Aural Fixation: Awesome Shit That’s Not On The Radio

“It seems like now gay culture is more mainstream, so at a lot of the parties that you’re going to with a larger gay crowd, the music tends to be more commercial. It’s not this underground thing anymore.” <– That’s a direct quote yanked from Rich Juzwiak‘s piece about the lasting presence of disco and the straight white guys who are keeping it alive. It’s a fascinating read, if you have the time… Then again, it may only be a fascinating read if you’re as much of a music snob nerd as I am.

Nevertheless, the last few winners of our Aural Fixation series could certainly fall into the mainstream/commercial category—Kelly Rowland, Chris Brown (ugh), Rihanna and even Cazwell. With the exception of Rihanna’s victory in the epic diva battle, we’re almost suspicious that you voted for these artists just because they’re familiar names. That’s our only way of justifying the wild success of “Wet The Bed” against much better selections by Katy B, Chromatics and (yes, even) Lana Del Rey.

So how do we fix this problem and get you to vote for some decent music over a mediocre dance track by Destiny’s Other Child? By not providing any other options! Today’s round of Aural Fixation features songs by Azealia Banks, Architecture in Helsinki, Real Estate and Glass Candy. Take a listen to each contestants’ offering after the jump, and let us know which you’d find the least offensive during a sweaty bedroom encounter. Or just choose the one you like the most. We don’t really care, as long as you’re voting.

– Dewitt

To listen to this week’s selections and vote, follow the JUMP:

AZEALIA BANKS f/ LAZY JAY – 212: Can we still call Azealia Banks “underground” after she was played during Madonna’s Smirnoff dance contest whatever? Probably not… But the fact of the matter is that radio stations are never going to play a song with the lyric “I guess that cunt’s gettin’ eaten”. Of course, something tells us you might not vote for it either. This baffles us, considering you already supported a song about copious amounts of vagina juice literally soaking a man’s bed sheets. No, guys, I’m still not over it.

ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI – W.O.W.: This one goes out to all those people who are like, “I love fucking to ambient shit like Enya!” This is far from my favorite Architecture in Helsinki track, but I’m posting it because I’m still upset I’ll miss their show with Lo-Fi-Fnk tomorrow night at the Royale. If you’re there, be sure to guzzle a few beers and make out with someone questionable in my honor.

REAL ESTATE – IT’S REAL: Vaguely cute Brooklyn dudes! Puppies! I’ll admit that “It’s Real” toes the line between adorable and “so twee it belongs in a Zooey Deschanel movie”, but I’m crushing so hard on the balding, bearded guy from this band that I’m willing to overlook all that shit. My name is Dewitt, and I have a problem.

GLASS CANDY – WARM IN THE WINTER: At seven minutes and twenty-nine seconds, you better hope that your partner likes this song before you turn it on and start making out (or sticking things in certain places). We’d almost consider vetoing it for the monkey part alone. “Ee-ee-oo-hoo!”