The Raveonettes - "I Wanna Be Adored" (Stone Roses Cover)

Hot off the heels of the video in which Swedish pop star Robyn covered the Bjork classic "Hyperballad" another cover featuring two excellent artists has been ringing in my head this week. Fuzzed out post-punk revivalists The Raveonettes have covered the Stone Roses' madchester/brit-pop classic "I Wanna Be Adored". The Stone Roses never got much love in the states, but in England they were deemed visionaries who combined shoegaze and dream-pop in what would later be known as Brit-Pop. They influenced an entire generation of British musicians, notably Oasis who pretty much robbed their sound, and recorded what many consider to be one of the greatest debut albums of all time. The opening track off that album has been given serious compliments in this cover and is a noteworthy song worth checking out.

mp3: The Raveonettes - "I Wanna Be Adored" (Stone Roses Cover)

Sufjan Stevens - "I Walked"

The internet seems to have gone into a slight frenzy over the past few weeks over baroque-pop/indie folk superstar Sufjan Stevens. It all began when his label Ashmattic Kitty posted dates to his first proper tour in a few years, followed by an instantly available EP entitled All Delighted People. Then yesterday came the announcement of his first proper LP since the glowing Illinois, called Against All Adz and today the fourth track on the album is streaming at his bandcamp page. It seems good things have finally come after the years of waiting. Electronic drums have replaced the orchestral nature associated with Stevens, however the angelic voice and choir seem to fit quite nicely amongst the new arrangements. Listen to the track below.

Buke & Gass - "Your Face Left Before You"

Before Buke & Gass appeared on Stereogum's Quit Your Day Job and before they opened for the National in Europe, I reviewed one of their early shows which gained a spot on the band's press page. Now Stereogum is previewing two new tracks from the bluesy/folk duo. These new tracks keep in tradition with the steel fast paced strumming and one-two kick drum beats of earlier tracks and still sound like a refreshing take of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Hear the tracks over at Stereogum.

Dead Weather played Prospect Park

Not too many people would have the audacity to walk on stage, blow torch in hand, and proceed to light their front woman's cigarette. Then again, not everyone is Jack White. The Dead Weather was in full force from the moment they graced the stage. The all-black-everything entourage attacked the stage with pristine white guitars that were used as battle axes as they attacked the stage with their raw sound. Alison Mosshart prowled the stage taking complete command of each song as White's drumming thundered between wails on guitar and tight thumping bass. Song after song pummeled the crowd, showing that their strong suit really is in the live performance, as the set built to the electrifying "Will There Be Enough Water?" Once Mr. White strapped on his six string there was no turning back. He ripped through the track while sharing lead vocal duties and microphone battles with Mosshart. Despite being behind a kit instead of his usual lead, White still ran the show, top hat, feather, and all. His fills on the skins were pulsating all evening however, on both the occasions he took duty on guitar his true talent was unveiled. Few have been as productive as Jack White in this past decade and while I still believe that neither of his recent projects have matched the brilliance of the White Stripes, the Dead Weather truly earned much respect last night.

Setlist:
1. 60 Feet Tall
2. Hang You From The Heavens
3. You Just Can't Win (Van Morrison cover)
4. So Far From Your Weapon
5. I Cut Like A Buffalo
6. No Horse
7. The Difference Between Us
8. I'm Mad
9. Rocking Horse
10. Hustle and Cuss
11. Die By The Drop
12. New Pony (Dylan cover)
13. Will There Be Enough Water?
--
14. Forever My Queen
15. Blue Blood Blues
16. I Can't Hear You
17. Treat Me Like Your Mother

Plastic Bertrand pulls a Milli Vanilli

According to a recent BBC report, the UK Top 40 hit "Ca Plane Pour Moi" by Belgian act the Plastic Bertrand was not actually sung by the esteemed pop star. The song received minor attention in the States perhaps most notably on the soundtrack in National Lampoon's European Vacation, however in the UK it reached number 8 on the charts in 1978. Now producer Lou Deprijck is stating that he recorded the vocals and took 0.5% of the royalties in return. After recent court battles and claims from both parties, Bertrand was quoted saying: "I don't mind saying it wasn't my voice," he said. "I wanted to sing but he wouldn't let me into the studio." He added "I'm the victim. I wanted to sing but he wouldn't let me into the studio. This is going to dog me till my dying days. I'm really fed up."

Caribou - "Sun"

Caribou's latest release Swim continues his trend of twisted jangly dream-pop and electronica/IDM with what could possibly his most well crafted album to date. While Andorra may have been more accessible with lead single "Melody Day" the tracks off Swim show the progression of Caribou's complex textured sound.

Deadheat Summer - the heat stroke mixtape

While the 4th of July may have passed, summer is certainly in full swing. That means roof-top parties, beach trips, sitting in A.C., and anything free outdoors. Below is my first ever mix-tape (or playlist) for all to enjoy for the rest of this wickedly hot summer. These tracks have been blazing through my speakers for the better part of 2010 and some are sure to make my top tracks of the year. So whether you're chillin' by the pool, sweating to death on the MTA, or still setting off some fireworks, these tunes should keep you entertained.

01. Sleigh Bells | Tell 'em
02. Crystal Castles | Celestia
03. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti | Round and Round
04. Wavves | Post-Acid
05. HEALTH | USA Boys
06. Japandroids | Younger Us
07. Fang Island | Careful Crossers
08. Big Boi | Be Still (featuring Janelle Monae)
09. LCD Soundsystem | Drunk Girls
10. Titus Andronicus | A More Perfect Union
11. Arcade Fire | We Used To Wait
12. Panda Bear | Slow Motion
13. Broken Social Scene | Sweetest Kill
14. Caribou | Odessa
15. Beach House | 10 Mile Stereo

(edit: i was asked to remove the download. visit the youtube links above.)

Panda Bear - "Tomboy" 7"

On Tuesday July 13, Panda Bear will release the first single off of his new album Tomboy, the follow-up to his 2007 critically acclaimed LP Person Pitch. The new tunes still seem to have the Panda Bear feel of sample heavy repetitive beats that recall a Beach Boys-esque psych-pop mood.However right now, you can hear the track of the same name as well as the b-side "Slow Motion." While these are not high-quality rips, nor are they authorized by Panda Bear, they give you a clear idea of the direction in which the new album seems to be taking.

"Tomboy":
ACT by a2592825

"Slow Motion":
ACS by a2592825

The xx - "You've Got the Love" (Remix) [ft. Florence Welch]

I wasn't the biggest fan of this song the first time around, but only once before have I ever seen footage of a remix done featuring both the original artist and the band doing the remix with such excellency. Florence kills the vocal work so hard that you don't believe it is live until she walks out on stage. Looks like the xx live show has picked up since I saw them last October.

Video: Crystal Castles - "Celestia"

Trance-goth duo Crystal Castles have released a video for the first single Celestia off their new album which is once again self titled. The elcectro assault continues on the new album with intense pulsing beats and dense vocals from Alice Glass along the lines of recent witch haus trends. This single along with the track "Pap Smear" are sure to jams at raves all summer and the rest of the year as well.