San Francisco-based DJ/Producer, Wait What finds ways of infusing the vocals of the Notorious B.I.G (among others) with mood driven melodies of the XX, resulting in a surprisingly pleasant mix. For that reason, this one goes into the brilliant pile. Released on March 25th, the album commemorates the thirteenth anniversary of Life After Death’s release. Click here to download the mixtape or click through to listen.

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So much for a relaxing weekend. With everything that’s going on for New Year’s Eve, some of you might be planning to take the weekend off. For all you die-hards out there, here’s what’s on the menu for the first weekend in 2010:

On Friday, GBH and Girls & Boys are getting right back into the swing of things with a special New Year’s Day Party at Webster Hall. Andy Butler of Hercules and Love Affair will be spinning, and admission is only $1 before midnight if you RSVP.

This Saturday, The xx, one of 2009’s top breakout acts, are doing a special DJ set at Le Poisson Rouge. Given the laid-back nature of their music, we’re curious to hear what they’ll bring behind the decks. VHSorBETA will also be spinning, tickets are $5 in advance or $8 on the day of the show. Be sure to catch The xx when they tour with Hot Chip this spring. Click here for tickets and info.

Over at the Mercury Lounge, Brooklyn-based trio Ninjasonik will take the stage for one of their signature high-energy performances. DJ Cobra Krames will open. Click here to purchase tickets, which are $12.

Having heard of less than 10% of the CMJ line-up, Day 1 was an evening of new discoveries and a lesson in efficiency. The HiFi Cartel convened at the brand-new Limewire space in SoHo for the CMJ Media Meet & Greet before going our seperate ways to cover as many artists as possible. Check out some highlights after the jump.

DAY 1 PHOTOS COMING SOON…

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Creating our CMJ schedule has been no easy task. With over 1000 artists performing in NYC over the next four days, the official schedule of events is enough to make your head spin. Throw in the daily seminars and you’ve got your work cut out for you. Our top picks? The xx is performing at Mercury Lounge on Wednesday and is giving a free show at The Apple Store on Thursday. The Green Owl CMJ Showcase at Le Poisson Rouge on Wednesday also promises to be a great event, with performances by Theophilus London and The Very Best, among others. On Thursday, legendary DJs and hip-hop acts will unite at B.B. King’s to pay tribute to the late Grandmaster Roc Raida, with performances by X-Ecutioners, The Beat Junkies, DJ Craze, A-Trak, Z-Trip, and more. You can view all of the official events and create your own CMJ schedule by clicking here.

And it doesn’t stop there. In addition to the thousands of official events, we have our eyes on several unofficial events that are happening this week. Fool’s Gold Records will celebrate its two-year anniversary with events at 88 Palace on Wednesday and N8 on Thursday. Friday will keep us busy with three great events, all in Brooklyn. The Green Label Sound Bowl Party at the Brooklyn Bowl features live performances by Chromeo, Theophilus London, Amazing Baby and Solid Gold, with a DJ set by Holy Ghost. PopGun Booking is hosting their event at Glasslands, featuring a live performance by Francis and the Lights. The Trouble & Bass Crew rounds out the trifecta with an event at Cameo.

So there you have it. Are you ready for the week ahead? Check out some of the fliers for the unofficial events after the jump, and be sure to check in daily for our coverage of the CMJ Music Marathon.

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This quartet from South London have established an astonishing original pop sound which delicately drifts across genres. Lead vocalist and guitarist Romy Madley Croft lends slow, feathery melodies into the mic while bassist Oliver Sim fills the gaps with his somewhat stoic responses. Baria Quresh and Jamie Smith artfully drop syncopated drum loops & staccato keyboards, uniting a dreamy potpourri of vibrations that is The xx.

Those fortunate enough to live in or around NYC have the chance to catch three back-to-back CMJ performances next week. The first show goes down at the always intimate Mercury Lounge, October 21st. The second takes place inside the SoHo Apple Store for free, the 22nd. And they will finish off their NY run at the Music Hall of Williamsburg with School of Seven Bells on the 23rd.

Take a peek at The xx’s noir-like music video for “Crystalised” and be sure to keep up with us as we bring you extensive coverage of the jam-packed CMJ Music Marathon.

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