The Animal Show » Lykke Li

Swedish Fish

dfjacobs — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:20:15 +0000

The Sweet Nectar of Corn Syrup

As I sit patiently at the computer, waiting for the clock to strike midnight so that I can finally get my hands on Battle Studies (see bonus track, Bruce favorite “I’m On Fire”), I listen to the harmonious sounds of Scandinavia. If I told my parents I was listening to the sweet sounds of Sweden, they’d immediately assume I was being serenaded by 70’s pop sensation ABBA or possibly the Cardigans. And while ABBA is great (Yeah I said it, what? Listen to “Does Your Mother Know” and tell me they’re not classy), Sweden has a new generation of musical luminaries, who happen to be far more respectable to the average hipster than their predecessors.

The young Swedish indie elite include the likes of Lykke Li, Jens Lekman and Miike Snow (and many more, most notably Air France and Robyn). Ms. Li who is featured on many classics such as N.A.S.A’s “Gifted,” Drake’s “Little Bit” and, of course, her critically drooled over LP, Youth Novel. While I almost passed along Youth Novel’s hit single “I’m Good, I’m Gone,” which really is quite grand, I’ll leave you with a more recent release, the Rodeo remix of Kings of Leon’s “Knocked Up,” which is taken to the next level by the Swedish gem.

Jens Lekman, perhaps my favorite of the Swedish Phish (Woah, pun fiesta), quickly wins over any hipster who snags a copy of Night Falls Over Kortedala. His unmistakable voice coupled with a big band creates infectious and brilliant tracks. On “A Postcard to Nina,” he sings about meeting a pen pal for the first time in Germany. I won’t ruin the song, but suffice to say, the lyrics tell a hilarious, Larry David-esque story. His encounter with the girl’s father is so awkward, culminating in the moment when, “I put my hands on a metal object/ He jokes and tells me it’s a lie detector.” It’s a creatively crafted song with fantastic horns and a dreamlike introduction. And, for those of you itching for more of “Lekman the Lethario,” check out “The Opposite of Hallelujah” and “Your Arms Around Me,” both off of Night Falls Over Kortedala.

Finally, Miike Snow has been receiving quite a bit of press, in addition to a plethora of samples (see “Cult Logic Forever” by the Hood Internet). The producers turned artists of Miike Snow have not been receiving the same love from the critics as their country woman Ms. Li, but in their defense, who even reads Pitchfork anymore? Snow dominated the hypemachine for a long while, proving that the blogosphere’s wannabe elite do not always speak for listeners everywhere (full disclosure: I am an avid reader of Pitchfork and quite often a big fan). As all of you readers remember, Edward has already given you their outstanding “The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance” remix, as well as their hit “Animal.” So, I’m going to combine the two, and give you the Crookers remix to “Animal” (Both a remix and an “Animal”). A decent song in its own right, Crookers steps it up to turn this track into a keeper, just like they did with Kudi’s “Day n Nite”.

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Knocked Up (Lykke Li vs. Rodeo Remix) – Kings of Leon (YSI)

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A Postcard to Nina – Jens Lekman (YSI)

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Animals (Crookers Remix) – Miike Snow (YSI)

Januaremix II: The Emperor Tiger Strikes Back!

Edward — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:54:08 +0000

Who says recycling images is bad? I worked damn hard on this the first time, and I plan on getting at least 3 uses out of it.

You all thought that there was no topping the creative genius of the last remix post in terms of hilariously punning title and ridiculously ingenious mspaint’d photo, but then I totally outdid myself. I borrowed a technique from Dumb and Dumber, to bring you my own Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd, serializing the title of my previous post with a snappy pop-culture reference. And then making you watch the same story again. Except this post has NEW SONGS! Can you believe it? The Animal Show is the best mp3 blog ever!!

Today, I’m going to unleash a couple of remixes I’ve been sitting on for a while. The first scratches that itch we all perpetually have: the itch for new Shins material. Wincing the Night Away happened far too long ago; we need more Mercer, dammit. This “remix” is more of a reinvention by the band, putting a fantastic new spin on aforementioned-album-opener “Sleeping Lessons.” The other remix is a sweet double-billing of the Black Kids (top 5 songs of 08 alert!) and Lykke Li. Grab ‘em while they’re hot. Out of the microwave. (Get it? Because they’re old and had to be reheated! Right, guys?)

Sleeping Lessons (The RAC Mix) – The Shins

I’m Good, I’m Gone (Black Kids Remix) – Lykke Li

N.A.S.A Blasts Off

Edward — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:43:51 +0000

OR SOME OTHER SPACE-RELATED PUN

Oh, to be young and at space camp! But look out, child, because your mind is about to get totally melted by musical spirits, which look and act a lot like those weird God-ghosts at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark.

You may remember way back in my Kanyeezy for Diversity post that I posted a track from N.A.S.A.’s upcoming album, The Spirit of Apollo, and then I went completely nuts about the artists featured on that track (re-posted below). I told you that the album was going to hold you prisoner and put you in a weird human-zoo where other hip-hop artists would come and pay exorbitant prices to throw cheerios into your cage or, if you’re sufficiently tame, come into your confine and pet you. And I mean that in the coolest way possible, because this zoo is going to rock. Like, chocolate waterfalls and perpetual rainbows and maybe a bush made of pretzels or something, I don’t know, I haven’t really completely planned it. In case you didn’t believe me, here are a couple new songs off the album, which should get you sufficiently riled up.

Whachadoin’ (feat. Spank Rock, M.I.A., Nick Zinner and Santogold) – N.A.S.A.

Remember how happy I was about Santi, Lykke Li + Kanye? This is a close 2nd for glee-some threesomes. M.I.A. + Santi is always good, and then Spank Rock icing is my favorite kind. Nick Zinner is the lead guitarist of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, whom I’ve never listened to, so if you have some tracks I should check out, plz point me to them. (PS sorry for the DJ drops in this — it’s the price you have to pay for sweet leaks…)

Money (feat. David Byrne, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge & Z-Trip) – N.A.S.A.

Criminy! David Byrne and Chuck D on the same track? This is amazing. I love Talking Heads, and feel like they’re a band who should be mashed up more frequently. 163 blogpoints to each person who can hook me up with a good Talking Heads mash. 13823 Blogpoints for each Talking Heads/Public Enemy mash-up I receive.

Gifted (feat. Kanye West, Lykke Li & Santogold) – N.A.S.A.

Still amazing.

Spirit of Apollo hits stores Feb 17th. Prepare yourself.

N.A.S.A.’s Myspace.

Whachadoin’ via Nashville Nights

Kanyeezy for Diversity, and Me for Controversy

Edward — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:15:48 +0000

So damn hood.

Every now and then, I like to pretend that I’m a different kind of hipster than I am. I unbutton one additional button on my shirt, and then I listen to Kanye. And then I sing along the only way I know how — by mumbling most of the words until he gets to the end of a line, at which point I yell, to even out my earlier quietness. Because you read this blog, you are obviously exactly like me in every way, so you know what I’m about. Anyway, Kanye is a different man these days than he used to be. No longer flitting between being so bad it’s awesome (and I’m not embarrassed to say that’s my favorite Kanye track.) and so awesome he’s unavoidable, 808s and Heartbreaks fell in between. Don’t get me wrong, there were some good moments, but as a whole, it didn’t have the arrogance I expect and need from Kanye.

I’ve scoured the internet to find songs that shows the Kanye I love, the Kanye of “American Boy,” the Louis-Viutton Don we all wish we were. I found these two tracks, which both show why Kanyeezy is the man. Neither are his, but both are awesome. N JOI!

Pro Nails – Kid Sister (feat. Kanye West)

Kanye’s verse owns this song. I don’t know or care who Kid Sister is, but me likey Kanye. EDIT: based on the advice of a faithful reader, I am currently reevaluating my stance on Kid Sister. Her verse in this song is growing on me, and I’m examining her other traxxx. I’ll keep you posted.

Gifted – N.A.S.A. (feat. Kanye West, Santogold & Lykke Li)

This is the sort of collab I lie in bed dreaming of. Santi, Yeezy, and Lykke?? AAAAH! N.A.S.A.’s album is going to own my life. Look for it.