Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Godflesh Releasing New Album in 2 Weeks


Godflesh announced a new album called Post Self and it is arriving in 2 weeks. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the first single, "Post Self."

1. Post Self
2. Parasite
3. No Body
4. Mirror Of Finite Light
5. Be God
6. The Cyclic End
7. Pre Self
8. Mortality Sorrow
9. In Your Shadow
10. The Infinite End

Quick News


Bjork took to social media on Tuesday morning to release the cover of her new album, Utopia, which is due late next month. The record was also produced by Arca. Take a look at the cover, above.

Brian Fallon will release his new solo album, SLEEPWALKERS, in February.

Brand New performed in Georgia last week and during the show, singer Jesse Lacey confirmed they will be splitting up next year. "We’re gonna be a band for about 14 more months so thank you so much for being here tonight," he said. The band have led fans on a course over the last few years saying that in 2018 they will split but as anyone who knows anything about this band, don't trust them.

In an interview with Zane Lowe, Damon Albarn said he is working on a new record for his other other other band, The Good The Bad and The Queen with David Bowie's producer, Tony Visconti. "I’ve been recording the Good, The Bad & The Queen album,” Albarn said Tuesday. “I’ve been working with Tony Visconti. He’s responsible for some of my favourite records, so that’s been really enlightening and inspirational. It’s an ode to the North of England, bizarrely. It’s sort of set in Blackpool, between Starr Gate and [historic pub] Uncle Tom’s Cabin, if you want to be geographically precise. We’ve got pretty much all the songs and recorded all the backing tracks but I’m just emoting over it at the moment. I can hear what I’m saying kind of, a bit, but it’s still a bit unintelligible.” The band released their self-titled debut a decade ago.

In an interview with GQ, Andre 3000 says that he has a vault of music that has never been released and said that when he passes away, fans will hear it. "When I pass away, people will find hours and hours of files…hard drives and shit. It’s hard drives of me just in the house alone playing horrible guitar. Me playing piano. Me playing a little sax. I was trying to find out: What can I be excited about? Because I never was, to me, a great producer or a great writer or a great rapper. I always felt that I was less than everybody else, so I fought harder," he said. Three stacks also said that Big Boi was the better rapper between the two of them in Outkast.

My Bloody Valentine drummer Colm Ó Cíosóig has confirmed that the band are working on a new album following rumors haunting the band for the last few months. The drummer confirmed the news in a radio interview with WBUR.

Also speaking to WBUR was Hope Scandoval and said that she is working on new Mazzy Star music. "We do plan on going into the studio, but we don’t have any dates," she said.

Dhani Harrison on 'Conan'


Watch Dhani Harrison perform "All About Waiting" on Conan.

Monday, October 30, 2017

VINTAGE CLIP: Metallica Covers Misfits in 1998


In celebration of Halloween, this VINTAGE CLIP is of Metallica covering Misfits classic "Last Caress" for the metal giants 1998 Cunning Stunts concert film. Take a look.

Paul Weller on 'Conan'


Last week, Paul Weller performed "Long, Long Road" on Conan. Take a look!

Friday, October 27, 2017

Fleet Foxes on 'Colbert'



Watch Fleet Foxes perform "Fool's Errand" on Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Everything Everything on 'Corden'


Watch Everything Everything perform "Can't Do" on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Live Review: Queens of the Stone Age / Royal Blood at MSG


Queens of the Stone Age concluded the American leg of their current "Villains Tour" with a swan song at the world's most famous arena Tuesday night.

While it wasn't a sell-out, fans from all over including New Zealand packed into Madison Square Garden to hear the California rockers rip through the classic, make the new songs come alive, and have the time of their lives.


Opening with "If I Had A Tail," the setlist was heavy on 2013's ...Like Clockwork and their latest Villains, which was released in August. As the band then broke into "Monsters in Parasol," the crowd lost their collective minds and the general admission section got rowdy and rambunctious from that moment on. As the entire massive room where on their feet enjoying what the band were giving off, Queens of the Stone Age fed off of that and raised their musical bar with each song as they delievered the one-two punch of "My God Is the Sun," "Feet Don’t Fail Me," "The Way You Used to Do," "You Think I Ain’t Worth a Dollar, but I Feel Like a Millionaire," and "No One Knows."


For a band that has been around for 20 years and has had a revolving door of musicians, Queens of the Stone Age continue to get stronger and the envy of groups around the world. They also are about having a great time and if anything gets in the way of that, they will make you aware, like what happened Tuesday night when a few guys started getting aggressive in the front of the GA, forcing singer Josh Homme to step in.

“If you wanna fight, stick your head up your ass and fight for air or get the fuck out," Homme told the aggressors. “We’re not the soundtrack to you fighting, we’re the soundtrack to you fucking. If you don’t like that, get the fuck out."



He then added: “We’re here to dance, drink, and screw, am I right?," which was met with thunderous applause by the rest of the room.

In the two hours they played, they touched on every era they were as a band including songs like "Little Sister," "Sick, Sick, Sick," "Go with the Flow," "Head Like a Haunted House," and "A Song for the Dead." Which left the audience only wanting more and many of them refusing to leave long after the show was over.
A post shared by QOTSA (@queensofthestoneage) on

Opening the show was English rock duo Royal Blood, who were astonished to be playing inside Madison Square Garden. The band, who have grown in popularity in just a few short years, played to a packed MSG, which as many who have seen gigs there will tell you, is a rare occurrence for an opener.



The band's dynamic sound and swagger was enough to not only entertain the fans inside but also became a chance for them to show off how comfortable they have become on stage. We have covered the band since their first show in NYC at the Marlin Room at Webster Hall back in 2015, and singer / bassist Mike Kerr is not a shell on stage anymore. He has become a true frontman, while his partner, drummer Ben Thatcher continues to be full of tricks, surprises, and comic relief behind the kit.

The duo plowed through songs off their two albums and sounded great inside a large room. Yet, the biggest thrill was watching Thatcher walk on top of the audience as they finished their hour long set. They didn't feel like an opening band but more of an act that is ready to rumble.

Franz Ferdinand Details New Album


Franz Ferdinand will release their new album, Always Ascending, in February. 

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

  1. Always Ascending
  2. Lazy Boy
  3. Paper Cages
  4. Finally
  5. The Academy Award
  6. Lois Lane
  7. Huck And Jim
  8. Glimpse Of Love
  9. Feel The Love Go
  10. Slow Don't Kill Me Slow

Quick News


Legendary rock and roll pioneer and icon, Fats Domino, passed away Wednesday in New Orleans at 89. The musician, who was one of the first to ever be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, is credited for helping to usher in rock and roll to mainstream audiences in the early 1950s. His family has not released a cause of death but did put out a statement on Facebook:

A medical scare for U2's Bono is said to be a big crux of their upcoming album, Songs of Experience. In an interview with Q magazine, Bono said: "I don’t want to get too into the details of it, for fear of the melodramatic reality-TV kerfuffle. A lot of people have these moments. I’ve had a few. Not quite at this level." He continued to say how the scare helped shape the new batch of songs: "It’s just one of those moments when nothing else matters. So what do you have to say for yourself? And what do you want to say to the people that you love?" The Edge added: "It was serious enough that he genuinely had a major fright. But where that brought him to as a writer was an amazing place."

Also speaking to Q magazine was Noel Gallagher, who was asked again about a possible Oasis reunion. "I’ve been very consistent about it,” he said. “I don’t need the money, I don’t need the glory, I don’t need to relive the memories. If I was to get Oasis back together tomorrow and then do a tour, I’d have a hundred million dollars in the bank but I’d have learnt fuck all. I’d have actually wasted a year of being in the studio with a person like David Holmes. It would be the death of me as a person. I could understand if we were a band who’d been going for five years and were just at out peak, but Oasis have got no unfinished business. We did it. We fucking did it, and then some. It’s done.”

Thurston Moore is teaming up with This Heat drummer Charles Hayward, to release a collaborative album titled Improvisations, which will be out December. The record will be a vinyl-only release.

Stereophonics on 'Jools Holland'


Watch Stereophonics perform "Takin' a Tumble" on Later... with Jools Holland.

The White Buffalo on 'Later... with Jools Holland'


Watch The White Buffalo perform "Avalon" on Later... with Jools Holland.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

ZZ Ward and Fantastic Negrito on 'Seth Meyers'


Watch ZZ Ward and Fantastic Negrito perform "Cannonball" on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Monday, October 23, 2017

VINTAGE CLIP: BlackStar on 'Planet Groove' in 1998


Following the announcement that Talib Kweli will release a new album next month and that he and Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def are touring again as BlackStar through the end of the year, we look at this VINTAGE CLIP of the duo, along with Common, performing on BET's Planet Groove in 1998. Take a look!

Quick News


A post shared by Talib Kweli (@talibkweli) on

Talib Kweli has announced that he will release his new album, Radio Silence, next month. Take a look at the cover and tracklisting, above, which he released on Instagram.

A Perfect Circle has confirmed they will release their first album in eight years in 2018. No title or other details have been given.

Snoop Dogg will release his second record of the year, Make America Crip Again, next month. Take a look at the cover, below:

A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg) on

In a new interview with the L.A. Times, SZA has confirmed that she has "eight or so new songs" for a new album. She has also confirmed the rumor to have been working with Mark Ronson and Tame Impala's Kevin Parker. “I listen to Stevie Nicks. I love classical jazz. I love folk. I love rap. I love Modest Mouse. I'm making an album with Tame Impala and Mark Ronson,” she said. No word on a release date but this sounds great.

Russell Simmons is developing a movie about hip-hop pioneer T La Rock. The film is said to be based the recent GQ article “The Man Who Forgot He Was a Rap Legend,” which was about how he was attacked, went into a coma, and woke up and didn't know he was a rap superstar. “T La Rock has always been an inspiration to me and many in the Hip Hop community,” Simmons said in a statement. “This is a man who was literally beaten to within an inch of his life at the height of his fame. How he regained his memory and recovered from his coma while being cared for and surrounded by the most unlikely group of therapists and friends is the kind of hope-filled and hopeful true story that will appeal to everyone, whether you love rap music or not.”

Redman spoke to The Combat Jack Show where he discussed working on the late Phife Dawg's sophomore album which is said to be coming out posthumously, however, no exact date or time frame has been given. "I hope they find the right deal for that, and it gets platformed the right way. We can all help push that sh*t and make Phife happy. Because I’d never seen Phife as happy as he was on his last days, seeing me and Busta in a video with him. He was so pleased, and I seen it in his eyes. I could see the pain of what he was goin’ through, as far as what he was goin’ through internally. But he was happy, and he kinda knew. It was at-peace, bruh. That’s what I’m really lookin’ forward to: him releasing that album, so he can really rest in peace the right way," Redman said. "When I tell you this new Phife Dawg album is ridiculous, yo!” Phife Dawg passed away in 2016 and his estate said they would be releasing the record which he was working on, as well as the final Tribe Called Quest record, at the time of his death.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Live Review: Brand New at Kings Theater


In what could be one of the best gigs of their 17 year career, Long Island's Brand New had a sort of homecoming inside the majestic Kings Theater in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Thursday night.


The show, which went on sale shortly after they surprise released their fantastic new record, Science Fiction, sold out within seconds. As fans, many of which paid an exuberant amount on third party ticket sites, filtered in for a gig they will never forget.

Brand New concerts have always been hit or miss but lately the band has been stepping up their gigs making the band with the cult-like following so much more in demand than ever before. Thursday night was proof of that.



As they hit the stage just before 9 p.m., a screen dropped down from the front of the stage which projected various LED images of fire as they played behind it opening with "Lit Me Up." The setlist, which was heavy in Science Fiction songs, sounded great and brought the new material to life with many fans hearing it live for the first time. As the screen rose after four song to reveal the band members, which also now features Kevin Devine as a touring mate, in a much more fuller fashion. Fans could see the typically serious and stoic frontman Jesse Lacey smile once in a while and even dance -- which is a rarity.

Lacey's disposition seems to be indicative as to where his career has gone. Eleven years ago he was screaming "I want to die!" at Madison Square Garden opening for Dashboard Confessional. Two years later, at Lollapalooza 2008, he was telling fans to not see his band and "go see Explosions in the Sky," later cutting Brand New's set short by a half hour. Now, it is a different Lacey. He seems more relaxed, at ease with who he is as an artist, person, and businessman. His lack of tension is now reflective into how he performs.


While the new songs sounded very alive, it was the older tracks and fan favorites like "Okay I Believe You, but My Tommy Gun Don’t," "Sic Transit Gloria… Glory Fades," "I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light," "Degausser," "Jesus Christ," and "Sowing Season,"got the most attention from the crowd.

There are rumors and murmurs that the band will break up next year, following a 2016 campaign where they would close their gigs with an epitaph across the screens which read "Brand  New 2000-2018." Yet, the concert at Kings Theater didn't feel like this is coming close to the end.

Following the hour-and-40-minute set, the band departed to the wings and Lacey returned with an acoustic guitar in hand to perform "Soco Amareto Lime," the only song played from their debut, Your Favorite Weapon. As the audience drowned out his vocals, he seemed to get emotional and altered the lyrics, closing the song with “I’m just jealous ’cause you’re young and in love." As he thanked everyone for coming out, he waved goodbye and faced immediate joy after he saw his child, showing that this is what he is doing it all for.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

RZA Does 9-Minute Freestyle for Funk Flex


RZA was recently on Funkmaster Flex's radio show on Hot97 and did a 9-minute freestyle for the DJ. Take a look and listen.

VINTAGE CLIP: The Tragically Hip at Woodstock '99


Following the passing of Gord Downie, we look back at his epic performance with his band, The Tragically Hip at Woodstock '99, as they performed "Grace, Too."

Cardi B on 'Kimmel'


Watch Cardi B perform "Bodak Yellow" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Rest in Peace Gord Downie


Canadian singer Gord Downie passed away after a battle with brain cancer at 53.  

The Tragically Hip frontman was diagnosed with the disease last year and culminated with the band having their final gig in August 2016.

The band released a statement Wednesday morning saying that Downie was with his “beloved children and family close by” as he passed.
“Gord knew this day was coming — his response was to spend this precious time as he always had — making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss… on the lips,” the statement continued.

Downie had been appointed to the Order of Canada in June of 2017 for his advocacy for First Nations, the name for Canada's aboriginal people. During his 33-year-long career, Downie won 16 Juno Awards, Canada's equivalent to the Grammy, with The Tragically Hip. In 2005, they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Leigh Usher, and their four children.

Downie was set to release his final album as a solo artist titled Introduce Yourself, which was to be available on October 27. The record, produced by Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew, will feature 23 songs that are all about special people in Downie's life and were all recorded in one take.

As news of his passing went around his country, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tried to fight tears discussing the legacy Downie will leave behind on the nation. 

Playlist


Here is our October playlist featuring 25 random musical musings. Take a listen to it on Spotify.

Arcade Fire on 'Ellen'


Watch Arcade Fire perform "Everything Now" on Ellen.

Listen to St. Vincent on BBC1, Cover The Clash


St. Vincent appeared on BBC Radio 1 where she did acoustic renditions of her songs "New York," "Los Ageless," and "Pills." The singer-songwriter also covered The Clash's "London Calling" for the program. Take a listen.

Grizzly Bear on 'Jools Holland'


Watch Grizzly Bear perform "Mourning Sounds" on Later... with Jools Holland.

SZA on 'Jools'


Watch SZA perform "Normal Girl"on Later...with Jools Holland.

King Krule on 'Jools Holland'


Watch King Krule perform "Dum Surfer" on Later... With Jools Holland.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Portugal. The Man, Mister Holland's Opus Foundation Jam Together


Portugal. The Man joined forces with the students of Ron Russel Middle School in Portland, OR to record a special live version of "Feel It Still," all to benefit the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.

“We grew up in Alaska where music was not an option in school or life really. It is great to see Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation give these kids a chance we did not have. Not everyone is a mathematician or a scientist, some of us think a little different and this program encourages that,” says Portugal. The Man’s, Zach Carothers in a press statement.

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation donates musical instruments and vital support services to under-funded school music programs across the country in an effort to give more students the many benefits of music education, help them achieve more in school and inspire creativity and expression through playing music.

Quick News

Erykah Badu has curated a Fela Kuti box set which will be out in December. Badu's selection includes her "favorite Fela Piece of all times," 1980's Coffin For Head of State, alongside Yellow Fever (1976), No Agreement (1977), J.J.D. (Johnny Just Drop) (1977), V.I.P. (1979), Army Arrangement (1984), and Underground System (1992). Says Badu, "Fela Kuti is a Fucking Genius. Please listen to these tracks, preferably with a nice blunt.. with a nice slow burn." Three other box sets have been previously released and were curated by Questlove, Ginger Baker, and Brian Eno. Take a look at the cover, above.

Richard Hell & The Voidoids will reissue their seminal album, Blank Generation, for a 40th anniversary edition next month. The new edition features the remastered album and includes a second disc, with previously unreleased, alternate studio versions, out-of-print singles, and rare bootleg live tracks from the band's first appearance in 1976 at CBGB. The booklet also contains many previously unpublished photos of the band by Roberta Bayley, a revealing essay by Hell along with compelling images from his notebooks and private papers, and an extensive new interview with Ivan Julian by Hell. 

Fischerspooner will release their new album, SIR, their first in 9 years, in February.


Frank Turner will release a career retrospective album, Songbook, next month. Take a look at the cover, above.

Sia will release a Christmas album, Everyday is Christmas, next month. She posted the news on Instagram Monday and shared the cover and trackisting. Take a look.

LCD Soundsystem on 'Kimmel'


Watch LCD Soundsystem perform "Tonight" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Monday, October 16, 2017

Great Soundtrack: 'Forrest Gump'


As we walked through the fictional life of Forrest Gump as he told it on a bus bench to anyone who was willing or unwilling to listen in the film, it brought back the rush of American nostalgia as he showed LBJ his ass, ran across the reflecting pool in D.C. during a Vietnam War protest, and watched Elvis on TV.

As the film captivated audiences around the country in 1994, its soundtrack of rock and soul did the same. While the film skirted the British Invasion, it didn't diminish the music that America created from the 1950s to the 1970s. With 32 classics featuring Bob Dylan, Elvis, The Mamas and the Papas, Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, The Doors, CCR, Gladys Night, among others, it showcases the rise of one of the country's greatest art forms -- music.

It documents your parents era but shows off the sound that is a timeless capsule to what shaped the soundtrack to the country.

Recommended Reading: Moby 'Porcelin'


Moby has made interesting music his whole career but the story that led him to become the superstar DJ and producer we all know and some of us love is far different than one could imagine. In his 2016 autobiography, Porcelain, the musician discusses growing up in his middle class Connecticut home and falling in love with punk and hardcore music. Like Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim, he played in a punk band before anyone would ever hear him spin. What also sparks an interest to the reader is how immersive he got into the New York City club culture of the early 1990s at venues like Limelight, Palladium, Mars, and Twilo, where he would first cut his teeth as a DJ after being inspired by those who played the venues by being the outcast. He started the decade as the person who didn't fit into the crowds of those places as a Christian and non drug user in the drug-filled underworld of hedonistic New York nightlife. He ended the decade as one of the biggest stars in the world thanks to his record, Play.

The surroundings around him helped craft the interesting and involved musician that is known today. From his outspoken political and vegan beliefs to becoming an entrepreneur. This book chronicles his rise, his passions, and story from his own perspective and ends with the belief that if you want something bad enough, go out and get it.

Screaming Females Will Return Next Year


In February, Screaming Females will release their new album, All At Once. 

Read Our 2010 Interview with Screaming Females

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

01 Glass House
02 Black Moon
03 I’ll Make You Sorry
04 Dirt
05 Agnes Martin
06 Deeply
07 Soft Domination
08 End of My Bloodline
09 Chamber for Sleep Pt. I
10 Chamber for Sleep Pt. II
11 Bird in Space
12 Fantasy Lens
13 My Body
14 Drop by Drop
15 Step Outside

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Finding Joseph I Trailer Released


The much anticipated Bad Brains documentary, Finding Joseph I, which focuses on singer HR, will be released in theaters on November 3 and on DVD. 

Take a look at the poster, above, and the trailer, below:
Finding Joseph I (The HR From Bad Brains Documentary) from SMALL AXE FILMS on Vimeo.

Wu-Tang Clan on 'Fallon'


Watch Wu-Tang Clan perform "My Only One" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Bill Murray Sings Lounge Music on 'Colbert'


Watch Bill Fucking Murray and Jan Vogler and friends perform a medley of West Side Story tunes on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Billy Corgan on 'Fallon'


Watch Billy Corgan use his full name, William Patrick Corgan, and perform "Aeronaut" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Calexico Detail New Album


In January, Calexico will release their new album, The Thread That Keeps Us. 

On the making of the album, co-founder Joey Burns says in a press release: "There's a little more chaos and noise in the mix than what we've done in the past. Whenever we're writing and we come up with something that feels too familiar, someone will end up saying, 'That feels good, but let's keep going and see what else we can uncover. It's been really important to the arc of this band's evolution for us to always keep on trying new things."
Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and watch the lyric video for the first single, "End of the World With You."

01.  End of the World with You
02.  Voices in the Field
03.  Bridge to Nowhere
04.  Spinball
05.  Under the Wheels
06.  The Town & Miss Lorraine
07.  Flores y Tamales
08.  Another Space
09.  Unconditional Waltz
10.  Girl in the Forest
11.  Eyes Wide Awake
12.  Dead in the Water
13.  Shortboard
14.  Thrown to the Wild
15.  Music Box

Green Day to Release Greatest Hits Compilation


Next month, Green Day will release the career-spanning retrospective Greatest Hits: God's Favorite Band. 

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

1. 2000 Light Years Away
2. Longview
3. Welcome To Paradise
4. Basket Case
5. When I Come Around
6. She
7. Brain Stew
8. Hitchin' a Ride
9. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
10. Minority
11. Warning
12. American Idiot
13. Boulevard of Broken Dreams
14. Holiday
15. Wake Me Up When September Ends
16. Know Your Enemy
17. 21 Guns
18. Oh Love
19. Bang Bang 
20. Still Breathing
21. Ordinary World (feat Miranda Lambert)
22. Back In The USA

VINTAGE CLIP: Beck on 'Letterman' in 1997


In honor of his new album, Colors, release, we look at this VINTAGE CLIP of Beck on The Late Show with David Letterman in 1997, where he performed "Where It's At" and gave a little interview with the host. Take a look!

Japandroids on 'Meyers'


Watch Japandroids perform "No Known Drink or Drug" on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Wolf Parade on 'Colbert'


Watch Wolf Parade perform "Valley Boy" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

QUICK SPINS



Kamasi WashingtonHarmony of Difference EP

The L.A. saxophonist roars back with what he is calling an EP, what other musicians would call a masterpiece record. There are very few musicians today who would dare to make the sounds and arrangements that Washington does and for that reason it makes him so special. He followed up his three hour-long debut with a brilliant array that was done in order to celebrate the Whitney’s Biennial.  It is a feat that belongs in a museum for sure.
FINAL GRADE: A+


Hot Water Music Light It Up

Hot Water Music return with their first record in five years and still bring that abrasive sing-along rockabilly punk they are known for. It is a fun and balls to the wall record that will please fans and may even sway some new ones.
FINAL GRADE: B+


Wu-Tang Clan The Saga Continues

As RZA slowly allows the reigns of Wu-Tang to be distributed to other members of the group, DJ Mathematics comes forward to take his crack and find a way to bring the iconic hip-hip outfit back to the top after the dismal A Better Tomorrow. The Saga Continues even features unreleased vocals from ODB but the master who cuts through like a hot knife through butter is honorary member Redman who brings a cadence that can start a party and knock someone out.
FINAL GRADE: B+


Vic Mensa – The Autobiography

The Chicago emcee finally releases his long awaited debut and it was worth waiting for. What Mensa does is bright the consciousness of J. Cole, hopefulness of Chance the Rapper, and storytelling of Vince Staples to present his life story. Not only does he stack up as one of the leaders of the new school, he is ready to throw down the gavel and get in front of the pack.
FINAL GRADE: B+


Circa Survive – The Amulet

The alternative rockers return with another record that not only slams down like a rogue wave it carries you home like gentle breeze.
FINAL GRADE: B+


Liam Gallagher As You Were

The anticipated solo debut from the former Oasis frontman is finally here and does not disappoint. The underrated Beady Eye released two solid records but now, on his own, the younger and more caustic Gallagher brother can bust out and prove his chops. With some of his best ballads, he brings forth a whole new dimension to a man you thought you knew. As you were.
FINAL GRADE: B+


King Khan – Murder Burgers

The solo debut from the BBQ Show and Shrines energetic frontman has arrived and he still brings his classic hooks, licks, and fun.
FINAL GRADE: B


Dhani HarrisonIn Parallel

The long awaited solo debut from late Beatle George Harrison’s son has finally come and after years kicking around other bands, the only child to the shy Fab Four member proves his light can shine.
FINAL GRADE: B


BurnDo Or Die

NYHC is still alive and kicking thanks to Burn. Here is one for fans of all ages to show it is still thriving.
FINAL GRADE: B


UnsaneSterilize

The fact that Unsane are still going strong and kicking ass is a good sign for music lovers. This band doesn’t hold back despite getting older and craft music that will still fuck you up.
FINAL GRADE: B


PrimusThe Desaturating Seven

We all know that Les Claypool is a God on the bass and his music is off the fucking charts but while you may not have asked for a new Primus record, you get one and it comes out of left field just like the ringleader. It is a funky rock record that takes time signatures in music to a whole new level.
FINAL GRADE: B


The Bronx – V

The L.A. hardcore and punk heroes return and while they bring with them a new collection of material to kick your ass, they still have the endearing love and passion that make you fall in love with them with each new piece of music.
FINAL GRADE: B


BeckColors

The long awaited “fun” record from Beck has come and while it is something you can dance to, we all know after one listen, the brilliant musician could have given us more.
FINAL GRADE: B-


Kele OkerekeFatherland

The Bloc Party frontman gives his third solo record to the world and while many would expect an electronic record, the Englishman shows off an acoustic almost singer-songwriter side that many would have never expected.
FINAL GRADE: B-


CultsOffering

The once blogosphere indie darlings are back with new music and it continues on the high energy sound that made them popular six years ago.
FINAL GRADE: B-


Blue Hawaii Tenderness

The first LP in four years from the indie duo is a colorful yet contemporary look at modern love and heartbreak.
FINAL GRADE: B-


BullyLosing

The sophomore album from the garage rockers is hearing them add more their arsenal with making due with what they got.
FINAL GRADE: B-


Jake BuggHearts That Strain

Jake Bugg started off with so much promise. A young English musician playing American blues better than most Americans and not being jaded at the idea of being a rock star. His debut was stellar, his sophomore record heard him linking up with Rick Rubin, his third album was done all on his own, but for his fourth LP, Bugg seems to have lost himself a bit. It sounds as if he is trying to make a single, trying to keep his audience, trying to do whatever he can to make a hit, yet, he was at his best when he didn’t care.
FINAL GRADE: B-


Cut CopyHaiku From Zero

The electronic outfit returns with a record of semi-predictable beats and dancehall anthems.
FINAL GRADE: C


The Go! Team Announces New Album


The Go! Team will release their new album, Semi Circle, in January. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the first single, "Semi Circle Song."

01 Mayday
02 Chain Link Fence
03 Semicircle Song
04 Hey!
05 The Answer’s No - Now What’s the Question?
06 Chico’s Radical Decade
07 All the Way Live
08 If There’s One Thing You Should Know
09 Tangerine / Satsuma / Clementine
10 She’s Got Guns
11 Plans are Like a Dream U Organise
12 Getting Back Up

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Quick News



The long-awaited musical drama directed by Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, Love Beats Rhymes, will be released in December. The film stars Azealia Banks, Jill Scott, Common, Lucien Laviscount, and Hana Mae Lee.

Viva Brother or known as Brother in some parts of the world, have reunited following a five year breakup. The band plans to play gigs in the UK next year and according to reports, might even release new music.

Speaking of reunions, sorta, The Streets aka Mike Skinner, is reactivating his old moniker after a six year hiatus and will tour the UK next year as well.

Next month, Rick Rubin will release Johnny Cash's Unearthed for the first time on vinyl. The set will be an expanded take on the 2003 set released by Rubin just two months after "The Man in Black's" passing. The new set will feature 79 tracks on 9 high-quality 180-gram vinyl LPs.

For the first time ever, Bananarama will tour in their original lineup which features Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey and Keren Woodward. The trio will play spots across North America early next year.

Daptone Announces Posthumous Sharon Jones Album


Next month, Daptone Records will posthumously release a new Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings album called Soul of a Woman.

The record was recorded in Bushwick, Brooklyn, as she was undergoing cancer treatments last year. 

Jones passed away last November at 60. 

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the first single, "Matter of Time."

01 Matter of Time
02 Sail On
03 Just Give Me Your Time
04 Come and Be a Winner
05 Rumors
06 Pass Me By
07 Searching for a New Day
08 These Tears (No Longer for You)
09 When I Saw Your Face
10 Girl (You Got to Forgive Him)
11 Call on God


Belle & Sebastian Announce 3 New EPs

Belle & Sebastian will release 3 new EPs starting in December and will release one a month until February. On Tuesday, they announced the details to the series called How to Solve Our Human Problems. 

Take a look at the tracklistings and covers below.

Above, is the cover to Part 1, which will arrive in December. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:

1. Sweet Dew Lee
2. We Were Beautiful
3. Fickle Season
4. The Girl Doesn’t Get It
5. Everything Is Now

 Above, is the cover to Part 2 which will come in January, and the tracklisting is below:

1. Show Me The Sun
2. Same Star
3. I’ll Be Your Pilot
4. Cornflakes
5. A Plague On All Other Boys


 Above, is the cover to Part 3 which will come in February, and the tracklisting is below:

1. Poor Boy
2. Everything Is Now (Part Two)
3. Too Many Tears
4. There Is An Everlasting Song
5. Best Friend

Beck on 'Jools Holland'



Watch Beck perform "Up All Night" and "Devils Haircut" on Later... with Jools Holland.

St. Vincent on 'Jools Holland'


Watch St. Vincent perform "New York" on Later... with Jools Holland.

Liam Gallagher on 'Corden'


Watch Liam Gallagher perform "Wall of Glass" on Late Late Show with James Corden.

Dhani Harrison on 'Kimmel'



Watch Dhani Harrison perform "Summertime Police" and "All About Waiting" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Trombone Shorty on 'Colbert'


Watch Trombone Shorty and fellow New Orleans transplant Jon Batiste perform "On Your Way Down" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Phoenix on 'Seth Meyers'


Watch Phoenix perform "Ti Amo" on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Live Review: Tuelo at Rockwood Music Hall



For years South Africa's Tuelo has wowed audiences in New York City. From performing at the Apollo, Joe's Pub, The Late Show with David Letterman, a monthly residency at Rockwood Music Hall, to tours which included stops at The Kennedy Center, the singer and her band have been playing to support the release of their 2015 debut album and 2017 EP, St. Margaret. On Friday night, Tuelo hit the pause button on New York City and Rockwood as she heads back to her native country to see her family whom she has been away from for a decade and record a new album.


During a packed performance at the place that became her second home in New York, Tuelo and her band, formerly Her Cousins, played inside Rockwood's Stage 2 to say goodbye in bittersweet fashion.


"There are so many familiar faces here," she said while rocking a ballerina dress and silver sneakers. The singer whose voice is a cross between Nina Simone meets Adele with a flair of Joe Strummer's vulnerability thrown in makes her so unique and powerful. We have said it before and we will say it again -- she is the greatest singer in the world. You walk away from her gigs a different person than when you entered. Even the most cynical of critics will have their soul transformed. Tuelo's music is funk, jazz, punk, and traditional South African rhythms combined, which makes room her voice to break through.

In her brief but memorable 45-minute set, she and the band tore through songs like "Run," "Saint Margaret," "Bombs," and the epic closer, "Dreamer," which had the audience dancing and shedding tears simultaneously.


While it is unknown as to when she will return to New York, but the city will seem less eclectic in her absence. We have been spoiled for many years having her perform every month somewhere in town. It is like when The Ramones were at CBGB's in their early days, you knew that at any given time early in their career you could head to the Bowery venue and they would be there. The same went for Tuelo. As she departs for her next adventure in her mother land, we will miss her and all that she has given us and will be ready for her next gig -- wherever that may be.