Royal Flush is a great new single off of Big Boi'supcoming 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
With the sixty- four team bracket in place, this Monday marks the beginning of all the hype and predictions for the upcoming NCAA basketball tournament. Arguably one of the most entertaining events in sport, March Madness has been etched into music and basketball history through David Barrett's '' One Shining Moment.'' The song plays following the championship game giving fans a moment to reflect on the past month's parody, excitement, disappointment, and jubilation. In my opinion, Luther Vandross' version is far and away the best, but other performers include David Barrett and Teddy Pendergrass. Now take a look at the best NCAA final to date, and get ready for a month of pure sport.
Take a step back to the late 80s and early 90s. Black Box came out with "Ride on Time" and became an international hit, reaching No.1 on the UK best- selling singles list. They fused together Italo- house music with some powerful singing and well-selected sampling. Altogether, Black Box came out with upbeat music that everyone seems to know, but never actually owns. So, try and find Dreamland if you can, but otherwise youtube provides a good enough way to hear Black Box hits like "Strike it Up" and "Everybody Everybody."
El Guincho (Pablo Diaz- Reiza) has just come out with a really fresh sounding album in Alegranza!. It's not for everyone, but El Guincho has made music worth checking out. He samples a ton of sounds and layers all of them, which results in scripted mayhem. There's a lot going on, but there's always one massive noise that keeps the tracks going. Expect lots of Spanish chanting and pounding afro-beats, as well as generally bizarre sounds. He also DJ's, so it might be worth heading to your local club to see El Guincho get real weird. You should probably be tripping too. Top Tracks include '' Fata Morgana'' and '' Cuando Marivilla Fui.'' Fellow Catalanians Salvador Dali and Antonio Gaudi would be proud.
Hailing from New Zealand, The Ruby Suns (notably Ryan McPhun) have recently released their second full- length album, Sea Lion. The similarities to Panda Bear are immediate, but not completely warranted as Ryan McPhun and his Phunky bunch are a little less electronica and a little more sweet guitar pop. You can't help but feel like your on a magical island full of friendly natives and warm beaches when listening to "Tane Mahuta." Hand claps, sing along-choruses, fuzzy synths, and an array of instruments from around world populate the occosianolly cluttered, but ultimately enjoyable album. The Ruby Suns shine the brightest when they stay close to their indie pop roots, but their use of pan-global influences adds a level of complexity that rewards the patient and attentive listener. Definitely buy this album if your headed to a beach in the near future, otherwise check them out on myspace and decide for yourself. Standouts include "Oh, Mohave" and "Tane Mahuta", now go listen to it, learn it , tell people about it, and listen to it again, then use it.
Released under DFA records, Hercules and Love Affair is a sonic journey through decades of dance music. Disco, House, Synth Pop, and Acid all work in conjunction to create a unique blend of hot beats. The vocals never take away from the songs, and the lead singers vary throughout with guest appearances from Antony, Nomi, and Kim Ann. The whole album is top quality, you can't go wrong with producers like Tim Goldsworthy and James Murphy, so go out and pick up your copy today. In the meantime, listen to "Blind"(on Myspace), a standout track that will prepare you for Andrew Butler's outstanding arrival to American dance music.
