The Last Post Of The Year

...and here we are at the end of another year. Instead of saying what my favorite album was (Beach House's Teen Dream) or favorite song (LCD Soundsystem's "Drunk Girls") or even the pop artist I loathed the most (Katy Perry is awarded this for "California Gurls" alone), I want to take a moment to talk about some of the highlights of the year that was 2010.

Tonight: Major Lazer & Pretty Lights At Congress Theater

Win $5000 From Duran Duran And Genero TV

In the 80's, Duran Duran were music video visionaries at a time when the format, as more than a one-off promo, was still in its infancy. Outside of Devo and Michael Jackson, there were very few artists creating a uniquely stylistic visual element to go along with their exceptional musical output. Now is your chance to be their next Russell Mulcahy and direct one of nine tracks from their latest album. 

Celebrate The New Year With Free Gorillaz and Klaxons Releases

Just in time for the holiday season, Gorillaz and Klaxons have given the gift of new music. Last weekend, the two groups released two brand new and unreleased recordings online. Best of all, not is it new music for you, both recordings are free to check out.

Happy Holidays!

Hightower and Jones wants wish each of you a happy holiday season. Remember to drink and party responsibly as you never who will film you singing Justin Bieber songs at karaoke...when there is no karaoke or microphones around. Be safe, be responsible and keep listening to great music for the holidays.

Big Boi And The Black Keys Equal Greatest Mix Ever!

Step aside, Jay-Z and the Beatles, Jay-Z and Radiohead and, well, any and all mixes involving Jay-Z (as most of them do) as there is a new mix that completely outshines your fusions. Wick-It the Instigator has taken two of the best albums of 2010 and came up with The Brothers of Chico Dusty. This mix combining Big Boi's Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty and the Black Keys' Brothers adds to the already impressive sounds of each album and further proves why both albums have ended on many best of lists for 2010. With a mix this great, the two questions I have left are will we, now, get a mix between LCD Soundsytem's This is Happening and Janelle Monae's The ArchAndroid and why are you still reading this?

Give A Little Bit (December Mixtape)

Side Jingle Bells

01. Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker) by Parliament

02. Gimmie My Radio by The Donnas

03. This Gift by Mudhoney

04. I Hope I Didn't Just Give Away The Ending by New Radicals

05. Give The Drummer Some by Ultramagnetic MC's

06. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) by Abba

07. Parting Gift by Fiona Apple

Side Deck The Halls

01. I Can Only Give You Everything by MC5

02. Return The Gift by Gang Of Four

03. Give It Up by Fishbone

04. Give Me Someone I Can Trust by Voodoo Glow Skulls

05. Give Me A Chance by Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

06. Give Me Your Eyes by The Cardigans

07. Give A Little Love by Rilo Kiley

A Pair Of Sweet Scion A/V Releases

The fine folks at Scion A/V have done it again with a pair of awesome releases from Nobunny/Jacuzzi Boys and Magrudergrind.

Mogwai's "How to Be a Werewolf"

As expected, Mogwai's leadoff single to 2011's highly anticipated Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will is nothing short of epic and cinematic. It is fitting that such a track accompanies a video for a documentary on James Bowthorpe, a cyclist who in 2009 beat the Guinness record for cycling around the world by almost 20 days. The video is as epic as Bowthorpe's achievement and the song accompanying it, which was edited by the band in order to fit the footage. Check out the video for "How to Be a Werewolf" and a tracklist for Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will below.

Segel and Black Rock Out Crosby and Bowie Style

Hands down, one of the strangest collaborations in music history has always been Bing Crosby and David Bowie combining their vocal talents for the seasonal favorite, "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth." As strange as it sounded on paper, it turned out to be a holiday classic. Thirty-plus years later, actors/musicians Jason Segel and Jack Black have provided a bit of rock to the number and keep the song just as enjoyable.

Cheyenne Marie Mize

Louisville, KY's Cheyenne Marie Mize has crafted one of the most beautiful debut albums in recent memory with Before Lately. The album is as simple as it is elegant and as charming as it is haunting. Supporting the album's beauty is her gifted instrumentation and performance and her delicate and sweet vocals. All of these things make for a compelling listen and addition to your collection.

Season's Greetings From Your Stereo

Even with the year winding down, there are new releases from Redman, Daft Punk and Ghostface Killah. Michael Jackson delivers his final recording just The Damned Things release their debut album. The selections may be small around this time of year but that does not mean you can not make big noise on your stereo with these selections.

Welcome Back, System Of A Down

                                                                                    (armeniapedia.org)

It is about time! System of a Down has officially announced their return in 2011 with a series of European appearances and this message on their website:

Hello All,

We are excited to announce that System will be playing some dates together in 2011.

We also want to thank you for your loyalty and support, not only to System Of A Down, but to all of our solo efforts as well. We have no master plan of sorts - we are playing these shows simply because we want to play together again as a band and for you, our amazing fans.

The list of dates and on-sale information for these shows is below.

We look forward to seeing all of you!

Peace,

System Of A Down