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

The Drums Release New Song For Japan Disaster Relief


The Drums have released a new track, "The New World," to help Japan's disaster relief efforts. The song is currently available for download on iTunes and the band's official website. "The New World," which will not appear on the band's upcoming album, will available for purchase-with-donation until September 30th, the date when the Japanese Red Cross will close the account for donations. 

The band released statement about the song.

"We are deeply saddened by what has happened, and we are so in awe of the strength and courage shown by the people of Japan. We wrote this song bring a little more hope. Japan, we have loved you since the very first moment we set foot on your land. Thank you for all for your love." 

Q&A: Holy Ghost!


Ever since the release of their debut single "Hold On" four years ago, electro duo Holy Ghost!, made up of childhood friends Alex Frankel and Nick Milhiser have gone from strength to strength, releasing another memorable cut, "I Will Come Back," in 2009 and dropped the critically-acclaimed Static On The Wire EP last year.

Now with their self-titled debut, (which garnered the first 5 out of 5 review on this blog) topping iTunes' Electronic Charts and a U.S. tour with fellow dance-rockers Cut Copy, the band seems poised to become electro music's next big thing.

Holy Ghost! chatted with Indies And The Underground about their early musical incarnation as hip hop band Automato, remixing Michael Jackson and Fleetwood Mac, and how they lured in Michael McDonald to sing on the album.

While the name Holy Ghost! comes from a song by Bar Keys, did either of you grow up in a religious home? 

Not so much...I'm Jewish and Nick is not, but by virtue of the fact that we're both from the Upper West Side of NYC we're both basically Jewish. 

What were your early musical/songwriting influences?

The Talking Heads, New Order, Michael Jackson

You were in a hip hop band called Automato in your teen years. How is Holy Ghost! different from your previous band?

Actually, musically it's not all that different in its approach. We still think about sound in a similar way, but now it's more melody based and chord driven. But we still think about drums the same way really.

Both of you are classically trained musicians as well as DJs. How has that affected your approach to making music? 

We're not classically trained but we did take lessons growing up and taught ourselves a bunch of stuff. I don't what it would be like to make music without knowing how to play anything at all. Certainly people do it all the time with excellent results. And I imagine a lot of creativity comes from having no rules. But I guess I like to be able to sit at the piano when we're writing and kind of just go without thinking to much about what follows what...I guess a little bit of training helps allow yourself to just play and see what comes out instead of being stuck before you start. But I don't know. There's no right way. It certainly helps that Nick is a drummer for dance music.

Which mainstream hits would you love to remix?

Eeek, I'd rather not touch the things I really like. Having the stems to the Michael Jackson catalogue would be pretty sweet though...or Fleetwood Mac!


Holy Ghost! sounds like a modern take on the late 70's/early 80's new wave, R&B and disco sounds of bands like Chic, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Modern English, The Cars and Let's Dance-era David Bowie, as well as Prince and Michael Jackson. Did you have those or other artists in mind while recording the album?

I think everyone who enjoys life has those songs and artists in their minds.

How were you able to get Michael McDonald to guest on "Some Children?"

Strangely he just wanted a back rub. No, through a friend of a friend.


Although it's upbeat musically, lyrically the album sometimes touches on some pretty emotional territory, like "Jam For Jerry," a song about the death of your drummer, and songs like "Hold My Breath," "Wait and See" and "Static On The Walls." Was it a conscious decision to have the contrast with the sound and lyrics? 

Definitely on "Jam For Jerry" we had the idea. "What about a song that pays tribute to a somber subject lyrically but in an uplifting way musically."

You stated that you wanted to make an album that people would want to play both at a club and at
 home. Do you feel that's a barrier that  a lot of dance artists face?

Of course, and hurdle many stumble over. Hopefully we cleared it.


You guys, along with other bands like Cut Copy, Sleigh Bells and MGMT, blur the lines between electronic dance music, pop and rock music. Do you see yourselves as part of a movemnt or a creating a new style of pop music?

Hmm, I don't think we really think like that nor are we in a position to judge where we fit in. I do feel a certain sense of kinship with Cut Copy because they are good friends.

What can fans expect next from you? 

Not sure yet, but it'll probably have to do with more music.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Cut Copy Announce Summer Tour Dates, Drop "Need You Now" Remix


Fresh from a stint at the Coachella Festival, Cut Copy has a gift for fans in the form in the "Need You Now" (Carl Craig) remix. And although the band wraps up the U.S. leg of their tour this week, fear not. The Aussie trio will be returning the states for more gigs beginning June 5 in Houston, TX. View the tour dates and listen to the "Need You Now" remix below. You can get a glimpse of the band's Coachella performance in the video below.

Need You Now (Carl Craig Remix) by cutcopymusic



6/5: Houston, TX @ Free Press Summer Fest - BUY TICKETS
7/5: Richmond, VA @ The National - BUY TICKETS
7/6: Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live! - BUY TICKETS
7/7: Pattersonville, NY @ Camp Bisco - BUY TICKETS
7/9: Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Music Hall - BUY TICKETS
7/11: Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Zoo - BUY TICKETS
7/17: Chicago, IL @ Pitchfork Music Festival at Union Park - BUY TICKETS
7/11: Brooklyn, NY @ Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park Band Shell - BUY TICKETS
8/12: Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee - BUY TICKETS
8/13: Orange County, CA @ Pacific Festival at Oak Canyon Park


B.O.M.B. Fest Moved To Larger Venue

Citing strong early ticket sales, the 3rd annual B.O.M.B. (Bring Our Music Back) Festival has been moved to the Comcast Theatre In Hartford,CT. B.O.M.B. Fest marks the first time The Comcast Theatre has hosted a non-profit, albeit one featuring rap stars like Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, veteran rockers like Weezer and indie acts like The New Pornographers and The Cool Kids. The festival will also feature 25 local acts on multiple stages.

Live Nation Conneticut-Upstate New York President  Jim Koplick was pleased about the festival move to a larger space."I have watch BOMB fest grow from its days at the Durhma Fair and am honored they have chosen the Comcast Theatre to host the 2011 BOMB fest," said Koplick. "It is the number one homegrown festival in Connecticut and now it will be held in the premiere outdoor concert venue in Connecticut."

Proceeds from the festival will go towards providing music scholarships, music enrichment and education programs. Last year's festival raised funds for The Hole In The Wall Gang Camps, Connecticut Children's Hospital YPI Camp and The Lyman Allyn Museum.

For more information go to B.O.M.B. Fest's official website. View the festival's current 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

SUNDAY, May 29
Snoop Dogg 

Wiz Khalifa 
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 
Toubab Krewe 
Big Freedia 
Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez 
The Hood Internet 
Small Black 
River City Extension 
Walk the Moon
 

Digitalism: "2 Hearts"


Hamburg-based dance duo Digitalism, made up of Jens Moelle and Ismail "Isi" Tuefekci  have released the first single from their upcoming album I Love You Dude, the follow up to 2007's Idealism. From the moment the bendy guitar kicks in, you know you're in a for a trippy ride. Combining lo-fi guitars, robotic bass, and melancholy synths, "2 Hears" sounds coldly detached while still conveying raw emotion. I Love You Dude drops on June 21st.

Eldridge Rodriguez "Miss Me When I'm Gone"

"Miss Me When I'm Gone," a song  by The Beatings' front man Cameron Keiber's solo project Eldridge Rodriguez, is a minimalist piece of pop/rock, with acoustic guitars and simple but steady drum work. Joined by guest vocalist Sarah Borges, the track's lyrics ruefully tell an ex-lover/friend how much they'll lose by leaving.

Lines like "Like a face that needs a fist/Like a razor that needs a wrist," show how serious the duo are, while humorous ones like "I tried to clear my aching head/By running naked through the streets/They came and tied me to bed/I will admit this was a minor defeat" add a bit of levity.

"Miss Me When I'm Gone" is from Eldridge Rodriguez's album You Are Released, which was released back in March. Listen below.

Miss Me When Im Gone by Eldridge Rodriguez

Monday, April 18, 2011

New Music: Beyonce "Girl (Who Run The World)"


C'mon girls, do you believe in world domination? That's the message of Beyonce's new track "Girl (Who Run The World)." A fiery female empowerment anthem, the song features stabs of samples and synthesizers pared against pounding drums, while the rafter-raising chants and Beyonce's powerful, rapid-fire delivery create a colossal wall of sound.

Listen to it over at RapRadar.com

Five Things Marilyn Manson Needs To Do For A Comeback

Ten years ago Marilyn Manson was one of the world's most infamous and controversial rock stars. Manson and his cronies were the scourge of conservative America--every tour date was plagued by Christian protestors hellbent on keeping the kiddies away from the devil's latest storm trooper, while intense cultural debates about his subversive image stretched to the halls of Congress.

The band is currently at work on a a new album, and their leader is still a presence in the art and indie film worlds. However, while his loyal core audience has remained, it's clear that in 2011 Manson has seen better days. All is not lost though.

The current landscape of rock stars, populated by earnest, plainly dressed acts like Kings Of Leon, Arcade Fire and Foo Fighters, reveal a need for a performer with larger-than-life theatrics and powerful persona. Meanwhile the runaway success freaky deeky pop starlets like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry--hell even Britney's gone all apoctalyptic on us--show that pop audiences are also game for Manson's dark oeuvre. 

Here are five ways the Antichrist Superstar can make a comeback.

1. Hire A Vocal Coach


Screaming at the top of your lungs every night for nearly two decades is enough to wear down anyone's vocal chords. While Manson still maintains some of his vicious snarl, his lung power has dropped a few notches since his heyday. Taking vocal lessons will give him more options with song and vocal arrangements, and he'll be able to rely less on screaming.

2. Hit The Gym

It's not hard to notice that the singer's usual beanpole physique has packed on some pounds over recent years. The extra baggage has stripped his live performances of their once brutal physicality, making him come across as lethargic and listless onstage. Lazy beelzebubs aren't nearly as scary. Working out will also increase vocal stamina, so it ties into tip number one as well.

3. Camp Outside Trent Reznor's House

Manson and his former mentor Trent Reznor have had more falling outs and reconciliations than an entire season of Dynasty. But it's never too late to kiss and make up. From a musical standpoint, Reznor is known for experimentation and exploring new sonic territory. Working with him could push Manson to a new creative space. A Manson/Reznor collaboration would also bring tons of publicity, with the NIN frontman currently riding high from his Oscar win. And with 2011 marking Antichrist Superstar's 15th year anniversary, a new album featuring Reznor's production would draw fans and curious observers alike.

If hooking up with Reznor is out of the question, Butch Vig, the former Nirvana producer and Garbage drummer responsible for Foo Fighters' critically-acclaimed smash Wasting Light, could be a great second choice.

4. Relinquish Your Pen

Two heads are often better than one, especially when it comes to songwriting. Allowing Twiggy, Chris Vrenna and Fred Sablan to contribute to the lyrical process will expand the new album's subject matter, and give it a different point of view.

5. Pull A Green Day

If any 90's era band knows how to pull themselves out of a commercial slump, it's Green Day. The trio was pretty much written off after 2000's Warning, but have managed to wring a hit album and a hit Broadway musical out of 2004's American Idiot. Manson's back catalogue is tailor made for an epic Broadway production. Omega, Anti-Christ Superstar, Adam Kadmon....the characters and storylines are already in place. All they would need is some flushing out and a director and cast. If audiences will flock to the theater to watch plays about screwed up kids living in America or Spider Man, the story of a weakling that turns into a megalomaniacal, world-destroying demon or a decadent androgynous, alien rock star are sure to generate interest.

Kanye West, The Chemical Brothers To Headline Big Chill Festival

Kanye West has been announced as the headliner for this year's The Big Chill festival. West, along with The Chemical Brothers and Rodrigo Y Gabriela will headline the three-day event at Eastnor Castle Park, Herefordshire August 5-7th. For more information go to Bigchill.net.

View the full festival lineup at NME.com.

Lady Gaga's 'Judas' Tops iTunes, Battles Rihanna For No.1 Spot

Although it was only released, or rather leaked, on Friday, Lady Gaga's new single "Judas" is in the running to debut at No.1 on Billboard's Hot 100 next week. However Gaga will have contend will fellow pop diva Rihanna's current hit "S&M," the sales of which have been boasted by a new "Rihmix" featuring Britney Spears. Industry insiders predict the collaboration could sell nearly 300,000 downloads of the track.

According to Billboard.com, "'Judas' would have to sell north of 350,000 -- close to 400,000 -- with less than two and-a-half days of sales in the week, in order to possibly debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100. Also playing a role in its initial Hot 100 ranking will be the radio audience impressions "Judas" will garner through the end of the airplay tracking period which runs through Tuesday (April 19). A fast first week start at radio, similar to "Born This Way" (78.6 million), would certainly help Gaga's No. 1 cause."

Read the full story HERE.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Remix Of The Week: Justice "D.A.N.C.E. (MSTRKRFT Remix)"


Lend your ears to this cool remix of Justice's club banger "D.A.N.C.E." by Mstrkrft. Enjoy.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Artist Profile: Tic Tic Boom!


When the goal is for your music to be labeled "electro-pop-tacular," you better stack big beats and supersonic synthesizers or go home. Fortunately Hollywood-based indie pop quartet Tic Tic Boom! are up to the task. Driven by the creative collaboration of Mike DeLay and Leilani Francisco, the band crafts giddy synth pop that combines lo-fi guitars, electronic flourishes and catchy melodies.

The uptempo romp "Just Friends" sounds like a long lost Go-Go's track, with it's bendy new wave-style guitars, fluttering synths and smooth harmonies.

Meanwhile, "The Pattern," driven by loopy synths, frenetic bass and Cure-style guitars, discusses such somber topics like death and nuclear war, proving that Leilani's voice has the power to make anything sound bright and poppy. A "99 Luftballoons" for Generation Y. Listen to a few tracks below:

Find more Tic Tic Boom! songs at Myspace Music


Find more artists like Tic Tic Boom! at Myspace Music

Wu-Tang Clan Announce June UK Tour


The Wu-Tang Clan have announced a five date tour of the U.K. Slated to begin in June, the eight-man rap group will play two shows at London's HMV Forum on June 11 and 12. The tour will end on June 15 with a headlining performance at Manchester Academy.

Tickets will go on sale tomorrow at 9am GMT. For more information, NME.com/Tickets.

Listen: French Horn Rebellion On Myspace

Electro pop duo French Horn Rebellion's debut album ,The Infinite Music Of French Horn Rebellion, is currently streaming on Myspace. The album will have its official physical release on May 19th and a digital release on April 19th.

Infinite Music blends rock, funk, electro, and dance in an intergalactic tale of a French horn player's physical and emotional journey. "There is a story running through the album, it's about the Universe, says David. We're pretty clear on what the story is, but what you take away from it may be something entirely different."

In addition the band is also embarking on a 27 date North American tour with French electro pop outfit Yelle, beginning on April 17th. View the tour dates below. And if you don't have time to sit and listen to the full album over at Myspace, listen to an album sampler below.


Sun 4/17          Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room (w Yelle*)
Mon 4/18         Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress *
Tues 4/19        Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad *
Thurs 4/21      Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater *
Fri 4/22           Austin, TX @ The Mohawk *
Sat 4/23           Houston, TX @ Fitzgeralds *
Sun 4/24          Mobile, AL @ Alabama Music Box (FHR show)
Mon 4/25         Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Hell Stage) *
Tues 4/26        Carrboro, NC @ Cats Cradle *
Weds 4/27      Washington DC @ 9:30 Club *
Fri 4/29            Boston MA @ Royale Nightclub *
Sat 4/30           New York, NY @ The Fillmore New York at Irving *
Mon 5/2           Quebec City, QC @ Le Circle *
Tues 5/3          Montreal, QC @ Le National *
Weds 5/4        Toronto, ON @ Opera House *
Thurs 5/5        Toledo, OH @ Frankie's (FHR Show)
Fri 5/6             Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge *
Sat 5/7             Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue *
Sun 5/8            Madison WI @ Majestic Theatre *
Tues 5/10        Denver CO @ Bluebird Theatre *
Weds 5/11      Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge *
Fri 5/13          Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom *
Sat 5/14          Seattle WA @ Neumos *
Sun 5/15         Portland OR @ Wonder Ballroom *
Tues 5/17        Reno, NV @ Tonic Lounge *
Weds 5/18      Santa Cruz, CA @ Rio Theatre *
Thurs 519       San Francisco, CA @The Grand Ballroom @ Regency *
Fri 5/20           San Diego, CA @ Casbah *
Sat 5/21           Los Angeles, CA @ Music Box at The Henry Fonda *


Allies "Oceans (Thade Remix)"


Brian Suarez, a.k.a Allies, caught the attention of DJs everywhere last month when he released his DJ Mixtape, featuring everyone from Florence and The Machine to Royksopp. His new track "Oceans (Thade Remix)" melds synth pop and electro dance grooves to create a sound that is both pulsating and meditative. Listen below.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Double Vid Pick: Xzibit Ft. Young De "Man On The Moon"/G-Side "Came Up"



Having come across two clips today that I found pretty cool, I thought I'd do a rare double vid pick. First up is a new video from rap veteran Xzibit and Young De for the new single "Man On The Moon," the first offering from his upcoming album MMXI. The clip shows the rappers underwater brandishing different objects for both serious and comic effect. It's simple but effective.



The other vid pick is Alabama duo G-Side's documentary-style clip for "Came Up." Far from a glammed up hometown trip through the hood, with scenes filmed in rundown project hallways and buildings. The visuals are made all the more poignant by the track, which features melancholy violins and atmospheric keyboards. ST 2 Lettaz told Spin "We went back to the block. We back to where we came from -- back to the basics to show where we came up from." Adds Yung Clova, "We wanted to show people our hometown."

Watch the video below.

Foo Fighters Give Away 'Wasting Light' Master Tapes



Foo Fighters singer/guitarist Dave Grohl has revealed that the band is giving away master tapes from their latest release Wasting Light by inserting them into copies of the album.

Grohl told L.A. Weekly they decided to destroy masters of the album, recorded entirely on analog tape, once it was completed. 

"We recorded the record in my garage to analog tape, and probably wound up with 20-30 reels of tapes. At the end of the session I thought it would be an extraordinary move to destroy all the masters and give the pieces of the tapes to the fans."


He said the band chose to give away the tapes to "prove a point to everybody to show how intangible a real tape can be. I thought, let's chop it up into a million pieces, and give it to the people who buy the album so they can hold it in their hands and see it."

Fans will know if their copy of Wasting Light contains a piece of the master tape if the CD has a sticker that says: "Recorded entirely on onalog tape in Dave's garage. A piece of the original master tape included in this package."


Watch Dave give a tour of the garage/studio over at NME.com

Planningtorock "Doorway (Creep Remix)"


Creep's take on Planningtorock's "Doorway" changes the tone of the track, pulling the original out of its dark, otherworldly realm into a place that almost sounds like an ancient Gregorian chant. Planningtorock's album W is out May 17th. Listen below.

Doorway (Creep Remix) by DFA Records

Joan As Police Woman Kicks Off National Tour

Joan As Police Woman kicks a national tour Thursday in support of her new album The Deep Field, released yesterday. The album is available digitally on Amazon and the singer's official website, as well as on CD and vinyl. AOL Spinner is also streaming the entire album.

View the tour dates below.

04/14: New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge (SOLD OUT)
04/15: Philadelphia, PA @ The Tin Angel
04/19: Boston, MA @ The Middle East (Upstairs)
04/20: Buffalo, NY @ The Ninth Ward
04/21: Toronto, ON @ The Drake Hotel
04/22: Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room at The Crofoot
04/24: Chicago, IL @ Schuba's Tavern
04/26: Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Street Cultural Center
04/27: Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar
04/29: Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
04/30: Austin, TX @ The Parish
05/02: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
05/04: Vienna, VA @ Jammin' Java
05/20: Seattle, WA @ Columbia City Theater
05/21: Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
05/25: San Francisco, CA @ Café du Nord
05/27: Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Theater
06/15: Brooklyn, NY @ The Bell House (JUST ADDED)

This Will Destroy You To Tour With Pure X


On the heels of a string of memorable performances at SXSW, This Will Destroy You will be hitting the road for a North American tour. Supporting acts Pure X and Sleep Over will join the band at stops in Phoenix to Chicago, while The Nighty Night will be joining the band from Boston to Austin.

This Will Destroy You's new album Tunnel Blanket is set for release on May 10th. In the meantime, watch a clip of the band performing "Little Smoke" at the prestigious IFC House during SXSW, and view the list of tour dates below.




4.16 Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth - Fort Worth Tx
4.30 Austin Psych Fest - Austin, TX
5.14 Main St. Garden - Dallas, TX
5.16 Rhythm Room - Phoenix, AZ
5.17 Echo - Los Angeles, CA
5.18 The Independent - San Francisco, CA
5.20 Star Theater - Portland, OR
5.21 Vera Project - Seattle, WA
5.22 Media Club - Vancouver
5.24 Kilby Court - Salt Lake City, UT
5.25 Larimer Lounge - Denver, CO
5.26 Bourbon Theatre - Lincoln, NE
5.27 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis, mn
5.28 The Bottom Lounge - Chicago, IL
5.30 Lee's Palace - Toronto, ON
5.31 Club Lambi - Montreal
6.1 Brighton Music Hall – Allston, MA
6.2 Bowery Ballroom -  NY, NY
6.3 Johnny Brendas - Philadelphia, PA
6.4 Sonar Club Stage - Baltimore, MD
6.5 Rock and Roll Hotel - Washington DC
6.7 Strange Matter - Richmond, VA
6.8 Lexington Avenue Brewery - Ashville, NC
6.9 The Earl - Atlanta, GA
6.10 Spanish Moon - Baton Rouge, La
6.11 Fitzgeralds - Houston, TX
6.12 The Parish - Austin, TX

Q&A: The Five One


Currently making waves with the hip pop jam "Closing Time," Virginia rap group The Five One have been playing the genre mashup game for a minute, reworking hit from a diverse group of artists ranging from Janet Jackson to Vampire Weekend. In a quick chat with Indies And The Underground, the group talks about how they got their name, the power of old-school Disney movies, and their favorite songs on the radio.

How did you come up with the name The Five One?
The name represents the area where we all are from as the 51st state.  its the part of Virginia thats right next to DC. DC suburbs.

What were your early musical/songwriting influences?
Early Disney movies like Robin Hood and Jungle Book, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley and the list goes on but if you day early influences I think it all starts with Disney for us and sat Morning Cartoons.
You guys have reworked songs by Daft Punk, Vampire Weekend, Janet Jackson and Semisonic for the new track "Closing Time." How do you approach remixing/remaking a song?
Things that we listen to will just speak to us and we find a song working a song just rework the concepts like a filmmakers do.

You're also one of the few live bands in rap. How do you feel that influences your music?
It brings an element of freedom which allows us to not think of genres and style 

What are your top 3 favorite songs on the radio right now ?
Wocka Flocka - Hard in the Paint , Wocka Flocka "No Hands," and if Rebecca Black - Friday is on the radio that's it.
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