Pixie in the Dark...

Kanye's G.O.O.D. album almost completed...Nas shares thoughts about Amy Winehouse collaboration...and grunge takes over my life yet again...

Well, I didn't really find a lot of music news to report on today. But, I thought it would be good to mention the few above things, seeing as how it's as good a day as any other to talk about this shit. So, Kanye West has reported that his G.O.O.D. album is "almost done." G.O.O.D. is a collaborative project with various other rappers including Cudi, Common, Pusha T, among others. Their album will drop in 2012, and I'm sure it will be just as innovative and dynamic as West's other releases.

Also, Nas shared some thoughts about his collaboration with Amy Winehouse, stating that it was "bittersweet." Nas shared gratitude that fans would get to hear the posthumously-released track, but stated that it's a shame that Winehouse isn't here to experience the release herself. You can listen to the track below:



After watching the movie, Empire Records, last night, I veered back to my childhood, and started listening to Surfer Rosa by Pixies, and In Utero by Nirvana. I guess I'm a shredded-jeaned, baggy shirt, hair-in-the-face, distortion-junkie grunge kid at heart. But, the truth of it is that for me, a little distortion can go a long way. Listen to My Bloody Valentine, and you'll know what I mean. It may be noise, but it's noise with a purpose. That's all I got for today.

Peace.

...is the word

Diplo gives a taste of his upcoming free EP...Patrick Stickles enjoys video games...

Well, today has been somewhat of a slow-starter in that I didn't have time to dedicate any music listening because I had to go make some paper$$$. But, it's all good, especially in this neighborhood, but some of the few blippets of information I was able to come across are interesting to say the least. To start off, Diplo (whom I am mostly familiar with from his collaboration with M.I.A.) is coming out with a free EP, titled Express Yourself. And in true Diplo fashion, it's stock-full of some collabos and samples and whatnot. You can partake in a little preview below:

DIPLO express yourself EP sampler by diplo

In other news, Patrick Stickles (of Titus Andronicus) published a video of him covering Lana Del Rey's "Video Games." The video was shot in his parents house the day after Christmas, and he states that the it's not meant to be funny or ironic, but who the hell knows. From watching the video, I hope he's being funny and ironic. You can watch it below:



As far as my listening goes, there's not much to report right now. A friend of a friend gave me a few suggestions, but I haven't had time to sit down and listen to any of them, but hopefully soon, I will have something to work with. As for now, I've mainly been listening to top-40/oldies/tejano AKA Corpus Christi radio! It could be a lot worse I guess.

Peace.

Post-Christmas Rejuvenation

Cat Power releases new track/video...The xx release demo...Lady Gaga shares a song on Christmas...

Well, it seems that the Christmas spirit has struck a musical chord in a lot of musicians. Most of 'em seem to be releasing old demos, new tracks, or random videos to keep themselves in the limelight, but for various reasons of course. To start, let's talk about Cat Power's new song "King Rides By." She released the song on Christmas Eve to spread awareness for the Festival of Children Foundation and the Ali Forney Center. The song is typical-Chan Marshall. Her smokey vocals, and the song's ballsey (??) attitude convey her persona to the extent that you feel like you're listening to The Greatest again. If you want to hear the track, and see the video (featuring Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao), you can view it here.

Also, The xx have released a demo for a song they recorded while in the studio for their upcoming album. The xx hit it big in 2009, with the release of their first self-titled debut album, and I guess folks were just really into their post-80s indie pop sadness. I'm not opposed. They are pretty good. I don't know what the album will be called, but they've said it's going to be inspired by "club music." You can listen to the demo for the song "Open Eyes" below.



In other news, Lady Gaga is getting sued by her former assistant for unpaid overtime...big whoop. She cashed in on 90 mil this year, so I'm sure a lousy $300,000 can be blinked away without a seconds pause. But, she released a song on Christmas, so her :gulp: monsters :gulp: can keep her in their minds and hearts when they are spreading Christmas queer cheer around the globe. Now, I listened to the song, "Stuck on Fuckin' You," and had to stop about half-way through. It started to sound like a crazy drunk bitch having solitary fun with a karaoke machine. As Ja'mie from Summer Heights High would say..."no offense, but it's true."



Also, as my Christmas went, I enjoyed the gifts I got, even though I didn't get the only thing I asked for. But that's how my luck runs, so it's best when I don't ask for anything. But, I have enjoyed listening to Simon & Garfunkel's Sound of Silence LP, and reading a book of plays by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Overall, Christmas was good. I hope everyone else's was just as sweet, if not sweeter.

PEACE.

A Christmas Carol Hiatus!

Nothing to note, yet I still like to gloat.

Well, there's nothing in particular that I found interesting in music news today, but for those of you who read for that specific purpose, here's a little glimpse. Paul McCartney made out like a bandit this year, Courtney Love is having problems with her landlady in New York and they are going to court in January to settle some claims of unpaid rent, Drake and Lil Wayne released a music video for a song I don't even know the name of (but could care less), and Rihanna also released a new music video.

So, now that that's out of the way, I get to share some thoughts. Christmas is one of those times that families can truly set aside whatever conflicts they may have to rejoice in this spirited holiday, or in reality, those conflicts can rear their ugly heads and Christmas can become a nightmare. For me, it's both. But, that's what makes it my favorite holiday. You never know what's coming at you, yet you go into it hopeful, and you come out of it with a little less sanity, and a little more life experience. I definitely want this Christmas experience to be more of a cleansing one, so I have decided to eliminate technology from my Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations. No computer, no TV, just good old family fun, and whatever else Christmas is about.

So, I wish all of you guys a Merry Christmas! And I leave you with this little nugget. It's my favorite version of this song.



PEACE!

Does It Merritt A Mention?

Untitled Radiohead song from the 90s hits the web...Stephen Merritt releases video for his Franz Ferdinand cover...Windy & Carl release new song...Stereogum's Top 10 Late Night Television Performances of 2011...

Radiohead is one of those bands that has been revered for years and years with many people focusing on their ever-changing vibes, and genius of wit to match those changes. Now, I've never been a huge fan of this band, but I've always respected their work, and have always kept myself in the know for news about them. So, I came across an untitled demo from the 90s, but it was supposedly never released. But, for those hardcore fans, here it is for your listening pleasure.



Stephen Merritt, one of the quietest, weirdest, and most genius song-writers I've come to listen to and love, has released a video for his cover of Franz Ferdinand's "Dream Again." The cover was done for Franz Ferdinand's Covers EP for Record Store Day earlier this year. Though I haven't heard the original because I pretty much stopped listening to Franz Ferdinand after their self-titled debut album (which was great!), I like Merritt's take on the track, and I'm sure technology nerds will like the video. You can watch below:



Also, Windy & Carl, the husband-and-wife duo who have been making music since the 90s, have come out with a new song that is going to be on their new LP. The Dearborn, Michigan team's album (to be titled We Will Always Be)comes out some time next year, but until then, fans will have a song to tide them over. I like the atmospheric quality of the track. I could definitely see it on the soundtrack of a Sophia Coppola movie. If it's not clear, that was a compliment. But, you can listen to the song below:



Lastly, Stereogum, one of my favorite music websites, just released their top-10 favorite late night shows of 2011. It definitely let me know that I pretty much missed all of them in that I don't own a TV. But, from watching the videos on their website, my favorites include Girls performing "Honey Bunny," Wild Flag performing "Romance," and Das Racist performing "Michael Jackson." You can view the list here.

Also, I'm currently re-listening to PJ Harvey's 2011 masterpiece, Let England Shake, and finding out once again why the album made so many best-of lists, and why Harvey was granted so many accolades. It's a terrific album. If you haven't heard it, please do so. On top of that, a friend introduced me to a band called Iron Horse and their "Pickin' on" series, which includes bluegrass covers of bands like Modest Mouse, The Shins, and more. Right now, I have their cover of Modest Mouse's "Gravity Rides Everything," on repeat.

That's all. Peace.

Captain My Captain

Lost Captain Beefheart album to be released...The Darkness discuss almost-finished third LP...The Kills share an odd cover to a Christmas classic...

I wrote a while back about how I had newly discovered Captain Beefheart, namely their first album, Safe as Milk, which is still rotating on my Spotify account. But, apparently an album that the captain wrote and recorded in 1976 is set to be released on January 15th. Apparently, the album was shelved after some money problems between producer Frank Zappa and the record label. So, fans of Captain Beefheart can feast their ears on some unheard material, which ought to hold them off for a while, or at least forever, considering that Don Van Vliet (Captain Beefheart) kicked the bucket almost two years ago. It's safe to say that he is, and will continue to be, missed.

In other news, The Darkness have shared an update about their new album, which is nearly completed. The album will be released some time in the spring. I'm sure most of you mainly know The Darkness from their 2003 single "I Believe in a Thing Called Love," which was released from their 2003 record, Permission To Land. You can read more about the album, and watch a video of the band getting ready to go onstage at the 2011 Download Festival here.

Lastly, The Kills have released something new! YES! It's kind of odd though. They've decided to cover one of the Christmas season's most beloved songs of all time, "Silent Night." But, they've added a little twist in that they've tweaked some of the lyrics to give the song somewhat of a darker tone. Now, they wouldn't be the Kills if they kept everything light and fluffy. Honestly, can you hear Alison singing "Sleep in heavenly peace," because I can't. You can listen to the track below.



I'd like to leave this entry with a charming little number. Take care.

A Rappin' Frenzy

Lana Del Rey shares another track...Korn announces a UK Tour...Panda Bear's new music video...Nicki Minaj thinks you're a stupid hoe...

Well, there seems to be more hip-hop stuff on the interwebs as of late, but I guess I gotta roll with the punches so to speak. Lana Del Rey has been in the music news a lot lately, with the announcement of her forthcoming album, her new music video, and now she's released another track from her album, titled "Off To The Races." I don't hate this track, but I'm not crazy about it either. I assume that it's going to be a good radio-friendly hit, and it seems to me that she's showing some kind of daring prowess with her lyrics, but at the same time, they're not exceptionally written. She's such a conundrum to me. The fact that she's gotten so popular might be a testament to how desperate we are for something new, and I guess people are just settling for her flashy nails, huge lips, and old-Hollywood aesthetic. You can hear her new track below:



I'm sure most of you have heard that Korn recorded a dubstep album. I pretty much fell out of my Korn phase when the dust from Follow The Leader had time to settle. After that, they pretty much fell off my radar. I did not, nor do I intend to, listen to their new album because of my aversion to dubstep, but I thought some people might be excited to know they are going on a five-date UK tour in 2012. You can view the dates here.

In other news, Panda Bear recently released the video for their track, "You Can Count On Me," from their album, Tomboy, which came out earlier this year. I like the spatial quality of the track, and the video will entice people who are into psychedelics, and those who are just looking for a slightly trippy visual to accompany their musical meanderings. Check out the video below:



Now, I've never really listened to Nicki Minaj, and the one song I heard about a year ago is one that I can't remember the name of because it was that insignificant. But, I've seen her in almost every magazine, sporting her crazy wigs and outlandish outfits. But hey, whatever works, right? She's released another track fromm her upcoming album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. The track is comical to the say the least considering I'd never take it seriously, but I anticipate various DJ-remixed club smash-downs happening to it in the near future. Enjoy.

Stupid Hoe by NICKI MINAJ

Also, I am currently re-diving into Lust for Life by the wonderful Iggy Pop. Recorded by David Bowie, and containing some of Bowie's signature touches to his own work, it's a great album for those who haven't heard it. Never hurts to try something new...or old.

Peace.

The Science of Sound

What scientists have to say about top 40...Die Antwoord kills me again...And James Blake gets visual

Let's start this off with my dislike of the day first. I never liked Die Antwoord from the start. When I first heard them, I just had an utter disgust for their sound and for their whole approach. I get that they are introducing their culture through this particular art form, but it's just a style of music I'm not privy to, and I'm not exactly a fan of their presentation. But that's just me. A lot of people like them, and that's cool too. They've released their first single from their upcoming album Ten$ion, which I'm sure some of you have already heard. Judging from the video, they've stayed true to their aesthetic, and their weirdness (ie: various insects seeking shelter on their bodies, alien faces, etc.) You can view it below:

FOK JULLE NAAIERS from Die Antwoord on Vimeo.

Also, I was quite surprised when I liked "A Case of You" by James Blake. Not saying he's a bad musician at all; I think he's extremely talented. But, a friend played me his cover for Feist's "Limit To Your Love," and while I liked his voice, I felt that he played it safe by having it sound so much like the original version. It was a courageous effort. But with "A Case of You," he uses the same melody, yet his voice is perfect as a male counterpart to Joni Mitchell. He sings with the honesty of Anthony Hagerty, and that's pretty hard. Well done, James. You can view his video, featuring Rebecca Hall (of Vicky Cristina Barcelona) below:



One interesting thing I read was that a research team from the University of Bristol claim to have come up with an equation that can solve which songs will be hits. They say it's not perfect, with only 60% accuracy, but they've concluded songs that are faster, or more dance-friendly, have been more susceptible to becoming hits. They found this to be a trend that started in the 80's, whereas hits from before then were more diverse. This could also explain why the 80's is my least favorite decade in music. You can read the entire article here.

Also, most of what I've been listening to is The Golden Hits of the Everly Brothers. I've probably mentioned this record before, but I bought it at a flea market in Brooklyn, and it was one of those good buys. So far, my favorite songs on it are "That's Old Fashioned," "Crying In The Rain," and "Lucille."

That's all I got for tonight. Peace.

Grand Ambitions

Beck Adds his shit to some shit...Arcade Fire release new vid...and Murdoch wants to make a film

I'm always fascinated by artists modes of work. Some produce insane amounts of work in such short spans of time (ie: Jack White), while some take a longer time to perfect their craft, be it representing their work through a more visual medium, or even just fine-tuning some stuff that's already been cut.

Either way, First, I'd like to talk about The Arcade Fire. After listening to The Suburbs, I was pleasantly surprised that they came out so strong, considering that to me The Neon Bible was a little of a disappointment. Not that it didn't have some good tracks, but the overall tone of the album was a little too modest than I'd like this band to be. But, then they came out with the 'burbs and my love was instantly re-instated. That said, the video for their new single, "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)," is fantastic. I've always loved Regine Chassagne's voice (Listen to "In The Backseat," and tell me you don't fall in love), and I like the various concepts of this video (muted colors, faceless people, suburban backdrops, etc.), and the timing is just perfect. Sorry, I'm a nerd for this shit. Either way, you can watch the video below:



In other news, Stuart Murdoch (singer-songwriter for Belle and Sebastian) is making a movie! Well, it has been in the works for some years, and the film is to be titled "God Help The Girl," which seems to be about his musical project started a few years ago, also called God Help The Girl. Most of the songs were covers of Belle and Sebastian material, sung by three girls that Murdoch recruited. The band was short-lived, only releasing one album and one EP. But, it was all done under the guidance of Murdoch himself in that he wanted the band to be dismantled before he made the movie, so that the focus of the film would be their time together. Pretty calculated. Here's a video below with Murdoch talking to producer, Barry Mendel, about the project.



Lastly, I know I've raved and raved about Feist's new album Metals, but I thought it was pretty note-worthy that Beck remixed her first single, "How Come You Never Go There." Now, I've never been too big of a fan of remixes, but if they are done well, who am I to turn them away. And in my wayward opinion, I think Beck is a genius. I like the original version better, but Beck's remix is snazzy take on the love-ridden track. Check It Out:

How Come You Never Go There (Beck Remix) by Feist

That's all. Peace.

What's New For Me is New For You

Some good shit on the horizon, and some stuff that's interesting to say the least.

Well, part of the joy of listening to music is reading about music. To me, that's one of the great parts. Maybe it's attributed to my love for Lester Bangs, or Josh Eels, but either way, music journalism is in itself a crazy conundrum of art. That being said, when you read about certain bands or certain things, it can bring out any particular emotion. DUH!

So, when I read that Kesha (and no, I'm not gonna do that stupid fucking money sign) is doing a cover of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright," perhaps one of my all-time favorite songs, I was a little bummed. I'm not going to lie. I am completely at odds with everything Kesha stands for. I don't find her to be a legitimate artist, and I basically almost vomited on myself when I first heard "Tik Tok." No joke. So, when I read this, it brought out the most monstrous form of hate that a pacifist can muster, which can be pretty monstrous, don't test me. But, once I heard her version of the song, I was humbly surprised. One, she actually has a decent singing voice. Two, she didn't put her bullshit pop spin to the track (which is what I thought she would do), and three, it's not terrible. It's not exceptional either. You can listen for yourself below.



In other music news, I am excited to learn that The Magnetic Fields are coming out with a new album. After I discovered The Charm of the Highway Strip some years ago, I've kind of been tracking Stephen Merritt's career. I didn't really listen to their last album, but Distortion was good. So, their new album is to be titled Love At The Bottom of the Sea, and you can view the tracklist here.

Also, it's made some music news that The Black Keys are not allowing their newest release, El Camino to be streamed online, and in an interview with VH1 News, they explain their decision. You can watch below.

Get More: Music Videos, Free Music Videos

That's all.

Born For Something

If you have nowhere to go, turn up that stereo.

Well, the blogosphere is going a little nuts with the release of Lana Del Rey's next single, "Born To Die." This is mostly due to the fact that her last song, "Video Games," made such a huge splash, and basically turned her into an internet sensation, garnering praise and negative backlash, as well as a slot on Later with Jools Holland (which pretty much bombed). Now, I am with the former in that I loved and still love "Video Games." I thought it was a refreshing tune, and I liked her sultry vocals over the piano and string arrangements. "Born To Die," sounds nice at first, but it doesn't hit quite as hard, and after hearing more of Del Rey's work on a demo a friend ripped, I was left with the feeling that she is one of those singers who is going to make a momentary mark in the music world and then fade away. Basically, at the heart of it, she's another Lily Allen. The spunk is there, but the ingenuity won't last.

I also heard a new track by french duo Air. The track is called "Seven Stars" and features Victoria Legrand (of Beach House). Now, I've said before that I'm not an electronic fan. The reason I chose to write about this song is because I cannot constantly write about music that I love because that's too one-sided. So, now I get to share a little hate with the world. I hate this track. The beat doesn't grab me, and the sonic overtones of the song just don't quite add up. It drones along, and has a random synth/voice sample that comes out of nowhere. And when Legrand comes in toward the end, it's too little too late. I'm sure electronic fans will jiz to it, but I'm not quite convinced. I like what they did in The Virgin Suicides though.

Here's a little tune I hadn't listened to in some time. It's one of my favorites.



More to come. Peace!