Watch Drake's New Video & Listen To New Coldplay + Arcade Fire's Scenes From the Suburbs

Let me start off with an apology for my lack of posts in the last few days; sorry!

Drake posted a video for “Marvin's Room” on his October's Very Own blog yesterday. In the clip, we see the hip hop crooner drowning his sorrows to ease the pain of unrequited love. Watch below.

In addition to “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall,” Coldplay have debuted two new tracks to be included on their still-untitled album to be released this fall. I was surprised with the sound of these songs. Where “Every Teardrop” is quite reminiscent of their previous work, “Major Minus” and “Moving To Mars” seem to take the Brits in a new direction. “Major Minus” has a echo effect layered over some fuzzy guitar, while “Moving To Mars” starts with Chris Martin singing in super low baritone over the piano, it then transforms with synths and twinkling guitar work. Listen below.

Coldplay: "Major Minus"


Coldplay: "Moving To Mars"

The Suburbs, Arcade Fire's Grammy winning record, tells the story of a dystopian neighbourhood, home to people who have become heartless and hopeless. In the video for the album's title track we saw teenagers bike riding through the streets while some sort of military attack was underway. The clip played as a trailer to a short film the band promised fans would be released in the near future. Well the Spike Jonze directed piece is finally available for your viewing pleasure. Scenes From the Suburbs is a 30-minute mini-movie which debuted at the Berlin International Film Festival in February. You should be able to watch it here, but if you live in the U.S, Canada or Germany, some strange restrictions apply. Do not Fear! The film will be on the band's deluxe edition of The Suburbs hitting stores in August, or if you patiently wait, I'm sure someone will have it floating about online shortly. The deluxe edition will feature two new tracks: “Culture War” and “Speaking in Tongues” featuring David Byrne.

Check It Out: SBTRKT

I recently came across SBTRKT (pronounced Subtract) while listening to random songs on The Hype Machine. I'm usually not the biggest fan of dubstep, but this seems a little different somehow and better then a lot of the glorified dubstep that's hitting the mainstream right now (*cough*James Blake*cough*). According to last.fm, SBTRKT is an anonymous producer based in London, England. Wanting his music to speak for itself, he wears a mask while performing live, therefore no one really knows who he is. His sound is purely dubstep; synth-heavy electronic beats with layers of smooth vocals. You can listen to his entire album below. I'm diggin' “Wildfire,” “Hold On” and “Something Goes Right.” The self-titled debut will be released on July 28. Enjoy!
 

Jeff Buckley On Screen + New Radiohead Track!

Remember months ago when rumours were swirling that scruffy-haired Robert Pattinson was begging to play the role of Jeff Buckley in a biopic of the late singer's life? Well unfortunately for him, it's been announced that Gossip Girl star Penn Badgley has been given the role in Greetings from Tim Buckley. It's not exactly a biopic, but rather a film about the events leading up to the 1991 tribute concert for his late father Tim Buckley. I can see why they chose him; he's got the look and the angsty attitude. I wonder if he can sing, or would that even matter?

However, there's word that a second film based on Buckley is also in the works. The as-yet untitled film directed by Orian Williams and Michelle Sy seems to be a biopic and seems to have everything set, except for a star. Maybe Pattinson will have better luck with this one...

In other news, Radiohead have posted a new song to their YouTube channel. “Staircase” is a five-minute electronic jam that sounds like it fell right off their most recent release, The King of Limbs. It carries the same groovy vibe throughout. The accompanying video performance will be featured on From the Basement, their BBC broadcast premiering July 1. Watch the clip below!

Album Review: Cults - Cults

Cults – Cults

8/10

Cults are a perfect example of a buzz band. They released a few songs on a simple website and had the blogsphere in a dizzy spell. They also picked an unsearchable name and kept details of their existence to a minimum, intriguing listener after listener. Yet what sets them apart from most buzz bands is their potential to last for longer then the leftover pizza sitting in your refrigerator. The self-titled debut by the New York duo is a modern throwback to the 60's served with a heavy helping of twinkling, feel-good indie-pop numbers. It's a refreshing record that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but rather pumps your speakers with smile-inducing tracks about teen melodrama.

Highlights include “You Know What I Mean,” “Walk At Night,” “Bad Things,” “Abducted” and the sunny “Go Outside” which features a quote by murderous cult leader Jim Jones: “To me, death is not a fearful thing. It's living that's treacherous.” Deep.

Cults: "Go Outside"


Cults: "Bad Things"

I actually caught Cults playing at Yonge & Dundas Square during NXNE. They were cute and bubbly and had the crowd bobbing their heads and tapping their feet. The fact that they are a relevantly new band was pretty obvious, taking into account their lack of stage presence and minimal interactions with the audience. Yet, assuming they'll be around for some time, that is something that will eventually improve. Here's a couple of shots I took...

Listen to The Weeknd's “The Birds (Part 1)”

The Weeknd has become one of my most recent musical obsessions. And to my content, he posted a new song via YouTube yesterday. Listen to “The Birds (Part 1).” I have no words for how awesome it is; marching drumbeats, heavy synth and Abel Tesfaye's silky smooth vocals.

The Weeknd - "The Birds (Part 1)"

I also discovered today that he's planning on releasing two more mixtapes later this year (super late, I know, I was on vacation when it was announced). And did anyone notice this? They have used “High For This” in a short promo for Entourage.

Watch Friendly Fire's "Hawaiian Air"

Friendly Fires have released the video for their energetic track "Hawaiian Air." The first half of the clip shows frontman Ed Macfarlane on a plane, having the unfortunate luck of being seated with lovebirds, an annoying hyperactive child, and a shoulder-sleeper among others. But then he arrives in Maui and life is good.

It takes me back to when I was on a plane just last month and had to deal with ill-mannered children. I feel for you Ed. 

In other news, I wish I was in Hawaii.

Watch Metronomy's “The Bay” + Jojo remixes Drake?!

Metronomy have unveiled the new video for their stellar track, “The Bay.” It was shot in Torquay, England and from what I understand, is the location that inspired the song. The clip is complete with choreographed poses, sunglasses, gorgeous shots of the bay and leggy models. Enjoy!

So.... remember this little number?

Jojo is all grown up and will soon be releasing Jumping Trains, her third and most mature album this coming fall. Why am I blogging about Jojo? Well, she caught my attention with a remix of Drake's recently leaked brooding track, “Marvin's Room.” She placed a female spin on it and reworked its angle. I was shocked for a number of reasons. One thing, she swears. And sings about sex, well, more forwardly then she did in her teeny pop days. Maybe it's because in my mind, I still picture her as that 14 year-old doe-eyed girl complaining about a boy while leaning against her locker. And wearing a “boys stink” tank-top. But the biggest shock of all, I didn't expect to like it. Her version is nearly as raw, emotional and addictive as the original. Listen below and see for yourself.

Jojo - "Marvin's Room" (Can't Do Better) Remix"

I also came across “In The Dark” which she released on a mixtape last year. Is the world ready for a grownup, sexy Jojo?!

Album Review: Diamond Rings - Special Affections

Diamond Rings – Special Affections

6.5/10

I get overly excited when I hear of new and interesting acts from my hometown of Toronto. One day while scouring about online, I discovered Diamond Rings; an indie dance-pop solo act by John O'Regan, former frontman of The D'Urbervilles. I've had the album for about two months now. It's taken me nearly as long to get through the record in one straight sitting. I really liked “It's Not My Party” and thought I'd pick up Special Affections while at a local record shop. What I eventually came to realize is that the album is very simple, bland and repetitive; many tracks lacking hooks that force my attention elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, it is not horrible by any means. It's dark synth beats and deep Ian Curtis-like vocals are quite mysterious and intriguing. The problem with this album is that most songs start with such great potential, then sit at the same level and fail to form any excitement. It takes some time before it begins growing on you, but with patience, it will. Highlights include “On Our Own,” “It's Not My Party” and “You & Me.” 

Diamond Rings - "You & Me"

Listen to New Singles from Drake & Beirut + Watch Friendly Fires on Kimmel

It's been announced that Drake's next record Take Care will be released on October 24 (which is also his birthday!). “Marvin's Room” is somewhat of a gloomy track set to a slower pace, but don't let that mislead you. I think I've listened to it about five times in a row now. Drake has reportedly been in the studio with fellow Toronto rapper The Weeknd, which makes sense because this single is heavily influenced by him. So far, it sounds like Take Care is on the right track. Visit Pitchfork to give it a listen.

Beirut, everyone's favouorite Balkan folk group, will be returning with their third record The Rip Tide, due out August 30. The album, including single “East Harlem,” will be released on frontman Zach Condon's own label, Pomepeii Records. Listen to the track below!



Last night, dance-punk trio Friendly Fires stopped by for a live performance of “Blue Cassette” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! They were awesome, of course, which is why I thought I'd share it. Also, Ed's shirt brings a smile to my face. I love that he has a tropical-themed shirt on while singing a song off a tropical-themed album. Consistency, I like it!

Album Review: Lady Gaga – Born This Way

Lady Gaga - Born This Way
8/10

Lady Gaga is many things; she is bizarre, a shock-value pioneer, the proud wearer of the hair-bow among many other odd styles, and the owner of many strange outfits and heel-less shoes. However, under closer inspection, she is also very intelligent, an activist, a pianist, a poet, a songwriter, an entertainer and above all, a damn good singer. When she first came onto the scene with “Just Dance,” I remember admitting the song was catchy, but didn't think she would last in a musical world obsessed with Katy Perry and Britney Spears' 15th (?) comeback. With the release of “Poker Face” and “Paparazzi,” I was intrigued, but not entirely sold. Eventually I understood; Gaga was only getting started and wouldn't be going anywhere any time soon.

Like her previous efforts, The Fame and The Fame Monster, Born This Way is a collection of incredibly catchy tracks that you might not understand upon first listen, but will inevitably have you singing and dancing unashamedly in public or in secret. The record starts with the sound of a church organ in “Marry The Night.” It soon transforms into a synth-heavy club-banger about Gaga's love for the streets of New York. It introduces the sound of the album; a strong dose of electronic dance-pop with lyrics centered around religion, sex, gay pride, self-empowerment and... unicorns? Some lyrics literally make you stop and think: WTF? As is the case in gritty disco tracks “Scheiße,” “Government Hooker,” and “Heavy Metal Lover,” uttering lines such as “I don't speak German, but I can if you like” and “Put your hands on me, John F. Kennedy” and finally “I want your whiskey mouth all over my blonde south.” At least she's got your attention.

Oddities aside, Gaga created an album compiling 14 songs she wanted to sound new and fresh and unlike anything she has done in the past. I think she achieved that to an extent with a handful of the record taking an artsy approach (I speak in terms of today's pop music, where she reigns as a Top 40 queen). What she really did with this album was fuse her heavy electronic beats with 80's glitz and glamour. Somehow, it works. Take for instance "The Edge of Glory" which features a Clarence Clemons saxophone solo. Highlights include “Bloody Mary,” “Americano” (a fresh take on The Fame Monster's “Alejandro”), “Heavy Metal Lover,” “Bad Kids,” “Scheiße,” and title track “Born This Way.” To be completely honest, I love the entire album and have played it on a continuous loop for days, with the exception of “Yoü And I,” Gaga's country love song to the state of Nebraska. Not really a fan of that one.


Lady Gaga - "Heavy Metal Lover"


You can call her crazy and absurd, mock her ideals, outfits and the way she chooses to make her statements. Yet, even if you are not a fan, I don't think you can deny her talent. Born this way or not, she is shaping up to be our next big pop star. I wouldn't say Michael Jackson or Madonna level just yet, but perhaps one day...

Cults! Cults! Cults!

I'm in a Cults sorta mood today. I also just discovered that the duo will be in town for NXNE, so I'm super excited for that. The "expected" release of their self-titled debut is this coming Tuesday, June 7. Make sure to grab yourself a copy!

Below I've posted a stream of their songs and their latest music video for my favourite of their tracks, "Abducted." Enjoy!

Listen to Coldplay's New Single + Create Your Own Kaiser Chiefs Album

Alternative English foursome Coldplay unveiled the first single off their followup to 2008's Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends which is due this fall. “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” is sweet and upbeat, with a perfectly-timed release, just in time for summer. It seems like a summery song. Or maybe it's just me. It starts with a distorted keyboard rhythm, introduces an acoustic guitar and takes off shortly after Chris Martin begins to sing. Listen below!

With the music industry the way it is, many bands are constantly finding ways to revolutionize how to sell their music. Indie rock Brits, Kaiser Chiefs, have introduced an interesting idea with their fourth record, The Future is Medieval. The band has launched it on their website, but it's up to fans to “create their own albums.” The band has uploaded 20 songs to the site and have allowed listeners to preview them and choose ten tracks to form their very own, unique album for £7.50 or about $12 U.S. Each fan created LP is uploaded to the site where others can choose to download that version; if so, the fan is rewarded £1.

Cool idea? Sure it is. You can pick the songs you like best and omit the ones you don't. Yet, I don't know if I'm comfortable with buying a record the band hasn't completely fine-tuned down to which songs are included and which aren't. What does this mean for live shows? Are they going to alternate through 20 new tracks?! I think I'm just stuck in 2010, I'll get over it.

One song you can choose to include in your collection (and the first single off The Future is Medieval) is “Little Shocks.” Watch the video for it below.

Also, check out this quirky trailer showcasing a fan creating his own The Future is Medieval.

Gaga Breaks Records, Listen to New Arctic Monkeys & Lil Wayne, Watch Coldplay Teaser + Weezer Covers Radiohead?

It seems like all the promotion for Lady Gaga's Born This Way has paid off. According to Billboard, in its first week Born This Way hit No. 1 on the charts and sold 1,108,000 copies. Not only is this the biggest debut of the year, but the best selling record in its first week since 2005 when 50 Cent's The Massacre moved 1,141,000 copies. While many mocked her promotional strategy, she's definitely the one whose laughing now. Gaga formed deals with retailers such as Best Buy and Amazon and even took to popular online games like Farmville (Gagaville anyone?). Sidenote: The album is actually kinda/sorta amazing and I'm in love with it. Expect a review soon.

Arctic Monkeys' fourth LP won't be available for purchase until next week, however the band's label, Domino Records have streamed the entire record via soundcloud for your listening pleasure. Head over here to listen to Suck It And See.

With “6 Foot, 7 Foot” and “John,” we heard the Lil' Wayne we've now been accustomed to. Yet, with his next offering off Tha Carter IV, Weezy has changed things up. “How to Love” is an R&B accoustic track with auto-tuned vocals. In it he croons about a troubled fling. I'm not sure how I feel about it just yet. Head over here to give it a listen.

Coldplay have released a teaser for their upcoming album which will be out later this year. Lyrics flash on a water-colour background while light, blippy synth caters to your ears. Drummer Will Champion also revealed yesterday that the first single, “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall,” will be released on Friday, June 4.

And in the strange covers department, Weezer covered Radiohead's iconic OK Computer track “Paranoid Android.” It's not horrible, (I'm a sucker for Rivers Cuomo's cute quirkiness) the band as a whole does a decent job. Watch below.