Well, as you probably noticed, Thunder Penguin has taken a few weeks off. Something about going the Patagonia’s wireless connection, no doubt. But never fear, the little manbird has returned to round up the end of the month’s hottest jams. Dig in…
Aaliyah: “Rock the Boat” (Tony Quattro Refix), digital release
The NY-based DJ crafts an airy, engulfing new take on one of the ultimate classics of modern R&B. More than ten years since its release, “Rock the Boat” continues to sounds aeons ahead of its time.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/50412957″ iframe=”true” /]
AlunaGeorge: “Your Drums, Your Love” (Friendly Fires Remix) from Your Drums, Your Love single (out 10/7 on TriAngle)
The St. Albans trio have long been flexing their significant remixing muscles, and their most recent is one of their best. A brilliant re-work of one of the songs of 2012.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/61099272″ iframe=”true” /]
alt-j: “Tessellate” (SARM Acoustic Version), original from An Awesome Wave (out now on Infectious)
A stripped down take on one of the best take of the year. Though they haven’t received a lot of love in the American press, An Awesome Wave remains one of the most idea-packed, versatile albums of the year.
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Andy Stott: “Numb” from Luxury Problems (out 10/29 on Modern Love)
The debut single from the esoteric Brit’s highly-anticipated follow-up to his stunning discs, Pass Me By and We Stay Together (both 2011). One of the most thrilling, challenging, unique voices in dance music.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/61249145″ iframe=”true” /]
Chief Keef, Kanye West, Pusha T, Jadakiss, Big Sean: “Don’t Like” (Remix) from Cruel Summer (out now on G.O.O.D. Music)
Though Kanye and co.’s hotly-anticipated Cruel Summer was a bit of a damp squib, it yielded some massive singles. And none were bigger than this monstrous re-touch of the biggest hip-hop song of the year. Expressing the rage and chaos of one of Chicago’s bloodiest summers ever, Keef’s original is both a sad indictment of the state of many parts of the city and an example of Chuck D’s assertion that hip-hop is the CNN of the Ghetto.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/45012571″ iframe=”true” /]
CHVRCHES: “The Mother We Share” from The Mother We Share (out 11/5 on National Anthem)
Sky Ferriera isn’t the only artist who recently dropped an undeniable synth-pop single this quarter. This Scottish group’s break-out single will bounce, burrow, and wriggle its way through your earbuds and into your heart. An absolute earworm.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/60173536″ iframe=”true” /]
Crystal Castles: “Wrath of God” from III (out 11/8 on Casablanca)
Though their style is very much indie dance á la mode, the Canadian duo still sport a sound all their own. They’ve always been brilliant at creating moods, and Alice Glass’ feral shriek is still captivating.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/61267542″ iframe=”true” /]
Dan Bodan: “DP” from DP/Aaron (single) (out now on DFA)
I know it’s been out for a while, but not enough people are talking about this Canadian crooner’s graceful sound. Channeling past luminaries like Bryan Ferry and Arthur Russel, Bodan’s vocal twinkles above a deft piano line with arresting ease. Perfect.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/54883249″ iframe=”true” /]
Plenty more after the jump….
Danny Brown: “Change” from Danny Johnson (out soon on New World Color)
Just when we think we’ve got dude figured out, Danny flips it on us with this ultra-smooth, down-tempo rumination. If there’s any rapper on the planet you should be listening to right now, it’s Danny. Also, extra points for dealing with a lot of the same issues Deion Sanders was on his immortal “Must Be The Money.”
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/59448148″ iframe=”true” /]
Grizzly Bear: “Sun In Your Eyes” from Shields (out now on Warp)
The monumental closer of Shields — what may stand to become the group’s defining statement — “Sun in Your Eyes” highlights the incredible depth and power of the brilliant band at the absolute peak of its powers.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/60099461″ iframe=”true” /]
I/O: “You Slay Me,” digital download
The New York-based progressive R&B singer scored with his atmospheric mixtape, Isolation, but somehow this breathtaking, next-level jam didn’t make the cut. Ethereal, delicate, pensive magic.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/57119904″ iframe=”true” /]
Jeremih: “773 Love” (Cyril Hahn Remix), digital download
The Chicago native’s Late Nights With Jeremih went from being one of my surprise albums of the year to one of my flat-out albums of the year. Cyril Hahn, the ridiculously en-vouge producer, has dropped a number of scintillating, screwed remixes, but this one doesn’t get enough burn. Dope.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/58834421″ iframe=”true” /]
Kendrick Lamar: “Compton” (f/ Dr. Dre) from good kid, m.A.A.d. city (out 10/22 on Aftermath/TDE)
It’s incredible how far California’s most talented MC has come in a few short years, and he is now letting one of his heros ride shotgun with him on his victory lap. Lamar and the Good Doctor cruise effortlessly over a classic slab of G-Funk (courtesy of the great Just Blaze) that is probably a little too choppy for the radio but will still find itself in car stereos across the country.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/61899245″ iframe=”true” /]
Lapalux: “The Hours,” Digital Download (Warp)
Few neo-dubstep/future garage/whatever producers handle vocals as deftly as UK-based Lapalux (né Stuart Howard), and this is yet another example of that. Looking forward to his new EP, Some Other Time, on Brainfeeder, due out November 15.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/59046167″ iframe=”true” /]
Lemonade: “Softkiss” (Pional Remix) original from Diver (out now on True Panther)
I haven’t been crazy about any of the Lemonade remixes from Diver, but I’ve finally found one that lives up to the original. Excellent, airy re-touch from the Spanish producer.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/59355286″ iframe=”true” /]
PANDR EYEZ: “Again and Again” from Physical Education (single) (out 11/6 on Double Denim)
Fresh off their fresh debut EP, Eyes on You, the Londoners’ are back with their most byoant release to date. Play this at your next house party, and if it doesn’t make folks get down on the floor like Lil’ Flip, it’s time to find new friends.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/59328699″ iframe=”true” /]
Pure Bathing Culture: “Ivory Coast” from S/t (out now on Father Daughter)
I am in love with this dreamy, languid beauty. Vocalist Sarah Versprille glides effortlessly over a the beautifully-constructed, arpeggiated melody. Both subtle and emotive. The record’s great too.
Thanks to the dudes at Gorilla vs Bear for this one.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/40008201″ iframe=”true” /]
Rhye: “The Fall” from The Fall (out 11/12 on Innovative Leisure)
Though their name makes them sound like a 12 year-old Scottish kid, Rhye is 100% American adult contempo. For people who like their jams of the slick and sultry variety.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/61382310″ iframe=”true” /]
Still Corners: “Fireflies” from Fireflies 7″ (out 10/25 on SubPop)
London synthsters return with another warm blanket to wrap yourself in. Vocalist Tessa Murray is simultaneously powerful and whimsical, and she’s the catalyst that makes this the best song of the band’s promising career.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/61226237″ iframe=”true” /]
Susanne Sundfør: “White Foxes” (Man Without Country Remix) from The Silicone Veil (out 11/8 on Sonnet Sound Limited)
Proof that reflective music can also sound completely massive, Man Without Country’s take on the Norwegian’s pensive, stirring original is nothing short of life-affirming. Incredible.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/61478960″ iframe=”true” /]
Wiz Khalifa: “Remember You” (f/ the Weeknd) from O.N.I.F.C. (out 12/4 on Atlantic)
Remember when Wiz Khalifa used to be dope? Yeah, me too…but only vaguely. I hate to shit on Wiz, but since he signed that deal, he hasn’t done anything even remotely interesting. Saved by the Weeknd doing the Weeknd things on the hook.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/61048951″ iframe=”true” /]
