The soundlounge jukebox is our outlet for sharing the cream of the music industry with all. Updated every few weeks, it offers a chance for people who don’t have much time to sample good quality music, whether new releases or hidden gems from the archives. We receive music from all the majors, indies, publishers and sometimes the artists themselves and will bring to your desk (and attention) some of the most interesting and diverse music out there.
Visit the soundlounge jukebox to hear the following tracks.
Blood Bank – Bon IverJustin Vernon’s first album since the breakup of his previous band, DeYarmond Edison, managed to reflect the chill that he doubtlessly experienced during the three months of isolation he spent in his father’s cabin, in the woods north of Wisconsin, recuperating from illness while maintaining a certain warmth in it’s heartfelt lyrics. His most recent release, the EP Blood Bank, continues this trend with four more beautifully crafted tracks. The title track offers another touchingly genuine yarn and the rest of the EP is definitely deserving of your time.
Warm Hands In Cold Fog – The FlashbulbBenn Jordan, a.k.a. The Flashbulb, is surely one of the best producers of the last ten years but has missed out on the recognition that similar artists, such as Squarepusher, have received. As well as producing some fascinating albums, combining genres as diverse as electronica, IDM, breakcore, acid, ambient and classical, he freelances as a television and film composer and when he’s not getting lost in electrical storms over the English Channel he’s active as a jazz guitarist and drummer in his hometown of Chicago, talented chap. This track, taken from the masterful Soundtrack To A Vacant Life, is one of his more downbeat moments but his back catalogue is eclectic, extensive and well worth exploring.
My Girls – Animal CollectiveFor a long time The Animal Collective have been on the edge of popular indie culture, forever roaming free from convention. For the last almost decade they’ve experimented with effects, samples, field recordings and any other texture, appropriate or wildly inappropriate, quietly honing their sound. Their latest release, Merriweather Post Pavilion, sees them polish their sound to its most accessible. The Beach Boys comparisons can no longer be denied and its possible that preposterously wonderful sounding tracks like this will see them reach a wider audience. Watch their space.
Jump In (For Gilkey Elementary School) – High PlacesThe Animal Collective’s influence is beginning to permeate through the experimental reaches of contemporary music and the High Places are one group who have taken that sound and made it their own. Their music seems to breathe in the same way as the AC’s, tribal beats interchange with spacy samples but it has a much more lo-fi feel to it and Mary Pearson’s vocals add a lightness of touch throughout both their albums. This track is taken from their first EP, High Places: 03/07 – 09/07.
Sleepyhead – Passion PitSun soaked, synth ridden, 80s influenced pop is enjoying a time skirting the limelight at the moment with bands like M83 and Empire Of The Sun making somewhat of a name for themselves. Passion Pit are the latest band to drop in their two pennies worth with the release of an EP, Chunk Of Change. Originally the EP was recorded as a gift for vocalist, Michael Angelakos’ then girlfriend. It’s popularity quickly grew throughout the couple’s college and beyond. A full-length studio album, Manners is on the way for a spring release.
My Baby Must Be A Magician – The MarvelettesThe Marvelettes formed in 1960 and became Motown’s first successful female group. They achieved nineteen top 40 R&B singles and one massive number one with Please Mr. Postman. The precedent they set influenced later Motown girl groups such as Martha and the Vandellas and The Supremes. Ultimately the group suffered as a result of the rise of The Supremes and the label’s decision to put most of their energy into promoting Diana Ross and Mary Wilson’s group. History will always show that it was The Marvelettes that gave Motown their first number one.
Listen to these tracks on the soundlounge jukebox.
Sam Nicholson, Creative Assistant
soundlounge
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