Too Poor to Buy Records and/or Go Out To Clubs? Listen to Beats in Space

For someone like me, who has a limited budget and only so much time to scour the Internet and record shops for new music, podcasts have become a godsend. Since most of what is on local radio completely blows (with the exception of KCRW, KXLU and KPFK), I primarily learn about new music through the Internet. While there is no shortage of blogs that discuss and share indie rock and hip hop music, information about the vast world of electronic music isn't as prevalent. I guess the info is out there, but since so much of that culture is driven by obscure white label singles, imports and vinyl only remixes, it can often get confusing. Luckily there's someone like Tim Sweeney making things a little easier on me.

Sweeney is a New York-based DJ who hosts Beats in Space every Tuesday night from 10:30PM to 1:00AM on WNYU 89.1 FM. Each week he brings a taste of the NYC club scene to a worldwide audience as he mixes together tracks from all over the dance music landscape. On most weeks Sweeney will invite a special guest to take over mixing duties and spin for an hour or so. Judging by the list of past guests, which includes James Murphy, The Juan Maclean, Carl Craig, Hot Chip, Plaid, The Avalanches and Simian Mobile Disco (among many others), Sweeney carries major street cred throughout the various scenes that fall under electronic music's wide umbrella. But even without the special guests Beats in Space would still be required listening for anyone who loves dance music and wants to stay current on who is shaking asses in clubs accross the world.

Subscribe to the Beats in Space podcast here (requires podcast software) or here (link will open iTunes)

Photo courtesy of flickr user Studio JFISH
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Sneak Peak: B-Ball Zombie War

Stones Throw might be the most prolific independent record label on the planet. With a stable of artists that includes label founder Peanut Butter Wolf, Madlib (AKA the hardest working man in hip-hop), MF Doom (perhaps a close second), Jay Dilla (R.I.P.), Wildchild, M.E.D, Percee P, Aloe Blacc and Koushik, there's always something good to look forward to when you browse their upcoming releases. This also means there's plenty of material for a good ol' fashioned compilation record, and Stones Throw can definitely throw it down with the best of them.

B-Ball Zombie War is the upcoming basketball-inspired (and, apparently, zombies) collaboration between Stones Throw and 2K Sports, although it isn't a video game soundtrack (only a few of the songs have been licensed for video game use). With PB Wolf at the helm, I don't care what they call it because there is plenty in here to be excited about. The compilation features new songs by Madlib, Guilty Simpson, Aloe Blacc, Koushik and M.E.D, along with original collaborations by Q-Tip and Talib Kweli (over J Dilla beats!) and MF Doom with Guilty Simpson (ditto). With some of the most innovative artists in hip hop behind the wheel, expect this album to feature lots of obscure samples, next level beats and flawless production. Download the latest Stones Throw podcast to hear a 31 minute mix of music from B-Ball Zombie War.

Stones Throw Podcast: B-Ball Zombie War
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