Rick Rubin is one of the most diverse and accomplished producers in music. He’s got an incredible ear, unique style, and wide-ranging taste which spans across a variety of genres. Rubin’s remix of Justice’s “On’n'On” shows just how natural it is for the prolific producer to adapt his sound to fit any genre, specifically with electronic music here. Thanks to Eric B for sending this one my way.
On’n'On EP (Ed Banger, January 2012)
Remembrance of Things to Come, the new album from LA-based band Princeton will be released on February 21st. Princeton have perfected their style- a blend of indie-pop and classical minimalism- giving the album a mature, fluid feel. It’s a fantastic listen from beginning to end.
Tour dates:
Feb 22 – San Francisco, CA – Independent
Feb 24 – San Francisco, CA – The Clift (w/ Unknown Mortal Orchestra)
Feb 27 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
Feb 28 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
Mar 1 – Salt Lake City, UT – Club Sound
Mar 2 – Denver, CO – Snowball Fest
Remembrance of Things to Come (Hit City USA/Easter Everywhere, February 2012)
The official video for “Ni**as In Paris” was released yesterday and, as someone who has never been a huge fan of music videos, I have to admit that this is pretty incredible. The video focuses on Jay-Z and Kanye West performing the song in front of a huge crowd of fans. The feeling of their live performance is brilliantly captured, intentionally highlighting why the two rappers are the contemporary kings of hip hop. The HD quality of the video and camera effects help get the job done too. It’s a mesmerizing visual experience and, for me, illustrating a live performance with a video like this beats a boring old interpretive, artsy-fartsy music video any day.
Watch The Throne (Roc-A-Fella, August 2011)
New fire from New Kingdom – “808″ from their upcoming EP, Attention Whore. Such a great track and these guys are incredible performers. I can’t wait to see this and the rest of the new tracks live.
808 – Single (New Kingdom, Feb 2012)
When I saw someone posted this remix of Blind Melon’s classic song “No Rain” I was skeptical. I usually don’t like it when someone tries to remix a classic. Why mess with a something that works? Well, in this case, the remix also works. It’s a super smooth, laid back trip down memory lane… now we just need the bumble bee. Good work, Pumpkin.
Here is the official video for my favorite track on The Black Key’s latest album El Camino, “Gold On The Ceiling”
El Camino (Nonesuch, December 2011)
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)