Little Dragon

Little Dragon have quietly come along and become one of the most outstanding bands on the planet.

Based in Gotheburg, Sweden, the band is comprised of front woman, Yukimi Nagano (also known for her work with Koop), Erik Bodin on drums, Fredrik Källgren Wallin on bass, and Håkan Wirenstrand on keyboards.

Their first release, "Little Dragon", is somber and reflective, with melancholic songs like "Twice" (see the video above) and "Constant Surprises".

Their latest, "Machine Dreams", is different. It's happy and almost whimsical. The shift in tone is dramatic, yet consistently brilliant. "The Step" will make you pop-lock and daydream of "Beat Street" style break dancers of the late 80s. "Looking Glass" is a romp through the 80s, and reminds me of New Order, topped with a little Cyndie Lauper.

listen / download:
Little Dragon - The Step [thx audiodrums] -- buy this song @ Amazon
Little Dragon - Looking Glass [thx punkreas]

All You Need is GLOVES

I think that every 3 or 4 weeks or so, I should do a "Yet Another Reason Why We Love Australia" post. It's ridiculous the amount of TUNES coming from Australia.

The latest phenomena is Gloves, who was one half of the now defunct electronica duo Damn Arms. I was really sad to hear that Damn Arms split up. "Destination" was a gorgeous first effort, and a very exciting portent of what was to come. Alas, it was not meant to be.

Gloves' latest track, "Too Much Too Dream" is pure 80s bliss, like a Toto ice cream cone sprinkled with El Debarge dust and doused with a little Luther Vandross sauce.

listen / download:

GLOVES - Too Much Too Dream [thx asianmandan.com]

Ellie Goulding, Will You Marry Me?

Ellie Goulding has stolen my heart. Just when you thought you could not possibly bear another remix of Passion Pit's "Sleepyhead", she and Starsmith drop an absolute gem of a tune and make me fall in love all over again.

This remix transforms the song into a tender, emotion-drenched semi-acapella.

Ellie Goulding is from the United Kingdom and on the same Neon Gold Records label as Passion Pit and Marina & the Diamonds. She released "Starry Eyed" earlier this year, which has an epic remix by Jakwob. She also teamed up with UK producer Frankmusik for "Wish I Had Stayed".

listen / right-click to download:
Ellie Goulding + Starsmith - Sleepyhead (Passion Pit Cover) (thx squeegiesounds)

Ellie Goulding + Frankmusik - Wish I'd Stayed (thx notmanyexperts)

Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed (thx discodust)