Shamir - Ratchet

This week marks the drop of Ratchet, the debut record from an unbelievable entity that goes by the name of Shamir.  Ratchet arrives following a swift ascent into the spotlight, thanks to last year's Northtown EP.  Northtown basically sounded like a long lost treasure from a few decades ago, miraculously discovered and placed upon the world.  It had massive vibes of a disco-house album, but the main attraction was his siren-like set of pipes.  Shamir's vocals were somewhat shrill, full of life, and completely unexpected.  His debut album quickly became a top priority on everyone's scale of anticipation.

For those unaware of Shamir's impact, you've probably heard Ratchet's certified jam of a lead single "On The Regular" featured in that recent Android advertisement.  Shamir Bailey is twenty years old and comes from Las Vegas.  After sending a demo to the New York based Godmode label, he was signed by label head Nick Sylvester, who would then go on to produce both Northtown and the full album.  This led to Shamir making a deal with XL, which resulted in waves of "On The Regular" hype, and finally the release of Ratchet.

Ratchet builds upon the sound of Shamir's first release, stretching a bit further from Northtown's dirty club sound.  There's still plenty of slinky grit to go around on tracks like "Hot Mess", featuring shifted vocals and a sinister beat.  Deep altered vocals are scattered throughout Shamir's work and it's the ultimate mirror reflection to his floating range.

Shamir has a knack for covering country songs in his spare time and I feel like that means more than one would initially expect.  Ratchet hides elements of guitar-in-hand songwriting beneath a shell of vogue freakouts.  On "Demon", there's an great sense of stripped back vulnerability.  It's the execution, minimal and poised, that brings another aspect to Shamir's otherwise exuberant confidence.

Ratchet's left of center delivery demands attention.  It's pumped full of true unfiltered personality.  That unobstructed view into Shamir's mind is what makes Ratchet so refreshing.  And everything perfectly leads back to "On The Regular".  It's his statement of intent, his declaration of independence, and maybe even his alibi.

Ratchet is out now, via XL Recordings.  You can head this way to grab the vinyl, CD, or download.  Northtown is available from Godmode, here.

Crocodiles - Crybaby Demon / U Sexy Thing

Crocodiles are currently planning their return to the noise-garage-punk-etc throne, as if they ever left it.  After 2013's Crimes Of Passion and Brandon's excursion with Haunted Hearts, the boys are set to release the appropriately titled Boys on May 12.  Produced by Martin Thulin in Mexico City, the regional influence is evident in the lead single, "Crybaby Demon".  Tinged with all new vibes, "Crybaby Demon" is some sort of fuzzed out track that's surprisingly ready for dancing.  The Tito Echevarria directed music video is signature Crocodiles kool with leather, sunglasses, guitars, and flashing lights.

Purity Ring - repetition

Purity Ring released their sophomore album this week and I feel the need to point out that the fourth track on another eternity, called "repetition", is the new jam.  I'm trying to refrain from writing several criminal puns involving its title and my desire to replay the song, so bear with me here.   The entire album has a nice and shiny electro-pop casing, but "repetition" is the centerpiece that will have you coming back time after time.

Sufjan Stevens - No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross

It's been five years since Sufjan Stevens released The Age Of Adz.  Five years before that, Sufjan released Illinois, so it only makes sense that he would choose this year to release his upcoming album, Carrie & Lowell.  Today, you can hear the first sampling of Carrie & Lowell.  "No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross" is the album's penultimate track and shows Sufjan going back to a stripped down folk-oriented sound.  Gone are the Adz beats and electronic elements of Enjoy Your Rabbit.  Check it out below...

The Soundtrack Of My Life's Top 25 Albums Of 2014

25. Kylie Minogue - Kiss Me Once

24. Neon Trees - Pop Psychology

23. Haunted Hearts - Initiation
22. Paloma Faith - A Perfect Contradiction

21. Spoon - They Want My Soul
20. 2NE1 - Crush

19. Beck - Morning Phase

18. Röyksopp & Robyn - Do It Again

17. The Drums - Encyclopedia

16. Dum Dum Girls - Too True

15. Kiesza - Sound Of A Woman

14. RAC - Strangers

13. Taylor Swift - 1989

12. Lykke Li - I Never Learn

11. Bleachers - Strange Desire

10. Betty Who - Take Me When You Go

9. Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence

8. Karen O - Crush Songs 

7. Trust - Joyland

 

6. La Roux - Trouble In Paradise

5. Imogen Heap - Sparks

4. Banks - Goddess

3. St. Vincent - St. Vincent

2. Tori Amos - Unrepentant Geraldines

1. Beyoncé - Beyoncé

Grace Jones - Original Beast

Lorde is basically friends with all the cool people.  And by cool people, I mean all the musical legends and icons that you love.  First there was that picture of her casually hanging out with David Bowie and Tilda Swinton and now she's managed to get Grace Jones on the Lorde-curated Mockingjay Part 1 soundtrack.  Let's not even talk about the fact that she chose to exclude a new David Lynch track from the album.

The new Grace song is called "Original Beast" and it's this insane electo-tribal attack.  Her vocals are eerie and savage, and it's pretty much the perfect Grace Jones contribution to a highly successful young adult novel-to-film adaptation that you never asked for.  What even is this world that we're living in?

Tiga - Bugatti

Tiga has created the true earworm sequel to "Shoes".  There's really not much else to say about this new single, since the otherworldly video speaks for itself.  It's like some hypnotic trance that will become imbedded within your brain, and before you know it, you'll be sporadically shouting "BUGATTI" at random intervals throughout the day.  Enjoy your new and improved life.

The Drums - I Can't Pretend

The Drums released their third album Encyclopedia last month, and I'm not quite sure why, but it's received a somewhat mellow response.  They've narrowed down the band lineup to a duo and switched up their sound ever so slightly, but the record is pretty fantastic.  One of the highlights is "I Can't Pretend", a bouncing single that already sounds like a Drums classic.

Kylie Minogue - Kylie + Garibay

Okay, so we all know Kiss Me Once came out earlier this year and it was partially amazing.  Some of it was on the less stunning side of the pop spectrum, and I'm not gonna pin the blame on anyone in particular.  I'm just saying, we would've been just fine without the Enrique Iglesias feature... and "executive producer" Sia.  But that's all said and done, and there's still a nice bundle of standout Kylie moments on the record.

Now here's the exciting news: Kylie just posted a free EP on the wonderful internet without any prior notice.  It's a collaboration with Fernando Garibay, the man who produced some of Lady Gaga's finest work.  I'm talking about "Dance In The Dark" and the majority of her Born This Way album.  With that in mind, the new EP, presumably titled "Kylie + Garibay", is completely different from Kiss Me Once.  It's dark and hard hitting, with Kylie's vocals left in a somewhat raw state.  The first two tracks are especially stunning.  "Glow" is a song that just pummels you with haunting vocals and a drilling synth, while "Wait" has a fantastic bounce that just fuses to a perfect melody.

Several of the tracks on the four song album were featured in the opening video sequence of the Kiss Me Once tour, which kicked off in Liverpool on September 24.  This means that Kylie + Garibay is more than just leftover material from an unused Kiss Me Once recording session.  And I must say, I find this EP to be far more exciting than the full-length album.  It's a daring and unusual move for someone in Kylie's position.  Why give it away for free when the label could slap together an "extended version" of Kiss Me Once with the four new songs?  She does it because she's Kylie Minogue.

Kiesza - No Enemiesz

I feel like a decent amount of the big pop stars have taken a dip into the "early-nineties house music" sound for maybe a single or two, but few of them have truly captured a modernized version of the vibe like Kiesza has.  Following the release of her Hideaway EP, Kiesza's debut album will see the light of day on October 21.  Sound Of A Woman will feature every song from the EP, along with a slew of new tracks, with one of them being her latest single,"No Enemiesz".

From the sound of "No Enemiesz", this album is gonna be a solid jam.  Grab a smoke machine, a few strobes, and you're set for the night.  There's this particular synth that reminds me of something Robyn would use, which puts Kiesza in good company.  Check it out...



Sound Of A Woman is out on October 21 in the US and November 17 in the UK, via Lokal Legend / Island.  That stunning picture up top is the cover artwork.  You can pre-order the album here.

BANKS Just Won The Vinyl Game

BANKS released her debut album last week, and if you haven't heard Goddess yet then you should definitely go check it out, but the real story here is the vinyl.  Vinyl tops the list when it comes to aesthetically pleasing music formats, but BANKS went all out on this one.  The double-LP gatefold record is housed inside a translucent red sleeve.  Just look at it.  Ugh, it's beautiful.

That's just the standard version, which you can buy here.  Urban Outfitters had a limited red marble pressing and BANKS' store has some signed copies available.  Don't even get me started on the actual music, it's equally beautiful.  Congrats to BANKS on such an amazing release.  Love live physical media!  Keep reading for more pictures...

Unicorn Kid Is Retiring The "Unicorn Kid" Name

Electronic artist Unicorn Kid has announced the end of his "Unicorn Kid" moniker.  After disappearing from all social media outlets over the last year, he went to Twitter this week to make the announcement.  Apparently, he was recently cut free from his recording contract and wants to head in a different direction, which may or may not have something to do with the extremely low-key album release. 

I've finally been released from my record contract, so I'm now able to let you guys know I'm calling it quits with Unicorn Kid

— UNICORN KID (@UNICORNKID) September 7, 2014

But that's not to say he's retiring from music completely, as he then went on to reveal that he's since relocated to New York and will release new material under another name later this year.  So while we wait for new music, let's take this moment to revisit some of Unicorn Kid's work one more time.

Katy Perry - This Is How We Do

Katy Perry just released the music video for last year's severely underrated jam, "This Is How We Do".  The single was a highlight from Prism, spawning the completely amazing "Mariah Carey-oke" line.  The video is a summery color palate that puts aside all of the antics from her "Roar" and "Dark Horse" concepts.  It's simple, yet wacky enough to be recognizably "Katy".  Check out the video below.  I kinda love it.

Prism is out now, via Capitol Records.  You can grab a copy of the album here.

Imogen Heap - The Listening Chair

Sparks officially has a release date!  Imogen Heap's upcoming album has seen its fair share of release dates that never were and behind the scenes label issues, but Imogen recently decided to drop the label completely and release the album on August 18, via her own Megaphonic Records.

"The Listening Chair" began as a sort of social project involving an egg-shaped chair that would record video messages from its inhabitants.  Imogen took the chair to different locations across the map and asked "what is the song that still needs to be written?".  Quite some time, and loads of video messages later, a song was created.

I must say, "The Listening Chair" is the most exciting song I've heard from The Heap in quite a while.  Her past singles were fantastic as well, but this one is just that amazing.  It's her life story, all in a five and a half minute song.  The music video completes the concept, as Imogen takes a tour of her past and present.  Notice the cameo appearances from her previous albums!

Sparks is available for pre-order in a variety of formats including the standard CD, deluxe CD, and double LP.  There's also the ultimate box set, for the most dedicated fan.

Stream Mr. Dream's "Ultimate In Luxury"

It's been a long time coming, but Mr. Dream's Ultimate In Luxury is finally being released.  The album was preceded by a slew of singles, all of which were pretty amazing, and now it's up for streaming ahead of the July 7 release date.

Ultimate In Luxury will be released on a limited run of one hundred cassettes, complete with hand-crafted artwork in a stunning shade of hot pink (see picture below).  One little detail found on the pre-order page calls the album "the new and posthumous release", so it looks like this could be the band's grand exit.  Although if you're familiar with Mr. Dream at all, they could very well release another album next week just for kicks.

There's probably going to be a follow-up "review" post for this album a little later on, but after listening to the record once, I had the overwhelming urge to immediately play it again.  It actually has a fair amount of danceable moments mixed in with their go-to racket of a sound.  My mind is still stuck on the opening riff to "Work Faster".

Ultimate In Luxury is out on July 7, via GODMODE.  You can pre-order the cassette, bundled with a digital copy, here and then stream it below.

Grimes - Go (Feat. Blood Diamonds)

Grimes' upcoming album is easily one of my most anticipated releases for this year.  There's a rumored September release date, but that could very well change at any moment, if it hasn't already.  Yesterday, Grimes premiered a new song on Zane Lowe's show and it happened to be the much talked about track that was originally intended for Rihanna.

"Go" is a collaboration between Grimes and Blood Diamonds, who previously worked together on the fantastic "Phone Sex".  Claire hasn't confirmed whether or not the single will appear on the full album or if it's a sign of what's to come, in terms of genre.  The self-described "summer jam" incorporates the recently successful synthline breakdown trap sound and completely flips around everything you thought Grimes to be.

You can stream or download "Go" below and be amazed by the new press photo pictured above.  Claire describes the look as an "anime elf assassin who is a big fan of dolly parton and patsy cline".

Penguin Prison - All Night Long

Look at that amazing artwork.  Yes it's that "All Night Long".  Before I even hit the play button, I knew this cover would be incredible.  Penguin Prison's throwback dance vibes mesh perfectly with Lionel Richie's 1983 hit, "All Night Long".  It has that light and airy breeze and could very well end up on a summer playlist or two.  It just makes sense, you know?

The song is a part of Penguin Prison's summer cover series.  There's no word on how often these singles will be released, but color me excited.  Even better, "All Night Long" is available as a free download, so grab it below and party... all night long.

School Of Seven Bells - I Got Knocked Down (But I'll Get Up)

On December 29 of last year, Benjamin Curtis passed away after battling T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.  Prior to his diagnosis, School Of Seven Bells had been working on the follow-up record to 2012's Ghostory.  Benjamin continued to record his parts of the album while undergoing treatment and Alejandra Deheza has announced that she's finishing the album for release.

Today, Culture Collide premiered the video for School Of Seven Bells' cover of Joey Ramone's "I Got Knocked Down (But I'll Get Up)".  The single was Benjamin's final recording and it's a stunning and powerful piece.  Directed by Toby Halbrooks and Alan Del Rio Ortiz, the video opens with live footage of Benjamin and features desert scenes with Alejandra.  You can watch the video here or stream the song below.

"I Got Knocked Down (But I'll Get Up)" is available for download on iTunes.

FKA twigs - Two Weeks

Okay, so I'm really really late to the FKA twigs party.  I've seen the name floating around for a long time now, but you know how someone asks you if you've heard an album or artist and you'll say "I'll check it out", but it somehow never happens?  Yeah, that's me and FKA twigs.

Anyways, I finally did a Youtube sweep of her work and discovered that she's an absolutely amazing visual artist.  "Water Me" is reminiscent of the alien portrait imagery found in Björk's "Hunter" video and it's impossible to look away.  Her music is exceedingly hard to categorize.  It mixes elements of electronic, R&B, and minimal hip-pop music.  You can basically just forget about labeling her.

Her new song and video debuted this week and the visual component is directed by Nabil.  It's called "Two Weeks" and will be included on twigs' upcoming debut, LP1.  Your idea of depth perception and size will be thrown off a bit as the view pans out.  Check it out below.  You can pre-order LP1, which will be released on August 12, here.  "Two Weeks" is available for download, here.

Is Lana Del Rey's "Black Beauty" Demo Better Than The Album Version?

If you've heard the deluxe edition of Lana Del Rey's Ultraviolence, then you'll notice that the first bonus track is "Black Beauty", a song that leaked last year in the form of a demo.  There's always that age-old debate between preferences towards the demo version and the album version of a song, and "Black Beauty" is an interesting case.

It's pretty much the same song in both forms when it comes to the lyrics, but everything else has completely changed.  The demo featured minimal production and was a tragically beautiful song in every way possible.  As far demos go, "Black Beauty" is fantastic.

The album version keeps the low-key intro, but switches things up once the first chorus hits.  The album version was actually produced by Paul Epworth and sounds like a piece of Ultraviolence, which serves the record better in terms of continuity.  It's grand and triumphant, which replaces the original atmosphere a bit.

So here's the deal, which version do you prefer?  Does the "less is more" demo feel more personal or do you prefer the fully produced album version?  You can pick up a copy of the album, featuring "Black Beauty", here.