Quick News

Nu-Rave rockers Does It Offend You, Yeah?! have gone on indefinite hiatus. The band announced their hiatus over the weekend via their Facebook page.

Flats singer Dan Devine is in London's Pentonville prison, undergoing a drug rehabilitation program. The news came after Devine's father, Alan McGee the man behind Creation Records, wrote an e-mail to the band's label, One Little Indian and said, "I’m not sure if you are aware, but Dan (Devine) is currently in Pentonville prison, undergoing a drugs rehabilitation programme." All things Flats related have been postponed until Devine exits rehab.

Here is something any fan of Britpop would never thought they would ever hear - Damon Albarn has invited Noel Gallagher to record with him. Albarn and Gallagher, who had famous spats in the 90's when Oasis and Blur were coming about, have seemed to make peace in recent months. Albarn told Shortlist Magazine, "He should come on the Africa Express train in September. That’d be a nice chance to collaborate."

Bob Dylan will receive America's highest honor for a civilian, he will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Obama will award Dylan, along with others later this spring.

Surfer Blood took to Twitter on Monday to announce they will begin recording their new album next month. The band released their debut, Astro Coast in 2010.

Following the success of their new album, Open Your Heart, Brooklyn garage rockers The Men have already begun working on a follow-up to the album. No word as to when they plan to release it.

Gaslight Anthem will release their new album, Handwritten on July 23 in the UK and the following day in the U.S. The band premiered their new single, "45" on Zane Lowe's radio show on BBC today, take a listen to it below:

Playlist

It's officially summer!! Take a look at June's Playlist to bring you to the beach and those late night hangouts.

- The Heartbreaks - "Jealous, Don't You Know"

- Blind Melon - "Toes Across the Floor"

- The Specials - "Friday Nights, Saturday Mornings"

- Beady Eye - "Kill for a Dream"

- Belle Stars - "Iko Iko"

- Jimmy Cliff - "I Can See Clearly Now"

- Lee Fields - "Ladies"

- Bruce Spingsteen - "I'm on Fire"

- Lykke Li - "Get Some"

- Oh Land - "Son of a Gun"

- Jay - Z feat. Mr. Hudson - "Young Forever"

- The Cars - "All I Want is You"

- Incubus - "Adolescence"

- Atari Teenage Riot - "Blood in my Eyes"

- Does It Offend You, Yeah?! - "John Hurt"

- Lupe Fiasco - "Letting Go"

- Ellie Goulding - "Guns and Horses"

- Elbow - "High Ideals"

- James Blake - "I Mind"

- TV on the Radio - "Caffeinated Consciousness"

- Death From Above 1979 - "Romantic Rights"

- Lee "Scratch" Perry - "Kiss Me Neck"

- The Clash - "Lost in the Supermarket"

- Naked and Famous - "All of This"

Quick Spins

REM – Collapse Into Now
For album number 15, the original college rockers keep the momentum going that trusted them out of the first decade of the new millennium. On 2008’s Accelerate (and the year’s best album), REM took back what was rightfully theirs, the crown of indie rock and showed that they still had the hunger, energy and passion that propelled them to become one of the most successful bands of all time.On Collapse into Now, the band takes that same energy and carries it across in what could be the band’s biggest retrospect without the use of a Greatest Hits package. Collapse Into Now in so manyways is textbook REM, it has the jangly guitars from Peter Buck, the high pitch backing vocals and thick bass lines of Mike Mills and of course, Michael Stipes signature voice and clever poetic lyrics. With vocal contributions from Eddie Vedder, Patti Smith and Peaches, REM take some of the people they have influenced and some of the people that haveinfluenced them along for their renaissance. Songs like “Oh My Heart” show a direct line and sequel lyrically to songs from Accelerate, while “Mine Smell Like Honey” and “Discoverer” sustain the momentum they rediscovered just a few years ago. This maybe album 15 for them, but the last two records find them being interesting again for the first time in nearly two decades.
FINAL GRADE: A+

The Naked and Famous – Passive Me, Aggressive You
The debut record from one of New Zealand’s most talked about bands, The Naked and Famous was released last year in their home country but after sighing with Universal here in the US, Passive Me, Aggressive You is finally available here and it was worth the wait. You cannot pinpoint exactly what musical style The Naked and Famous play or stick them in a genre, they do everything across the board from new wave to rock to pop to electronica to even having hip-hop influenced beats, they are students of music and showing off what they love in so many clever and fun ways. This is a band to not sleep on and pick this record up; I promise it is a delight.
FINAL GRADE: A-

Raekwon – Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang
One of the core members of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan cooks up another solo album of instant classics. With Cuban Links, Raekwon cemented himself as one of the finest solo artists to emerge from Wu, yet on Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang he now comes out swinging and keeping his worth and title as one of the best. It is a great hip-hop album of hard lyrics, perfect production and still gives you the same sense of fear that early Wu records did. With a slew of guests from Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Jim Jones and Black Thought, Shaolin Vs. Wu is going to be one of the year’s most talked about hip-hop albums from one of hip-hops most talked about artists.
FINAL GRADE: A-


Scattered Trees – Sympathy
The outside Chicago band arrive with their debut and drum up an impressive first impression. Sympathy is a collection light and atmosphere folk inspired rock and roll. It is a gentle on sound but hostile on it’s lyrical story telling. The songs are inspired by love and heartbreak (well, really just the heartbreak and falling out of love) but something very worth listening.
FINAL GRADE: B+

Elbow – Build a Rocket Boys!
The Mercury Prize winning Brits return ingrand form with Build a Rocket Boys! The symphonic band should tour with an orchestra with them at all times because in order to recreate the beauty of these songs it will be the only way possible. Elbow have secured themselves as great musicians and singer Guy Garvey has secured himself as a great story teller. Build a Rocket Boys! is a lush, layered and textured release and a great follow-up to their international hit, The Seldom Seen Kid.
FINAL GRADE: B+

Noise is the Trigger
Edan’s right hand man Dagha and producer Pysch Major team up for a very old school hip-hop feel on their debut EP. Aggressive vocal delivery from Dagha and lo-fi production from Major, Noise is the Trigger is a creative sounding duo that have all the right formula’s going for them.
FINAL GRADE: B

Ellie Goulding – Lights
The English songstress arrives very strong with her major label debut, Lights. Ellie’s powerful vocal’s over electronic beats and quality production make her a stand out from her contemporaries. She is certainly an artist to watch and Lights is the record that is going to usher her to the spotlight.
FINAL GRADE: B

Wolf Gang
Taking fuzzy guitars, lo-fi soundand channeling it into a wall of noise EP, London’s one man band – Wolf Gang is here to rock your face off. With his EP that features only six songs and three of which are demos, it only leaves you wanting more.
FINAL GRADE: B

Lupe Fiasco – Lasers
After much delays and hype, Lupe Fiasco’s third album has finally arrived. Lasers; an ode to his fans and support system is in some cases classic Lupe and in others a commercial disappointment. Songs like “Letting Go,” “Words I Never Said,” “State Run Radio,” and “All Black Everything” show Lupe starting a fiasco with his aggressive delivery and political approach to his material that keep the record interesting and keep the listener engaged. However, songs like “Out of My Head,” “The Show Goes On,” “Till I Get There” are where he is trying real hard to find a radio single. We know Lupe is better than that and we know that even with the delays, his potential for greatness seems to slip up in areas.
FINAL GRAD: B-

Rival Schools – Pedals
The indie rock band returns after a near decade hiatus and drum up a very solid album. Nothing too exciting or that stands out, fans of the band will enjoy it but it is hard to tell if they will pick up a new audience from Pedals.
FINAL GRADE: B-

Does it Offend You, Yeah?! – Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You
After much delays, battles with record labels and major line up changes, the band poised to be the next Prodigy return facing the sophomore slump. Their debut, You Have No Idea What You Are Getting Into was a fun, great, vibrant electronic album, the follow up is the band trying to be very serious but still trying to goofy and fun and it falls short. There are too many styles and cross genres that do not really work, yet the record does pull out a few gems but not enough to stand out. Better luck next time!
FINAL GRADE: C

Rise Against – End Game
Rise Against is a great band, they took political angst and channeled it in the void years when Rage Against the Machine were MIA. Now on Endgame and in a new era of politics and global change, the band are not discussing anything that they haven’t already said. Aside from the rhetoric, Rise Against’s latest studio effort is too polished, too clean and too over produced and is a disappointment, would have liked something much more raw.
FINAL GRADE: C

DOES IT OFFEND YOU COVER & TRACK LISTING

The much anticipated sophomore release, Don't Say We Didn't Warn You from British electro rockers, Does it Offend You Yeah?! is set to be released next month. Take a look at the cover and track listing below.

"We Are The Dead" - 4:04
"John Hurt"
"Pull Out My Insides"
"Yeah"
"The Monkeys Are Coming" - 3:56
"Wrong Time Wrong Planet"
"Wrestler"
"Wondering" (Feat. Trip)
"The Knife"
"Broken Arms"

TRACK LISTINGS!

Does It Offend You, Yeah?! are FINALLY releasing their much anticipated second album, Don't Say We Didn't Warn You on March 4. Take a look at the track listing below,

'We Are The Dead'
'John Hurt'
'Pull Out My Insides'
'Yeah'
'The Monkeys Are Coming'
'Wrong Time Wrong Planet'
'Wrestler'
'Wondering'
'The Knife'
'Broken Arms'

Exactly one month after Does It Offend You unleash their latest, The Kills will release their latest as well. The album, Blood Pressures will arrive in April and here is the track listing...

1. Future Starts Slow
2. Satellite
3. Heart Is A Beating Drum
4. Nail In My Coffin
5. Wild Charms
6. DNA
7. Baby Says
8. Last Goodbye
9. Damned If She Do
10. You Don't Own The Road
11. Pots and Pans

What's Coming in 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! New year, so that inevitably means, new music! 2010 was a great year for music and 2011 is not looking to bad either, so many great forthcoming releases, music fans from all genres have a lot to be excited for. Here is a list of what is coming out, broken down by the first quarter of the year and what else to expect. Guarantee you will find something to appreciate!

January

Funeral Party
Tapes and Tapes - Outside
Hercules and Love Affair – Blue Songs
Cold War Kids – Mine is Yours
The Go! Team – Rolling Blackouts
Social Distortion – Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes
The Decemberists – The King is Dead
Cake – Showroom of Compassion
Motorhead – World is Yours
Iron and Wine – Kiss Each Other Clean
White Lies – Ritual
Gang of Four - Content
Chapel Club - Palace

February

Cut Copy – Zonoscope
Tahiti 80 – The Past, The Present & The Possible
The Streets – Computers and Blues
…and You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead – Tao of Dead
The Wombats
Devotchka – 100 Lovers
Yuck
Bayside – Killing Time
Frankie and the Heartstrings - Hunger
Joy Formidable
Le Femme
Adele - 21
Bright Eyes – The People’s Key

March

The Strokes
Airborne Toxic Event – All at Once
REM – Collapse into Now
Rival Schools – Pedals
Atari Teenage Riot
Lupe Fiasco – Lasers
Dr Dre – Detox
Beady Eye – Different Gear, Still Speeding
Peter Bjorn & John
Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Danger Mouse – Rome
Manchester Orchestra
Elbow – Bring the Rocket Boys!
Beastie Boys – Hot Sauce Committee Pt 2


May

Lady Gaga – Born this Way
Arctic Monkeys


SPRING:

Kanye West & Jay-Z - Watch the Throne
U-God – Key Note Speaker
Glasvegas
Fiona Apple
U2 – Songs of Ascent
Portugal The Man
Blondie
Franz Ferdinand


SUMMER:

Coldplay
Rage Against the Machine
Foo Fighters
Blink 182
No Doubt
U2 (Danger Mouse produced “Dance” record)

Also in 2011

Noel Gallagher
Radiohead
La Roux
Mars Volta
Sanitgold
Amy Winehouse
Incubus
Florence and the Machine
Nightwatchman
Fleet Foxes
The Futureheads
Nervo
Justice
Garbage
The Vaccines
Tripwires
The Heartbreaks
Mona
The Cars
Jane’s Addiction
How to Destroy Angels
Marilyn Manson
Beastie Boys – Hot Sauce Committee Pt 1
The Subways

Live Review - Kele @ Webster Hall

The last time New York City saw Kele Okereke was in early 2008 when he was wrapping his second trip to the US with his other band, Bloc Party. Over two years ago when fans saw Kele he was a slender, shy musician that held his guitar for dear life and sang his songs that made everyone in the room go nuts. Last night was a different Kele, it was a different sound, a different band and most of all a different look. Gone were the skinny jeans and tight T-shirts that added extra weight to his small frame and in was a Detroit Pistons basketball jersey, baggy jeans and a full frame singer that looks as if he spent the last two years in a gym working out rather than a recording studio. New York City and fans on his current tour are witnessing the metamorphosis of their favorite singer. Kele, in support of his solo debut, Boxer (which may explain his new physique) is plugging into clubs and banging away with a small backing band of drummers and programmers that are bringing his electronic sound to life.
For Kele to be dabbling into electro is not shocking to Bloc Party fans worldwide due to the fact that the band’s last release, Intimacy, was a punk meets electronic album. What is shocking, aside from his look, is how alive Kele is on stage. Sure, he would jump around with his guitar in Bloc Party, but there is a different level of confidence and connectivity he has now. His bravado must be through the roof knowing that everyone in the room is there to see him and see what he can pull off. While Boxer maybe a mediocre record at best but a daring attempt for him on his solo debut, it sounds as if it were meant to be heard live, in a club with a sound system that will make you feel the bass in your chest.
While the songs from Boxer would get the audience’s attention, it would be his “old songs” as he would call them from “that other band that I am in” that would get everyone in the room going completely insane. As he burned through his set list, Kele pleased the crowd with a Bloc Party medley that featured “Little Thoughts / The Prayer / One More Chance,” the beauty about the medley was that the songs were not played straight, they were remixed and reinterpreted live right on that stage and was something so organic that it shows the man knows what he is doing. He kept the momentum going by jumping into the crowd and crowd-surfing a bit during his single “Tenderoni.” While the set lasted just under an hour and the crowd begged for more, Kele did most of Boxer and closed with the Bloc Party B-side of “Flux,” which was a great send off into the night. While everyone’s legs sure would feel like Jell-O the next morning, everyone knew it was well worth it.
On tour with Kele were his friends and fellow UK electro band, Does It Offend You, Yeah. The band who is also making a return to the States and much like their friend Kele are also not the same band that was in the US just two years ago supporting Bloc Party and Nine Inch Nails. Since the departure of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Morgan Quaintance, the band has added Matty Derham on guitar and vocals and Chloe Duveaux on bass. However, singer James Rushent was not at the show and was forced to stay home in England and miss the tour due to falling very ill, leaving his band to hit the road without him. Yet, Does It Offend You does not disappoint. Having seen the band before with their original line-up, this new incarnation and even without Rushent is still as fun and energetic as ever. Sticking mainly to the electronic tracks that do not require Rushent’s vocals, the band’s 45 minute set featured a few new songs from their forthcoming record, Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You. Once this band returns properly to the US to support that album, they are not an act to be missed!
Opening the show was the only American electronic act and newcomers Interparty System. The band’s style of heavy beats, live drumming and vocals reminded me as if Andy Bell of Erasure fronted LCD Soundsystem. The sonic blend of three men working on stage and getting the party started was not only entertaining but also had them gaining new fans as their performance was one to be admired.

What's Coming in 2010!

Here is a look at the road ahead, some of the most anticipated releases of the year! Take a look at what 2010 will bring, it already looks a hell of a lot better than last year!

Vampire Weekend - Contra
Due: January 12

The follow up to the New York band's immensely popular self-titled debut will kick start the year in high gear. After slowly leaking some songs online, I can already tell this record is going to blow their last one out of the water. Recorded in California and combining Afro-punk with Latin fury, Contra is a record that will stay with us all year.

MGMT - Congratulations
Due: February
The follow up to the Brooklyn duo's global smash Oracular Spectacular, is poised to be one of the biggest records of the year. Not releasing much info about the album aside from the band hoping that people hate it, this will be one of the years more interesting releases.

Hot Chip - One Life Stand
Due: February
The English Electro act return with the follow up to 2008's Made in the Dark. The fourth record of these lads will be a sure fire smash across the dance floor and on the turn tables of DJ's around the globe. Described as an "end of the night record," One Life Stand is one I am looking out for.

Klaxons - Title Not Available
Due: February / March
This record was intended to come out last year, however, the label told the English band to re-record some of the record. Instead, the band scrapped the entire project and started from scratch. The psychedelic art rockers will deliver their new work early this year and we will see what the UK favorites have in store.

Broken Bells - The High Road
Due: March
The combination of The Shins James Mercer and producer Danger Mouse is already giving me chills. Releasing only the albums title track, it was one of the most beautiful things I have herd in a while. I am waiting on the edge of my seat for this album and I just hope it delivers.

U2 - Songs of Ascent
Due: Spring
Since the legendary Irish rockers recorded between 50-60 songs for No Line on the Horizon, they will release an immediate follow up and play these songs on the next legs of their massive 360o tour this summer.


Far - Title Unknown
Due: March
After a decade long hiatus, the most underrated band of the 90's is set to fire back with an album of new material. After touring this fall with Thursday and Midnight Masses and doing small one-off shows, Jonah Matranga and the boys of Far will be back with their first album since their brilliant send off, Water and Solutions. If you never herd of this band start listening, if you have herd of this band, start anticipating!

Social Distortion - Title Unknown
Due: Spring
The legendary LA punkers are still cranking and on fire as they have always been. The follow up to 2006's Sex, Love and Rock N Roll, apparently will see the band dabble in some folk roots much like Mike Ness' solo work. Whatever it maybe, new Social D always brings a smile to my face.

Arcade Fire - Title Unknown
Due: May
One of the most critically acclaimed bands to emerge in the 2000's is back at it again. The follow up to 2007's brilliant Neon Bible, will see the band create what could be the years most anticipated release. They are also to hit the road again and if anyone, like myself, who has seen this band in concert knows they are in for one of the greatest nights of their life.

Radiohead / Thom Yorke solo
Due: Unknown
Radiohead are set to hit the studio again this month after taking the fall off, no word on what or how the record will be made, but one thing is for sure, producer Nigel Goodrich is behind the wheel and we can expect something great. As for singer Thom Yorke, he used the band's downtime to craft another solo disc to follow up his 2006 solo debut, The Eraser, word on the street is that Yorke's disc will be out before the bands.

NERD - Instant Gratification
Due: Summer
Adding a female to the misogynistic band, NERD are set to fire back into your speaker with another record of party and summer jams.

Stone Temple Pilots - Title Unknown
Due: Summer
The first Stone Temple Pilots record since 2002's unlistenable Shangri-La-De-Da and the first new recordings since the band got back together in summer 2007. I am very eager to hear what Scott Weiland and boys have in store now after a few years on the road and being back together.

Dr. Dog - Title Unknown
Due: Spring / Summer
The Philly indie/jam/psychedelic band are gearing up for a tour and placing the finishing touches on their latest. They have been in the studio since the summer, leaving fans and critics in much anticipation as to what these guys will bring. Whatever it maybe, it will be gorgeous.

The National - Title Unknown
Due: Spring / Summer
To say 2009 was a quiet year for The National would be a farce. The band has been playing special shows around New York and crafting side projects while working on the follow up to 2007's amazing release, Boxer. What these Brooklyn boys will bring next we shall wait and see.

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
Due: Summer
The world's first animated band is set to ignite radio airwaves and music videos again with their third record. The Damon Albarn side project will feature guest vocals from De La Soul, Mos Def, Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, and Barry Gibb (yes, Barry Gibb of the BeeGee's). The will likely be the most eclectic record of the year.

Glasvegas - Title Unknown
Due: Summer / Fall
After wrapping up a whirl wind year of touring with everyone from U2 to Kings of Leon to every major festival world wide, Glasvegas hit the studio this fall in California with Rick Rubin to record the follow up to their phenomenal 2008 debut. This is one record I am waiting with baited-breath for.

Oasis 2.o / Noel Gallagher solo
Due: Summer
After the devastating break up of Britain's most beloved band of brothers, Oasis is set to go forth in two directions. One part as the current Oasis line-up sans Noel Gallagher and the other is Noel solo. Noel, who had intentions of releasing solo material in 2010 before leaving the band, will put out his music this year. Noel will also compete with Liam and the boys with their new release as they have been in the studio working on a new record.

Also Due in 2010!

- Interpol - (February)
- Los Campesinos! - Romance is Boring (February)
- The Roots - How I Got Over (February)
- Massive Attack - Heligoland (February)
- Iron and Wine (March)
- Ben Folds (March)
- Violent Soho (March)
- Broken Social Scene (March)
- Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Don't Say We Didnt Warn You (March)
- Portugal. The Man - American Ghetto (March)
- Gogol Bordello (Possible Spring Release)
- Santigold (Spring)
- Gaslight Anthem (Possible Spring Release)
- Lupe Fiasco - LASERS (Spring)
- LCD Soundsystem - (Spring)
- Tokyo Police Club (Spring)
- Fleet Foxes (Spring)
- The Wombats (Spring / Summer)
- Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 (Spring/Summer)
- Richard Ashcroft (Late Summer/Fall)
- Nine Inch Nails (Possible Summer Release)
- Kings of Leon (Fall)

Does It Offend You, March On...

As one of 2008's break out bands, the UK's Does It Offend You, Yeah? place the finishing touches on the follow up to their acclaimed debut, You Have No Idea What You Are Getting Yourself Into, the English electro outfit is going through some changes. Just announced yesterday, guitarist and hype man Morgan Quaintance has left the band to pursue his other band Plugs full time. Morgan was one of the essential elements to the bands live set, as witnessing the band last year at Lollapalooza, they stormed through an amazing performance with Morgan as one of the key pieces to the puzzle. Morgan tells NME.com that "Plugs is my band and Does it Offend You, Yeah? was never really my sort of band aesthetically. I didn't really have much choice, I just sort of had to go along with a lot of the stuff that was happening, whereas in it's like we write the music, we produce it, we do the artwork, we've directed our own video - it just like feels like a creative outlet for me more than Does It Offend You, Yeah."

Yet never fear fans of the band, the rest of the crew is marching on. The band plans to do many shows around the world with new members to replace Morgan and add to the atmosphere of the new direction of the band. The details on the latest Does It Offend You album is very quiet, but the band promises some great guest appearances and that it is finishing up strongly. As more details emerge, keep it locked here!

Rising Artist-Late of the Pier

This time last year fellow bloggers, like myself, were all up in arms for a little band called MGMT. Now, I feel the music bloggers of the world have found a new psychedelic / funk / electro rock band to geek out about, Nottingham, UK's Late of the Pier. The bands blend of cleaver lyrics, and goofy beats will have you moving for hours on end. Think Does it Offend You, Yeah? meets MGMT meets the Klaxons with 80's synth. The band's debut Fantasy Black Channel was finally released in the US last month after being out in the UK and Europe since the summer. I suggest it is one of the first records you buy this year, I promise it is one that will not disappoint and one that you will really enjoy listening to! With electronica getting bigger and bigger each year, I think this is one band that will be at the front of the pack.

Whats Coming in 2009!

Here is a look at the road ahead, some of the most anticipated releases of the year! The first four months of official release dates are broken down, others coming out with no street date are listed below.

January:
Bruce Springsteen - Working on a Dream
The quick follow up to 2007's Magic, Bruce and Co. recorded the album while on the road supporting Magic, the record is full of hope and looking for a turning point in American history and America's standing in the World with newly elected President Barack Obama. The album comes out just in time before the band's big Super Bowl Half Time show.

Franz Ferdinand - Tonight! Franz Ferdinand!
The well dressed and dapper Scandinavian rockers return with their third album. The band will be using the same formula of catchy hooks and cleaver lyrics. This will be a fun record to listen to.

February
Mastodon - Crack the Skye
The metal monsters are set to return with their follow up to 2006's acclaimed Blood Mountain. The album, produced by Brendan O'Brien, is set to make the hair on the back of your neck tingle.

Thursday - Common Existence
The New Jersey heroes return with their fifth record and will surly be one of the most anticipated albums of the early year.

March
U2 - No Line on the Horizon
CANT WAIT! CANT WAIT! CANT WAIT!!! Can you tell I am just a little excited! My favorite living band is putting out their 12th album and for them the sky is the limit.

Prodigy - Invaders Must Die
The original line up of the electro punkers are back, the last outing from the band came in 2004 with Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned and just had producer Liam Howlett behind the project. Now everyone including front man Keith Flint are back, the album also features special guests Does it Offend You, Yeah? and Dave Ghrol.

Does it Offend You Yeah? - Still Untitled
The quick follow up to last years You Have No Idea What You are Getting Yourself Into has these electro punkers ready to give their fans more.

April
Depeche Mode - Still Untitled
The band has been keeping mum about the recording to the follow up of 2005's brilliant Playing the Angel. Yet guitarist and songwriter Martin Gore has called the album "spiritual." I am anticipating this very much.

Dave Matthews Band - Still Untitled
The band's first album since 2005's Stand Up and the first without multi instrumentalist Leri Moore, Matthews has rallied up a number of musicians to fill Moore's place.

Also in 2009:
Muse
As Tall As Lions - You Cant Take it With You
Patent Pending
Lupe Fiasco - LUPE.N.D.
Dr Dre - Detox
The Klaxons
Our Lady Peace
The Editors
Green Day
Beastie Boys
Stellastarr*
Arctic Monkeys
Gallows
Jay-Z - The Blueprint III

Another Look at 2008

After taking a ton of great comments and some not so great ones from fans all around the globe, each year I also like to highlight other people's tastes in music and showcase their lists. After all music, like film is so subjective that also like people, no two lists or types are the same.

Here are five music buffs like yours truly, whose taste in music and knowledge of the art form and media I hold to high regard. Trust me I wouldn't give you lists of someone who does not know any better.

The first list comes from my long time musical companion, former writer of Good Times magazine and current writer for Skope and Editor of Playbill, Mr. Bill Reese.
1. Raconteurs Consulars of the Lonely
2. Dr. Dog Fate
3. The Hold Steady Stay Positive
4. TV on the Radio Dear Science,
5. R.E.M. Accellerate
6. Vampire Weekend
7. Death Cab for Cutie Narrow Stairs
8. Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago
9. Coldplay Viva La Vida or Death and All his Friends
10. Counting Crows Saturday Nights and Sunday Morningss


honors
Ryan Adams Cardinology
Girl Talk Feed the Animals
Conor Oberst
Okkervil River The Stand ins
Q-Tip The Renaissance
Santogold
Sigur Ros Med....
The Verve Forth
Weezer

The next list comes from premiere New York City DJ and one of New York's true Renaissance men, DJ Rich D Smoov. Richie's list is a tad different as is not broken down numerically but but superlatives...

1.mgmt:alternative album
2.vampire weekend:indie album
3.girl talk:mash album
4.cut chemist and dj shadow:the hard sell.turntablisim album
5.krallice:black metal album
6.king khan:rock album
7.metallica:thrash album
8.diplo vs santogold:dub/reggae mix cd
9.karl hector:afro latin funk album
10.jackson conti:brazilian album

honorable mentions:
11.boyznoise:electro album
12.justice:best live album
13.koushik:psycedelic album
14.awesome color:retro rock album
15.mad villian2:best remix album
16.droppin science:bluenote best jazz compilation
17.leviathan: usbm album
18.natchmysium:metal album
19.one day as a lion:best ep
20.stones throw:best podcast
21.black moth super rainbow: best leftfield album
22.does it offend you yeah?!: best new comers
23.kon and amir:best disco/soul comp
24.glasvegas: best uk act
25.mr.thing:best breakbeats comp
26.portishead:comeback of the year
27.tv on the radio:best bklyn band
28.coldplay:commercial album
29.united nations:hardcore album
30.santogold:best female act

The next list comes from fellow online blogger (Hindsighting) and former WQAQ DJ, Mike Clancey.

1. Bayside - Shutter
2. Murder by Death - Red of Tooth and Claw
3. Jaymay - Autumn Fallin'
4. Rise Against - Appeal to Reason
5. Connor Oberst
6. Thrice - Alchemy Index: Air and Earth
7. Atmosphere - Strickly Leakage
8. Flogging Molly - Float
9. The Used - Shallow Believer EP
10. Islands - Arm's Way

Honorable Mention:
Meaghan Smith - The Cricket's Quartet

The following list comes from another musical companion of mine and former WQAQ DJ, we call him Logo.

10. The Kooks-Konk!
9. She and Him-Volume 1
8. Kidz in the Hall- The In Crowd
7. Tokyo Police Club- Elephant Shell
6. Kings of Leon- Only by the Night
5. Coldplay- Viva La Vida or Death and all his Friends
4. The Hold Steady- Stay Positive
3. Death Cab for Cutie- Narrow Stairs
2. The Cool Kids- The Bake Sale EP
1. Vampire Weekend

...and last but not least another musical companion, Mr PJ Sievering

1. Lil Wayne- Tha Carter 3
2. TV on Radio- Dear Science
3. Coldplay- Viva la Vida
4. My Morning Jacket-Evil Urges
5. Deathcab for Cutie- Narrow Stairs
6.The Hold Steady- Stay Positive
7. Kings of Leon- Only by the Light
8. Fleet Foxes
9. Beck-Modern Guilt
10. Vampire Weekend

Honorable Mentions:

Best "I used to hate you but now your cool again": R.E.M. Accelerate
Best Dance: Hot Chip Made in the Dark Tied with Girl Talk Feed the Animals
Best Sophomore Album: Okkervil River The Stand-Ins

So there are five much different takes on this past year and now we look on to the road ahead...Happy 2009!

2008 The Albums-Top 10

So here it is, the annual Top 10 list for the Best Albums of 2008. I hope you enjoyed my picks thus far for Honorable Mentions and League of Their Own. Now here are (in my opinion) the cream of the crop, best records of the last 12 months. The list is broken down in short then long form with explanations. Enjoy!

In Short:
10- Forth - The Verve
9 - Tales of Love, Loss and Desperation - The Wombats
8 - You Have No Idea What You Are Getting Yourself Into - Does it Offend You, Yeah?
7- Dear Science - TV on the Radio
6 - Third - Portishead
5 - Stay Positive - The Hold Steady
4 - Glasvegas
3 - Made in the Dark - Hot Chip
2 - Viva La Vida or Death and All of His Friends - Coldplay
1 - Accelerate - REM

Now in Long Form...

10 - The Verve - Forth

This was the record no one would have thought would ever happen. One of the biggest bands of the second British Invasion breaking up at the height of their career in 1998. A decade later, the band put themselves back together and created a fine blend of psychedelic rock, modern alternative and British jam. The Verve put a little bit of everything that has made them popular around the world into Forth. The title a pun, being the fourth record from the band but also showing they are going forth with their career together. I look forward to more music from one of my favorite acts.

KEY TRACKS : Love is Noise, Noise Epic

9 - The Wombats - A Guide to Love, Loss and Desperation
A small trio from Liverpool that made a big post-punk sound on their debut. The Wombats picked up the bar style power trio rock that the Fratellis made popular last year with Costello Music and brought it to new levels. The Wombats were not afraid to put their hearts on their sleeves in creating one of the most fun, energetic and cleaver records of the year.
Key Tracks: Let's Dance to Joy Division, My First Wedding


8- Does it Offend You, Yeah? -You Have No Idea What You Are Getting Yourself Into
A band that tries not to take themselves too seriously, but by doing that they really show they know how to have a great time. The word boring would cease to exist when listening to this record, Does it Offend You, Yeah fuses punk-electro-disco and pop into a non-stop dance party that will have you moving for hours.
Key Tracks: With a Heavy Heart (I Regret to Inform You), Epic Last Song

7- TV on the Radio - Dear Science
This Brooklyn band's last record was all about the Apocalypse and the end of the world as we know it and they did not feel fine. Their follow up however is a rebirth of the world around them in a full out hipster-hop dance party. This is one hell of a record and probably the band's best, TV on the Radio never stop impressing me on their musical abilities and style. One of the few band's that keep pushing the creative envelope and always have us wondering what they will do next.
Key Tracks: Family Tree, Red Dress

6 - Portishead - Third
Technically Portishead never broke up, they were just on hiatus for 11 years. Yet, it may have been worth the wait, they returned with Third, the album that could very well be the English trio's very best. Singer Beth Gibbons beautifully haunting voice penetrates right into your body, while the band hypnotizes you with their music. Third is a must own and one record that will leave you breathless.
Key Tracks: Nylon Smile, Magic Doors

5- The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
What more can I say about a band that I just absolutely love. The Hold Steady's fourth album, Stay Positive is a true rock and roll record from one of the last true rock and roll bands. It takes the story of the band's central characters created by singer Craig Finn on the band's debut The Hold Steady Almost Killed Me, these characters have taken the form of all four records in telling their story, but we as fans still have no idea if Stay Positive is the conclusion. What we the fans do know is that this is a record about scenes, and how Religion is the biggest scene and everyone in America is part of a scene whether they like it or not. One of the most honest albums of the year.
Key Tracks: Constructive Summer, Lord, I am Discouraged

4- Glasvegas
My favorite debut of the year from one of my new favorite bands. Having not only the privilege this year of discovering them, but having the opportunity to interview them for the blog made my admiration for Glasvegas grow. Taking stories ripped from the pages of your life and making them beautiful songs is not an easy task, but Glasvegas make it seem so natural. Combining a 50's retro style mixed with 80's Goth mixed with 21 Century alternative, Glasvegas have certainly served up one fine album. Listen to this record, love it as much as I have and I promise you will not want to let it go.
Key Tracks: Geraldine, Go Square Go

3- Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
The most fun you will have listening to any record this year! The perfect party starter, Hot Chip have made an album that will not only having you moving and shaking for hours, but will having you begging for more. They are masters of production, beats and musicians with each member playing more than one at a time. Certainly the band's best record they have released, the sky is the limit for these guys.
Key Tracks: One Pure Thought, Shake a Fist

2- Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death and All of His Friends
The biggest selling record of the year from the biggest band of the decade. Just as people were about to write the band off, they answered with one of their best albums as well as their most epic and adventurous to date. Produced by the legendary Brian Eno, the band takes notes from all who have influenced them, from The Beatles to U2 to Radiohead to The Verve and created a masterpiece. Their is no denying how fantastic this album is.
Key Tracks: Viva La Vida, Lost


1- REM - Accelerate
Firing on all cylinders, the original college rockers shot back with their best record since 1994's Monster. Accelerate is REM's finest hour, after releasing a handful of mediocre and sometimes awful albums, REM cut out the problems and released a straight up rock, almost punk record. Showing their roots and not their age, REM shot songs from a cannon to show they still have it in them. Being a life long REM fan, I am so proud to see these guys back at the top!
Key Tracks: Living Well is the Best Revenge, Hollow Man


So there it is, my 10 picks of the year. I hope you enjoyed it and I encourage you to listen to each album and see what I am talking about. Now we usher in a new year to see what this list will look like 12 months from now.

Quick News

Honestly at this point just call him St.Bono. The legendary U2 singer (and hero of mine) has been blogging about his experience at the UN summit this week. You know you are a big deal when Presidential hopefuls and other world dignitaries want to speak with you more than the current U.S. President...anyway, check out what Bono had to say here

Kanye West has bumped the release of his latest record 808's and Heartbreak up from December to "November Something," as West put it on his site. West feels that since the record is done why hold on to it and just let the people hear it.

Does it Offend You, Yeah? have created a video blog about their adventures on their first ever U.S. tour. Check out the video as it also features their fantastic performance at Lollapalooza last month.

Live Review-Lollapalooza Day 2

If Friday could be summed up as a day of cultural fusion through music, Saturday could be summed up as a day of intensity. Arriving early my mates and I caught Memphis' De Novo Dahl. This was the sucker punch band of the day, the act that no one was expecting anything from and were awesome. As soon as their set ended, the band I have been waiting all year to catch, England's Does it Offend You, Yeah?, took the stage. Does it Offend You were not only technically perfect but also drew a very impressive crowd to see their thrash - electro hybrid of sound. They were energetic, fun and everything Bloc Party should have been the day before. While braving the 90+ heat of the early afternoon, band members were running on and off stage in between songs to vomit from exhaustion. Certainly noble in action, and certainly one of the best bands all weekend.

From an epic showing of Does it Offend You, Yeah?, we took it easy catching sets from Mason Jennings, Fouls and Gutter Twins before heading to MGMT. They drew the biggest crowd of the afternoon, but MGMT needed to step it up a bit as it took them a while to really get into what was a rather boring set. As soon as MGMT finished, Brand New took the main stage. The Long Island emo band has come a long way and started off rather normal, yet in typical front man Jesse Lacey fashion he blows it for his band. Telling the band to see Explosions in the Sky (who were on the same time as his band) and calling the crowd "fools," he really insisted that his fans leave and not watch them. After playing a heavy Devil and God set, they cut their set 15 minutes short purposely. At a festival when bands would kill for that extra 15 minutes, Brand New showed their cocky side and it is something I am just really tired of. A band I once loved, I don't think I will ever waste my time with again.

As frustrated as we were, we blew off some steam with a few beers and Austin's Okkervil River. Their art rock and singer Will Sheff's voice projected all through the park. The fans were packed in tight for them, making it hard to see, but worth the listen. Another artist who was worth every second, was Chicago's own Lupe Fiasco. Lupe came out back flipping to the Rocky theme and was what I like to call the honorary Mayor of Chicago for the evening. It was a hometown throw down that had the audience begging for more. This is the second time I have seen Lupe cause a fiasco on stage and I can safely say he is the brightest star in Hip-hop's future.

After a long day of intense sets and music it would all be second fiddle to the most powerful band of a generation - Rage Against the Machine. A band that has taken me 24 years and trip to Chicago to see, but was worth the wait. Opening with "Testify," then going into "Bulls on Parade," and "People of the Sun," it was a performance for the ages. Yet, it was still backed with the stereotypes that follow the band, forcing them to stop their set three times due to serious injuries in the pit, people climbing the sound system and fire's breaking out on the field. After witnessing someone walk out with a broken nose, it was as if the band never stopped barnstorming through cities and energy is still there. The highlight of the band's program came during "Wake Up," my favorite song from the band; singer Zach De La Rocha spit his political diatribe during the breakdown, screaming anti-war, anti-Bush, anti-American comments that was a welcomed verbal embrace to his fans and why we need Rage back now more than ever. Once of the most epic band's I have ever seen and was the best and only way to close out day 2.

De Novo Dahl (above) / Does it Offend You, Yeah? (Below) Brand New (Below)
Rage Against The Machine (Below)

DITOY,Y? Video

Check out the new Does it Offend You, Yeah? Video for "Dawn of the Dead." Plus check out their first US TV appearance on Jimmy Kimmel!

Playlist

Here is a playlist of tracks to get you amped for the beginning of summer.

-Coldplay - "42"
-The Hold Steady - "Constructive Summer"
-The Wombats - "Let's Dance to Joy Division"
-Bloc Party -"Flux"
-Does it Offend You, Yeah? -"Epic Last Song"
-The Fratellis-"A Heady Tale"
-Foo Fighters -"Keep the Car Running" (Arcade Fire Cover)
-Joy Division - "Love Will Tear Us Apart"
-Depeche Mode - "Dream On"
-U2 - "Staring at the Sun"
-Hot Chip - "Wrestlers"

FREE MUSIC!!

Who doesn't love a title like that? Leave it up to Trent Reznor to be Santa Claus every time he decides to put something out. This time around he is putting out a digital E.P. via his website of all the artists that are opening for Nine Inch Nails this summer. Some of the bands include Deerhunter, Crystal Castles and last month's Artist of the Month--Does it Offend You,Yeah and many others. The price is right, so check it out http://www.nin.com/

Playlist

Here is a Playlist of songs to check out...Enjoy!

-Coldplay - "Viva La Vida"
-Does it Offend You, Yeah - "Dawn of the Dead"
-The Hold Steady - "Sequestered in Memphis"
-The Verve - "Sonnet"
-Lupe Fiasco Feat. Jonah Matranga - "The Instrumental"
-NERD - "Everybody Nose"
-Tom Yorke - "Atoms for Peace"
-Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Posess Your Heart"
-Carbon / Silicon - "Total Fucking Madness"
-Nine Inch Nails - "Discipline"

Rising Artist-Does It Offend You, Yeah?

What a name. What a band. An eclectic electric three piece from Reading, England; Does It Offend You, Yeah? are clearly making a name for themselves not just on the festival circuit, but on the dance scene as well. I came across this band right before I left for London in March, by the time I got there, this band was all over. It wasn't until recently, at this year's Coachella Festival in California where the band starting turning heads here in the U.S. They are the perfect hybrid of thrash and electro with some emotion thrown in. The best way to describe these guys are, picture Robert Smith of the Cure fronting Bloc Party with Justice supplying the beats. Very insane, very fun. Their debut, You Have No Idea What You Are Getting Yourself Into, is a mix of songs with vocals and just straight up instrumental tracks, much like VHS or Beta's Night on Fire. Does it Offend You, Yeah? will be hitting the road here in the states all summer with the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Bloc Party as well as the major festivals. Certainly the next band everyone will be talking about. Just remember you read them here first!