Dear works his magic on 'VCR'

Music producer, DJ and electronic avant-pop artist Matthew Dear has released a remix of "VCR" by The xx, which first started making its way around early last week. I suggest you get ready to stand and shuffle your feet.

Out of everything I've listened to in the past year, The xx have probably been one of the most played groups. They're four 20-year-olds from South London who produce a masterful distillation of R&B and indie synth-pop music that just begs for good sampling or remixing.

In fact, they do quite a bit remixing of their own - fantastically done for musicians their age. I've included Dear's version of "VCR" and a remix of Florence and The Machine's "You've Got the Love (Jamie xx Remix)" for your listening pleasure.

"VCR (Matthew Dear Remix)"
"You've Got the Love (Jamie xx Remix)"

It's Piss and Vinegar, but I like it

Brooklyn-based band The Shondes has signed to Fanatic Records for the May 4th release of its second album, "My Dear One," an album for survivors of broken hearts. The album’s title track is now available for free streaming and download.

For those lucky folks heading to South by Southwest, the band will perform tacks from the new record live during the Fanatic Records showcase at Beauty Bar on March 16th, 2010.

"My Dear One"

Mary Mary, Why You Buggin'

I don't care if they did have a couple songs featured on Grey's Anatomy, The Mary Onettes are okay in my book. The Swedish band releases their album "Islands" on November 3. I like to think they're the perfect mix between a-ha and The Jesus and Mary Chain. But then again, I'm really into music that's moody, dark and ethereal ... yet upbeat.

Here's their latest single:

This Is My Kind of Cookbook

I'm not a great cook. In fact, I get nervous at nearly every attempt. Over the years I've collected a number of cookbooks, usually given to me as gifts and titled something clever, like "How to Boil Water" or "The Girl Can't Cook: 275 Fabulous No-Fail Recipes a Girl Can't Be Without." One of my favorite cookbooks is by actress-comedian Amy Sedaris titled "I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence"; however, it's more funny than useful.

The latest addition to my collection of "wish I could" cookbooks is by singer-songwriter Carolyn Mark titled "The Terrible Hostess: Recipes for Disaster Vol II." This will coincide with the release of her new album "Let's Just Stay Here," due out this October on Mint Records (home to the New Pornographers, Lou Barlow, The Handsome Family, Neko Case and more).

Her music is a combination of country twang and vintage sheek. Here's her latest single:
The Business End

Très bon

If you're in love with the French language, like I am, then you'll find the music of Quebec's Coeur De Pirate sweet and creative. Singer-songwriter Béatrice Martin, who performs under the stage name Cœur de pirate, carries a little bit of Feist and a little bit Francoise Hardy in her vocals.

Her debut self-titled album was released in 2008, which was nominated for Francophone Album of the Year at the 2009 Juno Awards. She's now starting to catch on here in the states. Take a listen...

Verderslice Releases New Material...among other artistic endeavors

He's a busy guy, that John Vanderslice. You have to love an artist that take full advantage of his creativity, never dabling. For one thing, he founded the Tiny Telephone recording studio in San Francisco which is still 100% analog. That means their recordings are a bit old-timey and use tape instead of computers to record music --cool. Death Cab for Cutie and Spoon have recorded there.

In between writing books, shooting photography and performing, he's also managed to release new music. Romanian Names (released May 19, 2009) offers catchy hooks, carefree harmonies and is completely melody driven. The indie rocker also teamed up with his friend John Darnielle, of The Mountain Goats to release a vinyl-only EP entitled Moon Colony Bloodbath.

Too Much Time
Fetal Horses