Monthly Mix: February 2016

The 1975 wake from their Sleep

     The music world has been off to a fast start so far this year. The trend continues into February with a blizzard-sized heap of fresh new tunes.

     British alt-rockers The 1975 are generating some noise with their latest album i like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it [February 26, via Dirty Hit]. The quirky title is fitting for the record, which bops around in different directions such as pop, funk, and even chillwave. They somehow manage to pull off all those sounds and the result is a surprisingly good listen. On the single "The Sound", frontman Matt Healy summons the help of a gospel-like choir to take part in the singing duties. Look for them as their tour rolls through the UK and the United States, and includes a big slot at Coachella.

     As the last remaining snow banks begin to melt away, it's refreshing to know that the iPod is reloaded and spring is just around the corner.

February 2016 Playlist

1.  Joywave  -  "Destruction"

2.  The Strumbellas  -  "Spirits"

3.  The 1975  -  "The Sound"

4.  The Struts  -  "Kiss This"

5.  The Lumineers  -  "Ophelia"

6.  Animal Collective  -  "Golden Gal"

7.  Yuck  -  "Hold Me Closer"

8.  The Record Company  -  "Off The Ground"

9.  Bear Hands  -  "2AM"

10.  Problems  -  "Pretending"

11.  Frightened Rabbit  -  "Death Dream"

12.  The Arcs  -  "Fools Gold"

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7

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Joywave - "Destruction"
The Strumbellas - "Spirits"
The 1975 - "The Sound"
The Struts - "Kiss This"
The Lumineers - "Ophelia"
Animal Collective - "Golden Gal"
Yuck - "Hold Me Closer"
The Record Company - "Off The Ground"
Bear Hands - "2AM"
Problems - "Pretending"
Frightened Rabbit - "Death Dream"
The Arcs - "Fools Gold"

Monthly Mix: May 2013

Daft Punk shares Random Access Memories

     The month of May is usually synonymous with sunshine and a revival period for mother nature. As the fresh bloom starts to spring up, the musical world also begins sprouting up some blossoms of its own in the form of colorful mp3s.
     Electronic dance-rock duo Daft Punk is back in the fold with their first studio release in 8 years Random Access Memories [May 21, via Columbia]. The long-awaited album was worth the wait as the Frenchmen behind the robot helmets Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter deliver the goods with a 70's-style disco dance party. This record is filled with collaborations, with one of the better cameos coming from Animal Collective's Panda Bear on the club-shaking "Doin' It Right." After one listen, everybody will be dancing and be doing it right. Although there are no current plans for a tour, the rumors will always be circulating.
     With the cold and rainy weather behind us, the warmth of the summer will soon be beckoning. The May Playlist has a dynamic assortment of cuts that will make it easy to take in the vibrant sounds, perfect for a sunny afternoon stroll through the park.


May 2013 Playlist

1. Portugal. The Man - Purple Yellow Red & Blue

2. Capital Cities - Safe And Sound

3. Fitz And The Tantrums - Out Of My League

4. Atlas Genius - If So

5. The National - Sea Of Love

6. Daft Punk - Doin' It Right ft. Panda Bear

7. Empire Of The Sun - Alive

8. Small Black - No Stranger

9. Wild Nothing - A Dancing Shell

10. Frightened Rabbit - Oil Slick

11. Classixx - All You're Waiting For

12. Fall Out Boy - Young Volcanoes

Check in every month for the latest in alternative/indie music.

Visit iTunes if you heard anything you liked on Orbit Sound! 

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @SteveFerris7