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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Lollapalooza Week - Major Lazer

Major Lazer's latest album Free The Universe, as of right now, is my pick for album of the year. Need I say more? The electronic dancehall vibe that started as one of the many side projects of DJ/Producer Diplo, is now a full-fledged party starter that should not be missed.

Originally a duo with DJ/Producer Switch, the group released their debut album, Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do, in 2009 to moderate success with their single Pon De Floor making some noise. With neither member contributing vocals, an all-star team was assembled including Santigold, Amanda Blank, Nina Sky and many more.

Where Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do felt like a spastic free-for-all, Free The Universe has more focus without losing a bit of energy. The songs are faster, the radio station vibe keeps it flowing and the guest get even bigger: Ezra Koenig, Wyclef Jean, Peaches, Bruno Mars.

In the summer of 2012 I managed to catch their set at New York's Governor's Ball Music Festival and all I can say is; what a fucking party. At any moment there can be as many people - more than likely half-naked girls - as the stage can support, various items thrown into the crowd and Diplo himself, doing his best Wayne Coyne impression, walking on the crowd in a clear ball.

A quick glance at their Instagram account should let you know what you're in for, this shot being a personal favorite. Yeah, that's Diplo dead center. I have no idea where the stage begins/ends.

Major Lazer will destroy Perry's Stage on Sunday at 7pm. Be there.


Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Lollapalooza Week - Disclosure

In May I gave you a listen to Baauer's remix of You & Me, and told you to watch out for Disclosure's debut album, Settle. I hope you took my advice, because the sibling duo of Guy and Howard Lawrence are not messing around.

To say they have been on a hot streak would be an understatement. Latch, featuring Sam Smith, found its way to #2 on the UK dance chart. White Noise, their second single, went straight to #1 and has been a club staple since its release in February. The aforementioned You & Me peaked at #6 and just for good measure, their album hit #1 in the UK, #5 in Australia, #8 in Belgium and (sadly) #38 in the US.

Up next for Disclosure is their fourth single, F For You, and while it may be lagging on the charts, it's so deliciously good, it might be exactly what the guys need to find a larger audience in the states. Check out the video (full screen HIGHLY suggested) and tell me there is somewhere else you'd rather be when they hit The Grove Stage at 6pm on Friday.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Lollapalooza Week - Chance the Rapper

Since the very first year and every year since, only two things have remained a constant on this lil' old blog: Year-End Best of Lists and Lollapalooza Week. The latter being (hopefully) something unique since Perry Farrell's lovely music festival calls my home, their home as well.

Over the next week, I'll feature 5 artists that deserve your attention this weekend. With so many stages and competing acts, Lollapalooza can be a bit overwhelming. Fear not. I've got you covered.

Up first is Chicago's very own Chance the Rapper. Just a quick glance at the upper right corner should let you know how I feel about his latest mixtape, Acid Rap. It's been on heavy repeat since it was released in April and I can assure you it will find its way to a ton of "best of" lists come December.

 In the new era where mixtapes have the same amount of production as a full length studio album, Acid Rap excels in every way possible. You'd be hard-pressed to find another album that has the range of the beautiful piano track Interlude (That's Love) only to be followed three songs later with street anthem, Smoke Again.

Here's to hoping and praying that Childish Gambino makes a special appearance during Favorite Song, when Chance lights up Chicago, Friday at the BMI Stage, 6:50 pm. Almost forgot to mention that Acid Rap is available for FREE on his site.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Childish Gambino - Centipede

Earlier this month, NBC confirmed that Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, would be limited to five episodes on this season of  Community while he concentrates on his budding music career. Last night, we got our first look at a more focused and determined artist with the release of Centipede.

He's come a long way since I Am Just A Rapper, his 2010 mixtape that mashed indie rock beats with a nervous flow. The writer-turned-actor-turned-rapper is not merely taking an interest. After signing with Glassnote Records and releasing Camp, it's pretty much been full steam ahead. Along with his mixtape, Royalty, Gambino has worked with Flux Pavilion, Alan Wilkis, Chance the Rapper and ScHoolboy Q, to name a few.

No word yet on whether Centipede is a stand-alone track or possible single from a full length album. Either way, it's worth a listen as he transition from a demo, in-progress opening to full fledged beast before ending with a conversation about the "block".

Sidebar: Bagging up is definitely boring...



Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The Postal Service Announce Lollapalooza Aftershow

After an initial wave of "Official Lollapalooza Aftershows" were announced last month, Lollapalooza announced today the final, closing aftershow will feature The Postal Service at the Metro, Sunday, August 4th.

The duo of Ben Gibbard & Jimmy Tamborello, have been touring the US this summer celebrating the 10th anniversary of their legendary debut, Give Up. A special re-issue is now on sale featuring 2 new songs - A Tattered Line of Strings, Turn Around - plus a few remixes and live versions.

The band is scheduled to perform during the actual festival on Saturday night at the Bud Light stage. Getting your hands on the aftershow would alleviate any conflict with their set against Mumford & Sons.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday at 10am, with a strict 2-ticket limit.

Check out their latest video and a classic, both sure to be played in just a couple of weeks!!!





Friday, July 12, 2013

Pearl Jam - Mind Your Manners

After announcing a fall tour earlier this week, Pearl Jam have released a new song, Mind Your Manners. The blistering track is more Motorhead than Mudhoney and first single off their new album, Lightning Bolt, out Oct 15th. 



It looks like a busy year for Pearl Jam, who have taken to using the hashtag #PearlJam2013 with every new bit of information. The band has barely set foot on US soil, aside from festivals, since 2010. With a new album finally coming out and a 24-date tour - including some cities they haven't played in a DECADE - it's a good time to be a fan.

10 Club members, Pearl Jam's official fan club, can request tickets via a lottery on the band's site. The deadline to submit your request is Monday, July 15, 10 am PT.

Pearl Jam is scheduled to play a very special show at Wrigley Field, next Friday, July 19th. If you have tickets, consider yourself lucky. The show was the fastest sell out in history for any event at Wrigley and are going for as high as $3000 for a single seat. You know I'll be there...

Fall 2013 Tour Dates:
10/11 - Pittsburgh
10/12 - Buffalo, NY
10/15 - Worchester, MA
10/18-19 - Brooklyn
10/21-22 - Philadelphia
10/25 -Hartford, CT
10/27 - Baltimore, MD
10/29 - Charlottesville, VA
10/30 - Charlotte, NC
11/1 - New Orleans
11/15 - Dallas, TX
11/16 - Oklahoma City, OK
11/19 - Phoenix, AZ
11/21 - San Diego, CA
11/23-24 - Los Angeles
11/26 - Oakland, CA
11/29 - Portland, OR
11/30 - Spokane, WA
12/2 - Calgary, ALB
12/4 - Vancouver, BC
12/6 - Seattle, WA

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Queens of the Stone Age Announce Deluxe Version of ...Like Clockwork and Lolla Aftershow

Queens of the Stone Age, with a little help from Fred Armisen, have announced a deluxe edition of their latest album, ...Like Clockwork. The critically-acclaimed album comes on an 8-gig flash drive packed with extras including: high resolution photos, original artwork, music videos and lyric sheets.

The flash drive is currently on sale for $29.99, and for a limited time they are offering two for the price of one. Get all the details and a few laughs in the clip below.


The band also announced today that they will play a pre-Lollapalooza show on Thursday, August 1st at the Metro. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am, with a strict 2-ticket limit. Good luck!


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Branchez - Triple J Mix

In just under 25 minutes, Branchez dropped three of the best remixes to come out this year and two R&B classics during his mix for Australian radio station, Triple J. The New York producer has been getting some heavy support since his "Bootleg Remix" of Rihanna's Stay, and followed that up last month with another remix for Open, by Rhye.

The entire mix is so smooth, as he showcases some of his original material (Shake, Treat You Right, Back Room) without ever losing the vibe along side Mariah Carey and R. Kelly. Throw in Cashmere Cat's remix of Miguel's Do You... and you have the sexiest mix to come out in a while...

Give it a listen and download it for free via Soundcloud. As an added bonus, all three remixes are available for download as solo tracks.

Tracklist:
1. Open (Branchez Bootleg) - Rhye
2. Shake - Branchez
3. Spirit Balm - Mohegan Son
4. Shake It Off - Mariah Carey
5. Treat You Right - Branchez
6. ?? - Branchez
7. Destiny Island - C.Z.
8. ?? - Branchez
9. Do You... (Cashmere Cat Remix) - Miguel
10. Back Room  - Branchez
11. Echo - R. Kelly
12. Stay (Branchez Bootleg) - Rihanna