Leakproof: LCD Soundsystem, Julian Casablancas, Slava, Big Boi

Aaron Leitko — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:55:26 +0000

LCD Soundsystem: "Bye Bye Bayou" (Alan Vega cover)
LCD Soundsystem has made many homages to Suicide (the musical act, not the Swedish pastime), frequently appropriating the New York duo's spooky sense of pulse. So, it's nice to hear James Murphy cover a tune from Suicide singer Alan Vega's 1980 solo debut. Murphy flattens out the original's bluesy shuffle but does a pretty impressive job of capturing Vega's beatnik-Elvis-impersonator singing style.

Julian Casablancas: "River of Brakelights"
Remember how the Strokes were going to save classic rock? That was a misinterpretation. On "River of Brakelights," the second song to leak from his forthcoming solo debut Phrazes for the Young, Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas reveals that he actually wanted to save classical rock. Powdered wigs and fugal pretensions aside, baroque counterpoint hasn't had such a solid chance of cracking the Top 10 since Falco walked the Earth.

Slava: "Dreaming Tiger"
The Chicago/Brooklyn-based production team honors the glory days of Brian Eno and David Byrne's creative union by pairing lush synths and house percussion with mantra-like vocal samples. "Dreaming Tiger" could have fit nicely on My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, and not just because the title sounds like it was lifted from postcolonial literature.

Big Boi featuring Gucci Mane: "Shine Blockas"
If Big Boi's endlessly delayed Sir Luscious Left Foot ever lands in stores, there won't be any surprises left (maybe a few skits?). But if it's any consolation to Def Jam, "Shine Blockas," the umpteenth awesome track to leak from the Outkast rapper's solo record, should garner multiplatinum YouTube views.

Arts Desk » Leakproof

Leakproof: LCD Soundsystem, Julian Casablancas, Slava, Big Boi