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The Black Seeds – Pippy Pip

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So we’re big fans of New Zealand act The Black Seeds’ fellow Kiwi soulmen Electric Wire Hustle (one of our standouts from SXSW, most definitely); and while The Black Seeds maybe have not reached the acclaim in the States (except maybe former Seed Oscar-winning! Bret McKenzie, who’s probably best known for his work on Flight of the Conchords) that EWH has, the Wellington dub act is no doubt a force to be familiar with. New track “Pippy Pip” is a great islands-tinged halfstep tune that while heavy on the reggae feel is light on any weird works-against-the-song white dude reggae wanking (you know what we’re talking about). It’s a really soulful track that while powerful grabs at you subtly; the sort of track that seeps in slowly. Soul business.

The Black Seeds newzealand (Facebook)

Rating 8.4

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reviewed by
03-21-12

I Heart Sharks – Summer

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German band I Heart Sharks first hit our b3sci radars with new track and vid “Summer”. The Berlin-based collective hit on a sound that while relevant to “what’s happening” in 2012 indie sounds, at least in part, different. There’s definitely a bit of a broader sound palette at work here than many of IHS’ peers. Give “Summer” a spin and let us know what you denk.

I Heart Sharks – ‘SUMMER’ (HD) from Spike Morris on Vimeo.

I Heart Sharks germany (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

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reviewed by
03-21-12

Marissa Nadler – Washington Parks (Robert Manning)

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Marissa Nadler turns in this beautiful, spare version of “Washington Parks” by UK singer-songwriter Robert Manning for Mr. Manning’s “Music for MRI” project. Manning, who has MS, started the project as a way to raise money and awareness for the disease Multiple Sclerosis. You can read more about Robert Manning and this cause on his blog. What a gorgeous track.

Marissa Nadler massachusetts (Facebook)

Rating 8.6

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reviewed by
03-21-12

Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Look at Miss Ohio (Gillian Welch)

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Ben Leftwich gives his own unique and quiescing treatment to the Gillian Welch classic, “Look at Miss Ohio”. His delivery is soothing as a summer night in the midwest heartland (something that Miss Welch surely also appreciates). Grab a free copy of Ben’s cover at his Soundcloud. Also be sure to catch Ben on tour in the Americas this spring along with The Jezabels. Full dates are here and this show is a don’t miss!

Benjamin Francis Leftwich england (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

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reviewed by
03-21-12

Twin Terrace – Our Friend The Atom

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“Our Friend The Atom” has just the right amount of tune, riff-age and crunch, to make for a solid crossover rock track. Twin Terrace is the solo project of Gavin Redmond, from former indie rock band Vodkopter. TT will release its debut LP Plural this April.

Twin Terrace ireland (Facebook)

Rating 8.23

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reviewed by
03-21-12

Ferals – Drifter

By Jon Herriot

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New track out of Vancouver from a dreampop group called Ferals. Anyone who likes Teen Daze won’t be disappointed. Maddi DeWalt sings on their music, and she has the voice for this genre for sure. The vocals are what separates this from some other chillwave stuff out there. They have a really nice EP on their bandcamp also, make sure to check it out if you dig this.

Ferals canada (Facebook)

Rating 7.9

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reviewed by
03-21-12

China Rats – To Be Like I

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Haha, try doing a google image search for “China Rats”. We dare you! WARNING: There is some gnarly shit in store for you if you do. Liverpool’s China Rats debut single “To Be Like I” has decades worth of nostalgic jangle pop compressed into a single sticky-sweet 2 minute long garage session. We’re into it. Get familiar with China Rats below.

China Rats england (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

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reviewed by
03-20-12

K’naan – Nothing To Lose (Will.i.am Remix)

By Stephen Dobrinich

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K’naan’s track ‘Nothing to Lose’ gets a whole new feel here, courtesy of Will.I.Am, and it’s hard to overstate the transformation. In the original, the quality delivered flow of both Nas and K’naan is all but wasted because of the choices in production. Between the exaggerated hook, contrived inspirational tone, and that fucking annoying dinging noise it’s enough to turn this listener off. Meanwhile, Will.I.Am’s mix rides a soulful sample that brings the cool cool heat.

K’naan canada (Facebook)

Rating 8.5

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reviewed by
03-20-12

Big K.R.I.T. – I Got This (Prod. Big K.R.I.T.)

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Too nice. K.R.I.T. absolutely smashes this. New track “I Got This” is fire. Go and get it.

Big K.R.I.T. mississippi (Facebook)

Rating 8.6

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reviewed by
03-20-12

Keep Shelly in Athens – DIY (The New Division Remix)

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LA-based band The New Division remix Keep Shelly in Athens’ “DIY” track from last year. We’re loving the wide open big beat feel TND have selected for on this mix. Listen.

The New Division california (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

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reviewed by
03-20-12

B3SCI WANTS YOU TO GET ON OUR TEAM

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B3sci’ers! As we expand in 2k12 we’re looking for people like us who live/breathe/sleep/eat (good) music! Writing featured content (track reviews, album reviews, concert reviews), collaborating on new audio/video projects, or even help with marketing and promotions are just a few of the possible ways you can get involved. If you’re interested in getting on our team, hit our inbox with a link to something you’re listening to right now, your location, interest in the site and any reference links to your work that you may have. Talk soon!

reviewed by
03-19-12

YG – I’m a Thug (Feat. Meek Mill)

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Compton native YG grabs MMG soldier (and one of the hottest in the game right now) Meek Mill for new track “I’m a Thug”. DJ Mustard, who produced “Rack City” is on the beat here, crafting an instrumental that is like its predecessor very repetitive but also insanely catchy. “I’m a Thug” is a bit of a throwback to the great ignant rap shit of c. ’06-’07 (the peak for ignorant rap in the mainstream) with its minimalist-styled arpeggiated beeps and dirty south-esque bass. Look out for YG’s 400 Hunnid Degreez mixtape due March 26.

YG california (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

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reviewed by
03-19-12