It’s hard to believe that Philadelphia’s The War On Drugs’ sophomore album Slave Ambient is a product of 2011. It masterfully sports a bluesy Americana appeal that seems lost on this generation. Frontman Adam Granduciel’s genius seeps through the lyrics and rhythms even without former bassist and breakout soloist Kurt Vile. Despite the obvious Dylan and Springsteen comparisons, The War On Drugs has found a groove and a good one at that.

The album is a nostalgic thrill from start to finish, opening with summer-shower-soaked bluegrass jam “Best Night.” It twists through several dimensions of sound, allowing the album to roll over smoothly whilst still maintaining an element of exhilaration. Every nook and cranny is occupied by something sonic, be it harmonica or a droning echo. This layered effect is also what time-warps it. It steers through rock ‘n roll classism and collides with a ’70s pop influence. Songs like “It’s Your Destiny” and “City Reprise #2” manage to feel elevated yet simultaneously grounded.

The album exhibits a range that is difficult to put to words; you have to listen to it to understand. Each track is different but in a really good way. It’s a solid album that ought to outshine its predecessor.

Tracklist

1. Best Night
2. Brothers
3. I was There
4. Your Love Is Calling My Name
5. The Animator
6. Come to the City
7. Come for It
8. It’s Your Destiny
9. City Reprise #2
10. Baby Missiles
11. Original Slave
12. Black Water Falls

Free Candy

Baby’s Arms by Kurt Vile

Got a chance to see a couple of favorites of mine over the weekend, AC Slater and Mustard Pimp (ok, Charles of Mustard Pimp). In between less than impressive dubstep from 16 Bit and Emalkay (The Others were amazing), they ruled the show with high energy bass craziness. Today saw the release of “The Bass EP”, comprising of two tracks. Both songs feature dutch tribal master Bart B More, who shares production duties on “The Bass” with Drop the Lime and on “Crybaby” with AC Slater. Both songs have signature Bart all over them, and the back beat and creepiness of “The Bass” sells me. Listen here, then go grab a copy on beatport here.

Bart B More & Drop The Lime – The Bass

Bart B More & AC Slater – Crybaby

Bonus, been waiting for this damn track forever. Honestly at least a year, and it’s still this good.
The Loops Of Fury – Rack Em (Modek Mix)

This dropped six days ago, and I’m honestly just blown away. There are so many rad tracks packed into this 6 min. preview, I’ve had this on repeat since I found it. Apparently this is John Bourke of Trash Yourself! taking his talents in a new direction. Teaming up with the likes of Lucky Date and Kids At The Bar, these releases are not to be missed. Check out his sampler and get spooky with it.

Brit-pop sensation Ellie Goulding has been blowing up the music scene since before her debut album “Lights” even officially hit the scenes, with songs remixed by the likes of Bassnecter, Jakwob and others. Her sound, whether remixed or raw, is entirely catchy. There’s something about her, a sort of girl-next-store vibe that makes her awesome especially when you see her live. She kicks ass but manages to be adorable at the same time. “Lights” was officially released in March but I recently added this song to my summer playlist. It’s got those feel good vibes that are hard to shut down (unless you have an affect disorder).

This Love (Will Be Your Downfall)

Must watch! Documentary of Jay-Z and Kanye during the making of Watch the Throne. The footage includes cameos by Beyonce and Russel Crowe (shot in Australia… Yeezy’s got a line in there about Russ). ALSO! It shows Hov rapping over a sample of Cassius’s “I Love U So.” So now we have that and a sample of Flux Pavilion’s “I Can’t Stop” expected on the album. Have I mentioned how much we love genre-blending? I hope the world’s ready for this bad boy.

Watch The Throne documentary from amine ghorab on Vimeo.

New visuals from Mac Miller for “Best Day Ever.” You’re gonna like this one. Dude still looks exactly the same!

Fresh off the presses is the stream for Dillon Francis‘ spin on Calvin Harris‘ “Feel So Close.” We’ve now been delighted by both Mr. Francis and Nero, with Benny Bennassi still set to release his remix for the EP coming out August 22nd. We’re gonna end up with four completely different versions of a great song that all have their own separate thing going on. I’m not complaining!