People You've Never Heard Of II

Tonight's "People You've Never Heard Of" features artists who make music that falls into my own made-up category of Electronica/Chill. Because quite simply, these artists defy convention categorization.

Washed Out aka Ernest Greene was one of my favorite artists of 2009. He has a fun, hazy, "washed out" by the sun sound. It sounds modern yet very vintage. Look for more from Washed Out and other vintage 80s and surf pop inspired artist this year.


"Belong" Washed Out [MP3 link]
"Olivia" Washed Out [MP3 link]

Discovery is a little bit harder to describe; it consists of Rostam Batmanglij from Vampire Weekend and Wes Miles from Ra Ra Riot. Some would call it a preppy/indie take on R&B club music; but this is only a half-hearted description, you just have to listen to fully understand it.
"Orange Shirt" Discovery [MP3 link]
"I Want You Back" (Jackson 5 Cover) Discovery [MP3 link]

Best Of 2009: Rock Song/ Album of the Year

2009 was the year of Obama, against Obama, auto-tune, Tiger Wood's sex scandal, Brett Farve not retiring, every rapper went to jail, Kanye vs. Taylor Swift, Rihanna vs. Chris Brown, DJ AM survived a plane crash only to overdose, O.J. got his, the Camaro, and the realization that world was coming to an end. Here's the best of this year, 2009! So who had the best rock song/album? One guess it ain't Coldplay.

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, and "Lisztomania" from Phoenix of course. Sprung from the same root as Air and Daft Punk, this French rock meets electronica band finally got the attention they deserved after nearly 10 years together. Catchy-as-hell and yet still substantive, "1901" may have gotten the most attention, but "Lisztomania" was more fun. Phoenix showed us the French can rock out just hard as us; "Lisztomania" is full of hard driving riffs and has a funky elecrtonic background. That being said, the entire album is amazing, there's not a bad song; in fact there's not a song on the album that won't have you humming by the end. Plus that might just be the most clever album name this year. "If you have the means I highly suggest picking one up" on your trip to Guestroom.

"Lisztomania" Phoenix [MP3 link]
"Rome" Phoenix [MP3 link]

Best of 2009: The Biggest Thing in Music

2009 was the year of Obama, tea parties, auto-tune, Tiger Wood's sex scandal, Brett Farve not retiring, every rapper went to jail, Adam Lambert, Rihanna vs. Chris Brown, Glen Beck, O.J. got his, the Camaro, and the realization that world was coming to an end. Here's the best of this year, 2009! In this crazy year what was the biggest thing in music?.

The Mixtape! Drake and Kid Cudi had huge debuts before they even had albums; mixtapes have long been a way to "get your foot in the door", but Drake and Cudi blew the doors down with their mixtapes. Both rappers had three or four Hot 100 singles and accompanying videos just from the buzz created by their mixtapes. Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi) had one the biggest anthems of the summer "Day N' Nite". Cudi's smooth flow, amazing production, and the saavy to collaborate with the likes of Ratatat and MGMT made him the best new artist of the year.

Close on his heels though, was Drake. Aubrey Graham went from playing wheelchair bound Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi to one of the hottest names in rap; he appeared on everyone's hook (an after an accident on stage was wheelchair again for a while). Drake's ability to spit incredible lyrics and then harmonize on his tracks earns him the second best new artist of the year.

A Kid Named Cudi Kid Cudi [ZIP file link]
So Far Gone Drake [ZIP file link]

The runner-up for the biggest thing is music this year was the mash-up. Greg Grillis aka "Girl Talk" turned the mash-up into an art; The Hood Internet also gained some notoriety from the blogosphere. So here's the top 25 songs of the year in less than 5 minutes.
"The United States of Pop: Blame It On The Pop" DJ Earworm [MP3 link]

Best Of 2009: Popular Artists of the Year

2009 was the year of Obama, tea parties, auto-tune, Tiger Wood's sex scandal, Brett Farve not retiring, healthcare rallies, Adam Lambert, gay marriage successes, gay marriage failures, Glen Beck, Lady Gaga's fashion, the Camaro, and the realization that world was coming to an end. Here's the best of this year, 2009!One had the most anticipated album of the year; the other proved to be the biggest pop star in the world.

Jay-Z released the Blueprint III this year to rave reviews. The album has already produced three hits and he's not finished yet. He had the guts to challenge the now rap industry standard "auto-tune" in "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune). "Empire State of Mind" (see this review) just might be one of the most beautiful rap songs ever. I've long thought Jay-Z was the greatest rapper, this year he just proved it.

This year was great for Lady Gaga proved she wasn't just a flash in the pan. After the smash party hit, "Just Dance", that turned into a #1 Billboard song, she released "Poker Face" another #1 Billboard song. After two more dance hits, it was the lead single from The Fame Monster, "Bad Romance" that proved Gaga is a serious artist. The song had a synthy, hard-hitting 80s-inspired base that worked perfectly with the dark, almost Gothic lyrics.


"Forever Young" Jay-Z feat. Mr. Hudson [MP3 link]
Unreleased Tracks
"Kandy Life" Lady Gaga [MP3 link]
"Filthy Pop" Lady Gaga [MP3 link]

Even More Covers

Blackstreet's "No Diggity" is nearly a classic now. I remember listening to it elementary school. The English electro pop, punk, sci-fi rock group, The Klaxons best known for thier song "Golden Skans", put an interesting new spin on it. You can tell they add a little punk attitude to the song; but they still keep it funky.


The Noisettes, led by Shingai Shoniwa's soulful yet oh-so-perfect-for-punk-rock voice, have long been on my radar. This summer's "Never Forget You" scored rave reviews and recieved 1.5 million views on Youtube. The released an incredible cover of The Killers' "When You Were Young"; Shoniwa tones the song down and adds some soul to cover.


"No Diggity" (Blackstreet Cover) The Klaxons [MP3 link]
"When You Were Young" (The Killers Cover) the Noisettes [MP3 link]

A Picture Is Worth... II

"This Charming Man" The Smiths [MP3 link]

A Picture Is Worth...

A Picture Is Worth... is series of posts that will feature a photograph and a song to help tell the story. If you can, look at the picture while you listen to the song


"Across 110th Street" Bobby Womack [MP3 link]

The Story Continues

Alicia Keys has always been one of my favorite artists; Jay-Z is hands down the greatest rapper alive now. Their collaboration "Empire State of Mind" was an instant classic telling the gritty story of chasing dreams on the New York City streets. Alicia Keys, on her album The
Element of Freedom, sings the sequel "Empire State of Mind, Pt. II (Broken Down)"; its different, but beautiful take on the same theme. Keys sings the same stirring chorus. Take a listen to both.

"Empire State of Mind, Pt. II (Broken Down)" Alicia Keys [MP3 link]

This Sounds Terrible on Paper

Some things sound terrible on paper but in fruition are well... amazing. Anyone who's ever been to Fat Sandwich on Campus Corner can attest to that. That being said, I was still a bit skeptical when I heard that Notorious B.I.G.'s "Party and Bullshit" and the mind-numbing song "Party in the U.S.A." by my least favorite person, Miley Cyrus had been mashed-up (literally re-working two separate songs into one song, see Girl Talk). The result, just like a chicken strip sandwich with mozzarella sticks and french fries, is pretty tasty. Tell me what you think.

"Party and Bullshit (in the U.S.A.)" Notorious B.I.G. vs. Miley Cyrus [MP3 link]

The Music Video as Art.

Raphael Saadiq is one my favorite artists. He has long been a part of neo-soul a revival of classic soul with a modern twist; he made the transition after leaving Tony, Toni, Tone'. The video for his latest single "Staying In Love" has a beautiful 60s style that perfectly complements his music. The animation adds a nice touch and make the video unique.



Solange, already referenced in an earlier post , is newcomer to the neo-soul game; she's no amateur though. In her debut single as a neo-soul artist "I Decided", she showed not only vocal prowess, but creativity as well. The video features a colorful trip through pop culture and historical moments through the decades, 60s to the present.


Can music videos be art? What do you think?

Take A Listen:
"100 Yard Dash" Raphael Saadiq [MP3 link]
"I Decided" Solange Knowles [MP3 link]

More Covers!

Its covers time again. Sometimes covers can be better than the orginal; case and point Anya Marina's "Whatever You Like" it only fails to annoy me as the original did. This Irish-Russian DJ turned singer has a voice that not only got the aforementioned cover on Gossip Girl, but also got her a spot on the New Moon Soundtrack.

Solange Knowles no longer wants to be known as Beyonce's little sister. After a mediocre debut she traded in the likes of producers Jermaine Dupri and Timbaland for a more distinct modern-yet retro sound from Cee-Lo Green and Mark Ronson. She covers the obscure Dirty Projectors' "The Stillness Is A Move".

Take A Listen:

"Whatever You Like" (T.I. Cover) Anya Marina [MP3]
"The Stillness Is A Move" (Dirty Projectors Cover) Solange Knowles [MP3]

So Pop isn't so bad

I've often had a disdain for "radio-friendly" pop music. As of late I've changed my mind a little. "3" by Britney Spears is a more than catchy pop tune, odd is the song's reference to Peter, Paul, and Mary in relation to a threesome. Another great pop hit is "When Love Takes Over" by Kelly Rowland and David Guetta; it rips off Coldplay, but is so danceable you forget it.


"3" Britney Spears [MP3 link]
"When Loves Takes Over" Kelly Rowland & David Guetta [MP3 link]

for further research visit WAPS Presents The 50 Greatest Pop Songs Of 2009!

Oh just because Ms. Spears is looking good

Good Things Happen To Good People

Ryan Leslie is one of hip hop/ R&B's hottest up and coming stars. Leslie did take an unorthodox road in getting there. He was something of a child prodigy arranging cords to make song at a young age and teaching him self how to play music. At sixteen he was volunteering with at risk kids [as seen in the second video], and scoring 1600s, a perfect score, on the SAT. Leslie eventually selected Harvard; at 19 he delivered his class's comencement address after graduating with a degree in Government. Later Leslie entered the music business producing and writing for everyone from Britney Spears and Beyonce to New Edition. Under his imprint with Universal he signed Cassie and wrote and produced "Me & U" for her, which became one of the biggest hits of the year and sold over a million digital copies (exceptional for 2005). His first solo album was highlighted by the track "How It Was Supposed To Be", again arranged, written by Leslie; he even directed the music video. His latest album, Transition, shows even greater promise, especially "Your Not My Girl".

"You're Not My Girl"


KWTV Interview with 16 year-old Leslie

"Your Not My Girl" Ryan Leslie [MP3 link]

How Music And Fashion Come Together: Polo Rocks

Rugby is Polo Ralph Lauren's collegiate clothing line. Their ad for the fall 2009 collection is somewhat typical, impossibly beautiful people, incredibly expensive casual wear and the best side of Central Park. Yet, the music chosen is a bit unorthodox for a refined, dignified Polo ad; the target audience is 18-25 year olds, albeit rather well of ones, and what appeals to this market better than rock music. The White Rabbits are a six-piece post-punk band from Brooklyn by way of Mizzou. Their sound is unique. "Percussion Gun" the song featured in the ad starts outs hard and heavy; but in between incredible percussion sections lead man Alexander Even's emotional vocalizations change the tempo and give the song a great varied quality.



Here's the full track
"Percussion Gun" White Rabbits

Rugby by Polo Ralph Lauren

People You've Never Heard Of

I really enjoy finding new music and conversely sharing new music with others. So I'd like to introduce a new series "People You've Never Heard Of". This week I'll be bringing you two "electro-pop" artists. Tell me what you think of them.

First up is Blood Orange, a electro-pop "one man band" from Brooklyn. The catchy songs have a unique blend of electronic beats and string instruments.
Take a Listen:
"I'm Sorry We Lied"(Demo) Blood Orange [MP3 link]
(Via THE MIXTAPE)

Miike Snow is a new favorite of the music blogosphere. This Swedish pop band has been called a mix of "a-ha meets Animal Collective" by the British paper The Guardian. In addition to making brilliant, fun original pop songs, Miike Snow has remixed everyone from Vampire Weekend to Peter, Bjorn and John.
Here's one of my favorites:
"Black and Blue" Miike Snow [MP3 link]

World AIDS Day

Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is a day to remember those who have died from and suffer from HIV/AIDS. This terrible disease has taken an estimated 25 million lives since 1981, and to this day more than 33 million live with the disease. We have to educate others about the devastating impact of this largely preventable disease. Equally important is fighting for the rights and dignity of those who suffer from HIV/AIDS. The epidemic affects all of us; its likely someone you know has been affected by HIV/AIDS. We're all in this together

I thought this song sums it up pretty well.
"One" U2 feat. Mary J. Blige [MP3 link]

Covers

Covers fascinate me. Good covers anyway; good covers reinterpret the original and bring something new to the table. "Sweet Dreams" is decent pop song; overly reminiscent of a Rihanna song and is filled the brim with synthy pops and breaks. Big Pink takes this song and makes a beautiful lo-fi cover. The song is the complete opposite of Beyonce's version; its all sparse acoustic guitar and some unique atmosphere background elements. Simple but more than adequate.

Take a listen

"Sweet Dreams" (cover) Big Pink [MP3 link]

(via Vinyl & Vodka)

Cold War Kids

The Cold War Kids are back; after experimenting with a more low-key sound, the hard driving piano beats and drums return. "Audience of One" brings back to mind some of my favorites like "Hospital Beds".

Take a listen

"Audience of One" Cold War Kids [MP3 link]

Just for nostalgia

Hip Hop or Rock?

The perpetual argument between hip hop heads and rock fans remains. Yet, we all know the magic that come from rap-rock collaborations. Look to "Rock This Way" by Aerosmith and Run DMC for the original and still one of the best. Conversely, terrible, awful things can come from rap-rock collaborations; see Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit rapping. Its a good sign then, when The Black Keys started to venture into rap they teamed up with some of the best people in rap you've never heard of. Blakroc is the name of their new project and record label. The mixtape features Raekwon, Mos Def, Q-Tip, the RZA just to name a few.

Check out these songs, tell me what you think.

"I Done Did It" feat. Nicole Wray and NOE [MP3 link]

"On The Vista" feat. Mos Def [MP3 link]