Little Stars

A good follow up to Explosions in The Sky.  Stars released an EP, Sad Robots, a few years ago.  It's a good little album of 6 tracks. I enjoy it for its mellow mood, and more than usual electronic sound.  Only recently did this EP get my attention, when I heard "Going Going Gone (Live)." This is an older track of theirs, but a live recording.  "Going Going Gone" is one of my favorite stars songs, and surprisingly, the live version sounds better than the original.  Sad Robots isn't amazing stuff, but for Stars fans it is very enjoyable. For your listening pleasure, her is "Going Going Gone (Live)."

Stars - Going, Going, Gone (Live) (Sad Robots EP) by TILLS

Album of the Week

Ever since Friday Night Lights (the movie, not the terrible TV show) featured these guys, I have been a super fan. All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone is still one the best things I have ever listened to.  Explosions in the Sky is back with a new album, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care.  It is as amazing as all of their other work.  The songs on the album are like chapters in a wordless novel.  It is truly amazing how they instill such emotion in their songs without lyrics.  They are epic stories that leave you anywhere from exhilarated to melancholy.  You may need a good 45 minutes to digest Take Care, Take Care, Take Care in its entirety, but it will be worth it.  Here are two tracks, but the album itself is one long track, so enjoy the excerpts.

Take Care, Take Care, Take Care by TILLS

Album of the Week

Frank Ocean surprised me.  I've been on a small hip-hop kick, and his album nostalgia,ULTRA, has been on serious rotation.  I dig his Craig Davidian slash Drake-ish sound.  A smooth soul singer with a rap like edge.  This premiere album features everything good about hip-hop from good beats, good lyrics, good vocals and good flow.  He may not blow you away, but his abilities are definitely satisfying.  The highlight is clearly "Novocaine," (apparently the new drug of choice). He has great topics from girls not understanding Radiohead, to not singing tracks for chicks, to conspiracy theories, to sampling MGMT, The Eagles, and even a movie (Eyes Wide Shut).  There is a lot to like here. Hope you enjoy nostalgia,ULTRA.

Frank Ocean Nostalgia ultra by dre2phresh

Get On The E-Train

Hip-Hop Friday is always one of my favorite posts. Finding some new rap artist that is trying to make it. I love their creativity and fresh take on rap music; unfortunately, we're all used to being given overly produced and emotionless, radio hip-hop songs.  E-Train gives us what we want.  His slow flow is unique and his beats are definitely hand made.  E-Train is definitely trying to make it though. He has released his own album (Wrath of Roxanne) on iTunes, shot his own video for Lonely at the top (or at least looks like he did), and made a theme song for the movie Inception.  Take a listen. "Glow So Hard" and "What Tomorrow Brings" are the tracks that will amaze you. If you want more, check out his album.  Enjoy your Friday!
INCEPTION - E-TRAIN ft. Notorious B.I.G. by eTRAINmusic
GLOW SO HARD FROM SPACE - DRAFT by eTRAINmusic
11- What Tomorrow Brings.mp3 by eTRAINmusic

Here To Take Care

Foster The People are coming out strong.  You may have heard their song, "Pumped Up Kicks,"out somewhere. This LA band is dropping thier new album, Torches, on May 24th; just in time for the summer. I say this because, they make music that makes you happy and makes. It's chill yet upbeat. Until then, I've been listening to their Foster The People EP. You should too.

!!Click Here If The Songs Don't Work!!

Song Of The Moment

It has been a while since I added a song to Song Of The Moment (top).  When I heard Jai Paul's "BTSTU," I could not stop playing it.  It has a crazy good beat, and his vocals fit so well.  I am excited to see what this young artist has in store.  For now, enjoy "BTSTU."
Jai Paul - BTSTU by TILLS

Tell Me Something Good

This was a close second for album of the week.  Jessica Lea Mayfield's sophomore album, Tell Me, is one that I had been waiting for for a long time as well.  Her first album is one of my favorites.  It's thick with melancholy love loss and beautifully sad yet singable lyrics.  I knew repeating something that personal and dark may be impossible, and it was.  Tell Me is a large departure from With Blasphemy So Heartfelt.  Some of it a good departure and some if not.  The album is a good album, but in comparison, falls a bit short from her previous work.  She dabbles in some harder rock and some funk, but her best stuff comes in the back half of the album, when she comes back to her melancholy goodness.  She just does it so well. Enjoy Jessica's Tell Me.
Jessica Lea Mayfield by Erica Martin

Album Of The Week

Deer Tick, Dawes, and Delta Spirit fans rejoice!  Middle Brother has arrived.  The super group no one knows about.  These guys (John, Taylor, and Matt) have each their own talented bands, but are the clear brains of their individual operations. They have left their respective bands to form Middle Brother. A folk rock band with some serious power. I have been excited for this album for some time.  When I finally got to hear it, it was exactly what I was hoping for.  Each of their bands have their flaws, but Middle Brother shows each at their best. I am not saying the album is flawless, but it is the best Deer Tick, Dawes, or Delta Spirit album yet.  Enjoy Middle Brother Middle Brother. If you want the hit, jump to "Million Dollar Bill."
Middle Brother by TILLS

Dostoyevsky Would Be Proud

Well, maybe not.  But he may have enjoyed Fathers Be Kind, the new EP from Seattle's Ivan & Alyosha. These guys have one album to their name from 2009 and have gotten a lot of cred from playing at SXSW.  Their new EP shows their great potential, and now's the time to get on board. Their style is some good, easy going, alternative, folk, acoustic rock.  Take a few, sit, and listen to Fathers Be Kind.  If nothing else, it will provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing 20 minutes.

It'sThe Return

Well that wasn't so bad.  About a year or two ago, TV on the Radio stated they were going their separate ways.  I was discouraged, as they make some great music and I was definitely going to miss it.  But, they are back already.  About the same wait time for normal album.  There were some highlights from their hiatus as Rain Machine and Maximum Balloon both came out (albums from Kyp Malone and Dave Sitek, respectively). I am psyched for the new album, Nine Types of Light.  While we wait, enjoy the album's first release "Will Do."
TV On The Radio - Will Do by Interscope Records

Home Sweet Home

"Hometown Hero" was one of my favorite songs of last year.  I loved it when it was Adele's "Hometown Glory."  Big K.R.I.T. just did his thing to it, and it worked out to be just as good.  Came across this video on yourtru.ly the other day.  Love live video, so it deserved a post.  Here is Big K.R.I.T.'s "Hometown Hero," and Adele's "Hometown Glory," for the heck of it.

Yourstru.ly Presents: BIG K.R.I.T. & Grillade "Hometown Hero" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

ADELE - Hometown Glory by user7023811

Family Affair

Akron/Family is an inconsistent band in my book.  Their previous album, Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free, was one of my favorite albums when it came out.  I dig their loud to soft, hard hitting, sometimes electronic, rock. If you have ever heard an Akron/Family album they tend to go back and forth between styles and sounds.  Their new album does not differ too much from that recipe.  The difference here is that some of it jsut doesn't amount to their previous work.  That being said, some tracks do stand out.  Here is what I gathered from S/T II: The Cosmic Birth And Journey Of Shinju TNT (yes, that is the album title). My go to song at this point is "So It Goes." Also enjoy "Another Sky."

Akron/Family - So It Goes

Akron/Family - Another Sky by FBi Radio

Album of the Week

Radiohead returns, with a usual success.  This year's album is The King of Limbs. This time around, they delved into the electronic side of the band.  Well, more than usual I would say.  Most of the album is almost Beck-ian.  A lot of chaos turned into a enjoyable beats.  Sometimes it may be overwhelming, but Thom's voice, as usual, carries you through.  Also, The King of Limbs is being called the first ever Newspaper Album... whatever that means.  Typical Radiohead, breaking new ground.  Here is their album streaming from soundcloud.  If you want to purchase the album, visit the albums home: TheKingOfLimbs.com


Radiohead - The King of Limbs by ThePEAK

Advantage, Blake

This English musician is getting some mixed reviews. Not sure if it's because of his style of music or some other personal reasons.  He rocks the dubstep, which is a silent type electronic rock sound.  It's different, but becoming more and more popular.  People like Burial have made it sound really good; others have made it sound really bad.  James Blake is right in the middle. He is adding great vocals to an other wise vocal-less style of music. His new self-titled album is out and has some great tracks.  My personal favorite is his cover of "Limit To Your Love," a Feist original. Although, "Wilhelm Scream" may be a better song.  I was going to post the tracks, but the videos add a little something to the music.  So enjoy the videos.  If you dig it, check out his album.

Bizness Rocks

tUnE-yArDs comes back with a new album this year. This side project of Merril Garbus is a unique sound.  Does take an open mind, but "Bizness" allows for easy access to her band.  The new album entitled WHOKILL  won't be out until April, so enjoy "Bizness" until then.

Tune-Yards - Bizness by top10

Mine is Yeasayers

Love when bands I love collaborate.  This may not be an actual collaboration, but I still dig it.  Yeasayer has made a side business out of remixing new indie songs.  Their latest is "Mine is Yours," by Cold War Kids.  I may enjoy the original more than the remix, but anything Yeasayer does, I'm a fan.
Cold War Kids - Mine is Yours (Yeasayer Remix) by paulboom

Look at the Stars

Blogotheque is really pushing it now.  Two great take-away-shows in a month. Their newest video is of the Canadian band Stars.  You probably know them.  If you don't, you should.   I consider them one of the best indie bands out there.  Their best albums may be from a few years ago, but they are still worth listening to. In the video you get to hear "Your Ex-Lover is Dead," their best song in my opinion, as well as an amazing version of "How Much More." Keep it coming Blogotheque.

Album of the Week

One of my favorite bands that I think everyone needs to know about is Cold War Kids.  They hooked from their first album, Robbers & Cowards, and have had me ever since.  Now, if I told you to go back and listen to their two previous albums, you would not be wasting your time.  If your just not that into finding out about these guys, then just listen to their new album Mine Is Yours.  This new release is their best yet.  It strays away from some of their artistic side, but hones in on their pop rock.  I don't want to call this guys pop, but this newest album is the closest thing to a radio ready album.  You actually may have already heard some of these tracks already, like "Louder Than Ever."  If you haven't you are in for something good.  Here is an album sampler from YouTube.  Make sure you get a chance to listen to all of Mine Is Yours!

Enter Sandman

Hip-Hop Friday returns with some news from the more underground hip-hop scene.  Homeboy Sandman is a newer MC from NY.  He is getting a lot of press in regards to his fast pace, yet smooth flow. My boy Ant Feds sent me some of his tracks. Check out Sandman's website for some sampling.    I posted his video for "The Carpenter."  This should get you going.  Enjoy!

Australian Architecture

Architecture in Helsinki usually creates music I can't grasp.  I appreciate that, it's fun, but I feel like there is something about it that's just not me.  Well their new album, Moment Bends,  may be the album that gets me."That Beep" is the first single from the album.  It definitely has the A.I.H. fun vibe, but is also easily accessible. I hope you enjoy "That Beep," as much as I do.
That Beep by Architecture In Helsinki

Iron, Wine and Video

Blogotheque needed something big. Their video music site is one of my favorites and recently they have been in a slump. With their new video of Iron & Wine, or better yet just Sam Beam, breaks them through and then some.  Sam is an incredible solo artist.  I look forward to the time he loses the band and gets back to doing solo gigs.  For now, I will enjoy "Tree By The River," from the wine cellar.

No Queue for You

I'm From Barcelona apparently doesn't wait. Their newest single, "Get In Line." from a forth coming album may actually make some people get in line.  I have never been a huge fan, but this upbeat track does make me a small bit interested as to what their new album will sound like. For now, enjoy "Get In Line."  Look out for their new album in 2011.
I'm From Barcelona - Get In Line by paulboom

Album of the Week

Iron & Wine's newest album , Kiss Each Other Clean, tops this weeks album selections.  I debated whether or not this should be a full on album of the week or just a regular feature.  After the third listen through the album, it made sense to give it its due.  Kiss Each Other Clean gives you what you love about Iron & Wine, specifically Sam Beam's smooth vocals, and mixing in everything good about folk rock.  The band brings forward this bluesy, funk folk.  It's something that I first pulled away from, but like I stated, after a few listens, it really grew on me. I would guess it will grow on you too.  You can find some tracks out there, but I'm diggin what NPR is doing these days, letting bands perform their new albums live.  Click here to listen, watch, and download Iron & Wine play Kiss Each Other Clean.

Is That a Gun?

The Smith Westerns flew onto the stage.  Thanks to a favorable pitchfork nod, these chicagoans' first, big time album, Dye It Blonde, is blowing up. Their biggest single is "The Weekend."  This is a good example of their style.  A whispery, old-school alternative.  I respect the niche their going for. Enjoy their big single, as well as my personal favorite, "All Die Young."


Smith Westerns - Weekend by Vicente P
Smith Westerns - All Die Young by ynra

Album of the Week (Month? Year?)

The Decemberists did it. They did what a fan of theirs wanted them to do.  Too many times, I have wished a band would do what they do best, instead of some experimental, lesser than album.  The King Is Dead may not only be the way I wanted to hear them, but it is by far the best I have ever heard them. I was a fan on the outs, as you may have previously read, but The King Is Dead, is one of my favorite albums in the past few months.  If it fell in 2010, it would have made my top ten.  2011 has yet to unfold, but this early album may have enough to hold strong for the year and make the top of the list. We will wait and see.  For now, listen to the album performed live or watch the live concert here

Laptop Of The Class

I forget about The Hood Internet way too much. These Chicagoans are some of the best mash-up artists out there.  They consistently create great songs from the most popular indie and rap artists of the moment. One of their newest songs, "Go Hahahaha," takes one of the best tracks of 2010 (The Cults "Go Outside") and one of the funniest rap groups (Das Rascist) to make a solid stand alone track.  After finding "Go Hahahaha," I stumbled upon a couple mash-ups with Journey, which are incredible.  So, I had to share "Runawayfully" (Kanye and Journey) with you as well.  Enjoy these tracks and make sure you check out The Hood Internet.
The Hood Internet - Go Hahahaha (Das Racist x Cults) by hoodinternet
The Hood Internet - Runawayfully (Kanye West x Journey) by hoodinternet

Back In The Hood

Hoodie is back at it already.  Seems like the hits keep coming.  Not sure when a new mixtape or album is coming out, but if it's like any of the things hes made, it'll be amazing.  Here's "Dreams Up."
Dreams Up by HoodieAllen

Are You A Chieftain?

I am not sure if I am.  Not because I don't dig the Chief's music, but I don't think I can call myself that.  In any case, take a listen to see if you are.  This Santa Monica area band showed up on Blogotheque recently which pushed to look into them.  A decent band with some good tunes.  Take a listen to "Night and Day" and watch them perform it live.  If you have time, check out the Blogotheque video here.
Chief – Night and Day by BrooklynSkiClub

Danger Mouse in Danger

I'm not sure how I missed this, but better late than never (thank you J Bizzle). Wick-It the Instigator is who you want to know these days.  Apparently, no one does though, which is a shame.  Wick-It just assembled the best mash-up album since Danger Mouse's Gray Album.  Wick-It has given us The Brothers of Chico Dusty.  A combination of two of the best:  The Black Keys and Big Boi.  If you're an Oukast fan, you will be happy.  If you're a Keys fan, you will be happy.  Wick-It has done something that seems impossible; which is make this album sound as good as the individual artists and better at some points. Enjoy The Brothers of Chico Dusty.

The Brothers of Chico Dusty (Big Boi vs. The Black Keys) by wick-it

Outasight Seems Visible

Outasight is bubbling up to the top of the blogs.  He is a rapper/singer from NYC.  He has a few mixtapes to his name, and just released his newest track, "Losing My Mind." Love this track for its throwback 90's rap feel.  Easy to listen to... so listen.


Also, check out the rest of his music at his bandcamp website: Outasight

Warm Up To Some Cold - edited

Cold War Kids are one of my all time fav's.  They are getting ready to release Mine Is Yours; their new album due out early this year. So far we have been graced with two new tracks from that album, "Royal Blue," and "Louder Than Ever."  Hope you are as excited as I am for this band's new stuff. Enjoy!
***Sorry folks, was asked to remove those tracks.  You can get them here: Cold War Kids
Also, watch the video for "Louder Than Ever"

Sheff Back In The Kitchen

Okkervil River is back, or will be back soon.  They are starting to promote their new album, I Am Very Far.  They were just on Jimmy Fallon with their new song, "Wake And Be Fine." The album doesn't come out for a few months (supposedly May), so you will have to enjoy these single tracks for a while.  The video above is the Fallon performance, as well as two new songs by Will Sheff, that are possibly new album tracks, are below. Enjoy!

Golden Arches

Came across these fellas on Pitchfork yesterday.  This Philly duo are a chill band to listen to.  Got that Real Estate feel, just with sweeter vocals.  They are supposed to release their first album this year.  Here are a couple tracks worth listening to and video worth watching.  Check out their other music at their bandcamp website.


Arches - This Isn't A Good Night For Walking

Arches - Coming Back Again

Album of the Week

Yeasayer pulled a trick from the old Radiohead play book.  They are offering a pay what you wish download of their live album.  If you have seen Yeasayer live, then you know this is worth a lot.  The fact that they are giving it away (sort-of) is amazing.  The sound quality is killer, and the album as a whole is a best of Yeasayer to date. It's a must have. If you don't believe me, take a listen. Download it at their website: PAY WHAT YOU WISH DOWNLOAD
Yeasayer - Live by TILLS

Reflections of an Eternal Black Star

I'm not sure I dig this song too much.  However, it's Talib.  One of my greatest wishes is that Talib Kweli comes back to the top of the hip-hop scene.  He is by far one of the best rappers ever.  I haven't been a real big fan of anything since The Beautiful Struggle.  Well, word is his new album, Gutter Rainbows, comes out this month.  As always I am extremely excited to hear what he has to say... but I am more excited to see if I love it again.  Here is the first release from his new album, "Cold Rain." If anything, there is hope.

Global Natives

Maybe global is a stretch, but Local Natives never get enough praise; which is why it is nice to see these guys get publicity. They just recently played Jimmy Fallon with a great performance of Wide Eyes. Enjoy the video!

They came on a Big Jet Plane

So, on Monday I posted about Angus and Julia Stone.  I stated that they should be coming state side, but I guess I didn't do my research.  They came sometime in October, as Baebel Music has a clip of their show in NYC.  Enjoy "Big Jet Plane." If you want more video of their show, click the link at the bottom of the video to see a small interview, as well as "For You" and "Santa Monica Dream."

Watch the full video at Baeblemusic.com

Akron Rocks!! (Sorry Cleveland)

Something new from the Black Keys.  Whenever I can say that, I am happy.  Now, apparently it was available at an earlier point, but it's their new give-away song on their website.  Listen to it now.  Praise "Ohio."
The Black Keys: Ohio by gaga-digi

New Year; New Album of the Week

So, after a much needed vacation, TILLS has returned to update you on what is good in the music world.  It may seem strange to be giving the first Album of the Week in 2011 to an album that came out in 2010, but this one is a gem.  I came across this band a bit late, but you know what they say.  Angus & Julia Stone are a fantastic team.  Their voices are completely complimentary to one another. Hers is an elder Joanna Newsom, Martha Wainwright and his a youthful, sweeter Thomas Mars (Phoenix). Each can hold their own, but together it's perfect. This Australian duo will be touring their homeland for the first part of 2011, but I'm sure will come state side.  They are a must hear and, I am assuming, a must see.  Keep your eyes on Angus and Julia and enjoy (most of) their most recent album, Down The Way.
Angus & Julia Stone - Black Crow by nettwerkmusicgroup
Angus & Julia Stone - Hold On by nettwerkmusicgroup
Angus & Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane by nettwerkmusicgroup
Angus & Julia Stone - For You by nettwerkmusicgroup
Angus and Julia Stone - And The Boys by theinsound
Angus & Julia Stone -- On the Road by mademoiselle_a
Angus & Julia Stone - Yellow Brick Road by nettwerkmusicgroup
Angus and Julia Stone: Santa Monica Dream by La 3e heure!
Angus & Julia Stone - Draw Your Swords by Lost In The Sound