On July 2nd, Blur released two new songs. It’s the group’s first material to see the light of day in a couple of years. And though they’ve stayed busy in the intervening time with sporadic live shows and innumerable side…
Category: Music
Single Reviews: Slavic Soul Party, Public Enemy, Nas vs. Massive Attack
Slavic Soul Party- Jackson b/w Gangsta (Electric Cowbell Records) Slavic Soul Party is a Balkan-fusion brass band that produces a unique form of melting-pot musical madness. Their new single, “Jackson” — now available on 7″ single from Electric Cowbell Records…
Neil Young & Crazy Horse- Americana (Reprise Records, 2012)
One of the greatest and most infuriating thing about Neil Young is his steadfast unpredictability. He clearly follows his internal muse wherever it leads, and gives no fucks about his audience’s expectations. His career has been marked with all manner…
Record Reviews: Mucca Pazza, Rob Swift’s Roc Raida Mix
Mucca Pazza- Safety Fifth (Electric Cowbell Records, 2012) Mucca Pazza are a few-dozen strong group from Chicago, an ensemble that blends a bewildering array of styles (tango, spaghetti western soundtracks, and heavy funk, to name just a few), delivers the…
Future Of The Left- The Plot Against Common Sense (Xtra Mile Recordings, 2012)
Future Of The Left are a Welsh power quartet specializing in insanely tuneful bursts of noise. Formed in 2005 from the ashes of legendary aggro-rock provocateurs McLusky, they’ve refined their brand of adrenalinized punk over two essential albums and a…
The Beach Boys- That’s Why God Made The Radio (Capitol Records, 2012)
That’s Why God Made The Radio is a nearly inconceivable thing – a Beach Boys album in 2012. It marks the group’s 50th anniversary. And it’s their first new release in ages, though exactly how long is largely a matter…
Groove Music: The Art And Culture Of The Hip-Hop DJ (Oxford University Press, 2012)
Groove Music is a new volume from Oxford University Press, a treatise on the four decade evolution of hip-hop culture and the record manipulators who have guided that journey. From the sound system parties in The Bronx in the 70s…
Record Review: For Whom The Cowbell Tolls
The newest compilation from Brooklyn’s Electric Cowbell Records is a head-spinning expedition through a world of exotic and funky music. Collecting material originally released on 7″ singles over the past year, the selection of tunes encompasses mellow horn-driven soul workouts,…
Single Reviews: Arctic Monkeys, Gorillaz/André 3000/James Murphy, Noel Gallagher and Amorphous Androgynous, Evitan, Mark Stewart vs. Primal Scream, Future Of The Left
Arctic Monkeys- R U Mine? This track just showed up out of nowhere last week, a stand-alone single that appeared on YouTube and iTunes and instantly lodged itself in my head on an endless loop. It’s full of the group’s…
BETTY: live at Joe’s Pub, 12/20/2011
With 25 years, a half-dozen albums, uncountable world tours, and a number of successful TV themes under their collective belts, BETTY are an institution of indie music. They’ve cultivated a devoted and passionate fanbase over the years, and their holiday…