James Blake – Retrograde

James Blake’s newest track that’s off of his upcoming album is definitely a grower. Known for his soulful croon over minimal “post-dubstep” beats on his debut album in 2011, this new song definitely brings some more RnB to the mix. The backing instrumental consists of a soulful vocal melody, handclaps, and a constant bass beat. Blake’s vocals are soft at first but get more spirited as the song progresses, along with the instrumental, which adds more whirring synthesizers to the mix. It’s a lovely song and it getting me really excited for Blake’s album he’s releasing this year.

http://youtu.be/6p6PcFFUm5I

Kurt Vile – Walkin on a Pretty Day

Philadelphia singer songwriter Kurt Vile is back after 2011’s great “Smoke Ring for my Halo” with this nine-minute jam, which features his sweet, laid back vocals and a carefree backing instrumental, perfect for just chilling out in a lawn chair in your front yard or somebody’s front yard. There are some elements of psychedelic rock with a few blissed out guitar solos making it feel right at home about 30-40 years ago. It’s a sweet song to just ride out, so if you’re planning on having an “older” music show, I would highly recommend picking up some of Vile’s material on account of the retro-ness and slick song writing.

http://youtu.be/bd0K76H7sU8

Thee Oh Sees – Minotaur

Thee Oh Sees is a garage/lo-fi/fuzzy rock project from California that are in close contact with another Californian garage god, Ty Segall, so if you’re familiar with Segall’s sound you should be familiar with this. John Dwyer’s vocals are under a bit of reverberated haze; the guitars are slow and bluesy; there are some strings and light percussion. It’s a pretty enjoyable song done by some fuzz rock veterans that should be priming us for their upcoming album later this year.

http://youtu.be/iDDyP-SvZXE

Julianna Barwick – Pacing

Julianna Barwick is notorious for creating virtually limitless soundscapes; having the sound of her heavily echoed vocals drift slowly into space. Either that or they are being played in a church, where the sound bounces all around in the rafters filling the building with heavenly tones. This track brings more of the same to her repertoire, which is not a bad thing at all. Her soothing, lyric-less vocals float around your ears, caressing them and putting your brain in a euphoric trance. If that at all excites you, definitely check this track out.

http://youtu.be/6iap_Ku3rjY

The Strokes – All The Time

Early 00’s alt-rockers The Strokes have a new album coming out entitled “Comedown Machine” which hopefully isn’t going to be a “Letdown Machine.” The song is worlds better than the last single they’ve released this year, since it actually sounds like The Strokes. It’s safe, but it has Julian Casablanca’s signature sneering vocals and that’s about all that set it apart. It’s a piece of relatively solid indie rock with Julian Casablancas. If you’re a big fan of The Strokes you’ll probably enjoy it, but if you’re new to them, I suggest starting with “Is This It?”

http://soundcloud.com/thestrokes/the-strokes-all-the-time/s-ghCGL

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