This is the sound of hip hop evolving. And not in a poor quality, gimmicky, step backwards kind of way (cough Odd Future cough). If you want to smartly alter the scope of a genre, Shabazz Palaces shows the way to do it.
Shabazz Palaces – Swerve…The Reeping Of All That Is Worthwhile (Noir Not Withstanding)
Shabazz Palaces – Blast It
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I was recently introduced to a cool new record label out of London called Mostar Records. Despite being formed only a few months ago, they are off to a fast start and have released an eclectic batch of music. I also have had a chance to talk with label co-founder Luke Manning. Read on for my interview and to sample some tunes!
Aloe Blacc – 99 Problems/Can't Tell Me Nothing
Yup. This happened. Aloe Blacc was on BBC's Live Lounge and churned out this mish mash of Jay Z's "99 Problems" peppered with Yeezy's "Can't Tell Me Nothing", complete with a little James Brown break-down just, ya know, for kicks. His band, The Grand Scheme is flawless in the construction and Aloe's soulful vocals give Hova's raps and Yeezy's melodies a new spin.
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I've been really diggin' on the new Tune-Yards album, w h o k i l l. It's a deliciously fresh blend of quirky, edgy, and downright fun pop tunes. It's the kind of album that always pops up early in the spring and feels totally right on a comfortable, sunny day.
tUnE-yArDs – Gangsta
tUnE-yArDs – Killa
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It's hard to find lo-fi indie from Brooklyn that really stands out if for no other reason than pure overload. Fortunately for us (and, subsequently, you!) we've found Grandpa Was A Lion and his beautiful, self-recorded album, The Whalestoe Tapes.
Grandpa Was A Lion – Mobile Alabama Blues
Grandpa Was A Lion – The Light
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I was staying with my aunt and uncle while I visited Washington, DC for a few days last weekend. One night, my uncle and I were sitting on the couch watching some March Madness. It was a competitive, back-and-forth close game, but I couldn't focus. There was something else on my mind. "Uncle Dave," I asked, "is it really true that you like Abba?"
I know these chaps have been around a while and are pretty popular, but they've somehow alluded me until now. Unfortunate, this. The Great Lake Swimmers have a perfect blend of indie and Americana with a heavy dosage of heart and soul that sits well with me.
Great Lake Swimmers – Palmistry
Great Lake Swimmers – The Chorus in the Underground
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A lot of times albums with epic backstories get dragged down by the constant focus on where the music was made and not how or why (see: Bon Iver). Other times, referencing a backstory, while potentially interesting, has nothing to do with how the album was shaped or conceived. Daniel Sheron's story is both interesting and clearly relevant to the often sparse, dark, and heavy folk he creates as Balto.
Balto – The Railyard
Balto – Elizabeth the Bumblebee
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Remember in college when Bloc Party hit the scene and you couldn't get enough of their lovable, frenetic poppiness? Oh, well maybe that was just me. Anyways, Satellite Stories are here from Finland to fill the void that developed in your life after Bloc Party started to suck.
Satellite Stories – Kids Aren't Safe In The Metro
Satellite Stories – Helsinki Art Scene
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The Union Trade have released a highly diggable EP called Why We Need Night. It's an evocative and dynamic collection of post-rock songs you need to hear.