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Blur’s Damon Albarn Invites Noel Gallagher To Collaborate, Publicly Ends Feud

Blur’s Damon Albarn Making A New Solo Album, Releases English Opera “Dr. Dee” [Album Sampler]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:53:24 +0000

Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz (although that might be ending sooon) has been busy gearing up for the “too corporate” London Summer Olympics, working with Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea on Rocket Juice and the Moon, releasing his “strange pastoral folk” English opera Dr Dee on Tuesday (May 8), and inviting former Oasis songwriter and arch-nemesis Noel Gallagher to write music with him.

But that hasn’t stopped the extremely busy musician from working on a new solo album.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4′s Front Row, Albarn told the British radio program that he’s in the midst of a solo album “under his own name.”

“This week we’re mucking around with these Russian synthesizers in a very loose mind of doing some kind of record under my name,” said Albarn when asked what he’s working on. “I suppose you could call it a solo record, but I don’t like that word. It sounds very lonely – solo. I don’t really want to be solo in my life. But yeah, I’m making another record.”

And broaching the topic of the Olympics, which Albarn previously dubbed as “too corporate,” Albarn said Blur was playing the show for London.

“The corporate side I find a bit depressing,” explained Albarn. “There’s too much of it [sponsorship]. A lot of people see it differently. We’re putting on another celebration for the official closure of the Olympic Games…But we’re putting it on for London and people who hopefully want to sing their hearts out in a park.”

“I’m signed up to the idea of regeneration in London and putting on a good account of ourselves; definitely.”

Albarn’s English opera Dr Dee, which was recorded with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and inspired by John Dee-a mathematician and adviser to Queen Elizabeth the first–was released on Tuesday, May 8th and is available on iTunes and Amazon.

The Supergroup That Almost Was: David Bowie, Ray Davies & Damon Albarn

–Nadia Noir, CBS Radio Los Angeles

Preview Silversun Pickups’ Neck Of The Woods [Full Album Stream]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:43:40 +0000

Today marks the release of Silversun Pickups‘ third full length studio album. Neck Of The Woods marks the band’s first album since 2009 and see’s the group evolving upon an already heavy sound. Often compared to groups like The Smashing Pumpkins and My Bloody Valentine, Silversun Pickups add on to their distorted sound by adding thick synthesizer layers effectively fusing both new and old sounds that made the group a hit in the first place.

The album is available for a full length stream and is sure to be on year end lists as one of the top albums. Coming in at 59 minutes, this is the longest album that the group has produced to date with a total of 11 tracks. Neck Of The Woods was produced by Jacknife Lee (Snow Patrol/U2) and was released via Dangerbird Records.

Regina Spektor Album Preview, “What We Saw From The Cheap Seats” [First Listen]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:18:34 +0000

It’s hard to believe, but at age 32 Regina Spektor is set to release her sixth studio album and first since 2009. Known for her smooth blending of indie rock and piano ballads, the newly released singles from Spektor’s upcoming album What We Saw From The Cheap Seats see Spektor taking her sound to new places.

The tracks “All The Rowboats” and “Don’t Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)” have an upbeat hip hop rhythm not normally associated with Spektor. Nonetheless her voice and piano skills seamlessly flow together beautifully with the rhythm showcasing her progression as a musician. On “Small Town Moon”, Spektor slows down the tempo by returning to her quintessential indie sound.

From the singles that have been released thus far, Spektor’s album is sure to appeal to both new and old fans alike. Her evolution as an artist is apparent and is something that leaves many looking forward to the release of the new disc. What We Saw From The Cheap Seats is available on May 29th via Sire Records.

Listen To The Full ‘Marley’ Soundrack [Full Album Stream]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:40:25 +0000

Want a quick preview of what is to come this Friday, 4/20 at the premier of the film Marley? Now through midnight on Wednesday, April 18th you can stream the official soundtrack!

Marley documents the story of reggae legend Bob Marley chronicling his life through live performances, intimate interviews, and other rare documented footage. The soundtrack is now available for purchase as a 2-CD set and a special 3-LP vinyl set. Several tracks from the album include “Trenchtown Rock” (Live at the Roxy Theatre), “Jammin” (Live at the One Peace Concert), “No Woman, No Cry” (Live at the Lyceum Show), and many other tracks from Bob Marley’s classic studio recordings.

To celebrate the release of the film and Bob Marley’s legacy, fans across the globe will gather on April 20th in an attempt to set the record for the world’s largest sing-along. Set to the tune of “One Love” fans at Coachella (taking place during the Black Keys set), Central Park, and London’s Hyde Park will attempt to set the record while celebrating the legacy of Bob Marley.

MARLEY Tracklisting
CD 1
1. Corner Stone
2. Judge Not
3. Simmer Down
4. Small Axe
5. Mellow Mood
6. Stir It Up
7. Concrete Jungle
8. Crazy Baldheads
9. Natty Dread
10. Trenchtown Rock (Live at the Roxy Theatre)
11. Get Up Stand Up
12. Work

CD 2
1. Jammin (Live at One Love Peace Concert)
2. Exodus Dub (Kindred Spirit Dub mix)
3. No Woman, No Cry (Live at the Lyceum Show)
4. War – Live! At the Rainbow
5. I Shot The Sheriff (Live from the Lyceum)
6. Roots Rock Reggae
7. Three Little Birds
8. Real Situation
9. Could You Be Loved
10. One Love / People Get Ready
11. Redemption Song
12. High Tide, Low Tide

Jack White Releases Incredibly Strange Video For “Sixteen Saltines” [Watch]

Stream Jack White’s New Solo Album, ‘Blunderbuss’ [Full Album]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:40:36 +0000

“ 'Blunderbuss' is an album I couldn't have released until now.
” Jack White Jack White‘s presence in the music industry is unparallelled. Touted by many an up-and-coming guitar-based rock band as an inspiration, White has critically-acclaimed bands like the White Stripes, Raconteurs, and Dead Weather on his resume.

White has collaborated with artists like Wanda Jackson and Insane Clown Posse. He’s even opened his own record label called Third Man Records.

What White has never done is a headlining solo tour but he’s hitting the road now and headlining Chicago’s Lollapalooza and in August. Stream the forthcoming solo disc, ‘Blunderbuss’ in full which includes a jacked up version of of Rudolph Troombs’ “I’m Shakin.”

Stream the full album on iTunes this week.

Jack White Releases New Track From Upcoming Album Via Balloon [Watch]

First Listen: Jack White, “Machine Gun Silhouette” [Stream]

First Listen: Jack White Solo Single, “Love Interruption” [Stream]

Tom Jones Teams Up With Jack White To Cover Howlin’ Wolf On Third Man Records Blues Series

Jack White Bargains With American Pickers On The History Channel

First Listen: Jack White Covers U2-s “Love is Blindness” for ‘Achtung Baby’ Tribute

Jack White & Insane Clown Posse Team Up To Cover Mozart

First Listen: Unreleased Songs From The White Stripes!

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band’s 2012 ‘Wrecking Ball’ World Tour Comes To Wrigley Field [Tickets]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:41:47 +0000

“ I have spent my life judging the distance between American reality and the American dream.
” Bruce Springsteen The Boss is heading to Wrigley Field, and we don’t mean Cubs baseball operations president Theo Epstein. It’s official — Bruce Springsteen is bringing the Wrecking Ball to the ballpark. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band’s 2012 ‘Wrecking Ball’ World Tour comes to Chicago on Friday night, September 7 at Wrigley Field.

With a legacy of almost forty years, Springsteen is a man who’s been filling our lives with inspired music and lofty ideals since first emerging from Asbury Park in 1973. WXRT has literally been supporting his music (in vinyl form) since day one, and considering his recent creative output, we plan to continue to do so for quite some time.

Tickets are on sale Saturday, April 21 at 10am with reserved tickets ($103 to $45) and a limited number of general admission field tickets ($103, limit of 4 per purchase) can be purchased online at Tickets.com or by phone at 800-THE-CUBS.

Roger Waters will bring his tour of the classic Pink Floyd opus “The Wall” on June 8. Waters decided to stage “The Wall” as an outdoor show for the first time in 2010, and decided to launch a baseball stadium tour for this year. This past summer, thousands crowded the stands and bleachers at Wrigley Field – and the sidewalks surrounding the ballpark – for two concerts by Paul McCartney.

The Cubs ballpark hosted its first concert, by Jimmy Buffett, in 2005. It was followed in subsequent years by the Police, Elton John and Billy Joel, Rascal Flatts, and the Dave Matthews Band.

Jason Thomas had friends emailing me yesterday asking if I’d heard Bruce Springsteen‘s speech from South By Southwest in Austin, TX. “Dude, you gotta hear it, man!” OK, I’ve tracked it down and it’s posted here. All 50 minutes of it. Bruce is really putting on a show down in TX.

Springsteen & the E Street Band are currently barnstorming across the United States and are earning accolades for their stellar performances. Rolling Stone called the show “epic,” the New York Times said “explosive” and the Boston Globe wrote of the concert’s “energy that bordered on superhuman.” The “Wrecking Ball” World Tour heads to Europe between May 13th and July 31st before the new dates begin.
August 18 – Boston, MA – Gillette Stadium (on sale 4.28, ticketmaster.com)
August 24 – Toronto, ON , Canada- Rogers Centre (on sale 4.20, ticketmaster.com)
August 26 – Moncton, NB, Canada – Magnetic Hill (on sale 4.21, tickets.moncton.ca)
August 29 – Vernon, NY – Vernon Downs Raceway (on sale 4.28, ticketmaster.com)
September 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park (on sale 4.21, comcasttix.com)
September 7 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field (on sale 4.21, tickets.com)
September 14 – Washington, DC – Nationals Park (on sale 4.27, tickets.com)
September 19 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium (on sale 4.20, ticketmaster.com)
September 21 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium (on sale 4.20, ticketmaster.com)
September 22 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium (on sale 4.20, ticketmaster.com)

Free MP3 Download: Gomez’s Ben Ottewell – “Blackbird”

Gomez, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” & More From ‘Live: Volume 3′ [Free Downloads]

Lin Brehmer — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:50:08 +0000

Gomez will be playing at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival this Spring on Friday, Apr 27. I’m not sure how they fit in with the rest of the line-up even as eclectic as that Festival always is. They seem to “operate” outside the realm of the usual niches. Part of their considerable charm is how varied their albums are. Three different band members take turns on lead vocals. Both Ben Ottewell and Ian Ball are fine lead guitarists. When I saw their most recent XRT show at the Vic Theater, I could only think that their quirky modern pop is without parallel.

With that in mind, don’t expect their version of The Rolling Stones‘ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” to be a faithful rendition. It emerges from the Gomez filter as a beast of a different shine.

Gomez, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” DOWNLOAD

GOMEZ LIVE: VOLUME 3 is teh tour closer from this past fall at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. The show featured horns, strings, and appearances by friends such as Sam and Steph Farrar, the Kopecky Family Band … and a French MC! It was definitely one for the ages and the band is happy to offer it as a show of gratitude for your continued support on the road. Grab it as a free digital download here.

GOMEZ LIVE: VOLUME 3
- Bring It On
- Hamoa Beach
- That Wolf
- See The World
- Just As Lost As You
- Little Pieces
- The Place And The People
- Shot Shot
- I Will Take You There
- Whatever’s On Your Mind
- Get Myself Arrested
- How We Operate
- Our Goodbye
- Make No Sound
- Equalize
- Ruff Stuff
- Here Comes The Breeze
- Airstream Driver
- Options
- Devil Will Ride
Recorded at House of Blues, Los Angeles, CA, October 5, 2011

Lin Brehmer’s 10 Songs for 2011

Stream Counting Crows’ New Album, ‘Underwater Sunshine’ From Cover To Cover [Full Album, Free Download]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:49:33 +0000

“ There's a million great songs written every day that you discover, and wish your friends could appreciate as much as you do.
” Adam Duritz Their first release since Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings in ’08, Underwater Sunshine is stacked with obscure covers from Bob Dylan to Big Star. “If you wonder why we didn’t just write our own record, it’s simply because we wanted to do THIS one,” says singer/songwriter Adam Duritz. “These songs come from bands young and old, stretching from the early 60s to last year. They’re all great and will hopefully be heard by a few more people now.”

Stream Counting Crows’ new album, Underwater Sunshine from cover to cover:

“ If you wonder why we didn't just write our own record, it's simply because we wanted to do THIS one.
” Adam Duritz

Listen to Underwater Sunshine the band’s first independent release AND and take home a free download of “Mercy” with the link above.

The album will hit stores digitally, CD and vinyl on April 10 via California-based indie label, Collective Sounds. The band will be in Chicago for a sold out XRT Show at the Riviera on Earth Day, 4/22.

Track Listing:
1. “Untitled (Love Song)” by The Romany Rye
2. “Start Again” by Teenage Fanclub
3. “Hospital” by Coby Brown
4. “Mercy” by Tender Mercies
5. “Meet On The Ledge” by Fairport Convention
6. “Like Teenage Gravity” by Kasey Anderson & The Honkies
7. “Amie” by Pure Prairie League
8. “Coming Around” by Travis
9. “Ooh La La” by The Faces
10. “All My Failures” by Dawes
11. “Return of the Grievous Angel” by Gram Parsons
12. “Four White Stallions” by Tender Mercies
13. “Jumping Jesus” by Sordid Humor
14. “You Ain’t Going Nowhere” by Bob Dylan
15. “The Ballad of El Goodo” by Big Star

Free Album: Nirvana Tribute, “Newermind”

Audio On-Demand: The Who, ‘Quadrophenia’ — The Director’s Cut [Listen]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:12:10 +0000

“ This revisit to The Who's 1973 'Quadrophenia' recording is inspired by current and continuing interest in the project.
” Pete Townshend As we enjoy the recorded legacy of one of rock’s most influential and justifiably popular groups of all-time during today’s Friday Feature, The Who have announced that their classic 1973 rock opera Quadrophenia finally received the deluxe back-catalog treatment. Pete revealed that he had been overseeing work on Quadrophenia: The Director’s Cut, released late last year and including previously unheard demos, an exclusive eight-track 5.1 Sound DVD, a deluxe hard-back book, previously unseen personal notes, photographs, and other memorabilia. The album was also be re-released in double vinyl, 2-disc digi-pak and digital versions. You might want to pick up a copy on Record Store Day.

This special contains a brand new interview with Pete Townshend, as well as comments from two of his bandmates Roger Daltrey and the late John Entwistle. Go behind-the-scenes of this legendary album.

The Who Quadrophenia – The Director’s Cut (part 1)

Digitally remastered and expanded Super Deluxe edition of this 1973 concept album by the British Rock icons contains four CDs, a DVD and a vinyl seven inch single.

Listen To Part 2

First Listen: Titus Andronicus SXSW Mixtape [Free Download]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:14:23 +0000

Still bummed you missed SXSW? Don’t be! Big Beat regulars, Titus Andronicus posted a free mixtape to their Tubmblr. The group was handing out a physical copy of the tape at SXSW for $2 in Austin.

You can get the full mixtape below and check out the band’s track listing and notes. The collection of songs includes covers of The Velvet Underground and Weezer, rarities, and live performances.

Formed in 2005 in Glen Rock, New Jersey, Titus Andronicus, recorded their first EP that summer at Marcata Recording. Ranging from three to 11 members, the band is now comprised of five individuals. They take their name from a Shakespearean tragedy, not, as many believe, from some sort of killer robot from the future. They like to scream and carry on at excessive volume, write fast songs, and never sing about love, only hate. Titus Andronicus have no hope for the future and believe only in nothingness. Everyone in Titus Andronicus was born to die.

Grab the full mixtape here.

Titus Andronicus at the Pitchfork Music Festival

XRT Rock & Roll X-Cursion To Bonnaroo [Giveaway]

James Mercer Performs Songs From ‘Port of Morrow’ In-Studio, Streams New Album Early [Watch, Listen]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:04:36 +0000

“ The themes on Port of Morrow are Love and the dual nature of life - the beautiful and the grotesque.
” James Mercer James Mercer has returned with a retooled version of The Shins and album, Port Of Morrow, the long awaited follow-up to 2007-s Grammy-nominated gold-certified Wincing The Night Away. Due out tomorrow, March 20, the band plan to celebrate the new release by playing a special Live on Letterman webcast concert – LIVE from the Ed Sullivan Theater.

Continue below to stream the new album in full, get details about their performance at Bonnaroo, get the secret behing clapping butter and watch an exclusive interview and performance with frontman James Mercer.

James Mercer Live From Studio…Ahead of the album’s release, you can stream all 10 tracks from Port of Morrow on iTunes until the album’s release on March 20.

Find out what the band has in store for fans when the webcast kicks off tomorrow.

Don’t forget to tune in to cbs.com/liveonletterman at 9pm ET (6pm PT) this Tuesday, March 20th to see The Shins perform Live on Letterman in this special concert webcast event.

Port Of Morrow Tracklist:
01. The Rifle’s Spiral
02. Simple Song
03. It’s Only Life
04. Bait and Switch
05. September
06. No Way Down
07. Fall of ’82
08. For A Fool
09. 40 Mark Strasse
10. Port of Morrow

James Mercer Of The Shins Interview Exclusive [Watch]

The Shins Reveal The Secret To Clapping [Watch]

Lollapalooza Lineup Leaked? — Will We See Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers & Beyonce In Grant Park?

James Mercer Live From Studio X [Photos]

Access Additional MP3-s on MP3.com

Lana Del Rey’s First Radio Performance & Interview [Listen]

Lana Del Rey & Notorious B.I.G., ‘Born Ready To Die’ [Free Mixtape Download]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:53:00 +0000

“ In honor of Biggie's passing 15 years ago...I present to you, 'Born Ready To Die.'
” Terry Urban Mashing music from the controversial beauty, Lana Del Rey‘s ‘Born To Die‘ and lyrics from the late Biggie Smalls’ ‘Ready To Die’, producer Terry Urban dishes this interesting tribute to honor Biggie 15 years after his death.

Click below to have a listen — just out of curiosity, if nothing else.

‘Born Ready To Die‘ [DOWNLOAD]
*Please note — contains explicit content.*

Via soulculture.

Lana Del Rey Releases Debut Album “Born To Die” [Review, Video Interview]

Free Download: ‘The Brothers Of Chico Dusty’ – The Black Keys & Outkast’s Big Boi Album Mashup

Access Additional MP3-s on MP3.com

Get To Know GRAMMY Winners, The Civil Wars [Photos, Video]

Stream Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Wrecking Ball’ In Its Entirety [Album Stream]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:47:20 +0000

“ I have spent my life judging the distance between American reality and the American dream.
” Springsteen Wrecking Ball is in stores tomorrow, but before you pick it up, preview the entire album, streaming in full right now!

[Photos] Bruce Springsteen Rocks…Plus, April 21 is Record Store Day! You can support these vital small businesses by picking up a copy of Wrecking Ball from a local record store near you… find one here.

Wrecking Ball Track Listing:
- We Take Care of Our Own
- Easy Money
- Shackled and Down
- Jack of All Trades
- Death to My Hometown
- This Depression
- Wrecking Ball
- You’ve Got It
- Rocky Ground
- Land of Hope and Dreams
- We Are Alive
- Swallowed Up (Bonus Track)
- American Land (Bonus Track)

Hear More Music From The Boss & View 2012 Tour Dates

Take Home A Free Album From GRAMMY Winners, The Civil Wars [Listen, Download]

Zack Nechvatal // Staff Writer — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:25:06 +0000

Get To Know GRAMMY Winners, The Civil…The singing partners Joy Williams and John Paul White (sounds like a Confederate colonel) played for one sweet minute after Paul McCartney performed at the GRAMMYs. The Civil Wars met by chance nearly two years ago. If you like what you heard (and how could you not), download this free digital album recorded from their second show ever, performed at a sold out Eddie’s Attic.

The Civil Wars, ‘Live From Eddie’s Attic’ [DOWNLOAD]

Track Listing
If I Didn’t Know Better
20 Years
Falling
Poison & Wine
Tip of My Tongue
My Father’s Father
No Ordinary Love
Girl With The Red Balloon
Dance Me to the End of Love
Falling (demo)

Audio: That Hollow Feeling — The Civil Wars Perform Live From Studio X

Video: The Civil Wars Live From Studio X

Free MP3 Download: The Civil Wars, “Barton Hollow”

Ten Singing Duos: Male And Female In Harmony

Download More Free MP3s