IM // UR | Jamie xx vs Yasmin // Valentine's Day Special

We swear this isn't an ironic listening. We love Beyoncé and 4. OK, we might unironically skip straight to track 5, 'Party', produced by Kanye West and with rap by Andre3000, because we ain't no stay-home-mums that need all those ballads about being broken hearted and finding the right person. But, after that, the album turns into a beautiful compilation of classic r'n'b, soul and a bit of sweat-inducing booty tracks - not too many though - that sound surprisingly courageous considering the actual state of pop music. And for that, we bow down and hail Queen B. P.S. Get the deluxe version, for those extra couple of amazing tracks.

WE // R \\ WEARING

The name of this label has been interpreted in many ways; from 'bass-seekey' to 'base-ike', but the correct way describes exactly what this label is about: BASIC. Bassike delivers easily breezily cut staples with an interesting little twist that keeps them from being your run of the mill. For those that live in climates like that of Australia (where Bassike hails from) or Brazil, you'll know how easy it is to make fashion faux pas when the weather gets hot and the prospect of wearing anything but a bathing suit becomes slightly unappealing; Bassike is all and everything you need.

WE // R \\ WATCHING

Before watching HBO's Game of Thrones, I assumed the series would tend a bit more towards the blood-dripping Danish movie Valhalla Rising rather than fairy-tale stories a lá 'Lord of the Rings'; and for that I didn't really like the series at the beginning. But slowly, I found myself submitting to tales of bad kings, midget juggernauts, savage warriors and... dragons. And that happened probably because there aren't exactly good guys and bad guys here, like there are in Tolkien stories - and that is, of course, a simplification of his work. Another reason I relented to this series is because of the intriguing political backstage element that leads to the ever-happening dance of thrones. Oh, and did I mention the gratuitous nekkid-ness?

WE // R \\ GOING

Of the slew of new spots having opened up in Sydney in the last six months, The Norfolk on Cleveland St in Surry Hills has been one fated with success. Owned by some of the same kids that have brought The Flinders back to life (and currently, it's incredibly quick onset of 'The Norms'), you'll undoubtedly find The Norfolk rammed with all kinds, vying for a bite, a beer and a spot in the garden out back. The aim of the game is to cultivate Aussie pub culture at it's best; and it's doing a pretty decent job so far - if only you could get a table!

WE // R \\ READING

Super Sad True Love Story is the third book from the writer of the best selling Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart. Incidentally, I read him name dropped in Flavorpill's Ultimate Hipster Reading list and in the same sentence as James Franco (they're buds, apaprently) just before I finished his latest offering. Don't let any of that put you off, or take away any of the sad scary brilliance of Super Sad True Love Story; written from the perspective of one 39 year old Lenny Abramov, son of Russian immigrants and in love with the impossibly cute and cruel Eunice Park. A satire that cuts to the bone, Super Sad True Love Story is exactly it's title. And it's good.

Jamie xx vs Yasmin // Valentine's Day Special

Monday // February 21, 2011 at 15:47 // filed under Music

If I say that I just heard an awesome mix that features classic Destiny Child (when there were still four of them), Everything But The Girl’s hit ‘Missing’ and Crystal Waters’ house anthem ‘Gypsy’ you will probably think that I’m bullshitting you. Although you'd probably change your mind when I told you that Jamie xx is the one responsible for that mix, or at least half of it.

For Boiler Room #44, Jamie xx did a one hour long back to back with singer Yasmin as a Valentine’s Day Special. Red Bull Music Academy recorded the whole thing and is now letting us streaming this wonder - including the moment the DJ set turned live with a recreation of Rui Da Silva’s ‘Touch Me’.

This delightful cover keeps the house element of the original, but it’s improved with balearic elements as well as the now signature Jamie xx steel drum fills. While there is no word about official releases, we will have to listen to this Youtube video and its rip, which can be downloaded below with the original version of the song.

Yasmin vs Jamie xx - Touch Me (Rui Da Silva Cover)

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Yasmin vs. Jamie xx - Touch Me (Rui Da Silva cover) [mp3]

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Rui Da Silva Feat. Cassandra - Touch Me (Original 12'') [mp3]

Now back to the mix. This back to back is all about feeling; and if you're worried about perfect technique there's no way you will enjoy this one as the mixes get a bit rocky from time to time. But as I hold to what I said in the beginning: it’s awesome. Especially because the mix is allowed to play with the Valentine’s day theme by adding music that you'd never expect to be played by The xx producer.