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Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Quick News


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In March, Bob Dylan will release a triple album called Triplicate, which features his version of American standards stemming from his last two records of Sinatra covers. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:

‘Til The Sun Goes Down:
01 I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plans
02 September of My Years
03 I Could Have Told You
04 Once Upon a Time
05 Stormy Weather
06 This Nearly Was Mine
07 That Old Feeling
08 It Gets Lonely Early
09 My One and Only Love
10 Trade Winds

Devil Dolls:
01 Braggin’
02 As Time Goes By
03 Imagination
04 How Deep Is the Ocean
05 P.S. I Love You
06 The Best Is Yet to Come
07 But Beautiful
08 Here’s That Rainy Day
09 Where Is the One
10 There’s a Flaw in My Flue

Comin’ Home Late:
01 Day In, Day Out
02 I Couldn’t Sleep a Wink Last Night
03 Sentimental Journey
04 Somewhere Along the Way
05 When the World Was Young
06 These Foolish Things
07 You Go to My Head
08 Stardust
09 It’s Funny to Everyone But Me
10 Why Was I Born

The folk supergroup BNQT confirmed that their debut album, Volume 1, will arrive in April. The band features Midlake's  Eric Pulido, McKenzie Smith, Joey McClellan, and Jesse Chandler, plus Band of Horses’ Ben Bridwell, Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos, Grandaddy’s Jason Lytle, and Travis’ Fran Healy. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:
01 Restart
02 Unlikely Force
03 100 Million Miles
04 Mind Of A Man
05 Hey Banana
06 Real Love
07 Failing at Feeling
08 L.A. On My Mind
09 Tara
10 Fighting The World

Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis told NME that he has been working with the legendary Tony Allen for the former Fela Kuti drummer's upcoming record. He said: "I’ve been writing with Tony Allen, Fela Kuti’s drummer. I started doing some tracks with him last year and then I was on tour. So I went back to finish them in Paris. So he’s writing a record and hopefully some of the tracks we’ve been working on will be on that album." He added: "“It was awesome. He’s 76. He smokes hash all day. He drinks whiskey. He basically invented a genre with Fela Kuti. He’s like an octopus on the drumkit. He’s an incredible drummer. It’s been nice just to be creative. I really want to have a bit of a break before we start writing for Foals, so it’s the perfect cross point. When I’m in my house and I’m not writing anything I start to go a bit mental."

The singer also said that Foals are currently not in the studio despite rumors, he said: "I have to do something so this is the perfect thing to do that isn’t Foals. It’s been a real honour to get to write with him. That’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve been writing bits here and there, but I don’t know if it’s for Foals yet. We’re not in a hurry.”

Speaking to Triple J, Wombats frontman Matthew Murphy said that the band are working on new music. He said they are writing and recording in L.A., adding: "We’re making an effort to not take as long as we have done between previous albums so this one’s going to be out quicker than you would think. It’ll be the back-end of the summer – if not the album then a single.”

Local Natives on 'Corden'


Watch Local Natives perform "Villainy" on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Kings of Leon on 'Seth Meyers'



Watch Kings of Leon perform "Find Me" on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Live Pix: Beatnuts at Beauty Bar Las Vegas


Two weeks ago the legendary Beatnuts and Big Pooh packed out Las Vegas' Beauty Bar and our own RICH D SMOOV was on hand to capture the action. 

Take a look! 



Big Pooh


VINTAGE CLIP: Prince Covers Radiohead


Following Ryan Adams' cover of Radiohead's "Karma Police," we look back to Coachella 2008 when Prince covered the British band's hit "Creep."

Ryan Adams Covers Radiohead For BBC Radio


Ryan Adams appeared on BBC Radio 2 to perform his new single, "Doomsday" Monday morning which led him to break out into the Radiohead classic "Karma Police." Take a listen!

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Monique Powell On Save Ferris' Rebirth: 'All I Wanted Was To Bring The Show And The Music Back To The Fans'



In the mid-90s, the ska scene sort of exploded from nowhere. In New York City and Long Island, bands like Spider Nick and the Maddogs, The Scofflaws, The Slackers were invading the clubs in the area. Boston had the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, of course, but Southern California had the biggest emergence of ska revivalists. Artists like No Doubt, Reel Big Fish, Buck-O-Nine, Voodoo Glow Skulls were all in full force. There was also the ska punk band Save Ferris, who fronted by the charismatic Monique Powell brought something new to the table -- vocal talent and some of the most personal and catchy tunes anyone has ever heard.

Read Our 2011 Interview with The Original Rude Boy -- Neville Staple of The Specials 

Save Ferris hit the mainstream thanks to their cover of Dexy's Midnight Runners' classic, "Come on Eileen," and with two albums and sold-out shows everywhere, by the end of the decade they called it quits. They were on-again and off-again in the early Millennium and now for the first time in almost 20 years, the band are back with a new EP called Checkered Past.

We spoke to the brilliant frontwman who was determined to breath life against into the band.


After so many years away, what caused Save Ferris to reunite? 

Well, in 2012 I received a diagnosis in which I would have to have emergency neck surgery. The damage from the degeneration in my neck was so severe I was losing my ability to walk. That being said, the surgery is typically performed through the front of the neck, and with the extent of the damage, I would never be able to sing again if they were to do that. I had three doctors ask me to choose, they said “do you want to walk or do you want to sing?”. First I had a virtual nervous breakdown, then I decided I was going to find a doctor just crazy enough to go through he back of my neck and if I survived the surgery with my voice and my legs in tact, I was going to do bring SF back! After months of physical therapy in which I had to learn literally how to hold my head up again, I was ready…..

The music world has changed so much since you have been gone, what was it like coming back into it all? 

Well, social media makes things so much easier and harder at the same time. Its made it much easier to have control over my business and to operate functionally even when there was no money to be had. Radio’s also different. Fewer people listen to radio anymore.

What were you up to in the years the band were inactive?

I got into some successful business ventures and did a lot of studio singing.

Your new EP, Checkered Past, picks up where you left off but also gives a fresh take on a new chapter in Save Ferris. What were the influences that helped craft the EP?

The first Save Ferris EP, my favorite, was probably my biggest influence. Everything was so new then, and after all these years I had the same feeling going in to write and record this album. I wanted each song to represent a different facet of SF, with one song as an introduction to the future SF sound.
  
 Is a full length record in the works?

Why yes!

There was a lot of legal and personal issues among the band when you reactivated in 2013. Now that the dust has settled and it has been resolved, what is it like to be in control of your art after the fight to get your assets? 

Fuckin' awesome. It was worth every single second of it. All I wanted was to bring the show and the music back to the fans, and, well, I get to do that now. Even more, I get to help create an environment for my band and the fans that is filled with camaraderie and friendship, compassion and encouragement. I built a new foundation from the ground on up….of course it’s not perfect, but it’s beautiful. And it’s mine.

Ska took off in such a big way in the late 90s, do you ever see it coming back or has that time come and gone? 

I always see it coming back! Ska-history has repeated itself enough over the last 50 or so years, it makes it clear to me that it’s not going anywhere.

You used PledgeMusic, the fan funded site, to help finance the making of the new EP and you hit your goal in a matter of days. What was it like to know that the fans still want new material from you? 

It was a relief. It completely validated what I had prayed for….people still knew who we were.

Now that you are back, what is it like to have the fans respond, reach out, and still here for you after 18 years away? 

Well, technically, I was only gone for 10 years but who’s counting? 

I’m seriously overjoyed. Thanks to the fans I get to continue to have the greatest job in the world. I get to write, record and play music for the fans, I get to entertain them, I get to hang out with my band and create beautiful stuff with the greatest people there are. Thanks to the fans, all my dreams are coming true (again) :) I owe them everything for sticking around. 

I want to take it back to 1999 for a second, the final song on "Modified" -- "Let Me In" -- I still say is one of the most underrated and beautiful songs of the 90s. I need to ask, what was the inspiration of that track?

I would have to agree with you. Although I did not write that song, the person that wrote it took the words out of my heart that I just didn’t have the strength to express. At the time, I was going through one of the toughest experiences of my life…..but that song was the best thing to come out of it. For that I will always be grateful. I will always love that song and the person that created it.

Take a listen to the band's new single, "New Sound" featuring Neville Staple of The Specials!

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Jamiroquai Detail New Album


Who knew the world was missing Jamiroquai so much? The future sounding pop star will release his first album in seven years called Automaton in March. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the title track. 

01. Shake It On
02. Automaton
03. Cloud 9
04. Superfresh
05. Hot Property
06. Something About You
07. Summer Girl
08. Nights Out In The Jungle
09. Dr Buzz
10. We Can Do It
11. Vitamin
12. Carla

Parquet Courts on 'Fallon'



Watch Parquet Courts perform "Human Performance" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Quick News


via GIPHY


During a recent New York screening of the new documentary on HR from Bad Brains, Finding Joseph I, the singer said that the band might be working on new music this year. "“Well what I’ve been talking to Doc and Darryl about was if they’d like to come together in the fall,” he said. The band's last record was 2012's Into the Future.

Speaking to Fact Magazine, Missy Elliot said she has enough music for a new record but don't hold your breath on its release. She said: "I got enough records to make an album, but I would never say a day or time that it would happen because those fans are brutal and they will stone me if I told a date and it didn’t drop on that date. I have learned my lesson from other artists go through that. The element of surprise works for me. It gets a little crazy out there and I don’t wanna get jumped by my fans, so I’m gonna keep it a secret. People don’t understand that things happen behind the scenes. It may be a sample clearance, or anything, so I’d rather just wait."

In May, the soundtrack to the grunge-era film, Singles, will see the soundtrack reissued. The double reissue will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film and will contain the remastered soundtrack as well as a companion record of rarities from Pearl Jam, Chris Cornell, and songs that didn't get included in the film and original disc.

Jarvis Cocker is linking up with Chilly Gonzalez for the collaborative record called Room 29. The album is a concept record about the infamous Room 29 inside L.A.'s Chateau Marmont Hotel. The album arrives in March.


Thursday, January 26, 2017

Mastodon Announce New Album






In March, Metal Monsters Mastodon will release their new album, Emperor of Sand. 

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

01. Sultan's Curse
02. Show Yourself
03. Precious Stones
04. Steambreather
05. Roots Remain
06. Word To The Wise
07. Ancient Kingdom
08. Clandestiny
09. Andromeda
10. Scorpion Breath
11. Jaguar God

Foxygen on 'Conan'


Watch Foxygen, backed by a full brass ensemble, perform "Follow the Leader" on Conan.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Thundercat Details New Album


Next month, Thundercat will release his new album, Drunk, via Flying Lotus' Brainfeeder Label. The album features Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Wiz Khalifa. 

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

01 Rabbot Ho
02 Captain Stupido
03 Uh Uh
04 Bus in These Streets
05 A Fan’s Mail (Tron Song Suite II)
06 Lava Lamp
07 Jethro
08 Day & Night
09 Show You The Way [ft. Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins]
10 Walk on By [ft. Kendrick Lamar]
11 Blackkk
12 Tokyo
13 Jameel’s Space Ride
14 Friend Zone
15 Them Changes
16 Where I'm Going
17 Drink Dat [ft. Wiz Khalifa]
18 Inferno
19 I Am Crazy
20 3AM
21 Drunk
22 The Turn Down [ft. Pharrell]
23 DUI

Quick News


In March, Peter Murphy will release his new live album, Bare Boned and Sacred, which was recorded inside New York's Le Poisson Rouge during his recent acoustic and unplugged tour.

Interpol have confirmed that they are working on a new record that will come out in 2018.

U2 are set to embark on the 30th anniversary of The Joshua Tree in the summer and bassist Adam Clayton tells Rolling Stone that fans can expect to hear new songs from the forthcoming Songs of Experience. He said: "It would be very much my wish that we could play something from Experience as part of the show, maybe one or two songs. Again, I caution that by saying we really have to see the arc of this show and we have to figure out whether those Experience songs would work well in a stadium in this context, but I'd love to see some of that material out there and people being familiar with it before the album comes out." He also said that the events of Brexit and Trump's presidential victory have postponed the new record from arriving and inspired new material. He said: "In the course of that year, some kind of strange political movements seemed to start happening. First of all, there was Brexit in the U.K., which was just a signal that things were changing. I'm not sure how people took it. Then, quite quickly on the back of it, was the rise of Trumpism. And that was like, "Oh, OK, there's something going on here. There's maybe something we missed and we need to start watching this." That sort of encouraged us to go away from trying to finish the record too quickly without being able to factor in some of the things this is telling us."

James Hetfield spoke to Straits Times and said that Metallica fans will not have to wait another eight years like they did with their excellent new album, Hardwired...To Self Destruct to hear new music. Hetfield said waiting that long to put out a record was "a mistake."

Members of Prophets of Rage such as Tom Morello, B-Real, and Brad Wilk all took to Instagram to confirm that the supergroup is in the studio working on new music.

The wife of the late David Bowie, former supermodel Iman, took to Instagram to break the news that the Royal Mail will feature the "Heroes" singer's face on an upcoming collection of stamps in the UK. 
Repost from @davidbowie @TopRankRepost #TopRankRepost ROYAL MAIL TO HONOUR BOWIE WITH 10 SPECIAL STAMPS “Somebody send me...” Royal Mail in the UK has announced it will issue a set of 10 Special Stamps (pictured) as a tribute to David Bowie in March. Among the items being produced are the following: Set of 10 David Bowie Special Stamps (6 album covers and 4 live shots) Presentation Pack First Day Cover - Stamps First Day Cover - Stamp Sheet The Berlin Years Souvenir Cover Album Art Fan Sheet "Heroes" Framed Stamp and Print Fans and philatelists alike can view all of the permutations and pre-order the stamps from today by visiting: http://smarturl.it/RoyalMailBowie2017 The stamps will be on sale from 14 March 2017 at http://smarturl.it/RoyalMailBowie2017 and from 7,000 Post Office branches across the UK and by calling 03457 641 641 Go here for the full press release: http://smarturl.it/RoyalMailBowie2017PR #RoyalMailBowie #BowieStamps
A photo posted by IMAN (@the_real_iman) on

Guided By Voices will release their new album, a double record called August by Cake, in April. The record will be member Robert Pollard's 100th album since entering the music world in 1986. Take a look at the massive tracklisting, below:
 00 Bob Intro
01 5º on the Inside
02 Generox — Gray
03 When We All Hold Hands
04 Goodbye Note
05 We Liken the Sun.
06 Fever Pitch
07 Absent the Man
08 Packing the Dead Zone
09 What Begins on New Years Day
10 Overloaded
11 Keep Me Down
12 West Coast Company Man
13 Warm Up to Religion
14 High 5 Hall of Famers
15 Hiking Skin
16 Sudden Fiction
17 Its Food
18 Cheap Buttons
19 Substitute 11
20 Chew the Sand
21. Dr. Feelgood Falls Off the Ocean
22 The Laughing Closet
23 Deflect Project
24 Upon the Circus Bus
25 Try It Out Its Nothing
26 Sentimental Wars
27 Circus Day Holdout
28 Whole Tomatoes
29 Amusement Park Is Over
30 Golden Doors
31 The Possible Edge
32 Escape to Phoenix

British Sea Power Announce New Album


British Sea Power will return in March with their ninth album, Let the Dancers Inherit the Party. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the hear the excellent new single, "Bad Bohemian," below:

1 Intro
2 Bad Bohemian
3 International Space Station
4 What You’re Doing
5 The Voice Of Ivy Lee
6 Keep On Trying (Sechs Freunde)
7 Electrical Kittens
8 Saint Jerome
9 Praise For Whatever
10 Want To Be Free
11 Don’t Let The Sun Get In The Way
12 Alone Piano
 

Billy Bragg Updates Dylan's 'These Times They Are A-Changing'


Mr. Love and Justice himself, Billy Bragg has rewritten Bob Dylan's seminal classic "These Times They Are A-Changing" following Donald Trump's inauguration. He posted the video to YouTube with the caption: "I wrote these lyrics within half an hour of seeing Donald Trump's inaugural speech last Friday evening and played it in Salisbury that night. With apologies to Bob Dylan."

Monday, January 23, 2017

Wire Detail Their New Album


In March, Australian punk icons Wire will release their new album, Silver / Lead. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the lead single, "Short Elevated Period."

01 Playing Harp for the Fishes
02 Short Elevated Period
03 Diamonds in Cups
04 Forever & a Day
05 An Alibi
06 Sonic Lens
07 This Time
08 Brio
09 Sleep on the Wing
10 Silver Lead

Quick News


Last year, Conor Oberst released the minimal and brilliant, Ruminations. That record, which was intended to be recorded with a full band was instead released as just his demos of him with a piano or guitar. Now, in March, Oberst will release Salutations, the full band version of that record. Take a look at the cover, above.

Sad news to report, Maggie Roche of The Roches has passed away at 65. The member of the rock and roll sorority had been battling cancer. Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, and of course, her sisters in  The Roches.

Electro rocker Diamond Rings is now going under a new moniker called JG Ballad. He has already started releasing some music and no word if a full album will arrive soon.

For the first time in over 20 years, the original members of Britpop band Elastica have reunited and have been making music inside Abbey Road Studios in London. No word if it is for a single, or testing the waters or for a record. Thanks to social media posts of people working inside the studios, the news go out.
A photo posted by @pauljonze on

Goldfrapp will release her new album, Silver Eye, in March. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:
1. "Anymore"

2. "Systemagic"

3. "Tigerman"

4. "Become The One"

5. "Faux Suede Drifter"

6. "Zodiac Black"

7. "Beast That Never Was"

8. "Everything Is Never Enough"

9. "Moon in Your Mouth"

10. "Ocean"

Mastodon are pranking fans and teasing them in a new video which features members of the Georgia metal outfit goofing around in the studio. Take a look: 

Hot Chip's Joe Goddard Announces New Solo Album


Hot Chip member Joe Goddard will release his new solo album, Electric Lines, in April. It his first solo effort in eight years.

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and watch the video for the first single, "Music is the Answer."

01 Ordinary Madness
02 Lose Your Love
03 Home
04 Lasers
05 Human Heart
06 Children of the Sun
07 Truth Is Light
08 Nothing Moves
09 Electric Lines
10 Music Is the Answer

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Great Soundtracks: The Wackness



In 2008, the New York City coming of age dramedy The Wackness took audiences around the world by storm. The little independent movie starring Ben Kingsly as a drug dealer and one of the Olsen Twins, showcased a Manhattan many remember -- the one of the 90s. Set in the summer of 1994, the film captures the city in Guiliani's era as a "broken windows" policy was implemented by the NYPD, Times Square started to become Disneyland and nothing could touch the city's hip-hop artists.

Listen to Our Essential Tribe Called Quest Playlist on Spotify!

The soundtrack captures the era perfectly. Featuring Biggie Smalls, Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, Craig Mack, KRS-One, A Tribe Called Quest, as well as a throwback classic rock song from Mott the Hoople, The Wackness blended the dopeness of NYC hip-hop of the mid 90s together better than any film ever. Listening to this album is the ultimate summer jam throwback and one that seals the debate -- the 90s rap of NYC was the best ever.

Listen to Our Essential Nas Playlist on Spotify!

Recommended Reading: What Happened, Miss Simone?



Inspired by the acclaimed 2015 Netflix documentary of the same name, What Happened, Miss Simone? tells the in depth story to one of music's most prolific, confident, tormented voices -- Nina Simone. The book by music journalist Alan Light, released last year, gives the inside story of Simone's career, social justice cries, as well as going inside the mind of a tortured artist.

Light gets deep by going through a vast amount of raw footage interviews, personal accounts, and research to discuss her rise to stardom and self imposed exile to Africa and then later France. While the book may be a companion piece to the film, it showcases just how tragically beautiful the story of Nina Simone was in a whole new light.

Playlist


Our 27-song playlist for January is here. Take a listen to it on Spotify!

Maximo Park Detail New Album


In April, Maximo Park will return to release their new album, Risk to Exist. 

In a press release, singer Paul Smith said: "The album is, ultimately, about empathy. Some songs are simple messages of solidarity and others are fueled by anger at the elitist, established order of British society. There's a questioning of power throughout and a feeling that there must be a different way of structuring our society in order to alleviate inequality. Musically, the songs reflect more soulful and groove-based influences, allowing more space in the arrangements than ever before. The central idea is to align great pop melodies with songs that reflect the state of the nation.”

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

1. What Did We Do To You To Deserve This?
2. Get High (No, I Don't)
3. What Equals Love?
4. Risk to Exist
5. I'll Be Around
6. Work And Then Wait
7. The Hero
8. The Reason I Am Here
9. Make What You Can
10. Respond To The Feeling
11. Alchemy

Friday, January 20, 2017

Fitz & The Tantrums on 'Corden'


Watch Fitz & The Tantrums perform "Handclap" on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Bash & Pop on 'Colbert'


Watch Bash & Pop perform "On the Rocks" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. 

Read Our Live Review of Bash & Pop at Mercury Lounge

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Metallica Perform 'One' with Lang Lang in Beijing


On Wednesday night, during their first tour of China ever, Metallica performed their hit, "One" in Beijing with pianist Lang Lang. Take a look!

Listen to Our Essential Metallica Playlist on Spotify!

Flying Lotus Shares 'Kuso' Trailer


Flying Lotus will premier his directorial debut, Kuso, at Sundance this month. Now, he has shared the film's trailer. Take a look!

Listen to Our Essential Flying Lotus Playlist on Spotify!

Kings of Leon on 'Fallon'


Watch Kings of Leon perform "Reverend" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Stream Japandroids New Album


Stream Japandroids new album, Near to the Wild Heart of Life, a week ahead of its release thanks to the folks at NPR.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Live Review: Bash & Pop at Mercury Lounge


Following a 20-plus-year hiatus, Tommy Stinson resurrected his post-Replacements band, Bash & Pop late last year. The band will release their sophomore album, Anything Could Happen, Friday and to support the records release, they hit the road and landed inside the intimate Mercury Lounge in Manhattan's Lower East Side.


The sold-out gig was the first time the band has played New York City since 1992 and for fans inside, it was a trip down memory lane as Stinson played songs from nearly all of his solo work which highlighted how the Minneapolis musician knows how to compose a great pop-rock tune.



The five-piece band, which also features The Hold Steady's Steve Selvidge on guitar, hit the stage in shiny red suits and black dress shirts that made them resemble a doo-wop group of the 1950s rather than a garage band but it added to the excitement of the show and a way to mark the special occasion.


Opening with "Not This Time" and "Fast and Hard," Stinson then went right into The Stones' "Rip This Joint," and the fans were eating it up -- in fact too much. The crowd, which was packed in like sardines in a can, averaged about mid-to-late 50s and some probably haven't been to a gig since The Replacements reunion a few years ago. With elderly men shouting and heckling Stinson, he took it in stride, smiled and kept playing, but things got awkward when the middle aged crowd started moshing halfway through the concert, which lead the former Guns N Roses guitarist to say, "Hey, keep it down. We are a little too old for that!"


In the near 90-minute set, the band seemed to be enjoying themselves. There were a few technical glitches but they took it on the chin and still delivered a fun rock and roll set. As fans got a chance to see their rock God in an intimate room, the early Wednesday night gig was certainly too good to pass up.


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Dirty Projectors Announce New Album


Next month, Dirty Projectors will release their self-titled new album.

Take a look at the cover, above, and hear the new tracks, "Keep Your Name" and "Up the Hudson."

01 Keep Your Name
02 Death Spiral
03 Up in Hudson
04 Work Together
05 Little Bubble
06 Winner Take Nothing
07 Ascent Through Clouds
08 Cool Your Heart
09 I See You


The xx on 'Fallon'


Watch The xx perform "Lips" and "Say Something Loving" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Aimee Mann Details New Album


In March, Aimee Mann will release her new album, Mental Illness. 

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

01 Goose Snow Cone
02 Stuck In The Past
03 You Never Loved Me
04 Rollercoasters
05 Lies Of Summer
06 Patient Zero
07 Good For Me
08 Knock It Off
09 Philly Sinks
10 Simple Fix
11 Poor Judge

Quick News


Spoon have confirmed the March release of their new album, Hot Thoughts, and recently the tracklisting. Now, the cover has been unleashed, take a look, above.

A massive vinyl box set of George Harrison's solo work featuring everything from All Things Must Pass to Brainwashed will be released next month. It is the first time his solo material has ever been bundled together.

Mike Kerr of Royal Blood discussed his band's new album, which is slated to arrive this year. He told Q that they recorded it in California and it is "way sexier, more confident sounding" than their fantastic 2015 debut.

The Killers have been working in Vegas and California on their new album. Singer Brandon Flowers told Q: "There are moments that feel heavier than anything we’ve ever done, not that we’re the heaviest band in the world, but they have a finesse because of our experience. There’s also really beautiful things. Lyrically, it’s really close to home.”

The Tupac biopic, All Eyez on Me, which has been delayed for what feels like ages, will arrive in June.

Hot Water Music have confirmed they are working on a new album. Singer Chuck Ragan posted the news on Instagram:

Savages' Jenny Beth is working on some solo material as the band takes a break and she recently posted that she is working with Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie. Take a look:

Drive-By Truckers on 'Conan'


Watch Drive-By Truckers perform "Ramon Casiano” on Conan!

Monday, January 16, 2017

QUICK SPINS



Run the JewelsRTJ 3
 
After surprising fans on Christmas Eve with the release of RTJ 3, it took supporters of hip-hops most dynamic duo in years to digest the heaviness of what the third part of their album trilogy featured. RTJ 3 does not hit you in the face the way its predecessor did but instead, it makes you feel the weight of the dense content even more than anything Killer Mike and El-P have done before. With contributions from Zach de la Rocha, Danny Brown, Kamasi Washington, Tunde Adebimpe and others, this record is a samurai slicing up the word of music, politics, and social issues.
FINAL GRADE: A+


The xxI See You

The third record from the British electronic and ambient trio hears them getting funky. I See You is the most fun-sounding xx record and an album that makes them change direction while sticking to their original ethos.
FINAL GRADE: A


Nine Inch NailsNot The Actual Events EP

An EP of brand new NIN material came as 2016 was coming to an end but with it, it helped bring a touch of aggression and passion into the new year.
FINAL GRADE: A


David BowieNo Plans EP

On what would have been his 70th birthday, David Bowie’s estate released the final three songs he ever recorded along with his song “Lazarus” in an EP. The music was featured in the Lazarus musical he penned and is his final parting gift to fans.
FINAL GRADE: A


The Flaming LipsOczy Mlody

The most inspiring psychedelic band America has ever-exported returns with a record that makes listeners feel as if they are touching the furthest layers of the sun. It is lush, cinematic , and their best record in years. The fearless freaks are back and it seems as if they are charting new territory.
FINAL GRADE: A-


Childish GambinoAwaken, My Love

Take everything you know of Childish Gambino and throw it out the window. The Atlanta rapper is back but this time takes more inspiration from Prince and George Clinton than he does the dirty south and indie rock. This is without a doubt his musical masterpiece and proves to the doubters he is serious about what he is doing
FINAL GRADE: A-


J. Cole 4 Your Eyes Only

People ragged on Cole for once again putting out an album of no features – but the Queens via North Carolina rapper is out to prove he doesn’t give a fuck what you think. Producing, writing, and rapping his own pen, Cole tells the story of what it is like for black youth in America in the age of Donald Trump as president. It is impactful, powerful, and should be celebrated.
FINAL GRADE: A-


Pete Rock / Smoke DZADon’t Smoke Rock

If today’s generation wants to know if the old school have still got it – send them the collab album of Pete Rock and Smoke DZA. The 90s glory days feel is one that will have you playing this over and over again.
FINAL GRADE: A-


PriestsNothing Feels Natural

The Washington, D.C. indie rockers are leaving their mark with their brilliant debut. The punks give the feel of the Pixies, Sonic Youth, and Breeders all in one as their female empowerment songs resonate more than ever in this day and age as the orange one will become president.
FINAL GRADE: A-


BonoboMigration

After years of becoming a club and crowd favorite, Bonobo releases his more realized record to date. Migration is a focused and appeals to his hardcore fans, casual listeners, and new audience.
FINAL GRADE: B+


The Lox Filthy America… It’s Beautiful

The Lox return after a 16 year hiatus and pick up where they left off. Their latest is a throwback to late 90s gangsta rap that helped launch the Ruff Ryders, The Firm, and early RocaFella.
FINAL GRADE: B+


Kid Cudi Passion, Pain and Demon Slayin

After the tumultuous year that Cudi had in 2016, checking into a mental health facility, a public battle with Kanye West, and trying to help himself – Cudi came back with his finest album. His latest features a slew of artists including Andre 3000, Pharrell, Willow Smith, and others but it is his personal stories and accounts that make the record shine.
FINAL GRADE: B


Austra Future Politics

The third album from the Canadian indie rockers hears them sticking to their roots. As nothing new comes out of this, in terms of style, longtime fans will eat it up.
FINAL GRADE: B


Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes – Modern Ruin

The former Gallows frontman returns with his second sophomore album and Modern Ruin is a straight up, rip-roaring rock and roll record in an era when we need them the most.
FINAL GRADE: B


Cloud Nothings Life Without Sound

The Ohio indie rock outfit returns with their third record and still brings the noise as there garage sound adds more fuzz, fuss, and funk.
FINAL GRADE: B


Bash and Pop Anything Can Happen

Over 20 years since Tommy Stinson has brought Bash and Pop out of the back door of his mind and into the forefront, he and the band return with a record of catchy rock riffs and singalong songs – would you expect anything else?
FINAL GRADE: B-


FoxygenHang

The California indie rock stars return with their biggest sounding record to date. Trading the slacker sound they have been accustomed to, they went for big and powerful. With the help of Flaming Lips' Steven Drozd, Matthew E. White, the Lemon Twigs, a 40-plus-piece symphony orchestra, Foxygen are making a statement.
FINAL GRADE: B-


Major Lazer Music is the Weapon

Diplo and his team of Caribbean counterparts get the party started again with a slew of more radio ready tracks and good vibes.
FINAL GRADE: B- 


AFI(The Blood Album)

AFI are still going strong and still creating fantastic live performances. As they need an excuse to hit the road, they released (The Blood Album), which like almost all of their records since Crash Love, takes itself too serious and doesn’t live up to the full potential that they are capable of cranking out. That being said, it is still a decent record but longtime fans of the band are going to be disappointed, as the new wave of listeners will be impressed.
FINAL GRADE: C+

Ravonettes Announce New Album


After a successful PledgeMusic campaign, The Raveonettes will release their new album, Atomized, next month. 

The record is a culmination of their Rave-of-the-Sound Monthly singles series. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below.

01. The World Is Empty (Without You)
02. Run Mascara Run
03. EXCUSES
04. Junko Ozawa
05. Scout
06. Won't You Leave Me Alone
07. Where Are You Wild Horses?
08. A Good Fight
09. This Is Where It Ends
10. Choke On Love
11. Fast Food
12. PENDEJO

Quick News


via GIPHY


Steve Jones says the Sex Pistols could reunite just for "money." In an interview with Rolling Stone, Jones also said he and Johnny Rotten do not speak despite both living in LA. He said: "He lives in L.A., I live in L.A., but we just don’t talk. I think the last time I spoke to him was 2008 when we did a tour of Europe. I have no desire to speak to him and he has no desire to speak to me. That’s totally fine. I wish him all the best. I’ve got no resentment toward him. It’s just our marriage went wrong and we got divorced. You don’t want to speak to your ex-wife, do you?”

Muse have confirmed they are currently working in the studio on their new album. No release date has been released nor other details. Info emerged after singer Matt Bellamy posted video of his son drumming with Dominic Howard on social media.

Responding to a fan's question on Twitter, James Murphy says he is still "working on" the new LCD Soundsystem album and "it'll be done soon."

SZA will release her new album, CTRL, later this year.

Producer Brian Kennedy took to social media to leak the news that Lady Gaga is already back in the studio working on the follow-up to her album, Joanne. No word as to what is happening or when anything will be released.

Spoon's new album, Hot Thoughts, arrives in March. The band released the tracklisting, below:
01 Hot Thoughts
02 WhisperI’lllistentohearit
03 Do I Have to Talk You Into It
04 First Caress
05 Pink Up
06 Can I Sit Next to You
07 I Ain’t the One
08 Tear It Down
09 Shotgun
10 Us

Sunday, January 15, 2017

T2: Trainspotting Soundtrack Revealed


The much anticipated sequel to Trainspotting, T2: Trainspotting, arrives in theaters in the UK this month. It comes to America in March.

Since the whole cast from the original is back, director Danny Boyle has assembled a soundtrack that he clearly hopes is as iconic as his original.

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

01 Iggy Pop: “Lust for Life (The Prodigy Remix)”
02 High Contrast: “Shotgun Mouthwash”
03 Wolf Alice: “Silk”
04 Young Fathers: “Get Up”
05 Frankie Goes to Hollywood: “Relax”
06 Underworld /Ewen Bremner: “Eventually But”
07 Young Fathers: “Only God Knows”
08 The Rubberbandits: “Dad’s Best Friend”
09 Blondie: “Dreaming”
10 Queen: “Radio Ga Ga”
11 Run D.M.C. vs. Jason Nevis: “It’s Like That”
12 The Clash: “(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais”
13 Young Fathers: “Rain or Shine”
14 Fat White Family: “Whitest Boy on the Beach”
15 Underworld: “Slow Slippy”