I rap. I write. I make playlists that are tight. Yeah right? Know my type. Dude in the car talking louder than the music, cause I’m that rude critic. Well, wait–here’s an outtake of tracks I dare to interact, matter of fact, I just sit back and listen–so enjoy.

Tracklist

Silver Swans: “Secrets”

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The charismatic Ann Yu of LoveLikeFire who we interviewed last year has started a side project called The Silver Swans. The Phantogram-esque duo, combine Ann’s dreamy, just-awoken vocals with heavy synths. They’re playing tonight at the Rickshaw Stop in SF.

Recess: “How Do You Sleep?” (ft. Blu)

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Recess is a collaboration between The Clubhouse (a production crew) and Sene. The Clubhouse has done some interesting stuff, having worked before with Blu and Freddie Gibbs (two of our favorite contemporary rappers). This concept track, focuses in first verse (by Blu) on dreaming and in the second verse on nightmares. Cool idea.

Leann Grimes: “Local Asheville News”

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The self-titled album by Leann Grimes remixes/mashes up familiar chords from several recent indie sensations. This particular track focuses on Local Natives. It’s creative, exciting and should serve as a resource for mashup artists on how to do a mix, differently.

TV On The Radio: “You”

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Little needs to be said about indie pioneers TV On The Radio. Their recent album is awesome, and “You” is just one of many great tracks.

Mesita: “Somewhere Else”

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After blogging for almost three years, Mesita is one of a handful of artists, we’ve been able to follow and help make a career. His style reminds us of Whitest Boy Alive meets The Antlers, a comparison we hope resonates because it does for us.

Atmosphere: “Became”

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From his new album, The Family Sign, Atmosphere’s storytelling at his finest.

Oberhofer: “Don’tNeedya”

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Following a style that Ariel Pink made famous, Oberhofer’s “Don’tNeedya” is a great lo-fi, tape dubbing styled track with a great rhythm section.

Leann Grimes: “Swan Song”

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From Leann Grimes new album, “Swan Song” lays echoing chamber vocals over a pulsating beat that is contrastingly lifting and subtly dark.

The Heavenly States: “Berlin Wall”

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What can we say? We are a fan of Spoon. The Heavenly States are putting together fun, interesting stuff. Oh and they owe us a pastrami sandwich from Katz. Don’t think we forgot Tito.

Radical Dads: “Little Tombs”

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Featuring some of the members of long forgotten (for most) DIY band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Raidical Dads have something good going. This is a summer song.