VIDEO OF THE WEEK: The Latin Kings - Kompisar från förr (1994)

I'd never heard of these guys until tonight and this song instantly hit me. The production is pure 90's hip-hop at it's best, but this time the rappers are Swedish and seen as Malmö is my new home I thought I'd rep some Swedish talent. The production is so nice and it's definitely made me want to check out the album it was off,'Välkommen till förorten'.

Top Albums of 2010 Thus Far!

Rate Your Music (Open to view list!)

Joanna Newsom currently sits in pole position and I must confess I've not got round to hearing it yet! It's a pretty damn good start to the year if you ask me and The Tallest Man On Earth has entered at number 6 and I've just got the album and can't wait to hear it! His last effort was one of my favourite albums of recent times, so this one has a lot to live up to! But take a look at the list yourself and check out some of the stuff you've not heard!

I'm going to Egypt tomorrow morning for a week, so I'll make this my last post until my return!

The Top 200 Hip-Hop Albums of All-Time

Here are Rate Your Music's top 200 rated hip-hop albums of all-time and a Spotify playlist to accompany it! Not all the albums are included on Spotify, but the majority of them are. This for me, is the closest you can get to a real best of, simply because it's done on ratings and not just a particular persons opinion or a magazine or blogs. I might follow this up with a Top 500 list when I have more time! I was going to list them all below, but it'll take me forever, so just click this link to view!

NEW VIDEO: Raekwon - Canal Street

Check out Raekwon's new video off last year's classic 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II'.

MWW FAVOURITE: The Left Banke - There's Gonna Be a Storm: The Complete Recordings 1966-1969

The Left Banke's 'There's Gonna Be a Storm: The Complete Recordings 1966-1969' has to be one of the greatest collections of tracks by any artist ever. It's ranking on RYM as the 18th best compilation of all time is totally justified and is a must for any fan of 60s music or just great pop music. The group are also responsible for the hit song 'Walk Away Renée', which was written by the group's then 16-year-old keyboard player. Now that spring is here, it's a perfect time to listen to this perfect slice of baroque rock. Instead of me rambling on about why you should listen to these guys, take a listen to the tracks below and make your own mind up.

New Sage Francis track!

Sage Francis is due to release 'LI(F)E' on 11th May and I just came across 'Slow Man' over on 2DopeBoyz.

"The song is a unique collaboration originating from a musical composition by Arizona based Tex-Mex, alt-country rockers Calexico. The music was subsequently arranged by lyricist Francis and recorded in studio by Jim Becker and Tim Rutili of experimental folk ensemble Califone under the guidance of producer Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Iron & Wine, Gomez)."

Sage had this to say on the song:

"This song went through quite the journey before it became the official version people are now hearing.” Francis explains. “It’s been over a decade ago since I had my short stint as a resident of Brooklyn, NY but much of the song has me reflecting back on that time, applying it to my current living situation. I’m not sure if it was because of the energy of that city or because I was still young and impressionable, but it definitely made its impact. Everything between now and then seems like a blur, but of course back then nothing was moving fast enough for me. The slow man likes to hurry up and wait."  

 Sage Francis - Slow Man

FREE STREAM! Dr. Dog - Shame, Shame (2010)

NPR have got Dr. Dog's new album up for your listening pleasure! The album is their first since 2008's 'Fate'. Listen here.

REDISCOVERED: Gram Rabbit - Dirty Horse

Haven't really listened to these guys all that much, but I just came across this track randomly on You Tube and used to love it! It's sounds like a song from a gothic spaghetti western.

 

New: Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part II (Return of the Ankh) (2010)

Erykah Badu's new album is now up on Spotify, for those of you with accounts! I'm a third of the way through on my first listen and things are sounding very Badu. It has the same chilled out, late night vibe of her earlier albums and early reviews have been very good!

Pop Matters Review

Sputnik Music Review

Meta Critic

AV Club Review

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: Gonjasufi - A Sufi and a Killer (2010)

Isaac Hayes (Change), The Stooges (SuzieQ), ODB's drunken singing (throughout!), late-60s psych freak-outs, Ravi Shankar, Madlib, hip-hop, blues, Mulatu Astatke (DedNd), Tom Waits, Flying Lotus, Captain Beefheart, 70s funk, Massive Attack.

Above was just a list of a few things that sprung to mind when I listened to in bed last night, which by the way is a perfect place to listen to an album like this. Another thing that struck me, is that I can't recall an album that encompasses every genre quite like this one does. It's almost like a history lesson in music, played by a guy in love with music. It's quite refreshing to hear somebody blend so many genres and still make a cohesive album, all blended together in a haze of smoke. If you like any of the above genres or artists then be sure to give this one a listen!

SONG/VIDEO OF THE WEEK: The Rolling Stones - Sweet Virginia

I LOVE THIS SONG! I'll never get bored of this song or 'Exile on Main St.' for that matter! A perfect song.

Listen in Spotify

Artist of the week: Exile

I've had Exile's 'Radio' and Blu & Exile's 'Below the Heavens' on heavy rotation in work over the past few weeks and both quickly became favourites that I know I'll be bumping a lot over the coming months. Exile's 'Radio' was made using entirely radio based samples, that include songs, talk shows, news bulletins and static. Take a look at the below video to see him talk about how he first came up with the idea.



The standout track for me at the moment has to be the incredible 'The Sound is God'. The beat is definitely a goosebump-inducer and is just so so nice. Check it out:



'Below the Heavens' has slowly been turning into a hip-hop classic and deserves to be heard by far more people than it has been. The production matches Blu's flow perfectly (or vice versa!) and is a perfect album from start to finish.



I've also recently been getting into Fashawn's awesome 'Boy Meets World' LP, which was produced entirely by Exile. The production is flawless and generally has a pretty upbeat feel throughout and he even manages to sample Joanna Newsom on 'When She Calls'! One reviewer over on Rate Your Music described the track 'Stars' as "just one of those songs that sound the best when you sit on your back on a muggy summer evening, inhaling the familiar scent of grass as you stargaze." That pretty much sums up the album for me and takes me back to the 90s and the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, with their sample heavy beats and summery vibes. Take a listen in Spotify.



I guess that's the thing I love most about Exile's sound...that feeling of summer and my youth, when I first discovered hip-hop.

New RUN DMT track!

RUN DMT has posted up a new track called 'The Changling'. I'm not quite sure how to describe it, but I've been listening to 'Bong Voyage' quite a bit this week (which you can download for free on his myspace) and I really like his style of music. Whilst most of the tracks are best listened to in the context of an album, it makes really nice bedtime/night time listening and is kinda like listening to the radio, but flicking through the channels before really hearing any full songs, whilst at the same time hearing the sounds of the night breaking through the sound every now and again. I also want to check out the other free mixtape on there: 'Get Ripped or Die Trying'. Take a listen at www.myspace.com/rundmt. Furthermore, I plan to check out Dem Hunger, who also specialises in random spaced out mixes (also check out his site here). .

New Broken Social Scene tracks!

Take a listen to 3 of the tracks off the upcoming (4th May) Broken Social Scene album, 'Forgiveness Rock Record.'

Documentary: Krautrock (BBC)

Following on from the previous post, also make sure you watch this BBC Documentary about the Krautrock scene!

Documentary: Prog Rock Britannia (BBC)

Check out this awesome documentary about the beginnings of the British Prog scene! Part 1 of 9 below.

New (ish) Single: Neon Indian - Sleep Paralysist (2010)

Neon Indian has recently released his new single; his first new material since last years brilliant 'Psychic Chasms'. The single was released on Mountain Dew’s Green Label Sound, where you can also download the single for free!

J Dilla...A Spotify Playlist

I've been listening to a lot of Slum Village recently and thought I'd make a Spotify playlist of tracks he was involved with, whether as a rapper or producer. I couldn't find everything on there, but there are a fair few tracks! I know not everyone has Spotify, but if you do take a listen!

J Dilla Discography

J DILLA

FREE STREAM! MGMT - Congratulations (2010)

MGMT have posted up their new album, 'Congratulations', as a free stream and I've just started listening to it. Stereogum just posted up a premature evaluation up if you wanna check it out and with mentions of The Kinks, Flaming Lips, The Zombies, The Beatles and more within the evaluation, I'm definitely looking forward to hearing the whole album! There are a few reviews floating around already and people have already started to rate it on Rate Your Music and for an album that's only just become available I always find it hard to believe people can really write an accurate/real review so early on, but take a listen for yourself and hopefully it won't disappoint.

Captain Beefheart Documentary

I've been listening to Beefheart's 'Safe As Milk' quite a bit today and thought I'd share this BBC Documentary with you! I've included the first part of the documentary below (the rest are on You Tube!) and also a nice video of the band performing  'Sure 'Nuff 'N Yes I Do'.

Listen to 'Safe As Milk' in Spotify

 

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms (2009)

When I first heard about this album last year, I never really thought it'd be my thing, as I'm not that into electronic music and the terms chill-wave etc kinda put me off. Anyway, I randomly started listening to it yesterday and I must say that I really do like this album. It's not mind blowing or a classic by any means, but it's definitely gonna be getting some serious play time over the coming months. The first songs that really drew me in are 'Deadbeat Summer' and 'Terminally Chill', but the album is exactly that, an album and is definitely best when played all the way through. It's kinda like Daft Punk and Ariel Pink, in that it sounds quite Daft Punky in places, but has the mood/feel of an Ariel Pink album. Anyway, check out the videos below and take a listen for yourself.

http://www.myspace.com/neonindian

NEW TRACK: The Black Keys - Tighten Up (2010)

You can listen to the new Black Keys single over on their Myspace page. Produced by Danger Mouse. Their new album is due out on 18th May and will be called 'Brothers', but unlike their last album, most of the tracks will be self-produced.

NEW SINGLE: Goldfrapp - ROCKET (2010)

I really enjoyed Goldfrapp's last album, 'Seventh Tree' and after hearing this new track off forthcoming album 'HEAD FIRST', I'm really looking forward to hearing it! This track reminds me of Van Halen's 'Jump', mixed with a little Pointer Sisters ('Jump' or 'I'm So Excited') and could've quite easily been on Flash FM on the Vice City soundtrack for Grand Theft Auto alongside Laura Branigan's 'Self Control'. The track really makes me want to go out on a long power walk, or head for Miami in a white suit (sleeves rolled up and gold chain/watch) and cruise the night beneath the flickering neon lights. It'd also probably make a perfect song for a montage in a film ('Flashdance'). The album is out 22nd March on Mute. Check out the awesome music video below!

Play Rocket in Spotify (including remixes)

NEW: Erykah Badu - Strawberry Incense (2010)

Erykah Badu just posted up a new Madlib produced track from her forthcoming album. Click here to listen!

NEW TRACK: Run DMT - Spruce Bringsteen (2010)

I've never heard of these guys before, but just came across this track over on Chocolate Bobka and thought it was pretty damn nice. It's a great summer track and should definitiely be filed next to the likes of Real Estate, Ducktails etc. Their Myspace page says they're on Woodist/Wigflip, but I can't find too much else about them anywhere. They do have some free music for download on there too, so be sure to check it out.

Run DMT - Spruce Bringsteen

COMING SOON: Meth, Ghost & Rae - Wu-Massacre (2010)

As usual, things always slip under my radar unnoticed and I only just heard about this album, which is due for release at the end of the month! Following Raekwon's awesome 'Only Built For Cuban Linx II' last year, it's fair to say expectations are pretty damn high! However, I just read something Method Man said and am not totally sure what to expect now:

“Def Jam put a rush on it.  We didn’t have a lot of time to work on it. We recorded with no budget. It is what it is. We did this for the fans. It felt good to get in the studio with Rae and Ghost. The future looks bright.”

Quite a few of the songs have been leaked too apparently, so I'm gonna go give them a listen. Anyway, check out the trailer below:

J Dilla - Donut Shop (2010)

A new J Dilla release will be out in May, but will only feature 6 tracks. One of them is 'Safety Dance' and the other tracks will comprise of:

"The J Dilla tracks consist of three previously unreleased instrumentals selected by J.Rocc from the Dilla archives – “Safety Dance”, “Sycamore”, “Bars & Twists” – and three unreleased instrumental versions of Dilla's production for Mos Def, Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes, each remastered by Elysian Masters who mixed and mastered J Dilla's Donuts, The Shining and Ruff Draft albums."

'Safety Dance' is a nice track and is a definite improvement on the 80s track it was based on (Men Without Hats), but this release is worth buying purely for the packaging alone!Check out the Donut slip mats! :D Also make sure you check out Turk from Scrubs doing his own 'Safety Dance'!

MWW FAVOURITE: Devendra Banhart

Devendra Banhart is one of my all-time favourite artists and I always look forward to his albums. I'm not one for big rambling posts on why you should listen to people, so take a listen to these tracks below. One from each album. If I had to pick a favourite album, I'd probably go with 'Cripple Crow', as I think it is his most varied work and was the first album of his full spectrum of talents. Also included are Spotify links to each album. Enjoy!

The Charles C. Leary (2002)



Oh Me Oh My... The Way the Day Goes by the Sun Is Setting Dogs Are Dreaming Lovesongs of the Christmas Spirit (2002)



Rejoicing in the Hands (2004) 

Listen in Spotify





Niño Rojo (2004)

Listen in Spotify



Cripple Crow (2005)

Listen in Spotify



Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon (2007)



What Will We Be (2009)

Listen in Spotify

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Home

A friend reminded me how good this song was earlier tonight and I think the video's pretty damn cool too!

NEW VIDEO: Devendra Banhart - Baby with MGMT, The Strokes & Gza!

Check out this sweet new video to Banhart's 'Baby', off his underrated album, 'What Will We Be' from 2009. Look out for Andrew Van Wyngarden of MGMT, Fabrizio Moretti of The Strokes and Gza!


Devendra Banhart ~ Baby from Ron Winter on Vimeo.

Titus Andronicus - The Monitor (2010)

I had never listened to these guys before until the release of this album and I've not entirely made my mind up about this album yet, but I will say that this album is growing on me more everyday. I won't ramble on for too long, but if you're a fan of Bruce Springsteen, Bright Eyes, The Hold Steady, Dinosaur Jr, The Dropkick Murphys or The Gaslight Anthem then there's a strong chance you'll find something to enjoy in this album. It's not up on Spotify yet, but there debut is. For now here's a trailer for the album and a You Tube upload of a live perfofmance of the first song from the album:


The Monitor (Rate Your Music)

Ryan Adams to release a 'metal' album?

Ryan Adams has posted up a new song over on his website and wonders if the public would uy a full album, entitled 'ORION', of 'metal' songs? The song isn't really that metal, but it's a bit heavier than his usual sound and is actually pretty cool. Take a listen below and vote on his website! Some reports have suggested it could still all be a joke, as he has previously joked around within the genre before, with his side project Werewolph. It doesn't sound like one, but you never know!

"We're going to begin pressing ORION -- my most legit METAL record -- on vinyl next week. Have a listen to the song below and let us at PAXAM know if you'd be interested in purchasing one."

ORION . ELECTROSNAKE by ryanadams

FREE STREAM! The White Stripes - Under Great White Northern Lights (2010)

The upcoming album from The White Stripes is now up on NPR for your listening pleasure! The album is their first live album and features a mix of oldies, newer songs and even features their cover of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene'!

FREE STREAM! Drive-By Truckers - The Big To-Do (2010)

I don't know how I forgot about this, but the new Drive-By Truckers album is out on 16th March! However, you can listen to it over at Spinner for FREE! Their last official LP, 2008's 'Brighter Than Creation's Dark', was one of my favourite albums in ages and although I'm only on my first listen, I'm sure it'll end up being one of my favourites of the year.

The Big To-Do (Rate Your Music)

Broken Bells Release Debut (2010)

Danger Mouse and James Mercer (singer in the Shins) released their joint album, under the name Broken Bells, on Monday although I haven't got round to listening to it yet, I love 'The High Road', which you can watch below. One of the things I like best about Danger Mouse's work with other artists is that when you hear the songs it couldn't be anyone else other than them, but he still manages to add enough touches to let you know he's still there. The album is now up on spotify too for those of you with accounts! The album is still up on NPR too for those of you without Spotify!

Listen in Spotify

http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/broken_bells_f1/broken_bells/


BROKEN BELLS, "THE HIGH ROAD" from EJ on Vimeo.

Madlib Medicine Show No.3: Beat Konducta in Africa (2010)

The third installment of Madlib's Medicine Show is due out 23rd March and is entitled, 'Beat Konducta in Africa'. Stones Throw have made a couple of tracks available for download here. There are also a few video samples for you to check out.

"This album bases itself on the obscure vinyl gems from the afro-beat, funk, psych-rock, garage-rock & soul movements of African countries as diverse as Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Botswana and Ivory Coast."

And remember! "Odd numbers in the series are original albums by Madlib, even numbers are mixtapes."


Madlib Medicine Show 1: Before the Verdict  (Listen in Spotify)
Madlib Medicine Show 2: Flight to Brazil

VIDEO: Real Estate - Suburban Dogs

Willie Nelson - Teatro (1998)

This is a really great laid back album for late nights that features spot on production from Daniel Lanois and backing vocals from Emmylou Harris. It was recorded in a converted Mexican movie theater and it's no surprise that in places it sounds a little like Calexico. A lot of people think that the album is overproduced, but I think the production only adds to the overall atmosphere of the album. If you're a fan of Willie, Emmylou, Calexico or Lanois' work with Dylan ('Oh Mercy' and 'Time Out of Mind') be sure to check this album out.

Listen in Spotify

Caroline Herring - Golden Apples of the Sun (2009)

For fans of Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and anything from Laurel Canyon in the late 60s/early 70s.

Listen in Spotify

Lissie - In Sleep EP (2010)

Lissie is due to release the follow up to her 'Why You Runnin' EP' on 15th April. 'In Sleep EP' will be her first release on Columbia Records and her first full length is due out sometime in June. Check out the first track from her EP below:

 

Big Boi - Fo Yo Sorrows featuring Too $hort & George Clinton

The new Big Boi album, 'Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty', is due to be released 23rd March and the follow-up single to 'Shine Blockas' has just been released; 'Fo Yo Sorrows' features Too $hort & George Clinton. Andre 3000 is also due to drop his first official solo album later this year and a new Outkast album is also rumoured to be on the horizon.


Fo Yo Sorrows VIDEO Big Boi Ft. Too Short and George Clinton from SNORT THIS TV on Vimeo.


Big Boi Ft. Gucci Mane - Shine Blockas Video from SNORT THIS TV on Vimeo.

Jimi Hendrix - Valleys of Neptune (2010)

'Valleys of Neptune' was released today and is now available on Spotify. For an excellent track by track breakdown check out Music Radar.

New MGMT - Flash Delirium

MGMT have made one of their new tracks available for download over on their website and by the sounds of things the album should be quite a trip! Thew new album is out 13th April.

Don Cavalli

I just came across this guy now over on the excellent Aquarium Drunkard and as soon as I heard the opening guitar lick and drum beat on the Creedence Clearwater Revivalesque 'I'm Going to the River', I knew I was gonna like him. After listening to a few more tracks on his myspace page, it's clear that he's not just another White Stripes or Black Keys and tracks range from the blues to dub reggae style spaced out tracks complete with harmonica and extra reverb. What's more, this is the work of a 35 year old guy from Paris. Ok, as I type this I just found the whole album is available in Spotify and am gonna stick it on! As of yet it seems he's only released one album in 2007, 'Cryland', but be sure to check this guy out!

EDIT: After listening to this album on repeat today I have to say that it's held my interest the entire time and I'd recommend it to any fans of the blues, whether it be Robert Johnson, R.L. Burnside or Cream. Great album!

http://rateyourmusic.com/artist/don_cavalli

Listen to 'Cryland' in Spotify

http://www.everloving.com

Ski Beatz - 24 Hour Karate School TRAILER/VISUAL MIXTAPE

This is one of the coolest ideas ever to build some anticipation of a new album/mixtape release! The tracks sound dope and the video is really entertaining! In case you didn't already know, Ski is a legendary producer who started out in the 80s as MC Will-Ski. After callign it quits on the rapping game, he decided to focus solely on producing and contributed 4 tracks to Jay-Z's 'Reasonable Doubt' ("Dead Presidents," "22 Two's", "Politics as Usual," and "Feelin' It."). He's also worked with the likes of Fat Joe, Camp Lo and AZ. Also check out the videos for 'Ariel' and 'S.T.A.L.L.E.Y.'  below and be sure to visit http://www.24hourkarateschool.com/, where you can download a snipper and watch more videos! The album/mixtape is due to drop 30th March.





'AERIAL' JIM JONES X CURREN$Y 24HR KARATE SCHOOL from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Beat The Devil's Tattoo (2010)

The new Black Rebel Motorcycle Club album, 'Beat The Devil's Tattoo', was released today and sounds like they've returned to their earlier sound. Plenty of pounding drums and swirling guitars. 'Howl' is still my favourite album of theirs though...

Listen in Spotify

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Delaney, Bonnie & Friends - Comin' Home (live 1970)

Check out this great performance of 'Comin' Home', off  their 1970 album 'Delaney & Bonnie & Friends: On Tour With Eric Clapton'. Also featured alongside Delaney & Bonnie are the future Derek and the Dominos (Eric Clapton, Jim Gordon, Carl Radle, Bobby Whitlook) and George Harrison!
 

Pavement Best Of and Reissues (2010)

Pavement will tomorrow release a Best Of entitled 'Quarantine the Past' and will also release vinyl reissues of their 5 Matador LPs plus their 'Watery Domestic EP'. I'm by no means a Pavement expert, but when I first heard their 'Crooked Rain Crooked Rain' album I couldn't stop listening to it. It's full of catchy hooks and has a very loose sound that never gets boring. If you've never heard them before, take a listen in Spotify. 'Quarantine the Past' should no doubt be on there pretty soon, but for now take a listen to 'Crooked Rain Crooked Rain' from 1994. The album is ranked the 4th best for 1994 and the 128th best of all time on Rate Your Music.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Willie Nelson ft. Bee Spears - Okie from Muskogee

UNKLE ft. The Black Angels - Natural Selection (2010)

The new UNKLE album is due out in May and features a guest list that includes The Black Angels, Mark Lanegan and Sleepy Sun. The track with The Black Angels can be downloaded on UNKLE's website or listened to below.

Wolf People - Tidings (2010)

Up until today, I'd only heard their track, 'Village Strollin'', which was on the compilation 'A Psychedelic Guide to Monsterism Island'. Of the new album, I've only heard a sampler that's on their myspace and seen the video for 'Cotton Threads' and 'October Fires', but these guys sound pretty damn cool! 'Cotton Threads' sounds like a bluesy Fairport Convention complete with flute and sitar, whilst 'October Fires' sounds like a mix between Cream and Captain Beefheart. They're a London band and are on Jagjaguwar and the album was released 23rd February. Their influences range from Captain Beefheart to MF Doom and they class themselves somewhere in the Blues/Folk Rock/Progressive area. Well worth checking out!

http://www.myspace.com/wolfpeople

The Strange Boys - Be Brave (2010)

The Strange Boys' new album, 'Be Brave', was released 22nd February and is now available on Spotify. I'm on my first listen and it's not disappointed me so far. The album has thus far received some pretty mixed reviews, with most people sitting on the fence at 3/5 stars. They just have a sound that really appeals to me and have a nice combination of slower, more ballady moments blended with more upbeat, straight up rock n roll that make for a fun listen. The album seems to have a more varied sound than their first, with elements of country ('Friday in Paris'), blues, rock and folk evident throughout. This was never going to be a groundbreaking album, but it's as good as any other garage rock albums out there today and now that the sun is finally shining here in Sweden, it feels like a perfect time for an album like this.

Listen to 'Be Brave' in Spotify

Beach Fossils - Daydream 7" (2010)

I just came across these guys randomly on Spotify and insantly took a liking to the laid back beachy vibes of 'Daydream', that made me want summer more than ever! Be sure to check out their myspace page below for some more tracks! They're on Woodist/Captured Tracks and are due to release their first full length in April and have toured with fellow Woodists Real Estate, a favourite of mine from 2009. Definitely one to watch for 2010!

Listen in Spotify

http://www.myspace.com/beachfossils

SAMPLED: Slum Village - Fall-N-Love/Iron Butterfly & Gap Mangione

I've been listening to a lot of Slum Village today and thought I'd post up this Dilla classic and the 2 songs sampled in it. The Iron Butterfly track is awesome. Check it!

FREE STREAM! Gorillaz - Plastic Beach (2010)

NPR have yet another treat for you all. Take a listen to the new Gorillaz album a week before its official release here. I have no idea what to expect and am currently on the second track which is pretty chilled and faded in nicely from the cool orchestral intro. Snoop isn't doing too much, but it's a nice start to the album and in places almost sounds like it might have sampled Kool & the Gang's 'Summer Madness', with hints of Flying Lotus/Dam Funk in there too. Anyway, check it out for yourselves!

New Phosphorescent album coming soon!

 Phosphorescent is set to release his new album, 'Here's to Taking it Easy', on 11th May and you can listen to the first single on his myspace page. My first impression was that it kinda sounds like a country Bruce Springsteen track and that can only be a good thing! I look forward to hearing the rest of the album!

You can listen to all of his albums on Spotify:

'To Willie' (2009)

'Pride' (2007)

'Aw Come Aw Wry' (2005)

'A Hundred Times or More' (2003)

Be Yourself: A Tribute to Graham Nash's Songs For Beginners

To be released 25th May and featuring Alela Diane, Port O'Brien, Brendan Benson, Robin Pecknold, Vetiver, Espers, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Nash's daughter Nile and more!

http://www.grassrootsrecordco.com/


"BE YOURSELF" GRAHAM NASH 2010 TRIBUTE ADVANCE EPK #2 promo from (((folkYEAH!))) on Vimeo.

When You're Strange - a film about The Doors

 
This looks incredible! Make sure you watch it in HD! It's due out on 9th April and looks like it has some amazing footage! If you watch the clips on the official website, you'll also notice that it was the remaining members who wanted the project to be done, so that can only be a good thing! Following the Wu-Tang Clan, The Doors were the first real band I became obsessed with and changed the way I listened to music forever. Hopefully this film will capture what they meant to me and still do.

http://www.whenyourestrangemovie.com/

J Dilla Documentary

I came across this nice little documentary about the late J Dilla over on The Tape is Not Sticky and thought I'd share it with you. If you've not heard much Dilla before, take a listen to these in Spotify:

'Jay Stay Paid' (2009)
'The Shining' (2006)
'Donuts' (2006)
'Ruff Draft' (2003)
'Welcome 2 Detroit' (2001)

http://rateyourmusic.com/artist/j_dilla


Stussy - J Dilla Documentary Prt 1 (of 3) from Stussy on Vimeo.



Stussy - J Dilla Documentary Prt 2 (of 3) from Stussy on Vimeo.


Stussy - J Dilla Documentary Prt3 (of 3) from Stussy on Vimeo.