Archive for the ‘Acoustic’ Category
Oh Land: White Nights (Twin Shadow Remix)
We may have been blessed with Glasser in 2010 but I have another one-woman show to look forward to in 2011. Denmark pop sensation, Oh Land aka Nanna Fabricius, has been getting fans of sparkling electro-pop beats all a twitter (literally if we are talking in a social media context) with her self-titled EP last year. However, sometime soon in early 2011 we’ll finally be seeing a full-length. She’s got the inviting vocals which beautifully flow around those drum-machine beats and in between the synth-melodies. Every element she has melded together in a true pop sense does nothing but enhance those catchy hooks she writes.
Most people are familiar with her song, “Son of a Gun,” but in case you haven’t noticed by now she’s also easy on the eyes. Using her skills as a fashionista and intoxicating stage performer, she’s been known to captivate crowds with her moves and grooves enough for us to dig deeper into her catalog of artistry. For instance, I now know the dreamy yet futuristic video for “Son Of A Gun” easily rivals the innovation of Lady Gaga and Robyn combined.
There is a new remix of her track, ‘White Nights,” done by Twin Shadow which you should check out along with the previously mentioned video. However, that’s not it. I’ve got more treats for you after the jump including a Yusek remix of “Son of a Gun” as well as an acoustic version of the song.
Robyn: Indestructible
There’s just a few more days until Robyn‘s Body Talk Pt.2 comes out and after hearing a few of the songs that have surfaced, I am just amazed at how much stronger the entire series has already become. Body Talk Pt. 1 introduced us to some of her cool-down dance tunes full of amped up attitude with songs featuring Diplo and Royksopp but that’s all it was – a mere introduction to the fierceness that is about hit us in Pt 2.
There are definitely some great club bangers such “Criminal Intent” and a bold song with the forever loved gangsta, Mr. Snoop Dogg, himself, but the track that really steals the spotlight is “Indestructible.” Whereas the acoustic version of “Hang With Me’ has a piano foundation, “Indestructible” really lays the strings on thick and it’s a gorgeous listen from beginning to end. There’s something about her fragile Swedish accent that works with naked arrangements because they end up sounding so lush in the end.
This is the second track in the series she’s labeled “Acoustic Version” in her tack listing, so I’m wondering if we’ll hear a shinier mix in Pt.3. It’d be nice to have another “Hang With Me” surprise again. Take a listen to “Indestructible” below. I’ve also included a Hobbz remix which I have to admit I didn’t dig so much at first. However, with each listen it’s begun to grow on me more and more. You can decide for yourself!
Robyn: Dancing On My Own (Acoustic), Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart (Alicia Keys cover)
I know it sounds like I’m constantly talking about Robyn‘s “Dancing On My Own,” but I always have a good reason to bring it up! You’ve heard the song, you’ve seen the video and I’m also sure you’ve heard some remixes as there are a ton floating around. However, I am not bringing you a remix of the song today. Instead, I want to offer more of an intimate take on the song.
Robyn recently performed an acoustic version of the song on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge and it’s fantastic. It’s naked, it’s delicate but it still has gumption just like the message of the song, itself, does. If you’ve ever heard any other acoustic performance from Robyn (such as this one) you know that she doesn’t disappoint even when the beats are taken out.
Also, guests on the radio show are often asked to perform a cover and Robyn chose to do a rendition of Alicia Keys’ “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart.” There’s a moment in there where she stumbles a bit and starts giggling but other than that, it’s money. Take a listen to both tracks below!
Superchunk: Kicked In (Acoustic)
If there’s one band that comes in at a close second after Pavement for my favorite 90s band, it’s Superchunk. I think indie rock and I think Superchunk. Not only was their music great but Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan are the DIY masterminds who took music business into their own hands and voila! We have one of the best record labels in the indie scene yet. Of course, I’m talking about Merge Records. What’s not to love about this label as their roster has only grown with some impressive artists such as Arcade Fire, Camera Obscura, Dinosaur Jr., The Love Language, The Magnetic Fields and more.
However, I digress. Back in April 2009, they released new material for the first time in seven years in form of the EP, “Leaves in the Gutter.” Although it was just a lot of unreleased material (which still made it new material) it was great for us Superchunk fans. Now, I’m incredibly anxious as I wait for the release of a new full-length titled Majesty Shredding which will be released on September 14, 2010. Who’s getting excited with me? I know tons of you are and if you aren’t, you should be!
To get you ready, take a listen to an acoustic take on their song, “Kicked In.” Ah… alternative DIY 90s…
Delphic: Doubt (Acoustic)
Tonight is an exciting night. Besides the fact that it’s Friday, I get to see Delphic at The Echo which is a huge treat for me in so many ways. This story starts with me choosing not to go to Coachella this year because I was trying out new music festivals such as SXSW and Sasquatch instead (including Outside Lands and Lollapalooza coming up this summer). At first I was sad that I was going to miss out on Delphic in Indio but then the Icelandic volcano stopped them from coming overseas, and I was sad for those at Coachella. We had no idea when they were going to come over to the States next.
Well, we got lucky because they’re here now but they had less than a handful of shows scheduled in the US with Los Angeles being one of them. They’ll only be the opening act tonight but the headliner is Pantha Du Prince which is a bonus!
A lot of Delphic songs are perfect for the summer season which is just around the corner. I highly recommend getting their album, Acolyte, once it drops on June 29 and jamming to it. It’ll make for good memories and the associations that go along with them in the future. For now, check out this acoustic version of their well-known song, “Doubt” below!
El Perro del Mar + Lykke Li Video: Change of Heart (Acoustic)
It was the other week that Robyn offered a free download of her favorite El Perro del Mar song, “Change of Heart.” Now it appears another Swedish gem has popped up on the internet for both El Perro del Mar and Lykke Li fans. (What did I tell you. Swedes stick together!)
In this video below, you’ll see El Perro del Mar and Lykke Li singing a duet version of “Change of Heart” in a very stripped down and acoustic version which was recorded somewhere on a rooftop terrace in Los Angeles. (El Perro del Mar opened for fellow Swedes, Peter, Bjorn and John, at Club Nokia a few months ago. That was the same show Lykke Li made a special appearance at during “Young Folks.” I assume this was recorded around the same time.)
The two ladies sound lovely as ever and, of course, look flawless. Watch the duet below!
Passion Pit: Sleepyhead (Piano Acoustic)
There is no doubt that Passion Pit released one of everybody’s favorite albums for 2009 with Manners. Their track, “Sleepyhead,” is most likely the most popular track since it was on both the Chunk of Change EP and the debut full-length. What’s great about this track is the energy and when I first came across it, it was the perfect song to get me pumped up in the morning.
However, what most people haven’t heard is their acoustic version of it. This rendition of “Sleepyhead” without all the bells and whistles isn’t as vigorous in sound but extremely soothing especially when you need to wind down after a long day.
Check out this awesome piano acoustic take on “Sleepyhead” below!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Maps (Acoustic w/Strings)
Other than the A-trak remix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs have been somewhat off my radar this year even with the release of their latest album, It’s Blitz! Not to imply that the album wasn’t great – I loved the dance-anthem side of YYYs – however, in my opinion, nothing of theirs afterward has lived up to their album, Fever To Tell.
Simple songs such as “Rich” and “Maps” were what made the trio a novelty and now it seems like Karen O’s extravagant fashion has tried to creep into their music, and it doesn’t sound as honest. So when I came across this acoustic and strings version of “Maps,” I knew it had to share it. The nakedness of this track with Karen O’s perfect pitch vocals makes me long for YYYs from 6 years ago.
It’s also just a very beautiful rendition. Listen below!
