Got another iTunes Pick Of The Week for ya. Cold War Kids are an American indie rock band from Long Beach, California. Below is one of my favorites, "Royal Blue", great song. The songs got a cool vibe and it's delivered just right. I'll let you be the judge, give it a listen.
Pretty tight track here. Real unique chorus with a simple yet real catchy beat and some versatile lyrical talent. Check the flow at 1:04, the dude seriously goes in. The rest of the track is real solid and mad chilled out. Give it a listen.
There's something about this beat. I feel like it can make any track sound sick. Not to downplay the talent of Gabriel Stark, cause the dude can spit but you get it. Another chilled out track that'll give you flashbacks about the summer being over and going back-to-school.
We've got an interesting one here. Sick track, quick flow at first which continually slows down throughout. The tracks not necessarily what's so intriguing. It's the dude spitting the rhymes, simply had someone different pictured. But we all know that doesn't matter. Sick track, cool beat, interesting video. Definitely curious to see if we hear more from this kid. Time will tell.
Mike T - They Know (Prod. Alex O'Neill) | Download |
We've got a funky one here. A duet between Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig and Electrofunk duo Chromeo. "I Could Be Wrong" features a slew of different styles, great vocals, a sax solo and a 15-second spoken-word segment. All good stuff and of course, always worth a listen.
Chromeo - I Could Be Wrong Feat. Ezra Koenig | Download |
Shad is one of the most down to earth "real" MCs of our generation. The dude's smooth as hell. He's got sick ideas and is the definition of underground hip hop. He keeps things mad simple yet impresses with just about everything he produces. Here's a sick introduction into the brilliance that is Shad. Watch closely.
This is the kind of music that can slap a smile on anyone's face. I've got two tracks for you, Seven Nation Army, which is a new classic within my iTunes and Soulman, which I just stumbled across. Two very different tracks but they're both of the feel good, pretty chilled out, very soulful quality. I love the new school guys who are bringing back old school by essentially reinventing new school. Dudes like Ben l'Oncle Soul, Raphael Saadiq and Aloe Blacc to name a few. Anyways, listen up and enjoy as there's nothing else to do as Irene surges up the East Coast.
Great reco right here. Heard some peeps talking about this track while I was out last night and couldn't resist, had to get it up. Never heard of this dude but think he's got a real unique flow. There's no doubt that he goes in on his tracks, mad emotion. Not typically my kind of music but it's always worth a listen.
Emilio Rojas - Breaking Point
Another solid track from Emilio. This track may hold the f-bomb record.
Donald Glover better known as Childish Gambino (which I think came from an online band name generator) has been on a tear over the last year or so. He's constantly pushing the envelope whether with remixes, new originals, stand up, tv, film, etc. For a dude that's fairly modest about his extremely versatile talent, he's got some serious swag. Anyways, seems like the dude is everywhere, which I guess he is. It's as though the second he cools off, he's back at it with something funnier, fresher and better. He's due out with an album this September, "Camp". I can guarantee you'll see it debut on this blog in some way, shape or form. So make sure to check back for when it drops.
Real interesting track from the like minded musical talents of both James Blake and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver). If you're used to the typical voice and style of Bon Iver then I'm assuming you'll be a big fan of this collaboration. The track hit YouTube a few days ago prior to its anticipated release to iTunes (next week). With Blakes unique production style coupled with Bon Iver's exotic vocals we pretty much have as unique yet on point a track as expected. Check the YouTube stream below.
Here's a smooth hot of the press track from Mr. Roth. Slowed down with a simple beat. A bit different for him but real interesting. I like the versatility.
Here's a track from indie duo Wye Oak that I just finished listening to 6 times in a row. The song is called Civilian and it's from their latest record entitled, get this, Civilian. The song begins with a delicate, atmospheric vocal and simple folk sound that slowly builds into a massive wall of noise and sound that is truly moving. I will definitely be checking out more of these guys, hopefully you feel the same after you hear it.
I first came across this track in the Comic Con exclusive preview for season 2 of The Walking Dead. If you haven't seen this show, now's the time to catch up (there are only 6 episodes in season, it won't take long). The show is an intense, end-of-the-world zombie drama, and packs in way more action, emotion and gore than any other current cable take on the horror genre (I'm looking at you True Blood). Ok, now I'm rambling, but check out the trailer below. It's a great peek at the show, usage of the song and overall just a killer promo.
Crappy radio commercials for car dealerships are telling me that the end of summer is near, but I'm not quite ready. Here's a sun-drenched track from Chicago-based Mike Golden & Friends. I stumbled upon this track a year or so ago, and while we're still waiting for a full LP from Mike (his first two EPs are on iTunes), this track remains his best output.
There is nothing more summer than an empty beer bottle percussion track, and I dare you to prove me otherwise. This track has that morning-after campfire stench to it, so put it in rotation before fall hits.
Well here it is, Blu's new album, NoYork! He dropped it on his fans for free via the Cali leg of Rock the Bells. My guess, Blu understands the value of viral marketing from a music industry perspective and has given word of mouth the credit it deserves to help propel him into the limelight of the hip hop world. Crazy thing here is, this was an official album produced on a corporate level, I'm sure his strategy didn't go over very well with his representation. I'm liking Blu's overall approach on this and I'm sure many agree, kind of a cool way to treat the industry with a much anticipated album.
For integrity sake, I won't post the download link but for a listen you can check it out here:
Blu – No York! Track Listing:
01. Doin’ Nothin (Feat. U-God)
02. Everything Ok (Feat. Jack Davey)
03. Never Be The Same
04. A Bove Crenshaw (feat. Cashus King)
05. SLNGBNGrs
06. Super Dooper U
07. Hours
08. Annie Hall
09. Ta G’s (feat. Exile)
10. Spring Winter Summer Fall (feat. Jimetta Rose)
11. Down To Earth (feat. The Donel Smokes, Double O, Definite)
12. My Sunshine
13. Jazmine
14. And The Jazzmen
15. Ronald Morgan (feat. Edan)
16. Keep Pushinn
17. Doin Something
Wow, these dudes go in. Definitely a more serious vibe to this track but no joke these guys aren't fucking around. The chorus is also a no brainer, definitely nicely incorporated. I'm feeling this track though, real different than what we're used to in the hip hop music industry. There's a nice combo of speed, lyrics, chorus, etc. An all around solid track. I can imagine this won't be a favorite across the board but don't count it out too quick, give it a few.
I also couldn't not post one of their latest videos, WINGS. I'm simply loving how real this track is. Came out a few months ago if not more. Video came out mid July.
Here's my iTunes Pick Of The Week. I'll be delivering some of the top played tracks from my iTunes on a weekly basis. I've kind of been doing that but wanted to start a weekly trend. This week I'm featuring Monsters of Folk and their track Dear God. M.O.F. is an American supergroup, consisting of Jim James from My Morning Jacket, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis from Bright Eyes, and M. Ward of She & Him. Sick track and simply wanted to share it with everyone. Enjoy!
Monsters of Folk - Dear God ( Sincerely M.O.F.) | Download |
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I'd be back with more Blu. My assumption at the time was that it would be something from his album with Exile "Below the Heavens". Anyways, good news, Blu is back at it. Not that he was ever gone, more so back with something I can keep on repeat. My Sunshine feat. Nia Andrews is a newer, smoother, fresh piece of work that debut a few weeks back. Blu's much anticipated album NoYork is set to drop later this year. The dude has actually got a lot in the works and rumor has it, he's looking to drop a new album with Exile in the next coming year. Give this track a listen and if you haven't heard it give Below the Heavens a shot... it's all good.
Oh and almost forgot, Blu will be kicking it with Fashawn and Exile at Rock the Bells this year. Can't wait to check that out.
Oddisee, you ever hear of him? This is a nice listen, real pure, underground hip hop. The track is pretty simple, unique beat, slightly out of the norm with a few nice versus placed over it. This one's sure to make it on your laptop.
This is truly incredible, I've never seen anything quite like it.
"Industrial Revolutions sees Danny take his incredible bike skills into an industrial train yard and some derelict buildings.' Filmed in the beautiful Scottish countryside Danny Macaskill's latest film was directed by Stu Thomson..."
By now everyone and their mother has heard "Home" by the traveling musical hippie roadshow that is Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. However, many people haven't heard the RAC remix below and we are here to rectify that. RAC has been making a name for themselves remixing some of the biggest tunes from the past few years, and this track is a perfect demonstration of their skills. What I dig about RAC is that rather than just add a techno beat or speed up the tempo like many other "remix artists," they seem to really break the song down to its parts and then reassemble it to create something wholly new and different. In the case of ES&TMZ's Home, the song emerges deeper, fuller and more sonic, and could actually top the original. Take a listen, enjoy your Friday.
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home (RAC Mix) | Download |
Aloe Blacc, what a blast from the past (at least that's what he sounds/looks like). I've been meaning to get a post up on him for awhile. He lends a unique style to the current music scene and aids as a refresher to the overwhelming amount of new music being released on such a consistent and constant basis. Above you got Aloe Blacc's original "I Need A Dollar". Below you have a track of the same name with a slightly different style infused.
Yonas - I Need A Dollar (Remix)
While I'm feeling the "I Need A Dollar" tracks, here's a newer track from Aloe Blacc to give you a further look into his John Legend-esque vocals and new oldies style.
I came across this track on Pandora the other day. Not really a frequent user but when I'm looking to hear from some newbies and I'm in no position to do the searching I sometimes throw on good old Pandora.
The Hop is a real interesting track. Real unique beat followed by even more exotic vocals. The vibe here is hard to pinpoint, so simple, yet catchy and nowhere close to mainstream on top of the fact that the lyrics are nothing crazy, they're just perfect for the beat. Anyways, if you're lookin' to smooth out, chill and enjoy yourself, toss this track on, you'll be glad you did.
Har-man, nice call on the Vaccines. Wetsuit... definitely some of the goodness.
I'm going to change it up a bit, keep it mellow but change the vibe slightly. Clay Hughes is no household name, it's rare to hear him on the radio, if at all, and he certainly isn't bumping in nightclubs around your local city, but he's got talent. Nothing earth shattering but that's not always what we look for in satisfying music. He's got the voice and style, and honestly, if you think about some of the greats, that's all you need. I'm not saying Clay Hughes is a "great" but I'm digging his vibe. Get at the stream below.
The Vaccines are a new UK band that you will be hearing from very soon if you haven't already. They sport a guitar-heavy, garage rock sound band seemingly cut from the same cloth as UK buzz bands of the past (the Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Cheifs). I first caught these guys on the Lollapalooza webcast that the above video is pulled from and quickly realized that they aren't just the next flash in the pan, 1-record wonder from across the pond.
On their brilliantly titled first album, What Did You Expect From the Vaccines?, the band puts a classical punk feel on top of the Brit-rock sound you've come to expect, and in the process they seem to build a new house with old bricks, or at least slapped a new coat of paint on it. I've included two of my favorite tracks below, so check them out and know them now, you know, before they become all famous and trendy and uncool.
I'm rarely sold after the first listen but the first three tracks I heard off this mixtape were fire... Smoke, Werfmor Anthem and Nightmares. Never heard of Julius Myth until today, disappointing cause the dude's talented. Hit the stream below for an initial taste and if you like it get at the download below for the entire mixtape. It's all good, mad chill, real laid back. The man has got some serious flow and knows how to lyrically deliver.
I feel like this one never got much recognition. Stumbled across it about 2 years ago and it's seen consistent plays ever since. After Wyclef's Sweetest Girl took off all over the country in 2007, Niia, a 24 year-old singer, pianist, and songwriter was brought in to create one of the better acoustic versions of a hip hop track that I've heard. Although not a huge fan of the original (it was fine) just over played... I am a huge fan of Wyclef and his choice of pulling Niia into what I think is one of his better collaborations. Niia is young and has a project due out this year. Should be interesting to see if she can breakthrough onto the music scene. Hit the stream below and let me know if you're feeling it.
1.) Timeliness isn't our forte, and it's certainly not why we started this blog. We consider ourselves well-versed on the latest and greatest but that doesn't mean we're on the inter-web all day scouring for the priceless hidden gems we all know and love so much. Although we're very good at it, we try not to get caught up in it. Simply, we provide a plethora of music that we know and foresee to be some of the best. Of course, I would have liked to post about this video when it debut but you know, traveling and all the things that we do besides post to this blog sometimes get in the way.
2.) Be sure to pay extra close attention at 2:34...
3.) In my opinion, this video is right up there with the best. I also don't ask for much when it comes to a music video. It's entertaining or not(period) This video is simple and just works for me. Honestly, it was like Jay and Kanye said "we're going out to tear it up for the day, film us". It's so far from trying too hard that it comes across as well-done, fun, sick, whatever you want to call it. Kanye and Jay clearly don't destroy expensive new toys on the daily but they certainly make it look that way. The Otis sample simply helps drive home the vibe and positive feel along with the fact that it looks like they've been boys since birth.
4.) The song continues to impress and it's definitely up there as one of the best from the album. I'd like to say this is my last Otis post but you never know. If you haven't seen the video, ENJOY! If you have, well, I'm sure it's not your second time watching so watch it again.
With their sixth full length album it seems like The Decemberists have finally decided to strip away some of the pretension and just play some down-home folk infused rock. Released at the beginning of this year, The King is Dead marks a shift for the band, long known for their baroque, art-rock sound and lead singer's Colin Meloy's complex and archaic vocal stylings. On King, the ideas are less-busy and the instrumentation more straight forward. The band has ditched high-concept for low country, and the results are a more accessible record, and one that doesn't require a dictionary and a history degree. The band employs some famous friends along the way, including vocalist Gillian Welch and REM guitarist Peter Buck. The two certainly help lend legitimacy (and in Buck's case, some recycled REM riffs) to the outing, while helping Meloy and crew forge their new sound.
While I had been a fan of some Decemberists in the past (who can deny "16 Military Wives"?) this is the first of their records that I have really enjoyed as a cohesive whole. It's a fun listen, one that lends itself as easily to a summer BBQ as it does to the drama school dorms that The Decemberists have always called home. I've included two stand out tracks below for stream and download, the anthemic "Don't Carry it All" and the REM-tinged rocker "Down by the Water." So raise a glass to turnings of the season, and enjoy.
Here's a nice one to kick off your Saturday evening. I don't know what it is about this track but it gets me going. It's nowhere close to the normal hip hop/rock track that you'll find on this blog but it's definitely catchy, and for whatever reason always receives the, who is this? question. The chorus is catchy, the song is easy to follow and the unique electric feel sucks you in. You're not going to find a ton of songs like this in my iTunes but this one certainly qualifies.
Tayyib Ali ft. Dave Patten – Live on the Road | Download |
This track is pretty good. Pretty good meaning... it's not great but I'm definitely feeling it. Mad chill, nice flow, definitely a head nodder. To accompany the already solid track we have a sick video to go along with it. The video provides a unique insight into the back-stage/behind the scenes life of being a musical talent. The video is nicely produced which only helps establish more credibility for the two young up-and-comers. For some additional Tayyib, I've also included the below track, Pretty Little Penthouse, produced by Brenton Duvall.
Tayyib Ali - Pretty Little Penthouse (Prod. Brenton Duvall) | Download |
Blitzen Trapper, a '70s-style folk-rock band that just released a free preview off their new single, Love The Way You Walk Away. Straight off their upcoming album, American Goldwing, this track presents a very unique yet reinvented feel of what we can classify as a country-rock mix. I'm digging the style and glad I stumbled across it.
Alright let's get this out of the way first: I love supergroups. You love supergroups. No one loves Audioslave. Ok, now that we've established that, this week's Know This Band features modern supergroup Middle Brother.
The band consists of Matt Vasquez of Delta Spirit, John McCauley of Deer Tick and Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes. If you aren't familiar with these guys individual work, check out the links above asap but I'll put it this way, if all the genres in music competed in an All-Star bowling tournament, these 3 would proudly represent team Americana/Rock/Folk. Their self titled first album as a collective is by my account one of the finest releases of 2011. I've included two of my favorite cuts below so turn it on and turn it up.
Here's an oldie, well not really but it's recently been resurrected from the depths of my iTunes. Ragoo, in my opinion, is one of the many sleepers among the 5 studio albums Kings of Leon have released over the past 8 years or so. If you're a KOL fan, you'll like this track. If you've never heard it, give it a listen, trust me. If you've heard it, give it a listen, cause you know it's a great track. I could go on forever about Kings of Leon but I'll spare everyone. Just know this track is great among the many others I'm sure you've heard.
To ape an old slogan NBC used to use during reruns, "if you haven't see it, it's new to you!" This Childish Gambino video may be from a few months back but the song is killer and the video is nice so if you haven't gotten on the Gambino bandwagon, here's your chance.
Donald Glover may be better known as Troy from the funniest show on television Community, but his hip hop work has been getting more and more exposure and its for one reason: dude is uber talented. He's working on a new record now, but to hold you over here's his first full length Culdesac, which he distributed fo free late last year. Get that, watch this, see him live, watch Community, be good to each other.
Please welcome the 55-year-old version of Rebecca Black. I received this in a work email early this afternoon. No need to ask why, the video speaks for itself:
Who would I be if I didn't hit you guys with an update on this (the very first DCRC post). Fresh out of production, here's Sol's music video, "This Shit (Prod. DJ Jacks Green)".
I hear you my man, just trying to throw things into the mix with a somewhat decent remix (it's a rarity to find a remixed track that doesn't destroy a song). Also, glad to see Mumford and Sons are still cranking out great tuners.
This next track was recco'ed by a friend this past Monday. I've never heard of The Heavy but I'm definitely feeling this track. We've got some unique vocals over a very smooth simplistic beat. There's nothing too out of the norm here but you'll find your head nodding to this one. The short two-minute and forty-five second track is all you need to be convinced that this group has some talent. Fun fact: they originate out of Noid, England, oddly enough, no place by that name exists. The group has seen some recognition throughout the late 2000's. For more on The Heavy check them out here.
I had a mild obsession with this band over the winter. Haven't heard much from them since but will definitely be listening to their debut album, Sign No More, on my way home from work today. On December 1, 2010, the band received two Grammy Award nominations, one for Best New Artist and the other for Best Rock Song, Little Lion Man. If that's not enough they also killed it on stage with the Avett Brothers and Bob Dylan performing one of their hit singles, The Cave (Love this video). Definitely a memorable one for me. Anyways, check the track below, we've got a surprising remix that manages to maintain its integrity throughout.
Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man (Djabo Lorel Remix) | Download |
Aight, so it's here. Kanye West and Jay-Z’s much anticipated collaboration, Watch The Throne. I expect nothing but brilliance and my expectations are as high as ever. I'm listening to the album as I type this and can tell you already I think they've done it. With features from Frank Ocean, Beyonce, Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield and Will Ferrell, the album from a track line-up perspective is already impressive. Show some respect and check it out on iTunes. If you're feelin' it, make the purchase.
For a little taste, I've featured the track “Otis (feat. Otis Redding)” right here... and below:
I'm impressed! Barely over a week ago J. Cole dropped Vol. 1 of his Any Given Sunday series. It's a week later and we've got three more fresh tracks to help get us through the long work week. Week over week J. is giving me more and more of a reason to believe he's destined to be one of the best. Three more chilled out J. Cole tracks for you, enjoy.
Interesting track from an interesting duo. Aaron Livingston, who we heard in RJD2's 2010 LP, The Colossus, has joined forces with RJD2 full time and are going by the name Icebird. Following RJD2's recent style of incorporating more vocals, Going And Going. And Going., features RJ's legendary style accompanied by Livingston's vocals which I think we'd all agree, works... We've got a very "cool" track that touches what feels like all spectrums of the musical world. Abandoned Lullaby, Icebirds expected first album, is due out this fall.
Love this duo. Haven't heard much from them and honestly don't know how much they've actually done but they're definite YouTube sensations. They've managed to take a decent Chris Brown track and turn it into something even better. Piano and Vocals are all you get but I'm thinking in this case it's all you need. If the above doesn't convince you then maybe the 32,662,811 views will.
And for the hell of it, here's Chris Brown's original version:
Chris Brown - Look At Me Now feat. Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes | Download |
The guys behind It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia have unleashed some hilarious promos for the new season, check em all out on youtube. Sunny is back this September.
There's no doubt Asher's currently killing it. After he dropped, Summertime (feat. Quan) in early July, he's immediately back with another catchy, chilled out track. A slightly different feel, a bit slower, with some fresh instrumentals. He's continuing to roll out high quality tracks, on a frequent basis, featuring the right people, during a great time of year. I'm definitely on board with his current contribution to the industry and can only hope he keeps it up.
Asher Roth feat. D.A. Wallach – Another On Down | Download |
There's nothing new about either of these tracks. But to be honest, I couldn't get either of them out of my headphones last summer, which is why I'm bringing them back. Two tight tracks, two very different styles. The original comes from Vampire Weekend's Contra, which dropped in January of 2010. The other is an unexpected remix from a crew that goes by the name AudioDax. Give 'em a listen, I'm guessing you'll end up downloading both.
There's something about this track... Simply put, it's one of those solid, feel good tracks, that follows a very well thought out story line. I've never heard of these guys but they carry a very subdued, chilled-out, realist vibe. I talk about them like I just met them but you get it. Give the track a listen and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
I've got mixed feelings about J. Cole. Don't get me wrong, over the past year he's been killing it. He's certainly showed he's got what it takes but that also doesn't mean I have to like him. He's got me on the up with his new mixtape, Any Given Sunday, that dropped this past Sunday. Hit the download below if you want the full 5-track EP. Oh and I love the MJ album artwork.
J. Cole's also putting the final touches on his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story due out Sept. 27 under Jay-Z's lable Roc Nation. If you're feelin' his mixtape check back in Sept. for a breakdown of his new album.
So if you remember, I featured this dude a few weeks ago and he's back with with another smooth stylin' track. Only this time he's slowed it down a bit over a sampled No Doubt song. Get at the comments below and let me know which track you think it is, shouldn't be too hard. Anyways, here's a solid chilled out track from Skizzy Mars who undoubtedly will be back with more.
Kicking off a new post series here at DCRC is Walk the Moon, an indie dance rock band from Cincinnati. I got a chance to see these guys last month at their first LA gig and they are a ton of fun live, with a stage presence far beyond their years. They are playing Lollapalooza this weekend and in the process of recording the first major label release as we speak. The video for their first single, Anna Sun, is above. It's absurdly catchy and I'm willing to guess you've already heard it somewhere this summer. If not, get on the bus. Got a stream and download for another track from their debut "i want, i want" below. Get at it.
Jay - Z - Feelin' It
The Roots - The Next Movement
I wish I could say I've been listening to both of these since their release dates, Feelin' It (1997) and The Next Movement (1999), but I haven't. Although, when I finally blessed them into my iTunes they soon found their place among the top. There's a crazy inter-communal battle among the tracks found in my library. Only a select few see the top 100. As you can imagine, both of these tracks reside within that group. Give 'em a listen.
