Lykke Li has released the music video for “Sadness is a Blessing” off her incredibly amazing record Wounded Rhymes. In it, she plays the role of a woman on the verge of a breakdown of some sort. After demanding drink after drink in a quiet restaurant, she dances around her table where fellow Swede Stellan Skarsgård playing a fatherly role watches in sadness. It's actually kind of touching.
Washington natives Modest Mouse are currently working on their sixth album and who is in the studio with them? The correct answer would be Big Boi. That's right, OutKast rapper Big Boi. Who ever saw that coming? According to Pitchfork and Big Boi's twitter, he and the band are working on the new record in Portland. No other details have popped up online yet, but I'm sure some will be floating around soon enough. Big Boi and Modest Mouse?! How will that even sound?! Interesting...
Word on the street (if there was a street in the music blogsphere) is that Incubus are returning. According to Spin, the alternative rock quintet is planning a spring tour and will be unleashing If Not Now, When?, on July 12. It's been five years since we heard anything from these Californians and to be quite honest, the last we heard of them wasn't all that great. Their new album is apparently the “most restrained, slow, and lush record ” they have ever written. So, I'm assuming we won't have another Morning View coming our way, but we will have the resurgence of Brandon Boyd to ogle at.
Oh yeah. Does anyone else remember this highly contrasted work of art? I remember having it as my desktop background many, many years ago.
So for weeks now, everyone has been dying for the release of the epic Beastie Boys' short-film, Fight For Your Right Revisited. Well our prayers have been answered. The MCA directed 30-minute mini movie is available for your viewing pleasure. It's highly entertaining. Well, all but for one strange scene that the real Beastie Boys come to put to an end. The only thing I can't figure out is... who won that insane dance battle?!
The Beastie news doesn't stop there! The boys have also streamed their entire new album Hot Sauce Committee Part Two via soundcloud. It will be officially released on May 3. I'm still working my way through it, but I'm definitely loving the previously released “Make Some Noise,” as well as “Say It” and “Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win” featuring Santigold. If you're a fan of the trio, I'm sure you'll be pleased. Listen below!
The four-piece instrumental act Explosions in the Sky of Austin, Texas will be releasing their sixth effort, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care tomorrow. However, you can head over to their official website where they have streamed their newest record in its entirety. It's very pretty sounding and brings us back to EITS basics; beautiful guitar and drum patterns and minimal bass.
Seattle folk band, Fleet Foxes have also streamed their latest record online. Click here to listen to Helplessness Blues, their sophomore album which will be released physically on May 3. It has already received tons of praise and from what I've heard of it so far, all those positive reviews are true. If you're in the mood for sweet sounding folk tunes, stream this album.
A couple weeks ago, YouTube recommended I watch a video by a musical duo who call themselves Karmin. I watched it, was quite amused but due to lack of time, moved on to what I originally went to the site for. Then while watching Ellen last week, they appeared on the show and performed a cover of Chris Brown's “Look At Me Now.” I was immediately impressed and decided to look them up. They have dozens of covers on their YouTube channel, along with some original songs. Amy, the female half of this group not only has a great singing voice, but can rap like nobody's business and gives me a clean Amanda Blank vibe. Her musical partner and finance Nick helps out with a drum box, a keyboard some additional vocals too. They are definitely worth checking out, so please do so!
The awesome trio that is the Beastie Boys have released their video for “Make Some Noise.” A few weeks ago, we saw the preview for the MCA directed piece Fight For Your Right Revisited. The video, which was taken from the short-film,features the acting chops of Seth Rogan, Danny McBride and Elijah Wood among many, many others. It's pretty entertaining and a very good use of your time. Head over HERE to watch it.
Both Lil Wayne and Arctic Monkeys have unveiled their newest album covers. One is awesome and one just sucks. The pimped out baby on Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III has graduated into a pierced and neck-tattooed young boy on Tha Carter IV. I give it an A+ for consistency and a gold star for it's entertainment value. Arctic Monkeys on the other hand dropped the ball on this one. Were they trying to reintroduce The Beatles White Album? It's been done. I was expecting something really cool now that they have matured into an edgier, classic rock sound. I guess not.
Speaking of Lil Wayne, watch his video for “John (If I Die Today)” which features flashing lights, piles of tires, upside down camera shots and Rick Ross chillin' in a wheelchair.
A few days ago, Lady Gaga tweeted the album cover of her highly anticipated record Born This Way, which will finally be released next month. I thought it was a joke, as did many others, but then over the weekend, she tweeted a photo of her holding a copy as proof that it really does exist. My first thought was: WTF?! I can kind of understand where she was coming from, trying to be really bold and bizarre. Born as a motorcycle will definitely get you bizarre. It's giving me an 80's Spinal Tap vibe. Ironically, the band was really a joke.
In other Gaga news, she also unveiled her second single off Born This Way, just in time for Easter (Ha!). “Judas” is a synth heavy electronic number complete with fake accents and biblical references. I strongly disliked it upon my first listen and thought, how the hell can you go from “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance” to this...? I forced myself to give it another chance and wouldn't you know it? I caved. I don't think it's her absolute best work, but it's not completely horrible. Listen below.
Death Cab For Cutie will soon release their seventh effort, Codes and Keys and have given us another taste of the album. “Some Boys” is a catchy track that has more electronic undertones then are usually found in Death Cab songs. I'm diggin' it.
Saturday was Record Store Day and here in the Great White North, well, at least in Toronto, it was raining, windy and miserable. However, you couldn't tell from the inside of some of the cities well known record shops. Excited shoppers bustled around, on the hunt for limited edition vinyls and other gems to add to their collections.
I don't actually own a record player; the few records I own really belong to my mom and they're at my grandparents' house, trapped in a box somewhere in their garage. They own a record player though, so kudos to them! Anyway, I like Record Store Day simply because it embraces the idea of purchasing the music you listen to. Which I did. I snatched up albums from Diamond Rings, Peter Bjorn & John and Albert Hammond Jr. Plus I got a ton of free samplers which have been quite enjoyable so far.
After a full day of searching through record stores, my dear friend Val and I made our final stop at Sonic Boom, the music mega store on Bathurst and Bloor. We caught local indie rock foursome Zeus, who performed a highly energetic set for a large crowd of shoppers and fans. The boys played a slew of new songs, including “Love in a Game” which they mentioned would be released on their sophomore effort, due in October. Not only did they prove they're extremely talented, what with having three different vocalists who rotate instruments, but they also demonstrated that they're also pretty entertaining; Carlin Nicholson jumped on an amp mid-song and placed his head in between floor boards, and later on the boys jokingly sampled a Huey Lewis bit. Their setlist included “The Renegade,” “River By The Garden,” and “Marching Through Your Head” off their excellent debut, Say Us.They closed with the out of control “You Gotta Tell'er” and left everyone wishing there was more. Overall, it was an awesome way to end my Record Store Day 2011 experience.
Zeus - "Kindergarten"
Find anything extra special on Record Store Day? Please share!
& Photos courtesy of myself...
I recently discovered Slowdance, an indie-pop five-piece from Brooklyn, New York. I am really loving their sound and have had their track “Slashed Tires” on repeat for a while. Their enchanting new wave mixes guitar, keyboards and drums with the dramatic vocals of Quay Quinn-Settel. They're relevantly new on the scene, only having played a handful of shows, according to Stereogum. A record seems to be in the works. How far in the future? No one knows, but, I'll definitely be keeping tabs on them. “Spell” and “Sweetness” are also worthy listens. Head over here to grab some free downloads.
Epic collaborations only happen every so often. When I read that Santigold and Yeah Yeah Yeah's Karen O had worked on a track together, I almost lost my mind. “Go” is a declaration of sorts, a statement about the “American dream” (the hunt for fame and fortune). The sound is reminiscent of what was heard on her awesome self-titled album. Karen's partner in crime, Nick Zinner is on guitar, while the song was produced by Switch, Q-Tip and the lady herself, Santigold. Its got a synth-heavy beat with a slight punk edge, what's not to love?!
Santigold - “Go” (Feat. Karen O)
Brazilian dance-rockers CSS are finally returning with their third effort La Liberación, slated for release on August 29. My god, that seems like such a long time away! All we know so far is that the record will feature collaborations with Ratatat. The band has also started touring again, so I can only assume it won't be too much longer til we have some of their new material floating online.
Keep on the lookout!
Swedish trio Peter, Bjorn and John have put together a seven part documentary about the making of their recently released album, Gimme Some. The doc features interviews with each band member and producer Per Sunding. Since Wednesday, the group has been posting one clip a day on their blog. So if you're a fan, make your way over here.
A couple days ago, I reported that Arctic Monkeys released the first single off their upcoming album Suck It And See. They heavy track “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair” now has a music video. It's psychedelic and gives off somewhat of an old school rock vibe. Watch below.
Indie folk sensation Beirut has covered Caetano Veloso's Brazilian beauty “O Leãozinho” (Little Lion). The song is being contributed to Red Hot + Rio 2, a benefit compilation by Red Hot Organization which raises AIDS/HIV awareness. The album will feature Gogol Bordello, Of Montreal, Beck, Dirty Projectors, John Legend, Cults and Jose Gonzalez, just to name a few. Beirut's cover in particular sounds like something the band could have created themselves, but instead cover very well. Frontman Zach Condon even sings in Portuguese, which is very impressive. Listen below!
Beirut - "O Leãozinho”
Last month, the music blogsphere was buzzing about Arctic Monkeys' “Brick by Brick,” a track that left many wondering in which direction the Sheffield boys were heading. It all seems so much clearer now with the release of the first single off their upcoming album Suck It and See, out June 7. “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair” is a heavier, brooding track that begs for more than one listen. Where “Brick by Brick” left me mildly satisfied, “Don’t Sit Down...” indulges my musical hunger. Listen below.
Arctic Monkeys - “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair”
It's been nearly 10 years since The Strokes hit the scene with their garage rock edge and their punk-like attitude. Now after an almost five-year long hiatus, the New York quintet has resurfaced with their fourth effort, Angles.
The news of their return sent devoted fans into a frenzied panic, myself included. What will they sound like?! Will they follow in the shadow of their third and least satisfying record First Impressions of Earth? Or will they channel their original sound from their Is This It days? Will it be as upbeat as Room On Fire? Or will their solo projects have a strong influence? Whatever the case, expectations were definitely high.
The album's first single, “Under Cover of Darkness,” brought many relief. It featured their classic Strokes sound, albeit showed some maturity with the inclusion of harmonies and the obvious fancier production work. Yet when “You're So Right” leaked online, it left some confused. What would the record have in store for their cult following of fans? For starters, Angles is the first Strokes album the group wrote collaboratively as a band. Frontman Julian Casablancas loosened his tight grip and let the rest of the boys have a say. That seems fair right? During the weeks prior to the record's release, there was a constant flow of articles and interviews claiming that the band had a difficult time putting it together; tons of inner-band feuding, firing their producer, having 4/5 of the group record their instrumental work while Julian emailed them lyrics and recorded vocals on his own. Unfortunately, it shows. At times, Angles seems quite disjointed; songs suddenly changing rhythms and instrumental patterns. Such is the case in “Call Me Back” and “Metabolism.” Not to say these are bad songs, because they really aren't. They just seem to create a small issue with the flow of the album. Yet on the other hand, some tracks seem so well crafted, had the album been done any other way, we probably wouldn't have “Taken For A Fool” or “Life Is Simple In The Moonlight” in their current form.
At the end of the day, it's nice to see The Strokes evolve. Although there is definitely a Strokesy feel to the album, if fans are hoping to hear the New Yorkers circa 2002, they won't find it on Angles. Whether that is refreshing or disheartening is a matter of taste.
I've had this song stuck in my head for weeks, so I figure it's only fair to finally post it as one of my song picks. It doesn't help that it's being used in a Lexus ad that always pops up on TV and drills the unbelievably catchy beat back into my brain. Canadian indie-electro solo act Caribou returned last year with this gem of a song. It's definitely one of his best songs I've heard in a while and arguably the best track on his most recent release, Swim. Listen for yourself.
Well, I guess if you're a Vampire Weekend fan, you probably would have already known that. The band's charming frontman has covered Paul Simon's “Papa Hobo” off Simon's 1972 classic self-titled album. Apparently, it will be featured in the upcoming romantic comedy, Ceremony. It's almost scary to hear the similarities between the acoustic cover and the original. Ezra did a pretty awesome job.
You can listen to and download the track below. Enjoy!
Back in January, I mentioned that the Beastie Boys would be releasing a short-film entitled Fight For Your Right Revisited, a sequel of sorts to their legendary music video from the late 80's. Well now you can watch the 2 minute trailer that is jam-packed with celebrity comedians, including the likes of Seth Rogen, Will Farrell, Jack Black, Danny McBride and John C. Reilly. Tons of other celebrities are also involved. The 30-minute video is “coming soon.” Not sure how soon, but I think it's safe to assume it's being used as a promotional piece for their new album, so they'll probably be released simultaneously.
In other Beasties news, they have also unveiled their first single off their upcoming record Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2. “Make Some Noise” is an energetic, classic Beasties-sounding throwback to their earlier years and proves that Mike D., Ad-Rock and MCA still got it, despite being int their mid-40's. Listen to the track below.
French electro duo Justice have also unleashed their latest single this week. “Civilization” will be included on their as-yet-still-untitled album which is to be released sometime this year. It's currently being used as the soundtrack to the newest Adidas campaign. It took me a couple listens to really digest the song, I think maybe because the vocals threw me off just a little bit. However, I'm really liking it now. I also feel like I hear the beginning of The Who's “Teenage Wasteland” in parts of the song. Am I alone? Hopefully we'll be getting some more details soon; I'll be sure to share them when I find out! For now, you can listen to the track below.
It was announced today that Kings of Leon will be releasing a documentary chronicling their rise to fame. Talihina Sky will show us how the Followill brothers (plus cousin) struggled with ditching their religious upbringing for good old rock n' roll. It features some never-before-seen footage and revealing interviews by the band and their father, Ivan Leon.
As a huge fan of the band (I've been addicted since Youth and Young Manhood!), I'm obviously looking forward to checking this out. However, there's a tiny part of me that is seeing this as just another Followill cash-grab. Their last album, Come Around Sundown was alright. They kept up their mainstream sound and pretty much lost every ounce of their KOL originality. Yet, I still love them. I try really hard not to judge a band's career on a single album, but rather their entire musical background. In which case, they are an incredible band. I don't know why, but I have a strong feeling they'll return to their musical roots eventually...
The documentary is set to be shown at the Tribeca Film Festival later this month. There's no word yet on when it will be released worldwide. For now, you can watch the trailer below.
Death Cab For Cutie made history today when they streamed their video for “You Are A Tourist” live as it was being filmed. It had a very cute concept, complete with LED lights, projected patterns and a group of female dancers. I think it turned out to be a success and may just inspire other artists to do the same. You can watch the video below. You'll have to skip ahead about 16 minutes to get to the start of the actual music video though. Enjoy!
While scouring music sites a few months ago, I came across the New York indie-pop duo, Cults. They had only released three songs online and that's basically all I could find at the time. Then a music video was released for their chimey track “Go Outside,” starring Emma Roberts and Dave Franco (James Franco's little bro!) which due to region restrictions, I couldn't even watch. I was utterly disappointed. Yet, today I happily discovered that they will be releasing their self-titled debut on June 7 (May 31 for those of you in Europe). Off that album you will find the lovable new track “You Know What I Mean” and the previously released “Go Outside” and “Most Wanted.”
Thanks to Access Hollywood, those of us outside the U.S can watch the cutesy, melodramatic love story between a handsome young Franco and the girl of his dreams. Click here to watch "Go Outside" now!
Stephen Colbert appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Friday evening and performed his own rendition of ... you guessed it, “Friday.” He was joined by Fallon, The Roots, the New York Knicks City Dancers and ...Taylor Hicks?! It's pretty hilarious. All for charity, Fallon raised $26, 000 for Donors Choose. Click here to watch the clip!
Viral video star and “singer” Rebecca Black is currently battling Ark Music Factory, the production company behind her track “Friday.” According to Rolling Stone, 13-year-old Black and her mother, Georgina Marquez Kelly, are accusing the company of copyright infringement and the unlawful exploitation of publicity rights. They claim that Ark has failed to provide them with the master recordings of her song and video, created a ringtone and advertise Black as an exclusive Ark artist. Rolling Stone reports: “Ark Music Factory founder Patrice Wilson denied most of the allegations... “I have met with Rebecca Black's mom and everything is fine,” he said. “She will get the masters and the song. They can have it all.”'
Something smells fishy here. I think it may have to do with a young girl and her mom desperately trying to soak every ounce of her 15 minutes. Let's hope her time runs out soon. Am I a horrible person for not sympathizing for someone who clearly doesn't have much musical talent and is making a mockery of modern music? I know, there are a lot of craptacular songs out there, and I guess "Friday" fits into that category. If she was taking the comedic route, then I could understand, but she takes herself very seriously and that's not something I can stomach. She thinks she's a good singer. It's like watching those poor people on American Idol who have no singing ability, but truly believe they have the best voice in America. She needs to be informed. Someone please, inform her! And I don't mean with hate mail. Someone needs to take her aside and nicely explain that if she wants to be taken seriously, she must improve her singing voice and lyrical subject matter. Rant complete.
Speaking of taking the comedic route, The Lonely Island have returned with “We're Back.” The SNL trio will be releasing their second album Turtleneck & Chain on May 10. I mostly fell in love with the video because America Ferrera is in the first few seconds, and I love her. But the song is pretty funny. If you like dick jokes, watch below!
In other news, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie will be playing the role of Christopher Cross in the latest Russell Brand flick, Arthur. Christopher Cross was an 80's pop singer who is best known for “Sailing” and “Best That You Can Do.” He performed the latter in the original Arthur film in 1981. Gibbard will also be contributing a solo song to the soundtrack entitled “When The Sun Goes Down.” With some light galloping drum work and Gibbard's usual calm tone, it makes for a nice chillin' track.
English four-piece Mumford & Sons released their debut Sigh No More in October of 2009 to much critical acclaim. I was aware of their existence having heard their singles on the radio, but for some odd reason I cannot explain, I never looked into them or picked up their record. I would sing along to “The Cave” and “Little Lion Man” in the car, was completely impressed by their live performance at the Grammys, yet with so much other music to focus on, I ashamedly ignored them. Big mistake. One of my closest friends had recommended I pick up the album and since I strongly trust her judgment, I did as I was told. Thankfully I did, I absolutely love the record.
Their old-timey folk sound is a modern take on the bluegrass tunes of old. Beautiful group harmonies are backed by perfectly crafted acoustic rhythms. The sound of mandolins, violins and banjos, trumpets and trombones intermittently appear throughout the album while the voice of lead singer, Marcus Mumford ties everything together. Almost every track consists of a climactic moment complete with some form of a crescendo; dramatic melodies where silent instruments awake in a rumble. Highlights include “Roll Away Your Stone,” “The Cave,” “Little Lion Man,” and my personal favourite “White Blank Page.” “Awake My Soul” is also a stunning addition.
I speak the truth when I say that the record is consistently good throughout. My only criticism is that all songs share pretty much the exact same structure, making them seem just a tad repetitive and predictable. But don't let that scare you; Sigh No More is certainly a fantastic album and very much deserves to be heard.
The band is planning on getting back into the studio later this year with producer Markus Dravs, who lent his production skills on Sigh No More. I'm assuming we can expect more melodic beauties with a slight touch of the grandiose.
It's never too late to pick up an awesome record. If you, like me, didn't look into Mumford & Sons when they first hit the scene, don't wait any longer. Listen to this record. Unless you're not into folk rock music...in which case, it's up to you.
I've always had a soft spot for the Foo Fighters. Which is why I'm pretty excited about the release of their upcoming album Wasted Light, out April 12. Aside from the aggressive wailing track “White Limo” which was leaked in early February, “Rope” is the first official single off their new record which they approached a little differently; they recorded it directly to tape in Dave Ghrol's garage. No digital input? They're so badass. The song in particular holds onto their classic Foo Fighting vibe, ear-pummeling drum work, a catchy pop-rock chorus and Dave Ghrol's undeniably awesome howl.
Another leak surfaced online yesterday afternoon. “Bridge Burning” is even heavier and just as great. You can listen to the radio rip of it here.
Here's a shot of Dave Ghrol and of Taylor Hawkins I took myself back in 2008 at Toronto's Virgin Festival. I almost lost my camera and glasses, which I stupidly forgot to put away. I should have known better; I was in a Foo Fighters' mosh pit after all. I know, the shots aren't the greatest, but it's alright, I had a good time.
