderline pick, it's a sure-shot winner. Beautiful.

Jesse Futerman - Exquisite Basement EP

HUGE props to the dudes in Butter Pretzels who tipped me off to Jesse Futerman and his amazing work. Super-prolific and always interesting, Futerman just dropped the third of his PWYC EPs for Jus Like Music Records, Exquisite Basement and as the title suggests, it's pretty exquisite - particularly "One For Dan Zacks" and "Don't Grecko Your Brother" which don't just create a mood, but inhabit it like the titular basement. Listen now and cop it soon.

Club 8 - "I'm Not Gonna Grow Old"

Sunshine and songs like this make Mondays more than tolerable. Turn it up and dance.

Kelis - "Jerk Ribs"

I just ate a boatload of chicken wings this afternoon, but I can definitely find room for some "Jerk Ribs."

Alice Russell - "To Dust"

Happy To Dust release day folks.

Trackstar the DJ with Killer Mike & Big Boi - "Shoes For Running Tour Mixtape"

Now that all the ice is off the sidewalks here in Winterpeg, the opportunity to do some running without cleats and with minimal chance of slipping, put this mixtape from the Shoes For Running Tour on and get the motivation you need from Killer Mike and Big Boi.

Alice Russell - "Hard & Strong (Typesun remix)"

My long-standing position that Alice Russell has one of the most phenomenal voices in music right now is reinforced by this Typesun remix that strips away all ornamentation and leaves us with a beat and Russell's perfect vocal.

Benny Westmore & His Private Numers - "One Hundred Years Old"

Many thanks to DJ Penny Lane for putting me on to Papa Bill Records, and this 7-in. from the label head.

GRMLN - "Hand Pistol"

I am a huge proponent of gun control, but I can get behind this particular pistol. Jangly fun from GRMLN.

Dutch Uncles - "Bellio"

Dutch Uncles definitely beats a dutch oven. Which is not to say this track is crap. Far from it.

Austra - "Home"

Oh yeah. Mark your calendar with a big circle around June 18th when the sophomore Austra record Olympia drops on Paper Bag in Canada and Domino in the States.

Medline - "People Make The World Go Round"

I'm not exactly a scientist, but I think gravity or the sun have something to do with the world going 'round. That said, I've always loved this Roy Ayers track and the Medline cover is no exception.

The Gene Dudley Group - "The Fawcett Negotiation"

Like the Daptone horns? The Menahan Street Band? Then you'll dig the shit out of this. Not sure what the Fawcett Negotiation was but I'm sure they got it settled if they played this single.

Bonobo - "First Fires (ft. Grey Reverend)"

One of my favourite cuts of last week (closed the show out with it), from the forthcoming Bonobo full-length just got posted on Bonobo's soundcloud. Peep this and cop The North Border.

Garbage & Screaming Females - "Because The Night"

Holy eff does Marissa Paternoster from Screaming Females absolutely shred this shit out of this cover.

Kisses - "Air Conditioning"

Considering Winterpeg is still under a blanket of snow (seriously WTF), I have no need for air conditioning right now. But like the a/c in July, I've been running this track all day.

Akron/Family - "Way Up"

Like the entire world, I'm not the biggest Monday guy, especially when we're in the midst of a snowstorm. But when the new Akron/Family arrived in the mail this morning, I knew this week was off to an alright start.

Alice Russell - "Heartbreaker (Falty DL remix)"

Not so much a Heartbreaker as a bass-quaker once Falty DL is done reconstructing Alice Russell's first single from the forthcoming album To Dust.

Lapalux - "Moveoutofmyway (ft. ShadowBox)"

This is blissful. Production takes me back to King Britt's Scuba project (a highly underrated record) with its watery beat.

Computer Jay - "Hardships (ft. Orfeo)"

The only hardship is the title. It's easy as hell to get lost in this song and this video. Orfeo's vocals have got me scouring the web for more collaborations and solo-work.

Mount Kimbie - "Blood and Form"

This synth and kick drum beat just kind of trudges on and on, but it's insistent and it gets under your skin.

Gambles - "Far From Your Arms"

Sometimes sadness is beautiful.

From Giants - "My Family Will Sing"

With the whistling, I keep expecting the new From Giants song to morph into this, but instead it's a slow-burner that promises fire when their new EP drops. Local album I'm most looking forward to in 2013.

Dems - "Desire"

Filtering through a bunch of emails and (re)discovered a submission from UK trio Dems that came in a few weeks ago. This is a pretty beautiful cut for fans of James Blake and the electr&b crowd like inc. and Rhye. "Desire" indeed.

PURE X - "Someone Else"

When people say "you must be thinking of someone else" they're not talking about this song, but they should be. Kudos to TV Girl for putting me on to this dreamy little number.

The Reflections - "Disconnected (Gardens & Villa remix)"

"Disconnected" is like the exact opposite of Stereo MC's "Connected" in every way except for being great.

Junip - "Your Life, Your Call"

Junip just posted another cut from the self-titled album coming out on City Slang. It's not as instantly attention-getting as "Line Of Fire" but it's got a persistent bass-line and it'll win you over. Listen to "Your Life, Your Call" on Soundcloud.

Milla Brune - "Solitude"

No relation to Madame Sarkozy, this Belgian singer just came on my radar this morning when Alice Russell posted a twitpic of the two of them pre-concert. Brune is opening for Russell and when one of your favourite vocalists vouches for another singer you don't hesitate to check them out. I'm glad I did and after checking this live performance you'll be glad you did as well.

Usher and The Afghan Whigs live at SXSW

I need to carve out some time to watch this in its entirety. The little bit I've watched is spectacular. Just add this to the litany of reasons I wish I spent March in Austin.

DENA - "Thin Rope"

"Back on the highway / overtaking your lane" is a line that could work in a diss track from a '94 rap album. But it is also golden when used as the hook for this new DENA cut.

Baths - "Miasma Sky"

The new Baths full-length Obsidian doesn't come out until May 28th, but you can bask under the Miasma Sky until then.

The Happy Unfortunate - "Listen to the Cosmos"

Winnipeg duo The Happy Unfortunate are back with some new ish. They may want you to listen to the cosmos, but I want you to listen to them.

Jonwayne - "Passing Fancies"

Love me some Jonwayne, and it ain't no passing fancy. But his song is.

Kacey Johansing - "Pinecone"

Listening to this, I feel like if Ingrid Gatin and Jill Barber had a music baby, it would be Kacey Johansing.

Four Tet - "For These Times"

It might be called "For These Times" but I'd say a new Four Tet joint is for all times. Love me some new Hebden.

Bibio - A tout a l'heure

I though it meant "at all hours" but a search for a translation online indicates the title basically means "catch you later." You can catch Silver Wilkinson, the new LP from Bibio a little later, and after hearing this you'll want to. A tout a l'heure is available as a free download here.

D E N A - "Cash, Diamond Rings, Swimming Pools"

From Berlin, by way of Bulgaria, D E N A is the most interesting discovery I've made this week. Which is saying something because it's been a great week for music. I still don't know what to think about the acoustic version I first got sent, but the studio version (and the video below) are my jam.

Philip Owusu - "Goodnight"

Goodnight, and good cut.

Michael Feuestack - "Bones In The River"

I'm not sure what precipitated Michael Feuerstack abandoning the Snailhouse moniker and releasing music under his own name, but if (as I have) you've loved his work as Snailhouse, then you'll want to lie down in the Tambourine Death Bed when it's released by Forward Music Group. Particularly once you hear "Bones In The River."

Krista - "Space Tom Test"

I have no idea why a collab between Vex Ruffin and James Pants ends up with the moniker "Krista" but whatevs valley girl, this jam is tight.

CocoRosie - "Gravediggress"

Okay. I've come around on CocoRosie. I used to think they were willfully weird and annoying. Now I'm of the opinion they're willfully weird and awesome. "Gravediggress" promises good things for the next full-length, Tales of a Grass Widow, due in May on City Slang.

Ghost Loft - "Seconds"

So it's not enough that we should all aspire to live in a spacious loft? Now we have to consider such real estate options from beyond the grave?

Sister Crayon - "Cynic"

Can't be a cynic when there's music like this out there to make it all good.

Psychic Twin - "Dream State"

Dream state > fugue state.

The Procussions - "Today (ft. Shad and J Kyle Gregory)"

Don't just listen to this today, listen to it now. And for the rest of the day.

Alice Russell - "Twin Peaks"

Alice Russell never disappoints. Except when I discovered how much taller I am than my musical crush when I introduced her performance at the Jazz Fest. But that's as much on me as it is on her. New album, To Dust, is dropping soon. It stands tall.

Mitzi - "Who Will Love You Now"

Well, after V-Day, some of you may indeed be wondering - who will love you now?

Body Language - "I'm A Mess"

This song title accurately reflects my state of being from time to time (to time).

Brandt Brauer Frick ft Om'Mas Keith - "Plastic Like Your Mother"

Say hello to your [plastic] mother for me.

Toro Y Moi - "Say That" (DaM-FunK Re-Freak)

What's cooler than cool? Ice cold. What's better than Toro Y Moi's "Say That"? A DaM-FunK Re-Freak Word.

Low - "Just Make It Stop"

Low might want to stop after all these years, but fans of the Duluthians (?) are likely glad they've never called it quits. "Just Make It Stop" is the first song from their forthcoming album The Invisible Way

, out March 19th on Sub Pop

Chet Faker - "No Diggity"

Not the first person to strip down this Blackstreet classic, likely not the last. But still worth a watch.

Big Search - "Distant Shore"

Well you can call off the (Big) search early. The sun-dappled song of summer longing is already here, courtesy of Lefse Records 7-inch series.

Adrian Younge and the Delfonics - "Stop and Look remix"

AND I QUOTE: "production by Detroit MC Black Milk and rhymes by Cali hip-hop legends Souls of Mischief" Add that to Adrian Young and the Delfonics and you have an unstoppable force.

Efterklang - "Dreams Today (Brandt Brauer Frick remix)"

This is (Brandt Brauer) Frick(ing) good.

Devendra Banhart - "Fur Hildegard von Bingen"

Day two of the Devendra Banhart Mala preview blog.

Devendra Banhart - "Never Seen Such Good Things"

Everywhere we turn they're playing our song...

Wake Owl - "Gold"

Got the Wild Country EP from Wake Owl in the mail on Friday from the fine folks at Killbeat and while driving out of town to a meeting on Saturday played this track about five times in a row. "Gold" indeed.

Nostalgia 77 and the Monster - "The Taxidermist"

I have no idea who the Monster is in the collaboration, but I've been a long-time fan of Nostalgia 77 and anytime they get a chance to stretch out for 7 minutes of jazz-funk fun, I will give them the time to listen.

One Mile An Hour - "Heading The Same Way"

This just arrived in the afternoon mail at the station. I love it when the music lives up to the artwork. Simple black-and-white ocean on the outside - nice, delicate folk-rock on the inside.

Ty - "Like You Never"

YES!!! Got the news in my inbox this morning that UK rapper Ty has signed on with Tru Thoughts and has a new EP due out in April. Not sure why he's no longer repping Ninja Tune subsidiary Big Dada (which has released some killer records from him and Roots Manuva among others), but I'm just glad to have him back.

Brandt Brauer Frick - "Broken Pieces (ft. Jamie Lidell)"

Amongst the albums I'm most eagerly anticipating in 2013, BBF's new one Miami is close to the top of that list. And it moved up a little on hearing this collab with Jamie Lidell.

Junip - "Line Of Fire"

Junip has got a rap as being Jose Gonzalez' side-project, but the truth is JG has been playing with bandmate Elias Araya since their early teens. If the man hadn't broken out as a solo act, I think people wouldn't be so quick to dismiss Junip as some afterthought or also-ran. Particularly if you heard something like "Line Of Fire" free of any back story.

Tosca - "What If" featuring Sarah Carlier

Tosca is back! Not the Puccini opera, the downtempo Austrian duo that included Richard Dorfmeister of Kruder & Dorfmeister. K&D soundtracked much of the late 90s / early 00s for me so I'm certainly excited to hear Odeon when it's released in February on !K7. This track with guest vocalist Sarah Carlier is certainly promising.

Pillowfight - "Used To Think"

Second track from the forthcoming Dan The Automator / Emily Wells collab is just as tasty as the first.

Widowspeak - "Thick As Thieves"

With each new track I hear from Widowspeak's forthcoming record Almanac, I feel like they've got the potential to break big like The Lumineers or Whitehorse in 2013.

AlunaGeorge - "Thinkin' Bout You"

This Frank Ocean cover doesn't just make me wanna go back to channel ORANGE, it also leaves me anticipating what AlunaGeorge are gonna do with their own material.

Bugseed - Critical Moment

The great guys in The Happy Unfortunate tipped me off to this sweet little beat tape from Japan's Bugseed. Go cop it.