LUV MUSIC - Playlist, Please

Dearest friends - it's been a couple of weeks since my last post. With that, I owe you some tunes. Lots and lots of tunes. Hence why i've compiled you a lovely little playlist of some songs that have been fueling and inspiring me recently, as i've been working on a new, secret project. (More details to come!). Please find player at bottom of post, enjoy, and have a wonderous wednesday!

01_Grizzly Bear - Sleeping Ute

02_Wild Nothing - Shadow

03_Ice Choir - I Want You Now and Always

04_Passion Pit - Constant Conversations

05_El Perro Del Mar - Walk On By

06_AlunaGeorge - Your Drums, Your Love

07_Wave Machines - The Greatest Escape We Ever Made

08_Friends - Friend Crush

09_Groundislava - Weekend in the Tropics

10_Ellie Goulding - Anything Could Happen (Blood Diamonds Remix)

∆

∆

LUV MUSIC - Jessie Ware

I was introduced to Jessie Ware last summer on SBTRKT's self-titled debut album, and am happy to find her voice back in my ears again. Her single Wildest Moments is stunning.  It is pop at its purest, complete with catchy hooks and soaring sultry vocals. Check out the video as well- a fantastic study in how simple can be so striking.
Jessie Ware's other recently released single Sweet Talk was recently reviewed here by Pitchfork. (I'm pretty sure reviewer Mark Richardson's synopsis could not be more spot-on) and her new album, Devotion hits next Monday, 8/20/12.  Indulge in some pop at its finest (and some ice cream while you're at it), and have a wonderful week!

LUV MUSIC - Melody's Echo Chamber/ The XX

Summer means beaches. Beaches mean fuzzed-out synth guitars. Fuzzed-out synth guitars lead me here, to today's post, inspired by a recent trip to the ocean.  Melody's Echo Chamber - Endless Shore features garage-y guitar lines circled by airy vocals - a perfect depiction of a sunny seashore afternoon. Next, the new single, Angels from The XX (finally!), feels a little melancholy, with more of a"someone stepped on my sandcastle" kind of vibe, but, in my ears, reminds me more of those quiet moments at a place like the beach where you take the time to observe the tide or the temperature of the breeze. Ahhhhhhhhhh, summer. Have fun listening, have a good weekend and see you next week!

*All photos sampled in artwork taken on personal camera

LUV MUSIC - Yeasayer

              
Longevity is the new single off of Yeasayer's new album Fragrant World out August 21st via Secretly Canadian. A couple years ago i was fortunate to hear Yeasayer at Chicago's Annual Pitchfork Festival (which occurred this past weekend as well) and their performance was the buzz of the entire weekend with one single song. The festival that year had been overshadowed by dark clouds and bursts of untimely rain. As Yeasayer started, one of the heavier downpours began- they pushed through their set, as all of us sheilded under our umbrellas and backpacks, and finally landed upon the song Sunrise off of All Hour Cymbals. Then, as if some cosmic festival gods had been summoned - the rain suddenly stopped, and the sun not only emerged- it pierced the sky. It was a little too perfect - and such was the talk of every press and media outlet, and i suppose, the rest is history. Enjoy the crispy electronic vibe of this new single, join me in patiently awaiting the new album and have a sunny Tuesday.

LUV MUSIC - Purity Ring

Purity Ring's "Fineshrine"

LUV MUSIC - alt-j ∆

Breezeblocks is the new single off of alt-j ∆'s new album, An Awesome Wave,via Infectious Music. Hailing from Cambridge (UK), the quartet has strived to be odd - their self described "folk-infused electronica" has layer upon layer of interesting vocals, beats and totally off lyrics. I fully approve - oh, and go ahead, hold down ALT and type that J and look at that fine, fine triangle (okay, delta) you've made. ∆∆∆∆∆∆! Have a great Wednesday, hope this helps you beat the heat! 

LUV MUSIC - Tomas Barfod ft. Nina Kinert

Every Friday deserves some summery and soaring Danish electro-pop. Thank you, Tomas Barfod - this is the perfect TGIF song. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend.

*All photos sampled in artwork taken on iphone

LUV MUSIC - Chelsea Wolfe/ White Sea

Somehow rainy day posts always end up with melancholy music. But today, I will bring you a bit of the dark and the light. Both songs feature gorgeous vocals -but a completely different air to them. You decide which works for you - the moody Chelsea Wolfe or the almost too-sugary-sweet White Sea (side project of M83's Morgan Kibby).  It's kind of like a musical "pick your own ending book" here today on URWHTULUV.  Enjoy - and many soggy Tuesday wishes.

LUV MUSIC - Purity Ring

Oh m'dear, listen to Obedear, the fantastic new single by Purity Ring (If you're not familiar go back and check out Lofticries from last year) and have a equally fantastic wednesday.

LUV MUSIC - Jai Paul

Sunday Night Special - Start your week off with a couple fresh tracks from my new fav, Jai Paul. Spirited UK-based R&B/electronica with just enough pop hooks to keep it catchy. Enjoy!

LUV MUSIC - Interview with POLIÇA

To say Polica is killing it right now is a bit of an understatement. Fresh from SXSW, features in Rolling Stone and on NPR, and a statement from Bon Iver's Justin Vernon citing the band as "the best ever", there's obviously a lot of buzz - but that's the thing, Polica has created something worth all of it.

Formed last year, Polica began as a project between former Gayngs members Ryan Olson and Channy Leaneagh. The collaboration grew, and Polica's distinct sound was crafted - the band features two drummers, one bassist and they all converge with Leaneaghs synthed-out, autotuned vocals. It's part R&B, part ambient electronica and completely entrancing.

This past thursday, I was fortunate to sit down with Channy Leaneagh for my first ever
URWHTULUV interview, after their show here in Boston. We talked about the convergence of art and music, how the group formed, and even just about being Midwesterners.

Photo courtesy Cameron Wittig/Middle West MGMT

3/27/2012
For URWHTULUV, my art is directly inspired by the songs i post, do you ever have any visual influences when creating music?
I've found that going to art museums during the writing process can provide me with an interesting soundscape. We wrote the song "The Maker" off our last album when we were at Coachella last year and for some reason whenever i think of that song i see shades of purple and blue.

How Polica different from other bands you've been in?
Ryan Olson has a heavy hand in the sound and rhythm even though he doesn't play with us on stage, but it's really four individuals from very different backgrounds. In a lot of bands there is one A on vocals and 3 B's on guitar, bass and drums. When we play it's like a conversation between the four of us.


What are some of your personal musical influences ?
I have always loved R&B. I also listen to many gypsy singers, middle eastern music, as well as lots of blues and jazz.

And last, what are a couple of songs you've been digging recently?
CMYK by James Blake and BTSTU by Jai Paul. BTSTU is such a pretty song but with such a clear "Don't  F with Me" attitude. It's really good.

LUV MUSIC - Niki & The Dove

Tomorrow is the new single from Niki & The Dove which was recently featured on Annie Mac's show on BBC's Radio 1. It's a fantastic song, and i'm also really excited for the full album to drop in May. Check out my post-v-day mix below for another wonderful Niki & the Dove tune, "The Fox." Have a great Tuesday.

LUV MUSIC - Ellie Goulding vs. Foster the People

Have to admit, i was a bit skeptical of another Ellie Goulding or Foster the people remix/ mashup out there, it seems like there have been so many recently, but this one is done so well...(mad props, yo!) Have a great weeekend - try to not drink too much green beer, and i'll try to stay afloat here in Boston amidst a sea of bar crawlers and St. Patrick's day antics. And stay tuned for a special surprise here on URWHTULUV next week.....! (Also quick note: I've recently started using an HTML5 player opposed to flash, so now you're able to listen to tracks on your phone and ipad/tablet-y devices. HOORAY!)

LUV MUSIC - Beach House

Sundays, Sunsets, Beach House - It's all good.

LUV MUSIC - Blue Hawaii/St. Vincent

Pancake makin' music. Had to post this great jam by Blue Hawaii- i think it really set the tone for last nights event. To contrast that, i also wanted to share a song that i didn't realize how amazing it was until about half a year after it's release date....Cruel by St. Vincent. I can't get it out of my head and the video is amazing (check out link). I'll do a post tomorrow with all the pics and excitement from Leaping Forward- can't wait to share!

St. Vincent- Cruel (video)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itt0rALeHE8

LUV MUSIC - Grimes

Happy Monday. Hope your week is as exciting and busy as mine is going to be! In the meantime, enjoy a fun new jam by Grimes. The perfect tune to crank out some serious project work to.... :)

Grimes - Genesis by FACT magazine

LUV MUSIC - What You Luv

Seeing that it is urwhtuluv here, i think it's only appropriate that i create a playlist of songs i love for that darned day that tends to revolve around love -or luv, what have you. Thought i'd post it today though- a post of post-valentine day jams, one part sentimental and another part detox. Chill out, enjoy some songs i'm loving right now (how fresh is porcelain raft, c'mon...) and have a lovely Wednesday.

LUV MUSIC - Lo-fi Thursday

Ahh, give me a little fuzzed out girl rock and i'm beyond content. Today, i've got a couple excellent examples of such-one of which i was fortunate enough to see play last night. Both bands encompass the spirit of lo-fi perfectly- with a raw, cassette tape aura that's equal parts scratchy, haunting and completely catchy. 

Dum Dum girls played a short, yet fantastic set last night. And talk about stage presence - in the light of a Lana Del Rey meltdown - these girls commanded the room. Lead singer Dee Dee Penny and her voice, movements and style not only channeled Chrissie Hynde in a Pretenders coolness, but balanced it with a feeling of pure grungey punk - it was perfection. Hope i get a chance to hear them again.

Dum Dum Girls - Bedroom Eyes by subpop

 Next, a little more chill, but equally as interesting, i was recommended Still Corners by a good friend and this song has been on repeat for the past week. Again, a little eerie, but also very pop- enjoy and have a great Thursday!

Still Corners - Cuckoo by subpop

*All images taken on my iphone

LUV MUSIC - Atlas

Mellow monday. This Is by Atlas;

LUV MUSIC - Chairlift

Take it or leave it, but something I love about music right now is the kids in my generation that grew up with solid Talking Heads upbringings like myself are starting to formulate some really interesting music- with very clear influence. And so enters a band like Chairlift... Caroline Polachek hits Cranberries high notes, with an underlying Linda Ronstadt huskiness to her voice and it all balances with dreamy electronica -that's filled with this Men at Work meets Stereolab spirit. I approve. Listen to these two songs, but i highly recommend the whole album.



I Belong In Your Arms by Chairlift "Sidewalk Safari" (Sampha Remix) by Chairlift

LUV MUSIC - Daughter

Rain, rain, go away - and come back another day i don't need to be hauling around my 6 year old macbook pro. K? I've loved the song Youth by Daughter earlier this fall, but today i think that the original may be just a little too melancholy, so hopefully the Love Thy Brother dubstep remix will be a much needed remedy to the drizzly weather blues.  Have a great weekend - E


Youth by Daughter (Love Thy Brother Remix) by Dubstep.net

Luv Music - Etta James

Goodbye, Etta James.

*Adapted artwork orginally from the 1968 album, Tell Mama
Etta James - A Sunday Kind of Love by Kaku

LUV MUSIC - Tanlines

Took a little hiatus. Okay, okay, i took a lotta hiatus. December was beyond nuts, and i'm happy to finally be in a new year. Today, Tanlines... a wonderful band, and Brothers, a song that somehow resonates with airy pop yet controls itself with a strong electonic beat. Its exactly the type of song i hope i stumble on over and over again this year.

Tanlines - "Brothers" by Some Kind of Awesome