Thursday, June 28, 2012

NEW: MORE FLEETWOOD COVERS


A few more of the tracks came out from the August 14 release of the above album. I have to say, where did they (whoever put this thing together) find this random group of people? In what world do we want to hear MGMT sounding like malfunctioning robots covering one of the best bands ever. PUH. Best Coast was pleasant & Antony's version sounds like every other cover of the song. I'm eagerly anticipating Alison Mosshart to save the day with "Dreams". 

Landslide‒- 'Antony' by DeccaRecords

Silver Springs - Lykke Li by DeccaRecords

FutureGames - MGMT by DeccaRecords

NEW: DIAMOND RINGS "I'M JUST ME"

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

NEW: BEST COAST "RHIANNON"


As previously reported, a tribute album to the great Fleetwood Mac is in the works and set to be released in August. Head over to NPR to listen to Best Coast's version of 'Rhiannon'. As a huge Stevie fan (my skeeball name is Skeevie Nicks), I 100% approve of this cover. Bethany even channels Ms. Nicks' raspy-voice quality and also adds her own pop element to the song. 

Monday, June 25, 2012

JACK VS. PROMETHEUS (2012)



It is very hard to write a review of this movie.  That's why this post is coming now: a solid three or four weeks since I saw it the first time.  I liked it.  And I hated it.  I've spoken to two of the smartest people I know when it comes to film.  One loved it.  The other loathed it.  As of right now, I'm of the camp that is not a fan. Me and Lauren don't differ much movie-wise, but we differ on this one. And yet, that hasn't stopped me from giving my money to it... three times.  I've seen it multiple times because I want to know what other people think.  I've seen it because my questions are still not answered, and I hope that maybe I just wasn't paying attention.  But they never are.

Prometheus tells the story of a group of people (scientists, industrialists, your standard spaceship crew and a robot) who travel to a distant moon because they think the first humans came from there and left messages on Earth to go visit.  Of course, things don't turn out as they seem, and stuff goes wild.  My review after the break...

NEW: THE ANTLERS "DRIFT DIVE"


The Antlers are releasing an underwater adventure on July 24. Listen to the title track here. "Drift Dive" was the song featured on the teaser video that came out earlier in the month. 


Saturday, June 23, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MASTER JOSS WHEDON

The Joss Whedon action figure
When I heard that Joss Whedon scored The Avengers gig, I was beyond excited that my (Jack) favorite writer and storyteller was getting the chance to show the world what he could do... That he had a chance to validate what his followers and collaborators already knew: the man is fucking brilliant.  I was excited that, finally, the man would get the credit he deserves.  And we who have followed and adored him since way back could boldly claim, "We told you so."  His universes of vampire slayers, vampires with souls, space westerns, horrible doctors and (umm...) Dollhouses never reached a universal audience, and it frustrated us. I'll even admit that I didn't watch Buffy until the third season because I thought that a show called Buffy the Vampire Slayer couldn't possibly be good.  Fast forward a couple years, and me, my sis, and even my pop would tune in to see what happened to the Scoobies each week.  I firmly believe that his works changed the game. I remember watching a panel with the Buffy cast, and they talked about how they never won any awards for writing or acting.  But Buffy is a show that people remember.  I think the show that always won awards was The West Wing.  The West Wing was great (I guess?), but was there ever an episode of The West Wing as brilliant as "Hush," "The Body," or "Once More with Feeling?"  Firefly, a show that was cancelled well before it's time, showed how much power fans can have.  TV shows that are cancelled after 14 episodes (a couple that weren't even aired) aren't supposed to be made into major motion pictures.  You look at Dr. Horrible, one of the first productions made solely for an internet release that opened doors for many other internet exclusive projects and brought the idea of the internet series to the mainstream.  Angel and Dollhouse, not really that game-changey, but they're really good, compelling stories.  Get past the "What's Eliza Dushku gonna be this week?" phase in Dollhouse, and the story becomes as addictive as anything else he's done. (The Whedon-penned, The Cabin in the Woods, is still my favorite movie this year, but I hear it's hit or miss with people.  If you haven't seen it, go see it.)

The Avengers turned out wonderfully, but the truth is it would have been a box office hit with any writer and director.  It was too big too fail.  But that doesn't mean it would have been good with any writer and director.  The set pieces and action sequences are great, but it's the character interactions and how the characters are handled that made that movie good. The moment I knew that that movie succeeded was when I heard a few people saying that they tried Buffy because of it.  And if you're thinking of following suit, the first season isn't very good.  You'll like it more come season 2.

So, why am I fellating Joss Whedon on the internet today?  Well, today is his birthday, and any opportunity to show my friends and complete strangers something awesome is an opportunity I will take.  So, the following are a select few/favorite Whedony things (that I was able to find on youtube).  Mostly funny stuff because the sad stuff needs context.  Trust, his ability to kill and hurt is legend. What's always amazing about Joss's gimmicky episodes is that they still advance the plot.  At the end of the day, they are still an (awesome) episode of a television series.  (Some clips after the break)

Friday, June 22, 2012

NEW: YEASAYER "LONGEVITY"



Fragrant World is out August 21.


STARS: NEW ALBUM + DOWNLOAD


The Canadian indie-rock group, Stars announced a new album. The North comes out September 4. If listening to this band is a first for you, my personal favorite "What The Snowman Learned About Love" (from Heart, 2003) is sure to make you melt.  

You can download the first single "The Theory of Relativity" at their website by giving away your email forever. Listen below:

Thursday, June 21, 2012

MUSIC VIDEO: TWIN SHADOW 'FIVE SECONDS'



Last night while I was seeing Prometheus again (review coming soon), I was reminded how awesomely catchy "Five Seconds" by Twin Shadow is and couldn't remember posting anything about it. Austin peeps can catch him at Mohawk on September 14. The full album drops July 10. Download the song below:
 

NEW: BAIO "SUNBURN"



You may recognize the name from one of the fellows from Vampire Weekend. It's described as "tropical electronica"--MSD stamp of approval.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

WHIPPED CREAM OF THE DAY

STREAMING: DEADMAU5 'THE VELDT EP'


Courtesy of Rolling Stone, we can stream the latest music from the DJ/producer before its release June 25th. According to the mag, the lead single is inspired by the late sci-fi writer Ray Bradbury and is an "epic eight minute journey". 

NEW: PURITY RING 'FINESHRINE'

Shrines is out July 24th.

MOVIE NEWS: 'MALEFICENT'


The great and powerful Angelina Jolie has been cast as Maleficent, the main antagonist and "Mistress of All Evil" from Disney's 1959 Sleeping Beauty. I think they cast this part perfectly and in fact, the whole troupe (Elle Fanning as Aurora) is fantastic. The movie focuses on Maleficant's character and the background that led her to turn against the castle and place a curse on poor Aurora. With those alluring lips, demonic eyes, and Gaga-esque cheek bones, who wouldn't be scared. 

Directed by Robert Stromberg (Avatar & Alice in Wonderland) & produced by Joe Roth (Alice in Wonderland & Snow White & The Huntsman), the film is set to release March 14, 2014 (so far away) in 3D. 

Monday, June 18, 2012

WATCH: FLAMING LIPS COVERING RADIOHEAD "KNIVES OUT"

NEW CAT POWER: SONG + ALBUM


Chan Marshall aka Cat Power may have cut off all her hair due to a break up with Giovanni Ribisi but she hasn't lost that sweet, smoky voice of hers. Sun is the first new material she's released in six years and will hit stores September 4. Listen to the first single below. 

FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE ALBUM


This is the best news ever, gathered that the artists involved don't screw up my beloved Fleetwood Mac. According to Direct Current, the release is set for August 14 with a long list of indie artists footing the bill. The musicians had complete control over what songs they'd cover and how they'd cover said songs. Check out the track list & one of the covers below:

UPDATE: The album is going to be titled Just Tell Me That You Want Me: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

1) Lee Ranaldo and Mascis - Albatross
2) Anthony Hegarty - Landslide
3) Trixie Whitley - Before the Beginning 
4) Billy Gibbons - Oh Well 
5) Best Coast - Rhiannon 
6) The New Pornographers - Think About Me
7) Marianne Faithfull - Angel
8) Lykke Li - Silver Springs
9) Karen Elson - Gold Dust Woman
10) Matt Sweeney & Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Storms
11) Washed Out - Straight Back
12) Tame Impala - That's All For Everyone
13) Craig Wedren w/ St. Vincent - Sisters of the Moon
14) The Kills - Dreams
15) Gardens and Villa - Gypsy 
16) The Crystal Ark - Tusk
17) MGMT - Future Games

JACK WHITE ON WTF W/ MARC MARON


I've never listened to this Marc Maron but he's a Jersey boy who likes to swear which is good enough for me. This week, Jack White invited Marc into the Third Man Studios in Nashville to talk about the blues, musical projects, his upbringing in Detroit and more. Listen to the podcast here

NEW: JESSIE WARE "WILDEST MOMENTS"

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

NEW: PASSION PIT "I'LL BE ALRIGHT"


Much better than that "Take A Walk" mess. Glossamer is set to release July 24. 

NEW CHARLI XCX: SONG + DOWNLOAD MIXTAPE


The mixtape is a one track file that's 21 minutes long & features some original stuff as well as her singing over other artists tunes. You can grab the EP You're The One now. Charli's first full length is due out sometime later this year. 

 

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

NEW: GRIZZLY BEAR "SLEEPING UTE"


Today, Grizzly Bear announced a new album and gave us a single from that album. "Sleeping Ute" is the first off the TBA record that'll be released September 18.

NEW ALBUM: THE ANTLERS 'UNDERSEA'


Out of nowhere, The Antlers are releasing another album on July 24th titled Undersea. No other details other than this pretty underwater video they posted on their Facebook page.

UPDATE: According to a press release, Undersea in an EP not a full length. Check out the track listing and teaser video below.

1-Drift Dive
2-Endless Ladder
3-Crest
4-Zelda

DOWNLOAD: CLAMS CASINO 'INSTRUMENTAL MIXTAPE 2'


Clams Casino released another mixtape featuring the beats of A$AP, Washed Out, & The Weeknd just to name a few. The first mixtape was ridiculously good, and this one is no different. Grab the mixtape here

FUNNY OR DIE PRESENTS- THE WIRE: THE MUSICAL



Definitely bet that David Simon doesn't know about this and wouldn't like it. But I do, enjoy #wireheads!


LISTEN: HOT CHIP 'IN OUR HEADS'


Be sure to listen to Hot Chip's new album in its entirety over at NPR. Their fifth album drops on the 12th. Last week, they dropped by BBC1 radio for an essential mix set & you can listen to it in full for three more days. 

Friday, June 1, 2012

THE FLAMING LIPS RECORDS ANTHEM FOR OKC THUNDER


Oklahoma natives The Flaming Lips did a re-make of "Race For The Prize" from their 1999 album The Soft Bulletin for the OKC Thunder basketball team who is currently fighting for a place in the NBA Finals. Jack is going to kill me for posting this for he is a crazy Spurs fan but the song is seriously adorable and awesome. To counter, here's Ginobili (of the Spurs) catching a bat with his bare hands. 

NEW: LIL WAYNE FT BIG SEAN "MY HOMIES STILL"

NEW ALBUM: THE XX 'COEXIST'


The xx announced that their second album, Coexist will hit shelves September 12. Sometime last year, Jamie said that the record is inspired by club music as the band is young (in age) and have been partying a bit more. If the music is anything like Drake & Rihanna's "Take Care" that Jamie produced, then I welcome to new influences. 

WHIPPED CREAM OF THE WEEK

MUSIC VIDEO: SHLOHMO "THE WAY U DO"

MUSIC VIDEO: PURITY RING "BELISPEAK"

MUSIC VIDEO: MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS "POWER & CONTROL"

ELLIE GOULDING "HIGH FOR THIS" (WEEKND COVER)


Ellie is known for some amazing covers (Heartbeats, Only Girl, Roscoe, The Wolves, Sweet Disposition), and this one may be the chosen one. This time, she paired up with Xaphoon Jones to make a more feminine, animated version of The Weeknd's melancholy single from House of Balloons.

MUSIC VIDEO: JAY-Z & KANYE "NO CHURCH IN THE WILD"

MUSIC VIDEO: M83 "REUNION"

TRAILER: 'LES MISERABLES'