"Apocalypse Dreams" by Tame Impala

Tame Impala just released this track from their upcoming album Lonerism and I'm super excited! Tame Impala is easily my favorite contemporary band - I'm all about their psychedelic layers and poppy hooks. In fact, I'm currently dabbling in jewelry design and am referring to their euphoric sixties style to inspire some of the designs (maybe more on that later?). 

Listen to the track above and download it while it's available. Then, look forward to the release of the album in October (one more reason to anticipate fall. The others being leaving the heat behind and embracing jackets again). 

Metric's New Album: "Synthetica"

Metric has been one of my most beloved bands since middle school. Yep, li'l 12-year-old Brie was obsessed with Metric for their electro-rock blend that had the same infectiousness as a radio hit. From their "Succexy" dance roots, to infusing more guitar, to epic anthems on Fantasies, the Canadian foursome is releasing a new album called Synthetica on June 12. Emily Haines & Co. bring back their sometimes sweet, usually danceable, and always ass-kicking style with tracks like "Speed the Collapse," "Breathing Underwater," and "Lost Kitten." But don't just take my word for it: stream the whole thing right here.

Mash-Up: Southern Bohemian

Vogue Spain, Fashion Gone Rogue

With the temperatures beginning to rise, it's only natural to want to dress a little more casually, and for me that always means bringing out my inner hippie a little bit more. This usually means fringe booties, ethnic-inspired jewelry, and folksy blouses. While some of that formula still holds true, this spring/summer I'm really liking the idea of some southern touches - denim jackets, floppy hats, rugged boots.  This flavor has also been injected into my playlist - I can't get enough of the Civil Wars, Sharon Van Etten, and Sugar & The Hi Lows.

Isabel Marant Fall '12, Style.com

Uma Fall '12, Fashionising

Free People, Fashionologie

Commons & Sense Magazine, Fashion Gone Rogue

I Can't Stop Listening to Quadron.

And now it's your turn to be completely obsessed. Quadron is a Danish duo making music that's one part electronic and one part soul. Occasionally, they sound like Little Dragon, but overall their musical fingerprint is entirely unique. My favorites are "Slippin" and "Average Fruit" (and "Tone," not listed above, will make you stop dead in your tracks too, with its slow build-up and sparse clicks and snaps).

"The Don" by Nas

Nas the don IFWT by djrellyrell

So good! My only complaint is the beautiful jazz bit at the 2:30 mark is so short - I could listen to that for hours.

Underground Sounds



All right, all right, so it's another New York City post - I can't help myself. The Big Apple wouldn't be the same without its subway system, with tracks stretching from neighborhood to neighborhood, borough to borough, under the noisy city streets. However, what's above ground isn't all that's noisy, which is shown in this video, documenting the screeching trains, chatter, and musicians that make up the underground.

THEESatisfaction: The New Funk

Like fashion, I love watching as music reincarnates itself and new genres and subgenres (and subsubgenres?) unfold. Sub Pop girl duo THEESatisfaction is one example of this I'm excited about: they've melted funk, pop, and electro together for a sound that's full of flava (sometimes of the hip-hop variety, sometimes R&B or soul) and easy to move to. The beats that range from sounding simple and 80's-tinged to dark and twisted are the backbone to every song. One of my favorites is "QueenS" - listen below.

 Sub Pop

Azealia Banks & Swagger NY Interview

Azealia Banks has been the fashion industry's go-to girl for music lately. Her tracks have been played during New York Fashion Week this season, she was recently chosen to perform at a Karl Lagerfeld celebration, and she performed at Kanye West's party tonight following his fashion show in Paris (okay, so is Kanye West really part of the fashion industry? Whatever, anyway...). Despite her brash lyrics, it's hard not to like her, and "212" is completely catchy. Swagger New York posted this short interview with the Harlem rapper, where she talks dance moves, realness, and being recognized by "French socialite people".

Elle Magazine Brings Us a Music Video


ElleMagazine via youtube.com

Oh my god. I don't know what else to say, except for maybe now I want to work at Elle more than ever before?

"Afro Blue" by Robert Glasper & Erykah Badu

iyerfan via youtube.com

I'm a sucker for good jazz - it transports me to summer in Central Park, where saxophonists often play. Robert Glasper's album Black Radio, which was just released today, has a style of jazz that hits a different place without losing any of my respect (and not at all entering "elevator music" territory - important!). It's a little more hip-hop influenced, and nearly every song includes vocals by hip-hop and R&B artists. The highlight is the track "Afro Blue," which features the smooth voice of Erykah Badu. A little less summer-in-the-park, but still equally warm. 

Musicians' Yearbook Pictures

Janis Joplin, happy and cute.

Flavorwire has gathered famous musicians' yearbook photos, many of which are a) super amusing b) completely shocking. Find all the pictures here.

It's Kanye, but the less-cool version.

Aw, it's little James Newell Osterberg, Jr. Err, I mean, Iggy Pop.

Lil Jon? LIL JON?! IS THAT YOU? I think I've even seen this before, but I still can't believe it.

Wow, the hair, Debbie Harry.

Okay, this is unfair, because she practically looks the same.

Music from NY Fashion Week

Hoot Mag Blog

What makes fashion shows exciting isn't just the clothes coming down the runway, but the whole scene, including the music. If you weren't able to make it to New York Fashion Week (okay, so most of us), Teen Vogue has the playlists to many shows and presentations here. Karl's most recent favorite, Azealia Banks, was on a couple of lists, and "Hands" by Alpine, which I've been playing a bunch lately, thumped while the BCBG models walked.



Map of Rap: a Guide to Rapper's Names

Pop Chart Lab just created this "Map of Rap," an illustrated (and kind of funny) look at different rap names in the biz. There are categories, such as "Improper Use of K" including OutKast, "Three Letters" including NWA, and "Lil," which goes without explaining. It's pretty huge, so click here to view it in its entirety.

via Flavorwire



"The Last Goodbye" by The Kills


jusjus32 via youtube.com

The bluesy garage rock band The Kills just released a few covers on the EP The Last Goodbye, titled for the song originally found on their album Blood Pressures. The EP's real gems are The Velvet Underground's "Pale Blue Eyes," Marilyn Monroe's " One Silver Dollar," and Patsy Cline's "Crazy," all sang in Alison Mosshart's raspy style. The Kills' renditions have been circulating online for quite some time, but are available to purchase now on iTunes.

Sounds of Sunday

One of my favorites, the dreamy Wild Nothing, are finally following up their 2010 album Gemini with a new single, Nowhere. Their signature ethereal '80s dreampop sound is tweaked a bit on this new single, sounding more jangly and upbeat. Also on the single is the slightly darker "Wait," which I can't stop playing while I enjoy my Sunday.

Listen to "Nowhere" on Stereogum (click here).



"Dougou Badia" by Amadou & Mariam

Malian duo Amadou & Mariam have just released a new single, "Dougou Badia" with Santigold, off their new album set to be released next month. Their style is a mash-up of western rock influences and Afropop, and new sounds and influences have emerged with each of their albums throughout their career. On the upcoming "Folila" are many other great appearances besides Santigold, including Theophilus London, TV On the Radio, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Listen above and read more at AltSounds.

San Cisco "Awkward"

San Cisco Music via youtube.com

Get your slice of Aussie cuteness with San Cisco's "Awkward," a sunny yet nonchalant song featuring a lot of da-da-da-da's and obligatory foot tapping. You can find the song and four other tracks on the Awkward EP hitting iTunes on February 3.

Sounds of Sunday

urbanbushbabes.com

If you're staying in (avoiding snow perhaps?), Malaysian singer Yuna has the soothing voice you're looking for to relax. Her next album is set to drop on Tuesday, but until then, check out "Live Your Life," produced by Pharrell and featuring a cameo from Dizzee Rascal here. Then, you may want to hear "Coffee" here. Exhale. I love Sunday.