I don’t think this is offensive…

Don Armando’s Rhumba Band – I’m An Indian Too (12” version)

Purchase “Going Places: The August Darnell Years 1976-1983″ (Kid Creole)

A 25 piece drum troup makes this a haunting funky disco track. Thanks to Disco Workout for this one.

Burundi Steiphenson Black – Burundi Black

Purchase “Burundi Black” (BCM Records)

Being back in urban jungle of New York made me miss my roots. Diplo serves up a sundrenched banger with this joint. Coming out soon on Verve Remix Vol 4.
Marlena Shaw – California Soul (Diplo Mad Decent Remix)
Purchase Verve Remix Vol. 4

I wish it was sunny enough in Portland to appreciate this music. The best way to describe El Guincho is a combination of Animal Collective and Tropicalia. Its beautiful.
El Guincho – Buenos Matrimonios Ahi Fuera (Zshare)

Purchase “Alegranza”

One day I was listening to this song on the train. The subway began to rattle to the beat and sunlight streamed through the windows and I for once I felt connected to this city.

Clinic – Distortions

Purchase: “Internal Wrangler” (Clinic)

Spring was made for Tropicalia. It breaks your winter cocoon. Its the way your balls feel wearing shorts for the first time in march.
RIght now I haven’t left the apartment since yesterday. The living room can become completely pitch dark if you close the right doors. Its really soothing. But I am ready for space and grass.

Caetano Veloso – Tropicalia

Caetano Veloso – Lost In Paradise

Gal Costa – Meu Nome É Gal

Chico Buarque – Cotidiano
Knowledge: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropicalia

Purchase: “Soul Jazz Records Presents Tropicália: A Brazilian Revolution in Sound” (Various Artists)

Sunshine is back. Celebrate.

Rye Rye & Blaqstarr – Shake It To The Ground (Stereobaits Control Yourself Remix)

Charlie Fanclub – Splash

Mac Dre – California Livin’

Three 6 Mafia – Stay Fly (MSTRKRFT)

Diplo ft. Teize Tigrona – Bandida

I’ve never been the biggest fan of Baile Funk. Always listening out of respect for Diplo’s anthroplogical approach to mixing. The genre has always seemed too hemmed in by the conventions of its beats. This track really made me excited. Its ability to stay true to the conventions of the genre while expanding upon this is absolutely remarkable.

Justice vs. Soul Wax – Disco Sirens

This song is straight fire. Start listening asap before it gets played out.

For the first time since my brief stay in ny, I’m worried there might not be enough culture in the coming weeks. It seems like everyone, including the dude who scammed me out of $60 on Canal Street, is packing up and heading to Austin. Since I can’t make it out there, I decided to compile a list of artists that I’d be seeing rather than freezing my californian ass off in ny.
First up
Santogold – L.E.S. Artistes (XXXchange Remix)
Along with the rest of the internet, I’ve always had a softspot in my heart for Santogold. Because of my shitty internet connection in Brooklyn, I waited an hour to download this. I never paid much attention to the lyrics until I listened to this remix. Hugely inspiring for anyone who has ended up thousands of miles from home because of a gut feeling.

Matt & Kim – Yeah Yeah (Flosstradamus Remix)
Flosstradamus is one my favorite DJ duos. I’ve seen them twice and each time was a completely different experience. Regardless of the various genres they choose, you know they’ll kill it.
Matt & Kim – No More Long Years (The Risk Remix)
The always infectious Matt & Kim walk us through a tour of teen angst.

A-Trak – My Lovely Outro
This little tune is just a hint of the hot turntablism you’ll see from A-trak. You’ll see why he was the youngest dmc champ. Also I’ve read that he doesn’t use headphones when he spins, he literally uses the turntable as an instrument.