Contest: Girl Talk, Pretty Lights, Empire of the Sun, Big Boi, Headline Governors Ball!

June 18 will play host to The Governors Ball Music Festival, where electro-pop, indie, and hip hop acts will converge on NYC's Governers Island for a day of sun-drenched, dance-laden, musical euphoria. Other acts include, Reptar, Neon Indian, People Under The Stairs, a DJ set from Passion Pit and more. Tickets are flying out the door, so snag yours while you can. If you are poor like most of us, you should get on this Dance Competition ASAP. Post your best 15-90 second dance clip to the Governors Ball Facebook page and you could win any of the below prize packs -- see you there! Not on the Facebook page, but at the fest! Summer!!!

Grand Prize:
- 2 Backstage Passes for the 2011 Governors Ball Music Festival Including Access to Stage, Photo Pit, and Soundboard
- 2 Festival Posters autographed by Girl Talk
- 2 Festival Merch items of your choice

First Prize:
- 2 VIP Tickets to the 2011 Governors Ball Music Festival
- 2 Guest Passes to Soundboard Viewing Area
- 2 Festival Posters
- 1 Festival Merch item

Second Prize:
- 2 Tickets to the 2011 Governors Ball Music Festival

Emil & Friends: Remixing Everything

Emil & Friends // D.E.EP Teaser from Cantora Records on Vimeo.

[MP3] Little Boots "New In Town (Remix)"

[MP3] Passion Pit "Sleepyhead (Remix)"

[MP3] Phoenix + MJ "Girlfriend on Girlfriend (mashup)"

[NEW MP3] Emil & Friends"Joshephine"

Little Boots' "New In Town," Remixed. Passion Pit's "Sleepyhead." Remixed. Phoenix + Michael Jackson "Girlfriend on Girlfriend." Mashedup. Needless to say, Massachusetts' Emil & Friends have been busy picking the buzziest bands to remix at the right times. The above tracks didn't just come out...they came out well before these band's became popular, proving Emil has the right ear. While remaking other's pop-gems has put Emil on the map, his newest EP titled, Downed Economy (see album teaser video above,) which drops on Sept. 28 via Cantora Records, is where he hopes to make his mark. The lead single of this record, "Joshephine" shows how much of a sponge this electro-artist has become. Emil knows what others do right, attempts to recreate those scenarios, then attaches his signature beats and samples; he is the PBR-soaked Dr.Luke of the indie world and a must watch artist of 2010. Careful, or you'll get remixed.

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Penguin Prison Remix Passion Pit's "Little Secrets"

[MP3] Passion Pit - "Little Secrets (Penguin Prison Remix)"

It has been a bitch-slap of a wake up, coming back to NYC from a long and resting vacation, but remixes such as this one recently posted by Stark fave Neon Gold Records (We know. Get off our backs. We like their taste in music!) helps us get through. We tend to shy away from those indie-turned-mainstream bands, but we were on the Passion Pit train back when they weren't popular, so we feel entitled to post on them at our discretion. The main focus of this post is the remixer: Penguin Prison. For those not on-board with these UK electro-popers, time to get on board. While they are sans a debut record, this group has managed to snag the ears of some high-end industry folk landing them a spot on the Neon Gold Records roster, booking through the Windish Agency and a string of great live shows including a support run for Francis and the Lights (don't get us started about them though.) PP manages to scale down the in-your-face feel of this Passion Pit staple off Manners, but the vibe is still appealing. Look for more from Penguin Prision in the near future.

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Yes Giantess Remix Passion Pit, Tour with Little Boots

[MP3] Yes Giantess - "You Were Young"

[MP3] Yes Giantess - "Sleepyhead (remix)"

Yes Giantess are four students from Berklee College of Music -- they just graduated and are now going on tour with Little Boots, MSTRKRFT and Calvin Harris. How did they do it? Remixes of Passion Pit, Asher Roth (the bastard), and more while also enlisting the help of ace producer and Passion Pit'er Al Adhamy, Hannah Robinson (Ladyhawke) and Charlie Hugall (Florence and the Machine). Their electroc-beats are catchy, but not highly original. Jury is still out of the "Sleepyhead" cover -- that song is fairly perfect in its own right. We'll see how these youngins do. 

Tour dates listed after the jump.

8/22 – Blisspop @ The Black Cat – Washington, DC

9/10 – Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Calvin Harris – New York, NY

9/11 – Humber College w/ MSTRKRFT – Etobicoke, Ontario

9/14 – Wrongbar w/ Little Boots – Toronto, Ontario

9/16 – Bowery Ballroom w/ Little Boots – New York, NY

9/17 – The Empty Bottle w/ Little Boots – Chicago, IL

9/18 – The Roxy w/ Little Boots – Los Angeles, CA

9/19 – The Independent w/ Little Boots – San Francisco, CA

After the jump.

Tuesday Release Day: Passion Pit, Au Revoir Simone, John Vanderslice, Others

Artist: Passion Pit
Album: Manners (Frenchkiss/Columbia)
mp3: "Moth's Wings"

Today is full of great releases. Our favorite this week is Passion Pit's Manners. Passion Pit has been crafting excellent club-style indie pop since the release of their amazing Chunk of Change EP. They have signed to a deal with Frenchkiss and Columbia and today released Manners, their full- blooded dance rock LP that Vince raved about a few weeks ago. We missed them on the booze cruise last night in NY, but keep your eye on this band as they are poised for crossover success this year i.e. MGMT. Manners seems to lack a driving power single such as "Time to Pretend", but the consistent level of quality throughout this record should not be missed. See the rest of our picks after the jump...

Artist: John Vanderslice
Album: Romanian Names (Dead Oceans)
Mp3: "Fetal Horses"

Consistency is the word when it comes to John Vanderslice. Today, he offers up his seventh release Romanian Names, which is yet another example of this fine singer/songwriter's talent for crafting well developed and mature compositions. While we haven't heard the album in its entirety yet, the songs we have heard don't stray far from his previous output, but when it comes to John Vanderslice that's not a bad thing at all.

Artist: Polly Scattergood
Album: Polly Scattergood (Mute)
Mp3: "Nitrogen Pink"

London-based singer Polly Scattergood releases her self-titled debut record today on Mute. While there are some inconsistencies on this release, Polly Scattergood's potential shines brightly on this album. Standout tracks such as "Nitrogen Pink" demonstrate her talent for writing catchy songs that grow and develop around a unique voice that can recall anyone from Keren Ann, to Kate Bush orTori Amos. She puts her emotion clearly on display, sometimes to a fault, but the confessional style of her writing succeeds on more than one occasion, leading us to believe that as she continues to develop she can be a true standout on the scene.

Artist: Au Revoir Simone
Album: Still Night, Still Light (Our Secret Record Company)

Au Revoir Simone release their third, and arguably best record Still Night, Still Light, today. From what we've heard, there isn't much departure here from their previous efforts, but they have stepped up the songwriting quality a touch, delivering a more fully formed picture of the trio's sound. While incorporating elements of disco backed by drums tracks and synths, Au Revoir Simone still manage to convey an underlying emotion of pensive sadness, which gives Still Night Still Light an edge and a quality that brings it above their more pop oriented peers who often lack emotional depth. Au Revoir Simone will be touring with the Antlers in the coming weeks, making it a bill not to be missed.

Artist: Magnolia Electric Company
Album: It's Made Me Cry (Secretly Canadian)

Last and most certainly not least is the digital release of Magnolia Electric Company's Record Store Day exclusive 7" It's Made Me Cry EP. It's vintage Jason Molina songwriting here, and if you've ever read this blog before, you know that he's one of our favorite current songwriters. While they may not be the pumping the spring weather jams you are looking for right now, these slow country burners do well for any evening or gray rainy day. All proceeds from the sale of the EP benefits go to the Evan Farrell Memorial Fund, which was set up for the two sons of the former Rogue Wave bassist, who died from injuries sustained in a house fire a couple years back.

Music = Good

Patterson Hood - Murdering Oscar (and other love songs)
Release Date: June 23, 2009
Label: Ruth St. Records
MP3: Stream new songs at Patterson's myspace
Rating: 89
________
Drive By Trucker's frontman, Patterson Hood, follows the lead of fellow DBT'er Jason Isbell, releasing another solo album. There is definite southern-rock cross over here, as well there should be. Hood tells stories beautifully with precision band backing and signature vocal stylings. I love me some whiskey and a rainy day when listening to Hood. Today is rainy, who gots the whiskey? Key tracks include: "Pollyanna," "Granddaddy," and "Murdering Oscar."

Passion Pit- Manners
Release Date: May 19, 2009
Label: Frenchkiss
MP3: "Moth's Wings"
Rating: 93
________
Pure genius. We can't say enough about Michael Angelakos and his electro-dance jams. You can play this album cover-to-cover, have a drink and a smoke, then come back and do it again. Creating electronically influenced highs and lows, Angelakos makes you want to sing every lyric and fist pump every beat. With full children's choir accompaniment on certain tunes, Passion Pit gets raucous and reels you in. Key tracks include: "Little Secrets," "The Reeling," "Moth's Wings" and every other song.


Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca
Release Date: June 9, 2009
Label: Domino
MP3: "Stillness is the Move"
Rating: 92
_________
New age, modern or any real genre classification defies this album. Conjuring up thoughts of Yes, Paul Simon, David Byrne and a hodgepodge of all musical genres, the Dirty Projectors have created an album of timeless classics. The signature jangling, finger picked guitar riffs are ever-present and the falsetto is not lacking. The album never lets up and keeps you satisfyingly occupied. You never know what time period is coming on next. Key tracks include: "Cannibal Resource," "Stillness is the Move," "Temecula."

MP3 Round Up

Monday springs forth with beautiful weather, delectable Byrne and Boots coverage and now, a slew of MP3's for YOU.

Passion Pit - "Moth's Wings"
______

Another cheery effort from Passion Pit, off the highly anticipated May 19 release, Manners.





White Denim - "Mirrored and Reverse"
______

Calm, collected, German*. After clinching a #8 spot on Vince's Best of 2008, White Denim return with "Mirrored and Reverse" off their June 22 (StarkNY birthday what!what!) release, Fits.
*(Life Aquatic. White Denim are from Austin.)


Wavves - "Friends Were Gone"
______

Off the Fader-released 7-inchers comes this fuzzy beauty from good old Wavves. Nathan's at it again and as low-fi as ever. Mercury Lounge show = one of the best this year.

Oh Noo! New Passion Pit Video - "The Reeling"

Clearly, we love Passion Pit. Manners drops May 19 in the US on Frenchkiss. Love the children's choir back up singers. Scroll down to check out the awesome video from Passion Pit's tourmate, Ebony Bones. Both of their sounds would work brilliantly in concert, one of which we would love to catch.

New Passion Pit! Stream Single Here.

Hey all,
You need not hear about how fantastic Passion Pit is; we've told you enough. Here, here and here. Today we exist only to offer you their newest single, "The Reeling" which you can stream after the jump. Tour dates and track listing for their to-be-released LP, Manners dropping May 19 on Frenchkiss also after the jump.



Passion Pit Tour Dates:

05-01 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso - London Calling Festival
05-04 Berlin, Germany - Knaak Klub
05-06 Brussels, Belgium - Botanique
05-07 Dublin, Ireland - Academy
05-11 Manchester, UK - Manchester Moho
05-12 Sheffield, UK - Leadmill
05-13 London, UK - Heaven
05-14 Southampton, UK - Southampton Orange Rooms
05-15 Brighton, UK - Great Escape Festival
05-16 Bristol, UK - O2 Academy
05-23 George, WA - Sasquatch! Music Festival
05-24 Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom
05-26 San Francisco, CA - Bimbos
05-28 West Hollywood, CA - Troubadour
05-29 Los Angeles, CA - Echoplex
05-30 Pomona, CA - The Glass House
06-02 Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre
06-03 Austin, TX - Emos
06-04 Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
06-05 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon
06-06 Atlanta, GA - The Drunken Unicorn
06-08 Richmond, VA - The National
06-09 Washington, DC - Black Cat
06-11 Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo
06-13 Covington, KY - Mad Hatter
06-14 Pontiac, MI - Crofoot Ballroom
06-17 Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
06-18 Boston, MA - Paradise
06-19 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
06-20 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
07-04 Malsaucy, France - Eurockeennes
09-11 Isle of Wight, UK - Bestival

Manners Track List

01 Make Light
02 Little Secrets
03 Moths Wings
04 The Reeling
05 Eyes As Candles
06 Swimming In The Flood
07 Folds In Your Hands
08 To Kingdom Come
09 Sleepyhead
10 Let Your Love Grow Tall
11 Seaweed Song

Tour Alert: Passion Pit

We're taking a quick second from bidding on Gandhi's prized possessions, to write a quick follow up to our previous Passion Pit post; they just released a series of North American and U.K. dates. Check them out, follow them on Twitter and dig their Myspace after the jump.


Follow Passion Pit on Twitter here.
Check their Myspace here.

Passion Pit Tour Dates:
02-23 London, UK - London Cargo
02-24 Birmingham, UK - Academy 3
02-25 Manchester, UK - Ruby Lounge
02-26 Glasgow, UK - Captain’s Rest
02-27 Leeds, UK - Brudenell Rooms
03-01 Dublin, IE - Whelan’s
03-02 Paris, FR - Nouveau Casino
03-18 Oklahoma City, OK - The Conservatory
03-19 Austin, TX - SXSW
03-20 Austin, TX - SXSW
03-21 Austin, TX - SXSW
03-23 Little Rock, AR - Revolution
03-24 Bloomington, IN - Cinemat
03-25 Akron, OH - Musica
03-26 Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig
03-27 Rochester, NY - Water Street Music Hall
03-28 Syracuse, NY - Westcott Theatre
04-01 Montreal, Quebec - Le Divan Orange
04-02 Ottawa, Ontario - Zaphod Beeblebrox
04-03 Toronto, Ontario - Lee’s Palace
04-04 Waterloo, Ontario - Starlight Room
05-15 Brighton, UK - Great Escape Festival
09-11 Isle of Wight - Bestival

Passion Pit -- Manners

We've never been so excited about an EP (no not Blood Bank,) but Passion Pit's Chunk of Change made the world seem right. Now, an LP... well we just want it. Now. Frenchkiss drops the record, May 26. Come on!

Tracklist and FADER TV in-studio preview after the jump.

FADER TV IN-STUDIO

Tracklist:
1. Make Light
2. Little Secrets
3. Moth’s Wings
4. The Reeling
5. Eyes As Candles
6. Swimming In The Flood
7. Folds In Your Hands
8. To Kingdom Come
9. Sleepyhead
10. Let Your Love Grow Tall
11. Seaweed Song

Passion Pit: "Sleepyhead" Video + Tour Dates + FADER TV In-Studio

Boston electro-power-poppers, Passion Pit, are gearing up to release their debut LP. The groups' most recent EP, Chunk of Change (Frenchkiss), is full of highly repeatable gems such as, "Better Things," "I've Got Your Number" and "Sleepyhead" ( video above.) Michael Angelakos, Passion Pit's "frontman," tends to sing in falsetto, making shower sing-alongs a bit easier and more tasteful. There is no doubting the energy and extreme danceablity of Passion Pit's EP.

Angelakos recently opened the recording studio to Fader TV as he talks of his new album, which will be heavy on children's choirs and hand bells. Producer Chris Zane (Les Savy Fav and The Walkmen) wants the LP to be much bigger than the EP-hype. We'll see. The LP releases in the Spring.

Fader in-studio and tour dates after the jump.


FADER TV In Studio


Tour Dates
1/26: Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot
1/27: Chicago, IL @ Schuba's
1/28: Cleveland, OH @ The Spot at Case Western Reserve University
1/29: Cincinnati, OH @ Northside Tavern
1/30: Columbus, OH @ Summit
1/31: Swathmore, PA @ Olde Club @ Swathmore College
02/2: Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
02/3: Washington, DC @ Black Cat
02/4: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
02/6: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
02/7: Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse
2/17: Brighton, UK @ Audio
2/18: London, UK @ Koko (w/ Black Kids)
2/19: Oxford, UK @ Bullingdon Arms
2/20: Bristol, UK @ Cooler
2/24: Birmingham, UK @ Academy 3
2/25: Manchester, UK @ Ruby Lounge
2/26: Glasgow, UK @ Captain's Rest
2/27: Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Rooms
03/1: Dublin, IE @ Whelan's
03/2: Paris, FR @ Nouveau Casino

BBC's Who To Watch For In 2009

Go Here To Dig 'Em!

BBC Entertainment News just dropped 15 artists deemed likely to succeed in the new year. There are a few names you might be familiar with -- Little Boots (our latest Inquisition victim) and Passion Pit are stand-outs for us. The online formatting is fantastic: simple and very user friendly, including a streaming track and write up for each of the performers listed. The Brits are taking over...watch out.

Passion Pit - Debut EP - Mercury Lounge Tonight

Passion Pit - "Sleepyhead" - mp3
In a move that sets the bar way too high for a Valentines Day present, Michael Angelakis put together Passion Pit's debut EP Chunk of Change as a gift for his girlfriend. Although it's September, this EP saw release yesterday via Frenchkiss Records. Chunk of Change weaves together classic synth-backed pop and more dance floor ready tunes such as the above track "Sleepyhead." Well gents, get out that MacBook and get to work. Only a few months left till February. The EP is streaming now at Spinner and My Old Kentucky Blog. Definitely worth checking out.

Passion Pit is playing tonight at the Mercury Lounge in NYC with Sunset Rubdown and will be playing several dates with Yelle who put out one of my secretly favorite records of the year Pop Up.

09-17 New York, New York - Mercury Lounge %

09-18 Allston, Massachusetts - Great Scott (CD RELEASE SHOW! 18+)

09-24 New York, New York - Bowery Ballroom #

10-04 MONTREAL, Quebec - POP MONTREAL **

10-27 Seattle, Washington - Neumo’s *

10-28 Vancouver, British Columbia - Commodore Ballroom *

10-29 Portland, Oregon - Berbati’s Pan *

10-31 San Francisco, California - Mezzanine *

11-01 Los Angeles, California - Henry Fonda Theatre *

11-02 San Diego, California - The Beauty Bar *

* w/Yelle

** w/The Dodos

# w/The French Kicks

% w/Sunset Rubdown