Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks on Fallon

 Watch Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks perform on Jimmy Fallon's first show of the year!

Quick News

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme has said the band vow to make a new album this year, following up last year's fantastic ...Like Clockwork. Homme said, "Absolutely. We have more than enough songs. We're booked 'til September, but after that we plan to jump in the studio and get going. When it's time to make music, that's about getting lost for me. To be a control freak is not half as good as being a freak who's casually in control. You're feeling around in the dark for something that feels good. As long as you're not in an orgy, that can be an amazing moment."

The Eurythmics are reuniting to pay tribute to The Beatles. Taping on January 27, the night after the Grammys, the 80's duo will be part of the tribute for the CBS broadcast of The Night The Beatles Changed America, which will air on February 9, marking the 50th anniversary of The Fab Four's debut on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Writing on Black Sabbath's website, guitarist Tony Iommi gave fans an update on how his cancer treatment is going. He wrote, "We've some good things lined up for the coming year, firstly the Grammys, then some dates in the US and Canada, and in the summer a quick trip round Europe. I should also be finishing my regular treatment and I’m hoping to not get so tired, all positive."

The Black Lips are releasing their new album, Under the Rainbow, in March. The band recently shared the cover art, take a look below:

10 Artists to Watch in 2014

It is a new year and with that comes new music. Here is a list of 10 artists to keep an eye out for in the months to come. Some already made a few ripples in the music world last year, but I am predicting that 2014 may be their true time to shine.

1) Unlocking the Truth

The Brooklyn indie metal scene came to light in recent weeks after New York’s First Daughter Chiara de Blasio admitted she enjoyed heavy metal music. Well, Chiara, here is a band for you – Unlocking the Truth. This band is hard, heavy, fast, and under age! The members of Unlocking the Truth are a trio of seventh graders from Flatbush, whose instruments are larger than they are but play with a power that would have the members of Slayer stop and take note.

2) Radkey

When punk rock comes to mind, places like London, New York, LA, Berlin, even Washington, D.C., all jump out, not a place like St. Joseph, Missouri. Yet, in St. Joseph is where you will find one of America's best new punk bands -- Radkey. Formed by three brothers, Radkey combine Bad Brains hardcore riffs with Danzig-style vocals and bring their own flair and fury that make them stand out from any new band emerging today.

3) Until the Ribbon Breaks

From Cardiff, Wales, comes one of R&B’s leading new voices. For fans of the tape loops and synth vibes of James Blake, take a listen to the voice Pete Lawrie Winfield aka Until the Ribbon Breaks. After releasing an EP last year and working with Run The Jewels, Until The Ribbon Breaks is poised for a breakout year with the anticipation of his debut album.

4) Schoolboy Q

Rapper Schoolboy Q has made a name for himself over the last few years after appearing on mixtapes and being a member of Kendrick Lamar’s Black Hippy crew. Yet, with the release of his third solo album, Oxymoron, in February, it will see Schoolboy Q really emerge as a figure all his own.

5) Little Green Cars

After forming in 2008 and releasing their debut album last year, Galway, Ireland’s Little Green Cars have been selling out clubs all around the world, however, this year, they can expect larger stages. After capturing audiences attention at SXSW, Coachella, Lollapalooza, and gaining support from Jake Bugg, Little Green Cars are in the fast lane to become your next favorite band.

6) Saints of Valory

The only thing that matters in 2014 is the World Cup in Brazil. Of course I would say this, I am a massive soccer fan, so, it is fitting that a band with Brazilian roots is one of this years artists to watch. Forming in Rio in 2008 with members from France, Canada, and Texas, the band uprooted themselves to Austin, which is their home base now and have been taking the radio by storm thanks to their single, “Neon Eyes,” but with their debut arriving in April, they will take your attention with their stadium-ready songs and catchy pop-rock hooks.

7) London Grammar

English universities must have something in the water that seems to produce great bands. Radiohead, Coldplay, Queen, Pulp, Pink Floyd, and so many more got their start at English institutions for higher learning, but another name to add to that list is London Grammar. The band formed in 2009 while attending University of Nottingham and craft a pop sound unlike anyone else. A trio that features guitars, keyboards and vocals, London Grammar find a way to craft so much by using so little. The band, who released their debut, If You Wait, last year are turning heads and 2014 is the year they will make their mark.

8) John Wizards

The late, great Nelson Mandela fought and dreamed of his country to become a rainbow nation and fought and dreamed for all Africans to come together and unite as one. John Wizards takes Madiba's dream and makes it a reality. The band, who are based in Cape Town, South Africa, combine African drums, hip-hop, trippy electronica, ambient, shoe gaze, rock, new wave, and so much and manage to filter it through in a way that doesn’t sound over produced, over saturated, and most importantly overdone. This band is the brain child of Cape Town’s John Withers who linked up with Rwandan singer Emmanuel Nzaramba to craft this unique and very creative sound and vision.

9) James Bay

At first look, James Bay could be another singer-songwriter from some small town in middle America. Long hair, top hat, beat up denim jeans, he has the looks of an American, but looks can be deceiving and proves a book should never be judge by his cover. Bay, an British singer, has been cutting his teeth in the UK for years and thanks to a successful tour last summer in America, it looks like Mr. Bay is going to stand out while managing to blend in.

10) The Staves

Haim may have been 2013’s “it” sisters of music, but 2014 will belong to The Staves. England's The Staves are a trio of sisters that have taken their own spin on traditional folk rock. The band have been touring the US and Europe to critical acclaim as they have opened for Bon Iver, Ben Howard and even sang back-up to Tom Jones, and Mumford & Sons at their headlining Glastonbury slot last year.

Albums Coming in 2014

It is a new year, which means -- NEW MUSIC! We compiled a list that breaks down the first quarter of 2014 on what is coming and what we can hope to expect in the year to come. Take a look! 

January:

Tennis

Warpaint

Riff Raff – Neon Icon

Young the Giant

Mogwai

Dum Dum Girls

Step Brothers – Lord Steppington

The Lawrence Arms – Metropolis

Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues

Broken Bells – After the Disco

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks – Wig Out the Jagbags

Bruce Springsteen – High Hopes

February:

Beck - Morning Phase 

Black Submarines – New Shores

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Give the People What They Want 

Phantogram – Voices

Tinariwen – Emmarr

Guided By Voices – Motivational Jumpsuit

Lupe Fiasco

Phantogram – Voices

Bayside – Cult

St. Vincent

Schoolboy Q – Oxymoron

Katy B – Little Red

Cibo Matto – Hotel Valentine

Crosses – ttt

Glitch Mob – Love Death Immortality

March:

I Am The Avalanche

Metronomy – Love Letters

Morning Parade

The Men – Tomorrow’s Hits

Blood Red Shoes

Kaiser Chiefs – Education, Education, Education, & War

Band of Skulls – Himalaya

Maximo Park – Too Much Information

Imogen Heap – Sparks

Black Lips – Under the Rainbow

Johnny Cash – Out Among The Stars

Biblical – Monsoon Season

April:

OFF!

Saints of Valory

U2

Kelis – Food

EMA – The Futures Void

 Other albums that are expected to arrive in 2014. All of these records are subject to change: 

-       Dr. Dre

-       The Fall

-       Dead Weather

-       Black Keys

-       The Heartbreaks

-       Action Bronson

-       Elbow

-       Big Talk

-       Brandon Flowers

-       Body Count

-       Big Talk

-       Lily Allen

-       Manic Street Preachers

-       Roger Waters

-       Tool

-       Blur

-       Stone Roses

-       The Hold Steady

-       Brian Fallon

-       The Vaccines

-       D’Angelo

-       Blondie

-       The Horrors

-       Raekwon – F.I.L.A.

-       Slipknot

-       Metallica

-       Solange

-       Adele

-       Duran Duran

-       Nas

-       Q-Tip – The Last Zulu

-       Guns ‘N Roses

-       Rise Against

-       Bombay Bicyle Club

-       Iggy Azelia

-       Azelia Banks

-       Manchester Orchestra

-       Peace

-       Grimes

-       The Maccabees

-       The Roots

-       Rihanna

-       Slayer

-       Modest Mouse

-       Wu-Tang Clan – A Better Tomorrow

-       Method Man & Redman – Blackout 3

-       Clipse

-       Joey Bada$$

-       Jay Electronica

-       RZA

-       Roc Marciano & The Alchemist

-       Flying Lotus

-       Damon Albarn

-       Run the Jewels 2

-       Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music

-       GZA – Dark Matter

-       Captain Murphy - V

-   Inspectah Deck, 7L, Esoteric - Czarface 2 

Quick News

In a recent interview with Interview magazine, Conor Oberst had admitted that he auditioned for the title role of the Coen Brothers latest film, Inside Llewyn Davis, which is about the early days of New York's history Greenwhich Village folk scene. Oberst admitted that, "They auditioned a lot of musicians and actors for this part. To the point where I heard the Coen brothers and T Bone Burnett say that they had more or less given up on the idea of finding someone." The role eventually went to actor Oscar Isaac.

The Pixies released another surprise EP, their second in about six months called EP-2. It is available on the band's website.

After it was recently announced that Slipknot drummer Joey Jordinson left the band, he is now claiming he did "not quit," and was "blindsided" by the news. In a statement to Metal Hammer, he said, "To my fans, friends, and associates… I would like to start the New Year by addressing the recent rumours and speculation regarding my departure from Slipknot. I want to make it very clear that I DID NOT QUIT SLIPKNOT. This band has been my life for the last 18 years, and I would never abandon it, or my fans." He then went on to say, "While there is much I would like to say, I must remain silent to further details at this time. I would like to thank you all for your unwavering love and support, and wish everyone a very happy and healthy new year." Before this statement went public, Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor tweeted, "For those who think The Knot are falling apart, you are greatly and sadly mistaken. Bring On 2014. Great Things Are Coming. Stay Tuned."

The Smiths are not getting back together, surprise, surprise. In a Q&A with fansite True to You, Morrissey was asked if he would reform the iconic British band. He said, "I haven't done an interview with a British music magazine since 2007, so the process doesn't drill through my head anymore. As an entity, I have no interest in The Smiths, so as long as I'm not asked about The Smiths, I won't slip into permanent unconsciousness. And that's a promise." Also in the interview, Moz revealed that he has finished another new album, his previous "new" album has been done for years and has not found a label to release it, and after the success of his autobiography, Autobiography, he plans to write another novel.

In related news, in a recent interview with Q magazine, former Smiths drummer Mike Joyce as asked about a reunion as well. He said, "Of course, we'd all do it if we were asked. We were one of the greatest bands ever. Watching us must have been like seeing Iggy (Pop) or the (Rolling) Stones. As a performer, there was nobody better than Morrissey. But a reunion is never going to happen." In the same interview, Joyce was asked if he has read Morrissey's book and he said, "I've not read the book, and I never will."

DIPLO Posts 2-Hour BBC1 Mix

Superstar DJ and producer Diplo took to BBC1 airwaves recently and played a two-hour mix he made that highlighted 2013. Now, he posted the mix to Soundcloud, take a listen!

Del The Funky Homosapian Releases Surprise FREE LP

Iconic Oakland emcee Del the Funky Homosapian brought in 2014 with a brand new, FREE, solo album called Iller Than Most. You can stream and download the whole thing above!

Rising Artist - Biblical

As we enter a new year of new records and new artists ahead of us, one band we recently discovered just hit us so hard like a sucker punch to the jaw and knocked us off our feet and made us get back up only to ask for more. That band was Toronto, Canada's Biblical. The band, which formed in 2010, is part prog-rock, metal, indie, and as they put it, "the sound of mountains splitting and oceans parting." After releasing their self-titled EP in 2011, the band will release their debut, Monsoon Season this spring and when it comes, it will be a record that will dominate everyones ears with their creativity, production balance, and way to combine heavy guitars with a melody of classic rock gods. Rock and roll fans, this is the band you have been waiting for.

Underrated Classic: Kanye West "808's & Heartbreak"

In 2008, Kanye West was on top of the world, with three flawless albums under his belt and already a fixture as a major producer, he changed things up with an album done on-the-fly and altered the landscape of hip-hop for years to come. The record was 808's & Heartbreak. Before the album was released West was going mourning the loss of his mother, the late Dr. Donda West, and the break-up of a then girlfriend. He took all of his heartbreak and laid it out the best way he knew how -- in the studio. The result was a record that had inspiration from Kraftwerk, Gary Newman, and Portishead rather than classic hip-hop samples or beats, it was an electropop album that heard West mainly sing, using the help of auto-tone, and hearing a departure from his lyrical delivery and rather something cold and distant. This was far from a traditional rap album or a traditional pop album, West managed to blur the lines perfectly and attract new fans and may have alienated old ones, however, in the years to come, thanks to 808's, the music industry wrapped itself around the idea of how this record was done and made. Artists like T-Payne, Kid Cudi, Drake, Lil Wayne, The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, all began using what West had done on this record and made a career out of it. Even the sounds on this record crossed over for artists like James Blake, Bon Iver, have begun to adopt this style and sound.  Now, five years after it was released, we look back and realize the power of what this record did and how fantastic it still is.

Movie of the Month: JFK

Welcome to the first posting of 2014, we hope you had a wonderful 2013 and we are looking to kick off 2014 with you!

For the first Movie of the Month selection, we select a film that is just as relevant a topic today as when it was released in 1991 about the subject matter that rocked the world in 1963 -- the death of President John F. Kennedy. Oliver Stone's epic, JFK, stars Kevin Costner as New Orleans attorney Jim Garrison who filed charges against New Orleans businessman Clay Shaw for his alleged participation in a conspiracy to assassinate Kennedy in Dallas. The film cycles through all of the major points of The Warren Commission and House Select Committee on Assassinations that researched and found that Lee Harvey Oswald was responsible for killing JFK. Based on a true story and court documents, JFK, shows Garrison go through every major conspiracy theory to show that Oswald may have not been alone in the killing of the president. Costner, is a simple tour-de-force and ignites the screen in one of his greatest performances and supported by an all-star cast that features Tommy Lee Jones, Joe Pesci, Gary Oldman, Sissy Spacek, Kevin Bacon, and many more, 50 years after the assassination of JFK, many are still searching for the "truth," Oliver Stone seemed to lay it all out in 1991.