Tropical and Mountainous Summer Sounds

I know, I know. Half a month of silence. Eh, what can I say? Finals week came around, then the first week of summer was here and all I've wanted to do was relax, see friends, and enjoy a moment of freedom. I know it's no excuse for laziness, but why do I need an excuse? It's my blog, I do what I want :P

Anyways, I have three artists for you today, and many many more in queue. (Seriously, I have two unfinished posts with 3-4 artists each, I just need to get around to writing them!)

Changing seasons change my mood for music. It always happens, regardless of what I'm listening to. This means your in for a sporadic, constantly changing selection of unrelated music, hope you're buckled in!




First is Megafaun, a decidedly unfolky folk band from the Appalachians consisting of the brothers Brad and Phil Cook and Joe Westerlund. Wandering twists and turns dominate the sound of Gather, Form & Fly,  as Megafaun meanders from organic, lo-fi folk instrumentals to traditional country love-song melodies. In a style neither entirely practiced nor improvised, you will find yourself listening to heart-stretching harmonies produced by the trio before being lofted in to noisy droning of violins and broken drums.

Gather, Form & Fly, the self-titled song from the album is what caught my attention my first listen-through. Long pauses broken by sweet and sour harmonies sung by softly conversing banjo and guitar, cymbals and drums quietly interjecting, yet supporting the mysterious melody, and a grand finale composed of peacefully powerful vocal harmonies create such an effect in my mind I can nothing but close my eyes and listen.

Juju Sound + Nü Latin @ Mini-mal 110506 (Audio taken from Makala's Boom Shaka Laka Radio Show) by DJ Andres Leguizamon

Second on the list for today, in a completely different hemisphere of musical talent, is the ceaselessly amazing DJ Andres Leguizamon. Playing at his regular venue at the Mini-Mal, Andres has thrown together a mix of latin groove, nu-latin, and jazzy beats that irresistibly command you to dance.

Look no further if you are seeking out high-quality beats from south of the border, there is none better than Andres. Check out his soundcloud for more.

Spring Mix 2011 (Electronic Latin) by g-funkster

Lastly, recommended to me by Andres, is a cool tropical mix just in time for summer. Though the title suggests spring is the recommended season to listen to this latin-fueled throwdown of hip beats and humid sounds, just about anywhere on Earth with a temperature of 80 F will do this mix justice.

Based in south west England, G-Funk is an afro-driven enthusiast and expert on the dancier side of the southern hemisphere. Though his blog and history of public tracks is short in time, it does not lack quality. Make sure you check out g-funkster's soundcloud and blog for more tropical beats.

Hiatus No More!

Well, it's been a month since my last post. Mid-terms, projects, and Spring Break have all contributed to my laziness and this post is long over-due. However, the artists I bring for you today do not lack in the same quality I seem to have no grasp for :)

I'll start this post with the electro front.

Speak because I can - Laura Marling - (Engine-EarZ Experiment Refix) FREE DOWNLOAD by Engine-EarZ Experiment

Mixes of ethnic electronica, dubstep, and a taste for blending world sounds only just begin to characterize the collective known as Engine-Earz. A quick perusing of their soundcloud page will introduce you to sounds ranging from indian sitar backed rave anthems to hip-hop mashups crossed with alternative rock and Michael Jackson staples, all the while containing a beat and flow that lends itself only to the style of the band. Though you could argue they are not trailblazers of the musical frontier, the melting pot Engine-Earz creates is one truly unique to the scene.

Speak Because I Can by Laura Marling is remixed in to a prime example of Engine-Earz creativity and genre-bending sound in this ode to an untouched tract of musical fusion, Electronic Folk. Engine-Earz manages to retain the spirit and emotion of Laura Marling's soulful melody while at the same time completely transforming the image of the track. This one's been on repeat for me for awhile now!

Inspirations Mix BBC Radio 1 2008- C22/Engine-EarZ by Engine-EarZ Experiment

As an added bonus, this is a mashup/mix Engine-Earz performed on BBC radio back in their infancy. The familiar sound of mashup artists such as Girl Talk come to mind when listening-- Mashing hip-hop lyrics with other genres is nothing new. However, I believe the production and selection of music Engine-Earz works with(in particular the hints of eastern influence) in this mix make a listen-through more than worth the time.


Sorrow - Summer of Love by Sorrow.

Sorrow - Nostalgia by Sorrow.

Next up is a Garage/Ambient artist by the name of Sorrow. A true gem in his genre, Sorrow has been producing grade A Deep Garage and Dubstep for over a year now. Though not particularly innovative, he is a shining example of how this genre of music should be done. Complex, multi-layered drum lines, ethereal floating melodies and an atmosphere of deep, quality soundscapes -- Sorrow is a talented producer and upholder of high standards for his sound.


Fool's Gold by Fool's Gold

This next band is a large segue from the world of electronica. Fool's Gold is a Los Angeles based collective that meshes together sounds from the African continent with tropical and funky influences into a groovy, danceable smoothie of world sounds that will always leaves a smile on your lips after just a taste. Saxaphones, wind-instruments, and percussion out the wazoo party together in to create an organic, almost tribal sound that is complemented perfectly by the wavering and energetic voice of Luke Top, vocalist and bassist for the band.

Their self-titled debut album is definitely no fool's gold, each song is just as catchy and unique as the last. This album is truly a piece of musical genius. Just take a listen for yourself.

Menahan Street Band - Montego Sunset by Johnny Strychnine

For the cherry on the top of the cake, I bring you Menahan Street Band. Perfect for a summer's day cruise, MSB combines jazz, funk, and ska sounds to create a layed-back medley of summer sounds. Sax, trumpets, and reggae-esque guitar rhythms permeate their intrumental debute album Make The Road By Walking.