This may be a grower.. I’ll reserve judgment until a few more listens, but the newest Flaming Lips album is streaming in its entirety at NPR.

Interesting write-up by Jay Robinson who examines the new digital format coming from Apple –

The “deluxe album” format from the iTunes Store is an attempt to revitalize music sales by providing an immersive digital experience complete with detailed art reminiscent of when people used to buy records. Feature-wise, an iTunes LP is a DRM-free album in high-quality 256kbps AAC format, along with digital extras (visualizer(s), photos, videos and interviews) wrapped in a custom WebKit-powered site.

Some things of note include the file size for Jay-Z’s latest being 500mb as an “itunes LP.” While he’s admittedly excited about prospects for this format, my interest are limited to the custom visualizations (like above) that come with each release. And even then, they’re minor. Still, I can see some visually-oriented bands like Arcade Fire,Air ,, Justice, etc… doing some purchase-worthy stuff. Really, they should just have Eric Wareheim do everything.
[via Yewnee]

Over at YewKnee the wildly diverse and user-submitted “Summer Mix Series” continues. Start the work week proper and find yourself something to listen to and help pass the day. Because something about the summer just beckons for eclectic song selections.

Elegantly composed melodies via the Japanese artist Serph. You see some obvious Boards of Canada influences mixed with these well-integrated jazz rhythms. Great listenings and a timely release for the summer.



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