January 29, 2013 · 3:03 pm

Download: The Hood Internet – “Pyramidspeak” (Purity Ring vs Frank Ocean)

Last year, Chicago mashup powerhouses, The Hood Internet, expanded their reach into the realm of sample-free original content with the release of their debut LP, FEAT, on Decon Records and subsequent North American tour. In 2013, they will keep the sweat-inducing dance parties aflame on their US tour in support of Pittsburgh experimental electro outsiders Black Moth Super Rainbow this May. The duo, comprised of STV SLV and ABX, will undoubtedly rile crowds with both mashups and original productions, both of which always seamlessly meld some of the industry’s most disparate acts in excitingly creative ways.

The tour kicks off on May 9th in Cleveland and will also feature previous tourmates Oscillator Bug.

Download: The Hood Internet – “Pyramidspeak” (Purity Ring vs Frank Ocean)

LIVE DATES W/ BLACK MOTH SUPER RAINBOW & OSCILLATOR BUG:

  • Thu. 05-09-13           Cleveland OH             Beachland Ballroom
  • Fri. 05-10-13             Detroit MI                    Magic Stick
  • Sat. 05-11-13              Chicago IL                   Metro
  • Sun. 05-12-13            Madison WI                Majestic Theatre
  • Mon. 05-13-13          Minneapolis MN          Fine Line Music Cafe
  • Wed. 05-15-13          St. Louis MO              Firebird
  • Fri. 05-17-13             Denver CO                  Bluebird Theater
  • Sat. 05-18-13            Salt Lake City UT      Urban Lounge
  • Mon. 05-20-13         Seattle WA                 Neumos
  • Tue. 05-21-13           Portland OR              Hawthorne Theater
  • Fri. 05-24-13            San Francisco CA     The Fillmore
  • Sat. 05-25-13           Los Angeles CA         Echoplex
  • Sun. 05-26-13          Phoenix AZ                The Crescent Ballroom
  • Tue. 05-28-13          Austin TX                   The Mohawk
  • Wed. 05-29-13         Houston TX                Fitzgerald’s
  • Thu. 05-30-13          New Orleans LA        One Eyed Jacks
  • Fri. 05-31-13             Atlanta GA                 Masquerade (Hell Stage)
  • Sat. 06-01-13            Asheville NC              Orange Peel

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January 29, 2013 · 2:54 pm

Debut Album From C2C Out Today

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Hot on the heels of their acclaimed Down the Road EP, C2C’s debut album, Tetra [Casablanca Records], is out digitally today (January 29) via iTunes and all digital retailers, with the physical version hitting the shelves on February 11. As a gift to listeners, the French turntable trailblazers are offering the first single “Happy” [featuring Derek Martin] as a free download (see link below). The band will also be coming over Stateside in April to perform at Coachella on April 12th and 19th. Keep an eye out for more US tour dates, coming soon!

Currently, the music video for “Happy” (which I posted here) is nearing 800K YouTube/VEVO views, and it’s firmly planted the groundwork for the French quartet’s American infiltration. Critics continue to sing their praises as well. Paper Magazine declared that C2C are “simply brilliant,” MTV Iggy called them “lush, inventive,” and Absolute Punk extolled them for being “otherworldly, astounding, and awe-inspiring.”

This isn’t their first time around the block though. C2C initially came together in 1998, formed by the four high school friends. From 2003-2006, they conquered the DMC Championship, winning four times in a row and garnering a rabid worldwide fan base. However, 2006 marked the beginning of a four-year break for other projects, Hocus Pocus and Beat Torrent, before these four musicians would reform. Now, C2C have returned, and they have their sights set on dance floor domination uniquely mixing live instrumentation and turntable fireworks.

Download: C2C – “Happy”

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January 29, 2013 · 2:45 pm

New Album Alert & Trailer Video: !!!

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On April 30, !!! will release their fifth full-length album THR!!!ER.   “Over the course of many long van rides and post-coffee verbal riff sessions”, guitarist Mario Andreoni explains:

“Thriller didn’t merely come to represent the selling of a lot of records…it became synonymous with an artist(s)’ and/or genre(s)’ artistic high-water mark.  INXS’ Kick is the Australian Thriller…Alanis’s Jagged Little Pill is the Canadian Thriller…Wham’s Make It Big is the blow-dryer’s Thriller…every recording by the 13th Floor Elevators is the dosed-man’s Thriller…Sister Ray by Velvet Underground is the Thriller of musical fever dreams. One day at the studio, Nic [Offer, vocalist] drew THR!!!ER on a napkin and I liked it…then we made our THR!!!ER.”

Famous for their high-energy live shows and relentless touring schedule, the band have really focused their efforts on crafting an album with tighter song structures. To help with this, the majority of the album was recorded with Jim Eno, the drummer in Spoon and one of the key forces behind the boards for the band.  Like many people, Jim was a fan of !!!’s live show, but he felt that they too often tried to capture these performances in the studio. Instead of trying to chase this feeling, Jim encouraged them to create a different type of excitement by using weirder sounds, inventing new dynamics within each song and introducing unexpected changes. “They had this working flow that was a little rigid and I wanted to break them out of it,” says Jim.

With the members spread out across the country, writing new music wasn’t the easiest of processes. Andreoni offers that “In the past we just put albums together any way that works. That usually meant a lot of jamming on loose ideas.” For THR!!!ER, !!! went into the studio with everything written and a strong sense of each song’s shape. “We’ve never tried to make the same record twice, we might have accidentally, but we’ve always tried to push on. For this one it felt like we definitely shoved off from the shore,” says Offer.

THR!!!ER Tracklist
1.    Even When The Water’s Cold
2.    Get That Rhythm Right
3.    One Girl/ One Boy
4.    Fine Fine Fine
5.    Slyd
6.    Californiyeah
7.    Except Death
8.    Careful
9.    Station (Meet Me At The)

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January 29, 2013 · 2:37 pm

Video: Feed Me & Crystal Fighters – “Love Is All I Got”

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“Love is All I Got” is a collaboration between Jon Gooch AKA Feed Me and the multi-national 5-piece band Crystal Fighters.  The two acts met while on the Parklife festival tour in Australia late 2011.  After a few nights out together, they decided to get in the studio upon their return to London, and in turn, “Love Is All I Got” was born.  This is the first single from Feed Me’s forthcoming album.

Feed Me kicks off a US run of dates Jan 29th through Feb 22nd with two date runs in most major markets.
FEED ME “WITH TEETH” US TOUR DATES:

Tue Jan 29: Washington, DC, USA @ 9:30 Club
Wed Jan 30: Philadelphia, PA, USA @ TLA
Thu Jan 31: Philadelphia, PA, USA @ TLA
Fri Feb 01: Atlanta, GA, USA @ Opera
Sat Feb 02: New York, NY, USA @ Webster Hall
Sun Feb 03: New York, NY, USA @ Webster Hall
Mon Feb 04: Boston, MA, USA @ Royale NightClub
Tue Feb 05: Boston, MA, USA @ Royale NightClub
Fri Feb 08: Chicago, IL, USA @ House of Blues
Sat Feb 09: Chicago, IL, USA @ House of Blues
Mon Feb 11: Boulder, CO, USA @ Fox Theatre
Tue Feb 12: Denver, CO, USA @ Ogden Theatre
Thu Feb 14: San Francisco, CA, USA @ Regency Ballroom
Fri Feb 15: San Francisco, CA, USA @ Regency Ballroom
Sat Feb 16: Los Angeles, CA, USA @ The Fonda Theatre
Sun Feb 17: Los Angeles, CA, USA @ The Fonda Theatre
Wed Feb 20: Seattle, WA, USA @ Showbox at the Market
Thu Feb 21: Seattle, WA, USA @ Showbox at the Market
Fri Feb 22: Honolulu, HI, USA @ The Republik

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January 29, 2013 · 2:20 pm

Video: Tegan and Sara Teach Andy Samberg How to be a Heartthrob

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Tegan and Sara’s seventh studio album, Heartthrob, is out today (iTunes link, Spotify link). Everyone seems to be talking about the album and first single, “Closer” (which I posted the video for, here) The girls released songs early on a wide range of outlets including Vanity Fair, Glamour and NPR via All Songs Considered. Heartthrob premiered in its entirety with Rolling Stone, who have been huge supporters.

To say there’s a lot going on right now would be an understatement. The girls are on the cover of the new digital issue of Spin, scored a massive feature in The Wall St Journal, covered the Rolling Stones classic “Fool To Cry” for the soundtrack to the HBO smash series Girls and were just announced as one of the top line attractions at Coachella. They’ll be performing “Closer” this Thursday, January 31st on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Tour Dates:

  • Feb 01     Club Nokia – Los Angeles, CA
  • Feb 19 Beacon Theatre – New York, NY
  • Feb 20 Beacon Theatre – New York, NY
  • Feb 26     MTS Centre – Winnipeg, Canada
  • Feb 28     MacEwan Hall – Calgary, Canada
  • Mar 01     MacEwan Hall – Calgary, Canada
  • Mar 03     Shaw Conference Centre – Edmonton, Canada
  • Mar 04     Conexus Arts Centre Theatre – Regina, Canada
  • Mar 06     First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
  • Mar 07     Pabst Theater – Milwaukee, WI
  • Mar 09     LC Pavilion – Columbus, OH
  • Mar 10     The Pageant – St. Louis, MO
  • Mar 11     Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK
  • Apr 12     Coachella – Indio, CA
  • Apr 14     Rialto Theatre – Tucson, AZ
  • Apr 19     Coachella – Indio, CA

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January 28, 2013 · 12:24 pm

The Flaming Lips – “Sun Blows Up Today”

The Flaming Lips and Warner Bros. Records will release their thirteenth studio album, THE TERROR on April 2nd but you can see and hear and the new video for an exclusive non-album track, titled “Sun Blows Up Today” right now!

As previously announced, those who pre-order The Terror digitally beginning Jan 29th, through the iTunes Store or other participating digital retailers will receive “Sun Blows Up Today” as an instant gratification, non-album, bonus track. This is the only way to get the new song by The Flaming Lips.

Looking for more from your favorite band?   Well, if you’re near a TV set this Sunday, Feb 3rd, watching the Super Bowl, you might just see a very cool TV commercial by Hyundai that stars none other than The Flaming Lips and features the song, “Sun Blows Up Today”.

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January 25, 2013 · 11:09 am

New Track: MS MR – “Fantasy”

FantasySingleCover

NYC-based, indie-pop duo MS MR has announced that their debut album, Second Hand Rapture, will be released May 14th in the U.S. on Columbia Records. Lizzy Plapinger (MS) and Max Hershenow (MR) began their musical collaboration in December of 2010, recording in secrecy, at Hershenow’s home studio in Brooklyn, NY over the course of 2011.   Produced by Hershenow, with additional production and mix by Tom Elmhirst, Second Hand Rapture is comprised of 12 tracks and includes the band’s debut single “Hurricane.”

In May of 2012 MS MR mysteriously released the eye-catching video for their single “Hurricane” (I posted it here) which was named “Best New Track” by Pitchfork and has since skyrocketed to over 1 million views.  Noteworthy media outlets across the world were instantly captivated by the then unknown act’s compelling blend of nostalgic, atmospheric pop.  “Hurricane” was the first of three additional tracks (“Bones,” “Dark Doo Wop,” and “Ash Tree Lane”, exclusive remixes by Twin Shadow, Tom Vek, Chet Faker and Charli XCX and music videos) released off of the band’s critically acclaimed debut EP Candy Bar Creep Show.  Debuted via a unique widget on MS MR’s Tumblr, the duo received praise for their unconventional EP to which The Guardian noted, “prepare to be blown away” and the Wall Street Journal raved, “a very promising debut.”

Having toured with Marina and the Diamonds and Grouplove last year, the band will make their debut this year at SXSW, perform at NYC’s Governor’s Ball and plan to tour through the release of their new album this summer.

Stream: MS MR – “Fantasy”

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January 24, 2013 · 12:02 pm

Guitar Center Sessions Upcoming Episodes

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An all new episode of Guitar Center Sessions featuring the legendary Reggae star Jimmy Cliff will air, Friday, Jan 25th, at 9pm on DIRECTV’s Audience Network (channel 239).

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Check out Jimmy Cliff performing “Children’s Bread” for his upcoming episode of Guitar Center Sessions HERE.

The season will continue with episodes featuring such dynamic artists as Mexican rock band Kinky, Prince protogee Andy Allo, and Skylar Grey of Dr. Dre’s “I Need a Doctor” fame.

Check out the remaining airdates below:

  • Jan 25         Jimmy Cliff
  • Feb 8           Kinky
  • Feb 22         Andy Allo
  • March 8      Skylar Grey

Already halfway into the season, there have been many showstopping moments. Below are just a few of those highlights:

 

 

 

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January 23, 2013 · 4:35 pm

Download: The Royal Concept – “World on Fire”

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The Royal Concept is offering a free download of their brand new single “World on Fire.” Available on their official site now, the track comes from the Swedish quartet’s forthcoming full-length album for LAVA Records/Republic Records, due out later this year.
Following up the band’s acclaimed self-titled debut EP, “World on Fire” blazes with sexy synths, an ’80s-style swing, and a danceable hook. Delivered with a spark of effusive charisma and cheeky lyrics, it’s primed to heat dance floors everywhere up. Frontman David Larson sings, “I see the world has gone mad.”

The band will be sharing the stage with alternative sensations Imagine Dragons and Atlas Genius for a string of dates in February.

Download: The Royal Concept – “World on Fire”

Upcoming Tour Dates:
2/18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Electric Factory
2/22 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
2/23 – New York, NY – Roseland Ballroom
2/25 Boston, MA – House of Blues

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January 23, 2013 · 2:45 pm

Newest Love: The Rubens

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Warner Bros. Records is pleased to announce that it has signed Australian rock sensations The Rubens to its roster. The band – which is brothers Sam Margin (vocals/guitar), Elliott Margin (keyboards), and Zaac Margin (guitar), plus their longtime friend Scott Baldwin (drums) – hail from the tiny rural town of Menangle in New South Wales (population 327) and have been on a whirlwind journey since forming in 2011. They have gone from being total unknowns to enjoying strong support from Australia’s influential radio station Triple J and playing the main stage at one of Australia’s biggest music festivals, Splendour in the Grass, alongside Jack White and Bloc Party. The Rubens also opened for The Black Keys in New Zealand and have been selected to support Bruce Springsteen during his tour of Australia this March.

The Rubens’ self-titled debut album, which was recorded in New York City with producer David Kahne (Paul McCartney, The Strokes, Regina Spektor), has already won over a legion of fans with its rich, soulful take on blues rock. The album debuted at No. 3 on the ARIA chart and sold more than 10K its first week, shooting to No. 1 on iTunes Australia. The album’s first single, “My Gun,” as well as the album itself, has been certified gold in Australia and has spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on Triple J.

The Rubens will make their U.S. debut performing at SXSW and touring here in March. Prior to that, the band will tour the UK and Europe with Walk The Moon beginning February 20th. The band are pleased to announce their first-ever headlining shows outside of Australia as follows:

  • Feb 19        Sebright Arms London, England
  • Mar 11       Mercury Lounge New York, NY
  • Mar 20      TBC San Francisco, CA
  • Mar 21       The Hotel Cafe Los Angeles, CA

Warner Bros. Records will release The Rubens’ album on June 11th.

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