March 2011
2 posts
The Return of Cornershop →
Cornershop is back, and doing more of what they do best. Sung entirely in Punjabi by singer Bubbley Kaur, this is an album focused entirely on funky Indian fusion. Check it out at Amazon.
The Echocentrics →
Check out the newest project from guitarist Adrian Quesada (Grupo Fantasma, Brownout), The Echocentrics.
February 2011
4 posts
Dr. Rubberfunk's Hot Stone →
Hot Stone from Jalapeno Records’ Dr. Rubberfunk brings smooth funk and soul with a variety of guest vocal performances that offers a great soundtrack to good times.
Reggae Brittania →
This new BBC series chronicles the development of British Reggae. Check it out on Youtube.
Fitz & The Tantrums - Pickin' Up the Pieces →
For this find, I have to credit my friend and band-mate Wes DiIorio. He’s always great at finding those occasional records that have enough mass appeal to get some radio airplay, but enough authenticity to satisfy the discerning ear. (He also introduced me to Arcade Fire years back, who recently won the Grammy for Album of the Year).
Fitz and the Tantrums are making very nice contemporary...
April March and Bertrand Burgalat: RosEros →
One of my all-time favorite artist/producer pairings is back with a new single called RosEros. Its been a while since we’ve heard them together. This is a nice French Pop duet between March and Burgalat (though very short at just about two minutes). If you like it, also check out April March’s “Triggers” and Bertrand Burgalat’s “The Ssssound of Music”.
January 2011
3 posts
What is Moombahton? →
Dave Nada’s new genre Moombahton (a cross between Dutch House and Reggaeton) is getting a lot of attention lately. Check out an interview and free MP3 downloads at Fader.
Into Bass and Time →
Ancient Astronauts are producing Hip Hop sounds for 2011. Check out a preview of their upcoming album on Soundcloud.
December 2010
5 posts
Ed Banger All Stars remix MGMT →
This is very interesting and refreshing. I have to admit… when I heard the original version of this song on MGMT’s album, I thought… I could take it or leave it. But I generally dig what’s going on at Ed Banger records, so I thought I’d check it out. The harsh electro sound that I typically associate with Ed Banger is completely absent here; replaced with something...
Stereolab - Not Music →
Ok… those who know me also know that I think Stereolab is pretty much the greatest band in the world. I’ve seen them several times, and have every recording they’ve released. Somehow they’ve managed to make repeated trips to the same well and always come back with something great… album after album.
In April of last year, Stereolab announced an indefinite hiatus....
Shawn Lee's Hooked Up Classics →
Ok… this is one of the most fun albums I’ve heard in a long while. He’s already “Hit the Hits”; now, Shawn Lee “Hooks Up” the Classics; infusing dub to funky retro grooves. Just do it… it’ll make you happy.
Steve Reich's Double Sextet, 2x5 →
This is a beautiful new collection of work by one of the most exciting composers of our time. Double Sextet, 2x5 even incorporates subtle modern rock elements… but tastefully. If you like this, I also suggest “The Desert Music” by Steve Reich with Alarm Will Sound.
November 2010
7 posts
New Single by Cut Copy →
Cut Copy’s latest single, Take Me Over, is a prelude to the upcoming album Zonoscope, due out in February. You can check it out on SoundCloud. Their last album “Lights and Music” was one of my favorite “New Order derivatives” ever. I’m anxious to hear what they do next.
Royksopp's "Senior" →
Royksopp’s newest album, Senior, is available to stream now on SoundCloud. These are tracks that are not easy to get a feel for with just a 30 second sample, so it’s great that SoundCloud provides the opportunity to hear them in their entirety. This is Royksopp’s first completely instrumental album. If you like it, I highly recommend the first Royksopp album, “Melody...
Properly Chilled New Weekly Podcasts
Podcast #21 Out Now! Latest Podcast is Out!
With Properly Chilled’s new weekly podcast schedule, and first listen airing (and streaming) on 101.5 FM WXGR (Portsmouth, NH) Saturday’s from 6-8pm, you’d better believe there’s no rest at the Proper HQ. We like it like that. So expect to hear more and more. This week’s 2-hour show features an awesome live mix by...
Chamber Music →
Recent Six Degrees Records Signing To Be Released Next Year:
(From Six Degrees Records)
Chamber Music is a collaboration between Ballake Sissoko, who plays the traditional kora, a lute-harp from Mali, and Vincent Segal, the French cellist who plays for the trip-hop band Bumcello. It is also, quite simply, one of the most elegant and beautiful recordings of “world music” in recent years. ...
Crystal Castles teams up with The Cure's Robert... →
Anything connected to Robert Smith or the Cure immediately catches my full attention. It’s a true “fan-ship” that goes back to my pre-teen years and persists to today. Some of Smiths past collaborations have yielded mixed results. This partnership with Chill-Wave darlings Crystal Castles promises to be one of the better ones. Coming soon at Amazon.com.
The Sound of Rhythm and Culture REMIXED →
This is the follow-up REMIX album for The Sound of Rhythm and Culture. Out in December, it features remixes by Ancient Astronauts, Zeb, Second Sky, Solus, All India Radio, and more. Preview it now at Amazon.com.
Frank Mitchell Jr.'s Body & Mind →
The first of two singles I’d like to feature this week is Frank Mitchell Jr.’s Booty Lock. Both tracks on this release are super funky, but my personal favorite is the B-Side… “Body & Mind”. Frank Mitchell Jr. is best known as a talented sax player with bands like See-I, Thievery Corporation and the Fort Knox Five. This is his debut solo release. Grab it on...
October 2010
7 posts
All India Radio offers an expanded edition of... →
Expanded edition of All India Radio’s only vocal album featuring 13 bonus tracks available at bandcamp for a discounted rate.
Brownout's new video revisits "Scarface" →
The Music video for the song Con El Cuete by Brownout is tribute to the cult classic 1983 movie Scarface directed by Brian de Palma.
Con El Cuete appears on the album Aguilas and Cobras released by Six Degrees Records.
Look for a remixed version of the album coming in November.
Second Sky's "Too Far" →
Second Sky (my band) - Too Far/Hourglass single;
is available now at the ESL Music shop and iTunes.
The track “Too Far” is a smooth, dubbed-out trip-hop groover full of catchy horn lines, textural percussion, and is topped-off with the intimate vocals of Billy Medina. ”Hourglass” by contrast is a cinematic roller-coaster ride through the middle-east, full of...
Tosca's "Pony" →
Tosca follows up their beautiful “No Hassle” album with this collection of remixes that I mostly enjoy even more than the originals! Don’t miss the Nicola Conte version of “My First”.
Uffie's new Single/Video "Difficult" →
The only thing difficult about Uffie’s new “Difficult” single is getting it out of your head; her catchiest tune to date. The video appears to have a cameo by the ghost of Freddie Mercury?
Hotel Costes 14 →
Who would’ve thought this franchise would go on for so long. I’m glad to see that it has. Stephane Pompougnac brings us installment #14 of Hotel Costes.
September 2010
6 posts
New Rhythm and Culture Website →
Brand New, Re-Designed Rhythm and Culture website. Check it out for new artist information, press clippings, events and more.
Thievery Corporation release "best of" Album →
Thievery Corporation has released a new “Best Of” album comprised of tunes hand picked by Eric Hilton and Rob Garza. A good introduction to he uninitiated, and an equally good retrospective for those in the know.
Free Download from Thunderball's Upcoming Album →
Fort Knox Five - Bhangra Paanch →
The Fort Knox Five are back with the “Bhangra Paanch” EP. Get the advanced release at Beatport; Available Everywhere Sept. 7th.
Free Download From Balkan Beat Box →
Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier releases 1st solo... →
Laetitia Sadier, the voice of Stereolab (one of my all time favorite bands) is set to release her first solo album “The Trip” on September 21st. Click on the link (headline) to hear the track “One Million Year Trip”.
August 2010
3 posts
The Sound of Rhythm and Culture →
Ok, I’ve been looking forward to sharing this. The Sound of Rhythm and Culture will be released everywhere on Sept. 7th, and is available for pre-order now at Amazon.
This compilation features tracks by Farid, Zeb, Thomas Blondet, Nickodemus and Second Sky (my band). I’m very excited to have our music included on a release with such great artists.
The album “Sound of Rhythm...
Live DJ Set by Thomas Blondet →
One of my favorite places to hear great, eclectic music is the Eighteenth Street Lounge in Washington DC. Here’s a link to hear/download a great set from resident DJ Thomas Blondet that perfectly exemplifies the way a great night at the lounge sounds.
Arcade Fire's Suburbs →
Arcade Fire released their 3rd album The Suburbs this week. For a limited time, the MP3 release is available for just $3.99 at Amazon.
Arcade Fire has already gained the endorsements of rock icons like David Bowie, U2 and David Byrne; all of whom have performed live with the band on several occasions. While The Suburbs lacks the anthemic quality of their first two albums Funeral and Neon Bible,...
July 2010
14 posts
Properly Chilled →
Properly Chilled continues to be the best place to discover new sounds for late nights. Check it out for everything from podcasts and downloads to drink recipies.
Fugazi to Post Hundreds of Live Shows to On-Line... →
soundcloud →
Soundcloud it a web resource used by lots of musicians and DJs to share music. It’s a great place for anyone who wants to discover new artists or hear new and often advanced and unreleased tracks.
Thievery Corporation to release "Best Of" Album →
The Pixies - Free Download →
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the classic Pixies album Doolittle with a free download at www.pixiesmusic.com .
Subbacultcha! →
Another good site for discovering new music is clothing company Fred Perry’s Subculture. They’ve got lots of free downloads, contests and reviews… oh, and you can pick up some classic M1200 polo shirts while you’re there.
Download XLR8R's Label Love Compilation Free →
Get Carter soundtrack - Reissue →
I very rarely use the word best, but the original Get Carter Intro is the coolest movie theme ever; and I’m far from being the only one who thinks so. The classic 1971 Roy Budd soundtrack is being reissued, and is available for pre-order at www.moviegrooves.com including 20 page booklet.
youlicense →
Youlicense provides independent musicians and filmmakers opportunities for music licensing.
1 tag
Fort Knox Recordings →
Washington DC’s Fort Knox Recordings (Home of the Fort Knox Five) is re-minting funk for 2010. Check out the website. It’s full of free downloads including DJ mixes and a full album’s worth of remixes.
Re:Emerging - Finders Keepers Records
Some of my favorite new music is hardly new. I can’t begin to count the number of hours I’ve spent in record shops and expos searching through old records for something that’s “new to me”. Now, a new label, Finders Keepers Records, is doing the work for me (and you) and doing a fine job of it.
http://www.finderskeepersrecords.com/about.html
The British label is...
Babylon Central →
Eric Hilton of the DC electronic music duo Thievery Corporation recently announced the release of his first feature film called Babylon Central, which is set to be released July 27th on his record label, ESL Music. Early birds will be able to score a copy of Babylon Central’s Soundtrack (which is killer, of course) on July 19th through Amazon.com’s “Deal of the Day.”