Summer Mixtape Vol. II

It’s time for another mix tape. Here’s what we’re listening to:

Friendly Fires – I’m Good, I’m Gone (Lykke Li Cover)
Passion Pit featuring Ellie Goulding – Sleepyhead (Starsmith Remix)*
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Hysteric (acoustic)
Grizzly Bear – Ready, Able
Blue Roses – I Am Leaving
Peter Bjorn and John – Young Folks (featuring Kanye West)
Phoenix – Girlfriend
Bibio – Lover’s Carvings
Kid Sister – Right Hand Hi

*Just a great remix with radically altered vocals. Ellie Goulding (of no prior fame really) has a sharp and delicate voice that seems on the precipice of cracking. The ocean of synth is pretty much opposite the “organic” instrumentation of recently written-about “Let The Beat Build.” Without a doubt this is where pop music is moving [back?].

I Am Leaving

Another summer song. I love the layered vocals and the the wall-of-sound synths. Beneath these production additions is a simple folk-pop song, in the same way Annie Clark becomes St Vincent with a band and a keyboard. I think the first time you hear a St Vincent album, the distorted guitars can be slightly shocking and conflicting with Annie’s sweet voice. In this Blue Roses song, the synths complement the melodic lines. Two ways to slice a cake I suppose.

Blue Roses – I Am Leaving

St Vincent – The Strangers

“Blue Roses is to be found, kept and cherished; it is to be absent as the dust begins to settle, and longed for as ambience resumes. Blue Roses is the serendipity that can only happen when you thought you’d stopped looking; as you realise how life sounds without it, you begin again.” Read the rest on her website.