Tuesday, March 31, 2015
'We're Gonna Be Lords' Short Film
Filmmaker Robert Lopuski followed New York City rappers Flatbush Zombies, The Underachievers, Le1f and Action Bronson, on their way to fame in his upcoming documentary We're Gonna Be Lords. Take a look at the short film.
Johnny Jewel Streams Ryan Gosling's 'Lost River' Soundtrack
Italians Do It Better head honcho Johnny Jewel is scoring and releasing the upcoming soundtrack to Ryan Gosling's debut film, Lost River. Now, Jewels has posted it on YouTube for all to hear. Take a listen!
Quick News
A$AP Rocky spoke to Complex about his forthcoming sophomore LP, At.Long.Last.A$AP. and said that the death of A$AP Yams earlier this year and the music of The Doors helped him craft this album. He said, ""I’m going to be honest with you, man. When Yams died, psychedelic music healed me. Stuff like the The Mysterians, '96 Tears'. That’s all the stuff I love. I love classic rock. Take the Doors – those organs. It’s why I love Danger Mouse's aesthetic."
Over a year after the untimely death of the Godfather of House music, a Frankie Knuckles greatest hits album called House Masters: Frankie Knuckles will arrive next month. Proceeds of the album will go to the Frankie Knuckles Fund, which is overseen by the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Less than 24 hours after taking to social media to launch their Kickstarter campaign, De La Soul reached their goal and will begin working on their new album. Congrats guys!
The Rolling Stones will release a deluxe edition of their classic album, Sticky Fingers, in May. The reissues will range from standard CD remasters to box sets.
DJ Trackstar, the Run the Jewels tour DJ has cleaned up the hip-hop duos latest, last year's modern masterpiece Run the Jewels 2 and made it safe for everyone to listen. El-P released the news on Twitter this morning:
Over a year after the untimely death of the Godfather of House music, a Frankie Knuckles greatest hits album called House Masters: Frankie Knuckles will arrive next month. Proceeds of the album will go to the Frankie Knuckles Fund, which is overseen by the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Less than 24 hours after taking to social media to launch their Kickstarter campaign, De La Soul reached their goal and will begin working on their new album. Congrats guys!
The Rolling Stones will release a deluxe edition of their classic album, Sticky Fingers, in May. The reissues will range from standard CD remasters to box sets.
DJ Trackstar, the Run the Jewels tour DJ has cleaned up the hip-hop duos latest, last year's modern masterpiece Run the Jewels 2 and made it safe for everyone to listen. El-P released the news on Twitter this morning:
if for some reason you want a copy of the clean version of RTJ2, here it is http://t.co/kckUIC1B4g
— el-p (@therealelp) March 31, 2015
"who the hell would want that, el???" DJs who work at places that don't allow uncensored music, for one. calm down.
— el-p (@therealelp) March 31, 2015
very awesome how many parents seem psyched to play the clean version of RTJ2 to their kids, although we take no responsibility for results.
— el-p (@therealelp) March 31, 2015
Van Halen on Kimmel
It is hard to imagine that in their storied career, Van Halen haven't played late-night TV since reuniting eight years ago. Now, in 2015, the band finally got their due as they performed their hits "Panama" and "Running with the Devil" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Monday, March 30, 2015
Quick News
South African comedian Trevor Noah has been tapped to become the new host of The Daily Show when Jon Stewart steps down later this year.
Will Blur continue after the release of The Magic Whip? The question is up in the air according to guitarist Graham Coxon who spoke to Uncut. The guitarist said, "I view it as a great big positive punctuation mark. I don’t know whether it’s the full stop at the end of a book or whether it’s a full stop at the end of a chapter. I don’t think any of us know that yet. That doesn’t mean any of us are going to stop making music. Music is a constant with us. Damon will make music whether it’s with Blur or doing other things, he’ll always be meandering along making music."
While Blur will release their new album next month, De La Soul are looking to release a new record later this year and the British band's front man, Damon Albarn is apart of it. The iconic Long Island rappers are releasing their new album, which will begin recording next month and have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $110,000 to make it. Albarn will be apart of the project as well as David Byrne, 2 Chainz, and Little Dragon. For more info on the Kickstarter, click here.
Ina n interview with Rolling Stone, Tupac's mom Afeni Shakur Davis, said that his sample on Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly is only the beginning and that their is more Pac music on the way. The music is currently being overseen by Afeni and Tom Whalley, who signed Pac to Interscope, are cleaning up old demos and going through old never-before-released material.
Will Blur continue after the release of The Magic Whip? The question is up in the air according to guitarist Graham Coxon who spoke to Uncut. The guitarist said, "I view it as a great big positive punctuation mark. I don’t know whether it’s the full stop at the end of a book or whether it’s a full stop at the end of a chapter. I don’t think any of us know that yet. That doesn’t mean any of us are going to stop making music. Music is a constant with us. Damon will make music whether it’s with Blur or doing other things, he’ll always be meandering along making music."
While Blur will release their new album next month, De La Soul are looking to release a new record later this year and the British band's front man, Damon Albarn is apart of it. The iconic Long Island rappers are releasing their new album, which will begin recording next month and have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $110,000 to make it. Albarn will be apart of the project as well as David Byrne, 2 Chainz, and Little Dragon. For more info on the Kickstarter, click here.
Ina n interview with Rolling Stone, Tupac's mom Afeni Shakur Davis, said that his sample on Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly is only the beginning and that their is more Pac music on the way. The music is currently being overseen by Afeni and Tom Whalley, who signed Pac to Interscope, are cleaning up old demos and going through old never-before-released material.
QUICK SPINS
Fantasma – Free Love
South African rap king Spoek Mathambo organizes a full band
to craft one of the most far out, creative, and surprising debuts of the year
so far. Mathambo is an icon in his home country and an international star, but
his venture into something that dabbles into jazz, rock, funk, and altering
traditional native sounds makes Free Love a record to admire.
FINAL GRADE: A-
.png)
Marina and the Diamonds – Froot
The English born, Greek blooded pop star returns with her
third album and it might be her most intimate and best yet. Marina finally
sounds as if she is coming into her own and comfortable in her own skin. Her
musical Froot is ripe.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes
I Just Sit
After a series of EP’s, Australia’s daughter of garage rock
arrives with her debut and she impresses. With her smart, clever, and ultra
witty lyrics over basic garage sound, Bartnett is showing promise in what lies
ahead of her career.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Liturgy – The Art Work
A Liturgy in Greek is “the customary public worship done by
a specific religious group, according to its particular beliefs, customs and
traditions.” Brooklyn black metal favorites have crafted a following that does
just that. This band impresses on stage and their fans are some of the most
loyal, now, on their third studio album the band looks to pontificate further.
The Art Work hears the band alter their sound a bit and dive further into
various musical genres while sticking to their roots.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Lightning Bolt – Fantasy Empire
Fantasy Empire is more chaos and ultimate creation from the
Rhode Island duo.
FINAL GRADE: B+
JEFF the Brotherhood – Wasted on the Dream
Eight albums into their career, the dynamic duo of JEFF the
Brotherhood are still punching along with the engine that hasn’t shifted too
many gears but continues to run.
FINAL GRADE: B
Earl Sweatshirt – I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside: An
Album By Earl Sweatshirt
The best rapper from Odd Future released a surprise
sophomore record to much controversy. As the rapper blames his label for
allegedly ruining the records release, it doesn’t mean that the record still
isn’t worth a listen. Earl, still vulnerable as ever, has a unique vision for
what growing up should be and what his life is like these days.
FINAL GRADE: B
Mew - +-
The Danish alternative band return and bring forth an unique
vision and musical landscape that is enough to make anyone curious as to why
they are not bigger than what they are.
FINAL GRADE: B
Matt & Kim – New Glow
There continues to not be a single band on this planet that
has more fun than Matt & Kim. New Glow isn’t anything new sounding from the
band, just new music, but still enough to become an instant ray of sunshine to
your day.
FINAL GRADE: B
The Prodigy – The Day is my Enemy
Over 20 years into their career, The Prodigy refuse to calm
down, they refuse to relax, and they refuse to stop. For all of that, it is
worth hearing how the ravers still continue to adapt to the scene and bring
aggression to the digital age.
FINAL GRADE: B
The Go! Team – The Scene Between
Four years after their last year, the English genre bending
band release their fourth album and still pack a punch. While The Scene Between
is a welcomed return from this band, we know it’s real luster lies live in
concert.
FINAL GRADE: B
Strung Out – Transmission Alpha Delta
The West Coast punks return and bring forth a new collection
of tracks to add to their classic arsenal.
FINAL GRADE: B
The Cribs – For All My Sisters
The Jarmin fraternity is back with Rik Okasek behind the
decks to bring a much more pop and polished sound to the bands garage rock vibe
and from their previous efftort which was produced by Steve Albini. For All My
Sisters is The Cribs at a turning point but still being themselves.
FINAL GRADE: B
Will Butler – Policy
Recorded over a week in Jimi Hendrix’s old living room at
Electric Lady Studios in New York during Arcade Fire’s massive Reflektor tour,
the band’s multi-instrumentalist Will Buter, brother of singer Win, goes solo
for the first time and brings with him the ghosts of Arcade Fire past. With
impromptu dance breakdowns and perfect indie pop hooks, Will Butler holds his
own on his own.
FINAL GRADE: B
Calexico – Edge of the Sun
Eight albums into their career, Arizona’s Calexico still
push the instrumental boundaries of their music and go further into the mind of
the listener, this time, they bring us to the Edge of the Sun.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Wale – The Album About Nothing
When Wale bursted onto the scene it was with his Seinfeld-inspired
mixtape, A Mixtape About Nothing. Now, he takes that same idea on a studio
album proving that the 90’s sitcom is this D.C. rappers muse.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Death Cab For Cutie – Kintsugi
The latest record from the Washington state indie gods is
the final for founding member and guitarist Chris Walla, while his departure
will be felt down the line, this is an appropriate send off.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Action Bronson – Mr. Wonderful
After years of indie records, mixtapes, EP’s, Queens’ Action
Bronson makes his major label debut and proves that the sound he gave us in the
past was something to gain respect, credit, and attention. On his debut,
Bronsolino does whatever he wants. With producers like Party Supplies,
Alchemist, and Mark Ronson, Bronson uses a bit of his old tactics but brings a
trippy, stoner rap record that is so far gone and so far out there, it feels so
mashed together and convoluted that his past shines even more.
FINAL GRADE: C+
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Live Review: Jon Spencer Blues Explosion @ SingleCut Brewery
Since 1991 Jon Spencer Blues Explosion have been a band that took all the best of what the New York City underground had to offer and brought it to the forefront of modern music. The band, who just released their latest album, Freedom Tower: No Wave Dance Party 2015, took to the small clubs and unconventional music venues of the five boroughs of New York City and brought their new record to life in ever borough. For the final stop on the "Five Borough Freedom Tour," the band played inside SingleCut Brewery in Astoria, Queens, to go out with a bang.
"We saved the best for last! A brewery! Tonight is brought to you by Miller Lite!," Jon Spencer jokingly told the packed room inside Queens' first brewery since prohibition. The band kicked things into high gear right away. Performing most of their new album, the energy inside the unconventional music venue was at fever pitch. The trio played on platform which was above an office and restroom inside the tap room. With people crammed in, drinking and all with great vantage points, the band let loose -- after all, it was the final night and a Saturday night! For the 75 minutes they were on stage, Spencer would climb over the barricades, climb across anything he could and play in the audience. He would wave a giant American flag they had hung over their stage area, but with all of his antics, the trio's tight and perfect blend of garage rock and blues had everyone in awe.
Great Soundtrack: La Vie En Rose
.jpg)
While 2007's La Vie En Rose is one of the greatest biopic's ever made and even got French actress Marion Cotillard an Oscar, the soundtrack to the film about Edith Piaf is the star. Piaf, who was the biggest singer in the world during World War II lived a heartbreaking life and she poured it all out in her music. While Cotillard brought her pain to life, the soundtrack, which features Piaf's greatest hits as well as music from composer Christopher Gunning, and French classic artists Jil Algrot, Charley Maresca, Mistinguett, and others, brings the music of that era back to life in a remastered in one fantastic composition. La Vie En Rose is a cinematic masterpiece and it's soundtrack is another cog in the wheel of a voice that is timeless.
Recommended Reading: Touching From A Distance
Most music biographies and autobiographies are told from the perspective of what it is like inside the band and the forces on the outside that may have influenced decisions. Very rarely is a biography written about a musician that is on the outside looking in. Twenty years ago, Deborah Curtis, the wife of late Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, told her memoirs. She explains what it was like being the wife to the singer of a band that was one of the most rapidly growing and successful bands in Europe and married to a man that suffered depression and epileptic seizures which played a factor into Ian's suicide on the eve of Joy Division's first U.S. tour.
Read Our 2013 Interview With Ian Curtis' Daughter, Natalie
Touching From A Distance, which would later be the basis to Anton Corbijn's directorial debut, Control, is one of the most heartbreaking and candid stories you will read about this band. Deborah details her beginnings with Ian, his rising fame, medical conditions, infidelities, and volatile personality. This is a must read for any fan of this band and Deborah treats fans to lyrics and handwritten notes Ian had of songs never recorded. A unique and powerful look on what it was like being on the outside of the band but still within the inner circle.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
VINTAGE CLIP! Prodigy at 1997 MTV VMA's
In 1997, the second British invasion was at it's height in America. Oasis, Blur, The Verve, and the Spice Girls were all over the news and airwaves. Yet, it was Prodigy that was turning heads like the British punks of the late 70's did when they first arrived in the States. Before the band release their new album, The Day is My Enemy, next week, watch them perform their classic "Breathe" in this VINTAGE CLIP from the 1997 MTV VMA's. Also, fun note, they were introduced by their then-boss Madonna who signed them to her Maverick record label and released their blockbuster, The Fat of the Land.
Quick News
Dr. Dre sat down with L.A. radio DJ Big Boy about the upcoming NWA biopic, Straight Outta Compton movie arriving this summer. The producer, rapper, and mogul explained that it was Ice Cube that sold him on the idea of the film, but Dre was still nervous about the project. He said, "I was just nervous about putting a blemish on our legacy. The story had to be told right. And it's incredible, man. I'm really excited about it. We had our ups and downs with the filming process, but now the edit is almost done. We're working on music and what have you, and I think everybody's going to appreciate it, especially everybody from Los Angeles. We really wanted to get across, one of the things, was how we feel about women because there's a big misconception, how much we respect our women." He then discussed how he is crafting the soundtrack of the film, but in typical Dr. Dre fashion, don't get too excited about it's release. He said, "I'm working on something right now. I don't want to put it out there just yet and say that I'm definitely gonna put it out. But I'm really feeling what I'm working on right now. This would be a record that's inspired by the movie."
Duran Duran have signed to Warner Bros. and will release their new album later this year. The iconic new wave band will have the record produced by Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson and Mr Hudson. According to a press release the new album also includes guest appearances by former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante, and Canadian Juno-Award winning newcomer Kiesza.
After a week of teasing, Jamie xx has announced that his debut album, In Colour, will arrive on June 1. Take a look at the cover below:
Duran Duran have signed to Warner Bros. and will release their new album later this year. The iconic new wave band will have the record produced by Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson and Mr Hudson. According to a press release the new album also includes guest appearances by former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante, and Canadian Juno-Award winning newcomer Kiesza.
After a week of teasing, Jamie xx has announced that his debut album, In Colour, will arrive on June 1. Take a look at the cover below:
Friday, March 27, 2015
Gaslight Anthem's Brian Fallon Covers Oasis
Gaslight Anthem's Brian Fallon recently performed at radio station CFOX and did a fantastic cover of the Oasis classic "Don't Look Back in Anger." Take a look!
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Quick News
Heartless Bastards will release their new album, Restless Ones, in June.
Electronica icons Leftfield have reunited and will release their third album, Alternative Light Source, in June.
Jamie xx announced that he will be releasing a solo album this year called In Colour. While there is still no release date, he did put out the tracklisting, take a look:
01 Gosh
02 Sleep Sound
03 Seesaw [ft. Romy]
04 Obvs
05 Just Saying
06 Stranger in a Room [ft. Oliver Sim]
07 Hold Tight
08 Loud Places [ft. Romy]
09 I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times) [ft. Young Thug and Popcaan]
10 The Rest Is Noise
11 Girl
While Beastie Boys are no longer since the untimely death of Adam "MCA" Yauch in 2012, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz spoke to NME about if he and Mike D. will ever work again. Ad-Rock said, "Adam started the band, so we couldn't do anything without him. At some point we'll do something."
As if the world needs more reason to realize Dave Grohl is the man. A dying Foo Fighters fan in Australia was just given VIP tickets and passes to see the band in L.A. later this year thanks to Grohl. Ken Powell, a huge Foo Fighters fan, was diagnosed with melanoma 14 years ago and in 2009, it was reported as being fatal. After Grohl heard the news of Powell, he sent him a photo saying "Hi Ken" and the passes to the gig. Powell is now raising money to get to L.A. for the show, you can read more about it and donate HERE.
Speaking to NME, Blur's Graham Coxon has said that the band's upcoming album, The Magic Whip, was a way to "make amends" with each other. Coxon said, "Damon and I have an increased respect for each other because of this record, and we're not ashamed to let each other know about that increased respect. But what we also have a lot of history, and our friendship – like any friendship between two people in a band together – has had to go through a lot. It’s been put to the test, and we’ve often let each other down. This record was a way of saying, ‘Sorry for being such a pain in the arse for the last 20 years.'"
Syrian singer Omar Souleyman will release his new album Bahdeni Nami in July. He collaborated with Four Tet and Modeselektor for his latest offering. Take a look at the cover below:
Ceremony will release their third album, The L-Shaped Man in May. Take a look at the cover below:
Electronica icons Leftfield have reunited and will release their third album, Alternative Light Source, in June.
Jamie xx announced that he will be releasing a solo album this year called In Colour. While there is still no release date, he did put out the tracklisting, take a look:
01 Gosh
02 Sleep Sound
03 Seesaw [ft. Romy]
04 Obvs
05 Just Saying
06 Stranger in a Room [ft. Oliver Sim]
07 Hold Tight
08 Loud Places [ft. Romy]
09 I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times) [ft. Young Thug and Popcaan]
10 The Rest Is Noise
11 Girl
While Beastie Boys are no longer since the untimely death of Adam "MCA" Yauch in 2012, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz spoke to NME about if he and Mike D. will ever work again. Ad-Rock said, "Adam started the band, so we couldn't do anything without him. At some point we'll do something."
As if the world needs more reason to realize Dave Grohl is the man. A dying Foo Fighters fan in Australia was just given VIP tickets and passes to see the band in L.A. later this year thanks to Grohl. Ken Powell, a huge Foo Fighters fan, was diagnosed with melanoma 14 years ago and in 2009, it was reported as being fatal. After Grohl heard the news of Powell, he sent him a photo saying "Hi Ken" and the passes to the gig. Powell is now raising money to get to L.A. for the show, you can read more about it and donate HERE.
Speaking to NME, Blur's Graham Coxon has said that the band's upcoming album, The Magic Whip, was a way to "make amends" with each other. Coxon said, "Damon and I have an increased respect for each other because of this record, and we're not ashamed to let each other know about that increased respect. But what we also have a lot of history, and our friendship – like any friendship between two people in a band together – has had to go through a lot. It’s been put to the test, and we’ve often let each other down. This record was a way of saying, ‘Sorry for being such a pain in the arse for the last 20 years.'"
Syrian singer Omar Souleyman will release his new album Bahdeni Nami in July. He collaborated with Four Tet and Modeselektor for his latest offering. Take a look at the cover below:
Ceremony will release their third album, The L-Shaped Man in May. Take a look at the cover below:
Action Bronson on Letterman
Watch Action Bronson make his late night TV debut on Letterman as he performed "Baby Blue" with Chance the Rapper.
Marina & The Diamonds on Meyers
Watch Marina & The Diamonds celebrate her new album, Froot, on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Live Review: Action Bronson @ Terminal 5
It was lights, camera, Action Bronson as the Flushing, Queens, native played the first of two sold-out gigs inside Terminal 5. These were a special series of concerts for the rising rapper, they were hometown throwdown concerts in celebration of his major label debut, Mr. Wonderful, and that his Vice web series, Fuck, That's Delicious, was picked up for a second season.
Bronson, who released Mr. Wonderful the same as Tuesday's concert, is a different step from the mixtapes, EP's, and previous albums the rapper has released. Due to the different sound and vibe Mr. Wonderful has, the show seemed to echo that from start to finish.
Hear Our Essential Action Bronson Playlist on Spotify!
As people packed into the 3,000 person club, Bronson came out on stage around 9:30 as Alchemist spun behind him. Opening with "Brand New Car," the first cut from Mr. Wonderful, he took the audience into the album. Mr. Wonderful starts off like a typical Bronson record, but within the middle of the album it becomes a trippy, drug infused odyssey into the mind of a man who simply does not give a fuck, displayed on his out of tune singing on parts of the record. That being said, that is how Tuesday night's concert went. It looked like an Action Bronson show, it was billed as an Action Bronson show, but it didn't feel like one. It seems as if the man who came up from the underground is now on the top of Mount Sinai looking down and saying, "Kiss my ass, this is me now!"
Performing an album from start to finish is generally something artists do with their classic records, sometimes it will be done for a record release like in Bronson's case, but the fans generally get something more. As special guests Party Supplies, Big Body Bes, Meyhem Lauren popped on stage to do their verses to various songs across the record, much of the show saw Bronson pacing around the stage looking lost. He did his typical crowd surfing and jumped into the audience to walk around and perform, but even then didn't get very far, something he acknowledged saying, "I must be getting old." With much of the record featuring instrumentals, Bronson didn't do much to hold the crowds attention. Thanks to previous singles "Baby Blue," "Actin' Crazy," and "Easy Rider," most of the time the audience looked disengaged. In previous gigs he would crack jokes, throw goodies out into the crowd, even freestyle, but as the first night of his New York shows went, his largest headlining to date, he didn't seem to care.
As the sounds of a chopper motorcycle roared through the speakers of Terminal 5, Bronson, Party Supplies and Alchemist walked off stage. As the crowd chanted "Bron!Son! Bron! Son," he finally returned from the wings with everyone that came off with him and performed "Amadu Diablo," from his fantastic Blue Chips 2. While he was doing the low-key track, a fan stormed the stage and Bronson grabbed him and threw him right off and back into the crowd. As the song, which features a sample of Tracy Chapman's "Give Me On Reason" came to an end, so did the night. For 60 minutes, 13 songs were played and that was the big homecoming show fans got. Underwhelming in an understatement.
**Photos by RICH D SMOOV***
Quick News
Modest Mouse have confirmed that their next album, the follow-up to Strangers to Ourselves, will arrive next year and will feature Nirvana's Krist Novoselic.
Jamie xx will release his solo debut, In Colour, later this year. The album will feature The xx's Romy Croft, Four Tet, and others. Meanwhile, The xx plan on releasing their third album this year as well.
Elvis Costello is releasing his memoir, Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink, in October.
Speaking to DIY, Ben Gibbard says that he and the rest of Death Cab for Cutie knew that Chris Walla's departure was coming. Gibbard said, "I think that, knowing this was something that was coming - for years, honestly - there’s a particular kind of relief that comes when you know that the outcome that you’ve expected on the horizon is finally here, and you can finally move on with your life. I’m certainly not overflowing with joy that Chris left the band,” he added, “but at the same time, just having - finally after all these years - the catharsis of somebody who’s had - in some ways - one foot out the door for years, finally leave the band, it comes with a particular sense of relief. I mean, honestly, I found it very bittersweet,” Gibbard continued. "But also, frankly very liberating. I think that when you’re making a record with a band and you’ve been doing it as long as we have, sometimes you do have to tiptoe around people and make sure you don’t hurt their feelings if you tell them that something’s not working. You know that you’re gonna be living with this person for the next year and a half, playing these songs. Particularly Chris and I’s relationship has been a complicated one over the years and I think that sometimes neither of us have said the thing we needed to say at the time because we were fearful of setting one another off."
Taking to Twitter Bloc Party bassist Gordon Moaks has confirmed he has left the band and is not working on their fifth album.
A$AP Rocky has confirmed that his new album will be called At.Long. Last.A$AP. No release date has been set.
Speaking to NME, Raekwon is calling out Wu-Tang Clan's management and saying that the hip-hop collective's last effort, A Better Tomorrow, was weak. He said, "That album felt kinda bored. And that’s not just my opinion. The music was just too soft. Too humble. I felt like the album could have been better. I voiced my opinion, like, 'Yo, let's give them some real shit!' The album was driven more to [producer and fellow founding member] RZA’s expectations. He was coming from one way, we was wanting to try something new. I ain't going on the road with Wu-Tang this year. Fans will think it’s beef in the group, but it’s all management. I didn't know shit about the tour. They just assume I’m good to be there and put it all together, but by then I got obligations, a fucking schedule. It’s frustrating, ‘cos I’d love to be there."
Speaking to Gigwise, producer Flood defended U2's delivery via Apple of their last album, Songs of Innocence. The iconic producer said, "I think what it did was raise whether music is valued in society right now, and I think that's something that still hasn't been answered correctly. It brought about the question of 'What are peoples' listening tastes?' And maybe the biggest question it raised was 'Are people allowed to have choice or is choice actually being eliminated?'"
For the first time ever, the Decline of Western Civilization triology will arrive on Blu-Ray this June. The films. which chronicle the underground punk, metal, and hardcore scene's of the 1980's have been hailed as some of the greatest documentaries of all time and shed serious light as what those scenes were like back in the day. The new box set comes with four discs and a 40 page book. Take a look at the cover below:
Jamie xx will release his solo debut, In Colour, later this year. The album will feature The xx's Romy Croft, Four Tet, and others. Meanwhile, The xx plan on releasing their third album this year as well.
Elvis Costello is releasing his memoir, Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink, in October.
Speaking to DIY, Ben Gibbard says that he and the rest of Death Cab for Cutie knew that Chris Walla's departure was coming. Gibbard said, "I think that, knowing this was something that was coming - for years, honestly - there’s a particular kind of relief that comes when you know that the outcome that you’ve expected on the horizon is finally here, and you can finally move on with your life. I’m certainly not overflowing with joy that Chris left the band,” he added, “but at the same time, just having - finally after all these years - the catharsis of somebody who’s had - in some ways - one foot out the door for years, finally leave the band, it comes with a particular sense of relief. I mean, honestly, I found it very bittersweet,” Gibbard continued. "But also, frankly very liberating. I think that when you’re making a record with a band and you’ve been doing it as long as we have, sometimes you do have to tiptoe around people and make sure you don’t hurt their feelings if you tell them that something’s not working. You know that you’re gonna be living with this person for the next year and a half, playing these songs. Particularly Chris and I’s relationship has been a complicated one over the years and I think that sometimes neither of us have said the thing we needed to say at the time because we were fearful of setting one another off."
Taking to Twitter Bloc Party bassist Gordon Moaks has confirmed he has left the band and is not working on their fifth album.
A$AP Rocky has confirmed that his new album will be called At.Long. Last.A$AP. No release date has been set.
Speaking to NME, Raekwon is calling out Wu-Tang Clan's management and saying that the hip-hop collective's last effort, A Better Tomorrow, was weak. He said, "That album felt kinda bored. And that’s not just my opinion. The music was just too soft. Too humble. I felt like the album could have been better. I voiced my opinion, like, 'Yo, let's give them some real shit!' The album was driven more to [producer and fellow founding member] RZA’s expectations. He was coming from one way, we was wanting to try something new. I ain't going on the road with Wu-Tang this year. Fans will think it’s beef in the group, but it’s all management. I didn't know shit about the tour. They just assume I’m good to be there and put it all together, but by then I got obligations, a fucking schedule. It’s frustrating, ‘cos I’d love to be there."
Speaking to Gigwise, producer Flood defended U2's delivery via Apple of their last album, Songs of Innocence. The iconic producer said, "I think what it did was raise whether music is valued in society right now, and I think that's something that still hasn't been answered correctly. It brought about the question of 'What are peoples' listening tastes?' And maybe the biggest question it raised was 'Are people allowed to have choice or is choice actually being eliminated?'"
For the first time ever, the Decline of Western Civilization triology will arrive on Blu-Ray this June. The films. which chronicle the underground punk, metal, and hardcore scene's of the 1980's have been hailed as some of the greatest documentaries of all time and shed serious light as what those scenes were like back in the day. The new box set comes with four discs and a 40 page book. Take a look at the cover below:
The Fall Announce 31st Album!
The Fall are an amazing band simply because the only original member of the group, Mark E. Smith, simply does not give a fuck and simply won't stop making music.
That being said, the band will release their 31st! album, Sub-Lingual Tablet, in May. Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:
1. “Venice With The Girls”
2. “Black Root”
3. “Dedication Not Medication”
4. “First One Today”
5. “Junger Cloth”
6. “Stout Man”
7. “Auto Chip 2014-2016″
8. “Pledge”
9. “Snazzy”
10. “Fibre Book Troll”
11. “Quit iPhone”
2. “Black Root”
3. “Dedication Not Medication”
4. “First One Today”
5. “Junger Cloth”
6. “Stout Man”
7. “Auto Chip 2014-2016″
8. “Pledge”
9. “Snazzy”
10. “Fibre Book Troll”
11. “Quit iPhone”
Modest Mouse on James Corden
James Corden took over The Late Late Show earlier this week and is already making huge changes to the program. From his video skits to how he interviews his guests, not to mention the fully stocked bar he has on stage. But he is coming out big for his first week and had Modest Mouse as his very first musical guest. Take a look!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
Quick News
One of Seattle's most famous sons, Jimi Hendrix, will be immortalized in his hometown by having a park named after him. The park has secured a developer and will be finished and unveiled this fall.
Black Sabbath have confirmed that their FINAL show ever will be this fall at OzzFest Japan. The band, who reunited in 2012, released their latest record, 13 in 2013, toured extensively through that year and are looking to have their swan song this year. The band are reportedly going to release new music this year as well.
Snoop Dogg is developing a drama with HBO set in the 1980's L.A. about a family struggling with Reganomics, the crack issue, and violence. No word as to when the show will arrive.
Johnny Marr has confirmed that "the time has come" for the iconic Smiths guitarist to tell his story. Marr will release his autobiography in the fall of 2016 and will reportedly discuss everything from his childhood in Manchester to his time withe The Smiths to his solo work and the various bands he has played in.
Brandon Flowers is enlisting some heavy hitters for his sophomore album, The Desired Effect, which arrives in May. Flowers has Killers member Ronnie Vannucci Jr., as well as Ethan Farmer, Bruce Hornsby, Tony Levin, Kenny Arnof, Angel Deradoorian, Joey Waronker, and Danielle Haim, Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant, contributing their talents. Take a look at the tracklisting below:
01 “Dreams Come True”
02 “Can’t Deny My Love”
03 “I Can Change”
04 “Still Want You”
05 “Between Me And You”
06 “Lonely Town”
07 “Digging Up The Heart”
08 “Never Get You Right”
09 “Untangled Love”
10 “The Way It’s Always Been”
Black Sabbath have confirmed that their FINAL show ever will be this fall at OzzFest Japan. The band, who reunited in 2012, released their latest record, 13 in 2013, toured extensively through that year and are looking to have their swan song this year. The band are reportedly going to release new music this year as well.
Snoop Dogg is developing a drama with HBO set in the 1980's L.A. about a family struggling with Reganomics, the crack issue, and violence. No word as to when the show will arrive.
Johnny Marr has confirmed that "the time has come" for the iconic Smiths guitarist to tell his story. Marr will release his autobiography in the fall of 2016 and will reportedly discuss everything from his childhood in Manchester to his time withe The Smiths to his solo work and the various bands he has played in.
Brandon Flowers is enlisting some heavy hitters for his sophomore album, The Desired Effect, which arrives in May. Flowers has Killers member Ronnie Vannucci Jr., as well as Ethan Farmer, Bruce Hornsby, Tony Levin, Kenny Arnof, Angel Deradoorian, Joey Waronker, and Danielle Haim, Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant, contributing their talents. Take a look at the tracklisting below:
01 “Dreams Come True”
02 “Can’t Deny My Love”
03 “I Can Change”
04 “Still Want You”
05 “Between Me And You”
06 “Lonely Town”
07 “Digging Up The Heart”
08 “Never Get You Right”
09 “Untangled Love”
10 “The Way It’s Always Been”
Major Lazer Announce New Album
Diplo's Major Lazer project with Jillionaire and Walshy Fire announced their new album, Peace is the Mission. The new record arrives in the early summer, the band's website just has a countdown to what fans are assuming is when it will come.
Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:
Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:
01 Be Together [ft. Wild Belle]
02 Too Original [ft. Elliphant & Jovi Rockwell]
03 Blaze Up The Fire [ft. Chronixx]
04 Lean On [ft. MØ & DJ Snake]
05 Powerful [ft. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley]
06 Light It Up [ft. Nyla]
07 Roll the Bass
08 Night Riders [ft. Travi$ Scott, 2 Chainz, Pusha T & Mad Cobra]
09 All My Love [ft. Ariana Grande & Machel Montano (Remix)]
02 Too Original [ft. Elliphant & Jovi Rockwell]
03 Blaze Up The Fire [ft. Chronixx]
04 Lean On [ft. MØ & DJ Snake]
05 Powerful [ft. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley]
06 Light It Up [ft. Nyla]
07 Roll the Bass
08 Night Riders [ft. Travi$ Scott, 2 Chainz, Pusha T & Mad Cobra]
09 All My Love [ft. Ariana Grande & Machel Montano (Remix)]
VINTAGE CLIP! Incubus on Letterman
Before Incubus release their new EP tomorrow, Trust Fall Side A, watch the band perform "Nice to Know You" in 2002 on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
EXCLUSIVE! Strung Out INTV!
This band has been going strong since 1989, what still influences you to
put out music?
Jason - Honestly, people still keep showing up to the shows.
I think we're very fortunate to have so many people believe in us. That’s a
rare thing in today’s climate. It’s very wonderful to be able to make music
with another human being, but when its supported and anticipated - well that’s
a rare rare privilege that should never be taken for granted.
Jake - To me, it's the people that come out to the shows and
all the fans with tattoos that keep us inspired. Of course, we love to play
this stuff but without them who knows if we'd still be doing it. I'm very glad
and thankful we have them. It's something the five of us need in our lives!
What did you learn about each other in the process of crafting this
record?
JC - Nothing. We know everything there is to know about each
other. I know who’s going to walk through the door by the way they grab the
handle on the other end. I know who is going to say what before it leaves their
mouth. All that being said, this is what makes Strung Out such a reliable
machine. Bypassing all the politeness and formalities enabling each member to
get to work on what they do best.
JK - That we are all still very much into this band and have
a lot left to give! I feel we're more focused now than we've been in years. I'm
blown away by the guys' performances on this one. If nobody else even likes it,
I'd still be satisfied with it.
The record still sounds like Strung Out, but there seems to be different
feel and musical style to this album. What did you do differently on
‘Transmission Alpha Delta’ that you had not done before?
JC - Me personally - I started another band to purge any
unfrequented, un addressed musical
desires. This helped me to accept what Strung Out was and was not. What the
band was capable of and my place in the whole process.
JK - I think it was good that we gave ourselves a bit more
time in between albums, which gave us some time to reflect and appreciate what
we need to be doing. I feel we harnessed the intensity and energy of our early
albums while paying more attention to detail and overall just pushing ourselves
to the limit.
What does the title of the record signify?
JK - That the human brain is an antenna that’s constantly
picking up these signals. Even though, intuition or unexplainable coincidence
might actually be the result of our minds receiving these subconscious signals.
Jason can explain it better.
JC - The title of the record signifies a call sign over a
congested frequency. A faint signal in a sea of white noise. This is all we get
to decipher some sort of purpose or meaning in this short absurd existence
You were in this band when you were teenagers, now you are dads and
husbands. Does growing up and being an adult alter what the objective in being
in this band means to you?
JC - Being a father, I no longer put myself first
(obviously). My needs are secondary to a higher calling. This I have applied to
music. I see it as a privilege and a calling. Once you learn to nurture
something bigger than yourself, then you can truly grow as an artist and a
person, then you can really connect with the people and world around you. We
all do this for different reasons and aside from just having fun and creating a
release. Music should bring people together despite their petty differences.
JK - No, not to me… This shit keeps you young. It's still a
very cathartic thing to write and perform live, and I look forward to
everything that comes with it. It's a great way to be creative and also
therapeutic to get anything out through music. But shit, I still feel 20 most
the time. Ha Ha!
Doing
this for as long as you have, what do you think of the state of punk at the
moment?
JC - I don't know what any of that means. Punk to me was
exactly how Ian MacKaye described it - a porthole to a subculture. I have left
the porthole behind and I am solely interested in the subculture. The door of
the house is irrelevant once you have made your way to the fridge, bubba.
JK - It's back underground where it belongs. That is good,
and it keeps it exciting and relevant. Personally, there was nothing worse to
me than seeing and hearing the melodic West Coast-style punk sound get so
watered and dumbed down, sold and commercialized by those whores in the early
2000s. There were bands that major labels could buy when all of our bands
turned them down. They sold what was a special thing to the masses and have now
gone onto their reality shows. But they’re gone now and that’s what matters.
After all these years, what is your fondest memory in being apart of
Strung Out?
JC - My fondest memory is whenever Rob Ramos tells me I done
good.
JK - Oh man, there are too many!! It probably happened on a
night I forget!
So many new bands are forming with the punk ethos that you and so many
bands brought to the forefront in the genre’s early days. What advice do you
give to someone starting a band today?
JC - You better have nothing to lose and become a straight
huslta' or keep your day job. Don't expect anything from this other than the
simple joy of making music with your friends. Just because you’re talented
doesn't mean shit. Maintain healthy long-lasting relationships with the people
around you and those you work with. I got lucky and I work hard, but mostly I
got lucky.
JK - To always do it for yourself first and that you have to
be 100% into what you are doing. It's not easy to make this happen. You have to
put it all on the line and sacrifice many of the things we are brought up
thinking are so important. You have to give up everything else and even then
you may only get so far. You might get to a place you are content with, only to
have critics regard your success as modest. You might put out albums you bled
and fought and almost killed each other over in making, just to have people go
"Ehh..'' or "They were good, but should have gave it up…” Fuck that
and fuck them! If you can create something you are proud of and can stand by
wherever it ends up, that is all you need.
The band formed in the late 80’s but didn’t release your first record
until the mid-90’s. What happened that it took so long to get that initial
debut out?
JC - We actually started around 1990. I was pretty much a
street kid bouncing around from couch to couch and I don't really think any one
of us ever really considered this would take us where it did. As a result, we
needed to become a real band in order to commit to the game and that took some
time.
JK - To set it straight, we actually formed in Mid 1991. Not
sure where that late '80s rumor came from. Ha Ha! I joined the band in July
1992 and we recorded our first album in Dec '93. It came out in May '94, so our
progress was actually quite swift in the beginning. We're just really lucky
that we met Fat Mike when we did.
Your live shows are known for their chaos and intense
performances from both you and the fans, what happens as soon as you step off
stage and the show is done? How do you unwind from those gigs?
JC - Chess and hard illegal drugs, strange cinema, and fruit
smoothies.
JK - HaHa. Some nights you just barely have the energy to
walk off stage! It depends a lot on the heat of the show, but I'd say you get
conditioned to it a bit as the tour goes on. After a show, we like to come down
and meet fans, shake hands, do some photos and then just chill. I like to go on
the bus and put on some KJAZZ and smoke a big ol bowl of green, haha!
After the release of the album and tour, what is next
for Strung Out?
JC - Your guess
is as good as mine, Bubba Ho Tep.
**Photo Credit: Rick Kosick**
Robert Plant Joins Jack White At Lollapalooza Argentina
Jack White headlined Lollapalooza Argentina on Saturday night and while the slick rocker may have been the top of the bill, the highlight was when he brought out Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant to cover "The Lemon Song." Take a look!
Hear All The 'Pimp A Butterfly' Samples
While Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly continues to stun audiences around the music world that have heard it, the 80-minute long record doesn't have it's shortage of amazing samples. Now, thanks to Philly producers Gianni Lee & Mike Blud they have complied all of the samples into one long track. Take a listen to what inspired and helped craft music's most talked about LP.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Quick News
Earlier this year A$AP Crew member A$AP Yams unexpectedly passed away. Now, the coroner report is that the rapper and producer passed away from an accidental drug overdose in New York.
While the A$AP Crew deals with the passing of Yams, leader A$AP Rocky has begun work on his next album and is making interesting collaborations for his next LP. He is reportedly working with FKA Twigs, Lykke Li, Clams Casino among others. Speaking to Billboard, Rocky said, "People really don't know the other side of me. The deeper side, the more musical side, the more intellectual side. When I first came on the scene it was more of this trendy, bourgeois, pizazz attitude. That's still me but at the end of the day I think that kind of overshadowed the whole purpose of me doing what I do. I'm an incredibly diverse artist, I'm a universal artist. At least that's how I see it."
HBO Films confirmed that aside from airing on the network in May, the documentary Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck will run in theaters next month.
Speaking to Gigwise, Queens of the Stone Age bassist Michael Shuman said that the band are taking a break and on hiatus. Shuman said, "There will be future stuff with Queens, we're just taking a break since we had a long, long two years of touring. We'll take a break to do other stuff."
One of Sweden's finest exports, Robyn, is partnering with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, to craft a one-day festival aimed at promoting the inclusion of women in technology called TEKLA. The festival will have panel discussions, performances, and takes place in April. The festival is set to inspire young women to be intrigued about technology.
Brandon Flowers will release his second solo album, The Desired Effect, this summer. Take a look at the cover of the record from The Killers front man:
Glassjaw side-project Color Film will release their new EP, Text on Image, later this year. Take a look at the cover below:
While the A$AP Crew deals with the passing of Yams, leader A$AP Rocky has begun work on his next album and is making interesting collaborations for his next LP. He is reportedly working with FKA Twigs, Lykke Li, Clams Casino among others. Speaking to Billboard, Rocky said, "People really don't know the other side of me. The deeper side, the more musical side, the more intellectual side. When I first came on the scene it was more of this trendy, bourgeois, pizazz attitude. That's still me but at the end of the day I think that kind of overshadowed the whole purpose of me doing what I do. I'm an incredibly diverse artist, I'm a universal artist. At least that's how I see it."
HBO Films confirmed that aside from airing on the network in May, the documentary Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck will run in theaters next month.
Speaking to Gigwise, Queens of the Stone Age bassist Michael Shuman said that the band are taking a break and on hiatus. Shuman said, "There will be future stuff with Queens, we're just taking a break since we had a long, long two years of touring. We'll take a break to do other stuff."
One of Sweden's finest exports, Robyn, is partnering with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, to craft a one-day festival aimed at promoting the inclusion of women in technology called TEKLA. The festival will have panel discussions, performances, and takes place in April. The festival is set to inspire young women to be intrigued about technology.
Brandon Flowers will release his second solo album, The Desired Effect, this summer. Take a look at the cover of the record from The Killers front man:
Glassjaw side-project Color Film will release their new EP, Text on Image, later this year. Take a look at the cover below:
Willie Nelson on Kimmel
You can't go to Austin, Texas, for a week without sending love to Willie Nelson. Watch the icon perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live on the final night of Kimmel's SXSW residency.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Action Bronson 'Mr. Wonderful' Documentary
Next week, Action Bronson will release his major label debut, Mr. Wonderful via Vice / Atlantic. Before it arrives, Bam Bam gave us a documentary about why his Mr. Wonderful.
Hear Our Essential Action Bronson Playlist!
My Morning Jacket Album Trailer
In May, My Morning Jacket will release their new album, The Waterfall. Now, the band has released a trailer to show how the record was made and teased a new song called "Under the Waterfall." Take a look!
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Jay Z Teaming Up with Jack White for Magna Carta Reissue
Jack White's Third Man Records will reissue Jay Z's last album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, as a 7" box set. The set will contain eight 7" discs, a cloth binder and scratch off pages -- yeah, like the lotto, where you can reveal the lyrics. This release will be limited to 1000 copies and is out on Friday. Take a look at the just released trailer.
Quick News
According to Jose Mangin of Liquid Metal, Dillinger Escape Plan guitarist Ben Weinman revealed that actress Juliette Lewis will be handling lead vocals for Giraffe Tongue Orchestra. The band is a new project featuring Weinman, Mastodon's Brent Hinds, Dethklok's Pete Griffin and Thomas Pidgen of the Mars Volta. Weinman said, "She doesn’t need to be playing in front of 500 people on this shitty ugly club, you know? She’s a successful actress–she did a 9-minute-long acting scene with Robert DeNiro for god sakes. And here she is by choice in a grungy club with a dirty toilet just putting everything into it, so when we were thinking about singers and people to collaborate, all of a sudden I was like 'You know what? I think that could be cool.'" No word as to when the band will release anything or tour. Lewis also fronts the punk band, Juliette and the Licks.
Speaking to Billboard, Dave Grohl talked about a possible season two of Sonic Highways. Grohl said, "There might be a season two. There are a lot of studios." However, the musician may take the story overseas, saying, "If we went to somewhere like Abbey Road it'd be fun to interview someone like Paul McCartney or George Martin, that'd be kind of cool. Or go to say, Berlin, and interview someone like David Bowie or Iggy [Pop]. You could go to Manchester and interview the Happy Mondays, guys."
Next week, Johnny Cash's entire American Recordings, his acclaimed work with Rick Rubin, will be re-issued as a six-vinyl box set.
Jedi Mind Tricks took to Facebook to post the cover to their upcoming album, The Thief and the Fallen, which will arrive on June 2. Take a look at the cover below:
Wavves and Cloud Nothings announced a collaborative record called No Life For Me. No release has been set but take a look at the cover, below:
The filmmakers who brought us the fantastic Senna, are now bringing us the story of the late Amy Winehouse. The documentary, Amy, will arrive in theaters this summer. Take a look at the poster, below:
Speaking to Billboard, Dave Grohl talked about a possible season two of Sonic Highways. Grohl said, "There might be a season two. There are a lot of studios." However, the musician may take the story overseas, saying, "If we went to somewhere like Abbey Road it'd be fun to interview someone like Paul McCartney or George Martin, that'd be kind of cool. Or go to say, Berlin, and interview someone like David Bowie or Iggy [Pop]. You could go to Manchester and interview the Happy Mondays, guys."
Next week, Johnny Cash's entire American Recordings, his acclaimed work with Rick Rubin, will be re-issued as a six-vinyl box set.
Jedi Mind Tricks took to Facebook to post the cover to their upcoming album, The Thief and the Fallen, which will arrive on June 2. Take a look at the cover below:
Wavves and Cloud Nothings announced a collaborative record called No Life For Me. No release has been set but take a look at the cover, below:
The filmmakers who brought us the fantastic Senna, are now bringing us the story of the late Amy Winehouse. The documentary, Amy, will arrive in theaters this summer. Take a look at the poster, below:
Spoon on Kimmel
Watch Spoon perform "Rainy Taxi" and "I Just Don't Understand" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as he broadcasts all week from the band's hometown of Austin, Texas, for SXSW.
Glen Hansard on Letterman
Watch Irish Oscar winner Glen Hansard perform "Being In Love" on The Late Show with David Letterman on St. Patrick's Day!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
QUICK SPINS
Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp A Butterfly
Two days after the 20th anniversary of Tupac’s Me
Against the World, Kendrick Lamar surprise released his sophomore album a week
ahead of schedule and if anyone ever doubted that the Compton rapper could be
the second coming of Pac, all doubts are officially pushed aside. Beautiful,
raw, honest, intense, To Pimp A Butterfly is a modern poet putting social
commentary and storylines over beats provided by the likes of Flying Lotus,
Thundercat, Terrace Martin, Pharrell, Dr. Dre, among others. Clocking in at 80
minutes, which is long for any record, especially by today’s standards, Lamar
lets his feelings about celebrity, love, the hood, and black culture out with a
vengeance. Combining hip-hop, funk, jazz, psychedelica, and rock, Lamar defies
the sophomore slump and proves he will not be pigeonholed. With lyrics about
Trayvon Martin to Michael Jackson to Nelson Mandela, as well as his “interview”
with Tupac, this record is a lyrical document of our times by a one-man verbal
wrecking ball.
FINAL GRADE: A+
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds – Chasing Yesterday
Another sophomore album that refuses to be pigeonholed comes
from the former Oasis axeman and songwriter, Noel Gallagher. Chasing Yesterday
is Gallagher coming into his own and putting his past behind him, while the
only yesterday he may be chasing is selling out massive stadiums around the
world, he goes for that sound but on a different level. Chasing Yesterday is a
bit more eccentric and intimate that his 2012 solo debut. Fusing jazz and rock,
Gallagher goes for something new and it works.
FINAL GRADE: A
Twin Shadow – Eclipse
For his third album, George Lewis Jr. aka Twin Shadow goes
from being the male version of Robyn to his own dance leader and new wave
leader. Eclipse is a record about coming into your own and Shadow does that
with enough tracks that will make you click repeat over and over again.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Ghostpoet – Shedding Skin
Using late night tales and the sounds of the London
underground scene, Ghostpoet returns even more mysterious and romantic on his
third album, Shedding Skin. A surreal, beautiful and very modern British album
from one of the UK’s best exports.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Sufjan Stevens – Carrie and Lowell
Sufjan Stevens has built a very successful career being a
musical unicorn who clearly gives zero fucks about what you think of him and
his style. He is a funky storyteller from Detroit that breaks all musical rules
and boundaries while doing it all on his own. Carrie and Lowell is his love letter
to his parents and after a five year wait for fans, he returns to his
indie-folk roots to go back to basics.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Incubus – Trust Fall EP
The mighty alternative rockers return with a new EP, which
is actually the first part of their new record, the second part arrives later
this year to make a complete record. After the epic disaster of their last
album, 2011’s If Not Now, When? the Calabasas band go back to their boundary
pushing roots and combine more electronic hooks and guitar than they have in
recent past. This is a step for the future of the band that is headed in the
right direction.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Flash Bastard – WILD
This Canadian band describes themselves as glam punk and
glitter rock, but Flash Bastard are so much more than that. They are probably
the most fun you will have listening to any record released in 2015 thus far.
WILD is their latest offering and the title lives up to the name. Now, if only
this band can tour with The Darkness and Steel Panther, all would be alright in
the world.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Lieutenant - If I Kill This Thing We’re All Going to Eat for
a Week
Foo Fighters bassist Nate Mendel ventures into the solo
world for the very first time under the name Lieutenant. Mendel is usually the
quiet one in Foo’s but this time he busts out into his own. Bringing along
former Sunny Day Real Estate bandmates for the ride, he shows off his hidden
songwriting skills and shows why, aside from Dave Grohl, he has been the only
constant member of Foo Fighters, which after hearing this record, could be
because he is the backbone to any musical act he is apart of.
FINAL GRADE: B
Cannibal Ox – The Blade of the Ronin
14 years after their terrific debut, Cannibal Ox return with
their sophomore album, The Blade of the Ronin. The Bronx duo stay along similar
ideas from The Cold Vein but are missing out on the flawless El-P production
that record had.
FINAL GRADE: B
James Bay – The Chaos and the Calm
After a series of solid EP’s, English singer / songwriter
James Bay finally arrives in album form with The Chaos and the Calm. Combining
the best tracks from his EP’s as well as new songs, the man with the tall hat
shows why he is one the best young songwriters today with his tender and
touching side.
FINAL GRADE: B
Airborne Toxic Event – Dope Machines
Four records in and California’s Airborne Toxic Event are
still making solid records. Dope Machines hears the band depart from the
orchestral rock sound they were known for and hears them venture into more
electronic stadium-style hooks and with enough power that will get any crowd
chanting along. Just hear the single “Wrong,” and you will know we were right
about this review.
FINAL GRADE: B
Atari Teenage Riot – Reset
The digital hardcore OG’s return with their fifth album and
their second since their reunion and bring forth the filth, fury, and social
commentary that only they can. Reset is the soundtrack to the internet lead by
the Wikileaks generation.
FINAL GRADE: B
Reptar – Lurid Glow
The fantastic Athens, Georgia, indie rockers take the spirit
of the Athens bands before them – REM, B-52’s, Of Montreal, and bring their own
blend of silly creativity on their sophomore album. Now that the weather is
getting better, this is a record to play while hanging in a park or driving
around with friends.
FINAL GRADE: B
Hot Rod Circuit – Sorry About Tomorrow
The emo titans of the early 2000’s are back and pick up
where they left off. Sorry About Tomorrow will surely please old fans who have
been waiting for new music from this band since their hiatus in 2008.
FINAL GRADE: B
Marika Hackman – We Slept At Last
Since 2012, we have been following the career of English
singer / songwriter Marika Hackman and after three years of waiting, we get her
beautiful debut. The young and talented songstress plays a minimal style that
lets the listener focus on her lyrics rather than her voice or the production
around her.
FINAL GRADE: B
Modest Mouse – Strangers to Ourselves
It has been eight years since Modest Mouse released a new
album and in that time so much has happened. Some members left, including
Johnny Marr, various ideas were tossed around like high profile producers and
collaborations like Big Boi. But in the end, the band returned with a record
that captures their disjointed eight years away perfectly. Strangers to
Ourselves is far from the best work they have done but in many cases, also, is
not the worst. It does feel a bit all over the place and chaotic in sonic style
and feels more along the idea of “Hey, let’s just get this out and work on the
next record.” While they have been away for so long, they weren’t forgotten and
this could just be an appatizer to hold fans over for something else.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Ratking – 700 Fill
The New York City hip-hop collective stormed onto the scene
last year with So It Goes, now, they follow their acclaimed debut with a
surprise mixtape. 700 Fill still contains that raw, raucous, and rambunctious
rap that we have loved about the group but with minimal production and just
letting the lyrics do the talking.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Of Montreal – Aureate Gloom
The freakishly fabulous Of Montreal return with their 15th
album and the band keeps it as strange and as weird as ever.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Ringo Starr – Postcards from Paradise
Ringo is back with album No. 18 and it is exactly what you
guessed it would be and sound like.
FINAL GRADE: D