Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Shaun's Pick- Death Cab For Cutie

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
You Are A Tourist:

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Mikey's Pick--Tom Waits/Dr. John (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

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!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Mikey's Pick--Autolux

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"


Transit Transit by Autolux

Mikey's Pick--The Flamming Lips

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.



If you have never seen them live check this link out.  Nothing short of disappointing.
Flamming Lips Interview/Live Show  

Friday, March 25, 2011

Shaun's Pick- Wild Flag



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.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Mikey's Pick--Fleet Foxes

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 

Mikey's Pick--Explosions In The Sky

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 

Explosions In The Sky--Song For Our Fathers

Explosions In The Sky--Snow and Lights

Monday, March 21, 2011

Mikey's Pick--Peter Bjorn & John (full album stream)

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.  

Have a listen here at NPR.

And why not add the classic whistling tune that even years later I still can't get out of m head.

Mikey's Pick--Cut Chemist

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.  

"The Garden" Cut Chemist by hollyo3000

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Mikey's Pick--The Avalanches

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.

The Avalanches--Since I Left You

The Avalanches--Electricity

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Mikey's Pick--DJ Deadmau5

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.

Deadmau5 - HR 8938 Cephei by DJ Sound LT

Mikey's Pick--Thome York/Four Tet/Burial

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.

Thome/Four Tet/Burial--Mirror

And the song titled Ego
Thom Yorke - Ego by Nerdo TV

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Mikey's Pick--Justice

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.

Civilization - Justice by Linksilver..

And an amazing video/song from Justice's last album:

Monday, March 14, 2011

Mikey's Pick--Daft Punk

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. 


Daft Punk--Harder Better Faster Stronger


Daft Punk--Digital Love


Daft Punk--Too Long


Daft Punk--Short Circuit

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Mikey's Pick--Monogold

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.

Monogold--Ivory Teeth Golden Tusk

and another one for ya!
Monogold - Spirit or Something by The Wounded Jukebox

Mikey's Pick--Sound Tribe Sector 9

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.

STS9--Peoples

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Mikey's Back and so are Record Stores

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.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Max's Pick-The Grey Album

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.