Attention! The Bikephones Best of 2011 will be announced in a few weeks. (I’m playing around with the idea of creating some actual Compact Discs, if there’s any interest out there. Let me know with a comment below if interest exists….)

…

DIE ANTWOORD vs. ILL GATES

Photo from Wikipedia

I came across the following track, and my ears have been glued to it ever since. ill.Gates gets some credit, but honestly I think Die Antwoord should be the focus here.

ill.Gates vs. Die Antwoord “Fok Julle Naaiers”

OK. So, I first heard of this band a few years ago on a podcast I sometimes listen to. The podcast hosts were like “WTF?!” and so I watched the video (below) and was all, like, “WTF?!”

Dude with the fade is Ninja, while his blonde associate is Yo Landi Vi$$er. This video (understandably) went viral nine months following its creation, with the viral reputation allowing their self-released album $O$ to be picked up by Interscope, with a big fancy tour with M.I.A. and so forth. They have now departed Interscope (citing Interscope’s desire to influence their music in a mainstream direction). If you want to read an interesting article about the conundrum that is their rap-rave, half serious/ half satire act, go here. http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/10/die_antwoord.html

Here’s a video from their latest (unremixed) single, Fok Julle Naaiers.  And no, this has nothing to do with Jul, as in Good Jul. Check out the critters they cover themselves in! And the weird costumes. Oh yea, and the beats/rhymes are crazy! WARNING! This is a really weird video, and most certainly not work appropriate….

Check out a SPIN review of five tracks from their upcoming album, TEN$ION.

Anyway, I am beyond fascinated. Weirdo, bizzare rap and satire is a good way to keep me lookin. I would also really like to see a more extensive collaboration between ill.Gates and Die Antwoord…

…

ENTHEOGENIC

From Wikipedia

Since I really (really) don’t know how to follow something like that, here is a totally ambient, tripped-out, vision-journey. Entheogens are chemicals found in psychoactive plants (e.g. peyote), hence I can only assume that the musician’s moniker “Entheogenic” means that the music itself is supposed to induce spirit-journeys. They do. So. Relax after the Die Antwoord onslaught, play this tune, close your eyes and see the spiral of our galaxy from the universe of your mind….

Entheogenic “Body of Light (Sophia Mix)”

…

INVINCIBLE

Invincible “Sledgehammer”

I just came across this rapper (from an article at EARMILK) and like her sound a lot. The novelty of a solo female rap artist is pretty cool, but she’s also hugely talented. Keep your ears trained on this artist, since big things could happen…

…

SOUNDDUO

Photo from Afromonk

Afromonk (a blogger and sometimes music producer) recently wrote about Soundduo a glitchy, world music, producer that has created a great down-tempo dub track. Flordia-based Sounduo’s work has a really polished quality, reminiscent of Banco de Gaia and some of the instrumentals of late-90′s ambient.

“I Would Do Anything” carries on in the vein of Entheogenic before this to further relax the crap out of you (figuratively not literally).

Afromonk “Soundduo – I would do anything”

…

THE NEVER ENDING BEGINNING

Photo from Hometapes

Here’s a “Holiday”/ “December” album from Hometapes (Available For $0 to lots of $). There’s a whole range of stuff on here – shoegazing low-fi tunes (Collections of Colonies of Bees “Jolly Olde St. Nicholas”) and cool awesomeness (Zorch “Last Christmas”).

However, anyone/anything covering Mannheim Steamroller gets an automatic pass to the Koss Porta Pro headphones that pipe tunes into my noggin. Are you freakin kidding me? Covering Mannheim Steamroller?! All the Tiny Creatures does an impressive job recreating the Electric Lights Parade sound that Mannheim Steamroller really has nailed down – with a few touches of their own (e.g. progressive 8-bit NES sounds). The tune gets repetitive towards the end, but hey, so does Mannheim Steamroller

Another favorite is CYNE’s “Boxing Day”. Though this isn’t a traditional Holiday tune (as far as I know), its still great. Its more of a song about the holidays, than a holiday song.

CYNE “Boxing Day”

Go to their Bandcamp page and get pumped for some Holiday madness!

…

ZEDS DEAD

Photo from Facebook, credit to Louis Saturnino

I’ve featured Zeds Dead before, their progressive electro-dubstep-glitchiness has become a staple for my runs/bikes/whatevers with a fun interesting danceable beat.

Here’s a 20+ minute session from a recent appearance on “Rob Da Bank”

Zeds Dead Rob Da Bank Session

… 

LOUIS LA ROCHE

Photo from Last.fm

Reminiscent of Tyson (from a previous post), and Sam Sparro’s jazzy gospel vocals, this upbeat track is great.

Louis La Rouche “F.U.B.A.R.”

… 

NAXON

Photo from Naxon’s Soundcloud page

I dithered about whether to include this track in this week’s post, but based on how many times I’ve preferentially listened to this mix throughout the week, I decided that I’d better share it. Its a standard dubstep set, with Naxon (half of Stockholm’s Death electro, read; Dödelectro). This was the soundtrack to my run around my neighborhood this week, so strap some glow sticks to your ankles and go dubstep your own neighborhood. (Its long, so if you want to fast-forward to the next songs, go for it… I won’t take offense).

Naxon “Rude Autumn Bastard Mixtape”

 …

GLITCH MOB FEAT. THEOPHILUS LONDON

Photo from ThisSongisSick

I don’t even know why i’m writing anything, since the artists should be enough for you to listen, BUT let me just say that I’m really liking this genre-busting going on between electronic and hip hop artists. I know I’m an Adam Tensta fanboy, but its good to see other artists emulating that model. Also… speaking of Adam Tensta, is it just me or does it sound like an Adam Tensta sample of “what it do” at 3:41?

GO!

Glitch Mob  ”Black Aura (feat. Theophilus London)”

 …

ADAM TENSTA

Photo from Adam Tensta’s Soundcloud page

Was somebody talking about Adam Tensta?! AT posted this on Facebook before he went to a show last night. This updated remix of the song from his latest album (Scared of the Dark), has some new lyrics, and features some additions from Eboi.

Adam Tensta “Sh#t To Do (Tommy Tee Remix w/ Eboi)”

…

SKRILLEX

Photo from ThisisFanatical

So, this sounds nothing like Skrillex, and even the original of this song, does not sound like Skrillex. Honestly, it sounds like Daft Punk more than anything else, but this upbeat electro will put a bounce in your chilled-to-the-bone feet.

Skrillex “Drop Dead (Blende remix)”

…

COMMON FEAT. JOHN LEGEND

Photo from Wikipedia

Apparently I’m just going to blog about every song on Common’s new album ahead of its late December release. Well… I guess you’re just gonna have to deal with it. John Legend’s gospel voice is powerful and lifts this piece above normal. I can’t wait.

[THIS LINK HAS BEEN REMOVED]

Common feat. John Legend “Believer”

…

PHM on Cityscape Sessions

Photo from Cityscape Sessions Soundcloud page

To use the parlance of Adam Tensta, I had lots of sh#t to do this week. So I’ve been hitting the grind-stone work wise, and this mixtape gave me the trance-like focus I needed.

PHM is a Bulgarian DJ, who just released an album on Canadian Label “Wide Angle.” His sounds are atmospheric, glitchy, and progressive. Plug in and enjoy… and, if you’re so inclined check out his album here. http://www.wideanglerecordings.com/

PHM mix in Cityscape Sessions

…

NACHO PICASSO

Photo from the Much Music blog

Okay. So, Nacho Picasso delivers some dark, gritty imagery in his rap. A Seattle rapper who is unabashedly a jerk in his songs put together a solid LP with “For the Glory”, using the instrumental production of Blue Sky Black Death & Raised By Wolves (see below).

The down-tempo beats, creative rhymes, solid production, and comic book references made this an unexpected entry this week. If you can get past the misogyny, you might be able to like N.P.

Nacho Picasso “Moor Gang (feat. Jarv Dee)”

Nacho Picasso “Sweaters” (mostly because he references an “Ong Bak attack”… seriously?!)

…

BLUE SKY BLACK DEATH & RAISED BY WOLVES

Photo from We Fear Change

Blue Sky Black Death (BSBD) came onto my radar earlier this year with their song “Sleeping Children Are Still Flying”, which is probably going to be in my top 25 of 2011. Awesome stuff.

Regardless, BSBD teamed up with Raised by Wolves (RBW, a disco/house act from Leeds, UK) to create the incredible instrumentals for Nacho Picasso’s previously mentioned full LP. The FREE DOWNLOAD above includes a full set of instrumental-only tracks, which is worth the FREE DOWNLOAD on its own.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

BSBD + RBW “NumbNuts (Instrumental)”

BSBD + RBW “For the Glory (Instrumental)”

…

DOOMSTARKS

Photo from Death and Taxes

D. Dumile, also known as Madvillain, King Geedorah, and most notably MF Doom, released a long awaited collaboration track with Ghostface Killah, aka Tony Starks. After well over a year of rumors and discussions and recordings, this track “Victory Laps” is the first single to be released on what is supposed to be a full LP. Excellent work and worth the wait – I hope the full LP comes out sooner than later!

MF Doom & Tony Starks “Victory Laps”

…

COMMON

Photo from Wikipedia

Common has long been one of my favorite hip hop artists, intelligent lyrics, and progressive attitude towards stemming anti-gay slang (yea I know, I’m a total hypocrite since I just posted the Nacho Picasso songs…. I’m not perfect :-/ )

His upcoming album “The Dreamer, The Believer” promises to be off the hook (can I still say that?) with tracks like “Ghetto Dreams” and “Celebrate”, both incl. below. “Ghetto Dreams” has a brassy, classic instrumental and features one of my favorite rappers, NAS. Essentially Common paints a picture of his dream woman… I think?

“Celebrate” is a feel good tune with piano instrumentals, gospel singers, and lots of of major key goodness. I have a hunch that’s gonna be a mainstay on my playlists when I’m looking to feel good.

Common “Ghetto Dreams (Feat. NAS)”

Common “Celebrate”

…

PAT LOK

Photo from Mansta World

Okay. so this is just a plain old good bouncy disco track. With a start that sounds like the beginning of the Ducktails TV show theme song, Pat Lok’s “No Shame” has been remixed by OHYEAH to make a highly roller-skateable track that will get you seat dancing in no time.

Play this, relax, and reset for the next track (which is not light and bouncy).

No Shame (OHYEAH Remix)

…

SALEM

Photo from Prefix Mag

Okay, now that you’re all upbeat, time to go down again! Remember that song “Better Off Alone” from like ten years ago? What do you think would happen if you put it in a Cuisinart, with a bottle of painkillers and tormented dreams? This song!

Salem takes the tune and lyrics from the upbeat dance tune and rewires the whole thing to sound like the tormented dreams of the antagonist from Silence of the Lambs. Take a listen…

Salem “Better Off Alone”

…

MIKE WOODWARD

http://www.tiltmag.com/2011/11/mike-woodward-prism-disco-mixtape.html

Time to get upbeat! Mike Woodward, one of the curators (?) at Tiltmag.com produced this upbeat mixtape, with lots of disco tracks (many of which that might be familiar to Bikephones listeners). The tape is all disco and house (check the soundcloud link for full tracklisting), so it might be little much for those who don’t like repetitive music, but hey, that’s not me   Enjoy and Happy Tuesday!

Mike Woodward “Prism Disco Mixtape”

EBOI

Many weeks ago I posted a song by Eboi where he rapped about immigration issues in Sweden. Informative and cool. This one echoes that sentiment but reflects the angst and frustration of the London riots. The song came out within a week or two of the riots. I’m just slow as Sh#t on this, since i haven’t posted anything lately.

Eboi “On My London Sh#t”

POPESKA

Remember Worm’s first track from last week? Well this is reminiscent of that… This one is definitely a little more non-transformer danceable, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to kiss the all spark before you try and hit the floor.

Popeska “Knives To A Gunfight”

XV

I already knew I liked XV because of a collaboration earlier this year with Pusha T. – “Awesome (Remix, Feat. Pusha T.)”. However, this song surprised me because its a totally different sound, a lot more low-fi, and well lets just say Inception’s EPIC score features prominently.

XV “The Kick (prod. by DJ Tech-Neek)”

DMZO

Up until this year I wasn’t really aware that anyone other than Girltalk was known for mashing songs up. Maybe I should be embarrassed about this. Whatever. The point is, there are some very cool mashup artists out there, and DMZO is among them. This track is a mix of dance, electronica, grind, and house. Surprisingly good, with rather high production quality.

DMZO “Fuck it, There’s No Sleeping”

Also, here’s a dustup mashup by DMZO of Ludacris “Get Low” and LMFAO “Party Rock Anthem”. Depending on my mood, I like this one more than the last one.

DMZO Dubmash

JDP and ADAM TENSTA

I know, what would a Biking with Headphones post be without an AT track? Am I right? OF COURSE I AM.  Technically speaking this is JDP collaboration with Tensta, but as usual, AT overshadows pretty much anyone else. The references are classic and its just a plain old fun song

JDP feat. Adam Tensta “1987″

PAUL OAKENFOLD

I’ve been working a lot lately, and the music that (still) gets me through a tough writing and/or thinking session is Paul Oakenfold. His brand of trance is, for whatever reason, unique in my ears. He was my gateway drug into electronic music, and he still is an excellent DJ. He has a series of long DJ sets under the name of his label (Perfecto Fluoro) and a new set posted monthly. Listen, and do whatever it is you do when your mind escapes your physical form.

Paul Oakenfold “Full On Fluoro – 05 September 2011″

Since P$t has been busy with other things, I thought I would lend a hand on this internet-text-journal-thingy and try to help bridge the gap until he can scrape up some free time.  Now before you shout “Who is this imposter!” at your computer screen, let me introduce myself – I am Worm (a.k.a. the guy who introduced P$t to Kavinsky, etc).  Anyway, I figure I would start our first sojourn together with some dubstep.  I didn’t really know about dubstep until earlier this year, when the trailer for “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” came out.  The franchise is seemingly a perfect fit for the style of music; very mechanized, yet it takes on a chaotic life of it’s own.  The song in said trailer is the 16bit remix of “Machine Gun” by Noisia.

Since then, I have scoured the web for the best of this genre, and have found many gems.  I have discovered that it’s easier to describe dubstep not by what you hear, but what it does to you.  Whether it be your speakers, ears, brain, or bowels; good dubstep will wreck your shit. It can be completely jarring at times, but that’s exactly what the artist wants.

SKRILLEX

Skrillex is an up-and-coming DJ that was signed to mau5trap Records after having only one previous independent record.  His first release through mau5trap is “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” which can currently be heard in a commercial for Canon.  The track “First of the Year (Equinox)” by Skrillex is off of his latest EP, More Monsters and Sprites.  It lulls you in with a slow beat and stuttered vocal samples, followed by a sprinkling of piano.  Before you can really process the robotic dubbing of the vocals, a bloodcurdling scream precedes a downright dirty drop.  That’s when things get fun.

Skrillex “First of the Year (Equinox)”

Skrillex “Scary Monsters Nice Sprites”

KASKADE:

Kaskade is a house DJ also in the mau5trap family, and one of my favorites on the scene.  He’s had some club hits with “Move for Me,” “Angel on my Shoulder,” and “I Remember” to name a few.  He recently did a remix of “Call Your Girlfriend” by Robyn (yes, that Robyn), which she released earlier in the year, and it’s been on heavy rotation in my playlist.  Robyn’s voice lends itself very well to the house genre, and Kaskade provides a great backing track that could get Reverend Shaw on the dance floor (go see Footloose, in theaters now!).

Robyn “Call Your Girlfriend (Kaskade remix)”

AL BIZZARE:

Al Bizzare are an electro duo from Russia whom I stumbled upon just the other day.  While sampling their catalog I found “My Way.”  The ethereal vocals give the track a distinctly trance-feel to it, but the synth melody hints to their more typical electro style.

DRIVEPILOT:

I know P$t loves those retro-electro artists that are synth-heavy and could play during a Tron light bike race.  Canadian born (now Portland-based) Nick Edwards, a.k.a. Drivepilot, takes that essence and turns in into something a little darker.  One of the tags on his Soundcloud page shows “Electro/Dubstep/Rock,” which pretty much means it’s damn hard to describe how he sounds, so my earlier attempt might be way off-base.  “Sentinel” from his latest EP Retaliation provides a driving heavy-synth beat, but does so in a way that makes it seem like he could be Kavinsky’s evil twin.

Drivpilot “Sentinel”

The next track “Rx” has a bit more of a dubstep influence to it.  It has more down-tempo beat and incorporates more distortion and “wah-wah’s.”  Imagine an army of robots on a death march.  Just about all of Drivepilot’s catalog can be found on his Soundcloud page, so if you like what you hear there’s plenty more where that came from.

Drivepilot “Rx”

I have to say, although it is fun, I don’t envy P$t for attempting to do this on a regular basis.  This entry alone has taken me a few days to put together (not including a sick day).  However, I did enjoy getting this music out there for others to listen.  I hope I have served as a suitable replacement, because once I encounter some new music I might do this again whether you like it or not.  I will leave you with the song “Spectrelight” from Mastodon’s latest album The Hunter, because while my ears may currently belong to techno, my heart will always belong to metal.

Mastodon “Spectrelight”

So, I picked some tunes this week that I have actually listened to their content

We’ve got a remix from BWH favorite Adam Tensta, as well as his compatriot, Eboi. We’ve also got some slower, lo-fi music with the Long Winters and Young Galaxy. (There’s also a few standard electronica tracks, you know, for good measure).

THE LONG WINTERS

OK. So, I heard this song like 4 years ago (on Seattle Public Radio), and haven’t really shared my reaction with a ton of people. Close your eyes and listen…

The Long Winters “The Commander Thinks Aloud”

So, yea. The song is about the astronauts in the space shuttle Columbia disaster. The lyrics are emotionally intense, perhaps especially because the Long Winter’s front man John Roderick’s voice captures the joy of coming home only to be punctuated by not making it. Listen to this song again and feel.

I’m pretty sure I called my mom right after this song to tell her that I loved her; she was summarily weirded out, but I felt I needed to do it. If you feel so moved by this song, act. You never know when things will change unexpectedly.

YOUNG GALAXY

Remember a few months ago, when I posted about Young Galaxy? The band that has a lead singer that sounds like a moodier Sarah Maclaclan?  Well, they’re back with a new remix by Adam & The Amethysts. Turn up the volume – specifically the bass – on this track, and sit back, relax, and listen.  I’m a big fan of soundscapes, and Adam & The Amethysts crafted something beautiful here, with a slow Sade-esque baseline and gliding synths interspersed with the electronically modified vocals. Oh yea, and listen to the lyrics… they’re really good.

Young Galaxy “We Have Everything (Adam & the Amethysts Remix)”

I’m pretty sure I bought the legit version on iTunes since I wanted the full audio quality… its totes worth it.

THEM JEANS

Now, to change directions …. I have never heard of Them Jeans, and probably never would have, it hadn’t been for the fact that Adam Tensta’s remix was included on a recent mixtape (as featured in a previous BWH post). I emailed Babak Azarmi (Manager of Respect My Hustle, Tensta’s label), to find out when the mixtape will be posted, and he replied that it would be this week…. and I’ve seen NOTHING! So, in the absence of that posting, I’ve sleuthed out the different parts of the mixtape…

This remix of Them Jeans’ Balloons has an awesome rhythm and seems like it could be perfect for a wacky car chase seen (a la Snatch) in some foreign land.

Them Jeans “Balloons (Adam Tensta Remix)”

…Again, I bought this on iTunes since I wasn’t satisfied with the whole youtube.com only interface (and hey, I wanna support the artists to keep up dope collaborations like this!)

And here is another track from the mixtape; Adam Tensta’s “The Monkey” remixed superbly (?) by Owl Vision.

Adam Tensta “The Monkey (Owl Vision)”

EBOI

Here is an unreleased (except on Soundcloud) from Eboi (fellow member of Respect My Hustle, w/ Adam Tensta). His flow is fast, and he almost always tells a story in his songs. This one (not surprisingly based on the title) is about Immigrants in Sweden. As in many places, the dynamics created by non-integrationist policies, have created a generation of dis-enfranchised youth and the issues that come part-and-parcel; gangs, mis-trust between ethnic Swedes and immigrant ethnicities, and immigrant enclaves (ghetto doesn’t really seem appropriate, base on my experiences from living in two minority dominated sections of Stockholm).

Eboi “Immigrants”

Also check out his “Quick Master” of Superman.

Eboi “Superman”

COYOTE KISSES

Enough of this meaningful stuff. My soul is tired now. So, here is a good old-fashioned, well… not really old-fashioned at all…. dance floor banger. Coyote Kisses lays down the grind with this glitchy, dubstep video game soundtrack. Listen to this song while touching the All-Spark and transform yourself into an intergalactic robotic dance machine.

Coyote Kisses “Acid Wølfpack”

BODY GOLD

This is definitely a song I would normally pick; Upbeat vocals, with interesting bongo drums, and airy synths. But then I listened to the lyrics… are BWH songs always like this?! This one is about “coming back down” to a grave (I think). Boy, I’m a weirdo.  Anyway, listen to the lyrics, and contemplate their meaning; or don’t listen to the lyrics, and dance around like a clueless monkey* (my choice).

Body Gold “Alabaster Bodyworlds”

* Biking With Headphones is not suggesting that all monkeys are in fact clueless, only the ones that dance to upbeat songs without comprehending the subtle meaning of the lyrics they contain.

NON-FAT URBAN SOUNDTRACK

So, I was fretting the last few days, because I couldn’t find a mixtape to end my post with, and low and behold, it was in front of me the whole time…

Earmilk.com (one of my favorite sites to peruse for BWH) has had a series called the Non-fat Urban Soundtrack, and it does not disappoint. A mixture of electronic, glitch, rap, hip hop and spoken rhymes, this mixtape is what it says: An Urban Soundtrack. Enjoy the weekend!

FIRST, I didn’t post on-time >: o

SECOND, I was exposed to some sweet music.

This week we’ve got BWH’s normal electro-disco stylings, complemented by some folk, hip hop, indie-original-never-before-heard-stuff. (As usual, to cancel unwanted comments, click the dialog bubble in the lower left of the Soundcloud window)

. . .

BOB DYLAN

I’ve never really listened to much Bob Dylan. This is now a short-coming that I’ve been made aware of, and will soon rectify.  At the wedding that I mentioned above, my fiancee’s sister’s brother played a 30 minute pre-wedding set of tunes, and this was among them. Now, its been on repeat for the last few days as I memorize it to play it on the banjo… but thats another story.

The lyrics, mellow acoustic sound, and the harmonica make this memorable and haunting. Now, go find a North Country Girl (or Boy).

Bob Dylan “Girl from the North Country”

. . .

THEOPHILUS LONDON

Its weird how music comes and goes. I came across this tune months ago, but didn’t post it, perhaps because I wasn’t doing the Friday Music thing yet. However, a faithful BWH reader (we’ll call him… Mr. Hollywood), posted this to the Book of Faces, and I’m reminded of how dope this track is. Much like my Dylan Resolution above, I gotta remember to keep my eyes on especially awesome musicians that I come across, because it is likely that they will continue making awesome music.

Pump this through your boombox as you hang out on the beach/ stoop/ porch/ back lawn/ park bench/ etc.

Theophilus London “Flying Overseas (feat. Devonté Hynes & Solange Knowles)”

Oh yea, and watch this AWESOME video (again, thanks Mr. Hollywood)…

Theophilus London “Flying Overseas”

. . .

LBCK

OK. Enough of this chil, mellow, awesome stuff. Time for some good old fashioned electro-disco. New-to-me band LBCK joins us with some truly Daft Punk-esque tunes. The bouncy synth-heavy track positively challenges you to remain glum and while listening to it. You can’t do it, so don’t even try.

Aside from Daft Punk, I definitely hear something that sounds like Shook around the 2 minute mark. Awesome stuff!

LBCK “Disco Thrills”

. . .

TYSON

Like the other track challenges you to remain glum while listening to it, Tyson challenges you to not experience a really intense montage while you listen to his song “Fight”. As soon as Tyson busted in with his first wail, Jackie Chan busted through the wall next to my desk, and after a quick, but serious, eye-wrestling match, we smiled and I became his new apprentice. Then, through a series of choppy, spliced together scenes, I learned (via trial and error) what it takes to be the best drunken boxer in the world. Along the way I convinced my love interest that I have what it takes to be her match, while also passing a test, and developing the self-confidence I need to face the neighborhood bullies….

Oops.

That’s Karate Kid.

Anyway, listen to this and experience your very own (plagiarized) montage.

Tyson “Fight”

. . .

VINO VERITAS

This is a Biking With Headphones first: World, I’d like to introduce you to Vino Veritas (the stage moniker of Nate Barnes) an indie/rock Nashville musician who writes, records, and produces his own music.  This is a universe-wide exclusive of his tune “Cannonball Along.” Thoughtful lyrics, soulful delivery, and a catchy tune make this a “Jesus-I-can’t-take-it-off-repeat” type of song. Lets see some more like this VV.

Vino Veritas “Cannonball Along”

. . .

NAXON

So, seeing as how I worship at the altar of all things related to Adam Tensta, here is a mixtape that was tweeted by Adam Tensta. It was posted by Naxon who writes on the Deathelectro blog (or in Swedish: Dödselectro… http://deathelectro.com/naxon/).  ITs not chill, so definitely put on your Parkour shoes, and go claim some pavement for yourself

Naxon “August 2011 Awakening Mixtape”

So…yesterday, I was Running With Headphones, and I realized there were a bunch of tunes that I totally dig while I’m running, but may or may not have EVER posted anything about them… And thats not fair to my four and a half readers. So this week I added my favorite tunes for hitting the pavement, in addition to some other non-pavement-hitting tunes.

KAVINSKY

Yes, I’ve blogged about Kavinsky before, and this is my favorite track of his. Wayfarer is from his 1986 album, and embodies everything I love about Kavinsky: Fast paced mechanical laser-cycle synth, classic Tron ambience, and the occasional sound of a computerized revving engine.

Anyway, put this on repeat and go conquer whatever land, sea, or air (or time!?) happens to be around you.

Kavinsky “Wayfarer”

BT

Last year BT released his two-disc opus “These Hopeful Machines” to (as usual) much critical acclaim. It was awesome, ground-breaking, etc. (Seriously, if you haven’t listened to it, Do.)

“Suddenly” was the first track on the album, and was remixed copiously ahead of the album release, and my favorite remix was hands down the Celldweller Mix (thanks for the tip Worm).  Think BT’s special brand of electronica mixed with Metal (the throaty angry scream-singing, slashing guitars, double bass, etc.)  Awesome.

BT “Suddenly (Celldweller Mix)”

PHONAT

Change-up. This song is a great piece, of daft-punk style electronic music. Its groovy, and perfect for a good 4+ minute break-dancing session – - Or trying to pop and lock (and failing) in front of the mirror. No judgement here.

Turn this on, and unleash your inner-b-boy.

Phonat “Love Hits the Fan”

…Also, here’s the video. Its kick ass, and you need to watch it in HD.

Phonat “Love Hits the Fan”

CAITLYN HESSEL

OKAY. Enough exercise with headphones, lets focus on some soul searching for the next 3:57.  This song is haunting and deeply affecting. Caitlyn Hessel’s smooth vocals, acoustic guitar, and genuine emotional delivery makes this piece a put on repeat and think track.

Sorry…I looked and looked and looked, but I could not find a streaming version of this that I could embed here, so follow the link and find a whole bunch of tracks that are worth listening to.

Caitlyn Hessel “Always There (Original Mix)”

…

HEYOKA

I listen to this awesome podcast (occasionally) called Mysterious Universe which explores paranormal news topics. Its a nice recreational break from the normal heavy, reality work I do. Anyway, aside from totally out-there stories, the producers always play choice music. This one is no exception, just make sure you turn up the bass, because this one is gonna make you want to get into some sort of big dirty dance pit.

Heyoka “Micron”

GOTYE

I haven’t been able to turn this song off. Like all week… I’m not usually a fan of this kind of music (well thats not really true is it, since this is a lot like Little Dragon), but the guy’s vocals just grabbed me and kept bringing me back in. If you want to ruminate about a bad break-up, this ones for you.

Gotye “Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra)”

Gotye “Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra)”

PAUL OAKENFOLD

And, because I’m in the mood for old-school beats that I listen to a lot, here is one of my favorite Paul Oakenfold Essential Mixes. Its from his 1999 world tour, and the show was presented on Pete Tong’s BBC One radio show. Grab your glow sticks and go!

Paul Oakenfold Essential Mix Live @ Gatecrasher 1999

(As usual, click the dialog bubble in the lower right corner of the Soundcloud windows to eliminate the comments)

M83

M83 has been a longtime favorite of mine, and the first single off the new album (Hurry Up, I’m Dreaming) is right on target for what we’ve come to expect from their nu-gazing sound – swarming synths, snare-heavy drumkits, and vocals that slide around in the background. Download the single for free on their website, and go ahead and put the song on repeat for the entire weekend while you run around with your shirt off, silently screaming about the insanity of it all. Also, relax as the weirdo cover art haunts your dreams… forever.

m83 “Midnight City”

Also, here’s a Christian Strobe Remix that adds a little more dance-ability…

m83 “Midnight City (Christian Strobe Remix)”

OLIVER

Lets stick with the electronica… here is Oliver. This tune is some good 80′s synth night-crusing music. So put on your mustache and strap on the laser powered roller skates and go for a sweet midnight ride along the paved multi-use trail of your choice.

Oliver “I Need You”

THE BULLITS feat. JAY ELECTRONICA & LUCY LIU

Odd combo here, with electronic, hip hop, and one of Charlie’s Angels, but HEY, who am I to prevent you from awesome music. Watch the video at your own risk (disturbing artistic imagery of a barber straight razor and an eye).

Lucy Liu’s spoken vocals interwoven with the lyrical deliver of Jay Electronica makes this collaboration spot on. I hope to see more from them in the future!

The Bullitts feat. Lucy Liu & Jay Electronica “Close Your Eyes”

LITTLE DRAGON

This group has been featured on this blog before, but their work warrants another post. Yukimi Nagano’s vocals are (as usual) haunting and essential to this track. “Shuffle a Dream” has the feel of a jazz tune thats been a little poppified w/ their Swedish brand of electronica. If you like this, support the band by buying their recent album “Ritual Union” on which you will find this song!

Little Dragon “Shuffle a Dream”

GLASSER

So, I wanted to find some dubstep to put on here, but I didn’t want to just post any old thing. This track by (new to me) artist Glasser, and remixed by Jaime XX, provides a happy medium between dubby and indie. Hopefully I don’t offend any hardcore dubstep fanatics (or indie fanatics for that matter). If I do, SO BE IT.

Glasser “Tremel (Jaime XX Remix)”

FRENCH HORN REBELLION

How could I not post a track by a group called FRENCH HORN REBELLION! Their sound is funky, like Justin Faust meets Lazer Sword with vocals.. too esoteric? Anyway, listen to this and start your own space funk party, wherever you happen to find yourself.

French Horn Rebellion “This Moment”

IDAN RAICHEL PROJECT

So, I couldn’t let you get off the hook without at least one song from my travels. This is a song by Idan Raichel, an Israeli who blends music from Hebrew, Arabic, and Ethiopian traditions.  This song in particular was a popular one among my new Jewish friends, and I really liked the blend of styles not to mention the talented vocals.

Idan Raichel “Mima’amakim”

GABRIEL & DRESDEN

And, what’s become a tradition here at Bikephones is the G&D Finale mix. Here is there set from the Electric Daisy Carnival in Dallas.

LETS AGREE TO START ANEW!

Here we’ve got some solid stand-bys: Futurecop!, Gabriel & Dresden, and Adam Tensta (!), with a few newbies: Wilderness of Manitoba, Toxic Avenger and Joypopp. (As usual, click the “dialog bubble” in the lower right corner of the Soundcloud window, to hide all the comments.)

FUTURECOP + OWL VISION

Futurecop! doesn’t really need an introduction on this blog, but in case you’re new (welcome by the way), Futurecop! is a mainstay in  dreamwave/ electropop. Futuristic, synthy beats that are usually perfect for pretending to be, or actually being, a hipster in a light beer-fueled, sun drenched, beach volleyball tournament.

Owl Vision, is known to me by way of his remixing of Adam Tensta’s recent release, The Monkey (as seen in previous posts).  Here we’ve got the techno of OV mixing with F!… for a nice introduction to this week’s Music list.  Now, put this on your Walkman, and go play some beach volleyball/ pre-funk Karaoke/ sit morosely in your room with a moleskine notebook while ironically listening to pop music.

Futurecop! “Starworshipper (Owl Vision Remix)”

And, now here is an unmixed Owl Vision track, for dancing like an Autobot!

Owl Vision “Dancing”

… And if you’d rather dance like a decepticon (by the illustrious Toxic Avenger, remixed by Owl Vision)…

Toxic Avenger “Toxic is Dead (Owl Vision Remix)”

 …

ACTIVE CHILD

[Awkward change in music] Active Child + Classixx creates a song that sounds like its right out of a 70′s-era B (C?) movie love scene. Active Child’s falsetto vocals with Classixx’ synth and drumkits makes this tune sound perfect for a shag carpet shag.

Active Child “When Your Love Is Safe (Classixx Remix)”

…

JOYPOPP

So, here’s a French music (musique?) producer who has had her work remixed by Short Circuit.  Apparently I’m in some sort of mood, because this also sounds like something that you might listen to while on The Shag; although, its distinctly more robotic. So take a listen, and meditate on this “Where do Baby Robots Come From?”***

Joypopp “Volupte (Short Circuit Remix)”

***”THE ALL-SPARK” is not an acceptable answer.

…

ADAM TENSTA

Adam Tensta is a household name around here. I even already posted this album, but now its on Soundcloud, so I’m reposting it. DEAL WITH IT. For those who are uninitiated: Adam Tensta (a Swedish Rapper of Nigerian and Finnish descent) produced this album in 2004 with his label RMH (Respect My Hustle), in Stockholm.  The sound is crazy different from his current electronic/techno infused hip hop. This has the feel of early hip-hop with lots of snares, down-tempo lyrics, and brassy samples.

I’d love to see a collaboration between Adam Tensta and MF Doom; probably unlikely, but a boy can dream.

Adam Tensta “My Revolution”

…

THE WILDERNESS OF MANITOBA

This Canadia-based band has a sound that is acoustic, melancholy and haunting. I just couldn’t turn this song off… so as it repeated for nearly an hour, it methodically bored into my soul. Pour yourself a bottle of Whiskey and listen.

The Wilderness of Manitoba “Hermit”

…

GABRIEL AND DRESDEN

All done feeling teary eyed? Are you drunk on Whiskey yet?  Good. Now pour yourself four shots of vodka, and get ready to go clubbing.

It should not be a surprise to see these two fellas here. Gabriel & Dresden’s work is outstanding, and I’m glad to see them producing together again. Dump this mix on your iPod, and go hit the clubs!…. or…… go for a long, trancewalkabout around your nearest wooded area; Come back and share the knowledge you acquire…

Gabriel & Dresden “NYE 2011 at Hollywood Palladium”