Foxsky - The Whip

New EP out from Mad Decent artist FOXSKY called the Whip. The original track is a really cool dubstep song, and the EP has a number of remixes. Mad Decent artists are always interesting, check it out here!

What'll I Do - Nat King Cole

One of my favourite songs! Enjoy

Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

One of the most anticipated albums of the year was released yesterday, Daft Punk's Random Access Memories. With the kind of hype that comes with an album like this, from such a respected name in electronic music, there's a lot of pressure for this album to perform. I think the boys from France came through.

They've managed to maintain the quintessential sound that defines Daft Punk while still seeming new and creative. The album maintains a vintage techno/disco sound, expanding the use of vocals in songs from previous albums. Many lovers of newer electronic music might find Daft Punk's sound a bit foreign, but these guys, along with Justice, were hugely influential on the electronic artists of today.

Random Access Memories can be chalked up in the list of awesome Daft Punk albums, despite the long break and high expectations that come with such an established groups new release. You can listen to the single from this record Get Lucky below:

Chance the Rapper - Acid Rap

Amazing new mixtape out from Chicago native Chance the Rapper called ACID RAP. He started his rap career after being suspended from highschool for a week by teachers who mocked his musical hopes, which inspired him to release his 2012 mixtape 10 DAY (another great listen). With 10 DAY's success he collaborated with names like Nate Fox and Childish Gambio to release this new fantastic 13 song release.

Chance the Rapper is reminiscent of Kendrick in his poetic and diverse lyricism and uses gospel and blues infused production. His songs range in topic from comedic ones like his grandmother not wanting to hug him due to his smoke-saturated clothes to gun violence in his home neighbourhood of Englewood, South Chicago.

You can listen here
or download the entire mixtape here courtesy of  Datpiff.com

Tallest Man On Earth - Live from the 9:30 Club

For anyone who loves the poetry and beauty of The Tallest Man On Earth's music, his set at the 9:30 club in Washington DC in 2010 is a must listen. Kristian Matsson performs alone with his guitar, yet holds your attention like few other performers can. Every second of this concert is wonderful, from Matsson's humble dialogues to his between song tunings. Recorded and made available by NPR, you can listen to the whole concert by clicking the link below.

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=130217980&m=130364935

Coyote Kisses - Thundercolor EP

New 4 song EP out from electronic artist COYOTE KISSES. A much more mellow sound coming from these guys, known for their killer drops and synth works, this EP is more relaxed. Its very D&B influenced, while still keeping the COYOTE KISSES groove.

Mavin Gaye - What's Going On

Hi guys, I recently picked up Marvin Gaye's 1971 concept album WHAT'S GOING ON on vinyl this week and wanted to do a post about it. I (embarrassingly) only recently listened to this album for the first time but have been playing over and over since. Ranked #6 on Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Albums it is widely known as one of the most soulful and influential albums of all time.

It is a concept album, in that the songs have a common thematic link. The album tells the story a Vietnam verteren returning home from war, only to be saddened by nature of society. It focuses on the selfishness and violence Gaye saw in America in the late 60's early 70's. The album starts in a dramatic fashion (bear in mind this is 1971), by saying:

     

There's too many of you crying

Brother, brother, brother

There's far too many of you dying

You know we've got to find a way

To bring some lovin' here today - Ya

Father, father

We don't need to escalate

You see, war is not the answer

For only love can conquer hate

You know we've got to find a way

To bring some lovin' here today

Picket lines and picket signs

Don't punish me with brutality

Talk to me, so you can see

Oh, what's going on

What's going on

Gaye makes a passionate and compelling plea for people to come together instead of hurting each other. The thing about this album that really gets me is how well it's aged. I wish from the bottom of my heart it had not aged well and that the themes Gaye sings about back in 1971 have become things of the past. But they haven't. Listening to this album in 2013, I see the same suffering and problems that Gaye did over 40 years ago. Observing this culture we live in today leads me to a similar line of inquiry as Gaye, what in the heck is going on?

Shifting away from the politics of the album, it is a musical triumph in its own right. Gaye began his career in the heart of the Motown scene in Detroit in the 1960's. He had a string of hits in this genre, like "I heard it through the Grapevine".  By 1971, Gaye had began moving away from the niche genre and expanding into more soulful and untested waters. WHAT'S GOING ON is brilliant in its composition, bringing together aspects of Motown, Soul, Jazz, Pop and Rock into a beautiful medley, held together by the wonderfully soulful vocals of Gaye himself. Funky base lines, groovy sax solos and varied percussions make every second of this album a delight.

WHAT'S GOING ON is an album that speaks for those who are witness to the injustices of society yet feel dwarfed by the sheer scale of he problems. Its a common perspective in today's world unfortunately, but this album serves to not only observe these issues but provide hope for resolving them. There is solace in Gaye's words and in knowing that there are others who feel the same way. Music is all about human connection. Sharing ideas and thoughts can change the world, no matter what people say. WHAT'S GOING ON provokes that thought and emphasizes the need for love and cooperation instead of war and violence. This is a message that too many people still need to hear.