Heard a lot of underground buzz on BK MC Skyzoo and the tracks he's hopped on have all been solid. Catchy track, solid beat...don't know what all the hype's about but still might need to check out The Salvation. Alright, gotta grab my snuggie...HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
P.O.S. drops another dope video for the title track off the top hip hop record of the year, Never Better. It's a straight creepy Halloween-themed video too as Stef warding off vampires, sheet ghosts, and Jesse Lacey's shadow from the "Sic Transit Gloria" video. About time people start showing P.O.S. some love...if Kanye came around to him, what's taking everyone else so long?
For anyone who's heard 2008's hook-laden Chase The White Whale, you know why this band is one of the top young bands around. "Messidona" follows suit from their older stuff-- a quirky multi-layered pop tunes exploring contours of melody and rhythm foreign to many like groups. Songs only up until Sunday so be sure to give it a listen while recovering from your candy/alcohol induced coma.
Getting kind of tired hearing Weezy jump on ever track and sound ridiculous. This freestyle's a breath of fresh air as Wayne shows he still got skills and knocks out the beat for what, in my opinion, is the biggest song of the year.
I feel like I don't post enough about Brand New so here you go. One of the better post-Daisy interviews I've read with the band. They really open up on the thoughts and elements that went into making the record...why they chose to open the album with "On Life's Highway", Vin's effect on the record's sound, and more good stuff. Go check it out and if a recommendation from a former NBA player can't get you to grab Daisy, I don't know what will! Who says they only listen to hip hop...
"We'd almost rather be putting out music people either love or hate rather than something mediocre that everyone either kind of likes or kind of doesn't like. There's no real use to us at this point of being middle of the road and safe. That seems kind of boring to us now"
Really cool video...nice to see them incorporate some parts of the narrative into the video (i.e. The Tank, Poison Woman, The Thief). Still can't get into Act III: Life and Death as much as their other records, but no hate here..still one of the most talented bands coming out of Boston. Video below.
Hands down one of the best shows ever made...currently sits second on my list of top TV shows of all time, behind only The Wire. Having watched all six seasons through once already, I was already familiar with the careful dissection of Anthony Soprano Sr., the patriarch of both his mob and nuclear family. Similar to The Wire, the show shines when webbing together a subtle, but complex study of one man lost in the mix of crime, family, and strain of life. However, a second viewing uncovers smaller storylines and characters who supply the sturdy spine behind Tony's overaching storyline. From the clever manipulation tactics of Livia, Tony's mother, to the confusion of Artie Bucco, a good man suffering from his reluctance to break from his childhood friends now tied to the mob, the show really fills itself out. Not to mention "Isabella" holds down the sleeper spot for the best Sopranos episode. If you haven't already, I think it's time ya'll get to know the Soprano family.
Not only did Cassino post a new song on their myspace, but unveiled their plan to have a new record out by December. From the sounds of "Maddie Bloom"-- an acoustic strummer outfitted with backwoods strings, steam engine harmonica whistles, and Nic Torres' always soothing vocals,-- their new disc will be on par with their spectacular debut Songs of Salvation. Head over to their Myspace for all the good shit, including a re-working of one of my favorite Cassino songs, "The Gin War". Starting to not miss Northstar as much...emphasis on "as much".
I never gave Devendra Banhart a chance even though he was coming constantly recommended. Finally gave in and decided I'd check out his new single, "Angelika". A sunny pop tune that brings you onto one of those beaches in the Corona ads drifts along gracefully before washing into a Latin piano groove. I don't know what this whole "freak-folk" genre is, but I'm digging this dude. Grab the track below and look out for Banhart’s new album What Will We Be on October 27th.
Wale stopped by Spin's offices and recorded some video of both new ("Chillin") and old ("Nike Boots") songs. Glad he chose to preform "Breakdown" since it's one of the first songs off 100 Miles and Running that got me into Wale. Captures his punchy go-go beats and his unshakable flow.... Only thing I don't get is why Wale let that other dude get on these...sounds like he needs some Sudafed or somthing. Look out for Attention Deficit on November 10th.
Them Crooked Vultures, the newest rock super group announced the tracklisting for their self-titled album. Made up of vocalist/guitarist Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), bassist John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) and drummer Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), the band have thrown together some songs and plan to release the record on November 16th. That's a hell of a line up and, although things were rushed, these guys have enough experience between them to put together quality tunes with little hardship. Really stoked to hear what they've got.
Them Crooked Vultures- Them Crooked Vultures 1.'No One Loves Me & Neither Do I' 2.'Mind Eraser, No Chaser' 3.'New Fang' 4.'Dead End Friends' 5.'Elephants' 6.'Scumbag Blues' 7.'Bandoliers' 8.'Reptiles' 9.'Interlude With Ludes' 10.'Warsaw or the First Breath You Take After You Give Up' 11.'Caligulove' 12. 'Gunman' 13. 'Spinning in Daffodils'
AP.net is hosting a 3-song sampler off John Nolan's upcoming solo disc. Only exclusive song "I Don't Believe" adds some echoing drum fills and bleeping synths over Nolan's emphatic vocals. For some reason can't stop thinking of "In The Air Tonight" or Mike Tyson in The Hangover. Heights drops October 27th.
My verdict's still out on The Blueprint 3. Some songs (aka "Run This Town", "Already Home) I'm really feeling, but there are some huge misses ("Young Forever"). Anyways, "Off That" definitely falls into the first category. Timbaland provides a rowdy, swaggin' stomp of a beat, Jay delivers his Scarface "I'm on top of the world" rhymes, and Drake always brings a good hook. Even if the inconsistency of Blueprint 3 keeps in the hip hop Bermuda Triangle with Tha Carter III, this song is still fire. Whats with that number 3 anyways?
Stuck on this song off Atmosphere's 2008 When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold. Slug spits some solid rhymes, it's all about Ant's work behind the boards. Following the live vibe of the entire album, the track's pace-keeping beat break drumming is on point. Still the loopy guitar lines are the meat of the song, with notes bending as if they were made of Play-Doh. One of the few hip hop songs thats got that kind of aural beauty. Get at it.
"No inspiration left to do your best when/ nobody hates you more than you're reflection/Suffer the shame until it stuffs the drain/He's got two hands and a bucket of paint"
"Only For The Night" might very well be my favorite Rx Bandits song, and this trippy video showcases an awesome jam on it featuring The Mars Volta percussionist extraordinaire Zechs Marquise. Nothing like seeing dudes wailing on three drumsets at the same time. Video below and for the 1000x time go pick up Rx Bandits' latest record Mandala. You won't be sorry!
Head over to NPR to check out Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar's soundtrack to Jack Kerouac documentary One Fast Move or I'm Out of Here: Kerouac's Big Sur. Pretty much anything Gibbard has done has been solid, especially marrying Zooey Deschanel. Hot damn...both One Fast Move or I'm Out of Here and it's soundtrack dropped today so get busy.
Even those Swoon came out all the way back in April, it took me until recently to give this a listen. I heard a lot of positive buzz about Swoon and it really is one of the year's best. Comparisons to The Smashing Pumpkins make total sense with the group's collection of dark throbbing tracks. The band's versatility shines as they can transition from the groovy psychedelics of "Growing Old Is Getting Old" to the charging riffs of "Nice To Know You Work Alone" seamlessly. "Catch and Release" is an album standout and one of the best songs of the year. Slow-burning, the track captures the best parts of 90s rock: Nirvana-esque chord progressions, Brian Aubert's nasally whine nailing Billy Corrigan dead on, and a somber cello to add some melancholy undertones. Good stuff, if you haven't already, give it a listen.
"The Pleasure Is All Mine" has that garage rock feel that got Kenny Vasoli putting on his best Jack White impression. The band already sounds really tight and have established a solid sound...the best is still how they're able to play off each other and improvise so well. Think I'm gonna have to check them out live again. Be sure to look out for The Positives on November 17th and hit the link below to sneak a listen to the title track on Person L's Myspace.
If you don't love Slug and Murs after watching the second half of this video, there is something wrong with you. Lines like "we're the Ninja Turtles of Thai food" cracked me up. These dudes just have chemistry together and you can hear it in the songs. Just wish we could've gotten more than a snippet of new single "Get Cake" in the video...oh well, beggars can't be choosers. Snag A Tribute to Rosie Perez on November 17th.
October snow storms and Sam's Oktoberfest had me all over the state of Massachusetts this weekend and away from any form of Internet, so time to play some catch up. No better way to start it off with than another one of these updates. Brendan's riff sound as dream inducing as ever...get at it.
It's crazy how long these guys have stuck around. Making good music at that. This is one of the better videos I've seen in awhile. (except for Cage's "I Never Knew You...that shit's insane) The zombie theme is great and the humor New Found Glory inject in all there videos is always perfect. Need to give Not Without A Fight another solid listen. Video below.
It's time for David Shows Love to Hometown Bands. Baltimore area buzz band The Graduate have finally gave us a taste of new music since their promising debut Anhendonia. "Don't Die Digging" carries the same big atmospheric pop tones to it, surging through a huge chorus with bombastic drums. Sneak a listen through the link below and look for The Graduate doing all sorts of big things this year. Shouts to AP.net for the exclusive stream.
I don't know all about this puppy-eyed troubadour nonsense people are associating with John Mayer, but dude knows how to write a good pop sound. Never go crazy for his newest stuff, but "Who Says?" is the mellow jam you look to John Mayer for. And from the line, "Who says I can't go stoned", I'm feelin why John is so chilled out. Good song...gotta check out Battle Studies when it drops November 17th.
These guys really make great videos...and "Born and Raised" is no exception. I mean can you go wrong with George howling away surrounded by dragon dancers? I think not. Now I really want some Kung Pao chicken...
The guys from The Republic of Wolves posted a stripped down version of "Cardinals" online. No mixing, but they still sound great...I'd have to say I'm more excited to see this band develop more than any band in a long time. Ya'll have heard my previous gushing about them, but they just have lots of promise. If you haven't grabbed their demos, you're fooling yourself. Shouts to CJ at Bedwetting Cosmonuat for posting this...always up on good tunes so head over there too.
Real minimalist video...not really working for me, but it's all about this song. Heard a lot of praise about Storyboards so I'll get around to giving it a quality listen. All those people who need to fall asleep listening to music, this is where you need to look. "Pretty" doesn't quite do it justice...
Cool write up in AOL's About to Pop section about my boys in Closure In Moscow. Definitely agreeing with The Mars Volta and Coheed comparisons. These guys can write some excellent songs and First Temple is definitely the best debut of the year. Give them love, don't forget to check the "Sweet#hart" video in the article.
Back from my 21st birthday weekend still alive...shouts to my fam, Uncle Brad, Ryan, and all my friends at BU for an amazing time. Here's the video for The Bravery's new single. Hell of a title. Loved everything from this band and the dark lusty New Wave vibe/killer chorus packed in this track lets me know I'm still hooked. Stir The Blood will drop December 1st.
Don't know how I missed this..The Shia LeBouf (yeah, that one) directed video for Cage's single "I Never Knew You". Shia must've brought Hollywood with him, got both Alex Pardee and the kid from Cougar Town in the video and you can spot Aesop Rock and El-P too. Props to the littlest member of the Even Stevens clan. As far as Depart From Me... goes, it's polarizing, dark, and experimental, but up there for one of the best hip hop albums of 2009. Cage may be a little crazy, but he make's some crazy music too. Grab Depart From Me... on your next trip to the record store, no excuses.
Moving Mountains posted the music video for a shortened version of "Lights & Sounds" off their excellent 2008 Foreword EP. Plenty of lights, plenty of sounds. Good ones, at that. These guys must be the best kept secret in music right now. Let it out! Link below, shouts to AP.net for hosting this.
Trailer surfaced for The Starting Line's new live CD/DVD Somebody's Gonna Miss Us. Made up of a documentary and some live mastered songs, kids like me who grew up with The Starting Line are drooling all over the place. Made me realize how sad I am that they are done. Person L still does some cool shit, though...can't even hate. Look for Somebody's Gonna Miss Us on November 10th.
Haven't heard from the dudes in Envy on the Coast for awhile, but they are back with a new track and album. The new song "Devil's Tongue" explains all the Incubus/Glassjaw comparisons they were getting when they came up. Ryan Hunter sounds more and more like Brandon Boyd every time he sings. The band also let go that their new album will be entitled Lowcountry and that it'll drop in early 2010. Also check out a brief "making of Lowcountry" video they got on there too. That enough for ya'll? And you gotta love Sal's afro. Straight old school.
The Fall of Troy posted their new album In The Unlikely Event up on their myspace. Initial responses include words like "disappointing" and "underwhelming"...I'll post my thoughts when I get a chance. So much to do...
Great quality video of Dallas Green preforming an untitled new song under his solo moniker, City & Colour. I didn't get into Bring Me Your Love as much as most, but no doubt Dallas has one of the top voices out. Video below.
The boys from Set Your Goals released this b-side featuring another New Found Glory member. This time Jordan Pundik lends his vocals to the short blasting song. Still regularly spinning This Will Be The Death of Us... go grab it so we can be HXC together.
It's been a solid week without any Brand New love on here so you knew it was coming. The unreleased official video for "Jesus Christ" surfaced on video director Matthew Santo's website. Gotta dig the video, even if it's a bit "artsy"...whatever the fuck that is. Best part is how the setting captures the late autumn, early winter feel of the song, and the record for that matter. Get at it.
Video for the title track from The Roots for real last album How I Got Over. Personally, this is the best sound ?uestlove and the band have ever laid down on a track. Black Thought is musing as usual. Check the video and watch for How I Got Over around October 20th.
A shaggy John Nolan checks in with OurVinyl.com about Straylight Run, his solo career, and technology's effect on the music industry. No matter what moniker John has released music under has been amazing so I'm not too worried. Only qualms I have with the Nolan family is that Michelle got married...I thought we were gonna be together? Anyways, hit up his MySpace to check out two new songs ("I Won't Ever Be There" and "Standing Outside A Broken Telephone Booth") and be sure to grab his debut solo record Height when it drops October 27th.
MTV finally got smart and hopped on P.O.S.'s runaway train, deeming him a buzz-worthy artist. Article does a good job of introducing the man, the myth, the legend...still think ya'll shouldn't need to be just now getting to know him as Never Better is one of the records of the year for sure. For some incentive, check out Stefon's cover of Pearl Jam's "Why Go" below. Rep Doom!
Brian Fallon and Co. stopped in at Fox 99.3 and performed an acoustic cover of "Come Together". Anything Beatles or Gaslight Anthem is good with me, so best believe both together is what's up.
I'll be the first to admit I slept real hard on Eye Alaska. Seeing all the love showered down on these OC boys over at weworemasks.com, I knew they'd be nothing short of fantastic. Their debut full-length Genesis Underground definitely delivers, chocked full of glossy R&B jams and groovy pop smarts. Frontman Brandon Wronski stands out as the best new voice I've heard all year, carrying each song on the back of his outstanding range. Think a more edgy version of Adam Levine. In fact this band reminds me of an alternative Maroon 5. Tracks like jazzy "American Landslide", token ballad "Miles Don't Mean Everything", and pumping "Rocky Road" got the band on top of their skills. Don't make my mistake and go grab this record and try and catch them with Saosin and P.O.S. on the Pac Sun tour. Best believe I'm there.
