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]

Tis the Season #7

Its the last "Tis the Season". Rock out; because today IS Christmas. Here's Julian Casablancas of the Strokes with "I Wish It Was Christmas Today"

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]

Tis the Season #6

Because nothing says Christmas like sexy elf costumes and blatant commercialism, Beyonce's ummm Destiny's Child brings us "8 Days Of Christmas" (why 8, I'm not sure). I don't really know what the point of the song was, other than to make a classic Christmas song "hip and new", but it does better than most. And they do help children or something like that towards the end of the video.

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]

So New Moon Doesn't Entirely Suck

The fact that the producers choose to include Lupe Fiasco on the soundtrack proves that they are, in fact, not the worst people in the world. That being said I will never see a vampire movie that manages to get away with less than a R rating. But do take a listen to Lupe's new rock flavored single "Solar Midnite"; it took me a second time but I enjoyed it.

"Solar Midnite" Lupe Fiasco [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]

Tis the Season #5

I thought I'd give you Christmas song with a bit more attitude

Mixtape Madness!!

Mixtapes are a great way to hear some of the hottest hip hop and R&B artists before they go mainstream, or to hear content their label doesn't want (often better). Mixtapes are often available for download on their websites or fine ones like this.


First up, we have "Heartbreak Drake Part 3" from one of my favorites Drake; he has a nice flow that blends rapping and singing together. The production on his songs are always great. The highlights from this mixtape are "Say Something", "Material Girl" feat. Colin Munroe, and "Darlin", but I'm sure you'll enjoy them all.

Heartbreak Drake Pt. 3 Drake



Cleverly named "Burn After Rolling" is from Wiz Khalifia. Wiz is a Philly rapper whose creative techno-influenced songs have set him apart. "Burn.." features Wiz rapping over some popular songs from artists like Beyonce and even Drake to guys like Empire of the Sun. The "Thrill" is one of my favorites along with "If I Was A Lame" and "One Way". This is by far one of the best mixtapes I've heard, there are so many good songs it was hard to choose just three to mention.

Burn After Rollin Wiz Khalifa

Tis the Season #4

Chestnuts roasting on a open fire....

Enjoy!

They Just Don't...

They just don't make them like they used to. Kid Cudi and DJ Sharam team up to mix some Patsy Cline with Cudi's smooth rapping style. The video is a masterpiece... beautiful women, gun, violence, and a good story. Check out and tell me what you think

Kid Cudi feat. Sharam "When She Came Along"

Chicago

Often known as the second city. Chicago is finally coming into its own; the White Sox and Cubs are playing better, and the Bears, well they still suck. Speaking of the Bears, who play at the incredible Soldier Field, Chicago's architecture is breathtaking; I'm not just talking about the Willis [Sears] Tower (the Hancock Building is much better looking), but Louis Sullivan buildings and Frank Gehry amphitheaters. Even the neighborhoods are beautiful, "Wrigleyville" has a working class feel full of bars and pubs and the ivy covered namesake; Hyde Park is the historic neighborhood in which the Obamas have their personal mansion; the Gold Coast so named for the wildly expensive mansions overlooking Lake Michigan, where the original Playboy Mansion stands. Enjoy some original pictures and take in a few tunes in tribute to the Windy City.






"Chicago" The Uglysuit [MP3 link]
"Chicago" Sufjan Stevens [MP3 link]
"Homecoming" Kanye West feat. Chris Martin [MP3 link]

The Only Good Thing About New Moon... Part 1

Other than the vampires who "glitter" in the sunlight, the sexual objectification of a 17 year-old boy, and the pushing the notion that dependence on a man to the extent that it resembles drug addiction is okay...it's the music. The soundtrack reads like a who's who of the indie blogosphere. A neat fact is that all the songs are unique and written for the movie. Nick Harmer, who is the Death Cab for Cutie bassist said "We wrote 'Meet Me On the Equinox' to reflect the celestial themes and motifs that run throughout the Twilight series and we wanted to capture that desperate feeling of endings and beginnings that so strongly affect the main characters". Grizzly Bear along with Victoria Legrand from Beach House give "Slow Life" a beautiful ethereal quality.

"Meet Me On The Equinox" Death Cab for Cutie [MP3 link]


"Slow Life" Grizzly Bear feat. Victoria Legrand [MP3 link]


New Moon Soundtrack:
1 "Meet Me on the Equinox" by Death Cab for Cutie
2 "Friends" by Band of Skulls
3 "Hearing Damage" by Thom Yorke
4 "Possibility" by Lykke Li
5 "A White Demon Love Song" by The Killers
6 "Satellite Heart" by Anya Marina
7 "I Belong to You" [New Moon Remix] by Muse
8 "Roslyn" by Bon Iver and St. Vincent
9 "Done All Wrong" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
10 "Monsters" by Hurricane Bells
11 "The Violet Hour" by Sea Wolf
12 "Shooting the Moon" by OK Go
13 "Slow Life" by Grizzly Bear featuring Victoria Legrand
14 "No Sound But the Wind" by Editors
15 "New Moon (The Meadow)" by Alexandre Desplat

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]