The Chuckness

Gotye’s “Eyes Wide Open” fell in my lap last October, and I couldn’t get enough of the Australian’s sound. Everything about the easy-listening record struck me the right way; and since then, I haven’t been able to dig up much more on the guy. That is until today, when “Somebody I Used To Know” came my way. He keeps the soft, laid back style for a bit on this one, but then goes into straight heartbreak mode by the time the infectious chorus rolls around — and it cuts you to your core. Something about Gotye’s sound rubs me the right way; which has me looking forward to his third studio album Making Mirrors, due out on August 19th.

In other news, I’m literally about to get on a direct flight to Australia/New Zealand to take in their music scene. They’re just killing the game these days.

Remember Avicii’s “Penguin”? An absurdly enticing beat was all I needed back then; I never even thought about vocals. Here, Avicii has taken his beat as the backbone, and has recruited a fellow bro to lay down some vocals on top, changing the title to “Fade Into Darkness”. If it didn’t already do so, this one has a high probability of burning down European clubs across the continent.

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Download: Avicii – Fade Into Darkness

Model Worker is a four-piece band coming out of Chicago, and parts of “Automatic Love” have me thinking they’ve just transported from the 80′s. Not the shitty 80′s though, I’m talking the catchy ass, synth-filled 80′s. Somehow they’ve bottled that sound up, and release it all over these 3 minutes and 8 seconds. Check it out below.

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Download: Model Worker – Automatic Love

[via Neon Gold]

As you all know, Madeon is the teenage producer/prodigy behind some absolutely huge tracks. He’s garnered the respect of some of the biggest producers and DJ’s all over the world, and is well on his way to the top. That being said, he decided to mess around the other day and incorporate 39 tracks that he likes into one cohesive jam. Doesn’t sound that groundbreaking, as every dickhead in college thinks they can make it huge by putting together atrocious mashups, but Madeon takes the concept to another level.  Oh and he’s 17 — if I forgot to mention that part.

See if you can guess some of the songs involved; I’ve included the tracklist after the jump.

Shoutout to the guest in the Shoutbox for the heads up.

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Mixtape Wayne returns today, as he follows through on his promise to let go of a new mixtape before his studio album, Tha Carter IV.  The tape features 12 tracks, and as it just dropped a few hours ago, I haven’t listened to it enough to give you my official opinion. Give it a listen for yourselves, and let me know if it lives up to your expectations. Granted, mixtape expectations should be significantly less than album expectations.

I just received The Five One’s new release “Sorry”, and the fusion of reggae/pop/hip-hop is treating me right at the moment. The poor dude crooning his heart out just doesn’t quite understand how the babe above could not be sorry. That’s about all you need to know.

If they sound familiar, I previously posted their rendition of Death Cab For Cutie’s “What Sarah Said”, which is also a good little number to add to your libraries.

Give this one a listen and let me know if you’re into their sound.

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Download: The Five One – Sorry

This is beyond great. I was only familiar with Nikki Jean from Lupe’s gem “Hip-Hop Saved My Life” off his second album; but it looks like she may have quite the solo career ahead of her. Especially with features like Lupe and Black Thought of The Roots. This jam is just classy as hell; I was into it immediately after a first listen. You’ll dig this one; hit the stream and download below.

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Download: Nikki Jean (feat. Lupe Fiasco & Black Thought) – Million Star Motel

[via Refined Hype]

Calvin Harris is easily one of the most profound DJ’s across the pond, and was considered so even before his most recent smash “Bounce”.

“Feel So Close” is his next single, featuring his own vocals and a blistering, addictive guitar riff. It just premiered on BBC’s Radio One, and it has the feel of a monumental hit. Stream the radio rip below, and check back for the mastered version.

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[via Arjan Writes]

Is “Ugh” the greatest adlib of all time? Is it even close? Does anyone else have an entire track devoted to one’s adlib? (Besides Big Sean… I do it, boi) These are questions I face everyday.

Weeks ago I was bangin’ away on the Rick Ross Soundboard for a good hour, and it just never got old. Now I have an entire song at my disposal, dedicated to the greatest sound of the past century. It’s Christmas in July.

If you’re curious why you recognize Yung Joc — he was last seen at the mall.

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Download: Yung Joc (feat. Rick Ross) – Ugh

[via Mostly Junk Food]

Theophilus has been everywhere the past few weeks, as he gears up for the release of Timez Are Weird These Days, which is due out on July 19th. Whoever runs his marketing team is killing the game — you literally can’t get away from him. As we’re now a week away from the album release date, I’d assume the song leaks will stop here, but we’ll see.

“I Stand Alone” was released directly through Wired yesterday. The chorus on this one sounds like something Sting might have put on the table years ago — completely different from anything else out there. That seems to be the goal with Mr. London; keep it as different and unique as possible, and success will follow. Check it out below.