Heave Media

Your Listening Pleasure

We give you some songs - you listen to them

Maps - You Don't Know Her Name [mp3] - Ever since the advent of the Postal Service, laptop-based electronica groups who record their music in their bedrooms have sprung up left and right, to mixed results. However, Northhampton-based Maps, creates lush shoegaze-influenced soundscapes backed by tight breakbeats. The effect is equal parts Ulrich Schnauss, My Bloody Valentine, and Mum, with a dash of Ratatat and New Order's groove. The best part is that the man behind Maps, James Chapman, manually recorded all the parts to this album without computer software. Take that, Jimmy Tamborello.

Maps' debut album, We Can Create, is out now on Mute Corporation.

M.I.A - XR2 - I have no idea why this track isn't the single off M.I.A's new album Kala, but XR2 is hands down her best track since Bucky Done Gun. The Diplo-produced number is driven by a syncopated electronic bass drum beat and his trademark baile funk-style horn sample, giving the listener the ecstatic feeling of a Brazilian carnival or favela celebration. Amid the handclaps, egg shakers, and sound effect whistles, M.I.A delivers her lines a deep, almost grime-like monotone voice, constantly repeating "where were you in 92?". Play this one at your next dance party and it'll be sure to get the posteriors shaking.

Kala will be out on September 21st on Interscope Records.

Shout Out Louds - Tonight I Have To Leave It - Stockholm's very own Shout Out Louds' first single kicks off with an upbeat cowbell groove, while delving into a Camera Obscura-style indie pop style song, complete with violin-sounding keyboard melodies, layered vocals, and an overall infectious energy. The band's Cure/Smiths influenced sound and lead singer Adam Olenius's slight accent evokes Glasgow's The Twilight Sad or even Montreal-based The Dears. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John produced the album, either.

Their sophomore album, Our Ill Wills, will be released on September 11th, on Merge Records.

Posted by Jason Prechtel on Sep 04, 2007 @ 12:00 am