The Maroon Cafe

Lykke Li | Little Bit Feat Drake and Mickey Factz

// December 29th, 2008 // 1 Comment » // Listening Section

This is  a dream song for the cafe. All three artist are coveted by us, and have been featured on several occasions. ‘Little Bit,’  is actually one of the first tracks I’ve heard from Swedish export Lykke Li.  A few months ago the song started picking up buzz again.  That’s was thanks to Drake, who jump on this track and made an incredible remix. Over this past weekend (Hope you guys had a great Christmas, btw) we heard that Mickey Factz added his vocals to, ‘Little Bit.’   How does a great song keep on getting better?

The amazing thing is they never got in the studio to perform this song together.  It feels as if they all were chilling in the studio and decided to make a remix.

Lykke Li | Little Bit Feat Drake and Mickey Factz

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Marina & The Diamonds- Obsession (Video)

// December 29th, 2008 // No Comments » // Video

Last week we introduced Marina And The Diamonds Neon Golds latest discovery, who should without a doubt create a buzz in the new year. Here is the video for the catchy tune “Obsession” the more we listen to her vocals, the more Kate Bush/Annie Lennox comes to mind. Make sure you pick up the single, which will be released on Valentines Day.

Side Note- Bob Vila was never that clever!!!

First Aid Kit Covers A Christmas Classic

// December 25th, 2008 // No Comments » // Video

Swedish duo First Aid Kit and Wichita signings latest discovery, recently covered the classic tune “Blue Christmas” now we all know that the holidays is about having a good time with those you love, and we wanted you to think about a few things while listening to this tune.

1. Be thankful for family & friends

2. Keep in mind that there are many today who are missing loved ones

3. The greatest gift is being able to enjoy this day

Merry Christmas to all! enjoy the weekend, thanks for the support & we’ll be back right here on Monday.

Idle Warship | Steady & Black Snake Moan

// December 24th, 2008 // No Comments » // Listening Section

We are trying to end this year with a bang.  You know the age old bromide, “Finsh Hard.”  Well, let us introduce you to super group, Idle Warship.  The Alternative/Hip-Hop/Reggae Trio consisting of Brooklyn emcee Talib Kweli, Philadelphia singer Res, and Canadian singer/rapper Graph Nobel are a breath of fresh air.

Their first release was the ultra-sexy “Black Snake Moan” (Video Below), which was a good track, but it really didn’t hit me like I wanted it to.  Enter, their latest track, “Steady.”  Which is probably a track that resonates with the group.  It’s a tale about the warnings of fame and how it’s not what it’s cracked up to be.  Built off of the classic “Sunglasses at Night” tune, they warn the listener not to get caught up in the high life with the in crowd, but put up your guard and build yourself a team.  Which is want Idle Warship is.  A team of musicans that have seen the high and lows of the music industry and are taking control of their careers.

Keep an eye (or ear) out for Idle Warship’s mixtape,which should be dropping in 09.  Speaking of 09, we expect this group to make some noise in the upcoming year.  

Idle Warship – Steady

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Idle Warship [MySpace]
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I Blame Coco & Natty Cover A Specials Classic On Indie Ghetto

// December 24th, 2008 // No Comments » // Video

Indie ghetto is Hip Hop covers from indie artists so when you can get Natty & I Blame Coco to do a solid cover of The Specials “Message To You Rudy” two things happen. One further solidifies how big Coco Sumner is going to be, not just because she’s stings daughter (which helps) or the fact that she could have a pretty extensive Slits collection with her Ari up like vocals. Plain and simple, Sumner is just talented!! reminds us of a throwback to her pops style when he was with the police (heard of them? yeah we’re sure) back in the 80′s. Two, shows what 2009 has in store for us creativity wise, disregard the fact that Natty is also underrated and the new year should only create more buzz for him, but to take an original and add the lyrics to the Dead Prez gem “Hip Hop” cafe worthy is an understatement.

New Music From Jack Penate- Tonights Today

// December 23rd, 2008 // No Comments » // Listening Section

Things are a little slow at the office and this is just the pick me up we needed here! enter Jack Penate, who made a brief splash back in 2007 with his hit “Torn On The Platform” which provided a decent buzz in the states. Penates music is fairly known here and has a much bigger fan base in the UK, even hitting #1 on the indie charts. Known for his soaring vocal ability, the lad who is also best friends with cafe favorite Adele, delivers “Tonights Today” a samba flavored treat which shows his sound has vastly matured.  If you can imagine an all night party on your favorite beach then this is the song for you, and with the weather we have here, that image does not sound bad at all right now.

Jack Penate- Tonights Today

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KRS-One & Mickey Factz – Spit Ya Game Freestyle [Video]

// December 22nd, 2008 // 1 Comment » // Video

Living legend, KRS-ONE and the future of Hip Hop, Mickey Factz join the Spit Ya Game Freestyle cypher. Both of them went it and spit some knowledge, however I have one question for Mr. KRS-One. Can you dumb it down a little?

“America please open your retina and recognize the difference between original and replica”

(Mickey Factz)

Marina And The Diamonds- Obsessions

// December 22nd, 2008 // No Comments » // Listening Section

Marina And The Diamonds is the latest signee of Neon Gold Records, which is also the home of soon to be breakout artist Passion Pit. Looks like the new year will be full of talented females with blossoming vocals and Marina should have just the right amount of buzz, to make a name for herself.  Besides, when was the last time you knew of a voice like this to come out of Ancient Greece? (don’t worry we’ll wait) here is her single “Obsessions” which will be released on Valentines day. Head over to Neon Gold Records and pre-order the track (first 50) which will be signed personally by Marina.

Marina And The Diamonds-Obsessions

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