The Black Tambourine

the good kind of weird?

2012-01-07T20:11:00.001-08:00

Repeat after me.. Against Me!, Yes; Good Charlotte, No

2012-01-07T19:49:00.000-08:00

Against Me! - Thrash Unreal by Warner-Music

2012-01-07T19:47:00.001-08:00

Holy Shit! it's been forever since I've been here. This place is a mess. :: Rolls up Sleeves ::

Luisa Maita

2011-04-30T17:27:00.001-07:00

Lupe Fiasco / Show Goes On

2011-04-06T07:11:00.001-07:00

Rebecca Black's Friday

2011-03-31T23:03:00.000-07:00

When I read somewhere that some unknown named Rebecca Black had a song that was in the running for worst song of all time I had to check it out. Now being a music lover with a keen understanding that it takes all types and what appeals to my ear may not to others and vice versa, I don't want to be too harsh on Miss. Black and her song Friday. Instead I will bite my tongue and not refer to Friday as "the worst fucking piece of burnt camel shit ever" and instead just say, it wasn't for me.

Young The Giant/ Open Sessions

2011-03-31T22:54:00.000-07:00

I love this.

New Artist: Anya Marina

2010-02-10T20:26:00.000-08:00

New Artist: Angel Taylor

2010-02-07T02:03:00.000-08:00

Artist: Angel Taylor

Song: Like You Do

Vampire Weekend > Cousins

2010-01-27T21:51:00.001-08:00

When you hear Cousins you may be tempted to think that the Vampire Weekend you fell in love with are back with the same catchy tunes that were the soundtrack of you life for that one summer. Well, I guess you're right. Uh, okay then... gee, I really thought I had a point to make there.

from the album Contra

Spoon > Written in Reverse

2010-01-27T21:47:00.000-08:00

What the hell? New Spoon? Fuck yeah, new Spoon!

from the album Transference

The Antlers > Two

2010-01-27T21:26:00.000-08:00

from the album Hospice

Califone > All My Friends Are Funeral Singers

2010-01-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

All My Friends Are Funeral Singers is the album slash soundtrack for Califone's film of the same name. I haven't seen the film yet but the album itself is absolutely terrific and one of the few goo things to come out of the so-so music scene of 2009.

from the album All My Friends Are Funeral Singers

KT Tunstall > Stoppin' The Love

2010-01-27T21:14:00.002-08:00

This is my favorite song of KT's.

from the album Eye To The Telescope

Kt Tunstall brilliantly covers The Jackson 5's I Want You Back

2010-01-27T21:14:00.001-08:00

New Bob Dylan Record

2009-04-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

Bob Dylan's 33rd studio album, Together Through Life comes out today. The first single off the new LP is Beyond Here Lies Nothing.

Terrific 'These Days' Cover by St. Vincent

2009-04-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Annie Clark, aka. St. Vincent, has spent time with both The Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens and toured with the likes of Arcade Fire and The National. That's some pretty heavy company for a young artist and come May 5th, Actor, the follow-up to her remarkable debut album, Marry Me, will be released. For anyone who enjoys cerebral pop music, St. Vincent is a voice that can't be missed.

Point: anyone who covers Nico* must be good. That's not my opinion, that's just one of the laws of nature. One of the lesser known ones but it's in there. Look it up.

*I know the song was actually written by Jackson Browne and then recorded and popularized by Nico. Sheez, give me some credit.

First Post of 2009: The Best Albums of 2008

2009-04-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

This was posted earlier in the year on my personal blog while I had the Black Tambourine on hiatus. It seems like a fitting and proper first post for our return. These were my favorite records from last year. Enjoy.

1. Dear Science - Tv On The Radio

2. For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver

3. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

4. Volume One - She & Him

5. Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

6. Rook - Shearwater

7. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

8. Hercules and Love Affair - Hercules and Love Affair

9. Only By The Night - Kings of Leon

10. Brighter Than Creation's Dark - Drive-By Truckers

11. The Renaissance - Q-Tip

12. Stay Positive - The Hold Steady

13. Evil Urges - My Morning Jacket

14. Rockferry - Duffy

15. Third - Portishead

16. Modern Guilt - Beck

17. Rising Down - The Roots

18. Viva La Vida - Coldplay

19. Made in the Dark - Hot Chip

20. Narrow Stairs - Death Cab For Cutie

21. Seventh Tree - Goldfrapp

22. Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby - Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby

23. Real Emotional Trash - Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks

24. Day & Age - The Killers

25. Seeing Things - Jakob Dylan

26. 19 - Adele

27. Electric Arguments - The Fireman

28. Real Animal - Alejandro Escovedo

29. Consolers of the Lonely - The Raconteurs

30. We Started Nothing - The Ting Tings

Agree? Disagree? Think I left someone out or got something wrong? Don't be a wanker, comment and let me know what you'd change and i'll write back explaining how you're wrong. Oh the joy of the internet.

Opening The Doors - Cue Dramatic Comeback Music

2009-04-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah. We're back. Stay tuned.

Closing The Doors - Cue Dramatic Music

2008-09-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

With busy schedules and other things stealing our time, we're no longer able to keep this site updated. We'd like to have it back in operation as soon as things get less hectic but can't say when that will be.

A big thank you to all who stopped by, even by accident. The only thing we wanted to do with The Black Tambourine was to share music with others and you and all the artists who responded made that possible. It's been a blast.

Keep listening,

The BT crew

Isaac Hayes (1942-2008)

2008-08-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

New Music Tuesday: August 12, 2008

2008-08-12T11:38:00.001-07:00

Whoa, it's been awhile since we've updated. Hope everyone is having a fandamtastic summer. It was nice to take a vacation but now we're rolling up our sleeves and getting back to work covering the ins and outs of all that we consider relevant in music.*

We've got a few things for you today but for now let's kick things off with a New Music Tuesday.

This weeks biggest release, for some, is probably the Jonas Brother's third LP, A Little Longer. Continuing the long standing tradition of mediocre but photogenic teeny bopper bands, the Disney created Jonas Brothers insist on making soundtrack music that appeals almost exclusively to the lucrative "tweener" market in which they and Miley Cyrus rule as Kings and Queen.

A Little Longer will sell well, just as the brother's previous albums, but the real question is, how long before the bubble bursts and this albums title becomes ironic? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying these type of young pop stars are void of any musical integrity, I'm just heavily implying it.

You've probably never heard of Pop Levi, or if you have, congrats on being way cooler than anyone else. The disco lite, electro-rock of Englishman Jonathan Pop Levi is slinky, funky, weird, and terrific. His second album, Never Never Love is out now and comes highly recommended by us, people you don't know.

Our gun is loaded with bullet points:

Sick of Sarah - Sick of Sarah
Funeral Mixtape - The Pack A.D.
Bird's Eye View - Amy Kuney
Look What You Made Me - Yung Berg

*this may seem selfish and smug but to be fair, it's our blog ya hippie

Vacation Time

2008-07-16T22:56:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates folks. We're all taking a short vacation but will return soon with more music news, release dates, and new artist features. Thanks for stopping by and reading.

New Music Tuesday: July 8, 2008

2008-07-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

Seems we've moved beyond the mediocre batch of last Tuesday's releases and finally have some music worth talking about, so let's get to it.

Modern Guilt marks Beck's sixth album in ten years and his eighth overall. The new album sees him hooking up with producer extraordinaire Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley, Gorillaz, The Black Keys) and features a couple guest vocals from the always lovely Cat Power. The new creative forces help give Beck and Modern Guilt a much needed breath of fresh air and a feeling of contentment when it's all over. Less glitchy than The Information, think more of an uptempo Sea Change or a more refined Mutations.

While a new Strokes album is on indefinite hold, Albert Hammond Jr. hasn't been waiting around with his hands in his pockets. Como Tel Llama?, the follow up to his charming and decidedly good debut Yours To Keep, is more focused and feels like Albert finally took the time to really expand his own sound outside of Strokes territory while remaining faithful to his influences.

Here are some releases I didn't write about:

Two Men With The Blues - Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis (could be interesting)
I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II - Killer Mike (If nothing else, you have to like him for the fact that his name isn't Killa' or Killah)
Exit Strategy Of The Soul - Ron Sexsmith
Used And Abused - Danger Radio
Three Flights Fro Alto Nido - Greg Laswell
Love Is Dead - Kerli
The Stoop - Little Jackie
Nude With Boots - Melvins

New Music Tuesday: July 1, 2008

2008-07-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately all we have this week is a watered down helping of blah-ness. Well, I suppose that depends on who you are and your taste in music. Still, so totally uninspired by this week's releases am I (interesting phrasing no?), that I can't seem to muster the creative energy (read: I ran out of beer) usually focused on a couple of standouts; so we're going straight to the bullet points. Better luck next week.

Where The Light Is: Live In Los Angeles - John Mayer
Identified - Vanessa Hudgens
T.O.S. (Terminate On Sight) - G-Unit
Forgiven - Los Lonely Boys
Agony & Irony - Alkaline Trio
Join The Band - Little Feat
The Bird and the Bee Sides - Relient K

Vadrum Meets Barber of Seville

2008-06-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hell yes it's another drum video from Black T favorite Andrea Vadrucci!

New Music Tuesday: June 24, 2008

2008-06-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust isn't a random mashing of the keyboard, it's Iceland's minimalist rockers, Sigur Ros' fifth studio album. Translated "With A Buzz In Our Ears We Play Endlessly," the album is the first to feature the band singing in English. Gobbledigook is that song and the album's first single.

Amos Lee has teetered on the edge of mainstream success for his last two albums and while Blue Note isn't exactly the kind of label known for big sellers (exception, Norah Jones), he has managed to develop a devout underground folk following. Now he brings his gentle melodies back on Last Day At The Lodge. Listen is the first single released.

Just in time for summer, Philly's hip-hop blues bender G. Love returns along with his band Special Sauce on Superhero Brother. Though the group hasn't had a strong consistent album since 1997's Yeah It's That Easy, G. Love and co. don't seem to mind that one bit. Still sounding as loose as ever, Superhero Brother appears to be an album filled with the solid grooves that fans have been looking forward to for awhile.

The Rest:

Saints of Los Angeles - Motley Crue
Real Animal - Alejandro Escovedo
Last 2 Walk - Three 6 Mafia
Digi Snacks - RZA as Bobby Digital
Big Blue Ball - Big Blue Ball (Peter Gabriel's new project)
Lunada - Thalia
Fire Songs - The Watson Twins
Rotation - Cute Is What We Aim For
Bulletproof - Reckless Kelly
I, Flathead - Ry Cooder
GNV FLA - Less Than Jake
Firesight - Jessie Baylin

Josh Homme Will F*ck You Up

2008-06-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a video of Josh Homme of the killer band Queens Of The Stone Age ripping a new asshole to a kid who threw something at him on stage during one of their shows. I'm not going to comment on the video except to say don't throw things at Josh Homme.

WARNING: Extreme language ahead.

iTunes on top, Amazon plays catch up

2008-06-19T07:08:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year, for the first time ever, Apple's iTunes music store surpassed Wal-Mart to become the number one music retailer in the US. According to an NPD Group report, during January and February, iTunes outsold online music stores like Rhapsody and Amazon.com as well as traditional brick and mortar stores such as Best Buy, Target, and Borders.

The battle for online seems to be heating however. Apple's closest digital competitor, Amazon.com, is currently number four in the US music market but has begun a new aggressive pricing structure for their DRM free music. Amazon has introduced special weekly promotions that put popular and high profile albums on sale for $ 3.99-5.99. But with the good comes the bad: taking the road iTunes refused to go down, Amazon is allowing labels to set a sliding price for their tracks. This means while most tracks will stay 89-99 cents, some tracks will cost more depending on the length of the track or popularity. It has yet to be seen if these either of these two marketing schemes from Amazon can take a bite out of Apple.

Paul McCartney Celebrates 66th

2008-06-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Sir Paul McCartney, a true legend and musical revolutionary.

New Music Tuesday: June 17, 2008

2008-06-17T07:25:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, sorry for no new posts in between Tuesdays but its been a long week and I (CJ) have been fighting a cold. I'm feeling better now and we'll start getting back into the swing of things shortly. If you have any ideas for posts or artists that you'd like to see spotlighted, drop us a line and let us know. On to Tuesday.

The big release this week is Coldplay's fourth album Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends. Besides the funky fresh title, the Brian Eno (U2, Talking Heads) produced affair features less of lead-singer Chris Martin's trademark falsetto and opts to kick the guitar and drums up a few notches. Notably absent is the prominence of the bands piano ballads - traded here for more mid-tempo rock songs built for stadiums.

Sixteen albums in, and Nostradamus represents heavy metal heavyweights Judas Priest's first concept album. Revolving around the 16th century prophet of the same name, the double CD/triple vinyl album will focus on his prophecies and their impact after his death.

Kate Perry started out her career as Katy Hudson and released a contemporary christian album under that name. Strange now considering the first single off of her new mainstream album, One Of The Boys, is I Kissed A Girl - an ode to sexual experimenting. Her quirky pop songs has garnered her fans like Madonna and spots in numerous television shows and films.

Now a list of other releases:

Stay Positive - The Hold Steady
Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace - The Offspring
A Thousand Shark's Teeth - My Brightest Diamond
Bubble And Scrape - Sebadoh
At Mount Zoomer - Wolf Parade
Keep It Slow - Low Motion Disco
Look Out Mountain, Look Out Sea - Silver Jew

New Music Tuesday: June 10, 2008

2008-06-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

Another new Tuesday and more new music, so let's get started. Kentucky natives My Morning Jacket have released Evil Urges, the band's first album since 2005's critically successful Z. Evil Urges continues the mostly reverb-less sound featured on Z and is also garnering mostly positive reviews. Less of who they were and more of who they are, My Morning Jacket seems to get better with each new release. Worth checking out.

Jakob Dylan benches the Wallflowers for his first solo album, recorded at Rick Ruben's home in Hollywood. Seeing Things is a mostly acoustic flavored folk album that focuses on Dylan's strong songwriting and weathered vocals. Though no new album announced, The Wallflowers continue to perform together with a handful of shows earlier this year.

the rest:

Tha Carter III - Lil Wayne
Flavors of Entanglement - Alanis Morissette
All I Intended To Be - Emmylou Harris
Here We Stand - The Fratellis
I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too - Martha Wainwright
Seeing Sounds - N.E.R.D.
Encanto - Sergio Mendes
The Hard Way - James Hunter
Light It Up - Rev Theory
Stay Down - Smoking Popes
A Good Day - Priscilla Ahn

Listen to Evil Urges From My Morning Jacket

2008-06-08T01:32:00.001-07:00

For the time being, My Morning Jacket's soon to be released (6/10) album Evil Urges is streaming in its entirety on the band's MySpace page here. Grab a joint and wander over there; me thinks this album will kill.

New Music Tuesday: June 3, 2008

2008-06-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

This is not your average New Music Tuesday. No, not this Tuesday. It's a very special Weezer Tuesday. Of course, if you're not into the band then absolutely, this is your average New Music Tuesday. But you've now identified yourself as a boring person and I politely ask you to leave this site before I get upset...

Okay, on with it.

Weezer has released their sixth album, Weezer, and in a move that is somewhat unexpected yet feels perversely right, it's their third album to be self-titled. Of course the fans have always distinguished the albums from each other, with the help of the band, by the distinct colored backgrounds of the three "Weezers." Their debut was blue, comeback green, and their latest red. This set of songs is certainly their most diverse and without question, has their greatest album cover yet. Long live Weezer!

In an effort seen as milking the cash cow, Capitol Records has released The Best Of Radiohead. A thirty song double disc edition is available as well as a DVD with music videos. The argument that each song can only be properly interpreted through its placement within each individual album is both incredibly pretentious and obviously true.

Amazingly enough, Jewel has released a new album, her second in as many years. I know, I didn't realize she had an album out a couple years ago either, but it's true. Wikipedia told me so. Like any number of recent pop and rock artists, Perfectly Clear is Jewel's entry into the highly lucrative and much more forgiving world of country music. She also has thrown in some cleavage for good measure.

Number One With a Bullet Point:

Indestructible - Disturbed
Wanderlust - Gavin Rossdale
@#%&*! Smile - Aimee Mann
Self Portrait - Lalah Hathaway
Don't Do Anything - Sam Phillips
City That Care Forgot - Dr. John
22 Dreams - Paul Weller
To Survive - Joan As A Police Woman (available now on iTunes and CD/Vinyl June 9th)
A Soft Kill - From Bubblegum to Sky

Amy Winehouse - Valerie

2008-05-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

The song that's been bouncing around my noodle recently is Valerie, originally by the British band The Zutons. It is off their 2006 record Tired Of Hanging Around (links to Wikipedia). It was a top 10 hit for the band but was taken to the top when Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson covered it for Mark's album Version. The Ronson version is an upbeat R&B take on The Zutons' indie-rock song but their exists another - near stripped down acoustic version with Amy that's available as part of the Back To Black: B-Sides record on iTunes. That version is the one stuck in my head and is performed live in the video below. Here's hoping Winehouse cleans up shop and is back in business soon.

Coldplay iTunes Commercial

2008-05-28T07:03:00.001-07:00

With Coldplay's Viva La Vida only a couple of weeks out, Apple started running this commercial to advertise the exclusive bonus content for the album on iTunes. The band starred in a similar commercial for their last album X&Y.

New Music Tuesday: May 27, 2008

2008-05-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. If you were fortunate enough to be in Portland Sunday night we hope you were able to catch Beirut put on a great show at the Crystal Ballroom. It sold out quickly and for good reason. Zach and friends rock in a new and refreshing way. They still have a few stops on their tour and we highly recommended spending an evening with them. If you're looking for new music try Beirut' opening act, The Brunettes. Now on to Tuesday...

Usher releases his fifth studio album, Here I Stand, and his first since the mega-success (9m) of 2004's Confessions. The album features guest appearances from Will.i.am, Jay Z, and Beyonce. The albums first single, Love In This Club, features Young Jeezy.

Bring Ya To The Brink is Cyndi Lauper's 10th career album and first album of all new material in five years. She brings her dance floor hybrid of pop and electronica stateside after the album was released in Japan earlier this month. Apparently, she's quite popular in Japan and has released Japan only material in the past. The Japanese release featured two bonus tracks that are now available from iTunes as part of a deluxe package.

The Reverend Al Green has a fresh sound on Lay It Down, thanks in no small part to contemporary guests like Corrine Bailey Rae, John Legend, and Anthony Hamilton. It's great to see a younger generation of R&B'ers paying their respect for a legend like Green. It's also a lot of fun.

The Rest:

Sex And The City (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Various
Same Old Man - John Hiatt
Welcome - James Pants
Songs in A&E - Spiritualized
Survive, Kaleidoscope - Underoath
Jenny Scheinman - Jenny Scheinman (a cool new-old school crooner who isn't British)

Coldplay's "Violet Hill"

2008-05-21T22:44:00.000-07:00

Here's the official video for Coldplay's first single off of "Viva La Vida: Or Death And All His Friends," Violet Hill. While the video is interesting enough, it's certaintly not the most imaginative video Colplay has made. Still, I dig this song and can't wait to hear the new album when it drops June 17th.

New Music Tuesday: May 20, 2008

2008-05-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

I hate to start off this post with Jesse McCartney and his album Departure. But like a bandaid - best to get it over with quickly. Phew. Now that that's over, let's get on with the real business. Like the Foxboro Hot Tubs...

Are they Green Day with additional members? Or are they, uh... hmm, I thought I had something else there. Well yes they are! Foxboro Hot Tubs is the side-project of Billie, Mike, and Tre plus three other gents brining classic garage rock into its umpteenth revival. With the sound of 60s garage rock and a slight nod to more modern fare, their first album, Stop Drop And Roll!!!, can be yours for the low low price of whatever you find it for. A good album but lets move on.

After three albums, 3 Doors Down are just now getting around to a self-titled release. Their fourth album is their first release in three years. Good thing mediocre - just one click past whiny - rock songs aren't their kryptonite or we may never have heard from them again.

The Ting Tings are bringing their big punk rock attitude to a larger audience thanks to a new album and a well placed spot on an Apple iPod commercial and complimentary Song Of The Week on iTunes. We Started Nothing is the duo's ultra catchy and energetic debut but has nothing new to offer. If it weren't for their music videos I might have thought CSS re-structured and became the Ting Tings.

Scarlett Johannson has released an album. It is called Anywhere I Lay My Head. It is a Tom Waits cover album. I have no comment. I'm as emotionless about the album as Scarlett is about singing it. But seriously, no comment here.

Bullet Points!!!

Re-arrange Us - Mates Of State
No Virginia... - The Dresden Dolls
Crayons - Donna Summers
The Bake Sale - The Cool Kids
Julianne Hough - Julianne Hough (country - and yes, that usually facilitates a warning)
In The Ever - Mason Jennings
Electric Laser - Giant Panda
Today Is Not The Day... - Gus Black
Lie Down In The Light - Bonnie "Prince" Billy

DC4C's "I Will Possess Your Heart"" -Full Version

2008-05-14T21:40:00.001-07:00

There's been some discussion on Death Cab For Cutie's first single off their brand new album, Narrow Stairs. Some reviews have mentioned that the extended intro to "I Will Possess Your Heart" runs a bit long and starts the album off on a bit of a self-indulgent note. Admittedly, when I first heard the song on the radio I just wasn't impressed, but now that i've spent some time with the album (which is awfully good) and listened through the 8:31 minute album cut; I must say it makes alot more sense. So for those who don't exactly dig the 4 min. radio cut; here's the music video for the full length album version.

Thanks to Adam for bringing the extended music video to our attention

New Music Tuesday: May 13, 2008

2008-05-13T05:47:00.001-07:00

Welcome fellow musical minions to another beautiful Tuesday. New music is here so lets get started.

New British sensation Duffy will release her debut album, Rockferry, in the states today. The album was released in Europe back in March and from the beginning the Amy Winehouse comparisons have been unrelenting. Blame it on the British press who are bulldogs in their search and destroy mission for the "next Radiohead" or "next Oasis." Duffy's blue eyed soul is actually quite different from Winehouse and should be able to stand on its own. Her first single Mercy has been to the top of the charts in the UK and is starting to get some airtime here in the US.

Another musical import, this time from Canada, Bryan Adams is back with 11, his eleventh (get it?) studio album. It's nice to see Bryan still creating and exploring his own musical boundaries - even if the new album already sounds dated.

The Rest:

Narrow Stairs - Death Cab For Cutie
We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. - Jason Mraz
Blame It On Gravity - Old 97's
The Moon Under Water - Ryan Cabrera (horrible title!)
Brain Thrust Mastery - We Are Scientists

Drum Video: Beatbox Vs. Drums

2008-05-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

What's that? You want another drum video? Okay.

Upcoming Releases In 2008

2008-05-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

With the lack of quality releases lately (there are exceptions of course e.g. The Roots, Goldfrapp, Vampire Weekend etc.) we at the Tambourine look towards the horizon to see what upcoming releases show the most promise for 2008.

Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends- Coldplay

Due June 16th, this follow up to the band's hugely successful 2005 album, X&Y, will feature a number of stylistic changes from Coldplay's familiar sound. Writing for the new album began back in 2006 and the band wrote and recorded more material while touring Latin America in early 2007. A Latin influence will be present but is said to be less indicative of its sound as much as the overall feel. Chris Martin has also said there will be less falsetto vocals and more abstract lyrics and imagery. Brian Eno has produced most of the tracks for Viva La Vida.

The album is available for pre-order on iTunes with exclusive bonus tracks and an early download of the title track. The first single, Violet Hill, is also available for download.

Blame It On Gravity - The Old 97's

Along with Ryan Adams and Whiskeytown, the Old 97's helped bring the alt-country scene to the mainstream. Blame It On Gravity will be the Old 97's seventh studio album though many believed there wouldn't be a seventh album after the bands extended hiatus after 2004's Drag It Up. The Old 97's music has been featured on numerous television shows including Scrubs and Veronica Mars. Lead singer Rhett Miller has released two solo albums that have also been popular in television and film. Blame It On Gravity will be available May 13th

Narrow Stairs - Death Cab For Cutie

On May 12, Portland's favored indie sons make their return with Narrow Stairs - album number seven. Member and producer Chris Walla describes the album: "It's really weird. It's really, really good, I think, but it's totally a curve ball, and I think it's gonna be a really polarizing record. But I'm really excited about it. It's really got some teeth. The landscape of the thing is way, way more lunar than the urban meadow sort of thing that has been happening for the last couple of records." Their last album, Plans, was awfully good and we have high expectations for Narrow Stairs.

Those were just a few of the albums we are looking forward to in 2008. We've listed some other notable albums to watch for.

June releases

Evil Urges - My Morning Jacket
Here We Stand - The Fratellis
Weezer (red album) - Weezer
Detox - Dr. Dre

Mid 2008 and Beyond

Alice In Chains
Michelle Branch
Nas
Dr. Dog
Aerosmith
Dido
The All American Rejects
The Black Eyed Peas
Nelly Furtado
50 Cent
Kelly Clarkson

New Music Tuesday: May 6, 2008

2008-05-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

Elvis Costello released his new album Momofuku on vinyl a full two weeks before releasing it on CD. As he puts it, vinyl is the way it's meant to be heard. As for the music, Elvis re-teams with his excellent cast of regulars, The Imposters.

Unbelievably enough, Clay AIken is still releasing albums. I know I know. I'm just as amazed as you to know he's still alive. I thought for sure Ruben Studdard ate him at some point. I mean, I read it on the internet. Anyway, his new album is called On My Way Here (real edgy title) with the title track written by One Republic's Ryan Tedder. Um, Yay?

Da Rest:

Home Before Dark - Neil Diamond
Gavin DeGraw - Gavin DeGraw
Greatest Hits/ Ever Mile A Memory - Dierks Bentley (a greatest hits comp. already?)
Snacktime - Barenaked Ladies (a childrens album. No, seriously)
The Age Of Understatement - The Last Shadow Puppets
Supergirl - Saving Jane
From First To Last - From First To Last

Album Review: Hard Candy - Madonna

2008-05-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

Our review for Madonna's newest album, Hard Candy, is now available for you to completely ignore. You can begin ignoring it here. It's always nice to see a fifty-year old pop star age so, um... gracefully? Is that it?

New Apple Commericial=New Breakout Artist - The Ting Tings

2008-05-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

For TV viewers who want to know just who that is singing the ultra catchy song for the new iPod + iTunes commercials; the answer is British poppers The Ting Tings. Their song Shut Up And Let Me Go, is the latest addition to Apple's advertising soundtrack. Past musicians to have hit the iPod maker's musical jackpot include The Fratellis, CSS, and most recently, Yael Naim.

Shut Up And Let Me Go is, of course, available on iTunes. Their single Great DJ is available right now for free as part of iTunes Single Of The Week feature.

Drum Video

2008-04-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Kids do the darndest things...

New Music Tuesday: April 29, 2008

2008-04-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

Madonna releases her 11th album, Hard Candy today.

And with that begins a New Music Tuesday with less chit-chat and more facts and figures.

We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things - Jason Mraz
Rising Down - The Roots
Can't Love, Can't Hurt - Augustana
Mudcrutch - Mudcrutch (hell yes that's Tom Petty)
Third - Portishead
Robyn - Robyn
Nine Lives - Steve Winwood
The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark - Dillard & Clark (fantastic though ill-forgotten 1968 debut)
Jim - Jamie Lidell

Elvis Shares Love Of Vinyl With New Album Release

2008-04-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

Elvis Costello has never been one for anything conventional. Since his punk/new-wave beginnings through his sometimes controversial social commentary he's always done things the way he sees fit. His latest album and twenty-fourth overall, won't be any different.

Momofuku was released April 22nd as a digital and vinyl release only. Why release the only hardcopy on vinyl? According to the man himself, “This is how it sounds the best: with a needle in a groove, the way the Supreme Being intended it to be.” As an added incentive and bonus for those who buy the album on vinyl, the double disc edition includes a free digital download of Momofuku. If you like Costello but don't buy vinyl then it sucks to be you. At least for a few weeks anyway.

“You may prefer other, more portable, less scratchable, editions that will soon become available for your convenience," says Mr. Costello. How soon? May 6th will see Momofuku released on the boring media of compact disc.

The album was named after the famed cup of noodle inventor, Momofuku Ando and includes appearances by Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis as well as songs co-written with Loretta Lynn and Rosanne Cash.

Try Madonna's "Hard Candy" Online

2008-04-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

For you fossil collectors out there; Madonna's upcoming album, Hard Candy, will be out next week. Perhaps i'm being too harsh or maybe I missed the boat by growing up in the 90s but i've never been that impressed with Madonna's music. The fact that she changes musical styles like a porn star changes partners is somewhat impressive but less so if it's viewed as just jumping on whatever bandwagon is popular at the time.

Our review of Hard Candy will be out shortly but in the meantime you can stream the album in its entirety on Madonna's Myspace Page.

Regina Spektor is "On The Radio"

2008-04-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

For your viewing and auditory pleasure we present to you the new music video for Regina Spektor's On The Radio and her masterful treatment of John Lennon's Real Love. If you like what you see and hear then check out Regina's last album, Begin To Hope. You can find her cover of Real Love and many other Lennon songs covered by various popular musicians on the album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign To Save Darfur.

Weezer Return With Self-Titled "Red Album"

2008-04-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

Some truly glorious news for music fans. Weezer's sixth studio album and third self-titled album will soon be upon us. That's right, the "Red Album" will be out June 24th. The first single Pork And Beans will be released tomorrow and is already up for preview on the band's website. If you pre-buy the album on iTunes you'll receive two bonus tracks - I Can Love and It's Easy and early access from Ticketmaster for pre-sale tickets to Weezer's upcoming US tour.

Weezer (The Red Album) promises to be a big departure from the band's varied but common scene albums before it. Rivers Cuomo has described the songs on the new album as being non-traditional song forms with elements of synths, different members singing and writing, and even Southern Rap.

Side Note: this is undoubtedly the best Weezer album cover ever. Period.

New Music Tuesday: April 22, 2008

2008-04-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

Ashley Simpson continues to make albums for her uh, "fans?"Anyway, it seems that Ashley is still searching for whatever sound sells her the most albums and now jumps on the current dance bandwagon on Bittersweet World. With tracks produced by Timbaland and the Neptunes how could it go wrong? Oh so many ways. On a personal note, her dad gives me the creeps. Anybody else?

Fresh off their Showtime special, Australia's number one all male- acoustic - singer/songwriter duo Flight Of The Conchords finally release their first album, brilliantly titled - Flight Of the Conchords. These guys are pretty damn funny though the album does leave out the gut-busting song Jenny. The album is on the Sub Pop label which is home to alot of indie rock groups including The Shins and The Postal Service. Relevant? No. Interesting? Only slightly.

And now the rest:

The Doors: Vinyl Box Set - The Doors (Buy VINYL!)
Hello Destiny - Goldfinger
Tiffany Evans - Tiffany Evans
The Black Swan - Story Of The Year
Elephant Shell - Tokyo Police Club
Hideaway - The Weepies
H.N.I.C, pt. 2 - Prodigy
The Fashion - The Fashion
Walk This Way - The White Tie Affair
For My Friends - Blind Melon
When Life Hands You Lemons, You Paint That Sh*t Gold - Atmosphere (kinda of a catchy title)

KT Tunstall - If Only music video

2008-04-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

The latest single off of KT Tunstall's Drastic Fantastic is If Only and is accompanied by a great retro video. The way it's shot reminds me of some of the segments Sesame Street or Mister Roger's Neighborhood would use to fill out their shows.

New Music Tuesday: April 15, 2008

2008-04-15T05:29:00.000-07:00

Mariah Carey makes history by tying the Beatles with 18 number one singles. Her new single Touch My Body off of E=MC2 entered lower on the singles charts in late February but climbed its way to the top by April. As a follow up to the critically successful Emancipation of Mimi, E=MC2 has alot to live up to but seems to be receiving mostly positive reviews. Nice to see an artist that doesn't have to use sex to sell records but still insists on it.

Phantom Planet, known mostly for the song California that opened the show The O.C., finally release their follow up to 2004's self-titled release with Raise The Dead. Reportedly a concept album, Raise The Dead leaves behind the dirty garage-rock sound of Phantom Planet and returns to the more fan friendly sounds of The Guest. A good move depending on how much you liked that second record.

The Rest:

Juno B-Sides: Almost Adopted Songs (Soundtrack) - Various
Hello - Tristan Prettyman (not a dude)
Hannah Montan/Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds in Concert - Miley Cyrus (when will it end Lord? when?)
The Alchemy Index, Vol 3 & 4: Air & Earth - Thrice
Count To Ten - Tina Dico
Through These Walls - Hilary McRae (Joss Stone, is that you?)
The Singer - Teitur (good singer-songwriter)
Phoenix - Asia (i'm probably not the demographic they're after; still, nice to see Steve Howe in anything)
Saturdays = Youth - M83 (Mariah's not the only one who can use "=")
The Vegas Years - Everclear (whoa, a flashback to the summer of 98)

New Music: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

2008-04-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite sure how this one slipped by us since we had a post on it a couple weeks ago but, Nick Cave & the Bad Seed released their fourteenth album, Dig, Lazarus Dig!!! last Tuesday. Normally i'd just let it go but it's worth going back for Nick Cave. Give it a go and if you "dig" the sound, you might also want to check out his work with Grinderman.

Radiohead Kicks Off World Tour In US

2008-04-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

Radiohead will begin the North American leg of their international tour May 5th in Florida with at least 20 confirmed dates to follow. Check Ticketmaster to see if they'll be playing a show in your area.

Frontman Thom Yorke is notorious for his distaste for long tours and subsequently Radiohead don't tour that often and even less so stateside. A couple of the shows are already sold out so get your tickets early. And if you have yet to pick up a copy of In Rainbows - what the hell are you waiting for? It's their best work since OK Computer - according to some (read Kid A fan).

You can read more about the tour on Billboard.

New Music Tuesday: April 8, 2008

2008-04-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

Leona Lewis is a Brit who hit it big on an American Idol like show in her home country called The X Factor. She took the top prize in the show's third season and won a world-wide launch for her debut album, Spirit. Her R&B tinged pop style has already put her album at number two on iTunes album chart. As a sidenote, Simon Cowell is credited as The X Factor's creator/producer/judge.

Rapper Ray J releases his fourth album, All I Feel, and continues to underwhelm. You might know him as R&B singer Brandy's younger brother. However, if you're a net junkie then you probably know him better for his co-starring role in the Kim Kardashian sex tape. I know him as Brandy's younger brother...

The Rest:

When Angels & Serpents Dance - P.O.D. (I didn't know they were still around either)
Unfold - Marie Digby (YouTube phenom)
19 - Adele (A British songbird who's not in rehab)
Mountain Battles - The Breeders
Neptune - The Duke Spirit
Let's Get Physical - Elephant Man (album cover of the year?)
Walk It Off - Tapes 'N Tapes

Drum Video: Kanye West "Stronger" Remix

2008-04-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

New Sixpence None The Richer Album

2008-04-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

Good news for Sixpence None The Richer fans. The band is back in the studio and already have a new track up for preview with more new material coming soon. Sixpence None The Richer is probably best known for the song Kiss Me - which was a late 90s teen movie and tv soundtrack favorite. Unfortunately for the band they never got past that "teen pop" label, but, in fact they have quite a few good songs in the bank and of course, there's Leigh Nash's ethereal vocals. You can hear the new track and read a small blog blurb on the subject at Sixp ence's Myspace page.

New Music Tuesday: April 1, 2008

2008-04-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

Aging techno-whiz Moby is back with his follow up to the rather straight forward and instantly forgettable Hotel with Last Night, his ninth studio album. It's a back to basics approach that thankfully moves Moby back to more familiar dance floor territory. You can hear the entire album on Moby's Myspace page here.

Michael Stipe and R.E.M. are back with Accelerate, their first album in four years. Accelerate is already getting mainly positive reviews and after the disappointment of 2004's Around The Sun, it's a much needed boost for the band.

On Attack & Release the Black Keys continue to put all the White Stripes comparisons to rest by taking the lo-fi blues attack in their own direction. It's just another Black Keys album that reminds you just how uncool your music collection is without them.

The rest:

**** Live In Phoenix - Fall Out Boy
Shine A Light (Soundtrack)- The Rolling Stones
Troubadour - George Strait
Keep It Simple - Van Morrison (original compositions)
The Bright Lights of America - Anti-Flag
Chaper VII: Hope And Sorrow - Sevendust
A Sense Of Purpose - In Flames
April - Sun Kil Moon

Album Review: Warpaint - The Black Crowes

2008-03-29T18:51:00.001-07:00

The Black Crowes have ended their seven year silence and released Warpaint to the world. Despite our love here for Southern Rock, we tried to stay fair and balanced. You can read our review of Warpaint here or continue reading this page to ignore the review completely.

Nick Cave Swaggers Like Jagger

2008-03-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have been around long enough to hear praise and criticism in equal parts. Last year's Grinderman side-project was a well received break for the band and had a decidedly heavier sound than the 'Seeds. When the next album for Cave and the seeds was announced, Cave went on record saying the album would have a sound closer to the sinister garage-rock of Grinderman. The new record, called Dig, Lazarus, Dig! has already been released in other countries and will hit stateside on April 8th. Here's the video for the first single that shares the same title as the album.

New Music Tuesday: March 25, 2008

2008-03-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, so unlike last week we have a number of major releases this week - let's get started.

News of The Raconteurs' Consolers Of The Lonely broke only a week before its release. Interesting marketing angle that i'm sure every news blurb will mention. None of that matters however since we finally have a new Raconteurs album to enjoy.

Gnarls Barkley released The Odd Couple to online music stores last week and are now getting around to releasing it on CD. As we mentioned in an earlier post none of the tracks we've heard are particularly inspiring; but, we'll reserve judgment until we hear the entire album. St. Elsewhere kicked ass and we have nothing but high hopes for The Odd Couple.

It's been sixteen years but the ever young B-52's are back for another campy romp with Funplex. The album is already getting some positive marks from early reviews.

The rest:

Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings - The Counting Crowes
Reason To Believe - Pennywise
Pretty. Odd. - Panic At The Disco
Parc Avenue - Plants and Animals
Live At The Bass Performance Hall - LIndsey Buckingham
Another Country - Tift Merritt

The Raconteurs Announce New Album One Week Before Release

2008-03-24T06:38:00.001-07:00

A pleasant surprise for Raconteurs fans - their follow up album to Broken Boy Soldier will be Consoloers of the Lonely and will be coming out tomorrow. Yes tomorrow! The album has been kept well under wrap with no promotion leading up to the announcement a few days ago. The first single will be Salute Your Solution. A music video for the single has already been shot and is expected to debut the same day as the album. We'll have more info and a review as soon as we get our hands on a copy.

photo courtesy of Pitchfork Media

New Gnarls Barkley Album Available Online

2008-03-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

We purposefully overlooked this one since it was a digital only release; but Gnarls Barkley's sophomore album, The Odd Couple is available at various online music stores including iTunes and Rhapsody. The CD release will be out in brick and mortar stores March 25th. We've only had a chance to hear a couple of the tracks on the new album and we're feeling a bit underwhelmed. Of course, since we're not Maxim magazine, we'll reserve judgment until we hear the entire album.

Album Review: Volume One - She & Him

2008-03-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

Zooey Deschanel may be better known as an actress but her day job is now split between film and music. She has been writing songs since she was young and now with a little help from friends like M. Ward and Jason Schwartzman she has recorded an albums worth of original material. Read our review for Volume One here.

Cry Baby Cry: American Idol Covers The Beatles

2008-03-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

I'd like to say up front that I openly despise American Idol and everything it stands for*. Even more now since the inconsequential televised popularity contest has obtained the rights to the Beatles catalog. For a Beatles fan like me, some say freak, this is like someone ripping out my heart and stomping on it. And then peeing on it. Needless to say, i'm none too happy 'bout it...but I have watched. Ah, I should have known better.

To cover a Beatles song is serious business. At least it should be. Obviously most of the contestants this season (seventh? thirteenth?) don't share this sentiment. I mean, just watch some of the interviews. Through uninspired performances, weak interpretations, and regrettable arrangements (did I just repeat myself in a different way three times?) it's easy to see who has the chops for the Beatles and who doesn't. I've ignored all the crappy performances and really only have two that I think were good. Not great. but good. Note also that i'm commenting on the performance and not the performer as both of my picks muffed other Beatles songs.

The first is Jason Castro singing If I Fell nice and short and to the point. The acoustic guitar is a must and works well with his falsetto bits. I hate myself for saying it but I agree with Paula. And now i'm full of shame.

My next pick is Carly Smithson's rocking version of Come Together. I absolutely hate when people cop out and instead of re-capturing the vibe of a song they simply sing it louder and harder. Carly bypasses that pitfall pretty easily and captures some magic on this one.

Special honor to pre-pubescent David Archuleta singing Lennon's Imagine. Not a Beatles song but stunning none the less.

Also, a quick mention for Michael Johns. I really want to like this guy. He has a good voice and his version of Across The Universe was decent if not a tad paint-by-numbers. Check out Rufus Wainwright's version for the best take on that song and to see how a proper Beatles cover is done.

*I do enjoy when Paula and Simon get into a scrap.

New Music Tuesday: March 18, 2007

2008-03-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

the cover screams artistic integrity

This week's new releases feature quite a few unknown artist for me, but it's okay. Like Maxim magazine I don't need to hear the music to judge it*. Just kidding, but seriously, i've never listened to most of the artists this week or even heard of half of them.

First up is Danity Kane with Welcome To The Dollhouse. The group was formed through master mogul P. Diddy's MTV reality show - Making The Band. They're like a less talented (is that possible?) female version of O-Town.

I was ready to write a bit on new-comer Flo Rida and Mail On Sunday but just remembering O-Town has, like its members, drained me of any and all creativity. On to the bullet points!

Soundboy Rock - Groove Armada
Heroes Soundtrack - Various
Texas - Playradioplay!
Midnight Boom - The Kills
Trouble In Dreams - Destroyer (terrific solo stuff from New Pornographers collaborator)
Hits - New Found Glory
Goodbye Blues - The Hush Sound

*If you don't know the story already you can read the MSNBC article here. OR, read on to see me condense the situation into one long run on sentence. Basically Maxim magazine wrote a review on The Black Crowes new album Warpaint and gave it an extremely low rating which perturbed the Crowes because they hadn't sent an advance copy to Maxim for review and when they called them on it Maxim began back peddling saying it was a preview and not intended to be a final review which makes little sense since they had nothing to preview in the first place and now the incident has raised speculation on the validity of past Maxim reviews which brings me to my point and this sentences conclusion - Maxim is SHIT! Stick to half naked ladies and leave music alone you cads.

No Paper For The Paperback Writer

2008-03-13T21:55:00.001-07:00

In a move that's more neat than cool, Bob Neaverson has re-released his book The Beatles Movies as a free online resource. This is probably only considered news for Beatles freaks like me but it's a novel idea. HA. Me made pun. Very very bad un-applicable pun. Read more at the terrific Beatles blog, I Read The News Today.

Leonard Cohen Joins Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

2008-03-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Leonard Cohen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lou Reed presented the honor (unless your Johnny Rotten) to Leonard in his typical ultra-dry fashion. To see these two prolific legends trade accolades is pretty cool. Each has had an amazing career and have amassed a wide body of work known for intelligent and moving lyrics. If you've never heard any of Leonard Cohen's music; you're doing yourself a disservice. Like Elvis Costello or Randy Newman, Cohen has garnered the respect of his peers but has never achieved major mainstream success. Nevertheless his music is timeless and continues to influence artists the world over.

This years list of other Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees include John Mellencamp, Madonna, The Ventures, and the Dave Clark Five. It's about time for the Dave Clark Five and I suppose Madonna if you grew up in the 80s. The Ventures. Neat. John Mellencamp? Take him or leave him.

Heres the video of the always cool, calm, and understated badass Leonard Cohen accepting his award from Lou Reed.

New Music Tuesday: March 11, 2008

2008-03-11T05:52:00.001-07:00

There were more hip-hop releases this week than usual. Snoop Dogg releases his ninth album, Ego Trippin', while Fat Joe has The Elephant In The Room, and Q-Tip drops The Renaissance. Also Trilla by Rick Ross. So many hip-hoppers, so little interest.

The rest:
Enigma - Ill Nino
These Are The Good Times People - The Presidents of the United States
Now That's What I Call Music! 27 - Various
Dreaming of Revenge - Kaki King
Honeydew - Shawn Mullins
Alopecia - Why?

The Moonwalk(s)

2008-03-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

Bumming around YouTube I came across Michael Jackson's career defining dance move, the moonwalk. It made its debut in 1983 at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, and Forever celebration in probably the finest performance of Billy Jean. Our younger readers may not realize the impact the moonwalk made on young America at the time. Everyone was trying to do the moonwalk and if you could nail it, you were cool. It was, at the time, the ultimate dance move. Unfortunately, time hasn't been too kind with MJ, but as this performance proves, no matter what, he'll always remain one of America's greatest entertainment performers.

NOTE: Michael's moonwalk appears almost at the four minute mark. Also, we've included the video of the actual Apollo 11 lunar landing from 1969 because, um, we're all about learning? Yeah, that sounds right.

Discover Music: Meiko

2008-03-08T14:00:00.001-08:00

LA based singer-songwriter Meiko made her debut with one of last years best overlooked gems. Her self-titled album was featured at certain Starbucks stores and her first single Reasons to Love You was a single of the week on iTunes. Though often classified as folk, that label doesn't really encompass the full depth of her sound and may give a wrong impression of her music. True she does play acoustic guitar and the songs have a minimal stripped-down approach, but her pop sensibilities are too keen to keep the songs strictly folk. Her smoky vocals and earnest delivery blend seamlessly on songs like Reasons To Love You, How Lucky We Are, and Under The Bed. Meiko is a pure musical delight and an album to fall in love with. You can get to know Meiko (before everyone else) by visiting her myspace page or check her website to listen to her entire album for free.

Drum Video

2008-03-05T21:59:00.001-08:00

Wow.

New Music Tuesday: March 4, 2008

2008-03-05T19:55:00.000-08:00

I know it's Wednesday and not Tuesday but hey, I had some things to do yesterday. Anyway, here's what's new this week - one day late.

The Black Crowes end their seven year drought with their latest release, Warpaint. I just got this album and haven't had a chance to hear it in its entirety but from what i've heard so far, the Robinson brothers haven't lost their knack for engaging Southern roots rock. Look for a review of Warpaint coming soon.

Irish rockers, Flogging Molly, released their fourth album, Float. As of this posting you can stream the entire album on their Myspace page found here. I find there's only enough room in my heart for one Irish punk band. So, sorry Flogging Molly, unless you totally kick the shit out of Dropkick Murphy, you're dead to me. DEAD TO ME! Ahem.

The rest:
Good Time - Alan Jackson (fact: he grew his first mustache at age 5 and hasn't shaved it since)
Passed Away, Vol. 1 - Dr. Dog (a collection of their unreleased material)
Asking For Flowers - Kathleen Edwards
Go Away White - Bauhaus
Solo Acoustic, Vol. 2 - Jackson Browne
Real Emotional Trash - Stephen Malkmus (getting good reviews)
Quaristice - Autechre (pronounced: awe-teh-ker)
What Doesn't Kill Us - What Made Milwaukee Famous

Discover Music: Chris Aytes - The Best Deal on Myspace

2008-02-27T20:32:00.000-08:00

Our ears perked up when we heard that Chris Aytes was giving away not one but two of his 7+ song EP's free of charge and we went searching for the strings that must surely be attached. To our surprise there weren't any! I asked Chris about this uneven exchange of goods and what I got was a surprisingly honest and well thought out response on his blog. To us, artists like Chris Aytes represent the best of what's possible when music is directed from artist to listener without filter.

His two EP's, I'm Doin' Fine and Complete Abandon have an intimate homemade quality that works well and feels right for the material. Though occasionally joined by other instruments and vocals, his primary instrument is an acoustic guitar. This naturally lends itself to a folky type of sound that at times hints of a hidden Velvet Underground record collection. Our favorite of the two is I'm Doin' Fine but you can visit Chris's MySpace page to download both EP's and decide for yourself.

New Music Tuesday: February 26, 2008

2008-02-26T06:39:00.000-08:00

What do we have this week? First up is Goldfrapp's Seventh Tree. It's not the sound you'd expect to follow up the glamorous disco of Supernature. Read our review here to see what we think of the new turn. Dolly Parton and her inflatable chest are back with Backwoods Barbie - her most appropriately titled album yet.

The rest:

Discipline - Janet Jackson
New Amerykah, Pt. 1 (4th World War) - Erykah Badu
Killing Season - Death Angel
Robotique Majestique - Ghostland Observatory
Dirty Mind - Sara Melson

Aries Spear's Rap Medley

2008-02-25T06:51:00.001-08:00

This video has been floating around the net for awhile and remains one of my personal favorites. Comedian Aries Spears is being interviewed on the radio, and gets a request to bust out his impressions of some famous rappers. Aries kills and the DJ's comments at the end of the video echo my sentiments exactly.

Album Review: Goldfrapp

2008-02-24T22:25:00.000-08:00

Our to-the-point review of Goldfrapp's newest album, Seventh Tree, is up and can be reached for questions and comments here.

As of this post, you can preview Seventh Tree in its entirety on Goldfrapp's MySpace page. The album proper comes out this Tuesday. Don't hesitate to pick yourself up a copy and enjoy the sweetness.

Drum Video

2008-02-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

The drummin' love continues...

The White Stripes now in Espanol

2008-02-20T23:07:00.001-08:00

Recent Grammy winners* The White Stripes have a new B-side to their latest single Conquest. For those keeping count at home, that's despite having delivered a terrific 5 song EP for the song already. Conquista is sung entirely in Spanish with surprisingly good results, and Jack sounding like he's having more fun than ever before. Now why can't other bands put out singles that are as wild and inventive as The White Stripe's recent EP's? Conquista is available on iTunes.

*Best Alternative Album (vocal or instrumental)

Photo From HARP

Drum Video

2008-02-19T19:48:00.001-08:00

Travis Barker served his time as the drummer for Blink 182 (ah, adolescent memories flood my mind). Now between his sideprojects (+44, Box Car Racer, Transplants) and guest drumming in the studio (Avril Lavigne, T.I., Paul Wall) he's become the go to guy for remixes. Although having remixed in the past, Travis entered my radar with his remix of Soulja Boy's Crank That. Now while the critic in me hates Soulja Boy and the ridiculous song, the drumming fool within loves this video. You can search YouTube to find other remixes from Travis like Rihanna's Umbrella.

New Music Tuesday: February 19, 2007

2008-02-19T19:22:00.000-08:00

There really wasn't a major release this week. Just a bunch of albums on the down low (for now).

Lust Lust Lust - The Raveonettes
A Twist In My Story - Secondhand Serenade
Day&Nightdriving - Seven Mary Three (Wha?)
My Life's Been A Country Song - Chris Cagle
Gea - Mia Doi Todd
Flock - Bell X1
I Need You To Hold On While The Sky Is Falling - Kelley Polar (electronic)

Jarvis Cocker Music Video

2008-02-17T00:10:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite albums from 2007 was Jarvis Cocker's solo debut. The ex-frontman for the British band Pulp titled his album simply Jarvis. It was full of the biting outsider looking in thoughts that he was known for with Pulp. Here's a great video for the equally great song and his first single Don't Let Him Waste Your Time.

Drum Video

2008-02-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

As internet sensations go i'm a bit lackadaisy. I've never seen Chocolate Rain, only saw Dick In A Box when it premiered on SNL, and didn't know about the crazy guy defending Britney Spears until Jimmy Kimmel talked about him on his talk show. However, there's one exception to the phenom. Drumming videos. I'm a sucker for watching someone add their own rhythm section to different tunes. So it is with great nerdy joy that I present the first video in our series. Enjoy!

New Release Tuesday: February 12, 2008

2008-02-12T21:54:00.000-08:00

This year (or was it last year?) marks the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's career defining album Thriller and because selling 104 millions copies just wasn't enough, a special edtion re-release is in order. In an overly complex move, Thriller 25 is being released on CD, Vinyl, DVD and MP3 with at least three different versions available. I guess it's a good thing they don't release records on cassette or 8 track any more!

The rest:

Do You Like Rock Music? - British Sea Power
Simple Plan - Simple Plan
The Heavy Circles - The Heavy Circles
Unclear Sky EP - Joshua Radin
11i - Supreme Beings of Leisure
Bring Me Your Love - City and Colour
Free Somehow - Widespread Panic

Album Review: Amanda Droste

2008-02-12T06:37:00.000-08:00

We love sharing worthwhile new music with others. There's nothing quite as exciting as discovering an artist that few people know about and being there before they get big. Today we have Amanda Droste. Her brand of snappy pop-punk songs are better than most of the music out right now on your radio. Her debut album Unfazed is due out on Valentines Day, Feb 14th. So check her out and revitalize your record collection. You can read our review of Unfazed here.

Discover Music: Clutchy Hopkins

2008-02-09T16:07:00.000-08:00

The man, the myth, the legend, the hairy man known as Clutchy Hopkins has released a full length album titled Walking Backwards. Falling somewhere between Herbie Hancock in his more experimental years and Thievery Corporation, his hybrid of jazzy world music with flourishes of ambient electronic funk make for an entrancing listen. I'm not up on the missing person motif but the music speaks for itself. You can catch a listen on his myspace page or buy his album on iTunes and Amazon.com.

Review: Jack Johnson

2008-02-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

Our review of Jack Johnson's new album, Sleep Through The Static, is up and ready for hate mail. Although we may have been a little hard on the album in our review, we know it's still going to sell well thanks to his many loyal fans (soccer moms & stoners).

(photo from JenLAND)

Radiohead's 'In Rainbows' Podcast Shows In Studio Performance

2008-02-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

For over a month now Radiohead have been releasing video podcasts on iTunes showcasing the band performing some of the songs on their latest record, In Rainbows. If you're a Radiohead fan these can not be missed. If you're not a Radiohead fan then you should be and your life is a little grayer without them.

According to iTunes: "Radiohead's 'In Rainbows' released on 01.01.08 Thumbs_Down Webcast - Filmed in November of 2007 in the band's studio in Oxford. Scotch Mist - Recorded in Oxford as a "wee celebration of the physical manifestation of 'In Rainbows'"

As of this posting there are 12 videos available in the "In Rainbows Podcast."

(picture from 8 Notes)

New Release Tuesday: February 5th 2008

2008-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

A few major albums were released this Tuesday. Among them are mellow surf-rocker Jack Johnson's fourth album, Sleep Through The Static and Nada Surf's fifth, Lucky. Lenny Kravitz keeps plugging away with It's Time For a Love Revolution and Sheryl Crow does the same with Detours . Finally we have Britain's own indie electronic wizzards Hot Chip. After their surprising breakthrough success with 2006's The Warning, they quickly regrouped and made Made In The Dark. It's a more mature effort in every sense of the overused expression and along with Vampire Weekend is one of the years first must haves.

Some of the other releases were:

Here's To Being Here - Jason Collett
Satisfied - Taylor Dayne
District - Bob Mould
Fractured - Air Traffic
Neptune - The Duke Spirit

Album Review: Vampire Weekend

2008-02-03T23:41:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Rolling Stone

Despite it being flu season, our review for Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut is finally out and can be read here or by visiting our Reviews Section. Read it within the next 20 minutes and we'll even throw in a handy pair of oven mitts all at one amazingly low price*.

*as it turns out, I was hitting the cough syrup a bit heavy when I wrote the above and briefly believed I was the announcer for a late night infomercial

Vampire Weekend music video

2008-02-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

A few days ago we mentioned that the self-titled debut from Vampire Weekend was soon to be released. That album is out now and it's quite good. We're currently working up a review for it and should have that up in a couple of days. In the meantime, check out their video for A-Punk. It's like an Old Navy commercial on cocaine.

Randy Newman Closes MacWorld 08

2008-01-28T23:17:00.000-08:00

For those of you who aren't tech geeks and didn't see Steve Job's Macworld keynote address, Randy Newman played a couple of songs to close out the event. As an accomplished singer-songwriter and film composer, Randy's unique voice and unconventional (and sometimes controversial) lyrics have remained pointed and relevant for over four decades. So, it's interesting to me that Apple actually thought Randy would be their kind of musical guest. Despite his scores for Pixar films, he's an outspoken political writer and satirist and not exactly the person you'd expect after a technology presentation. Even when you watch his performance, you can see he doesn't edit himself for Steve or the audience. You've got to respect that. And after the Toy Story gay joke, I don't think he'll be asked back next year.

Discover Music: Yael Naim

2008-01-28T07:42:00.000-08:00

Although I don't put much stock in Apple's iTunes recommendations, occassionally they do feature something original. It's not that their recommendations are bad, it's just that they feel more like an accident when they actually feature a great artist rather than someone from their "team" discovering and sharing. Regardless, it's hard to deny the instant recognition behind the songs Apple uses in their advertising. Last year they helped introduce The Fratellis to an American audience and now they're doing the same for Israeli singer Yael Naim.

Her song, the utterly infectious New Soul, is the soundtrack to the new MacBook Air television advertisements. The song is a tidy pop dity with just enough production tricks to set it apart from the regular radio fare that fades into the digital hum of our cars and office. If this song doesn't at least make you nod along with the jaunty piano riff, then it's time to realize that you may not have a musical soul, or you work for Pitchfork Media (just kidding guys. But no, not really).

For those of you, much like myself, who are suspicious when their music is packaged and served to them on silver radio waves or voted on by an audience, you may be resistant to the music used in advertising. After all, when a corporation gets its hands on music, it just doesn't feel the same does it? Well, sometimes it doesn't, but here's one of our rules at The Black Tambourine. It doesn't matter how you discover music, just enjoy it when you do. Besides, a good song is a good song whether it's selling you a car, playing in your local coffee shop, or just taking you some place good while sitting on your bed (or maybe typing away at your music blog). Music is cool like that.

Discover Music: Vampire Weekend

2008-01-27T22:45:00.000-08:00

Blog sensation, Vampire Weekend, are taking their long awaited shot at indie rock stardom. The NY foursome will release their self-titled debut this Tuesday. You can hear some full tracks on their MySpace page or preview and purchase the entire album on Amazon.com.

They're a great band that eludes any real genre labeling except the blanket genre of indie rock. Of course, that moniker has been thrown around quite a bit lately but if you liked Peter, Bjorn, and John's wonderful Writer's Block (and if you didn't what's wrong with you?) then check out the sunnier and slightly tropical sound of Vampire Weekend.

The Arcade Fire's Neon Bible

2008-01-15T23:25:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already seen The Arcade Fire's incredibly inventive music video for Neon Bible then check it out here immediately. The creative force of this band is really quite astonishing. Not only do they create big and beautiful atmospheric music but they even present it in a totally unique and original way. Let's hope they don't burn out on album number three.

Staff Top 10 Lists

2008-01-11T23:27:00.000-08:00

Though we already published our list of the best albums of 2007, a couple of us thought we'd let everyone take a look at our personal top 10 lists. Keep in mind that these lists were mostly formed before our year end list, but were written after it was published. Therefore, there are a couple of albums on our own lists that we didn't have time to review for consideration for our official list.

Mr. Cervante's Top 10

10. 45:33 - LCD Soundsystem
9. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Spoon
8. Icky Thump - The White Stripes
7. Sound of Silver - LCD Soundsystem
6. New Wave - Against Me
5. Untrue - Burial
4. Cross - Justice
3. Boxer - The National
2. Neon Bible - The Arcade Fire
1. In Rainbows - Radiohead

Mr. Jung's Top 10

10. We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank - Modest Mouse
9. The Flying Club Cup - Beirut
8. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Spoon
7. Neon Bible - The Arcade Fire
6. Cross - Justice
5. 45:33 - LCD Soundsystem
4. In Rainbows - Radiohead
3. Mirrored - Battles
2. Sound Of Silver - LCD Soundsystem
1. Boxer - The National

New songs from The White Stripes

2008-01-11T11:09:00.001-08:00

Last month The White Stripes released a great EP for their new single Conquest that is really well padded and is a real treat for any Stripes fan. It contains three new songs and and two versions of Conquest. Apparently, the new songs were produced by Beck and feature him or his playing on two tracks. Each new song was released on 7" vinyl, good luck with finding those, but they've all been gathered and released digitally as well and are available from a number of different download services. Check out their video for Conquest at the bottom of the post.

Track Listing

1. Conquest
2. It's My Fault For Being Famous
3. Cash Grab Complications On The Matter
4. Honey, We Can't Afford To Look This Cheap
5. Conquest (Acoustic Mariachi Version)