{/Stream The Killers
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 ( 11:28 PM )
The Killers performed at the Royal Albert Hall last Monday (3 November, Philippine date/time). For you kids who are just dying to listen to the new songs, kind of a taste of the new record Day and Age, I suggest you click the link below and listen to the full stream of the band's entire set that night.
Labels: live, streams, the killers
34 comments
{/Music To Your Eyes
Monday, November 3, 2008 ( 12:18 AM )
A couple of days ago, MTV launched MTVMusic, a site where you can watch every music video ever made. Literally. It's a treasure trove of videos spanning the years and it's a fantastic way to experience music.
Go ahead and waste a day in nostalgia.
Go ahead and waste a day in nostalgia.
0 comments
{/1001 Albums Ready for Download!
Sunday, November 2, 2008 ( 6:38 PM )
Found this awesome site for you music junkies to visit and appreciate. 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die is a project that speaks for itself and needs no introduction. What I would just say is that every album mentioned in the site comes with a download link!
Yes, downloads! Free downloads!
Oh I know you're salivating right now. The albums spans every genre from every music era imaginable. I suggest you head on over to the site now and see for yourself.
Yes, downloads! Free downloads!
Oh I know you're salivating right now. The albums spans every genre from every music era imaginable. I suggest you head on over to the site now and see for yourself.
Labels: links
0 comments
{/BBC Radio 1 Covers Compilation
( 3:36 AM )
Jo Whiley's BBC Radio 1 show is very popular for the impromptu covers their guest musicians do. The music choice is very random, more often than not, out of the genre of the bands featured. For once, Arctic Monkeys covered the Girls Aloud song, Love Machine. It's fun and the covers often turn out to be quite a delight to hear.
Here's a compilation of a couple of covers did on the show this year. From quirky band The Kooks getting their Coldplay on by singing Violet Hill to songstress Adele belting out a Strokes classic Last Nite or Duffy trying a Hotchip tune or to the boys of The Last Shadow Puppets doing a Rihanna and much, much more... all these covers, I say, is quite interesting and I reckon you give them a listen.
Downloadables! (right click, save target as)
"Violet Hill (Coldplay cover)" - The Kooks
"Last Nite (The Strokes cover)" - Adele
"S.O.S. (Rihanna cover)" - The Last Shadow Puppets
"Ready For The Floor (Hotchip cover)" - Duffy
"That's Not My Name (The Ting Tings cover)" - Dizzee Rascal
"Mercy (Duffy cover)" - One Republic
"Run (Snow Patrol cover)" - Leona Lewis
"Time to Pretend (MGMT cover)" - Kaiser Chiefs
"I Kissed A Girl (Katy Perry cover)" - McFly
"Hometown Glory (Adele cover)" - Santogold
"Naive (The Kooks cover)" - Lily Allen
Labels: compilations, covers
0 comments
{/About The Academy Is...
Saturday, November 1, 2008 ( 11:33 PM )
I have to admit, I just really gave The Academy Is... a listen a couple of weeks ago.
I've had Santi on my iPod playlist for as long as I can remember but there never really was a time that I took notice of them. It was two weeks ago when I noticed I've been following William Beckett on Tumblr for quite sometime already that I decided to really give their music a try. Besides, what's the use of following Bill if I don't even know their stuff, right? And so I did. And I never looked back.
I had quite a few prejudices about the band. I, honestly, am not one who listens to a lot of music by the bands of the Fueled by Ramen label. It's just recently that I embraced Paramore because I thought their song "That's What You Get" was too damn catchy to not notice. Other than that, my music listening revolved everywhere else but the FBR clan.
Anyway, I have to give it up to TAI for not letting me down. I started with Santi cause that's the one I currently have and I was actually surprised. It is nowhere near the sound of their fellow FBR bands, specifically Fall Out Boy, who also have the same Chicago roots.
Santi is a record that dreams big. It is a good record splattered with songs with spectacular rhythm sections. I think that that section is what stood out the most and distinguished TAI from the others in their clan. There were traces of Killers influence in their sounds but they made use of it quite nicely and transformed it into sometimes dance-punk, to power-pop anthems ready for the radio airwaves. Lyrically, however, Santi didn't do much for me. Yes, it is witty but the wit is not enough. I heard a couple of songs from their debut Almost Here and for me, the writing is specifically better in that particular record.
Other than that, after listening to 1.5/3 of TAI's discography, I have to say that I'm now a fan. Santi was good, Almost Here, from what I've heard so far, seems promising. I cannot wait to listen to Fast Times at Barrington High and hear more of what they can do.
I've only heard their single, About A Girl, and I can say that I enjoyed it but don't love it as much as I thought I would. The video is fun and nostalgic though and Beckett's flair with the camera and performing is so in tact and so full-on that I can say I enjoyed it. Really. Other than that, I'll have my say on Fast Times when I actually listened to it in full. Til then, I'll leave you with the video of About A Girl.
Labels: reviews, the academy is..., videos
0 comments
{/MySpace Music: South Jordan
Monday, October 20, 2008 ( 5:10 AM )
There’s something extremely beautiful about their music-- it’s simple yet so sincere and I love it. These
Good lyrics, great voice, simple instrumentation… Music that is just right.
Have a listen, it’s worth it.
So, so worth it!
Downloadables!
"Fatal Flaw" - South Jordan
"Take Your Time" - South Jordan
While you're at it, get to know more about the band through their MySpace:
http://myspace.com/southjordan
Labels: must-hype, myspace music, south jordan
0 comments
{/Rare Arctic Monkeys Track
Friday, October 3, 2008 ( 8:09 AM )
In lieu of the release of their first ever gig DVD entitled Arctic Monkeys at the Apollo, the popular Sheffield four-piece released a free download to members of their mailing list-- a rare recording of "The View From The Afternoon" one of their most popular songs from their record-breaking debut album (Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not).
The track, dated 2006, was recorded at their gig at Stubbs Bar-B-Q in Texas. There's nothing really new about the track but I just have to point out that these lads astound me on how they play live-- it's as if I'm listening to the actual track from the disc itself. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the DVD. It comes out 3rd November with a one-night only screening on 14th October in London.
Downloadables!
The View From The Afternoon (rare) - Arctic Monkeys
The track, dated 2006, was recorded at their gig at Stubbs Bar-B-Q in Texas. There's nothing really new about the track but I just have to point out that these lads astound me on how they play live-- it's as if I'm listening to the actual track from the disc itself. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the DVD. It comes out 3rd November with a one-night only screening on 14th October in London.
Downloadables!
The View From The Afternoon (rare) - Arctic Monkeys
Labels: arctic monkeys, free music
0 comments
{/Britney's Back -- Thanks to Brad Walsh
Tuesday, September 30, 2008 ( 6:55 AM )
Time flies. I remember months ago when I was actually enjoying Britney Spears' 5th studio album Blackout and now, Ms. Brit is at it again. After winning 3 VMA's weeks ago, she debuts her new single "Womanizer" off her sixth album Circus which is due out on 23 December (her birthday).Well, the single's been released for days already but I just listened to it today after hearing a remix done by one of my favorite musicians/remixologists, Brooklyn's Brad Walsh. Much like every remix done by Mr. Walsh, "Womanizer", after going through Brad's bag of electro-remix-tricks became an instant club tune. The original is not as spectacular as I thought it would be but this little remix gives it that extra "oomph". Thank the heavens for this remix.
Downloadables!
Womanizer - Britney Spears
Womanizer - Brad Walsh remix
Labels: brad walsh, britney spears, fresh, remixes
0 comments
{/KAT-TUN: Queen of Pirates Review
Monday, September 29, 2008 ( 6:00 AM )
Here are three of my choice tracks from Queen of Pirates:
12 O’CLOCK
The distinct beat in the background while Jin Akanishi narrates his fucked up life of partying every hour (and in English…) gives a certain vibe on the song that would make you want to listen more intently. As the song goes on, you will start to feel the electro rock elements contained in it that gives a party-type-song impression to it. It makes me want to go to a club as soon as possible and just have fun.
This definitely is my favorite track in the album probably because it is quite surprising and bold for KAT-TUN to release a song in this kind of genre (based from the fact that they’re a boyband under Johnny’s Entertainment). More experimentation is always good for the growth of the whole group.
MOTHER FATHER
The only ballad in the album packed with a pleasant melody that can bring tears to the eyes. It is a beautifully penned song (search for the English translation online) that probably anyone can relate to in some ways.
Every member of KAT-TUN did a great job singing it. It’s just so mellow and easy to the ears. I really like them singing these kinds of songs once in a while…and another credit to the dramatic rap by Koki here. Fantastic job. I never thought rap could give so much emotion as it did in this particular song.
SHOT
One of the most unusual sounding tracks in the album with the utilization of the saxophone, Shot became a feel-good jazz-pop song that is both calming and exciting to the ears.
Over-all: 4/5
Based from the songs, it’s quite obvious that KAT-TUN brought a wide range of song genres in this album (which is definitely not common to other JE boy bands, really). The songs in QoP can stay on repeat in my player without me getting tired of that easily. I like the feel of the entire album. Most songs are upbeat and for dancing with different genres, which I think is awesome.
Well, to the others who are not JE fans yet, please don’t judge KAT-TUN just because they’re a “boy band”. You know what I mean…and honestly, I’m really happy that KAT-TUN (and JE in general) finally came up with this kind of album that can be enjoyed by almost anyone.
0 comments
{/Rico Blanco is back with a vengeance
Sunday, September 28, 2008 ( 6:39 PM )
LOKAL is a constant check-up of the new music the Philippines has to offer to the world. It aims to promote independent and mainstream acts from our homebase.
For the first LOKAL, let's put the spotlight on former Rivermaya frontman, Rico Blanco and his new single "Yugto", off his first album post-Maya.
words by electricsushi
words by electricsushi
I have to admit that I'm one of those people who got pretty ticked when the news broke that Rico Blanco was leaving Rivermaya behind in pursuit of his own solo career. Rivermaya, in my opinion, was defined by Rico undeniable talent and for him to leave the band was heartbreaking. He was out of the radar for months and now, without even knowing it, he's back-- and with a new album in tow oh, and a fashion line for Human, too!
But let's focus on the album. I've seen it in record store shelves weeks ago but didn't really mind buying it. I guess I was still heartbroken but other than that, I was expecting his album to be very Rivermaya. My prejudices were proven wrong today as I turned on to the local MTV and saw the music video for his first single, "Yugto".
I was astounded by how different it sounds. Rico's music during the Rivermaya days was packed with powerful lyrics backed by good instrumentation. "Yugto" seemingly unleashed the side of Rico that we didn't get to see during the Rivermaya days-- experimental, creative, raw and still, so powerful. Maybe even more powerful than ever before.
In his first single post-Maya, he opens up this new chapter of his life with a bang, almost like a thanks-but-no-thanks shoutout to his former band mates, or to everyone who doubted him. "Yugto" employed the use of orchestral music plus traditional, indigenous Filipino instruments (strings, in particular) and infused it with a more experimental-sounding Pinoy rock with more distortion effects and heavier basslines. It is beautiful music to the ears; fresh, comparing it to the current mainstream music scene in the country.
The video, directed by King Palisoc, looks as if it took a page from the The Ting Tings' That's Not My Name video with all the stage lights and boy-girl combo, but in this one, there's three of them. The video also showed us who Rico's new bassist is and it is none other than, the ever-so-talented Cynthia Alexander! Now, I'm stoked!
Rico obviously has evolved as a musician and is now ready to share to us this new chapter of his life. After hearing (and seeing) "Yugto", my doubts are no more and all that's left to say is-- Rico Blanco is back. With a vengeance.
But let's focus on the album. I've seen it in record store shelves weeks ago but didn't really mind buying it. I guess I was still heartbroken but other than that, I was expecting his album to be very Rivermaya. My prejudices were proven wrong today as I turned on to the local MTV and saw the music video for his first single, "Yugto".
I was astounded by how different it sounds. Rico's music during the Rivermaya days was packed with powerful lyrics backed by good instrumentation. "Yugto" seemingly unleashed the side of Rico that we didn't get to see during the Rivermaya days-- experimental, creative, raw and still, so powerful. Maybe even more powerful than ever before.
In his first single post-Maya, he opens up this new chapter of his life with a bang, almost like a thanks-but-no-thanks shoutout to his former band mates, or to everyone who doubted him. "Yugto" employed the use of orchestral music plus traditional, indigenous Filipino instruments (strings, in particular) and infused it with a more experimental-sounding Pinoy rock with more distortion effects and heavier basslines. It is beautiful music to the ears; fresh, comparing it to the current mainstream music scene in the country.
The video, directed by King Palisoc, looks as if it took a page from the The Ting Tings' That's Not My Name video with all the stage lights and boy-girl combo, but in this one, there's three of them. The video also showed us who Rico's new bassist is and it is none other than, the ever-so-talented Cynthia Alexander! Now, I'm stoked!
Rico obviously has evolved as a musician and is now ready to share to us this new chapter of his life. After hearing (and seeing) "Yugto", my doubts are no more and all that's left to say is-- Rico Blanco is back. With a vengeance.
Labels: lokal, reviews, rico blanco
0 comments
{/Plus/Minus (+/-) is Snowblind
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 ( 5:55 PM )
Having RSVP-ed to both their November 7 and 8 show here in the Philippines, finding this track out of their new album Xs On Your Eyes actually made my day. I'm now as excited as ever, for the album, the show and this track!
Here in "Snowblind", I was expecting a blasted start of instruments but what I got was a light but a beat full of melody that is almost sweet with the entrance of guitars and high-pitched keys. This lightness continues on until... here we go, the slight exhilaration I've been waiting for comes in, accompanied by the dusky vocals of James Baluyut and a faster and thump-filled drum beats and guitar hooks. The lyrics did not disappoint, too, with the song being more of a psychological thing rather than physical.
"Snowblind" made me look forward to the new album and of course, the live show. So readers from the Asia region, I suggest you mark your calendars on the following dates:
10/25 - Yamagata, Japan @ Sandinista
10/26 - Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan @ O-Nest
10/28 - Matsumoto, Japan @ Alecx
10/29 - Nagoya, Japan @ Tokuzo
10/30 - Kyoto, Japan @ Metro
11/07 - Taguig City, Philippines @ Mag:net Bonifacio High St.
11/08 - Taguig City, Philippines @ Mag:net Bonifacio High St.
Xs On Your Eyes drops on 21 October through Absolutely Kosher.
Downloadables!
"Snowblind" - +/- (Plus/Minus)
Here in "Snowblind", I was expecting a blasted start of instruments but what I got was a light but a beat full of melody that is almost sweet with the entrance of guitars and high-pitched keys. This lightness continues on until... here we go, the slight exhilaration I've been waiting for comes in, accompanied by the dusky vocals of James Baluyut and a faster and thump-filled drum beats and guitar hooks. The lyrics did not disappoint, too, with the song being more of a psychological thing rather than physical.
"Snowblind" made me look forward to the new album and of course, the live show. So readers from the Asia region, I suggest you mark your calendars on the following dates:
10/25 - Yamagata, Japan @ Sandinista
10/26 - Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan @ O-Nest
10/28 - Matsumoto, Japan @ Alecx
10/29 - Nagoya, Japan @ Tokuzo
10/30 - Kyoto, Japan @ Metro
11/07 - Taguig City, Philippines @ Mag:net Bonifacio High St.
11/08 - Taguig City, Philippines @ Mag:net Bonifacio High St.
Xs On Your Eyes drops on 21 October through Absolutely Kosher.
Downloadables!
"Snowblind" - +/- (Plus/Minus)
Labels: +/-, fresh, in the mix
0 comments
{/Watch: Black Kids + Cut Copy = Blondie?
( 5:48 PM )
Here's Black Kids and Cut Copy joining forces at the British T-mobile Transmission series to cover "Union City Blue", a track from Blondie's Eat to the Beat album. I have to say that this cover is a bit weak, coming from both stellar bands. It feels like bad karaoke to me.
Labels: black kids, cut copy, live, videos
160 comments
{/New Vampire Weekend!
( 5:14 PM )
A week ago, I received an mp3 of the new Teenagers remix of the VW track, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa from their debut album. I was actually going to provide a mix for you guys with that awesome track on the list when this baby came out! A fresh Vampire Weekend track straight out of the soundtrack of one of the films I'm dying to see already, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.
I have to admit, I'm such a whore for VW and people I know have already backlashed after they came out of the indie nation but who cares? The band is still as good as ever and this latest track, entitled "Ottoman" is a proof to that.
It's pop spiked with their trademark Afro-beats with a play of sticks, keys and, if my ears were not lying to me, strings (violins, perhaps) in the background. I dig the melodies of this new track considering its slower, but not so, than usual. You won't get lost, it's still very VW and still very awesome.
Downloadables!
"Ottoman" - Vampire Weekend
"Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (The Teenagers remix)" - Vampire Weekend
I have to admit, I'm such a whore for VW and people I know have already backlashed after they came out of the indie nation but who cares? The band is still as good as ever and this latest track, entitled "Ottoman" is a proof to that.
It's pop spiked with their trademark Afro-beats with a play of sticks, keys and, if my ears were not lying to me, strings (violins, perhaps) in the background. I dig the melodies of this new track considering its slower, but not so, than usual. You won't get lost, it's still very VW and still very awesome.
Downloadables!
"Ottoman" - Vampire Weekend
"Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (The Teenagers remix)" - Vampire Weekend
Labels: fresh, in the mix, vampire weekend
0 comments
{/Are we human? The Killers asks
( 2:54 AM )
A new Killers song was given airplay a couple of days ago by Radio 1 and must I say, it's been a long time since the Las Vegas rocker boys released something new!
In their latest offering entitled "Human", their first single from the forthcoming (and overly hyped) 4th studio album, Day & Age, the band's familiar use of synths and Brandon Flowers' voice is very comforting. The backing drum beat is in a catchy mid-tempo that will set your feet thumping. It's not current-dancefloor material but it's filled with enough house to get you going and in a way, excite you with the new album. But just a bit.
The thing is, "Human" is still very Killers to me that I'm a bit skeptical if Day & Age would even provide us with something new. Will the album live up to the hype? I guess I'll just have to wait for November to answer my question.
Day & Age drops US/worldwide on 25 November 2008 (24 November for the UK) while the digital download for Human will be available on 30 September.
To listen to "Human", visit the band's official website, www.thekillersmusic.com
Downloadables!
"Human" - The Killers (FULL TRACK)
Edit: I posted a sample track of Human a few days back. The current downloadable track is the full song track. Enjoy.
In their latest offering entitled "Human", their first single from the forthcoming (and overly hyped) 4th studio album, Day & Age, the band's familiar use of synths and Brandon Flowers' voice is very comforting. The backing drum beat is in a catchy mid-tempo that will set your feet thumping. It's not current-dancefloor material but it's filled with enough house to get you going and in a way, excite you with the new album. But just a bit.
The thing is, "Human" is still very Killers to me that I'm a bit skeptical if Day & Age would even provide us with something new. Will the album live up to the hype? I guess I'll just have to wait for November to answer my question.
Day & Age drops US/worldwide on 25 November 2008 (24 November for the UK) while the digital download for Human will be available on 30 September.
To listen to "Human", visit the band's official website, www.thekillersmusic.com
Downloadables!
"Human" - The Killers (FULL TRACK)
Edit: I posted a sample track of Human a few days back. The current downloadable track is the full song track. Enjoy.
Labels: fresh, in the mix
2 comments
{/In The Mix
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 ( 3:01 AM )
My own column. New music up soon.
Labels: in the mix
0 comments