Where the food sounds good, and the music is pretty tasty too.
How long has Childish Gambino been ripping it up with nowhere to call home (Label)? Well, now the wait is finally over. Don Glover aka Childish Gambino has signed to Glassnote Records. Gambino Heads can expect the rapper’s debut LP Camp to drop this fall. See, there really is a Santa Claus. To celebrate I’ve posted the word playalistic Freaks and Geeks video below.
Freaks and Geeks from Donald Glover on Vimeo.
Dreamy and spliced with steady electric rainbow pulses. Yes, this is how my brain describes the NYC rock/synth foursome Hooray For Earth. Over the past several years the alternative music scene has witnessed the welcome return of the synth-driven band, and Hooray for Earth is among the top ensembles in this genre. On their first full-length debut LP front-man Noel Heroux and company have crafted some beauteous sound gems, filled with vibrant energy and scattered color schemes straight out of Jackson Pollock’s head. Although their album True Loves dropped earlier this year, if you haven’t listened to it your missing out. I have posted the video for the song “Sails”. The video is filled with twists and turns, with multiple permutations of a woman chasing herself down nearly vacant night time streets. It’s a bit surreal, kinda like Hooray for Earth’s music, but it’s all good. Peace
I’m in a bit of a mood. A mood more akin to lighting candles and getting the massage oil all warm and NOT watching reruns of The Office. Can you blame me? The NYC duo Purity Ring can have that kind of affect on you. Especially when spinning their track “Loftcries”. This track showcases singer Megan James’ seductively gossamer voice, draped adoringly over Corin Roddick’s other-worldly-synths, which are brain numbingly hypnotic. I pulled this one out of the vault. Can you blame me? Because in Michigan when the temperature drops what better way to warm up the ear drums. Peace.
The song “Rifle Eyesight” is a slow starter. Yet, , it picks up momentum and before its all over you are coming out of the other end of this one thoroughly drenched. Not really sure if that’s a good analogy, but at eight-plus minutes you’ll have plenty of time to figure it out. New York/New Jersey rockers Cymbals Eat Guitars are in fine form on their much anticipated sophomore release Alien Lenses. This time out Joseph D’Agostino and crew are channeling a plethora of influences from Jane’s Addiction, Pavement, and perhaps a tad bit of The Mars Volta. Whatever the recipe, from what I’ve heard this one in easily digested. Peace.
Old Tapes is one sexy band, no? Well, don’t take my word for it hustle right down below and check out the whole damn EP for yourself. From the first track until the last you’ll find it hard not getting a bit of Old Tapes for yourself. Well, maybe I’m being a bit pretentious but oh well, you can’t fault a man his weaknesses can you? The song “What I Need Tonite” is a dangerous song. Not because of its subliminal messages (there aren’t any, I think) but because it makes you want to be bad. But that’s alright. Because being bad can be oh so good. Peace.
Everything about Josh Rouse’s music is laid back. Dare I say smooth? Like sipping on a pinch of Jameson while watching a magnificent magenta Michigan sunset on a Grand Haven or Traverse City beach. While I could go on for quite some time about how much I like everything about Mr. Rouse’s ability to craft songs that seem to fit the moment regardless of the time of year, I won’t. I’ll say this though, the new album by Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations is perfectly suited for these newly minted Autumn days and beyond. Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations’ self titled album is due out on September 27th. Check out the first single from their forthcoming album Oh, Look What The Sun Did. This song pays homage to our very distant flaming Zonje. Peace.
I heard about Alexander from a friend of mine several months ago. And although his music is new to me at first listen I was immediately hooked. I am not versed in music speak per se, so I can’t give you the technical aspects of why this music is so great. The only thing I will offer in my defense is I like what I like. In addition, there isn’t too many songs that appeal to me with whistling and horns in them. With the exception of the band Beirut (horns that is), but the track Truth made my summer playlist simply because it is good. Peace.
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The Drums have been one of those bands that literally came out of nowhere like a bolt out of the blue. Since their debut in ’09 the band has garnered a trove of fans world wide. This go round there has been a few changes: guitarist Adam Kessler has exited the band, drummer Connor Hanwick now wields the guitar, and former guitarist Jacob Graham is tickling synthesizers. But don’t be alarmed, everything’s in its right place. The former Floridians sound better than ever, no joke. With the release of their sophomore album Portamento, the band embraces a more synth heavy sound. Yet still remain true (I’ve heard it) to the nuts and bolts of what drew fans to them in the first place. I love the track “Money” (it should be the official broke person’s theme song). Portamento drops tomorrow (today in the UK, DRATS!), and like any die hard fan I’ve already pre-ordered it on iTunes (Bonus track version of course). At this writing I am waiting like a kid on Christmas Eve, no joke. Peace.
Thurston Moore is a man of specific talents. One of which is writing intensely kinetic material. His songs, as usual, have the uncanny ability to lead you outside of yourself. The material on the recently minted Demolished Thoughts album are unique for what is not evident. Gone are the waves of heady guitar reminiscent of Sonic Youth. The music is more folksy and nearer to the wide expanses and sun-dappled rivers of upstate New York, rather than the fast-paced and neon lit environs of NYC proper. Here the track “Circulation” sounds like a return to something more tranquil and introspective. I hear hints of Love & Rockets, Peter Murphy, and even a bit of The Pixies, all of which is imbued with a low-key whirling dervish of acoustic sound. I like it. I love it. I definitely want more of it. Peace.
At times a song is only as long as it needs to be, case in point Too Late by the Austin, Texas trio Love Inks. Lead singer Sherry LeBlanc sings with a voice tinged with the razor-tipped shards of melancholy. I love the track “Too Late” for its minimalism, in that it gets right in there and gets the job done. The lyrics are personal and the accompaniment sparse, which makes for the perfect ode to love lost in a tea cup.