clinging to a scheme

Now that MGMT have abdicated their status as kings of the indie-party jams in favor of more experimental, proggy exploits (and good for them), I think The Knocks are poised to assume the mantle. "Blackout" is "Time to Pretend" plus "Kids," and it will be playing all summer. If they can turn that shit Britney Spears single into something danceable, they deserve it.

The new Radio Dept album is great.

Sleigh Bells are opening for M.I.A. at her show in New York in July. Sadly, I'll be out of town, but "Tell Em" continues to build on the buzz they've generated since last fall's CMJ. Since Coachella, honestly I've been having problems hearing people in crowded places or when they speak at low volumes. This is not helping.

I caught Penguin Prison's free show at Brooklyn Bowl last night. I give it two more months before they're as big as Miike Snow. 25 minute killer set, every one a jam. (Awkward segue alert) For awhile, I thought PP's remix of Marina and the Diamonds' "I Am Not A Robot" was my favorite, but that title has just been bestowed on this gem below (which you can download for free from the Neon Gold Records blog).

The disarmingly charming P.S. 22 kids covered Marina, but even better is their new version of Bjork's "All is Full of Love." How on earth a children's chorus can sing that song and have it sound amazing instead of creepy is a beautiful mystery.