Don't Forget To Dance

“Hypntz” - Dan Black

The blogosphere is in a tizzy! There is virtually not one music blog that does not feature a post about Dan Black. DFTD will be no different. Dan’s growing internet real estate, is partially due to the US release of his single and video for “Symphonies” featuring Kid Cudi. It’s also probably getting some residual interest from the popularity of Passion Pit, with the Passion Pit remix of the same song.

“Symphonies” is a great song on its own. It uses the backing beat from Rihanna’s hit song “Umbrella”, but creates a moody feel that’s all it’s own. However, Dan Black has made it even better. DFTDers, I present to you “Hypntz”. Not sure exactly, which song came first, but it’s clear which one is the best.

It takes a genius and a mad man to attempt to remake an iconic rap song such as, “Hypnotize”, by the late great, The Notorious B.I.G. The magic behind Hypntz, is that Dan takes a song that samples two songs (Hypnotize uses the instrumental “Rise” by Herb Alpert for its backing track and lyrics from “La Di Da Di” by Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick for the chorus), and creates a masterpiece that samples two songs (Backing beat is from Rihanna’s, “Umbrella and the lyrics are from “Hypnotize”). GENIUS!!!

I’m pretty impressed. You will be too. Check out Dan Black’s album, UN. I’ve read that his live show is spectacular also.

Listen. Love it. Dance.

“Animal ” - Miike Snow

Yes, DFTDers!! I am back! I know … It’s been a long time. My quest for new music has given me a few gems to share with you all. So here it is…

My first post for 2010 comes from Swedish band, Miike Snow. Unlike the group name suggests, the group is formed of three members. The band released their self-titled debut album “Miike Snow” early last year, but as usual, I’m a bit late.

The featured single, “Animal”, is a great example of their organic approach to electro-pop, which has many comparing them to Passion Pit and Animal Collective. Not cheesy, but instant feel good songs. Check out their other tracks, “Silvia” and “Cult Logic”.  I’m also kind of digging the smoother Mark Ronson remix of Animal.

So there it is.

Listen. Love it. Dance.

P.S: Two of the band members are responsible for Britney Spear’s “Toxic”. um… Can we say “KICK ASS!”?

DFTD’s Favorite Albums of 2009: Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

It’s a pretty ballsy move to name an album after one of the world’s greatest composers and then attach your name to it. Even ballsier to deliver an album that actually might be able to carry the title. This Wolgang Amadeus Phoenix release is a meticulous and intricately produced rock album with pop piano and disco/funk guitar.

1901 is a perfect example of this musical melange of synthesizers, piano and guitars. It is also one of the many radio friendly songs, that have made this indie album pretty popular on the charts. This album’s success finds them having songs in commercials and also featured in the game “Tap Tap Revolution” (for you I phone users).

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix also features brilliantly addictive songs such as “Listomania”, “Lasso” and “Girlfriend”. This is a nutshell, a well put together album that would surely make Mozart proud. It’s music so good, you can ignore the fact that they’re French! (jk)

Listen. Love it. Dance.

Noisettes - “When You Were Young” (The Killers Cover)

It’s always a pleasant find when you hear a remake of a song and can enjoy it just as much if not more than the original. The Noisettes cover of The Killers’ “When You Were Young”, is one such a find. Finding this song led me to look up more from the London Indie Band, only to find that only their first album, “What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf“ is available for download in America. You’d have to rely on finding an import CD for the second one. Here’s a video of their song ” Never Forget You” off of the ” Wild Young Hearts” album. It’s a fun listen, if you can find it :P.

Listen. Love it. Dance.

The Noisettes - Never Forget You from Costin Nitescu on Vimeo.

This Land Is Your Land - Woody Guthrie

I know I suck for being late. But I finally found the appropriate contribution to this themed week and I will not let it go to waste. This reminds me of many adolescent days,  where I had to line up in the school auditorium and sing this song at general assembly. So here’s to my formative years and the day we celebrate America’s Independence.

Apples in Stereo - “Energy”

I had been hearing about the the Apples for quite some time now, but never followed through with listening to them. However I got this song as a free download from Amazon the other day and Im pretty impressed.

Apples in Stereo have made an amazing, clap your hands, sing-a-long song in “Energy” off of their latest release  “New Magnetic Wonder”. Im definitely wanting to hear more.

Listen.Love it. Dance.

The Knux - “Bang, Bang”

Hip Hop is NOT dead. At least, that’s if Krispy Kream and Rah Al Millio have anything to say about it. The New Orleans duo that makes up the group The Knux, are doing their darnedest to bring us that ol’ skool Hip Hop in a nu skool way.

Their vibe is very much De La Soul at their prime, jamming out with Outkast in the begining of their careers. “Bang, Bang” is one of their singles from their debut album, Remind Me In 3 Days… . I honestly, only have 4 of their songs from this release, but I’m diggin all them. Hope you do too.

Listen.Love it. Dance.