Sondre Lerche

If the term Chamber Pop doesn't mean anything to you, go here to familiarize yourself. Then go to Stereogum and have a listen to an excellent example of this particular sub-genre. If you're anything like me you'll be cast under the spell (yet again) of Sondre Lerche's newest single, which is the title track from his forthcoming record, Heartbeat Radio. Bring on the tour info Mr. Lerche.

Raindrops Remixed

Basement Jaxx continue an almost perfect decade-long run of great singles with their latest Raindrops. I rarely get my hopes up that remixes will do much to improve a song and I can't see any of these getting more iPod spins than the delicious original version, but I'm making this post to share with you the widget below which "mixes the remixes" creating a rather addictive tool for sampling the goods. Click on "Play With It" and join in the fun. Notice that it even has a fade out when you press stop.

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While I'm here, I'm going to share with you a few remixes that, for me, do improve on the original. Suggestion: Turn down the lights, and turn up the volume.

Late of the Pier - The Bears Are Coming (Emperor Machine Remix)

Björk - Earth Intruders (Spank Rock remix)

M.I.A. - Paper Planes (DFA Remix)

Discovery (that's the name of the band)

A group made up of one Vampire Weekender and one Ra Ra Rioter? Yes please! This isn't exactly a new project but they're getting renewed attention thanks to the announcement of an official release which will hit stores on July 7th. Four of the tracks are streaming at their website. It's all the indie-synth-pop bliss you could hope for with such a duo.

And speaking of Vampire Weekend, they're in the studio working on a follow up to their thoroughly enjoyable self-titled debut. While I find it hard to believe that anyone reading this blog hasn't heard VW, it is plausible that Ra Ra Riot slipped under your radar. Change that right now... Dying Is Fine is an excellent example of their orchestral rock goodness. I'll be seeing finally catching them live when they open for Andrew Bird next month.

Florence & the Machine

I'd like you to meet Florence Welch from old London town. The video for her debut single Raise It Up should serve as a good introduction. It may be a little too ready for top 40, but I get the feeling this girl might really have something to offer. She certainly has a good set of pipes. I hear a little influence from many of my favorite ladies, though she comes off sounding like no one else. I like Dog Days too. Her album Lungs is out Oct 13th, or much sooner (July) if you're a downloader, or British.

Grizzly Bear

This is probably the last blog on earth to feature a post about the new album Veckatimest. I was one of the few that actually waited until after the official release date to really give it a listen. It didn't take me long to fall head over heels. This is seriously good stuff. Don't believe me, or the rest of the blogosphere. Just listen for yourself to the sublime single Two Weeks. Then, don't hesitate to seek out the rest of the record. I'm labeling it essential.

A Different Kind of Dancing

One thing I do a lot in my life is dance. Yes, there's the foxtrotting and the cha cha cha-ing, but then there's also a fair amount of the kind more commonly seen under the flashing lights at your neighborhood discotheque. Here are a few brand new songs I'd love to hear while dancing "off the clock".

Simian Mobile Disco - Audacity of Huge

Basement Jaxx - Raindrops

Junior Boys - Hazel

White Rabbits

They call their own music "Honky Tonk Calypso". For me, it's kinda like Spoon's rhythm section had a few tequila shots. They've just released the follow up to their excellent debut album with It's Frightening, I'm excited to see it all live at the Casbah in a couple of weeks. If you wanna join me, make sure you wear some danceable shoes. And be prepared for a couple of tequila shots.

White Rabbits - Percussion Gun