Kid Cudi | "Know Why"

|:| DO YOU KNOW WHY KID CUDI IS THE BEST?  |:| 

Kid Cudi - Know Why

I am addicted to Kid Cudi. He is my favorite rapper and he is different from everything out there. He doesn't rap about 8u115h!+, like other rappers. He asks philosophical questions and searches for the answer in his songs. He lets us into his life, emotionally and physically and stuns us with astounding lyricism. Here is another classic Kid Cudi song that sounds like it could be off Man On the Moon, not strictly straight rapping like his pre-MOTM mixtapes.

Local Native Ambush a Carousel

|:| La Blogothèque always has awesome live videos |:|

RAAAAAAAANDY & Dave Sitek

|:| Aziz Ansari & TVOTR Member working on MIXTAPE? |:|

RAAAAAAAANDY - AAAAAAAANGRY

I have to say Aziz Ansari is one of the funniest up and coming comedians/actors/rappers. Yes, I did say rapper. He is going under the name 'RAAAAAAAANDY,' check out more about him here. He plays some good roles. If you have ever seen Community (the lesser known, wannabe office, thats still somewhat funny) he plays a young kid who doesn't take shit from anyone and is always getting into weird situations. He is also is a bunch of smaller random movies. I was watching I Love You, Man the other day and saw him in a fencing scene. Seems like he's in good with Judd Apatow, he'll be big soon enough.

But this song is hilarious. He gets real 'AAAAAAAANGRY' He disses every rapper who is popular right now. Kid Cudi, Drake, Jay-Z, Ludacris, Doom, and more. I don't really feel that it's a song (or rap) more talking over a rap beat. It'll make you laugh if know anything about the rappers he calls out.

I am very surprised he was able to get Dave Sitek to work with him. Dave is a member of TV On the Radio, and has produced with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV On the Radio, Foals, and Wale. But that means that they are both serious about this project which is cool. And from the sound of the song, looks like they want some BIG names on it.

So, we'll see where this goes, but until then, watch this, his opinion on Cold Stone Creamery.

SUPERFAST JELLYFISH

|:| Gorillaz Premiere New Song off Plastic Beach |:|

Gorillaz - Superfast Jellyfish

The song is only viewable on youtube. Embedding was disabled, so follow the link to youtube.
It has a kind of pop feel, but I am more impressed with this song than I am "Stylo" but not the Chiddy Bang remix of "Stylo"

Memoryhouse

|:| Download EP and newest Song |:|

Memoryhouse - Bonfire     [via GvB]

These ambient rockers are killer. These sounds are infectious, soothing, wistful, and totally nutritious. The music gives you the feeling that you're flying and floating with echoing, soft vocals and chill instrumentals. I'd venture to call it an aquatic sound.

They released The Years EP last year and are coming out with a 7" called To The Lighthouse, which is coming out on March 2. "Bonfire" is the first song released that will be on the upcoming EP.

Download The Years EP, here. FOR FREE

She & Him | "Thieves"

|:| 2nd single off Volume Two |:| 

She & Him - Thieves

Here is the second single off Volume Two, She & Him's newest album due out on March 23rd. It doesn't quite reach the level that "In The Sun" set when it was released a few weeks ago. But the lyrics tell a great love story, like all She & Him songs right? Check here for more info on the upcoming album.

[Streaming on YTE] The Strange Boys

|:| Surf Rockers released latest album on 2/22 |:|

This Austin Indie/Surf-Rock group would only be fit to play on the North Shore in Hawaii back in the early 70s while surf legends are omnipresent. Their sound is infectious and catchy while their vocals are akin to some folk/rock legend who recently put out an X-mas album. A great sound for summer. That's how you know a surf-rock band is doing their job. Be Brave makes you feel like you should be at the beach or that it's summertime, so mission accomplished. Their latest project is called Be Brave and was released on Tuesday (2/22). The title track (#3) is a great track, the best on the album, and really captures the essence of the band. They can pull of the twangy surf sound very well. Some of the songs are like waves that are slow and rolling forever, stripped down to guitar and vocals, which sound surprisingly good.. Others are giant waves that provide for a short but awesome ride, "Be Brave". Give a few of the streamed songs a listen, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. 

[CURRENT] Broken Social Scene | "World Sick"

|:| Leaving something to be desired on new album  |:|

Broken Social Scene has an interesting sound for a "supergroup." This new tune is a great lead in to and taste of the upcoming album, Forgiveness Rock Record, due out May 4th. (May 4th is shaping up to be indie-gone-to-heaven day isn't it? Broken Social Scene, The Hold Steady, and The New Pornographers are all releasing albums on the date)
The lulling opening begs for a worthy opener to the new song. Man do they come through on that order. A unique finger-cramping guitar riff  blows your socks off at the beginning.It's hard to fathom how hands could craft a sound so beautiful. The vocals are soft and lacking a certain Broken Social Scene quality. Usually they're engaging but not overbearing. These are just plain out quiet compared to a "7/4 Shoreline." Vocals have been a solid foundation for the band in the past, hopefully that foundation isn't crumbling.

Broken Social Scene - World Sick

Vampire Weekend x M.I.A. [The Hood Internet]

|:| Dynamic Mashup by the best in the biz  |:| 

Check out another recent The Hood Internet mashup with Ludacris' new hit song "How Low Can You Go"

[VIDEO] jj | "Let Go"

|:| Sweedish duo's strangely powerful video for 1st single |:|

I'll have to say that the video is a little bizarre. Crying blood, dripping blood, tiki torch juggling batons, and a dog. This video makes me miss my black lab Chief back home who resembles this pup and loves to drool like him too.

Don't Forget [if you have tickets]:

jj + The XX @ Cat's Cradle March 25th [SOLD OUT]

New Album from the Hold Steady

|:| Heaven is Whenever | Out May 4th |:|

Here is another awesome band that my Dad introduced me to. I'll have to say that there stuff has only gotten better since I first heard them. Well they have announced a new album, Heaven Is Whenever, slated to be released on May 4th. The album will however be lacking Franz Nicolay, their keyboardist who left the band back in September. The band is promoting the album with a nation-wide tour in April and May which ventures nowhere near NC. If you want to, the closest show is in Morgantown, West Virginia on April 15th.  Their guitarist, Tad Kubler, had this to say about the album:

"I think this is a guitar heavy record. But I would NOT say this is a heavy guitar record. The main objective being not to make the same record as the one previous. I love Boys and Girls and Stay Positive. But they have a very similar feel and sound."

Tracklist:

1] The Sweet Part of the City
2] Soft in the Center
3] The Weekenders
4] The Smidge
5] Rock Problems
6] We Can Get Together
7] Hurricane J
8] Barely Breathing
9] Our Whole Lives
10] A Slight Discomfort

Does Shaun White Remind You Of Anyone?

|:| Ben Kweller. The other long-haired Ginger.  |:| 

I have been trying to keep up with the Olympics. I hope we can fend of those bloody Germans for the rest of the week. And as you should know by now, one of the most decorated US Olympians, Shaun White, has been tearing it up on the halfpipe. He makes it look like he is barely trying. What's up rest of the world? Well while I have been seeing him on the tube 24/7 I can't help but think of Ben Kweller. The rock star ginger who jumps from genre to genre with such ease. He can make anything sound good. I saw him last year at Cat's Cradle and he has the same down-to-earth personality that Shaun White has which worsens this case of  association. I admire both red heads the same but I can't separate them. I have been noticing this for the last week and I just had to throw it out there. Is this a fair comparison?

[CURRENT] DEVO | "Fresh"

|:| Its no 'Whip It' but it's DEVO  |:| 

Here is a new tune from Devo's upcoming LP coming out this spring. It's catchy. Devo has been riding the "Whip It" wave a little too long and they are yet again trying to get that short punchy hit that made them famous 30 years ago.

Devo - Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. | "King"

Big K.R.I.T. - King [follow to zShare]
[Via TnT]

Here is a video from a relatively unknown rapper that I just heard about the other day. I am very impressed with this song. It tells a great story of this rapper and all the sacrifices that he has made for his career. Anyone that can risk everything for a dream deserves to be heard. No chorus, not a problem, i think Hip Hop could take a lesson from this song, verses are what it's about, not the auto-tuned melodies. His "K.R.I.T Wuz Here" project is going to be released April 5th, as a mixtape most likely. I will have to keep an eye out for that.

The New Pornographers | "Your Hand (Together)"

|:| AC, Neko, and Co. give taste of what's to come   |:| 

The New Pornographers - Your Hands (Together)

This song mixes the best of both worlds, A.C. Newman and Neko Case, to create a great song by the New Pornographers. It isn't soft alternative like either stars solo sound, but has a distinct sound that is classic New Pornographers that makes their upcoming album Together, look better and better. The album is coming out on May 4th, the same day as the new Broken Social Scene.

Caribou | "Odessa"

Caribou - Odessa

New Single from Caribou mixes electronic beats, soft vocals, to create a tune that will have you begging for more. Check out the video below as well. Their newest project Swim is coming out April 19th on Merge records.

iamamiwhoami | STRIKES AGAIN

|:| New Video by Mysterious Artist Adds to Speculation/Promotion |:|

Read more about this ongoing saga here. But don't think that this will help lead to any better conclusions that you already made. This somewhat less bizarre video features a dog for a good part of it and that same cabin. Whomever is doing this better be putting out something great to culminate this series or we will all be disappointed. The finger pointing has increased to include Joanna Newsom (who has a new album coming out) and Skittles commercial? 

UNC Dance Marathon 2/19 & 2/10

|:| THE BEST ONE NIGHT STAND OF YOUR LIFE |:| 

After two tests in the middle of the week and standing for 24 hours straight this past Friday and Staurday, I haven't had as much time to update here. 

UNC Dance Marathon is a great event for a great cause. Nearly 1500 of us Tar Heels stood on our feet for 24 hours to benefit the NC Children's Hospital. Standing on your feet for 24 hours is crazy, let alone staying awake for 24 hours, so needless to say I slept about 15 hours last night. The camera couldn't even last 24 hours for a complete timelapse. 39 performers [campus  dance groups, student acapella groups, sports teams, and local bands] supported the cause and kept us on our feet. DJ's kept the latest CRAP from mainstream radio spinning all night! It was great! Listening to my music was just as refreshing as sleep. My team competed in a Vermonster competition (20 scoops of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, 4 toppings, chocolate syrup, cookies) and took first place. The 10 of us downed it in less than a minute, probably borderline 30 seconds and took first place out of the top 4 teams from the 4 pre-marathon qualifying Vermonsters.

We also set the Guinness World Record for WORLD'S LONGEST MASSAGE TRAIN. We lined up and massaged the person in front of us for a refreshing 10 minutes. We took a walk around the football stadium at sunrise (the peak of tiredness). We watched our Tar Heels basketball team lose to Boston College. This was a great time and for a great cause, looking back on it. While I was there, my legs were swollen, and the temptation of sitting down was always present (especially in the bathroom), but didn't give in. We in all raised $421,851.32, $30,000 more than last year, bringing the 12-year total of the event to over $2.5 million. 

[VIDEO] Vampire Weekend | "Giving Up The Gun"

|:| King of Crunk, Upcoming Prince of Persia, & a Jo-Bro contribute to great video |:| 

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists

|:| The Brutalist Bricks is just what the doctor prescribed |:|
|:| 2 new singles prove it |:|

Ted Leo and the Rxers are back at and better than ever. I remember when my dad introduced me to them I'd have to say over 5 years ago, well it was "Where Have All The Rude Boys Gone?" off their 2003 album Hearts of Oak, so it could be up to 7 years ago. I really took a liking to the song. I haven't paid much attention since then, I did download "Me and Mia" when it came out but I haven't delved into his/their music too much. However, that has changed. The Brutalist Bricks is a great album from start to finish, thoroughly pleasing and sure to get rave reviews. Look for a review later. Until then chew on these two singles off the new album which is coming out on March 9th.

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - Even Heroes Have to Die

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - The Mighty Sparrow

[VIDEO] Passion Pit | "Little Secrets"

|:| The Post Secret Anthem |:| 

First Published Music Review in the Daily Tar Heel

|:| Review of Proud Simon's new EP Anchors Aweigh  |:|

If Rascal Flatts took a cue from the indie world and stepped out of their cowboy boots, they might sound something like Brooklyn’s Proud Simon.

The supple vocals on Anchors Aweigh are orthodox Americana — no wailing, no rapping, just sinuous lyrics from the heartland that waver between decent and sub-par. The five-song EP seems to veer towards experimentation, only to end up consistently mediocre.

Generic drum rhythms beat alongside effortless guitar and barely noticeable keyboards, creating an unengaging sound. There are incompatible guest appearances by pedal steel and harmonica, a country element that calls into question exactly which direction the band was trying to go.

The final track “Time Capsule” arouses from the boring slumber with poignant rapping drums and a bulging bass line. The song carves out a clean, distinctive sound that shames the rest of the bland EP.

But for the most part Anchors Aweigh makes it seem as if Proud Simon took a Paint-by-Numbers course in soft rock. With vocals, guitar, and drums composed according to a preset template, this EP feels like re-heated leftovers. It’s an unoriginal effort that pales in comparison to livelier pop fare.

I am new to the Diversions desk and this is the first assignment I was given. The Diversions desk is the section of The Daily Tar Heel that covers music, movies, and arts while focusing more on the Chapel Hill/Carrboro/Durham region. The section is published every Thursday and is full of good articles and reviews every week. DTH Diversions also has a blog.

[VIDEO] No Mas & James Blagden | "Dock Ellis & the LSD No-No"

|:| A heroic trip through 9 Innings of perfection in Black & White & Color|:|

No musical substance but very entertaining. Thanks to [Xaphoon Jones]

[CURRENT] MGMT | Congratulations

|:| Can Oracular Spectacular be topped? We'll See|:|

MGMT has announced their sophomore album, Congratulations. The album will be released on April 13th through Columbia Records. According to the details: "Congratulations is a collection of nine individual musical tours de force sequenced to flow with sonic and thematic coherence. Soulful and complex, Congratulations is a surprising and delightful quantum step forward in MGMT's ongoing pop revolution."

1. It's Working
2. Song for Dan Treacy
3. Someone's Missing
4. Flash Delirium
5. I Found a Whistle
6. Siberian Breaks
7. Brian Eno
8. Lady Dada's Nightmare
9. Congratulations

I  do hope that Lady Dada pokes fun at and is a reference to the mainstream freak Lady Gaga, but that could be wishful thinking. The album art looks pretty crazy. I am digging it. Maybe Tom and Jerry infused with a little Ren and Stimpy? The album is sure to be a hit. I'll keep you updated on any singles they release as I find.

Let Freedom Ring [Hasta la Vista .blogspot]

|:| Maturation: Ain't It Great |:|

[CRAP] iTunes Release All-Time Top Selling Songs

|:| I wouldn't touch this stuff with a 33.4ft pole |:|

iTunes has been dominating the music industry since 2003 and they released their ALL-TIME best selling songs recently. It's looks a little something like this.

1. “I Gotta Feeling,” Black Eyed Peas

2. “Poker Face,” Lady Gaga

3. “Boom Boom Pow,” Black Eyed Peas

4. “I’m Yours,” Jason Mraz

5. “Viva la Vida,” Coldplay

6. “Just Dance,” Lady Gaga & Colby O’Donis

7. “Low,” Flo Rida (featuring T-Pain)

8. “Love Story,” Taylor Swift

9. “Bleeding Love,” Leona Lewis

10. “TiK ToK,” Ke$ha

11. “Disturbia,” Rihanna

12. “So What,” Pink

13. “I Kissed a Girl,” Katy Perry

14. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” Beyoncé

15. “Hot N Cold,” Katy Perry

16. “Stronger,” Kanye West

17. “Live Your Life,” T.I. (featuring Rihanna)

18. “Hey There Delilah,” Plain White T’s

19. “Right Round,” Flo Rida

20. “Party in the U.S.A.,” Miley Cyrus

21. “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Journey

22. “Bad Romance,” Lady Gaga

23. “Use Somebody,” Kings of Leon

24. “Fireflies,” Owl City

25. “How to Save a Life,” the Fray

What should be gathered from this list?

1. What does this tell you about good music? NOTHING
2. How many of these songs are good? 1 [Journey]
3. This list looks more like the top songs of 2009. Is iTunes becoming even MORE popular? YES
4. They are trying to sell these songs even more by releasing this list. [15 year old: "OMG I don't have Disturbia, I better get it because it is so popular!! Where's Justin Beiber? OMFG"]
5. Mainstream music is ruining the minds of everyone who buys this junk.
6. If you think you &/or your band makes good music, don't look for it to do well on iTunes.
7. Would the Beatles be anywhere on this list if they were available on iTunes?
8. YOU SHOULD SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT YOUR THIRD EAR TO PREVENT THE DEMISE OF YOUR LOVED ONES  BY TALENTLESS, LIP-SYNCING, PROFITEERS!

[Fresh Remix] Gorillaz | "Stylo Remix [featuring Mos Def & CHIDDY BANG]

Check out this Fresh new remix of the new Gorillaz single featuring new verses by Chiddy Bang over Mos Def's backing singing.

Stylo Remix [feat. Chiddy Bang]

HEARING AID 2/15

Woozy Viper - Dirty Rat
The Tallest Man on Earth - King of Spain**
Childish Gambino - Bitch Look at Me [Two Weeks]
Electronic Tickle Machine - Blew It Again
Mux Mool - Death 9000 [Prof & P.O.S. Broadcasting Version]**
Dog Bite - Black Tie
Frog Eyes - Flower In a Glove
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings - I Learned the Hard Way**
Dr. Dog - Shadow People**
The Hood Internet - How Purple Can You Go [Ludacris vs. Joker & Ginz]
Die Antwood - Enter the Ninja


**=Must Check Out

MUX MOOL | Viking Funeral EP

Here is a pretty legit FREE EP from Brian Lindgren who goes under the name Mux Mool. He has a very interesting way of putting music together. He may just be another person who composes music on their computer, but if it's music and it's good, then the word needs to be spread. Some of the songs are rather creepy and have a dark sound, then the others could be raging club trance. I have to say, the last track on the EP is phenomenal. It features Prof and P.O.S. which rap over the most edgy beat of the five. Mux Mool's debut LP, Skulltaste is set to be released on March 23rd. That is the rather bizarre album cover to the right. Read more about Viking Funeral and Mux Mool here.

Click on the picture for an instant download of Mux Mools's Viking Funeral EP.

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings | "I Learned the Hard Way"

Here is a new single from the jazz/funk group Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings. It is the title track from their upcoming LP I Learned the Hard Way out April 6th.

This smashing new song is full of Sharon Jones' vocals, deep, arresting, and silky smooth. Arguably the Billie Holiday of the 21st Century. This funky group has successfully brought Jazz back to the music scene today. Their sound is very unique and reminiscent of early Jazz contemporaries such as the one and only Jazz Messengers. They have a quality about themselves which appeals to mainstream music and simultaneously to classical Jazz nuts.

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings - I Learned the Hard Way

[Streaming on YTE] Local Natives | Gorilla Manor

Tomorrow [2/16] Local Natives is releasing it's debut album, Gorilla Manor, in the United States. This album was released back in 2009 to rave reviews across the world. I happened upon it last year when blogs started rolling out their top of '09 lists. It would have been on mine if I had caught it earlier. But their sound is unmatched. Gorilla Manor sucks you in like a girl scout behind a table layered with a spectrum of delicious treats. It is as memorable as Hitler's mustache. It will leave you wanting more and asking yourself "Have I ever heard anything better than this?" [not literally but you get the point] Guaranteed.

Here is the album streaming and a download of the great single "Sun Hands." I recommend you check out both.

Gems: "Sun Hands," "Airplanes," "World News," and "Camera Talk."

A Toast to Love

If you're about to head out on a date or are getting back from one and you need some songs to wallow or sulk in, take heed.

[VIDEO] Die Antwood | "Enter The Ninja"

I saw this video last weekend and it grabbed my attention because it is so graphic and the music is like nothing else out there. Plus this dude rivals Twista's break-neck rapping. In the week since I saw the video I saw a lot of talk surrounding this South African group on the "interwebs." So I gave them a second go-round and I am thinking that at least this song is decent. Just check out the little alien thing in the video, it's scary looking. Well while I still try and figure out if I like this very offbeat, take a look. Download the song below. [derived from P4K]


[download]

Citizen Cope | The Rainwater LP

If you have heard one Citizen Cope album, you have heard them all. His new album The Rainwater LP has the usual two or three pretty god songs, an acoustic song or two, and a few other filler songs. The borderline reggae sounds in this album are a little bit of a tweak to his usual sound, a turn in the right direction. There may be more emotion in these songs than usual, which was evident at his concert, but the music isn't distinguishable from his last two albums. Don't get me wrong, the songs are good, Cope is good at doing his type of chilled out alternative.

Gems: "Jericho" "Healing Hands" "Lifeline (Barefeet Version)"

The Rainwater LP is out physically on March 2nd via Cope's new record label RainWater Recordings but was released digitally on Feburary 8th.

[VIDEO] Chiddy Bang | "Opposite of Adults"

Here is a great new video from the dudes over at Chiddy Bang. I love the big heads, reminds me of my old school Nintendo 64 games. I remember when I heard this song almost 10 months ago. It's still good after listening 100 of times. The Asher Roth line and Ron Burgundy references are some of the best of the year. Their Opposite of Adults EP is coming out on Feburary 22nd. Find out more at their myspace and pre-order the EP on iTunes now.

jj | n° 3

As similar as the titles between their last album (n° 2) and their newest (n° 3), the music follows right in line. Chill pop that ices over your ears and entrances you with bubbly beats, euphoric vocals. This may just be leftovers from n° 2 or just what came to them after their indie heads blew up from rave reviews from he music gods. Whatever the case may be, the material is good. They take your ears to a Las Vegas buffet using inventive instrumentation and lyrics through xylophones, African drums, referencing The Game and 90's pop group ATC in the same song, and intrinsic bass lines. Since n° 2 was so different when it came out it may have been perceived well but now that the doors have been opened to jj and this type of music, n° 3 doesn't feel as hypnotic as it's older counterpart. The Swedish duo creates a 27 minute aurora of cascading instrumentation, flighty vocals, and a sense of happiness.



Gems: "My Life," "Let Go," "Voi Parlate, lo Gioco"




*n°3 will be out March 9th via Secretly Canadian*
**SOLD OUT SHOW w/ The XX at Cat's Cradle March 25th**

Woozy Viper | Woozy Viper

       This Brooklyn band reminisces on the beach days of the 60's and 70's on their self-titled debut. This album which they are giving away for free is comprised of a few catchy tunes but at the same time quite a few boring and repetitious. The semi-lo-fi sound is unique because it isn't the almost grunge-like scratchiness of Wavvves but it is a sound all their own. It feels like it was thrown together a little quickly just to get some material out there and when it comes to free music, you can't always expect the best. But I'd say it is worth a listen, certainly if you think the cover is interesting, they sound very much like you would expect.

Gems: "Dirty Rat," "Speaking in Toungues," "The Switchblade Swing"
Cocktail: The Black Keys meets Ezra Furman and the Harpoons meets Japandroids

Download the album here.

Japandroids | "Art Czars" & Announce 7" Series

The Band that we all came to know and love last year, Japandroids, are on a trek across the country that Dave Matthews Band would be Proud of, but that doesn't stop these guys. They have announced that they are going to release a series of five 7" to follow up Post-Nothing. There will only be 2000 made, but they will also be sold digitally, so don't fret. The first song that will be released is "Art Czar."

Japandroids - Art Czar
[download]

CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS | Genuine Negro Jig: Frighteningly Brilliant

This Genuine Negro Jig time warps you back to an early 1900’s deep south where kids roam free, sweet tea is always a-brew, and that banjo is always pickin’. This “Genuine” Negro Jig includes a song entitled cornbread and butterbeans, what is more Southern, African-American, and old-school than that? Rhiannon Giddens has one of the most powerful voices out there. She is the Karen O. of Bluegrass roots. Their fast songs are catchy, their slow songs are empowering. They capture what bluegrass is and wring the hell out of it for everything it’s worth. Think Soggy Bottom Boys x10. I’d venture to say Genuine Negro Jig IS the most interesting and best album of the year, so far. Captivating from the opening fiddle to Giddens’ parting angelic voice.

Just so happens these Bonnarooers are playing Cat's Cradle on April 1st.

Drive-By Truckers | "Birthday Boy"

The new Drive-By Truckers album is pressing on our doorstep and it's continuing to impress. If you enter your email address in the widget below, you'll be able to get emails about current DBT news as well as an mp3 off their upcoming album The Big To-Do which is coming out on March 16th. Check out another song off The Big To-Do here.

.

"iamamiwhoami" Makes Music Bloggers Look Like Fools. [amiafoolforthispost?]

It's like a game of clue or mafia that the blog world has been playing for over month and a half now. This artist has been sending out these video via email to all the blogs with no information on who is behind these videos. These high-budget videos featuring a beautiful blonde, one that keeps revealing more and more about whomever they might be with each video released. Some people believe that the freaky artist is Lady Gaga, others Christina Augilera. Other culprits include Goldfrapp or The Golden Filter or The Knife (all with albums on the horizon), MGMT or Animal Collective (doubt it, Highly).

I know I am just adding to the hype of whomever's album but this is really interesting. I was really hoping that it would end up being Christina Augilera because that would have been a big slap in the face to bloggers. A 90's pop diva fooling the trend setting bloggers who make and break bands and constitute what we should be listening to. This campaign has reached to the upper echelons of the music realm, MTV. See what this MTV article called for. Twitter has been all flustered up over talk about the mysterious videos. With the release of the latest video today, bloggers are pretty sure they have found the masked viral video star. They are believing it to be Norwegian electronic singer Margaret Berger.

But that doesn't make since, iamamiwhoami's youtube account says they're from Vanuatu. They were certain is was Augilera after the last video, so we'll just have to see if this Margaret Berger hypothesis is correct. Whoever/Whatever is releasing these videos is making some good music, I like it a lot, but they just won't reveal themselves. But when they do, you better believe that you will know the second they take the mask off. As well, they know that they will be making some big bucks if they aren't already.

Here are the videos in order of when they were released.

1.


2.


3.


4.

Certified Awesome: Sunglasses

Your Third Ear readers, this is Sunglasses.
Sunglasses, please meet Your Third Ear readers.

       Now that I have formally introduced you to the freshest thing to come out of Savannah, Georgia since Forest Gump you need to find out more about them. The duo is made up of 8000 bam bam (aka Samuel Cooper) and Baby Seal (aka Brady Keehn), whose paths intersected at SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design). After collaborating on 8000 bam bam's senior thesis the two decided to start producing music together under rad nicknames under a simple yet capitvating name Sunglasses. I am hoping to hear more out of these guys in the future because this is some interesting music. Thanks to [I Guess I'm Floating] for this little treasure.
       The first song I heard called "Whiplash" is a real onion of a song. Sunglasses' keep peeling back the layers throughout the symphonic compilation. The light vocals are drowned out by the myriad of interesting sounds that poke at your ears. Follow link to download.


[download]

Long Drawn-Out Process Ends: BONNAROO Lineup

Here are the artists that I would like to see, in order of their appearance on the list above:

DMB (Never seen him before, figure that is a right of passage to Bonnaroo anyways)

Jay-Z

Phoenix

John Fogerty

LCD Soundsystem

The Avett Brothers (!!!!!!!)

The National

The Black Keys

She & Him

KID CUDI

Deadmau5

The XX

Dan Deacon

Japandroids

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Local Natives

Mumford & Sons

Neon Indian

B.o.B.

If it was the Kings of Leon of 5 years ago, Yes, but now, NO. The Flaming Lips take on Dark Side of the Moon is, shit. I'm not impressed by The Dead Weather, bring back the White Stripes. When was Blues Traveler's last album? Norah Jones is playing? Zac Brown Band, is a mainstream sellout act, really?

The Dodos, Edwadrs Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes, Here We Go Magic, Wale, Dr. Dog, Weezer, The Gaslight Antem, JAY ELECTRONICA, The Dropkick Murphys, and The Temper Tramp all have potential but aren't at the top of the list. Not bad though. 

Lets hope that "More Artists to Be Announced!" isn't pulling our leg, I would hope a few more of the blogged about bands would make an appearance. Vampire Weekend, Beach House, Arcade Fire, Yeasayer, MGMT, jj, they all have/had albums in 2010, where are they?

[Yet Again] Yeasayer | Odd Blood

       Yeasayer is releasing a new album on Feburary 9^th, 2010 entitled Odd Blood through their label, Secretly Canadian.  So obviously it has leaked if I am writing about it, but go ahead and order it. (the price will go down before it comes out if you preorder it now, it does on all but 1 cd I’ve ever pre-ordered from Amazon) The foursome’s new album is much heavier on the synths giving them a more psychedelic sound than their 2007 debut album All Cymbals Hour. You can liken the transformation that Yeasayer has taken from ACH to OB like the one the Yeah Yeah Yeahs took from an alternative Show Your Bones to a synthesized It’s Blitz. They have much more of a definitive sound, a mix between Animal Collective, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and TV on the Radio. After listening to through the album numerous times it sounds like Merriweather Post Pavilion was their favorite album of the year and a major influence to Odd Blood.

       It starts off with an almost creepy computerized voice over this dark synthesized beat that would go great on a Halloween ’10 playlist. Luckily “Ambling Alp” swoops in and saves the day from the direction “The Children” were taking the album.  I could swear that “Madder Red” is straight off of Miami Vice or Baywatch. It reminds me of the early 90’s, late 80’s music, with lots of added harmonies to distinguish it as a 2010 Yeasayer song.

      “I Remember” has a very Dan Deacon ring to it, kind of like his song “Of the Mountains,” hmmm…. “ONE” starts off with a video game tune, it has to be, I recognize it from somewhere.  This song builds up just like a game of Jenga, before you start pulling the blocks out. (just when you build it up slowly from nothing)The next song, “Love Me Girl,” is a smoothie made from organic TV on the Radio, European trance, and a little V8 juice.  “Rome” is much better than the Phoenix song with the same name, just for clarification. This song reminds me of Fatboy Slim’s song “Weapon of Choice” (known best probably for its video which has Christopher Walken flying around) Nevertheless, it’s a quality track.

      “Strange Reunions” has a tribal psychedelic sound going which they make work for them, much like Animal Collective does. “Mondegreen” caps off the album with an unusually fast beat, for this album at least, heavy guitar, then leaves you with a one minute cool-down/space odyssey for you to recap and reflect on the great album which you just listened to.

Limited Time Only | Free MP3's from Amazon [Yeasayer, Watson Twins, more...]

Trying to grab a hold in the MP3 market, Amazon is raising the bar by giving away a plethora of free downloads. Artists include Yeasayer, Citizen Cope, The Watson Twins, School of Seven Bells, and many more. Take advantage of this short-lived opportunity. If you are a tweeter follow @amazonmp3 to get updated on the latest deals.

[CURRENT] The Thermals | "Canada"

       Check out this new track from the Thermals. I have always liked the Thermals, since 2007 but I can never get into their whole albums, just a song or two off each album. I like "Back to Gray" off More Parts Per Million and "Now We Can See" off Now We Can See. I think I might have to dig into some archives and listen to some older stuff. I love the almost lo-fi quality of their earlier stuff though.They are one of those pop-rock bands who is still under the radar and haven't made it big like Fall Out Boy or something along those lines. They are opening for Monotonix at Cat's Cardle in Carrboro on April 13th.

 

[confirmed via VIDEO] THE AVETT BROTHERS

Still on the fence about Bonnaroo?

Bonnaroo Lineup Announced Through Long Drawn-Out Process

       Bonnaroo really thinks highly of itself these days. They aren't just releasing the lineup all at once. Every 6 or 7 minutes they announce one or two acts that will be preforming. I mean, Bonnaroo is arguably the largest festival of the summer here in the states and I will be able to decide today if the acts are worth the price, but this is an arduous process. Stop the gloating and what-not and release them already. Full line-up coming in next 24 hours, if they decide to release all the names before then. I'll go a little Bonnaroo on you and provide a snippet of the list of bands preforming.

Jónsi | "Go Do"

Here is a new song and video from Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi. This soft jumpy video combines breathtaking scenes and outlandish dress. Fantastic.

[download]

R.I.P. Lil Wayne

       No. Lil Wayne did not die in real life. Do not start any rumors of this sort and trace them back to me. But if you look at where he is in the music biz, where he came from and the music that he has produced at these stages, he’s dead. If you have never heard Da Drought 3, the best mixtape ever released, but you have heard Rebirth, his new ROCK album, its two different people. Da Drought 3 features a poetic genius constantly mixing together concoctions of stupefying rhymes (Gremlins & mention, fishes & pigeons). He was the Best Rapper Alive, which he claimed on Tha Carter II in 2005, but here in 2010 this term is commonly referred to as perjury.

       As he has stated in numerous tracks, including but certainly not limited to “Phone Home,” “Me and My Cup,” and “Barry Bonds,” he references his love for codeine (aka Purple Drank, Sizzurp) a prescription strength cough syrup which is also made of promethazine . As stated in a Rolling Stone article in 2009, he smokes marijuana comparable to someone addicted to cigarettes. Although he supposedly doesn’t do anything drug or alcohol related outside of these two, constantly abusing these substances will wreck someone’s psyche and it’s a sad thing to say and he isn’t the first artist affected by abusing drugs, but these habits are flushing him down the drain.

       Learning to play the guitar is not that great of an accomplishment, I’m sure hundreds of people learn every day. Genre-hopping is rarely ever seen and it could very well be a possibility in the future. Lil Wayne’s new album Rebrith showcases the different genres that guitar is used in (metal, 80’s pop, etc…). Michael Jordan is to basketball player as Lil Wayne is to rapper. MJ may have been semi-decent at baseball, but Lil Wayne botched in his attempt at rock.

       It’s hard to see a musician with the audacity to include this:

“And when I was 5, my favorite movie was the Gremlins

Aint got shit to do with this, but I just thought that I should mention”

..in a song just completely lose all musical talent is a travesty. I’m sure he was making dough back in the day when he put out The Dedication and Tha Carter II, but now that he isn’t making comparable quality music I’m sure he is rolling in more money than he could ever spend. And he isn’t producing the same quantity of music either. He had songs coming out faster than anyone could listen to them in ’06, ’07, and the early part of ’08 and now you’ll be hard press to find a new song of his, he is just hurls verses in mainstream pop like he’s an updated Apple product.

       If senior year of high school had a theme song it would have to be something Weezy put out. 2007 and 2008 were all about him. His 2009 mixtape “No Ceilings” was reminiscent of the Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. we all once knew. He was famous for taking a popular rap song to the car wash, waxing and polishing the hell out of it, to make the original artist look foolish. Now it looks like the tables are turned. Don’t be surprised to see him on Dancing with the Stars soon.

[VIDEO][S] St. Vincent

Here is a pretty funny video featuring a few SNL cast members.






This one is a wonderful cover of The National's "Mistaken For Strangers"

[VIDEO] Frightened Rabbit | "Nothing Like You"

Here is a new video from Frightened Rabbit off their upcoming release, The Winter of Mixed Drinks out on March 1st. I just heard about these guys the other week and haven't heard anything that I haven't liked.

[CONCERT] Citizen Cope @ Cat's Cradle

       Despite a large number of blunders, concerts are about the music and Citizen Cope delivered on that end. It’s been a while since I have been to Cat’s Cradle, but I am pretty sure that pat-downs are not a regular thing to get in. Then Clarence Greenwood (Citizen Cope) had the decency to emerge from backstage at 10 PM, an hour after the show was supposed to start. That is the normal time a band with an opening act would come on, there was no opening act. The hour did leave time to check out the merchandise. $25 for a tee is a little lopsided considering the tickets were only $22. Once the five members of the band overtook the stage, the smell of some of their habits pierced our nostrils like Vick’s Vapo-Rub.

       Once the tunes started blaring (and I mean blaring) everything was in its right place. Cope’s stage presence is comparable to a statue. His tranquil persona is displayed through much of his music and it emerges on an elevated platform in front of 600 people. He rarely moved away from the mic and while he was there, very sparse hand motions accounted for 80% of any movement (including his mouth which he hardly opens to sing). A little more engagement with the crowd would evolve him into an entertainer but he is still at the musician stage. He fed off the crowd (singing-a-long and clapping) instead of the crowd feeding from the artist’s energy.

       He did play all of the hits. “Let the Drummer Kick,” “Son’s Gonna Rise,””Comin’ Back,” and “Brother Lee” among others. He also played some new stuff of which I know “Healing Hands.” One song I am presuming is new which started with a keyboard intro that slapped you in the face then built up to a sure to be classic Citizen Cope song.

       None of the instruments really stood out, which is a good thing, because it means they’re all doing their jobs. But, the bass pumped through veins like blood. The cool cat in the leather jacket, scarf, and gold-rimmed shades shook my pants like a maraca. The music was a tad bit loud, not always a bad thing, but I went to bed with ringing ears. It sounded like I didn’t turn my iPod off when I set it down on my desk.

       The encore was the highlight of the show. After catering to his habit, he came back out and performed solo. It included “Pablo Picasso,” (snippet below) “Salvation,” “Sideways,” and a full band kick-ass cover version of Radiohead’s “Karma Police.” My girlfriend saw him in Raleigh last year and he played it there to. So it’s a signature ‘adieu’ at Cope shows but that’s besides the fact, it is a beautiful song.

I would like to thank the incredible Cameron Brown for all the pictures and video from the show. She did a great job.