As a huge fan of the first Crystal Castles self-titled album, I’ve been waiting in anticipation for their second album which is, strangely, also self-titled (Weezer much?). And like every other album ever, it has found its way onto the interwebs prior to its scheduled release date (along with 4 or 5 other albums on the same day, which again brings up the question of how the industry will adjust to every single album being leaked or “leaked”). Either way, I just gave the album my first listen, and I think I’m going to be liking this one. The most notable difference in my eyes was the lack of any clear vocals on this album. While the vocals were distorted in all different ways on the first album, it seems that this time around the vocals are used almost as another instrument. One of the tracks that stood out to me just from the first listen was “Not in Love”. It’s got a nice 80s feel that I enjoy.

Crystal Castles – Not in Love

As a bonus (mostly since I already had this written up before the album leaked), a super oldie, but super goodie. I’ve always been a rather large fan of both Bloc Party and Crystal Castles, so I was surprised to hear about a super old remix that I never heard that marries these two bands. I especially enjoy it because “Hunting for Witches” was not one of my favorite tracks from Bloc Party’s 2007 album Weekend in the City, but I really like what the Toronto duo has done with this tune. Slowed it down quite a bit and added in some of their characteristic 8-bit pieces of flare to give it that quintessential Crystal Castles sound that we like so much. I need some Alice in my live music life, but alas it does not appear to be in the cards any time soon. Might have to try to make some moves this summer to make that happen.

By the way, is the picture above (from last year’s rainy Lollapalooza performance in which I feared for my life several times but never wanted it to end) not one of the raddest pictures of all times that so accurately depicts its subject? I think it is.

Bloc Party – Hunting for Witches (Crystal Castles remix)

And as a special super double bonus, here’s a much newer remix of Crystal Castles by Midnight Conspiracy that I have been digging as well. A new track by Crystal Castles, a remix by Crystal Castles and a remix of Crystal Castles? That is what I call a well-rounded post.

Crystal Castles – Crimewave (Midnight Conspiracy remix)