The Drunken Pianos is a place completely dedicated to music of all genres old and new. This is a place to discover or rediscover the greatest songs and bands around the world. Updated everyday with something fresh, our mission is to provide an atmosphere where one can escape the daily grind with some musical companionship. Comments, suggestions, links, and posts are always welcome by readers.
I know they were one of my picks recently, but the Seattle-based band are streaming a song off their new album Codes and Keys titled "You Are A Tourist." The song didn't help make the wait for the May 31st release date any faster though. From this track, I can already tell this album sounds very promising. Death Cab For Cutie is also releasing a very interesting concept for a music video next week. On April 5th, at 7PM EST, they're releasing the first live music video ever at www.youareatourist.com. We'll see how the experiment turns out
Recently the great Tom Waits was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This is no surprise being it he might be the coolest rock n' roller of all time. Check out his speech and his preformance of a couple gems. If you did not make the connection this blog is named after a Tom Waits Song. I have written other posts about him where you can hear more of his songs HERE. (there you can see many more top live show links) But yes check out his latest show.
Also, the great Dr. John was inducted the same day. He being another legend and favorite of mine. Have a look at an old live show of his preforming one of my favorite funky jams. If you have never heard of Dr. John, now you can see where C Lo Green's Grammy performance outfit stems from. Enjoy!
How I found out about this band is purely by chance. When I was in College the campus radio station was giving away all their CD's due to the fact they were going completely digital. So of course I filled up trash bag upon trash bag of everything I could get my hands on. I then locked myself into a dorm room for about two weeks and listened to each one. One of many bands that I discovered was Autolux. To keep it short they kick ass. They are as someone put "billions times cooler than anything in the new music galaxy" They only have two albums, their debut album being the better.(Future Perfect) I love their sound but I will let you be the judge check them out.
Here is a video from the album "Future Perfect" the song called "Turnstile Blues" and a play list of their second album "Transit Transit"
News regarding The Flamming Lips is always pretty strange, by this time their strange is the norm. Latley I have been pretty dissapointed with them. Does anyone else remember their promise to release a song a month this year to create a full album in that way? What happened to that? I believe it was last month that they released that bizarre cell phone song/album. Originally, this album was released on a four disc set each disc to be played simultaneously to create the full sound. The Flamming Lips wish for people to have the same "people coming together vibe" with their cell phones, i guess. Personally, I find this a backward step for music, we do not need to depersonalize our music even more than it already is. It may be neat for a minute but I prefer a larger sound system than a couple cell phone speakers.
They have just released an EP with Neon Indian which is also disappointing due to the fact it was only sold to two record stores in the country. What the hell is that? Anyways, the first track "David Bowie is Dying" you can hear below thanks to the internet. The Flaming Lips & Neon Indian - Is David Bowie Dying by weallwantsome1
I am not a big fan of this song but would really like to hear the rest of the EP, too bad I can't at the moment. So! Let me stop my rant I love this band and think that they are one of the best preformaning bands ever and are always trying out new stuff sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. In the meantime, let's go back in time and enjoy their old time classic.
I know it has been a couple of weeks, but I promise you all that I'm still listening to music. When I was in New York around the time of my last post, I saw an interesting supergroup that recently formed called Wild Flag, featuring members from Sleater-Kinney, the Minders, and Helium. At the time they had no recordings so I couldn't share the magic, but their first leak is out! It was also my favorite song of theirs at the show so I hope you enjoy "Glass Tambourine." You should feel as if you are entering a time machine into the 60s. The song is to be officially released as a single on Record Store Day, which is on April 16th. Make sure you support your local record stores instead of Apple, at least for one day.
Yes, we are still waiting. We have heard one track off their new album due to drop May 3rd. If you are anything like me I can't wait so was really excited to find out they have released another track off the album. It is a perfect tune for the spring though it very much reminds me of The Morning Benders "Excuses" which is fine. They are both great songs. You can hear the previously released track Helplessness Blues here from an older post. This latest song was released in Japan in hopes to bring in some much needed money to our friends over in Japan. You can find out more about that from their website. Enjoy the radio cut below. Fleet Foxes - Battery Kinzie
If you're into mind wandering guitars and pulsing drum beats this is the band for you. Explosions In The Sky have recently released another great album "Take Care Take Care Take Care". (Cover Art Above) I am really diggin' this track off the album "Last Known Surroundings." This band has been around awhile but even with huge success in areas like film score and television show soundtracks the still fly under the radar. Currently I believe they are touring with Arcade Fire. Explosions In The Sky--Last Known Surroundings
And here are some of my favorite tracks from them mostly off the the album "How Strange Innocence", which I would recommend for an immediate purchase if you don't already have it. Enjoy. Explosions In The Sky--First Breath After Coma
Listen To the Full Album "Gimme Some" streaming over at NPR! After listening to it I can say it is pretty damn good. It is definitely worth a listen. The album comes out at the end of the month so check it out before then.
Cut Chemist is a fantastic DJ/Producer that has been around for quite a while. You may know him from his work with DJ Shadow or from the hip-hop band Jurassic Five. He has really started to make a name for himself regarding his solo career. His last album(pic above) "The audience is listening" is all in all a solid album. I have yet to check out his latest effort but enjoy my pick from his previous album. "The Garden" is one of my favorite songs ever for sure. Put your dancing shoes on for this one.
With a new album right around the corner I am dying with anticipation. If you still have not listened to their last effort "Since I Left You" here is your chance. Check out these great songs, the title track and "Frontier Psychiatrist", both have videos that are super kick ass. Enjoy.
This premier DJ is unstoppable these days. Everywhere you go on the internet and in every record store, the signature foam mouse head is there right in front of you and spinning incredible beats. This new track "HR 8938 Cephei" released yesterday is nothing short of epic. According to Deadmau5, he states he was "inspired by the distant star HR 8938 Cephei"(hence the title of the song). Yeah I know, but whatever I kinda see where he is coming from. Here ya go! Enjoy.
I just caught this on Paste and was super intrigued. These three teamed up to create a few songs which were played by Four Tet over the radio earlier today. Of course they have spread over the internet faster than wilder fire. Wasn't I just saying something about music and the radio? I love being wrong, especially when it includes new music from Thome blasting through the airwaves. Here check these tracks out, the first called "Mirror" and the second called "Ego". Thank you Paste and thank you internet. Enjoy.
Finally there is word all over the internet that Justice's new album is ready! Apparently, the track "Civilization" has leaked from an Adidas ad, or something of that nature. I am not digging the song all that much after the first listen, but I am still extremely confidant that this album will be another epic win. It is too bad so much music has to make it onto commercial play rather than the radio: what a backwards industry. But anyways, check the new track out here as well as the kick-ass video for the song "D.A.N.C.E" off Justice's last album.
Today marks the tenth anniversary of Daft Punk's masterpiece album "Discovery", the album above all other Daft Punk albums. This album changed the world of music forever, at least for me. Discovery goes along with a full length anime musical film titled "Interstellar 5555", which is absolutely fantastic. If you have not seen the film be sure to check that out. It has a fantastic and unique story. When thinking about this album it is hard to pick out the "best" track. Each tune flows together offering something new. For me though, I would have to go with Digital Love, this track always stands out to me. Enjoy a few tracks off the album and scenes from the Interstellar 5555.
Get ready for Monogold's debut LP "The Softest Glow". Spring is just around the corner and this is the type of sound spring deserves: beautiful, high-energy, ear tickling, thought provoking, goodness. I am loving these two tracks off the LP. Check them out.
Some of you might remember this post regarding STS9's bassist struggle with cancer. The good news now is that he is all good and the band's tour has started back up. Check out their website to see tour dates near you. I hope they come back to Boston soon, I can't wait to see them. For now I leave you with this kickin' tune. Enjoy.
PHEW!!! Okay everyone, I know it has been a few days since I have updated this here blog. I am letting all you faithful readers know that I am back! The blog has been undergoing an extreme makeover which you will see in the next couple days so keep posted. I was away on business which included a world wide search for my own personal vile of "tiger blood". The search proved futile but do not fret, I have found something better, though it must be kept in secrecy for the time being.
Regarding music, sooooo much has happened, and for the better. In the upcoming days I will be dumping a surplus of the best tunes planet Earth has to offer. Until tomorrow, I leave you with this: A sign good things have arrived with Jack White and his mobile record store.
The grey album was created by Danger Mouse, and released in February 2004. It uses an a cappella version of Jay-Z's, The Black Album, and mixes it over various unauthorized Beatles samples from The White Album. It's not the most high-quality work, but it's extremely innovative. Danger Mouse himself admitted that he never intended to make an entire album based upon the idea, but after creating a few songs, the idea quickly gained notoriety. Here are a few links to The Grey Album.
Cursive is another amazing Saddle Creek band, and yet another one of my favorites. They formed in 1995, and have released 6 studio albums to date. In my opinion, the best example of their work is The Ugly Organ, but all their albums are notable.
There is so much music out there and everyone arguing over the "best new band", as my friend described Candy Claws to me the other day he put it simply.."this is something truly original". He's right, I can't really compare this music to any other band, lyrically or sounding. But why label, why compare. Just listen and escape into the sound of Candy Claws' second album Hidden Lands.
Candy Claws--A Strange Land Discovered
Candy Claws was a SXSW showcased artist. Read the article under this Video. It is really interesting how this album was made. If you read it, you will understand what my friend meant by truly original. I say, possibly Brilliant.
TV On The Radio have released their first single from their up-coming album "Nine Types of Light." (above is the artwork) It is exactly what we can expect from this Brooklyn based band. TV On The Radio over the past decade has exploded with their multi-genre sounds taking influences from everything from Bad Brains to Brian Eno. Mixing punk rock and electro-pop, their sound has yet to disappoint. Check out their first single to their latest album. TV On The Radio--Will Do
Bon Iver was a project Justin Vernon never anticipated, stemming from three months spent in seclusion at a cabin in Wisconsin. Vernon recorded the album For Emma, Forever Ago during these three months resulting in a masterpiece. If you haven't yet, I recommend you listen to this album, and also their EP, Blood Bank. Bon Iver has not announced any plans for a new album, but I'm hoping that there is more for in store for the future.
My pick of the day is Gnarls Barkley. The group is a musical collaboration between Danger Mouse and Cee Lo Green. Forming in 2006, they released their first album, St. Elsewhere to much acclaim. In my opinion it's one of the best albums of this past decade. Their second album, The Odd Couple, was released in 2008. It's also a great example of musical potential. Cee Lo told CNN in 2010, that they planned to make at least one more album in the near future. My all time favorite live performance was Crazy, at the 2006 MTV Music Video Awards.
What can I say about Jessica Lea Mayfield that hasn't been said already? She has recieved incredible reviews and acclaim for her new album, Tell Me, which was released on February 8th on Nonesuch. Everywhere from Rolling Stone to Spin Magazine, Paste, NPR, major newspapers nationwide, and the list goes on and on, have named her as a hot new artist to watch this year. She is definitely on my list too, but that is nothing new. I have been following and a fan of Jessica's since she was a mere 14-year-old playing open mic nights in Kent, OH with her big brother David. I am a proud owner of 1/100 copies of her first EP entitled White Lies, which was released under the name Chittlin. It is no surprise to me that now, as a 21-year-old who has grown into herself, and her talent continues to expand and blossom that others are taking notice as well. Jessica's new release, along with her 2008 debut, With Blasphemy So Heartfelt, were produced by Black Key's Dan Auerbach. She also has found help in The Avett Brothers who have supported and helped her make a name in the spotlight. But Chittlin... sorry, I mean, Jessica (it's still hard for me to get used to her growing out of that nickname) owes her success to her family, and she is the first to give credit and thanks to them for that. She was home-schooled growing up, and played in the family band since she was 8 years old. Her brother David, who is also doing very well in the music industry for himself these days (check out: The David Mayfield Parade) will be performing with Jessica on stage again tonight on David Letterman. They have a beautiful chemistry together, and it is a show you will not want to miss!
Here, you can listen to Jessica Lea Mayfield's first EP and full-length album streaming:
And as for the new album, Tell Me, do yourself a favor and purchase it. She reminds me of Lucinda Williams caught in a teenage daydream. The album has so many different influences, and drags you along through a sultry badass array of raw honest alt-country bluegrass roots with an electro-pop flavor in the middle. Congratulations and good luck on your continued success, Jessica!
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Elton John proclaimed himself to be the most famous gay man in the world. After releasing over thirty studio albums and selling more than 250 million records, it's hard to deny this statement seeing as how he's one of the most successful musicians in the world. I read a short article the other day that revealed John is working on an autobiographical musical written for the big screen. Apparently the movie draws inspiration from the musical Moulin Rouge, in which "Your Song" was covered. I predict that this musical will be memorable, but only time will tell. No projected release date or production date have been announced yet, but hopefully it will happen soon.
I've found myself listening to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road a lot, so here's a couple tracks from my favorite Elton John album.
My pick of the day is M. Ward's, Hold Time. Hold Time was released in February 2009, and is Ward's sixth studio album. It's a great addition to his works, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes great mellow music. Among those featured is Zooey Deschanel, another promising and underrated musician. I also recommend to everyone that they listen to She & Him, a group consisting of Ward, and Deschanel.
You all probably know about the retiring of the band LCD Soundsystem and all the scandal that has risen regarding tickets for their last show. You probably know how great the music is and have seen their now legendary video featuring Kermit the Frog. So I'll keep this short. Here is the new un-official video for "Dance Yrself Clean" showing the rest of the Muppets taking to the streets in England. Gotta Love this band.
I came across this group the other day. I like what they are trying to do but they leave me wanting more. Former Ghosts sounds like a mix between The Cure and Joy Division only lazier. Jamie Stewart's voice is beautiful and you can't deny the energy he brings to even these depressed songs is great. But something is lacking, it seems that more than a band, Former Ghosts is a depressed art project gone wrong. Maybe. Maybe it went right.
I pick Former Ghosts today because they have some really great songs and the video for Taurean Nature is fantastic, I have definitely felt that way on more than one occasion. Check it out. Let me know what ya think of these guys. Former Ghosts--Taurean Nature
Finally, after years of showcasing his superhuman skills on drums, Travis Barker is releasing his first solo album Give The Drummer Some on March 15th. The album is set to feature tracks with Lil Wayne, RZA, Pharrell, Tech N9Ne, Eminem, Lupe Fiasco, Raekwon, and many other high-profile rappers. Barker has stated the album wouldn't be focused on one genre, although it seems like most of it with have a hip-hop feel to it. He also stated that his Blink-182 bandmates will not be featured on the album, but their comeback record will be released around June/July 2011. I look forward to hearing the finished product, but for now enjoy the title track.
This born Canadian musician resides in England where he focuses on making great music. His name is Daniel Snaith, but better known as Manitoba and even better known as Caribou. His recent albums have blown up in huge ways, each one having a different feel. If you haven't yet heard of Caribou, go buy an album, throw it on your ipod, and go for a cruise on this sunny day. Your ears will thank you later. Caribou--Odessa
With about five or so albums Gotan Project have seamlessly thrown themselves into mainstream music almost with no one looking. This Paris centered band smashes genre lines and meshes everything together for one fantastic tango sound. I pick Gotan Project today because of how this band has been able to put their music everywhere from countless TV shows, commercials, and films yet they still stay somewhat obscure. Turn these up and get ready to dance. These guys are great.
This is a band that is past due to explode into the lime light. They just have released their debut album under David Byrne's record label titled "Wondervisions." I have been grooving to these guys all day. This album has the studio recoding quality yet the electronics and guitars give it a very loose relaxed jammy feel. Fantastic. These guys are on the move to big things, look for these guys at SXSW.
Check out my picks of their debut album. You can grab the album from their website.
After reading a really strange news article on Paste Magazine, I decided it was time to devote a section of this blog to the weird shit that happens within the music world, because it seems to occur often:
After the departure of John Frusciante, The Red Hot Chili Peppers decided that it was time to start fresh and move in a new musical direction. In a recent interview with Spin, Anthony Kiedis elaborates on this, and reveals a working title for the new album inspired by their friend:
"He was reminiscing about one of his legendary acid trips, and told us that he had been playing a sold-out show to the planets and moons, and his number-one hit was, well, that title," Kiedis explains. "We found it so funny that we told him for as long as the album was under the radar, that that would be our nickname for it."
That title would be Dr. Johnny Skinz's Disproportionately Rambunctious Polar Express Machine-head. No I could not make this up.
Land of Talk is a Canadian indie-rock trio currently on the Saddle Creek label, the same label as other bands such as Bright Eyes and the Faint. For only having three people, they manage to keep the music interesting and I find myself getting lost in their songs and putting them on repeat. Their first album Some Are Lakes was also produced by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, and their latest album Cloak and Cipher features guest musician's from Stars and Arcade Fire.
One of their music videos was also nominated for a Juno Award in 2010 for the track "It's Okay." Below is a link for that video and a couple of their other amazing songs from their impressive debut and sophomore albums.
I'm generally a harsh rap critic, so you know this album is really something special. Percee P is one of my all time favorites, and Legendary Status contains some of his best works. It's his first studio album, but don't be fooled, Percee's been active since 1979. The album itself is a compilation of works that span his career until the albums release in 2005. Since then Percee's been very active, releasing 6 more albums. Here are a few links to some songs off Legendary Status. Enjoy!
Today was the release of Bayside's new album Killing Time, but sadly I have not heard the album in it's entirety yet. Bayside was formed in 2000 in New York, and Killing Time marks their fifth studio album. I've followed this band since their formation and they have come a long way this past decade. Even after the death of their drummer, John Beatz, in 2005 (their tour bus slid off the road) Bayside has continued to constantly tour and write new music. (Even after the death of their drummer, they continued touring and released an acoustic album after the accident.)
For anyone not familiar with Bayside, just imagine if Elliott Smith used electric guitar and heavy distortion for all of his songs. Bayside is well known for their powerful harmonies, catchy choruses, lyrics about love and death, and Jack O' Shea's insane guitar solos. Here is the track "Already Gone" from Killing Time, and some of their earlier work:
My musical pick of the day is Bright Eyes' The People's Key. We all know that Bright Eyes released their seventh studio album last week. It's my choice for two reasons. First of all, it's great damn music. Secondly, they've just embarked on their "final" tour, which I will be attending with Shaun on March 9. Here are a couple links to video clips of Bright Eyes playing a week ago in Scala, London. Hope you enjoy as much as I do!
I found out about these guys a couple days a ago from (knoxroad) I am not too sure what they are about, the only thing I do know is that they are a five piece band from the UK with a highly infectious sound: up beat, fun, refreshing, and fantastic. I gotta a feeling we will be hearing a lot from these guys in the near future. They are definitely blowing up in a big way. Hey Sholay--In Bed With Saint Nick
This husband wife duo have got me hooked with their acoustic mellow vibe. The two live in England, where I think they have gained an influence of British-pop which can be heard slightly in their music. It makes for a great sound. They recently released another album "Guide to an Escape." It is very very good. Flowing vocals and at times eerie melodies backed by a constant strum of the guitar and simplistic drumming: gotta love it. They have packed up their kick drum and currently are touring world wide. Go to their website for dates and to purchase the new album.
The Strokes are finally returning after a 5 year hiatus! Their long awaited fourth studio album, titled Angles, is due out on March 22. It was recorded in Guitarist, A. Hammond's home, and produced by the band, except for the song, "Life is Simple in the Moonlight." Their first single off the album (Under Cover of Darkness) is available for download, and is nothing short of impressive. The band described the album as, "a return to basics," and first impressions seem to deliver on that claim. They have yet to announce any official tour dates, but they are expected to embark on a worldwide tour from 2011-2012. They are one of the confirmed headliners for both the Reading, and Leeds festival in England. Now all there is to do is sit and fester with anticipation until the end of March.
It seems between Cut Copy and Architecture in Helsinki I have been on an Australian elcerto-pop kick. It must be the sudden change in weather. What I love about this band is how all the members are so versatile and are always switching up what instruments they play. They also have pretty awesome videos and maybe the most random sounding band ever. Very strange. Architecture in Helsinki have another album to drop May 3rd but have released their first single from the album "Contact High." I personally love it. It is a free download at their site. Warning: this song is highly addictive.
If there's one musician that always seems to keep me intrigued, it's Sufjan Stevens. After years of writing beautiful folk songs and writing about two of the fifty states, and aninstrumental album based on Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Sufjan scraped all of it for an electronic-based concept album inspired by a schizophrenic artist named Royal Robertson. I saw Sufjan live during The Age of Adz tour last November and I can easily tell you it's one of the best live performances I've ever seen. It has all the glitz and glamour of a Lady Gaga show, except you can actually enjoy the music. And even though it shouldn't be the one thing I remember the most, SUFJAN WAS DANCING. Which is weird when you're used to his old sound.
But whether he is singing songs with elaborate stories, or writing simple lyrics to electronic beats, I will look forward to whatever he has coming next.
I'm splitting up the videos into two different categories so you can see the dramatic change in his music from his earlier work to the present.
Just a couple tracks off of Beck's "Mellow Gold" album. This album in my mind his best. Radiohead just released their latest album one day early today so there is no time for any other tunes. The rest of the night=Radiohead. BUT, love this, my favorite album and tracks from Mellow Gold. Brilliant.
Ever since 2008 after the release of Narrow Stairs and 2009's The Open Door EP, it seems as if Ben Gibbard's wife Zooey Deschanel was creating more music than he was. But after a two year wait, Death Cab is returning with a new album titled Codes And Keys. This album is said to have less guitars, and inspired by one of Brian Eno's earlier albums, Another Green World. This sounds like an awesome idea, but all they need to do now is announce a tour!
Codes And Keys will be released on May 31st, 2011. Until then, enjoy the classics:
Cut Copy's release of Zonoscope couldn't have come at a better time. New England is frozen but the warm Australian sounds of Cut Copy will easily blast us all into our summer modes. Their previous album "In Ghost Colours" is a superior album but do not fret: Zonoscope too, is a damn good album. In my mind it is just not their best effort. I feel like it just lacks in some areas. It may be lacking in some, but on the other hand, the album has tracks that far exceed expectations that completely make up for it's lacking moments.
I will be in Boston with very good friends this April for the show! Cut Copy live is always fantastic!
Unless you have been away from the internet and television, you can't help but notice all of the exciting things happening in music this past week. Arcade Fire winning the Grammy's (along with Esperanza Spalding winning best new artist), the release of Bright Eyes The People's Key, a new Radiohead album, and much more. So far it looks like 2011 is shaping up to be an amazing year in music.
Underground indie-rap visionary Atmosphere is to release a new album titled The Family Sign on April 12th, and announced a tour starting on 4/20 in support of it. No tracks are up from the album yet, but they will be posted here when they are made available.
Track list for the Family Sign:
01 My Key 02 The Last to Say 03 Became 04 Just for Show 05 She's Enough 06 Bad Bad Daddy 07 Millenium Dodo 08 Who I'll Never Be 09 I Don't Need Brighter Days 10 Ain't Nobody 11 Your Name Here 12 If You Can Save Me Now 13 Something So 14 My Notes
But wait! If you are a Cash fan, you must check out this new website. It is an interactive website called The Johnny Cash Project which brings to life his final studio recording, "Ain't No Grave." The best part is we get to be a part of it by contributing are own digital art to the video. This is really cool stuff. Though I might be a pathetic artist I am definitely going to contribute. I will post up my work as I get around to it. If any of you contribute please share it with us.
This is a fantastic project so nevertheless, check the site out HERE!
WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! This Saturday the greatest band on Earth will release their new album entitled "The King of Limbs". Yes! Read all about it here. From the article, it sounds like Radiohead, as always, will raise the bar for every musician and band around the world. Let's get in the groove with some of my favorite older tracks. Readers Please! Feel free to add yours to the mix in the comment box!!
If you are unfamiliar with Tom Waits you are in for a treat. In honor of Tom being recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame I bring you a few more well known tracks from him. Tom is an incredible song writer, performer, composer, and actor. He does it all, with his distinct bourbon fueled voice and smoky story telling. He sings about the America we all know in love; dark, seedy, and poetically beautiful. Tom's work has been a great influence in my life, for one, Drunken Pianos Daily Music Blog is actually named after this first song, (The Piano Has Been Drinking) Enjoy.
Tom has an incredible amount of music, these are some of his more well known songs. If you dig any of these I recommend you to go buy an album immediately, you will not be disappointed. It might change your life.
And one for Valentine's Day: Tom Waits--Blue Valentine
