The Fix

Don’t have time to search out this week’s essential MP3s, streams and viral videos? That’s why we’re here.

Devendra Banhart “Don’t Look Back In Anger” (Oasis cover)
Yes, a bunch of new Oasis demos leaked all over the place this week. But just like the band’s last five albums or so, they’re horrible. Luckily, the same isn’t true of this beautifully wobbly cover of the Brit-pop group’s classic “Don’t Look Back In Anger” as reinterpreted by the blessedly cosmic Devendra Banhart.

(via I Guess I’m Floating)

Bart Davenport “Beg Steal Borrow”
Just in time for his new album, this East Bay singer-songwriter’s under-appreciated self-titled release is getting reissued. Luxuriate in this standout cut’s summer-breeze melody and the ex-Loved Ones frontman’s satin-smooth harmonies.
(via Antenna Farm Records)

The Last Shadow Puppets “The Age of Understatement (Acoustic)”
The Arctic Monkey’s frontman’s side project with Miles Kane is so good we kind of wouldn’t mind if Alex Turner never went back to his day job with the leading lights of British guitar rock. Here, the title track of the duo’s sweeping debut album gets the unplugged treatment.
MP3: “The Age of Understatement (Acoustic)”
(via Domino Records)

Shy Child “Astronaut”
With the Killers on a break, why not invest a little time into their slightly more punky keytar-slinging cousins? One listen to this slice of trendy, ’80s inspired mayhem and you’ll understand why Stella McCartney recruited them to soundtrack her line at last year’s Fashion Rocks.
(via Terror Bird)

The Dandy Warhols “The World The People Together (Come On)”
Dumped by Capitol, these Portland rockers have lost none of their pop sheen of affection for unwieldy song titles as they re-enter indiedom. This propulsive preview track from their self-released sixth album, Earth to the Dandy Warhols, has a bit of a Chemical Brothers vibe, which so does not surprise us.
(via Stereogum)

Don’t have time to search out this week’s essential MP3s, streams and viral videos? That’s why we’re here.

Coldplay “Violet Hill”
For those hoping that bringing Brian Eno into the studio and giving their forthcoming album a ridiculous title like Viva La Vida of Death and All His Friends would signal that Coldplay was about to pull a Radiohead and start making records that sounded like fax machines, this freebie single might be a bit of a disappointment. For everyone else, it’s exactly what you wanted–an epic, mid-tempo piano ballad with Chris Martin beautifully spouting off his usual nonsense over the top. Cheers.
MP3: “Violet Hill”

(via Butter Team)

Dizzee Rascal “Where’s Da G’s”
Apart from the part where he goes, “Liar, liar, pants on fire!,” what we don’t know what this veteran British rapper is going on about on this track from his belatedly released new album, Maths + English. All we know is that it’s probably the closest thing we’re ever going to get to a hip-hop Cylon.
MP3: “Where’s Da G’s”
(via Daily Rind)

Les Savy Fav “Sweat Descends”
After allegedly killing it at Coachella his year, bloated, bald, bearded and shirtless Les Savy Fav frontman Tim Harrington is ready to destroy your iPod with this raucous old school sounding punk joint from the group’s latest, After the Balls Drop. The Replacements would be proud.
MP3: “Sweat Descends”
(via Les Savy Fav)

Newton Faulkner “Dream Catch Me”
Thanks to that idiot on “American Idol,” sensitive singer-songwriters with dreadlocks are all the rage this season. Too bad there’s only one with an actual album out. Still, we’ve got to admit, Newton Faulkner’s first single from his debut album, Hand Built By Robots, is pretty damn good. Crowded House-esque, even.
MP3: “Dream Catch Me”
(via Columbia Records)

South “Better Things”
Don’t count these Brit-pop also-rans out just yet. From its fifth album, You Are Here, the trio returns with a pretty, straightforward ballad for some very complicated times.
MP3: “Better Things”
(via Bluhammock Music)

Don’t have time to search out this week’s essential MP3s, streams and viral videos? That’s why we’re here.

Lily Allen “I Don’t Know”
The British pop tart gets serious on this leaked demo, contemplating her place in the world over a not-too-solemn synth score: “And I am a weapon of massive consumption/ It’s not my fault, it’s how I’m programmed to function.”

(via Fabulist)

Nine Inch Nails “Discipline”
After getting something like 17 albums of instrumental music out of his system, Trent Reznor returns to making manic electro-noise-pop on this track. The best part is that he’s giving it away for free.
(via Nine Inch Nails)

Scarlett Johansson “Anywhere I Lay My Head”
Produced by TV on the Radio’s David Sitek, featuring cameos by David Bowie and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and comprised entirely of songs written by Tom Waits, actress Scarlett Johannson makes what is possibly the first credible album by an actor. Ever. Here’s a taste.
(via Bring Me Up)

No Age “Eraser”
Sub Pop continues on its quest to sign on all the world’s most interesting bands. This Los Angeles fuzz-rock duo’s stratospheric tune must be the reason why.
(via Pop Head Wound)

Santogold “L.E.S. Artistes”
This week’s totally awesome ’80s throwback comes via Santi White, a sartorially savvy Brooklyn musician that records under the name Santogold. With M.I.A. producer Diplo at her side, she blasts hipsters while simultaneously offering them a wicked future anthem.
(via Captain Obvious)

Vampire Weekend: “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (Black Dominoes Remix)”
It seems like we weren’t the only ones thinking Vampire Weekend’s take on Paul Simon’s Graceland album would sound a lot better with a twist of random noise and dash of Latin space.
(via Pretty Much Amazing)

Shinichi Osawa: “Star Guitar (ft. Au Revoir Simone)”
The Chemical Brothers’ best song gets a rough-hewn remake and becomes even better. Well, almost.
(via The Yellow Stereo)

Don’t have time to search out this week’s essential MP3s, streams and viral videos? That’s why we’re here.

M83 “Graveyard Girl”
Like a John Hughes movie put to music, the latest from former My Bloody Valentine soundalikes M83–aka French producer Anthony Gonzalez–is a brilliant throwback to high school life in the early Eighties. In other words it sounds like the precise intersection of New Order and The Psychedelic Furs.

(via The Yellow Stereo)

Frank Black “I Sent Away”
The Pixies frontman resumes his low-key solo career with an appropriately lo-fi solo track that lurches forward on rapid fire punk riffs, spit-out verses and a manic harmonica solo. Nice but still not as good as “Monkey Gone To Heaven.”
(via The Yellow Stereo)

She & Him “Why Stay Here”
Ever wondered who exactly goes on eBay to buy those old K-Tel compilations from the ’70s filled with songs by the Carpenters and Olivia Newton-John? The most likely culprits are Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward.
(via Merge Records)

Does It Offend You, Yeah “We Are Rockstars”
The next pack of young British punks certain to salvage the music industry this week, according to the NME. To our ears, this is fairly standard industrial noise on just a touch of ecstasy.
(via KEXP)

MGMT “Destrokk”
“You are soft/ We are hard,” the Brooklyn duo contends on this track. That’s kind of rich considering they wear women’s sunglasses and play the kind of retro synth-pop last heard when people with aerodynamic hair and pirate shirts ruled the charts.
(via Yukon Promotions)

Lykke Li “Dance Dance Dance”
A Swedish singer with just the right combination to break millions of indie-boy hearts: Big eyes, little voice, crazy ass song.
(via Control Group Co)

Weezer “Pork and Beans”
The latest single from the Los Angeles quartet features topical lyrics that sound like they were written by that dude in Train that always sings about soy mocha lattes. But the music, a riveting blast of guitars, more than makes up for it.
(via Consequence of Sound)

Don’t have time to search out this week’s essential MP3s, streams and viral videos? That’s why we’re here.

Radiohead: “All I Need (Live at the BBC)”
The best track from In Rainbows gets a faithful makeover in front of a reverent BBC audience. But listen closely and you can quietly hear Thom Yorke baring his soul on the lyric, “I’m an animal/ Trapped in your hot car.”
(via Six Eyes Media)

Dizzee Rascal “Sirens (Acid Girls Can Hear It Too Remix)”
As if this British rapper’s thick-accented rhymes weren’t mind-blowing enough, someone has gone and turned this song into full-tilt old school rave anthem. Anybody have a glo-stick we can borrow?
(via Online Home)


Flight of the Conchords “Business Time”
The funniest HBO singing comedy duo since Tenacious D delivers the least sexy slow-jam ever, plucked from its forthcoming Sub Pop album. We so want to hear R. Kelly cover this.
(via Julio Enriquez)


The Kooks “Always Where I Need”
The only flop-haired U.K. band worth keeping around, The Kooks return with another deceptively scrappy rock tune featuring chugging guitars and a shout-it-from-the-rooftops chorus.
(via Done Waiting)


Cut Copy “Lights and Music”
With its dizzying beats and driving bassline, this New Order-ish track is capable of transporting you to a booming nightclub without ever having to leave your couch. What are you going to do with the 15 bucks you just saved?
(via Sean Ryan Online)


Hayes Carll “I Got a Gig”
While Ryan Adams busies himself trying to win his model ex-girlfriend back with sniveling blog posts, the rest of the world can move on this Texan songwriter whose Townes Van Zandt style of barroom rock sounds so authentic it’s kind of freaking us out.
(via Left Over Cheese)


Tina Dico “On the Run”
The occasional Zero 7 collaborator and full-time Danish pop star breaks out of her down-tempo shell, convincingly rocking out on this burly new track from her latest solo album, Count To Ten.
(via box.net)

Don’t have time to search out this week’s essential MP3s, streams and viral videos? That’s why we’re here.

Ladytron “Black Cat”
As if the matching black turtlenecks and eerie Vulcan features weren’t intimidating enough, the Liverpudlian electro-pop quartet returns after a four year sabbatical with a cold glam racket that features vocalist Mira Aroyo rapping in her native Portuguese. We’ll never be cool enough to listen to them now.
(via Done Waiting)

Beyonce “Beautiful Nitemare”
The chartbusting R&B singer goes underground on this streamlined attempt at reconnecting with the dancefloor. It’s not up to her usual platinum standards but an exciting break from routine nonetheless.
(Mixtape Maestro)

Mystery Jets “Young Love (Shoes Remix)”
If you can tolerate the tie-dye and deliberately messy hair, this group presents a respectable substitute to Vampire Weekend’s sea breeze pop.
(Be Kind and Remind)

Peter Moren “Social Competence”
There’s a bit of early Robyn Hitchcock in this clever Swedish singer-songwriter, especially in this song’s heartbreaking kicker: “Leave me out of it.”
(The Line of Best Fit)


Hot Chip “Sensual Seduction (Snoop Dogg Cover)”
The bookish men of Hot Chip are serious about their slow-jams, giving this Snoop Dogg hit a sexy yet tranquil dance-pop remake.
(Mixtape Maestro)

Neon Neon “Raquel”
Cowbells, synthesizers, oozing soul vocals. How can so many wrong things fit together so right?
(via The Line of Best Fit)


Stereogum Presents “Enjoyed: A Tribute To Bjork’s Post”
These leftfield takes on the songs from Bjork’s second album are so strange we’re not sure whether they’re amazing or amazingly awful. Start with Bell’s “It’s Oh So Quiet” and Xiu Xiu’s “Isobel” to find out for yourself.
(Stereogum)

Don’t have time to search out this week’s essential MP3s, streams and viral videos? That’s why we’re here.

Ladytron “Black Cat”
As if the matching black turtlenecks and eerie Vulcan features weren’t intimidating enough, the Liverpudlian electro-pop quartet returns after a four year sabbatical with a cold glam racket that features vocalist Mira Aroyo rapping in her native Portuguese. We’ll never be cool enough to listen to them now.
(via Done Waiting)

Beyonce “Beautiful Nitemare”
The chartbusting R&B singer goes underground on this streamlined attempt at reconnecting with the dancefloor. It’s not up to her usual platinum standards but an exciting break from routine nonetheless.
(Mixtape Maestro)

Mystery Jets “Young Love (Shoes Remix)”
If you can tolerate the tie-dye and deliberately messy hair, this group presents a respectable substitute to Vampire Weekend’s sea breeze pop.
(Be Kind and Remind)

Peter Moren “Social Competence”
There’s a bit of early Robyn Hitchcock in this clever Swedish singer-songwriter, especially in this song’s heartbreaking kicker: “Leave me out of it.”
(via The Line of Best Fit)


Hot Chip “Sensual Seduction (Snoop Dogg Cover)”
The bookish men of Hot Chip are serious about their slow-jams, giving this Snoop Dogg hit a sexy yet tranquil dance-pop remake.
(Mixtape Maestro)

Neon Neon “Raquel”
Cowbells, synthesizers, oozing soul vocals. How can so many wrong things fit together so right?
(via The Line of Best Fit)


Stereogum Presents Enjoyed: A Tribute To Bjork’s Post
These leftfield takes on the songs from Bjork’s second album are so strange we’re not sure whether they’re amazing or amazingly awful. Start with Bell’s “It’s Oh So Quiet” and Xiu Xiu’s “Isobel” to find out for yourself.
(Stereogum)

Don’t have time to search out this week’s essential MP3s, streams and viral videos? That’s why we’re here.

Death Cab For Cutie “I Will Possess Your Heart”
The first single from Death Cab For Cutie’s forthcoming album, Narrow Stairs, clocks in at nearly nine minutes and sounds far more frightening than anything the band has done before.
(Sixeyes)

The Breeders “Bang On”
Next month the Breeders return with another Steve Albini produced gem, Mountain Battles. The second track is stark, fuzzy and features the Deal sisters harmonizing over lopsided club beats, “I love no one/ No one loves me.” Genius.
(Stereogum)

The Stooges “Ray of Light (Live at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2008 Induction Ceremony)”
Even though The Stooges have yet to earn a plaque on the wall, Iggy and his old band mates were more than happy to pay tribute to the decidedly un-rock and roll Madonna at this year’s induction ceremony. It’s as shirtless and surreal as you might expect.
(YouTube)

Dave Grohl and Will Ferrell “Leather and Lace”
Not the first two names that come to mind when casting the Don Henley and Stevie Nicks story, the Foo Fighters’ frontman and the “SNL” alum nearly make it through this tender cover without completely cracking each other up. The best part is that this expletive laced performance was for a benefit concert for kids.
(YouTube)

The Kooks “Young Folks”
To get fully psyched for the second album by the young British rockers, immerse yourself in this satisfyingly messy cover of Peter Bjorn and John’s ubiquitous hit with guest vocals by Canadian singer Simon Wilcox.
(I Am Fuel, You Are Friends)

Portishead “Silence”
How does the first new Portishead song in 11 years sound? A bit like scanning the radio dial in South America while watching a chase scene in one of the more recent James Bond movies. Dark and scary.
(I Am Fuel, You Are Friends)

The Ting Tings “Great DJ”
An excellent shouty electro-pop track from hyperactive Brit boy-girl duo made even better with this sleek club makeover courtesy of Mr. Harris. “The drums, the drums, the drums. . .”
(Check The Availability)

R.E.M. “I’m Gonna DJ”
The second leaked track from R.E.M.’s Accelerate hits even harder than the first, with Michael Stipe once again alluding to past glories: “I’m gonna DJ at the end of the world.” And he’ll feel fine.
(The Swill Merchant)

The Rolling Stones “You Can’t Always Get What You Want (Soulwax Remix)”
An incredible reworking of the Stones classic that surgically removes the original rhythm section and replaces it with some seriously messed up robot rock. It sounds like a mistake, but only in a good way.
(Digital Eargasm)

Couldn’t make it out to Austin? No problem, we’ve got your cheat-sheet to the artists everyone will be talking about when they get back home.
(Free MP3 downloads available via SXSW Music.)

Be Your Own Pet, “Bicycle, Bicycle, You Are My Bicycle”
We’ll admit these punky Nashville kids kind of scare us, but that probably just has to do with the conviction with which they sing, “We will come to your town/ Burn your house down/ Turn the sky brown.”

 
British Sea Power, “Waving Flags”
Epic British guitar rock that sounds a bit like Coldplay, but not in a bad way? Yes, please.

 
Basia Bulat, “In the Night”
This floppy-hat wearing Arcade Fire associate has got a ukele and she’s not afraid to use it. Especially not with a piano, banjo, flute, jangly acoustic guitar and that endearingly earthy voice.

 
Cassettes Won’t Listen, “Paper Float”
Don’t worry about the name; it’s not an emo band. It’s just an alias for bedroom producer and Ben Gibbard soundalike Jason Drake, which after listening to this stately jam we quickly realized is much more preferable.

 
Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong, “Lonely Buoy”
A much-hyped British outfit looking to break apart from the pack with an effortlessly tuneful spin on the current ’80s post-punk revival inflicting its peers.

 
Jens Lekman, “The Opposite of Hallelujah”
Clearly, there aren’t enough Swedish men singing sad songs over old time music hall symphonies. But this one is as good a place as any to start building a collection.

 
Lightspeed Champion, “Galaxy of the Lost”
A former member of the unfortunately named noise rock act Test Icicles, Devonte Hayes has successfully reinvented himself as a sensitive but slightly gross singer-songwriter with a serious comb over.

 
Matt & Kim, “Yea Yeah”
The blogosphere loves this indie electro-rock duo. The rest of the world, however, remains woefully oblivious to its lo-fi charms. It’s up to you to change that.

 
Peggy Sue and the Pirates, “Television”
“Flat screen, I am addicted to it,” sings this British duo, as it casually updates the Slits’ minimalist dub-punk sound. We know the feeling.

 
The Virgins, “Rich Girls”
Finally, a band interested in revisiting the Stones vastly underrated disco period. Thank you, The Virgins.

Don’t have time to search out this week’s essential MP3s, streams and viral videos? That’s why we’re here.

Vampire Weekend, “A-Punk” on “Saturday Night Live”
See what happened when the overhyped, vaguely ’80s Paul Simon-loving collegiate rock band appeared on NBC’s overhyped, vaguely ’80s Paul Simon-loving collegiate sketch comedy show. Hint: The world did not implode.
(RedLasso)

Nine Inch Nails, Ghosts I-IV
Trent Reznor is giving away the first quarter of Nine Inch Nails’ new instrumental album, aka Ghosts I, for free on his website. Unless you’re a fan of moody instrumental music with plinky piano melodies and random bursts of white noise, you might very well be getting what you pay for.
(Nine Inch Nails)

Cat Power, Black Session
The new covers album might be a bit on the dull side, but this slow-burning live set from France is a revelation, showcasing the return of Chan Marshall’s incredible voice and her new nice and easy live persona.
(Sixeyes)

Hercules and Love Affair, Hercules and Love Affair
The latest project by mournful, gender-bending torch singer Antony Hegarty is not what you might expect. It’s a horn heavy electro-pop seemingly made for Project Runway finales and flashback parties.
(MySpace)

Whiskeytown, “16 Days”
Hear what Ryan Adams sounded like before the ego took over. This sweet, country-flavored tune comes from the excellent reissue of his former band’s album, Stranger’s Almanac.
(Aquarium Drunkard)

Liam Finn, “Second Chance”
Dad was the lead singer of Crowded House. Liam Finn inherited the sweet voice and knack for knockout melodies, but on this track from his debut album he shows a wild inventive streak that’s clearly all his own.
(Spin)

R.E.M., “Supernatural Superserious”
A return to form? Not quite, but better than anything the veteran Georgia rock band has done since at least the time Michael Stipe started wearing that blue streak across his eyes, complete with roaring guitars and classic harmonies courtesy of Mike Mills.
(Sell the Lie)