LCD Soundsystem have released the trailer for their documentary, Shut Up And Play The Hits, scheduled to premiere at this year's Sundance Film Festival. The film follows lead singer James Murphy for 48 hours, with amazing footage from their farewell show at Madison Square Garden and the immediate aftermath of calling it quits.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Shins - Simple Song
One of my most anticipated releases of 2012 is The Shins' Port of Morrow, available March 20th. 5 years after the release of Wincing Away The Night, James Mercer is back from his foray with Danger Mouse and Broken Bells, with the lead single, Simple Song. Among the many options for preorder is a reel-to-reel package that includes the album on tape. Not sure how many people will be able to play that, but it definitely is a new way to package an album. iTunes will also have a preorder starting tomorrow with a bonus b-side.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Star Slinger - Chain Dumbin' (ft. Juicy J, Project Pat & Reggie B)
Earlier this morning Star Slinger sent out a message from his twitter account (@starslingeruk) that said, "Spent last night mixing something that's dropping real soon! Features 2 infamous southern MC's, hold tight". 2 hours ago we got Chain Dumbin', another free track from Green Label Sound. Not exactly a remix of his single Dumbin', but built on the same foundation. To quote the man himself, "I made a new production to it, and I guess it became a whole new track rather than a remix". Whatever you want to call it, the inclusion of Juicy J and Project Pat takes this to a whole different level.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Top 10 Albums of 2011
A funny thing happened when I was thinking of this list... Everyone, and I do mean everyone jumped on the new Black Keys album, adding it to their lists despite it being out for about a week. In an attempt to listen to that album and consider it, another one fell into my lap and so we had a bit of a delay. It was worth the wait, I promise.
#10. Wye Oak - Civilian [Merge Records]
The Baltimore duo of Andy Stack and Jenn Wasner released their 3rd album in March and it was played all year long. Combining elements of Indie, Alternative, Folk and Dreampop, the album seems to grow and mutate with every listen.
#9. Common - The Dreamer/The Believer [Think Common Music]
This album was released on December 20th, I had a copy on the 14th and there is no way you can miss this album. After a few missteps, he gets back to his Chicago roots with the help of producer No ID. It's better than his classic Be, seriously.
Celebrate was played a few times on NYE.
#8. Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire [Pax-Am Records]
In 2009 Ryan Adams announced an indefinite hiatus due to disease that has permanently affected his hearing. The chances of us ever getting another Rock N Roll are slim at best, thankfully he can still strum an acoustic guitar. Ashes & Fire might be this generation's Harvest. A little help from Benmont Tench, Norah Jones & Glyn Johns doesn't hurt either. Don't believe me? Listen to the ENTIRE album below.
Ashes and Fire by ryanadams
#7. Arms - Summer Skills [Arms Inc]
This band found its way into 3 posts this year, so you hopefully already have their amazing album. No Chicago dates yet, but I'm sure they're coming. 2012 is going to be their year, I can feel it.
#6. SBTRKT - SBTRKT [Young Turks]
Beginning to end, it just flows. Not a single bad track. Wildfire was everywhere this year, but Pharaohs was just a good.
#5. Bright Eyes - The People's Key [Saddle Creek]
What was rumored to be a farewell to fans quickly turned into a rebirth. The boys from Omaha put out an album that seemed familiar and progressive at the same time. A personal highlight for me this year was flying to New York to catch them at Radio City Music Hall. Another full album for you guys...
#4. Childish Gambino - Camp [Glassnote]
The development from his early EPs to this album is insane. Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino stepped his game up and Backpackers is a beast. Sold out show at the Riviera in March with another killer, Danny Brown.
#3. Eddie Vedder - Ukulele Songs [Monkeywrench]
Every now and then I find an album that reminds me how emotional music can be. Some artists can elaborate the ups and downs of love so remarkably it gives you comfort. Ukelele Songs joins the long list of albums that help people close a chapter in their life and start something new.
#2. Tune-Yards - WHOKILL [4AD]
The first time I head this album I was confused and a little dizzy. It felt like so many things were coming at me from every direction. A lot of artists talk about taking the harder path, Merrill Garbus actually does it. A challenging record that is well worth the reward.
#1. Bon Iver - Bon Iver [Jagjaguwar]
From the moment I heard Calgary, I knew this album would be amazing. 3 concerts later, I am still in awe.
Bon Iver, Bon Iver by boniver
#10. Wye Oak - Civilian [Merge Records]
The Baltimore duo of Andy Stack and Jenn Wasner released their 3rd album in March and it was played all year long. Combining elements of Indie, Alternative, Folk and Dreampop, the album seems to grow and mutate with every listen.
#9. Common - The Dreamer/The Believer [Think Common Music]
This album was released on December 20th, I had a copy on the 14th and there is no way you can miss this album. After a few missteps, he gets back to his Chicago roots with the help of producer No ID. It's better than his classic Be, seriously.
Celebrate was played a few times on NYE.
#8. Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire [Pax-Am Records]
In 2009 Ryan Adams announced an indefinite hiatus due to disease that has permanently affected his hearing. The chances of us ever getting another Rock N Roll are slim at best, thankfully he can still strum an acoustic guitar. Ashes & Fire might be this generation's Harvest. A little help from Benmont Tench, Norah Jones & Glyn Johns doesn't hurt either. Don't believe me? Listen to the ENTIRE album below.
Ashes and Fire by ryanadams
#7. Arms - Summer Skills [Arms Inc]
This band found its way into 3 posts this year, so you hopefully already have their amazing album. No Chicago dates yet, but I'm sure they're coming. 2012 is going to be their year, I can feel it.
#6. SBTRKT - SBTRKT [Young Turks]
Beginning to end, it just flows. Not a single bad track. Wildfire was everywhere this year, but Pharaohs was just a good.
#5. Bright Eyes - The People's Key [Saddle Creek]
What was rumored to be a farewell to fans quickly turned into a rebirth. The boys from Omaha put out an album that seemed familiar and progressive at the same time. A personal highlight for me this year was flying to New York to catch them at Radio City Music Hall. Another full album for you guys...
#4. Childish Gambino - Camp [Glassnote]
The development from his early EPs to this album is insane. Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino stepped his game up and Backpackers is a beast. Sold out show at the Riviera in March with another killer, Danny Brown.
#3. Eddie Vedder - Ukulele Songs [Monkeywrench]
Every now and then I find an album that reminds me how emotional music can be. Some artists can elaborate the ups and downs of love so remarkably it gives you comfort. Ukelele Songs joins the long list of albums that help people close a chapter in their life and start something new.
#2. Tune-Yards - WHOKILL [4AD]
The first time I head this album I was confused and a little dizzy. It felt like so many things were coming at me from every direction. A lot of artists talk about taking the harder path, Merrill Garbus actually does it. A challenging record that is well worth the reward.
#1. Bon Iver - Bon Iver [Jagjaguwar]
From the moment I heard Calgary, I knew this album would be amazing. 3 concerts later, I am still in awe.
Bon Iver, Bon Iver by boniver
Monday, December 5, 2011
Top 25 Songs of 2011
Last year I gave you my top 10 songs of 2010, but 2011 was a pretty big year. A big year for established bands (Radiohead, Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters), a growing trend for dance music and remixes (7 remixes made the list this year) and some promising new artists (Childish Gambino, ARMS, SBTRKT). He we go...
#25. Wilco - Art of Almost
The first track off this year's The Whole Love is 7 minutes of controlled chaos.I wish the final 2 minutes could go on forever.
#24. Sondre Lerche - Red Flags
Criminally overlooked and underrated, Sondre Lerche crafts amazing songs. Not a single note is wasted, and lyrically, it just seems so effortless. His album Sondre Lerche is filled with gems.
#23. A-Trak - Ray Ban Vision (Remix) [ft. Donnis, Pill, Danny Brown & Cy-Hi Da Prynce]
Two reasons this track made it. One, A-Trak is amazing. Two, Danny Brown is a beast. The newest member of the Fool's Gold family wrecked this song and then dropped XXX in case you thought he was joking.
#22. Eddie Vedder - Tonight, You Belong To Me [ft. Chan Marshall]
Fans of Steve Martin's film The Jerk will recognize this song. A playful cover with the help of Chan Marshall aka Cat Power. Ed's second solo album Ukulele Songs is exactly what it says. 16 songs with a ukulele and it became a favorite of mine, while receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album.
#21. Justice - Audio, Video, Disco (Para One Remix)
Although Justice's album Audio, Video, Disco was a bit of a disappointment, I can't blame them for trying something new. Maybe my expectations were too high, but this remix by Para One is a nice consolation.
#20. Mathieu Santos - I Can Hear The Trains Coming [FREE DOWNLOAD]
Mathieu Santos released Massachusetts 2010 earlier this year and I loved the single. Very similar to his day job as bass player for Ra Ra Riot, the album is solid. Is everyone in that band incredibly talented?
#19. Penguin Prison - The Worse It Gets (Starsmith Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
Technically, this remix came out in 2010. But, since Penguin Prison just released his debut album in October, I'll let it slide. It seemed like all summer he kept dropping a new single and a slew of remixes. I'm not complaining.
#18. Coldplay - Hurts Like Heaven
I had a few reservations about Mylo Xyloto. I saw them at the Aragon for Parachutes, at the Vic for A Rush of Blood to the Head and then it just seemed like too much. Thankfully, I can say this is better. Not great, but the best I've heard from them in years.
#17. The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love? (A-Trak Remix)
The Rapture's In The Grace Of Your Love was a highlight of the year, with some serious dance tracks. Add A-Trak to the mix and you have a classic.
#16. Foo Fighters - White Limo
The Foo Fighters were very much like Coldplay and had to prove something to me this year. Enough of the ballads and acoustic shows, give me a rock record. Dave Grohl and company set up shop in his garage and turned up all the knobs. 6 Grammy nominations, I'd say that's a good year.
#15. Tokyo Police Club - All My Friends (LCD Soundsystem Cover)
Tokyo Police Club took cover songs to a completely different level this year, releasing 10x10x10. Ten songs, in ten days from ten years, starting with 2001. While some were forgettable (Party in the USA?), this LCD Soundsystem cover is perfect.
#14. Delorean - Stay Close (RAC Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
If you read last year's list, RAC's remix of Everything You Wanted by Kele was the only remix listed. A year later, they snatch up two spots and it could have been three. Part of VOL 2, these guys are on point like no one else.
#13. Bright Eyes - Haile Selassie
As the lists start to come in, a lot of people are sleeping on Bright Eyes' The People's Key. I am not one of them. I made my first trip to NYC in March to see them at Radio City Music Hall, and saw them two more times. Everything I love about Bright Eyes is neatly packaged into one song.
#12. Beastie Boys - Make Some Noise
Last year, there was a very good possibility that we might never hear new music from the Beastie Boys. When Adam Yauch announced that he had cancer, all music including the album Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 was put on hold. Thankfully, he's on the mend, we got this jam and a hilarious video too.
#11. Radiohead - Lotus Flower
Following an 18 track double album with a concise 8 song, 38 minute album is not what I expected. But, Radiohead rarely does what people expect. A US tour in the spring is up next, get ready.
#10. Cults - Go Outside (Menahan Street Band Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
Take out the spoken word, add a brilliant organ and throw on The Big Lebowski. You're welcome.
#9. ARMS - Fleeced [FREE DOWNLOAD]
I wrote about them last month, so this shouldn't be a shock. Let's get these kids signed and playing in Chicago soon.
#8. Drake - Headlines
I never listen to the radio or watch MTV, so when a song blows up so much that you simply can't avoid it, you have to show respect. I'm not going to throw Take Care on my best album list, but this song is major.
#7. Gigamesh - When You're Dancing (RAC Remix)
When I posted this song a few months ago, I called it the remix of the year. Somebody prove me wrong.
#6. Tune-Yards - Bizness
If not for Bon Iver, Tune-Yards would have been my album of the year. So fresh and exciting, it's charm is untouchable.
#5. Death Cab For Cutie - Stay Young, Go Dancing
Let's try for a minute to forget the absolute train wreck that was the Keys & Codes Remix EP and appreciate a really good song, from a really good album.
#4. Childish Gambino - Freaks & Geeks
Yes, he's Troy from Community. Yes, he just released a damn good album. But, this was blasting all summer for me. You can't find a better line/flow than "Nigga can't you tell that my sample of Adele was so hot I got these hood niggas blowing up my cell". Exhibit B is Backpackers (from Camp) where he is trying to hurt people.
#3. SBTRKT - Wildfire
Assist of the year goes to Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon for making this track a killer. This is what it sounds like when planets align.
#2. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Otis
Collectively known as The Throne and currently murdering the US on tour, Jay & Ye sampled Otis Redding's Try a Little Tenderness and that's all you need to know.
#1. Bon Iver - Holocene
The play count for this song is easily over 200 and considering how much music I listen to, that is saying a lot. Very few people could follow up an album like For Emma with something better. But, Justin Vernon did just that. Every person that immediately followed him like a cult, dying to hear more music, got more than they ever expected. I used to see the line "I could see for miles, miles and miles" and think of the Who, not anymore.
#25. Wilco - Art of Almost
The first track off this year's The Whole Love is 7 minutes of controlled chaos.I wish the final 2 minutes could go on forever.
#24. Sondre Lerche - Red Flags
Criminally overlooked and underrated, Sondre Lerche crafts amazing songs. Not a single note is wasted, and lyrically, it just seems so effortless. His album Sondre Lerche is filled with gems.
#23. A-Trak - Ray Ban Vision (Remix) [ft. Donnis, Pill, Danny Brown & Cy-Hi Da Prynce]
Two reasons this track made it. One, A-Trak is amazing. Two, Danny Brown is a beast. The newest member of the Fool's Gold family wrecked this song and then dropped XXX in case you thought he was joking.
#22. Eddie Vedder - Tonight, You Belong To Me [ft. Chan Marshall]
Fans of Steve Martin's film The Jerk will recognize this song. A playful cover with the help of Chan Marshall aka Cat Power. Ed's second solo album Ukulele Songs is exactly what it says. 16 songs with a ukulele and it became a favorite of mine, while receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album.
#21. Justice - Audio, Video, Disco (Para One Remix)
Although Justice's album Audio, Video, Disco was a bit of a disappointment, I can't blame them for trying something new. Maybe my expectations were too high, but this remix by Para One is a nice consolation.
#20. Mathieu Santos - I Can Hear The Trains Coming [FREE DOWNLOAD]
Mathieu Santos released Massachusetts 2010 earlier this year and I loved the single. Very similar to his day job as bass player for Ra Ra Riot, the album is solid. Is everyone in that band incredibly talented?
#19. Penguin Prison - The Worse It Gets (Starsmith Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
Technically, this remix came out in 2010. But, since Penguin Prison just released his debut album in October, I'll let it slide. It seemed like all summer he kept dropping a new single and a slew of remixes. I'm not complaining.
#18. Coldplay - Hurts Like Heaven
I had a few reservations about Mylo Xyloto. I saw them at the Aragon for Parachutes, at the Vic for A Rush of Blood to the Head and then it just seemed like too much. Thankfully, I can say this is better. Not great, but the best I've heard from them in years.
#17. The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love? (A-Trak Remix)
The Rapture's In The Grace Of Your Love was a highlight of the year, with some serious dance tracks. Add A-Trak to the mix and you have a classic.
#16. Foo Fighters - White Limo
The Foo Fighters were very much like Coldplay and had to prove something to me this year. Enough of the ballads and acoustic shows, give me a rock record. Dave Grohl and company set up shop in his garage and turned up all the knobs. 6 Grammy nominations, I'd say that's a good year.
#15. Tokyo Police Club - All My Friends (LCD Soundsystem Cover)
Tokyo Police Club took cover songs to a completely different level this year, releasing 10x10x10. Ten songs, in ten days from ten years, starting with 2001. While some were forgettable (Party in the USA?), this LCD Soundsystem cover is perfect.
#14. Delorean - Stay Close (RAC Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
If you read last year's list, RAC's remix of Everything You Wanted by Kele was the only remix listed. A year later, they snatch up two spots and it could have been three. Part of VOL 2, these guys are on point like no one else.
#13. Bright Eyes - Haile Selassie
As the lists start to come in, a lot of people are sleeping on Bright Eyes' The People's Key. I am not one of them. I made my first trip to NYC in March to see them at Radio City Music Hall, and saw them two more times. Everything I love about Bright Eyes is neatly packaged into one song.
#12. Beastie Boys - Make Some Noise
Last year, there was a very good possibility that we might never hear new music from the Beastie Boys. When Adam Yauch announced that he had cancer, all music including the album Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 was put on hold. Thankfully, he's on the mend, we got this jam and a hilarious video too.
#11. Radiohead - Lotus Flower
Following an 18 track double album with a concise 8 song, 38 minute album is not what I expected. But, Radiohead rarely does what people expect. A US tour in the spring is up next, get ready.
#10. Cults - Go Outside (Menahan Street Band Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
Take out the spoken word, add a brilliant organ and throw on The Big Lebowski. You're welcome.
#9. ARMS - Fleeced [FREE DOWNLOAD]
I wrote about them last month, so this shouldn't be a shock. Let's get these kids signed and playing in Chicago soon.
#8. Drake - Headlines
I never listen to the radio or watch MTV, so when a song blows up so much that you simply can't avoid it, you have to show respect. I'm not going to throw Take Care on my best album list, but this song is major.
#7. Gigamesh - When You're Dancing (RAC Remix)
When I posted this song a few months ago, I called it the remix of the year. Somebody prove me wrong.
#6. Tune-Yards - Bizness
If not for Bon Iver, Tune-Yards would have been my album of the year. So fresh and exciting, it's charm is untouchable.
#5. Death Cab For Cutie - Stay Young, Go Dancing
Let's try for a minute to forget the absolute train wreck that was the Keys & Codes Remix EP and appreciate a really good song, from a really good album.
#4. Childish Gambino - Freaks & Geeks
Yes, he's Troy from Community. Yes, he just released a damn good album. But, this was blasting all summer for me. You can't find a better line/flow than "Nigga can't you tell that my sample of Adele was so hot I got these hood niggas blowing up my cell". Exhibit B is Backpackers (from Camp) where he is trying to hurt people.
#3. SBTRKT - Wildfire
Assist of the year goes to Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon for making this track a killer. This is what it sounds like when planets align.
#2. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Otis
Collectively known as The Throne and currently murdering the US on tour, Jay & Ye sampled Otis Redding's Try a Little Tenderness and that's all you need to know.
#1. Bon Iver - Holocene
The play count for this song is easily over 200 and considering how much music I listen to, that is saying a lot. Very few people could follow up an album like For Emma with something better. But, Justin Vernon did just that. Every person that immediately followed him like a cult, dying to hear more music, got more than they ever expected. I used to see the line "I could see for miles, miles and miles" and think of the Who, not anymore.
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