Viva Brother 'Darling Buds of May'

English rockers Viva Brother performed in the Jimmy Kimmel Live show, promoting their upcoming debut album titled Famous First Words on August 2 through A&M / Octone Records.

Get your Famous First Words from iTunes now.

Take Away Show presents Thurston Moore

Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore was recently featured on La Blogothèque's Take Away Show - filmed in his home in New York. He performed songs from his latest album Demolished Thoughts.

Read the full article exclusively at La Blogothèque.

The Real Tuesday Weld - The Last Werewolf

The Real Tuesday Weld and their inimitable antique-pop - much like the subject matter of their new album, The Last Werewolf - are born of strange nighttime visitations.

One foggy London morning, the visual artist Steven Coates woke from a dream in which he was visited by the specter 1930’s dandy jazz vocalist Al Bowlly. Shortly thereafter, deep in the throes of eye-fluttering sleep, Coates was confronted by film star-turned-cult figure Tuesday Weld. Well-versed in Jung’s theory that dream apparitions represent an aspect of the unrealized self, our hero stopped painting and decided to form a band that makes electronically altered dance music steeped in the jazz traditions of Cole Porter and Django Reinhardt. And so, according to legend, began the Real Tuesday Weld.


Fittingly, TRTW’s newest album The Last Werewolf (released 7/12, Six Degrees Records), stands as a companion album – officially the Soundtrack -- to the new Glen Duncan novel of the same name. Because what is the werewolf if not the ultimate nightmarish representation of our deviant selves, the hideous Mr. Hyde to our law-abiding Dr. Jekyll? Of his newest album, Coates says, “I intended the album to work as...an independent piece in itself,” but quickly points out that “if you read the book it would take on other layers.” The collection plays like an old radio drama, replete with snippets of dialogue from the novel interspersed between songs, to help drive forward the narrative arc. From the Kraftwerk-inspired “Time of the Month,” to the insidiously catchy piece of steampunk Britpop “Tear Us Apart” the nineteen songs on this album weave together an unusual blend of sounds (from Tin Pan Alley to post-modern glitchy beats) and collaborators, including Piney Gir, on “Me and Mr. Wolf,” and Pinkie Maclure on “Save Me.” Try a sample bite with this MP3 of “Me and Mr Wolf.”

With numerous critically acclaimed art projects and albums to their name, TRTW are no strangers to draping their progressively nostalgic tunes over inventive concepts. In 2003, TRTW collaborated with Duncan on the soundtrack to his viciously funny novel, I, Lucifer. Meanwhile, with the the new novel having already been optioned for the big screen by Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien, American Gangster), and the band’s track “I Love the Rain” re-entering the charts due to a fortuitous placement in a recent Chevrolet ad campaign, it’s no stretch of the imagination to assume that TRTW will soon become a household name.

The Last Werewolf is now available at Amazon and iTunes.

The Shivers 'Two Solitudes'

The Shivers released their latest music video for the band’s song “Two Solitudes” directed by Joshua James Richards. The track was drawn from the band’s recently released album More.

The Shivers 'Two Solitudes' from new album 'More' from Keith Zarriello on Vimeo.

Uriah Heep Announce 'Live In Armenia' CD+DVD

UK hard rockers Uriah Heep is pleased to announce the release a new stunning official Live CD and DVD package recorded in Armenia - the 2CD+DVD pack will be available in stores from September 23 onwards, brought to you by Frontiers Records. Check out the trailer below.

Ra Ra Riot 'Boy'

Ra Ra Riot - Boy from Bandstand Busking on Vimeo.

The Kooks 'Junk of the Heart'

A reminder. The Kooks will release their eagerly anticipated new album, "Junk of the Heart", on September 13 via Astralwerks Records.

Lianne La Havas Prepares Debut Album

21-year-old London-based singing sensation Lianne La Havas impressed us with the obvious reasons, her distinctive melancholic voice. A Warner Brothers signing artist since 2009, she is currently working on her debut album with a group of writers and producers including Dan Carey, Dave Sitek and Matt Hales.

If you wish to catch her live in person, visit her website for her shows across UK and US. In the meantime, check her out on Black Cab Sessions.

Lianne La Havas from Black Cab Sessions on Vimeo.

Warpaint 'Bees'

Like it? Get your own copy of Warpaint's debut LP The Fool at Amazon now.

The Duke & The King New Album on August 16

Critically heralded soul-folk-glam ensemble The Duke & The King has confirmed the August 16 release of their self-titled new album on So Recordings. Formed in New York by acclaimed musician-writer Simone Felice, previously a key songwriter and founding member of celebrated country rock outfit The Felice Brothers, The Duke & The King are a potent vocal group created by Felice and Robert Bird Burke featuring Simi Stone and Nowell “The Deacon” Haskins.

Named after the traveling Shakespearean troupe in Mark Twain’s classic “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” The Duke & The King create a rollicking undeniably soulful sound in the vein of classic songwriters from James Taylor to Rolling Thunder Review, Fleetwood Mac and Sly & The Family Stone, while adding a distinctly personal touch with Felice’s affecting narratives. It is a quality which inspired the BBC to compare his songwriting to Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan.


The band’s upcoming release is a collection of songs culled from the group’s two previous English albums, not available in the U.S. Both records have received unanimously enthusiastic reviews from the British press.

Bird Call 'Waltz In The Snow'

Check out the super talented Bird Call's official video of her song Waltz In The Snow, taken from her 2010 EP The Animals Know.

She also released a newer EP titled Other Creatures, and you can read about it over here.

Veronica Falls Debut Album on September 20

The much anticipated debut album by Veronica Falls is coming your way on September 20 in the US via Slumberland, and October 17 for the rest of the world via Bella Union.

Macklemore x Ryan Lewis 'Wings'

Seattle MC Macklemore and his producer DJ Ryan Lewis have released the riveting and heartfelt video for Wings.

Feist Announce Metals

Canadian songstress Leslie Feist returns with her highly new anticipated album titled Metals due out on October 4 via Arts & Crafts - the follow-up gem to her 2007 major success The Reminder, the home to blasting singles including the reputable 1,2,3,4, I Feel It All and My Moon My Man.

Recorded between Toronto and Big Sur, Metals is co-produced by longtime collaborators Chilly Gonzales and Mocky, as well as newcomer Valgeir Sigurðsson (Bjork, Bonnie Prince Billy).

Like The Reminder, this album is astoundingly intimate, yet often exuberant; rife with transcendent and unforgettable pop gems.

Metals will be teased with 12 unique vignettes, each hinting at a different element of this stunningly beautiful, sublime record. Fans can follow their release at listentofeist.com.

The Summer Set - Everything's Fine

The Summer Set's sophomore album, Everything's Fine, is now available in stores. A special deluxe edition is available exclusively on iTunes featuring additional videos and photos.

Recorded in Los Angeles with super-producer John Fields (Jimmy Eat World, Jonas Brothers, Switchfoot, Andrew W.K.), Everything's Fine has already spawned the hit single "Someone Like You," with the music video debuting on MTV earlier this month.

The band created a trailer to Everything's Fine, set to the album's first track "About A Girl". The "About A Girl" trailer is the first look into our story of Everything's Fine, "said guitarist Josh Montgomery. "A beautifully shot video of the characters from our album spreading their love across New York City. There's nothing more incredible than taking real life situations and turning them into a song, and then bringing that song to back to life for the whole world to see." The treatment for the trailer was written by Montgomery, with cinematography by Pat Scola and directed by Bryan Schlam.

The Arizona based The Summer Set is Brian Dales (vocals), John Gomez (guitar), Stephen Gomez (bass), Josh Montgomery (guitar) and Jess Bowen (drums). The Summer Set has quickly become a phenomenon throughout the independent music scene, being named one of the 100 Artists To Watch by Alternative Press in 2010 with vocalist Dales featured on the cover, and what appeared to be a never-ending two years of successful tours with high profile artists including All Time Low, Never Shout Never, and Cartel, as well as being part of the AP Tour, Vans Warped Tour, Bamboozle and Hoodwink Festival.

The Fierce And The Dead

Hailing from London, The Fierce And The Dead have just released their debut album titled If It Carries On Like This We Are Moving To Morecambe. The follow-up to their critically acclaimed EP in 2010, the 10-tracker was released under their own label Spencer Park Music and features saxophonist Terry Edwards on two tracks.

There's the right amount of rhythm, characteristically formed beats, soulful riffs along with those thumping bass, it's magnificent tunes and it's going to be crazy.

Check out the band's music over here.

The Suzukis - Personal Patrol EP

English rock quarter The Suzukis is set to unveil their new single titled Personal Patrol, due out on August 8.

“There’s no privacy any more, gossip is news, people want to know everything about everyone and are more and more keen to let everyone know everything about themselves, while at the same time moaning about intrusion into their lives,” explains Suzukis frontman Chris Veasey on the Wigan-based quartet’s new single ‘Personal Patrol’. Culled from their debut self-titled album, released on Liverpool’s legendary Deltasonic label, ‘Personal Patrol’ is a moody, smouldering track with an almost psychedelic swagger that packs a bitter punch.

Tom Vek 'Aroused'

English multi-instrumentalist talent Tom Vek and his video featuring the song Aroused. Pretty good shit.

Aroused and the full album Leisure Seizure are currently available digitally, and will be seeing a physical release September 13.

Robots In Diguise - Happiness Vs Sadness

English electro punk outfit Robots In Disguise are Dee Plume (guitar and vox) and Sue Denim (bass and vox) backed live by Ann Droid (drums and vox). Part riot grrl princesses, part monsters of DIY musical mayhem, this maverick electro-indie-rock-dance duo have made their fourth poptastic album with a little help from their fans, whose ‘pledges’ paid for its production.

Happiness Vs Sadness showcases RiD’s continued growth as serious songwriters and their unrivalled ability to weave strong concepts into mouth-watering melodic hooks and irresistible dancey rhythms. After touring their last album in the UK, Europe and Japan and supporting Gary Numan, Cyndi Lauper and The Gossip, RiD set up writing in their newly acquired studio space at The Brainyard - a haven of creative talent in the heart of Kings Cross.

The album is now available at Cargo Records.

The Tedeschi Trucks Band - Revelator

Jacksonville's blues rock outfit The Tedeschi Trucks Band recently released their inaugural album titled Revelator. The 11-piece collective led by husband-wife tag team Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi was featured on Conan's performing their new song Learn How To Love.

The album, available in stores and online now, has been met with tremendous excitement from the media and TTB’s fan base alike. Praised as a “masterpiece” by Rolling Stone Magazine in a FOUR STAR REVIEW, USA Today called the album simply “Outstanding” and the first single, “Learn How to Love,” has been embraced at radio consistently being one of the top most added song at AAA from week to week.

Rubblebucket Release New RAC Remix Track, Silly Fathers

Rubblebucket is proud to present you RAC's remix of Silly Fathers, a track from their latest album Omega La La.

Recorded last year at Plantain/DFA Studios with Producer Eric Broucek (LCD Soundsystem, Cut Copy, Hercules and Love Affair) at the helm, Omega La La is the Brooklyn eight piece’s most adventurous record yet, with the band dipping into everything from the dancy indie-pop arrangements to Fela-Kuti inspired afro-beat stomps.

Download RAC's version of Silly Fathers now.

master-piece Tramp 12390 Rucksack

Here's one awesome item by master-piece - the Tramp 12390 rucksack features a large space for everything you need for a complete day experience combining authentic outdoor features with exceptional build-quality and several functional innovations.

Some of the main highlights include the Cordura fabric, leather and suede accents all over the rucksack, brass zips and clips, loads of compartments and velcro fastening flaps. An incredible choice for a Japan made.

Available now at oki-ni.

Hennessy Limited Edition Bottle by KAWS

The famous NYC graffiti artist KAWS was commissioned by Hennessy to design a limited edition bottle for the cognac.

Limited to 420,000 bottles worldwide all individually numbered, the design features many of KAWS signature styles. We have no idea how much this would cost and where to buy.

The Swellers - Good For Me

Have you laid hands on American punk rock band The Swellers' latest album Good For Me? The band's second release through label Fueled By Ramen,

On Good For Me, the band intentionally shied away from too much Flint focus, not wanting to repeat themselves too heavily, but made an exception for the stellar track 'Parkview,' which serves as a central linchpin for the album, lucidly detailing a bleak period for the brothers during the winter of 2010.

Mogwai Live at iTunes Festival Streaming Worldwide

Mogwai will be playing live at London's Roundhouse venue on Saturday, July 23 with support coming from Errors. The whole performance will stream live to all 23 countries with an iTunes Store, via iTunes on PC/Mac and on the iTunes Festival app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

The show starts at 8pm (GMT). Visit the iTunes Festival website for more information.

Iron & Wine on 4AD Session

Iron & Wine, the work of Austin-based Sam Beam, was recently featured on 4AD Session and delivered five acoustic eclectic performances. Pushed to the fore is Beam’s languorous vocals, showcasing the seemingly effortless ease with which he is able to imbibe his music with a nuanced poetry.

Filmed at Miloco Recording Studios in Bermondsey, the location proved truly fitting of the performance. Beam found himself surrounded by an array of vintage analogue equipment, a perfect compliment to the down-home wood-and twine classic songwriting that has continued to characterize the work of Iron & Wine over the course of four albums. Playing four songs from the new album, long time fans will also note the inclusion of the 'Upwards Over The Mountain', a track drawn from the band’s much-loved back catalogue.

Mekons Announce 26th Record, Ancient & Modern

Mekons announced their 26th record Ancient & Modern set to release on September 27 on the band’s own Sin Record Label.

On Ancient & Modern, Mekons bring you an “album” just like albums used to be; cardboard things filled with cheeky, chunky 78rpm shellac. Just take a look at the cover of Ancient & Modern and you’ll know what we’re talking about!


Mekons formed in Leeds, England 34 years ago in 1977 and this current classic line-up has remained intact since the mid-1980's. Throughout their history, they have worked collaboratively and collectively with everything credited to the band, never to individuals. Their mind-boggling output consistently blurs the lines between high art and low and has included exhibitions in the UK and US, a deranged musical recorded and staged with Kathy Acker, an art performance with Vito Acconci and several books including the unique art catalog/unfinished novel "Mekons United."

Download their single Space In Your Face.

Firehorse - and so they ran faster…

When Prince calls you a brilliant performer, you know it’s a high compliment. The Purple One was referring to Leah Siegel, the singer/songwriter/instrumentalist behind the Brooklyn group FIREHORSE, after witnessing her live. Prince was certainly onto something, as Siegel’s full array of musical talents are on display on the eclectic debut album from Firehorse, and so they ran faster… out September 27, 2011 on PledgeMusic Recordings.

Produced by Geoff Stanfield (Mark Kozelek, Sun Kil Moon, Moby) and with Steve Elliot on guitar, the inimitable Tim Luntzel (Rosanne Cash, Loudon Wainwright III, and more) on bass, and Brian Wolfe (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Diane Schuur, Joan Jett, and others) on drums, and so they ran faster... explores the sonic possibilities and personal expression of an artist reaching for the next horizon.


The gorgeously hypnotizing music of Firehorse references luminaries like Jeff Buckley, PJ Harvey, Fiona Apple and Florence and the Machine. However, Firehorse makes a world unto their own, complete with sonic flourishes, electronic beats and Siegel’s smoky vocals. Hypnotic and sexy grooves (“She’s A River”), haunting vocals that recall singers like Judy Garland and Doris Day (“My Left Eye”) and even bouncy pop rhythms (“Machete Gang Holiday”) all figure into the Firehorse repertoire. These seemingly disparate influences can be attributed to Siegel’s ability to design and assume different personas, sparked by a background in theater and singing in and co-writing commercials (Siegel wrote a song for a Topsy Foundation commercial, which won a Clio, Grand LIA and award at Cannes, in addition to being named an "ad worth spreading" by the nonprofit group TED - Technology, Entertainment, Design). This chameleon-like ability serves Firehorse well in creating a captivating listen.

Hercules and Love Affair 'Painted Eyes'

Hercules and Love Affair’s myth started with the worldwide club smash “Blind”. Their self-titled debut garnered considerable critical and commercial acclaim around the world.

Check out the brand new kaleidoscopic video for album track, “Painted Eyes,” directed by Untitled Associates.

ME & LP - Chez Raymond EP

ME & LP is Matthew Embree and Lisa Papineau, a collaborative project borne of freeform sessions between the pair of celebrated songwriters. Their 6-song EP Chez Raymond will be released digitally on August 9th via Sargent House. The EP is the result of wildly productive writing begun in 2010 which resulted in a collection of songs ranging in mood and style.

ME & LP came about when the two artists first met after volunteering to collaborate for a performance at a gallery opening for artist Sonny Kay. "It came from us basically shaking hands to say 'very nice to make your acquaintance', setting up a mic, and then jumping right in without another word," Papineau says. "A couple hours later, we pulled our heads up and kind of laughed." The duo had found a rare chemistry, and made plans to work on an EP later in Paris at Papineau's apartment following Embree's upcoming European tour. Having begun writing in Paris, the pair were then invited to Papineau's friend and collaborator Matthieu's studio on a farm in rural France to work amid lettuce, rye and pea patches. Though the EP ultimately was recorded and mixed in a number of locations, the heart of it came to be at the farm studio dubbed Chez Raymond, after Matthieu's uncle who used to live there. Matthieu also contributed a variety of keys: piano, Rhodes electric piano, organ and accordion.


Throughout, Chez Raymond is a dramatically beautiful and captivating meeting of two extremely talented and versatile songwriters that merges into a recording that is both ethereal and cozy. "Room tone is absolutely one of the dominant 'instruments' on this album," Papineau explains. "Or rather, various room tones. Matt's woody old apartment in Long Beach where he recorded 'Quatro' and finger taps. The guest bed at my friend's house where I recorded the vocal for 'Quatro', draping a mic over a mound of pillows. Too much natural reverb on anything we recorded at my house. A couple really good pops on the mic from bopping into it while we floppy danced around Chez Raymond. It all brings a very dusty ambience to the sound of the record."

Rene Lopez 'ELS'

Singer and multi-instrumentalist Rene Lopez is celebrating his duel identity as a native New Yorker and second generation Puerto Rican with his new album ELS due out on August 30 via Nat Geo Music and he’s just released the colorful video for the title track.

ANR 'Stay Kids'

Miami duo ANR released the new video of the title track of their upcoming album Stay Kids, due out on September 13 through 10K Islands.

ANR "Stay Kids" Music Video from Jorge Rubiera on Vimeo.

VAS VEGA 'The Living Dead'

When Toronto’s Jordan Holman and Mark LeRoy of VAS VEGA sent their four song demo off to the five producers in the world that they dreamed of working with, they never expected their dream to come true.

“Two months later we were in London, UK recording with Chris Potter (Rolling Stones, U2, The Verve),” says LeRoy. “We still don’t understand it. There we were on our first day, shaking with excitement as Chris gets a call from Kylie Minogue and we hear him say, ‘Sorry Kylie, I’m tracking VAS VEGA.’” At the time, the duo had yet to play a live show together.

It’s not that hard to understand once you get a pair of ears and eyes on the debut VAS VEGA song and video, “The Living Dead.” The track drips heavy with piano driven hypnotic riffs and a haunting chorus of soaring vocals. Shot in continual motion over seven nights in Los Angeles by director Jonathan Bensimon, “The Living Dead” video, beautifully depicts two youths with nothing to lose.


Now Holman and LeRoy will have a chance to prove that they are as deliriously charming on stage as they are on film and record. VAS VEGA will be playing several Canadian shows this month as well as a two-night stand in New York City, a great opportunity for the media to take the same kind of chance on VAS VEGA that their dream producer did.

Little Foot Long Foot - Oh, Hell

If three parts rock, two parts blues, and one part country were the ingredients for a band, Little Foot Long Foot would undoubtedly be the fruitful reaction of that musical recipe. The Toronto band released their new LP Oh, Hell on June 28 and it has been burning up the ears of critics and fans with an explosive 10-track rock gospel, showered with a frenzy of chromatic riffs, authoritative drums, and sultry vocals, wails, and howls.

Check out the new video of their song Sell Out While You Can.

Grace Jones - Hurricane

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress, Grace Jones is preparing to release Hurricane, a new album of original material, in the U.S. on September 6 via [PIAS] America. Produced by Jones and Ivor Guest, Hurricane has received widespread praise in the U.K. and Europe where it was released in 2009. The tracks “Williams’ Blood” and “Corporate Cannibal” have emerged as hits as has the video for “Corporate Cannibal” directed by Nick Hooker. The release will also include a brand new bonus disc dub version of the entire album.

The Gift - Explode

Portugal’s biggest and best DIY band The Gift have been setting their sights on the US for 2011, and are conquering North America the same way that they became stars in Europe: hard work, dedication, amazing shows and great tunes. Last month they brought their renowned live show to NYC for a packed show at Bowery Ballroom, their first US show in many years. Less than a month later, they have locked in a US release date for their latest album Explode on September 27th via their own imprint La Folie and have signed onto renowned booking agency Billions, so expect for them to come back for a full tour around the release.


The psychedelic synth-pop band are childhood friends and formed the band in 1994. Seventeen years on the band is still growing and evolving, with each member agreeing that it has been the most consant thing in each of their lives. Singer Sonia Tavares explains that “The Gift is above all fights, all cries, all joy. It is above everything.” She goes on, “For us, it is the foundation of everything. When events are going wrong -- when events are going very wrong -- the extreme basis of everything is our friendship. We are four heads, you know, and the head of Nuno, our composer, can be complicated, because he knows exactly what he wants. But we all have a main purpose, and it is The Gift.”

Saidah Baba Talibah - (S)Cream

Toronto’s rock soul songstress Saidah Baba Talibah has been hard at work building up her arsenal - recording a new album, shooting a hot new video and intensifying her notoriously lascivious and larger-than-life live show – and is ready to unleash it all on Canada, America and the world this summer!

After a year that included recording, touring North America with Johnny Reid and playing international music conferences such as MIDEM and Music Matters Singapore, Saidah’s debut album (S)Cream is releasing August 2, distributed through Last Gang Labels/Universal. Directed by brother-sister duo Maya and Shevan Bastian, the video for lead single “(S)Cream” debuted today in Canada on AUX TV and in the USA via Giant Step. Edgy and dripping with sensuality, Saidah produced it independently with a group of her friends. With an intricately painted Saidah singing against an otherworldly backdrop and co-starring with a fierce-looking snake, this video – like her music – is nothing ordinary.


If you’re in Toronto on July 29, you won’t want to miss Saidah’s return to the mainstage, as she competes for $10,000 in this summer’s hottest music competition, Harbourfront SoundClash. A panel of music critics, bloggers, artists and industry reps created a short list for the competition and the winner will be determined by a combination of jury selections and public support, so put your vote in for Saidah today: www.harbourfrontcentre.com/soundclash/.

Often described as a sound similar to Living Color-meets-Erykah Badu, Saidah’s new album is satisfying and soulful; raw and raunchy; inspiring; tantalizing and scandalous. (S)Cream will take you on a trip, get you high, bring you to your knees and take you to that place called grace, all in one glorious, sweaty hour.

Sebastian Bach - Kicking & Screaming

Sebastian Bach's new solo album, KICKING & SCREAMING! The first single from the album will be the title track, "Kicking & Screaming"; look for it to impact in mid-August.

KICKING & SCREAMING will be released on September 27 via Frontiers Records in North America and September 23 in Europe and is produced by Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Shinedown, Atreyu, Filter). The album will be available in three separate configurations: jewel box CD, deluxe digipak with bonus track and bonus DVD and double LP gatefold vinyl. The recording features young virtuosic guitarist Nick Sterling and drum pro Bobby Jarzombek (Halford, Riot, Iced Earth), as well a guest appearance by noted guitarist John 5 (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie) on "TunnelVision".


Sebastian Bach has sold in excess of 20 million records worldwide as lead singer with his former band, Skid Row and as a solo artist. Far from just being a multi-platinum recording artist, the singer/songwriter/actor/entertainer has expanded his career over the past decade to include episodic television with a 5-season recurring role on the CW's hit series "Gilmore Girls", starring roles on Broadway ("Jekyll & Hyde", "The Rocky Horror Picture Show") and national touring companies ("Jesus Chris Superstar"), and has appeared regularly on MTV and VH1.

Eminem 'Space Bound'

The Horrors 'Still Life'

Southend band The Horrors with their latest video featuring the song Still Life taken from their recently-released third album titled Skying via XL Recordings.

Mr Lewis and the Funeral 5 - Delirium Tremendous

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Chicken Ranch Records signing artist Mr Lewis and the Funeral 5 unveils the second album titled Delirium Tremendous, set to hit stores on July 26.

Greg Lewis and his childhood mate James Sheeran, combined a love of punk rock, Brit-pop, jazz and country in 2002 to form the band that bears his name and now counts a half dozen conspirators among its numbers.

Somewhere six feet under, Mr. Lewis and The Funeral 5 tends to a concoction consisting of the crushed soul of Alice Cooper, the wave-riding guitars of The Ventures, the literally animated metal of Dethklok and the dark burlesque of The Dresden Dolls.


Releasing the perfectly titled Murder and The Art of The Dance in 2007, Mr. Lewis and The Funeral 5 became a fixture on Austin's Red River music scene soon after. Inspired by New Orleans jazz funerals, Lewis arranges jubilant melodies with discordant no-wave dirges about love, sex, death, and whiskey.

Here's one track for you to dip in, Alcohol, cover for The Kinks.

Jeremy Scott x adidas Originals JS Bones

Adidas Originals presented one fine masterpiece designed by Jeremy Scott for Fall/Winter 2011. Inspired by the Flintstones, the JS Bones is rich in props that makes it more interesting that the rest. Available soon.

Dan Mangan - Oh Fortune

In a few short years, Dan Mangan has gone from globetrotting folk crooner to one of independent music's most promising storytellers. No longer armed with just an acoustic guitar slung across his back, Dan returns in 2011 on the back of critically acclaimed sophomore album Nice, Nice Very Nice, which earned him a Polaris Music Prize shortlist, a spot at Glastonbury and shows with The Walkmen, Decemberists and Okkervil River, to name but a few.

Here now, is his dense, ambitious third offering, Oh Fortune, Dan's proper Arts & Crafts debut, slated for release September 27. On it, rich, textured folk explores the genre's boundaries, demonstrating Dan's impressive growth in writing and arranging.


Produced by Colin Stewart (Black Mountain, Cave Singers) and now flanked with a stellar supporting cast, the new album is bigger and more challenging, though still infused with the signature wit and wisdom that have made Dan such a fan favourite wherever he goes. To be sure, this release marks the arrival of a new voice, with world class charm and a universal appeal. Oh fortune, indeed.

They Might Be Giants - Join Us

They Might Be Giants are all equipped to unveil their new album Join Us set to hit stores on July 19 via Idlewild/Rounder Records.

Impossibly catchy, sometimes strange and always original the album is a stunning return to form. On Join Us we find the Brooklyn originals have returned to rock and to their singular sensibility that made them an instant phenomenon in the world of alternative rock. Join Us is an electrifying mix of clever, maddeningly catchy songwriting and studio mastery. The album was created in the brand new private studio of their long-time collaborator Patrick Dillett.

They Might Be Giants covers Chumbawamba

Kids These Days - Hard Times EP

The Chicago-bred 8-piece band Kids These Days hail from every corner of the music spectrum and varying neighborhoods of Chi-town - their collective sound creates a hybrid genre influenced by equal parts jazz, funk, blues, soul and hip-hop. With three horns, a rapper, a blues-rock trio, and a charismatic vocalist packing grace and gusto way beyond her years, the Kids simultaneously represent a golden era in music and an exciting prospect of the future.

Their EP, HARD TIMES, has drawn in fans from as far as Europe, but their most undeniable strength lies in the contagious energy at their live shows.

Kids These Days poured their creative and musical juices into the same Kool-Aid pitcher at the ripe young age of 15, when they met through a magnet school in their hometown. They have shared the stage with noted hip-hop artists Rhymefest, the Cool Kids, Mic Terror, and Dom Kennedy, and proved they knew how to bring a mainstream, relatable appeal to every kind of audience.

After gaining almost instant local acclaim, Kids These Days began to compose their own music, spawned from the mistakes made during rehearsals and late night freestyle riffs. Since then, word of their music has gone global. Authenticity builds on itself, and Kids These Days can claim a degree of it that has become a rarity in today's over-produced musical atmosphere. Their youth supplies them with an unabashed, raw approach towards performing and creating that is fueled by an appreciation of music in its truest form. They crowd surf. They freestyle. They dance. They're Kids. But their sound will blow you away.

Megafaun Unveils New Single, New Album

American folk group Megafaun is set to release their new self-titled album due out on September 20 on Hometapes.

The band recently unveiled the first single, These Words is one of the most ambitious recordings Megafaun has ever undertaken, indicative of the bold course charted on their forthcoming album. Process, songcraft, and emotion collided when Megafaun's Joe Westerlund looped together field recordings from his travels in Bali and rural North Carolina: a round-robin of gamelan, ambient sounds, frogs, and cicadas underpin a hauntingly indelible piano melody and a hypnotic beat.

Megafaun's new album was recorded at April Base in Fall Creek, WI, the studio of former bandmate Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.

Gym Class Heroes 'Stereo Hearts' feat Adam Levine

Cobra Starship 'You Make Me Feel...' feat Sabi

Cobra Starship's latest music video featuring their new single You Make Me Feel... starring Sabi from their upcoming album Night Shades, courtesy of Fueled By Ramen.

Friends 'Friend Crush'

Friends' debut single “Friend Crush” was recently released on limited edition 7” vinyl and instantly sold out on pre-orders alone. Spilling over the edge with the party-starting enthusiasm of ESG and Tom Tom Club, Friends perform a self-described concoction of ‘weird pop’ and ‘tropicool.’ “Friend Crush” is the perfect introduction to the band, a visually ethereal psychedelic gem of a video to get your summer weekend started right.

Having completed a successful US tour with Darwin Deez they have their sights set abroad and are planning a series of UK dates later in the year. And keep an eye out for more news on their coming single “I’m His Girl” this Fall.

Friends - "Friend Crush" from stereogum on Vimeo.

OSLO - High Mountain Sessions Vol 1

American rock band OSLO announced the release of their newest discography titled High Mountain Sessions Vol 1 on June 28.

Since the early days, OSLO’s core members, Mattia Borrani (bass) and Kerry Wayne James (vocals), have made it a healthy habit to create dark and brooding music that belies the duo’s California roots. And their new release, High Mountain Sessions Vol. 1 is no exception. Imagine rich, textured compositions replete with melodic charm and devastating lyrics, by turns narcotically-numbed and danceable, all woven together with top notch production. It’s a unique sound with the contemporary kick in the gut of band like Arctic Monkeys, Muse, and Placebo, while recalling darker UK post-punk bands including the Cure, Comsat Angels, and the Sound.

High Mountain Sessions Vol. 1 which will soon be followed by a fall release of the companion High Mountain Sessions Vol. 2.

The mean time, download this free remix track of their song Superstar.

Kanye West & Jay-Z - Watch The Throne

Two of hip hop's biggest names Jay-Z and Kanye West collaborated for an upcoming album titled Watch The Throne, scheduled to release on August 2 via Def Jam Recordings.

The collaboration was announced last August, and the duo recently previewed the album at a listening party to a group of selected guests in New York.

Featuring guest appearances by Bruno Mars and Beyonce, the 10-track album was produced by both Jay-Z and Kanye, along with Swizz Beatz and No I.D.

Watch The Throne is available for pre-order now.

Converse Japan Chuck Taylor July 2011 Release

For July, Converse Japan unveiled a new batch of designs on their classic Chuck Taylor silhouette. So unfortunate, this month's introduction wasn't that impressive like the previous releases we seen.

Is Converse getting weaker? We'll have to wait and see.