A studio version of Death Cab For Cutie's “You Are A Tourist” has finally surfaced online. The song will appear on their upcoming album Codes and Keys, out May 31. It sounds a lot peppier and definitely more uplifting then the Death Cab we've come to know over the years. I think it may have to do with frontman Ben Gibbard's move from Washington to L.A to be with his wife, the gorgeous Zooey Deschanel. You are a tourist? Sounds like something that could come from a move across the country...right?
There has been a video floating about online for one of the The Strokes' new jams, “Call Me Back.” Apparently, for those who pre-ordered their album Angles, the band sent them a link to download this video. It was created by guitarist and indie rock solo star, Albert Hammond Jr.! The clip consists of slow motion water droplets and a woman who walks through a waterfall. Very nice. Watch below!
In other news, Lil Wayne wants to be remembered like John Lennon. You read right! In Weezy's latest release, “If I Die Today,” he raps a chorus as follows: “If I die today, remember me like John Lennon / Buried in Louis, I’m talking all brown linen.” Yes, he is definitely an awesome rapper, with more then a few unbelievably catchy tracks, but has he or will he ever accomplish what Lennon had in his career? Uhhh.... probably not. It's certainly nice to dream though. Anyway, listen to his new track below.
The 2011 Juno Awards took place in Toronto last night and surprisingly, it wasn't a total disaster. A jam-packed Air Canada Centre, full of fans and artists alike, were entertained by a number of great performances and the slick hosting ability of Toronto's own rap superstar, Drake. While the Juno's are often regarded as a total snoozefest, with hosts that tell jokes that are barely laughable, this year's event was actually presented very well and didn't feel like a complete waste of time. I feel like I'm being really harsh here, but I know that's what everyone thinks! I swear I'm not a horrible person.
Arcade Fire cleaned up house having won four awards; Best Album of the Year, Group Of The Year, Best Alternative Album Of The Year, and Songwriter Of The Year. Rock legend Niel Young took home a Juno for Artist of the Year while the Biebz received awards for Pop Album of the Year and the Juno Fan Choice Award. It was definitely surprising to see Drake, who was nominated in six different categories leave empty handed. He did however leave a smile on peoples' faces having done a couple of pretty funny sketches such as the one below. Who needs Young Money when you got Old Money?!
There were a number of great performances from the likes of Tokyo Police Club (“Bambi”), Chromeo (“Hot Mess”), Hedley (“Perfect”) and Arcade Fire (“Rococo”). There was also a great tribute to Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot and The Band performed by several artists including Dallas Green, Sarah Harmer and Jim Cuddy. All in all, it was probably the best Juno Awards I've seen.
In other news, Radiohead published their very own newspaper entitled The Universal Sigh. The free paper began being distributed today in various locations worldwide to celebrate the release of their latest album The King of Limbs in its physical format. The paper features lyrics, stories, poems and artwork from the band. Visit the paper's website to find out if you can still grab yourself a copy. For those of you in North America, The Universal Sigh will be available starting tomorrow while supplies last. However, if you're like me and will be stuck at work, you can checkout the .pdf version right here. Below see frontman Thom Yorke distributing copies of The Universal Sigh in London this morning.
Record Store Day will be taking place on April 16 and to commemorate the event, a number of different artists will be releasing 7-inch vinyl singles. The Beastie Boys will drop their track “Make Some Noise,” off their upcoming album, as well as singles from Tinie Tempah, Gorillaz, Danger Mouse and Jack White. The Twilight collabo featuring Beck and Bat For Lashes will also be released, with a Bat For Lashes b-side demo track titled “Dark Time.”
In honour of the 40th Annual Juno Awards taking place in Toronto tonight, I've chosen a few different tracks by some pretty awesome Canadian talent.
First up: Drake. The homegrown, former Degrassi star will be hosting tonight's event. So to celebrate that fact, I've posted my favourite Drake song, “The Best I Ever Had.” Not only did this particular track put him on the map, but it also brings back a lot of awesome summer memories.
Next: Arcade Fire. These guys have had one hell of a year; performing and winning big at both the Grammys and The BRIT Awards. Not to mention their third album The Suburbs, was simply incredible and received universal acclaim. They will be performing at tonight's Juno Awards and I'm sure they will bring home some well deserved trophies as well. Below is one of my favourites, "Rococo," off said album which never fails to put me in a great mood.
Next: Chromeo. These Montreal natives combine the two very different worlds of electro and funk and mix them together so well, the end result is always a fun, dance-worthy track. Watch their quirky video for “Fancy Footwork” below!
And lastly: City and Colour. I should probably mention that I was completely infatuated with Dallas Green for a very long period of time. Through my entire high school career and some time in university, I pictured that we would one day be wed and he would serenade me on a daily basis. Didn't work out and I think I'm finally getting over it. Anyway, listen to him while he beautifully croons in “Sometimes (I Wish).”
Radiohead unveiled details last night about a newspaper the band will be releasing worldwide on March 28/29. The Universal Sigh is what I'm assuming is a promotional piece to coincide with the release of The King of Limbs in it's physical format and to prepare fans for the intricately packaged “newspaper album” they will make available on May 9. One was already sold on ebay for $60!
According to the website that was created for the newspaper, the band is encouraging fans to get a hold of the free tabloid and are inviting them “to post pictures of themselves and their friends reading the newspaper in locations diverse and unusual.” They have also posted a map where people can find out where to grab a copy nearest them.
For whatever reason, Canada is the only country, with the exception of some cities in the U.S, that will not have the paper available in record stores. Bahhumbug! For those of you who live in Toronto, you can pick up The Universal Sigh at Yonge and Dundas Square on March 29 starting at 1pm. Unfortunately, I'll be at work, but kudos to you if you can get one!
The Strokes were featured on The Late Show with David Letterman on Wednesday night. An energetic Julian Casablancas and co. performed “Taken for a Fool” and brought a giant smile to my face while doing so. I can't get over how well they did live and proved that despite their inner band feuding and the 5-year-hiatus, they still got it! While watching it again on YouTube, I came across an older performance they had done on Letterman years ago. It's funny to see how much they have changed, or really how little they have changed.
Yesterday was a pretty exciting day for me in terms of music. Firstly, I learned that Metronomy released their video for “The Look.” It's the second single off their upcoming record, The English Riviera, out April 12, which I absolutely cannot wait for. Seriously, I think about it often. Since discovering them a few years ago, I've been hooked on their sensationally catchy songs and quirky videos. I personally feel they can do no wrong, which is why I wasn't surprised that I loved their newest video.
Secondly, my favourite British dance-rock trio, Friendly Fires, have released “Live Those Days Tonight.” It's our first taste of their upcoming album, Pala which is said to be available this May. Being a huge fan of their debut self-titled record, I noticed a little change in their sound; fancier production work, tighter beats, etc. Yet, I'm still loving it. I can picture frontman Ed Macfarlane and his spastic dance moves being really into this song. Another record to look forward to!
Update: Watch the boys perform the track on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. It's pretty awesome, complete with Ed's fantastic dancing and African drummers. I love them so much!
Seattle folk band Fleet Foxes have released another tune off their upcoming album Helplessness Blues, out May 3. “Battery Kinzie” is a more upbeat take on frontman Robin Pecknold's solo work released earlier this month. Listen to the rip below that premiered on Radio 1 last night.
French electro duo Justice will be releasing their new single “Civilization” in a couple weeks. In the mean time we can get a taste of it as it soundtracks the new Adidas advertising campaign. It was directed by Romain Gavras who worked on Justice's video for “Stress.” I liked what I could hear, definitely sounds like Justice!
The Beastie Boys revealed the cover of their long-awaited record Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2. You can see it on their official website, where they also mentioned it will be available on May 3. I'm pretty excited to hear their collaborations with Nas and the almighty Santigold. But I'm going to have to wait just a little longer...
I think it's safe to say that many of us were left only mildly satisfied with Dr. Dre's first single in over a decade. In “I Need a Doctor,” we hear him rap for all of 45 seconds. Well another track has leaked off his upcoming album, Detox. “Chillin” is a synthy collabo with Swizz Beatz and while it's not the best Dre song, it's not a bad one either. Listen to it here.
I've been continuously putting off writing a review for Adele's sophomore record 21, mainly because I had a hard time figuring out exactly how I felt about it. Before it's release, I heard nothing but amazing things that built up this LP so much that I was expecting to hear the greatest collection of songs the world has ever witnessed. I've listened to it quite a few times now and can finally affirm that the first half is so incredibly strong, then disappointingly winds down with tracks that are, well...less appealing. The beat-driven opener, “Rolling in the Deep,” prepares her audience for the heart-wrenching journey the rest of the album entails. Remaining steady throughout songs “Rumour Has It,” to “He Won't Go,” the record then hits a sudden slump. While the rest of the album is still good, I feel like it lost it's momentum and the variety that we found in her stellar debut 19. Her cover of The Cure's “Lovesong” is nicely done, but not the best version of the balled I've heard (I'm a sucker for 311's). It does however slowly lift the record back to it's initial level of awesomeness and introduces a change of heart in “Someone Like You.” It's obvious that Adele Adkins is extremely talented, with a gorgeous, soulful voice that could melt the heart of an ice queen. This time around, she is much lighter on the jazz, her sound has of course matured and is more emotional and experienced. With the exception of a few tracks, the album is for the most part a fierce lash out at an ex-lover, perfectly crafted into modern bold soul tunes. Revenge is sweet indeed.
Adele - "Set Fire to the Rain"
Watch below: Adele's live performance of "Someone Like You" at the 2011 BRIT Awards.
Foster The People - “Pumped Up Kicks (The Highweights Remix)”
This week I bring you an awesome remix of Foster The People's “Pumped Up Kicks.” Mixed by Mexico's The Highweights, the track is given a completely different vibe. While the original is still pretty good, if you want to prepare yourself for a fun night out, listen to this version instead.
Foster The People - “Pumped Up Kicks” (The Original)
Angles won't be hitting stores until next week, but NYC garage rockers The Strokes, have offered us a full stream of the album on their official site. I finally got through a full listen of the record and I can say I'm pretty pleased. With a more mature take on their debut Is This It, they manage to combine a lot of their classic sound with some fancier production work, spacier synth and the like. I'm diggin' “Taken For A Fool” and “Life Is Simple in the Moonlight” the most so far. Can't wait to actually have it in my hands next Tuesday! 'Til then, have a listen here.
Teen YouTube sensation, Rebecca Black, had her viral hit “Friday” released on iTunes on Tuesday. It sat as Number 69 out of 200 on its first day. Can someone please explain this to me? The monotone, auto-tuned track comprises some of the worst lyrics I've ever heard: “Fun fun fun fun. Looking forward to the weekend” and “Today it is Friday, we, we, we so excited.” On one hand I think people are probably purchasing the track as a novelty gag to mock her incredibly horrible video, which you can watch here. Yet, on the other hand, younger crowds buy into pop-teenies like Justin Bieber, what is stopping them from thinking there's some talent in this (I'm not hating on Bieber, just sayin'). Then on the other, other hand (yeah...) it is the iTunes chart; the top 10 is often heavily loaded with Glee covers. What has me the most annoyed is that someone who doesn't seem to have any musicality at all is sharing spots on the chart with worthy artists such as Florence & the Machine, The Black Keys, Kanye West, Adele, Lady Gaga and Mumford & Sons. Yes, there are quite a few songs on the chart that aren't of the greatest caliber, I know. I just don't find it fair that during a time when music sales are intensely diving, some teenager who I'm assuming coaxed her wealthy parents into making her singing dreams a reality, should have the slightest bit of fame and reap in the rewards so many talented artists rarely see. Maybe I'm being a tad harsh, but I'm confused. If people legitimately think this is a good song, I have completely lost faith in society.
Canadian indie giants, Arcade Fire, have unveiled the trailer for their short film Scenes From the Suburbs. The Spike Jonze directed piece premiered at the Berlin Film Festival last month and will soon be released on DVD. The film contains footage from the band's video for “The Suburbs” and a voice-over by frontman Win Butler. I'm intrigued. I really liked the video that left a lot to the imagination. What did all that military-destroying-the-city-inner-friend-circle-fighting stuff mean? We'll have to wait and see. Watch the trailer below.
Psychedelic duo MGMT will be releasing a double disc tour edition of their 2010 sophomore effort Congratulations. It will feature remixes by Air, Erol Alkan, Cornelius, Ed Banger All-Stars and Violens and will be available on March 25. Visit the band's official site for the track listing.
Remember this?! Well guess what; English glam rockers The Darkness have reunited! To be honest I'm really not as excited as I'm probably coming across, but I thought I should mention this anyway. Not going to lie, I have their debut CD and was totally entertained by their strange videos. What!? I was in the 10th grade... All four original members decided to give it another go after five long years. I have no idea what to expect, but I'm sure more spandex outfits will be involved. You can read more about it here.
Also, the awesomeness that is Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear recently collaborated with Solange Knowles and Twin Shadow on a sweet-sounding balled titled “Kenya.” The track was recorded to raise awareness about Coca-Cola's RAIN foundation, which collects funds for water and sanitation for areas in Africa. The video features tons of stunning shots that compliment the song. Watch below.
Let me start off by saying that I seriously cannot get enough of this record. I would only award an album 9 out of 10 if I truly felt that it deserved it; and it does. Lykke Li's sophomore LP was released on March 1st and since purchasing it a day later, I have had it playing on an endless loop. I knew to expect a darker, provocative and more mature sound, but I didn't think it was going to be as addicting. Wounded Rhymes plays on contrasts; love and heartache, being powerful and defenseless, bold and meek. Weaving through fearless chants and heart-wrenching ballads, the record ignites with life, leaving out any dull, unsatisfactory moments. Li's distinctive voice isn't nearly as fragile sounding as it was on 2008's Youth Novels, but still remains to hold on to it's natural character. A little rough around the edges you might say on tracks “Unrequited Love” and the stripped down “I Know Places”? Well that's one of the reasons it's so great; no digital alterations involved, just raw talent and emotion.
Peter, Bjorn and John's Bjorn Yttling produced the album, leaving some strong impressions. His influence is notable in songs such as the thunderous opener “Youth Knows No Pain” and the dramatic closer “Silent My Song.” It's difficult to choose the album's standout tracks considering that I feel there is not one bad song we could even deem as “filler.” In such a case I'd have to list some of my favourites, which include “I Follow Rivers,” “Rich Kids Blues,” “Jerome” and “Silent My Song.” While she may not be the same cute and bubbly Lykke Li that popped onto the scene a few years ago, she is still just as relevant. A little more grownup, fiery and experienced, Li delivers an incredible record that is very much worth the listen.
Canadian indie electro-pop duo, Junior Boys will release their fourth record It's All Trueon June 14th. Group members Matthew Didemus and Jeremy Greenspan produced and mixed the record themselves while in Shanghai, Berlin, and at home in Ontario. The Hamilton natives have offered us a taste of what is to come in the form of their track “ep.” I'm not a hundred per cent sold on the song yet, since I was a huge fan of their first two albums, but I'm still kind of diggin' it. Listen below!
You can visit the band's official website to download the song for free in exchange for your email.
Happy Friday everybody! We're just a few hours away from the weekend; celebrate by listening to this awesome Black Keys and Big Boi mash-up brought to you by Wick-It.
The 8 track mixtape, appropriately-titled The Brothers of Chico Dusty, merges Big Boi's Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty and the Black Keys' Brothers. It's definitely worth the listen. My favourites are “You Ain't The Next DJ,” “Black Bug” and “Go Get Tangerine.” Enjoy!
The instrumental post-rock quartet Explosions in the Sky of Austin, Texas, will be releasing their sixth LP titled Take Care, Take Care, Take Care on April 26. It's their first record in four years. Could changes to the band's style be upon us? Well for starters, their first track off the album, “Trembling Hands,” is significantly shorter at 3 minutes and 31 seconds when compared to their previous works. Yet there's no need to worry, the song holds true to their sound. You can download the song here and listen to it below.
Fever Ray, the electro-ambient sideproject of The Knife's Karin Dreijer Andersson, has contributed a song to the Red Riding Hood soundtrack. Appropriately titled, “The Wolf” is a haunting song sure to fit the films chilling mood. Complete with tribal howls and dark and eerie beats, it's another Fever Ray masterpiece.
It was announced today that Arctic Monkeys' fourth effort will be titled Suck It and See and will be released on June 7. The album was produced by James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco who also worked on 2009's Humbug and 2007's Favourite Worst Nightmare. The record's lead track “Brick by Brick,” a homage to classic rock, was released last week; you can listen to it here. On their official website, the Sheffield natives also unveiled the tracklisting for Suck It and See.
01. She's Thunderstorms
02. Black Treacle
03. Brick by Brick
04. The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala
05. Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair
06. Library Pictures
07. All My Own Stunts
08. Reckless Serenade
09. Piledriver Waltz
10. Love is a Laserquest
11. Suck It and See
12. That's Where You're Wrong
Last week, Metronomy released the second single off their upcoming album, The English Riviera, out April 12. “The Look” starts with a sweet poppy synth beat and progressively adds layers. Next comes a basic drum pattern and frontman Joseph Mount singing in falsetto, a little cymbol work, sturdy bass chords and why not throw in some guiro into the mix!? It's another gem, listen below!
In other news, I came across some interesting Foals covers. The first is a video of the Oxford boys playing Tears For Fears' “Everybody Wants To Rule The World.” A classic 80's new wave hit with a little Foals flavour; watch below.
The second is a cover of The Swedish House Mafia's electro house track “One.” This one I particularly like a lot and was impressed with how well they carried the song. Plus, Yannis' gentle voice gives the song something a little different then Pharrell's gave the original. Listen to the track below, I promise it's purely awesome.
This afternoon, singer-guitarist, Robin Pecknold of folk group Fleet Foxes tweeted that he recorded three solo songs while in LA a couple weeks ago. In another tweet, he explained “one is a duet with my friend Ed Droste from the amazing band Grizzly Bear, one is just a new solo jam, and one is a cover.” I'm a big fan of Fleet Foxes, but I love Grizzly Bear, so I was pretty excited by this. Listen to the duet below and click here to download the three-song EP. All are very mellow acoustic folk tracks, and the harmonies in the Droste duet are just simply beautiful. Check it out.
Also, I finally got my hands on the Mumford & Sons (I know, it's about time) and Lykke Li albums. I've been listening to them constantly. Expect reviews soon!
This week's song pick is the new Arctic Monkeys track, “Brick by Brick.” It was released yesterday, but there's no word yet on when their fourth album will be out, which the Sheffield boys are currently still working on. As the song starts, it almost doesn't sound like them at all, then slowly evolves into the psychedelic sounds we heard on their third effort, Humbug. While the lyrics are repetitive and don't hold much substance, it's made up for in it's classic rock energy. In the video we see some studio shots of their new album being recorded. Since this is the only taste we've been offered thus far, I think it's safe to assume we can expect a more mature sound on their upcoming LP.
Lady Gaga made her runway debut on Wednesday night at the fashion show launch of Thierry Mugler's new women's line in Paris. While strutting the catwalk for the first time, she premiered her track “Government Hooker,” which will be included on Born This Way, out in May. Puffing a cigarette, the ambitious pop star was dressed completely in black; a see-though blouse, a latex skirt, a beret and massive blonde extensions. The song later mixes into her latest hit “Born This Way” and she reappears on stage wearing an all white ensemble, flipping her hair and twirling her scarf. Watch the clip here. In terms of the new song, it's her usual club-banging pop sound, but this one feels like it has a little of an older electro feel. Just a thought; how the hell do those girls walk in those shoes?!
Broken Bells, the duo that combines Danger Mouse and Shins frontman James Mercer, will release a four-track EP, Meyrin Fields, on March 29. You can listen to the title track over on their MySpace. Below I've posted their odd futuristic space video of “The Ghost Inside.” It's one of those songs that seriously crawls into my mind and will stay there for weeks at a time. At least it's a good one.
The indie rock foursome from Berkeley, California, The Morning Benders, have released a remix of Ra Ra Riot’s “Too Dramatic.” They slowed it down, replaced the violins with some winding synth and gave it an echo effect. I almost like it better then the original. Listen below.
Lil Wayne's first video since getting out of prison was released last night. The clip's literal take on “6 Foot, 7 Foot” is pretty funny and offers us short spoofs of the Hollywood box office hit Inception. Watch below.
The Strokes have released the video for “Under Cover of Darkness” today. In said clip we see the boys bring their garage rock sound into an opera house, where everyone but frontman Julian Casablancas (of course) are suited up in tuxes and bow ties. Julian, who is wearing his usual punk attire, weaves through the boys playing in random spots around the theatre. Watch below.
The NYC indie rock punks also released their next single, “You're So Right,” off their upcoming album Angles, out March 22. It's a little different and strays away from their classic sound. A frenzy of synth rhythms and sped up guitar riffs; the song is also a little darker then their usual stuff. Staying slightly consistent, the track ends abruptly; a Strokes staple. It grew on my pretty quickly and has been repeated constantly for the last 40 minutes, so... I really like it. Listen below!
Socialite Kim Kardashian debuted her first single “Jam (Turn It Up)” today. In the song, she sings about partying, drinking and beating the line at a club...Is she serious? She's having a Heidi Montag moment. The sooner we ignore it, the faster it will go away and lessen the chance she'll release more craptacular songs. You can listen to it here, but I'm warning you, it's four minutes of your life you will unfortunately never get back.
I think it's safe to say that many of us were left only mildly satisfied with Dr. Dre's first single in over a decade. In “I Need a Doctor,” we hear him rap for all of 45 seconds. Well another track has leaked off his upcoming album, Detox. “Chillin” is a synthy collabo with Swizz Beatz and while it's not the best Dre song, it's not a bad one either. Listen to it here. 
Let me start off by saying that I seriously cannot get enough of this record. I would only award an album 9 out of 10 if I truly felt that it deserved it; and it does. Lykke Li's sophomore LP was released on March 1st and since purchasing it a day later, I have had it playing on an endless loop. I knew to expect a darker, provocative and more mature sound, but I didn't think it was going to be as addicting. Wounded Rhymes plays on contrasts; love and heartache, being powerful and defenseless, bold and meek. Weaving through fearless chants and heart-wrenching ballads, the record ignites with life, leaving out any dull, unsatisfactory moments. Li's distinctive voice isn't nearly as fragile sounding as it was on 2008's Youth Novels, but still remains to hold on to it's natural character. A little rough around the edges you might say on tracks “Unrequited Love” and the stripped down “I Know Places”? Well that's one of the reasons it's so great; no digital alterations involved, just raw talent and emotion. 
Peter, Bjorn and John's Bjorn Yttling produced the album, leaving some strong impressions. His influence is notable in songs such as the thunderous opener “Youth Knows No Pain” and the dramatic closer “Silent My Song.” It's difficult to choose the album's standout tracks considering that I feel there is not one bad song we could even deem as “filler.” In such a case I'd have to list some of my favourites, which include “I Follow Rivers,” “Rich Kids Blues,” “Jerome” and “Silent My Song.” While she may not be the same cute and bubbly Lykke Li that popped onto the scene a few years ago, she is still just as relevant. A little more grownup, fiery and experienced, Li delivers an incredible record that is very much worth the listen. 
Socialite Kim Kardashian debuted her first single “Jam (Turn It Up)” today. In the song, she sings about partying, drinking and beating the line at a club...Is she serious? She's having a Heidi Montag moment. The sooner we ignore it, the faster it will go away and lessen the chance she'll release more craptacular songs. You can listen to it here, but I'm warning you, it's four minutes of your life you will unfortunately never get back. 