Wale: Attention Deficit

Wale's album has finally dropped: Attention Deficit, and it was worth the wait. Make sure you pick it up/download/whatever the hell you do. I'm sure Wale will be one of the most talked about mc's of 2010. Check out these two tracks, as well as the rest of the album:

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Quantic and his Combo Barbaro

At times the internet acts as a quest, of sorts, to stumble upon gems hidden from the masses yet available to all. When it comes to music, these discoveries yield happiness, especially for someone with a love for the sounds of the world.

Music is a story, from the artist to the delicate beat of the drum...and in some ways, the fact that individuals from all walks of life cultivate rich stories gives me faith in our sometimes wavering generation.

This brings me to Quantic, originally William Holland, from Bewdley, Worcestershire. In 2007, Holland moved to my father's hometown of Cali, Colombia, and subsequently began to mix all of the elements of my favorite types of music, notably salsa, bossa nova, jazz, hip-hop, funk and soul, into eclectic and contemporary dance floor rhythms. It's simple, perennial and fun...music you don't need to strain yourself to enjoy, a vision of several loving slices of life.

His 2008 track Mi Swing es Tropical was recently featured on HBO's 24/7 program. I loved it. Luckily, HBO remains courteous enough to treat it's viewers to lists of the fantastic music featured in their programs, a feature they debuted with the Entourage series on hbo.com.

When I went to look into Quantic I found several things out. First, what can turn into a simple search for a groove can lead to the discovery of a story told though beautiful music. As you'll see in the videos, this man loves the country he moved to, and his videos feature real people. He samples less than most. And every song on his latest release, Tradition in Transition, is better than most. Quantic is signed to the independent U.K. label, Tru Thoughts. Look up their website for motley crew of artists each with their own style. I will be researching and bringing more to you as the weeks go by.

Until then, here is the video for it's single Un Canto a Mi Tierra featuring folk singer Nidia Gongora, filmed near her hometown of Timbiqui, Colombia. I'll also toss in Mi Swing Es Tropical, which is verry chill. Throw that one on while you're out by the pool.

Un Canto a Mi Tierra:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5_Fusasy2s (copy/paste...embedding disabled)

Websites/articles:

http://www.quantic.org/

http://www.tru-thoughts.co.uk/artists (read the about section)

http://bongohead.blogspot.com/2009/09/working-with-quantic.html (blog, featuring the album artist. The artwork is great)

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New Dimensions

Two artist are making me slap that ass this week...

First, Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas has come out with a solo album, entitled Phrazes for the Young. You'll notice his distinctive voice over vibrant electronic music. Some of this stuff is completely out of the 80's, which isn't a bad thing to me. It's definitely a fun batch of music have in the old i-pod while walking or in the car. Check out the first single 11th Dimension, as well as Left and Right In The Dark.

Next, there's Das Pop. You'll be hard pressed to find their music for download here in the states; their album isn't even available yet on iTunes. But they are a Belgian band with some feel good music, slightly reminiscent of Phoenix. Slightly. I like 'em. You can watch their single Never Get Enough of Your Love on youtube, but the song I'm into is Wings. All I could find was this live video, but if you get the chance, download the track.

This is unusual cuz I'm not a big Juvenile fan. This song just sounds cool for no particular reason.

And last but not least, I started following John Delamora, DJ producer of Trance Nation Radio. If you're into trance, he's got some great music on his websites:

www.trancenation.de

johndelamora.com

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Duck Sauce

Well known DJ's A-Track and Armand Van Helden have joined forces to create Duck Sauce! Which, explained by them,

"...is Armand Van Helden and A-Trak making house music

and eating Chinese food. Who's hungry? Quack quack."

Awesome. The music is much more, however, immediately catchy and funky. I'll post an interview below, as well as their first single (which was JUST released in the UK), aNYway. For some reason, I have a feeling that this music is gona be big as far as house gos...they say they're strictly going for music to tear clubs down. And I am down with that.

...and another song, You're Nasty................IS nasty.

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Hot Albums fo' That Ass

Don't need to say much to get you to pick up Blueprint 3. Just listen to Empire State of Mind and you'll see what you're working with. Can I say the album lives up to that quality as it goes on and on? Yes. And yes, I am in love with Alicia Keys...so hot, so talented. Damn....

Here is the video, courtesy of the Japanese. And Lil Mama...get the hell off the stage?

Next...some unexpected great stuff. Break Up, a collaboration between Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johannsen, is delightfully splendid throughout. With just enough variation between tracks, every song puts you in a good mood, no matter what the hell they're talking about (refer to album title). You will see this music in a huge batch of indie films, guaranteed. And yes, I am in love with Scarlett Johannsen. So hot, so urban outfitters. Step off Pete. Damn...

Not the full video. Check out the whole album though. Good beach music?

Next! Muse's Uprising. The album starts of with the title track and a bang, and quickly goes into hard hitting sounds that lift Muse to unexpected territories. A definite highlight is Undisclosed Desires, and I can't go without mentioning the epic, three part rock symphony that ends the album off.

Last, but not least, Kamaal The Abstract from the man Q-Tip. I'm a big fan of a Tribe Called Quest, and this album is exactly what I would expect for someone with Q-Tip's talent. His other solo efforts were...meh...but this record has such a balanced sound, which runs from funky and hip to straight up soulful. Check out the final track Even If It Is So to see what I mean.

This is good music. Fuck the radio, listen to people that are actually putting out something worthwhile.

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New Music Tuesday

Here's four new tracks I downloaded on this fine new music Tuesday:

First, a track which is so nice and fresh it makes me want to run outside naked. The artist is The Very Best, a combination of Esau Mwamwaya, a singer from Malawi and Radioclit, a pair of UK dj's. This particular track features Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend, a band that takes a lot of inspiration from African sounds. Lovin' it.

Here is a live performance. You'll notice Ezra's vocals off the bat, although he isn't present.

They released a mixtape not too long ago, featuring Esau on top of some familiar tracks. You can download it here:

http://stereogum.com/archives/mp3/new-very-best-feat-ezra-koenig-warm-heart-of-africa_074692.html

Next...another single from Tiesto: Kaleidoscope.

"This is small town music. This is big time music. He's ahead of his time you know, but, he can't use it." So goes Song Away by Hockey, a band from Portland Oregon, receiving more attention from overseas than at home. The entire time, the lyrics are nothing but honest about what the band is trying to do, "writing an honest song over an 80's groove among other things. Their sound is laid back, and very American. Reminiscent of Tom Petty. Definitely check it out. Funny video with that weird girl from Knocked Up:

Next is a more ethereal track by a band called The Big Pink. Not sure, let me know what you think...

Enjoy...Out

New Music Tuesday

Three songs today from my perusing...

First, an obvious one, Feel It In My Bones, by Tiesto feat. Tegan and Sara. His new album, Kaleidoscope, drops on October 20. Let's hope it gives us a little more variety than Guetta's One Love. Judging from this track, its sounds like Miami's golden boy won't disappoint.

Feel It To My Bones - Tiesto feat. Tegan and Sara

Next is The Cribs, a new indie rock band (for U.S. audiences) from West Yorkshire. Here is their single We Share The Same Skies.

We Share The Same Skies (Album Version) - The Cribs

Maybe So, Maybe No, by Mayer Hawthorne, proves that white boys with black rimmed glasses still got soul. I'm really digging this music. Also check out Just Ain't Gonna Work Out. I've posted both official videos below.

Enjoy, Out

The Drank

Here's a big one. Myself and my friend Justin Campagnano have been making rap music for a few years now, gettin better as time goes on. We've just refined our sound and made a name for our group: The Drank. Our first full length album, JuiceBox, will be out in 2010, and until then we will release music as it gets done.

Well our first single is done: "Where The Love Is Free". We wanted to capture an old school feel with our own twist. This track takes inspiration from A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast and Dr. Dre among others. Enjoy, and let me know what you think.

Where The Love Is Free | Music Upload

Expect a music video soon as well boi...

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Wax Poetics

I was watching current (aren't I hip?) and I found out about this magazine called Wax Poetics. It's a publication that takes a look at hip-hop through the lens of jazz, funk and soul. I think publications like this are what make music journalism great. It's not about what's most popular, it's about learning about the music itself, loving it, and discovering where it came from. Whether your interested in the new, the old, or both...poetics will deliver an entertaining read that, as the founder said: "you will never think about throwing in the garbage" like another magazine.

This month is it's first Brazil issue, featuring an interview with Tropicalia founder Gilberto Gil. As a sidenote...the Brazilians have come out with some of the greatest music on Earth, creating new genres and a distinct sound. I'll get into them more in another post.

But for now, check out waxpoetics.com for more information on the magazine. This is what music is about.

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New Music Tuesday

It's Tuesday, and I've got a couple new songs to show you all. First, though, a few big albums came out this week.

First off is Humbug by the Arctic Monkeys. This band's been huge in England for several years now, and you may know their songs I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor or Teddy Picker. Humbug takes a much darker and slower turn than their previous two albums. It's different, to say the least, but I'm still getting into it. Check out:

Cornerstone - Arctic Monkeys

Dance Little Liar - Arctic Monkeys

Next is David Guetta's One Love. To be honest, if you've heard one of his new songs you've heard them all. Party anthems for the club, in the vein of Love Is Gone. Substitute big name artist for each track and you get the idea. I wish his album had more musical variance, but it really doesn't.

Jet came out with Shaka Rock. There is some nice progression in their sound on certain songs. Others sound like the same old wannabe rock and roll. Maybe it's just me but sometimes this band sounds like it's trying too damn hard.

Here are some interesting stand alone tracks I found this week:

Passion Pit: To Kingdom Come

A catchy song with a neat video...

Needtobreathe: Lay 'Em Down

Soulful, reminiscent of K.o.L.

The xx: Islands

Nice, chill, electronic sound

Lily Allen's new single 22 live

...and In For The Kill by La Roux

In For The Kill - La Roux

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Two Cool Songs + Love From New York

Here are two cool new songs from the UK!

Animator by Pull Tiger Tail

Superhuman Touch from Athlete

Also check out this preview for the new film New York, I Love You. It is a sequel of sorts to Paris J'Taime, which I saw a while back and was amazed by. What's notable is that Phoenix's 1901 is featured in the trailer. If you don't know, Phoenix is one of my favorite bands, and I'm so glad they're finally getting out there. Enjoy!

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3eb and Anjulie

I'm back, feeling a bit lazy today. But...here is another song from Anjulie

Also, Third Eye Blind came out with their new album Ursa Major today. There's been some internet contraversy about them. A lot of current bands think of Third Eye Blind as a huge inspiration, apparently, and a lot of critics are baffled. Personally I love Third Eye Blind. They were a big part of my 90's music experience, and their latest album before this, Out of the Vein, was good as well. I haven't listened to all of Ursa Major yet, cuz my cd burner is broke and my I-pod was stolen...but I will soon. For now, here is the video for their new single, Don't Believe A Word:

Hope it didn't give you a seizure...

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Hiatus

I'm gona be leaving for a cruise to Belize and the Western Carib tomorrow, so this'll be my last post for about a week. The computer I'm using sucks so some of the posts I've done already might not be working. Never fear, I'll get 'em when I come back. Have a great week, I know I will.

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Yeah Yeah Boom

I've been loving this song since I heard it, so I figured I'd share. It'sHeads Will Roll, the newer single from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and my favorite from them since Maps.

There is also a newer artist named Anjulie. I have a soft spot for women who sing soulful tunes, so I'm likin this sultry little number. Apparently it became popular when someone remixed it, but I'll take the original.

If you like that sound, check out:

Duffy

Corrine Bailey Raye

Gabriella Cilmi

Kate Earl

Norah Jones

Hughes

If you haven't heard, John Hughes past away at age 59, leaving behind a legacy that spoke the most to, oddly enough, people who he shouldn't have understood. Speaking as someone who was just a baby when his major films hit the screen, it's crazy that I know who this guy is, or much less, care about his passing.

I do. His films spoke to generations before mine, and watching them now, I can't help but feel the times. John Hughes movies created the high school of myth...where the nerds, jocks and brats became underdogs, heroes and damsels in distress. I never attended High School in the 80's, but I have an impression that there was something. True or not, Hughes created an amazing place I got to be a part of, and I will miss him for that.

Of course, music played a major role in delivering what we youngins call a classic slice of the American pie, and for that I think it's best to mention some of the songs that made these movies so classic in the first place:

I Melt With You-Modern English

Karla Devito-We Are Not Alone

Do Wot You Do-INXS

If You Leave-Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (try saying that one time fast)

Left of Center-Suzanne Vega

Don't You (Forget About Me)-Simple Minds

Heart Too Hot To Hold-Jesse Johnson and Stephanie Spruill

Love of the Common People-Paul Young

And...well...my first experience with this guy came from being a little kid and watching Home Alone in the 90's so let's throw in some classic tunes that pretty much make me feel like Christmas:

Run Run Rudolph-Chuck Berry

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree-Brenda Lee

Home Alone Theme (duh) thanks John Williams

Lastly, check out this video. The song is Lisztomania by a band called Phoenix. 2009 song, but someone paired it up with some scenes from these movies, and it fits. Testament to the timelessness of this man's work.

Rest In Peace

Some Good Sounds

This kid...Matthew Christiansen...I saw via twitter. He's got some nice music going on, so check it out. Matt! Grab some buddies and lead a band, you've got the talent! Let's encourage him to do so.

Check out his stuff at:

http://www.reverbnation.com/controller/audio_player/external_player/song_2329743%2Csong_2232044%2Csong_2201638%2Csong_2219040%2Csong_2283920%2Csong_2206960%2Csong_2217704%2Csong_2217691%2Csong_2252658%2Csong_2218721?no_resize=true

Sorry for the long link (copypaste)

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Soundtrack of My Life?

So I did this thing on billboard.com. You give them several dates, like the day you were born and the day you got your drivers license, and they create the SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR LIFE. Well here is mine.

Bon Jovi-Livin' On A Prayer

J-Lo-All I Have

50 Cent-In Da Club

Gwen Stefani-Hollaback Girl

I've apparently been livin' on a prayer since birth, but I find lots of comfort in pop music. Try it for yourself and see what results you get.

More Wale

Wale-Pretty Girls

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David Guetta: One Love

You can't get away from David Guetta. Especially if you're ever downtown...anywhere. It's not like you don't know who this guy is, so I'll get right into it. His new album comes out this month, and it looks like he's collaborating with everyone. Estelle, NeYo, Kid Cudi, Akon, Kelly Rowland, Neil Diamond. I'm joking about the last one, but you get the idea.

Here are two of the songs he's released. I like Sexy Bitch with Akon a lot, and I'm diggin the little homage to Daft Punk that comes about .45 on Gettin' Over.

David Guetta Feat Akon - Sexy Bitch ( Extended Mix ).mp3 -

Gettin Over - David Guetta Feat. Chris Willis

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Deli

Quick...

I mostly talk about stuff of a national scale, because I know next to nothing about local music in places I'm not local to, but I found this great website:

www.thedelimagazine.com

This is a music magazine and website featuring local and popular music. It's split into nine different pages, one for each city: Austin, Burlington, Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco and NY.

Neat.

Madcon Hits Back

Due to the new U.S. success of Beggin' (finally) Madcon is starting to get recognized. The group consisting of Tshawe Baqwa and Yosef Wolde-Mariam is actually from Norway! I had no idea. They've been around since '92 but started performing European shows with hip-hop acts such as Gang Starr in the 2000's. Beggin' came out last year and they blew up.

SO...here are three new tracks of their European release An InCONvenient Truth. I think the freshest sound comes from Wholehearted.

Liar - Madcon

Wholehearted - Madcon

The Sweetest Drug - Madcon

Also, check out behind the scenes of the filming for their video for Liar.

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