Astro Kid Radio

In which I talk about music and try to harbor discussion about it. Let me know what you think! Main Blog

[astrokidradio]

Jam of the Week: Gax by Boys Noize

Although he may be known better for his grating, gritty synths, piercing analogue sound effects, and pounding beats, I actually prefer Boys Noize's more relatively moody, melodic tracks over his loud, harsher ones. Gax isn't a song to "go hard" to or mosh with, but a laid-back, relaxed beat that'll surround you as you dance. It's definitely still got a certain drive to it, but it's more evocative than other tracks such as Down or Starter.

Regardless of the track's style, Boys Noize's music always has great sound design in his synth and samples, and Gax is no exception. The slightly detuned chords, arpeggios, chopped samples all contribute to a  strangely nostalgic futurism.

[astrokidradio]

Jam of the Week: Divine (Danger Remix) by Sebastien Tellier

Ok, if you've never heard of Danger, go check out all of his songs immediately because as of right now there's only like three EP's worth out since 2007. Which is a hell of a shame because I absolutely love his chiptune-laced videogame electro, The intro to 11h30 still remains one of my favorite synth riffs ever.

By the way, the album that the original track comes from, Sexuality, was produced by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk, so if it wasn't on your radar yet it should be.

[astrokidradio]

Jam of the Week: Wettex (Cashmere Cat remix) by Feadz & Kito

I included this song in my Valentines playlist, even though it is barely lyricless (those samples don't count as lyrics man), because wow will you just take three minutes to listen to it? Here's the original; it's bumpin' and will get you moving, but daaaang this remix really takes this song to the next level and beyond. Filtered arpeggios, chopped samples, lush synths... this has everything I love, and then some more. This is the best use of plucked strings I've ever heard in an electro song, hands down. Absolutely unexpected remix, absolutely fantastic track. Wow wow wow.

Just listen to it.

[astrokidradio]

Jam of the Week: Iron Man by the Cardigans

First off, if you've never listened to the album First Band On The Moon, go ahead and go do that. It's really solid. I listen to it pretty often, and I didn't realize until I just looked it up that it's nearly 17 years old. Real talk: Lovefool is my fuckin' jam.

However, I think my favorite track on the album is the Cardigans' cover of Black Sabbath's Iron Man, because 1. the mere concept of it is something totally unexpected and out of left field 2. they actually did a really really good job with it. Who would even think of taking something as driving and gritty as the original Iron Man and turning it into the chillest jam you've ever heard? It's become a sugary, lovely song strangely juxtaposed against the vengeance story told in the lyrics, oddly relaxing yet a little uncomfortable; and I love that contrast.

Put this on your iPod and go lay out in the grass and take a nap to this.

[astrokidradio]

Jam of the Week: Do or Die by Flux Pavilion feat. Childish Gambino

Confession: I've actually never really payed attention to Flux (I could never get over how goddamn cliche and campy the phrase "LET THE BASS CANNON KICK IT" sounded to me) but this track caught my attention because it was a collab I hadn't really expected to happen (also I really like 'bino). The drum samples and sequencing is tight, the fast arpeggios flying against Gambino's verses are immaculate. I'm not too hyped about the drop but I would definitely still dance to it if this were blasting somewhere (real talk I've been jamming to this for about 5 straight hours now so).

Side note: I dig that the gap between hiphop and EDM is starting to close rapidly, especially recently with the explosion of trap music (whether trap is "any good" or not is another argument for a later post). I actually have a playlist labeled "Reasons Why Rappers Should Collaborate With EDM Producers More Often", maybe I will share it sometime.

[astrokidradio]

Taking Suggestions

Hey guys! So, I have a few ideas for content already lined up; at its least frequent this blog should update once a week, and I've got stuff queued up for at least the rest of February. Still, I could always have more on the backburner! Is there anything that you would specifically like to see?

[astrokidradio]

Valentines Playlist

Hey since it is Valentine's day, here is a playlist that I put together! These are some of my favorite sweet (and sometimes sexy) tunes. Put it on and jam with your special someone.

[astrokidradio]

Inaugural Posting (I have Thoughts about Things and would like to Present Them to You)

Hi there! My name is Riki. I make music on the Internet as Astro Kid; you might know that name from Crystalmethequins, New Small Mini Bottles, or some other project I have going on (I've heard that one of my mashes gets played on turntable.fm occasionally). Today I'm here to talk to you about this new writing thing that I am going to try and do.

I have a lot of thoughts about music; it preoccupies my mind for a large part of every moment I spend awake (which is why I have bad grades but that's not important right now). However, I've come to realize that I'm really really bad at articulating these thoughts in the form of text (on the other hand get me even slightly tipsy at a party and you will not hear the end of it about the newest Ed Banger release or what I think about trap music). I'm also very confident that a lot of people are tired of me venting these thoughts at them on a one-on-one basis.

I'm starting this side blog as a way to practice my writing, while at the same time sharing music, and my thoughts about music, with you guys. 

As a sort-of-preview, I plan on writing about anything relating to music: music that I like, new music, music that is trending, sometimes maybe even music that I made myself. In particular I have a few ideas floating around about "Why This Album Is Great And You Should Listen To The Whole Thing" posts, so I'll probably be working on those as long-term essays. In between I'll probably post some "this is my fucking jam right now" stuff to punctuate the space in between those bigger posts.

Anyways yeah so that's pretty much it! Hopefully someday in here you will find your new favorite song or a new perspective on some music that you might've passed over before. If there is anything you would like me to discuss, feel free to leave a message for me!

And to keep from leaving this first post music-less, here is a song for Valentine's Day, which is tomorrow: