A steady beat, heavy base, and a catchy hook is essential to any party song. The song must be able to transcend the differences between people's music tastes, thus enabling it to unite the whole party under one groove. So here's a little playlist that I whipped up for your upcoming party; keep in mind that in order to get the most out of this music it should be played loudly on a decent set of speakers.
In case you missed it, or you are a strict seasonalist (not a word), it's summer time in NYC. That means that the parks are full, the people are happy, and the air is filled with music. Well maybe that's a little idealistic, but you get the idea, people are excited. And this summer there is reason to be; this summer there are a ton of amazing concerts and shows to go to. So here, I've tried to make your and my lives a little easier by listing a bunch that should be worth while. Some are expensive and others are free, but all should be considered among your summer plans.
Hot damn! My heart is aflutter. This is going to be one epic summer. Be sure to check back for updates, because I am sure that there will be some more shows that pop up, or ones that I missed. If anyone plans to go to any of these shows and needs someone to go with, let me know and I'll probably be there.
It's early May, you know what that means, finals time. We all have papers to write and facts to memorize, exciting isn't it? No, no it's not. However, when I write papers I like to have some music playing in the background. Sometimes I go for classical other times it''s electronic, here is some music you may not have heard that really helps me study.
These songs might be a little weird out of context, but when you're sitting in front of your computer with headphones on trying to think of the right word, these songs will help you out. They'll put you into a rhythm without distracting you from your work. Comment back with songs that help you write a paper.
Brand new release from Swedish group, The Radio Dept. Do you know that they have state sponsored artists over there? Obama would be shot for even speaking of such a thing. Anyway, this song's pretty happy, listen to it.
This is the first song of Hot Chip's latest album. While it isn't the dance blast that Ready for the Floor was, this song shows some progression for the band. Love the Oh's.
Super catchy song here. I wish all Sleigh Bells sounded like this, but some of their other music is hard to listen to. Check this one out though, and don't be surprised if you start to hear more from these girls.
When Blitzen Trapper’s fourth album, Furr, was released in 2008, it received a great deal of fanfare and praise from all around the music world. The album helped the band gain national attention, it even landed them thirteenth on the Rolling Stone list for best albums of the year. Furr was a folksy trip through Americana landscapes and fairy tale lyrics. Blitzen Trapper’s new Album, Destroyer of the Void, continues along that same vein. While the band doesn’t stray too far from their roots, their fifth release finds ways to continue to surprise and inspire even the most diehard Blitzen Trapper enthusiasts. My only complaint is that at 45 minutes, the album is too short.
The album harkens back to the great Americana bands of the past, stirring up thoughts of Wings, The Doors, and even Wilco. Blitzen Trapper’s seamless mix of electric and acoustic guitars creates a sense of duality in their songs without confusing or challenging the listener. Take for example the standout song “Love and Hate,” with six musicians in the band, the song stands on the edge of raucous, but never crosses over into something that would take away from the laid back folk rock that Blitzen Trapper is known for.
From the start you get a sense that the band has classic rock influences, the title track kicks off the album with soft vocals that sing of wayward sons and rolling stones. The song goes on to transform twice throughout its six minute runtime, which is reminiscent of Paul McCartney’s iconic ballad, “Band on the Run”. True to Blitzen Trapper’s form, Destroyer of the Void has a cohesive mix of faced paced rock songs and acoustic folksy stories. While the album doesn’t really have any low points, it certainly has some highlights. The excellent song, “The Man Who Would Speak True” tells the tale of man who is cursed with a flower for a tongue, the song is filled with fantastic images of drinking whiskey and killing loved ones. What more would you expect from Blitzen Trapper? Later on the album is the sparkling duet, “The Tree”, which features Alela Diane, and the brilliant “Evening Star.” While these songs are quite different, “The Tree” is a soft love song, and “Evening Star” is a more upbeat song with a funky baseline, they both totally encapsulate what Blitzen Trapper is; a band which creates positively infectious songs filled with metaphor and sing-along choruses. The album ends with the piano ballad “Sadie”, which, because of its title and style, could be a reference to Bob Dylan or even The Beatles.
Comparing Blitzen Trapper to some of the best rock acts of all time may seem bold, but I believe that Destroyer of the Void will at least conjure up thoughts of these great bands. So go out and buy this album when it’s released on June 8th or go see them live in concert, I know I will.
I've been pretty busy lately, Titus Andronicus shows and papers don't really add up, but I have been listening to some pretty good music. So check these out to hold you over before I can write a more complete post.
Admiral Fallow- Squealing Pigs
This sounds a lot like Frightened Rabbit, I love the way it builds up from just a voice and guitar. Makes you wish you hadn't taken for granted all of your privileges all these years.
The Tallest Man on Earth- King of Spain
Classic TTME here, I love the energy in this song. It's the single off of his brand new CD The Wild Hunt. Which I am enjoying right now.
LCD Soundsystem- Home
I love this track off of the new LCD Soundsystem album This is Happening. James Murphy and LCD are pretty hard to pinpoint, they always seem to make music that gets better every time you hear it. If you like this and have some spare cash , send them a donation. Murphy is the head of DFA records which has been putting out struggling bands for a while now, they are one record label which deserves as much support as possible. I'll be buying this vinyl like the damn dirty hipster I am.
Circa Survive- Get Out
This one is very different than the others, but if you're feeling a little angsty and you also want to get pumped up, listen to this song. I can't get over it really, it's awesome.
