The Panacean Wave

Happy Friday! Hey Champ! is back! I spent a summer listening to their track "Anything At All" on repeat. Now they are back, with more fun electro-pop for our dancing pleasure. They promise us a new album this year; it's gonna be sick. Till then, let's get ready for the weekend with this boogie-maker. 

Switching gears a little to a Foxygen transition! You might recall my effusing of compliments for Foxygen in an "Artist of the Week"  post. I'll spare you a repeat, but this song does not disappoint. "No Destruction" is essentially a collage of lyrics from other songs including those from Bob Dylan and the Velvet Underground. Its a non-sequiter, stream of consciousness type of stringing together. In other words, it's genius in its assembly. Their newest album "We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic" comes out next week. 

This song is addicting in its chill-plicity (i just made that up, do you like it?). Tor is from Vancouver and I have a theory that apart from talent, the quiet of a snowy landscape lends itself to some beautifully relaxed beats. The subtle bongos in the back and the french flowing vocals work really well together for this track. I am completely enthralled.

Second time I feature Ryan Hemsworth this year. Sure, there is plenty of music going around that I never need to repeat an artist if I didn't want to. But my oh my, if someone has talent, well so be it! This track comes from a Friends of Friends compilation where artists were asked to create their version of the future of music. There is a lot packed into these 2 minutes; it will have you scaling the walls. I'm digging this "future of music". 

Hurricane was a favorite of 2012, now we can bring it back with this addicting remix by Twin Shadow. Its more minimal than the original with some chopping and distortion. You can even hear Twin Shadow make a cameo where he adds a few of his vocals. MS MR is ready to release their new EP, Candy Bar Creep Show and is playing to a sold out show in New York on January 16th. Not a bad way to start the year for MS MR, yes?

Little Dragon is one of those artists I can say yes to listening to anytime of day. Today's track is a remix by Australian Julian Maverick. The remix is silky smooth with some heavy bass thrown in now and again. Its a perfect mellow to wind down the weekend. You can download the free track on Julian's Soundcloud page. 

Walk Off The Earth started making viral videos and covers after their cover of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" was very well received. This Canadian-based group is easy to love. The covers are super catchy and the videos are quirky and creative. Though the song is a tad dark, the music is up-beat and easy to listen to. They just came out with their REVO EP, and are working on an album set to be released in February. Should be a fun listen.

I feel a little guilty not posting this sooner. As of late, I've become really into this type of sound. It's kind of like chill-wavvve  except more futuristic, dark, and mechanical. The transitions from Indian style instruments to dubstep really gets me. Its like tele-porting from a tropical rain forest into space. Amiright? Not sure how Seven Lions does it, but his prowess is definitely hard to compete with. Enjoy. 

I could write a review on this great remix, but Stereogum said it so perfectly. I couldn't think of anything after reading that so I'll just share it with you instead: "It (the Lemonade remix) mostly repeats the vocal sample “where I am” / “it seems too much for me”, which is some pretty heavy existential shit. The backing production, though, keeps things balmy, cozy, and danceable, as if these were big “Life” thoughts percolating on a party night, during a critical juncture in your life, while in a club and/or on drugs." Wow..yes.

Happy New Year! I'm back and ready to explore the goodness that is music. Gonna start off this year's posts with a remix of a track by Groundislava (as I was typing this, I just realized it is  pronounced Ground Is Lava; I've been pronouncing it as Groundi Slava. We live and we learn eh?). This track is off his second LP, FEEL ME, and features the vocals of Baths. I especially like the muffled beginning that is a remixed addition. It is also a little more upbeat than the original. Enjoy.

New video for a new song. Toro Y Moi is planning to release his third album, Anything In Return, January 22nd. He starts going on tour January 30th and will be in Boston February 15th. Go see this man perform.Seriously. He is chillwave man, myth, and legend.

The Panacean Wave Radio Show #11 Playlist

Brothers From Another (BFA) just finished touring with another Washington-based band, Blue Scholars. Blue Scholars is a seasoned and talented rap duo so their choosing of BFA as openers speaks volumes to the new group's talent. BFA opened up the show in Boston last month for their final performance on the "Tour All Day" tour. Admittedly, I had never heard of them before. However, when they opened, I was struck by their energy on stage. They were having such a great time performing (and dancing) that you could not help being wrapped into the party. The duo has a natural chemistry between them that's addicting in its playfulness and optimism. The beats are easy-going and the lyrics are fun. They seem to really love the art they are making, and that's admirable. I went up to talk to them after their set and they are some of the chillest and most down to earth people. As if making great music and touring wasn't enough to handle, the duo is able to fit in undergraduate studies in California. They were ready to go back home and take finals the following week. And that, my friends, is BOSS.  You can catch their EP, Taco Tuesdays, on their band camp site