I fell hard for Flying Lotus last spring.  There is something about his combination of deep rhythms and sounds that have murdered my understanding of recorded music.  Luckily Flying Lotus has been getting so much attention in the last few years that he’s been able to create Brainfeeder, a label with some of the best artist’s I’ve heard in a long time.  Ras G is on Brainfeeder.   Ras G guides a deep space exploration of music’s ancient history and rich future.  Ras G is abstract, instrumental jazz influenced hip hop with downtempo beats.  Ras G will hopefully get his ass out East so we can give him some $$$$$.

Ras G – Power Of Thought

Ras G – Brasilintime Gmix

Ras G – Overtherah

---

I am an idiot. I had never listened to Grizzly Bear until last week. I am an idiot, there I said it twice to seal the deal. There are no excuses for this one, I guess I just missed the boat. Stumbled into Veckatimest after watching the video for “Two Weeks”, which made me feel mostly uncomfortable, but the music went rushing into my brain, and has stayed there ever since. It’s classic and refreshing and simple and poignant. Kind of like discovering that secret bangin’ empanada place down the street, this is the favorite album you (or maybe just I…) never knew you had. They’re on tour right now with Beach House (who I just found out are from Baltimore, woohoo!), and I’m bummed that they won’t be hitting DC. Maybe you can catch them on the road somewhere. Bonus: a tune from Beach House, they’re like a beautiful dream. It’s officially fall as well, in case you forgot.

Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks
Grizzly Bear – Cheerleader
Beach House – Gila

p.s. I’ll most likely end up going to see The Walkmen / Here We Go Magic tomorrow, so stay tuned to hear more about that.

---

Whoa.  When did we get this deep into September?  I’m not ready for leaves to fall.  After a refreshing alumni week, I’ve been digging through my catalog in search of sounds from summer.  Toro Y Moi fits right in with other lo-fi acts such as Real Estate and Washed Out, but I’m really digging the glow he throws on to his finishing aesthetic.  His tracks seemed to be bathed in some kind of beauty before they’re thrown out to the world.  This is exactly what I need to help cope with the new season.  Look out for two releases from him in 2k10.

Toro Y Moi – Talamak

Toro Y Moi – Blessa

Washed Out – Feel It All Around (Toro Y Moi Remix)

---

Vermont is taking over the world, or maybe that’s just my life this past week, or I suppose my relationship with it is stronger than I remembered. Our other pal Will Stratton has released a new EP, Vile Bodies. There is something about fall that demands that everything slow down, and for me Vile Bodies fits right in to the shift. These new songs seem more delicate and intricate to me than his past work, or perhaps the real word I’m looking for here is personal. There is an overwhelming sense of melancholy, which I think works in its favor. Of course, in addition, any song referencing an Edward Hopper afternoon is worth a listen.

---