Indie Shuffle » the beatles

The Money Go Round – Endless Sun

hmcclure — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:39:10 +0000

Sounds like: The Beatles, Kasabian, Tame Impala, Deep Sea Arcade

Song: The Money Go Round - Endless Sun [download here]

What's so good?

Late last year, we bought you a great track from Sydney band The Money Go Round. The band’s debut single “YAYAYA” drew plenty of positive reviews, with their sound being likened to acts as high-standing as the Black Keys and Kasabian.

While their first release did contain plenty of psych elements, their latest single, “Endless Sun,” dives much further into the genre, with outstanding results. Dreamy and deep, it’s almost a homage to some of the later (drug-fueled) psych music that the Beatles produced; I’m sure I can hear Ravi Shankar’s sitar somewhere there.

I liked their first single, but I love their second. As you can imagine, I’m rather keen to hear what’s next for the Money Go Round.

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1. Original post: The Money Go Round – Endless Sun

2. Posted in: indie rock, Australia, psychedelic, tame impala, psychedelic rock

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Deep Sea Arcade – Granite City

hmcclure — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:04:08 +0000

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Sounds like: The Beatles, Tame Impala

Song: Deep Sea Arcade - Granite City [download here]

What's so good?

Sydney five-piece Deep Sea Arcade have been one of my favorite bands over the past few years. Since 2008, they’ve been one of the most endearing local acts, their bygone era rock music translating wonderfully on a digital and live level. After releasing singles and EPs consistently over a few years, 2o12 saw the release of their debut album Outlands, which made it into my top 10 favorite acts of the year.

With a solid UK tour on the horizon, the band has just released their latest single from the record, “Granite City.” It’s typical Deep Sea Arcade, with swinging percussion paving the way for their well-known cutting guitar and psych-rock sounds. Lead singer and founding member Nic McKenzie’s vocals are a favorite of mine, and this track highlights them nicely.

Their energetic live show is definitely worthwhile checking out, so if you’re in the UK and love great rock bands, definitely give Deep Sea Arcade a look.

Thu 02 May 2013 – Liverpool/Sound City

Sat 04 May 2013 – Leeds/Live At Leeds

Sun 05 May 2013 – Middlesbrough/Westgarth Social

Sun 12 May 2013 – London/Cargo – Aussie BBQ

Thu 16 May 2013 – Brighton/SOUND GALLERY @ THE HUB

Sat 18 May 2013 – Brighton/Great Escape

Wed 22 May 2013 – Nottingham/Spanky Van Dykes (with Charlie Boyer & the Voyeurs)

Fri 19 Jul 2013 – North Yorks/Deershed

Fri 26 Jul 2013 – Cambridgeshire/Secret Garden Party

Thu 22 Aug 2013 – Groningen (NL)/Noorderzon Arts Festival

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1. Original post: Deep Sea Arcade – Granite City

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, Australia, psychedelic, rock

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

White Fence – Pink Gorilla

Rhett Flowers — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 12:31:01 +0000

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Sounds like: Beatles, Syd Barrett, Ty Segall

Song: White Fence - Pink Gorilla [download here]

What's so good?

White Fence is the eccentric lo-fi rock project from California native Tim Presley. Recently, Presley collaborated with Ty Segall for the album Hair, which was one of my favorites of last year. The sound they created was a nice mix of both their styles.

White Fence now has a new album on the way, entitled Cyclops Reap, and by the sound of this new single, it seems Ty Segall has inched Presley a little bit towards more mainstream songwriting. There are still odd tunes on Cyclops Reap, no doubt, but there is a lot more clarity in the songs than on previous White Fence records. I think this benefits White Fence greatly, as they have always had a unique and interesting sound, but sometimes the recording styles has covered up the true melodies.

On single “Pink Gorilla,” White Fence still manages to add some Beatles-esque mono guitar work near the end of the song. It’s kind of a novelty, but results in a cool track.

Check out this album if you’re interested in “out there” indie rock!

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1. Original post: White Fence – Pink Gorilla

2. Posted in: indie rock, lo-fi, garage rock, psychedelic rock, Ty Segall

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Beatles vs. Jay-Z – What More Can I Say (Danger Mouse Mashup)

Jason Grishkoff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:16:13 +0000

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Song: The Beatles vs. Jay Z - What More Can I Say (Danger Mouse Mashup) [download here]

What's so good?

Remember The Grey Album? Yeah, Danger Mouse basically ushered in the rage of mashups with it. And virtually no one has lived up to the masterpiece that was his original.

For me, the smooshing together of Jay-Z’s The Black Album with The Beatles The White Album opened up the doorways of hip-hop: until then, I’d lived by the moniker “rap is crap.” How wrong I was!

This week, The High Society released a remastered version of the album. They’ll probably get in trouble, but who cares. This is golden.

You can download the full work here.

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1. Original post: The Beatles vs. Jay-Z – What More Can I Say (Danger Mouse Mashup)

2. Posted in: mashup, hip-hop remixes, danger mouse, jay z, the beatles

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Gramatik vs. The Beatles – Don’t Let Me Down 2012

Jason Grishkoff — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:45:17 +0000

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Song: Gramatik vs. The Beatles - Don't Let Me Down 2012 [download here]

What's so good?

This one’s been staring at me for about two months now…figure it was high time I caved in and shared it. Produced by Gramatik himself, this mashup brings a whole new light to The Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down.” And that’s saying a lot, given how sacred songs by the Fab Four actually are.

To quote Gramatik:

So, back in 2006 when I was still rapping(in Slovene), I sampled “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Beatles and later on recorded lyrics over it.

The beat was very simple, adapted for rap vocals so I decided to revisit it, remove my raps and add a bunch of other live instruments, synths and samples to it, so you guys can enjoy it in instrumental form without it being boring.

It’s a downtempo hip-hop flavored banger that continues the evolution of collage sampling combined with live instrumentation and synthesis. Hope you guys like it.

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1. Original post: Gramatik vs. The Beatles – Don’t Let Me Down 2012

2. Posted in: mashup, the beatles, gramatik

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Beatles – Come Together (Arctic Monkeys Cover)

Jason Grishkoff — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 16:07:55 +0000

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Sounds like: The Plastics, The Strokes

Song: The Beatles - Come Together (Arctic Monkeys Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

What’s more British than having The Arctic Monkeys cover The Beatles? Perhaps only The Beatles performing themselves…

UPDATE: SONG REMOVED :-(. Video below!

Unfortunately the latter was not an option. But, those of you watching the Olympics opening ceremony last night were likely lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the awesome rendition (which was apparently cut short for US feeds).

Turns out the cover of the 1969 classic was actually laid down a year or two ago, with a wonderfully recorded version available to stream. Props to We All Want Someone for the find.

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1. Original post: The Beatles – Come Together (Arctic Monkeys Cover)

2. Posted in: indie rock, rock, covers, Arctic Monkeys, the beatles

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Beatles – With a Little Help From My Friends (Benjamin Francis Leftwich Cover)

Ron Swanson — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:01:28 +0000

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Sounds like: James Blunt, John Mayer

Song: The Beatles - With a Little Help From My Friends (Benjamin Francis Leftwich Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

As an ethereal folk sweetheart and long time favorite of mine, Benjamin Francis Leftwich rarely disappoints. Recently, he’s been touring around in a somewhat rabid manner, making girls faint all across the UK, with plans to stage a US takeover very soon.

His latest masterpiece tackles the untouchable, as he throws his own airy twist over The Beatles’ hit “With a Little Help From My Friends.” Covering a Beatles track is no simple task — when doing so you are

Setting yourself up for almost insurmountable scrutiny (The Beatles are the greatest band of all time, argue if you must – you will lose)
Entering a ‘cover’ realm that is nothing original, thus working on a track that will ultimately provide no benefit
Working towards a product that no matter how good, will never be better than the original

If you can swallow that, you’re set to take sail, which is exactly what Ben did. What he produced (in a hotel room while on tour, mind you) is one of the more honest Beatles covers I’ve heard in a while.

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1. Original post: The Beatles – With a Little Help From My Friends (Benjamin Francis Leftwich Cover)

2. Posted in: folk, covers, indie folk, bon iver, singer-songwriter

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Choir of Young Believers – Paint New Horrors

Christiana Bartolini — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:23:40 +0000

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Sounds like: Violens, Lower Dens, Here We Go Magic

Song: Choir of Young Believers - Paint New Horrors [download here]

What's so good?

Copenhagen-based Choir of Young Believers is back with their single, “Paint New Horrors,” taken from their newest album, Rhine Gold. This track is a lovely little orchestral pop number that mixes the ethereal with theatrical.

The song opens up with a simple synth, cello, and clearly defined vocals — much like a Queen song. Soon thereafter the drums, electric guitar, bass, and piano are introduced, which all quickly transform the song into a woozy yet structurally sound format. With each new verse, the track slows a little, but speeds back up again quickly. Nearing the end of the song, Choir of Young Believers all of a sudden sound like a lovely tripped out modern day Beatles: classic, tasteful, innovative and so beautifully catchy.

This is not a band you should pass up. And you’re in luck! Their LP Rhine Gold is ready for you to own. Enjoy it here!

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1. Original post: Choir of Young Believers – Paint New Horrors

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, folk-rock, dream pop, the beatles

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Underlights – Underlights

monicam — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:50:33 +0000

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Sounds like: Tame Impala, The Beatles, Oasis, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Song: Underlights - Now That You're In Love [download here]

What's so good?

The first time I heard Underlights, I immediately contacted my brother Hugh and insisted he review it. He didn’t, so I thought I’d better take up the mantle because I think this band is too special to keep playing small gigs in dingy Sydney bars. Not that I don’t love dingy Sydney bars.

Underlights suddenly popped up on my radar out of nowhere. Their track “Now That You’re In Love” was the band’s only available track (released on an Australian radio website), and started getting a whole bunch of positive reviews and domestic airplay. I think a few people would have assumed it was a one-off piece of genius but Underlights have just released a solid follow-up single from their self-titled EP, “Remnants,” to equally positive reviews.

“Now That You’re In Love” has some great Beatles-esque psychedelic riffs and vocal harmonies, with other tracks from the EP showing more of a later 90s Brit-pop influence. The whole EP takes me back to rainy days in London, although that might just be because vocalist Jack Friels has refreshingly avoided putting on a fake American accent like most Australian artists seem to do these days. Respect.

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1. Original post: Underlights – Underlights

2. Posted in: psychedelic pop, tame impala, australian, brit pop, the beatles

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Deep Sea Arcade – Outlands

hmcclure — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:28:52 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The Smiths, The Beatles, Tame Impala, Belles Will Ring

Song: Deep Sea Arcade - Steam [download here]

What's so good?

I mentioned in a recent review that an album was the first to truly catch my attention this year. Sydney band Deep Sea Arcade’s debut album Outlands (to be released March 16) is definitely the second.

Deep Sea Arcade formed in 2008 when long-time friends Nic Mckenzie and Nick Weaver recruited Carlos Adura, Simon Relf and Tim Chamberlain to their cause. Since dropping their debut EP, Don’t be sorry, in 2009, the band has built a reputation in Australia and abroad. This has included tours with Noel Gallagher and Modest Mouse and appearances at Spain’s Primavera Festival and the Great Escape in the UK.

Outlands is the culmination of their musical education – a dark, absorbing and adventurous album which spans various musical influences. This album honors the experimental and dystopian sci-fi films of the 60s, and like any good movie this album takes the listener on a (12-track) journey. This works, because the album has no holes, it flows effortlessly.

First single “Girls,” released late last year, has already received significant airplay on BBC1, and rightly so, with a terrific riff completing a classic indie-pop track. The recently released “Steam” – one of the lighter songs on the album – has a definite retro feel, from the repeating loop to the catchy pop-melodies. “Together” has strong similarities to Tame Impala’s music, or even some of the Beatles’ later kaleidoscopic works (circa Magical Mystery Tour). Mckenzie’s drifty vocals are a highlight, especially on “Lonely in Your Arms” which is perhaps the standout. This track is fantastically produced surf-pop topped-off with regimented percussion and deep bass embraces.

Outlands is fantastic, and the release will no doubt thrust Deep Sea Arcade further into the spotlight, and not just in Australia. If only there was more music of this quality.

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1. Original post: Deep Sea Arcade – Outlands

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, Australia, psychedelic, Sydney

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Friday Five: Songs for Peace and Justice

Christiana Bartolini — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:00:10 +0000

Most people in the States have an extended weekend coming up — which is awesome and whatnot — but are we truly appreciating what the meaning of this 3-day weekend holds? Sure, we have some extra time to pretend like we’re going to be really productive, but you know that most of you are just going to incessantly party and then nurse your celebratory hangover while watching that new reality TV program about a behind-the-scenes sloth-training circus (I made that up and I swear if that ever seriously happens I will quit television).

Anyway, if that’s the case, maybe this playlist will empower you to, I don’t know, bring some justice to your fridge and finally clean it out? That cheese has got to go.

Martin Luther King was quite the gentleman. It’s so disheartening to recount his tragic ending, but so uplifting to read and hear the words he left with us. People like him, with his power and grace, are a rarity at its finest. Which is why he has his own holiday, of course! MLK meant business, and we all listened (well, most of us), and if you weren’t/aren’t moved by his words then… well… what’s wrong with you?

I felt the need to stick with an empowering theme for this Friday 5 playlist in remembrance of MLK and all that he stood for. No one can fill his shoes, but there sure are a lot of musicians that can be inspired about what he represented and that’s where this playlist comes in. Take a listen and truly appreciate the strides we’ve made and continue to make. As ominous as things may seem at times, there’s always MLK to come swoop you up and set things straight.

1. Original post: Friday Five: Songs for Peace and Justice

2. Posted in: indie rock, soul, friday five, Curated Playlists, the beatles

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Song: Elvis Costello - What's So Funny About Peace And Love And Understanding [Downloa d]

Song: Edwin Starr - War [Downloa d]

Song: Yeasayer - Ambling Alp [Downloa d]

Song: John Lennon - Give Peace a Chance [Downloa d]

Song: The Youngbloods - Get Together [Downloa d]

The Beatles – I Want You (She’s So Heavy) (Tapes ‘n Tapes Cover)

Jason Grishkoff — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:39:14 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: The Black Keys

Song: The Beatles - I Want You (She's So Heavy) (Tapes 'n Tapes Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

Well holy moly, if we don’t have a fantastically thoughtful and well done cover by Tapes ‘n Tapes here! It’s a hard, bluesy take, quite a bit grungier than the original. Think along the lines of The Black Keys if you will.

“I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” was released in 1969 on Abbey Road, written by John Lennon. Obviously this cover can’t come close to replicating the amazingness of the original, but if you can get past that you’ll likely find that it’s quite an enjoyable listening experience.

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1. Original post: The Beatles – I Want You (She’s So Heavy) (Tapes ‘n Tapes Cover)

2. Posted in: indie rock, blues rock, the black keys, the beatles, tapes n tapes

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Wind – Hathor

Michelle Luksh — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:40:37 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Song: The Wind - Hathor [download here]

What's so good?

The first three seconds clinched my ears into thinking it was a summery impression of Gogol Bordello’s “Through the Roof and Underground,” but as the song gained momentum I was easily reminded of The Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (that I listened to on a cassette tape back in 2005).

Turns out The Wind is your quintessential Long Beach band, mixing their beach town’s laid-back temperament into a binding song full of energy. The song features clapping, whistling, and a cool mix of instrumentals that frame a nice setting for their smooth, surf-sound.

And get this. They are new, unheard, and ready to be put on the map. And while winter is basically here (in the North, at least), there is still room in our daydreaming and wishful thinking to jam out while pretending we are tanning in our favorite bikini.

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1. Original post: The Wind – Hathor

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, surf rock, the beatles

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Tribute to the Beatles Playlist: Paul McCartney in Chicago + 5 Covers

Joshua Mellin — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:00:35 +0000

What act from today might we be still waxing nostalgic about in some 40 years? Below, enjoy an indie rock playlist dedicated to the Beatles, from some of the epic artists of our generation.

What inspired this tribute playlist? I recently saw Paul McCartney live, and felt inspired by his performance. Here’s the story:

The first time The Beatles played in Chicago was on September 5, 1964, at the now defunct International Amphitheater near the Southside stock yards. Reports from the time described their live set as “an unholy bedlam” and “an orgy for teenagers” that allowed “children a mad, erotic world of their own.”

During a press conference on that day in 1964, a local reporter asked the band, “Have you fellas given any thought to what you’re going to do when the bubble breaks, so to speak?” to which Paul simply laughed. It seems strange now, but this was the apprehension The Beatles faced in essentially creating a genre. Forty-seven years later, Chicago welcomed a Beatle with open arms to the friendly confines of famed Wrigley Field.

Paul McCartney would easily top any festival lineup in the world. His two hour, 45 minute-long sets packed the type of energy rivaled by few contemporaries and boasted a catalogue of classic songs that will likely never be matched. Every moment was a highlight, from sing-a-longs on “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be” to exploding rockers like “Band On The Run” and “Back in the U.S.S.R..,” complimented perfectly by lazy summer anthems such as “Dance Tonight” and “Let Me Roll It.”

Throughout the set, Paul held up his many guitars he actually used to record many of the songs some 40 years ago. He showed off his trusted Rickenbacker bass, touted as the same one used to record “Paperback Writer” in 1966, before hammering through a raucous, weighty rendition. The Beatles’ engineer Geoff Emerick described the original recording as “the first time the bass sound had been heard in all its excitement.”

Recounting tales of lost friends, Paul paid honor to those whose time was cut short, jamming out a bit of “Foxy Lady” for Jimi Hendrix to top off “Let Me Roll With It,” breaking out a ukulele for “Something” in honor of George Harrison, and closing the Lennon/McCartney-penned “A Day In The Life” with “Give Peace A Chance.”

Macca also presented a slew of Wings classics such as “Jet” and the fireworks exploding “Live and Let Die,” in honor of the band on the run’s 40th anniversary. Sir Paul also sprinkled in some of his most recent release with The Firemen, “Sing The Changes” that featured a giant illuminated visage of President Obama.

Both nights the set eventually overflowed with Beatles classics into encores which featured “Lady Madonna,” “Day Tripper,” “Get Back,” “Birthday,” and “I Saw Her Standing There.”

Taking in the end of night two from the driveway at the Chicago Fire Department’s engine company No. 78 across the street, there was a special energy in the air around Wrigleyville, a true joy seldom seen on these streets. We spotted a father carrying his daughter on his shoulders so she could someday say she’d witnessed a Beatle; the surrounding area had to be completely shut down the crowds grew so large. It may have been the greatest event the grounds have ever hosted.

Both nights, Sir Paul finished with an acoustic rendition of “Yesterday,” and a screechingly hectic “Helter Skelter” before closing with the apex of rock — the B-side medley from Abbey Road: “Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End”

Be sure to check out pics from Paul McCartney’s performance here:
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1. Original post: Tribute to the Beatles Playlist: Paul McCartney in Chicago + 5 Covers

2. Posted in: indie rock, the black keys, wilco, the beatles, jack white

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Song: Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) - Yesterday (The Beatles Cover) [Downloa d]

With Uncle Tupelo, Tweedy helped found an entire genre of music — cow punk or alternative country — with Wilco, he’s been the mastermind behind some of the generation’s most prolific works. His 2001 masterpiece Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was modeled after the track progression on Abbey Road, with each song seamlessly transitioning to the next. Should Wilco play Wrigley Field in several decades, you’ll be sure to find me front and center.

Song: Jack White - Mother Nature's Son (The Beatles Cover) [Downloa d]

Jack White’s revolutionized garage rock with The White Stripes and with his growing catalogue of songs from the Raconteurs and The Dead Weather. With a sound so unique, Jack doesn’t seem likely to slow his rate of creation and is already well on track to that legendary status. Here he presents the Lennon/McCartney classic at the White House in honor of Sir Paul’s Kennedy Center Honor last summer.

Song: Dave Grohl - Band On The Run (Wings Cover) [Downloa d]

You really can’t top performing an original McCartney tune in front of the man himself, especially when he’s sitting alongside the President of the United States and Stevie Wonder, but thats exactly what Dave Grohl did at the Kennedy Center honors last summer. With a résumé that boasts drummer for Nirvana and a Led Zeppelin bandmate in Them Crooked Vultures (along with Queens of the Stone Age Josh Homme) it’s no surprise that Tom Petty once begged him to join his backing band. Somehow already knocking on legendary status, this week his primary band the Foo Fighters headline the 20th anniversary of Lollapalooza.

Song: The Black Keys - She Said (The Beatles Cover) [Downloa d]

Putting a Beatles cover on your debut album can be a daring move, but this is one of the few covers I actually prefer to the original. An excellent pick for Dan and Patrick to boil down, “She Said” is an already simple song, described by John Lennon as “acidy” — the lyrics were inspired by Jane Fonda during an acid trip with the Byrds in the 60s.

Song: Sufjan Stevens - What Goes On (The Beatles Cover) [Downloa d]

Although he abandoned his 50 states project, a creative soul like Sufjan Stevens will undoubtedly forge a lasting legacy. His take on “What Goes On” was one of the standout tracks on the Rubber Soul 40th Anniversary tribute album.

High Times: 4/20 Playlist

Joshua Mellin — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 22:26:05 +0000

Back in the day, a group of kids used the code “420″ to signal a meetup along the wall outside their San Rafael High School in California. Their goal was to get high at 4:20 pm. In the following 40 years, 4/20 has come to be known as a holiday for stoners. Activists stage rallies in cities across the country to advocate for responsible use of the herb and medical rights. Also, a lot of kids cut class, get high, and listen to music. It’s in this spirit, I present to you, on this finest of holidaze – a playlist that pays homage to the horticultural miracle that is marijuana.

1. Original post: High Times: 4/20 Playlist

2. Posted in: madlib, gorillaz, the beatles, wu-tang clan, snoop dogg

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Song: Bob Marley - Like A Rolling Stone (Bob Dylan cover) [Downloa d]

We simply can’t have a 420 mix without the Rastafarian godfather of reggae Bob Marley. Here’s his take on another famous Bob’s work: Dylan’s masterwork of youthful cynicism “Like A Rolling Stone.” One of the most recognized songs of all time, it changed Dylan’s career immediately. This slower, laid back version is the perfect track to kick our mix off with.

Song: Nas Featuring Damian Marley - As We Enter [Downloa d]

“And I got the guns, I got the ganja/and we could blaze it up on ya block if you wanna/or, haze it up stash box in a hummer.” Carrying the reggae tradition of his father into the next century, the younger Marley Damian joined forces with rapper Nas last year to produce Distant Relatives. Combining hip hop with island sound, they formed a transcendent union of stoner styles.

Song: Sharon Jones - Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) (Kenny Rogers cover) [Downloa d]

“I woke up this mornin’ with the sundown shinin’ in/I found my mind in a brown paper bag within/I tripped on a cloud and fell-a eight miles high/I tore my mind on a jagged sky/I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in.” Written by Mickey Newbury and recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis, this track was originally released in 1967. It was popularized by The First Edition featuring Kenny Rogers in 1968, but didn’t earn its cult following until its use in the Coen brother’s 1998 classic “The Big Lewboski” for a drug induced dream sequence. Here, New York’s retro soul queen Sharon Jones & The Dap Tones turn it out with a fresh funky approach.

Song: Wilco - Handshake Drugs (Live version) [Downloa d]

“Saxophones started blowing me down/I was buried in sound/Taxicabs were driving me around/To the handshake drugs I bought downtown.” Like many Wilco songs, this song starts unassumingly enough. It almost seems to form like an apparition, but eventually builds to an overwhelming crescendo; an impermeable wall of sound.

Song: Kanye West & The Beach Boys - Get 'Em High (Lush Life Remix) [Downloa d]

“And if ya losin yo high than smoke again/KEEP EM HIGH.” It’s that time of the mix, time to slow it down with Lush Sound’s take on Kanye’s “Get Em High.” Although it doesn’t capture the same kind of energy as the original, pairing it alongside The Beach Boys “Don’t Talk” from the iconic 1966 album Pet Sounds adds an interesting sonic level that tickles the eardrums all the more.

Song: Gorillaz & Snoop Dogg - 19-2000 (Remix) [Downloa d]

“I got the rolly on my arm and I’m pouring Chandon/And I roll the best weed cause I got it going on.” Just as much as there couldn’t be a 4/20 mix without Bob Marley, the same could be said for the Doggfather, Snoop (sorry Dre, you didn’t make the cut). Combining the lackadaisical 19-2000 from the Gorillaz 2001 self-titled debut with 2004′s “Drop It Like It’s Hot” forges an instant holidaze classic.

Song: The Beatles & The Wu Tang Clan - C.R.E.A.M. (Tom Caruana remix) [Downloa d]

On Enter The Magical Mystery Chambers, Tom Caruana seamlessly blends Wu-Tang with The Beatles in the same vein as Danger Mouse’s Grey Album (that tied together The White Album with Jay-Z’s Black Album). His approach, however, is to take a more laid back tone.

Song: The Beastie Boys & The Beatles - Hold It Together Now [Downloa d]

“I got friends in high places that are keeping me high.” Continuing in that theme, DJ BC combines The Beastie Boys with the Fab Four creating, of course: The Beastles. The album begins by featuring a White Castle reference in a verse that samples “Come Together,” embodying exactly what 4/20 is all about: togetherness, munchies, The Beatles & The Beasties.

Song: Beck - I'm Waiting For My Man (Velvet Underground cover) [Downloa d]

This song was first released in 1967, brought to us by Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground & Nico and Andy Warhol. Radio stations widely refused to play it because of its subject matter (which is actually about Heroin, but for our purposes its much more innocent). Frankly, I understand that he’s waiting on his man. I mean, everybody’s been there. If you haven’t – let me refer you to this scene from Pineapple Express.

Song: Gnarls Barkley - Blind Mary [Downloa d]

“I love, Mary! (I love Mary)/Blind Mary, marry me (marry me)/I love, Mary! (la lah lah)” Cee-lo and Dangermouse’s carefree tongue-in-cheek ode to Mary was featured on their 2008 album The Odd Couple. You can’t get much more obvious than this song: the man loves his weed.

Radiohead vs The Beatles vs Nicki Minaj – Minaj a Tois (Caught A Ghost Mashup)

Jason Grishkoff — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:12:38 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Song: Radiohead vs The Beatles vs Nicki Minaj - Minaj a Tois (Caught A Ghost Mashup) [download here]

What's so good?

It was inevitable that the remixes of Radiohead’s new album would start flowing in (there’s already a band in LA that has re-recorded/interpreted the entire album, which you can listen to here). One of these remixes to have caught my attention is a mashup, compliments of Caught a Ghost — a new artist also out of LA.

The selection of artists combined is certainly interesting, and the manner in which the song itself starts off somewhat jarring. I find, however, that the disconnect between Radiohead and The Beatles is substantially righted by the introduction of Nicki Minaj’s vocals, which reminds me of a similar song featuring Jose Gonzales, Emancipator and Missy Elliott (today’s bonus). The result is a song that for some reason or the other, I keep wanting to listen to more and more.

You can check out a YouTube video that Caught a Ghost put together by visiting this link.

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1. Original post: Radiohead vs The Beatles vs Nicki Minaj – Minaj a Tois (Caught A Ghost Mashup)

2. Posted in: remixes, mashup, radiohead, the beatles, Nicki Minaj

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Smith Westerns – Dye It Blonde

Christiana Bartolini — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:19:13 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: T. Rex, Girls, Beulah

Song: Smith Westerns - Still New [download here]

What's so good?

Mark my words, Smith Westerns’ Dye It Blonde WILL make numerous 2011 “Best Of” lists. How can it not?! This is as fresh as fresh gets. This Chicago-based band is taking the garage rock scene by storm; their sophomore album hasn’t even hit the market yet (but will on January 18) and yet these guys are already in high demand just from their popular single “Weekend,” and understandably so. I’ve had the opportunity to preview this album, and it is so crisp, so infectious, that it makes me want to puke (in the most complimentary way possible, guys).

So many bands from music’s past run through my head when I listen to this album, namely Beulah, The Beatles, and T. Rex. Who could ask for more?! And not to be an agist, but all of the band members are 21 years old or younger. Fresh minds, fresh perspectives, fresh ambitions. I don’t know why (yet), but I can’t help but think of a kinder, gentler Rocky Horror Picture Show while I’m thoroughly enjoying this album. Perhaps it’s because Dye It Blonde encapsulates the musically creative glam-rock, the funk, the raw love, and the grunge that the movie shamelessly flaunts so confidently. But Smith Westerns had to suck first before they were able to kill and conquer:

Only Max Kakacek had any idea what he was doing, and they were drawing on an extremely limited set of influences. “We got Nuggets and all of that comp stuff,” says Cameron Omori, “and we were like, ‘Oh, this is easy enough. We should rip this off.’ “It was really bad,” he admits. “We sucked. The only reason that we kept on making music was that we were friends with each other. We sucked bad. Bad.” – Miles Raymer, chicagoreader.com

So there you go, kids! They wanted it, they stuck to it, and they got it. Don’t fool yourselves though, Smith Westerns have a gift; whether it’s emulating some of their favorite bands from decades ago, or just mixing a hodge-podge of their influences together, they (now) know what they’re doing. I could go on and on about how immaculate I think this album is, but I’m going to stop now and keep the novelty afloat. Don’t sleep on this album, people! It’ll probably be a much-deserved classic one day.

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1. Original post: Smith Westerns – Dye It Blonde

2. Posted in: lo-fi, garage, grunge, girls, the beatles

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Wu-Tang Clan vs. The Beatles – Forget Me Not

Jason Grishkoff — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:15:53 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Song: Wu-Tang Clan vs The Beatles - Forget Me Not [download here]

What's so good?

Of all the things happening with this track, it’s the guitar that nails me. Not the reggae rhythm guitar. Nope, I mean the Hawaiian-sounding clean, electric guitar. It’s beautiful!

Remixing The Beatles can be tricky. We’ve featured a few unique, successful attempts on Indie Shuffle, but for each of those there are 10 complete disasters out there. Can the same be said for Wu-Tang? To be honest, I’m not so sure about that. It’s as if every track I’ve come across that features overlays of their hip-hop always gets at least one thing right: Wu-Tang. Either way you look at it, Tom Caruana proves one thing with these mashups: he knows how to make them quality, and he knows how to do so repeatedly.

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1. Original post: Wu-Tang Clan vs. The Beatles – Forget Me Not

2. Posted in: mashup, the beatles, wu-tang clan

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Girl Talk – Oh No

Jason Grishkoff — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:19:25 +0000

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Song: Girl Talk - Oh No [download here]

What's so good?

One way to raise eyebrows on the internet is to mash up a number of independently successful artists into a solid track that brings together the best of each world. Another way to raise eyebrows on the internet is to then give away that album for free. Greg Gillis, the man behind Girl Talk, has successfully employed both tactics in his release of All Day.

The album is his fifth, featuring 12 separate tracks and 372 overlapping samples of other artists’ songs. Understandably, Girl Talk requests that we listen to this album as a whole, rather than bit by bit. For sake of making things easier, however, he has been kind enough to break it down into more manageable pieces :-)

You can download the full album here.

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1. Original post: Girl Talk – Oh No

2. Posted in: mashup, jay z, the beatles, girl talk

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Beatles – And I Love Her (Allure Remix)

Jason Grishkoff — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:16:44 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Song: The Beatles - And I Love Her (Allure Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

Parisian phenom Allure just sent over his remix of The Beatles‘ And I Love Her, and he’s quickly becoming one of my favorite producers out there. You’ve got to see this guy live at some point this summer. – Dipped in Dollars

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1. Original post: The Beatles – And I Love Her (Allure Remix)

2. Posted in: remixes, dance, french house, the beatles, neu-disco

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Old Dirty Bastard vs. The Beatles – Got Your Money

Jason Grishkoff — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:15:55 +0000

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Song: Old Dirty Bastard vs. The Beatles - Got Your Money [download here]

What's so good?

Six years later and the Fab Four are mingling with another New York crew—the Wu-Tang Clan. This time it’s not a DJ bringing these two institutions together, but a 28-year-old music teacher from Brighton, England. And rather than sticking with one specific album from each as the source material, Tom Caruana used the artists’ entire catalogs. And I must say what I’ve heard is much more interesting than Danger Mouse’s take. Add the fact that Wu-Tang is far more interesting to listen to than Jay-Z. – The Days of Flore

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1. Original post: Old Dirty Bastard vs. The Beatles – Got Your Money

2. Posted in: hip-hop, remixes, mashup, danger mouse, notorious big

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.