'Time Is Illmatic' Trailer

Nas' Illmatic turned 20 this past April and the Queens emcee celebrated in grand fashion opening the Tribeca Film Festival with his documentary, Time Is Illmatic, which chronicles the making of the landmark record. This fall, the movie will hit theaters and OnDemand. Take a look at the trailer!

Quick News

Martin Scorsese has confirmed he is developing a Ramones biopic even though it was announced earlier this week he was working on a documentary. Apparently, that is not the case now and a Ramones film is in the works. No word as to when it will be cast or released.

James Murphy is keeping himself busy with the U.S. Open. The former LCD Soundsystem main man has been working with IBM and is transforming data from this years Open to craft music from the event. By the end of the tournament, Murphy will have over 400 hours of unique music that was created after taking the sounds from inside the stadiums and converting it to music data and files.

Suede have announced they will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic album, Dog Man Star, with a massive box set reissue that features demos, a cassette, the remastered record, new liner notes and more. It arrives this fall.

Speaking to Q magazine, Jake Bugg talked about recording a new album and said, "It's just demos. It's an experiment – see what happens. Just trying to make it write itself. It could take five years, it could take five months." He did confirm last month that he is working with Rick Rubin again for album No. 3.

Quick News

Sad news to report, Suicidal Tenancies bassist Tim "Rawbiz" Williams has passed away. The band released a statement on their website saying, ""It's with complete sadness that we have to announce the passing of bassist Tim 'Rawbiz' Williams. Tim played bass for Suicidal Tendencies for almost four years until recently. Tim was a monster on bass, running around on stage in the pit, giving his all, even when his body wasn't at its best. We will always remember him and appreciate all the kind words by those that were touched by his bass playing and him personally." No cause of death has been revealed.

Weezer's Rivers Cuomo will be the subject of a new Fox series called Detour, which chronicles his life outside of the band. The series is set to air sometime next year.

Bruce Springsteen can now add author to his resume. The iconic singer will release his first graphic novel called Outlaw Pete, based on the title of the character from his album Working on a Dream. The novel will arrive in November.

Kim Deal has confirmed to Rolling Stone that The Breeders are currently in the studio working on a new album. No word yet as to when the record will arrive.

Bob Mould on Kimmel

Watch the legendary Bob Mould storm through "The War" and "Hey Mr. Grey" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The Last Internationale on Letterman

Watch the epic Last Internationale knock the socks off of David Letterman on The Late Show.

Quick News

For the first time in 35 years, Kate Bush returned to the stage to perform her first of 22 concerts at London's Eventim Apollo. The show has been getting stellar reviews, no further announcement of a tour or other city appearances have been mentioned.

Is Andre 3000 done with music after his current OutKast reunion tour? In a recent interview with The New York Times, it may be the case, saying, "I remember, at like 25, saying, “I don’t want to be a 40-year-old rapper.” I’m 39 now, and I’m still standing by that. I’m such a fan that I don’t want to infiltrate it with old blood." He then went on to say, "I struggle with the verses. I don’t sit around and write raps, I just don’t. Now the only time I’m really inspired to write raps is if an artist that I enjoy invites me to their party. So if Future calls and says, “Hey man, I want you to do this,” I don’t want to let Future down. I don’t want to let Lil Wayne or Drake down, because I love them."

The Killers' Brandon Flowers has confirmed he is working on his sophomore solo album and it will be out next year. 

While The Coral may be no longer, they will be releasing an unrleased record called Curse of Love, this fall. The band took to Twitter to say, "Just to clarify the curse of love was recorded 8 years ago, it's not a new album."

A Martin Scorsese directed film about The Ramones is set to be in the pipeline. The iconic New York director will be crafting a documentary about the iconic New York band. The film is slated to arrive in 2016.

White Buffalo on Kimmel

Watch The White Buffalo perform "This Year" and "The Whistler" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

EMA on Letterman

 Watch EMA perform "Neuromancer" on Letterman!

Bob Dylan Announces 11th Volume in 'Bootleg Series'

Bob Dylan has announced his most expansive volume in his acclaimed Bootleg Series to date. In November, Dylan will release the six-disc series, The Bootleg Series Vol. 11: The Basement Tapes. This volume taps into his recordings with The Band from 1967 and has "every salvageable recording" from that era.

Take a look at the cover, above, and the massive tracklisting, below:

Disc 1:
01 Edge of the Ocean
02 My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It
03 Roll on Train
04 Mr. Blue
05 Belshazzar
06 I Forgot to Remember to Forget
07 You Win Again
08 Still in Town
09 Waltzing with Sin
10 Big River (Take 1)
11 Big River (Take 2)
12 Folsom Prison Blues
13 Bells of Rhymney
14 Spanish is the Loving Tongue
15 Under Control
16 Ol’ Roison the Beau
17 I’m Guilty of Loving You
18 Cool Water
19 The Auld Triangle
20 Po’ Lazarus
21 I’m a Fool for You (Take 1)
22 I’m a Fool for You (Take 2)

Disc 2:
01 Johnny Todd
02 Tupelo
03 Kickin’ My Dog Around
04 See You Later Allen Ginsberg (Take 1)
05 See You Later Allen Ginsberg (Take 2)
06 Tiny Montgomery
07 Big Dog
08 I’m Your Teenage Prayer
09 Four Strong Winds
10 The French Girl (Take 1)
11 The French Girl (Take 2)
12 Joshua Gone Barbados
13 I’m in the Mood
14 Baby Ain’t That Fine
15 Rock, Salt and Nails
16 A Fool Such As I
17 Song for Canada
18 People Get Ready
19 I Don’t Hurt Anymore
20 Be Careful of Stones That You Throw
21 One Man’s Loss
22 Lock Your Door
23 Baby, Won’t You be My Baby
24 Try Me Little Girl
25 I Can’t Make it Alone
26 Don’t You Try Me Now

Disc 3:
01 Young but Daily Growing
02 Bonnie Ship the Diamond
03 The Hills of Mexico
04 Down on Me
05 One for the Road
06 I’m Alright
07 Million Dollar Bash (Take 1)
08 Million Dollar Bash (Take 2)
09 Yea! Heavy and a Bottle of Bread (Take 1)
10 Yea! Heavy and a Bottle of Bread (Take 2)
11 I’m Not There
12 Please Mrs Henry
13 Crash on the Levee (Take 1)
14 Crash on the Levee (Take 2)
15 Lo and Behold! (Take 1)
16 Lo and Behold! (Take 2)
17 You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere (Take 1)
18 You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere (Take 2)
19 I Shall be Released (Take 1)
20 I Shall be Released (Take 2)
21 This Wheel’s on Fire
22 Too Much of Nothing (Take 1)
23 Too Much of Nothing (Take 2)

Disc 4:
01 Tears of Rage (Take 1)
02 Tears of Rage (Take 2)
03 Tears of Rage (Take 3)
04 Quinn the Eskimo (Take 1)
05 Quinn the Eskimo (Take 2)
06 Open the Door Homer (Take 1)
07 Open the Door Homer (Take 2)
08 Open the Door Homer (Take 3)
09 Nothing Was Delivered (Take 1)
10 Nothing Was Delivered (Take 2)
11 Nothing Was Delivered (Take 3)
12 All American Boy
13 Sign on the Cross
14 Odds and Ends (Take 1)
15 Odds and Ends (Take 2)
16 Get Your Rocks Off
17 Clothes Line Saga
18 Apple Suckling Tree (Take 1)
19 Apple Suckling Tree (Take 2)
20 Don’t Ya Tell Henry
21 Bourbon Street

Disc 5:
01 Blowin’ in the Wind
02 One Too Many Mornings
03 A Satisfied Mind
04 It Ain’t Me, Babe
05 Ain’t No More Cane (Take 1)
06 Ain’t No More Cane (Take 2)
07 My Woman She’s A-Leavin’
08 Santa-Fe
09 Mary Lou, I Love You Too
10 Dress it Up, Better Have it All
11 Minstrel Boy
12 Silent Weekend
13 What’s It Gonna Be When It Comes Up
14 900 Miles from My Home
15 Wildwood Flower
16 One Kind Favor
17 She’ll be Coming Round the Mountain
18 It’s the Flight of the Bumblebee
19 Wild Wolf
20 Goin’ to Acapulco
21 Gonna Get You Now
22 If I Were A Carpenter
23 Confidential
24 All You Have to do is Dream (Take 1)
25 All You Have to do is Dream (Take 2)

Disc 6:
01 2 Dollars and 99 Cents
02 Jelly Bean
03 Any Time
04 Down by the Station
05 Hallelujah, I’ve Just Been Moved
06 That’s the Breaks
07 Pretty Mary
08 Will the Circle be Unbroken
09 King of France
10 She’s on My Mind Again
11 Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad
12 On a Rainy Afternoon
13 I Can’t Come in with a Broken Heart
14 Next Time on the Highway
15 Northern Claim
16 Love is Only Mine
17 Silhouettes
18 Bring it on Home
19 Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies
20 The Spanish Song (Take 1)
21 The Spanish Song (Take 2)

Quick News

Taking to social media, Slayer have confirmed they are in the studio working on their 15th studio album. No release has been given.

U.K. songstress Paloma Faith will release her new album, A Perfect Contradiction, in October. The album features Pharrell, John Legend, Raphael Saadiq and more.

Billy Idol will release his new album Kings and Queens of the Underground in October. The album features writing contributions from former As Tall As Lions frontman Dan Nigro. Take a look at the cover below:

When not fighting with his record label, touring mates, or the British Monarchy, Morrissey has been tapped to curate a Ramones compilation for Rhino Records. The former Smiths frontman is an outspoken Ramones fan, will pick the tracklisting. He has already picked out the cover. The album does not have a release date or title, but check out the very Morrissey cover below:

Prince Releasing Two Albums on Same Day

On September 30, Prince will be releasing his new solo album, Art Official Age. Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting below, as well as the video for "Breakfast Can Wait."

01 ART OFFICIAL CAGE
02 CLOUDS
03 BREAKDOWN
04 THE GOLD STANDARD
05 U KNOW Prince
06 BREAKFAST CAN WAIT
07 THIS COULD BE US
08 WHAT IT FEELS LIKE
09 affirmation I & II
10 WAY BACK HOME
11 FUNKNROLL
12 TIME
13 affirmation III

On that same day, his band and protege's, 3rdEyeGirl will be releasing their new album, PlectrumElectrum. Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting below:

01 WOW
02 PRETZELBODYLOGIC
03 AINTTURNINROUND
04 PLECTRUMELECTRUM
05 WHITECAPS
06 FIXURLIFEUP
07 BOYTROUBLE
08 STOPTHISTRAIN
09 ANOTHERLOVE
10 TICTACTOE
11 MARZ
12 FUNKNROLL

Slipknot Detail New Album

On October 21, Slipknot will release their highly anticipated and long awaited new album, .5: The Gray Chapter. Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting below:

 

1.   XIX

2.   Sarcastrophe

3.   AOV

4.   The Devil In I

5.   Killpop

6.   Skeptic

7.   Lech

8.   Goodbye

9.   Nomadic

10. The One That Kills The Least

11. Custer

12. Be Prepared For Hell

13. The Negative One

14. If Rain Is What You Want

Live Pix: Afropunk 2014

The always amazing Afropunk Fest returned to Brooklyn's Commodore Barry Park and with it, returned the beautiful utopia of people from all walks of life. This festival, which has been going on for over a decade now is one of the greatest summertime events in New York City. Every type of music is represented, every type of fashion is seen, and people from all over come together as one and show that music is our universal language. From the outfits in the crowd to the food being served, so many flavors and tastes are experienced over two days.

Our very own RICH D SMOOV captured the action for us this year. Take a look at the performers which included Bad Brains with guest vocalists, The Internet, Shabazz Palaces, Cro-Mags, Fishbone, Unlocking the Truth, SZA, Trash Talk, and more. 

Bad Brains with special guests Cory Glover of Living Colour, Chiara de Blasio, Murs, John Joseph of Cro-Mags

Ice-T and Body Count

 Shabazz Palaces

 Trash Talk

Cro-Mags

Danny Diablo

Fishbone

The Internet

SZA

Unlocking the Truth

To see more pictures of the event, LIKE us on FACEBOOK
With This I Think I'm Officially A Yuppie

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Live Pix: Earthless @ St. Vitus

This past weekend, the mighty metal supergroup Earthless played Brooklyn's St. Vitus. Our very own RICH D SMOOV was on hand to capture the event. Take a look at the live pix!

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EXCLUSIVE! DEVO INTV!

To call Devo legends would be an understatement, for their music is far beyond anything of normal comprehension and legendary musical status. Devo has always been and continue to be revolutionary. Take a listen to any modern pop song on the radio these days and you will hear a Devo influence. When the band formed in Ohio in 1973, they had significant hardcore and punk roots, then, as the 70's came to a close and the 80's beckoned, they transformed into one of the most influential and brilliant New Wave / pop acts of the era. Their innovation, coupled with their amazing music videos, notably, "Whip It," as well as their tour-de-force live shows have made them one of the most important American bands of all-time. From Lady Gaga to Arcade Fire to Pearl Jam to Green Day to Madonna, the influence and impact of Devo can be felt and heard.

Now, using the direct-to-fan platform, PledgeMusic, the band are releasing a live DVD / CD of their recent Oakland, California, performance at the Fox Theater called, Hardcore Devo. As the band gear up the special release, I spoke to bassist Gerald Casale about their legacy, working with PledgeMusic, and history. Take a look at our interview below:

When this band formed in 1972, did you think this would last as long as it has?

I never thought about predicting the arc of our journey at all. The best laid plans of mice and men…..

Every decade of existence, Devo has influenced a new generation of musicians and fans, how do you feel about that?

That fact is one of the most satisfying bits of our history.

When you look back on the legacy of this band, what do you think?

Despite the missed opportunities and critical backlash, we prevailed against all odds leaving an indelible mark on pop culture if nothing more than placing the idea of cultural de-evolution in the minds of millions.

The band had it’s roots in hardcore before crafting what would become New Wave, this past year, you revisited the hardcore roots. What was it like going back to that?

It was Devo going face to face with its past, a kind of devolved version of primal scream therapy.

The band’s live shows are just as amazing as they were when you first started, how do you keep up the energy for so long?!

Devo is and was real. The songs have substance. When we play we tap into the origins of our creativity. It's a ritual not unlike going to church.

After the energetic live shows, how does Devo decompress when a gig is up?

These days everyone goes their separate ways. I endeavor to find a decent restaurant with a good wine list if there is still such a place open when we leave the venue. I drag anyone along from the crew who wants venture out as well as inviting friends from the particular city we are in.

Your latest release, a live album / DVD of “Hardcore Devo” is going directly through the direct to fan platform, PledgeMusic. What made you decide to take this route?

Given the obscure aesthetic of the songs we were performing it made absolute sense to use this platform to reach our fan base (hardcore Devo fans).

With PledgeMusic and other artist-to-fan sites and platforms offering new ways for fans to connect with their artists, do you think this is where music production is going? The fans will now act as the bands / executives funding an artists project?

Much has been written about this trend. All astute pundits agree this is the direction content providers are headed.

After the passing of your brother Bob (my thoughts go to you and your family), Devo decided to soldier on. How?

It's funny you would use that term "Soldier on.” In the beginning we presented our manifesto to the world and asked people to join the Devolutionary Army. It was tongue-in-cheek of course but not without serious intent. When one of your men goes down you pick up his rifle and keep shooting as best you can. You fight the good fight creatively as long as you can. That's an artist's first and foremost duty to stay true to their vision.

Given that your music is electronic and the ever-changing landscape of technology we are in, do you, as a musician even find it difficult to keep up with how fast technology changes? Do you still use some gear from back when you started?

As they say, the more things change the more they stay the same. In pop music the 7 year cycle, the 12 year cycle and the 20 year cycles are well documented. How would The White Stripes have thrived otherwise? And when Jack White moved on The Black Keys were there 7 years later to continue the retro trends. Now the audience is disappointed unless we appear with our mini-moogs and other analogue gear that they cream for two 20 year cycles later.

Devo released their latest album in 2010, is there talk of a new album?

The travesty of Warner Brother's failure in bringing that album to market was so traumatic we probably will never release another album. We worked very hard for 2 years on those songs and we worked with the brilliant agency, Mother New York, on a dadaistic ad campaign that was totally in keeping with Devo's piss-take on all that is sacred. It was a campaign that made fun of ad campaigns, the band and the label in a way that had people asking "are they serious" the same way they did in 1978. But then came the corporate second guessing and blowback. There was no one in our corner going to radio or sustaining the vision. I hit a wall and shriveled in pain. We may still release music but not in a typical way.

Everyone in the band had various side projects and other work they did when not in Devo. You were a music video director, what got you into that medium?

I directed all but one of Devo's music videos. In the mid-eighties I started directing for other bands and it took off once I started directing TV spots as well from the mid-nineties to through the 2000's. The video business is not a business. The budgets are minuscule except for a handful of huge corporate acts. If I get a bite I'm competing with 5 other directors. We all submit elaborate treatments and a visual presentation for the privilege of working with a 25K budget.

Are there any videos you will doing in the future?

Maybe some instructional, assisted living videos with Devo score.

What is next for you and the band?

Assisted Living?

Live Review: Arcade Fire @ Barclays Center

New York City and Arcade Fire are like peanut butter and jelly, they simply just go together. The Canadian ensemble returned to the area for three special concerts at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, in an event that went on sale nearly a year before it began, it was a testament that this band wanted to really make sure the audience that helped build their career a decade ago would make it out to see them.

What will probably be the concert event of the year, Arcade Fire took to the main stage at Barclays at 9 p.m. sharp on Saturday night to begin the second of three nights at the arena. As a scrim covered the stage, shadows of the band appeared as they walked on stage, alongside the paper mache bobblehead versions of themselves that have been famously used on this tour. While the massive band were taking their places, frontman Win Butler came on the mic to discuss the extinction of dinosaurs in a bizarre Jurassic Park inspired diatribe. As soon as the speech came to a close, the opening chords to "Normal Person" were played and the scrim came crashing down and the chaos and creativity was seen in full force. With a brass section, string section, reggae / soca band backing the already enormous six-person Arcade Fire, it was a feast for music lovers, fans, and anyone with a pulse. As a wall of mirrors came down from the ceiling and bounced the lights off into the crowd, a disco ball was hanging above the general admission section, setting the tone for everyone to make sure they brought their dancing shoes. It was then into Funeral's "Rebellion (Lies)" where the chaos came into full force. Win would jump into the crowd to sing as his brother, Will, would press against other members of the band headfirst as if they were bulls locking horns. In typical Arcade Fire live fashion, no one person plays the same instrument twice, everyone was in a different position and had a different instrument in hand. It is this creativity and musicianship that have made them who they are -- critical darlings, fan favorites, and easily the greatest live band on the planet.

With a majority of the setlist coming from their recent records, Reflektor and The Suburbs, they still managed to sprinkle in a few tracks from Neon Bible, as well as the best known songs from Funeral, including the rarely played, "Haiti," which Win talked about the importance of that song as a dollar from each ticket sale went to Partners in Health, which started to help HIV / AIDS patients in Haiti and has now begun doing major work in Africa. While the tone of the set would change from fun to serious, it was still a party for the ages. As backup dancers, who seemed to not be able to fit on the main stage, danced on a smaller stage erected in front of the sound booth on the floor. With confetti and streamers falling from the sky, it was an assault on all senses as everyone in the arena had their heads turning and eyes wandering everywhere. Since 2010, Arcade Fire have honed in their skills in filling an arena with sound as they did on their massive Suburbs Tour and have become festival headliners over the years around the world. It is these big rooms that they are now comfortable playing, but they still remember their roots as Win talked about opening up for The Unicorns, who reunited and were one of the opening acts of the night, in 2004 at the very small and now defunct Knitting Factory in Manhattan.  For the 90-minutes they were on stage, Arcade Fire burned down the Barclays unlike any band that has played their in the rooms two year existence. As the band retreated to the wings, more surprises would be in store.

On that smaller stage, the paper machet bobble heads returned to dance, this time with a new member, a person dressed as Talking Heads front man David Byrne in his signature giant tux from Stop Making Sense and got the crowd to sing "Psycho Killer." Within that time, the band returned to the stage to announce they had a special guest -- Marky Ramone of The Ramones! Marky would join the band on drums as they covered "I Don't Wanna Go Down to the Basement" and "I Wanna Be Sedated." A glorious moment that no one would forget, including Win himself, saying, "Thanks to Marky Ramone. That was a dream come true!" Indeed it was, for everyone. As the band played a handful of songs before closing with the epic, "Wake Up," it was a night and moment that no one in the room will forget. Again, this could be the gig of the year.


Arcade Fire Barclays Center Setlist 8/23/14 As Tweeted By Marky Ramone: 

Quick News

Major Lazer is finally coming to the small screen. A few years ago, Adult Swim were set to create an animated series on the fictitious rasta superhero and Diplo brainchild, yet, it never came to life. Now, in 2015, FOX has confirmed it will pick up the series and will feature music from Mad Decent artists will be the launching of the new Major Lazer album which will also arrive next year.

Former Belle & Sebastian bassist Stuart Davis is writing a memoir on the band. The book, In The All Night Cafe, will arrive in February and will chronicle Davis' beginnings with the band in 1994 until he left in 2000.

Weezer have pushed back the release date of their forthcoming album, Everything Will Be Alright in the End from September to October. The band also released the tracklisting to the album, take a look below:
01 Ain’t Got Nobody
02 Back To The Shack
03 Eulogy For A Rock Band
04 Lonely Girl
05 I’ve Had It Up To Here
06 The British Are Coming
07 Da Vinci
08 Go Away
09 Cleopatra
10 Foolish Father
11 The Futurescope Trilogy
     I. The Wasteland
     II. Anonymous
     III. Return To Ithaka

Echo & The Bunnymen on Letterman

Watch Echo & The Bunnymen perform "Holy Moses" on Letterman.

Live Review: Midnight Masses @ Mercury Lounge

It has been about six years since we last saw or heard of Midnight Masses. Then, the band was a stark indie outfit from New York with fresh singer and voice in Autry Fulbright and ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead's Jason Reece. The band at the time were working on an E.P. and then things went quite after 2009. Fulbright joined Reece full-time in Trail of Dead and it seemed like Midnight Masses was done. That was all until this summer.

Last month, the band released their long awaited debut, Departures and now with a new line-up, new sound, and new songs they hit the road. The band, now based in Austin, Texas, returned to New York for two area shows, one in Brooklyn and one at Manhattan's Mercury Lounge where we saw them. Going on stage just around 9 p.m., Masses came to preach to the room who were anxiously waiting to see them all of the years. Opening with a couple songs from Departures they sprung into the fan favorite and one of their first tunes, "Preacher Son." It was at this point the crowd realized things had changed. That stark sound was traded for a much more rock / blues vibe and with enough sound and energy to fill the room, the once mysterious band seemed tangible and one to easily fall for. Fulbright would crack jokes in between songs and discuss his life on the road as well as the meanings behind the songs they would play. He even noted how some songs would get a different "live sound" than what fans were used to. In fact, it was live where these songs are meant to be heard, felt and desired. While Departures is a solid debut and enough to make fans of the band excited, the songs really need to be heard right in front of you. Tracks like "Am I A Nomad," "All Goes Black," and even "Golden Age," which paid homage to Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" as the shows epic closer. For the 40 minutes Midnight Masses were on stage they preached to the glory of rock and roll and the faithful who have followed them for so long waiting for this moment of return.

Quick News

Run The Jewels have confirmed that their new album, RTJ2 will arrive in October.

A sculpture of the late Amy Winehouse will be installed in the Camden Market section of London. The statue will be made of bronze and will be located not too far from where Winehouse lived. No word yet as to when it will go up.

Two more posthumous Jimi Hendrix records will be released next month. The albums, which were the first posthumous releases from the guitar God, The Cry of Love and Rainbow Bridge, will be available for the first time on CD and digital.

After returning to the scene last year, The Knife have confirmed that they will break up at the end of their European tour.

Aphex Twin has released more information about his new album, Syro. Their first album in 13 years will arrive next month, the tracklisting was also released, take a look below:

'minipops 67 [120.2][source field mix] [aka the manchester track]'
'XMAS_EVET10 [120][thanaton3 mix]'
'produk 29 [101]'
'4 bit 9d api+e+6 [126.26]'
'180db_ [130]'
'CIRCLONT6A [141.98][syrobonkus mix]'
'fz pseudotimestretch+e+3 [138.85]'
'CIRCLONT14 [152.97][shrymoming mix]'
'syro u473t8+e [141.98][piezoluminescence mix]'
'PAPAT4 [155][pineal mix]'
's950tx16wasr10 [163.97][earth portal mix]'
'aisatsana [102]'

'Sonic Highways' Trailer

Foo Fighters released the album trailer to their forthcoming new album and HBO docu-series Sonic Highways. Take a look!

Recommended Reading: Unknown Pleasures

After years of biographies, films, and documented accounts of the history of Joy Division, last year, Joy Division bassist Peter Hook gave his word and the first autobiography about the iconic band from a member with his fantastic book, Unknown Pleasures. The book, which traces Hooky's roots in Salford, England, to how he linked up with Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, and Stephen Morris to form Joy Division. While Sumner, Morris and Hook were friends before meeting Curtis, Hooky describes with the greatest detail how everything came about from their initial meeting to seeing The Sex Pistols in Manchester to the evolution of the band as they started off as Warsaw and then to the shocking suicide of their leader, Ian Curtis. This is a must read for any fan of the band and a phenomenal document  and timeline of how and when things happened. Hooky also details the beginning of New Order and how his bands influenced the likes of U2, OutKast, Moby and many more. While the narrative of the story is a unique eyewitness account, the best moments of the book are the stories of the band members goofing around with each other and hanging out. It is one of the most candid and insight autobiographies on a band ever written. A must read.

Great Soundtrack: Goal!

As the soccer season gears up in Europe this month and since we are still looking back on highlights of the World Cup, we picked a soundtrack that may have gotten overlooked but still fantastic. In 2006, director Danny Cannon brought the Cinderella soccer story Goal! to the big screen. While the film tanked in the U.S. it did wonders overseas, surprised? Yeah, we are not either. The film, which follows a Mexican-American from being picked from obscurity in California to getting a chance to play with English club Newcastle United.

The film is inspirational and fun to watch, but what set the tone and English spirit was the music. The soundtrack which takes the listener to the Britpop heyday of Oasis, Zero 7, Happy Mondays also made current bands like Unkle, Kasabian featured very much in the film. A majority of the tracks do in fact come from Oasis, and not surprising the Gallagher brothers may loathe each other but love "The Beautiful Game." The soundtrack picks the most passionate tracks from these bands and gives the listener something to cheer for.

Thurston Moore Announces New Album

Former Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore has announced his new solo album, The Best Day, which will arrive in October. Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the album's title track.

1.       Speak To The Wild

2.       Forevermore

3.       Tape     

4.       The Best Day

5.       Detonation

6.       Vocabularies

7.       Grace Lake

8.       Germs Burn

Leonard Cohen Announces New Album

To celebrate his 80th birthday, iconic poet and singer, Leonard Cohen will release his new album, Popular Problems, next month. Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:

01 Slow
02 Almost Like The Blues
03 Samson In New Orleans
04 A Street
05 Did I Ever Love You
06 My Oh My
07 Nevermind
08 Born In Chains
09 You Got Me Singing

Quick News

Paul Giamatti has joined the cast of Straight Outta Compton, the N.W.A. biopic that will arrive next summer. In the film Giamatti will play the iconic hip-hop group's manager.

Roger Waters will be going to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next month for the world premiere of his concert film Roger Waters The Wall. The film, which was shot in three cities will feature his full massive concert from his 2010 / 2011 world tour where he brought Pink Floyd's The Wall back to life using new technology.

Speaking to Stereogum, Geoff Rickley talked about the fall of Thursday and how his band became more of a job than something they loved. He said, "We used to joke around, Tucker [Rule, drummer] and I. In between songs, he'd do this" — Rickly mimes sticking a punchcard into a machine — "and that would mean he was punching the clock that night. If the guy that’s the engine, in the middle of the band, is like, 'This is just a job,' you feel it resonate through the whole band. Alternately, sometimes, I'd be getting water and looking at him, and he'd be laughing and going, 'You are so not happy.' When you’re interfacing with the crowd, it’s hard to be the public face. You're like, ’Ugh, I have to pretend this is awesome because there are at least 10 people here who really want to see this. And tonight, I really don't want to do that.'" Thursday broke up in 2011.

Speaking to BBC's Zane Lowe, Nas opened up about the deaths of Tupac and Biggie saying, "Those two things hit me real hard, because I knew both of them. I knew Biggie more, but what they meant to the art form can never be redone, can never be replaced. And when those two guys passed away I thought [it] was the end of rap.” He also talked about hip-hop today and his notorious 2001 feud with Jay Z saying, "Today’s music industry it’s really about money now and back then during that period, when you talk about me battling with Jay, it was about something else. It was not just about being the top guy in rap. It felt like we were leaders of nations. Not that we were egotistical as, “I’m the leader.” No, not in that sense. I mean what you felt surrounding us was – there was an importance in what we were doing that mattered more than just success. It was more than just, “Oh my record’s going to sell,” or… Yeah we need the records to sell to make money. That was something we thought about, but put that aside. When Pac made “Dear Mama,” and these records and then he had to switch up to get in war mode, these were chess moves. This was real… today it’s a whole other world. I’ll just leave like that."

Gaslight Anthem on Letterman

Watch The Gaslight Anthem perform "Get Hurt" on Letterman.

Royksopp and Robyn on Fallon

Watch Royksopp and Robyn perform "Do It Again" on The Tonight Show.

Jenny Lewis on Conan

Watch Jenny Lewis perform "Just One of the Guys" on Conan!

Playlist

Take a look at August's 28-song playlist and hear / get it on Spotify!

Ben Howard Gives Sophomore Album Details

On October 20, English singer / songwriter Ben Howard will release his much anticipated sophomore album, I Forget Where We Were. Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting below:

1. Small Things 

2. Rivers In Your Mouth

3. I Forget Where We Were

4. In Dreams

5. She Treats Me Well 

6. Time Is Dancing 

7. Evergreen 

8. End Of The Affair 

9. Conrad 

10. All Is Now Harmed

Quick News

Following the tragic suicide of Robin Williams, Circa Survive's Anthony Green released two songs, "East Coast Winters" and "I Am Sorry For Everything I Have Ever Done," with all proceeds going to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In a statement Green said, "I'm excited to share these two new songs with everyone. Music has always been my way of dealing with some of the loneliest and darkest times in my life and these songs helped me ring out some serious stuff that was going on in my head. I share them with you for free in hopes that if you are able you will help support the American association for suicide prevention. 100% of the donations will go to them. Ive had to deal first hand with the debilitating effects of suicide and depression is something I think effects everyone in one way or another. Please help spread the word about this organization."

Something about this makes perfect sense, Danzig is working on an Elvis covers EP called Danzig Sings Elvis. It will be out later this year.

Jawbreaker will release a 20th anniversary edition to their landmark 1994 album, 24 Hour Revenge Therapy in October.

According to a Facebook from musician Mike Sapone, he and Brand New are currently in the studio together. Doing what exactly has not been confirmed but speculation is that he is working with the Long Island band on their new album.

The mighty Hot Water Music will celebrate their 20th anniversary this fall by hitting the road. The band have tapped Dave Hause to open the gigs. Dates have not been announced.

Brooklyn indie rockers Nude Beach will release their new album, 77, in November.

A spokesperson for U2 has confirmed that the band are indeed still on track to release their new album this year. The spokesperson said to Rolling Stone, "We've always said an album is expected this year." No word yet as to exactly when this record will arrive, though some have said November, many outlets are speculating as early as next month.

Are Kanye West and Sir Paul McCartney working together? According to The New York Post Yeezus and Macca have been seen in the rapper's L.A. studio and apparently working on a song called, "Piss On My Grave." A spokesperson for both McCartney and West have not confirmed nor denied the report.

Aphex Twin will release their first album in 13 years, Syro this year. No word yet as to an actual release date, but take a look at the cover below:

Exclusive! SPEAK Intv!

This summer Austin's favorite synth-pop stars SPEAK returned with their second record, Pedals. The album packs an array of influences that range from 80's New Wave to the neo-New Wave movement that captured the early naughties. With enough fun and energy that can get any room of people dancing and moving. We spoke to drummer Jake Stewart about the band's latest record, touring, and what exactly the title of their record means. Take a look at our interview below:

With just one album and a couple EP’s under your belt, you are set to release your sophomore album and things seem to be picking up more for your band. How do you respond to the buzz?

The attention is encouraging, but we try not to make too much of it. With hype come expectations, so our main goal is to put out something that we feel proud of and hope it resonates with people. So far the response has been very positive and we're incredibly thankful!

What did you do differently on Pedals that you have not done before?

We've done some self-production before, but we made Pedals entirely on our own. The writing, recording, production, mixing, mastering, and design of the album is all ours. This meant we had a lot of learning to do along the way - which took us many, many months and lots of searching and frustration. But the end result being a product of the four of us exclusively is very rewarding. This is not to say that we disdain external help - instead, this process allowed us to craft the album to our exact taste and spend as much time as we needed. (And for free, too!)

What does the title Pedals signify?

I'm so glad someone finally asked this question! We take the title not from a physical pedal (piano, etc.), but from a musical pedal tone - which is a sustained or repeated tone that is played while other harmonic elements change around it. Essentially it serves as a grounding point for the music and allows it to explore new ground without being too alien. For me, a pedal is emblematic of our goal for the album - to stay true to our vision and have faith, even while there's chaos swirling about. There's also a pedal on every song on the record (or nearly all), so it's kind of a hint at a concept musically as well.

Hailing from Austin, how has the city influenced your work?

I know we've all benefited from growing up in such a strong community of musicians - our parents, friends, and neighbors. Not only have we drawn inspiration directly from the music coming out of Austin through bands like Spoon and Ghostland Observatory, but the culture of music here is so rich that it's impossible not to feel its influence daily. Austin also attracts a lot of amazing touring bands, especially with SXSW and ACL, which has given us the opportunity to see so many of our heroes over the years.

Austin has embraced you so much, how do you hope to get other cities around the country to do the same?

For us, the Internet is an invaluable way to stay connected with people outside our hometown. Twitter, Instagram, and SoundCloud all make it so that people anywhere in the world have just as much access to us and our music as someone from Austin. We've also done a lot of touring, including residencies in New York and Los Angeles, and that's allowed us to get to know people in many places around the country.

What is it about Austin that makes it such a creative hotbed for music?

There's obviously a really strong musical lineage here, from Stevie to Janis to Willie. Aside from the history, though, I think it's a combination of interest and opportunity. Interest, because there are so many great events here that draw attention to music (SXSW, ACL, Fun Fun Fun, the list goes on) - and there's an incredibly receptive audience here, with the University of Texas and strong music programs in Austin primary schools. The opportunity comes from all the fantastic live music venues here in town and the tremendous support Austin provides to musicians. There's even a community-sponsored health insurance plan for musicians (HAAM). This means that there are a lot of people who want to make music and a lot of chances for them to express their passion here.

The band’s sound has a new wave feel to it, who are some of your influences?

Talking Heads would definitely be in there; our name is partially an homage to them. Otherwise, it's really diverse. We draw from different backgrounds as individuals, though there are common threads (starting with The Beatles, of course). I'd also list Prince, Radiohead, Kanye, Wilco, Cut Copy, Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel .. We try to draw from a variety of sources - whatever appeals to us.

SPEAK came from the ashes of Jupiter 4, since a majority of the members in SPEAK came from that band, do you cover your old material once in a while?

There's one song - "Too Afraid" - from our Jupiter-4 days that we'll sometimes dust off for a live show. A lot of the songs on our first record actually originated from the Jupiter-4 days, so Pedals is probably our first pure SPEAK record.

Your live shows have gained you so much acclaim due to the amount of energy and joy you exert on stage. As soon as your set is done, how do you decompress?

Usually it's hard right after the set! People are going to sell merch, pack up, load out, etc. - it's really hectic. If there are other people on the bill, we like to watch them and learn from what they're doing. If we're on tour we'll sneak a few beers into the hotel and watch some late night TV .. Bad movies and conspiracy shows are our favorites (the worse, the better).

When hitting the road, what are the things you have to take with you that you cannot live without?

Our CD binder. The van doesn't have an auxiliary input, so we listen exclusively to CDs on the road. Earplugs and sleep masks, because it's noisy and bright when you're staying with friends and sleeping in (or at least attempting to). We also have a Furby and a couple other good luck charms on our dashboard!

How much fun are you having being in this band?

All the fun we can get! Even when we're working, it's usually a good time - and when it's not, we have a laugh about it afterward.

Where does SPEAK go from here?

Back on the road, to tour the record. Then, become best friends with Kimbra and Stephen Colbert. After that, we'll see.

 

Bjork Biophilia Trailer

Earlier this year, Bjork screened her tour documentary, Biophilia Live at the Tribeca Film Festival. The documentary is a highlight of her epic 2011/2012 tour. Now, the film will be screened in theaters this fall around the country. Take a look at the trailer, above.

In 2012, we covered the epic concert tour when Bjork had a residency at the now-defunct Roseland Ballroom, take a look at that review HERE. 

Quick News

Speaking to XXL, Run the Jewels aka Killer Mike and El-P spoke to fans about their much anticipated Run the Jewels 2 album. In the interview, the duo talked about how Rage Against the Machine's Zach de la Rocha and Travis Barker came to be on the upcoming record. El-P said, "Well we can share what's already out now. We got Zack De La Rocha from Rage Against The Machine. My boy Travis Barker is on the album as well. Me and Mike are on the album, we're on every song. [Laughs] It's a dope record. The fact of the matter is it's the El-P and Mike show. The record really doesn't have a lot of features on it. There are some friends that pop up here and there but it's not a big feature record."
Killer Mike added, "We didn't plot to go find Zack De La Rocha and Travis Barker. We were at the studio smoking a joint and El and Zack saw each other grabbing a sandwich. Him and El was there and I was with Travis smoking weed. This record is very organic. One thing, when we made Run The Jewels, we never wanted to get--you can't make a better collab record than DJ Khaled, so if you ain't Khaled don't go fucking around with all the features, just do what you do to the best of your ability. And that's what Run The Jewels is. When you buy a Run The Jewels album, you're buying a Run The Jewels album."

....And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead have announced that their new album, IX will arrive in November. The band released a statement on the record saying, "From the crowded streets of Phnom Penh to the vast empty landscape of West Texas...we have cut through...burned through...and followed through to reach you...From the heat of the desert...to the heat of your city's sprawling squall...This transmission is here to transport and ruin you. It is the release of your mortal coil...Just let the rain wash it away from the mountains...down to the motherfucking sea...wash it away ...blow it all away and check this moment out."

Belle & Sebastian have announced a massive reissues campaign called, "It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career," where the iconic indie band will reissue all of their albums and compilations on vinyl beginning this fall. 

The Origins of Flying Lotus' Captain Murphy

Last year, Flying Lotus debuted his hip-hop alter-ego Captain Murphy to the music world. Now, the brilliant minds at Adult Swim has crafted a animated video to showcase the "origins" of Captain Murphy. Take a look!

Ryan Adams on Fallon

Watch Ryan Adams perform "Gimme Something Good" on The Tonight Show.

Quick Spins

 

The Gaslight Anthem – Get Hurt

The Jersey punks moved to Nashville to craft a record of heartbreak, tenderness, and clearly the most introspective of their career. The band, known for their rockabilly meets punk attitude go for more roll than rock on Get Hurt, which, by their standards is a bold move. The Gaslight Anthem clearly are growing up and are clearly different people from when they arrived on the scene a decade ago, and now, as they get older life sets in. The record, which is inspired by singer Brian Fallon’s divorce showcases his pain but also the pain that the band goes through seeing their leader suffer. It does have it’s moments of “classic” Gaslight but instead of anthems, it is more stories from a man coming back from the brink. Get Hurt is a break-up record but it is also a record that has a sense of hope for a better tomorrow.

FINAL GRADE: A

SPEAK – Pedals

The Austin synth-pop artists return for their second album and rise to the occasion to prove that this is no sophomore slump. The band packs enough joy and energy into this record that it becomes an instant dance party and will keep you tapping your feet all day long.

FINAL GRADE: B+

White Lung – Deep Fantasy

The Canadian hardcore punks fire back with their third record that displays that this band is not slowing down, going soft, nor changing their tone for anyone.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Nico Vega – Lead to Light

The long awaited sophomore album from LA’s Nico Vega is finally hear and proves that it was worth the wait. Recorded at a Texas ranch, these titans of the Sunset Strip bring forth a sound that can fill an area and still make it intimate enough to feel as if you are watching them in a club.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Bright Light Bright Light – Life is Easy

Following the release of his Tour EP, Rod Thomas aka Bright Light Bright Light brings the dynamic power we have been waiting for after that tease of an extended play. Now, with a full albums worth of material, Bright Light Bright Light proves he is ready for his major day in the sun with Life is Easy. A record that will make you dance, cry, feel all the emotion you would want in a record and does it with such pose and grace that if this record does not put him in the stratosphere, than pop music as we know, has failed it’s audience.

FINAL GRADE: B+

The Strypes – 4 Track Mind EP

Ireland’s slick garage rockers The Strypes give us a tease four-song EP that tries to hold us off till the next record, but now only makes us want it more!

FINAL GRADE: B+

Birdy – Fire Within

British songstress Birdy returns with her second album but this time, it is really her first proper album as this is her first composition of all original material. Fire Within is an intimate look inside the soul and heart of a young rising star.

FINAL GRADE: B

Antemasque

The debut album from Mars Volta / At the Drive-in members Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Flea, and Dave Elitch arrives. Antemasque is basically a stranger version of Volta and holds fans over as the building blocks to the Volta foundation are being laid again.

FINAL GRADE: B

Jenny Lewis – The Voyager

On her third solo effort, former Rilo Kiley and Watson Twins singer, Jenny Lewis brings Ryan Adams along to helm the controls and produce a record that finds the perfect balance between folk and pop.

FINAL GRADE: B

United Nations – The Next Four Years

The hardcore supergroup featuring Geoff Rickley of Thursday, members of Glassjaw and Converge unleash their sophomore album that stokes the fire deep within it’s listener. With massive inspiration from Black Flag, United Nations showcase that this once side project is now the real deal.

FINAL GRADE: B

Boris – Noise

The experimental Japanese rockers return with their 19^th album and brings forth every sound, style, and sonic offering they have offered the masses over the years. Noise is their most complete album to date.

FINAL GRADE: B

Jungle

The debut album from British soul producers and DJ’s is finally here and the album has it’s funk, soul, R&B, ebb and flow and would serve more as beats to a mixtape for a series of rappers and singers to voice over.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Pennywise – Yesterdays

With Jim Lindberg back on vocals, Pennywise really return to form and bring a record for fans to add to the collection.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Tiesto – A Town Called Paradise

The EDM explosion has made even the most creative DJ’s complacent and A Town Called Paradise is proof. The legendary Tiesto is back with a subpar trance album that lacks focus, creativity and lives just for the radio singles instead of the beats.

FINAL GRADE: C

Sheer Terror – Standing Up For Falling Down

The NYHC titans return following last year’s release, Kaos for Kristen and seems like a rushed and incoherent effort to a band known for crafting focused and visionary hardcore albums.

FINAL GRADE: C

How to Dress Well – What is the Heart?

How to Dress Well aka Tom Krell returned with a record that could put the dead to sleep.

FINAL GRADE: D