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.
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
The same buddy who showed me Toro Y Moi just put me on this infectious EP entitled "Canopy". Painted Palms is the San Francisco based electro-pop group behind this fantastic release. This is the type music that can make anyone's body move, ears twitch and mind wander. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You can grab the entire album as a free download here.
A band that I think goes very unnoticed and are extremely underrated. Gruvis Malt is stacked with talent. This six piece Rhode Island band is funk, jazz, hip-hop, rock, and good times all rolled into one. They seamlessly flow from genre to genre using perfect harmonizing hooks and choruses. They have the sound, and even better lyrics to back them up. Check these guys out, or at least these two songs.
PRIMUS HAS A NEW ALBUM??!!!! According to Paste Magazine, bass guitar god Les Claypool announced that indeed Primus will be putting out another LP this year. So yes, Primus still sucks. It has been 12 years since the band has released an album which makes this news really exciting. It has been awhile but that doesn't mean these guys have not been busy; they are all very successful with other bands and solo careers. So on that note, let's get back in the mood and blast some of my favorite tracks and awesome videos: Primus--Tommy the Cat
Recently, I purchased this interesting 10-part documentary about the history of Jazz created by Ken Burns which aired on PBS back in 2000. It renewed my appreciation for Jazz & Blues music, so I'll be doing some posts centered around the distant past- rather then the present state of music.
Louis Armstrong always called people Pops, and soon enough everyone started calling him Pops. He is best known as the father of Jazz music, because everybody wanted to play trumpet like him. Some might call him one of the best performers of the 20th century for the way that he always knew how to captivate an audience with his presence, distinct voice, and always happy appearance. Even before the Civil Rights movement, Louis had played for both black and white audiences, and was one of the first African-American entertainers to be able to play in segregated events.
Yes indeed the White Stripes are over but as most of us know, Jack White has had his fingers in so many projects lately it is no surprise that he has a new album due mid-May entitled Rome. Jack has teamed up with Danger Mouse, Daniele Luppi, and Norah Jones for this endeavor. Sounds interesting right? My guess is this can only mean one thing: another fantastic album to hear this spring. The song "Two against One" is streaming now on a few sites but seemingly, the song is quickly being taken down from many of them. So quick take peek!!!!
Listen Here:
No time for any great posts today due to Superbowl festivities. Go PACKERS! In the meantime, enjoy these two excellent videos and songs.
First, from the band, The Fever:
A buddy of mine got me into this guy the other day. Toro Y moi (Chazwick Bundick) is a North Carolina based music recording artist. Some might know him from his high school band The Heist. Last year he put out his first full length LP and has announced his second (Underneath the Pine) to drop Feb. 22. To quote my buddy, "Dude the entire album is amazing. the ENTIRE album, I am beside myself. I just listened to it three times." He is currently in the midst of an extensive tour so be sure to check out those dates. Here are a couple tracks from Underneath The Pine.
How have I never heard of this guy?!! Some of his previous album covers look vaguely familiar to me but drawing a blank on him. (no pun intended) I guess with itunes a track of his comes for free. (I use Winamp) Mr. Scruff, as he describes himself, is a cartoonist/DJ/producer/tea drinker. I found out about this guy today being another British DJ under the same record label as Wagon Christ. Mr. Scruff too has an album in the works for 2011. After doing some research on Mr. Scruff, I can tell you he is very busy. Not only does he make really great electronic dance tracks, sometimes leaning on the silly side, he also does all his own art work and cartoons to go along with albums/videos/concert sets. On top of that he sells tea. Yes, he is very into drinking tea, those kooky Brits. Anyways, what a great discovery. Check this guy out his website it is pretty fun.
Today I found out that Wagon Christ (Luke Vibert) is putting out another album this year and has released one track off the album. The album "Toomarow" wil be released early this March. I almost forgot about Wagon Christ, it being that it's been awhile since he has put out an album under that name. He goes by many different aliases other than Wagon Christ.
Today, The White Stripes ended their career as a duo rock n' roll band. This is no surprise to me since they have both been doing extremely well solo, but saddening all the same. I love Jack White and everything he does but his work with The White Stripes was magnificent. The only real bummer about this whole thing is that I never was able to see them live! The band gave this warming statement: "The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want..." Good news! Jack then stated that The White Stripes will continue to release previously unreleased material. In honor of Meg and Jack enjoy these tracks from a fantastic band.
Pantha du Prince, (Hendrik Weber) a German DJ/producer which I can not get enough of today. Maybe it's the snow and dark storms circling what seems to be the entire globe driving me to replay after replay the 2010 album Black Noise. This album is composed perfectly, simple yet sophisticated. This album at times reminds us that sometimes it is the notes you don't play. The music is very rooted to the sounds of nature and the theory that there is music everywhere sometimes hidden behind the black noise.
It has been three years since the excellent debut album. Fleet Foxes finally announcing newest album to drop May 5th! They also have released the title track Helplessness Blues. This track is streaming from their site as you can also download it freely. Also, they have released tour dates for both their US and European tours. I love the album's art work, and this song is excellent. This album is shaping up to be a great one. I am excited for spring and this assured beautiful album to come.
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.
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.
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. 
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!
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!
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.
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 an instrumental 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.
After doing some research on Mr. Scruff, I can tell you he is very busy. Not only does he make really great electronic dance tracks, sometimes leaning on the silly side, he also does all his own art work and cartoons to go along with albums/videos/concert sets. On top of that he sells tea. Yes, he is very into drinking tea, those kooky Brits. Anyways, what a great discovery. Check this guy out his website it is pretty fun. 
