Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Quick News

UK duo Chase and Status will release their debut album, Brand New Machine in September.

After releasing one of the years best hip-hop albums, Czarface, the collaboration between 7L, Esoteric and Wu-Tang's Inspectah Deck, 7L now confirms that Czarface 2 will arrive in 2014. Speaking to HipHopDX 7L said, "The first CZARFACE was a pet project of ours and fans really responded to the chemistry. Deck called it a duel, I think it was a knock down, drag out, slugfest...12 rounds. Now, for the rematch we know our strengths and fighting styles even better...expect brutality."

Yoko Ono has unveiled the cover to her new album, Take Me To The Land of Hell, which arrives in September. Take a look at the cover below:

The legendary Gary Numan has announced his new album, Splinter - Songs From A Broken Mind. The record arrives in October, take a look at that cover below:

Live Pix - Rock Steady Crew 36th Anniversary


On Sunday, the legendary Rock Steady Crew celebrated their 36th anniversary together at Central Park's Rumsey Playfield. The OG breakdance crew brought out legends of hip-hop like DMC, The Arsonists, The Beatnuts, DJ Premiere, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Cormega, Special Ed, and so many others for a seven-hour event. Our very own RICH D SMOOV was on hand to capture some of the action. Take a look:

The Arsonists 
 Bran Nubian 
 DJ Premiere 
 DMC
 Pete Rock & CL Smooth 
 The Beatnuts 

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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Quick News

Americana stalwarts Blitzen Trapper will release their new album, VII, on October 1 via Vagrant.

The Horrors are pushing back the release of their new album to 2014. The follow-up to their superb 2011 album, Skying, was due in September but is now being pushed. Guitarist Josh Hayward explained the reason to NME and said, "We didn't finish mixing it in time so it's been pushed back. But now we've got more time we'll probably write more songs for it." Singer Faris Badwin then added, "We basically had the choice between finishing the record and it being one way, or giving it a few more months and it being substantially better. Albums last forever, there's no point rushing it."

White Lies, who have a new album titled Big TV coming next month spoke to NME about the bands heavy metal influence on their forthcoming third LP. Singer Harry McVeigh said, "We consciously went out to make a pop album with heavy metal guitars." Bass player Charles Cave adds: "White Lies actually share a lot in common with heavy metal. Heavy metal has its own gothic and sinister cliches that are really fun to rub up against."

Also speaking to NME were Arctic Monkeys, who gave some insight into their new album AM, which arrives in September. Frontman Alex Turner said, "It sounds like a Dr Dre beat, but we've given it an Ike Turner bowl-cut and sent it galloping across the desert on a Stratocaster. Essentially, that's what it is, but if you can find a way to manipulate the instruments or the sounds to the point where it sounds a bit like a hip-hop beat that'd be boss in your car, then I think there's something quite cool about that."

VINTAGE CLIP - Nirvana Live at Maxwell's


 In the final weeks of legendary Hoboken, New Jersey, music venue Maxwell's, many videos keep popping up around the web of bands that have played the soon-to-be defunct club. One of those videos was Nirvana in 1989 performing a 20-minute set. Take a look!

WATCH NINE INCH NAILS Debut Another New Song in Korea


While performing at South Korea's Ansan Valley Rock Festival, Nine Inch Nails played their new track, "Copy of A" and then debuted a new song called, "Disappointment." Take a look!

The Virgins on Fallon


Watch The Virgins perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon!

Franz Ferdinand on Conan



Watch Franz Ferdinand perform "Right Action" on Conan!

Monday, July 29, 2013

A$AP Ferg New Album Info


On August 20, A$AP Crew's A$AP Ferg will release his latest album, Trap Lord. Take a look at the album cover above and the tracklisting below:


01) Let It Go
02) Shabba (Feat. A$AP Rocky)
03) Lord (Feat. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
04) Hood Pope
05) Fergivicious
06) 4:02
07) Dump Dump
08) Work (Remix) (Feat. A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Trinidad James & ScHoolboy Q)
09) Didn’t Wanna Do That
10) Murda Something (Feat. Waka Flocka Flame)
11) Make A Scene
12) Fuck Out My Face (Feat. D-Real, Onyx & Aston Matthews)
13) Cocaine Castle

Flatbush Zombies Album Trailer


 In September, The Flatbush Zombies will release their new album, BetterOffDEAD. Take a look at the album trailer above.

Saves the Day New Album Info!


Emo pop-punk icons, Saves the Day will release their new self-titled album in September via Equal Vision Records. Take a look at the album cover above and the tracklisting below:

1. Remember
2. In The In Between
3. Beyond All Of Time
4. Ain't No Kind Of Love
5. Lucky Number
6. Xenophobic Blind Left Hook
7. The Tide Of Our Times
8. Supernova
9. Verona
10. Ring Pop
11. Stand In The Stars

Quick News

The long awaited duets album of Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury will finally be released this fall.

At a concert at the Central Park Summerstage on Monday night, Ben Howard confirmed after his current tour he will be returning to the studio to work on a new album.

After announcing their return to the stage earlier this year, The Fratellis will release their first album in six years, We Need Medicine in October. Take a look at the cover of the bands third LP below:

Action Bronson at Bushwick Block Party


 This past weekend, the annual Bushwick Block Party took place and seemed to be the thing to do in NYC this weekend causing massive lines and an early shut down. However, those that got in to see headliner (and food truck specialist), Action Bronson saw something very special. Watch a video featurette of Bronsolino performing.

Earl Sweatshirt Album Trailer


Earl Sweatshirt's anticipated new album, Doris, arrives next month. Take a look at the album trailer above.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

EXCLUSIVE! Brothers In Law INTV!

You do not hear many Britrock influenced bands coming from Italy, but, like most of the world, the British rock and roll sound has had a huge influence among generations around the world. Even Italian soccer legend Alessandro Del Piero has said to be a massive Oasis fan. Yet, the sound and style may have influenced many, but over decades hardly any band outside of the UK or US has tried to represent that sound...until now. Italy's Brothers In Law hail from a tiny town called Pesaro on the Adriatic Sea and take influence from Creation Records bands like House of Love, Felt, Super Furry Animals, and even early Oasis. Earlier this year the band came to the US for SXSW and their very first tour to support their debut, Hard Times for Dreamers. We spoke to drummer Andrea about playing SXSW, music in Italy, and if these guys really are brothers-in-law. Take a look at our interview below:

You were in America for SXSW, how was that experience?

Playing at SXSW was totally unexpected for us, considering that our first full length was released last January. It was a great and unforgettable experience, and a great chance for our band to be known abroad.  

Does Italy have anything similar to SXSW?

Unfortunately not, there are a bunch of music festival but nothing as cool as SXSW.

Coming to New York and then going to Texas, do you think you have a better understanding of America seeing two different cities? Or is it hard to really get a grasp of?

This is our first time in the United States but even if we haven't seen much we can say we have kind of understood the peculiarity of the underground music scene in the USA. We definitely love it.

The sound of the band seems to be a take on late 80’s Creation Records-era British Cold Wave. Hailing from a seaside town, how does that sound influence you?

We were actually told we sound like 80's creation records and for us is a big compliment even if is not what we were looking for since each of us have different musical influences.

Italian seaside towns have a certain loneliness to them in the off-season, Fellini made so many films about this. Do you find that sadness to be true? Is that a factor in your sound?

It's possible but it's not something you plan. Apparently a lot of bands in the city are characterized by lonesomeness and melancholic sounds. 

Where does the name of the band come from?

The name of the band is a "true story". Jack and Nico are "actually" brothers in law.

The name of your new record is pretty powerful, “Hard Times for Dreamers,” does this signify any economical stance for today’s youth in Italy?

The name of the album was chosen to express youth's frustration when they realize that they can't always make their dreams come true "you can't always get what you want" someone says, and this is the Italy's trend in the last 5 years.

What was it like making “Hard Times for Dreamers?”

Band members personal experiences were brought and have influenced the lyrics of the album. Songs came up very easily and spontaneously.

Being a band from Italy, are you nervous about playing in front of American audiences?

No, we are very excited about it, and we're interested in seeing how American audience would react.

Not many Italian bands have ever really broken into the American indie scene; do you believe you will be the first?

That would be a dream!


ACE are our close friends and one of our favorite bands in Italy. We are glad they mentioned us.

Quick News

Indie darlings Cults will release their new album, Static, in October.

The two remaining members of Pussy Riot have been denied parole and are not expected to be released from Russian prison until next year.

Previously unheard lyrics from the late Ol' Dirty Bastard aka Big Baby Jesus aka Dirt McGirt will be used in the forthcoming Wu-Tang Clan album, A Better Tomorrow. In an interview with The Line of the Best Fit, Inspectah Deck said, "RZA has a bunch of Ol’ Dirty tracks and verses that for years nobody’s heard and, from my last conversation [with RZA], we’re supposed to have an Ol’ Dirty track on there," Inspectah Deck is quoted as saying. "It may be by itself or we might join it on to another song. But Ol’ Dirty is going to be part of this album, that’s a fact.”

Pearl Jam have announced an iTune app that will allow users to access music, news, merchandise, setlists, and other digital goodies. The app is available now.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Nine Inch Nails Make Live Comeback



Thursday night at the Fuji Rock Festival, Nine Inch Nails made their triumphant live return after a four year hiatus. Take a look at clips of the band in action!

New Order on Fallon



 Watch New Order perform "Love Vigilante" and "Regret" on Fallon!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Stream AlunaGeorge's Debut in Full!

UK duo AlunaGeorge will release their new album, Body Music on Tuesday. You can listen to the album in full via Soundcloud above.

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros on Letterman


Watch Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros perform "Life is Hard" on Letterman!

Bastille on Conan


Watch Bastille perform "Pompeii" on Conan!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Quick News

Thanks to achieving their crowd / fan funding goals, Protest the Hero will release their new album this fall. Earlier this year we spoke to the band about the project, read that interview HERE.

The world's of music and film will collide this year at the Toronto International Film Festival as the Jimi Hendrix biopic, All is By My Side, will make its world premiere with Outkast's Andre 3000 cast at Hendrix. The festival released this uncanny and chilling still image of Andre as Hendrix, take a look
below:

 












As mentioned previously, Dr. Dog will release their new album, B-Room in October. Take a look at the tracklisting below:
01) The Truth
02) Broken Heart
03) Minding the Usher
04) Distant Light
05) Phenomenon
06) Too Weak to Ramble
07) Long Way Down
08) Cuckoo
09) Twilight
10) Rock & Roll
11) Love
12) Nellie

Naked & Famous New Album Info!


On September 17, New Zealand's The Naked and Famous will release their new album, In Rolling Waves. Take a look at the cover above and the tracklisting below, as well as the new single "Hearts Like Ours."

1. A Stillness
2. Hearts Like Ours
3. Waltz
4. Rolling Waves
5. The Mess
6. Grow Old
7. Golden Girl
8.I Kill Giants
9. What We Want
10. We Are Leaving
11. To Move With Purpose
12. A Small Reunion

The 1975 on Conan


Watch The 1975 perform "Chocolate" on Conan!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

July Playlist



Take a look / listen / grab July's 27 song playlist on Spotify!

Quick News

While at Latitude Festival in UK to perform over the weekend, Richard Ashcroft was asked about possible Verve reunion, he said, ""It's not happening. You have to be real in life and I'm proud that we went in and recorded new material. The whole nostalgia thing is getting suffocating and it's difficult for younger acts, especially at festivals. If you look at some of the line-ups, I'm not ageist by any means, but it's dominated by nostalgia. We need the youth to create their own version of what may potentially become nostalgic but if they haven't got a place to do that because they're dominated by these big monster dinosaur acts, mopping up all the money." He then spoke about his new solo work and said that his band, United Nations of Sound will be releasing music before the end of the year.

Dr. Dog will release their new album, B-Room on October 1 via Anti-.

Actor Sacha Baron Cohen has exited the Freddie Mercury biopic that has been in development for years. The Borat actor has apparently left the film due to creative differences. Cohen reportedly wanted to make a more R-rated tell-all about the iconic singer, but the surviving members of Queen wanted to make it a PG movie about the whole band.

AFI will release their new album, Burials in October via Republic Records.

Australia's Violent Soho will release their new album, Hungry Ghost in September. Take a look at the tracklisting below:
1. Dope Calypso
2. Lowbrow
3. Covered in Chrome
4. Saramona Said
5. In the Aisle 
6. Okay Cathedral
7. Fur eyes
8. Gold Coast
9. Liars
10. Eightfold
11. Hungry Ghost


In September, Swedish duo Icona Pop will release their debut album This Is... Take a look at the cover below:

Also in September releasing music is The Weeknd. As announced, his new album is called Kissland and is the first new music since releasing and re-releasing his Triology in 2011 and 2012. Take a look at the cover to Kissland below:

MGMT are also returning in September with their new self-titled album. Take a look at that cover below:

Finally, The Roots and Elvis Costello are releasing their joint effort, Wise Up Ghost in September (that month just seems to be super popular). Take a look at that cover below:

Franz Ferdinand on Letterman


Ahead of their Live on Letterman appearance, Franz Ferdinand performed "Right Action" on The Late Show.

Kings of Leon on Fallon


Watch Kings of Leon perform their new song, "Supersoaker" on Fallon!

Jimmy Eat World on Conan



Watch Jimmy Eat World perform "Damage" on Conan!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Live Review - Franz Ferdinand @ Ed Sullivan Theater

While the world had all of their eyes on the British people gushing and reacting to the news that the latest heir to their throne was born, one British band, a group of Scots to be exact, were gushing and reacting to playing new songs live for the first time across the pond in New York City. Franz Ferdinand, who have a new album arriving next month called, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action debuted the LPs tunes for a private and intimate audience at the legendary Ed Sullivan Theater.

A few hours after they wrapped performing on The Late Show with David Letterman, the band stuck around the iconic theater to give New York fans and fans around the world who watched via a web stream a taste of what is to come. Opening with "Right Action," the bands signature jingle-jangle guitar work has clearly not left what is to come from their new album but only enhanced by furious drumming and thick bass lines. The new songs sound much like the old ones Franz have given the world but with a bit more fire. This band has not managed to change course in their sound, and clearly have a "if it is not broken don't fix it attitude" toward their work, but it works so well for them. In the bands brief but to the point 45 minute set included a slew of new songs like "Stand on the Horizon," "Evil Eye," and "Bullet," were fierce and got the crowd going, it was classics like "Do You Want To," "Ulysses," and "Take Me Out" that really had the room alive. While the band delivered a fun performance and seemed to be enjoying every second of being back in New York and back on stage playing, the fans in the room loved it even more.

Live Pix - Nas @ CitiField


On Friday, Nas performed a hometown show in Queens at CitiField after the New York Mets played the Philadelphia Phillies. Our very own RICH D SMOOV was on had to capture some of the action, take a look!







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Four Tet New Album Info!


Keiren Hebden aka Four Tet has announced a new album called, Beautiful Rewind. The album has no official release as of now, but taking to Twitter, Tet said, ""the album is all done and just getting some copies made and then will get it into the shops for you. LP, CD and internet versions. deluxe sendspace edition with art print and unique numbered download code. no pre order, no youtube trailers, no itunes stream, no spotify, no amazon deal, no charts, no bit coin deal, no last minute rick rubin. I've got distribution sorted in North America now... going to be easy to get there at decent price." Take a look at the tracklisting below:

01 Gong
02 Parallel jalebi
03 Our navigation
04 Ba teaches yoga  
05 Kool FM
06 Crush
07 Buchla  
08 Aerial
09 Ever never
10 Unicorn
11 Your body feels


Sunday, July 21, 2013

EXCLUSIVE! Rudimental INTV!

Earlier this year we caught Rudimental on a whim at Bowery Ballroom just after they exploded in Austin, Texas, at their much talked about showcases at SXSW. The English band, which combine hip-hop, R&B, funk, rock, jazz, raggae, and everything in between blew the lid off iconic downtown venue and cemented their place as one of the best live acts we saw this year. While the bands debut, Home, will finally be released in the U.S. on August 6 via Big Beat, the group have had a busy season overseas performing at Glastonbury and opening for Nas on his European tour. We spoke to producer, DJ, and member Piers Agget about the bands success, live shows, and how playing around the world still makes them feel at home. Take a look at our interview below:


The definition of Rudimental is “A fundamental element, principle, or skill, as of a field of learning.” How does that apply to you as a band?

I think soul is a fundamental element in our music and it’s definitely a principle that we stand by. The name actually came from a music theory book called The Book of Rudiments. It's basically teaches the rhythms and roots of music.

The sounds and styles of this band range from jazz, funk, soul, drum & bass, and so much more. How does a song get crafted when this band has so many styles?

It varies. Sometimes we write the idea and sing it ourselves, sometimes we jam an idea in the studio and other time ideas are made on our laptops, on the road. When we make a tune we it’s a lot to do with how were feeling, and the mood which will normally determine the vibe, tempo and genre of the song.

Your debut album is be called “Home,” is this an homage to London?

Yea and also “Home” is really about community and positivity. We are from Hackney, London but when we play to thousands of people in festivals we also feel at home. 

How has London influenced this band?

Walking down the street in London you see so many cultures and styles. On my street there was reggae pumping out of one window, Irish folk out of another, and out of mine was drum and bass/garage/house. There is also a pirate radio and an underground club culture that influenced us massively. We used to DJ on illegal radio stations to get our tunes heard, and go to warehouses and clubs and listen to various styles of bass music.

Who are some of your musical influences?

It ranges from Sly and the Family Stone, Funkadelic, Marvin Gaye to Massive Attack, and Soul to Soul. We were all heavily into the score by The Fugees when we were young too. We are fans of many different styles of music and there are 4 of us so you can imagine our tastes are quite eclectic

After years of playing together, what was it like to finally get your debut together and creating it?

It’s been an amazing journey, we have recorded and made lots of tracks on the road, we finished "waiting all night" in a hotel room in Scotland. So the sound is very much influenced by our live gigs and the energy of the fans in the crowd.

There are a slew of guest vocalists on the album, how did you assemble who would be on what song? Were songs written specifically for a voice?

We write and sing on our songs and then work with singers we feel will fit that song, for example we met John Newman in a pub and heard him performing and thought he would be perfect for "Feel The Love". We also have an extended family of singers and musicians we have met in and around the music scene in London at our studio in Shoreditch. Sometimes we also write with the singers, people like MNEK, Sinead Harnett and Emili Sande who are all on the album.
Who would you still love to work with?


We are massive fans of people like Little Dragon, Lauren Hill and Janelle Monae. 

The bands live shows are some of the most extraordinary and fun things I have ever experienced. What is it like to be on a stage night in and night out doing what you love and bringing that joy to so many people?
It is so inspirational to write a song and play it live, the vibe and energy we get off the crowd gives us a buzz, and when we are on stage we are definitely at one with the crowd. 

The band made a name for themselves this year at SXSW. What was that experience like?


The Ribs at Ironworks were amazing! We played the Fader Fort and the Hype Hotel with Artists like Solange and Laura Mvula. We really enjoyed ourselves and there was a great reaction from the crowds.

You do an amazing cover of Fugees “Ready or Not,” who came up with the idea to cover that song and remix it like you do?

The album "The Score" by the Fugees was one of our favorites when we were young, there was a Jungle/DnB remix by DJ Hype of the Ready or not that we used to rave to so we thought we would mash that up on our live set.

Surviving Nirvana Members Join Paul McCartney in Seattle



 At his Seattle stop on Friday, Paul McCartney brought out the surviving members of Nirvana - Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear to perform their Sound City Players song "Cut Me Some Slack" as well as The Beatles classic, "Helter Skelter."

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Live Review - Nas @ CitiField


"Flushing, Queens! Corona, Queens! Jamaica, Queens! Forrest Hills! Astoria, Queens! Queensbridge! Stand up!" Giving shout outs to the neighborhoods of his borough, Queens native Nas performed a hometown throw down at CitiField on Friday night at the end of his home team, New York Mets game against Philadelphia Phillies. Nas, who is part of the Duane Reade Concert Series at CitiField this summer seemed to draw more fans than the Mets themselves to a free concert for those who purchased a ticket to the ball game. Backed by a full band and wearing a custom Mets #10 Jones jersey, Nas was in awe to be playing on the field of his beloved Mets and his boroughs biggest venue.

Opening with "NY State of Mind," Nas and his band were set up along the infield at the second base line to entertain the audience that lasted through the Mets loss in three-digit temperatures. While the heat was on and no way of cooling down, Nas raised the intensity with his passion for performing to the people who he grew up with and grew up with him. "CitiField! I will go as long as you keep going! This is a dream come true!" he told the crowd before jumping into "Life is Good." It was a hip-hop show no doubt, be Nas kept it clean for it was still a family affair. While he cut some of his songs short or left out controversial parts such as in "If I Ruled the World," the hook where he says "I would open up all the cells in Attica and send 'em back to Africa," was gone. Yet, he kept it positive and kept it about dreaming big. Songs like "I Can," and "Street Dreams," took on a whole new meaning for Nas and his audience as he was rapping them in the venue. It was a moment that the rapper and his fans will never forget. In the near hour long performance, he wasted no time as he went through classics like "Hate Me Now," "Made You Look," "Escobar '97," and new hits like "The Don." While the home team may have lost 13-8, Queens still won.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Quick News

In case anyone gives a shit, Jay-Z has removed the hyphen from his name and his is now Jay Z. Prince at least had a fucking symbol when he changed his name!

Omar Souleyman will release his new album, Wenu Wenu in October, the entire album was produced by Four Tet. Take a look at the tracklisting below:
01 Wenu Wenu 
02 Ya Yumma  
03 Nahy
04 Khattaba
05 Warni Warni 
06 Mawal Jamar
07 Yagbuni

Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt has released more info on his forthcoming album, Doris. Guests that will appear on the album are his OF partners Tyler, The Creator, Domo Genesis, Frank Ocean, as well as Vince Staples, Mac Miller, and RZA. Take a look at the cover below:

As mentioned before, Babyshambles will release their new album, Sequel to the Prequel in September. Take a look at the album's cover which was designed by iconic artist Damien Hirst, below:

Gogol Bordello on Fallon


 The always awesome Gogol Bordello premiered new material on Fallon Thursday night, take a look!

Pretty Lights w/ Talib Kweli on Conan


Pretty Lights were joined by the legendary Talib Kweli on Conan Thursday night. Take a look!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Quick News

After announcing earlier this year they were breaking up and front man Andrew Stockdale was planning a solo album and tour, Australian rockers Wolfmother have unbroken up and are back together again.

U2's Bono has received France's highest and prestigious honor as being named,Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, French Culture Minister Aurélie Filippetti said, "Beyond notes and beyond words you committed yourself and dedicated your fame and career to wage some of the greatest wars of our time. Not for charity's sake, but in the name of justice."

While their protest music lives on, Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello spoke to NME about the future of the iconic band saying it is "unknown." He said, "It is unchanged. All I can say is that the music we created is so vital and contemporary to what is happening today in São Paolo and Istanbul. Those songs are being played over PA systems and sung in the streets wherever people are standing up for their rights. In that regard, the band is alive and well. Whether or not we play any more shows is... unknown."

The legendary Blind Boys of Alabama will release their new album, I'll Find A Way in October. The album was produced by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. Take a look at the cover below:


Nine Inch Nails will release their new album, Hesitation Marks in September. The band are marking the occasion with a series of four different album covers that will be featured on various formats of the LP. Take a look at them below:



Bob Dylan, Jeff Tweedy, Jim James Jam at AmericanramA


Bob Dylan's AmericanramA tour has officially kicked off, the tour which features Dylan, Wilco, My Morning Jacket, and Beck is making stops around the country. At the tour's recent Toronto stop, Dylan was joined on stage by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy and My Morning Jacket's Jim James and they performed the gospel staple, "Twelve Gates to the City."

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Great Soundtracks - West of Memphis



The latest documentary on The West Memphis Three called West of Memphis was released last year and is arriving on DVD next month to celebrate the second year of freedom for WM3. This film further analysis the case of the three boys, now men, who were wrongfully convicted of murdering three children in 1993 in the Robin Hood Hills section of West Memphis, Arkansas. The men - Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelly Jr., and Jason Baldwin were found guilty but hardly any evidence proved the prosecutions case, which was based on the fact that they led the jury to believe they were devil worshipers because they looked into different religions, wore black, and listened to heavy metal. One of the Three, Echols, was sentenced to the Death Row, while the others were sentenced to life in prison. In 2011, the men were released on an Alford Plea Deal and thanks to celebrity support from Eddie Vedder, Natalie Maines, Johnny Depp, Peter Jackson, Henry Rollins and others. Now, West of Memphis will further prove to the world that these men were not the actual killers and should be exonerated of the crime they did not commit. 

This soundtrack helps tell their story even more with music from Band of Horses, Maines, Depp, Vedder, Bob Dylan, Nick Cave, Marilyn Manson, Patti Smith and many more. It also features Henry Rollins reading letters and journal entries from Echols while he was on death row. While the music is sad, the songs are also hopeful, much like the spirit of the WM3. 

For more information on WM3, click HERE

Recommended Reading - The England's Dreaming Tapes


Last month, we featured Jon Savage's 1991 book, England's Dreaming as our Recommended Reading. The book, which told the story and origin of the British punk movement, featured countless interviews, soundbites and an oral history of what led England to shake. Only a fraction of the interviews Savage conducted and featured made it into the final version of England's Dreaming. In 2010, Savage released the books sequel, The England's Dreaming Tapes, which were the full uncut, raw interviews compiled together that brought the story of his first book together and made it an instant classic a decade earlier. In 1976, punk changed England and Savage spoke to all four original Sex Pistols, The Clash's Joe Strummer, The Prentenders' Chrissie Hynde, Jordan, Siouxsie Sioux, Viv Albertine, Adam Ant, Lee Black Childers, Howard Devoto, Pete Shelley, Syl Sylvain, Debbie Wilson, Tony Wilson, Jah Wobble, to get the first hand perspective on what caused the atom in rock and roll to split and create the beautiful chaos we now know as punk.

Mazzy Star Announce 1st Album in 13 Years!


For the 1st time in 13 years, dream-pop icons and OG's Mazzy Star will release a brand new album. Arriving in September, Seasons of Your Day is their first album since 1996's Among My Swan. Take a look at the cover above, and the tracklisting as well as the 1st single, "California" below:

01 In the Kingdom
02 California
03 I've Gotta Stop
04 Does Someone Have Your Baby Now
05 Common Burn
06 Seasons of Your Day
07 Flying Low
08 Sparrow
09 Spoon
10 Lay Myself Down

Quick News

St. Lucia will release his debut, When the Night, in October.

Philadelphia's Man Man will release their new album, On Oniu Pond in September.

Speaking to Loud Wire, Tool drummer Danny Carey said fans can expect a new album from Tool in 2014. He said,"Right now, since we haven’t started tracking stuff at this point, it'll be hard. We could have the record finished by the end of the year – that's a possibility, but the logistics of getting it manufactured and getting the record company in line and all this stuff, I doubt we'll be able to get it out before Christmas. We'll see how it goes. Most likely, it'll be early 2014.”

Harvard University has announced a fellowship in hip-hop legend Nas' name. The W.E.B. Du Bois Institute at Harvard University and the Hip-Hop Archive announced the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship. The goal of the fellowship is to provide chosen scholars and artists with an opportunity to show that “education is real power.” Nas said in a statement, “In my roller-coaster of a life, I've endured good and bad for sure, and I've truly been blessed to have achieved so much through art in my short life thus far. But I am immensely over-the-top excited about the Nasir Jones hip-hop fellowship at Harvard. From Queens, N.Y., to true cultural academia."

Elton John exclusively previewed the cover to his new album, The Diving Board, on The Huffington Post. The album arrives in September, take a look at the cover below:

Adam Ant on Fallon


Watch the iconic Adam Ant perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon!

Monday, July 15, 2013

Vaccines EP Info!


On August 11, The Vaccines will release a four-song EP called Melody Calling. Take a look at the cover above and the tracklisting and hear the EP's title track below:

1. Melody Calling
2. Do You Want a Man
3. Everybody's Gonna Let You Down
4. Do You Want A Man (John Hill + Rich Costey Remix)

Quick News

After the success of Record Store Day, the first ever Cassette Store Day will take place on September 7 around the world. The purpose is to make new and classic albums available on tape format for one day only. So far artists like Fucked Up, Los Campesinos!, At the Drive-in, The Flaming Lips, Deerhunter and more are releasing albums on the old format.

In an interview with James Bond himself, Thom Yorke spoke to Daniel Craig for a piece in Interview magazine and gave an update on what is happening with Radiohead. Yorke said, "God, I so wish I had a plan. [laughs] The only plan that we've had recently was to take a year off, which was something that Ed wanted to do. Ed wanted to go live somewhere else and switch off." Craig replied, "And have a life," Yorke replied, "Something like that, yeah. Just like, 'Hey, how about we have 12 months where we don't commit to anything at all?' – which is an interesting prospect."

Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne will release his first ever comic book called, The Sun is Sick. The adult comic will make its debut this weekend at San Diego Comic-Con.

Stone Temple Pilots with new frontman Chester Bennington of Linkin Park will release an EP this fall.

Incubus' Brandon Boyd will release his debut album with his new project, Sons of the Sea, this fall.

Arctic Monkeys revealed the cover to their forthcoming fifth album, AM. Take a look at it below, the album arrives in September:


Against Me! Acoustic EP FREE Download



 While we all wait for the new Against Me! LP, Transgender Dysphoria Blues, the band is giving away a FREE acoustic EP called, True Trans. Get it now in the widget above!

Sunday, July 14, 2013

EXCLUSIVE! PRAYERS INTV!

British bands seem to be a dime a dozen these days, new ones seem to pop up and spawn nearly every week and trying to keep up or figure out which ones are worthwhile is the real challenge. Yet, when a band like Prayers rolls around, it is hard to pass them by and a second glance must be given. Hailing from the industrial city of Birmingham, England, famous for giving the world Black Sabbath and Editors, Prayers are the latest sensation to come from the dark city and make something to show the world what Birmingham is all about. We spoke to the band about the influence their city has had, their sound, and what fans can expect from them down the line. Take a look at our interview with Prayers below:


Hailing from Birmingham, England, how has that city influenced your music?

Lewis (Bass): I don’t think it influences our music as such, but more our general being…
Alex (Vocals): But it is pretty dark and dreary which I suppose you can get from our music.
George (Guitar): And we’re influenced by some of the music that is around us in the city and from bands that we’re friends with.

Birmingham is most famously known for being the hometown of Black Sabbath, coming from there do you feel like you have big shoes to fill?

George: We haven’t really thought about that to be honest, we’re just trying to gather up our own sound at the moment

As a new band starting out, what is it like as the adventure begins for you?

Alex: It’s been pretty eventful so far with a vast amount of heavy drinking, blood soaked guitars and a hell of a lot of noise. But we have been working hard behind the scenes and in the rehearsal room, so, like in all walks of life, I suppose it has its up and downs.

While there seems to be a new band forming and gaining buzz in England nearly every week, how do you separate yourselves from the rest of the pack of new bands?

Lewis: We’re just trying to do our own thing really.
George: We’re not consciously trying to be different, but we are trying to do something a bit original at the same time...

The bands sound is so big and swelling, when starting out, how did you decide what you wanted to sound like?

Lewis: Swelling is a great word.
Alex: We didn’t purposely do anything really –
George: A lot of effects pedals –
Alex: Yeah, George came in one day and said “use this setting” and it just worked and we ventured on from there…

Who are some of your influences?

Alex: All four of us have quite different musical tastes to be quite honest, but when we put it all together in the lockup it just seems to work.
Nath (Drums): I’d say our main influences are bands like Radiohead, Editors and Sigur Ros – generally just the darker side of indie.
George: As well as some of our friends and local bands; Sunrise Over Europe and Lower Case Noises to name just two.

With an EP coming out, are you working on a full length?

Nath: We’ll wait and see what the reception is like from our EP and take it from there I suppose. We don’t have anything planned as yet and we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves

What was it like working on your first EP? Did you produce it yourself?

Alex: It’s definitely been a fun experience as we tried not to take it too seriously…
George: Local Birmingham producer Sam Deakin is currently mixing it, but we have recorded and produced one of the tracks all by ourselves!

The bands live shows have gained you much acclaim, what do you feel it is that you do on stage that has people talking?

Alex: We try and make it into a bit of a show…
Lewis: Yeah, with our use of samples to try and attract some attention.
George: And we’re hoping to start using some projection and visuals to take it to the next level.

Who came up with the idea to be named “Prayers?” With that name, do you have any prayers you wish to share?

Alex: George’s hungover mind seems to work at twice the capacity and he just thought of it out of nowhere. We all loved it so it just became our name.
George: We don’t really have any Prayers of our own to be honest.

The band has been together for less than a year, how did you come together?

Alex: The whole band idea all stemmed from a particularly disastrous double date involving George and myself. It was pretty awkward so we didn’t have much to talk about besides music and then out of nowhere the question “shall we form a band” came up and we just sort of did. We wrote some songs together in my living room for a bit and then we found our cutting edge in Lewis and Nathan.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard of you before?

George: Big, melodic, reverb.

What is next for Prayers?

George: Just take it as it comes and keep making music.