Wednesday, August 31, 2016

QUICK SPINS

 
Frank OceanBlond
After all of the waiting, guessing games and curiosity, Frank Ocean returns. In a surprise move he released the visual album, Endless, and his proper record, Blond. The album, which gives listeners a further taste of the singer’s soul is also highly charged with what is going to African-Americans in this country. Blond is an ambitious album that at some points leaves you uncomfortable and other times makes you believe you have known Ocean your whole life. Some things are worth waiting for, a Frank Ocean record such as this is one of them.
FINAL GRADE: A


Har Mar Superstar Best Summer Ever
Some records fall through the cracks and it takes a while to get to them and review, for Har Mar Superstar’s latest, Best Summer Ever, it was like that for us. It came across our attention months after being released and all we can say is PLEASE DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS RECORD LIKE WE DID!
FINAL GRADE: A


Blu & Nottz Titans in the Flesh
 The dynamic duo of Blu and Nottz team up for an epic combination of glory hip-hop. The only issue with the EP is that it is too short, hopefully this leads to a full album among the two underground giants.
FINAL GRADE: A-


Dinosaur Jr. Give a Glimpse Of What Yer Not
Like most things in 2016, the best things to come out this year are from seasoned veterans and icons. Dinosaur Jr. return with what could be their best record in decades. It is everything we have come to love about them over the years but better.
FINAL GRADE: A-



MaxwellblackSUMMERS’night
 The smooth R&B crooner and for a while was filling the Frank Ocean-sized void in the genre. blackSUMMERS’night is sexy, seductive, mysterious and introspective. It is a record that will make you wanna make love and a record that will also make you want to find yourself at the same time.
FINAL GRADE: A-


DJ Khaled – Major Key
DJ Khaled is to music what the Kardashians are to TV. They are all famous for being famous and clearly have some sort of talent, but nothing the warrants the status they have. On Major Key, Khaled called in every favor and friend he could in order to make one of the summer’s most slamming albums. With verses from Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, J. Cole, Future, Rick Ross, Nas, among others, the record is a major key in Khaled’s career. Also, give us that new fucking Nas record album! ;)
FINAL GRADE: B+


Of MontrealInnocence Reaches
The flamboyant and envelope-pushing Of Montreal return with a record that adds to their storied career but doesn’t do more than just that.
FINAL GRADE: B


Ingrid MichaelsonIt Doesn’t Have to Make Sense
The New York singer returns with personal record that proves why she is one of the best to ever do it. It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense is heartbreaking as it is kind. It is personal as it is expressive. Above all, it is one for anyone going through hard times.
FINAL GRADE: B


De La SoulAnd The Anonymous Nobody
After 11 years, the hip-hop icons return with a concept record about today’s society. While this crowd-funded, sample free album is all new territory for the pioneers it is not what we would have expected. With guests like Snoop Dogg, Damon Albarn, Little Dragon and others, this album is interesting but not one we feel we will be returning to.
FINAL GRADE: B-


Banks & Steelz – Anything But Words
The combination of Interpol’s Paul Banks and Wu-Tang’s RZA would be odd on paper, but the manage to pull it off. While RZA shows his age as a rapper, Banks’ voice is the real star of the show. With special guests like Florence Welch, Ghostface, Kool Keith and others, this debut is interesting and worth a listen.
FINAL GRADE: B-


MelvinsBasses Loaded
The Melvins return with an ode to the bass, seriously, it is chock full of bassists and it packs a punch.
FINAL GRADE: B-


The Living End Shift
The Australian punks return with a record of more rockabilly thrash and social commentary.
FINAL GRADE: B-


Gone Is Gone
Members of Mastodon, At the Drive-In and Queens of the Stone Age team up for a pulse pounding debut EP that leaves you guessing what they will do for a possible full length.
FINAL GRADE: B-


Young the Giant Home of the Strange
Young the Giant had so much promise as a rising alternative band but after a strong debut, everything after has been mundane and disappointing. Home of the Strange just adds to a collection of mediocre songs and radio-friendly type hooks.
FINAL GRADE: C


Schoolboy QBlank Face
After a strong debut 2 years ago, Schoolboy Q returns with a murky and dramatic sophomore release that takes a few listens to really get into. While it deals with so many important topics facing America today and what goes on in the inner cities, it doesn’t pack the punch it ultimately should.
FINAL GRADE: C

Banks & Steelz TV Debut on 'Fallon'



RZA and Interpol's Paul Banks' new project, Banks & Steelz made their TV debut on The Tonight Show Tuesday night. Take a look!

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

CRX Announce Debut Album


Nick Valensi of The Strokes' new band, CRX, will release their debut album, New Skin in October. The album was produced by Josh Homme.


Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:



Hodgy Beats Releases New Mixtape, Stream It


Hodgy Beats has released an Mixtape called Dukkha. The former Odd Future member posted it on Soundcloud, take a listen. Hodgy is expected to release a new album later this year.

Quick News

A photo posted by Rainbow Bar And Grill (@rainbowbarandgrill) on

Los Angeles' Rainbow Bar and Grill, a frequent spot for late Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister, has put a bronze statue outside the venue to commemorate the rock and roll icon. Take a look, above.

Jimmy Eat World will release their new album, Integrity Blues, next month.

Former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo will be the Misfits drummer for their forcoming reunion shows at Riot Fest.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Lars Ulrich says Metallica have no intention of stopping anytime soon. He said: "Mentally we could do this for another 100 years. The only unknown is the physical element of it. If the arms and legs and knees and shoulders and throats and all that stuff, the backs, the necks, if all that stays intact, there's no reason we shouldn't be able to do this for a significant amount of time longer."

Watch A Teaser Trailer for Crowbar's New Album


The brutality of Crowbar will continue on their forthcoming album, The Serpent Only Lies, due in October.

Take a look at a new teaser for the LP. 

Lee Fields & The Expressions Announce New Album


In November, the one and only Lee Fields and his band The Expressions will release their new album, Special Night.

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the title track:

1 – Special Night
2 – I’m Coming Home
3 – Work to Do
4 – Never Be Another You
5 – Lover Man
6 – Make This World
7 – Let Him In
8 – How I Like It
9 – Where Is The Love
10 – Precious Love

VINTAGE CLIP: Rage Against the Machine on 'SNL' in 1996


20 years ago, Rage Against the Machine delivered a controversial set on Saturday Night Live which got them banned from the historic NBC program. The band were allegedly told not to do anything anti-American or make a statement, in typical punk fashion, RATM didn't care and hung an American flag upside down on one of their speakers during the first song they performed. As soon as they got off stage, the band were then told to get out of 30 Rock right away and were banned. The clip has been one of folklore for ages and has surfaced on YouTube. Take a look!

Albert Hammond Jr. on 'Corden'


Last week, Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. performed on The Late Late Show with James Corden. Take a look!

Angel Olsen on 'Colbert'


Watch Angel Olsen perform "Shut Up Kiss Me" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Monday, August 29, 2016

Live Pix: Charlie Parker Jazz Festival



On Sunday, the annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival rolled through Central Park during the Summer Stage series and featured the likes of former Miles Davis band members Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Jason Moran. 

Our RICH D SMOOV was there to capture the action. Take a look!




VINTAGE CLIP: Living Colour on 'Letterman' in 1993


Living Colour will release their new EP next month, to celebrate we look back at a VINTAGE CLIP of the underrated rockers performing "Ignorance is Bliss" on The Late Show with David Letterman in 1993.

Friday, August 26, 2016

De La Soul Share New Album Documentary


The first De La Soul album in 11 years, And The Anonymous Nobody, has been released. Now, the iconic hip-hop group has shared a documentary on the making of the LP called We’re Still Here (now). Take a look!

Wolf Parade on 'Conan'


Watch Wolf Parade perform "Mr. Startup" on Conan.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Quick News


via GIPHY


Earlier this week, Liam Gallagher told Q magazine that he was working on new music but was not releasing a solo album. That all changed on Thursday after he released a press statement via Warner Brothers saying: "Very excited to be signing to the mighty Warner Brothers; looking forward to making some super sweet sounds. Keep the faith!” The record is due next year. Gallagher, always outspoken, called himself a cunt on Twitter after he felt he lied to his fans.

R.E.M. will reissue their seminal album, Out of Time in November for the record's 25th anniversary. The reissue will come in 3 formats - 2-CD, 3-LP, and a deluxe 4-disc set.

Former Keane frontman Tom Chapman will release his solo debut, The Wave, in October.

Kings of Leon have officially confirmed that their new album is called WALLS and released the tracklisting to the record that is arriving in October.
01 Waste A Moment
02 Reverend
03 Around The World
04 Find Me
05 Over
06 Muchacho
07 Conversation Piece
08 Eyes On You
09 Wild
10 WALLS

VINTAGE CLIP: Aaliyah on 'Tonight Show' in 2001


Today marks the 15th anniversary of Aaliyah's passing. To mark the occasion we look back on this VINTAGE CLIP of the singer's final TV appearance in 2001 on The Tonight Show where she performed "More Than A Woman." The 22-year-old perished in a plane crash while filming a music video.

Steam Vince Staples' 'Prima Donna' EP


A day before it is released, Vince Staples surprised fans with his Prima Donna EP to stream. Take a listen!

VINTAGE CLIP: Faith No More Live at The I-Beam - 1986


Faith No More, who released We Care A Lot (Deluxe Band Edition) on Friday, share video of the band’s full 1986 I-Beam performance. Take a look at the restored full performance!

Anthrax on 'Meyers'



Watch Anthrax perform "Monster At The End" on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Watch Prophets of Rage in Toronto


Prophets of Rage live streamed their Toronto concert via Facebook on Wednesday night. The gig also had a special guest as Dave Grohl came out and did a cover of MC5's "Kick out the Jams." If you missed it, watch it now.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Quick News


via GIPHY


Prince's secretive Paisley Park estate outside Minneapolis will be turned into a museum according to the late musicians sister. The estate will feature guided tours were visitors will see his living quarters, recording studio, wardrobe and other personal items. Tours begin in October.

Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Marcus Miller have formed a super group called Mega Nova. The group are set to make their live debut on August 24 at the Hollywood Bowl.

Speaking to Q magazine, Pixies Frank Black said when the band broke up in the mid 90s it was because they needed a vacation. He said: "Kim and I just didn’t get along well after a time. She always had her own ambitions and became comfortable in a leadership role in her other band. It must have been hard for her to be in a band where some other guy was always pulling at the reins. We would have survived if we could have just stopped the train and taken a fucking vacation. The people around us who were older should have seen that.”

Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong also spoke to Q about the band's forthcoming Revolution Radio album and said that the massacre's in Paris and Orlando inspired  the song "Troubled Times." The singer said: "I don’t think anything like terrorism hit home right in our backyard the way it did that night. At first, I wrote it and thought ‘I don’t know if I want this on the album.’ It’s really heavy to write about and I didn’t want it to be trite or maudlin.” The band eventually put it on the record which will come out this fall.

Kings of Leon's Caleb Followill also spoke to Q, apparently everyone did this week, and said that their new album, We Are Like Love Songs, was inspired by his wife, supermodel Lily Aldridge and his battle with booze. The record was announced yesterday and is expected this fall.

Taking to social media, Flying Lotus confirmed that he will be putting out the new George Clinton record that he and Thundercat have been working on via his label Brainfeeder. He said that details are coming soon.

For the first time in 17 years, Letters to Cleo will release new music. The band will release the New EP next month. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:
Hitch a Ride
Back to Nebraska
Can’t Say
4 Leaf Clover
Good Right Here

Rare J. Dilla Mixtape Unearthed


Boiler Room has posted a rare J Dilla mixtape called Back to the Crib on their Soundcloud page. The tape was crafted somewhere between 1999 and 2000 in his Detroit home. Take a listen!

Blood Orange on 'Conan'


Watch Blood Orange perform "Augustine / Thank You" on Conan.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Live Review: CRX at The Rose Bar



Inside the swanky Rose Bar of the Gramercy Park Hotel, CRX, the new band featuring Nick Valensi of The Strokes, Ralph Alexander of The Dose, Richie Follin of Guards, Darian Zahedi and Jon Safley of The Reflections, made their Manhattan debut.



In their third show ever, the band performed to an invite only crowd of taste makers, models, celebs and industry personnel. CRX made their debut last week in Los Angeles at the tiny Hi Hat, on Saturday they headed to Brooklyn for a gig at Rough Trade and before a sold-out show at Mercury Lounge Wednesday, they performed inside the intimate hotel bar. In a room that had less than 300 people crammed inside, they showed off their chops and what they were worth.

Listen to Our Essential Strokes Playlist on Spotify 

In a 30-minute set, they delivered what their sound was all about. In many ways it was Strokes-esque in terms of style but it was harder in terms of sonic quality. Think The Strokes meets Queens of the Stone Age. Even with a handful of technical problems that plagued the set, they still managed to entertain the crowd.


While no word of an album or EP has been said, they are headed back to Los Angeles for gig on Friday at Satellite. It is a band that has potential for sure and as the seasoned vets fine tune their sound, what is to come will be interesting.
A photo posted by CRX (@crxmusic) on

American Football Announce 1st Album in 17 Years


For the first time in 17 years, emo heroes American Football will release a new album. Like their 1999 debut, this forthcoming record is self titled and will arrive in October.

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the first single, "I've Been So Lost For So Long."

01 Where Are We Now?
02 My Instincts Are the Enemy
03 Home Is Where the Haunt Is
04 Born to Lose
05 I've Been So Lost for So Long
06 Give Me the Gun
07 I Need a Drink (or Two or Three)
08 Desire Gets in the Way
09 Everyone Is Dressed Up

Quick News


via GIPHY


In his first interview in 3 years, Liam Gallagher said he would love to reunite Oasis. Speaking to Q magazine, the former frontman said: "I believe Oasis will sail again and it'll be glorious. If it's really about the fans, Noel, let's do it - because they want it. One year. Tour for a year. We'd smash it. My bags are still packed from my last tour, so I'm ready." The singer said he has been working on new music, however, he made it unclear if he will release a solo album since he broke up Beady Eye in 2014.

Green Day has said that their new song, "Revolution Radio" has been influenced by the Black Lives Matter movement. Singer Billie Joe Armstrong told Rolling Stone: "I was in a car coming from Brooklyn to Manhattan and there was these protesters for Ferguson holding up traffic all the way back across the bridge. I got to where I was staying at and I could see on 8th avenue there was all the protesters out there and I was just looking out and I wrote about it the day after. I walked out and marched with people a little bit but I was mostly kind of observing and seeing what was happening. It's a trip to watch people just completely rebel against the old order or whatever you want to call it and get to something that's more pure. There was this controlled chaos that was going on and it was happening all over the country. People don't want to feel obsolete."

In an interview with Spin, Big Boi has said he and Killer Mike are working on an joint EP together. He said: "We’ve been entertaining the idea for a long time and finally got enough songs to where we just said the other night that we’re gonna do it." No other word or info was given.

Ingrid Michaelson on 'Corden'


Watch Ingrid Michaelson perform "Hell No" on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

VINTAGE CLIP: The Tragically Hip at Woodstock '99


Canada's Tragically Hip bid farewell over the weekend with their final concert. To celebrate the legacy of the band, we look to this VINTAGE CLIP Of The Hip performing at Woodstock '99. Take a look at their full set.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Empire of the Sun Details New Album


Empire of the Sun will release their new album, Two Vines, in October. 

The Australian duo's latest was recorded in L.A. and Hawaii and features Fleetwood Mac's Lindsay Buckingham, The Revolution's Wendy Melovin and David Bowie's backing members Henry Hey and Tim Lefbvre.

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:

01 Before
02 High and Low
03 Two Vines
04 Friends
05 There’s No Need
06 Way to Go
07 Ride
08 Digital Life
09 First Crush
10 ZZZ
11 To Her Door
12 Keystone
13 Lend Me Some Light
14 Welcome to My Life
15 Walking on a Dream

Quick News

Jimmy Eat World have confirmed that they will be releasing a new album this fall. The Arizona emo outfit have not given any other details aside from the fact that fans can expect a new record in the coming months.

After singer Gord Downie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer this year, The Tragically Hip performed their final concert on Saturday night in Canada and longtime fan, Prime Minster Justin Trudeau paid tribute to the band following their Kingston, Ontario swansong. He took to Twitter to say:

Kings of Leon have confirmed that their new album, We Are Like Love Songs, will be released later this year. They released a teaser via Facebook for the album, featuring a snippet of a song called "Walls Come Down."

Feist has confirmed that she will appear on the upcoming Broken Social Scene album. While news of the reunion between the band and the singer have been sparse, the group have said they are working on new music earlier this year.

Dirty Orange have released the cover to their upcoming EP, The Short Story About the Lady of the Night.  Take a look, below:

Jamie xx, Floating Points Share Radio Mix


Jamie xx and Floating Points recently did a joint mix for NTS Radio. Now, you can hear the 2-hour broadcast via Mixcloud!

Listen To A 1977 Queens Hip-Hop Party


Thanks to The Get Down and Vinyl, a renowned interest in the importance of early hip-hop is coming to the masses. Soundcloud user Hass718 has complied a hip-hop party that took place in Elmhurst, Queens in 1977. The compilation was made for Ambrosia For Heads. Take a listen!

Friday, August 19, 2016

Quick News


via GIPHY


Could we be getting a new Tribe Called Quest album? Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid told Rap Radar podcast that there will be a record from the influential hip-hop group with vocals from the late Phife Dawg that were recorded before his passing in March. Reid said: "You know what I'm excited about, though: A Tribe Called Quest. We have a Tribe Called Quest album coming. I'm really excited about that." Reid did not give any more details on the album or when it will be released. He said it is "very special" and will be coming "very soon." The last Tribe album was 1998's The Love Moment.

After singer Gord Downie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer earlier this year, The Tragically Hip will perform their final concert tomorrow in Ontario. The concert will be streamed on CBC Music.

Frank Ocean released his "visual album" Endless Thursday night but according to Apple Music, more new music is coming this weekend. It unclear if it is going to be a full and proper album or another visual project. One thing has been confirmed, it will not be called Boys Don't Cry, which is what his Channel Orange follow-up was supposed to be called.

MIA will release her new album, AIM, in September. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:
1. Borders
2.  Go Off
3.  Bird Song (Blaqstarr Remix)
4. Jump In
5.  Freedun ft. ZAYN
6.  Foreign Friend ft. Dexta Daps
7. Finally
8. A.M.P (All My People)
9. Ali r u ok?
10. Visa
11. Fly Pirate
12.  Survivor

Thursday, August 18, 2016

FINALLY! Metallica To Release 1st Album in 8 Years


It has been 8 long years since Metallica released their fantastic, Death Magnetic, now, in November, the band will finally unleash Hardwired... To Self Destruct. The double album that contains over 80 minutes of new material.

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the title track.

01 Hardwired
02 Atlas, Rise!
03 Now That We’re Dead
04 Moth Into Flame
05 Am I Savage?
06 Halo on Fire
07 Confusion
08 Dream No More
09 ManUnkind
10 Here Comes Revenge
11 Murder One
12 Spit Out the Bone

Quick News

Trent Reznor has paid tribute to former Nine Inch Nails keyboardist James Wooley who passed away earlier this week of an undisclosed cause at 50. Reznor told Rolling Stone about the keyboardest, who played in NIN from 1991-94: "Terrible news regarding James. I hadn’t crossed paths with him for some time, but always thought of him fondly. He was a fun character to be around, a solid musician and a genuinely good guy."

Speaking to The Guardian, De La Soul confirmed they will be on the upcoming Gorillaz album. While details about the anticipated album from the animated band have been sparse, the band said they will release it next year.

Miles Davis' estate has announced Freedom Jazz Dance: The Bootleg Series Vol. 5, which chronicles the Davis Quintet from 1966-68, will arrive in October.

Living Colour have been keeping fans waiting with their new album, Shade, which is due next year. Now, the iconic New York City rockers will release the Mixtape EP, next month which hears the band cover the Biggie song "Who Shot Ya" with rappers Chuck D, Black Thought, Pharoahe Monch, Prodigal Sunn. In a statement, guitarist Vernon Reid said: "Our version of “Who Shot Ya” was initially an organic outgrowth of pure fandom for the work of the brilliant Christopher Wallace. Corey would frequently sing the song during soundcheck, so we worked it up. But tragically Biggie’s question has taken on new and urgent significance over the last year. The amount of people who die on a daily basis because of gun violence is unacceptable in a civilized society. The disproportionate use of deadly force in communities of color is equally unacceptable in a civilized society. It inspired the idea to reach out to some of the most provocative voices in hip-hop to invite them to add their words to the track. We all feel paralyzed as to how we can meaningfully effect change, but at the least we can keep our voices raised in solidarity and not let this plight fade into the background until it happens again."  Take a look at the cover, below:

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Recommended Reading: 'Trouble Boys: The Story of The Replacements'


When indie rock icons The Replacements reunited in 2012, in a spell that lasted only 3 years, fans from all over did not think the reunion would happen. The ride of Minnesota's best band was rough, bumpy and frustrating. The Replacements went on in infamy as their music became the soundtrack to mislead youth. In 2015, writer Bob Mehr crafted the definitive biography on the band which was sanctioned by the group called Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements.

The massive book became a hit with fans and dove deep into the history of the group, stories on the road and the young lives together. Not only is this a must read for any fan of the rockers, this is also a book for someone who is wanting to start a band as a lesson in what not to do. Trouble Boys is not only a riveting read, it is a compelling story of a band that could have had it all.

Great Soundtracks: 'The Wedding Singer'


Before Adam Sandler made shit films, he once wrote and directed very funny, clever features that had audiences riveted. One of those gems was 1998's The Wedding Singer. The film, which was about a wedding singer who falls madly in love with an unattainable woman in the 1980s was a slice of the decade. While the film was a nostalgia trip, the music helped bring it all to life.

In a soundtrack that featured New Order, David Bowie, Culture Club, The Smiths, The Police, Sugarhill Gang, Elvis Costello, and many more. It became a fan favorite and even inspired a second volume of music which came out later that year. The second volume featured Depeche Mode, Madonna, The Cars, Spandau Ballet, and others. Both of the soundtracks made the decade of glam and new wave come alive again for a whole new generation.

Quick News

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds will release their new album, Skeleton Tree, next month. The band has finally revealed the tracklisting. Take a look, below:
1.    Jesus Alone
2.    Rings of Saturn
3.    Girl in Amber
4.    Magneto
5.    Anthrocene
6.    I Need You
7.    Distant Sky
8.    Skeleton Tree

The long-awaited soundtrack to the 1976 classic, The Man Who Fell To Earth, which starred David Bowie, will finally be released. The soundtrack features the film’s score by John Phillips of the Mamas & the Papas and Stomu Yamash’ta. A deluxe edition, featuring a book, DVD, and poster will be made available. Take a look at the set, below:

Suede are releasing a deluxe edition of their 1996 album, Coming Up, for it's 20th anniversary. The set will feature the remastered album, B-sides, a CD of previously unreleased demos and mixes, footage of a 1996 concert in Amsterdam, and a DVD with TV performances and a documentary on the making of the album. Take a look at the set, below:

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Playlist


Take a look at August's 27-song playlist of musical musings and hear it on Spotify.

5 Artists That Need To Headline Super Bowl Halftime


Now that Adele has officially declined an invitation to perform during Halftime of Super Bowl LI in Houston in February, the coveted spot is up for grabs.

In recent years we have seen the spectacles of Coldplay with guests Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson; Katy Perry with Left Shark, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot; Bruno Mars with Red Hot Chili Peppers. The spot has even become  haven for classic rockers like The Stones, Prince, Paul McCartney, Springsteen, The Who, U2, Tom Petty and even a sanctum for controversy like Janet Jackson's nip slip.

While the NFL looks to hire an act, we narrowed down a list for them to 5 people we feel deserve the spot.

1. Metallica

Years ago, this idea would not even be a thought. The band would have been believed to be "too hard" or "too controversial" to perform with really no reason to back it up. One of history's most beloved metal bands have had their songs used in almost every sporting arena for every sport in the country. On the day before this past Super Bowl in San Fransisco, they packed AT&T Park for a NFL-sanctioned concert. Now that the audience has gotten older and can handle the music of the band, which really, it is not like they are booking Slayer or Megadeath, it is time give them their long awaited due. For 4 decades, they put on a such a spectacle that they will wow everyone in Texas and at home. Plus, the kids wearing Metallica shirts thanks to Kanye and Justin Bieber will finally learn who they are.

2. Foo Fighters

America's best rock and roll band deserves the nation's biggest stage. The passion, the fury, the anthems that Dave Grohl and Co. have laid out over the years makes them prime contenders. As fans wait for new music from the band, this could be a nice and welcomed break from the studio and hit the stage for a one-off show that will wow the country.

Listen To Our Essential Foo Fighters Playlist on Spotify

3. Jay Z

While many fans tweet for Kanye to play the Bowl, the NFL and its sponsors will probably find him to be a bit risque for the show. Since hip-hop has never headlined the event, now, is not only the time to start they should do it with Jay Z. More hits than one could image, plus a guest list that could see him bring out anyone in the music world. If they are worried about him swearing on stage, the man is a professional and can censor himself. Plus, his wife has done it twice, it is about time he gets to shine.

4. Lady Gaga 

Lady Gaga is known for her stage spectacles, choreography, killer pipes and sheer creative brilliance that a Super Bowl performance from her would be one of the most memorable ever, just based on her resume alone. She dazzled audiences singing the national anthem at the Big Game in San Francisco, she nails every award show she performs in, so why not the Super Bowl?

5. Rihanna


Rihanna has an arsenal of hits and her ANTI World Tour is getting rave reviews, it is time she gets the national spotlight at the Super Bowl. The singer has a guest list of friends that could rival Jay Z's where A-listers will be joining her on stage, should she choose to go it alone. All that and coupled with the fact that one never knows what she is going to do next would make her Super Bowl performance one for the ages.

Listen To Our Essential Rihanna Playlist on Spotify!

Danny Brown Details New Album


Danny Brown has unleashed the details of his highly anticipated new album, Atrocity Exhibition. The record arrives next month and features Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, B-Real, Earl Sweatshirt, among others.

He spoke to Rolling Stone about the album and its title, saying: "A lot of people expect for me to be some crazy drugged-out I-don't-know. At the end of the day, its just something that I really took my time with," adds the rapper. "I know this day and age, a lot of artists can't really take time off to make music … they'll get replaced. With me, [I'm] somebody that's able to sit down and be able to take my time, 'cause aint nobody gonna be out here sounding like me, ain't nobody gonna be out here doing what I do. I'm confident in this project to know that I'mma satisfy the people that's already fans of my music. So, if you're a fan of Danny Brown, you in for a treat."

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and watch the video for "When It Rain":

01 Downward Spiral 
02 Tell Me What I Don't Know 
03 Rolling Stone (featuring Petite Noir)
 04 Really Doe (featuring Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul & Earl Sweatshirt) 
05 Lost 
06 Ain't It Funny 
07 Goldust 
08 White Lines 
09 Pneumonia 
10 Dance In The Water 
11 From The Ground (featuring Kelela) 
12 When It Rain 
13 Today 
14 Get Hi (featuring B-Real) 
15 Hell For It



Listen To An Unreleased Verve Song 'Shoeshone Girl'


The Verve will reissue their album, A Storm in Heaven, next month. Inside the massive rerelease will be the remastered album, B-sides, demos and unheard material like the song "Shoeshone Girl." For the first time ever, fans of the band can hear the song now head of the release. Take a listen!

Monday, August 15, 2016

Vince Staples Announces New EP


Following up last year's brilliant Summertime '06, Vince Staples will release the Prima Donna EP later this month.

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:

01 War Ready
02 Smile
03 Loco [ft. Kilo Kish]
04 Prima Donna [ft. A$AP Rocky]
05 Pimp Hand
06 Big Time

Quick News


via GIPHY


Morrissey has written a new album but is in search of a label to put it out. The former Smiths frontman told Isreal's Walla: "It is not possible to find a recording deal, so we would record it ourselves as soon as we can find a distributor who could make it available worldwide. There was a time when the music industry served the artist, but now the artist must serve the music industry... which is why everything is now so tasteless. Nowadays, everything is controlled and monitored so there is no chance of a singer who wants to be released to expose political opinion."

Sad news, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore has been canned by Comedy Central. The last show will be Thursday.

The Shins have announced that their new album is done BUT it won't come out until next year. Frontman James Mercer told Portland radio station KBOO: "“I’m really excited about this record... I think we’ve got something that Shins fans will really love, and I think there’s some other things on there that are different enough. I made a concerted effort on certain songs to fit the palette, to use the palette that I’ve used historically for the band. I think it’s really strong. I think lyrically, I’m better than I ever was. And I think my songwriting is stronger than it ever was.”

Prophets of Rage have announced details of their debut EP.  The EP titled, The Party's Over, will be out later this month. Take a look at the tracklisting below:
01 Prophets of Rage
02 The Party’s Over
03 Killing in the Name (live)
04 Shut Em Down (live)
05 No Sleep Til Cleveland (live)

Sunday, August 14, 2016

'Danny Says' Trailer Released



The story of the most prolific music publicists will be told in the upcoming documentary, Danny Says. The film is about Danny Fields, publicist for Elektra Records and Sire. The man helped shaped the careers of Iggy Pop, The Ramones, Lou Reed, MC5, and more. The film arrives in September. Take a look at the trailer, below:

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Bon Iver Details New Album


Bon Iver will release his first album in 5 years, 22, A Million, in September. 

Take a look at the cover, above, the strange album titles, below, and hear 2 brand new songs.

01 22 (OVER S∞∞N)
02 10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⊠ ⊠
03 715 - CRΣΣKS
04 33 “GOD”
05 29 #Strafford APTS
06 666 ʇ
07 21 M♢♢N WATER
08 8 (circle)
09 ____45_____
10 00000 Million


Leonard Cohen, 82, Announces New Album


Leonard Cohen, 82, will release a brand new album, You Want it Darker, this fall. The album, his 14th, was produced by his son, Adam.

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:

1. “You Want It Darker”
2. “Treaty”
3. “On the Level”
4. “Leaving the Table”
5. “If I Didn’t Have Your Love”
6. “Traveling Light”
7. “It Seemed the Better Way”
8. “Steer Your Way”
9.  String Reprise/ Treaty

Slaves Announce New Album, Features Beastie Boy Mike D.


UK duo Slaves will release their new album, Take Control, in September. The album features production and musical cameos from Mike D. of Beastie Boys.

Listen to Our Essential Beastie Boys Playlist on Spotify

Speaking to NME, the "Intergalactic" rapper said: "I feel right now the world needs an album like this. Something that is more raw, more alive and less polished. I was impressed with the band’s strong point of view. They actually speak their minds about social topics."

Read Our 2012 Interview with Mike D. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the blistering new track, "Spit It Out" produced by Mike D., below.
 
Spit It Out
Hypnotised
Consume Or Be Consumed ft. Mike D
Take Control
Mr Industry (Skit)
Rich Man
Play Dead
Lies
Fuck The Hi-Hat
Gary (Skit)
People That You Meet
Steer Clear ft. Baxter Dury
Cold Hard Floor
STD's/PHD's
Angelica
Same Again

Stream Omar Rodriguez-Lopez's 'Blind Worms, Pious Swine'


Musical virtuoso Omar Rodriguez-Lopez is doing a massive release of a dozen different records over the next year of recordings he has made but never released through the years. Take a listen to his first offering, Blind Worms, Pious Swine, which also features an extraordinary cover of Ellie Goulding's "Lights."

Tracklisting:
1.  Vanishing Tide 03:19
2. Atlantis Is Rising 03:40
3. Black Mass 03:43 
4. Lights 03:49
5. Tunnel Riot 03:18
6. Savage Letters 03:45
7. Mariposa 04:20
8. Swollen Neck 02:43
9. Hieroglyphs From Hell 01:45
10. Acacia 02:24
11. Only Nothing Is 03:55

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Jack White Announces Acoustic Rarities Album


Jack White is set to release a career-spanning 26-song acoustic rarities record called Jack White Acoustic Recordings 1998-2016. Clearly the recordings come from the last 18 years and were recorded at various stages of his career.

The album will arrive next month and features B-Sides, demos, rarities and covers. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:


1  Sugar Never Tasted So Good
2  Apple Blossom (Remixed)
3 I'm Bound To Pack It Up (Remixed)
4 Hotel Yorba
5 We're Going To Be Friends
6 You've Got Her In Your Pocket
7 Well It's True That We Love One Another
8 Never Far Away
9  Forever For Her (Is Over For Me)
10 White Moon
11  As Ugly As I Seem
12 City Lights (Previously Unreleased White Stripes Track)
13 Honey, We Can't Afford To Look This Cheap 
14 Effect & Cause
15 Love Is The Truth (Acoustic Mix)
16 Top Yourself (Bluegrass Version)
17 Carolina Drama (Acoustic Mix)
18 Love Interruption
19On And On And On
20 Machine Gun Silhouette (Acoustic Mix)
21 Blunderbuss
22 Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy (Alternate Mix)
23 I Guess I Should Go To Sleep (Alternate Mix)
24 Just One Drink (Acoustic Mix)
25 Entitlement
                                                                       26  Want And Able