Notes From My Underground

El Guincho (translates to “pike or goad” is a very different Spanish artist. Just like my music taste, his music is an ecclectic mix. It’s a fusion of afrobeat, trance, steel drums and many others. As a Carl Sagan fan, I must admit I love his tribute to the late cosmologist in the beginning of “Bombay” but after the into I have no words to describe this insane video. My favorite track is off is album, Pop Negro, and is called “FM Tan Sexy.” It’s rhythm and repetition stick with you. 

Check out this catchy track from Of Monsters and Men, a 6-piece folk band from Iceland. In 2010 they were the winners of Músíktilraunir, a nation-wide battle of the bands. “Little Talks” is a strange and creative video, as expected from Icelanders.

Catchy, melodious tune off The Cults self-titled debut. The video interestingly focuses on footage of the lives of members of the Peoples Temple.  Members of the Peoples Temple in Jonestown, Guyana, committed mass suicide in 1978 encouraged by their leader and cult-founder, Jim Jones.

“Got It All” was the first single off their latest, In the Mountain in the Cloud. It is a solid album through and through. ”So American” sounds and feels like summer; which the video embraces. I was fortunate enough to see these guys kick ass at Bonnaroo last summer and am definitely going to check them out on their current tour. 

 <span>HVNLP85 The Head and the Heart - Sounds like Hallelujah by heavenlyrecordings</span> 

This Seattle group debuted with an impressive self-titled album. I definitely see these guys hitting the main stream a la Avett Brothers and Dr. Dog. Not sure why I haven’t listened to this album more over the past year but it will surely be in heavier rotation in 2012.

A poppier tune from Hot Chip, but the video seems like a funny/odd way of poking fun at themselves for this track. Hopefully the up-tempo beat and auto-tuning doesn’t drown out the lyrics. “Nothing is wasted, life is worth living, heaven is nowhere, just look to the stars…” 

 <span>Das Racist- Shut Up Man (Feat. El-P) (Prod. El-P) by Dontsleeppp</span> 

Finally listened to Relax, Das Racist’s latest. These are the 3 tracks that stood out to me. They are still bringing their originality and eclectic flow. It’s outlandish kid…

Off the new album, Portamento.

 <span>Gil Scott-Heron - I’ll Take Care of You (Jamie XX Remix) by Posh Magazine</span> 

R.I.P GSH. At least your music lives on. 

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Sick. Be sure to check on all BET Cyphers.