Online streaming action continued in top shape during the past weeks, with another huge number of new releases being offered to listen in full through different sources. The most interesting among them all was probably the return of lo-fi legend Ariel Pink, with his recent formation Haunted Grafitti. Pink has joined the 4AD stable and his first work for the label – also the first recording on a proper studio -, ‘Before Today’, is being received as one potential candidate for album of the year and hasn’t lost any of the uniquely avant-garde touch of the band. To promote the release they have recording five tracks for one of their record label’s increasingly famous live sessions. Watch it in full here.
The other stunning release of the last few weeks that’s still available to listen –via MySpace- is Janelle Monáe’s first album ‘The ArchAndroid’. The singer continues with suites II and III of an opus that began with her debut mini-album ‘Metropoli’, in which she tells the future misadventures of android Cindy Merriweather. The record is a kaleidoscopic blend of styles in an extraordinary mix that shakes all conventions currently dragging R&B music down. Astonishing
NPR fist listening treats are offering us the fourth album by NY Electronic duo Ratatat,‘LP4’, which keeps on the post-Daft Punk vibe the pair has nurtured through their career without many surprises perhaps, but with another solid effort.
The online radio station is also previewing the new Blitzen Trapper album ‘Destroy The Void’; and the debut work by british Newcomers Villagers ‘Becoming A Jackal’
Long time ago collaborators Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek reunite again under their Reflection Eternal moniker and launch a brand new album, ‘Revolutions Per Minute’ packed with many high profile guests such as Estelle, adding her vocal charms to the first single. It can be streamed at Entertainment Weekly’s website.
Aussie sixties rock revisionists Tame Impala finally delivered their proper first album, ‘Innerspeaker’, which, though mostly well received in the blogosphere, has been generating quite an opinion division so far.
Two high profile Vampire-related soundtracks were also made available for everybody to listen. The Twilight Saga continues with ‘Eclipse‘, its third installment and his soundtrack once again focuses on the indie world with brand new tracks from Battles; Bat For Lashes; Florence + The Machine and, erm, Muse. It’s TV counterpart ‘True Blood’ also got a second volume of its soundtrack ready, featuring tracks by Beck, Jace Everett, Lucinda Williams and other southern rock infused greats.
El Guincho / Piratas de Sudamerica EP by Young Turks
And to end on a high note, El Guincho, the Spanish DJ who was l tastemaker’s sensation with his blend of world rhythms is back with a tribute to Latin America. His new EP ‘Piratas De Sudamerica’ is full of covers of the artist’s favourites across the Hispanic continent, including a duet with Mexican star Julieta Venegas in ‘Mientes’.