Mac DeMarco - No Other Heart: Heartbreak's never been so cool

Mac DeMarco's Another One - Taken from Mac's Bandcamp

One of today's most prolific and beloved artists finally makes his way into our little blog. Took him long enough, though. DeMarco's minimalist style gets the spotlight here as the entire album is recorded by himself amidst relentlesss touring, showing his growth as a musician and songwriter. 

I chose this particular song because I think it gives you a clearer glimpse of what Mac is all about, specially for people that haven't heard about him ever. Combining the depth and relatability of love's issues with his cool approach to delivery, which is something he's been known for, we get No Other Heart, an endearing effort on asking for another chance, something I'm sure most of us have all gone through at some point. It features his trademark quirky, almost out of tune instrumentation and his laid back singing that's either love it or hate it, also keeping the tune short for our almost non-existent attention spans. What's not to like?

As usual, check out the song right here, right now, in the embedded track below. Also, don't forget to leave a comment, and stay tuned for more music from the cold north action!

Culver City Dub Collective - The Cave: Soothing dub for the Monday blues

Culver City Dub Collective's debut release Dos - Taken from Bandcamp

Get ready, 'cause we've got some more beachy sounds coming your way! This time, courtesy of Culver City Dub Collective's release "Dos", and the opening track for the record "The Cave". The song relies heavily on groove and melody, combining the Melodica, an unusual instrument for this kind of music, with the more traditional winds, keys, guitars, bass and drums. Some nice additional background vocals fit perfectly with the musical environment, transporting you to the rocky reefs, feeling the wind softly wheezing through your messy hair, and the sun burning your skin.

This tune is such a perfect sample of beach sounds that it was featured in the surf film Brokedown Melody. How's that for a beachy feeling?. 

There's really not a lot to say about this song except this: if you miss the beach as much as I do, then this is the sonic equivalent to actually being there. As usual, check out the song right here, right now, in the embedded track below. Leave us a comment and stay tuned for more Ew, what's that touching my feet action!

Levitation Room - Reasons Why: More timeless sounds out of sunny California

Levitation Room - Ethos (from the band's Bandcamp)

Today's first pill comes from -to my judgment- one of the best records of 2016. Now, my list isn't really that hard to make, I've got a lot of favorite records, and those seamlessly change from month to month or even week to week, but this one has kept its status for a fair amount of time. 

As you've probably noticed, we're very fond of that kind of Rock and Roll you first heard in the 60's, mixing psychedelia with bluesy leads and jangly chord progressions. We've also discussed how for some people, this music might come across as derivative, but this isn't the case. Reasons Why sounds fresh and articulate: the overall sound of the song seems convincingly effortless in its execution, with all the right elements to transmit the vibe these guys certainly set out for. That's how you tell apart mindless copycats from passionate, talented songwriters. 

Now, to describe the song a little further, it's catchy, which is mandatory for this sort of music. It has a pretty standard form, but as it progresses, its intensity rises, peaking with a nice keyboard part that enhances the climax, leaving you breathless and eager for another spin.

As usual, check the song out right here, right now, in the embedded track below. Don't leave us a coment, we hate that, and don't stay tuned for more garage your way outta high school action!

The Growlers – Derka Blues

The Growlers' Hung At Heart - Taken from their Bandcamp. 

Now, I’ve never been to California, but this to me might be the best description of it, even though it doesn’t really describe anything. There’s just something about that twang, the walls of reverb and the carelessly careful lyrics that convey a beachy feeling, nostalgia for a place you’ve never been to, and a situation you might have never experienced. What I like about it the most, is how casual and daily the lyrics sound. Don’t tell me you’ve never felt like a creeper for watching your loved one for too long, I know I have. 

This is a band I hold close to my heart, I love the beach, and having never lived close it, I need something that reminds of its existence, of something greater and unknown but yet so unnervingly simple and at the same time deep and complex. At the end of the day, it’s just water; at the end of the day, it’s just the Blues.