Javelin remixing Health? Someone should have thought of this way sooner. I am very ready for No Más to drop next month.

Health – In Heat (Javelin Remix)

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I’ve been brewing on this Plastic Beach stream for a few weeks, and can safely say that I am thoroughly impressed with this album. I was speaking with someone the other day about how the music industry has almost turned into a “best song of the day” type of scene, and if it has, then Plastic Beach will be afloat for weeks. Damon Albarn is one of the few producers that can digest a genre without sounding like he’s exploiting his influences. After thoroughly digesting D-Sides, The Good, The Bad, and The Queen, and his recent production for Amadou et Mariam, it’s easy to understand how he ended up with the pieces of Plastic Beach. There are some songs on the album that I don’t like, but the good far outweighs the bad. Empire Ants may be my favorite song on the album. I love the New Edition-ish melodies of Little Dragon, and the electro breakdown towards the end is perfect. I can’t wait to hear what Albarn will do next.

Gorillaz – Empire Ants (feat. Little Dragon)

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I first met Smax at a house party last September, and was blown away by his taste in music. This producer from Karachi grew up around RBMA alum Dalt Wisney, and learned how to make some of the deepest beats I have ever heard. There is just no end to his influences. I’ve heard him sample everything from 70’s porn soundtracks to ancient jazz, and think he’s going to have an epic year. He’s been nice enough to toss me three of my favorite tracks from his upcoming Space Explorations EP, and you can be on the lookout for the rest of the album when it drops later this year.

Smax – Drugs

Smax – Tasty Set

Smax – Heay

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I have no idea what to expect from MGMT’s Congratulations. Oracular Spectacular was very hit-or-miss for me, and I think there may be too many influences going down in Flash Delirium. They’ve decided not to release any singles for the album, hoping it will be seen as a complete body of songs. It’ll be interesting to see how things turn out. Congratulations drops on April 13.

MGMT – Flash Delirium

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Crimson has been sending me some insane beats from Kavinsky. I started listening to his music when I was working in Belgium a few years ago, and it’s been great seeing his following grow around the world. This Parisian makes a visceral sound that’s similar to the productions of D.I.D. favorites SebastiAn, Danger, and Daft Punk. I love the bounce of this Night Call remix, especially the vocals from CSS frontwoman Lovefoxxx. I’m perpetually mystified how no one has heard of any of these guys in the states. Breakbot should be crossing the country by now. Night Call drops via Record Makers on March 22.

Update: Taken down. Enjoy the original.

Nightcall by Kavinsky

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Summer Camp’s Ghost Train has been on repeat for awhile now, and this video only makes it better.

Summer Camp – Ghost Train

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So this remix of Yeasayer’s anthem “Ambling Alp” is the only one I’ve found to be worthy of the genius of the original track, which makes perfect sense as everything The Very Best touch turns to gold. It’s been floating around for a while, but is still worth mentioning. I’m very excited to be catching them when they grace DC next Sunday along with Ninjasonik and Tabi Bonney (crazy line-up!).

Yeasayer – Ambling Alp (The Very Best Remix)

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Ever since hearing this track from Body Language I have been completely in love with them. Their Speaks EP is truly marvelous, and if you aren’t already, you should be listening to it nonstop. If you live in my city (DC!) they’ll be playing at The Fridge next Saturday, and I am truly heartbroken that I cannot be in attendance, so you should be.

Body Language – Sandwiches (Body Language edit)

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We’ve been receiving loads of excellent music (especially from Australia), and it’s going to take us a few weeks to properly digest all this fresh material. Huess is a London beatmaker who recently informed us about his existence. His soul-inspired sound fits in with Paul White and Bullion, but integrates samples in a different and intriguing manner. I love the atmosphere of I’d Rather Be The Hunter. You can download the entire EP at his bandcamp for only ₤2.

Huess – I’d Rather Be the Hunter

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Often I like to think about my musical past, about artists, and more specifically albums, that significantly changed the way I thought about music. Björk is one of those definitive artists for me, and Vespertine is the album that truly solidified my love for her. This album hasn’t even been out for that long, so we’re definitely not time traveling very far. Hopefully if you’re already a fan it can serve as a pleasant reminder, and if not, perhaps this is the song that will convert you as well. Sundays seem inherently nostalgic, so what better time to share what is easily one of my favorite tracks of all time with you.

Björk – It’s Not Up To You

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