Today we’re gonna go over the best collabs out there. Sometimes artists do collaborations that make you wonder if they were under the influence while making that decision… But then some make you wonder why they didn’t do it sooner!
Here’s a list of our personal favourites.

1. Emily Haines and Jason Collett- Hangover Days
2. Neon Indian and The Flaming Lips- Alan’s Theremin
3. Gorillaz feat. Andre 3000 and James Murphy- DoYaThing
4. Justice feat. Uffie- Tthhee Ppaarrttyy
5. Delerium feat. Emily Haines- Stopwatch Hearts
6. N.E.R.D ft. Santigold & Julian Casablancas- My Drive Thru
7. Handsome Boy Modeling School feat. Cat Power- I’ve Been Thinking
8. Michael McDonald and Grizzly Bear- While You Wait for the Others
9. Arkells feat. Katheen Edwards- Agent Zero
10. N.A.S.A. ft Kanye West, Santigold & Lykke Li- Gifted

Today’s artist is Starfucker (pardon my french). 

Starfucker (also known as STRFKR) began as Josh Hodges, but is now has a few more members, Keil Corcoran, Patrick Morris and Shawn Glassford. They’ve got 2 albums (and one in the process of production) that are packed with electronic wonder. Those of you who normally flee at the word ‘electronic’ in fear of robotic repeating sound, have no fear. Starfucker incorporates some indie-pop aspects into their music, along with some great vocals. This band is perfect for a party playlist that isn’t too crazy, or even a day you’re just looking to happily relax to something that isn’t dreadfully bland and sad. 

Tracks to try? Boy Toy, a track that’s impossible to not immediately get up and dance to. Good for when you’re super excited, you know, happy dance worthy! Death As A Fetish, a great guitar background mixed with some meaningful lyrics. This song pairs an upbeat and creative instrumental with almost melancholy vocals.

Sounds like? Neon Indian, Blackbird Blackbird

Today’s artist is M83, in honour of the fact that I just purchased tickets to see them live.

M83 (Anthony Gonzalez) is a band that makes you feel. The 6 genius albums made by this band are surprisingly different as they move on, yet all good in their own way. The latest album by M83, “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” is the ultimate 80s revival, versus “Saturdays=Youth” which is more of an ambient record. One fantastic trait of M83 is that when you’re sad, certain songs are perfect for those sort of moods. Then, when you’re happy or excited, there’s tons of songs suitable for those moods! M83 is reminiscent of driving in the heart of a busy city at night, with the flashing lights and interesting sights. M83 is absolutely a must-have for your iPod.

Tracks to try? Wait, a breathtaking, heart wrenching song. With each choked out chorus and slowly sung verse, this ballad will make you instantly fall in love. Midnight Souls Still Remain, a simple instrumental that is 11:11 minutes long, no coincidence. This song can lull you into a relaxed slumber and help you forget all your worries. 

Sounds like? The Naked And Famous, Active Child

Today’s artist is Tokyo Police Club.

Tokyo Police Club is Dave Monks, Josh Hook, Graham Wright and Greg Alsop. With 2 EPs and 2 albums (and another in the process!), these guys are hitting the world by storm. Starting out as a small town garage band, now they’re an international indie rock success. Tokyo Police Club has some jam worthy songs, some semi relaxing songs and some just plain great songs. The vocals coming from David Monks are slightly rough yet still happy sounding, to make for a rich set of ear pleasing tunes. These guys are down to earth (and pretty cute, if I may add…), beyond hard working and always coming up with something new. Expect for that to continue, and keep an eye out for their next album, to be released by the end of 2012. 

Tracks to try? Cut Cut Paste, a short and simple yet unbelievably catchy song. Citizens Of Tomorrow, a quite futuristic and interesting story, told in a melancholy alternative style. 

Sounds like? Modest Mouse, Born Ruffians

Today’s artist is Penguin Cafe Orchestra.

Penguin Cafe Orchestra was a orchestral collective from 1972 until 1997. The group was inevitably ended as Simon Jeffes, the main composer/instrumentalist, passed away. You may not recognize the name of this legendary group, but you most likely have heard their music somewhere. Penguin Cafe Orchestra is still being sampled nowadays in popular songs and movies. The beautiful melodies made by PCO are absolutely beautiful and expertly done. There is very little out there that sounds even remotely like this group, they’re a rare folky classical mixture. Almost like Fleet Foxes in a way, Penguin Cafe Orchestra is perfect for a long country drive. When the dreadful end of PCO came, Jeffes’ son, who also is a multi-talented musician, carried on the legacy. Arthur Jeffes created a group called ‘Music From The Penguin Cafe’ (presently known as ‘Penguin Cafe’). Penguin Cafe covers previous PCO compositions and his own original pieces. Of course, there will never be the true Penguin Cafe Orchestra again, but Penguin Cafe comes close! Disregard anything from the present, this should be the real soundtrack for your summer.

Tracks to try? Sketch, a tune that makes you want to grin and embrace the air around you. Perpetuum Mobile, the most known song for a reason. This song has been used in many advertisements, songs and movies. Perpetuum Mobile is one of the loveliest songs to ever have been composed, with a beautiful piano basis, and the strings guiding you through, this song is an adventure on its own. An absolute must listen!

Today, instead of the usual artist bio, we’re switching it up. 

This is a playlist that isn’t always easy to come by. A good gym/running playlist that actually has good songs on it! The most common issue I find with going to the gym is trying to find songs to put on a playlist that aren’t the usual Top 40 crap. So, I searched. And I discovered. Here’s my ‘Gym Jam’

1. The Concept- Gimme Twice
2. Tokyo Police Club- Favourite Colour (PUNCHES Remix)
3. Gauntlet Hair- Mop It Up
4. Gauntlet Hair- Shout In Tongues (Really anything by Gauntlet Hair is good for this playlist, I won’t continue)
5. Deadmau5 and Wolfgang Gartner- Animal Rights (Kids At The Bar Edit)
6. Wolfgang Gartner feat. Jim Jones- Circus Freaks 
7. Muse- Knights Of Cydonia (The Integrals Remix)
8. Madeon- Icarus
9. The White Stripes- Seven Nation Army (The Glitch Mob Remix)
10. Justice- Stress
11. Metric- Handshakes
12. The Naked And Famous- Punching In A Dream
13. MSTRKRFT- She’s Good For Business
14. Jamaica- I Think I Like U2 (Breakbot Remix)
15.  CLASSIXX- I’ll Get you (Gigamesh Remix)
16. Justice- DVNO

Today’s artist is Electric Guest.

Electric Guest (Asa Taccone, Matthew Compton) is another piece of excellence produced by the one, the only, Danger Mouse. Electric Guest is an easy going, sometimes melancholy, indie group. With one expertly done album, these guys have a lot going for them. Their album is filled with differentiating songs with surprisingly true and relatable lyrics. Electric Guest is the perfect accompaniment for a late night of school work or something along those lines. 

Tracks to try? Jenny, a near falsetto dedication to ‘Jenny’, seemingly a sad tale coming off in a more positive sounding way. American Daydream, a repeat of the same chant of tit and tat. Alternately, each verse is a set of jazzy, faded, to the point sentences. 

Sounds like? Rhye, Broken Bells

Today’s artist is Hey Marseilles. 

Hey Marseilles (Matt Bishop, Nick Ward, Philip Kobernik, Patrick Brannon, Samuel Anderson, Jacob Anderson, Colin Richey) is positively wonderful all around. The lead singer’s gentle, soothing, yet real voice, often mixed with orchestral sounding horns and piano are put together to make perfect melodies. Hey Marseilles has come out with one album, reminiscent of floating through a flower field mid-springtime. Best described as indie-folk/indie-jazz, this band is just magnificent with what they do. In this day and age, one doesn’t often find a classical jazz collective that still blends with a few modern qualities, especially a group this talented. Hey Marseilles will be the soundtrack to your spring, just lay back and watch the clouds go by. 

Tracks to try? Cities, a track that simply put, is absolutely lovely. A reminder of long spring days and melancholy acceptance. Marseilles, packed with graceful piano, this song begins gently, then erupts into a louder, powerful drum and piano organized frenzy. 

Sounds like? Peasant, Jimmy Buffett