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