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Thursday, June 5, 2014

Interpol Announce New Album, El Pintor

Interpol will release their new album, El Pintor, on September 9th, via Matador Records. It will be the band's fifth studio album, and first since the departure of bassist, Carlos D.

While no single has been announced, the band has shared footage from the recording sessions, another first for the band. Despite a late summer release, the band is already in full swing, touring throughout the summer, even debuting new material.

It was also announced earlier this week that Interpol will play a Lollapalooza official aftershow at the House of Blues, on Wednesday, July 30th, with Strands of Oaks as the supporting act. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10am.

A limited-edition, deluxe LP is currently available while supplies last via Matador. The album is pressed on white vinyl and includes a silkscreen print of the album cover.

Friday, May 23, 2014

John Mayer - XO (Beyonce Cover)

Last month video from John Mayer's April 15th show in Australia made the rounds after he covered Beyonce's hit song, XO. John of course made the song his own, playing acoustic guitar and adding harmonica.

Today, we get a studio version that keeps the harmonica, and even adds some piano. My guess is this is a bit of a gift to fans (and Jay Z), following the announcement that John Mayer will headline the Made In America Festival in LA, Labor Day weekend.

The Made In America Festival is curated by Jay Z, and entering its third year. Although the festival began in Philadelphia, this year it has expanded to LA as well, both taking place over the same weekend.

John Mayer will headline the LA version, along with Kendrick Lamar, Juanes, Weezer, Chance the Rapper and many more. The Philadelphia stop will be headlined by Kanye West and Kings of Leon, along with The National, Pharrell, Chromeo, Girl Talk and many more. Tickets for both destinations are currently on sale.

If you can't make it to LA, John will also be playing the Food Network In Concert, at Ravinia on September 20th. Tickets are on sale.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Cam'ron & A-Trak - Dipsh*ts [Video]

Does A-Trak ever sleep? Less than 24 hours after releasing a collaboration with Milo & Otis, we get an instant classic from his upcoming Federal Reserve EP, a project with Cam'ron, legendary leader of The Diplomats.

The track, produced by A-Trak, Oliver and Just Blaze is a throwback for sure, with loads of cameos, including Jim Jones, Dame Dash, Chromeo, and Cat Power. Juelz Santana even jumps on the hook letting you know, "I know you missed this/It's still Dipset, you dipshits."

The video, directed by Ricky Saiz, debuted earlier today on Complex and reps Harlem heavy, even throwing a shot at Lebron (34 second mark). Craziest moment? Hearing Dame give the "Foooooool's Gold" shout.

No word on a release date, but my guess is you'll have this before June.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Pharrell - Happy (Kaytranada Edition)

Am I the only person who feels like Happy is a bit too gimmicky? Given the fact that it was originally used in a cartoon, I completely understand the sunshine feel. However within the full album, G I R L, it's g-rated vibe has me pushing fast forward and leaving the smash single to the kids.

Enter the latest remix from Montreal's Kaytranada that flips the track with more soul and scuzzy synths. A quick glance at his Soundcloud account will tell you he's got an ear for taking R&B songs (Janet Jackson, Common, Jill Scott) one level deeper, slowing things down and zoning out like those late, hazy nights in dim lit clubs.

So far no info on a free download, or official release. But with 140,000 plays in one day, I think it's safe to say it's coming...


Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Chromeo - Jealous (DJ Hoodboi Remix)

It's been a long time coming, but I am happy to say - Chromeo has arrived. Ten years after their debut album, the duo of Dave 1 and P-Thugg, have finally found a larger audience, thanks in part to killer sets at Coachella and a string of hot singles.

Their latest, Jealous (I Ain't With It), is the fourth single from their upcoming album, White Women, and today they released an energy-packed remix from DJ Hoodboi. Where the original was a straight-forward pop song, built on guitar and steady synth, the remix brings the tempo up with hand claps and drizzling synth, not to mention some nice vocal edits.

The guys are in the middle of their "Come Alive" tour, with many dates already sold out, including a stop at Lincoln Hall on May 5th. Showing Chicago some extra love, they'll also be playing a DJ set at Evil Olive on Saturday. Sorry to say, but that looks to be sold out too, with limited tickets being sold at the door. Don't fear, they'll be back to play this year's Lollapalooza, making them 3 for 3 on sold out shows!

Catch them if you can, and head over to their store to pre-order White Women.


Because you're awesome, you might want to check out this track on my Soundcloud account...

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Jack White - Lazaretto

Another Record Store Day is in the books, and all anyone can talk about is Jack White and his new single, Lazaretto. In the span of less than 4 hours - 3 hours, 55 minutes and 21 seconds to be exact - Jack recorded the song, pressed it to vinyl and sold it exclusively through his Third Man Records store in Nashville.

The single, built on an excellent riff, is the second song we've heard from the forthcoming album, Lazaretto, scheduled for release June 10. The album is currently available for pre-order on iTunes, but if you really want to get your money's worth, take a second to join the Third Man Records Vault.
Subscribers will get the album pressed on limited edition, split-color blue and white, along with a blue 7" featuring early demos of Alone in My Home and Entitlement. A 40-page hardbound companion book and letter-pressed postcards complete the package. The deadline to sign up for the Vault is April 30th.

Along with a few festivals, Jack will be hitting the road in July, including two sold out Chicago shows.





Monday, April 7, 2014

Warpaint - Disco//Very - Keep It Healthy [Video]

Warpaint's latest album, Warpaint, may be three months old, but that hasn't stopped the band from releasing their first video from the incredible album. In fact, today's release is actually a double feature of sorts, with two songs featured over the span of eight minutes.

During the first half, Disco//Very, soundtracks a stroll and shuffle down a single road before making it to the bottom for a skateboard session in the dark as favorite, Keep It Healthy blends with slo-mo footage.

The video was directed by Laban Pheidias, and features skaters: Justin Eldridge, Patrick Melcher, Kris Markovich, Rob Smith, Victor Zanoni and director, Pheidias.

Bonus points for wearing not one, but two Bulls shirts in the video...

Catch them on their current tour, including a stop at Coachella.

Friday, March 28, 2014

RAC - Strangers LP [Full Stream]

If you choose to take Andre Allen Anjos at his word, the debut album from RAC, Strangers, has taken 3 and a half years to complete. Finally, on April 1, we will have a full album via Cherrytree Records. Can't wait that long? The good folks at Hype Machine got you covered with a stream of the exceptional debut album.

What started as the Remix Artist Collective, releasing countless remixes for every band under the sun, has blossomed to a project that is poised to dominate your summer playlist.

Strangers, originally released as Part I and Part II, features load of guests contributing vocals with Anjos acting as producer, or maybe more accurately, a kid in a candy store.

Highlights include, Let Go, featuring Kele and MNDR, the first single and a great opener that sets the pace for the rest of the album. Old Favorite, Hollywood, featuring Penguin Prison, was originally released in February of 2012, yet manages to sound as fresh as anything else on the album.

Repeating Motion, featuring Karl Kling, is another gem, sounding like the best of They Might Be Giants and Talking Heads. 405, featuring Yacht, has all the sheen and glamor of a California cruise, offering a nice reprieve from this god awful weather.

Basically, anywhere you are right now, press play and you'll feel a whole lot better.

Chicago, you have 2 chances to see them. They will play a SOLD OUT show this Monday, at Lincoln Hall and return in August for Lollapalooza.





Tuesday, March 18, 2014

tUnE-yArDs - Water Fountain

tUne-yArDs have released the first single, Water Fountain, from their forthcoming album, Nikki Nack. Despite the mention of a few new producers, this single stays fairly close to the sound that catapulted 2011's Whokill to the top of countless "best of" lists.

I for one, am not complaining. Only tUnE-yArDs could combine Afro-centric rhythms and tinkering accents with a recess-ready, paddy-cake howl - Woo-Ha, Woo-Ha!

If you want to see them in Chicago, you might want to pick up a pass for this year's Pitchfork Music Festival, as that is the only scheduled date so far.

Nikki Nack is scheduled for release on May 6, via 4AD. Vinyl geeks, should act fast, as there is a limited red pressing available for pre-order while supplies last.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Night Beds - Hide From It

The more I listen to Night Beds, the more I pray for a Chicago show. Last year's debut, Country Sleep, was a favorite of mine as it straddled the line between Ryan Adams and Bon Iver with its alt-country ramble and Winston Yellen's stunning voice.

Today, they released a free track, the hypnotic Hide From It, and it's another stellar offering. By the time you catch up with the bustling drum loop and swirling vocals, the song is over leaving you to wonder if it ever happened at all. So basically it's the audio version of Vanilla Sky...

Also recommended is last month's stand alone track, Head For The Hills. Keep'em coming guys.



Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Ray LaMontagne - Supernova

Following last week's teaser, Ray LaMontagne has released, Supernova, the first single from his upcoming album. The song finds Ray transitioning from lonesome folk music to 70's AM pop, similar to Bob Segar or John Mellencamp.

Some of that should be directly attributed to Dan Auerbach (of The Black Keys), who produced the new album in Nashville, TN. Expect more energy, from pumping organs to loads of electric guitar, when the album drops on May 6th.

No info yet on tour dates or pre-orders. The single is available now on iTunes.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Twin Forks - Twin Forks LP [Full Stream]

Just last month I introduced you guys to Twin Forks, and today you can hear their debut album, Twin Forks, a few days before its scheduled release on February 25th.

Built on lead singer Chris Carrabba's (of Dashboard Confessional) heart-tugging lyrics and a stomping rhythm section, the album fits in nicely with the recent Folk/Bluegrass revival, courtesy of Mumford & Sons, and The Avett Brothers.

Highlights include the playful Cross My Mind, and country-flavored, Kiss Me Darling, featuring vocals from Suzie Zeldin, the ace in the hole, bringing an entirely new dimension with her voice and mandolin.

The band has been announced as a supporting act for Augustana, and will play the Double Door, on May 10th. The album is available for pre-order via Dine Alone Records, including their exclusive, limited-edition, clear pressing, as well as, iTunes.







Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Conor Oberst - Hundreds of Ways

Conor Oberst is back and reinventing himself again. Following a nice Rolling Stone article, Conor has announced that he will release his second solo album, Upside Down Mountain, on May 20, and tour, kicking off in North Carolina on May 8th.

The first single, Hundreds of Ways, really changes directions for Oberst with an upbeat groove, even bringing in horns and backing vocals from folk duo, First Aid Kit.

The album, recorded in Nashville and produced by Jonathan Wilson, is said to have a country feel, but no matter where you record, you'll always get a bit of strife from Oberst. Even with all the sheen and bubbly guitar, he finds a way to hide the great line: Don't look so forlorn/Don't you look so scared/Don't get so upset/This world was never fair. 

Those of you counting down the days until Record Store Day, can add another title to the ever-growing list. Hundreds of Ways will be released as a limited, seven-inch single, along with Fast Friends, an album outtake.

Tickets for the upcoming tour, including 2 nights at the Metro, go on sale this Friday.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Phoenix - S.O.S. In Bel Air (Jackson and His Computer Band Remix)

It looks like Phoenix's next single, S.O.S. In Bel Air, will receive the same remix treatment as its predecessors (Entertainment, Trying To Be Cool) with the release of Jackson and His Computer Band's stretched out remix.

Over 9 minutes, the track finds time to swap swirling vocals and stacked pianos with an addictive video game beat and back again. Best of all, the remix is FREE, along with a slew of others via Soundcloud.


Friday, January 31, 2014

Local Natives - Ceilings (Local Natives Remix)

To celebrate the one year anniversary of their album, Hummingbird, Local Natives have released a remix for their song, Ceilings. The band's playful tag of "selftronica" is fairly accurate, as they've traded the twinkling guitar and swoon of the original with tumbling, rapid-fire beats and stabbing synth.

The remix, available as a free download, also marks the beginning of a remix competition where fans can submit their remixes and have the band share their favorites.

Head over to the band's Soundcloud page to download every song/stem, and get to work!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Fever Kids - Holding Grass

Fever Kids, a duo out of Greece, have released their debut single, Holding Grass, and it's a strong introduction to say the least. Stella and Alex began writing music in 2011, so let's hope there's more of this to come.

Holding Grass hits the mark on every level; with a hypnotic bass line and hazy vocals, the band effortlessly weaves 80's Pop, Electro and Disco into a gorgeous 4 minutes.

Scoop up the 7", with b-side Peter, Debbie, Mary, via Inner Ear Records. Both songs are also available on iTunes.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

S. Carey - Fire-Scene

S. Carey has released the first single from his upcoming album, Range of Light. Fire-Scene is a comfy track with soft-spoken vocals and hypnotic guitar that could persuade you to stay under the covers a little bit longer.

Some might recognize him from his work with Bon Iver, especially their 4AD Session from 2012. But, Carey has been releasing music since his debut in 2010. With Bon Iver on the back burner, Carey was able to focus his attention on his solo material and record at Vernon's April Base Studio.

 Along with the single, Carey has announced a series of tour dates, including a stop at Lincoln Hall on April 23. Tickets go on sale this Friday at noon.

Lastly, a limited edition white and black marbled LP is currently available for pre-order. Range of Light is scheduled for release on April 1, via Jagjaguwar.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Introducing: Twin Forks

It's amazing how some things just fall into place. In the fall of 2012, Chris Carrabba (of Dashboard Confessional) was scheduled to appear at San Francisco's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival on the heels of completing a new covers LP and solo tour.

The festival gave Chris the opportunity he was looking for and through that, Twin Forks was born.

"Onstage at HSB, I realized, I have all this delicate stuff, but I like to party. I like the feeling of release and drive onstage. We only played it as a trio and we weren't called Twin Forks yet, but as soon as we got offstage, we talked about all the ones we should have played that were closer to the ones we play now. It was instantly evident." - C. Carrabba

Chris, along with band members, Suzie Zeldin (mandolin), Jonathan Clark (bass) and Ben Homola (drums), continued to work together to hone a sound that is built on their mutual love of Folk and Country music. The result is their debut album, Twin Forks, scheduled for release on February 25, via Dine Alone Records.

The band went on a brief tour last year and even gave fans a free Tour EP that you can listen/download below. A personal favorite of mine is Hard Times, which may sound like a complete transformation, but still maintains the emotion and simplicity of his earlier work.

Preorders are currently available on iTunes and through Dine Alone Records. Vinyl geeks should act quick as they are offering an extremely limited pressing of 300 on clear vinyl.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Chromeo - Come Alive (ft. Toro Y Moi)

This should make your Monday a little better. Chromeo have released a new song, Come Alive, featuring vocals from Toro Y Moi. The 80's vibe is pretty heavy on this one, and is the third song off their forthcoming album, White Women.

The guys also announced a show at Lincoln Hall as part of their 22-date "Come Alive Tour". Special guest for that show is Oliver and tickets go on sale this Friday at noon.