A Shot in the Dark is the first record of Toronto based Notes to Self hip hop crew. Notes to Self is rappers Swamp Donkey and Roshin, producer/rapper Bronze One, and 2003 world DMC champion DJ Dopey. This record as you can see from the above video and the shared track is straightfoward fresh hip hop with its roots planted firmly in 80s style hip hop of DJ Jazzy Jeff. Its a nice record from this emerging group. I suggest you check it out and let me know what you think.
Mp3: Notes to Self - "Lifelines"
Buy: Get the Warning Shots EP here.
New video Directed by Henry DeMaio. Track was released on a red, heart-shaped 7-inch single by Stones Throw (see video prop). Mayer Hawthorne's debut album will be released in 2009at some point.
Young Lovers is the work of Joshua Hervé Harvey. Hervé is a producer, song writer and DJ. He has recorded under the psydonyms of The Count (famous for his work with Sinden), Voodoo Chilli, Action Man, Dead Soul Brothers, Speaker Junk and Young Lovers.
Young Lovers is is breakbeat, nu-jazz, downtempo experimentation moniker. Young Lovers is released on the aptly named Loungin' records and was released on April 20th. Make sure you check it out. The 29 year old producer is one of the most in demand electronic producers these days and with his ability to make a variety of sounds and productions you can see why he is such a talent. Don't miss this.
Mp3: The Young Lovers - "She's a Phoenix"
Buy: Get the album here.
More: Get out what the professionals have over at Fader magazine.
photo from Fader.
Wow. Really brings me back to my youth. I can't count how many times I read this book. Pretty excited to see this. Spike Jonze in real live seems kinda lame but he knows how to put together a great moview. There is no doubt about that.
Song by Arcade Fire if you didn't know.
In anticipation of their record No Hassel out next Tuesday Tosca has released a video for their track"Springer." While the video isn't going to blow your mind the track is certainly great and perfect for the slowly warming weather of Spring. This is Balearic at its best.
Mp3: Tosca - "Springer" (zshare)
Link: Two other videos from the upcoming record. Check out these other videos "My First" and "Birthday."
Pretty cool stuff, Chin Chin (we talked about them back in April of last year) has been nominated for best new video on MTVU.com. Go check it out here. Toss them a vote too if you wish. I did.
Mp3: Chin Chin - "GG and the Boys" (El-P Remix) (Mediashare)
New music from one of my favorite bands. El Michels Affair came to my attention when they created their cover of Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M.". The group was started by saxophonist/organist Leon Michels and producer/engineer Jeff Silverman. The group began as a series of informal collaborative sessions with musicians from acts like Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Budos Band, and Antibalas. Thier fantastic covers have lead to a deal with Fat Beats Records for Enter The 37th Chamber, an album of Wu-Tang Clan interpolations which was released last Tuesday. Check out another track:
Mp3: El Michels Affair - "Bring Da Ruckus"
Buy: Get the record here.
Just a brief status update. I will be on holiday till the 22nd in St. Lucia. I'll do my best to update my Twitter but posts here will be few and far between until I get back, nice and relaxed from this fantastic place. I do have some good stuff waiting for my return with free tickets, records and of course new music. Until then peace!
Classic track off the Donuts record.
Note: Sorry its "Airworks" not "Lightworks" thanks for the comments pointing that out. Post corrected.
Great new record from Oregon’s Luck-One and Dekk. Really fantastic stuff with a blend of conscious rhymes, jazzy at times makes you think of 1980s-ish hip hop. Perfect sound that I love. Backpack hip hop? maybe. Fantastic? certainly. Check out a track.
Mp3: Luck-One and Dekk - "The Coolax"
Buy: Get the record now here.
Clocktower Collective presents Cas One, a Kentucky rapper who re-released his first solo album Liberation on April 7th. His first single"Flashbacks" features the fantastically political Brother Ali and it certainly has a great sound. Honest lyrics and on point production check out the single.
Mp3: Cas One feat. Brother Ali - "Flashbacks"
More info: Learn more about the record here.
Bold new plans for the fantastic Millennium Park in Chicago. The new The Burnham Pavilions in Millenium Park will open June 19th and be open until October 31st. Two exhibits one designed by London-based Zaha Hadid and the other by Amsterdam-based Ben van Berkel of UNStudio.
These are green structures are iconic centerpieces of the Burnham Plan Centennial will be two temporary architectural pavilions in Millennium Park. The UNStudio structure is fully recyclable and the Zaha Hadid structure will be taken apart and moved around the world to be featured in other exhibits. Very cool stuff.
Perhaps the most exciting news for me musically all year. Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas have joined forces once again to release a new record. The record simply entitled II builds on the synth-heavy, psychedelic and cosmic disco sound they are famous for. II is hyped to feature more than just thier standard sound however elements of italo, krautrock and disco-influenced productions alongside post disco/punk era of heavy basslines, sublime melodies and rolling rhythms.
II will be released on the 18th of May digitally, on CD and on 4LP. The first single, called “Tirsdagjam” will be released on the 13th of April as a tastemaker for the album, but is not on the album itself. Here is a track off the upcoming record.
Mp3: Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas - "Rothaus"
In the spirit of this blog continuing to be all over the place musically I bring you our latest contest. Stevie Nicks has released a new CD/DVD combo featuring the Live In Chicago DVD as well as The Soundstage Sessions CD - both are due in stores on March 31st on Reprise Records. The DVD features Nicks' songs from her solo projects as well as songs written as a member of Fleetwood Mac.
I have one (1) package to give away to a US resident. Simply name your favorite track of Nicks' and post it in the comments along with your email address. Obscure remixes work too. Especially good ones I haven't heard yet.
And who said Lindstrøm, Madlib, Stevie Nicks and Kanye West couldn't all share space on here.
Buy: If you don't win you can buy this combo here.
