Even in 1994, Daft Punk were ahead of their time. Take a listen to “Drive,” the relentless, energetic early track from the French house robots before they were arguably the kings of electronic music. The track is available today on the new Soma Records 20 Years compilation.
If, for some reason, you missed out on Castlemania this year, you should get on that, because Dwyer and Co. are releasing another LP for 2011 on November 15, Carrion Crawler/The Dream. Just dropped today, here is the semi-title track for the album, and it rocks hard, as expected. I anticipate hearing this track, as well as many other new ones, at this year’s Fun Fun Fun Fest.
I recently finished up the very awesome 50 Documentaries to See Before You Die on Current TV, hosted by Super Size Me director Morgan Spurlock, but apparently the documentarian is keeping busy. He’s got an interview series on Hulu titled A Day In the Life, and one of his subjects is Greg Gillis, better known as the mashup master Girl Talk. Watch the episode above and remind yourself that you’re well past due for another GT show filled with boozing and booty-shaking.
I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but there’s this little festival that happens every November in grand ol’ Austin. The natives have named it Fun Fun Fun Fest, and musical acts from all over travel to partake in this color-coordinated gathering. Today, the humble, bearded folks at Transmission gifted us with a schedule of what to expect as far as conflicts go. I am very pleased with the results overall, minus a few tough decisions, but, of course, that is my opinion.
I’m not thrilled about Passion Pit vs. Public Enemy, but I’ll probably go with the latter because I’ve seen the Pit numerous times already. Friday also includes a tough choice between Black Joe Lewis (who I’m leaning toward) vs. Thee Oh Sees. I recommend both shows, and if Yacht (who is on the Blue stage at that time) plays older stuff, I would recommend that one too.
Saturday’s a little easier, I’m torn between Major Lazer and Spoon, and Lykke Li and Neon Indian (gonna wait to hear his new album before I make that decision.) Sunday is the hardest for me; Hum, Black Lips, and Diplo all at the same time? Rough stuff, but Hum will probably win out.
They haven’t announced the set times yet, but I imagine it will be an hour per band or so. Â And I don’t imagine they’ll mix up the order much…seems practical right now as far as early day/evening/headliners, unless they absolutely have to. Â Fingers crossed. Â What are your major conflicts? Any at all? Have you bought your tickets yet? Why haven’t you? Will you bring sunscreen in case I forget? Can we watch Cold Cave together? Will you go out with me? Discuss!
The-Dream was supposed to have an album coming out soon, but Def Jam, for whatever reason record labels do things like this, decided to delay it until the “fourth quarter.” In the meantime, Dream (using his real name Terius Nash) has given us a free new album available for download on his website. The album’s called 1977, and it features guest appearances from Big Sean and Pharrell. The-Dream seems to think cease-and-desist letters are headed his way, but I’m pretty sure that’s bogus – he’s been promoting the album for weeks, and it’s been up since midnight, so….
In case you weren’t aware, I’m a huge M83 fan – Saturdays=Youth is easily one of my favorite albums of all time, so naturally the fact that the follow-up, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, drops October 18th has me all sorts of stoked. So anytime something M83-related happens, expect me to post about it with childish glee. Today, for example, M83 leaked another stellar track from the upcoming album, this one featuring the great Zola Jesus. Listen below and get pumped for Fun Fun Fun Fest and what is sure to be one of the best albums of the year.
Most of the time I am displeased with my satellite radio subscription. I can’t honestly say I use it much, the only channel I consistently enjoy is Backspin, but usually, just because I know every single song they play and it’s good for commuting, I listen to the 90’s alternative channel Lithium. And next month, that channel is actually doing something other than playing Soundgarden tracks over and over.
Jon Stewart will host “Town Hall With Nirvana,” kicking off a half week of Nevermind Radio in celebration of the landmark album’s 20th anniversary. Jon will interview the remaining members of the group Dave Grohl and Krist Novaselic, as well as the legendary producer Butch Vig. After that, it’s all Nirvana, all the time for an entire four days, playing hits, rarities, b-sides, etc. The interview airs September 24th at 8pm EST. Finally these guys give me a reason to keep my subscription.
It’s been a short spell since we’ve heard much new material from the Whiskeytown rebel, and his last efforts, Cardinology, the heavy metal experiment Orion, and the outtakes disc III/IV, left much to be desired. But from the sound of Ryan Adams’ latest leak, the first from Ashes and Fire, it seems he’s got his soft, sweet swagger back. The melody is akin to fine craftsmanship from Adams’ last great album, 2008’s Easy Tiger. The new disc – that’s the album art above, by the way – drops October 11th.
Kinda wished I lived in Australia right now. Sydney University’s Cellar Theatre is hosting a three-night production dedicated to the one and only Yeezy, or as they describe it on their Facebook page:
This is a story of a struggle against the man to become the man. It’s about a guy who took a shot at the throne and didn’t miss. This is the tale of Kanye.
The obviously tongue-in-cheek production takes you on a journey of the life of the divine spirit who gave us “Jesus Walks:” “From humble beginnings writing beats for Jay-Z to the top of the pops remixing Daft Punk.” Tickets range from $3-$6 (that’s dingo dollars, or whatever money is down there), and if I were an Aussie, I would be attending for sure. If the man himself hears about it and has a sense of humor, like he (kind of) did with South Park’s “Gay Fish” gag, maybe we could see this showing in more places. In the meantime, you guys bring your YouTube credentials for the rest of us!
