Friday, April 27, 2007

Coachella Preview: Sunday 4/29


I will be out there on Sunday, so holla at a play when you see him in the desert.

Download: Manu Chao- Merry Blues
(Buy)

Download: Rodrigo y Gabriela- One
(Buy)

Download: CSS- Alala
(Buy)

Download: Except from Spank Rock- Fabric Live:33 Mix
(Buy)

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Coachella Preview: Saturday 4/28


Download: Red Hot Chili Peppers- I Could Have Lied
(Buy)

Download: Regina Spektor- Fidelity
(Buy)

Download: Hot Chip- Boy From School
(Buy)

Download: Girl Talk- Pure Magic
(Buy)

Monday, April 23, 2007

Coachella Preview: Friday 4/27


Download: Interpol- Untitled
(Buy)

Download: DJ Shadow- What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 2) (Live)
(Buy)

Download: Silversun Pickups- Kissing Families
(Buy)

Download: Amy Winehouse- Tears Dry On Their Own
(Buy)

Download: Busdriver- Imaginary Places
(Buy)

Friday, April 20, 2007

Friday Hotness #7


Download: Brand Nubian- Slow Down
(Buy)

Download: Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra- Kiss The Sky
(Buy)

Download: Bright Eyes- Classic Cars
(Buy)

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Sufjan Stevens


I don't know how I let this blog go on so long without posting about the muthafuckin' man himself, Sufjan Stevens. This guy, who is currently busy working on the 3rd of his albums devoted to the 50 states (Michigan and Illinois being the first two), is one of the most prolific artists of our time. He doesn't just crank out simple singer/guitar jams either- Sufjan can play the oboe, recorder, banjo, guitar, vibraphone, bass, drums, piano and a number of other obscure instruments.

While growing up in a cult in Michigan, the young Sufjan was constantly writing and recording music with his family and friends whenever he could, but it wasn't until his release of Illinois in 2005 that he achieved notoriety in the "indie mainstream." The songs, ranging from the triumphant "Chicago" to the hauntingly melancholy "John Wayne Gacy, Jr." all fit together to tell tales of the state and it's famous sons. His music can move me like none other. I hope you enjoy, and maybe your state will be next to be Sufjan-ified, be on the lookout.

Download: Sufjan Stevens- Chicago
(Buy)

Download: Sufjan Stevens- For The Windows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti
(Buy)

Download: Sufjan Stevens- Come On Feel The Illinoise
(Buy)

Download: Sufjan Stevens- Casimir Pulaski Day
(Buy)

Download: Sufjan Stevens- Jacksonville
(Buy)

Monday, April 16, 2007

Saves The Day


I saw the originators of New Jersey emo-pop-punk Saves The Day last week at the House of Blues here in LA. It was a very entertaining show, even if I was the oldest guy there. Their f-ing classic debut Through Being Cool was the blueprint for emotional punk rock that has since been watered down to permeate the world of MTV. Before Pete Wentz even got his first pair of skinny jeans, Saves The Day was writing some of the catchiest rock songs out there.

What I love about them is that they are constantly evolving and refusing to get caught up in that boring emo world. On 2003's In Reverie, Saves the Day showed a much cleaner sound. Most of the songs sound almost like catchy Beach Boys-esque pop-tarts.

And you can't tell me that the singer (2nd from right, red hair) doesn't look like my homie Evan


Download: Saves The Day- At Your Funeral
(Buy)

Download: Saves The Day- Rocks Tonic Juice Magic
(Buy)

Download: Saves The Day- Shoulder To The Wheel
(Buy)

Download: Saves The Day- My Sweet Fracture
(Buy)

Download: Saves The Day- Driving In The Dark
(Buy)

Download: Saves The Day- Anywhere With You
(Buy)

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Ugly Duckling


Ugly Duckling is one of my favorite underground hip-hop groups because they bring the fun back to the genre. Their beats, provided by DJ and genuine character Young Einstein, are heaily based on old school breaks. The lyrics range from classic party rhymes to tales of workplace hardships and a fictional fast food chain called "Meatshake."

UD's popularity has somewhat dwindled here in the states over the past few years, but they are massively popular in the UK and Australia. If you can ever catch one of their concerts I highly suggest you check them out, it's an all night party.

Download: Ugly Duckling-Rio De Janeiro
(Buy)

Download: Ugly Duckling-A Little Samba
(Buy)

Download: Ugly Duckling-La Revolucion
(Buy)

Download: Ugly Duckling-Journey to Anywhere
(Buy)

Download: Ugly Duckling-Oasis
(Buy)

Mark Ronson - Version


Superstar New York DJ and producer Mark Ronson's new album Version drops tomorrow in the UK and hopefully soon after here in the states. All the songs are cover songs re-worked by Ronson, and featured some of the best vocalists out there. Here are my 3 favorites joints off Version.

Download: Mark Ronson ft Amy Winehouse- Valerie
(Buy)

Download: Mark Ronson ft Daniel Merriweather- Stop Me
(Buy)

Download: Mark Ronson ft Lily Allen- Oh My God
(Buy)

Friday, April 13, 2007

Friday Hotness #6



Download: Lily Allen- Cheryl Tweedy
(Buy)

Download: The Avalanches- Everyday
(Buy)

Download: !!!- Heart of Hearts
(Buy)

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Astralwerks Gems


Astralwerks has always been a favorite label of mine, since they are fearless in pushing all kinds of electronic and down-tempo artists. Although hard to come by, their quarterly samplers are great for discovering new artists and hearing the latest from established acts like Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx, Phoenix and The Chemical Brothers. Here are a few faves from 2 samplers that I own, Summer 1998 and Fall 2002.


Download: Air- Kelly Watch The Stars (Edit)
(Buy)

Download: Gearwhore- This Picture
(Buy)

Download: Chemical Brothers- Star Guitar
(Buy)

Download: Dimitri From Paris- Excerpts from After The Playboy Mansion
(Buy)

Download: Simian- One Dimension
(Buy)

Monday, April 9, 2007

Beck- Sea Change


Beck, famous for funky beats and non-sensical lyrics, blew the world away with 2002's Sea Change. It seemed to be a perfect storm the way this album came together. Beck broke up with his long-time girlfriend just prior to stepping into the studio with super-producer Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Air, Paul McCartney). The result was Sea Change, a simplistic, melancholy and introspective work that opened many eyes that there was much more to Beck than the guy from East LA who wrote funky jams about nothing.

"It's only lies that I'm living
It's only tears that I'm crying.
It's only you that I'm losing-
Guess I'm doing fine."

Download: Beck- Golden Age
Buy

Download: Beck- Lost Cause
Buy

Download: Beck- End of the Day
Buy

Download: Beck- Guess I'm Doing Fine
Buy

Sunday, April 8, 2007

What Happened to?: Born Jamericans


It is right about this time of year that everyone I grew up with in Baltimore started blasting Born Jamericans. The springtime was the perfect backdrop for Mr. Notch and Edley Shine's reggae stylings, straight out of Washington D.C. Their tunes (especially Notch's unique and chill vocals) were played at many an outdoor house party.

After releasing their 2nd album Yardcore in 1997 they fell off the map. Their label, Delicious Vinyl shut its doors and the Born Jamericans have been silent for almost 10 years now. Notch has made a few guest appearances, the best of which on Thievery Corporation's The Cosmic Game. Other than that, I have to only assume that there unfortunately will not be any new music from the duo in the near future. In the meantime, enjoy these springtime reggae classics:

Born Jamericans -Ain't No Stoppin'
Buy

Born Jamericans - So Ladies
Buy

Born Jamericans- Boom Shack-a-Tack (Remix)
Buy

Born Jamericans- Cease & Seckle
Buy

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Jose Gonzalez


Jose Gonzalez has one of the best voices in music today. The Swedish born folk artist's debut Veneer was one of my favorite discs of 2005. There isn't much more I can say about this dude, just listen to the tracks and be ready to relax and be transported to a different place.

Jose Gonzalez - Heartbeats
Buy

Jose Gonzalez -Crosses
Buy

Jose Gonzalez - Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Divison Cover)
Buy

Friday, April 6, 2007

Friday Hotness #5



Bright Eyes- Four Winds
Buy

Yelle- Ce Jeu (Them Jeans Edit)

Kaiser Chiefs- Ruby
Buy

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Some "out-there" Shit


I listen to pretty much anything music-wise. I don't really get down with country, classical or jazz, but that's only because I know very little about those genres. There aren't enough hours in the day for me to get caught up honestly. I enjoy eclectic music, and artists that push the boundaries or what' s popular or even "listenable."

Below are 3 artists that are doing just that. I endorse all of them, it just took some time because thes groups are super-unique and in some cases I would even say "futuristic" in their musical stylings. Open your mind and enjoy....

Anthony and The Johnsons- Hope There's Someone
Buy

Aphex Twin- Windowlicker
Buy

Battles- Atlas
Buy

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

R Kelly



Serioulsy, who doesn't love Kellz? Well maybe that girl whose life he ruined by pissing on her head, but I prefer to believe him when he says the whole sex tape was a product of some haters and a little "Hollywood movie magic."

He is one of the best storytellers in music, and his smooth voice can make any tale sound amazing (see "Trapped in the Closet").

"Girl flexa, time to have sexxxa."

R Kelly- Bump n Grind Remix
Buy

R Kelly- Flirt
Buy

Monday, April 2, 2007

Badass Girl Rappers Vol 2- Kid Sister



Kid Sister, out of Chicago is another one of the crop of young ladies that are takin the club music world by storm. She is fortunate enough to date DJ A-Trak and be the brother of J2K from Flosstradamus so she only gets the tighest beats to spit her lighting fast flows on. Her debut album drops this summer, and it is sure to be a sense of pride for all you honies with fake nails and large earrings everywhere.

Kid Sister- Damn Girl

Kid Sister- Pro Nails

Kid Sister- Girlie Rock (Pro Nails Remix)