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tokimonsta // half shadows ♥ ♫

Here we are, securely ensconced smack dab betwixt the what was and the what will be of 2013. And with nearly half of the year behind us there is yet still much partying to do. I can’t think of a better mixologist to helm your good time than the uniquely talented TOKiMONSTA  (Jennifer Lee). Ms. MONSTA recently released a 2nd LP titled Half Shadows ([icon name=”icon-arrow-left”] check it out) via the bonafide heavy hitta’ label Ultra.

After the jump I assembled an introduction listening party: which includes the Go With It ft. MDNR as well as the benignly sexy Moon Rise ft. Jesse Boykins III. Both tracks are taken from her most excellent Half Shadows album. And, just so your eyes won’t get jealous of your ears I’ve thrown in some visuals too. The video for The Force ft. Kool Keith is pure psychedelic Hip Hop majesty. Peace.
Continue reading “tokimonsta // half shadows ♥ ♫”

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the mantles // long enough to leave

Today I received a copy of the San Francisco/Oakland-based The Mantles’ latest album Long Enough To Leave. I’m giving it two thumbs up. Why? Because it deserves it. I’ve been listening to it’s sparkling low-key 10-track, but brilliantly rendered LP. Song after song possesses a Beach Boy soft à la folkish rock quiality; both modernistic and contemporary. My favorites are powder soft Raspberry Thighs and the feisty Brown Balloon (the later track has a kinda sorta Black Francis/The Pixies vibe). Lead vocalist Michael Olivares delivers each song in his plaintive lovelorn voice, which makes each and every word sound authentically woeful, yet oddly hopeful too Continue reading “the mantles // long enough to leave”

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child of lov // child of lov

The Child of Lov creates an amalgam of divergent sounds. Some his, others not so much. This 25-year old from the Netherlands seems to have been to the thrift shop of music and gathered bits from veritable legends: Ali Farka Toure, Ravi Shankar and the glowing sounds of 60’s soul. All this (and more) he’s sewn tenuously together with a triple-twined thread taken from Bootsy Collins, Jimmy Hendrick, and Prince’s respective funky manish manes. Continue reading “child of lov // child of lov”

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loraine chia // so shy

It isn’t hard to imagine the success this young 19-year old singer/songwriter (Loraine Chia) is bound to have in the years to come. And as long as she keeps jumping our bones with sweet melodies like, Shy she’ll be just fine. I also have a soft spot for her good time, groove-heavy track Fly High. Ms. Chia definitely has a vibe all her own.  And I’m betting in 2013 she’ll rise like the sun and stars quite beautifully. Peace. Continue reading “loraine chia // so shy”

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trixie whitley // breathe you in my dreams + video

Trixie Whitley has a place in my musical heart, and it’s little surprise. For once you’ve listened to her whiskey-soaked vocals it is easy (and futile) to understand the attraction. Last year I was smitten with a hauntingly beautiful track, Thousand Thieves, and it stills does something to me whenever I hear it.

And so it is more than evident Ms. Whitley knows a good thing once she finds it. Once again she employs, and trusts, director Matthu Placek to bring his cinematic vitality to bear testament to her vocal artistry, intensity and passion. The “Breathe You In My Dreams,” video is nothing short of spectacular. The song comes from her first full album, Fourth Corner, earlier this year. You can get the Trixie Whitley experience on iTunes and at www.trixiewhitley.com. Peace. Continue reading “trixie whitley // breathe you in my dreams + video”

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the sherpas // wave to the water

the sherpas  //  wave to the water

Sometimes when someone makes a formal introduction in regards to a formally unknown band or artist it can be a fortuitous meeting. Several hours ago the band member  Pierre Roxon  forwarded to me such an introduction, and this review is my formal ‘thank you very much’.

The band The Sherpas comes to us from across the water, hailing from Exeter and Seaton (respectively), UK. According to other reports the band has been generating a lot of buzz, and making quite a name for itself, after listening to several tracks I can understand why.

Check out The Sherpas brand new video for Wave To The Water. The track is a toned down version of an imploding star and the sparks radiate rhythmically. The track contains just enough rock elements to make this Pop song resonate mightily with gritty determination and star slung potential. Continue reading “the sherpas // wave to the water”

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the new self defense // meet me overboard

New York-based alt rockers The New Self Defense give as good as they get. And what’s better than delivering the goods when it comes to rockin’ out? The band’s music has been described as “face melting,” and although my face is still intact my ears are definitely ringing. The band’s latest EP, Meet Me Overboard, released in June 2012 is steeped in the vaulted rock tradition. Check ”em out. Peace. Continue reading “the new self defense // meet me overboard”

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the st. jerome’s laneway festival detroit 2013

The end of Summer can’t get here soon enough!

My head is literally spinning. No, not from overindulgence of the mind altering sort. But, from the total euphoria which comes from good news. The year is 2013 and what a year it will be. This the inaugural year of the St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival Detroit. Yeah, Detroit! Like right down the street from me. I’m excited. The Motor City is finally getting it’s groove back, and with an international music line-up it’s sure to be one of the nation’s premiere music venues to take in this summer. Laneway Festival Detroit takes place on Sept. 14th at Meadow Brook Music Festival in Rochester Hills, Mich. Ticket info HERE. After the jump, check out one of the highlights that’ll be bringin’ it this year. Peace. Continue reading “the st. jerome’s laneway festival detroit 2013”