SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE
but I've switched to Word Press due to some technical difficulties.
I'll admit to you right now, I haven't been following the goings-on of the hip-hop scene much this year. As far as new artists go, I don't even think I can name any off the top of my head, besides these Wizzes and Cudis who've apparently been around for years. But as of right now, the young man who I'm most impressed with hails from the Great White North (what else is new) and goes by the name of Shad. Compared to all the other hip-hop I listen to, this isn't nearly as dark, yet the lyrics are just as impressive. As ridiculous as I feel saying this, the man has some serious flow, and on "Rose Garden," he throws out all sorts of absurd references. This, my friends, is the whole package.
From: Tsol
MP3: (not available)
It's been almost a year since tracks from Bottle Up & Go's forthcoming debut LP hit the web, yet all that's happened since then is that they've come up with a name for it. "Rather Be Dead" is one of two songs available so far, and judging by its intensity and raw power, Until the Day I Die may be the dark horse of the year -- that is, if it's released on time. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Two Gallants rather than Edward Sharpe, these cowboys give us a darker, more realistic look at the hardships of gunslinging and saloon-hopping in a Clint Eastwood-esque western landscape. Add a chorus of rousing horns and you've got quite a wonderful, scrappy piece of work. Oh, and just a fun fact, these guys were classmates of MGMT and Bear Hands at Wesleyan a few years back. That'll tell you something.
From: Until the Day I Die (?)
MP3: (not available)
Sunglasses - "Stand Fast"It seems like midway through 2009, after a slew of Animal Collective soundalike bands emerged onto the indie rock scene, everyone was afraid of being persecuted for following in the path of Merriweather Post Pavillion. At first I didn't know whether to be disappointed in Sunglasses for creating something so similar to MPP or proud of the band for not giving a shit about what people think of their music, but now I don't even care. This is lovely. "Stand Fast" is probably the most impressive piece on their (essentially) three-track debut EP released earlier this year. Even though there's some undeniable AnCo influence in here, I find it much more entertaining than anything on MPP, which has steadily been making its way down my list of top albums from '09. I look forward to the LP, fellas.
From: Sunglasses
MP3: Stand Fast
($.99)
Tokyo Police Club - "Breakneck Speed"It's been awhile since the song leaked, but after listening to the album a few times, I've discovered the beauty of "Breakneck Speed." Champ may not have been as exciting as 2008's Elephant Shell, but this song is a clear indication of progression, as the song is actually more than three minutes long, and it's able to hold your attention for that long. It's good to know that the Ontario collective is mature enough to tweak their seemingly perfect sound just enough to keep their listeners interested, and the result is quite lovely. It's good to have you back, officers.
From: Champ
MP3: Breakneck Speed
($.99)
JAILL - "Everybody's Hip"
First of all, is this song even sung in English? I challenge you to recite one lyric from this song that isn't "everybody's hip." Anyway, as I've mentioned three or four or seventy-two times previously, 2010 is all about garage rock. It'll be hard to convince you that this song is any different than those of the masses of groups popping up out of garages all over the country, so I won't. I just felt like I needed to put in a good word for these Milwaukee rockers, since, well, Wisconsin doesn't get much attention for their music. Simply put, this is a whole lot of fun packed into a mere two and a half minutes.
From: That's How We Burn
MP3: Everyone's Hip (Album)
($.99)
Bridges and Powerlines - "You Were The First Thing"
Bridges and Powerlines was one of the first bands I was introduced to about two years ago as I was beginning my new life as an indierockaholic, searching through all the beginners blogs (I believe this was free indie) to get a basic understanding of the then popular names in the genre. Bridges and Powerlines was also one of the first bands I decided I couldn't stand listening to after going through folder after folder of new music, and I never thought I'd see the day when they'd impress me. Needless to say, that day is here and I couldn't be any more pumped. It's really just a simple, jangly pop song, but honestly, there will never be enough of those. This is clearly a huge step up from their debut, so my advice to all you youngsters out there: at this point in time, "You Were the First Thing" is the only B&P song that matters. We'll see how Eve turns out.
From: Eve
MP3: (not available)
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