MUSIC: Buildings Breeding

Slow, methodical, and downright breezy is what first hooked me onto the Davis, California band Buildings Breeding. But interesting lyrics and a propensity to experiment kept them in the fold. With one full-length out and a new outtakes EP dropping early in March, there's plenty for you to wrap your head around. Resting somewhere between Dntel and Brightblack, I present to you a great track by Buildings Breeding.

::: Buildings Breeding - Sitting Duck

You can order their albums here.

[Buildings Breeding on myspace.]
[Buildings Breeding official website.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to dualitys.]

Tags: mp3, music, buildings breeding, davis, california, indie

VIDEO: Panther (How Well Can You Swim)

So this video is a couple weeks old, and we all know that Macktronic loves some Panther, but I've got to post it anyhow. Plus, here's the album version of the track.

::: Panther - How Well Can You Swim (album version)

Also, run on over to Gold Robot Records to get yourself a copy of Panther's limited release 45rpm single for "How Well Can You Swim". Only 500 pressed and going fast.

[Panther on myspace.]
[Current Macktronic Contest = Free Stuff.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]

Tags: mp3, music, panther, gold robot records

MUSIC: Main Sequence

I posted a while back on a project out of Portland called Bridgetown Breaks. Out of the same crew comes a new album by Main Sequence called The Ownership Society. Instead of drum beats intended for sampling, this album is fully constructed of samples, sound bites, and cuts. The end result is arresting and involved; you can virtually hear the amount of effort and thought that went into the process. Two tracks on the album feature original vocals by Loc Thiese, one of which is provided below. It's my favorite on the album.

::: Main Sequence - Pay to Play (feat. Loc Thiese)

You can also check out more tracks at the websites for Main Sequence linked below.

[Main Sequence official website.]
[Main Sequence on myspace.]
[Current Macktronic Contest = Free Stuff.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to placeinsun.]

Tags: mp3, music, main sequence, portland

MUSIC: The Morning Benders

At the present moment, by favorite Berkeley-based indie rock act is The Morning Benders. If you're not familiar with them, they've got one excellent EP out and another forthcoming. Their sound is for fans of The Shins of Langhorne Slim; they've also got an interesting throwback pop jangle to their tracks, which I like. Here's a fresh off the press song from their upcoming EP called Boarded Doors.

::: The Morning Benders - Damnit Anna

[The Morning Benders on myspace.]
[Current Macktronic Contest = Free Stuff.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to honeycut07. It's of the tracks in Berkeley!]

Tags: mp3 music, morning benders, berkeley, california

MUSIC: The Silent Years

A day back to work after a holiday deserves the company of a nice indie rock song. Toe-tapping, hand-clapping, and all that. Here's a track off the self-titled full-length album by this Detroit group takes care of this desire.

::: The Silent Years - Take The Money Out

[The Silent Years on myspace.]
[Current Macktronic Contest = Free Stuff.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to Burps Liberty.]

Tags: mp3, music, silent years, detroit

REVISIT: Arcade Fire (Magnetic Fields Cover)

Here's an older cover of a Magnetic Fields song that Arcade Fire did on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic show in 2005. I like it, and so will you.

::: Arcade Fire - Born On A Train (Magnetic Fields Cover) (Live)

If you're a fan of interesting and exciting music, check out the new releases at the new Gold Robot Records. Limited edition vinyl tracks by new brilliant artists.

[Arcade Fire on myspace.]
[Current Macktronic Contest = Free Stuff.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to miss bob reno.]

Tags: arcade fire, magnetic fields, mp3, music, live, macktronic

REMIX: Birdman & Lil Wayne (by Quarterbar)

This is one of the better remixes I've heard in a long while. You will like it. Quarterbar is DJ'ing a show tonight at Space Gallery in San Francisco. Birdman and Lil Wayne will not be there, but Roman Ruins, Jones, Height, and The Parish will certainly be in attendance.

::: Birdman & Lil Wayne - Stuntin (Quarterbar fast remix)

Check out all these fantastic links below, and don't forget to enter the current Macktronic contest.

[Quarterbar on myspace.]
[Current Macktronic Contest = Free Stuff.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to iamdonte.]

Tags: mp3, music, remix, quarterbar, lil wayne, birdman, rap, hip hop, macktronic

MUSIC: Of Montreal

I do love the name of Of Montreal's new album, Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?, one of the better titles of late. I do not, however, like the name of this song; but the track itself is fantastic (along with the rest on the album). Listen to it and check out the links below.

::: Of Montreal - Faberge Falls for Shuggie

[Of Montreal on myspace.]
[Current Macktronic Contest = Free Stuff.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to PhineasX.]

Tags: mp3, music, of montreal, destroyer, fauna, macktronic

CONTEST: Black Snake Moan / Samuel L. Jackson 7-inch Vinyl

The good folks from Black Snake Moan have graciously agreed to to donate a a limited edition 7-inch featuring the Samuel L. Jackson on lead vocals. Although the movie also stars Justin Timberlake (another Memphis boy like director Craig Brewer), he doesn't partake in the music side of the film.

Here's some details:

Black Snake Moan is the new film from Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) starring Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci and Justin Timberlake. The scene is set with Jackson playing an old bluesman that chains up Christina Ricci to 'get the devil out of her.' In the process of filming, Jackson learns to play guitar, and sings on the film's soundtrack. To celebrate the release of Black Snake Moan, a limited a 7-inch vinyl has been pressed. The record features two songs performed by Samuel L. Jackson: the oral tradition toast, "Stackolee" and Blind Lemon Jefferson's "Black Snake Moan."

Here's the video for "Stakolee", as performed by Samuel L. Jackson.



In order to win this limited run vinyl, email macktronic (at) gmail (dot) com with the subject line "Black Snake Moan Contest" along with your name and address. A winner will be selected at random. Good luck!

[Black Snake Moan on myspace.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]

Tags: black snake moan, contest, free, justin timberlake, macktronic, music, samuel l. jackson, ricci

REMIX: Clipse (Diplo)

Got this track a while back from Palms Out Sounds, I believe, and I still get a kick out of it. Strange as all hell and provocative in typical Diplo fashion. Plus Clipse burn like to other.

::: Clipse - Queen Bitch (Diplo Mix)

[Clipse on myspace.]
[Diplo on myspace.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to Redskynight.]

REMIX: Bloc Party

Thanks to Headphone Sex for this track from the "Remix Your Brain" post a couple days ago. Interesting take on a new Bloc Party track remixed by Hadouken.

::: Bloc Party - The Prayer (Hadouken Remix) [ezArchive]
::: Bloc Party - The Prayer (Hadouken Remix) [Box.net]

If you order Bloc Party's new album (A Weekend in the City) from Insound, you get a free limited edition 7-inch record. Here's the details: "Be one of the first 1000 people to order the new Bloc Party album, A Weekend In The City, and receive a FREE LIMITED EDITION 7". This INSOUND EXCLUSIVE vinyl features two tracks, 'I Still Remember' and an unreleased B-side, 'We Were Lovers'! Quantities are limited so order now. This won't be repressed!"

[Bloc Party on myspace.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to vanator.]

Tags: mp3, music, bloc party, rock, hadouken, remix

LAUNCH: Gold Robot Records

So there's been some changes around here at Macktronic. The focus and design have slowly been evolving, and probably will continue to do so throughout the history of this project. One offshoot of the endeavor is that I've decided to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak, and start a record label...... Gold Robot Records. The focus of GRR is small run vinyl releases with a focus on independent musicians, artists, printmakers, and designers. It's a non-profit project, with all proceeds going to the making of the next release.

We've got two 7 inch releases this month. GRR001 is by Oakland's Roman Ruins, an electro/pop/rock artist that crafts intricate and powerful songs. GRR002 features Portland's Panther and all of his dance/funk talent. Both musicians are extremely talented with full-length releases on other labels in the works. Check out the A-side tracks here, and buy an album afterwords.

::: Roman Ruins - Releasing Me [from GRR001]
::: Panther - How Well Can You Swim [from GRR002]

Order a seven inch of both artists, support the creative folks who make independent music, and spread the word.

For those of you in the Bay Area, we've got a launch party for GRR001 on Friday Feb 16 at Space Gallery in San Francisco. Music sets by Roman Ruins, Jones + Height (Baltimore), and The Parish (Oakland) plus many local artists including Rhea Fontaine, Marlon Ingram, Bruk Dunbar, Andrew Venell, Hunter Mack, Kerri Johnson, and Jason Byers. Music starts at 10PM.

Panther is dropping his full-length album on Fryk Beat in early March, titled Secret Lawns. Roman Ruins debut full-length is due out later this year on Daly City Records. Hear more music from both artists on their myspace sites linked below, and be GRR's friend as well.

[Gold Robot Records official website.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Roman Ruins on myspace.]
[Panther on myspace.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to tubes.]

Tags: mp3, music, macktronic, panther, roman ruins, san francisco, bay area, oakland, portland, independent, the parish, jones, height, elctronica, rock, space gallery, vinyl, record label, new, awesome

REMIX: J.O.Y. (DFA)

Still on the remix kick. Still a fan of DFA. This track is off their second compilation album (which is straight up good). Yelps and tweaks and sugar all around.

::: J.O.Y. - Sunplus (DFA Remix)

[Buy J.O.Y. music from Insound.]
[Buy DFA music from Insound.]
[DFA on myspace.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to onepicaday.]

Tags: mp3, remix, macktronic, dfa, joy, electro, punk

NOW: MSTRKRFT

Just changed some of the visual aspects on Macktronic, was getting sick of the old design. This is my favorite song from the past week. Both Metric and MSTRKRFT rock your socks off.

::: Metric - Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT Remix)

[Buy Metric music from Insound.]
[Buy MSTRKRFT music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to nic.]

Tags: music, mp3, metric, mstrkrft, rock, remix, macktronic