Though not entirely new to the scene, Ivan & Alyosha are releasing their debut album February 26 titled 'All the Times We Had'. The band, who are not strangers to the road, with a few EPs under their belt have collaborated with The Low Anthems Jesse Lauter and keyboardist/engineer Chad Copelin for their most recent project.
I&A are originally from Seattle, though you may have seen them perform live in your hometown if you reside on the West coast. If you decided to lock The Head and the Heart in a room with Yukon Blonde, this would be the result. I&A's 'All the Times We Had', which you can stream on NPR is full of pretty melodic hooks, and endearing lyricism. It's a rootsy, honest album. Every song sounds like a hit.
At a time where folk-pop rock is starting to seem overdone, Ivan & Alyosha come in and revive it. The band together just creates very beautiful music.
+ Justin Timberlake releases cover art AND tracklist for his March release (March 19) album; 20/20 Experience. And if that's not enough, after the Grammys JT also released his first single off the album called 'Mirrors'. Obviously it's great. Obviously.
+ Gary Clark Jr. is launching his own music festival, "Maverick Music Festival". The festival will take place in GCJ's home state of Texas. It will feature local musicians during the day, and when the sun goes down you can look forward to performers like GCJ himself, as well as The Toadies, Girl in A Coma, Arum Rae, and Henry and the Invisibles. Gary Clark Jr also played 'Numb', and 'Ain't Messin' Around' on Kimmel this past week. He's so damn good.
+ New Queens of the Stone Age is described by Dave Grohl as "ridiculous". I assume in a good way. The album is going to feature major players in music including Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Jakes Shears (Scissor Sisters) and Elton John who claims to be a big fan.
+Jenny Lewis will be appearing on both new Postal Service tracks. Including: 'A Tattered Line of String' that was released this week.
+Phoenix owns the recording console used for Thriller (Michael Jackson) and is recording their new album on it. That there is some good juju.
+ With 'channel ORANGE' not even a year old Frank Ocean is riding his wave of success and will be heading back into the studio soon. He is currently in the creative stage, but hopes to be recording shortly.
+ The man with a million ideas, and stamina of a cocker spaniel on speed, Jack White, is back to work on his follow up to Blunderbuss. If that is not something to get excited in this cold winter, I don't know what is. White reportedly has about 20-25 tracks all in varying styles. He is not sure if the album will be released this year, and just wants to flow with his inspiration.
GRAMMYs
+Congrats to Gotye and Kimbra who took home a golden gramophone for Record of the Year AND Best Pop/Duo Performance {Somebody That I Used to Know}. The two were so gracious, so humble. Gotye also grabbed a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album {Making Mirrors}.
+ Album of the Year went to Mumford and Sons!! {Babel} Well deserved. And, they also take home an award for Best Long Form Video with Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show for {Big Easy Express}. So thrilled to see Big Easy do well. Phenomenal.
+ fun. took home a Grammy for Song of the Year {We Are Young feat. Janelle Monae}. The group also won Best New Artist. Congrats!!
+ Adele took home Best Pop Solo Performance {Set Fire to the Rain}. Really though, that was a no-brainer. She deserves it.
+ The Black Keys did quite well taking home a Grammy for Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song AND Best Rock Album {Lonely Boy/El Camino}. Dan Auerbach also wins Producer of the Year!
+ Best Urban Contemporary Album goes to Frank Ocean {channel ORANGE}
+ Best Jazz Vocal Album went to Esperanza Spalding! {Radio Music Society}
+ Dr. John takes home a golden grammy for Best Blues Album {Locked Down} !!
+ Best Folk Album went to Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, and Stuart Duncan deservingly {The Goat Rodeo Sessions}
+ Jimmy Cliff takes Best Reggae Album {Rebirth}
For the complete list of Grammy winners find out: here.
This years Grammy performances were ridiculous. I want to relive those performances over and over again.
Here is a list of my favorites from the night:
+ Elton John joins Ed Sheeran to play 'A Team'
+ fun. performs 'Carry On'
+ Justin Timberlakes big band performance of a few new tracks; 'Suit and Tie' with Jay-Z, and 'Pusher Girl'
+ Mumford & Sons perform 'I Will Wait'
+ The Black Keys get on stage with Dr. John and Preservation Hall Jazz Band to play 'Lonely Boy'
+ Try not dancing when Sting and Bruno Mars perform Mars' first single off Unorthodox Jukebox, accompanied by a Sting hit 'Locked Out of Heaven/Walking On the Moon'. Followed by a Bob Marley tribute with Damian and Ziggy Marley and Rihanna; 'Could You Be Loved'
+ Lumineers perform 'Ho Hey'
+ 'Love Interruption' and 'Freedom at 21' by Jack White and his two traveling bands.
+ Adam Levine and Alicia Keys, 'Girl on Fire'
+ I don't care much for Wiz Kahlifa, but Miguel performs and its great: 'Adorn'
+ Frank Ocean performs 'Forrest Gump'
+ LL Cool J, Chuck D, Tom Morello and Travis Barker pay tribute to MCA
+ Elton John, Mumford & Sons, Brittany Howard, Mavis Staples, and T Bone Burnett play tremendous tribute to The Bands' Levon Helm by playing 'The Weight'
It is difficult to pin point the exact "thing" about The Black Keys. In a fickle world where genres like Americana and Dubstep can simultaneously erupt only to be crushed by a song where no one actually knows the lyrics (except "hey sexy lady") where exactly do The Black Keys fit in? The answer is, they fit in everywhere.
The once independent band can boast impressive knack and work ethic. It has now been 14 months since the Keys last release, which seems like 5 years in Black Keys time. With the release of Brothers in 2010, and El Camino in 2011, The Black Keys have been in the works of creating their next studio album since about July to be released this year. Every year just keeps getting bigger and bigger for the Akron boys.
With the Grammy Awards tomorrow and the Keys nominated for about five awards let's look back on everything great and Black Keys related in 2012.
To start 2012 with a punch, El Camino was released in December of 2011. The albums' glam-rock stadium suited album blew up the rock and roll scene really solidifying The Black Keys earned place in rock. For a band so big with a small band ego, and the zealous behavior of Jack White great things are bound to happen.
The Black Keys produced the crap out of 2012. Albums and songs from Dr.John to Ke$ha were worked on by Dan and Patrick both together and apart.
In April Dr. John's 'Locked Down' was released. I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Dr. John's particular flavor of New Orleans jazz combine with Dan Auerbach blues aptitude at Bonnaroo in 2011. Watching the pair on stage I remember thinking to myself "brilliant". I did not realize that less than one year after that thought Dr. John would release an album called Locked Down, and that album would be produced by Dan Auerbach. Brilliant.
On Locked Down Auerbach and the Doctor hone in on that New Orleans southern fried sound and pump it with thick grit and blues. Thus creating a funky new nostalgia sound.
Locked Down is not intended to be a comeback album. Without having that pressure left room for Auerbach and Dr. John to relax and lay down what they knew. The album is more deep than expected. Dr. John is 71. He has been around too long having too much success to have any interest in trying to prove to anyone his knack. He rather, took his years of acquired musical wisdom, and gruff old man voice to fabricate a genre adapting work of greatness.
At the MTV Movie awards the Black Keys were "forced" to perform with Johnny Depp. Of course this didn't require much to any arm twisting for the Keys who were honored to play with Depp. Auerbach admittedly says "[Johnny Depp] was cool from when he came out the womb". Depp joined the duo on stage for 'Gold On the Ceiling'. What most people don't know about Johnny Depp is that when he first moved to LA he was in search of work as a musician rather than an actor. The man has mad chops.
In June/ July Auerbach had a few projects that were being released; The Lion The Beast The Beat (Grace Potter & the Nocturnals), Hypnotic Nights (JEFF the Brotherhood) and Shakedown (Hacienda).
On The Lion The Beast The Beat, Dan Auerbach aided in production as well as offered vocals and some instrumental work. Oh to be a fly on the wall of the recording room. Dan Auerbach and Grace Potter creating together would be a scene filled with so much passion and talent it'd make your toes curl. 'Loniest Soul' is a playful, seemingly edgy song. With the intent of sexy ebb and flow it comes off as mysterious and showy. This works much better than the initial intent. Auerbachs influence is quite clear.
Shakedown, by Hacienda turned out to be a throwback to the 1970's style of writing music. Though seemingly simple, it gets the job done; a good hook, and a willful amount of "oohs and aaahs". Bound to do it. The dirty electric garage rock style guitar combined with a jaunty blues rasp of a voice, and steady drum beats make for one successful album. 'Veronica' is the clear winner of the album. It wraps up all of Shakedown in one perfected, neat, package.
Dan Auerbach tested his limits in JEFF the Brotherhoods 2012 album release, Hypnotic Nights. The album, resembling stoner rock, isn't at first a clear parallel to the Black Keys guitarist normal style. It takes a second listen to hear the influence. It works. 'Region of Fire' is the ultimate psychedelic track, coming off similarly to Led Zeppelin's sci-fi/fantasy inspired songs. It's a mystical sax and guitar love fest. The hooks and new found mass appeal are likely in thanks to Dan Auerbach. The group show tribute to Black Sabbath in playing 'Changes'. The song is played in perfection. There is visible maturation in this record.
Dan wasn't the only Key who was busy. Patrick Carney was hard at work bringing fame to The Sheepdogs by producing their most recent self titled studio album. Coming from Canada having won their way onto the cover of Rolling Stone, reigning in crowds to rival their peers by playing at festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, the Sheepdogs have proved themselves time and time again. Their 70’s southern rock sound is a golden throwback demanding any classic rock fan to perk up and pay attention. Despite being around the block for a little while, for some reason the band hadn’t quite received the clout they fully deserved.The album takes off with “Laid Back”, a smooth, easy breezy song. The mood of “Laid Back” plays like a throwback to the Dead’s “Truckin’”. As you settle into the groove of the album, which makes you feel fine as apple pie, Carney’s influence becomes more and more apparent. It is especially noticed on the more uptempo, hand clapping jam “Feeling Good”. The album then takes a turn to a more sombre, psychedelic folk song called “Alright OK”. Before making the B side flip, the Sheepdogs slam in some classic blues gems; “Ewan’s Blues” and “The Way It Is”. The latter sounding more modern than the rest of the album with a garage rock bass line and fervent guitar. The A side closes in true classic rock fashion with an eclectic instrumental first act finale.
The B side is packed full of fun, funky, classic rock. It pulls the album together completely. This album the Sheepdogs have crafted is nothing short of a well polished story. They take you along for the ride. A ride to get you feeling good, feeling down, feeling groovy. It is all part of the Sheepdogs compilation plan.
The collaborations continue on into the fall. The Black Keys team up with RZA for the movie "The Man With the Iron Fists". The three duel over the last fortune cookie in 'The Baddest Man Alive'. Which is also the most underrated song of 2012. It really does deserve more clout.
The Keys close the year with an appearance on Ke$has latest album, Warrior and a slew of Grammy nominations. Carney helps out the pop tart on the track 'Wonderland'. A song not undefiled by autotune. So that's what Ke$ha really sounds like.
Tune into the Grammys tomorrow night and be sure to send your good vibes the Keys way.
The 55th GRAMMY Awards are this Sunday. The Super Bowl of the music world. I love a good competition. Though, this year it seems as though most of the winners are clear.
Honestly I mostly watch the Grammys for the performances. This year I am most anxious for: Travis Barker and Tom Morello, Justin Timberlake, and Brittany Howard with Mumford & Sons (+ others) to play tribute to Levon Helm by playing The Weight. Can't friggen wait.
A band so new they aren't even on Wikipedia yet here's introducing, Pickwick. I received an e-mail from Dine Alone Records a few weeks ago saying they had signed a new band called Pickwick. The Seattle hometown heros have a surprisingly large following for such a low key group.
Pickwick is a rough around all the right edges, soul garage rock outfit with splashes of punk for good measure. The band plays in varying styles. Some funky, some even sounding like they belong in a NOLA jazz group. Pickwick vocals are especially unique to this particular sound of dream garage rock resembling a more soulful Pixies, or Cold War Kids.
The group is the type of audiophyllic musicians who pay clear attention to detail noting, harnessing, and perfecting their influences. Hacienda Motel, the bands first song off Can't Talk Medicine is a clear debut. The song, which was also the first song the band has had played on the radio, exemplifies how rock is done right shaping their sound with varying influence.
Priding themselves in the use of unique musical aesthetic, Pickwick will be releasing their first "big" album in March titled Can't Talk Medicine. The album is available for pre-order here: http://tinyurl.com/7q48aq9
+ K-Os' new album, Black on Blonde, dropped this past week. It's experimental, lengthy, and great. The Canadian rapper also has set dates for his Canada tour.
+ Macklemores hipsteresque rap song, Thrift Shop, is a Billboard chart topper! No surprises here. The song is clever and inventive. Not to mention beyond catchy. Could it be this years Call Me, Maybe? Maybe. This is fuck-ing awe-some.
+ Iron & Wine plans to release a new album, Ghost on Ghost, in April. Sam Beam seems to be all business as usual. The first single from Ghost on Ghost was released this week called 'Lovers Revolution'. It's jazzy in its big band style. A meritorious taste of what is to come.
+ Beck is in the works of creating a cover of David Bowie's 'Sound and Vision'. The cover will be created using 170 musicians. Beck is diving into the project and taking it on as his own. The quirky artist admits to probably never being able to work with this many artists at one time again, and is trying to cherish it to produce something inventive, while remaining authentic to Ziggy Stardust.
+ Jim James (of My Morning Jacket) performs on Fallon the night before his latest album debut; Regions of Light and Sound of God. The album, which dropped today, staying true to his indie folk sound dabbles in sounds of soul, and some chamber pop while experimenting with varying space rock sounds. Rad.
+ Fall Out Boy is back from their nearly 4 year hiatus. But, does anyone over the age of sixteen care? Patrick Stump should continue working solo. Soul Punk, Stumps 2011 solo effort was actually really good. Pete Wentz should stick to posting pictures of his junk online and being Ms. Simpsons baby daddy.
+ Vampire Weekend are doing big things this year, and I can't wait to experience them all. Their new album, titled 'Modern Vampires of the City' is set to be released May 7th. They have also signed on for countless North American shows.
+ The Sasquatch music festival lineup was released today. Headliners include The Lumineers, Mumford and Sons, The Postal Service.. the list goes. A fantastic lineup, trumping Coachella. Also, Atlanta has a new music festival called Shaky Knees Festival. It boasts an outstanding cast to start them off; Lumineers, Band of Horses, Jim James, Gary Clark Jr... I got butterflies looking at both set lists.
+ Super Bowl: Beyonce "killed" it. She was good. And more importantly, she didn't lip sync! Plus, who else was thrilled with Destinys Child? They could have sang a bit more though, really. I'm pretty sure Beyonce shut down the internet on Sunday night. Her performance overshadowed some pretty great performers that weekend. Including, Alicia Keys singing the national anthem, Gary Clark Jr., Stevie Wonder, and Justin Timberlake played the pre Super Bowl. Which you know was spectacular. Timberlake also played two new songs in big band style. Oh and, have we found the best use for Psy in America? Selling pistachios. Of course...
