New Mix: Fever Ray, La Roux, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, & The Like

Every once in a while, I like to post playlists of songs that I'm loving at the moment.  They can vary in length and content, and genres are not limited.  This mix is made up of four songs and is approximately eighteen minutes long.  It contains a wide variety of musical styles from current artists and bands.  Hopefully, after reading the post, you'll be intrigued to check out some of the songs.

"Zero (RAC Remix)" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

"Zero" was the first single from their newest album, It's Blitz!.  Although the album has been out since 2009, I recently discovered this remix.  It clocks in at just under five minutes.  What I like about it is that it varies enough to give the track a new sounds, yet you can still recognize the hit single.

"He's Not A Boy" - The Like

I wrote a review on this band's song, "Fair Game" last month.  "He's Not A Boy" is an even better single.  It has an outstanding retro vibe.  The bridge adds a slightly psychedelic element to the track.  Overall, very upbeat and refreshing.  The Like is a new band that I'm definitely watching.

"Keep The Street Empty For Me" - Fever Ray

Fever Ray is Karin Dreijer Andersson.  This song off of her album, Fever Ray, is ambient and haunting.  I can't think of another vocalist her sounds anything like Karin.  Her voice goes from very harsh to soft instantly.  The pulse-like beat is a great spine to the dark sweeping echoes.

"In For The Kill (Skream's Let's Get Ravey Remix)" - La Roux

"In For The Kill" is the opening track to their self-titled album.  This particular remix gives a new life to the song.  It starts with just a synth behind the vocal track.  The beat then stacks up until the song turns into a dubstep ending.  I prefer it over the original recording.

If you give the playlist a listen, leave a comment and let me know how you feel about the tracks.

The Like - Fair Game

The Like is a band from Los Angeles that is mixing classic rock with modern rock elements.  The all-girl band formed in 2001 and released their debut full length album, Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking?, in 2005 after recording several EP's.  The album gave them success in the alternative rock scene.  They soon toured with Muse, Kings Of Leon, and The Arctic Monkeys.  This is a major accomplishment for a band that started while still so young.

The band released their single, "Fair Game", last year.  It starts with an infectious drum beat, supplied by Tennessee Thomas.  The snare heavy beat continues through out the entire song.  It's one of the highlights on the record.  The primary guitar riff goes back and forth with a keyboard riff. When you add the light melody and voice of vocalist, Z Berg, the song is reminiscent of classic rock from the 60's.  The Monkees and The Beatles are some of the bands that I think of when I hear their unique styling.  "Fair Game" also has some punky band shouts mixed in.  These add some variety to the song.  Z Berg's voice sounds very similar to Kate Nash at times.  It's very quirky, yet smooth.

The Like are releasing their second album, Release Me, in June.  I would definitely look out for this band.  They have a unique upbeat sound that never fails to entertain.  "Fair Game" is available as a free download on their website, here. What's to lose? Check it out, you may love it.