Culture Greyhound

Mr. Voytas has made headway here at Culture Greyhound previously (including yesterday’s Five MP3s), and upon further research, it turns out the guy writes some pretty catchy potential hits.  Endorsed by such indie mainstays as Fader, Prefix Mag, Gorilla Vs. Bear, and Pitchfork, Evan Voytas is the new name for dreamy, falsetto-filled, inspired pop, sometimes electro, sometimes not.  The classically trained multi-instrumentalist spends his time in LA, but Voytas has been all around the country, calling New York, New Mexico, and rural Pennsylvania (his childhood home) places he has hung his hat.

When he’s not part of the backing bands for the critically acclaimed Gonjasufi and Flying Lotus, he’s touring and writing his own material, much of which is minimalist pop with a texture of sonic brilliance, giving radio-ready tunes a trippy kick to the head.  He’s someone to watch out for as we approach 2011.

Evan Voytas – Getting Higher

Evan Voytas – I Run With You Spirit Animal

Evan Voytas – I Took a Trip on a Plane

Crystal Castles – Not in Love (feat. Robert Smith)

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Rihanna – What’s My Name (feat. Drake)

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Hooray For Earth and Twin Shadow – A Place We Like

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Evan Voytas – Our Thing

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Fang Island – Patterns on the Wall (feat. Andrew W.K.)

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I suppose most of the music nerds my age were generally introduced to classic rock mainstays via a greatest hits compilation. My last Rocking Retro post, dedicated to Styx, showed that certainly was the case for me, and the Cars, one of my all time favorite bands, are no exception. Ever seen this gem of an album cover?

Yep. That’s the one. Played it for hours when I was five years old. I remember hiding behind the couch during the intro of “Since You’re Gone” because I was frightened of the rhythmic clicking. Once Ric started singing, though, I came out from hiding and sang along.

Anyone with just a little knowledge of the beauty that is New Wave knows that the Cars rule it – they are an American treasure.  So how do I feel about the recent news that they’ve reunited?  Like most 80’s band resurgences, I don’t think it’s particularly the best idea, though it would be cool to see them live, even without the late Benjamin Orr.  And it’s gotta be better than the silly Todd Rundgren “New Cars” outing a few years ago.

Anywho, here’s a sampling of some of my favorites.  You’ve probably heard them all a million times, but why not crank them one more time?

The Cars – Let’s Go

The Cars – Good Times Roll

The Cars – Just What I Needed

Robyn ‘Indestructible’ Official Video

Robyn | Myspace Music Videos

Deerhunter – Helicopter (Diplo & Lunice Remix) from Mad Decent on Vimeo.

Today I continue my ongoing feature showcasing my personal picks for the best songs of the past decade, posting ten songs at a time.

130. Flaming Lips – Do You Realize?

Just a couple of days ago, I talked about how awesome this song is, but as fate would have it, the list compels me to elaborate.  In three-and-a-half glorious minutes, Wayne Coyne sums up our life….or at least it feels like he does.  With a simple question, he gives the most personal compliment to everyone listening, then continues to examine the beauty we take for granted – the sun, our friendships, our life.  It’s a sweet call for a simple enjoyment of who we are and what we’re doing, in this very moment of our fleeting lives.  Because it’s hard to make the good things last….

The Flaming Lips – Do You Realize?
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