When someone asks you to listen to a song, there is always a mixed reaction. For some reason, we go into it with a sort of impatient unwillingness, no matter how good the song may turn out to be. "Just wait," they'll plead, "listen," soon to be followed by some variation of shushing, in the worst cases they'll end up singing the part they coaxed you into listening to... shameful.

This doesn't happen with music like that of Beats Antique. Founded in 2007, Beats Antique is a trio of producers and artists that offer a truly refreshing blend of everything from down-beat electronic jazz with an electro-acoustic feel to unique Middle-Eastern influenced, drum-heavy dance grooves that move to highly charged electronic rhythms. It took no more than four bars into the song "Nesatovo," from the album Collide, for me to know that I not only loved the song but would dig the rest of their stuff as well.

Get yourself a copy of their 2008 album, Collide. Boasting well-rounded melodies filled with everything from the clarinet, viola, and tuba to the kalimba and accordion, all backed with masterful beats influenced by jazz, African Gnawa, hip hop and dubstep. This album is a testament to the group's versatility and creativity; taking you from a party at Aladdin’s palace, to a rave inside a circus tent in minutes.  If you want to sand-bag and pick a few at songs at random, I highly recommend “Dope Crunk," "Roustabout," "Nesatovo," and "Scratch Tail."

The snake-charming doesn't stop there. They followed that excellent album with four others, from 2009-2011.

Saturday, 1/28, these electronic gypsies will be rolling their caravan into town to play a show at the Showbox SODO, accompanied by Filastine. This is an all-ages show, tickets are available now: $20 in advance/$25 at the door.

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