_Don Diablo vs. Phoenix vs. Jay-Z – 99 Fences

What is it about Phoenix? They are fast-becoming one of the most sampled/remixed/indie-turned-club bands of the year. Now, Don Diablo has taken his stab at a really interesting mashup of “99 Fences,” and Jay-Z’s, “99 Problems.”

Diablo’s forthcoming album is set to drop later this year. Judging by this mix and his most recent remix of Mika’s, “We Are Golden,” I’d say the Don’s search for a new sound is bound to leave us some tasty treats along the way.

I wish this could have surfaced in the summer months (it screams cruising in the sun like no other) but for what it’s worth, this mix fits nicely into the indie/electronic crossover genre. At times it feels like a forced imitation of the Classixx return-to-songwriting vibe – but if they’ve finally started a trend of mixes that actually return to music, I won’t complain.

Don Diablo vs. Phoenix vs. Jay-Z – “99 Fences”Stream

_Volcano Choir – Islands, IS (Music Video)

Volcano Choir has released the music video to “Islands, IS”, their first single off of Unmap which was released just a week ago.

The video is pretty simple and clean but at the same time mesmorizing, and I simply can’t keep my eyes off of the rectangular colors that dance to the different beats of the music.

_The Sound of Arrows – Into The Clouds (Fear of Tigers Remix)

Fear of Tigers just came out with a remix of The Sound of Arrows’, “Into the Clouds”. It’s a cool take on the indie-pop-electric track, with some great 80′s synths and a more substantial beat. It doesn’t really recreate the song in any way that’s particularly special. I’m all about reclaiming remixes as a form of songwriting (or song-re-writing). Either way – it’s a decent listen so check it out!

The Sound of Arrows – Into The Clouds (Fear of Tigers Remix)Stream

_Mika – “Blame It On the Girls”

Mika is back to thrill us with kitschy pop and happy times. His latest release, “Blame it On the Girls” comes right off the back of his first single, “We Are Golden” from his upcoming album of the same title, being released stateside, September 21.

The track follows typical Mika-style with the usual snaps and clicks and stomps and piano jams, but in a noticeably updated style. Lyrically it feels a little more creative, and there’s definitely a lot more dimension to his new music. He’s definitely exploring his options production-wise. This one sort of reminds me of “Billy Brown” in the way that it sort of follows the story of one troubled man in the same lighthearted, nothing-too-seriously spirit that Mika has made us love him for. Make sure you catch the first few seconds of the full version (below) to hear the creative little mini-monologue that sets up the premise.

Musically, Mika is back for his sophomore release. We’re anxious to see the theatrics he brings to the stage this time around. Check out the US tour dates… several shows are already sold out!

Mika – Blame It On The GirlsStream
Mika – We Are Golden (Calvin Harris Radio Edit)

_Panda Bear – Untitled 1 (Live @ ATPNY 09) (*New song?)

Panda Bear played in New York at the ATP festival on September 11. As you can expect he let the creativity flow, unleashing(?)/improvising(?) two new songs during the set.

As of now the songs remain untitled. In the better of the two there’s a really interesting ambient jungle feel to the track – and with the right production I could see some magic being made. The Animal Collective founder is crooning about something semi-audible about time, but is it the right time? the wrong time? or some existential idea of time that only Noah Lennox himself could conceive? Only time will tell… if this ever winds up an LP.

Panda Bear – Untitled 1 (Live @ ATPNY 09)Stream

_The Library – “You Don’t Need No Doctor, Sugar”

These guys hit the cyber webs about a year ago but I keep revisiting them, shocked that they never hit with a bigger impact. LA-based rock band, The Library, has got such a unique sound that flows directly into the vein of electronic/dance/rock that’s giving the music industry a pulse right now. And with amazingly soulful and strong lead vocals from front-man, Court Alexander, it’s pop-y enough to push into the mainstream.

They’ve been likened to The Killers meets Sam Sparro, with a hint of Jamiroquai, but really there’s no comparison. The music falls into a place of its own. It’s a little flamboyant, it’s quirky, it’s dance, it’s inspired, it’s fun – it’s everything we need and strive to be. Now, give us more!

I think their ONLY downfall comes from the marketing end. Will someone just brand these dudes the right way, please? I understand being an artist and all – but there’s a line between mystery (a very important feature for any artist) and utter confusion (like this bio, or the band’s official site). All it takes is a little bit of organization, commitment on the talent end, some perfect communication and push, push push. They could be huge!

Nevertheless, the most powerful track off their self-titled EP (released everywhere, March 10th, 2009), “You Don’t Need No Doctor, Sugar,” still shakes my bones to the core like no other pop song has in awhile. Every now and then you find music that is so essentially soulful that it surpasses what the masses can comprehend. But we like to think there’s a little musician in all of our readers at VV – so listen, enjoy and bring the inspiration to the rest of the world’s consciousness!

(There’s a second track and remixes after the jump!!)

The Library – You Don’t Need No Doctor, Sugar

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_Michael Bolton – “Murder My Heart”

Staying true to the theme of her recent “monster” obsession, Lady Gaga has collaborated with adult contemporary recording artist, Michael Bolton, continuing to further prove her musical prowess. The first product of their work seems to be a track titled, “Murder My Heart,” which recently made its way to the web. There’s no denying a sound that is uniquely Gaga (right down to her own voice featured as background in the chorus).

The track allegedly came to fruition while Gaga was still in production for the The Fame. Bolton made mention of the pairing in a recent interview with London’s, Metro, newspaper in which he mentions, “She reminded me of a young Madonna – with more exuberance and emphasis on the art rather than the marketing.”

We all know Madonna can make 40-somethings sound relevant again (with a lot of outside help), but if all rings true, then Gaga may have found the art of re-invention as well. (And while we’re on the topic of Gaga’s pre-superstardom gems… I’ve posted one of her rare early tracks after the jump).

Michael Bolton – Murder My HeartStream

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_Radiohead Covers Yeah Yeah Yeah’s “Maps”

This weekend, Radiohead gave an altogether haunting performance across the pond at the Reading and Leeds Festival. Gripping the crowd with a tease of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, “Maps,” the band impressively ended their set with an awesome organic performance of, “Everything In It’s Right Place” – in true Radiohead style.

Recently, Thom Yorke announced to Exlaim.la that the band would be releasing a surprise, limited edition 12″ (4,000 copies in the U.S. and Europe, 300 copies in Canada) featuring two, previously unreleased tracks from the Yorke vault – “Apart By Horses” and “The Hollow Earth.”

With nothing officially confirmed as of yet, we are left to wonder which of the many mysteries of Radiohead could this be hinting at? Whatever it is, we hope the band will shed some blood (if only with the rumored, “awesome packaging and artwork” for the release)!