Expanding on the success of the Philadelphia-originated Mad Decent Block Party, the label’s head honcho Diplo is taking his show on the road with subsequent events in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. In addition to a ’super-secret headliner’ for every show, Mad Decent artists such as Maluca, PO PO, Bosco Delrey and Paul Devro are set to perform (with Freddie Gibbs, Kid Sister, the Deathset, Blaqstarr, Ninjasonik, Theophilus London and The Gaslamp Killer showing up at varying stops).
Mad Decent Block Party:
PHILADELPHIA July 31
NEW YORK August 7
LOS ANGELES August 14
CHICAGO August 21
Check out the promo video here:
Admission is free with RSVP at the Mad Decent Block Party Website.
If you weren’t lucky enough to catch the Gorillaz at the Coachella Festival this year, things are looking up for you, friend. In support of the band’s fantastic latest record, Plastic Beach, the Gorillaz have announced that they will embark on a world-wide tour spanning North America in October, Europe in November, Australia and New Zealand in December, and Hong Kong in yet to be determined dates. More information including ticket pricing here.
The ‘Escape to Plastic Beach World Tour 2010′ trailer:
It can be said, without a shred of doubt, that Godspeed You! Black Emperor was one of the most influential instrumental rock bands. To this day, the Canadian post-rock pioneers (active during 1994-2003), are widely regarded as a seminal symbol of the genre and tremors of their style and innovation are felt to this day.
Shockingly, the band has abruptly announced an end to their almost decade-long hiatus and will be getting a running start with a headlining/curating slot on the Nightmare Before Christmas event presented by All Tomorrow’s Parties in Minehead, England on December 3-5. The lineup also includes: Bardo Pond, The Ex, Deerhoof, Tim Hecker, Mike Watt and Scout Niblett. According to the band’s announcement, a slew of European/U.K. dates and a small 9-date trek through America are also on the horizon.
It’s no surprise that Barcelona-based synthpop band Delorean are garnering great attention with the anticipation of their full-length record Subiza. The Spanish collective made huge waves with their last release, the Ayrton Senna EP, which showcased their unique blend of dreampop and electronica and are currently touring with Miike Snow throughout North America.
Peep the retro-inspired and visually stimulating music video (directed by Weird Days) here:
In commemoration of the Dr. Martens 50-year celebration, Stones Throw’s Dam-Funk has covered “Things That Dreams Are Made Of” by British synth-pop band, The Human League. Director Ace Norton also took the helm in the creation of a visual accompaniment as seen below:
Catch Dam-Funk on his short European trek:
EUROPE TOUR
Apr 01: Dam-Funk in London
Apr 02: Dam-Funk in Paris
Apr 03: Dam-Funk in Bristol
Apr 09: Dam-Funk in Amsterdam
Apr 09: Dam-Funk in Brussels
Apr 10: Dam-Funk in Rotterdam
Apr 11: Dam-Funk in Rome
Apr 15: Dam-Funk in Moscow
Apr 16: Dam-Funk in Moscow
Apr 17: Dam-Funk in Athens
Listen and download the track below (via Stones Throw):
Broken Bells has announced a slew of shows spanning North America in support of their self-titled debut. The group, comprised of Shins vocalist/guitarist James Mercer and producer extraordinaire Danger Mouse, has seen a great deal of praise in the short amount of time since their indie pet project has dropped and performed a few one-offs (most recently at SXSW). Supporting Broken Bells is the up-and-coming San Francisco-based Morning Benders.
Broken Bells Spring Tour:
05-18 San Diego, CA - Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay *
05-19 Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theatre *
05-21 San Francisco, CA - Regency Ballroom *
05-24 Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom *
05-25 Seattle, WA - Showbox at the Market *
05-26 Vancouver, British Columbia - Commodore Ballroom *
05-29 Denver, CO - Gothic Theatre *
05-31 Chicago, IL - Vic Theater *
06-01 Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall *
06-02 Toronto, Ontario - Queen Elizabeth Theatre *
06-04 Boston, MA - RoyaleNightClub *
06-05 New York, NY - The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza *
06-06 Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory *
06-07 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club *
06-10 Atlanta, GA - Center Stage *
06-11 Athens, GA - 40 Watt Club *
* with the Morning Benders
Check out the music video for the band’s single, “The High Road”:
Danish pop-rock/indie innovators Mew are set to release their new full-length CD, No More Stories Are Told Today I’m Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories The World Is Grey I’m Tired Let’s Wash Away (perhaps the longest album title in awhile, right?) on August 25.
The first single from the album, “Introducing Palace Players” exhibits the band in a new and improved form. Extracting their pop sensibilities from the now classic record, Frengers, and utilizing their aptitude for incorporating tinges of shoegaze into their works, the new CD demonstrates a mature sound that is not likely to disappoint new and old listeners alike. On a personal note, I really can’t get over how well the band hybridizes seemingly prog-rock time changes and mathiness with an extremely accessible pop outer.
Here’s the official music video for “Introducing Palace Players”:
Some dates on the band’s upcoming tour in support of the new record, including dates with NINE INCH NAILS on their farewell tour:
Also included in this post is another snippet from the new record, “Beach”. The song is a strong contrast to the single, and like the title emanates, it’s definitely one to relax/cruise to.
With Queens of the Stone Age’s vocalist/guitarist Josh Homme at the helm of production duties (a session occurring at his Joshua Tree studio) on half of the Arctic Monkeys’ new full-length record, Humbug, it’s easy to see and accept their progression in sound. On Humbug, the band, whom have since been seen with longer locks of hair (possibly a visual representation of the band’s newfound love and inspiration of the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Cream?), is seen at a new stage of songwriting especially following Alex Turner’s successful side project The Last Shadow Puppets.
Here’s the official video for the band’s first single, “Crying Lightning”:
Catch them on their latest tour in support of the new record:
Also added for your consideration, the Mp3 of “Crying Lightning” and another snippet from the album, “Pretty Visitors”. Both tracks are solid and serve as good, diverse representations of the feel of the CD. Sorry we were kindly asked to remove these tracks.
Brother Ali just released a soulful tune featuring guest vocals from Mint Condition’s Stokely Williams as the first single and title track from his new album “US”. The new album (released on September 22) will feature guest appearances from Freeway, Chuck D and Slaughterhouse’s Joell Ortiz . Beginning in September as well Brother Ali along with Evidence of Dilated Peoples will be embarking on a North America “Fresh Air” tour. See the tour dates HERE
Nine Inch Nails is currently on a large-scale tour which has recently brought them to Perth, Australia where they performed at the massive Soundwave Festival. For this special performance of “Wish”, they brought out the incredibly dope mathcore band, The Dillinger Escape Plan. Here’s HD footage of their sick performance: