Neon Indian is blowing me away. I really didn’t like the first things I heard of his last summer, but this fall has hit me with consistently great music. Psychic Chasms is one of the best songs I’ve heard this year. He’s also offered two perfect takes of Grizzly Bear‘s Cheerleader that beg for real collaboration.

Neon Indian – Psychic Chasms

Neon Indian – Terminally Chill

Grizzly Bear – Cheerleader (Neon Indian ‘Studio 6669′ Remix)

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I’m really getting into Gold Panda. He reminds me of the best parts of Bibio, Bullion and Washed Out. His last two albums are selling fast, but you can still find them on his website.

Gold Panda – Quitters Raga

Gold Panda – Back Home

Gold Panda – 5th Ave

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The rumors were true, Lupe Fiasco dropped a new 22 minute mixtape on Thanksgiving Day, a teaser in anticipation of his upcoming 2010 release. He’s also set to drop another one entitled “Friend of the People” on Christmas Day (how cute). I think the mixtape is such a beautiful form, a way to get rough ideas out there, to show people how you would have done their songs better, and (in most cases) to give the fans something for free, to “do this for the blogosphere”, to quote the man himself. The adventure begins with Lupe rapping over Radiohead, “I don’t feel I’m best, I just feel I’m better than”, and I’m starting to think he might be right. Don’t get me wrong the tracks are rough, but some of his rhymes are out of control, and he spits them effortlessly, as if to say, “even my leftovers are better than anything you could make”. “Rest in peace to rap, no rest in peace to wackness”. I for one, am excited for bigger and better things to come.

Lupe Fiasco – Yoga Flame
Lupe Fiasco – Popular Demand

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I first heard about Harlem Shakes a few months ago, when I came across their cover of Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Y Control”. I wasn’t that into the cover, but I fell in love with their original songs, slowly but surely. I found myself singing “Niagara Falls” uncontrollably after only listening to it once, which is naturally the first sign of a musical love affair. Their songs are well crafted and undeniably catchy in the best way. They have since disbanded, which is absolutely terrible news, but at least we can still listen and think back on the good times. Though their love affair is over, mine, and hopefully yours, is just beginning.

Harlem Shakes – Niagara Falls
Harlem Shakes – Sickos

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