The Seattle-based doo-wop band La Luz write dreamy, beachy tunes that'll make you want to go on a road trip with your BFFs and never come back. The foursome's vocals together create gorgeous harmonies reminiscent of '60s girl groups or, more recently, the talented, lo-fi gals of Grass Widow. Their sad love songs fit perfectly with Shana Cleveland's surfy riffs, which bring The Ventures' instrumental skills to mind. After forming just last ... Read More

It's been a long road for the hip-hop dance queen, but M.I.A.'s finally blessed us with this badass track off her upcoming album Matangi. "Bring the Noize" is a version of a song from a mix she put together for the Kenzo fashion show in Paris earlier this year. This electronica track features M.I.A's signature speedy flow over complex, catchy beats, building into a softly sung finale. We can't sit still waiting for the music video, but the ... Read More

Ever since Austra's debut album, Feel It Break, came out in 2011, I have barely stopped listening to it long enough to, you know, do my job of listening to other music. At a New Year's Eve party earlier this year, I got in trouble with some strangers because I kept commandeering the iPod to play "The Beat and the Pulse" so my friend and I could have a dance-off. It was that friend's apartment, so we won that battle, but not without getting ... Read More

  David Grubin’s Downtown Express may not open until June 25th, but its musical score is already making waves. The film follows a promising Julliard violin student who falls for a street performer and joins her band. When the musicians happen to be played by Philippe Quint and Nellie McKay, it’s easy to see how critics are falling for this film. If you don’t already know and love Nellie McKay, the magical puff of ... Read More

Last time we checked in on Miss Eaves (AKA Shanthony Exum) she was rapping about everything from kitties to NPR. Now she’s teaming up with Surfing Leons in a brand new video, looking fiercer than ever. No, there's no Nyan Cats flying around behind her this time, but it's still pretty awesome. With a backdrop that recalls a 40’s thriller and a backbeat that sounds like it was ripped out of an early 90’s arcade game, Miss ... Read More