Biggie at 17.
Posted by Seth on Mar 9, 2010
speaking of hip-hop, this was on Gawker.tv today.


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theLIST (v2.8) - Chaka was my homeboy
Posted by Seth on Mar 9, 2010

 

Artists Included:
Foreign Born, Cool Kids x Hey Champ, Chiddy Bang, Moreno, Maus Haus, Mr. Topaloff, Virgin of the Birds, The Avalanches, Hawa, Kandid McFly, David Bowie

Hey now. There's almost too much hip-hop on this List. This may be a good or bad thing, but it is. The reason is pretty simple. I put a pool of a couple thousand 'new' songs in a playlist and go through rating as fast as I can throughout my work day. Anything that gets my attention off of EQAL (good luck with that) goes into the 'newcool 2.x' playlist on my iTunes. And, It just so happens that my iTunes likes to breakdance lately. Well, and listen to a lot of almost sad indie with big, heavy hearts.

Every week or so I whittle that list down and try to make the songs fit together in basic mix tape fashion. And then I write about it or it's just a list of new songs. I probably spent hours putting theLIST v2.8 together and about 5 minutes writing this up. I bet these posts could be a lot better if I just put some more time into it. I bet you could say that about a lot of things.

Listening to it again right now, there's some gems in here. The Hawa cover of D.A.N.C.E. is a must listen. The Avalanches can produce like it's 1986. The Chiddy Bang cover of Kids almost makes me want to listen to MGMT again. The Moreno song makes me feel good even though I don't understand a single word. And the Cook Kids x Hey Champ track is just up enough without being lame and anthemic. And the Kandid McFly track is nothing to fuck with, for the most part. Encore is for skiers. And Artie. Feel better.

Save travels to the SXSW and SXSWi people.

Set I
Foreign Born - Vacationing People
Cool Kids x Hey Champ - (We Are) Champions
Chiddy Bang - Kids (remix)
Moreno - Pica
Maus Haus - Rigid Breakfast
Mr. Topaloff - Royal Deluxe
Virgin of the Birds - Every Revelry
The Avalanches - Run DNA
Hawa - D.A.N.C.E.
Kandid McFly - Strage Fright

Encore: David Bowie - Station to Station (8.5.90)


[PS- Now that you've heard them, support these artists! BUY their music, pre-order their EP's, see them live (and talk about it here). These songs are for promotional purposes only. A wise man receives an mp3 on a blog, likes it-and buys many more.]

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Live Selects 1.0 - Because We Were There
Posted by Seth on Mar 3, 2010



I've been meaning to post a bunch of live stuff from my archive for some time now. It's hard to convey what this group of tracks means to me because we're talking about 14 songs, from 14 different artists, from 14 shows. I did what I could to make transitions fit. And I guess looking at it now, these bands do fit together. KOL lived on the road with The Strokes for years. Same with Arctic Monkeys for a time. Silversun Pickups makes records that extend the brilliance Billy Corgan introduced us to 17 years ago (and along the way evolved to something else completely). Ima Robot was as good as Radiohead. I believe in Edward Sharpe himself, because I lived for Ima Robot and still do. This FPT from Glastonbury is the dream of legends. Johnny lays into 80,000 people like it's nobody's business, completely emerged, lock-step…and it is nobody's business. And the Jeff Tweedy track reminds me of being on tour and listening to the Dead. Go figure. Set I is up. Set II isn't. I tried to pick bands that are a little more accessible than a lot of the indie stuff I've been digging on lately. I'm hoping you find something from your favorite band that you've never heard before. Share with the world if you did.

"…we could cross the bridge,
we could pay some tolls,
I wanna go, but I don't want,
to go,
alone." -Ed

Set I
Intro - Live From MSG
Arctic Monkeys - From the Ritz to the Rubble (4.16.07)
The Strokes - Automatic Stop (5.12.03)
Kings of Leon - Crawl (2.25.09)
Ima Robot - Apples (2001)
Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees (2003)
Pearl Jam - Untitled (9.2.00)

Set II
Arcade Fire - No Cars Go (2004)
Jeff Tweedy - Remember The Mountain Bed (11.9.05)
the xx - Crystalized (4.28.09)
Silversun Pickups - Common Reactor (3.15.06)
Against Me! - Reinventing Axl Rose (2001)
Smashing Pumpkins - Rocket (2.12.93)

Encore
Grateful Dead - Brokedown Palace (10.29.73)
(right-click to download or click play and sit back)

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Releases That Matter - March
Posted by Seth on Mar 1, 2010
new music this month, take a look. If I missed a release date here that matters, let me know and I'll add it to the list!

3.2.10 Citizen Cope/the rainwater LP (MRI) I PRE-ORDER
3.2.10 Peter Gabriel/scratch my back (PGL) I PRE-ORDER
3.2.10 Groove Armada/black light (OM) I PRE-ORDER
3.2.10 Owen Pallett/heartland (Domino) I PRE-ORDER
3.2.10 Rogue Wave/permalight (Brushfire) I PRE-ORDER
3.2.10 These New Puritans/hidden (Domino) I PRE-ORDER
3.9.10 Alberta Cross/broken side of time (ATO) I PRE-ORDER
3.9.10 ALOHA/home acres (Polyvinyl) I PRE-ORDER
3.9.10 Beanie Sigel & Freeway/roc boys (Siccness) I PRE-ORDER
3.9.10 Frightened Rabbit/the winter of mixed drinks (Fat Cat) I PRE-ORDER
3.9.10 jj/no 3 (Secretly Canadian) I PRE-ORDER
3.9.10 The Morning Benders/big echo (Rough Trade) I PRE-ORDER
3.9.10 Pavement/quarantine the past (Matador) I PRE-ORDER
3.9.10 Serj Tankian/elect the dead symphony (Reprise) I PRE-ORDER
3.9.10 White Hinterland/kairos (Dead Oceans) I PRE-ORDER
3.16.10 The Disco Biscuits/planet anthem (Diamond Riggs) I PRE-ORDER
3.16.10 The White Stripes/under great white northern lights (WBR) I PRE-ORDER
3.23.10 Let's Wrestle/in the court of the wrestling (Merge) I PRE-ORDER

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BREAKING: Foster The People
Posted by Seth on Feb 24, 2010
OMFG. You have to hear this song. RIGHT NOW. It is E-P-I-C.

the group...FOSTER THE PEOPLE
the track...PUMPED UP KICKS

I'm coming strong here and predicting this to be the monster, mega-epic, love making hit of the summer. And like a true nerd, I uploaded a picture of my favorite kicks sitting in the closet. Big nod to Absoultely Horrorshow for the call here, such a good find.

There's a show TONIGHT at the Viper Room, I might just have to go out on a school night. 

These kids are about to go on a flipping magic carpet ride.
Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks
(right-click to download)

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theLIST (v2.7) - and now we're waiting...
Posted by Seth on Feb 22, 2010

Artists Included:
Fanfarlo, Two Door Cinema Club, Dan Black, The Features, Aloha, Toro Y Moi, Sarah Jaffe, The Big Pink, Deer Tick, The Houston Brothers, Phish

Hey world. Overwhelmed and all, here's another edition of theLIST. I think there's a certain feeling of 'maintain and survive' throughout this one…just processing things and plain dealing. Nothing like posting at 4:30 in the afternoon for anti-stragegy. Anyone even listening? And where are you listening right now for that matter?

I saw Fanfarlo Saturday night at the El Rey. It's a mixed bag of emotions for me and Fanfarlo right now. Let me be incredibly selfish: The days of being one of a few thousand in the world who are in on such a great thing are numbered. And it's taking away from the closeness I feel to the band. I know, this always happens. (re: fuck off). But inevitably Fanfarlo is going to break and all kinds of uncool will flood the scene. But of course, that's exactly what I want for them & more. Just a couple of months ago they packed The Echo, I was lucky just to get in. And coming back a short time later to a crowd that was 2x as big, in a much bigger venue was a major step up. They sounded great fresh off the Letterman appearance earlier in the week, and it seemed like they were filming something for an NBC/Universal show of some kind. And in all honesty, it really was a good crowd, say what you want about LA crowds. But like I said, it's inevitable that this band will reach great heights and the growing buzz is starting to make me feel like one of many. And I don't like being one of many. I can't help but think Fanfarlo will reach people in ways their predecessors haven't yet. I heart them. And as my friend Jessica said, 'they can end a song better than anyone out there'….and she's right. She really is.

Two Door Cinema Club says people liken them to Death Cab For Cutie and Broken Social Scene. I loath Death Cab and almost moved on, BSS is cool, but still. I do not see it, thankfully. Ireland gets it. And starting April 20th, 2010 we will as well as Two Door hits US soil in support of Phoenix.

Dan Black is getting love for this track with Kid Cudi, as he should. I've been bullish on all things Cudi since AM died. I don't mind saying it, at least something came out of it because immediately the spotlight turned to Kid Cudi. Anyway, listen to this song and tell me if Dan Black doesn't fit their vibe well (and I'll tell you that you're wrong). And then go buy Un and support this (other) kid.

I'd be lying if I didn't remember Caleb yapping non-stop about The Features back in the day. I fell hard and we licensed them in LG15 (I'm 99% sure it was 'Wooden Heart') . Thanks to Devil Has The Best Tuna, I remember now how good they are. Aloha is new to me. They remind me of Tokyo Police Club (btw, hurry up guys)…something about the keys so heavy in the mix, almost like a rhythm guitar. Couple strong melody, not over the top, and sincere vocals and we're on our way.

The Toro Y Moi is a good transition track, trippy stuff. Sarah Jaffe needs to get herself out on the road with Fanfarlo or The Arcade Fire. Just saying because she'd rip it up (that's a good thing). She has heart and she'd probably be put off for me saying this, but she's kind of cute. This song is from her upcoming Suburban Nature (drops in May from Kirtland Records. Kind regards to the publishing folk out there pushing this around, it seems well-worth it.

I might have listened to Velvet from The Big Pink 15 times before writing this. I'm not sure there's a better compliment. They are new. They are good. And people listen over, and over again. If you're going to Coachella, go see this band. They are on the road with A Place To Bury Strangers through April. I have a feeling Velvet is in a big commercial or was featured on a show I don't watch because this song is EVERYWHERE right now. Here's to being late to the party.

Deer Tick has a new record out in May (hopefully) called The Black Dirt Sessions. Until then, marinate on this because as much as they run from it, Deer Tick is edgy and accessible. This tension permeates every song if you look at it right. And their website is straight out of Geocities times. Very nice.

The Houston Brothers make me feel okay about feeling ok. Brand new stuff, every music supervisor in town is running while the rates are low…I'm thinking Confederate Dunce is going to make the rounds. Good luck dudes.

Yes, the encore is the real thing. Unreleased Strange Design demo from the Billy Breathes sessions at Bearsville (before that other Barn was built/RIP Albert Grossman). Don't say I never shared anything special with you.

Set I
Fanfarlo - Drowning Men (Tudor Court Version)
Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work
Dan Black - Symphonies (feat. Kid Cudi)
The Features - The Idea Of Growing Old
Aloha - Moonless March
Toro Y Moi - Thanks Vision
Sarah Jaffe - Clementine
The Big Pink - Velvet
Deer Tick - Easy
The Houston Brothers - Confederate Dunce

Encore
Phish - Strange Design (demo)

[Reminder: Support these artists, BUY their music, pre-order their EP's, see them live (and talk about it here). These songs are for promotional purposes only. A wise man receives an mp3 on a blog, likes it-and buys the album.]

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'Love Train' Line Dance On Soul Train
Posted by Seth on Feb 15, 2010
My friend Alex pointed this out, and I've watched it 3 times now in a row. Forget being able to dance like this, I just want to hang out for a night in 1973.



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The Strokes: glimpse into what's taking so long
Posted by Seth on Feb 15, 2010


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theLIST (v2.6) - VIBRATIONS [six for gold]
Posted by Seth on Feb 12, 2010

Artists Featured:
The Welcome Wagon, Bisco Smith, Freeway, The Vermicious K'nids, Par Avion, Star Guitar, Baby Monster, Lali Puna, Brent Nettles, Southerly, MC Chris, Rogue Wave

tell me what you know about dreamin, dreamin...

'It's been a long long time. How you doin? How I'm doin. I guess I'm doin' fine.' I am new to The Welcome Wagon, and all of these songs as you hear them really, but gospel isn't my thing unless Edward Sharpe counts. But this isn't really gospel. Bisco Smith is real deal hip-hop, he's next. The beat always comes first and there's enough good production on here to shake the electronic landscape. seriously.  I like Freeway's style, way to go Cash Money (baddest motherf**kers around)/Rhymesayers. This is brand-new, you must check out the rest of this mixtape. I'm digging on how these two fit together. Long live Freeway. The Vermicious K'nids are something new from Nashville, first record arrived at the end of last year, BIG ups to IRC for the discovery. More experimental than most of what comes from Music City and a good transition song for midway through the set. Next up, something so fresh and so clean, clean that RCRDLBL is working. Behold Reykjavik's (sup, Tait) FM Belfast. What is this, velvet? It's beautiful!.

Leading off the second set is a badass Star Guitar remix. This is my weekly nod to aussie-homies, Trashbags Kids (you. must. listen.). Kids have rediculous taste. Star Guitar just released Humdrum, buy it here and support the cause. Baby Monster is an electro-duo from far away but will be doing awesome things at SXSW next month. If you are going to Austin, GO! Lali Puna has been around the block but they have a new album coming out in a couple of months. Reacquaint and get ready for a tour that will follow synchs in probably 2 commercials, 12 tv shows, and 3 films. you heard them here (again) first. Brent Nettles writes songs that get to the point, tell a story, and end. Notes aren't wasted. Tears and pain are shed. And you're on to the next before you know it. Set closer is my favorite rapper in the business, the funniest, most creative, nerd I don't know, MC Chris. MC Chris has a new album that drops next week, Knowing's Half the Hassle and goddammit, buy it.

Last nod to my friend Rogue Wave for dealing with a retard storm before anyone has heard much of the new music. I'm doing what I can because the only things I can't stand right now more than senseless backlash are unoriginality and misinformation. Ok, back to work. I have no life.

Set I
Thom & Johnny - Intro
The Welcome Wagon - But For You Who Fear My Name
Bisco Smith - Broadcast Live (TV On The Radio Remix)
Freeway - Freezer's Back
The Vermicious K'nids - Snakebite Pt. 2
FM Belfast - Par Avion
Set II
Star Guitar - SALM - 5AM v3b (Star Guitar Remix)
Baby Monster - She Comes Alive
Lali Puna - Faking The Books
Brett Nettles - Leave The Ground Dry
MC Chris - Boys Don't Cry
Encore
Rogue Wave - Everyday (cvr)
(right-click to download for a ltd. time)

[Reminder: Support these artists, BUY their music, pre-order their EP's, see them live (and talk about it here). These songs are for promotional purposes only. A wise man receives an mp3 on a blog, likes it-and buys the album.]

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theLIST (v2.5) - here goes everything
Posted by Seth on Feb 5, 2010


Artists Included:
Prizzy Prizzy Please, Rogue Wave, Citay, Broken Bells, Oh No Ono, Corinne Bailey Rae, Let's Wrestle, The Heligoats, Ninca Leece, Niko Villamor, Air, Caribou, Priors, Breakbot, MillionYoung

There's a lot to listen to here & today is a big one at work so I'll be brief. Welcome aboard, gets your ears and hard drives on theLIST (v2.5).

I know next to nothing about Prizzy Prizzy Please other than a) they have a cool name and b) they have their own sound. You ask, what else is needed and I reply, "I don't know." The new Rogue Wave is a full on dance record and it's pissing a ton of 'fans' off. When a super-hyped indie band changes directions like this and alienates the cynical hardcore devoted who never ever want things to evolve, I start paying attention. Vocals may feel like a postal service track triple dubbed and put in a blender but this shit works as far as I'm concerned so bite me.

Citay's brand new record Dream Get Together (Dead Oceans) is a phenomenal effort. Community music done good if you ask me. Get in early with this one you won't be disappointed. Broken Bells are on here with The High Road, a brand new single that just dropped last week. Columbia is just starting to get the word out about their debut release on March 9th, hence the leak we're checking out now. Simple production, tight arrangements, nothing to fear. Good luck guys.

Oh No Ono is a Friendly Fire act that I didn't really get into until my buddy saw them in New York recently and wouldn't shut up about it. I listened, he's right. I trolled YouTube for a minute, I would check them out live, there's a connection on stage that is far from common. And "Eggs" is one of the better albums I've heard start to finish in a couple months. I predict good things. Invest wisely.

My heart still feels weak for Corinne Bailey Rae and I don't want to trivialize what she's going through by talking about it. Just listen and try not to cry.

Let's Wrestle is being hip-pocketed by a few music supervisors and agencies, expect some kind of artist development here. I'm down for the cause, this is good stuff that paints a picture, tells a story. And that's important to me. For some reason this track from The Heligoats reminds of Ms. Potter's Lullaby, so it stays. Nothing new here, found this out there randomly. Against Me! is epic, be a part of something real. And that's Set I.

Set II is influenced goodness and bangers. I cut up a couple things, there's a new Air remix that is too cool for school. Caribou is a long time friend, such a good sound. Priors feels straight out of 1983, not like I remember. You get the idea.

Please love. & share this link.

Set I (The Stir)
Intro - We Laugh At Danger And Break All The Rules
Prizzy Prizzy Please - Large Hadron Collider
Rogue Wave - Good Morning
Citay - Careful With That Hat
Broken Bells - The High Road
Oh No Ono - Internet Warrior
Corinne Bailey Rae - Are You Here
Let's Wrestle - We Are The Men You'll Grow To Love Soon
The Heligoats - Fish Sticks
Against Me! - We Laugh At Danger And Break All The Rules (live)

Set II (The Shake)
Ninca Leece - Funny Symphony
Niko Villamor - Million $ Pogo (remix)
Air So Light Is Her Footfall (Breakbot Remix)
Caribou - Odessa
Priors - What You Need (Hey Champ Remix)
Breakbot - Baby I'm Yours feat. Irfane
MillionYoung - Mien

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