The Last Love Mix I Will Ever Make (December 2011)

Side A
01. First Person by Jenny Owen Youngs
02. Fool for You Baby (Dom Dom Dippy) by New York Dolls
03. Can't Stop (feat. Snoop Dogg) by Mayer Hawthorne
04. Relation by Hepcat
05. Lifeboat by Lovage
06. Say That You Love Me by Loudon Wainwright III
07. Always on My Mind (London Version) by Phantom Planet

Side B
01. Angel Eyes by Roxy Music
02. I Can See Your Future by Belle & Sebastian
03. I'm the Man Who Loves You by Wilco
04. Sunshine (feat. Father Guido Sarducci, Josh Haden, Money Mark, Paula Frazer & Sean Lennon) by Handsome Boy Modeling School
05. I'll Be You Man by The Elected
06. Watch the Sunrise by Big Star
07. If You're Into It by Flight of the Conchords

A December To Remember To Visit Your Record Store

While it may be the end of the year, December is still filled with some excellent new releases, especially on the first Tuesday alone. This month sees new releases from Charlotte Gainsbourg, Robin Thicke, The Black Keys and a box set from Rammstein. There is even a DVD/Blu-ray release of Glee: The Concert for the gleeks (is that what they are called...sure, why not) in your home. Finally, this month features rare and the last recorded tracks from Amy Winehouse. All in all, December features a wide variety of new releases to celebrate the holiday season..

Another Year...Another Grammy Awards

The nominees for the 54th annual Grammy Awards were announced yesterday. While certain categories (classical, hip hop/rap, r&b and rock) have been restructured and there are a few confusing selections (Bon Iver for Best New Artist...in 2011 as if the critically acclaimed, Peter Gabriel covering debut album never existed three years ago), overall, I am okay with these selections. Yes, the list is very safe and, mostly, obvious which I complained about last year. This year, however, I am okay with the safe, predictable choices and pleasantly surprised by a few interesting choices (Skrillex, Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest).

Prince Paul's Negroes On Ice Tonight!!!

Pick Of The Week: Kate Bush, Childish Gambino And GTA: Vice City Box Set

Normally, this would be relegated to one pick but there are a lot of things that I have wanted to write about but never got around to writing about them. So taking an awesome page from Hey! Look Around You!, here are several picks guaranteed to fill your ears while you fill your belly this Thanksgiving. The pick of the week is assorted musical excellence.

Smallpox & Plymouth Crack Rocks (November 2011)

Smallpox & Plymouth Crack Rocks (November 2011)

01. Coma America by Amen
02. American Cliche by Filter
03. Boylife in America by Cody Chesnutt
04. America is Waiting by Brian Eno & David Byrne
05. America Gangster Time by Elvis Costello & the Imposters
06. American Flag by Cat Power
07. America by Deconstruction
08. American Leather by The Germs
09. Sins of America by D Generation
10. The American Woman by Cake Like
11. America Eats Its Young by Funkadelic
12. American Nights by Runaways
13. Which Way to America? by Living Colour

Video Graveyard

Oh, Rebecca Black. It seems like only yesterday that you wowed us with your hit single "Friday" and taught us that it comes after Thursday, before Saturday and Sunday and that we must get down on that particular day. Also, the debate over with seat she should choose presented 2011 with its biggest crisis since wondering how American Idol would survive in a post-Simon Cowell world. As amusing as the song was, it was never explained why and how she and her 13-year-old friends were driving places and partying late at night. At 13, all I did was play Sega Genesis, watch The Box and crush on girls I could not get then and, in many cases, still could not get now.

Kimya Dawson At Schubas On December 7

Autobiographical, honest and humorous are three accurate adjectives when best describing the work of Kimya Dawson. Hard working can also be used to describe her time since the hiatus of The Moldy Peaches in 2004. In that time, she has found a balance between family life and being one of most prolific artists of the new millennium. One could even go as far as describing her as the Lil' Wayne or Mike Patton for the indie folk crowd.

A Long Awaited Tribute To The Overweight Lover

This past Tuesday, rapper/actor Heavy D passed away at the age of 44. While H & J offer their condolences to his family and friends, this post is not meant to look at what was lost. It is to honor what was given to us during his time. Whether it is his huge crossover hit "Now That We Found Love" to his classic theme song for In Living Color as well as his transition into reggae and acting, Heavy D (born Dwight Myers) will forever be a part of pop culture history as a man who gave his all to the things he loved most. His talent was a gift and definitely a gift that he graciously shared with us. As reported on Pitchfork earlier this week, his final tweet was "BE INSPIRED!" and hopefully the art that he left behind will assist in inspiring each of us.

Eleven Bloody Eleven And The Return Of Black Sabbath

Somewhere Satan's laughing and spreading his wings as the original lineup of Black Sabbath announced their reunion earlier this afternoon. While this may come as no surprise to fans as the reunion has been rumored about for months, it is still a welcomed return nevertheless. As of now, the band has one performance lined up at Download Festival in June 2012 and plan to record a comeback album produced by Rick Rubin (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dixie Chicks, Danzig). This album will mark the second time since 1978's Never Say Die that this lineup will attempt to record a full-length album of all new material (the first attempt was in 2001). This is also the second time tht any lineup of the band would have recorded and released an album in recent times (2009's The Devil You Know consisted of the Mob Rules-era, Dio fronted lineup under the moniker Heaven and Hell). The band's announcement trailer is below and welcome back, Black Sabbath.

November More Like Snowvember (And A Bad Kate Bush Reference/Pun)

Yes, November is underway and with that said, let us move onto some great albums coming out this month. What other month has ever been filled with new releases from Megadeth, Florence + the Machine, Childish Gambino and Rhianna as well as deluxe reissues from The Beach Boys, U2, Slipknot, The Who and Smashing Pumpkins? In fact, Kate Bush is will releasing her second new album this month (the first being The Director's Cut in May) which a source of excitement here. There has never been a better time to buy music that this month.

Cheyenne Marie Mize To Release New EP

On November 8, Cheyenne Marie Mize will release We Don't Need, a six-song followup EP to her debut, Before Lately, on Roaring Colonel/Yep Roc. Mize's debut was a beautiful and delicate collection of songs filled with sweet vocals, enchanting songwriting and, at times, haunting melodies which made it easy to fall in love with upon first listening and still continues to impress on repeated spins. Judging by the EP's lead-off track, "Wishing Well," Mize's vocals and performance have grown significantly since her debut. As such, Mize sounds more confident than before while keeping her unique charm over a beat guaranteed to be a live favorite. Here is a link to "Wishing Well." Definitely download this song as well as buy her debut, Before Lately.

Metronomy, Lincoln Hall & The One Of The Best Albums Of The Year

The English Riviera is probably one of the best albums of the year that few people have actually heard and that critics have justly praised. Part Brian Eno, part dreamlike new wave with a hint of early, darker Duran Duran (especially with the basslines), Metronomy's third album is a well-crafted, cinematic work of art filled with popping basslines, organs, subtle guitar and excellent drumming. With songs like the funky bass and synth filled lead single, "She Wants" and the current single, the Roxanne Clifford (Veronica Falls) assisted duet, "Everything Goes My Way," the British quartet earned a 2011 Barclaycard Mercury Prize nomination for the album's inspired performance, songwriting and melodies.

The Electrifying Horace Pinker (October 2011)

Side 1
01. Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath
02. Werewolf by Cat Power
03. Girl Serial Killer by Hanin Elias
04. Demon Days by Gorillaz
05. Ghost Dance by Patti Smith Group
06. Satan's Jewel Crown by Emmylou Harris

Side 2
01. Dead Babies by Alice Cooper
02. Spiderbaby (Yeah-Yeah-Yeah) by White Zombie
03. Witch by Cold
04. Vampires by Bumblebeez 81
05. Black Sabbath (From the Satanic Perspective) by Type O Negative

Pick Of The Week: Fishbone's Crazy Glue

Since I was 12, Fishbone has always held a special place in my musical heart. Without a doubt, they are permanently entrenched in the list of my top five bands (and top five recording artists) of all time. While I hear the cries of bias in the distance, let me assure you that this pick is no more than a pick of the week. It is an EP from a legendary band that serves as a reminder of why I love this band so much, why other people should love this band and that their sound has influenced numerous musicians and inspired a documentary. The pick of the week is Crazy Glue by Fishbone.

Video Graveyard

Video Graveyard was created for two reasons. One was to pay tribute to the concept of the music video, an art form still utilized but not given the same respect as it was given in the past. The second reason was to humorously look at older, somewhat forgotten videos. In other words, the visual work of early 80's Adam Ant (or Adam and the Ants) is the exact reason for which this piece exists.

Ten Years Of Gorillaz

Has it really been 10 years since "Clint Eastwood" worked its way into our ears and heart with its sweet thumping beat, melodica and brilliant vocal combination of Del the Funky Homosapien and Blur's Damon Albarn? According to a forthcoming release, The Singles Collection, 2001-2011, not only has it been a decade, it was one filled with memorable hooks, entertaining videos and a robot version of the band's guitarist, Noodle. The forthcoming release (in stores November 29) is a celebration of the radio successes of the virtual band and its creators, Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett (Tank Girl, Monkey: Journal to the West).

Thirteen of the band's singles (minus "Rhinestone Eyes" and "Revolving Doors"), along with two remixes, comprise the collection with it seeing four different physical releases two of which include a CD/DVD and, more impressively, a box set of 7" singles. The tracklist for the collection is posted below as are a few visual highlights celebrating a decade of animated musical brilliance.

The Haunting Thrills Of October's New Releases

October is a month that I, as a music adventurist/lover/fan, am excited for. New releases from Fishbone, Rachael Yamagata, Tom Waits, Bjork, Wayne Static, She & Him, Mayer Hawthorne, Surfer Blood, Jane's Addiction, The Original 7ven (formerly The Time and also consisting of the original lineup) and many, many more are hitting stores each week. Fall is a great time to be an audiophile and if you are not one, then October will convert you. Treat yourself to excellence and play it loud!

Sometimes, Somewhere, Somehow (September 2011)

Side A
01. Sometimes by Pearl Jam
02. Sometimes by Ours
03. Sometimes in the Fall by Phoenix
04. Sometimes (Mono Version) by The Zombies
05. Sometimes I Forget by Loudon Wainwright III


Side B
01. Gotta Start Somewhere by Jon Brion
02. Somewhere by Husker Du
03. Somewhere There's a Feather by Nico
04. Dream Somehow by Oingo Boingo
05. Going Nowhere Somehow by White Town

New Villager Appearing At Empty Bottle This Friday

Is it an experimental art project? Is it pop music? These are questions one might ask upon listening to NewVillager's debut album. The conclusion you will most definitely come to is that they are an intriguing and inviting mix of both with songs filled with pop hooks and toe tapping beats.

Grieves Discusses New Album, Recording And His First Headlining Tour; Appearing At Subterranean 9/26

If you are a fan of independent hip hop, there is a good chance that Grieves is an artist that comes up frequently. Since 2008's 88 Keys and Counting and 2009's The Confessions of Mr. Modest, the emcee, along with producer/multi-instrumentalist Budo, has been proving himself to be an exceptional lyricist and performer providing energetic opening support to various acts as well as landing various event and festival spots this year such as South by Southwest, Paid Dues Festival and Warped Tour. Recently, Grieves released Together/Apart, an album that chronicles the trials, tribulations and highs of two years of touring in his personal and professional life. Along with Budo, he is heading out on his first headlining tour and will be performing at Subterranean on September 26 with Prof and The MC Type as opening support.

Through email, I was able to interview Grieves and inquire about the new album and its headlining tour, his influences and vocal harmonies. The key is Detroit and Germany. Thanks to Thomas from Biz 3 for setting this up.

Chromeo and Mayer Hawthorne For Two Nights At House Of Blues

There are very few concerts that I would ever call perfect date concerts as concerts tend to be loud and, often, far from romantic. This concert, however, will be the moment where dancing, love, romance and incredible music all come together for one unforgettable night. Furthermore, when the night involves Mayer Hawthorne and Chromeo, it is hard to imagine anything but meeting the love of your life that night somewhere between the throwback 70's era soul groove of Hawthorne and the modern meets retro electro-funk of Chromeo.

September Will Eat A Hole In Our Wallets

New albums from Björk, Mastodon, Primus and Wilco? Wild Flag releases their album while Das Racist releases their first commercially available full-length? Hank Williams III releases four albums as his first post-Curb recording (s)? Joey Belladonna's first album with Anthrax in over 20 years? September is rarely known for having such an epic set of releases but each week of this month is filled with great artists and albums that you will listen for the rest of the year or to infinity...and beyond. See, all the buzz over these albums has me quoting Buzz Lightyear. The Family even returns as Fdeluxe and is releasing a new album. Okay, time to stop reading and start ordering albums.

Foo Fighters Will Send Us To Hell...Oh No!

Seriously, we live in a very sick and twisted world when there are plans for a religious protest outside of a Foo Fighters concert. Foo Fighters? Granted, their name backwards spells Satan and two of their biggest singles ("Big Me" and "Best of You") are about demonic possession but, clearly, there is no need for a religious protest. Apparently, according to one man and his church, there is and before this band continues to doom us all into a black hole of drugs, gambling and prostitution or, as I like to look at it, the apocalyptic version of Hill Valley in Back to the Future Part II.

The Coathangers And Kittie Debut New Videos

As many of you know by now (and if not, use the search function), I am a huge fan of The Coathangers and Kittie. So much that both bands (especially Kittie) occupy a nice amount of space in my music collection (a total number I would rather not say in the hopes of any woman showing interest in me via this blog). This week, Atlanta and London, Ontario's finest released new videos and both have a 70's visual style to them along with line dancing, zombies and music that rocks to no end. Both bands have released albums (Larceny and Old Lace, I've Failed You) that will (and better) show up on many best of lists this year (or else...) and, more importantly, should be in your collection or on your speakers at this very moment. Watch the videos for The Coathangers' "Trailer Park Boneyard" and Kittie's "We Are the Lamb" below.

Fool's Gold BBQ This Saturday!!!

Now She's Taking Off Her Dress

On Tuesday, Red Hot Chili Peppers will release their 10th full-length album, I'm With You, which is notable for a couple of reasons. One reason is that the band has not released an album since 2005's Stadium Arcadium which, subsequently, has been the longest gap of time between albums. The second reason is far more notable seeing as it is the band's recording debut of new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. With a lot of anticipation and excitement surrounding the release, here is a look at five quintessential songs from the band once known as Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem.

Kittie Failed No One With New Release

Four albums into their career and Canadian metal quartet Kittie were showing very little signs of slowing down or taming (yes, that is a bad pun) their sound. Something, however, was lost in the mix after their sophomore release, Oracle. While the following albums, 2004's Until the End and 2007's Funeral for Yesterday, were enjoyable for their content, the overall mixes felt off and resulted in albums that were somewhat muddier and glossier than the live versions of their songs. Furthermore, the band were still developing a sound with an ever-changing lineup as well as finding a balance between the more melodic elements of their sound that was growing with those releases.  Then, 2009's In the Black happened.

Lost At Sea

Ninety-five percent of the time, I find myself awake late at night. Lately, I have been watching re-runs of Clarissa Explains It All and Doug but usually it is because, unlike most people, I have a horrible sleeping schedule and tend to run off three to five hours of sleep a night. Due of this, I started a periodic online show called Lost at Sea.

Black Cab Sessions With Electrelane

This past Spring, Electrelane announced that, after a three-year hiatus, they were reuniting for a festival tour. In June, the British quartet filmed a piece for Black Cab Sessions prior to their performance at Field Day. For the session, they performed an acoustic version of "On Parade" from their Steve Albini mixed, sophomore album, The Power Out. The performance can be viewed below and, just because of a personal tie-in, here is an article written about my day job by Electrelane guitarist Mia Clarke.

Racism And The Brazilian Princess...The Forbidden Dance

Yes...I am writing about a film that features a dance craze and one not starring S Club or Mariah Carey. In all fairness, there is very little of The Forbidden Dance that falls under the category of a film. I like to think of it as falling under the failed early attempts at an early 90's Latin Explosion alongside its rival lambada film, the impressively named Lambada, and "Rico Suave." Better yet, I prefer to look at it the least sexy sequel in the Emmanuelle series and an exploitative take on how very little Americans knew about Brazilians in 1990. I mean, they are all tribal, from the jungle, have a "witch doctor" and a princess, right? Right?

Busy Beaver Button Co. Interviews Wolf Gnards

Wolf Gnards is one of the coolest and funniest blogs chronicling pop culture around. Whenever creator Mark Hing  is not discussing television vortexes, the level of Johnny 5's reading comprehension or the cuteness of Danielle Fishel (which I am in total agreement on and, by some chance that she reads this, am willing to give her my phone number), he can be found answering questions about comic books and, apparently, our 27th president, William Taft, as he does in this interview with Busy Beaver Button Co.

Mad Decent Block Party This Saturday

Summer is winding down but the festival season is showing very little signs of slowing down. This weekend, there  are various conventions, food festivals and art exhibits throughout the city but only one festival is filled with great sounds, guaranteed to be a true party and, for the financially conscious, totally free.

On A Ferris Wheel With Bone & Bell

Earlier this year, I came across a very talented artist named Bone & Bell whose debut EP, Loom, was (and still is) one of the most beautiful recordings I have heard all year. Currently, she has been working on songs for a followup and will be opening for Peter Bjorn & John at Schubas on August 28th. In between this, she found time to record a performance of "Sweet Queen Regina" for Rooftop Sessions. This performance, however, does not take place on a rooftop but in a Ferris wheel at Navy Pier which further adds to the coolness of this video. In summary, a baritone ukulele, a Ferris wheel and a very beautifully performed song makes for one incredible performance from one very talented artist whose EP you should already own.

Video Graveyard

Mr. Biggs, you really have to keep your ladies on lockdown. The first second they come into contact with R. Kelly, the game is over and it results in you having to threaten or beat him with your bodyguards. The videos that I am referring to are a pair of videos featuring R. Kelly as a young Lothario-type incapable of following orders and Ronald Isley as Mr. Biggs, the smooth older gentlemen with a problem of keeping his women faithful due to a penchant of hiding swords in canes. In a way, these videos are a much more logical and semi-humorous precursor to "Trapped in the Closet" as they both tell stories of infidelities and involve some form of violence. Unlike "Trapped in the Closet," there are no dwarfs hiding under sinks, people with food allergies to cherries making cherry pie and people who should know each other yet they somehow do not. Yes, these videos are the more logical version. That is a truly scary thought.

In Rotation (August 2011)

Side A
01. By Your Side by Sade
02. Red Line Season by These Arms Are Snakes
03. A/B Machines by Sleigh Bells
04. Sky Diver by Eyedea & Abilities
05. Runaway by theSTART
06. Sad Song by The Cars

Side B
01. In the Company of Wolves by Incubus
02. Sunny Afternoon by The Kinks
03. NYCNY by Daryl Hall
04. Chicken: 30 by The Coathangers
05. Mellow by Tricky
06. Best by Cheyenne Marie Mize

Deftones And Far Members Debut Free EP As Crosses

Crosses is the latest side project from Deftones frontman Chino Moreno in collaboration with Far guitarist Shaun Lopez and Giant Drag frontwoman Anne Hardy. The new project will consist of a series of free downloads with an option to purchase the higher quality files, artwork and lyrics for five dollars here. Overall, the project will consist of 16 tracks, which are near completion. For now, however, drool over and enjoy the free five-track EP of electronic goodness posted below and check out their website for more on Crosses including video clips and future updates.

Foo Fighters Garage Rocking Documentary

In April, Foo Fighters went out on an small garage tour in honor of their newest album, Wasting Light, which was recorded in frontman Dave Grohl's garage. A contest was held, winners were drawn and it was a unique and awesome way for them to give back to their fans. The tour was documented and released earlier this week as a short 40-minute documentary showcasing the love the band has for their fans in their performances and by guitarist Pat Smear autographing and giving one lucky kid his guitar. It is the perfect companion piece to the band's documentary, Back and Forth. Watch the video below and in a non-nude, Mr. Skin moment, there is boner reference around the 12:36 mark.

Wind Down The Summer With These August Releases

August is a great month as my birthday is in it but this August is great because it features new releases from Kittie and Red Hot Chili Peppers, two of my favorite bands. It also features the debut collaboration album from Jay-Z and Kanye West. Even a new releases from Sparta's Jim Ward, Tom Morello and Marachi el Bronx will see store shelves. As much as I like gifts, I'd rather you pick up a new release for yourself, enjoy it and play it loud.

Pick Of The Week: Lollapalooza Aftershows

It is that time again where during the first weekend of August, crowds of people descend upon Grant Park for a weekend filled with music from countless bands known as Lollapalooza. This particular year is a special one as it is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the festival. Is there a better way to celebrate the festival than by attending it? Yes, there is and it is the Lollapalooza aftershow. Each year, artists performing at the festival also perform at various venues throughout Chicago and this year's offering are so excellent that they are the pick of the week. Here are only but a few of them.

Five Reasons Why The 120 Minutes Relaunch Does Not Work For Me

The last few days brought forth two noteworthy events for MTV. The first one being that the network turned 30-years-old on Monday. Sure, many thought it would fade away but it expanded like Mark Goodman's hair and became a major force for entertainment and pop culture as well as helping to launch several notable and several forgettable careers regardless of charisma, talent and musical ability (ex. Mike Judge and Madonna vs. The Situation and Jimmy Ray). Congratulations to MTV and all the network has accomplished in its 30 year career despite dropping music videos and, mostly, music altogether in favor of the horribly stereotyped and idiotic reality shows that have plagued the network for the last six years (The Hard Times of R.J. Berger is an anomaly there...a humorous and pleasant anomaly).

Laurel and Lana (July 2011)

Side A
01. Passenger by Deftones
02. Subzero Fun by Autolux
03. Crash 17 (X-Rated Car) by Girls Against Boys
04. Car Crash by Tricky
05. Enjoy by Björk


Side B
01. Self-Obsessed and Sexxee by Sonic Youth
02. 9 Fingers on You by Shudder To Think
03. Out of the Blue by Roxy Music
04. Do You Believe by The Cardigans
05. Taste the Pain by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)

British singer Amy Winehouse passed away this morning in her North London home at the age of 27 which you can read more on here. Winehouse was a critically acclaimed, award winning performer who, sadly, was known for her legal and personal troubles as much as she was known for her rising musical career. In June, she attempted a 12-date European tour that was cancelled after a disappointing opening date performance. This past Wednesday, Winehouse performed in what is now her last public performance as she made made a surprise appearance at the iTunes Festival. Despite being a source for constant tabloid fodder, the truth is that Winehouse was a very talented artist who could have and should have gone much further than she and her short career did. Definitely, she was a talent lost too soon. For the handful of people who probably read this blog (and not to sound too preachy), if you know someone suffering from substance abuse, do what you can to help them and here are links to directories of treatment centers throughout the U.S. and Europe. Definitely get yourself and your loved ones the help needed and deserved.

Check The Rhimes And Conflicts Of A Tribe Called Quest

In the early to mid 90's, A Tribe Called Quest were one of the top hip hop acts around. Appearances on The Arsenio Hall Show, a spot on Lollapalooza 1994 and three solid, critically acclaimed albums brought the group into the mainstream consciousness while issues with leadership and record labels would cause the group to disband before the end of the decade. Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest is a documentary on the influential group and explores these subjects as well as shows why even today, the idea of a reunion blurs the line between being the best and worst thing that could happen to their legacy.

Cibo Matto (Lincoln Hall - July 14, 2011)

It is hard to believe that it has been a decade since Cibo Matto were last around and longer than that since their last album, 1999's Stereotype A, was released. During the year they were active, however, they created a sound as futuristic as it was current and as funky as it was laid-back. As fans filled Lincoln Hall's floor and balcony on Thursday night, they were reminded of the sounds that helped make New York seem like an alternative heaven in the 90's and received a taste of what the Japanese-American duo have been working on since returning.

Free Downloads From Sub Pop, Touch And Go, Kill Rock Stars, Adult Swim And Pitchfork

You have to love free music. One, it is free which is enough reason alone and two, it provides you with an opportunity to hear some new artists as well as artists that you like releasing great songs. These free releases from Pitchfork and eMusic in support of this weekend's Pitchfork Music Festival and labels such Sub Pop, Kill Rock Stars, Touch and Go, Barsuk and plenty more via Amazon. The compilations feature music from TV on the Radio, Kylesa, The Jesus Lizard, Phantogram and Marnie Stern. Finally, Adult Swim's Singles Program is back and the cartoon block is offering 10 new singles featuring Mastodon, Best Coast, How to Dress Well and more with a new song issued each week. So go forth, download these free compilations and hear some great music.

OFF! Release New Video And Plan European Tour

Punk supergroup OFF! is in town this weekend to perform at the Pitchfork Music Festival as well as a post-Pitchfork headlining set at Reggie's Rock Club. In August, the band will spend the month touring Europe with The Bronx and Fucked Up performing on selected dates. In addition to this, the band has released a video for "Full of Shit" which was filmed at their record release party last fall. Catch the band at the Pitchfork Music Festival this Saturday (4:45 on the Blue Stage) and/or at Reggie's Rock Club this Sunday night (tickets available here). The video and tour dates are posted below and for more videos on OFF!, watch Noisey's segment on the band from which the aforementioned video is an outtake from.

Rilo Kiley Officially Disbands

After months of speculation, talks of a hiatus and a couple of years of solo albums, Rilo Kiley has officially disbanded. The band's guitarist/vocalist Blake Sennett recently addressed the band's future in his interview with Spinner. Regarding the band, Sennett offered this comment:

Tori Amos & Lomography Team Up For Photography Competition And Limited Edition Camera

Tori Amos has a new album, Night of Hunters, on the way and the ensuing tour to promote it. In addition to this, Amos has joined up with Lomography for a brand new limited edition camera in her name as well as a very interesting competition for her fans and amateur photographers.

Cool Off The Summer Heat With These July Releases

Simply put, July is littered with some impressive new releases featuring albums from Incubus, Sepultura, Alkaline Trio, Little Dragon and Rodrigo y Gabriela. Hatebreed's Jamey Jasta and Fiery Furnaces' Eleanor Friedberger are issuing their debut albums. The second commercial release from Odd Future, a remastered version of Mellowhype's sophomore album, Blackendwhite, will arrive in stores and a pair of albums from Megadeth and R.E.M. will celebrate their 25th anniversaries will special edition reissues. Who needs pools when you can stay inside with air conditioning and these albums.

White Denim (Schubas - June 30, 2011)

With the fury of a freight train, White Denim began their Thursday night set at Schubas and ended a little over an hour later in a sound of grooved feedback before thanking the sold out crowd. It is their combination of prog, funk and hard rock with a hint of Southern boogie that make the band such a compelling listen in album form. Live, however, the songs exist in a different form. They are the heavier, extended variations filled with impressive, awe-inspiring performances.

Final Screaming Trees Recordings To See Official Release

It has been 15 years since Screaming Trees released their brilliant swan song, Dust, and 11 years since their last performance. In between, those four years, the band went into the studio to record a new album that was never completed. On August 2, former Screaming Trees (and Mad Season) drummer Barrett Martin will release the band's final sessions titled Last Word: The Final Recordings on his label, Sunyata. The recordings featuring  Martin producing and Jack Endino (Nirvana, Mudhoney) mixing along with guest appearances from R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and the band's then touring guitarist, Josh Homme of Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age fame.

The Unheard Music/Los Angeles Double Feature For X's Fall Tour

X, on record, is one of the greatest punk bands to come out of the late 70's/early 80's Los Angeles punk scene. Their first four albums, especially, have a certain magic to them from the instrumentation to vocal harmonies to the fact that a decade earlier, The Doors represented the L.A. in such a magical, hazy way that it seemed like the band's keyboardist, Ray Manzarek, was passing the city's musical representation torch by producing X's dirtier, desperate vision of the city for their first four albums. X, in concert, was and still are an amazing force aided by great songs and a solid musicianship. In fact, I considered walking away from guitar after watching Billy Zoom, with his trademark silver jacket and Gretsch Silverjet guitar, perform a mere 10 feet away from me because he is still is just as impressive now as he was 30 years ago.

Flesh For Fantasy (June 2011)

Side One Piece and Trunks
01. Skin O' My Teeth by Megadeth
02. Skin by Oingo Boingo
03. New Skin by Incubus
04. Skinned by Blind Melon
05. Under Your Skin by Luscious Jackson
06. Skin by Nikka Costa


Side Two Piece and a Speedo
01. Shed the Skin by Onesidezero
02. Skinless Friend by Skankin' Pickle
03. Shfting Skin by On
04. Skin Divers by Duran Duran
05. Skin Receiver by Melissa Auf der Maur
06. Doll Skin by Toadies

White Denim Bring Critically Acclaimed Sound To Schubas

If you find yourself in Chicago on June 30, then your time should be spent at Schubas checking out White Denim. The Austin, TX quartet's sound of a well distributed mix of garage, southern rock, psychedelia and prog have been impressing audiences in corner of the U.S. and their recent full-length, D, has received more than favorable mentions from various music outlets. Rolling Stone (yes, that Rolling Stone) awarded the album four stars and was recently listed as an editor's pick while online music bible, All Music Guide labeled it as a four and a half star "masterpiece."

My Morning Jacket - Circuital

Three years ago, My Morning Jacket released Evil Urges, an album meant to capture the loose feel of their live performances that ended up confusing a few critics despite it being no more experimental than their previous album, 2006's Z, was to the album before it, 2003's It Still Moves. While not as funky (or, in some cases, erotic) as its predecessor, the quintet's newest release, Circuital, returns the band to their roots, as so many critics have felt the need to mention and, in turn, feels more like the true musical follow-up to Z while containing the energy of Evil Urges. Then again, for a band that is known for their experimental sound and the songs that follow suit, what exactly constitutes their roots?

Video Graveyard

Musicians are clearly the spokespeople for any business from restaurant chains (MC Hammer for Kentucky Fried Chicken) to filing taxes (Vanilla Ice for TurboTax). Why not? People love music and, furthermore, they buy products so it is a winning combination. The downside to this is that, usuallly, the ads are extremely cheesy and do very little to help the artist's reputation (see MC Hammer ads circa 1991-93 for any and all examples). In this case,it increases my love for a band and makes me hungry. This is an ad for an Atlanta restaurant, Elmyr, featuring Mastodon guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds that parodies pharmaceutical ads and is as spot on of a parody as one would need to be. The only thing missing is Hinds riding a motorcycle but still there is golf, yoga, fishing and the guitarist eating a deliciously huge burrito. Hands down, this commercial makes me love Mastodon even more than I already do which is close to impossible. Now if only I had a burrito in my hand.

Gold Cobra's Artwork Makes My Eyes Bleed.