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Fox The Cat // The Old You (Video)

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” —Heraclitus

When you listen to Chicago-based 5-piece Fox The Cat (cool name by the way) you immediately pick up on a certain honesty and simplicity pouring forth from their music; like a spiritual geyser unleashed. One gets the feeling this is music well-wrought from a place not easily accessible to a lot of bands.  And too, like the above quote by Heraclitus, these songs are ever-changing. Not because they are mercurial or insubstantial, but because they are mood- and thought-provoking odes to life and living. And, because of the veritable richness and depth of the songwriting, deeper meaning can be discerned from each and every listen. So, it is hard to believe these guys recently assembled this already well-formed band in October of 2011. Perhaps, this is the kind of chemistry made possible by the close friendship shared between each band member. Watch the live acoustic rendition of their song, “The Old You” and you feel the intimacy and raw quality slip into a cracked window inside your heart. Below, check out the band’s self-titled EP after the jump. Casey, Abe, Jimmy, Luke and Paul thank you for the beauty of what you’ve rendered from the collective opening of your hearts. And, if only by virtue of our delighted first impression alone, Fox The Cat are most assuredly a band to watch. Check out the band’s Facebook page for the free EP download. Peace. Continue reading “Fox The Cat // The Old You (Video)”
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Neon Indian // Fallout (Video)

From the pop culture bad boys over at Adult Swim they’ve recruited the alternate reality guru of all things not right in the universe Lifuchs to conjure up titillating visions for Neon Indian‘s Era Extraña’s far-out groovy “Fallout” video. And don’t you just love animated cartoons of the adult variety? I do, and boy oh boy is this something you’ll not soon forget. Definitely not safe for work and just shy of an R-rating. And for all those reasons it is sure to garner loads of interest. And yeah, just in case you’re wondering the song is pretty good too, even if the visuals are literally stealing the limelight from the audio. In this case  the song “Fallout” is the supporting cast for the scene stealing video and not the other right way around. Peace. Continue reading “Neon Indian // Fallout (Video)”

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lucky date // six 16 (original mix)

Jordan Atkins-Loria is Lucky Date and by the sound of his latest track “Six 16” we are indeed very lucky to have him. This Chicago-based DJ/Producer is taking us to the moon, and hopefully we’ll return only after we’ve danced ourselves sparkling clean. Like me you’ll want this one for yourself, and you can get it lickety-split, via Bazooka Records at BeatPort. Happy dancing. Peace. Continue reading “lucky date // six 16 (original mix)”

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Scolla // Take What’s Mine (Ft. Rapper Big Pooh & Big Sant)

 

    “In order to get from what was to what will be, you must go through what is.” —Anonymous

What do you when life deals you an unfavorable hand? Do you give up before the hard work you put in bears fruit? Hell naw! You do what my homey Scolla does, you blaze your own damn path. When I look at him and see how far he’s come, and still he’s steady grindin! Still, he keeps his Tom Ford haute couture framed eyes on the prize and pushes quality R&B product to the adoring masses (ladies this means you). With his latest entry, the ATLien, Coop produced “Take What’s Mine” Scolla keeps it real and in doing so, sets the tone for what you can expect from and all future releases. ONLY THE BEST! On this track he brings the heat by showcasing legendary North Cackalacky Emcee, Rapper Big Pooh. And if that wasn’t enough he creates space to shine for Mississippi’s southern gentleman General Big Sant. This track is a holy trinity: substance + rhythm + swag = eminently dope. Peace.

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Whispertown // Open The Other Eye

Being the sole anchor of the music project known as Whispertown is a demanding undertaking. But, Morgan Nagler is more than capable, and up for the task. Recently, the collective formerly known as The Whispertown 2000 has gone through a metamorphosis of sorts. And as a testament to Ms. Nagler’s munificent character, she sees clear and true, a musical landscape of few restrictions. Her vision, not only includes sounds, but those sounds are culled from many a musical nook and cranny. With Whispertown you’re just as likely to hear folk influences as you are the more brightly electro infused fare. Although, Morgan Nagler is indeed the centerpiece (songwriter, vocals, and guitarist) there exists a revolving door through which an assortment of cast members flow. This approach is more expansive, and allows for, not only greater experimentation, but instrumentation and modes of delivery as well. The results are nothing less than righteous. Listen to the first single “Open The Other Eye” from Whispertown’s forthcoming EP Parallel due out March 20th via Acony Records. You can get “Open The Other Eye” as a free download here at whispertown.com. Peace. Continue reading “Whispertown // Open The Other Eye”

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Ideals // Altar

On some personal level it is always a great feeling to get in on the ground floor of a bands career before the major rags start blaring their supercilious horns proclaiming, “Look what we discovered!” I mean really, how hard is it to sing praises after the little guys have been trudging away spreading the word and delivering the goods? Rhetorical question: really no need to embarrass the establishment by answering. But, after listening to the now London-based band Ideals it doesn’t take much of an imagination to hear their potential. Kind of like it’s no surprise when after downing a few pints you just feel better. Well, the music of Ideals is similar; in that after a few listens one is able to relax inside the music well enough, and let it just wash your worries away, or at least temporarily hold those worries in abeyance.

With this band, admirers and pundits alike, could spend long hours making comparisons to well-established bands and cross-checking sonic references endlessly. But that’s not my style. You know me; I just let the music stand on its own two feet and bear the full force of your critical ear. However, what you won’t hear from the band Ideals is empty posturing or trite lyricism. Rest assured, Andrew Major, Ben Ward, Simon Wilson, and recent recruit Ben Smith are not soulless mannequins mouthing blather into the atmosphere.  These guys tow the line, by delivering hard-nosed fare like the blazing, “Let Your Anger Leave” which opens with scathing full-frontal guitar atop palpitating drum work, before settling down around Andrew Major’s stalwart vocals. And just when you thought the guys from Ipswich, Suffolk gave you their all, they deliver a track like “Altar” and the increased helium in their airship of sound takes them to greater heights.  Yes, I’m a fan, but I’ve a strange feeling I’m preaching to the choir. Peace. Continue reading “Ideals // Altar”

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Carousel // Know It’s Right (Band To Watch)

Jackson Phillips, Kevin Friedman, and Tyler Cratcha met in Boston at Berklee College of Music and it’s been on and poppin’ every since. We’re in an age, where any talented DIY musician can have access to the tools to create high-quality music from almost anywhere, and that’s a good thing. The trio known as Carousel is the perfect example of talent + creativity + determination = songs to tuck inside your heart of hearts and dance across the Milkyway. Check out their latest release “Know It’s Right” and you’ll be smitten. I also have their totally nitrous oxide-esque song “Thrill” and you’ll pinch yourself at the luck your having today, musically speaking that is. You’re gonna want to visit the bands SoundCloud for more good stuff. Oh, and I can’t leave you without an apt descriptor. The music of Carousel is like the best burger you ever had, but with a thick slice of cotton candy resting atop the tangy pickles. From these guys we’re expecting a meteoric rise! Enjoy and as always. Peace. Continue reading “Carousel // Know It’s Right (Band To Watch)”

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Charlotte Gainsbourg // Anna (Tom Furse Remix)

When Charlotte Gainsbourg makes music it is typically something unforgettable. The kind of music you’ll find yourself doing the most mundane things to, i.e. taking long walks, doing the cooking thing in your kitchen, or lazing around your flat pondering whatever or whomever. What I’m getting at here, is her songs are the sounds and the furies of something you live with, something you return to time and again. Not because of their fickleness, but because the songs are substantial, comforting and above all, reliable. Singer-songwriter Charlotte Gainsbourg signals the release of her double-album Stage Whispers with a Tom Furse (of The Horrors) remix of her track “Anna.”  The forthcoming double-LP is produced by Beck and will feature, not only new material, but will also revisit tracks from her well-crafted 2010 release IRM. Listen to the exclusive Tom Furse remix “Anna” on Nowness.com Peace. Continue reading “Charlotte Gainsbourg // Anna (Tom Furse Remix)”

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Grouplove // Tongue Tied (Gigamesh Remix}

The perpetually rambunctious band Grouplove is wishing everyone the very best in 2012, and they’re showing the fan-love too by giving out a brand spanking new Gigamesh remix of “Tongue Tied” over at their  Facebook page. Huh., what are you waiting for? You may be excused. The band has also revealed, over the next couple weeks they’ll be giving out a several additional remixes as well. I love this song, it makes me all shimmery inside. Peace. Continue reading “Grouplove // Tongue Tied (Gigamesh Remix}”