Slacker Indie Electronic - Adds Oct-Nov 2009
Atlas Sound – Walkabout (kranky)
That's Animal Collective's Noah Lennox doing vocals on this standout track from Logos, a sparkling, sunny number that recalls St. Etienne's electronic re-imaginings of '60s pop.
Blockhead – It's Raining Clouds (Ninja Tune)
This New York-based producer has worked with Aesop Rock, but on his new album 'The Music Scene' digs deeper into organic instrumental sounds, like this ethereal, flute-led track.
Chromeo – Night By Night (!K7)
This track, produced as a one-off single for the Pepsi-sponsored Green Label Sound, gives us more of the sing-along grooves that we love from our favorite Canadian retro-synth-funk duo.
Cold Cave – Life Magazine (Matador)
A synthpop project from the Philadelphia-based Wesley Eisold, who's otherwise known for his punk-rock background. "Magazine" is both wistful and raw.
Dam-Funk – Mirrors (Stones Throw)
This track from LA's so-called "Ambassador of Boogie Funk" has an almost psychedelic edge, like Prince's weirdest moments.
Diplo & Laidback Luke – Hey (Foamo remix) (Mad Decent)
The brain-spattering awesomeness of this stomping track from the Philly superproducer and Swedish house music star would have fit right in on the Major Lazer album; Italian producer Foamo throws in his signature wobbly bassline.
Duck Sauce – aNYway (Fool's Gold)
The new "Music Sounds Better With You"? Maybe! Lodged at #1 on the British dance charts for the last three weeks, this collaboration between A-Trak and the legendary Armand Van Helden is simple but effective, a disco dance floor killer.
Editors – Papillon (Fader Label)
The new synth-based sound for the British combo is surprising, but on reflection, totally natural. "Papillon" recalls the heights (or depths?) of dark '80s electro, like Real Life or Sisters of Mercy.
Hudson Mohawke – FUSE (Warp)
This Glasgow producer is like a hip-hop Aphex Twin, layering glitchy sounds over funky, almost dubsteppy beats, but with a bright, maximalist style that differentiates him from fellow Scots Boards of Canada.
Etienne Jaumet – Entropy (Domino)
This buzzing instrumental song from the French producer is the most minimal, purely "techno" style track in rotation on the channel at the moment – it might not grab you immediately, but give it a chance and its hypnotic riffs will break you down. Get it, entropy? Sigh.
Kid Sister – Right Hand Hi (Kill the Noise remix) (Universal)
With this song, Chicago rapper Kid Sister is destined to go from hipster name-check to international superstar – mark my word. Here Kill the Noise give it a prime-time spin complete with big breakdown and whizzy synths.
Lusine – Two Dots (Ghostly International)
Seattle-based producer Jeff McIlwain has worked on movie soundtracks as well as productions as Lusine, and it shows in the cinematic scope of this simple, understated track from his new album A Certain Distance.
Neon Indian – Deadbeat Summer (Lefse)
One of the strangest-sounding albums to land in the iTunes Electronic top 10 (after a favorable review from Pitchfork), the Texas-based producer Alan Palomo makes quirky electronica that's kin to Tobacco.
Phoenix – 1901 Bo Flex'd (Passion Pit remix) (V2)
One of the biggest alt-radio tracks of the year (first heard on Slacker right here on this channel by the way!) gets a funky re-rub from the year's other breakout alt-radio star.
Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette – Boys & Girls (Temps D'avance)
The French producer is known for his smooth house beats, but also dabbles in new wave, as seen in his '07 track "C'est la vie." This song updates the formula with even catchier boy-girl vocals – just try not to hum along.
The Very Best – Julia (Green Owl)
The genre-smashing team of Radioclit and Malawian-born Esau Mwamwaya made one of the most inspirational albums of the year with 'Warm Heart of Africa." On this track, they combine wobbly, dubstep rhythms with sunny melodies.
Vitalic – Poison Lips (Citizen)
The French electro producer who burst onto the scene with wild, distorted productions like "Poney Pts. 1 & 2" gets smooth and silky on this track from his new album Flashmob. Mixes perfectly into "I Feel Love."
Washed Out – Feel It All Around (Mexican Summer)
Georgia-based one-man-band Washed Out makes richer, more satisfying music than his name might indicate; "Around" sounds like Culture Club's "Time" at half-speed.
Yeasayer – Ambling Alp (Secretly Canadian)
The Brooklyn combo strikes gold with this stuttering, triple-time new single, like an electronic version of The New Pornographers.
Thom Yorke – Hearing Damage (Atlantic)
Oh, brooding teenage werewolves and vampires. Put aside the fact that this song is featured on the Twilight New Moon soundtrack, and just enjoy its stuttering, syncopated drums and buzzing bass.
Slacker Indie Electronic - Playlist 11/18/2009
A List
**Atlas Sound – Walkabout (kranky)
**Chromeo – Night By Night (!K7)
**Diplo & Laidback Luke – Hey (Foamo remix) (Mad Decent)
**Editors – Papillon (Fader Label)
**Kid Sister – Right Hand Hi (Kill the Noise remix) (Universal)
**Neon Indian – Deadbeat Summer (Lefse)
**Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette – Boys & Girls (Temps D'avance)
**Vitalic – Poison Lips (Citizen)
B List
Annie – Songs Remind Me of You (Smalltown)
**Cold Cave – Life Magazine (Matador)
**Dam-Funk – Mirrors (Stones Throw)
Little Boots – Earthquake (Elektra)
Passion Pit – Moth's Wings (French Kiss)
**Phoenix – 1901 Bo Flex'd (Passion Pit remix) (V2)
**Yeasayer – Ambling Alp (Secretly Canadian)
C List
Empire of the Sun – We Are the People (EMI)
The Limousines – Very Busy People
**Lusine – Two Dots (Ghostly International)
Miike Snow – Black & Blue (Downtown)
Simian Mobile Disco – Cruel Intentions (Interscope)
**The Very Best – Julia (Green Owl)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll (Passion Pit remix)
**Thom Yorke – Hearing Damage (Atlantic)
**=newish. Remember, playlists posted on the Slacker forums are not an indication of all music in rotation on a given station, merely a list of the newest songs getting the most spins. Individual weight loss results may vary.
