If you’re still digesting Modern Guilt, you might want to pause it for a second and listen to this snazzy faux-rocker from Beck. Off of the Chemtrails 7″ release, “Vampire Voltage No. 6″ is a pretty delightful b-side that thematically matches the rest of the Modern Guilt album. While I wish it went on a bit longer, it’s still a delight, nonetheless.
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Because everyone loves free music, how about this new dandy of a b-side from none other than Coldplay? No? Well, this isn’t a run of the mill b-side mind you, it’s actually sung by Coldplay drummer Will Champion– who isn’t too shabby of a vocalist. It’s somewhat reminiscent of Randy Newman (no, not this Randy Newman), but with a surprising hymnal quality.
To download the song for free, just visit the following website:
http://coldplay.com/song.php
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One of the best rappers around right now, here’s a pretty nice remix of Common’s hit single "Come Close," featuring Erykah Badu, Pharrell, and Q-Tip. The remix also integrates a snippet of A Tribe Called Quest’s "Bonita Applebum." A very laid back song, the emphasis is definitely more on the vibe than it is on their respective skills.
Common "Come Close" Remix (Closer) feat. Erykah Badu, Pharrell and Q-Tip Come Close
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In honor of them finally coming up with a title for their upcoming album, the BSotW is Coldplay’s "Bigger Stronger" from The Blue Room EP. A very strong track, it’s puzzling to think that this never made a release. The tone of the song is much darker than typical Coldplay, not to mention that it’s not the sappy love song that Coldplay’s become known for. I’ve always felt that Coldplay’s b-sides were better than many of the songs that were featured on their albums– "Bigger Stronger" is a good indication as to why.
Coldplay "Bigger Stronger" The Blue Room EP
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Yes, the b-side of the week feature is back again after a brief hiatus. This time around it’s an outstanding remix courtesy of Interpol’s own Carlos Dengler. Unsurprisingly, the bass line in the jam towards the end of the album version of "Public Pervert" takes center stage, with the other instruments playing off of the main "riff." Paul Banks’ vocals are nothing more than haunting echos until more than half-way through the song when he finally emerges to deliver the verses. The intricacies and details of the remix are such that even over an eight minute span it continues to hold your attention span. The Carlos D Remix of "Public Pervert" is on the C’Mere EP.
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Here’s a fun one for you guys. The b-side for this week is a very nicely done remix by Mark Ronson of Air’s "Alpha Beta Gaga" that also features Chicago native Rhymefest. Ronson brings his traditional percussive-heavy sound to the original blueprint, while Rhymefest is incredibly sharp and unobtrusive with his rhymes which works really well with Ronson’s production skills. A thoroughly enjoyable take on the original, this remix can be found on the Surfing on a Rocket EP.
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This weeks b-side comes courtesy of The Avalanches and Belle & Sebastian, as The Avalanches put a decidedly African spin on the popular B&S tune "I’m a Cuckoo." Using flutes and heavy percussion to introduce the song (alongside with a Sudanese kids choir) and bridge into Stuart Murdoch’s first verse, the result is quite engaging. If it’s one thing The Avalanches specialize in, it’s making several formerly unthinkable genres and styles somehow cohesive in any given song– their take on "I’m a Cuckoo" serves as just one of the many examples in which they show their admirable talents.
Belle & Sebastian "I’m a Cuckoo" (by the Avalanches) I’m a Cuckoo EP
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A splendid song from Radiohead’s My Iron Lung EP, "Lewis (Mistreated)" is probably one of the more popular Radiohead b-sides. The reason for choosing them this week is because of a hunch that I have in regards to their Chicago appearance. While I’m not 100% sure, it looks as if Radiohead will be playing at Lollapalooza this year. The reason for this guess is that Radiohead is supposed to return to the US in August to appear in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. While it’s certainly possible for the popular group to be performing elsewhere, it’s hard to believe that the organizers of Lollapalooza would want to pass up on such an opportunity. That being said, don’t quote me on it just yet, but do look for an announcement in the future that gives the official info. In the meantime, here’s "Lewis (Mistreated)."
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I wanted to mix it up a bit with this installment of the B-Side of the Week and went with the Delaware hip-hop artist Hezekiah. For those of you aren’t familiar with him, you definitely need to check out both I Predict a Riot and his incredibly solid debut Hurry Up & Wait. "Ultra Shit" gives a pretty good idea of Hezekiah skills as both an MC and producer– as it features a slick and heavily layered backdrop for his rhymes. Ms. Saigon and Richard Raw also guest on this track. Check it out and see what you think.
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From one set of Kings to another, I’m going with something a bit more subdued for this entry (being snowed in will do that to you). This lovely song is from their Playing Live in a Room EP, which was released back in 2000. While not straying too far from the norm, "Until You Understand" is a very beautiful piece nonetheless with simplistic yet gorgeous guitar playing and haunting vocals by Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe. Check it out!
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