Like any hipster, I would like to attribute my slender physique to strict regime of cigarettes, illegal substances and a lack of nourishment; however, every hipster needs to work it out every once in a while. Unfortunately, I find my beloved lo-fi indie-folk-pop-rock fusions are not quite suited to sweating it out at the gym. So at times when I need something with a little more of a beat, where do I turn? Recently, it has been to Sufjan Stevens’ epic musical joyride, “Illinoise“–with a twist.
NYC-based alt-hip hop duo Metermaids have mashed-up their debut album “Nightlife,” an album acclaimed for its high energy blend of rap, rock, pop and funk, with Stevens‘ “Illinoise.” Yes, you read that right. Somehow, the combination works. Set to swelling violins, horns, banjos and ethereal loops of the Illinoisemakers’ vocals, the Metermaids’ lyrics and beats make Sufjan sound edgier than I ever believed possible on “Nightlife in Illinoise.” Don’t believe me? Take a listen to “A Breakdown In Chicago, or, How To Sabotage Your Own Happiness In Two Easy Steps.”
The Metermaids offer mash ups of five more tracks from “Illinoise,” the six instrumental versions of those mash ups and a must-have remix of “The Avalanche.” The best part? It’s entirely free. You’ve got nothing to lose. Whether you’re a fan of Sufjan, hip hop or free music, click over to the Metermaids’ Nightlife in Illinoise page, check out the tracks and accept the Metermaids’ invitiation to Come on! Refeel the Illinoise.
Hipsters Don't Lie. 