Song Of The Day: Bibio - Fire Ant

I first heard this track by british producer Bibio, aka Stephen Wilkinson, late one night on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. I could always count on this channel to provide me with refreshing doses of new, energized, instrumental electronic music, some of it recognizable, but usually it was all new to my ears. Unfortunately, because of the medium it was presented on, before the development of Apps like Shazaam or SoundHound, rarely was I ever able to identify these tunes. After getting my first smart phone back in 2009, this was the first song I've ever ID. Several phone later I still remember it for a few reasons:



I think the song is a good representation of the dynamic nature of Bibio as a producer. The song begins, interestingly enough, with two young children having an inaudible conversation about a fire ant, which is gradually overlaid into a mid-tempo, somewhat upbeat rhythm, akin to Two Fresh in 'Bakers' Dozen', yet more polished. About 1/3 of the way through the song switches gears by changing melodies, adding some playful distorted vocal loops and a syncopated rhythm, and most notably a cross-fade effect on the vocal track which sounds like a skillful showing off.

The final third of the song makes another drastic change in style, and serves more as an epilogue, or transition to the next song, while ghostly chords are strung out on what sounds like a harpsichord.

Recently, Bibio released the single 'Excuses' off his upcoming album 'Mind Bokeh' which will be released on Warp Records March 28th.

*Photo courtesy of Warp Records

Song Of The Day: Skrillex - CAT RATS

Skrillex, aka Sonny Moore, released a new song on Soundcloud yesterday that definitely gives you an idea of what he's all about. This LA-based, dubstep/electro producer, former punk-rocker, has a very well-blended heavy, yet danceable sound. Enjoy:

CAT RATS by Skrillex

New Video: Pretty Lights - "Future Blind" Video (PopMatters Premiere)

Song Of The Day: Wolfgang Gartner - Space Junk

Check out Wolfgang Gartner's new single "Space Junk," dropping next week on December 21st.

Wolfgang Gartner - Space Junk (Preview) by DirtMcGirt

New: Eskmo 'We Got More' (Official Video)

New Girl Talk Album: All Day

Girl Talk aka Greg Gillis' first new album since 2008's Feed The Animals is out today, and it's called All Day. As usual with Girl Talk, there are hundreds of mixes, ranging from things you'll hear on the radio today, to stuff that was on the radio 30 years ago. One example is the song "Makes Me Wanna," which mixes Basement Jaxx's "Where's Your Head At," the Arcade Fire's "Wake Up," Radiohead's "Idioteque," and the Isley Brothers' "Shout," with about 2 dozen other sings, all under 6 and a half minutes.



If you've never heard Girl Talk, download his new album here, for free of course (and in multiple formats). If you've heard Girl Talk before, download All Day here, and enjoy.

Girl Talk will return to NYC's Terminal 5 on Thursday, February 24th, 2011.

Review: Glass Gifts Live @ Spike Hill Music 11/13/2010

Last Saturday, 11/13/10, Glass Gifts performed a free show at Spike Hill Music in Williamsburg. I had been excited to see him perform since first listening to his self-titled debut LP and I'd heard that he had performed recently at several CMJ events.


After the performance I had a chance to meet up with Glass Gifts, aka Rich Cupolo. I was surprised that this performance was not more heavily attended, although Rich explained to me that this was only his fifth live performance as Glass Gifts. From the way he moved comfortably around on stage, switching between his monome and keyboard, to the quality of the music he was producing, and the awesome visuals on the screen behind him, I found it hard to believe how fresh on the scene he was. He told me that he plays keyboard/guitar in the band 'The American Dollar,' and while his involvement in that band gave him a firm musical foundation, as well as a large following, he's very passionate about his new Glass Gifts project, and dance music in general.

All in all, he played for about an hour, playing all the tracks off his debut EP 'Glass Gifts', as well as a couple of new tracks including the Crystal Castles ft. Robert Smith remix, "Not in Love," seen here.



Glass Gift's sound is unique but well defined. Rich said he drew a lot of his influence from bands like Oasis, the Disco Biscuits, and DJs like Pretty Lights, though it's evident in his music that his influences go far beyond that. From Hip Hop to Blues and Jazz, Rich merges and blends multiple genres amazingly and fuses them in a seamless manner. I could easily see Glass Gifts performing at larger venues, to larger crowds, and look forward to seeing him perform again in the near future.

If you haven't listened to his self titled debut, or the Crystal Castles remix yet, I recommend you check it out here, he is definitely a fresh new artist to watch. Also check out his Facebook, and of course, right here, for updates about upcoming shows and new releases.

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