French pianist and composer Albin de la Simone is best known for his collaborations with Jeanne Cherhal, Vanessa Paradis and Keren Ann. Although Un Homme (2013) is his fourth solo album, de la Simone is still relatively anonymous among contemporary French chansonniers. His lyrics are clever and his melodies engaging, but what makes de la Simone stand out is his voice and remarkable subtle string and piano arrangements. “Moi Moi”, featured below, is a delightful duet with the lovely Emiliana Torrini.
Elegant songwriting with a dose of whimsy. Albin de la Simone & Emiliana Torrini – Moi Moi Albin de la Simone – Le Fuite + Purchase/Visit
singer-songwriter // indie folk // soundtrack maven
Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, chances are you’ve heard at least two of his songs. “Blue Eyes” and “Ride” were both featured on the soundtracks for “Garden State” and “The Last Kiss,” respectively. Don’t let that deter you. Cary has the incredible ability to home in on a variety of emotions, whether it’s heartache or defiance or a little of both. Each feeling is magnified, and while listening it’s as if at any moment you’ll burst into a million pieces.
Over the past decade, these Philly hipsters have made a solid name for themselves. They put together some home-cooked sloppy blues sound with hip-hop flavor and soulful harmonica solos and basslines. They also give a chill good-crowd kind of show, check their tour. I’m sure you’ve already enjoyed their hits “My Baby’s Got Sauce” and “Cold Beverage”, but I’m gonna drop a couple of excellent songs on you a bit more laid-back and cooled-down. Drop it out into a saucepan, bubble gum, double yum. Big man, get it done.
Reminding us of simple joys, refreshing as summertime lemonade flavour, The Matinee Orchestra brings a lot more loveliness than one could expect from so called laptop music. From ice-cold tender textures of Múm to the quirky playfulness of CocoRosie and the innocence of Psapp’s toys’ recordings, rich electronic sounds and instrumentation of harmonica, violins, glockenspiel, warm and relaxed guitar tones weave into the softest sound. Genuinely tranquil and warming, they are taking you on a magic journey through the day.
He crafted Madonna’s grammy-winning comeback Ray Of Light, been criticized by composer Arvo Pärt, loved by tranceheads (Ferry Corsten’s trance remix of Adagio For Strings, anyone?), and shunned by many others. (Seriously, what’s with the name?) Now, William Orbit is releasing a solo artist album far better than his previous Pieces In A Modern Style. To be honest, I don’t want to enjoy his music, but I can’t maintain disinterest. The album is entirely too cohesive–it sounds like different themes of the same (beautiful) song. But I’m still moved by the angelic melodies on this album despite their methodical (over)production. An A+ album I wish were by someone else.
Icy spicy quiet sizzlin’. You know this song. At least, you’ve heard it sampled before. Bahamadia, the philly princess, emerged as the protege of Gang Starr’s Guru, and dropped this single on the hip hop world. I picked up this remix from Jazzanova’s new Mixing record. (hot shit) This sexy little track has appeared in some quality hip hop grooves before. I’d love to tell you what, but I seriously have no idea. I need you all to help me out on this one. What was this moist ‘n drippy soul-filled hip hop song sampled in?
Three talented German jazz musicians were on tour in Cuba with the Dresden Philharmonic, when they fell in love with the Cuban music. A casual meeting with Compay Segundo led them to two talented Cuban percussions. The group then spontaneously ignited up a fiery session of cross-cultural musical intercourse. It was in this sudden compatiblity when the Klazz Brothers realized how perfect Cuban music complemented the classical pieces they knew so well. The result was their debut CD, Classic Meets Cuba, reinterpreting the masterpieces of composers like Mozart, Brahams, and Bizet into boiling Cuban rhythms. Beethoven by way of Buena Vista.
When music reminds me of home, it stirs up childhood joys and fantastic daydreams of life yet lived. Vocal tones threading struggle with hope, telling lyrics backed by bluegrass or folk-rock, with mandolin and banjo especially hitting that note. Gavin Glass does this, as does Sarah Jarosz. On her debut, Song Up In Her Head, she captures escaping wonder with inner intimacy that’s incredible to realize is the work of a 17 year-old. Among her originals is the Grammy-nominated instrumental “Mansinneedof” and brilliant covers of Tom Waits and The Decemberists. Parts of a lifelong journey having a steady pulse of assurance on the road ahead.
Mandolin wind on the road that’s going home. Sarah Jarosz – Tell Me True Sarah Jarosz – Long Journey + Purchase/Visit
I’m heading with Aurgasm friend, Adam, to Europe for three weeks in July.
Right after we land, we’re hitting up the Dour Festival in Belgium.
Totally psyched about this. We plan to bring you the same sort of broad coverage that we did for SXSW. Go check their lineup and yell at us if there’s anyone there we need to see.
We got our train passes
After the festival, we’re planning on meeting up with my brother in Stuttgart and taking the train around quite a bit. Right now we’re planning on hitting Amsterdam, Stuttgart, Prague, Olomouc, Krakow and Budapest. And then maybe Zagreb or Rijeka, Croatia, or Cluj, Romania, or somewhere else?
If anyone has suggestions for what to do or see, or any nearby cities, please leave a comment. (I might email you back) If you live in one of these spots, I’d love your perspective and we should definitely meet up for a drink!
Can I get some music, please?
Why, certainly :) Dub FX, is a beatbox artist who street performs all over Europe. Watching him construct one of his multilayered compositions is impressive—he throws some pitch-shifted bass underneath ethereal treble highlights and solid hip-hop vocals:
An unnamed songstress has the voice of a lover caressing your bare skin. Sincere, truthful and vulnerable; pour yourself out to let her in. Behind the guise of daily living is a gentle gaze full of understanding, compassion, and patience. Tangible care and memories – how words can be spoken by others yet only from her sound so right.
Aurgasm seeks to bring you an eclectic menagerie of aural pleasures. We scout out music you've never heard and deliver only the finest. Expect music curiously different, yet simply enjoyable...
Paul Irish is a music-loving web geek in San Francisco.
You can download most music on aurgasm – right-click the song names and select Save Target As. These files will be removed at some indefinite point.
All files on aurgasm are online with permission of the copyright holder.
This music is here for evaluation purposes ONLY.
That's what I want you to do: eval-u-ate: try on this music for size, see if it fits you. If you enjoy it, learn more. Explore the artist, delve into the genre.
Take an active approach in finding music you love. Only you can find what you love. Immerse yourself in it. Buy the CD. Go to the show and meet your favorite artist afterwards. Tell them their music changed you. Support the artists whose work you adore.
Be passionate about music.
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Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, chances are you’ve heard at least two of his songs. “Blue Eyes” and “Ride” were both featured on the soundtracks for “Garden State” and “The Last Kiss,” respectively. Don’t let that deter you. Cary has the incredible ability to home in on a variety of emotions, whether it’s heartache or defiance or a little of both. Each feeling is magnified, and while listening it’s as if at any moment you’ll burst into a million pieces.
Over the past decade, these Philly hipsters have made a solid name for themselves. They put together some home-cooked sloppy blues sound with hip-hop flavor and soulful harmonica solos and basslines. They also give a chill good-crowd kind of show, check their 
Reminding us of simple joys, refreshing as summertime lemonade flavour, The Matinee Orchestra brings a lot more loveliness than one could expect from so called laptop music. From ice-cold tender textures of Múm to the quirky playfulness of CocoRosie and the innocence of 
He crafted Madonna’s grammy-winning comeback Ray Of Light, been criticized by composer 
Icy spicy quiet sizzlin’. You know this song. At least, you’ve heard it sampled before. Bahamadia, the philly princess, emerged as the protege of Gang Starr’s Guru, and dropped this single on the hip hop world. I picked up this remix from Jazzanova’s new 
Three talented German jazz musicians were on tour in Cuba with the Dresden Philharmonic, when they fell in love with the Cuban music. A casual meeting with Compay Segundo led them to two talented Cuban percussions. The group then spontaneously ignited up a fiery session of cross-cultural musical intercourse. It was in this sudden compatiblity when the Klazz Brothers realized how perfect Cuban music complemented the classical pieces they knew so well. The result was their debut CD, 
