Asian Dan

Hot Chip’s fifth album “In Our Heads” is like their past 4 albums melded into one and distilled down to all that is great about Hot Chip. They touch upon every extreme in their repertoire – from their deep dancefloor vibes (“Flutes”) to their soulful side (“Look at Where We Are”) to their power-pop/songwriter side.

“Dont Deny Your Heart” dives into that epic power-pop side of Hot Chip with its playful synths and its modulating chord progression. It is a song that nods at tracks like Christopher Cross’ “All Right” and Andrew Gold’s “Lonely Boy” while still retaining that synth-nerd vibes that Hot Chip is known for. I am especially a big fan of the angular, Devo-esque outro. “In Our Heads” is definitely Hot Chip’s most self-indulgent album, a work that allowed them to stroke every facet of their musical egos – something I am not mad about.

Be sure to check out a live rendition of “Don’t Deny Your Heart” that the band performed on the Jools Holland Show a few weeks back. It really comes to life, especially with their lovely female drummer.

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Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti return with the help of the modern funkateer, Dam-Funk with a cover of Donnie & Joe Emerson’s “Baby”. Ariel Pink is up to the same hyper nostalgic 60s pop vibe with his impeccable production that does not make his music seem too much like a novelty thing. I would not be surprised to hear this this tune in a Tarentino or Lynch movie. Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti new album “Mature Themes” is out August 21 on 4AD.

The LOL Boys team up with Grown Folk to turn things into a really Montreal fam jam. “Ghostpath” channels some deep house vibes mixed with some hypnotic bass grooves which are all sewn up with a swirling 8bit synth line. This is definitely a tune for those long summer nights. Be sure to give the new LOL Boys’ RnB tinged single “Get Close To Me” feat. Angelina Lucero’s smooth vocals.

The Aussie duo, Collarbones return with a new track from their upcoming album “Die Young” which will be out this Sept. “Missing” is the first track off their sophomore album which delves deeper into this neo-RnB-bass genre that is constantly mutating. Let’s bring on the deep vibes…

Download: Collarbones – Missing

Also checkout this throwback post from 2010, Asian Dan Presents Collarbones “Brown Sugar” Mix + Q&A

90’s Rave Vibes courtesy of the High Powered Boys

“Pure Fun” is the only way I can describe what Mr. Todd Edwards created with this remix of Little Boots’ latest single “Headphones”. Todd digs in with a deep 2-step shuffle that explodes into a huge Pop chorus with “la la’s” that will be stuck in your head all day. This is a perfect summer jam.

Shuttle has landed once again with a new re-working of Spank Rock and Santigold’s “Car Song” – a serious clash of Baltimore minds. Shuttle transforms “Car Song” into a dark hip-hop club banger that just gets me excited for Shuttle’s full length release which will hopefully be out soon.

Download: Spank Rock – Car Song (Shuttle Remix)

PS. This is still an amazing remix.

Mr. Chill Gonzales is returning with a sequel to his beautiful album, “Solo Piano” entitled “Solo Piano II”. It is a collection of piano pieces that will take you through an introspective journey and make question everything – enjoy.

The French boogie maestro, Onra teams up with the Fool’s Gold Record family to release a new EP, “Deep In The Night” which is out June 12. “L.O.V.E.” is the first cut off the EP and is definitely an Onra boogie filled tune that will not disappoint. Groove on.