Listen: Lost Film - "try (demo)"

We've had a long time to digest the short output of Lost Film's minimal guitar pop so far, and we can safely say that the three original demos Jimmy Hewitt released earlier this year are some of the most memorable tracks of 2014. They're uncluttered, restraint, distant–yet comfortable all the same. His tunes come equipped with an inescapable calling of suburban imagery, one that's brought about by nostalgic guitar melodies and an almost disconnected vocal delivery from Hewitt. All of this is evident on his newly released demo "try," as Lost Film again never fails to evoke an empty longing in listeners; although, we've come to expect that by now. The track will be on the artist's upcoming full-length release come next year.

"a few years back in my cubicle days, I overheard two of my middle aged coworkers chatting about married life. one of them was recently engaged and half-jokingly asked the other for some advice. darrell, a guy not only known for being close-mouthed but also specializing in sarcasm, took a few seconds and responded with: "just don't forget to try". even though the surprisingly sincere advice wasn't directly given to me, I've always held onto it. This song was written about their conversation."

Listen: Japanese Wallpaper - "Between Friends (Qrion Remix)"

[Off Japanese Wallpaper's 2014 Remixes]

Watch: Panda Bear - "Boys Latin"

The second single from Panda Bear's upcoming Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper LP (out 1/12/15 via Domino Records) [Directed by Isaiah Saxon & Sean Hellfritsch]

Listen: How To Dress Well - "Tomb For Anatole"

In lieu of Tom Krell's final 2014 shows, the artist has put out a previously unreleased track from his Total Loss sessions today (via LuckyMe). "Tomb For Anatole" is a heart wrenching song inline with How To Dress Well's cold 2012 LP, combining a slow melody with a trademark sorrowful vocal performance. It's hazy and clear all the same, and Krell always seems to emerge on top of his inner battles with a contrasting clarity. "Here's an old song from 2011-2012 that i always wanted to put out but could never find a place for. It's a sad song but i really love it." Listen to/download "Tomb For Anatole" below.

Listen: Tati Ana - "Leave You (Lucian Remix)"

Lucian has quickly become one our favorite remixers. His slick use of spinning production styles immediately present in standouts works like his "TRNDSTTR" or "Armistice" re-ups show a lot of things to like from the producer, the first of which being his proficient use of synths without overwhelming listeners. With his latest, Lucian continues this pattern by transforming Tati Ana's crawling "Leave You" into an understated banger. Pitched vocals and separated pockets of synth "assaults" create a distinct and admirable piece, one that's inline with his best reworks. In fact, this may qualify as his best: his ability to let the track breathe–which we find to be the most appealing of his vast skill set–is at its height here. Stream the cut below, and download it for free here.

Listen: Caribou - "Second Chance (Shines Re-Tune)"

Los Angeles-based producer Shines takes on Caribou's menacing "Second Chance," the budding constant from the this year's Our Love LP, and manages a remarkable stand-alone rework. A detailed soundscape tempers the original's unsettling pitches with a clear focus that plays complimentary to Jessy Lanza's subdued vocal work. Although not as ominous, the cut retains the same underlying tempo efficiencies that steadily work to intrigue with its soundscape. Shines' acute attention to production is clear by the tracks end, and a suitably tight piece is left in a captivating and encircling fashion. You can stream/download the re-tune for free below, and cop the artist's debut self-titled EP via Color Station.

Listen: GARREN - "Wanna Be There"

Rising San Francisco native Garren Langford has been making waves with his smooth R&B-influenced production outputs, and rightfully so: GARREN shows an incredibly swift ability to employ a mid-tempo and controlled beat work on nearly anything he touches. Unsurprisingly, his newest cut "Wanna Be There" is no exception. Wavering synths and pitched vocal samples collide in perfect unison, lending a weight to an open, breezy affair. The producer is perfectly content with emitting sunlit vibes and, if the result is always as fulfilling as this, there's nothing wrong with that. Stream/download the track below.

Listen: Captpizza - "Day I Saw U (Redux Edit)"

Paris-based producer Redux has released another jam today with his edit of Captpizza's "Day I Saw U", and we couldn't be any happier with the track. The beat maker puts his own spin on the already-vibing tune by adding much-welcomed tempo changes (although only slightly), dynamic production, and muted, pitched vocal samples that spin our heads. The piece crawls along impressively, surrounding listeners in mesmerizing soundscapes with an effortlessly hazy aura. It's impressively spacey, kick-back tracks like these that make Redux an artist to watch. Stream the track below and download it for free here.

Watch: My Drunken Haze - "Carol Wait"

[Directed by Angeliki Hatzi]

SimpleDiggs' Albums Of 2014

(Photo: DylanKY)

This year in music hasn't necessarily been the most giving in regards to mainstay, resonating releases. As the number of widely accepted, critically acclaimed, and personally anticipated albums that failed to hold our interests mounted up, we constantly found ourselves a little let down as 2014 progressed. Accordingly, a number of releases we thought for sure would be on here a few months ago (The War On Drugs, Tycho, Isaiah Rashad, & more) didn't stick with us as much as we thought they would. With that being said, more than enough gems surfaced that sufficiently filled out our stereos, and some would most likely still top any list (Fear Of Men, Real Estate, SALES). That's the type of year 2014 has been: not without its ups and downs. Regardless, you can find the albums we've loved the most after the jump, as well as a 2-hour Spotify playlist from our favorites. Check back in a week for our completely ludicrous list of favorite songs.

Listen: Purity Ring - "Push Pull"

Listen: Hayden James - "Permission To Love (Oshan Edit)"

Oshan accomplishes something really astonishing with his new "Permission To Love" edit. By employing layered synths, funk-like rhythms, and bubbling soundscapes, the Sydney-based producer flips the tune into a captivating "future" beats piece. This may be attributed to the fact that Oshan releases have been something of a rarity lately, but the rework is surprisingly refreshing on multiple levels. It's a triumphantly dynamic track with mesmerizing turns that further cements and confirms the producer's budding status. Oh, and +1 for the Vice City artwork. Stream/download the edit below.

[via]

LIVE REVIEW: How To Dress Well at TivoliVredenburg - Utrecht, Netherlands [11/01/14]

By Ken Baldino

How To Dress Well’s Tom Krell “likes sad music but also likes to live a happy life,” as he told the Utrecht crowd during one of his many chatty breaks between songs. This idea is fundamental when considering the live performance of one of pop music’s most haunting artists. The balance between banter and soul-baring sonic outpouring is a delicate one, but one that it seems the native Coloradan must have. Interactions with his band and audience are, literally and figuratively, time to catch his breath, to come up for air, lest the weight of performing such emotional material drag him into the lonely abyss. 

Listen: Spazzkid - "Truly ft. Sarah Bonito (Tomggg remix)"

Japan-based producer Tomggg is infectiously proficient: it seems like every track he touches glows with a bouncing efficacy, one that jam-packs a busy number of irresistible, lightly assaulting sounds. With his remix of Spazzkid's "Truly",  the artist gives a hyper-speed version of the already-catchy tune by adding trademark whirling production with impossibly up-beat tones. There may be a lot going on, but Tomggg avoids an overwhelming density because of his ability to create soaring soundscapes. What results is a surprisingly harmonious rework that truly induces euphoria on multiple occasions.

Listen: Sea Pinks - "Art Imitating Life"

[Off the Dreaming Tracks LP out on CF Records]

Listen: Abhi//Dijon - "ECS"

Maryland duo Abhi//Dijon probably snuck their way onto our year end lists with their impressively low-key self-titled EP, employing their brand of whispering R&B to a vulnerable effect. Their first release since the EP comes in the form of "ECS", a Myself & Others exclusive that explores the same fleeting, slick, and fragile melodies that we've come to expect (and love) from the two. Check out the single below.


[via]

November 2014 Mix

(Photo: DylanKY)

DOWNLOAD: 

SIMPLE DIGGS NOVEMBER 2014 (37mb)

Tracklist after the jump...