Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil

fun. - "Carry On"

2012-01-25T17:20:00.002-05:00

As the grueling wait for Some Nights drags on, fun. tides us over with another drop from the record. It's becoming more and more obvious that the album will have a noticeable hip-hop influence--Nate Reuss has professed his love for Drake recently--mixed in with their flamboyant style; as evident in the melding of drum machines and cheesy Journey-style soloing on this one. I'm excited to see how it turns out, and with Nate's vocals in their highest gear, I'm betting it'll be very impressive.

Video: Doomtree - "Bangarang"

2012-01-19T19:43:00.000-05:00

Two Doomtree posts in one day? Excellent, indeed. The collective's second video off No Kings sees Minnesota legend Har Mar pwn the dudes (and lady) of Doomtree with his incredible karaoke skills. If there was ever a thing as too much awesome, they've achieved it here. Wingsandteeth for real.

Video: Wale - "Lotus Flower Bomb" (feat. Miguel) (Live on Jimmy Fallon)

2012-01-19T18:50:00.002-05:00

I'm only posting this because it's been waaay too long since I've listened to this song. Might be one of the only legitimately good ones on Ambition. And I respect that Wale--who apparently shares an optomotrist with ?uestlove--looks out for his people, but I've been over the posse dude on stage who only repeats random lines for awhile now.

WLFBJFL by YardieGoals

Lazerbeak - "Bullseye/Ay Bay Bee"

2012-01-19T18:24:00.002-05:00

Lavabangers is only a few days from it's release and, thanks to 2dopeboyz's exclusive swag, we get another two-song premiere. Here's "Bullseye/Ay Bay Bee", a Ratatat-esque groover that mellows out the hypnotic bash of the previously debuted "Cement Blocks/Knight Fighter”.

Hear: Lazerbeak - "Bullseye/Ay Bay Bee"

Video: Ryan Adams - "Chains of Love"

2012-01-18T21:02:00.002-05:00

Ryans Adams decision to shoot a cliche rooftop video for his second single off Ashes & Fire is immediately canceled out by the fact he replaced his backing band with models. You know I love you Cardinals, but it's not even close.

Video: Weatherbox - "Anchors Away" (Live on A Trolley Show)

2012-01-18T20:05:00.002-05:00

This is definitely one of the cooler things I've seen lately. Known as Rowlberto Productions, these guys shoot high-def videos of songwriters performing acoustically on moving public transit. Making it more exceptional is Weatherbox's Brian Warren, who performs a defiant unreleased song "Anchors Away" to these particularly onlookers. And I'll leave it up to you whether the pick slip at 4:20 is purposeful or not.

Ben Kweller - "Mean to Me"

2012-01-18T19:42:00.003-05:00

It's been a hot fucking minute since we last heard from Mr. Kweller. Well, considering he has a new album Go Fly a Kite coming out Feb. 7th, there is no better time to check out his of a single/power ballad "Mean to Me".

Download: Ben Kweller - "Mean to Me"

Mos Def - "Niggas in Poorest"

2012-01-16T16:15:00.003-05:00

Mos Def (Yasiin Bey to our Muslim friends) is starting a new project called Top 40 Underdog in which he'll re-release songs chart toppers with his own spin. The first installement "Niggas in Poorest" sees Mighty Mos flipping the Throne's exuberantly bombastic single on it's head in order to show how the other side sees things: liable to go Michael...Myers.

Download: Mos Def - "Niggas in Poorest"

Real Estate - "In My Car" (Live)

2012-01-16T12:00:00.001-05:00

Real Estate dropped by NPR's World Cafe Live and managed to slip a new song into their setlist. Hit the link below and scan ahead to about 25:10 to hear "In My Car", an equally shimmering jam to it's counterparts on Days.

Listen: Real Estate - "In My Car" (Live)

Video: Blitzen Trapper - "Taking It Easy Too Long"

2012-01-16T10:09:00.001-05:00

Blitzen Trapper show us how them backwoods folk take it easy in Portland: fixing up pickup trucks, doing outdoorsy things, and drinking plenty of beer. It's a telling moment when they sky a cellphone into the river in order to have a fully uninterrupted day with friends and nature. If I wasn't already cursing the frigid weather...anyone want to have a bonfire soon?

American Goldwig is out now.

Video: Common - "Celebrate" (Live on Fallon)

2012-01-13T20:10:00.000-05:00

Common Sense takes a break from his stupid beef with Drake to perform the Kenny Loggins-sampling "Celebrate" with a little extra bump, courtesy the legendary Roots crew.

21211312838 by YardieGoals

Video: B.o.B. - "Strange Clouds" (Remix feat. Young Jeezy & T.I.)

2012-01-13T19:16:00.002-05:00

Atlanta native Bobby Ray is back on his "Strange Clouds" shit, this time inviting two of the biggest MCs in the South along for the ride over the single's interstellar instrumental.

Strange Clouds is slated for a March 13th release.

Video: Jack's Mannequin - "Release Me" (Live on Leno)

2012-01-13T15:01:00.001-05:00

Andrew McMahon has sounded more and more like Tom Petty with each release. Now he kind of looks like him too. People & Things never really got my full attention, but the motto here is better late than never. And we bout it eryday, eryday, eryday.

Watch: Jack's Mannequin - "Release Me" (Live on Leno)

Wavves - "Hybrid Moments" (Misfits Cover)

2012-01-13T13:55:00.001-05:00

Nathan Williams posted his version of Misfit's classic "Hybrid Moments" and it's just as warped, handclap-propelled, and lo-fi as you'd expect. Now if he only started rocking a devillock...

Download: Wavves - "Hybrid Moments" (Misfits Cover)

Video: Local Natives - "Warning Sign" (Live at Codfish Hollow Barn)

2012-01-12T21:01:00.001-05:00

Local Natives took up at Codfish Hollow Barn to perform a full concert in front of the many faithful in Maquoketa, Iowa and broke out a perfectly dreamy version of everyone's favorite Talking Heads cover. All Daytrotter members can also check out the entire nine-track concert that the website is so generously streaming. And yes, that's a real name of a real barn.

Watch: Local Natives - "Warning Sign" (Live at Codfish Hollow Barn)

Anthony Green - "Right Outside" (feat. Chino Moreno)

2012-01-12T19:30:00.003-05:00

More Beautiful Things. This time Rolling Stone has the digs on another excellent bonus track in the form of the blippy Chino Moreno-assisted "Right Outside".

Don't forget that Beautiful Things officially drops on Jan. 17th. Buy that ish.

Hear: Anthony Green - "Right Outside" (feat. Chino Moreno)

Video: Arcade Fire - "We Used to Wait" (Live on Austin City Limits on PBS)

2012-01-11T19:56:00.002-05:00

PBS will be airing footage of Arcade Fire's performance at Austin City Limits on Jan. 14th. While I get that ish DVR-ed, peep below to see their exalting take on "We Used to Wait".

Arcade Fire "We Used to Wait" at ACL: Behind the Scenes from Jonathan Jackson on Vimeo.

Stream: Anthony Green - Beautiful Things

2012-01-11T19:27:00.001-05:00

Remember that time I said you'd have to wait a bit to hear Beautiful Things? Scratch that. Head over to Anthony Green's website to stream the entire thing and hit it below to hear the expected standout "Only Love" featuring fun.'s Nate Ruess doing his best Noel Gallagher impression.

Beautiful Things is available Jan. 17th.

Video: Pusha T - "Sweet" (Freestyle)

2012-01-11T18:19:00.004-05:00

The beef between Common and Drake over, who else, Serena Williams has been well publicized in the last few days. Pusha T decided to hop in for his G.O.O.D. Music labelmate, going in over "Sweet" and firing subtle barbs: "I hear them whisper like a hummingbird sings/of all the trust issues a hundred birds bring/now the wolves out, hunting for your bling/praying on the bitches with the lowest self-esteem."

Video: Anthony Green - "Blood Song" (Acoustic)

2012-01-10T21:31:00.001-05:00

Beautiful Things drops next week and will reportedly feature guest appearances from Nate Ruess (fun.) Chino Moreno (The Deftones) and Colin Frangicetto (Psychic Babble/Circa Survive). While we'll have to wait to hear all those, here's another new song courtesy the in-studio acoustic sessions Ant taped awhile back. "She was only 20, but she fucked like 33" is a personal favorite.

Video: Dangermouse & Daniele Luppi - "Two Against One" (feat. Jack White)

2012-01-10T19:01:00.000-05:00

The first video off Dangermouse and Danielle Luppi's Rome, their homage to the classical soundtracks of the 1960s Spaghetti-westerns that they both love. Chris Milk handles the animation for the record's most popular cut, much thanks to a Jack White feature, and describes the idea behind it all:

"Myself, Brian (aka Danger Mouse), and the producers Anthony Bregman (Eternal Sunshine) and Megan Ellison (True Grit), are currently developing the Rome project into a theatrical feature film. While the video for "Two Against One" is hand-drawn cell animation, the film would be live action. The music video is essentially the fever dream of the antagonist of the story. It's mostly his backstory, his life before the tale we see in the movie."

Rome is out now. Give it a listen if you're in the mood for something a bit out the ordinary.

Video: Lupe Fiasco - "The End of the World"

2012-01-10T17:32:00.002-05:00

Yes, this is Lupe's unofficial Occupy Wall Street anthem. But if we're getting really real, I'm mostly in this for the "Midnight City" sample.

Anthony Raneri - "Sandra Partial"

2012-01-10T17:24:00.003-05:00

Bayside frontman Anthony Raneri and his criminally underrated vocal cords will be releasing a solo EP New Cathedrals next week and Alternative Press was nice enough to post the first single. Sounds like he's fully embracing the alt-country twang that inevitably comes with being a singer-songwriter.

Hear: Anthony Raneri - "Sandra Partial"

Jay-Z - "Glory" (feat. B.I.C.)

2012-01-09T20:21:00.002-05:00

New daddy HOV took little time to celebrate the birth of his daughter Blue Ivy Carter and did so the only way he knew how. Jay and Beyonce said the birth was "emotional and extremely peaceful" and added "we are in heaven". It definitely translates through this joyful cut, especially when he samples her cry near the end. Congrats!

Hear: Jay-Z - "Glory" (feat. B.I.C.)

The Shins - "Simple Song"

2012-01-09T19:13:00.001-05:00

The Shins give us a first taste of what's to come from their forthcoming Ports of Morrow, their first LP since 2007's breakthrough Wincing the Night Away. They've thinned out their lineup a bit, dropping former members Dave Hernandez and Marty Crandall from the touring band, but James Mercer's washing ahh-ahh and the bouncy bassline ensures they don't miss a beat.

Ports of Morrow is out in March.

Hear: The Shins - "Simple Song"

The-Dream - "ROC"

2012-01-06T15:08:00.003-05:00

The-Dream planned on dropping The Love IV: Diary Of A Mad Man this past fall until the buzz of his 1977 mixtape completely took over his plans for 2011. Now it's 2012 and the new LP is well on it's way. Here's the stellar new single "ROC" with all the intergalactic sexiness we've come to expect from the dude.

Hear: The-Dream - "ROC"

Video: Brand New - "Nobody Moves" (Live on New Year's Eve in Atlantic City)

2012-01-05T19:46:00.001-05:00

Brand New finally joined the 21st century and got their own YouTube channel. One of the reasons they did this was because a wonderful person, known as wordzanddreamz on YouTube, was in the audience for their New Year's Eve show in Atlantic City and shot some great 1080p HD footage. It's worth watching them break out a wide-ranging setlist; from tradition live fare (opener "Welcome to Bangkok") to rare surprises (they played Your Favorite Weapon in it's entirety). Personally, I'll focus your attention to a real deep dig into BN's harrowed demo tape Fight Off Your Demons, as they dive headfirst into the epic bank robbery tale told in "Untitled #5".

Video: J. Cole - Muve Music Commentary Sessions, Episode 2

2012-01-05T18:37:00.002-05:00

Cole unveils the second episode of his Muve Music Commentary series, this time breaking down "Lost Ones", "Rise & Shine", "Work Out" and "God's Gift" while using the word "super" about a thousand times. It's cool Jermaine, you know I still love you.

Video: Black Star - "You Already Knew" (Live on Fallon)

2012-01-04T22:00:00.003-05:00

Black Star make their recent reunion all the more public with a national appearance on Jimmy Fallon's stage. Teaming up with The Roots--fresh off their performance at the NHL's Winter Classic--plus everyone in their freshest linens means the product should be nothing short of legendary. Taking on their soulful new single "You Already Knew" is an excellent start in that direction, one that will almost certainly come full circle when the free Black Star Aretha mixtape drops sometime this Spring.

Video: Every Time I Die - "Underwater Bimbos from Outer Space"

2012-01-04T21:12:00.001-05:00

Every Time I Die announced their upcoming Ex-Lives, set for a Mar 6th release, with a grotesque new video and pile-driving bridge of "I want to be dead with my friends." And they still have the best song titles ever.

Teen Daze - "Let's Groove"

2012-01-04T19:06:00.002-05:00

I haven't checked out Vancouver up-and-coming producer Teen Daze since his spiraling house remix of Local Native's "Wide Eyes", but his fist-pumping run at Earth, Wind & Fire's seminal disco classic "Let's Grove Tonight" has more than grabbed my attention again. Wow.

Download: Teen Daze - "Let's Groove"

Lazerbeak - "Cement Blocks/Knight Fighter"

2012-01-04T18:15:00.002-05:00

Fresh off his work on Doomtree's latest No Kings, the crew's producer extraordinaire Lazerbeak is dropping Lava Bangers on Jan 24th; a seamless mix of 20 unreleased instrumental tracks with transitions, blends, and scratches courtesy Atmosphere and P.O.S collaborator DJ Plain Ole Bill. Lots of name dropping there so if you didn't follow: plenty of excellently complex, head-nodding beats for free. That get your attention?

Download: Lazerbeak - "Cement Blocks/Knight Fighter"

Bon Iver - "Bruised Orange (Chains of Sorrow)" (John Prine Cover)

2012-01-04T15:25:00.003-05:00

Bon Iver picked an appropriately obscure cover to pair with his "Towers" single release on Jan 23rd. taking on the twangy title track from folksinger John Prine's 1978 album Bruised Orange. He goes it sans Auto-Tune and with more billowing synthwork, but the pristine beauty is still plenty intact.

Video: fun - "We Are One" (feat. Janelle Monae)

2012-01-03T20:19:00.002-05:00

fun.'s lead single off Some Nights gets the official video treatment. I think just about everyone has seen things shot in super slo-mo, but what better situation to shoot than a sloppy night out at a bar.

Get More: fun., We Are Young (Featuring Janelle Monae), Music, More Music Videos

MySpace: fun.

Mixtape: Lewis - Nothing Personal

2012-01-02T21:07:00.002-05:00

Lewis Allen parlays his hardworking end of 2011 into the new year. Nothing Personal has some familiar cuts ("Gladiator", "Window","Remember July") and some new material (most notably "Watch the World Burn"). I have a feeling this year is going to be a big one for DIY guys like Lewis so lets hope he continues on this grind.

Download: Lewis - Nothing Personal

Top 25 Records of 2011

2011-12-31T14:44:00.001-05:00

25) Thrice - Major/Minor

24) Blu - Give Me My Flowers While I Can Smell Them

23) Big Sean - Finally Famous

22) Doomtree - No Kings

21) Dawes - Nothing is Wrong

20) The Horrible Crowes - Elsie

19) Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire

18) My Morning Jacket - Circuital

17) Washed Out - Within and Without

16) Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes

15) Moving Mountains - Waves

14) The Dangerous Summer - War Paint

13) Skyzoo - The Great Debater

12) M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

11) J. Cole - Cole World: The Sideline Story

10) The Black Keys - El Camino

The only reason this barely made the top 10 is because I had a mere three weeks to spend with it. I'm personally more partial to Brothers falsetto-assisted, blue-eyed soul, but it's equally hard to argue with the Keys when they bring back their charging, fuzzy garage blues. "Lonely Boy" (along with it's hilariously awesome video) and the overtly Led Zeppelin-inspired "Little Black Submarines" are enough to make this one a regular listen for some time to come.

9) Common - The Dreamer, The Believer

Another album that dropped near the end of the year that made the cut. Much like Grizzly said in his year-end list, I haven't listen to much else aside from this since it's early December release. No I.D.'s production has ushered the material back into the soulful leanings that made Be a favorite and it's nice to see Common round out his laid-back consciousness with some grit on the fiery "Sweet".

8) Bon Iver - Bon Iver, Bon Iver

I understood the buzz around For Emma, Forever Ago. There's plenty of intrigue and appeal to a sad sap recording mournful acoustic tunes in a cabin by himself in the dead of winter. With Bon Iver, Bon Iver, however, Justin Vernon turns in his tissue box for a plugged-in sound that adds texture to his tender, but previously one-dimensional, sound. If the likes of "Hinnom, TX" or "Holocene" don't sparkle enough for you as is, be sure to check out the visual accompaniments that were released for every song on the record.

7) The-Dream - 1977

Terius Nash a.k.a. The-Dream dropped this free mixtape on us with little warning. The confusion tied to the abruptness of it's release subsided with one listen thanks to the sheer quality jammed into the 11 tracks. The bitter break-up songs that stem from his controversial split with Christina Milian ("Wake Me When It's Over", "Long Gone") are paired with glossy bass rattlers ("Ghetto", "Rolex") that reaffirm why The-Dream's other moniker is Radio Killa. Heartbreak, braggadocio, and multi-layered beats...what more does an R&B album need?

6) Portugal. The Man. - In The Mountain, In The Cloud

Portugal. The Man have cemented themselves as one of the most prolific bands of the (somewhat) new millennium, releasing an album a year since 2006. This year's edition might be one of there best. Possessing a touch more focus and cohesiveness than their last few efforts, the band proceeds to round things out even further with a string section and measured synths. The result is a collection of psychedelic rock tunes that evoke their roots in the sounds of Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin, without abandoning their own (albeit ever-changing) sound.

5) Adele - 21

Had to "respect" this into the top five. Due to overplays ("Rolling in the Deep", "Someone Like You") and waning interest since the summer, I wasn't sure this album was going to end up that high in my list. But looking back to the first time I gave 21 a listen, I remember instantly feeling like this was the best record of 2012, bar none. While I may have ended up liking some LPs better this year, few were as hard-hitting, emotionally-genuine, or as all-around standouts as this one.

4) The Roots - undun

The Legendary Roots Crew spent most of 2012 backing up Jimmy Fallon's great late night show, so when news broke that they'd be releasing a new album near the end of the year, there was marked excitement. That anticipation seemed to ebb when the band described their forthcoming LP as a concept album that tells the story of a hard-luck young adult in the inner city starting from his death and finishing with his birth (closed with a four-act classical movement inspired by Sufjan Steven's "Redford (For Yia-Yia & Pappou)") However, when the crisp snare snaps, ominous bass thumps, and Black Thought's feverish bars all hit the airwaves, the music world learned again why they should not question The Roots.

The short film was pretty cool too.

3) The Weeknd - House of Balloons

There were a few artists I wanted to tap as the surprise of the year. In any other year, maybe. But not in 2012 thanks to the emergence of Abel Tesfaye. The 21-year-old Toronto native put himself on the map as Drizzy protege by releasing not one, not two, but three full LPs for free in a year's time. All of them could fit somewhere on this list, but I wanted to give special due to his debut House of Balloons. This was the record that ignited the intrigue surrounding The Weeknd when it popped up without explaining on Drake's October's Very Own blog. It was the one that introduced us to the hazy instrumentals, hypnotic cooing, and jagged lyrics about drugs, fame, and sex. It's truly incredible to see a young artist go from relative unknown to major partner of arguably the biggest act in the nation (The Weeknd had a huge helping hand in Take Care's creation--more later) and Mr. Tesfaye surely did that with as much charisma, modesty, and mystery as anyone in recent memory.

2) Kanye West & Jay-Z - Watch The Throne

Yeezy. Jay. What more is there really to say? The visual bombast of the "Otis" video gripped the music world, while the verbal bombast of "Niggas in Paris" clocked it in the face. These two men are defined by the very dividing line that splits this record: excess vs. reality, grandeur vs. squalor, arrogance vs. plainspeak. Sure it's not perfect, but it's issue lie within their attempts to tell us about the world the way they see it. It's a record about who they are, not what they aren't. For better or for worse.

1) Drake - Take Care

As others have, I'll probably get a lot of hate for this pick. Drake is seen as soft, poppy, gimmicky to some and causes him to lose a considerable amount of credibility. But if you put those preconceived notions aside and really listen to Take Care, you see that Drake set out to make a very specific kind of record and hit it right on the head. After his success with the glitzy Thank Me Later, Mr. Graham wanted to make an album that was unquestionably his. Bypassing the big name guests (T.I., Young Jeezy, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and The-Dream all appeared on TML) for his closest friends (The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, and Lil' Wayne are of note, while 40 handles the majority of production duties) Drake furthers the record's tales about loyalty, finding meaning, and looking forward. The truest knock is that there are too many slow songs that are enough to lull some to sleep. But I think those more melodic moments are the ones that further distinguish Drake as one of the more truly versatile MCs out. Overall it's refreshing to see someone set out to tell their story, meet their, and only their, expectations, and come away with widespread acclaim.

Diplo - Express Yourself EP Sampler

2011-12-29T19:37:00.003-05:00

Behind this awesome artwork is an equally hot sampler for the Express Yourself EP Diplo will be giving away for free later this week. A thousand bows all around Diplo.

DIPLO express yourself EP sampler by diplo

MySpace: Diplo

B.o.B. - "Play the Guitar" (feat. Andre 3000)

2011-12-29T19:30:00.001-05:00

The original ATLien provided some aid for the newest proclaimed ATLien behind a drum line march of an instrumental. Andre 3000 is one of the hardest MCs to match on a track, especially when he is unleashed for a full minute worth of bars, but Bobby Ray holds his own.

Strange Clouds is out in 2012.

MySpace: B.o.B.

Mixtape: The Weeknd - Echoes of Silence

2011-12-23T19:02:00.000-05:00

The Weeknd has finally released the third and final installment in his mixtape trilogy. Simply judging from the opening track, a spot-on tribute to the King of Pop with "D.D.", it's clear the kid has found the hallowed middle ground between "experimental" and "pop". No it's not as good as his debut House of Balloons, but it's also not as weird as Thursday. If this is post-Take Care Abel Tesfaye, I'm really excited to see him continue to grow. Just have to know this might be the last time we get a full LP for free.

Download: The Weeknd - Echoes of Silence

Video: Drake - "The Motto" (feat. Lil' Wayne & Tyga)

2011-12-23T16:13:00.001-05:00

Drake dropped a video for his Take Care b-side "The Motto", adding on a solid verse from YMCMB homeboy and resident Cali boy Tyga. The quick cuts and homages to San Fran are the focus, but the fashion statements take center stage. Between Drizzy's leopard print Northface and batting gloves (again) and Weezy's lime green Uggs...I think they might just be trying to fuck with us.

Drake ~ The Motto Featuring Lil Wayne & Tyga (Official Video) from OctobersVeryOwn on Vimeo.

MySpace: Drake

Ben Kenney - "I.D.F.A.R." (feat. Thomas Erak & Ashley Mendel)

2011-12-22T17:13:00.000-05:00

Incubus bassist Ben Kenney, formerly of The Roots, dropped a groovy new solo track "I.D.F.A.R." (translation: I Drink For a Reason) with an unexpected feature from The Fall of Troy's Thomas Erak. I personally loved TFOT's stuff--especially their debut Doppelganger--so I'm just excited to hear anything from the man. He delivers his typical serpentine lines here, while sharing vocal duties with the surprisingly soulful Kenney. And I'm sorry Ashley Mendel, I don't know who you are.

Download: Ben Kenney - "I.D.F.A.R." (feat. Thomas Erak & Ashley Mendel)

MySpace: Ben Kenney

Video: J. Cole - "Work Out" (Live on Letterman)

2011-12-22T14:48:00.002-05:00

Not sure if David Letterman could have given the Grammy-nominated Cole a more white bread intro. Either way, Jermaine seems much more comfortable in front of a national audience than he has in the past performances, as does his ridiculously tight live band. Cole World: The Sideline Story will undoubtedly end up somewhere on my end-of-the-year list.

21112223224 by YardieGoals

MySpace: J. Cole

Video: Anthony Green - "Love You No Matter What" (Live Acoustic)

2011-12-21T19:49:00.000-05:00

Looks like while he recorded that awesome acoustic take on "Get Yours While You Can", Anthony Green also debuted a new song. The luau-strummy "Love You No Matter What", likely written about his young son James, totally radiates the endearing oddball ("shitting spiders?") sincerity that makes Anthony such a compelling dude.

Beautiful Things, Jan. 17th. Yea budday.

MySpace: Anthony Green

Lykke Li - The Lost Sessions Vol. 1

2011-12-21T19:39:00.004-05:00

Lykke Li packaged together three alternative takes of songs off Wounded Rhymes--notably a icy cold version of "I Follow Rivers"--that shows the Swede in perfect form for this time of year. The "Vol.1" add-on also implies more of these will pop up in the coming days. Stay tuned.

Download: Lykke Li - The Lost Sessions Vol. 1

MySpace: Lykke Li

Video: T.I. - Fuck Da City Up (Trailer)

2011-12-21T18:58:00.002-05:00

Apparently T.I.'s only other resolution aside from dropping a new mixtape Fuck Da City Up on New Year's Day is to break out all the ice he owns. Love the song in the video, though.

MySpace: T.I.

Video: Kevin Devine - "Happy Christmas from Kevin Devine"

2011-12-21T18:51:00.000-05:00

It's a very, merry KDev christmas. Hit the video to check out a goofy holiday message to the UK--including cheesy renditions of classic carols--as well as an intimate performance of his own "Splitting Up Christmas". Happy Holidays, ya'll.

MySpace: Kevin Devine

Trailer: The Dark Knight Rises (Official Trailer #1)

2011-12-20T19:56:00.002-05:00

Crazy looking Bane, football fields getting blowed up, and epic movie sound effects. That's it, that's it, that's it.

Big Sean - "I Keep It G" (feat. 2 Chainz)

2011-12-20T19:13:00.000-05:00

New Big Sean sees him getting his hood swag on a guttered beat. Personally, these are the Sean songs I find annoying. But I though that about "Dance (A$$)" and look how that song fucking exploded. Also, 2 Chainz making strides all over, but his verse here is a miss. Back to the drawing board, boi.

Download: Big Sean - "I Keep It G" (feat. 2 Chainz)

MySpace: Big Sean

Video: Panda Bear - "You Can Count on Me"

2011-12-20T19:05:00.001-05:00

Danny Perez, who was a notable visual-art buddy of Animal Collective, tries his best here to make a video more trippy than Panda Bear's music. Not sure who wins this acid-drenched battle...but if you're looking for some next level Windows Visualizers, you can't pass this one up.

MySpace: Panda Bear

Stream: Blu - Give Me My Flowers While I Can Smell Them (Prod. Exile)

2011-12-20T16:26:00.002-05:00

JonBarnes is a complex individual. He's got talent to the nth degree, but his erratic personality leaves him with the propensity to drop inconsistent/unfocused material and go M.I.A. right when he's hitting his stride. That said, I approach his newest Give Me My Flowers While I Can Smell Them with a palpable mix of joy and perplex. Below The Heavens is one of my favorite hip-hop tapes of all time, so naturally an entire album of Exile beats is a huge plus. But some of these cuts date all the way back to 2009. Hard to think why he'd hold onto a collection of song this top-notch for no apparent reason and then proceed to drop them without warning.

I guess in the end, it's the music that matters and this gets a major stamp of approval. I just hope Blu sticks around the scene for long enough to show some consistency. I'm not sure you, I, or anyone will be able to figure out why he does what he does. Maybe that's exactly how he likes it?

Stream: Blu - Give Me My Flowers While I Can Smell Them (Prod. Exile)

MySpace: Blu

Pusha T - "Sweet"/"Peso" (Freestyle)

2011-12-20T15:19:00.001-05:00

Pusha drops a couple quick hit freestyles, adding kerosene to Common's fiery "Sweet" and 16 bars to my personal favorite A$AP Rocky cut.

Download: Pusha T - "Sweet" (Freestyle) / Pusha T - "Peso" (Freestyle)

MySpace: Pusha T

Video: James Blake - "A Case of You"

2011-12-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

James Blake introduced us to this warbling, piano ballad on his Enough Thunder EP alongside the Bon Iver collaboration "Fall Creek Boys Choir". Now he has a video for it starring Ben Affleck's girlfriend from The Town, Rebecca Hall.

MySpace: James Blake

Video: Talib Kweli - "Distractions"

2011-12-19T20:22:00.002-05:00

Talib gets his Occupy All Streets on with some high-minded rhymes about corporate greed over a paranoid beat courtesy "You Already Knew" producer Oh No. I never gave Gutter Rainbows a proper listen, but after hearing this scintillating jaunt, I think it's time I give the man his due again.

Prisoner of Conscious drops in 2012, but Black Star first plz?

MySpace: Talib Kweli

Video: The Roots - undun (Full Final Cut)

2011-12-15T20:09:00.001-05:00

The Roots were nice enough to take the urban noir shorts they aired when debuting songs of undun and put them in chronological order. Nothing we haven't already watched in one way or another, but aside from the courtesy of seeing things the way they were meant to be seen, it's worth a second-look just to appreciate the subtle, thoughtful way the legendary crew put into everything with their name on it.

MySpace: The Roots

Ke$ha - "Sleazy" (Remix 2.0 feat. Wiz Khalifa, Andre 3000, T.I. & Lil' Wayne)

2011-12-15T17:48:00.001-05:00

Please disregard the Ke$ha tag. I'm posting this solely for the heavyweight feature lineup and Andre 3000's head-spinning verse. Good lawd.

Download: Ke$ha - "Sleazy (Remix 2.0 feat. Wiz Khalifa, Andre 3000, T.I. & Lil' Wayne)

Stream: Common - The Dreamer/The Believer

2011-12-14T20:59:00.001-05:00

There is always that album that drops in December that makes a strong push for the AOTY title. I've already got two strong candidates in The Black Key's El Camino and The Roots' undun. I have a good feeling that Common's newest The Dreamer/The Believer (in stores Dec. 20) will make it a three-horse race.

Stream: Common - The Dreamer/The Believer

MySpace: Common

Good Old War - "Calling Me Names"

2011-12-14T19:49:00.001-05:00

Doing big things over at the Good Old War camp. Not only did they announce new album Come Back As Rain will be released on Mar. 6th, but they also debuted the record's sunny single "Calling Me Names". The song's cohesion and focus definitely hints at a exhilarating return to form after a the mildly lost Good Old War. Get psyched ya'll!

Download: Good Old War - "Calling Me Names"

MySpace: Good Old War

The Weeknd - "Party"

2011-12-14T19:33:00.003-05:00

Here's some more unreleased Weeknd material from Abel's early days. This one's a bouncy club jaunt that has T-Pain's name all over for it and an self-explanatory song title.

Download: The Weeknd - "Party"

Video: Anthony Green - "Get Yours While You Can" (Acoustic)

2011-12-14T18:56:00.001-05:00

I already deemed Anthony Green's spastic new single "Get Yours While You Can" a grower. Well, it's coming through loud and clear after hearing this live acoustic take. Maybe stripping away the studio version's gratuitous layers and letting Anthony's stellar vocals shine--a la Avalon--was the only antidote needed.

Beautiful Things drops Jan. 17th.

MySpace: Anthony Green

Video: The Horrible Crowes - "Ladykiller" (Live at The Troubador)

2011-12-13T20:55:00.001-05:00

Remember when we posted that smooth live video of "Behold the Hurricane" at The Troubador? Well there's more footage--and possibly an entire DVD--that includes a full-bodied version of "Ladykiller" that segues into a cover of The Cure classic "Pictures of You".

<a href='http://video.uk.msn.com/?mkt=en-gb&vid=2a2e4592-1f64-4204-8a2c-32da00166350&from=&src=FLPl:embed::uuids' target='_new' title='The Horrible Crowes - Ladykiller' >Video: The Horrible Crowes - Ladykiller</a>

MySpace: The Horrible Crowes

Video: T.I. - "Here Ye, Here Ye" (feat. Pharell)

2011-12-13T20:41:00.003-05:00

T.I.P. drops off an offish video for his horn-heavy "Here Ye, Here Ye", featuring plenty of hand gestures (i.e. arthritic finger) and cameos (i.e. a pissed off Young Jeezy.) And Pharrell's verse is still just so naaaasty.

Get More: T.I., Here Ye, Hear Ye, Here Ye, Hear Ye, Free Music Videos

MySpace: T.I.

Video: J. Cole - Muve Music Commentary Sessions, Episode 1

2011-12-12T20:23:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since we've featured young Jermaine, so this came along at the right time. Cole will be sitting down with Muve Music to break down the meanings and stories behind a number of his songs. This first session takes on the care-free nature of "Can't Get Enough" and how his landlord let $6,000 worth of rent payments stack up because he knew J. Cole would make it big after hearing "In the Morning".

MySpace: J. Cole

Video: Radiohead - "Supercollider" (Live From The Basement)

2011-12-12T20:14:00.001-05:00

Radiohead broadcasted a in-studio session entitled Live From The Basement this past summer, covering most of the tracks from their most recent LP The King of Limbs. In unison with the band's decision to release the entire performance as a DVD/Blu-Ray on Jan. 31st comes a wealth of previously unreleased footage, headlined by this moody take on the U2-esque "Supercollider".

MySpace: Radiohead

fun. - "One Foot"

2011-12-12T19:46:00.000-05:00

Nylon Magazine were kind enough to post a new track off Some Nights as a free download for 24 hours. The 808-propelled "One Foot" is awkward and scattered at times, but Nate Reuss' voice can just about salvage anything. Act quick and snag it now as the offer disappears at midnight.

Fun - One Foot by NYLONmag

Download: fun. - "One Foot"

MySpace: fun.http://www.myspace.com/fun

Video: The Gaslight Anthem - "American Slang" (feat. Bruce Springsteen) (Live)

2011-12-11T20:44:00.001-05:00

The Gaslight Anthem + The Boss + Asbury Park. Poor quality? Me no care.

MySpace: The Gaslight Anthem

Lupe Fiasco - "American Terrorist III"

2011-12-11T20:36:00.001-05:00

Lu released the original "American Terrorist" track back on Food & Liquor, but has decided to bypass part deux for the third installment. While his bars are just slightly above LASERS quality, the fact that he's going in over the theme song from Drive--a.k.a the best movie of 2011--is major bruh points.

Download: Lupe Fiasco - "American Terrorist III"

MySpace: Lupe Fiasco

The Weeknd - "The Cure/"Superhero"

2011-12-10T13:47:00.001-05:00

It's the weekend so it's only natural we show Abel Tesfaye some love. Here are two previously unreleased tracks from his earliest days, mostly done in a recording session with a production team called The Noise. It's interesting to see The Weeknd wasn't always the drug-fueled, bipolar wailer--especially on the shockingly standard "Superhero"--we've come to know him as. Although you do get a taste of it from the thumping 808s and gliding strings in "The Cure".

Consider these a reference point to see how far the young kid has come and a reason for us all to be thankful he'll be singing Drizzy's hooks for the coming years instead of Lloyd.

Download: The Weekned - "The Cure" / The Weeknd - "Superhero"

Video: Major Lazer - "Original Don" (feat. The Partysquad)

2011-12-10T12:41:00.001-05:00

A granny and an domesticated Diplo watch idly as two people perform a choreographed dance to Major Lazer's new single with an assortment of sharp weapons. A huge "what the fuck?" goes out to this one, but you gotta love the song right?

MySpace: Major Lazer

Video: Green Street - "Daydreams" (feat. Donwill)

2011-12-10T12:10:00.001-05:00

Green Street keep on doing big things, this time hooking a nice feature with Hip Hop DX for their sunny "Daydreams" video. Everything about this hits the "dream big, live big" potential these kids have and seems like every day they are getting closer to that end goal. Massive respect for ya'll!

And if you haven't scooped Endless Summer yet, do so A$AP Rocky.

MySpace: Green Street

My Morning Jacket - “When The Bells Start Ringing”

2011-12-08T19:57:00.001-05:00

My Morning Jacket got in the holiday spirit by releasing a Christmas-themed EP exclusively on iTunes yesterday, highlighted by the twangy yule-tide sway of "When The Bells Start Ringing". With that righteous beard, I wouldn't be all to surprised if Jim James was old St. Nick himself anyways.

Download: My Morning Jacket - "When The Bells Start Ringing"

MySpace: My Morning Jacket

Video: B.o.B. - "Strange Cloud" (feat. Lil' Wayne)

2011-12-08T19:49:00.001-05:00

Bobby Ray drops an official video for the lead single/title track off his upcoming Strange Clouds (set for a Mar. 2012 release.) Hit below to watch him get his extraterrestrial on with a fanny pack-donning Weezy.

Get More: B.o.B, Strange Clouds feat Lil Wayne, Music, More Music Videos

MySpace: B.o.B.

Video: The Roots - "Make My" (feat. Big K.R.I.T.) (Live at Highline Ballroom)

2011-12-07T21:07:00.001-05:00

Yesterday marked an excellent day for music lovers as both The Black Keys and The Roots dropped new records. The latter celebrated the release of their concept LP undun with a hometown concert at the Highline Ballroom and brought out Big K.R.I.T. for lead single "Make My".

Make sure to hit up your nearest iTunes/record store/wherever you buy music nowadays to grab these beauties.

MySpace: The Roots

Blu - "The Clean Hand"

2011-12-07T19:42:00.001-05:00

Two Blu cuts in a matter of days. This time Mr. Barnes graces a beat produced by the one and only Pete Rock. Greatness ensues.

Download: Blu - "The Clean Hand"

MySpace: Blu

Jonsi - "AEvin Endar"/"Gathering Stories"

2011-12-07T19:29:00.001-05:00

We Bought a Zoo looks like a typical overly-cheesed family flick that is so stuffed with sentimentality that it'll spurn 100 copycat--and likely illegal-- family-run petting zoos all across the nation. For shame Matt Damon. At least the minds behind the film redeemed themselves a wee bit by calling on Sigur Ros' frontman Jonsi to help with the soundtrack. Head to the official website to check out the delicate ballad "AEvin Endar" and the sweeping grandeur of "Gathering Stories".

Stream: Jonsi - "AEvin Endar"/"Gathering Stories"

MySpace: Jonsi

Video: The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy"/"Gold on the Ceiling" (Live on SNL)

2011-12-06T20:30:00.001-05:00

SNL has had some excellent music guests the past few episodes and only stepped it up by inviting Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney this past weekend to barrel through not one, but two cuts off El Camino.

Want more? How about tour dates? El Camino in stores today? It's a very Black Keys holiday season right now and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

MySpace: The Black Keys

Wale - "Bait" (Remix feat. Two Chains, Rick Ross & Trey Songz)

2011-12-06T20:24:00.001-05:00

Chronic tweeter Wale finally posted something useful on his handle, dropping off this souped up remix of "Bait" featuring the likes of Two Chains, Trigga, and Rick Rozay. Kinda funny how he drops Ambition then turns his attention back to Eleven One Eleven Theory cuts...I guess that speaks for itself.

Download: Wale - "Bait" (Remix feat. Two Chains, Rick Ross & Trey Songz)

MySpace: Wale

Blu - "EZ"

2011-12-06T18:59:00.001-05:00

Black Star's return is definitely a cause worth celebrating and Blu pays tribute over Madlib's "Fix Up" instrumental. It's only 1:36 of action, but JonBarnes channels Mighty Mos--er Yasiin Bey--loud and clear.

Download: Blu - EZ

MySpace: Blu

Jimmy Cliff - "Ruby Soho" (Rancid Cover)

2011-12-06T18:53:00.001-05:00

Rancid's "Ruby Soho" is one of the great punk songs of the 90s. What better way to rehash it (no pun intended) than with a cover courtesy reggae legend Jimmy Cliff off his upcoming Sacred Fire EP.

Download: Jimmy Cliff - "Ruby Soho" (Rancid Cover)

Stream: The Black Keys - "Gold on the Ceiling"/"Little Black Submarine"/"Sister"

2011-12-01T21:06:00.001-05:00

An e-mail address in exchange for a chance to stream three brand new Black Keys songs? Pretty lopsided trade if you ask me, but I'll take it.

El Camino drops Dec. 6th. I like thaaat.

MySpace: The Black Keys

Video: Bon Iver - Bon Iver (Visual Accompaniment)

2011-12-01T20:54:00.001-05:00

The always prolific Justin Vernon started his quest by syncing the ghostly "Hinnom, TX" with a blistering drive into the sunset. But why stop there? Head over to Bon Iver's official YouTube page to check out beautiful visual accompaniments for every song off the, as a few days ago, Grammy-nominated Bon Iver that Vernon himself called a "comprehensive vision for the record captured in moving picture.”

Watch: Bon Iver - Bon Iver (Visual Accompaniment)

MySpace: Bon Iver

Stream: The Roots - undun

2011-11-30T19:51:00.001-05:00

After four cinematic trailer and three full songs debuts, we finally get to listen to The Roots' concept album undun in it's entirety thanks to NPR. I'm going to wait for the proper release (Dec. 6th) myself, but can't fault you if you get the itch for a sneak peek. Despite it's dark overtones, this one figures to be a gem of the extra shiny variety.

Stream: The Roots - undun

MySpace:The Roots

Lewis - "Gladiator"

2011-11-30T19:43:00.001-05:00

The bio on Lewis' Twitter handle says he grew up on Late Registration and The Blueprint. Makes sense here as he takes on Usher's "Gladiator" instrumental with a Yeezy flow and the Russell Crowe reference that was famously sampled in Jay's "What More Can I Say". Got to admit it's so fucking hard to knock this kid's hustle, especially when he keeps dropping quality tracks.

Download: Lewis - "Gladiator"

Video: Ryan Adams - "Oh My Sweet Carolina" (feat. Laura Marling) (Live at Abbey Road)

2011-11-30T19:28:00.001-05:00

Ryan Adams stopped by the iconic Abbey Road Studio to perform a breathtaking performance of "Oh My Sweet Carolina" off his first solo LP Heartbreaker. It's intriguing to see how quickly he can go from playful banter ("Does my hair look stupid?) to introspective frailty. Along for the ride is young UK folk talent Laura Marling, who has openly admitted Ryan Adam's is her hero. Lets get our collab on kids.

MySpace: Ryan Adams

Black Star - "You Already Knew"/"Fix Up"

2011-11-30T16:48:00.001-05:00

It's been 13 years since Mos Def and Talib Kweli united to drop Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star, cementing a place in the pantheon of underground hip-hop classics. A lot has changed since, most notably Mighty Mos starring in Dexter and changing his name to Yasiin Bey. One thing that certainly hasn't is their masterful lyrical abilities, as they will soon display via a tribute album to Aretha Franklin. Check out the first two cuts off the release: the boombox-ready "Fix Up" produced by Mad Lib and the overtly soulful "You Already Knew" courtesy Mad Lib's little bro Oh No.

Download: Black Star - "You Already Knew"/ Black Star - "Fix Up"

MySpace: Black Star

Video: Cee Lo Green - "Anyway"

2011-11-26T09:42:00.001-05:00

Cee Lo updates the lyric video for new single "Anyway"--set to appear on the platinum edition of The Lady Killer--with an official jaunt. I could care less about either, but I take any excuse to give this fucking awesome song some play.

MySpace: Cee Lo Green

Video: The Weeknd - "The Knowing"

2011-11-26T09:34:00.001-05:00

Abel is back giving love to House of Balloons not on a Friday or a Saturday, but on a Thursday. I was too busy stuffing my face to keep up with his musical drive, so now is the time to enjoy a chopped-and-screwed version of "The Morning" and a beautifully shot, futuristic short film for "The Knowing". Good way to keep this holiday weeknd daze rolling along.

The Weeknd - The Knowing (Official Video) from xoxxxoooxo on Vimeo.

Video: Florence and The Machines - "Take Care" (Drake Cover)

2011-11-25T15:01:00.001-05:00

Florence Welch made an appearance on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge and treated those in attendance to a wonderful re-imagining of the standout title track from Drake's Take Care. There's added power and intimacy in her version, due in part I'm sure because she noted Drizzy, Rihanna, and Jaime xx (who was behind the boards on the song) are three of her "absolute favorite" artists.

I'll be spinning this numerous times in the foreseeable future and Ms. Welch might have just convinced me to pick up a couple of her LPs too.

Download: Florence and the Machines - "Take Care" (Drake Cover)

MySpace: Florence and the Machines

Video: Wale - "Barry Sanders"

2011-11-25T13:34:00.001-05:00

Wale takes a step back from the disappointing Ambition to showcase visuals for one of his best tracks off his Eleven One Eleven mixtape. The Maybach duo of Jon J. and Dre did an awesome job splicing together these clips, although the absence of any Redskins footage was both upsetting and understandable. And I definitely with the decision to give Michelle Beadle a little face time. Or should I say, Michelle Sabia.

MySpace: Wale

Video: The Roots - "Sleep"

2011-11-25T13:18:00.001-05:00

That menacing grim reaper of a man is still stalking the street's of Philly in the latest video off undun, this time for the album's somber opener featuring Aaron Livingston. Most YouTube viewer comments are disgustingly off-based, ignorant, and offensive, but two things said concerning this video were on point: 1) How songs like this are being passed over for Katy Perry and Justin Beiber is incomprehensible. 2) How does this video only have 51,000 views when a video of a cat getting tickled has 8 million? Silly world we live in.

And undun is shaping up reeeeeeeeeal nice.

MySpace: The Roots

Video: B.o.B. - "Strange Clouds" (Live on Jimmy Fallon)

2011-11-25T13:05:00.001-05:00

Bobby Ray takes to the Fallon stage with The Roots and some exuberant backup singers, but sans Weezy, to perform his bombastic new single. B.o.B. definitely has his deficiencies, but performing is not one of them and he goes all out here.

211112313135 by YardieGoals

MySpace: B.o.B.

Video: Circa Survive - "Miracle Sun"/"Imaginary Enemy" (Live at Occupy Philly)

2011-11-22T20:02:00.001-05:00

Anthony Green and Colin Frangicetto of Circa Survive made it down to Occupy Philly to perform an intimate acoustic set for the gathered 99%. There wasn't any pepper spray or human microphones; just a tender take of "Miracle Sun" and the more appropriate "Imaginary Enemy".

Props go out to Property of Zack for shooting this and C.J. of Bedwetting Cosmonaut for grabbing the scoop.

MySpace: Circa Survive

T.I. - "Pyro"

2011-11-22T19:33:00.001-05:00

Time to get on my Thanksgiving grind. Right now, I'm thankful T.I. is blessing his own beats and riding his trademark effortless flow. Now if he can just keep his life, and his fitted cap, straight.

Trouble Man is due out in 2012.

Download: T.I. - "Pyro"

MySpace: T.I.

Video: M83 - "Midnight City" (Live on Fallon)

2011-11-22T19:19:00.001-05:00

Anthony Gonzalez and his band of gyrating synth players took to Jimmy Fallon's stage last night to serenade the audience with the squishy beats of their lead single off Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, complete with the raging sax solo. And they say the bass players are always the ones off in the shadows.

MySpace: M83

Video: Doomtree - "Bolt Cutter"

2011-11-21T20:39:00.001-05:00

Doomtree are dropping a new LP--No Kings--tomorrow and I had no idea. Fortunately all us people late to the party can catch up quickly with a video for lead single "Bolt Cutter" that is as manic as the song's schitzo beat. I missed ya'll.

Watch: Doomtree - "Bolt Cutter"

MySpace: Doomtree

Drake - "Over My Dead Body" (Star Slinger Remix)

2011-11-21T19:50:00.001-05:00

I think I'm one of many people currently in a honeymoon phase with Take Care, totally willing to gobble up anything related to the record right now. Perfect timing for UK producer Danny Williams a.k.a. Star Slinger, who promptly dropped a remix of the introspective opener that replaces it's spacey wandering with rapid-fire snare hits and a killer reggae dub groove.

Download: Drake - "Over My Dead Body" (Star Slinger Remix)

MySpace: Drake

Video: Adele - "Turning Tables" (Live at the Royal Albert Hall)

2011-11-21T19:32:00.001-05:00

Adele's slow-burning ballad "Turning Tables" is definitely one of my favorite cuts off the masterful 21, even more so after "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You" got played out like those "Flo" Progressive commercials. Here she is performing it during her concert at the Royal Albert Hall--a show filmed for her live DVD/Blu-Ray that will be released on Nov. 29th--once again demonstrating why she's the queen of making something so subtle also so moving.

Having the best-looking 12-piece orchestra this man has ever seen doesn't hurt things either.

MySpace: Adele

James Blake - "Curbside"/"At Birth"

2011-11-21T19:12:00.001-05:00

2011 has been good to UK dubstep it-boy James Blake. So good, in fact, he wants to squeeze in one more release before the year is done. He'll drop a three-song EP, entitled Love What Happened Here, sometime next month and you can check out 66.6% of the song off it--the earthy "Curbside" and the Thom Yorke-esque "At Birth"--below. Cheers bruh.

Hear: James Blake - "Curbside"/ James Blake - "At Birth"

MySpace: James Blake

Coldplay - "We Found Love" (Rihanna Cover)

2011-11-17T22:29:00.001-05:00

We're all familiar with Rihanna's new single "We Found Love" by now. Well, so is Ri-Ri's close friend Chris Martin. Difference between he and us is that we can't hop on a piano and turn the throbbing dancefloor anthem into a hypnotizing, intergalactic ballad.

Download: Coldplay - "We Found Love" (Rihanna Cover)

MySpace: Coldplay

Lewis - "Remember July"

2011-11-17T21:26:00.001-05:00

Lewis Allen is going hard. New single, plus original art and video? That shit cray. And that's even before hearing him spitting Drizzy flow about an ex over a spacey instrumental. Keep an eye on this kid.

Download: Lewis - "Remember July"

Video: Lykke Li - "Silent My Song" (Live on Letterman)

2011-11-17T21:14:00.001-05:00

If anyone could make a song sound like it's equal parts breezy retro soul and gloomy Pagan chanting it's this Swedish songstress. And that is exactly what she does on Letterman's stage with plenty of smoke, stained glass, and cultish backup singers.

Breaking out Wounded Rhymes again soon, thank the bears for the awesome picture above.

Watch: Lykke Li - "Silent My Song" (Live on Letterman)

MySpace: Lykke Li