Shout Out Louds - Blue Ice

When last we heard of Shout Out Louds, the Swedish lads were locked into the 6th spot on our "Top 10 Songs of 2010" post, with the infectious, 1999. Today we get to see what they've been working on since then. Blue Ice is the first track from their forthcoming album, due early next year. The song finds them slowing down a bit with a measured tone and gentle strings.

While the song doesn't exactly evoke frigid temperatures, the title and their "Ice Record Project", certainly does. An extremely limited run of 10 box sets will let fans create a 7" of out ice. I'm not exactly sure what that does to your needle and turntable. But, those interested can enter to win one by sending your name and address to the bands email account, shoutoutlouds@gmail.com. Good Luck!

Head over to their site for a free download of Blue Ice, and watch the video below for more info about the "Ice Record Project".

Ra Ra Riot - Beta Love

Ra Ra Riot will release their third album, Beta Love, on January 22nd, via Barsuk Records. Today, we got our first taste with the title track, Beta Love. While the soaring vocals of Wes Miles remain, the energy has been kicked up a few notches with synths front and center.

The change could be attributed to the departure of cellist, Alexandra Lawn. Violinist, Rebecca Zeller, remains with the group and manages to find a few spots to accent the optimistic, buoyant track.

As a fan of their previous work, one that earned the genre baroque/chamber pop, I feel this is a natural progression. Whether it be their faithful cover of Steve Winwood's Valerie, or Wes' side project, Discovery, these guys always had the energy and talent to make a song like this. Let's hope there is much more to come.

Tickets for their show at the Metro are still available. Free download, enjoy.

Eddie Vedder - Sleeping By Myself [Video]

Eddie Vedder released a new video last week for Sleeping By Myself, to coincide with the start of his solo tour. While his album, Ukulele Songs, was released well over a year ago. The tour and publicity was delayed as he received treatment for temporary nerve damage in his arm.

Recovered and ready to go, the 14-city tour will mainly focus on the South, wrapping up in Florida. As usual, Eddie has asked some amazing artist to contribute posters, with Munk One setting the bar pretty high on opening night. The glow-in-the-dark print is available now for $45, signed and numbered, limited to 200.



In related news, Pearl Jam has announced a new series of official bootlegs. The "Instant Classic" series will feature shows deemed classic by the band, with the hopes of getting them out to fans as soon as possible. The first show to receive this honor is their recent show in Missoula, Montana; a benefit for Senator John Tester. For a limited time starting today, fans can download the complete show for $4.99. The offer expires November 13th.

The Black Keys & RZA - The Baddest Man Alive [Video]

The Black Keys and RZA have joined forces again, this time on the lead single for The Man With The Iron Fists soundtrack. A project that has RZA leading the charge in every possible direction. The film, produced by Quentin Tarantino, was directed, co-written and stars RZA in this homage to kung-fu classics.

The video itself pits all three against each other, fighting for a single fortune cookie. Don't you hate when that happens?


If you like what you hear, you can stream the entire album below. Vinyl junkies may want to skip the standard double LP, for the Deluxe Ultra Pack, limited to 300 copies and pressed on red vinyl.

Ben Harper - Hallelujah (Jeff Buckley Cover)

 While I realize that Hallelujah, was originally recorded by Leonard Cohen, for me this is a Jeff Buckley song. The beauty of his album, Grace, is something very few artists achieve, and to hear Ben Harper say it only solidifies what the world already knew.

The following song was recorded at The Cadillac Palace, in Chicago, on September 27, 2012. Ben played a monster 27-song set, well past curfew and I was fortunate to be there. The poster was designed by Alex Lodermeier, more info can be found at 1974Design.