b3sci favorite Benjamin Francis Leftwich’s first proper single comes to us via the gorgeous “Box of Stones”. A simple acoustic guitar figure provides the frame for a stunning narrative about love and possession. We are into it.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Box of Stones
Benjamin Francis Leftwich: (Pre-order) (Myspace) (Official)
Rating: 8.2
Like we could resist a smoothed out beat like this. Rick Ross is a _______ rapper but Maybach beats are always top shelf, always rich. Nice on the Hustla’ to share the wealth.
Black Cobain – 4 AM (Feat. Wale)Black Cobain: (Twitter)
Rating: 8.3
UK singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran’s been on the b3sci radar for a minute now. He’s been blowing up as of late all over England; including frequent rotation on Radio 1. “Lately”, co-produced by Sheeran, is included as part of his “No. 5 Collaborations” EP, which finds the tunesmith on a more electro/beats-driven tip. Not that we’re complaining, “Lately” is excellent. 1) Check it out below, 2) love it, 3) ???, 4) then buy that shit!
Ed Sheeran – Lately (Feat. Devlin)Ed Sheeran: (Official) (Myspace) (Twitter)
Rating: 8.1
“Witches” finds the Minnesota-based band at one of its best moments. A a slow-driving, slow-burning base of guitar and rhythm form the the underbelly of a tune that really soars on its powerful, vaguely spiritual, sometimes almost Dylanesque melody. A great song from a great band.
Low – WitchesLow: (Myspace)
Rating: 8.2
July Days deliver a healthy dose of classic Anglo guitar pop (think a Kelly Jones fronted 00’s Oasis) on “Electric Love”. Big guitars, leather jackets, psychedelic harmonies, the Melbourne-based quartet have done their homework, “Electric Love” amounts to a great first offing.
July Days – Electric LoveJuly Days: (Myspace) (Facebook)
Rating: 8.0
Aussie ex-pats now holed up in Brooklyn, High Highs, come with a sound that is as comforting as it is familiar. On “Open Season” the duo sound (in the best way possible) like a lot of the bands I spun in high school, pieces of Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, The Velvet Teen, even little bits of Smashing Pumpkins bubble underneath the song’s simple yet stunning melodies. “Open Season” is available as a FREE download on the group’s bandcamp, check it below.
High Highs – Open SeasonHigh Highs: (Bandcamp) (Official) (Myspace)
Rating: 8.0
You go back, Jack, do it again. Track numero uno from the godlike Can’t Buy a Thrill LP.
Steely Dan – Do It Again
Remix Artist Collective add their touch to the Foster The People favorite. This one’s for the weekend. Get into it!!
Foster The People – Houdini (RAC Mix)Foster The People: (Official)
RAC: (Facebook)
Rating: 8.6
Explosions in the Sky continue to make great music. And you’d think, that with an understanding of the dynamics this band is so well capable of, that their thrills may start to feel redundant. Not to us – “Last Known Surroundings” is the lead track from their latest LP, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care, and it showcases all the ideas, patience and musical instincts that make this band and their sound so genuine. Not to mention they put on a live show you’ll never forget.
Explosions in the Sky – Last Known Surroundings
Explosions in the Sky: (Official) (Purchase)
Rating: 8.4
Jamie Woon keeps things smooth with “Shoulda”. Check that bass line at the break and just imagine the coolest elevator ride you may ever have.
Jamie Woon – ShouldaRating: 8.1
“Lie Down In Darkness” is previewed from Moby’s forthcoming and tenth studio LP, Destroyed, expected May 16 via Mute Records. With lush textures and its “Natural Blues” like aesthetic, the song evokes an emotive sound that could only from Moby.
Moby – Lie Down In DarknessMoby: (Myspace) (Pre-order Destroyed)
Rating: 8.3
Indie-electro superstar A-Trak will be headlining the Royale Nightclub in Boston this Monday, May 2 and you can be there! b3sci is giving away 2 free passes to show! All you gotta do is hit our email with your contact info and you’ll be entered to win. We’ll announce the winner on Sunday Night. A-Trak is one of the most hype names in the Electro game right now. “Barbra Streisand”, “Ray Ban Vision”, that sick “Heads Will Roll Remix”, you want to be there!
A-Trak:(Buy Tickets) (Official) (Twitter)
