RJD2 is a master of style. Whether it’s hip hop, funk, classic rock, or whatever it is, he blends genres together with perfection to create his own signature style. With Icebird, his project with Aaron Livingston, the evidence of this signature style is matched by Livingston’s cool, carefree vocals. The result is music that I can’t get out of my head, songs that I find myself playing over and over. And over.
The Abandoned Lullaby (RJ’s Electrical Connections, October 2011)
M83′s latest album, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming is the perfect soundtrack for snowboarding. Fitting that I first heard music from the album while watching one of the greatest snowboarding films to date, The Art of Flight. I never got into their earlier stuff but I liked what I heard, so I checked out the new album and I loved it. If you aren’t familiar with M83, the music is somewhere between electronic and rock, almost experimental at times and, on this album, consistently beautiful throughout. It’s a fantastic listen and just in time for boarding season.
Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (Mute, October 2011)
I loved this from the moment I first heard it. First of all, I’m a big fan of Jose James. His voice and style are matched by great production on almost all of his tracks. This time, James produces a rich, full jazz sound himself. What grabbed my attention right off the bat- the “If You Want Me To Stay” bass line. Love this track…
Trouble (Single) (Jose James, Oct 2011)
“Somebody Like You”
“Jackie Blue”
“Promises Are Never Far From Lies (Thievery Corporation Remix)”
Celestial Eletric is the new collaboration album from AM and Shawn Lee. It’s earned rave reviews as expected and the guys will be back on the road in November touring in support of the album. I saw them open for Thievery Corporation in Las Vegas and I was at their record release show at the Troubadour almost a month ago. The level musicianship is beyond impressive, it’s fascinating. It isn’t something you see too often these days. A pretty common question I get is, “what’s the last great show you saw?” I have a feeling that the combination of AM, Shawn Lee, Brett Bixby on keys and Pete McNeal on drums will be the answer for a long time. Check the dates below and, if they’re playing in your area, make sure you get you ticket to see them live. You don’t want to miss it.
AM & SHAWN LEE DARK INTO LIGHT TOUR 2011
Nov 05 - Montserrat House - Washington DC
Nov 07 - Knitting Factory – Brooklyn
Nov 08 - Beachland Tavern - Cleveland
Nov 09 – Subterranean – Chicago
Nov 10 – Turf - Minneapolis
Nov 13 - The Garrison - Toronto
Nov 14 - Sala Rosa - Montreal
Celestial Electric (ESL, September 2011)
We all get songs stuck in our heads. Sometimes we can’t get them out. The best thing to do in this situation?… Embrace the ear worm.
BBDLP1 (Coming Home, September 2011)
Thundercat is a bass player from Mars. Listen to his debut album, The Golden Age of Apocalypse for proof. The experimental album is equal parts jazz, electronic, funk, electro-soul, and all sorts of styles and genres that are cooler than whatever else you’re listening to. It’s a very intriguing combination of Flying Lotus, who produces several tracks and Jaco Pastorius, who I can’t help but believe played an immensely significant role in the influence of Thundercat’s sound. If that seems interesting, just wait until you actually hear the album.
The Golden Age of Apocalypse (Brainfeeder, August 2011)
I can’t believe I haven’t already posted about the new Little Dragon album, Ritual Union, which was released a couple of months ago. I’ve posted about the electronic Swedes in the past, but they have really honed their style and sound and shine brighter than ever with this album. It might not be for everyone, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already…
Ritual Union (Peacefrog, July 2011)
- Posted by Eric B -
I’m not a huge fan of mash-ups but when you combine one of my favorite hip hop artists of all time in De La Soul with one of the legendary pioneers of funk in Fela Kuti, you have a winner in my book. See for yourself by checking out producer Amerigo Gazaway’s project entitled “Fela Soul”. You can check out the link to download the mixtape here.
I think this song is great, but what’s with the music video? I think music artists can let their artistic side get the best of them when it comes to creating videos to accompany songs. Then again, I don’t really appreciate music videos as most fans do. They just don’t appeal to me more than a song itself and this particular video is the epitome of why I feel this way. But, like I said, I love the song…
Making Mirrors (Samples ‘n’ Seconds, August 2011)
Jesse Futerman released his Super Basement EP back in June. I just checked it out and I’m digging it. Very K&D. Check out the tracks above…
Super Basement EP (Jus’ Like Music, June 2011)