A three-day weekend’s nothing compared to the joy of Darla Records finally getting with the times and converting their fabulous label CD sampler series, Little Darla Has a Treat for You, into a download-only affair (albeit 64kbps…). You may have already read Sean’s Junk Drawer post about Little Darla Has a Download for You but I’m guessing both Clay and I will take the opportunity this week to finally herald some of our fave Darla acts. I’ll start with Entre Rios. Think of them as Argentina’s Everything But the Girl, because Isol just sings and Sebastian just writes. Or don’t think of them as anything, and just get lost in the angelic loveliness of “Claro Que Si” (one of my favorite Spanish phrases to drop into everyday conversation) from Entre Rios’ 2005 album Onda.
Gordo Gringo
We’ve been enjoying Beat Radio for a while here at the Hive, so it’s always nice to hear what else the guys have going on. Guitarist/vocalist Phil Jimenez and drummer Jim Mansfield, along with two more friends from Huntington, Long Island, New York, have been busy with Gordo Gringo, whose simple melodies and pensive chords mix just right with Jimenez’s gravelly, cathartic vocals. “Old Suitcase†is a particularly bittersweet anthem, and the other two tracks here aren’t far behind.
Psapp
We like to keep this main column on 3hive filled exclusively with brand, spanking new posts. But in this case we’ll make an exception. You see, Psapp (pronounced “sap,” fyi) was one of the very first posts to this site and we’ve carefully followed their progress. Galia Durant and Carim Clasmann, aka Psapp, are consistently one of 3hive’s most popular artists due, in large part, to Grey’s Anatomy fans searching for their song “Cosy in the Rocket.” The good folks at Domino have released THREE new MP3s, two from the new album The Only Thing I Ever Wanted, and one, “Wet Box,” which is a vinyl only b-side on their UK release. “Wet Box” is a more playful song, along the lines of their first Melodic tracks, filled with “anything that’s silly and uses stupid noises” (the band’s words). The album tracks work in Galia’s sultry vocals, for a feel that snuggles right up to “Cosy in the Rocket.” So get downloading, because you never know how long these links will last, and hit their e-card for details on their upcoming North American tour dates with Juana Molina and José González.
Hi [MP3, 3.6MB, 128kbps]
Tricycle [MP3, 2.6MB, 128kbps]
Wet Box [MP3, 2.8MB, 128kbps]
Original post: 02/23/04
Sounding like the best eclectic electronic comp since 2002’s Six Records Breaks Your Heart Again. The first track, “Difficult,” is from that comp, Tracks for Horses. The second track, “Dad’s Breakdown,” isn’t as strong, but fun nonetheless. They’re super lo-fi MP3s, Melodic’s definitely not showing much of their hand, but damn, can they pick ’em! Check out labelmate Pedro as well…
Little Darla Has a Download for You
Szymanski
The 2006 Detroit Electronic Music Festival kicks off in about two minutes. One of the first live acts to take the stage will be Detroit’s own Mark Szymanski. While these tracks are a few years old, they showcase his knack for refined, jazzy grooves and excellent taste in guest vocalists (Michael Scamardella on “Tranquillamente” and Perilelle on “UTKY”). Thanks to Moodmat (a new blog run by a team of established music fools, including Techno Rebels author Dan Sicko) for the tip. Check them out for more in-depth coverage of DEMF ’06.
Kid Casanova
Nothing fancy here. No frills. Just stripped down pop hooks and straight-ahead melodies. Kid Casanova have nothing to prove. They’ve written and recorded a solid set of songs, keeping ’em loose and relaxed, and it’s up to you to loosen up your belt, so to speak, and take them in with a few dogs at your weekend BBQs, or not. If you’re asking me though, I’d tell you crank it up at your picnic blanket as you’re knocking back a few cold ones.
New Bloc Party Remix
The Eighteenth Day of May
This London 5-piece mixes Celtic folk with ’60s psychedelic pop with old REM-style vocal murmuring for a sound that’s light, tight and user-friendly. Check out the band’s website for a few live tracks and clips of about a half dozen other songs.
Play It As It Lays #238
Pony Up!
With all the recent focus on the Mexican border we’ve taken our eyes off the one above us. We shouldn’t let aliens like this in unnoticed. There’s great energy in their sing-along melodies and deceptive naiveté. And now for a totally random metaphor: you know how when you’re steaming vegetables and you keep the steam on too long and the brocolli gets all soggy and mushy? Well Pony Up! isn’t like that at all. They’re perfectly past that raw point to keep things crisp and snappy.