Tag Archive: The XX
[video] The xx // Open Eyes (Demo)
[stream] Creep // Days (ft. Romy Madley Croft)
It would be foolish were anyone to ever doubt Romy Madley Croft’s ability to carry a song on her own vocally – devoid of the casual, not quite sexual interplay between her and xx band-mate Oliver Sim, a chemistry that flourishes so effortlessly on their own band’s efforts. Would there be a doubter of her solo abilities, they would need to look no further than her effort on Creep’s track “Days” for proof otherwise. The vocals are set to a fairly standard synth driven electronica tune, albeit with a haunting, eery vibe that meshes well with the xx aesthetic. The best decision made by the New York based DJ duo CREEP, besides the generally enjoyable piece of music they composed, is that which brought about the guest vocalist joining up. It’s not likely such a doubter of Croft’s talents exist in this respect, but that person would need only to watch the video above or stream the track below for proof otherwise.
[mp3/video] Gorillaz: “Crystalised (The xx Cover)”
Gorillaz, authors of one of my surprise albums of the year, visited BBC’s Live Lounge and recorded a few tracks including this cover of The xx’s indelible “Crystalised.” I say surprise because I greatly enjoyed a majority of the record when I was predisposed to thinking I would not. I’ve never been a huge fan of the side project of Blur frontman Damon Albarn, and thusly had low expectations for their latest, Plastic Beach![[mp3/video] Gorillaz: Crystalised (The xx Cover)](http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tympanogram-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003A9OVS0 "[mp3/video] Gorillaz: Crystalised (The xx Cover)"){kind=small}
But enough of that, check out the video, and grab an mp3 of the “Crystalised” below.
Gorillaz – Crystalised (The xx Cover) (mp3)
Instrumental Intros
The practice of using instrumental tracks to lead off an album isn’t always employed, but when it is I do so enjoy it if well done. There are several possible intents when leading off an album with instrumentals. Whether the song is a standalone track, meant to be on its own and lead off the album stylistically or what have you, or it is built implicitly to build a melody and lead into the second track on the album where things really take off. I’m certain there are other intentions made when using an instrumental leadoff, but those are the two most encompassing ideals I can think of.
Surely I have missed many instrumental intros that would be worthy of mention, in addition to many that would not. I am not omnipotent and don’t pretend to know every instrumental intro ever used, nor will I likely even recall every single example I’ve heard. But these two struck a chord with me recently, so they will have to do for today.
Ambulance Ltd – Yoga Means Union (mp3) from LP
Happy (Belated) Birthday
This past Thursday marked a milestone for us; we didn’t say anything because we didn’t realize it until that night, but we turned one year old. Blogs age like dogs, it seems, so thanks to everyone who comes here to read, lurk, download, and ultimately continue to engage us.
So, in a congratulatory manner befitting such an occasion, here are a few highlights of the past year:
1st post: Tokyo Police Club
50th post: mp3 Smorgasbord #4
100th post: 1000 Minutes: Andy #9
200th post: mp3 Smorgasbord #23
300th post: Girls – Album
400th post: New Releases: January 5
Top 5 posts
5. Bloc Party Rarities (3371)
4. New Releases: July 7 (3469)
3. New Releases: September 1 (4105)
2. Best of 2009: Dave’s 111 Most Enjoyed: Part Important (4715)
1. Another Post with Thursday in the Title (5027)
Most Hype Machine love:
5. Jay-Z – Empire State of Mind (812)
4. MSTRKRFT – Heartbreaker (891)
3. Wakey!Wakey! – Twenty Two (914)
2. LCD Soundsystem – Someone Great (1060)
1. Kid Cudi – Up, Up and Away (1630)
I don’t know what other metrics would be interesting, and I doubt that even these ones actually are. But we are thankful for everyone who has supported us, helped us out, given suggestions, encouragement, criticism. We appreciate it, and we’re looking forward to what this year brings our way. (Hopefully more interviews.)
Here are a couple of tracks from the past year that we’ve enjoyed. Here’s to another year.
The Shins – Plenty is Never Enough (mp3) from Score! 20 Years Of Merge Records: The Covers!
Florence + The Machine – You’ve Got the Love (xx remix) (mp3)
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002: Old Tapes - Farewell/What I Need Tonite 7" -
001: Joywave - Ridge/Traveling At The Speed Of Light 7"
