BitsBits: Blogmix December 2013

http://www.mixcloud.com/ryanbirch54/relic86-blogmix-december-2013/

Album Reviews: November 2013 Week 4

Saprogenic - "Expanding Toward Collapsed Lungs" 2013

As with most good metal albums are for me, this was a blind download that ended up panning out. I'm not big on sub-genre classifications, but I think this would be considered death metal. In any event, this is a solid release full of brutal sounding songs. As far as I can tell, this is their 3rd album, so it looks like i'll have to go back and see what's up with the older ones too. Check out "Expanding Toward Collapsed Lungs", "Eat My Heart", "Mutated Deception", and "Ritual Blaze".

Coki - "Don't Get It Twisted Vol. 2" 2012

1/2 of Digital Mystikz and a solid solo artist as well, this is some older sounding dubstep that sounds pretty decent. Nothing mind blowing or game changing, but bumpin nonetheless. Check out "Light Years", "Drop N Run", "Mid June Madness", and "On Board".

Matmos - "The Marriage Of True Minds" 2013

So, they ran a bunch of Ghostbusters sounding experiments on various subjects involving sensory deprivation, and projected light and sound, and recorded their experiments. The end result is actually almost more cohesive of an album than they usually come with, which is kinda funny to me. This is more or less what you would expect, if you are a long time fan of the group. Beautiful and sometimes haunting soundscapes, all pasted together perfectly, with surprisingly intricate details to the sound quality. If you're unfamiliar with Matmos, this album is as good as any to make yourself familiar. Highly recommended for people who enjoy well done progressive music and also for people who are mainly into electronic music, and maybe are finding yourself bored with a lot of what you hear. Check out this awesome video for "Very Large Green Triangles". Also check out "Teen Paranormal Romance", "In Search Of A Lost Faculty", "Tunnel", and the brilliant, genre-defying album closer, "ESP".

Album Reviews: November 2013 Week 3

Ricardo Villalobos - "Dependent & Happy" 2012

I truthfully don't know much about him, just that i've heard his name thrown around a decent amount in the past, so I don't know how this would rank among the rest of his career, but this album sounds pretty decent. Usually I hear his music described as being either minimal techno or micro house. All of the sounds are very textured, defined, and ever-changing. Very psychedelic without being overwhelming. Not really for relaxing or dancing, just intense listening. I like it. Check out the entire album here as a playlist.

Pelican - "Forever Becoming" 2013

For those not in the know, Pelican is an awesome instrumental rock band. It's been a long 4 years since their last full length, and since then they had a lineup change and replaced one of the guitarists. This didn't really affect the band's sound at all, and to long time fans of theirs, this album is right on the money. I actually prefer this one over the last one. There's a little less slow building and the songs "get to the point" a little faster, which might disappoint some people, but this is still the same Pelican that I love. Music that is just so easy to kick back and jam out to or get engulfed within. Something about not having the restrictions of a vocalist just makes their music that much better to me. Nobody bellowing over the melodies, drowning them out and ruining them. Check out "Deny The Absolute", "The Tundra", "Perpetual Dawn", and "Vestiges".

Odd Nosdam - "If Grill Du Rot" 2012

This is a few sound collages and funny samples he put together in between 1999 and 2001, according to the description. "Normal" people would find this unlistenable, but I enjoy stuff like this, and this little EP definitely puts a huge smile on my face. I especially like the Dana Carvey "choppin broccoli" sample. Here is the bandcamp page for this release.

Isaiah Toothtaker - "Illmatic 2" 2013

It's really hard to describe an artist like Isaiah Toothtaker. His music is steeped in a certain "internet sound", but it's not limited to that. He has a defined style but still sounds all over the place, which is good for me, because I never get bored with him. Sometimes his flow reminds me a little of people from Doomtree, but he doesn't have that element of cornyness that most of their stuff is draped in. There's a certain sing-songy quality to some of his flows that becomes infectious once you get used to it. This release is even more varied than usual for him, which is impressive. Hitting from so many different styles from so many different angles, but maintaining a common style and thread throughout. Not an easy accomplishment. Free download or listen here. Also check out the video for "Midnight".

Bassnectar - "Divergent Spectrum Remixes" 2012

A little EP of remixes from last year. There's honestly nothing that stands out on this for me. Nobody is doing a whole lot to make their remixes actually better than the originals, but at the same time none of these are terrible and unlistenable like many remixes on releases like this tend to be. Check out "Voodoo (Bassnectar & ill.gates Remix)", "Red Step (Steve Aoki Remix)", and "Voodoo (Beats Antique Remix)".

Clutch - "Earth Rocker" 2013

The one thing that's always impressed me about Clutch, aside from just the musicianship itself, is that ever since they came out in the early 90's, they have barely changed their style at all. Trends have come and gone and Clutch has remained constant through it all. This new one seems to be their most focused album since 2004's "Blast Tyrant". The albums in between were still cool, but I felt like they were sort of seeming like they were starting to lose steam as a band. Maybe it's just me and i'm more into rock n roll again this year than I have been in a while. In any event, this is sure to please fans of the group, and probably not win any new fans either. They have always been one of those bands where you either like them or you don't. Check out the video for "Earth Rocker". Also check out "Unto The Breach", "The Wolf Man Kindly Requests...", and "Gone Cold". Or listen to the whole album here.

Mike Wexler - "Dispossession" 2012

This was a blind download that turned out to be some pretty decent mellow rock. Nothing about this album is overly outstanding, but at the same time, I never have a desire to turn it off or fast forward. It's nice and relaxing and even engaging at times. It's good to hear new music from someone willing to make longer songs that aren't boring, but are actually somewhat of an adventure. My favorite track is the album closer, "Liminal", but I can't find a link for it. Check out "Lens", "Spectrum", "The Trace", and "Pariah".

Knxwledge - "Karma.Loops.PRT5" 2013

Another of his 8 billion releases. He is like a low budget Madlib, culling samples from slightly more recent eras. As usual, i'm diggin it. Here is the bandcamp page for this.

WITCH's Jagari Chanda - "Kwamanunga" 2013

This was an exclusive available only to Now Again Records subscribers. These are 2 newly recorded songs, so hopefully there is more to come. These sound great. Unfortunately, I am unable to share.

J Dilla - "Lost Tapes Reels + More" 2013

I'm not one to look down on another new collection of stuff from one of my favorite people in music of all time, but it looks as though they are finally scraping the bottom of the barrel for treats from Dilla. There's still some gems here for sure, and this collection isn't actually wack by any means. It's just not stellar, and I wouldn't expect it to be, since these are most likely mostly leftovers that didn't make the grade when he was alive. There's still a few Donuts-like gems here though. Not many are up on youtube. Check out "Go Get Em", "Here We Go Again", and "Lickn".

Ras G - "El-Aylien Part II: C.razy A.lien" 2012

This is easily the most bugged out release i've heard come out of the beat scene so far. Ras G is on another level, possibly another astral plane or dimension. Space is the place. Anyone that's into progressive music and is looking for something new and different to tantalize your ears, should check this release for sure. Check out "Unfolding", "Broken Cartridge", "Green Curry", and "Plates & Forks (The PAF)".

BitsBits: Mystery Mix November 2013

Name some of the artists in this mix, and win your own custom made mix.

http://www.mixcloud.com/ryanbirch54/mystery-mix-november-2013/

Album Reviews: November 2013 Week 2

I took a week off of new listening to do some much needed organizing of files and other mundane tasks, but now i'm back in effect with a new crop of reviews.

The Cyclist - "Bones In Motion" 2013

I found out about this artist based on a track that was on a Leaving Records compilation. This album has a weird sound quality to it, that reminds me of high quality cassette tapes from back in the days. A lot of the songs start out simply and build into some fairly intricate soundscapes, and tend to do so in abstract ways that I wouldn't normally expect songs to. Stylistically this album falls somewhere in between house and downtempo, and it's all through this lo-fi filter that makes it all sound like you're listening to older recordings that have been unearthed by someone. Check out "Mangel", "Bones In Motion", "Dusty", and "Reels".

Mistabishi - "Calm" 2013

Mistabishi seems like a pretty prolific artist. He seems to drop at least 2 full lengths and a couple other scattered releases every year for the past couple years. This is a 7 song EP that seems to be a collaboration between him and some unlisted female vocalists, similar to the dynamic that Tricky has with his collaborators. The music I had heard from him previously was a lot more upbeat than these songs are, so I was at first taken aback by the downtempo nature of the majority of this. I actually dig this more than the other stuff I heard by him though. Splashes of beat scene and trip hop, but not really falling into either category. It looks there's a video for each song too. Extremely well done videos, I might add. Check out the videos for "Genes", "Blackeyes", "Paranorms", "Fallout", "Why On Earth", and "Hymn 23".

Feed Me - "Death By Robot" 2013

 A little 3 song EP from an artist i'm relatively neutral on. I've heard decent and terrible songs from him before, so I gave this a whirl. The title track is a horrible Daft Punk ripoff, and the other 2 songs don't really do much for me either. Ahh well, better luck next time. Check out this awesome video for "Death By Robot". Also check out "Gravel" and "Dialup Days".

The Poets Of Rhythm - "Anthology 1992-2003" 2013

The title is self-explanatory. Daptone Records released this very nice compilation that nicely covers a good portion of the songs they released under their various monikers. Anyone that enjoys a lot of the current soul revival music being released that has not heard of these guys, needs to check this out, as they predated the whole trend, and were making this type of music back when hardly anyone else was, outside of The Brand New Heavies. Check out "Choking On A Piece Of Meat", "Serengeti Stroke", "The Donkey", "Summerdays", and "More Mess On My Thing".

Suff Daddy & Ta-ku - "Bricks & Mortar" 2013

First off, i'd like to say that damn, Ta-ku has been on a roll this year. From remixes to free downloads to regular albums, he's killin it from all angles, and pretty much everything he's been doing, i'm into. He's the reason I downloaded this, but the bonus was that I found out about Suff Daddy from this. He's another one of those beatmakers that I just fell in love with immediately upon hearing. These beats are right up my alley. This album is all instrumental hip hop, and reminds me of a slightly less refined and crazy sounding version of what Samiyam has been doing. Awesome indeed. Check out "Smile", "Suffdigi", "Spinnerlude", and this video for "Clap For Me".

Blue Sky Black Death & Deniro Farrar - "Cliff Of Death" 2012

This was an album I checked out on my ipod a few months back and forgot to write the review for. I revisited it a few times last week, and this EP just keeps sounding better and better. Blue Sky Black Death provide a downtempo, yet engaging, detailed, moody backdrop to Deniro's emotional thoughts. It's interesting to me how eloquent and distinguished he comes off as a lyricist. Most people who tell the types of tales he tells end up sounding at least semi-ignorant, but he comes off like some non-judgemental elder in the ghetto, telling tales of his past in order to both relate to the youth, but also warn them about the dangers of their lifestyles. Most rappers who claim to do this, seem fake to me, or even worse, seem stupid to me, but Deniro is the real deal. I urge anyone, but especially people who are always talking that "there's no good new hip hop" line, to check out any and all of his releases. A legend in the making. Check out the videos for  "This Is It", "Just In Case The World Ends", and  "Danger". Also check out "Can't Take It With Me When I Die", and "Pain".

"Cosmic Compositions Avant-Garde Series Vol. 2 [Alice Coltrane]" 2013

This is a compilation of a bunch of beat scene skewed takes on Alice Coltrane material. There is many different tracks to choose from, and this compilation flows nicely as an LP. Nice and laid back. Check out "Paramahansa" by FloFilz and "Galaxy" by Christoph El Truento, the only 2 songs I could find links for, for some reason.

BitsBits: Relic86 Radio November 2013

http://www.mixcloud.com/ryanbirch54/relic86-radio-november-2013/

Album Reviews: October 2013 Week 4

Thee Oh Sees - "Putrifiers II" 2012

I got a chance to see these guys in concert last week and their performance blew me away. It's a great feeling to be excited about rock n roll again. It's amazing to me how this band has about 6-7 albums that are all from the last 3-4 years, and all of them are great. This was one of the records I purchased at the show. I don't like it quite as much as their newest full length, "Floating Coffins", but it's still very high quality. They have a relatively unique sound, but if I was to compare to them to other bands, I would recommend them to fans of The Pixies, L7, The White Stripes, and Ween. Check out this surreal video for the surfy sounding "Lupine Dominus". Also check out "Putrifiers II", "Hang A Picture", and this cool little fan-made video for "So Nice".

Thee Oh Sees - "Carrion Crawler/The Dream" 2011

So, this was another record I bought at their show, and hot damn, this might be my favorite release by them that i've heard so far. This record has barely left my turntable this week. Nice, upbeat, and rockin. This album instantly puts me in a good mood. Highly recommended. Check out "The Dream", "Robber Barons", "Carrion Crawler", and "Crack In Your Eye".

Ryan Hemsworth - "Still Awake" 2013

I ended up catching a DJ set by him a couple weeks ago, and when I heard he was coming to town I was excited about it, because I enjoy a great deal of the songs i've heard from him so far, but his set was pretty uneventful and lackluster and actually seemed pre-recorded. Disappointing. In any event, this EP is pretty good. Definitely more mellow and soft than i'm used to hearing from him, but I like when people expand their horizons and don't let themselves get put into boxes. Most of these tracks remind me of 90's RPG video games for some reason. Maybe it's just me. Either way, this is 7 songs of upbeat audio relaxation, perfect to zone out to. Check out "Empty Thoughts Over A Shallow Ocean", "I Want To Stare At Your Face Until I Die", and "Track 5 (Crashed)".

Mac Miller - "Watching Movies With The Sound Off" 2013

Mac Miller is such a strange artist to me. On one hand, he represents a lot of things that I hate, not only about the music world, but the whole world in general. A rich kid who was probably given everything he ever wanted growing up, and therefore had all the free time and resources in the world to develop his craft. There's tons of poor people with way more natural skills who will never get the chance to show the world that, and that's just the way the world works. On the other hand, I have to respect Mac Miller for the direction he seems to be trying to take his career now that's he's got a sizeable fanbase. He's basically reached the highest amount of popularity he could possibly achieve at a very early point in his life, and the only place to go is more progressive and experimental. You can hear the influences of the substances he's on while writing and recording, and this album sounds like the end result of a person in their early 20's discovering a lot of the psychedelic non-hip hop music out there and attempting to distill it for the pop world. As an example, there's a beat that samples Black Moth Super Rainbow and a song produced by Flying Lotus. There's points on this album where his lyrics are cringe-worthy and corny (no, Mac Miller, you do not look like David Duchovny, you look like a real life version of the cartoon kid from The Fairly-Odd Parents with the personality of the "retarded" rapper character from Always Sunny In Philadelphia), but then there's a lot of songs where his lyricism and rhyme structures really impress me, and show why he's lauded as being great by some people. He definitely has a really good live show, as evidenced by his performance at Soundset earlier this year, so it's not like he's one of those rappers that only can sound good in the studio. I think he's here to stay at this point and is not the Johnny-Come-Lately that I previously looked at him as. Check out the videos for "S.D.S.", "Gees" featuring Schoolboy Q, "Watching Movies", "I Am Who Am (Killin Time)" featuring Niki Randa, and "The Star Room". All of these videos are pretty well done, if you can get past how annoying he looks. Also check out "Someone Like You" and "Suplexes Inside Of Complexes & Duplexes".

Album Reviews: October 2013 Week 3

Terror Danjah - "The Dark Crawler" 2012

This album is decent. This dude is a relatively well known grime producer. As with any grime styled stuff, I always prefer the instrumental jams over the rappers jibber jabbering in their British accents. This album is about 70% instrumental, so that's a pretty good ratio for me to enjoy it. What I noticed about this album is that either this is a little more ambitious or broad scoped than most stuff that is labelled as grime, or I just didn't know this style of grime existed. Either way, I find a lot of this stuff kinda hard to categorize, which is a good thing to me. I hate it when you can just stick things in a box and call it a day.It's better to be surprised by diversity. A lot of these tracks have a softer edge to them than most grime i've heard, but at the same time, none of the songs really come off as actually sounding soft or poppy. It's a thin line he's walking on here and doing it pretty well. There's a little something for everyone on here. Check out this trippy video for "Dark Crawler (Interlude) featuring Riko Dan. Also check out "Dark Gremlinz" featuring DOK and "You Make Me Feel" featuring Maleka.

Fuzz - "Fuzz" 2013

Fuzz is the new 3-piece project fronted by Ty Segall. Instead of him singing and playing guitar, which is what he usually does, he is singing while playing the drums in this band. It's insane to me that this is not his main instrument, but yet he is a better drummer than a lot of drummers I hear. I got a chance to catch these guys live last week, and the show was a must-see. All 3 guys are really talented and it shows. This album has a classic rock vibe to it, and I would recommend them to people who really like Black Sabbath and Jimi Hendrix. Check out this video for this non-album track, "Fourth Dream", to get an idea of how good they are in concert. Also check out "Loose Sutures", "Sleigh Ride", and "HazeMaze". Also check out this other non-album track, a nice cover of King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man". 

Album Reviews: October 2013 Week 2

Letherette - "After Dawn" 2013

This is 2 songs from their self-titled full length, and a couple remixes of those songs by Jimmy Edgar, Bibio, and Barker & Baumecker. I actually find this single a little lackluster compared to their previous releases, but they had set the bar pretty high, and there's nothing wrong with this single either. It's some dance floor material that falls on the more chilled out side of things, with lots of little subtle ear candy for you and pitch shifted vocals that float in and out. Check out this fan made video for "After Dark", featuring some Jem & The Holograms footage. Also check out "Restless" featuring Natasha Kmeto, "Restless (Jimmy Edgar Remix)", and "After Dawn (Bibio Remix)".

Hot Chip - "Dark & Stormy" 2013

Hot Chip has never been an act that ever did anything that ultimately excites me, but I randomly heard a track from this EP that sounded decent, so I decided to give this one a whirl. Looks like this EP is a companion piece to their 2012 LP, "In Our Heads". I can see why these guys have a big draw, but it's really just not my bag. I kind of have the same issue with these guys as I do LCD Soundsystem. I know it's decent music, it's just not what gets me going. I would recommend this EP to people who enjoy their stuff though. Stuff that has this style sounds too "white" to me, for lack of a better way to describe it. It's like the beats are all pretty full and lush, but still give me a sense of emptyness. Check out "Dark & Stormy", "Night & Day (Daphni Mix)", and "How Do You Do (Todd Terje Remix)".

Airhead - "Pyramid Lake" 2012

Wow. I had heard a couple songs by Airhead, previously. Those songs sounded very texturally precise and tantalizing, and also pristinely crisp. These tracks have some of those aesthetics, but have taken them in a wonky direction that makes me wonder what else this act has cooked up. These 2 songs are awesome. Check out "Pyramid Lake" and "Black Ink".

DJ Rashad - "Rollin" 2013

One of many newer releases from the Teklife crew, these 4 tracks do not disappoint. This EP almost seems like Rashad is going for a smoother, slightly more accessible sound than some of the other members of the crew. A lot of the background sounds in the samples just float over everything perfectly. Check out "Rollin", "Broken Heart" featuring DJ Spinn, "Drums Please" featuring DJ Manny, and "Let It Go".

Traxman - "SO DAMM WHATTT!!!!" 2013

Nice 6 song EP from Traxman. Again, like I said about the Rashad EP above, one of MANY new Teklife releases, all of which are worth getting. This one seems a little more experimental than usual, and you know I like that. Check out "Ohh Wahhh" featuring DJ LP, which is unfortunately the only song I can find a link for at this time.

Curren$y & Young Roddy - "Bales" 2013

Decent little mixtape/album from these guys as a duo. I really enjoy the range of production styles provided by people like Harry Fraud, Mike Will Made It, and King Thelonious (damn, this dude's beats are straight fire on here) and these guys' ability to sound natural rhyming over all of it. I like it when rappers branch out like this when choosing beats. Check out "Walkie Talkies", "Mo Money" featuring Juvenile, "Bales", and "100 Spokes".

UZ - "Balltrap Muzik Vol. 1" 2013

This is a non-stop mix of what you would expect based on the title. There's more vocals on this than I had anticipated and this mix left me kinda wishing it wasn't so rap heavy. I prefer to hear production like this without vocals, but I know i'm not in the majority on that one. This is a pretty good mix to roll around and listen to in the car stereo for sure. Here's the whole mix.

BitsBits: Mystery Mix October 2013

http://www.mixcloud.com/ryanbirch54/mystery-mix-october-2013/

So, this time i'm trying something a little different an trying to get people more involved. If you listen to this mix, write/type down all the artists you think you hear and post them in the comments section on Mixcloud, or any other way you think they'll reach me. Most correct answers wins a custom made mix of your choosing.

Album Reviews: October 2013 Week 1

The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza - "Danza IIII: The Alpha, The Omega" 2012

This metal album goes pretty hard, but falls short of being anything amazing for me. I still enjoy this album more than most new metal albums I hear though. It's just one of those things where you can hear the potential for something to be an absolute classic, and it's just really good instead. There's plenty of good songs to choose from, and I like their blend of hard and melodic with the occasional digital edit (that I know metal purists surely hate, but I like that sort of production flair when it sounds appropriate and not forced). Apparently, this is this band's final album, as they have broken up since the release of this album. Check out "Behind Those Eyes", "Paul Bunyan & The Blue Ox", "The Alpha/ The Omega", and "Rudy x3".

Knifefight - "Knifefight" 2013

Knifefight is the duo of Beans and Mux Mool. I honestly want to like this EP more than I actually do, which is usually how it ends up for me with anything related to Anti-Pop Consortium. It's not bad by any means, it's just relatively simple and straightforward within it's parameters, which are obviously beyond the normal scope of rap, but still, i'm left feeling like I want more when I hear this, and that's unfortunate, but maybe it's my problem. I'm sure there's a market for this, and it's not a poorly executed project, it just apparently isn't for me. Check out "Light Beat", "Pop Your Bubble" featuring Kool AD +Sub Con, and "Gloss".

The Stepkids - "The Lottery" 2013

This is the 2nd single from their new album, "Troubador", and let me tell you, it reminds me a LOT of Steely Dan. Some people will hate on it and say it's cheesy, but this is pretty damn good. I really gotta check out this new album of theirs. Check out the video for "The Lottery". Also check out a live performance of the B-Side track, "The Art Of Forgetting".

Oh No - "Oh No vs. Now Again 2" 2013

Title is pretty self-explanitory. Oh No raids Now Again's vaults for samples and makes a bunch of beats. I feel like with all the releases he does in this vein, his beats have become somewhat predictable, but he does a shitload of them, and they are all good, so being predictably good is hardly a negative thing, it's just that you kinda know what to expect before hearing it, so it takes away a bit of the element of surprise...but yeah, this album is filled with dope beat after dope beat. Unfortunately, i'm having a hard time finding any of these tracks online to share with you, so you'll just have to take my word for it.

BitsBits: Relic86 Radio October 2013

http://www.mixcloud.com/ryanbirch54/relic86-radio-october-2013/

Album Reviews: September 2013 Week 4

Belle & Sebastian - "The Third Eye Centre" 2013

Over the last 5 years or so, this band has grown on me and i've become pretty into them. This is a collection of all their B-sides and rarities from the last 10 or so years, and it actually plays out as a better album than most of their other albums. It's funny that this is basically their leftovers and it's still better than 95% of all other indie rock out there. Check out "Your Cover's Blown (Miaoux Miaoux Remix)", "Mr. Richard", "Meat & Potatoes", and "I'm A Cuckoo (Avalanches Remix)".

Noah23 - "Tropical Fruit" 2013

Decent little 5 song EP. Pretty much what you would expect from him if you've heard him before. For those that don't know, he's an underground rapper with an insane amount of talent. This and many of his other releases are on a name your own price status on his bandcamp, so you can easily check all that stuff out the way you want to if you don't like streaming. Here is the link.

Document One - "D Is For Document One EP Part 1" 2012

This some slickly produced, but ultimately semi-boring dubstep. Not bad by any means, but not really what i'm personally looking for either. Check out "Already Lost", "The Feeling", and "Body Pump".

Ministry - "From Beer To Eternity" 2013

I'll start right off by saying that i've been a huge Ministry fan since Psalm69 was new. I was too young and dumb to get in on the first couple waves of popularity for them in the 80's, but that version of them was my introduction to them, and that, along with Nine Inch Nails' "Broken", are what broke me out of the mold I had been in, where I only wanted to listen to hip hop all the time. My favorite album by them is "Filth Pig", and I consider the 90's to be their best era by far, but I still enjoy almost all of it. I admit that my interest in them has waned during the last decade and i've found most of the post-2000 releases to be predictable, which makes them boring in ways. Enter last year's "Relapse". This album wasn't necessarily a return to greatness, but it did seem like Al had wanted to breathe some new life into the band in some way. This new one is honestly my favorite Ministry album since "Dark Side Of The Spoon" and is easily their most versatile piece of work. It's like they took all their styles of their entire career (except the first album) and put it in one big pot and stirred it up. I love it. So if you were ever a fan of them before and you stopped listening, this is the album you should hear. Check out the video for "PermaWar". Also check out "Hail To His Majesty (Peasants)", "Lesson Unlearned", "Fairly Unbalanced", and "Side F/X Include Mikey's Middle Finger (TV4)".

Boardwalk - "I'm To Blame" 2013

This is a 45 that came out on Stones Throw, and i'm assuming a full length is on the way at some point. Some really dreamy sounds, for lack of a better word. Really soothing sounding indie pop rock, like a more upbeat Mazzy Star or something... or maybe something like Au Revoir Simone too... Either way, i'm eagerly anticipating some new stuff from this band. Here is the video for "I'm To Blame" and here's the link to purchase this record or listen to the 2 songs too.

The Weeknd - "Kiss Land" 2013

I wish an album like this was a normal album, quality-wise, for the mainstream, or even just for pop and R&B in general, because there's really nothing special about it in the grand scheme of music, but with pop music the way that it is nowadays, an album like this seems like a breath of fresh air and even progressive. It's neither of those things, but it is a very well crafted LP from all angles and a pretty impressive piece of work. He definitely wears a Michael Jackson influence on his sleeve, but it doesn't come off as annoying to me like it does sometimes with Justin Timberlake and Usher, when they do that. The only major misstep on this album is his Vanilla Ice-esque biting of Portishead's "Machine Gun" (Geoff Barrow denied him the sample, so he added one drum hit, called it his own, and he's damn lucky Geoff is cool enough to not pursue legal action about it), with "Belong To The World" (this link is to the video, in case you're interested). That's the type of thing where when it happens, you just save the song for a free download or keep it unreleased, but this dude goes and makes it his lead single and the video is like a little mini-movie. Kind of a lame decision in my book, but what do I know... Anyways, the rest of the album is pretty solid and an engaging listen if you're in the right mood for it. Check out the videos for "Pretty", "Live For" featuring Drake, and "Kiss Land" (this video is crazy... so is this beat, it's like mid 90's Three 6 Mafia-style dark) Also check out "Love In The Sky", "Wanderlust" , and this collaboration with Kavinsky, "Odd Look".

Zion I - "The Vapors" 2013

This is a cool little 5 song EP of songs with a marijuana based theme. Nothing stellar here, but it's a nice listen. Listen or download here.

The Octopus Project - "Whitby EP" 2012

This is a little single/EP that is a teaser for the new album that just was recently released, and I need to get.  Some awesome sounds here. Check out this really cool video for "Whitby".