12/25/12

Listen: Frightened Rabbit - "She Screams Christmas"

New tracks from folk-rock outfit Frightened Rabbit are always welcome, especially one on Christmas, about Christmas. Nothing screams Christmas like a new cut. Check out and download "She Screams Christmas" below. Frontman Scott Hutchinson also suggests listeners and fans to donate to the Cystinosis Foundation UK if they like the tune. The group's fourth studio album is set for a February 4th release, entitled Pedestrian Verse. Merry Christmas.

12/21/12

Download: Pro Era - PEEP The aPROcalypse (mixtape)

The Joey Bada$$-fronted Progressive Era (or Pro Era) are the latest up-and-comers to release a joint mixtape, with the appropriately titled PEEP The aPROcalypse being put out today. If the closing track posse cut (Suspect) from Bada$$' acclaimed 1999 tape is any indication, the release will be promising, with fellow members showcasing their talents to be potentially on par with that of Bada$$'. Download the tape here, which will undoubtedly be crammed with 90's throwback, boom-bap jams.

Listen: DOOM - "Doomsayer (Young Guru Remix)"

Peep the newest surprise track from DOOM (MF DOOM), entitled Doomsayer. The cut actually comes in the form of a Young Guru remix, with no word as to where the release is scheduled to end up. Until further word of new material is given, this tune should be enticing enough. 

12/12/12

Listen: Nujabes - "Luv(sic) Part 5 (Feat. Shing02)


The fifth edition of Nujabes' "Luv(sic)" has just been put out, featuring Japanese emcee Shing02. This marks the second to last part to be released, filled with an aptly subtle piano melody laced with Shing02's verses. As exciting as it is to hear this track, it does come with some woe, as the sixth installment will likely be the last new material heard of the late great Jun Seba, following his shockingly tragic death back in 2010. Fortunately, material of this quality shows that Seba's character will continue sonically for many many years. RIP.

12/6/12

Watch: Twigs - "Breathe"


Little is known so far about the UK electronic-R&B/pop outfit Twigs. What is known comes in the form of dark, jittery, electronic jams complimented by a delicate female vocal. The air of mystery currently surrounding this artist adds to the shadowy aesthetic seemingly being built. We've seen this little-known, let-the-music-speak-for-itself approach work many times previously, and it appears Twigs will benefit. Yesterday marked the release of a self-titled EP and, shown above, a video for the track "Breathe". Check the video for "Breathe", a black and white clip depicting a woman dismantling a vehicle.

11/27/12

Watch: Local Natives - "Breakers"


Local Natives' newest single will find a place on the band's upcoming Hummingbird LP, which is scheduled for a January 29th release. Above, the song is placed over a series of shots in reverse, reacquainting us with Taylor Rice and company, mustache and all. This will be the group's first album since 2009's Gorilla Manor, and it looks promising as of now. [Directed by Jaffe Zinn]

Listen: Big Boi - "In The A (Feat. Ludacris + T.I.)"

The announced release date for Big Boi's highly anticipated Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumours LP is thankfully becoming more and more plausible. We've already been treated to three tracks featured on the upcoming album, and "In The A" looks to keep fans hopes up for the proposed December 11th release. Listen to one half of Outkast spit rhymes with fellow "Atliens" Ludacris and T.I..

11/24/12

Listen: WU LYF - "T R I U M P H" + Breakup?

The newest track from Manchester "mystery" band WU LYF will undoubtedly come with some disappointment for fans. Not for lack of music, as the track is a mirror image of everything loved about their debut Go Tell Fire To The Mountain, but for the news that assumedly comes with the track. WU LYF, the band that topped our 2011 year end list, has apparently disbanded. The video came coupled with a series of messages from band member Ellery James Roberts and another unnamed member, which you can read in full here. If this news does hold water, the band is the latest to be gone after one acclaimed release. Disappointing really, as "T R I U M P H" shows the band still has much more to offer.

Watch: BenZel + Jessie Ware - "If You Love Me"

Check the video for the luscious cover  of the 90's R&B cut. As of now, there is no official release set for the Jessie Ware-Benzel collab. [Directed by Haley Wollens]

11/7/12

Watch: The Weeknd - "The Zone (feat. Drake)"


In typical Weeknd fashion, the video for Thursday's standout cut features girls, enclosed shots of Abel Tesfaye, and balloons. Can't forget the balloons. Oh, and Drake makes an appearance. Cool. Trilogy is out November 13th.

Listen: Jessie Ware + BenZel - "If You Love Me"

Check out Jessie Ware's newest collaboration with japanese producers BenZel. The track is a cover of a classic 90's R&B cut of the same name by Brownstone. Gone are the harmonies, replaced by lush productions and a remarkable vocal performance from Ware. Listen/download "If You Love Me" below.

11/5/12

Toro Y Moi + Hodgy Beats - "So Many Details (Remix)"

Toro Y Moi has released a remix of his "So Many Details" track put out earlier last month, enlisting Odd Future/Mellowhype member Hodgy Beats to spit a bar. The track will be put out as a B-side to the original single as part of Record Store Day's Back To Black Friday on November 23rd. Toro Y Moi's Anything In Return LP is expected January 22nd via Car Park

Listen: Foals - "Inhaler"


February 12th (February 11th in the UK) will mark the release of Foals' Holy Fire LP. The first track from the album is entitled Inhaler, and it puts the Oxford band well on their way to living up to 2010's critically acclaimed Total Life Forever. Check out the accompanying video above. [Directed by Dave Ma]

11/4/12

Listen: Captain Murphy + Azizi Gibson + Jeremiah Jae - "Immaculation"

Unfortunately, the mystery that is the currently anonymous rapper Captain Murphy will not be solved today, as his Duality mixtape has been pushed back to a November 15th release (or possibly sooner). He has, however, posted a new track featuring Azizi Gibson and Jeremiah Jae, notable emcees on Brainfeeder. Check out all three drop rhymes on "Immaculation" below.

11/1/12

Listen: Earl Sweatshirt - "Chum"

Earl Sweatshirt shared a new track via his tumblr earlier today. Hear him flow through a looped piano beat, dropping rhymes about his struggles on "Chum". He touches on his relationship with his father to not fitting in with his peers. The abrasive lyrics heard on his debut mixtape are absent on this track, for better or worse. Listen to it here or below.

10/29/12

Listen: Four Tet - "Lion (Jamie xx Remix)"

Four Tet's Pink standout, "Lion", has received a rework from prominent producer Jamie xx. Here, the track is transformed into a spacious, sprawling work. Check it out below. Also, check out the "Angels" remix done by Four Tet earlier this year.

10/27/12

Listen: Angel Haze - "New York (King Krule Rework)"

Oddly enough, King Krule's Archy Marshall has done a rework of spitfire rapper Angel Haze's "New York". The banger off her Reservation EP is transformed into a haunting piece of work, as Marshall applies that spaced out production he has become known for. Both of their respective styles blend beautifully here. Check it out below.

10/26/12

Watch: Titus Andronicus - "In A Big City"


Off Titus Andronicus' 2012 LP, Local Business. [Directed by Isaac Ravishanka]

Listen: The Weeknd - "Enemy"


In anticipation of Abel Tesfaye's upcoming Trilogy release, he has put out a new track entitled "Enemy". While it will not be part of the new material included with the official release of The Weeknd's three mixtapes, "Enemy" provides another crisp R&B cut for the fans. Trilogy is out November 13th.

10/21/12

Listen: Kendrick Lamar - "The Heart Pt. 3 (Will You Let It Die?)"

In light of Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d. city, Top Dog Entertainment has released an unused cut from the Compton rapper. Check out the smooth ride that is "The Heart Pt. 3 (Will You Let It Die?)" below. Why this is not on the upcoming album beats me, as Lamar further showcases why he is deserving of all the hype. His sophomore album is out October 22nd.

10/18/12

Listen: Local Natives - "Breakers"

Local Natives' sophomore album, Hummingbird, will be out January 29th of next year. After a surprise performance at Frenchkiss Records CMJ showcase, the band put out a new track from the forthcoming album. "Breakers" is as dreamy and catchy as the best off of 2010's acclaimed Gorilla Manor. This should be on your radar. Listen to it below.

Listen: A$AP Rocky + Drake + 2Chainz + Kendrick Lamar - "Fuckin' Problems"

Check the newest track from A$AP Rocky, featuring Drake, 2Chanz, and Kendrick Lamar. While Rocky's record label debut, LONGLIVEA$AP, has been delayed, it appears he has enough material to entice his growing fan base. Download "Fuckin' Problems" or listen to it below.

10/15/12

Listen: Toro Y Moi - "So Many Details"

Here's a smooth jam from Toro Y Moi, entitled "So Many Details". The track will be released as a 7" as part of Record Store Day's Back To Black Friday, coming November 23rd. Toro Y Moi's Anything In Return LP is expected January 22nd via Car Park and will feature the single. Check it out below.

10/12/12

Watch: Kanye West - "White Dress"


Kanye West's contribution to RZA's upcoming movie The Man With The Iron Fists is a throwback jam of sorts in "White Dress". Fans of his earlier work will be especially intrigued by this track, as it features West riding a vintage soulful cut throughout. The production was handled by RZA and West. Check out the montage-styled video above or listen to it below. The OST is out October 23rd. [Directed by Dan "The Man" Melamid]

Listen: Nicolas Jaar - Live At Sonar Lab (Barcelona)

Check out Nicolas Jaar's live mix recorded earlier this year (12-06-15). The set clocks in at just under an hour and, as expected, is amazing. Check it out and download below.

10/10/12

Listen: Wu-Tang Clan - "Six Directions of Boxing"

RZA's directoral debut will be made November 2nd with the premiere of The Man With The Iron Fist. The longtime Wu-affiliate's depiction of a kung-fu movie is enough to get excited about; however, the October 23rd release of the soundtrack should be on your calendar as well. Scheduled to feature fellow clan mates along with guests in the likes of Kanye West and the Black Keys, you can expect a few bangers. Check out the newest outing from Wu-Tang below, entitled "Six Directions of Boxing".


10/8/12

Listen: The Twilight Sad - "Sick (Com Truise Remix)"

The Twilight Sad are set to release a remix album to compliment this years' great No One Can Ever Know LP. Electronic artist Com Truise adds his glitchy, new wave style to backtrack James Graham's dark vocals on his rework of record standout "Sick". Look for the remix album to release November 5th via FatCat.

10/4/12

Watch: Bloc Party - "Kettling"


"Kettling", my personal favorite off Bloc Party's Four, has received visuals to go along with its pure Smashing Pumpkins worship. Nothing wrong with that. Check out the clip of a child's game that escalates quickly above. [Directed by James Lee]

Listen: MHz Legacy + Danny Brown - "Spaceship"

MHz Legacy, the newly reunited collective will release their self titled album later this month. It will serve as the first  output from the hip-hop group in over a decade. Hear the first track from the upcoming LP below, featuring Danny Brown. His verse finds it's place among the late Camu's repurposed bars from the 2001 track "U R What U Eat". The cut is tied together nicely by a menacing Harry Fraud beat, working in complete harmony with the off-kilter rhymes spitted. More unreleased verses can be expected from Camu, who recently passed from cancer back in 2008 (RIP). Other members include Copywrite, Tage Future, Jakki, and producer RJD2. MHz Legacy is out October 30th.

Spotlight: Monster Inspiration Headphones

Thanks to Ken, my good friend over at Things Is Cool, I was able to take Monster's newest in line of well-received noise-canceling headphones for a spin. Of course, the company had some big shoes to fill, what with their previous endeavor being the huge success that was the Beats by Dre line. The obvious question that arrives is whether the newly minted Inspirations live up to the massive movement that came with Beats, so you would understand my excitement when the opportunity to answer this query presented itself. 

10/3/12

10/2/12

Listen: SBTRKT - "Terminal"

Aaron Jerome-better known as the masked electronic producer SBTRKT- is assumedly at work on the follow up to last year's exceptional self-titled debut. While there's no word on a potential release yet, we have a new track in "Terminal" to get excited about. Listen to it below.

9/26/12

Listen: Crystal Castles - "Wrath Of God"

Along with the announcement for Crystal Castles' third LP came the second single from (III), entitled "Wrath of God". The electronic duo expect to release the album November 5th. Until then, listen to "Wrath of God" below. Also, watch the appropriately creepy music video for the previously released single "Plague". Crystal Castles fan Ivan Grbin created the film with the use of eery clips from the 1981 Andrzej Zulawski film "Possession". The pairing is so fitting that the band decided to make it official.



9/25/12

Watch: Trimbal + James Blake - "Confidence Boost"


Check out the video for the Trimbal-James Blake (Harmonimix) collaboration, "Confidence Boost". The single was recently released by R&S, along with companion track "Saying". Order the 12" here.

9/24/12

Listen: Andrew Bird - "Three White Horses"

The recently announced Hands Of Glory will serve as a companion piece to Andrew Bird's earlier 2012 release, Break It Yourself. The eight-track compilation will be released October 30th on Mom + Pop, among those the newest track entitled "Three White Horses". The track is dominated by an escalating bass riff, along with the traditionals that trademark-Bird tracks own. Listen to the composition below.

Listen: Thee Oh Sees - "Wait Let's Go"

Famous Class' Less Artists More Condos 7" series is out September 25th. Included is a new track from Thee Oh Sees,  entitled "Wait Let's Go". The rockers are hot off their latest release, Putrifiers II, with this cut being more of the same. Along with this track, the release features a split with The Mallard. Download both tracks here name-your-price. All digital sales go towards the Ariel Panero Memorial Fund (VH1's Save The Music).

9/20/12

Listen: The xx - "Angels (Four Tet Remix)"

The xx's Coexist has seemingly been on blast for electronic producer Four Tet, as his remix of "Angels" was aired last night on BBC radio. Hebden goes to work here, replacing the soaring riffs with an ambient composition. Listen to it below.

9/19/12

Listen: Bad Books - "It Never Stops"


Following the release of the ever-catchy Forest Whitaker, Bad Books (the Andy Hull-Kevin Devine "supergroup") has made another track available for preview. The Devine-led track appropriately plays out like a Manchester Orchestra cut, with its muted strum progressions leading to a climaxing chorus. And of course, there's nothing I enjoy more than the melodic flow of an Andy Hull harmony. Bad Books II is out October 9th via Tripple Crown.

Listen: King Krule - "Octopus"

September 24th will mark Rinse's release of the King Krule "Rock Bottom" single. To be featured on the b-side is the newest track from Archy Marshall, entitled "Octopus". Listen to the dreamy cut below.

Watch: Tame Impala - "Elephant"


Tame Impala's Lonerism is out October 9th via Modular. [Directed by Yoshi Sodeoka]

9/18/12

Watch: Jessie Ware - "Night Light"


Watch the video for Jessie Ware's "Night Light", my personal favorite off her 2012 debut Devotion. [Directed by Chris Sweeney]

9/17/12

Listen: Dinosaur Jr. - "Pierce The Morning Rain"

Rock legends Dinosaur Jr. are set to release their 10th full-length LP tomorrow in I Bet On Sky. The band hopes to follow the success of 07's Beyond and 09's Farm, the two previously released albums since reuniting with the original lineup back in 05'. A new track from the upcoming album has just been released. Check out "Pierce The Morning Rain" in all it's trademark Dinosaur Jr. fuzz below and be sure to check out I Bet On Sky tomorrow via JAGJAGUWAR, including previously heard track "Watch The Corners".

9/14/12

Watch: Flying Lotus - "Small Moments" (Album Teaser)


Another trailer video for FlyLo's Until The Quiet Comes LP has hit the web. This one's agonizing, as the film features only a few seconds from each track on the anticipated upcoming release. Accordingly, it sounds like Steven Ellison is at the top of his game. Until The Quiet Comes is out October 2nd on Warp. Visuals provided by Beeple.

9/12/12

Watch: A$AP Rocky - A$VP C4 (Documentary)


A$AP Rocky and his collective have gained a significantly large fan base over a short period of time. It's hardly been a year since Rocky's acclaimed Live.Love.A$AP mix tape hit the web, fast tracking Rocky to stardom, and snagging a 3 million dollar record deal in the process. Check the Channel 4 documentary above, as Rocky, Yams, and Twelvy discuss topics ranging from A$AP's come up to live shows. LongLiveA$AP is out October 31st.

9/11/12

Listen: Oneohtrix Point Never - "Stone Of Spiritual Understanding"

As part of Oneohtrix Point Never's upcoming split LP with electronic artist Rene Hell, reworked material from Daniel Lopatin's Reliquary House installation/performance will be released as his side. The tracks to be featured on the split were concocted through the dismantling and converting of vocal anecdotes, resulting in a sonic and jittery sound. "Stone Of Spiritual Understanding" is no exception. Listen to the track below, along with the original anecdote. The split is out September 18th via NNA Tapes.

 

Listen: Danny Brown - "Change"

The newest Danny Brown track is the smooth ride that is "Change", the supposed single off his anticipated collab with Johnson&Jonson (Blu & Mainframe). Here, Brown dials back that acid-trip styled flow he's known for and ops for his straightforward delivery, which works in perfect unison with the minimalistic beat. Be on the lookout for more Danny Johnson material in the future.

9/10/12

Watch: Ty Segall - "The Hill"


Ty Segall's newest single from the upcoming Twins LP can be seen above. The nonsensicality found in this video is oddly fitting, as "The Hill" would be the cut to make a video such as this. The images of an eerily creepy white face and a multitude of animals doesn't seem the least bit out of place when coupled with the psychedelic riff/vocals of Segall. Twins is out October 9th via Drag City

Listen: Taken By Trees - "Large"


The newest track from Taken By Trees' upcoming Other World LP is another blissful cut entitled "Large". This is the second single off the album, following the previously released "Dreams". Other Worlds is out October 2nd on Secret Canadian. Listen to "Large" below.

9/6/12

Watch: DIIV - "Doused"

Check out the video for DIIV's "Doused", my personal favorite off their 2012 LP Oshin. The video features band frontman Z. Cole Smith holding off a gig as he tends to his army of toy soldiers. Fortunately, he makes it in time to jam with the rest of the band. [Directed by Z. Cole Smith and Ian Perlman]

Listen: How To Dress Well - "& It Was U"

The newest track off How To Dress Well's upcoming Total Loss LP has recently premiered. "& It Was You" is a soulful cut, as Tom Krell showcases his vocal talent over a simple rhythmic beat. This is slightly in contrast to the previously-released single "Cold Nites", which very much follows that spacious, hazy style Krell is known for. "& It Was You" is definitely dialed back production wise, with his ranging falsettos being the focal point. Total Loss is out September 18th on Acéphale (September 17 worldwide via Weird World). Listen to/download "& It Was U" below.

9/4/12

Watch: House Shoes + Danny Brown - "Sweet"

Off of House Shoes' Let It Go LP. Danny Brown slays, as always. Check the clip above, filled with animated transformations of his head. [Source: Pitchfork.tv]

Listen: Joey Bada$$ - "Home"

The newest track to feature the 17-year-old prodigy Joey Bada$$ comes in the form of "Home", a minute and a half track to be featured on Pro Era member Chuck Strangers' upcoming Freebass mixtape. Bada$$' verse is nothing short of what was heard on his 1999 mixtape, as he effortlessly channels that 90's flow he seems to have mastered. Listen to the track below.

Stream: The xx - Coexist

The xx's hotly anticipated LP Coexist is scheduled for a September 11th release, but the album is now available to stream in its entirety. This includes the previously released "Angels" and "Chained". Listen to Coexist after the jump. [Young Turks]

Watch: Title Fight - "Secret Society"

"Secret Society" is the second track from Title Fight's upcoming LP, following the previously released single "Head In The Ceiling Fan". Accompanying the track is a campy video that, along with the band's sound, supposedly recalls the 90's. This one may get disturbing just past the halfway mark. Watch at your own risk (after the jump). Floral Green is out September 18th.

8/31/12

Stream: Tearjerker - Hiding (EP)

The Toronto-based indie-rock band Tearjerker's Hiding can be heard in its entirety below, as well as downloaded name-your-price via their bandcamp. These guys definitely have that zoned out shoegaze sound, while combining elements of dream pop/chillwave and lo-fi. They also have a kick-ass limited edition Hiding cassette release available for purchase. Highly recommend checking that out.

Listen: Sky Ferreira - "Everything Is Embarrassing"

The newest track from Sky Ferreira, "Everything Is Embarrassing", will be released as part of the upcoming Ghost EP. The track, produced by Ariel Rechtshaid (Usher's "Climax") and Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), gives off the feel of a sullen-chillwave synth-funk progression. Ghost is out October 2nd.

8/29/12

Listen: Mount Eerie - "I Walked Home Beholding"

Mount Eerie's "I Walked Home Beholding" manages to obtain that same subtle beauty Phil Elverum is known for. The second track released off Ocean Roar follows similarly behind the title track, crawling along at a beautifully steady pace with Elverum narrating with his ever-clear vocals. You can order/pre-order Mount Eerie's Clear Moon and Ocean Roar via P.W. Elverum & Sun.

Stream: Stars - The North

The Montreal indie-pop band Starssixth full length LP can be heard in its entirety thanks to NPR's first listen. The follow up to 2010's The Five Ghosts is set to be released September 4th. Until then, you can listen to The North here

8/28/12

Watch: The Hives - "Wait A Minute"


It's business as usual for the almost-fifteen year veterans The Hives, as they released the video for their second single off of 2012's Lex Hives. The film is fairly simply, bouncing around the members as the song progresses, yet it's oddly amusing. I'm digging the camera work on this one. [Directed by Travis Schneider]

Listen: Ben Gibbard - "Teardrop Windows"

Death Cab For Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard's debut solo album, Former Lives, will be released October 16th on Barsuk. The first single from the effort is entitled "Teardrop Windows" and can be heard below. Pre-order Former Lives here.

8/27/12

Download: A$AP Mob - Lords Never Worry (Mixtape)

The A$AP Rocky-led A$AP Mob's first collective mixtape has just been released. This release precedes Rocky's own record-label debut in LongLiveA$AP, which was recently pushed back to an October 31st (Halloween) release. You can download Lords Never Worry for free here, which includes the previously released Flatbush Zombies-invaded track Bath Salt.

Lords Never Worry:
01 Thuggin' Noise [prod. Silky Johnson]
02 Full Metal Jacket [prod. 183rd] 
03 Bangin On Waxx [prod. A$AP Ty Beats] 
04 Coke & White Bitches: Chapter 2 [ft. Danny Brown, Fat Trel, Gunplay; prod. P on the Boards]
05 Bath Salt [ft. Flatbush Zombies; prod. P on the Boards]
06 Persian Wine [prod. Electro Beats]
07 Black Man [prod. Electro Beats]
08 Dope, Money, and Hoes [prod. AraabMuzik]
09 Work [prod. Chinza & Fly]
10 Y.N.R.E. [prod. AraabMuzik]
11 Purple Kisses [prod. VERYRVRE]
12 The Way It Go [prod. Milo]
13 Freeze [ft. Jim Jones; prod. Clams Casino]
14 Told Ya [ft. Bodega Bamz; prod. DJ Carnage]
15 Underground Killa$ [ft. Raekwon; prod. Simon]
16 Jay Reed [prod. P on the Boards]
17 Gotham City [prod. A$AP Ty Beats]
18 Choppas On Deck [prod. E-Smitty]

8/24/12

Watch: Band Of Horses - "Knock Knock"


"Knock Knock" is the first single off the upcoming Band Of Horses album, Mirage Rock. It features the band starring as the subject of a documentary-styled nature film. Mirage Rock is out September 18th via Brown/Columbia. [Directed by Jared Eberhardt]

8/21/12

Watch: Minus The Bear - "Steel And Blood"


The video for the first single off Minus The Bear's upcoming Infinity Overhead LP entails the lives of a reckless couple, filled with sex and violence. The film follows them through to their unfortunate demise. "Steel And Blood" is the opener for the band's fifth full-length LP, which will be out August 28th. [Directed by Dan Brown]