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Raekwon, “Cuban Revolution” [Mixtape]
If Cuban Links II — if and when it’s ever released — is nearly half as good as the grimy, gut-punching songs on this pre-release mixtape, it will have justified its seemingly interminable delays.
Feist & the Constantines, “Islands in the Stream” [Dolly Parton Cover]
Two leading lights of Canadian indie rock slow down and spookify this Kenny Rogers/Dolly Parton classic. Additonally, the title is now a reference to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
The xx, “Shelter” [Them Jeans Drum Edit]
The xx maximize quiet on their debut, but this Them Jeans edit kicks the tempo up a notch, making “Shelter” sound like prime Everything But the Girl. And, yes, that’s a good thing.
Kid Cudi feat. Kanye West and Common, “Make Her Say” [Afrojack Remix]
Kid, Kanye and Common get sped-up and streamlined in this wily, wiry Afrojack remix, which pares the vocals down to almost-nothing and emphasizes a stern, steady dance beat.
Various Artists, ’80s Nigerian Hip-Hop [Mixtape]
Every bit as amazing as the name implies, this mixtape proves that there remain great stacks of Nigerian music just waiting to be rediscovered. And you thought hiplife was cool?
Article Source: Rolling Stone : Rock and Roll Daily