Top 10 Albums of the Year- #8

David Bowie- Live in Santa Monica '72

Bowie did this live recording during the Ziggy Stardust tour. The show pretty much featured all my favorite tracks, so naturally I thought Live in Santa Monica '72 was good. The songs sound surprisingly great live with a few exceptions and overall Bowie steals the show. Sometimes he's too hammered to say anything but "hey man", but sometimes he just freaks the mic. "Moonage Daydream", "Andy Warhol", and "Life on Mars?" are the standouts.

Top 10 Albums of the Year- #9

King Khan & The Shrines

I bought this album used from a repo records store in Philadelphia. I wasn't expecting much when I picked it up, but I had heard some good reviews. After spinning it a couple of times through I really got into King Khan and his brand of psychedelic bombastic funk. Songs like "Welfare Breed", "Que Lindo Sueno", and "Torture" caught my attention the most readily, but all in all the whole LP is great. It's energetic and varied enough throughout to stay fresh, and it kinda reminds me of James Brown, which is definitely a plus. 

Top 10 Albums of The Year- #10

Cool Kids- Bake Sale Ep

This definitely wasn't the best year for rap, but these two young Chicago MCs did their best to breathe some life into the stagnant scene. Using fairly basic beats and fairly complex rhymes, The Cool Kids gained popularity and developed a swagger that should make their next release more of a mainstream hit. There are a lot of standout tracks on this ep, but I'd have to say my favorite are "Bassment Party", "Gold and a Pager", and "Black Mags." 2009 should be a big year for The Cool Kids as long as they stick to the formula they've laid out. 

Back like I Left Something

It's been a minute since I've thrown up a post, but now that shit has gotten less hectic I think it's time to get back at it. I updated the playlist with a steady influx of disco heat and some newer tracks I've been listening to lately. I'm considering changing the direction of the blog a bit, but for now I'm going to stick to music. I'm prepping an album's of the year list, so stay tuned. Prepare to get freshly funked in 09'. 

Hit me like a tidal Wavves

Wavves is a young dude from California who makes music that sounds pretty much like No Age. He's a little more raw, but I think that plays nicely into this genre, which is definitely growing in popularity. "So Bored" and "Beach Demon" both rock and roll in a way that makes you wish you were head-banging under the warm California Sun. Check out his myspace below, and keep an eye out for some upcoming releases. So far the only thing he has out is a tape. Yup, that's right, a good ol tape. 

MySpace.com - WAVVES - California - Other - www.myspace.com/wavves

The Ruby Suns- "Paltimos Park"

Here's The Ruby Suns take on El Guincho's hit, "Paltimos Park." I like the way they updated the lyrics and added their own music to the track, making it a unique remix. I also like how lately indie artists have been collaborating with one another. It seems to be stemming from the infusion of African music into the indie scene, which has possibly promoted a more tribal mentality. Whatever the reason, I hope to see more artists working to create truly global music. 

The Ruby Suns - "Paltimos Park" 

El Guincho - "Paltimos Park"

Here's an excellent new video from electronica mix master El Guincho. The video features cool animations and paper cut out graphics of El Guincho dancing about. The vibrant colors and minimalist approach really do the track "Paltimos Park" the tropical justice it deserves. Check it out and enjoy the beat. 

Hit Me Like A Gamma Ray

Arguably one of the Best songs of the year thus far and Modern Guilt's lead single, "Gamma Ray" is known far and away for hitting the ill note. So, here's a video of Beck performing the song in front of the noise starved masses. 

Everything That Happens WIll Happen Today

This has got to be my favorite album of the year so far. David Byrne and Brian Eno put together a really good album that's pretty much different from anything they've done before. It has great pop sense while still maintaining the weirdness both of these artists consistently exude. You can stream through the whole thing here, check it out and enjoy.

Sexually Frustrated Synths

Hey! The new Faint album is out, and if you've been a fan  I'm sure you'll be excited with their latest offering. The overall tempo of the music has slowed down a bit, but their sound has benefited as heard through the more refined instrumentation and composition. The LP is relatively short leaving me somewhat disappointed, yet standout tracks like "The Geeks Were Right", "Psycho", and "Mirror Error" make Fasciinatiion worth a purchase (Only 8 ducks on Itunes). Also, The Faint are on tour right now, so check their myspace page for dates.

MySpace.com - The Faint - Omaha, Nebraska - www.myspace.com/thefaint

New Cool Kids - "Pennies"

Here's a new track from the Cool Kids. They may be from Chicago, but Chuck Inglish apparently loves the Pistons as he dedicates nearly an entire verse to Isiah Thomas and company on this dope beat. The Cool Kids are really gaining some popularity lately due to their recent mixtape and ep, but their live shows have also been a reason for some of this attention. They're hosting a live show in Dallas at the Granada Theatre, so if your around those parts I suggest checking it out. Hit up the link below for the track. 

zSHARE - the cool kids - pennies.mp3

Clipse Presents: Re-Up Gang

Aka We Got it For Cheap Vol. 3. The new Clipse and re-up gang joint is hot, and you can listen to it on imeem.com right now. Also, the Clipse has released all the acapella tracks to the public for the "Remix the Re-Up" contest, which allows fans and producers to take the lyrics and add fresh beats. The Clipse will award the best tracks and not to mention you could get your foot into the door for other work. I commend the Clipse for getting their listeners involved, and the new album is fire, hit up the link and listen. 

 Clipse Presents Re-Up Gang Music Profile on IMEEM

Remix the Re-Up Community on IMEEM

The Walkmen- You & Me

The Walkmen's new album , You and Me, is slated for an August 19th release, but the band has decided to let that leak a little early. In a very charitable move, they have put their LP up for sale on aimstreet.com as a donation to the Memorial Sloan Cancer Center. This is what it's all about: 

"All donations go to Memorial SLoan- Kettering Cancer Center in honor of Luca Vasallo, a friend to the band and a current patient who is seven months old and doing a great job fighting a very difficult disease,' said Peter Bauer of The Walkmen. "This is a very good organization that certainly deserves the attention."

Pretty serious stuff, but for only $5 you can support a human in need plus get an excellent LP from a band that many wrote off early in their career. Out of all of those fateful OC bands, who would've thought these guys would still be around. Hit up the link below and pick up You and Me today. 

Amie Street - The Walkmen's Music Store

Diplo x Santogold- Remix City

Diplo and Santagold have teamed up for a remix album  of epic proportions, which is aptly titled Top ranking . Basically the DJ and MC go at everything and anything including Panda Bear's "Bros and The Clash's "Guns Of Britxton." The track is definitely not as good as the original and there's a little too much dub for my taste, but it's always nice for someone to breathe new life into old tracks. Check out Diplo and Santagold's work below. 

http://gvsbchris.com/gunsofbrooklyn.mp3

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Here's a freshly released video from  one of Chromeo's hit tracks, "Momma's Boy". The clip is very reminiscent of A-ha's "Take On Me", but with somewhat of a modern twist that mirrors most of Chromeo's musical direction in terms of their 80s influenced beats. Hopefully we'll hear something new from these guys in the near future. They recently issued a remix album of Fancy Footwork that's worth checking out as well. 

Genesis/ Best of Both Worlds

One of my associates reminded me of how good "Tonight Tonight Tonight" by Genesis is, so I figured I'd put the equally cool music video up. Phill Collins sports a really fine mullet while singing in the shadows. There's just a lot of darkness and silhouettes that scream high 80s drama. The second clip is from Jay-z's Fade to Black show at Madison Square Garden. The song is from the joint Jay-z, R Kelly album Best of Both Worlds. If you don't have it, I suggest going to pick it up. Their planned tour blew up due to personal conflicts, but in this video we get to see what could've been. R. Kelly's outfit speaks for itself.

A-Track of The Day

Hailing from the the west coast of Sweden, Air France, have a taste for the tropics on their new Ep- No Way Down. They've signed with The Tough Alliance's label Sincerely Yours, and the result has been stunning. Air France creates lush pop music inspired by the waves of the ocean and the beating heat of the sun. These guys just take you on a sonic journey to paradise with an eclectic choice of sampling, spanish guitars, bongos, island drums, and a disco savy not seen since people wore bell bottoms and silk shirts. Try and pick up No Way Down if you can (currently only an import), but otherwise enjoy the track and head over to their myspace page.



www.myspace.com/theairfrance

The Big Record Review

A gang of new music has come out lately and frankly Funksman has not been able to keep up with the action. Today that all changes with some quick-hitting reviews that will give you a taste of what to expect from all of these new releases. Here it goes......

1. Wolf Parade- At Mt. Zoomer 8.5/10

Wolf Parade strikes back hard with their second LP by harnessing a more straightforward rock sound. Dan Boecker really comes into his own on "Language City" and "Fine Young Cannibals" through some desperate crooning and poignant guitar jabs. Meanwhile, Spencer Krug switches from piano to synth throughout the album giving At Mt. Zoomer a classic rock/ 1972 Bowie feel that was devoid on their first outing. There are still definitely some hints of the dance and disco present on Apologies to Queen Mary as heard on the lengthy track, "Kissing the Beehive." Overall I'd have to say that At Mt. Zoomer is a bit of a grower, but only because most of the songs lack any clear structure until you've heard them a couple of times. Standouts include "Soldiers Grin", "Language City", "Call it a Ritual", "California Dreamer", and "Fine Young Cannibals."

2. King Khan and The Shrines- The Supreme Genius of King Khan and The Shrines 8.2/10

When thinking about what adjective best described this album the one word that came to mind was "bombastic." From the blaring horns to the pounding drums to the shaman-like King Khan at the middle of it all, this LP brings the heat from start to finish. It's basically a best of compilation of King Khan and The Shrines' work over the years, and since they're not a US band this is a great opportunity to hear these guys blaze through some funk tracks. Imagine a parliament funkadelic on speed with a little black lips thrown in and your almost there in terms of what to expect. Overall a really enjoyable album, standouts include "Took My Lady to Dinner", "Welfare Bread", "Land of The Freak", and "Live Fast Die Strong."

3. Ratatat- LP3 7.5/10

Ratatat have produced nothing but consistent music over the past couple of years, and their fan base has grown far and wide as a result. So, in a somewhat unexpected move, Ratatat changed up their sound a bit for LP3 and while some supporters may be disappointed, their new direction is actually pretty good. In LP3 they may have lost some of their catchiness, but the overall vibe of the record is of some really interesting electronica that warrants multiple replays. Don't get me wrong, there are still jams like "Shempi" and "Falcon Jab", but they blend more readily into the body of the LP instead of standing out like bonafide singles. A solid effort by Ratatat, check out "Mirando", "Shiller", "Faclon Jab", and "Shempi."

No Age- Eraser

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Here's a new music video from No Age's outstanding LP, Nouns. The action on camera is circuitous just like "Eraser" as the band members literally run in circles before rocking hard during the track's climax. It was directed by Andy Bruntel and I have to say that he did a good job of capturing the band in the raw element that has attracted so many people to their shows. Check out all the cool shots and keep an eye out for the creepy henchmen in No Age t-shirts too.

Nasir and Busta Eat Chicken

With the release of Nasir's new LP just over the horizon it's only natural for some tracks to leak. On this number, Nas and Busta take turns comically talking about how much they love fried chicken, and while the subject matter is more along the lines of something MF Doom would tackle, the two time tested artists make it work. The beat is constructed with no hooks or frills beyond some soulful horns and piano tinkering resulting in a clean sounding production. If the rest of Nas is along the lines of "Fried Chicken" we can expect another solid hip-hop outing from the legendary MC.

link: http://www.zshare.net/audio/143219296e4c8320/

Oxford Comma

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Following Vampire Weekend's widespread success they've been able to turn their attention to working on new tracks and creating music videos. Their latest piece of work, under director Richard Oyade, is a video for one of their hits, "Oxford Comma." The whole thing was apparently done in one straight shot that took seventeen times to get right. Overall, the result is a pretty interesting music video that has the feel of a Wes Anderson movie. Richard Oyade does a nice job of doing a performance scene in an atypical way. The band definitely looks comfortable as they keep moving into the eye of the mainstream.

Old New Music: Ratatat Remixes Vol. 2

Looking to add some flavor to the favorite rap songs you've played over and over again? Brooklyn electronica duo Ratatat have composed just what you need to feed your ears. Ratatat has created interesting music over the past couple of years by expertly blending guitar riffs into a synthetic sonic landscape. The results were two great LPs, Ratatat and Classics, but after these projects were completed the band decided to turn their attention to rap music. They carefully selected songs from popular rap and completely reconstructed the beats. Beat building was achieved through the use of their guitars and synth savy , which developed a sound that could surely be the direction hip-hop is heading towards. Electronica music has already been becoming more prominent in Hip-hop and for good reason. The two genres work really well hand in hand and Ratatat gives you a glimpse of how great the union can really be. Jay- Z's "Allure" and Beanie Sigel's "Glock Nines" sound so fresh over Ratatat's beats that they could've easily been put on any of their LPs. Do yourself a favor and download the entire remix Vol. 2 album off Ratatat's myspace page (scroll down a little, it's on the right side). Apparently Vol. 1 is tough to find, but if your interested try to grab that too.

http://www.myspace.com/ratatatmusic

Afro POP

Every so often a particular influence affects music in a way that can be seen through widespread artist convergence. Some band or some artist starts the trend and other groups latch on until, in retrospect, it can be officially looked at as an era. There are plenty of examples ranging from the days of disco to the birth of grunge. Right now indie music is experiencing a similar stimulation with the growth of a genre that has largely been away from the mainstream. This genre is global music and it's making a footprint on the sonic landscape today. Early rumblings of pounding African drums and Caribbean beats started way back with the release of Paul Simon's Graceland. His work faded away until a now widely popular group, Vampire Weekend, picked up on his brand of catchy Afro pop. Vampire Weekend achieved great levels of success with their global music, and the trend quickly caught on and has proliferated throughout music today.

Esau Mwamwaya is from the heart of Africa and his music is now able to come to the forefront of the indie scene due to this recent explosion of global sound. People like M.I.A, Animal Collective, and Architecture in Helsinki have paved the way for Esau. Through their use of eclectic instrumentation that takes root in tribal African sound, Esau has been able to generate a great bit of hype for the release of his upcoming LP. However, in the meantime he has teamed up with the very people that are allowing him to become a commercial success. "Kamphopo" is an excellent single that has Esau singing over Architecture in Helsinki's "Heart it races." He really outdoes the original track as he puts an extremely uplifting voice to an already perfectly constructed "global" beat. Esau claims to be "the African Phil Collins", but Phil could never achieve the kind of euphoria that Esau makes seem so routine. Keep a look out for a mix tape to be released shortly with collaborations between Esau, M.I.A, Vampire Weekend, Santagold, and others.

MySpace.com - ESAU MWAMWAYA - THE ALBUM IS DONE! - Lilongwe - Malawi to Clapton, London, UK - Tropical / Melodramatic Popular Song / Crunk - www.myspace.com/esaumwamwaya

Franz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand is now generally regarded as a solid band that makes quality music. Their first two outings were critically acclaimed and widely regarded as some of the best new music available. However, no one had heard from them for a while until they recently leaked some samples of what's to come on their next LP. Band members claim that the album is going to have an African feel, which is surely becoming one of the fastest growing influences in indie music today. Take a look at their website, it's actually pretty neat, and bits of the new tracks sound really good. 

http://www.franzferdinand.co.uk/music.html (copy and paste into browser)

MySpace.com - Franz Ferdinand - Glasgow, UK - Pop / Indie - www.myspace.com/franzferdinand

A-Track of The Day

Ladies and gentlemen, The Carter III is officially out and Lil Wayne is crowned as the best rapper alive.... or is he? Check Inter Planetary Funk tomorrow for a more detailed review, but until then have a listen to the Kanye West produced "Let the Beat Build." Kanye uses a great soul sample and loops it with his typical skill and class. The beat is pretty basic otherwise, but that works out for the better as listeners get to enjoy Wayne's meticulous flow. He slows it down and pours his soul out just like the singer hollering in the background. The track is really enjoyable and deserves lots of repeat plays, so check it out. The beat goes on.

Fleet Foxes

Oh boy! Folk music! Yeah, I said it, and for good reason. The Fleet Foxes have just come out with a stunning Folk album in their first official LP, Fleet Foxes. During this 11 track odyssey, the Fleet Foxes construct tightly knit pop tunes that could be enjoyed by you or your grandpa. The key to their success lies in their comfort as a band. They accept their AM radio rock and Folk influences, while managing to breathe fresh air into the storied genre. The Fleet Foxes expertly employ the heavy use of a cappella and reverb to give their album a unique feel. They then build off of this originality by using lush instrumentation to create landscapes only possible in dreams. However, at some points the  Fleet Foxes only appeal to a patient listener that appreciates both lyrical content and composition. Basically, I'm saying that these guys can be a little boring if your looking for a quick hitting pick me up. So, if you have some time and enjoy classic music give the Fleet Foxes a shot. In the meantime check out their myspace to get a picture of what's going on. After playing through the LP a couple of times, the Fleet Foxes can really grow on you. Just like a good water ice Fleet Foxes is a nice summer treat.  Standouts include; White Winter Hymnal, Ragged Wood, and He Doesn't Know Why. Cool album cover too..

MySpace.com - Fle e eeee et F oxx x xxxeesss - Proud of the Emerald City, Washington - Zouk - www.myspace.com/fleetfoxes

A- Track of The Day

Ratatat will shortly be releasing their third full- length LP, aptly named LP3. Based on a couple of tracks, Ratatat seems to have shifted gears to a more diverse sound that's clearly influenced by global instrumentation. "Mirando" is a bit choppy in the beginning, but as the song grows all the individual monkey and robot noises fuse together with Ratatat's signature guitar rifting to create some fire. Worthy of a listen, keep an eye out for LP3's release on July 8th under XL. Above is a nice little video for "Mirando", it shows off some nice editing using an old Shwarzenegger film. Very cool, enjoy. 

MySpace.com - RATATAT - BROOKLYN, New York - Rock / Electronica / Hip Hop - www.myspace.com/ratatatmusic

Black Kids

The Black Kids are currently touring the globe with Cut Copy, but with the release of their first full-length debut just over the horizon, it's time everyone gets familiarized with this promising band. On their Ep, The Wizard of Ahhhs, The Black Kids put out some guitar driven pop/electronica that's reminiscent of The Cure. Don't get me wrong though, The Black Kids are very upbeat and never reach the same levels of morbid depression that The Cure make seem so routine. Hits like "I'm not gonna teach your boyfriend how to dance" and "Hurricane Jane" are accessible to anyone, making Reggie Youngblood and Co.'s upcoming release so exciting. Pick up their Ep on itunes, or check out myspace for some really good remixes of their top songs, as well as all the originals. I'll have more on these guys when their album is properly released. Keep an eye out for The Black Kids touring in your city, they're a really good band to catch live.  Above is their first official music video, it's really weird, but the song's good. 

Feature: Cut Copy Concert/ Interview

On May 16th, Pure Nightclub in Philadelphia hosted Cut Copy, The Black Kids, and Mobius. The bartenders were dishing out free PBR's and Sparks from nine to eleven, and the general atmosphere of the venue was pretty upbeat. Mobius played a short stint that was half-heartedly paid attention to, but at least the band seemed to be having fun. By the time the Black Kids made their way on stage the crowd really started to pack in. I have to say that their set was very impressive with highlights coming from "Hurricane Jane", "Hit the Heartbreaks, and "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You". Other than those songs, they tried out some new tracks that sounded great and were received really well. Their performance was full of energy as Reggie Youngblood (actual name) did a top-notch job of executing lyrics and flawless guitar rifts. I was surprised at how well their studio work translated to a live venue. Based on the audience's reaction, everyone would've been satisfied if the show had ended after The Black Kids, but we were all in for a real treat with the headliners,  Cut Copy. The best way to describe these guys would be as professional showmen. Their timing, stage presence, and execution were all on point, which made everyone dance to their brand of slick electronica. By implementing guitars, a bass, and a live drum set, Cut Copy really exposed their ability to organically make floor-shaking dance music. The Nightclub basically got out of control during "Hearts on Fire" and "Lights and Music". People were crowd surfing, and I had to fight bodies off to maintain my footing. They blazed through their set quickly, leaving the crowd tired and sweaty. Cut Copy were definitely the highlight of the evening, and I'd 100% recommend picking up a ticket if they're playing in a city near you. While I was at the show, I actually had the opportunity to talk to Cut Copy's manager and we were able to setup an interview with Mitchell Scott ( Cut Copy's drummer). We did the interview via e-mail, so the phrasing of my questions may seem a little awkward because I didn't know who would be answering them. It's pretty exciting stuff, Interplanetary Funk's first interview is below.

Funksmanship: From looking at Cut Copy's myspace page, it's clear that the band loves to perform live. What's been the best aspect about this rigorous touring schedule? Does the volume of shows ever get overwhelming?

Mitchell Scott of CC: Its kinda cool getting into the zone of touring - when we tour Australia we pretty much play Thursday Friday and Saturdays - so stringing 7 nights in a row together can get us playing really tight together. OF course the flip side of the coin is that we're also totally wrecked and I supposed the volume takes its toll too - so you're constantly in a slightly weird spaced state of mind. 

Funksmanship: Previous to the release of In Ghost Colours, the band decided to release some of the album's best tracks on myspace. Was this a direction Cut Copy wanted to take, or did the length of time in between the two studio albums affect the early publishing of some songs? In regards to ticket and CD sales, was this marketing method effective? 

Mitchell Scott: This was something our label wanted to do - we just want people to hear our music - so we're into it as long as they are. In terms of selling tickets who knows what effect that had. Pretty much all our shows have been sold out so maybe. 

Funksmanship: What's Cut Copy's favorite songs to perform live, and what venue does the band enjoy the most?

Mitchell Scott: Hearts on Fire and Light & Music always get a great response so they're fun to play. We're about to play at the Forum in Melbourne which we've always looked forward to playing.

Funksmanship: What are Cut Copy's future plans now that In Ghost Colours has been dubbed a critical success? Can supporters expect any new remix content this year?

Mitchell Scott: We're going to be touring pretty much all year - we're going home to tour Australia and we'll be back in the States in September. We're working on some remixes at the moment that will hopefully see the light of day and also we've had a bunch of cool remixes done for use - including Midnight Juggernauts which had just show up online recently.

Funksmanship: Finally, How did Cut Copy enjoy Philadelphia, did they grab a world famous cheesesteak? 

Mitchell Scott: The club we played at was kinds shit though, the bouncers were dicks. There were really big guys trying to crowd surf and we saw a few girls get hurt really bad which kinda bummed us out, people should have more respect for each other. Despite from that though the show went really well and the crowd was awesome. We can't wait to come back and play in a venue properly set up for bands rather than a nightclub. Dan went on a drunken late night mission and got a cheesesteak after the show!

Bake Sale

The Cool Kids, Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks, are ready to release their long-awaited Ep, Bake Sale. These two MC's put down some great beats and rhymes reminiscent of 90's garage rap. I'd say that they're a splice between The Clipse, A Tribe Called Quest, and Eric B. and Rakim. Obviously not on that level of greatness yet, but the duo does show promise. None of their work feels over-produced or over the top. Instead, The Cool Kids find a nice niche in simplicity that used to be a staple of rap, which is now mostly ignored and devoid from the genre. Overall, it's pretty refreshing stuff that gives Hip-Hop a hope for the future. Below is a track listing of Bake Sale to accompany the good amount of content on their myspace page. Bake Sale is slated for May 20th , but in the meantime, That's Stupid (A new mix tape) will be released a week before the Ep on the band's new website. Hit up the links below and get hype for the rap game. 

The Bake Sale:

1. What Up Man

2. One Two

3. Mikey Rocks

4. 88

5. What It Is

6. Black Mags

7. A Little Bit Cooler

8. Gold and a Pager

9. Bassment Party

10. Jingling

MySpace.com - The Cool Kids - illville, Illinois - Rockabilly / Big Beat / Hip Hop - www.myspace.com/gocoolkids

The Cool Kids

Bands on Boats

Rio

Mansard roof

Today I'm  bringing two very different bands together for a very good reason-- unlike most musical groups, they appreciate the artistic potential of the open seas. When considering this, it's not hard to realize that I'm referring to Vampire Weekend and Duran Duran. These two great bands share a nautical mindset that make for some solid music videos. Overall, I have to say that Duran Duran's "Rio" video gets the edge mainly because of the babes and an incredible trumpet solo towards the song's end . However, Vampire Weekend's outing on "Mansard Roof" is dope in it's own  preppy sailor fun boy kinda way. If you don't have Vampire Weekend or Rio yet you should definitely consider picking them up this summer. Perfect songs for living the dream over these next three months.

New Wolf Parade!

Until recent myspace releases, no one has heard from Wolf Parade since their excellent debut, Apologies to Queen Mary. Their two latest works, "Language City" and "Call it a Ritual", pick up right where the band left off a couple years ago. "Language City" is reminiscent of "Shine a Light" due to it's anthemic build-up and climatic ending, while "Call it a Ritual" is a pretty new sound on it's own. Overall, Wolf Parade sounds a little bit more restrained in a way that's still very musical, but lacking in the ferocity they achieved on their first LP. I'm excited to see if Spencer Krug and company can meet lofty expectations after working on their own respective projects for quite some time. You can listen to the new tracks on myspace. At Mount Zoomer comes out on June 17th.

MySpace.com - Wolf Parade - Montreal, QUEBEC - Indie / Experimental / Other - www.myspace.com/wolfparade

Sexuality

Sebastien Tellier is a French dude with french kissing on his mind. In his latest outing, Tellier delivers some nice bedroom pop along the lines of Air and some of the more mild Daft Punk tracks (think "Make Love"). Sexuality was actually co-produced by Guy- Manuel de Homem- Christo (one-half of Daft Punk), and his influence on the album is apparent throughout. On each track the two frenchmen seem to be intent on layering sounds while implementing subtle chordal changes, which make Sexuality danceable, but not dance-floor ready. Tellier also does quite a bit of singing/crooning, switching from French to English in a way that allows him seem both ambiguous and cool. Some critics have dismissed Sexuality as simply a porno soundtrack, which could be true if your constantly posted up in the masturbertoreum. Yes, Tellier's music is somewhat erotic, but in a hip French-electro kinda way. Give Sebastian a listen on myspace or imeem.com and judge for yourself. Also, take a good look at Sexuality's  cover art, it's pretty much an indicator of what Tellier is all about.

MySpace.com - SEBASTIEN TELLIER - Paris - Pop - www.myspace.com/telliersebastien

Sébastien Tellier | Pop | guardian.co.uk Music

A-Track of The Day

Steadfast contributors to the DFA label, The Juan Maclean, have put out a really nice track in "Happy House." The song builds and becomes more complex throughout with highlights coming from great lyrics, a perfect piano loop, and some cool sounds from around the globe. For a house track it never really gets boring, or repetitive, which is a welcomed relief to most of the music produced in this genre. You can pick up the single and two decent remixes on itunes for cheap. Get the summer started with The Juan Maclean, you won't be disappointed. 

MySpace.com - The Juan MacLean - New York, New York - Indie / Disco House / Electronica - www.myspace.com/thejuanmaclean

Nouns

LA natives, No Age, have struck gold with their first full-length debut, Nouns. Their growth from Weirdo Rippers is the most defining aspect of this album, and it should encourage all lovers of rock music to give these guys a listen. On Nouns, No Age maintains their voluminous sound, but this time out they opt for more tightly written and clearly conceived songs. Static, fuzz, and bass are all still very much apart of the composition, but in a way that now adds to the overall cohesiveness of the LP. The entirety of Nouns is completely accessible, and you'll be surprised by it's level of depth. The tracks are short and sweet, leaving the listener satisfied, yet still eager to play the disc over and over again. Everything about Nouns is top-notch. It's pretty amazing that only two guys, Randy Randall and Dean Allen Spunt, can make such dynamic music. From the guitar riffs to the head-banging build-ups to the distorted yelling, No Age rocks the party that rocks the partay. I highly recommend picking up Nouns, and if you're ever in LA there's a good chance they'll be performing at Smell. People say great things about their live shows too. Standout tracks include:  "Eraser", "Sleeper Hold", "Cappo", "Brain Burner", and "Teen Creeps". They don't really feature much on their myspace page, so go buy the CD before all your cool friends do. 

MySpace.com - NO AGE - LOS ANGELES, California - Experimental / Powerpop / Punk - www.myspace.com/nonoage

Fancy Footwork

Here's a newly released music video by Chromeo from their second LP, Fancy Footwork. It's pretty minimalist in production, but overall the director captures the band and their steez really well. The keyboards with human legs are also a nice touch.  Chromeo's two full- length LP's, She's in Control and Fancy Footwork, are definitely worth checking out. This Canadian duo make some great 80s electro music, and they feature all of their top songs on myspace. "Bonafide Lovin" is a personal favorite.Two Step, Two Step. 

MySpace.com - CHROMEO - Montreal/New York - 2-step / 2-step / 2-step - www.myspace.com/chromeo

Unknown Pleasures

A new documentary about the myseterious band, Joy Division, has recently been released in theaters around the UK,. The film is mostly made up of live performances and various backstage footage collected during the band's short yet critically acclaimed career. The director's aim was to give insight into a group that was plagued by tragedy after the suicide of their lead singer, Ian Curtis. It describes the band's death and rebirth as New Order by providing the viewer with retrospective commentary from each member. Overall, Joy Division does a really great job of illustrating the post-punk landscape of the era, and the live scenes really solidify this film as a must see for any fans. Go check this fine documentary , and if you're not into Joy Division, or haven't heard of them, listen to some of their standout tracks; "Isolation", "Love Will Tear us Apart", "Disorder", and "She's Lost Control." These are just a couple of the great songs Joy Division produced over the span of only three LP's. You can buy Substance, Unknown Pleasures, and Closer at pretty much any Record shop, or through Itunes. Above is their first TV appearance, a really good live version of "Shadowplay". Enjoy. 

Nike Soccer- Take It To The Next Level

Nike has always made some really good soccer commercials, and this one is no exception. The viewer experiences what it's like to be recruited by a world class coach, Arsene Wenger, play for a world class team, Arsenal, and go up against world class competition, Cristiano Ronaldo. Really fun to watch,it's a testament to continued quality by the people over at Nike Soccer.

Rock Your Baby

George McCrae dropping some disco heat in the 70's. The background dancers are incredible, check it out.

King of Spring Skateboard Showdown 4/19/08

 

Check out this dope skate video from New York's annual King of Spring Showdown. Hosted by Billy Rohan, the event boasts local skaters, pros, and lots of brand name exposure from various skating companies. The skaters pull of some pretty amazing tricks using makeshift ramps and whatnot. Also, the video is accompanied by a pretty good reggae song. Enjoy the shredding.

Cut Copy and Chromeo Concert Videos....Comming Soon

Bass For Your Face

Some of you may be familiar with my associates blog, Greetings from Syrtec. I  checked it out yesterday , and came across his high recommendation of LA rock band, No Age. I was familiar with No Age, but had never given their Mixtape/EP, Weirdo Rippers, a legitimate listen. After recently playing the album through a couple of times, I have to both agree and disagree with my associate's point of view. On the one hand, No Age manages to create brilliant Art Rock music that is both accessible and deep. However, on the other, No Age can come off as unfocused and not confident enough to strip down their purely noise sound. Fuzz, reverb,echoes, and general static create the atmosphere used to frame the excellent Rock/Punk music that lies at the album's core. When No Age decides to break away from this fuzz  and distortion it's comparable to the glaring sun busting through the suffocating cover of dark clouds. It's almost like No Age is rewarding their listeners for dealing with some tracks that go nowhere, which at best could be described as some artistic filler. Nonetheless, No Age's Rock/Punk music couldn't survive without it's distorted soundscape, and this distortion couldn't survive without the pure Rock/Punk. Overall, the standout tracks do no disappoint, and Weirdo Rippers as a whole is a very cool and original album. I enjoy it more with every listen, so I recommend checking it out, but it may not be for everyone. Standouts include ''Everybody's Down'', ''My Life's Alright Without You'', and ''Neck Escaper.'' Also, keep and eye out for their upcoming LP-- Nouns

MySpace.com - NO AGE - LOS ANGELES, California - Experimental / Powerpop / Punk - www.myspace.com/nonoage

Freshly Funked

DJ Ujonnis just released an untitled track off his upcoming album Freshly Funked. The song is somewhat typical of the Philadelphia native, but this time out he opts for a more classy approach with sequenced piano loops and a straight forward baseline. The song clocks in at a 1:48, which is pretty short for a house artist, but then again the inventive DJ Ujonnis has always been progressive. You can check him out on a European tour right now, his shows are basically word of mouth, but I hear he's currently in London. I look forward to listening to more from this budding artist and I hope you do too.

YouTube - DJ Ujonnis

The Cars Drive You to Heartbeat City

The Cars have a bunch of top hits that everyone knows and loves, but two tracks that often get forgotten are "Heartbeat City" and "Drive." Both songs are similar in their beat heavy composition, but are clearly different in their direction. "Drive" is a slow- moving ballad about various driving metaphors and an ' I'll always be there to drive a babe home" attitude. "Heartbeat city" is more upbeat and dance inducing with it's bouncy synths, electronic drums, and random guitar picking. The videos are pretty funny, and I highly recommend picking up The Cars Greatest Hits. It really covers The Car's best work as well as hidden treasures like these two songs.

Solid as a Rock

Ashford and Simpson dropped this masterpiece in 1984 and redefined the consistency of love. Their performance in the music video is nothing short of breath-taking and awe inspiring. Any one of us would be lucky to share the kind of heart and soul that Ashford and Simpson make seem so effortless. 

A-Track of The Day

With all the frills and kicks of a disco dance-floor gem, MGMT deliver a fresh new single in ''Electric Feel''. The track is off of their new album Oracular Spectacular, which is ultimately a mixed bag, but ''Electric Feel'' is real nice. Basically, in this instance, MGMT sounds like the Bee Gees on steroids with some Prince sprinkled on top. Just a really good song, check it out on myspace, but also consider downloading it because the better version is on itunes.

MySpace.com - MGMT - Brooklyn, New York - Surf / Jungle / Country - www.myspace.com/mgmt

Beatific Music

Take some time out of your day and have a listen to Glass Candy's entrancing second LP, B/E/A/T/B/O/X. The duo of Ida No and Johnny Jewel produce some catchy electronica that will mesmerize you in no time. Ida No's distant mono-toned voice blends flawlessly over the pounding beats and catchy loops that make up the vast majority of B/E/A/T/B/O/X. ''Beatific'' , ''Candy Castle'', and ''Rolling Down the Hills'' are the standout tracks on the album, but I have to say that ''Rolling Down the Hills'' is the best. Ida No counts off ''1,2,3,4'' before the beat drops and the guitar picking kicks in. The result is a song that just flows extremely well, while managing to sound fresh throughout. You can check Glass Candy out on myspace, or on the excellent After Dark compliation from the label, Italians Do it Better (The Chromatics and Farah also appear on the mix, both of which are artists definietly worth seeking out). Apparently, Portland has more to offer than rose gardens, granola, and the Trail Blazer's Brandon Roy.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/glasscandy

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/43712-after-dark

I'm an 80s Baby

Neon Neon have released a cool 80s revival album fitting called Stainless Style. The LP has a variety of influences ranging all the way from Duran Duran to Run DMC (with The Cars somewhere in between). As a result, Neon Neon is dually focused on synthetic beat-making and organic instrumentation, which both happen to work well in this instance. You can expect loads of hand claps, sweeping guitar rifts, synth blips, and robot noises-- all of which end up being oddly catchy. Spankrock helped produce a decent portion of Stainless Style, but instead of composing YoYoYoYo's noisy and complicated arrangements, the Baltimore natives use their abilities to help Neon Neon transcend the critique of simply being an 80s cover band. Overall, the blend of styles result in a surprisingly good album that is a homage to the 80s, but also manages to be original enough to stand alone. Standout tracks include '' I Told Her on Alderaan'' and ''I Lust U.''

http://www.myspace.com/neonx2

A- Track of the Day

Royal Flush is a great new single off of Big Boi's upcoming album, Sir Lucious Left Foot. The track is a nostalgic trip back to the 90s with its basic garage beat and use of soul sampling. Andre 3000 blows Raekwon and Big Boi out of the water with his incredible verse, but that doesn't mean the two upstaged rappers don't deliver. In fact, the entire song is quality all around, and is also a welcomed breath of fresh air to 2008's stagnant hip-hop scene. Take a break from Rick Ross' Trilla and listen to what rap should sound like. You can check out Big Boi's latest here.

http://nahright.com/news/2008/03/21/big-boi-3-stacks-rae-royal-flush-cdq/

My Bum is on the Swedish... Swedish

Jens Lekman and the Tough Alliance consist of three Swedish dudes that aim to make excellent pop music. Jens Lekman has been around for a little while, thus allowing himself to establish a critically acclaimed library of songs. On Oh Your So Silent Jens and Night Falls Over Kortedala, Lekman creates a unique brand of pop that is reminiscent of old classics, but in an entirely new light. His compositions are made up of various samples, back-up vocals, and creative guitar abilities. Basically, Jens makes mostly upbeat music that is rich in lyrics and content. Anyone of any age can appreciate his original sound because of how refreshingly harmonious it is. Some examples of his timeless works can be found in "The Opposite of Hallelujah", "I'm Leaving You (Because I Don't Love you)", "A Postcard To Nina", and "Black Cab." As for the Tough Alliance, they are a bit more off the radar, and a bit more radical in their music. On A New Chance, The Tough Alliance puts out eight inspiring tracks that blend electronica and pop together with relative ease and style. Their influences range from 50 cent to Daft Punk to Blondie, which is simply why A New Chance is so enjoyable. Their lyrics are really good too, whether they're talking about switching lanes, ecstasy in Miami, or rioting in the streets. Check out the YouTube videos and decide for yourself.

Respec Syrtec

If your tired of reading pretentious music descriptions check out "Greetings From Syrtec" for a dose of radical realism through the eyes of a complete mench fun boy, kinda like Woody Allen.  

greetings from syrtec

Cut Copy- Australian For Dance

After years of waiting in anticipation for the follow up to 2004's Bright Like Neon Love, Cut Copy has released a stunning album over the past weekend. In Ghost Colours is the culmination of Cut Copy's four year hiatus from the studio, and Dan Whitford & Co. do not disappoint. In Ghost Colours trumps the band's previous attempt in nearly every facet; it's louder, longer, and more immediately listenable. The band employs an array of synths, guitars, back-up vocals, ghostly noises, horn samples, and floor shaking beats to create the purest dance/pop album anyone could hope to hear. Songs flow into one another by way of placed interludes, which result in a fully coherent experience that demands an immediate replay. I can't stress hard enough how enjoyable In Ghost Colours really is, and since Cut Copy has posted most of the songs on myspace it's simple to get a taste of the euphoric electronica. I strongly recommend picking up this album if you like music at all. Stand out tracks include "Hearts on Fire", "Out There On Ice", "Strangers In The Wind", "Far Away", "Lights & Music", "Feel the Love", and many more, so get it right and get it tight by picking up In Ghost Colours today. 8.8- Pitchforkmedia.com

MySpace.com - Cut Copy - Melbourne, AU - Pop / Pop / Pop - www.myspace.com/cutcopy

I'm Getting Tired And I'm Sweaty, But I Still Wanna Touch You If You'll Let Me

If you haven't heard of Muscles yet, you've been missing out on some serious fun. On his full length debut Guns Babes and Lemonade, Muscles sets out with an array of fresh beats and spirited vocals. His constant optimism and generally excited demenor lay the foundation for an onslaught of two-stepping, head nodding, and sing-alonging(?). The alblum's tempo varies throughout, but when Muscles comes hard he really makes some inspiring dance music. ''Sweaty'', ''Ice Cream'', ''Jerk'', and ''My Friend Richard'' are all bonafide hits, while everything else is certainly way above par. The consistency and top-notch production of Guns Babes and Lemonade make for a good time anytime. Throw it on during a party, or just blast it on a pod, whatever you do make sure to pick up a copy...... He'll have you screaming for ''Ice Cream'' in not time.

http://www.myspace.com/musclesmusic