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1.) Born Ruffians – Sole Brother
This is definitely my favorite track of the week. Despite the fact that I was bogged down by work and life stress, I found it impossible not to relax and smile while listening to this song. It is musical optimism at its best. Formed in 2004, Born Ruffians are a Canadian trio who have already toured extensively with bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Hot Chip and Caribou to name a few. The fact that they managed to record this album in 2 weeks is impressive and it reflects the core talent the band brings to the table. This song comes off their new album “Say It” which comes out on Warp Records on 6/1. You can pre-order it now HERE.
Born Ruffians – Sole Brother

2.) Tenlons Fort – Read It and Weep
Tenlons Fort = Los Angeles musician /filmmaker / human rights activist Jack Gibson. Jack is an incredible songwriter and after every song I found myself wanting to go back and listen to it again immediately. There is something Elliot Smith-like about the way Jack constructs his songs and I strongly encourage you to own this album. It’s one that I already know I will re-visit many times in the future. Also worth mentioning is the fact that 50% of album sales go to benefit the Tenlons Fort Shelters Fund which raises money for homeless in LA, Austin and other areas in need. This song comes off the just released album “Shelters” which you can buy HERE.
Tenlons Fort – Read It and Weep

3.) Late Of The Pier – Best In The Class
This two-sided single was produced by “electronic idol” / founder of the amazing and now-defunct London nightclub Trash: Erol Alkan (note: he will wearing his DJ outfit at Coachella on 4/16). The band hails from Castle Donington, England and brings to the table what they label “time jazz”. Once you get past the 80s-video-game-sounding intro, you are greeted with an incredibly catchy song that is guaranteed to get stuck in your head. The single was just released and you can buy it digitally now HERE. Band member Sam Eastgate (who has also been busy producing tracks for the band Egyptian Hip Hip) has said that we are unlikely to see any more releases out of the band this year, which is too bad because if this song is any evidence, this band has great potential.
Late Of The Pier – Best In The Class

4.) James Pants – Thin Moon (Mayer Hawthorne remix)
This amazing remix comes off the 7-inch debuting at Stones Throw’s all-45s event at SXSW on 3/17. You can get a digital copy now HERE. Both James and Mayer are Stones Throw Records success stories. Label head, DJ/producer Peanut Butter Wolf, signed Mayer after only hearing two songs, already guessing that there were big things to come from the then 29 year old LA-by-way-of-Michigan talent. Musician James Pants, on the other hand, met Wolf when he was a DJ at his high school prom. He later went on to intern for Stones Throw only to be signed to the roster as a musician and labeled by Wolf directly as the “next big thing.” Mayer and James are a magical combo with Mayer adding his crazy, talented and golden “new school soul” touch to the track.
James Pants – Thin Moon (Mayer Hawthorne Remix)

5.) Gorillaz – Plastic Beach
Considering I have featured two songs by the Gorillaz on my site, it’s no secret that I love this band. Their new album, “Plastic Beach”, out next Tuesday (3/9) in the US does not disappoint. This particular track features Mick Jones and Paul Simonon from The Clash and is a sort of post-apocalyptic pop wonder. What could have turned out a messy album full of too many guest star appearances has instead turned out as a fantastic palate of pop, indie and rock sensibilities. You can pre-order the album HERE. You can also watch the amazing video just released for the single “Stylo” HERE.
Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

6.) Reflection Eternal – In This World
Reflection Eternal = Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek. This song comes off their second album “Revolutions Per Minute” which comes out on 4/6. Talib describes the album title as: “The idea of revolution through music. It’s the idea that people in today’s culture take things in YouTube-sized bites and clips and, if it’s not in a clip or a soundbite or something that you can fit in under a minute, people don’t pay attention to it. The idea is: How many revolutions can you get accomplished in under a minute in a quick culture?” Considering that Kweli and Tek have been collaborating since 1997, it’s no surprise that they are able to come up with tracks like this that have a natural fluidity about them. Pretty sure this album is going to be ridiculously good. You can pre-order it now HERE.
Reflections Eternal – In This World

7. Cults – Go Outside
There is a lot of mystery currently surrounding this New York band due to the fact that the only traceable web evidence of them seems to come directly from their Bandcamp page HERE (you can download their 3 song 7-inch for free on the site). The song is cheerful and childlike, successfully creating an eerie quality when paired with the vocal intro taken from a recording of Peoples Temple cult founder Jim Jones stating “death is not a fearful thing, it’s living that’s treacherous.” Hats off to Gorilla vs. Bear who first featured this song on their site HERE.
Cults – Go Outside

8. RJD2 – The Shining Path (Alan Wilkis Remix)
NY based Alan Wilkis is quickly becoming THE remixer of the moment. Known for his remixes of songs by Phoenix, The Temper Trap and Yeasayer, he now brings us a great funky take on RJD2′s “The Shining Path” taken from his just released album “The Colossus”. He states on his website: “Without getting too technical/music-dorky about it, the original song had a 6/8 feel, reminiscent of some classic Motown. As I listened to Phonte’s vocal, though, I saw the potential to hear it as a straight 4/4 rhythm, but with hints of triplets. In non-dork terms, I gave the song a very different feel – elements of G-Funk, California 60’s surf-pop, 8-bit sounds, and more… I hope the result will make you want to strut in the sunshine.” The track features amazing vocals done by Phonte Coleman of Little Brother and The Foreign Exchange fame. You can download this remix now HERE.
RJD2 – The Shining Path (Alan Wilkis Remix)

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. Bonnie Raitt – Angel From Montgomery
Bonnie performing John Prine’s song “Angel From Montgomery” live for PBS in 1974.

2. Bobby Womack – Fly Me To The Moon
Because the posting of his cover of Califonia Dreamin’ just wasn’t enough:

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