Pages

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Lollapalooza Week - Black Sabbath

Rarely do you get to see true pioneers in music. To be frank, Black Sabbath invented Heavy Metal. While credit can be spread out to a few more bands of the time, specifically, Led Zeppelin. No band has ever packaged the drudge and doom of metal quite like Black Sabbath.

From the horror filled lyrics to the tuned down guitar, the boys from Birmingham, England, quickly became the band of the 70s with a string of 6 ground-breaking albums. But don't take my word for it, Rod Halford of Judas Priest has called Black Sabbath, off their debut album, "the most evil song ever written."

While they can't match the hits of Zeppelin, or the Stones, or even the Who; their influence is unparalleled. You really can't go wrong with any of their albums BEFORE the departure of Ozzy in 1979. But, my favorite is Master of Reality.

Sadly, it's not the "reunion" that was originally billed, with Bill Ward not participating due to a contract dispute. However, it might be your last chance to see these guys, with all of them well into their 60s.

Black Sabbath plays the Bud Light stage on Friday, at 8pm.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Lollapalooza Week - Frank Ocean

Lollapalooza is back, and so is the 2012 edition of "Lollapalooza Week". Check back each day this week, for an artist not to be missed.

While I'm not ready to crown Frank Ocean's debut album Channel ORANGE, the year's best. I'm certainly not dumb enough to deny his talent. A member of hip hop collective Odd Future, he began his career writing hits for John Legend and Brandy. Last year he collaborated with Jay-Z and Kanye on Watch The Throne, released a critically acclaimed mixtape, Nostalgia ULTRA, and the hits just kept on coming.

If you've listened to Channel ORANGE, its an incredible debut. I'm just not comfortable with the amount of snippets and half songs, that make it more of a collage than a finished product. A few songs end so abruptly, I thought there was something wrong with my copy.

However, when he does stretch out and finish his thoughts, the results are brilliant. Pyramids, coming in at just under 10 minutes is the perfect amount of funk, hip hop, R&B, and electro. Thinking Bout You, I'm sure has at least a few artists wishing he was still selling his songs. Other highlights include Pilot Jones and Forrest Gump, giving him more than enough material to merit catching his whole set.

Catch him at the Google Play stage, Saturday, at 8:45.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Tom Petty - The Waiting (ft. Eddie Vedder)

Let's get two things clear: I love Eddie Vedder, and I love The Waiting by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Last month, the gods smiled upon us, giving Pearl Jam a day off during their UK tour, while conveniently placing Tom Petty in the same town.

In the past, Pearl Jam, specifically Eddie, has cover Tom's classic, I Won't Back Down. You can find some great early versions, around the time of the Ticketmaster trial, "Sponsored By No One" tour. But, with the future so bright for both bands, Eddie decided to jump on stage for one of my favorite songs.

This video was shot on June 24th, at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Andrew Bird - Give It Away [Video]

To quote Andrew Bird, "Piñata's are fun." Case in point, his new video for Give It Away, the second single from this year's Break It Yourself. Mildly disturbing, but ending on a redeeming note, see what happens when a living, breathing piñata attends a child's birthday party.

The video was directed by Jessica Paliza, and stars Moe Farrah, as the unfortunate Piñata.

Lastly, I'm giving away 3 copies of his new EP, Northwest Passage. Simply leave a comment below, or follow me on twitter (@theearlynerd), sending me a tweet using the hashtag #NWPassage. Good Luck! 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

The xx - Angels

The xx released their new single, Angels, yesterday, the first from the upcoming Coexist. The track, a dreamy mix of adoration and devotion, is reminiscent of Polica or Beach House.

Angels, is available now, and Coexist, has a release date of September 11, via Young Turks Records. See the full tracklist after the video. They have also announced a Fall tour, with a stop at the Congress Theater, October 20. Tickets on sale this weekend.

Tracklist:
1. Angels
2. Chained
3. Fiction
4. Try
5. Reunion
6.Sunset
7. Missing
8. Tides
9. Unfold
10. Swept Away
11. Our Song

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Band of Horses - Knock Knock

Band of Horses, announced the release of Mirage Rock, their fourth studio album on Tuesday. Produced by the legendary, Glyn Johns and scheduled for release on September 18th, You can hear the first single, Knock Knock, below.

Those who pre-order the album through iTunes, will receive the new single immediately, plus a bonus track, Ego Nightmare. No details yet on a vinyl, or deluxe package. See the full tracklist after the video.

The band will head overseas in November, after they complete their supporting slot on the current My Morning Jacket tour, which includes a stop at Pritzker Pavilion, August 22. Lawn seats are still available.


Tracklist:
1. Knock Knock
2. How To Live
3. Slow Cruel Hands of Time
4. A Little Biblical
5. Shut-In Tourist
6. Dumpster World
7. Electric Music
8. Everything's Gonna Be Undone
9. Feud
10. Long Vows
11. Heartbreak on 101

Friday, July 6, 2012

Introducing: L'Etranger

To be perfectly honest, Ben "L'Etranger" should be on your radar, but more than likely isn't. The UK producer has all the talent in the world, remixing or creating tracks with so much French House flare, it should come with a disco ball. The latest is a reworking of Alan Braxe & Fred Falke's Most Wanted, released this morning.

I've been a fan of his since I heard his remix of Napoleon III's The Unknown Unknown, last year. Slowly, but surely, some original tracks have been coming out (Touch, Falling For You, Darlin') and 2 great mixtapes. His rework of Kool & The Gang's Get Down On It for The Ignition Switch's mixtape series is flawless.

Check out a few of my favorites, all available for DL, except Falling For You. Plus both his mixtapes. "Like" him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter or Soundcloud. Anything to get this guy on US soil for a few shows.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Azealia Banks - Nathan (ft. Styles P)

Harlem MC, Azealia Banks released Nathan, over the weekend. The third song from her upcoming mixtape, Fantasea.

I know there is a lazy formula in music right now, with so many artists using electro beats, but she is working with some talented producers and the results are incredible. London producer, Drums of Death, is helping out this time with huge bass and short circuit synths.

Listen/download all 3 tracks (Nathan, Aquababe & Jumanji) and grab the full mixtape on July 11.