New Drizzy. It’s not the best quality and it’s tagged – but, it’s listenable.
As ever, Nicki Minaj shines on the feature (well, before she starts singing at least), the track as a whole though – like most of what I’ve heard this time round – is a little lacklustre. It isn’t terrible, it’s just not the “next level sh*t” I was expecting or wanting from Aubrey.
Thank Me Later was one of my favourite albums of last year and with Drake being the ‘switched on, ear-to-the-ground’ type of artist he is – I presumed he would be experimenting more, exploring new areas and new sounds (as I’m sure he promised at one point and as he displayed when he jumped on SBTRKT’s joint) – instead, I feel like I’m getting Thank Me Later part deux. I don’t want to be too presumptuous – this is not the full quality and we haven’t heard the album yet – so, fingers crossed we get something a little more meaty from Take Care (November 15th). [via IFWT]
Update: Updated with CDQ – granted, it does sound better – still not what I need though. My sentiments above about the new material (in general) still stands true.
Discovering new music is a joy. But discovering new music from your own shores is always a little extra special. So, it’s with great pleasure I introduce Kaleem Taylor to you.
Information is sparse about this “R&B/Soul singer from Herfordshire” – his official website is empty, his facebook is relatively quiet and he doesn’t have a soundcloud. Not ideal.
… But what I do know is that I love his new single ‘Never’. Riddled with Soulful influences, his raspy vocals sound both distinctive and strong. This one reminds me of those Soul-slash-R&B jams from the 90′s – the ones with thick basslines and thumping drums – the kind I used to wait for on ‘The Lick’ (ah, those days). A true testament to this young mans aptitude, really.
‘Never’ follows his debut single ‘Blow Out’ which I also just discovered – it too is impressive. Slightly more up-tempo, it shows off his vocal abilities and displays a more funky side to his talents.
I want to keep my eye on this dude, I like what he’s bringing. Listen & download (arrow button) to both ‘Never’ & ‘Blow Out’ below…
And there’s me thinking my night couldn’t get any better…
‘Trouble’ is José James’ brand new single taken off his forthcoming fourth album No Beginning, No End. The track is a gorgeous blend of Soul and Jazz – with James’ ever-smooth vocals taking flight effortlessly across the instrumentation. That sexy bass (yes Pino Palladino, once again), that organ, those horns and drums – this is wonderful. And as if that wasn’t enough, enjoy the Hip Hop influenced ‘Oh No’ remix too.
Shlohmo has released the video for his current single ‘Places’, taken off his fantastic new album Bad Vibes – an LP you should definitely be checking out.
To celebrate the release of Radiohead’s TKOL RMX 1234567 album, Thom Yorke played a special 30-minute set at Boiler Room. Tickets disappeared fast and unfortunately for us – deadlines meant we weren’t able to enjoy festivities either. But, never fear – for we are now able to enjoy his entire set – for free – via the world wide web. Follow the link below and download the mix through iTunes – it’s a bit special.
Oh, and if you haven’t already – I highly recommend you listen to/purchase the new remix album – it’s fast become an obsession of mine.
Zane Lowe premiered what is thought to be Major Lazer’s newest single – excellently titled ‘Original Don’. Military drums, Carnival sounds, durrty bass drops – it’s definitely Major Lazer. I can’t lie though, I’m not overly in love with this – it would easily rock out a rave and/or carnival but it’s not their best (IMO) – odd they didn’t choose to release it during the hotter months too. [via HT]
Joker gets Freddie Gibbs to jump on his single ‘The Vision (Let Me Breathe)’ which already features our lovely Jessie Ware (who’s new single is on constant repeat right now) for the official remix. An odd pairing this, one I didn’t see coming – but one that still works. The Purple producer knows what he’s doing – this should open him up nicely to a U.S market if nothing else. Listen and download (for free) below…
Joker’s forthcoming album The Vision (click here for tracklist) is due out November 7th.
If you fish through the PinBoard archives, you will find that we put you on this Chi-Town collective way back last year. Fast forward nearly a year later and watch this dope visual for their new track and proceed to listen to the latest EP Hard Times.
The eight piece band which consists of rappers, vocalists and musicians ooze authentic Soul, they present a sterling Jazz/Hip Hop fusion and preserve that loving Chicago swag. Have a listen below, I challenge you to not like what you hear.
The blogolite graduates – she has reached the masses.
Lana Del Rey made here UK television debut on my favourite (and one of last remaining) credible music show on British TV. Big up Jools and peep the video up top.
…And it all begins
Catch Ghostpoet doing his thang on the other side.
Real talk, I only just checked out Danny Brown – seen his name around, heard folks talking about him but never got to actually listening to his shit. He’s an intriguing character – but there’ll be a separate post on that soon – lets stay focused on this first. Black Milk has teamed up with Brown for a new EP appropriately titled Black and Brown - due out November 1st. The first single is titled ‘Zap’, you can stream it below – it’s dope. Black Milk’s beat helps elevate what Danny Brown has, it’s crispier than his former (solo) work. Looking forward to hearing more from this collaboration…
Labrinth’s new video for ‘Earthquake’ featuring Tinie Tempah is a high octane, big budget affair…
It’s safe to say this young man ushered in a new dawn for the British Pop-music scene (or if you’re into tidy tags/mainstream colloquialisms – #TeamUK). He produced the biggest hit of 2010 in the form of Tinie’s ‘Pass Out’ (the rewards for which are still being reaped) and really upped the ante for what this country can create on a mainstream level (something that wasn’t America, but wasn’t Channel U either).
A talented producer, a good songwriter and a star in the making – Lab is genuinely one of the few ‘Urban-Pop’ acts I have time for (hence the post). He brings a certain quality to the scene which I am not seeing from most of contemporaries – this video is a brilliant example of that. It reaches for something higher, it aims for something more and for that I have to give him my respect. Is ‘Earthquake’ the best song I’ve ever heard – probably not, but it is a good Pop record and I can see a lot of people liking it – but above all else – it’s ambitious, creative and pushes the boundaries of what this country has come to expect from it’s young ‘Urban’ artists.
I have always been one to favour the gritty dubbed sound and #soemoshswag stylings that regularly flocks out of the UK isles and beyond, so it’s no surprise that New Look is right up my street.
No – I’m not championing the high street retailer, I am talking about the Canadian husband and wife duo’s debut LP that has found it’s way to me via the musical fairies. The pair who previously supported the darlings of shoegazed emo-indie pop The XX, released a slightly more electronic based album and since then have gone on to support SBTRKT too.
Opening with the melodic, fantasy led ‘Nap On The Bow’, lead singer Sarah Ruba’s voice sits comfortably over the stuttered beat. Her distinctive tone takes prominence on each track, which can be a difficult task against such head bopping beats that Adam Pavao produces. The tracks move from quirky to tender to dancey effortlessly and as you delve further into the album, Kraftwerk and at times, Neon Neon reference you to only a small section of what you gain from the duo’s debut.
By the end of the album, feeling chilled, relaxed and knowing I enjoyed what I heard, I remain unsure of how New Look manage to arouse so many sounds, maintain passion and sound so current all within their 10 tracks. I haven’t quite put my finger on it and on that note - I’ll happily give it another listen
… Here are a couple cuts from the album. What do you think?
