If you’ve run through your The Postal Service albums for the hundredth time and want some new material, well you’re out of luck.  But if you’re looking for a substitute, then Owl City may be just the thing.

Ocean Eyes (2009)

Maybe I’m Dreaming (2008)

The Cinematic Orchestra didn’t simply become the super chill, dramatic, Antony-and-the-Johnsons-collaborating band that we hear on Ma Fleur (or even the amazing soundtrack for Disney’s French nature film Les Ailes Pourpres – yes, only the French would make a feature film documentary about the plight of flamingos) overnight. Their sound was originally that of a big, mean, trip-hop, nu-jazz band on the cutting-edge Ninja Tune label back in 1999 when they released Motion. Dig through their archives and you’ll find live performances (i.e. Live in Vancouver) that are full of energy. Fast-forward to 2007 and Ma Fleur significantly dials back the energy – music to accompany reading a book in front of the fire place rather than to fuel a late-night, manic graphic design session.

That’s not to say I don’t love the new sound as much as the old – it’s like comparing apples and uranium. I recently dusted off Man With A Movie Camera, their 2003 transition from the old (big, jazzy, aggressive) sound to their new (dramatic, mellow, soft) sound. And it’s chronologically appropriate, sitting just between Motion (1999) and Ma Fleur (2007).  Who knows if The Cinematic Orchestra will ever go back 1999, but at this point Man With A Movie Camera is a pivotal moment in this amazing band’s discography, and an album that I consider to be their best.

The Cinematic Orchestra – Theme Reprise [from Man With A Movie Camera]
The Cinematic Orchestra – Evolution (Porto Edit) [from Man With A Movie Camera]

I sometimes stumble upon a track that has a familiar beat, but I can’t quite put my finger on where I’ve heard it before. Hunting down the beat can be fun, especially when you find that it came from an unlikely source. I’m sure you know what I mean.

That brings us to Kid Cudi and his out-of-left-field sampling of Menahan Street Band’s 70s-funk-inspired Traitor on his Solo Dolo track (from Man On The Moon). Honestly, I wish Cudi had sped up the beat and incorporated more of the original track’s character. Hit play to see what I mean.

Kid Cudi – Solo Dolo (from Man On The Moon)
Menahan Street Band – Traitor (from Make The Road By Walking)

This post has two purposes: to feature an amazing artist that I recently stumbled upon as well as a music-centric social network that I can’t believe I didn’t discover sooner.

First, the social network: SoundCloud.com
The idea is a mix of user contributed content sharing, like Flickr, and peer feedback like Facebook. The concept is great and the execution is really where this site shines. Check out the demo video:

And the music: Scrimshire
As in Adam Scrimshire. He’s basically a guy with a very eclectic and refined style of music that ranges from downtempo to chill, moody tracks that are so refined that I’d probably describe them as “compositions.”

Put them both together:

Sun Will Shine by Scrimshire

When The World Was Young (pt 1) by Scrimshire

Colman Brothers by Scrimshire

By the way, if you’re an artist or just a fan who is interested in opening my ears to some new music, send it my way via the SoundCloud dropbox link in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Send me your track

Just some good electro tunes to help get this week started.

Röyksopp – Vision One (from Junior)
Röyksopp – Röyksopp Forever (from Junior)

Designed by Framestore.

The Fray – Heartless

Directed by HIRO MURAI
Animation by TITMOUSE
Edited by ISAAC HAGY
Cinematography by IBIS (CLAY JETER & WILL BASANTA)
Produced by ROSS GIRARD