The mercury is pushing 80, the days are already longer, and with the weekend right here, we've definitely got a heavy-duty case of spring fever.
And since many of you have made it abundantly clear that you want, need, have to have our latest Springtime Playlist...well, here it is. As always, we've whipped up a fruity blend of our favorite bands alongside some new finds that we're excited about.
And for an extra special scoop on your cone, we asked Grizzly Bear front-man Ed Droste to be our soundtrack curator. Aside from being an exceptional songwriter, Ed has a keen ear for great bands and exciting new voices. On this playlist, he's stacked up R29 faves like Beach House and Owen Pallett, with old favorites like Alicia Keys and Massive Attack and emerging bands, including Memoryhouse and the Morning Benders. Our playlist serving Instructions: Download the whole thing (it's free!), mix up a pitcher of spiked summer punch (ie: whatever you have in your fridge and freezer), and press play...enjoy!
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For 70 minutes of continuous spring listening, download our Refinery29's Spring 2010 Playlist [MP3].
Memoryhouse--The Years EP"Lately (Deuxieme)" [MP3]
We've been swooning for the ethereal and lo-fi sound of this song. You can't help but think how good it would sound at La Monte Young's Dream House. Buy this album
Jonsi--Go"Boy Lilikoi" [MP3]
Jonsi takes time away from Sigur Ros to collaborate with Nico Muhly and make awesome sounding, orchestral pop music. Buy this album
Beach House--Teen Dream"Silver Soul" [MP3]
On every Beach House album there is at least one song that we absolutely obsess over. This time it's this one. Buy this album
Jamie Lidell--Compass"Compass" [MP3]
Jamie Lidell first caught our attention as the white guy who made electronic soul music. He's still soulful as hell, but we're not sure how to classify this track. Buy this album
Local Natives--Gorilla Manor"Airplanes" [MP3]
Lovely harmonies and glorious crescendos make this required spring listening. Buy this album
All MP3s are for sampling purposes only. Please go out and buy the artists' records. If you would like for us to remove a track, please email us at feedback@refinery29.com.
Here We Go Magic--Here We Go Magic
"Land of Feeling" [MP3]
This track kind of reminds us of mid-'70s Pink Floyd...and we mean that in the best way. Buy this album
"Land of Feeling" [MP3]
This track kind of reminds us of mid-'70s Pink Floyd...and we mean that in the best way. Buy this album
Neon Indian"Sleep Paralasyst" [MP3]
They still use trashy synths exclusively, yet still make some of the best new pop music today. It's like juggling with one hand tied behind your back. Buy this album
We Have Band--Divisive EP"Divisive" [MP3]
Dancefloor-ready indie rock is an underappreciated sign that spring has arrived. Buy this album
Alicia Keys--The Element of Freedom"Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart" [MP3]
Hey, we love an Alicia ballad as much as the next person, but it's when she starts making futuristic Prince jams that we fall in love majorly. Buy this album
Van She"(Don't Fear) The Reaper" [MP3]
Van She rescue this '70s jam from its place as an SNL cowbell joke, and re-imagine it as synthed-out robot rock. Buy this album
All MP3s are for sampling purposes only. Please go out and buy the artists' records. If you would like for us to remove a track, please email us at feedback@refinery29.com.
Efterklang--Magic Chairs
"Modern Drift" [MP3]
We love the hypnotic minimalist piano line in this song that gets juxtaposed against heavy drums and strings. Buy this album
"Modern Drift" [MP3]
We love the hypnotic minimalist piano line in this song that gets juxtaposed against heavy drums and strings. Buy this album
Cibelle"Lightworks" [MP3]
A little research reveals that this is a cover of a Raymond Scott song, though you may know it better as Dilla's "Lightworks." This version is probably the freakiest of all of them. Buy this album
Massive Attack--Heligoland"Paradise Circus" [MP3]
Portishead's incredible return to form had us anticipating a new Massive Attack record. They didn't disappoint, as evidenced by this piano ballad reimagined as a dub reggae song. Buy this album
Owen Pallett--Heartland"E is for Estranged" [MP3]
The arrangement around this little falsetto song is just gorgeous. It's even more impressive when you watch Owen perform it all by himself. Buy this album
The Morning Benders--Big Echo"Excuses" [MP3]
Based on the greatness of this song, we're predicting this is the beginning of the age of modern doo-wop! Buy this album