Headliners: fun. cover “Somebody That I Used To Know”

YouTube: Chart toppers collide when fun. and Paramore’s Hayley Williams cover Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” for the BBC.

HypeBot: Experts say that FTC approval of Universal’s purchase of EMI is a “toss up.”

P4K: Hot Chip throws down on Live with Jools Holland.

Stereogum: The XX preview a new song at a low-key show last night in London.

NME: Like lists? The British mag picks their top 100 songs of the 90s.

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Emil & Friends – Polish Girl (Neon Indian Cover)

Although Emil & Friends‘ “Crystal Ball” was the only song of theirs to make it onto our Top Tracks of 2011 list, there were a number of others off the band’s last full-length, Lo & Behold, that were strong contenders. The album’s lasting impression comes thanks to Emil Hewitt’s — the creative force behind the project — off-kilter, technical approach to writing true pop music. Hewitt’s style shines in his cover of Neon Indian’s “Polish Girl.” Borrowing a little bit from Kavinsky, the Emil & Friends rework of the Era Extraña cut brings down the tempo, scatters quirky synths throughout, and drops a much-welcome 80s guitar riff in the bridge. Download the track below.

MP3: Emil & Friends – “Polish Girl (Neon Indian Cover)”

Headliners: Against Me!’s Tom Gabel Comes Out As Transgender

Rolling Stone: Against Me! leader Tom Gabel comes out as transgender and reveals plans to undergo gender transition soon.

Stereogum: Skrillex, Diplo, Grimes and more plan to tour Canada together by train.

CoS: Fang Island announce a new album, Major, set for a July release.

NME: The British mag is streaming Niki & The Dove’s debut album, Instinct, in its entirety.

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Maps & Atlases – Remote & Dark Years

Now two weeks after from the release of Beware And Be Grateful, Maps & Atlases have debuted a video for one of the album’s tracks, “Remote & Dark Years.” The song’s a somber one — far different from the previously-featured “Fever” — but fits perfectly with the video’s romanticized tale of car jacking and vandalism. Beware And Be Grateful is out now on Barksuk Records.

STREAM: Maps & Atlases – “Remote & Dark Years”

RAC – Hollywood (Ft. Penguin Prison)

Though known for their namesake remixes, RAC dropped an original track today entitled “Hollywood” featuring vocals from none other than Chris Glover a.k.a. Penguin Prison. Do the dew and download the Green Label Sound-released track below.

MP3: RAC – “Hollywood (Ft. Penguin Prison)”

ATG & Neon Gold Records Present: All Things Gold 010

All Things Gold returns to its regularly scheduled programming on Thursday, May 17th with another line-up worthy of U Hall’s sound system. We’re going heavy on the DJ’s this time, enlisting the proven skills of ATL’s best, Le Castle Vania. Supporting this electro-dance heavyweight behind the decks is San Francisco’s Viceroy, who’s name has been plastered all over the Hype Machine charts these past few months. On stage, we’re welcoming back All Things Gold alums Ghost Beach, who after a string of successful SXSW dates are back with a brand new three-piece line-up, drummer included. Dust off those dancing shoes people. This is one you don’t want to miss.

Join us at U Street Music Hall Thursday, May 17th at 9PM. Tickets are available now for $12, or $15 at the door. Place is sure to be packed so get tickets while you can.


TICKETS: Ticketfly



STREAM: Kaskade – “Turn It Down (Le Castle Vania Remix)”

STREAM: St. Lucia – “Closer Than This (Viceroy Remix)”

STREAM: Ghost Beach – “First Time”

Niki & The Dove – All This Youth

While we wait for their much-anticipated debut full length, Instinct, to hit the shelves, Swedish electro-pop duo Niki & The Dove have released “All This Youth,” a track that missed the album cut but will be showing up on its deluxe edition. It’s no masterpiece like “The Drummer” or “DJ Ease My Mind,” but it should keep you satiated for the next two weeks. Instinct drops May 14th via Sub Pop/Mercury.

STREAM: Niki & The Dove – “All This Youth”

Recap: All Things Go @ Water St. Project

This past Friday All Things Go took over the Water St. Project space in Georgetown for a night of amazing art and music. Philly’s Nicos Gun killed it on stage while Penguin Prison and Lightwaves had some of the best DJ sets we’ve seen a while. Mr. Glover even said it himself. Check out photos from the night after the jump, courtesy of Laura Lopez.

STREAM: Penguin Prison – “Fair Warning”

STREAM: Nicos Gun – “Control”

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Sweetlife Spotlight: Treehouse Stage

If there’s one thing we could have used at last year’s Sweetlife Festival, it was more music. Looks like the folks at Sweetgreen have heeded our call and added a brand new Treehouse Stage for the festival’s second go-around. The Treehouse’s line-up is stacked from start to finish. Make sure to get there by 12:55pm to catch the amazing Haim sisters, who wow’ed us at least three times over at SXSW. It’s going to be hard to decide between here and the main stage throughout the rest of the day with artists like Twin Shadow, Delta Spirit, Zola Jesus, RAC, and of course our homeboys in the Knocks. Stick around the Treehouse, though, and you won’t go wrong. Check out tracks from these artist below and after the jump.

Sweetlife released set times for the entire festival today, so get to work on your schedule for Saturday.

STREAM: Haim – “Forever”

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Active Child – Hanging On (GRVRBBRS Remix)

As much as the no-vowels trend deserves to be shot in the head, there’s no denying that GRVRBBRS‘ take on Active Child‘s “Hanging On” is pure nü-disco gold. The Brooklyn production team takes Pat Grossi’s electronic slow jam, off Active Child’s debut LP You Are All I See, and slaps on a slick drumbeat and Miami-style synths for fantastic effect. The final product borrows heavily from Kavinsky and Justice, but those are inspirations we can all get behind.

MP3: Active Child – “Hanging On (GRVRBBRS Remix)”