“Synth Pop” (Used 26 times)

Super sweet synth-pop with a tinge of bitterness, FAVORS keeps the bubble quota high while real talkin' about social networks, WiFi hotspots, and other mundane artifacts from the digital age. FAVORS is brought to us by one of the Free Music Archive's newest curators, Decoder Magazine. They've already got a nice collection growing at their curator portal, so check out the tunes and be on the lookout for a more formal introduction in the near future. 

After a small absence and a couple of single releases appearing since 2009, Pinklogik returns with a lovely new 6 track EP, "Inverse". Having two independently released full-length albums (Mosaic Electro / Learning To Trust Higher Frequencies) and a remix collection "LTTHF:Remixed" released on this very label, Inverse picks up right where LTTHF's journey ended. If you are familiar with her music, you'll be happy to know that the signature infectious and playful melodic elements are still intact on this release, and introduces some new vibes such as the more sombre moments like "Dreams Of Summer" or the techno fused "Phosphene Dance". The feel of Pinklogik's music is distinctly vintage, but refreshingly so. Welcome back, we've missed you.

http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Pinklogik/Inverse_EP

Today's Track of the Week comes to you from CBC Radio 3 host Lana Gay. She chose a track by Toronto synth-pop band Martha and the Muffins:

In 1979 Martha and the Muffins released their debut album called Metro Music.  On the cover was a map of the city of Toronto, within a year this song, Echo Beach, was in the top 10 in Canada, Australia, Portugal and the UK.

Over 30 years later, Martha and the Muffins will now have a spot on the same map referenced on their debut album, as 'Echo Beach' the new 4,000-capacity venue in Toronto will be opening this summer.

I hope the band cuts the ribbon at the grand opening!

To date, there are now over 25,000 tracks available from the Free Music Archive.  Between you and me, I felt like I got lost in the shuffle some 5,000 tracks ago.  If 2010 has taught me anything, it let me know in no uncertain terms that, as much as I may want to leave my digital footprints all over the place, my real feet had better keep day job and family life responsibilities in constant view.  It was life's way of telling me to keep the main thing the main thing.  In addition, whether it's Creative Commons releases or otherwise, I will be playing catch-up with music for the rest of my life...and I'm fine with that.  Thank goodness for those who make it their business to post regularly here, highlighting their favorites and uncovering those hidden gems scattered throughout this glorious resource.

I figured if I was going to ease my way back into this, I really should start with a somewhat familiar face to get myself motivated.  A few weeks ago, I came across the Dance Audit Hour compilation on Uncharted Audio and was pleasantly surprised to see a contribution from Cursor Miner.  I was first introduced to him in 2001 through the Fresh Fruit compilation on Lo Recordings.  He had a song on that called "Never Been Seen," which was aptly described as a cross between Beck and David Bowie.  He has recorded several albums for Lo Recordings and also remixed artists such as Fischerspooner and The Chap along the way.

Today's featured cut is "Leave It Out," which features pounding techno rhythms underlying synth-pop style songwriting and Miner's understated yet captivating vocals.  You may find yourself under the same spell that it puts me under whenever I listen to it, immediately moving your mouse towards the play button the moment the song comes to an end...