Posted on

Heartsrevolution // Are We Having Fun Yet

One of my favorite DYI bands Heartsrevolution have been creating dance inducing (Dance Till Dawn, Switchblade), and oft times politically charged (I.D. (Investigation Discovery) music for quite a while. Ben Pollock and Leyla ‘Lo’ Safai, and long time live performance drummer Terry ‘Prince Terrence’ Campbell, have teased their adoring fans with the promise of a full-length album for what seems like forever. And sorry, I don’t have news of a forthcoming release. However, I remain hopeful the highly anticipated debut Ride Or Die will materialize in 2012. Here’s to hope eternal. Peace. Continue reading “Heartsrevolution // Are We Having Fun Yet”

Posted on

Concrete Knives // Brand New Start

I want to exit January with this inspiring ode to fresh starts. Concrete Knives have a great song in “Brand New Start” because it gives the eternal optimist in all of us something to sing along to. So, when the tired and over worn isn’t exciting and fails to work anymore, hell chuck it out the window and forge ahead with your nose to the grindstone. Let’s raise a glass to new beginnings. Peace.

P.S. By the way, don’t mind the cover art for the You Can’t Blame The Youth EP. Agreed, it’s a bit unnerving and risqué, just don’t try this on a public street, ever! deal? Enjoy. Continue reading “Concrete Knives // Brand New Start”

Posted on

shabazz palaces // are you… can you… were you? (felt) (official video)

Seattle-based hip-hop off-shoot Shabazz Palaces is a lot of things. For one, they aren’t in any way, shape or form typical of what one might expect from the world of rap, or any other genre for that matter. But, I imagine you’re going to be alright with the sound soon to be emanating from your speakers. Shabazz Palaces is led by Ishmael Butler aka Palaceer Lazaro. Ring a bell? No? That’s cool. However, there was a time when Ishmael Butler was also known by another name, he was ‘Butterfly‘ of Grammy award-winning jazz-rap group Digible Planets.

That was way back in the day, eons ago by industry standards of measuring time and space. And much like his past namesake, the ‘Butterfly’ has undergone another metamorphosis. With his latest project, under the guise of  Palaceer Lazaro he has joined forces with multi-instrumentalist Tendai Maraire and formed the mysterious, celestial anti-body known as Shabazz Palaces.

Previously, the duo self-released the eclectic EPs, Eagles Soar, Oil Flows, as well as The Seven New, each stretching the boundaries of hip-hop into musical Pythagorean theorems. Now, we have the Black Up LP, which is so aptly released via the legendary Sub-Pop Records. After the jump, we have the first official video for the track “Are You… Can You… Were You? (Felt).” I highly recommend an oxygen tank, a space suit and a good pair of 3D glasses for your ears. Peace. Continue reading “shabazz palaces // are you… can you… were you? (felt) (official video)”

Posted on

chrome sparks | still sleeping | ft. steffaloo


 
According to Jeremy Malvin, bka as Chrome Sparks, life at the moment has its positives which include the following: His age, he’s barely into his 20’s. He’s a student, presently matriculating at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). And lastly, his above average height, which I’m guessing is just over 6 foot (182.9 cm for those into metrics). Call it an unflagging modesty, but he failed to mention his ability to make astounding futurian-worthy music, seemingly out of thin air. For someone so young he is making quite a name for himself, both inside and outside of his Michigan, by way of Fort Duquesne environs (hidden history lesson). When he’s not deeply submerged in sub-space rearranging molecules into dreamy soundscapes, he’s moving crowds as DJ Professor Purple at local haunts like Necto. Also, he’s fresh from a Chicago date having shared the bill with Theophilus London. He’ll soon be sharing the limelight with Diplo protégé Rusko at Ann Arbors’ Necto. And for those lucky locals they’ll catch him with Nightlife and Alexis at Woodruff’s in Ypsilanti this Wednesday night! And be on the look see for Chrome Sparks forthcoming EP Surface Glows, no date as of yet, but rest assured I’ll keep you posted. Peace. Continue reading “chrome sparks | still sleeping | ft. steffaloo”

Posted on

Wild Nothing // Nowhere (Ft. Andrea Estella)

Jack Tatum obviously is a very talented troubadour, he’s got to be. Why? Well, in order to, first imagine every song, then to take all those wild imaginings, and tame them. Secondly, he lovingly sews them piece by piece into realities of pure somber sound, this takes some doing. But, I like you so appreciate his labor of love. Now, he’s at the helm and piloting Wild Nothing towards the spanking new 7″ “Nowhere” scheduled to drop February 21st via Captured Tracks. This release will also have the b-side “Wait” which will drop later. But for now, enjoy the new material and stay on your toes for a forthcoming LP due out sometime in 2102. Don’t worry I’ll keep you posted. Also, if you’re wondering who the angel is singing the lyrics, “Don’t come over, unless you want to feel something…” well wonder no more, it’s  Andrea Estella of Twin Sister. Peace. Continue reading “Wild Nothing // Nowhere (Ft. Andrea Estella)”

Posted on

pearl fiction // talking seems to fade away


 

pearl fiction // talking seems to fade away

 
I recently discovered the magical music by the wonderful project known as Pearl Fiction. Below, I’ve included the track Talking Seems To Fade Away and it just screams, “Put me in your ears!” And so, who can refuse the sweet mewling of such an adoring song? Not me, because I’m such a sucker for new and exciting music!

From what I’ve been able to cobble together, Pearl Fiction is the solo project of the persona known only as Pearl, formerly of the band Zeigeist. Long-story short. There was discontent. A subsequent fallout ensued. Pearl exited in fine fashion, and now exists as the most excellent solo thing. And by the sound of it I’d have to admit he’s sounding just fine. For more visit pearlfiction.com for additional musical fare. I highly recommend it, especially since you’ll find a song titled “Stories From A Purple Soul.” And what so especial about this song you ask? Well, if features the beautifully tender voice of Malin Dahlström of Nikki & The Dove fame. I expect big things from Pearl Fiction, and that’s a totally non-fictious statement. Peace.  Continue reading “pearl fiction // talking seems to fade away”

Posted on

Tim Fitz // Beforetime

With the opening line begging the questions, “Well, how many people can we follow, how many dreams can we borrow…?”Answer? A lot, on both counts if the song “The Line” is any indication. From Sydney, Australia , Tim Fitz is mixing and matching the odds with the evens, and it has a well-patterned symmetry that works. His approach to music making is clever, entertaining, and definitely interesting, and I love it! I thoroughly enjoy all the various musical influences coming together like the most astute diplomat making peace between warring nations. If you like this, check out the remaining 7 tracks on Tim’s Beforebedtime EP after the jump. Looks like this brash, and talented 21-year-old producer/instrumentalist/singer is turning music on its head (Hence , the photo) and making us love it at the same time. Peace. Continue reading “Tim Fitz // Beforetime”

Posted on

kids // my sincerest apologies (video)

Jonas Linngård and Maria Pettersson are the Swedish-duo KIDS, and with their laudable debut self-titled EP they are betting you’ll become a fan (Just like me). But really, becoming a fan is the easy part, simply because the music gets stuck in your ears like good gossip. After listening I’m sure you’ll be telling your friends, and they’ll tell their friends etc. ad nauseam. And call me odd or just a slave to beauty. But when watching the “My Sincerest Apologies” video and Maria P. sings the lyrics “The only place you’ve seen, well you, you ain’t seen nothing…” with just a bit of a wry grin on her Dakota Fanning look-a-like face. Well, it just makes me smile a bit too. Good looks aside, there are additional reasons for my glee. Check out the songs, “Exhale” and “Yours” and this dúo will be swiftly downloaded and swimming around your flat muy pronto. Don’t believe me, head over to kontrollrecordings.com and download the entire EP for free. Yup! It’s official Swedes are way cool. Peace. Continue reading “kids // my sincerest apologies (video)”

Posted on

james blake // wilhelms scream

If you know the music of James Blake, then you got the bruises on your heart to prove it. And if you know the music of James Blake, then you too have awakened hungover from the after effects of over consumption, the slight metallic taste of music on your tongue. Not need for bios and past accomplishments. No need to go on about how magical the music is, because all these things are evident to all who know the music of James Blake. Peace. Continue reading “james blake // wilhelms scream”

Posted on

Bear In Heaven // The Reflection Of You

Jon Philpot, Joe Stickney, and Adam Wills make up the Brooklyn-based trio Bear In Heaven, and indeed their irascible brand of Pop has marked out acreage in Shangri-La. Play their single “The Refection Of You” and reaffirm your belief in a better place (While your still living, that is), even if that place exists whilst your listing to Bear In Heaven. Check out their label RCRD LBL for free downloads. And, be on the lookout for their forthcoming LP I Love You, It’s Cool, due for release April 3rd. But if you can’t wait until the release date, these practical jokers (Emphasis on jokers) are streaming the whole album on their website bearinheaven.com. I warned you. Peace. Continue reading “Bear In Heaven // The Reflection Of You”