Friday, May 13, 2011

We're Moving......


After about a week of trying keep up frest content here at the regular blogspot and at Truth About Music's Indies and The Underground page, it's become exhaustingly obvious to me that posting in one place would much better use of my time, energy and sanity:). So from now on I'll be posting exclusively over at Truth About Music.

Not to worry, as I stated last week in the "Expanding" post  the style and content of Indies And The Underground will remain the same...only the location has changed. I hope you'll follow the blog to its new online home. Click HERE to check out the page.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Complete B.O.M.B. Fest Lineup Revealed


The full artist lineup for the third annual B.O.M.B. Fest has been announced. Set to take place on May 28 and 29 at the Comcast Theatre in Hartford, CT, the bill includes superstar acts like Weezer, Snoop Dogg, George Clinton and Wiz Khalifa, as well as indie acts like The Cool Kids, Against Me! and The New Pornographers.

All proceeds from this year's festival will go towards music scholarships, music enrichment and education programs and community support and outreach. Go to www.bombfest.com, for more information, and view the full festival lineup below.

SATURDAY, May 28
Weezer, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Best Coast, HEALTH, Titus Andronicus, RJD2, Wavves, EOTO, The Cool Kids, Dan Deacon, The Felice Brothers, ESKMO, Real Estate, Woods, Free Energy, Roots of Creation, David Wax Museum, Turbo Fruits, Walk the Moon, Sun Hotel, The Manchurians, The Frank Critelli Band, The Rebel Yell, Emjae, EULA, Ovlov, Forget Paris, Lobster Quadrille, The Goonies, Swear & Shake, Dirty Dishes, Distoria

SUNDAY, May 29
Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Big Freedia, Coheed and Cambria, Against Me!, Shpongle presents The Shpongletron Experience, Neon Trees, The New Pornographers, State Radio, Dam-Funk, Dum Dum Girls, Man Man, Holy F••k, Portugal. The Man, Freelance Whales, Quintron and Miss Pussycat, Daedelus, 12th Planet, Nosaj Thing, The Files & Fires, Toubab Krewe, Urban Sun, Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez, Fake Babies, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, The Hood Internet, The Backyard Committee, Cosmic Dust Bunnies, OConn, Super Nice Bros, Wry, Raina Mullen, Chalk Talk, Small Black, River City Extension, The Revivalists

Artist Profile: Big Black Delta


Electro pop act Big Black Delta began as an experiment, when LA transplant and Mellowdrone founder Jonathan Bates decided he needed a break from the band aesthetic. Buying a used laptop from friend Alessandro Cortini (Nine Inch Nails, Sonoio) and began playing with sound, twisting, bending and contorting to create a musical style not bound by gravity or any one instrument. "Give me anything, and I'll make it work. Especially if it’s stringed,"Bates says. Combine this penchant for experimentation with a love of UFO folklore and you have the otherworldly coolness that is Big Black Delta, made up of Bates and live drummers Mahsa Zargaran and Amy Wood.

Bates' ambition to stretch the boundaries of pop can be heard in sonic stunners like "Huggin' And A Kissin'." Driven by whiplash-inducing drums, atmospheric, searing electronic sounds and robotic bass, the track sounds like Depeche Mode on steroids (a very good thing in case you were wondering). "Zebra" lifts the trademark alt-rock loud-chorus-soft-verse dynamic and brings into the dance realm with fantastic results,  vacillating quietly between spage-age samples and gentle harmonies and grimy, distorted synths and deep, thumping bass. Meanwhile "IFUCKINGLOVEYOU" borders on punk and hardcore, melding wall-of-sound-style choruses with a nasty bass, pummeling drums and fat blasts of what sounds like mangled brass.

Big Black Delta is currently working on a full-length debut. In the meantime, you download the group's Big Black Delta EP for free, or the aforementioned "Huggin' And A Kissin' below.




Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Q&A With Clara Engel


Check out my interview with Clara Engel over at The Truth About Music. She's talks about her favorite artists, lyrical inspirations, early live gigs and why listening to Adele makes her want to smash things! Click HERE to read.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Chilly Gonzales To Release The First Orchestral Rap Album

Chilly Gonzales has announced a new album, The Unspeakable Chilly Gonzales,which will be the world's first orchestral rap album. A follow up to his last album Ivory Tower, which yielded piano-driven rap hits "The Grudge" and "Crying" the new release is a creative progression of sorts.

Arranged by Hollywood film composer Christopher Beck and influenced by Prokofiev, Morricone and Phillip Glass, The Unspeakable Chilly Gonzales features plenty of old-school Hollywood swells, tympani rolls and French horns, as revealed by "The Unspeakable Chilly Gonzales Medley." Take a listen to the track HERE.

The Unspeakable Chilly Gonzales will be released digitally on June 7. 

New Music: Danger Mouse Daniele Luppi 'Rome'


Although Rome, a collaboration between producer Danger Mouse and Italian composer Daniele Luppi, isn't set to drop until next week, the entire album is streaming on NPR. The album also features collaborations with Norah Jones and Jack White. Listen HERE.

Artist Profile: The Bewitched Hands


Formerly known as The Bewitched Hands On Top Of Our Heads, French psychedelic pop sextet The Bewitched Hands formed in 2005. While band members Anthonin and Benjamin act as the chief songwriters, everyone takes part in creating harmonies. The approach is evident in the band's music, as their sound is packed with multiple melody lines that often weave in and out of each other before coming together to create one big voice.

The band takes the same approach to instrumentation, with three guitarists playing different tones and percussion instruments jockeying for position within a song. While it would it seem that this everything-but-the-kitchen-sink attitude would spell disaster, tracks like "Work," "Sea" and "Hard To Cry" reveal otherwise. The Bewitched Hands full-length debut Birds And Drums, is set to be released in the U.S. on May 24. Listen to a few tracks below.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Remix Of The Week: Lady Gaga "Judas (Dub Step Remix By Andre Jetson)"

While mother monster may have been channeling Mary Magdalene for her latest single, this ferocious, chaotic dub step remix by Andre Jetson makes Gaga sound like she summoned the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Listen below.

Jay-Z And Kanye West Switch Hotels To Finish 'Watch The Throne'

I guess the phrase "location, location, location" not only applies in business but in superstar collaborations. According to The New York Post, the duo has switched recording spots from the swanky Mercer Hotel to the equally upscale Tribeca Grand Hotel in Manhattan.

Much of Watch The Throne's recording process has taken place in makeshift studios around the globe, from the Mercer in NYC's Soho District to Paris. According to the New York Post's source, it looks like the two recognize it's crunch time. "They were laying down tons of tracks," a witness said. "It was intense -- no Beyoncé and no booze."

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Divine Revelation Or Holy Terror? Lady Gaga's "Judas " Video


Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Lady Gaga's new clip for her single "Judas" was set to premiere today on the E! Channel. Fortunately (for us anyway) it's leaked about eight hours early. Much tongue wagging has been made of the video's religious subject matter, as Gaga takes on the role of Mary Magdalene and sings of her love for the treacherous Judas.

When talking about the clip and its concept, the singer explained  "Well the video, in essence, suggests that [pauses] forgiveness and betrayal are hand in hand and that... how do I say this? The video puts destiny above all things and postures that the mistakes in your life are in fact not mistakes at all, they are just part of your overarching potential and your destiny."

"I want to allow the video to speak for itself but I will say that the theme of the video and the way that I wanted to aesthetically portray the story was as a motorcycle Fellini movie where the apostles are revolutionaries in a modern-day Jerusalem," she said. "And I play Mary Magdalene leading them into the town where we meet Jesus and I will leave the rest for you to see. But it's meant more to celebrate faith than it is to challenge it."

Personally I feel that the video is good, but not great. It contains many Gaga motifs--surreal theatrics, over-the-top outfits, garish makeup, dancers (the lipstick gun gets a definite thumbs up)--but the whole product doesn't come off with a bang the way previous epics like "Paparazzi," "Bad Romance," "Telephone" or "Born This Way" did. Casting the disciples as a modern-day biker gang  was a nice twist, but she should have scrapped the dance sequences and concentrated more on the overall storyline, which could have provided some great visual scenes. Perhaps the fact the video was being filmed on the same stage as Janet Jackson's "Escapade" inspired her to bust a move.

But a good Gaga video is still better than 85 to 90 percent of other music clips that are out there, so it's definitely worth watching. Maybe when the uncut version premieres later today, it'll contain some new surprises. Watch "Judas" HERE.

Versis: "Slow Down"


When comes to sex, many rappers broach the subject with lurid tales of menage`a trois, endless one night stands and other assorted stories of groupie love. Versis takes a more nuanced, lyrically dexterous approach to love and sex with the track "Slow Down," from his album. iLLCANDESCENT  While not denying  there's some ladies "that he wouldn't mind beseeching" he's also aware of the potential consequences of thinking with the wrong head. Watch the video for song below.


Versis "Slow Down" from JeromeD.com on Vimeo.

Tori Amos To Release Classical Music-Inspired Night Of The Hunter


Tori Amos' debut release for world-renowned classical music label Deutshe Grammophon Night Of The Hunter, may be one of her most ambitious yet, a modern song cycle inspired by select classical pieces spanning back 400 years.

Amos said of Night Of The Hunter, which she wrote and produced: "I have used the structure of a classical song cycle to tell an ongoing, modern story. The protagonist is a woman who finds herself in the dying embers of a relationship. In the course of one night she goes through an initiation of sorts that leads her to reinvent herself allowing the listener to follow her on a journey to explore complex musical and emotional subject matter."

She added,“One of the main themes explored on this album is the hunter and the hunted and how both exist within us.”


Amos will support the album, set for release in September, with a European and U.S. tour starting in Helsinki, Finland on September 28.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

WATCH: Beyonce's New Video Teaser For "Run The World (Girls)"


Beyonce has released another visual morsel from her upcoming video epic "Run The World (Girls)" for fans to salivate over. Watch the short clip below. Another B-Day seems to be upon us.....

B.O.M.B. Fest Announces Local Lineup


The third annual B.O.M.B. Fest, set to take place later this month on May 28 and 29 in Hartford, CT, has announced its local artist lineup. Co-founder Frank Bombaci Sr. said shining the spotlight on budding stars is part of the mission of B.O.M.B. Fest.

"Live local music is a very focused part of the overall non-profit mission of Bring Our Music Back Inc!” Bombaci said. “There are amazing talented young musicians that need to be heard and we take pride in incorporating that mission into B.O.M.B. Fest.”

For more information about the festival, visit the official website. View the the full local talent lineup below.

Forget Paris • Heirlooms • The Frank Critelli Band • The Backyard Committee • The Guru • Fake Babies • The Manchurians • Raina Mullen • Midi & The Modern Dance • EULA • Wry • The Lobster Quadrille • OConn • Distoria • The Files and Fires • The Rebel Yell • The Goonies • Emjae • Chalk Talk • Cosmic Dust Bunnies • Ovlov • Urban Sun • Swear and Shake • sayWHAT? • Dirty Dishes

Soulive's Al Evans Unearths Crushed Velvet's Long Lost Movie Soundtrack

Soulive's Alan Evans stumbled upon a long-lost musical gem, the motion picture soundtrack to The Big One by Crushed Velvet and The Velveteers, when a family friend in Buffalo, NY  put him in touch with the movie's director Cleo McBride. One of NYC's premiere funk and soul bands of the late 60's and 70's, The Velveteers, led by vocalist and guitarist Crushed Velvet, were contacted by McBride, an old band mate, to record the soundtrack to the film.

A Shaft-meets James Bond style Blaxploitation flick originally set to be released in 1974, The Big One never got a chance to shine on the big screen, as the film was said to have been destroyed in a fire after it was finished. With no film to accompany the music, the soundtrack was shelved and the band broke up.Lost to obscurity, the album languished until Evans was called in to mix the original sessions and release the soundtrack through Soulive's record label Royal Family Records.

The Big One will be released as a free MP3 album download and on limited vinyl edition on May 24. View the track list and listen to the The Big One's "Main Theme" below. You can also watch a video of Alan Evans explaining the movie's history.

1. The Big One (Main Theme)
2. Thunderbird
3. Felecia's Love Theme
4. Detroit Slim
5. The Lay Down
6. Memphis Stomp
7. London Black (pts. 1,2,3)
8. Big Chase
9. The Big One (End Theme)



Vandaveer Drops "Dig Down Deep" Video, Kicks Off Spring Tour


Washington D.C.'s own Vandaveer have released a new video for their single "Dig Down Deep." Filmed in Long Island, NY in the freezing January cold with collaborators Pierre Dejon and Just Philippot, who also shot the band's previous clip for "The Nature Of Our Kind," the video follows the band on a trek towards the sea.

The brainchild of alt-folk musician Mark Charles Heidinger, Vandaveer features a revolving cast of musicians and singers, with vocalist Rose Guerin as the sole mainstay. The results of this musical melting pot can be heard on Dig Down Deep, the group's third album released late last month. Churning rhythms, piano and steady guitar provide a melodic backdrop for stories of war, loss and love.

Vandaveer is also in midst of an extensive U.S. tour, which kicked off yesterday in Boston. Watch the "Dig Down Deep" video and view the list of tour date below.




05/03: Boston, MA @ TT The Bears #
05/04: New York, NY @ Rockwood Music Hall #
05/05: New Hope, PA @ Triumph Brewery #
05/06: Brooklyn, NY @ The Rock Shop #
05/07: Pittsburgh, PA @ Brillobox #
05/10: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern #
05/11: Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle #
05/12: Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop #
05/13: Newport, KY @ Parlour @ The Southgate House #
05/14: Lexington, KY @ Natasha's #
05/15: Louisville, KY @ Uncle Slaytons #
05/16: Nashville, TN @ The Basement #
05/17: Winston-Salem, NC @ Krankies # *
05/18: Roanoke, VA @ Kirk Ave Music Hall #
05/19: Richmond, VA @ Sound Of Music Studios #^
05/20: Charlottesville, VA @ Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar #
05/21: Washington, DC @ IOTA #
05/22: Baltimore, MD @ The Metro Gallery #

# w/ Ferraby Lionheart
* w/ Marcus Hodges
^ w/ The Low Branches

Digitalism To Headline U.S. HARD Tour This Summer


The summer of 2011 is shaping up to be a busy season for Digitalism. Along with the June 21 release of I Love You Dude, their first album in four years, the electro duo will also be headlining the HARD Summer Tour. The festival bill will include Caspa, Destructo, Jack Beats and Gesaffelstein.

This year marks the second year of the traveling music festival, which brings together electronic music's heavy hitters. The tour will hit fourteen markets across North America, including a stop in Toronto for the World Electronic Music Festival. For more information or to get tickets, visit www.hardfest.com. View the HARD tour dates below.

8/3 - SEATTLE, WA - Showbox
8/4 - PORTLAND, OR - Roseland
8/5 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Fox Theater
8/6 - LOS ANGELES, CA - Hard Fest
8/9 - DALLAS, TX - Granada
8/10 - AUSTIN, TX - Stubb's
8/12 - CHICAGO, IL – Congress Theater
8/13 - TORONTO, ON - World Electronic Music Festival
8/14 - MONTREAL, PQ - Metropolis
8/16 - BOSTON, MA - House of Blues
8/17 - BALTIMORE, MD - Bourbon Street
8/18 - WASHINGTON, DC - Fur Nightclub
8/19 - PHILADELPHIA, PA - Electric Factory
8/20 - NEW YORK, NY - Terminal 5

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Atari Teenage Riot To Tour U.S.

Reunited cyberpunks Atari Teenage Riot will invading the U.S. again for a fall tour in support of their upcoming album Is This Hyperreal?, set to drop on June 7th. With harsh, digital atomic bombs like "Activiate" and the human-trafficking tale "Blood In My Eyes" the shows are sure to be anything but laidback affairs.

Get a taste of the band's hardcore style by clicking here, and view the list of tour dates below.

9/4 Seattle, WA, Bumbershoot Festival

9/9 Los Angeles, CA, The Keyclub
9/13 Fort Lauderdale, FL, Culture Room
9/15 Atlanta, GA, The Masquerade
9/17 Washington, DC, 9:30 Club
9/24 Pittsburgh, PA, Rex Theater
9/27 Detroit, MI, The Majestic Theatre
9/28 Chicago, IL, Reggies Rock Club

Architecture In Helsinki's "Contact High" Remixed By Javelin, Drop New Album

Modern pop masters Architecture In Helsinki's new album Moment Bends drops today. Recorded over two years at the band's Buckingham Palace, bandmember Cameron Bird says "Moment Bends was all about being at one with our ideas, obsessed with popular music and falling in love with our hometown. We wanted to build a record to get lost in. A record that always feels exactly what you are feeling."

To celebrate the new album, the band is sharing a remix of the track "Conact High." Reworked by Brooklyn-based cratediggers Javelin, the song becomes a sleek, lush piece of pop perfect for sunny, summertime drives. Architecture in Helsinki will be kicking off a U.S. tour in Los Angeles at the Henry Fonda Theater on June 1st. Listen to and download the "Contact High" remix and view the band's tour dates below.

Contact High-Javelin Remix by Javelin


06/01: Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater
06/02: San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
06/03: San Francisco, CA @ Slims
06/04: Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
06/05: Vancouver, BC @ Venur
06/06: Seattle, WA @ Neumo's
06/09: Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
06/10: Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
06/11: Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
06/12: Montreal, QC @ Le Tulipe
06/13: Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
06/15: Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
06/16: New York, NY @ Webster Hall
06/17: Washington, DC @ Black Cat
06/18: Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live

Artist Profile: Clara Engel


Canadian avant garde folk/blues artist Clara Engel combines sparse instrumentation and biting, deeply personal lyrics about love, fear, loss and betrayal to create songs that are the equivalent of an emotional tsunami.

On "Lick My Fins," she channels early PJ Harvey with vocals that are both vulnerable and erotically charged. Starting off with a slow build up of drums and strings, the track fleshes out into a seductive groove, punctuated by tense stab of horns and ghostly harmonies. Engel spins a twisted web of desire with lines like "I want to crawl back to the ocean for you/Lose my limbs and my lungs/My agility of tongue/For you."

"Trembling Dust" takes a less sensual, but no less haunting approach, with Engel bending and twisting certain words to wring all the feeling she can out of them. Singing with a tender, quiet resolve, she tells her lover to "eat the dream from my eye/Eat the kisses from a mouth ravaged/By bitterness and lying." "Accompanied By Dreams" finds her sifting through the ruins of broken promises and abandonment. You said that we would reap/A brilliant harvest from this grief, she sings over a guitar and somber cello. "But it never rained/It's autumn in our veins."

Engel's Madagascar EP is currently out on vinyl. You can download "Lick My Fins" for free below, but other tracks are pay for download. You can hear more at Clara's bandcamp page.




Indies And The Underground Is Expanding...


I will now be contributing to The Truth About Music, a site created by fellow music lover and blogger Harris Decker. Profiling "what's hot, what's not, and what's next in pop music" the site features artist interviews, album reviews, video of the day and general music news. The site also features a small but very talented staff of writers who all have strong opinions about music.

While there will still be daily postings here, I will also be writing and posting things that will only appear on The Truth About Music. To visit my page, you either click on the 'Indies And The Underground' tab on the site's homepage, or type in indiesandtheunderground.com.

In addition to that, Indies and The Underground has now joined the world of Tumblr. You can view the page HERE.

Monday, May 2, 2011

New Music: Solange "Left Side Drive"


Solange has dropped a previously unreleased track, "Left Side Drive." Recorded about two years ago, the song is actually a cover version of British band Boards of Canada. The singer, known for her love of all things indie, collaborated with the group for her last album, 2008's Sol-Angel And The Hadley Street Dreams, is a huge fan of the band.

"It’s completely unofficial, and was just inspired by the song which i have had a deep love affair with for years.I am a huge Boards of Canada fan, and got the chance to work with them on Sol-Angel on ‘This Bird’. Still feel honored to this day,” she said.

Listen to the song below.

'The Big 4' To Come To NYC

East coast metalheads rejoice! The Big 4, otherwise known as Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth, have announced a New York date as part of their historic reunion concert, their second U.S. show after last month's gig in Indio, CA. The thrash legends will descend on Yankee Stadium on September 14. Tickets go on sale May 6 at Ticketmaster.

cirKus: "Beats Tripple 1"


"Beats Tripple 1" is the latest offering from cirKus's new album Medicine. A family super group of sorts. the group is made up of hip-pop pioneer NehNeh Cherry, her husband Cameron McVey, their daughter Lolita Moon and friend/beat maker Karmil. Driven by a scratchy, grimy bass line, twisted vocals and dark, distorted electronic effects, the song pulsates with a tough, aggressive groove that's more punk rock anarchy than electro pop cool. Medicine drops on May 10. Until then, listen below.

Vid Pick: Vincent Minor "Late Night Show"


In his surreal new video for "Late Night Show," Vincent Minor swims with an octopus, dresses up as a Union soldier and parties with a giant goldfish. Good times. The video features loads of whacked out, psychedelic animation reminiscent of  Peter Gabriel's sledgehammer or Michael Jackson's "Leave Me Alone, and also includes a cameo from comedian Nadya Ginsburg. Vincent Minor's self-titled debut album is out now. Watch below.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Remix Of The Week: Mariah Carey Ft. Da Brat And Missy Elliot "Heartbreaker"

Mimi recruited Da Brat and Missy Elliot to rework her 1999 hit "Heartbreaker" from light pop track (and just a little too much of a "Fantasy" retread for my taste) to bass-heavy jam. Listen below.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Modest Mouse Working With Big Boi On New Tracks


Indie rockers Modest Mouse are back in the studio working on new songs for their first album since 2007's We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank, and having managed to wrangle Big Boi to collaborate on the new tracks, according to the rappers' Twitter account.

"Been camped out in the Lab with Modest Mouse all week, workin on the new mouse LP, coolest cats ever. Long Live The Funk," he tweeted. The rapper also tweeted that producer Chris Carmouche, who worked on Outkast's Speakerboxx/The Love Below is also in the studio.

While the band hasn't revealed when their album will be released they have teasing new material. Watch a performance of an untitled song on the online series Don't Move Here which documents the Portland music scene. The performance occurs at around the 7:56 mark.

Artist Profile: The Gromble


California-based indie rockers The Gromble was formed by four friends in the summer of 2009. While they've only been together for less than two years, they show a talent for melding hooky riffs and melodies with intimate,  dense lyrics about relationships.The emotional nakedness seems to impact the musical as well.

"Toto" is a swinging pop gem full of bouncy drums and guitars, but ends with a series of somber, slightly distorted chords.  "Creepy Crawly" opens with off-kilter, plucked strings, that eventually explode into pummeling power chords and pounding drums, providing a good back drop for lyrics like "We're still alive inside my mind/And that might be the only place I see you." Listen to a few tracks and watch the band perform "Parking Lot" below.










Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Vid Pick: Tahiti 80 "Easy"


Take a look at the clip for Tahiti 80's song "Easy." Directed by Daisuke Kitayama, the quirky video features plently of intricate animation for graphic design geeks to pour over, while providing a perfect compliment to the track's breezy dance pop sound.

Amanda Palmer, Ben Folds, Neil Gaiman and Damien Kulash Write New Album In A Day


Giving new meaning to the phrase "in record time" Ben Folds, Amanda Palmer, Neil Gaiman and Damien Kulash set out to write and record eight songs in eight hours Monday at Berklee College Of Music and release them 10 hours later during the Rethink Music program in Boston.

The marathon collaboration was broadcast live from the recording studio at rethink-music.com. The group  gave a presenation later that morning, followed by a private concert for conference registrants at the Berklee Performance Center.

The 8in8 album, appropriately titled Night Night, is currently available on Bandcamp.com. All proceeds from the first week of downloads will benefit Berklee City Music, which provides free music education to underprivileged teens. Listen to and download 8in8 track "One Tiny Thing" below.

One Tiny Thing by 8in8

Metallica To Make New Album With Rick Rubin


Metallica will be teaming up with producer Rick Rubin again for their next album, a follow up to 2008's Death Magnetic, according to bassist Robert Trujillo. In an interview with 93.7 KCLB Rocks! Radio Trujillo explained the group's relationship to Rubin, who they believe has a "zen guru spirit."

"Yeah, I love working with Rick. Rick, to me, he's sort of a Zen guru spirit that Metallica needs right now, he said. "Not to say that we need it, because we're getting along incredibly well, we're really excited to write some new music. There's no shortage of riffage in Metallica world right now. And I think it's only gonna get better."

Before heading back into the studio though, the band will playing a few more special shows. "The Big Four" dates with fellow thrash legends Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax will take place in Europe, South America and Southern Asia, and India.

Read the full story at Spinner.

Rival Schools Get Remixed By The Beastie Boys' Ad-Rock


Rival Schools must take the old adage 'better late than never' to heart. After a decade the group has finally released the follow up to their debut, with a new disc entitled Pedals. Since then things have seemed to kick into overdrive for the band, between playing sold  shows, including a  few European gigs with Trail Of Dead, and dropping videos for the tracks "Wring It Out" and "Shot After Shot."

The band has also enlisted the help of The Beastie Boys' Ad Rock for a remix of "69 Guns," which is more an entire deconstruction of the song than a remix. Rival Schools will also be performing at Lollapalooza and are kicking off a tour of the west coast in May. View the tour dates and listen to "69 Guns" below.

RIVAL SCHOOLS - 69 Gunz (Ad-Rock Remix) by Photo Finish Records

05/20:  Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
05/21:  Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Theater
05/23:  San Jose, CA @ The Blank Club
05/24:  San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
05/26:  Portland, OR @ Peter's Room
05/27:  George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
08/05 – 08/07:  Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza

Holy Ghost! Premiere "Wait And See" Video


With their self-titled debut finally unleashed on the world and fresh off a tour with Cut Copy, Holy Ghost! are plowing ahead with a performance at Music Hall of Williamsburg this Friday, April 29, and also gearing up for a European tour before crossing back over the pond for some U.S. gigs. In the meantime the band has released a new video for the single "Wait And See."

Set in the duo's familiar NYC stomping grounds, they decided to include some very special guests for the clip. "For a long time Nick and I joked that our dads should take our press photos," Alex Frankel said. "At some point our go-to director, Ben Fries, came up with the idea of actually making a video with playing us and "Wait And See" seemed like the perfect song to do it for."

While both dads were a little nervous about their cameos, Frankel assured them they weren't butt of the joke. "My dad was appalled at the sizing options at American Apparel. But when we explained that the joke wasn't on them--that it was actually kind of making fun of us getting older and still living like teenagers--they were game. For the record they agree: We need to grow up."

Watch the video below.








Holy Ghost! - Wait & See from DFA Records on Vimeo.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Smashing Pumpkins Planning Reissues, Announce New Album


Looks like the The Smashing Pumpkins are taking a page out of Pearl Jam's book by reissuing their back catalogue over the next three years. According to Rolling Stone, the first wave of reissues will take place in the fall, and will include the band's debut Gish, their second album Siamese Dream and 1994's compilation Pisces Iscariot.

Although it's unclear what extra goodies will be included on each reissue, frontman Billy Corgan tweeted that he recently found tapes of the band's first performance of "Starla" as well as a cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," so unreleased tracks may be on the menu.

The other round of reissues, which include 1995's Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness, five-disc rarities set The Aeroplane Flies High and 1998's Adore, will be released in 2012. But it's not all nostalgia, as The Smashing Pumpkins also plan to release a new album entitled Oceania, "an album within an album" as part of the group's ambitious 44-song Teargarden by Kaleidyscope. A new song "Owata" will be released for free online next week.

They Might Be Giants "Join Us" Tracks On iTunes, Live Dates Announced


Veteran rockers They Might Be Giants new album Join Us, created in the band's new private studio with long-time collaborator Patrick Dillet, a producer who's also work with Mary J. Blige, David Byrne and Tegan and Sara. Advance tracks from the album were released digitally today on iTunes through the "Complete My Album" program, while the full album will drop on July 19.

The advance offering includes pop songs like "Can't Keep Johnny Down," electronic ballad "Never Knew Love," and the folk pop jam "Old Pine Box." The band is also launching its first international tour in over a decade this fall, with shows in six countries and more than 50 cities in the U.S. While more details will be announced in a month, view of some of the dates below. You can also stream the advance tracks over at AOL Spinner.

5/29: Des Moines, IA @ Iowa State Fair Grounds
6/11: Toronto, ON @ Luminato Festival FREE CONCERT
7/15: London, UK @ Koko
7/16: Southwold, UK @ Latitude Festival
7/29: Brooklyn, NY @ Williamsburg Waterfront w/Eugene Mirman FREE CONCERT

New Music: DATAROCK "California (Ralph Myers Remix)"


On this remix of DATAROCK's "California," Ralph Myers reworks the track into a mid-tempo electro stomp with deep bass, ethereal effect, crunchy synthesizers and colossal, reverberating vocals that seem to stretch to the stratosphere. Listen below.

California-Ralph Myerz RMX by IndiesUnder

Dinosaur Bones Announce Summer Tour,


After a string of successful dates with Tokyo Police Club and opening up for Broken Social Scene at the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival, indie pop band Dinosaur will be soldiering on, continuing their road trek with a new summer dates in support of their latest release My Divider. The tour begins May 2 at The Aquarium in Fargo, ND and wraps up July 9 in Toronto, ON at Edgefest 2011.

My Divider, a follow to last year's EP The Birthright, displays the band's knack for crafting complex melodies and guitar-driven rockers like "Highwire Act" and "Point of Pride." Listen to and download CFCF's remix of the album track "Birthright" HERE, and view the list of tour dates below.

5/02: Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
5/03: Chicago, Il @ Memories
5/05: Detroit, MI @ PJ's Lager House
6/01: Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar
6/02: New Paltz, NY @ Snugg Harbour
6/03: Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands
6/04: New York, NY @ Pianos
6/08: Columbus, OH @ The Summit
6/11: Chicago, Il @ Schubas
6/12: Rock Island @ Daytrotter
7/09: Toronto, ON @ Edgefest 2011
 

Poly Styrene Dies At 53


Punk rock pioneer Poly Styrene has passed away from cancer. Born Marianne Elliot Said on June 3, 1957, Styrene infused her music with incisive commentary on gender politics, consumer culture and modern life, while her attire of braces and bright, dayglo clothes playfully rebelled against the status quo. The singer's seminal album Germ Free Adolescents had a major impact on the genres of Britpop and Riot Grrl.

The singer's latest release, Generation Indigo, continued her knack for writing songs with a message, from "I Luv Your Sneakers," her endorsement of cruelty-free products, or as she put it, "being conscious of the slaughterhouse culture," to talking about racism ("Colour Blind") to those living in poverty ("No Rockefeller"). The singer gave an interview about the album, which comes out today. You can watch interview with Poly Styrene talking about the album below. You can also stream Generation Indigo at AOL Spinner.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Red Hot Chili Pepper's Chad Smith Gives Details About New Album


In an interview with Rock It Out! Blog, Red Hot Chili Pepper's drummer Chad Smith revealed that the band's new album will be released at the end of August. While there is no official title for the new disc the band is currently sifting through the songs to pick which ones will end up on the album.

On the performance, front the Chili Peppers will be playing Rock In Rio in September and the Summersonic festival in Japan, which takes place August 13-14 in Osaka and Tokyo. There are also rumors the group will do a tour of South America and a November UK gig.

Kings Of Leon Plan Summer Tour With Band Of Horses


Kings of Leon will be hitting the road for a 29-date summer tour with Band Of Horses beginning July 25 in Orange Beach, AL. The tour will wrap up September 12 in Seattle. Tickets for some shows will go on sale April 29. Visit the band's official website for information.

My Morning Jacket Share New Track, Announce Hometown Show


The goods just keep on coming from My Morning Jacket. After giving fans a taste of their new album Circuital almost two weeks ago, the band is sharing another album track, "Holdin' On To Black Metal." You can listen to it over at the group's Facebook page.

The band has also announced a special hometown gig at the historic Louisville Palace Theater on May 31, the release date of Circuital. Pre-sale tickets will available on April 26 at noon through the band's fan club and April 27 for American Express cardholders, while all other tickets will go on sale on April 29 at Ticketmaster.com.

$1 from ticket sold will go to benefit The Center for Women and Families. Fans are also encouraged to bring pre-loved backpacks to help Blessings In A Backpack. View the band's tour dates below.

05/20:  Gulf Shores, AL @ Hangout Festival
05/31:  Louisville, KY @ Louisville Palace Theater
06/02-06/05:  Ozark, AR @ Wakarusa Festival
06/05:  Hunter, NY @ Mountain Jam
06/09-06/12:  Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Festival
06/16:  Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theater
06/17:  Chicago, IL @ Auditorium Theatre
06/22:  Los Angeles, CA @ Pantages Theatre
06/24: Oakland, CA @ Fox Theatre
06/26:  Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
06/28:  Portland, OR @ Edgefield
06/29:  Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum
06/30-07/03:  Quincy, CA @ High Sierra Music Festival
07/11:  Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus
07/12:  Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
07/16: Southwold  @ Latitude Festival
07/17: London  @ Somerset House
08/04:  Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
08/05-08/13:  Bangor, ME @ The KahBang Festival

Friday, April 22, 2011

Remix Of The Week: Madonna "Justify My Love (Hip Hop Mix)"

Madge enlisted producer Andre Betts, who later went to produce several hip hop-influenced songs on '92's Erotica, to add a jazz-infused, east coast rap feel to the steamy track. Listen below.

Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV Gets Pushed Back, Nicki Minaj Talks New Album



Lil Wayne fans will have to wait a little while longer for the rap star's highly anticipated Tha Carter IV to drop. According to Vibe.com, label reps have confirmed that Wayne's new album will be released on June 21, more than a month after its original May 16 release date.

In other Young Money news, Nicki Minaj gave a few tidbits about her second album during a recent radio appearance on KIIS FM. “You’ll get another album within 12 months,” she told KIIS FM’s JoJo. “You’ll get the announcement for the next album in—and I’m saying the announcement—that you’ll get the announcement in September. That’s all.” Minaj is currently on the I Am Music II tour with Wayne, but will hit the road with Britney Spears for her Femme Fatale tour in June.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Beyonce Reveal "Girl" Single Cover Art, Video Teaser


Beyonce has revealed the single cover art for her new track "Run The World (Girls)" as well as a short teaser for the video. According to RNBMusicBlog.com In a press release the singer said the song was written and produced herself, Switch, Shea Taylor and The Dream, who was also responsible for her '08 smash "Single Ladies." "Run The World (Girls)" is slated to be released on iTunes Friday. Watch the video teaser below.

Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake To Appear On SNL


Lady Gaga will be appearing on Saturday Night Live next month as a musical guest. The singer's appearance on May 21 is timed perfectly for the release of her new CD Born This Way, set to drop May 23. Although he's been MIA from the music scene for a few years now, Justin Timberlake will also be hosting SNL the same night as Gaga's performance.

New Music: Lisa Savidge "Fireexiting"


Phoenix-based noise pop band Lisa Savidge's new track "Fireexiting," from their upcoming sophomore release Lisa Savidge, couldn't come anywhere else but out of left field. Taking flight with booming drums and whooshing, distorted guitars that sound like twin choppers, the track ratchets up the tension before opening up with a burst of atmospheric keyboards sounds, creating an effect that is at once jarring and comforting.

Formed by vocalist/guitarist Dan Somers, a former government intelligence operative, Lisa Savidge includes violinist/lead guitarist Ellery Keller, guitarist/keyboardist Nick Gortari, bassist Patrick Lamaide and drummer James Krehbiel.

You can listen to and download the track HERE.

Shit Robot Premiere New Video, Release Free MP3s


Having just finished up a string of U.S. tour dates on the aptly titled The Shit Robot Show, including several as the opening act for LCD Soundsystem, he has now released a new video for "Losing My Patience." Directed by Fergal Brennan, the clip features an animated version of Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor, who guests on the track, as well as stop-motion animation and other visual tricks.

Shit Robot, a.k.a Marcus Lambkin, has also given fans two free MP3s to savor, the quirky "I Found Love," with its off-kilter synths and distorted vocals, and "Tuff Enuff." Watch the video and listen to and download "I Found Love" below.

I Found Love Edit by IndiesUnder


Shit Robot - Losing My Patience from DFA Records on Vimeo.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Lil Wayne Reveals 'Tha Carter IV' Cover Art

Lil Wayne has revealed the official cover art for Tha Carter IV. Continuing with the childhood picture theme of his last full-length, the new album's cover shows a young Dwayne Carter possibly in kindergarten or the second grade, complete with cap and gown and covered in his grown up tattoos. While the album has no official release date, it's set to include features from Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross and Drake, and should drop at some point this summer.

Marianne Faithful To Release New Album


Marianne Faithful's 23rd album Horses And High Heels will be released on June 28th. The 12-song collection features eight cover songs ranging from Carol King's "Going Back" to Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan's "The Stations," as well as four new tunes. The new disc will also feature guest stars like Lou Reed and Dr. John and MC5's Wayne Kramer.
 
Recorded in New Orleans with producer Hal Willner, Horses and High Heels is the singer's first new release since 2009's Easy Come, Easy Go, also produced by Willner. The new album delves into a kaleidoscopic array of musical styles, ranging from soul, blues and country to jazz-pop and guitar-rock. Get a taste of the new album by listening to and downloading "Why Did We Have To Part?" below.

Why Did We Have To Part by Marianne Faithful
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