On the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing, “I Need A Dollar” singer Aloe Blacc creates his soulful take on Billie Jean. The version is definitely worth a listen. I can’t believe it’s been one year already…
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
I don’t know what it is with me or pop music but songs with whistling in them (see Scorpion’s “Wind of Change” and Peter, Bjorn and John’s “Young Folks”) tend to be very catchy songs. It must be that whistling along is so much easier than singing along (especially on the ears of others.) “Skinny Genes” is no exception. Eliza lends her British accent to a feel good song that makes you want to whistle along.
Okay. It’s time for full disclosure here. I was in a fraternity. But before you ‘unsubscribe’; you should know that there were truly some great things that happen in a fraternity. Yes, the parties were great and so were the… well the parties were great! But something I will take with me is that a group of guys who are all on the same page can do just about anything. Things you would write off as impossible or just plain ridiculous. But put 90 people with similar goals at something and amazing things happen. Check out one of such feats by a fraternity group recently debuting on ‘America’s Got Talent’. The kid in me dressed in a toga is cheering for them.
Thanks Al for the heads up!
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
You may have heard this on the radio already (I know Andrew heard it in LA today) but you probably haven’t heard it like this. Songwriter Eric Holljes steps out behind the curtains to give this song, originally performed by MIke Posner, an acoustic kick. The simplicity of the arrangement allows you to really appreciate the instrument that is Holljes’ voice.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Alright, so if you’ve been listening, you already know that I’m quite partial to the sick electro beat paired with some silky vocals. Dre, Pharell and Timbaland will always be great in my opinion, but it just seems like the indie scene has been coming with the freshest beats lately. Imagine taking this beat and letting Jay-Z put down a verse on it. You don’t have to be a musical genius to know that would be stupid sick. (Also check out Phantogram’s ‘When I’m Small’ and ‘Running From The Cops’ if you want to hear some other nastiness.)
Phantogram is an American Electro Rock band out of Saratoga Springs, NY. Comprised of guitarist Josh Carter and keyboardist Sarah Barthel. Their recently released album ‘Eyelid Movies’ is a strong sign that this group has staying power. The album is solid all the way through.
In answering the age old question for relatively unknown artists “Who do you sound like?” Sarah replies “A combination of Kanye West and Radiohead.” Personally, I’d have to add in ‘The Bird and the Bee’ because Sarah’s vocals are that smooth. Done an Done. I’m a fan.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The guy that sang the hooks on “Nothin On You” and “Billionaire” has struck out on his own and made a hit himself. Bruno Mars is one to watch for. “Dancing In The Mirror” has a slow R&B groove that will get you and your significant other ready for the boom boom room.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Personally, I never thought this much soul could come from Denmark. The land that gave us Lego’s produces another gem in the form of Quadron. Their music reminds me of a throwback to the soul of the 60’s. “Pressure” in particular draws from the likes of Diana Ross and the Supremes. Mayer Hawthorne: you have company.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
I never really liked Katy Perry. Her songs were catchy but I figured they were gimmicks and dumb. And then, just when I thought she couldn’t possibly be any dumber, she goes and does something like this…. and totally redeems herself. Considered the Cali version of Jay-Z and A. Keys’ NYC anthem, “Empire State of Mind”, “California Gurls” gets a helping hand from Mr. Westcoast himself; Snoop Dogg. The song is yet another 80’s inspired joint that is destined to be this Summer’s anthem.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Perfect pick-me up in anticipation for a frenetic Friday. O’Spada hails from Sweden and their new album is due out May 15th. It has a perfect balance of synths and impressive vocals that is a little reminiscent of the 80’s. I loved the 80’s.
The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. Summer is rearing its beautiful head out and these are a perfect accessory to those hot days out in the sun. The mesh upper gives an updated take on the classic All-Stars. You can get your hands on them at converse.com and if you use promo code CHUCKS17 you will get 20% off.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Slated to be the 2nd single off Drake’s debut album, “Thank Me Later”, this Kanye West produced track spotlights Drizzy’s singing talents. The beat sounds like it was from Kanye’s “808’s and Heartbreaks” era. Radio friendly and catchy, this will be a chart topper.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Classic Neptunes production laced with JT’s falsetto make up the ingredients to this feel-good summer jam by The Game.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
After first listen to this love ballad I couldn’t resist myself from thinking, “This white guy has soul.” Alex Boyd is relatively unknown but I hope to hear more from him and I hope you enjoy.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Coldplay has always had amazing poem-like lyrics in their songs and one of my favorites is Sparks. You can imagine my delight when I came across this remix by Breezy LoveJoy. Breezy’s jazzy/R&B take on the song gives you a different take on an established hit.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
“Bring it to your body
After the afterparty
And heading on to the hotel lobby
Riding me like a Ducati
Faster than a Bugatti
I’m Like Whoa Kimo Sabe
Good Golly
Shorty a freak or she been practicing Pilates”
Much speculation has come upon the iPad in terms of its optimal use. Is it an oversized iPhone? Is it a mini-computer? Is it the ultimate e-reader? And furthermore, how will it actually be used? Well all of my questions and concerns have been answered! Meet the iCade. Simply slide in your iPad into the cabinet and you have an old school arcade. Donkey Kong never had such purpose.
**UPDATE**
We’ve been duped. Turns out this was an April Fool’s Day joke. Too good to be true I guess.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
After returning from my first Coachella experience, all I can say is; I’m pooped. With so many acts performing, the non-stop, go-go-go atmosphere left little in the tank. And even though we were running around with our heads cut off, we still didn’t get to see everybody we wanted to. B.o.B was one of those. Not sure if he played this song or not, but its bonkers. Eminem’s verse is a must listen.
Among the many traits that Jay-Z has mastered, one that I am most enviable of (other than snagging Beyonce) is his wardrobe. Most recently I was watching some footage of Jay-Z and noticed his kicks. After searching the vast interweb I found Radii Footwear, the makers of Hov’s shoes. I was pleasantly surprised with their creative lineup and affordable costs. Check’em out.
As a part of their 150 year Anniversary, TAG Heuer has released a new version of its popular Carrera line. I like how it is a little more simple compared to its mainstream counterpart. At $3,900 its a rather affordable luxury watch. However, I think affordable luxury is an oxymoron.
