MUSIC FOR TROUBLED MACHINERY...

Musician/producer Leb Laze lost a dear friend this year, his MPC 2000. As his trusty production tool was dying, it started to randomly spit out all of the sounds loaded within it in their raw and unedited form.. over and over again. Leb Laze began to record and embrace these freakouts, using them as a basis for the majority of the songs on his new album Music for Troubled Machinery.

HER TEARS TASTE LIKE PEARS...

Also out this week courtesy of Ninja Tune is Her Tears Taste Like Pears, the new EP from electronic beat maker Dorian Concept. The EP is only 4 tracks deep but it covers a lot of musical territory ranging from dancefloor friendly workouts to introspective downbeat numbers. Good stuff throughout.

MIND BOKEH...

Out this week via Warp is Mind Bokeh, the highly-anticipated new record from lo-fi electronic wizard Bibio. The album picks up where 2009's Ambivalence Avenue left off with a stunning blend of sun-kissed folk, cut-n-paste-post Dilla beats, hazy psychedelia, and crunchy beats. So good.

THE SHE ONLY CHAPTERS (ALBUM SAMPLER)...

About 1 month from now The She Only Chapters from Prefuse 73 will hit. Here's a little album sampler to whet the appetite.

$FREE.99: KNXWLEDGE - MANGO EP

Hotly-tipped Philly beat maker Knxwledge is giving away a new micro-EP called Mango. It's only about 8 minutes long, but hey, it's FREE so you can't complain! Click here to download.

L.A. SERIES #9...

The penultimate release in All City's L.A. Series also came out this week featuring tracks from LA photographer Coleman and Motor City native Ta'Raach. Good stuff on this one, check for it.

BUBBLE WORKS...

Out this week via Eliot Lipp's Old Tacoma Records is Bubble Works, the debut EP from feel-good electro beat maker Mike Bubbles. The one screams summertime! I love it!

W.A.R.

Also out this week is W.A.R. (We Are Renegades), the highly-anticipated new album from supa emcee Pharoahe Monch. The album features guest spots from Immortal Technique, Styles P, Phonte, Jean Grae and Royce Da 5'9" alongside production from Exile, Marco Polo, M-Phazes and Diamond. The album is a little hit-and-miss but from a lyrical standpoint Pharoahe proves he's still got it.

COMPANION...

Out this week via Ghostly International is Companion, a compilation of Gold Panda's early 2009 EPs (Before, Miyamae, and Quitter's Raga) along with a slew of previously Japan-only bonus tracks. Very good stuff.

UNDFTD SF...

Now that HUF SF has officially closed it's doors, it looks like one of LA's finest will be moving in to serve the Hayes Valley faithful.

$FREE.99: SIR MICHAEL ROCKS - THE ROCKS REPORT

Remember The Cool Kids? They were supposed to drop their debut full-length When Fish Ride Bicycles forever ago. Uh yeah, it's still not out. As we continue to wait, Mikey Rocks, er, Sir Michael Rocks has gone for dolo in the form of a FREE mixtape called The Rocks Report. Click here to download.

LOVING YOU IS KILLING ME...

This video makes me smile. This is Aloe Blacc with "Loving You Is Killing Me" from last year's Good Things. Courtesy of Stones Throw.

ANTONIONIAN...

Also out this week is the self-titled debut from Antonionian, better known as Jordan Dalrymple of Subtle/13 & God fame. The production on this record is not what I expected. The stoney indie rock style that both Subtle and 13 & God are known for is replaced by electro-funk-leaning avant-pop tunes. Unexpected, but a pleasant departure.

PLACES EP...

Out this week courtesy of Friends of Friends is the Places EP from hotly-tipped electronic beat maker Shlohmo. I really like the new direction on this EP. The crunchy basslines and boom-bap energy of previous releases have been replaced with moody, introspective soundscapes that really spread out nicely. Highly recommended.

INTERNATIONAL...

New video from Matthewdavid. This is the title track from the recently released International EP on Brainfeeder featuring vocals from Dogbite.

CONDUCTING INTERVIEW...

Production wiz Mike Slott sits down with Adam Saewitz in his home in Brooklyn to listen to songs and discuss his instincts and the potential effects of music on the soul.

INTERNATIONAL EP...

Also out this week courtesy of FlyLo's Brainfeeder imprint is the International EP from LA beat scene veteran Matthewdavid. The 4-track EP is a challenging listen at times but it grows on you with repeated spins.

LASERS...

Out this week is Lasers, the highly anticipated new album from hip-hop wunderkind Lupe Fiasco. I've listened to the record several times through already and I must admit I'm a little underwhelmed. Both the production and sing-song hooks are just a little too pop for me. It feels like a record without much staying power. Only time will tell.

BEGIN END BEGIN (TAKE REMIX)...

New video from Take (aka Sweatson Klank). This is a remix of "Begin End Begin" by Take himself from Only Mountain: The Remixes on Alpha Pup. Check it.

BLUE MOVIE...

New video from Anti-Pop veteran Beans. This is "Blue Movie" produced by Son Lux from the recently released End It All. This one is not entirely safe for work so be ready with that Alt-Tab.

PONIES...

Rounding out the trio of micro new releases for the week is Ponies, the debut EP from Leo123. Best known for his work alongside Eliot Lipp as Dark Party, Leo123 breaks out on his own and delivers a batch of crisp, angular electro heaters. Good stuff.

MARRIAGE...

Also out this week courtesy of Ghostly International is the Marriage EP from stay-puft favorite Gold Panda. The EP features the gorgeous original production alongside remixes from Star Slinger, Baths, Forest Swords and Halls. Essential.

THE NOTHING/NIGHTLY, DAILY...

A trio of exciting new EPs out this week. First up is The Nothing/Nightly, Daily, the new single from 2010 breakout artist Baths. Peep the audio for lead track "The Nothing" after the break.