Verdis Quo

Takun Williams

FINALLY! I've been waiting for this day for a long long time, much akin to how I felt in regards to the Monsieur Adi song we posted a few weeks back. Today finally marks the official release of Cat Covers Vol. 1, a project started by Angel Riba, known professionally as CatComplex. Riba sought to promote the musical talent of his native Barcelona by providing them with an outlet through which they could showcase their skill. Cat Covers Vol. 1 is the result of this. It sees 13 artists re-interpreting Daft Punk's classic Discovery, to various degrees of success.

The Amplid cover of Veridis Quo (spelled Verdis Quo on the tracklist--not sure if this is a typo or intentional) is by far and away the best track on the album, and by extension possibly one of the best tracks of the year. The Amplid take one of Daft Punk's most subtle songs and mercilessly throttle it. Using the original piece as a reference rather than a template, the Amplid turn the track up to 11 (dare I say 12), and transform it into a commanding, stomping, electro tour-de-force. This is, quite simply, an absolute banger. Whereas many of the covers on the CD fall short, with this reinterpretation the Amplid prove that they alone could carry the future of the Barcelona music scene on their backs. It is that good.

The entire Cat Covers album is being graciously offered for free download here. Get the Amplid track below, and be sure to download the rest of the CD, it's worth the space on your hard drive. Viva Barcelona.

Verdis Quo (Daft Punk Cover) - The Amplid [MP3]

*Big thanks to the boys at Tracasseur who sent us these tracks (and the Adi one, for that matter) way back when. They're killer, be sure to show some love.

Dreamers

I will wake you in the morning.

Theo Gosselin

Believe it or not, there's a certain 'sound' that I try to focus on with this blog. Yeah, sometimes we deviate--we throw in some disco, post-emo (hey Russ), or experimental to keep things interesting, but generally speaking, my goal is to provide you guys with a steady supply of feel-good, melodic pop for the whole family to enjoy. Savoir Adore are a quintessential embodiment of that sound. Their latest single, Dreamers, is about as perfect as it gets in my book. With male-female vocal harmony, electronic accents, sweet and simple lyrics , and a chorus so unabashedly uplifting it deserves one of those hands-in-the-air type moments, Dreamers gives me that incomparable warm and fuzzy feeling that only great pop music can. Here's your daily dose of cliché: I adore Savoir Adore.

The Dreamers 7" is coming out on Neon Gold (who seriously, seriously have this power pop thing in the bag) on 11/11/11. Make a wish.

Dreamers - Savoir Adore [MP3]

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Magic

Ashley Lande Brown

What is a J Paul Getto? A funkless disco slum? Or perhaps some sort of concentration camp where those with no groove are relegated?

Whatever the case, Tony Saputo (formerly 1/2 of the massive Swivel Hips) and Maurice Tamraz always bring the goods. With their tracks caned by everyone from MSTRKRFT to Armand van Helden, this duo is bringing back that classic pumping disco sound, recalling the days of house music at its finest. [Something you probably didn't know - Tony was one of the masterminds behind Felix da Housecat's groundbreaking remix of Nina Simone's Sinnerman.

For you Dallas heads, they'll be playing the free Oak Lawn Halloween Party next weekend - don't sleep.

Check out their latest banger, Magic, available now on Beatport.
J PAUL GETTO - Magic (Soundcloud 128kbps Edit) ***Out October 17*** by J Paul Getto

Also check out an excellent Louis La Roche remix.
LOUIS LA ROCHE - The Wall (J Paul Getto Remix) OUT NOW ON BEATPORT by J Paul Getto

Always On The Run (Peter & The Magician Remix)

Julian Bialowas

My future husband released an EP today.

Well...this is only a half-truth. The EP was only released in France and who knows what other European countries. We Americans have to wait. Merde.

Anyway, when I can actually get my virtual hands on it is irrelevant, let's talk details. The EP features several remixes of Yuksek's latest single, Always On The Run. One such remix is by Peter & The Magician. So, to clarify: This is a Peter & The Magician Remix of a Yuksek original. If that registered clearly with you, at this point, all further information is irrelevant. Are you reading this anymore? No? Good. Surrender to the sound.

Yuksek "Always On The Run" (Peter & The Magician Remix) by TheMagician

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POW!

Werner Amann

I know its Sunday which means I'm supposed to keep it chill, but this is BLOWING MY MIND RIGHT NOW YOU GUYS. Kris Menace, master of French House, and Rex The Dog, master of just about everything electro, have come together to create an uncharacteristic but exceptional 7 minute dance-track-of-the-year. Dark, pulsing, and at times absolutely explosive, the track name, POW! couldn't be more on the money. Can you imagine this in a club? I die.

POW! is available on Beatport now, and becomes available everywhere else tomorrow, 10/24.

Kris Menace & Rex The Dog - POW! by Your Army

Let's All Chant (DatA Remix)

The Acid Messiah, by Craig Redman

I've been meaning to post this song for literally ten months or so, and never had a 'good' time. It's one of my ultimate pump-up songs; I usually listen to it towards the middle-end of a run for that extra oomph. At the very least, it always makes me smile. Today's my birthday, so if there's ever a good time to sneak in some 'extra oomph,' it's this one.

DatA's remix of Michael Zager Band's iconic (albeit somewhat ridiculous) Let's All Chant is nothing but fun. It's over-the-top, flashy, and yet irresistibly catchy in a way that only the most amazing disco can be. DatA announced awhile back on his Facebook that a comeback is imminent, so stay tuned. The world could always use a little more of this type of unapologetic disco bombast.

Let's All Chant (DatA Remix) - Michael Zager Band [MP3]

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Eyes On You

Janelle Dry

Hello everyone and welcome to this month's edition of
"Don't Judge a Band By Its Name."

When I first heard mention of the transatlantic duo Pandr Eyez my immediate reaction was, "not another damn panda band."
It's not that I dislike pandas. As a matter of fact I find them quite adorable. (And please, no one throw out the 'they're actually ferocious" argument because two summers ago I lived in China, and they have reserves whereabouts you can actually pay money to just sit there and HUG a panda. Like, cradle it in your arms and cuddle until you all but die from cuteness. Seriously.) But think about it, how many current acts have 'panda' in their name? A quick search on Hypem reveals: Too fucking many.

But as it turns out, Pandr Eyez are not just another damn panda band. The name is in fact a play on Pander (I think), which is ok in my book. And even if it wasn't, their music is so good that all trespasses made on the account of hackneyed names would have to be forgiven. Read: Pandr Eyez are damn good. In a smooth, R&B meets dubstep meets fuzz meets itty bitty glimmers of pop kind of fashion. But really I should have expected nothing less, this is a Cascine release after all.

Pandr Eyez' debut EP, Eyes On You will be released October 25th (next week!). Keep things groovy until then with this free download of the title track.

Eyes On You - Pandr Eyez [MP3]

Crate Diggin' : Shep Pettibone

Here is the first of what hopefully becomes a semi-regular series, where we show love to those grinding long before the internets, names that might have slipped through the cracks between today's Tweets and tomorrow's Hype Machine mashups: This is CRATE DIGGIN'.

Shep Pettibone. You have either never heard the name or are rolling on the floor laughing at me for posting this here.
In a nutshell, Pettibone was the sound of 80s pop/club music (think epic snares) and the mastermind behind countless artists you would shell out $65 to see perform without blinking. Heard of any of these?
Madonna - Vogue
Janet Jackson - The Pleasure Principle
Pet Shop Boys - Heart
Duran Duran - I Don't Want Your Love

Pettibone's extensive discography probably deserves a blog on its own (check out his indulgent 15 minute mix of Vogue) but I will leave you with a couple personal favorites and an amazing mixtape from 1983.

Janet Jackson - The Pleasure Principle (Shep Pettibone Vocal Mix)


BB&Q Band - Dreamer (Shep's Dream Version)


Shep Pettibone Mastermix on New York City: Kiss FM 98.7 WRKS (Part 1)
Shep Pettibone Mastermix Part1 by nuyori

Cadillac Makes You Feel High

Luis Morais

Ladies and gentlemen: Australia is the answer.
But you already knew that.

The latest exciting export from the land down under is a group by the name of Cadillac. (Enter obligatory "no, not the car" quip here.) What started as an 'unadulterated disco' project a few years back has along the way evolved into a full-fledged rock band, with influences spanning their disco roots to whimsical balearic pop. They've recently signed with Sydney-based label Future Classic, which also claims the likes of Flight Facilities and Poolside in their roster, so needless to say they're in good company. Cadillac's debut self-titled EP is set to be released on October 21st, and features seven upbeat, grooving pop tracks augmented by sweet tenor vocals and soaked in sunny nostalgia. It's a keeper. We're knee deep in fall and headed fast for the what is potentially going to be one of the worst winters of recent memory, get into Cadillac now for summery songs guaranteed to keep you shining on in the months ahead.

From their upcoming album, a remix by Marcos Cabral and an original, free courtesy of the label.

Make You Feel (Marcos Cabral Remix) - Cadillac [MP3]

Cadillac - High For Me by future classic

Bonus:
Cadillac reminds me a lot of Miami Horror. Fitting then that there's this remix.
Summer Sun (Cadillac Remix) - Miami Horror [MP3]

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212

Kristian Hammerstad

For today's post, I was debating between a sweet, melodic little indie number or Azealia Banks' ferocious 212. I decided on the latter; why not get this week started with a BANG.

In a word, Azealia Banks is fierce. She samples huge house tracks, snarls obscenities, and oh did I mention, is only 19. I'm tempted throw up the lyrics of this spitfire, stomping number to illustrate my point, but my dad reads this blog and I don't want him to have another aneurism. (Hey Dad, don't download this song.) And besides, I should probably just let this one speak for itself. Azealia doesn't need my (or anyone else's) help to get her point across.

212 - Azealia Banks [MP3]

After You're Gone (The Magician Remix)

Takun Williams

In lieu of a Comedown Sunday, here's some sobering news.
As you undoubtedly know, the Magician is one of my favorite acts. Really he's discos of-the-moment golden boy, with a slew of successful international tour dates, and each successive new release supported by tastemakers the world over. That's why this update, from his Facebook page, comes as a particular shock.

Hello,
Yesterday around 2.30 am at Club Bonsoir in Bern/Swiss, The Magician was playing and has been attacked by someone with a chemical liquid that he threw to his face. 
He had to stop playing and went to the hospital at emergencies. He is better now.
To all the people who were there yesterday, if you have any information, video, pics,.. Can you please send them to info@the-magician.be 
To help local Police, we want to find this person and punish as appropriate.
Thank you.

Incomprehensible. Incorrigible. Just wow.
Here's to hoping Music Terrorism doesn't become a 'thing'. There's enough shit in this world already, the last thing we need is sabotage of art as well.

Luckily, the man is ok, which means we have more fabulous work to look forward to. Check out his most recent Tyson remix to see what I mean:

After You're Gone (The Magician Remix) - Tyson

Cyclist

(I have been just WAITING for an excuse to use this picture. -M)

Who is Cyclist?
At a time when the word "disco" is thrown about and abused like a $10 Peruvian prostitute, he is one of a select few committed to keeping the sound funky and authentic. His EP just dropped on Homebreakin Records (currently #5 on the Juno nudisco charts) and has been popping up in dj playlists from Treasure Fingers to The C90s to DCUP.

I would bet you a toonie - our $2 Canadian coin - that your MP3 listening device does not host any tunes sounding like the man born Mark Penner. While the former Winnipeger-cum-Vancouverite is turning heads with this release, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for his remix of Gigamesh - People dropping soon.

Check out the delicious Point Blank and the epic Hemingway remix of Bass Face. [In the interests of full disclosure, I did a remix on this EP too] And buy his EP here.

05 Point Blank by Cyclist

08 Bass Face (Hemingway Remix) by Cyclist

Bonus MP3: Salome (Cyclist Remix) - Parallels

Coconino

love, we don't talk anymore
why can't someone listen?

Photo by Travis Summer Deuel

Have you ever fallen in love with a band? It's a lot like falling in love with a person. First, there's trepidation. Is this moving too fast? Is this really the greatest thing to ever happen to me? Then, there's infatuation. Your pulse quickens when your iPod shuffles to a song. You exhaust their album on repeat, unable to get enough. And then finally, there's the warm comfort of familiarity, of knowing the music inside and out: every lyric, every tempo change, every chord.

I've fallen in love with Ennui. The Pittsburgh trio take their name from the French word describing a feeling of weariness and boredom, yet their brand of languid pop maintains a dreamy hopefulness--a lighthouse in the fog. Their lush sound is characterized by aquatic synths, fuzzy vocals, and longing lyrics tinged with nostalgia. Essentially they are the embodiment of all that is good in the dream-pop genre, and yet, for whatever reason have remained criminally under-appreciated. The release of their sophomore album, Formation of Tides, passed in April with merely a ripple of recognition. It's a shame, because the record is a luscious, atmospheric journey--its themes of temporal melancholy enrobed in a sanguine, silver lining--and deserves higher accolades. Take the record's standout single, Coconino: a commencement of regret, Love, we don't talk anymore, followed by a gradual uplift by gilding keys and soaring synths, and finally an optimistic end, Young girl, up to my window.. Beautiful, ethereal, and relatable? Yeah, it's love.

You can buy Formation of Tides on Ennui's Bandcamp. I highly suggest you do.

Coconino


Bonus: Balance and Motion

Nights Like This

Photo by Werner Amann

In case you haven't noticed, I have a soft spot for pop music. OK, more than a spot. More like every piece of me revels in the neon glow of the world's greatest (or at least most accessible) genre. Given that, to say I love Icona Pop would be an understatement. The Swedish girl duo has the over-the-top production, irresistible hooks, and memorable choruses of commercially successful pop music down to a near science. Their Nights Like This EP (which drops October 10) is a tour-de-force of shimmering refrains, sparking cadences, and those stomping percussion. And yet despite the shiny package, it doesn't feel like a guilty pleasure. The songs have enough quirky synthwork and indie sensibilities to hold their own against other 'blog darling' electronica bands. What sets them apart from the former, though, is their sound's mainstream marketability. I'll be pretty flabbergasted if these girls don't end up all over the radio. At the very least, they deserve it.

Case in Point:
Nights Like This by Icona Pop

And if you're the type that needs visual proof as well, check out their just-released video for their single Sun Goes Down, produced with help from The Knocks.

Comedown Sunday: All Again

Installation by Robert Montgomery

I'm well aware it's no longer Sunday, but it's Monday, which rhymes with Sunday--and not just a partial rhyme either--so no one better huff. Truth is, I fell asleep before I had a chance to post last night; but the thought was there.

This week's Comedown Sunday tune comes from Hard Mix (real name Noah Daniel Smith), a South Carolina-based producer who's smooth, sample-heavy beats have been earning him accolades among the Pitchfork types and electronica purists alike. Having been on the radar for a few years, I assumed he was a seasoned veteran. Surprise! Turns out he's barely legal, with his 21st birthday passing just last week. Nothing like learning a favorite artist is a year your junior to make you feel seriously under-accomplished. In celebration, he released the song All Again , a hazy little number that retains a fluid languor in spite of rattling percussion and staccato marimbas. Pretty sexy stuff.

If you like what you hear, be sure to download his Defaults LP, which is available for FREE if you 'Like' his label, Dovecote Records' Facebook Page.

All Again - Hard Mix

Faith Pt. 2 Featuring Drake

Photo by Dani Cardona

I may not know a lot about hip-hop, but I do know of a few artists who I feel can do no wrong whenever I hear one of their songs. In this case, it's K-OS, the best rapper to ever come out of Canada. Then again, there's that one dude who was on Degrassi who played the kid who ended up in a wheelchair (spoiler alert!). Yes, I'm talking about the one and only Drizzy Drake. And wouldn't you know it, he's featured on K-os' latest track! It could be the greatest Canadian hip-hop performance of all time. Then again, this is coming from a guy who just received a reissue of Penfold's Amateurs & Professionals in the mail.

Regardless of my naivety to the genre, Faith Pt. 2 Featuring Drake is an absolute killer song. K-os delivers some of his best work since 2005's The Joyful Rebellion, punching in some freaking awesome rhymes. Drake is back to what he's best at - rapping. There's no R&B business, auto-tuning or Lil' Wayne cameos, just Drizzy showcasing his raw talent. Take a listen for yourself.

Faith Pt. 2 (Feat. Drake) - K-OS

The MAKEOVER

Painting by Gene Davis

What's good!
It's my first post on Loose L!ps and I'm geeked.
Instead of boring you with nonsense introductions let's get to it.

The MAKEOVER is two talented (and really nice) dudes from Toronto, Canada. Half the duo is Jeremy Glenn, whose voice and production you'd recognize from the lover's anthem New Life on Future Classic which everyone and their mom is playing. The other half is Todd-Rod Skimmins, and together these guys rock some epic future boogie that must be heard to be believed.

They've just finished their MAKEOVER mixtape: a compilation of TEN (count'em!) re-works/covers of this year's top finalists for Canada's Polaris Music Prize, which is awarded to the best Canadian album of the year (spoiler: Arcade Fire won). If you're in Toronto you can catch them at the MAKEOVER POLARIS MIXTAPE PARTY this Friday - their live show jams out!

[Stream] Austra MAKEOVER
The MAKEOVER - Shoot The Water (Austra MAKEOVER) by The MAKEOVER

[Stream] Arcade Fire MAKEOVER:
The MAKEOVER - Sprawl Y'All (Arcade Fire MAKEOVER) by The MAKEOVER

[MP3]
Tightrope (Janelle Monae MAKEOVER) - The MAKEOVER


Obligatory Self-Introduction: I play records and make a little music. With my label buddy Cyclist (Homebreakin Records shout out) we do a monthly party and mixtape called Daft Funk. If you're dying to know more, like the color of my hair after I shower or my favorite toast spread, click here or here. Or you're in Vancouver, come and catch me opening for Fred Falke and Lifelike this Sunday at the Waldorf and you can hold my hair while I throw up over the toilet at 3:45am.

Comedown Sunday: Suicide Dream 3 (Solar Bears Remix)

Photo by NASA

Solar Bears make their second Comedown Sunday appearance with their achingly beautiful remix of How To Dress Well's Suicide Dream 3. Vocoders, sustained strings, and minimal bass take the original from orchestral filler piece to a cosmic epiphany. Deliberate and haunting, it feels like floating prostrate through space, gliding listlessly towards infinity.

Suicide Dream 3 (Solar Bears Remix) - How To Dress Well