A NYE quickie: check out the freshness of Paris-based Onra. This guy is great. It's not technically "new music," new to me, though. His last record, Chinoiseries (2007; Favorite), is a fun listen: instrumental hip-hop inspired by J Dilla, made from samples of obscure Vietnamese records. I know, sounds a bit lame! But it's actually a very interesting record, and it reminds me of the globalization heard on El Guincho's steller Alegranza (2008; Discoteca Océano). It follows conventional beat-tape tendencies of a high volume of short songs--most clock in at around 1 to 2 minutes--playing like a Madlib Beat Konducta release.
Relax In Mui Ne (2:14)
http://myspace.com/onra
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Onto, Animal Collective. "Daily Routine," from the anticipated January release of their ninth album, Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009; Domino), sounds like they have refined their sound. Lot's of Panda Bear singing on "Daily Routine," and more sincere lyrics: "Just a sec more in my bed / Hope my machine's working right / When it's just precisely tuned / That's how it comes out so nice." He continues: "Make sure my kid's got a jacket /Keys and coat and shoes and hat / Strap a stroller to my back / Bouncing along every crack." Wow, being in your 30s and married with kids has never sounded cooler! If you can get past the lyrics, there's some incredible ideas packed into the song. Panda Bear's penchant for sun-drenched melodies is distinct on "Daily Routine," and they stretch out during the song's second half in beautiful refrain. Happy New Year! Stay safe!
Daily Routine (5:46)
http://myspace.com/animalcollectivetheband
