Thursday, July 29, 2010

One Hit Wonder Or One Hit Blunder

Today's Subject: "Stay" by Shakespears Sister



Some one hit wonders are such due to an amazing hook, musical or lyrical. Some one hit wonders are such because they were just right song at the right time or accidentally played. Finally, some one hit wonders are created due to just being a good, albeit strange, song with a very memorable video. This is one of those cases.

Gorillaz' North American Dates Announced

Last week, Gorillaz announced the European and Australian dates of their Escape to Plastic Beach world tour as well as a couple of North American performances. This week, the entire North American portion of the tour has been fleshed out with stops in Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin and various parts of Canada. In addition to the tour, the band is offering two different V.I.P ticket packages to any party interested in obtaining some exclusive tour items. You can read about that here.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Eyedea & Abilities (Bottom Lounge - July 22, 2010)



A great hip hop show can be measured by two things. One is the artist's ability to captivate and command an audience from something as simple as jumping around to the time honored call-and-response. The second thing goes along with that as it is the energy between performer and audience as both participants feed off each other's. Minneapolis duo Eyedea & Abilities, along with their guests, had the audience moving, jumping and responding to each line from both the stage and on the floor.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach

Time for some "pretty packages of frosted delights" as Gorillaz are planning a world tour to support the critically acclaimed Plastic Beach. The tour, according to Pitchfork, will have 20 North American dates, two of which have been announced. The tour dates, so far, are listed after the jump and are accompanied by a video announcing the tour with a preview of what you can expect from a Gorillaz concert which is more than something that "tastes like chicken."

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

A Moment For Big Star Bassist Andy Hummel

Radio City-era lineup: Hummel, Stephens, Chilton

Andy Hummel, original bassist for power pop legends Big Star, passed away yesterday after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 59.

New Klaxons Album & Tour


Klaxons are back with a new album produced by Ross Robinson (Korn, At The Drive-In, The Cure). The new album is called Surfing the Void and will see a stateside release on August 23. I can only imagine the results a collaboration like that would produce. One such, "Echoes," is the first single and video for it which you can see after the jump (via Pitchfork TV). To promote the album, Klaxons are going on a world tour that includes several festivals and a U.S. tour from September to October. Check out the tour dates and the album tracklist after the jump.

Friday, July 16, 2010

New Jenny and Johnny Song

Jenny and Johnny (as in Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice) have a debut album, I'm Having Fun Now, set for release on August 31. While you wait for the album, Jenny and Johnny have released a second single. The follow-up to "Scissor Runner" is called "Big Wave." Download it after the jump.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The 12-Step Retirement Plan (July 2010)


Side A: Richie Rich
01. You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar But I Feel Like A Millionaire by Queens Of The Stone Age
02. Got Your Money by Ol' Dirty Bastard feat. Kelis
03. Money Money Money by Abba
04. The Moneymaker by Rilo Kiley
05. The Man's Dollar by Northern State
06. A Dollar And A Dream by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

Side B: Mr. Drummond
01. I Only Play 4 Money by The Frogs
02. I Got This Money by Childish Gambino
03. $13,000 Is A Lot Of Food! by Skankin' Pickle
04. 20¢ Goodbye by Goldfinger
05. Ten Cent Pistol by The Black Keys
06. $300 by Soul Coughing

Monday, July 12, 2010

The Coathangers Hit The Road, Stream Best Coast's Debut And An Awesome Deal

In support of their remix 7", The Coathangers are going out for a brief July tour of the Midwest and South this month. Be sure to sure to check them out at a location near you and check here for tourdates. Don't forget to pick up the limited edition 7".

Best Coast have amassed quite a buzz for their breezy, beach sounds. The California duo's debut, Crazy For You is set for release on July 27 but you can preview the album here as well as read a interview with singer/guitarist Bethany Cosentino.

Pitchfork Music Festival Streaming!


The Pitchfork Music Festival takes place this weekend (July 16-18). In the case that you will not be in attendance, Pitchfork will be streaming the event this weekend on their site.

Are You Ready?


Tomorrow, Korn releases their ninth studio album, Korn III: Remember Who You Are. In addition to being the band's Roadrunner debut, it also marks the return of producer Ross Robinson, who helmed the band's first two albums (Korn and Life Is Peachy). To celebrate and honor Korn's newest release, let us look at five of the best songs of their impressive career.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Vous Etes Très Belle, Mama, Girls And Whatever This Film Is


Oh, Prince! Without a doubt, you are one of the most charismatic enigmas of the 80's ranking somewhere between the DeLorean and the Lionel Richie bust from the "Hello" video. So when it came time to make a follow-up to the highly successful, Academy Award winning Purple Rain, Prince did what any other filmmaker would do. He made a film filled with drama, romance, comedy and musical numbers that was as bizarre as a boxing kangaroo on rollerblades. Yeah, it is really that confusing and that comical.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Jenny Owen Youngs Records Third Album With Your Help


H & J favorite, Jenny Owen Youngs, is assembling her third album and is calling on her fans to help with its recording. Youngs is working with Kickstarter to allow fans to help finance the recording of her new album. For a small amount of 20,000, which is very small to record an album these days, she will be able to release a brand new set of songs and, even better, there is something in it for you. Much like Public Enemy last year, Youngs is offering some very generous rewards for your donation. A fan could receive anything from an autographed album, demos and a video of her shouting your name to her guitar, a live performance with her and her band in your living room and a pancake dinner.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Having Fun With Jenny and Johnny


Jenny and Johnny, better known as singer/songwriter and Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis and singer/songwriter Johnathan Rice, have set August 31 as the release date for their debut album, I'm Having Fun Now. A track listing has not been released but you can pre-order the album in one of four package options here. In addition to the debut album, the duo will spend all of September and the beginning of October on the road performing with the likes of Belle & Sebastian, Pavement and Superchunk. Download their track, "Scissor Runner," after the jump and check out where they will be playing in an area nearest you.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

July...No I Don't. These Are Some Excellent New Releases.

Korn, Big Boi, 7"'s from Black Lips and The Coathangers. July is shaping up to be excellent month to check out new and limited releases from new and old favorites, comedy and reissues.

Eyedea & Abilities Are Back With A New Album And Tour


A few years ago, Rhymesayers duo, Eyedea & Abilities released a stellar sophomore album titled E & A. Since that time, and according to their current bio, the duo has spent the last five years exploring new sounds and building their personal repertoires. These new personal experiences and sounds can be heard on their new album, By The Throat. In addition to their much welcomed return, Eyedea & Abilities will spend July promoting the new release at a venue near you. Check out the tour dates and the video for "Smile" after the jump.

Friday, July 2, 2010

In Case You Missed It: Korn on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Korn stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live last night to perform "Oildale (Leave Me Alone)" and "Let The Guilt Go" from their new album Korn III: Remember Who You Are (in stores July 13). Check out the performances after the jump.

The Sounds of Atlanta With Big Boi, Black Lips, Cee-Lo Green and The Coathangers

I have the faintest clue on what is going on in the water of Atlanta but whatever it is, the summer is hot and I want a drink. A couple of months ago, Janelle Monae released an amazing album (The Archandroid) that should already be in your collection and Adult Swim started a free downloadable singles club. July, however, is far from shabby thanks to new releases from Big Boi and Black Lips. Also, Cee-Lo Green covers Band of Horses and The Coathangers are in a contest of sorts.