The HighLife

... was amazing!  Each day, from about noon when the first bands of the day struck their first chords, into the next morning when Silent Storm Silent Disco  would release the most dedicated masses from its white picket fenced corral, presented a brand new adventure.  Audibly, visually, edibly, and everything else in between.  There really weren't any bad acts at all.  We could probably try to post them all, but instead here are the ones that put on the most mind-blasting experiences.  Enjoy!


1. The Flaming Lips  

The colors, the streamers, the balloons, the confetti, the disco balls, the golden girl in the backdrop.  Pretty much the happiest show i've ever seen in my life.  Period.


2.  Ghostland Observatory

The breakout group of the entire festival.  Also quite possibly the best light show, accompanied with seriously heavy bass, you will find anywhere right now.   Ever heard of light that bends.


3.  The McLovin's

You were definitely not this cool when you were 16.  After they ripped all of us sweaty kids a new one, they came back for what proved to be the only encore that was actually answered all weekend.  And what an encore it was.


4.  Big Gigantic 

Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken definitely know how to party.   Working the Saxophone/production and the drums respectively, it feels like music you're familiar with already.  Just better.


5.  Sound Tribe Sector 9 

These dudes brought the rhythm, the funk, the bass, and the rest of the kitchen sink.  Essentially the sound of awesomeness!


Yup, take me back there now!!!!!!  Oh well, until next year.  Maybe we'll see you there next time.  Till then, thank you NATEVA!!!

                                

New music from Pretty Lights.  New EP coming July 29th.

Pretty Lights - I Can See It In Your Face

Tour Dates
————————————
15-Jul Camp Bisco Mariaville, New York
24-Jul Evolve Festival Nova Scotia, Canada
30-Jul Wanderlust Festival Squaw Valley, California
7-Aug Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, Colorado
14-Aug Outside Lands San Francisco, California
3-Sep North Coast Music Festival Chicago, Illinois
4-Sep Electric Zoo Festival New York, New York

   


There's a wood carving on the wall of a log cabin somewhere in Maine that says, "he that has the ability to see nature never grows old."  Spring has sprung ladies and gents.  You know, what some call like to sweatshirt season. So in light of that, here's the first in a series of season inspired tracks.  Out of too many conversations about the emotional rollercoaster that is winter emerged this particular mix.  So these are carefully selected to help you thaw out of hibernation. Just hit play and you're set. Better yet, just add it to your library and take them with you everywhere. Stay tuned for the next season...

         

Happy cinco people.  We are officially steaming towards summertime right now, so I thought i'd lay down a couple of tracks from the land of perpetual heat. Welcome to The Jumpoff!

A-Side
As far as the African continent is concerned Nigeria provides the swagger. This video does a lot to support that claim.  I heard the track at a wedding recently, and it destroyed the dance floor.  From Mushin by way of the reknowned Mo' Hits label, definitely keep your eyes on this artist.
Wande Coal - Bumper to Bumper



B-Side
Speaking of swagger, this track literally comes out and lets you know all about it.  The title essentially means "uncontrollably hot", and the track is by one of the biggest names on the African/Nigerian music scene right now. Even my eight year old cousin in Dallas knows the deal. Don't hate...
D'banj - Gbono fele fele




And that's it today people.  Stay cool.  Until next time, be easy.

Still one of the best videos of all time.  Of all time.  Directed by Michel Gondry.  Chemical Brothers - Star Guitar

In case you forgot, happy tax deadline day friends!  Or you could be one of the few without the burden of taxation.  Either way, it's funny the things that concern you as you grow up.  Which brings us to today's selections.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

A-Side
Here's a rapper that's all business.  Cutting his chops at age 16 on A Tribe called Quest's 1993 release Midnight Marauders, he eventually ended up on Kanye West's GOOD Music label in 2005.  This is his latest single from 2010's Movie On Demand.
Consequence - Childish Games (ft. Asher Roth)



B-Side
Back to the things you concern yourself with growing up.  The thought process that goes into songwriting is one thing that i certainly wonder about, especially when it comes to this song.  I've always liked this artist's work.  No nonsense dance music to make you sweat from head to toe.  Plus, for this new album he goes back to a tried and tested production collaboration with Lil Jon; but i've got to wonder now if he's got Jon writing his lyrics too.  Who knows, it's worked before.
Pitbull - Watagatapitusberry (Remix) ft. Lil Jon, Sensato, Black Point & El Cata




Aight then ladies and gents, that's it today.  I'll leave you to take care of those p's and q's.  Until next time.  Be easy.

  
From the mind of the supremely multifaceted MC, DJ, and producer (DJ Voltran) drops this raucous dubsteb mix.  Just in time for breaking into the warmer weather; this is all-purpose music.  Always good.

20's BMW's BENTLEY'S by DJVolTran

Ridiculously good music! Top to bottom; lyrics, arrangement, video.  Best song of the year so far.  Turn it up loud!!

Janelle Monae ft. Big Boi - Tightrope


New album,  The Archandroid, in stores May 18th.

www.jmonae.com

This is an absolute must listen.  For a while now, XLR8R has been producing City Guide podcasts by various talented DJs and producers in different cities around the country.  They recently posted one from Boston nightlife impressarios Soul Clap.  Their set, especially after hearing the other city mixes, is a fitting tribute to the bean and how we get it done. Though all the mixes are great in their own right, definitely have to shout out the Philly mix from DJ/Producers Starkey and Dev79.  Splitting time on the decks to deliver a mix worthy of holding it down for the entire Keystone state. 


Soul Clap's Boston Mix
(Click to listen/download via XLR8R)


Starkey and Dev79's Philly Mix

and also of interest...

Ghetto Division's Chicago Mix
Star Eyes' Love from NY Mix
Nosaj Thing's LA Mix
Dubbel Dutch's Austin Mix

What's your favorite mix?

Dropping some essential weekend listening for your ears. Starting with a brand new mix from Sodie (Baltimore/Salt Lake).  Happy listening!

RECOLLECT