Track of the Weekend #135: Beirut - “No No No”

Only three words can describe the situation in Paris today: Hot. As. Fuck. With temperatures soaring above 30ªC the populace has firmly planted itself outside, along the banks of rivers and canals. Rosé is flowing like the Seine. It’s a great time to be in the French Capital. So it’s total coincidence that Beirut bursts back onto the world scene with their first single in 4 years, “No No No” and it immediately shoots to the top of the hot tracks. Beirut fans will be pleased with the harmonious rounds, the use of the voice as an instrument, and of course some horns for good measure. Apparently their new album will be coming out in the fall, so we have ample time to chill in the sunshine before heading off to pick it up. 

Thanks to Maxime M (again and again!) for getting it to us! 

Track of the Weekend #134: Flume - “Some Minds”

After a few weeks of hiatus, the Track of the Weekend is back just in time for the end of May. And you know who else is back? Our favorite Australian producer Flume, a man who is no stranger to the Track of the Weekend. His latest single “Some Minds” is a haunting orchestral voyage led by Miike Snow’s Andrew Wyatt on vocals that takes a while to build into Flume’s classic electro riffs. But when it tops off, there is nothing to do but hit repeat. 

We’re already salivating for Flume’s new album! Thanks to Wark for getting it to our ears. 

Americana & Bluegrass Playlist of Reference

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Another year, another summer, with the lazy summer night where stars fall into dreams and the world seems like it will never end. For sitting around the campfire, strumming a guitar, bellowing calls and returns, there is nothing better than Bluegrass and the impeccable genre of Americana. This week’s playlist of reference is curated by our man Tom B. Let’s get the story behind the curation: 

When did you start listening to Bluegrass/Americana? 

I started to listen to Bluegrass in the mid to late 60’s when I first heard Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, the music made me feel good and put me in a great place.

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Bluegrass/Americana started speaking to you? 

I bought the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s album “Will the Circle be Unbroken” which is a collaboration of country and bluegrass players, it opened my eyes to how good these players are and how great these old songs are. I think it might have been my first exposure to Vassar Clements, Mother Maybelle Carter and many of the other great musicians and singers on this album. It is my favorite album even though I don’t listen to it as much as I used to I think it is always a special time when I do. The song “Keep on the Sunny Side” will always cheer me up if i’m down and a very moving song for me.

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself? 

I add a lot of the newer songs and groups to it before we go to a string music festival “Harvest Music Festival” at Mulberry Mountain, Ozark, AR. I will line up my favorite artist so I can become more familiar with their music. I like to listen to many different genres but if we are going to see someone live I like to listen to that genre before I go.

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite? 

“Keep On The Sunny Side” with Mother Maybelle Carter

  • May, 19 2015
  • music
  • ep review
  • maia vidal
  • the tide
  • crammed music
  • new music

EP Review: Maïa Vidal - “The Tide”

Here at Whyd, we know a few things about being international. Our team is often dispersed across Europe, the United States, and Asia at any given time, and our community is just as diverse. We appreciate the perspective that this quality brings, and embodying this global spirit is Maïa Vidal, whose Facebook bio states quite proudly that she is “Franco-American, Barcelona-based, eclecto-pop ingenue, (+singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/filmmaker/visual artist)… breaking hearts and blowing minds since 1988.”

She just released her latest EP, “The Tide” yesterday, here’s the deal: 

Released: May 18, 2015

Genres: eclecto pop

Tracks: 6 (3 original cuts, and 3 remixes of those same tracks)

Who would like this EP?

Fans of Ellie Goulding’s voice, people who like Lana Del Rey’s orchestral arrangements. 

Our thoughts:

Having been active for many years now, Maïa has produced a lot of music across her past projects, all of which culminates in “The Tide,” an exercise in musicality. Her catchy hooks are thought-provoking. Her voice seduces. There is a lot of originality in her lyrics. Overall, the three songs beg for more. 

Which brings us to the weakest point of the EP, the three remixes. The two remixes of the title track “The Tide” erase a bit of her magic. We understand that this is a trend now, to include remixes on EPs to fill it out, but repeating a track three times on a 6 track EP reduces the impact and power of what Maïa Vidal has put together. 

Her original versions are more than enough! And you’ll find yourself singing the hooks even after the very first listen. 

Listen to “The Tide”

  • May, 12 2015
  • music
  • classical
  • playlist
  • whyd
  • curation
  • social network

Classical Music Playlist of Reference

Not all the music shared on Whyd comes from emerging artists. There are also the classics, and included is the most classic of them all: Classical Music. Whether you’re studying, working, or want to let the beauty of music wash over you, take a listen to this playlist curated by Cyril Delmas-Marsalet. But first, let’s get the story behind the curation: 

When did you start listening to Classical Music?

Since I was a child. My parents and grandparents used to listen to Classical music.

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Classical Music started speaking to you?

When I was about 9 years old, our teacher told us that Maria Callas had just died. We listened to one of her great “arias”… That was a great discovery for me, full of emotion.

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself?

Classical music is great for working at home (I’m a teacher). There’s a Classical tune for each mood and each moment.

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite?

Opera, of course… “A Te O Cara”, from “I Puritani” by Bellini, sung by Luciano Pavarotti.

EP Review: We Are Spring - WE ARE SPRING

The sun is out and it’s hot in the incubator here in Paris. Spring has sprung, nearly into summer, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to embrace the three dudes from Paris known as We Are Spring. They just released their new EP, capped off with a few shows around Paris over the last few weeks. Here’s the deal: 

Released: April 29, 2015

Genres: dreamy pop

Tracks: 4

Who would like this EP?

Fans of Woodkid’s vocals, Elvis’s crooning.

Our thoughts:

There is one word that comes to mind when listening to We Are Spring’s EP: succulent. Each song sounds like it is ripe with sweet juice just ready to be bitten into. There is a richness to the way that the songs build. There is balance. 

While it sounds a lot like Woodkid and his orchestral adventures, We Are Spring manages to stay more on the dreamier side, finding the sweet spot between shoe gaze and pop. A highly enjoyable listen for a spring afternoon.  

Listen to “We Are Spring” EP

Track of the Weekend #133: De La Soul feat. Nas - “God It”

Soon De La Soul will be back on the scene with a new album. To tease the soulful masses, they released this little gem, and it shot directly to the top of the Whyd hot tracks this week. That’s a good sign. We can’t wait, because if their new album is anything like “God It” it will signal the return of the masters. For all the clamor and autotuning going on in hip hop today, it feels good to crank it to something that sounds like it’s already a classic. 

Thanks to Kalu for slipping this one into our streams! 

Track of the Weekend #132: Yael Naim - “Coward” (Rone Remix)

One of the biggest success stories our of France recently has been Rone, the young producer signed to InFiné music. His music has been praised by the greats, and he sports a unique European personality. Most importantly, he has a knack for taking songs and transcending them to a new level of reality. This is precisely what he did with his remix of Yael Naim’s “Coward.” Originally a typical Parisian-style ballad, with its a cappella, church-like choir, and a few piano notes here and there, Rone brings “Coward” into an era so modern, it’s basically the future. Punctuated, powerful, and prescient, it’s no surprise that this track was the most popular on Whyd this week! 

This time it’s Greenroom who we need to thank for getting it to us. Thank you guys!

Playlist of Reference: Alt Rock

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The next installment of our Playlist of Reference series turns up the volume. “Alt Rock” is a collection of bangers curated by our man Stefanos. As is the tradition, let’s get the story behind the curation: 

When did you start listening to Alt Rock?

I was a rock fan since the 70’s . When I was a student in Glasgow, Scotland in the late 70’s and early 80’s I used to listen to BBC Radio 1 and the famous DJ John Peel who had his program every night.

Peel played many of the new groups who sent him their demo tapes. He gave them airplay and made them known.

I loved groups such as Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division, Siouxsee and the Banshees, The Cure, Cocteau Twins, etc…

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Alt Rock started speaking to you?

Yes. Echo and the Bunnymen and Siouxsee and the Banshees really impressed me.

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself?

On a long haul flight to a holiday destination.

When feeling a bit out of energy and needing a recharge.

Concentrating on the music on a good stereo. listening in the dark.

To make me optimistic and put me into a fighting mood.

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite?

SPC ECO: Push

EP Review: MiM - “Samsara”

This week’s EP Review sees the release of MiM’s new EP “Samsara.” Hailing from Paris, MiM made the music for the opening of the Canal+ series “Bref.” Now he’s teamed up with a bunch of talented artists and released “Samsara” on Chateau Bruyant Records. Let’s get to the details:  

Released: April 20, 2015

Genres: hip hop, trap, grime, deep

Tracks: 5

Who would like this EP?

Fans of Grimes’s vocals and mixes, people who like The XX’s vibe

Our thoughts:

Never before in the history of music has there been such a convergence of trends and styles. Today it’s possible to take samples, spin them towards diverging directions, lay down some fat beats, get some seductive vocals and somehow you have music - music that actually sounds pretty good. MiM is the latest to follow in the steps of this trend. “Samsara” is like an international banquet of finger foods with each morsel delicately prepared and served on a toothpick for our enjoyment. 

Blow” featuring Anna Kova is without question the most poppy track, but it still manages to weave between a dozen genres and come out on the other side feeling complete - no easy feat. 

Sometimes it feels like there is too much going on, and in these moments MiM’s personality gets a bit lost. This is the risk with being so eclectic. Luckily these moments are few and far between. The overall result is a satisfying adventure through the world’s urban cultures that leaves you wanting more. 

Listen to “Samsara” by MiM