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Com Truise – Helena Beat (Foster The People Remix)

You ever get the feeling you want to put the brakes on it all and just coast on a slower frequency? Me too, and that is why the universe called into being Com Truise. Mr. Truise has a knack for re-working the rapid fire into a more sedate, but equally enjoyable groove. Listen to his take on the Foster The People‘s “Helena Beat,” and although it may feel like time is standing in a tub of molasses it’s still a sticky sweet situation nonetheless. Peace. Continue reading “Com Truise – Helena Beat (Foster The People Remix)”

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Tree & Shelf Nunny – This Is Separation

Is there anything worse than romantic separation? Well, maybe financial ruin, but that’s another blog, not this one. Humans, we take it personal when a good thing comes to a close. Heck, at times we even hate when a bad thing comes to an end. We’re weird like that. What can you do? With the song “This Is Separation,” the San Fran cool folks known as Tree & Shelf Nunny have captured the lovelorn emotion in verse to a T; and its pathetically beautiful. The song puts on a pretty convincing display: it pouts, it is full of lament and sadness, and it rides a forlorn bouncy beat indicating the up and down emotion of the newly lonely. I need a beer now, maybe several. Peace. Continue reading “Tree & Shelf Nunny – This Is Separation”

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Das Racist – Sit Down Man + Michael Jackson + Rainbow In The Dark

The beyond clever ensemble known as Das Racist is as refreshing as they are hilariously dope, and subliminally informative on the sly. Himanshu Suri (aka Heems), and Victor Vazquez (aka Kool A.D.) and perennial hype man Ashok Kondabolu (aka Dap) collectively give off screwball sparks like exploding sunspots. Heem and Kool A.D flow  effortlessly without the fake bravado of so many would be rappers. I love the quirky, oddly addictive beats, which are not overbearing but allow the canvas to be painted with vocal oil paint that dry quickly into Jean-Michel Basquiat images all over your brain space. I held out, and reserved judgement until I accidentally fooled around and inadvertently fell into their track “Micheal Jackson.” Since then, I’ve vowed to listen to more, and now I’m sold. Loving the the track “Rainbow In The Dark,” too. It is as humorous as it is fresh to death, and instead of carrying a Glock it carries a water pistol filled with grape flavored Kool-Aid. Nice to hear Das Racist making rap fun again. Peace. Continue reading “Das Racist – Sit Down Man + Michael Jackson + Rainbow In The Dark”

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trixie whitley // a thousand thieves (official video)

I found my new ‘Rocky’ song and it’s safe and secure, and on constant repeat in my heart. By the way, a Rocky-song is a song which taps into your inner underdog, and it is 100% pure motivation to boot (haters beware). The song “A Thousand Thieves,” which is the new single by the Belgian-born, mutli-talented Brooklyn-based Trixie Whitley. Check out the must see Matthu Placek-directed video. Watching the video is like witnessing the Winged Victory of Samothrace come to life. Hell, if Red Bull gives you wings, this song will definitely give you warp speed inducing rocket thrusters. Peace. Continue reading “trixie whitley // a thousand thieves (official video)”

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Beet Boxx & JM Good – By Yourself

What do you do when you hear something that makes you want to open a window and scream, “HolyShit! THIS IS SO DOPE!?” Well, in my case I simply get in my spaceship and head to the blogosphere and transmit my signal. I Tweet the masses, and all my lovely followers, will in-turn re-Tweet their friends and so on. In the end, all will have their musical blessing for the day. Yes, perhaps my new moniker should be The Musical Rabbi, The Groove Reverend, or perhaps The Vicar of the Temple of Sound (lol). I anoint ears and offer sound communion. No kneeling required, just stay faithful to the beat. All this to get you through the humdrum of whatever dull job you’re a slave to. I thank my lucky stars for Beet Boxx & JM Good, somehow the universe brought this smooth duo to my attention. Was it an accident or divine intervention? Don’t know, but their cut, “By Yourself,” is the truth. The kind of truth that will make you long to be somewhere ensconced in your lover’s arms. Peace. Continue reading “Beet Boxx & JM Good – By Yourself”

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The RainDoggs – My Medicine (Video)

According to their website The RainDoggs describe themselves as follows, “The RainDoggs are a collaboration of musicians from Austin TX. Their sound is a mix of R&B/Soul & Blues with a David Lynch movie.” I don’t disagree with their description at all. However, they are so much more too. This Austin, Texas collective of superbly talented musicians refuse to be static or limited on where they can take or interpret a song. Rest assured, when they get together there is no telling where they are going to take you. But, it is exactly that kind of suspense, daring and intrigue which makes the music they conjure up so damn irresistible. Their latest is a ballsy take on Snoop Dogg’s “My Medicine,” and it encases your spinal column in voodoo smoke and arrests your ears with utter surprise. It’s also a case of contradictions, of taking something that by all accounts shouldn’t work, but lo and behold it works just fine. As unlikely as an heroin addict becoming a nun or a hardcore gangsta becoming an environmentalist. Yes, strange and wonderful music is made when The RainDoggs come raining down on you. Peace. Continue reading “The RainDoggs – My Medicine (Video)”

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The Darlingtons – New Independent EP

If you haven’t listened to The Darlingtons‘ New Independent EP I ask that you start now. Why? It’s simple, they are good. I rate them right up there with The National, and that is saying more than a mouthful. Actually, they’re kind of a hybrid of The National and Echo & The Bunnymen. Lead-singer Kiran ‘Kiwi’ Roy has a voice both endearing and wistful. Think David Bowie spliced with Matt Berninger of The National. The music is full, with a big driving guitar sound. A sound which will scoop you up like a monster tidal wave and hold you tight. Yeah, that good. Currently, the down to earth guys from Tauton, UK are hard at work on their debut LP and touring. However, I strongly believe that 2012 is going to be their year. So, watch the skyline for their meteoric rise. Peace. Continue reading “The Darlingtons – New Independent EP”

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Concrete Knives – You Can’t Blame The Youth EP

So much has been said about French-indie band Concrete Knives, particularly about whether or not they sound like 90’s music or of they’re heralding in a new B-52’s type era, whatever that means. I don’t know about all those musical references and counter-references, all I know is they’re from France; and they rock. And when I listen to Concrete Knives it makes me feel like I’ve been dunked in a vat of bubbly. Confused? Don’t be, I’ll explain.  You know how potent music can be, right? While one song makes you dance, another will make you cry. After (or during) listening to Concrete Knives’ You Can’t Blame The Youth EP it may make you feel giddy and light-headed. Kind of like the feeling you get when attempting to imbibe a magnum of the liquid gold, i.e. champagne. So, if you don’t have the cash to purchase a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal just put Concrete Knives on and crank it up, same feeling minus the hangover. Can’t beat that with a stick. Peace. Continue reading “Concrete Knives – You Can’t Blame The Youth EP”

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Brother Ali – Writer’s Block (Video)

I like the direction rap in going: Everywhere at once! And Brother Ali is riding the points on that proverbial rap compass expertly. Here, we have Brother Ali dousing the mic with criminally insane phonics and Jake One on the skins. And the track “Writer’s Block?” Hell, this is just a preview of the forthcoming LP Mourning In America and Dreaming In Color. You can get the free download of the “Writer’s Block” single via Rhymesayers. Peace. Continue reading “Brother Ali – Writer’s Block (Video)”

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anneka // shut her down

Take a sip of something pure and unadulterated. No, this isn’t a drinking-game challenge. Although in the end you’ll be somewhat inebriated, led on a tether, and thoroughly teased. Listen to the voice of Anneka singing acappella her come hither song, “Take Her Down.” Her’s is a voice distilled and denuded of impurities and electronic wizardry. Sorry, no auto-tune here folks. The woman with the enchantingly naked voice knows exactly what she’s doing, and I suspect putting listeners through the wringer is a favorite pastime. Without a doubt, no ‘Eve-teasing’ here. No, the tables are definitely turned in her favor. But really, what modern, and oh so confident woman would want it any other way? And when Anneka sings, “Easy is the way you free fall into the lap of inertia…” It’s a wrap. Pinch me I’m steaming. Peace. Continue reading “anneka // shut her down”