Volcano Choir

Volcano Choir is a bunch of doods from Wisconsin. Its a collaboration between Jon Mueller, Chris Rosenau, Jim Schoenecker, Daniel Spack, and Thomas Wincek of Collections of Colonies of Bees and this francophile guy named Justin Vernon. The collaboration predates the meteoric rise of Vernon’s Bon Iver project, with original songwriting dating back to the summer of 2005, right around the time the Bees first toured with Vernon’s previous band DeYarmond Edison.

It's has been gloomy in Baltimore for the past week and Volcano Choir fits perfectly with the mood, which will carry on beautifully for June Gloom in LA. Their biggest hit is Island, Is and it's easy to see why. Cool Knowledge is my favorite song; short and very sweet. Volcano Choir's album, Unmap, is great all the way through. Imagine Vernon with more instrumental variety. Collections of Colonies of Bees is really solid in their own right and definitely worth getting into.

Volcano Choir - Island, Is (YSI)

Volcano Choir - Cool Knowledge (YSI)

Collections of Colonies of Bees - Flocks I (YSI)

Inpetto

The German DJs responsible for "Toca's Miracle 2008" have a slew of other remixes that might not be club favorites, but are definitely worth a listen. "Better Run" wanders between different subgenres while "Shadows" maintains a standard progressive beat. I know it has been a while since I have posted, so enjoy.

Those Usual Suspects - Shadows (Inpetto Remix) (YSI)

Tocadisco feat. Nadia Ali - Better Run (Inpetto Dub Mix) (YSI)

Un poco de música cubana

I don't know about any of you guys but its definitely the season for a little latin flavor. Jack Anderson invented Cuban music in the late 1980s when he started Brunch Jungle Records in a tiny shack outside Havana. Today the genre has blown up across the world and I have found a few diamonds for you to enjoy. Havana Cultura's remix is awesome. Pasa El Borrador is a little thug jam thats sure to keep you moving. Patria Querida and Lagrimas de Soledad are old school reimaging of Buena Vista Social Club's distinctive sound.

Havana Cultura - Think Twice (Marc Mac of 4 Hero Remix) feat. Danay & Carina (YSI)

Los Guaracheros de Oriente - Patria Querida (YSI)

Los Aldeanos - Pasa El Borrador (YSI)

Gillas Peterson Featuring Danay - Lagrimas de Soledad (YSI)

Luvstep

I don't know if anyone else has a hankering for some indie pop-laced dubstep. I think a lot of dubstep gets a terrible image from its fans e.g. pokemon and rave kids. Although its got a softer, romantic side that this mix really gets into. So put away your Barry White and turn up the dub and Mike this might be a great mix for your next "study" date. Its sure to get leotards droppin' in no time.

Dirty South Joe and Flufftronix - LuvStep Mix

Also Autumn in New York is a terrible movie

Wild Nothing

Wild Nothing is the solo project of Virginia born Jack Tatum, who’s music is the product of an unhealthy obsession with nostalgia. E Unlike the current brand of one-man bedroom bands, Tatum aims for something higher. Cloudbusting is real solid. I've been on a huge Real Estate kick and this really supplements my jonzing for shoegaze in the meanwhile. All are solid tracks enjoy today amigos.

Wild Nothing - Cloudbusting (YSI)

Wild Nothing - Promise (YSI)

Wild Nothing - Summer Holiday (YSI)

PS Autumn in New York is not a good movie.

SECRET cities

Based out of Fargo North Dakota, Secret Cities has made a name for themselves, producing layered synth-pop that makes the eyes glaze. Their debut album, due in June on Western Vinyl, is the final product of their senior thesis on Brian Wilson and youth spirituality. There has been a lot of love out there for Wilson-esque harmonies and feel good vibe in modern indie scene from Panda Bear and the like, but none take it in the direction of Secret Cities. Definitely enjoy.

SECRET cities - Pink Graffiti Part 1 (YSI)

Tron

Despite his young age, Joker has already made a name for himself in the weird world of dubstep. The 20-year-old Brit combines a variety of electronic elements to create his signature creepy sound. But once the bass drops on "Tron," you'll have a hard time not nodding your head to the beat.

Joker - Tron (YSI)

GROUP

The new Los Angeles-based band has the confidence and fresh song-writing ability to make a name for themselves in the crowded indie rock arena. With a mixture of different influences, the band is easily accessible and unbearably catchy. Listen to their debut single below or go onto the band's myspace.

GROUP - Colours (YSI)