Luck of Lucien - A Tribe Called Quest

(Ignore the first :20 - it's not the song)

Taking a tangent from all the white people music I've been posting as of late, here's some old-school hip hop from the 90s from one of my favorite hip hop artists ever: A Tribe Called Quest. Honestly, this is one of the most catchy songs I've ever listened to (due in part to my roommate playing it on his trumpet). With a strong bass line interwoven perfectly with the drums, soft guitar, and the smooth rhymes of Q-Tip and Phife Dawg - you can't help but nod your head along to the beat. Then the brass line comes in... it's smooth, cool, and in your face... Just like A Tribe Called Quest as a band; quality music from a quality band. While I like Run-DMC and Beastie Boys, ATCQ are in a league of their own in regard to 90s hip hop. Enjoy!

Empires - The Snake The Cross The Crown

Taken from the album "Mander Sails" from 2004, The Snake The Cross The Crown blends together folk, rock, and post-rock together to create a unique, transient sound. This particular song, "Empires" has a very folk 'twang' sound using the electric guitar, mixed Kevin Jones' growing, smooth voice and a nice rock drum beat. Midway through the song, the sound switches to a more 'rock' sound, similar to the rest of the album.



Not my favorite album of all time - but check out the tracks "Empires" and "A Brief Intermission" if you're a folk fan!

Moby - Everloving

Taken from the groundbreaking album "Play", Moby creates a very atmospheric, acoustic, beautiful song (sans lyrics, just humming) that is very hard to stop listening to. "Everloving" has a wonderful melody, with a constant, droning hum, gentle strumming of the guitar, and solid drum beat to back it. Moby takes electronic music and adds something to it no one else can - this song is completely ethereal and peaceful to me. Be sure to check out the whole album; you won't be disappointed.

Two Gallants - Nothing To You

I can't believe I haven't posted this yet (or maybe I have..?). Anyway, Two Gallants, from San Francisco, has been one of my favorite bands for the last two years, particularly due to their album "The Throes". Their sound combines the harsh, folk voice of Bob Dylan, with the intricate, harmonious finger-picking guitar sound of John Fahey. Both musicians have immense talent, combining their efforts to create a very full sound despite only backing two members (Adam Stevens - guitar / vocals / harmonica, Tyson Vogel - drums / vocals).

This song in particular, Nothing To You, is both humorous and beautifully written, with a very noir connotation despite its seemingly upbeat, melodic sound. Stevens' voice moves fluently with his guitar, exchanging melodies between singing, harmonica, and finger picking (incredibly hard to do while singing), while Vogel blends his drumming style in perfectly.

The whole album (The Throes) is truly amazing - it paints of picture of grief, loss, and angst. I highly recommend giving the album a listen, in addition to checking out the lyrics. This band changed music for me, and I hope it has a similar impact on you. I can not say enough good things about them. Enjoy!

Evil Friend - Deadboy & the Elephantmen

Deadboy & the Elephantmen, consisted of Dax Riggs (vocals / guitar) and Tessie Brunet (drums / vocals). Pretty much - they were an even better, darker White Stripes - at least to me. Dax Riggs was the former frontman of the Sludge / Doom Metal band Acid Bath, one of my favorite bands of all time. It was some of the heaviest, musical, amazing art even written! They only released two full albums unfortunately. Upon a band member's death, Acid Bath was recreated under the name of Agents of Oblivion, with little success. Dax Riggs decided it was time to move on and form D&TEM. He went through band members very quickly until sticking with the awesome Tessie Brunet.

With the combination of Tessie's chilling voice, D&TEM came out with "We Are Night Sky" which this track is taken off. The once technical, complicated music of Dax Riggs' Acid Bath was now stripped down to the bones. The simplicity in every track is extremely apparent, with some songs consisting of no more than three chords, a light drum beat, with Dax and Tessie's chilling voices on top. Don't be fooled by the simplicity though, these guys ROCK. Be sure to check out their live recordings at Austin City Limits.

Well here is one of my favorite tracks off "We Are Night Sky" - assuming I can narrow down any favorites. Dax Riggs makes love to his guitar, giving the appearance of a much more complicated tune. His voice, combined with Tessie Brunet's creates a very haunting sound - fitting of the song name. This is a beautiful song and I hope you all can enjoy it as much as I do. Thanks!

Ocean of Noise - Arcade Fire

Well, we all know how Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" took album of the year at the Grammy Awards, but that album isn't necessarily their best - at least in my opinion. Let's go back to Neon Bible, Arcade Fire's second full release; Ocean of Noise is a very soothing song, with meaningful lyrics, and is one of my favorite tracks off the album (though I enjoy them all!). I am really sunburned from camping, and want to go lay down now! Just listen to the song >:E

Radiohead - Jigsaw Falling Into Place

So, I really am a huge Radiohead fan - I won't deny that. Their latest album, however, was a bit lackluster in my opinion - I am still hoping for a return to their older sounds. Anyway, this is off the album "In Rainbows", which definitely has its ups and downs but is still one of my more favored albums (assuming there are actually any I really don't like hehe). I can't help but nod my head up and down to this song; it has some damn catchy riffs. This song builds and builds as it goes on, and Thom Yorke does his thing - typical Radiohead stuff - awesome.

Enjoy!

Gogol Bordello - Wonderlust King

Well, while I study for my art history midterm, I felt obligated to post some fucking Gogol Bordello. This is one badass band. In case you're unfamiliar with the band, Gogol Bordello plays gypsy punk - yes, gypsy punk. Raw vocals, catchy riffs, driving drums beats, laced with accordions and Balkan influences - this song is a great one to say the least. It'll be stuck in your head for a week or two. Be sure to check out live performances by Gogol Bordello as well - so much energy and intensity. Hope you enjoy.

Pink Floyd - High Hopes

After Roger Waters left Pink Floyd, the fate of the band was under great debate. Being the creator of such a work as "The Wall", not much was expected from David Gilmour and the rest of the Pink Floyd. Regardless of this monumental departure, Pink Floyd makes a great release with "The Division Bell" - here is one of my favorite tracks off the album, "High Hopes", a beautiful song showcasing David Gilmour's vocals and soothing guitar style.

Anteater Paradise - Cold, Windy Beaches

http://listn.to/ErikRussell/player#t=0&pos=0&s=633967

Title pretty much sums it up - Cold, Windy Beaches. At first, I thought it was pretty terrible; but now that it has looped on my browser 10 times or so, I can't say it's that bad. My friend just started writing music, and while this is his first real attempt, he does a pretty good job at synching up the soft strumming of his guitar to the calm, melodic waves crashing on the beach. Looking forward to hearing more.

Though personally, I only hear one beach.

Check him out on facebook though - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anteater-Paradise/186479251389314?v=app_178091127385

Bright Eyes - Road To Joy

Well shit, this is an awesome song. I got a chance to see Bright Eyes at South by South West earlier this week. While Conor Oberst isn't the youthful boy he used be, he is still writing music - awesome music. He experiments with folk, rock, acoustic, even some country elements. When you've been playing music for 20 years, that's bound to happen. This particular song is one of my favorites of my favorite album, I'm Wide Awake It's Morning, from 2005. If you're new to Bright Eyes, give this album a listen and tell me what you think.

The Joy Formidable - The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade

Alright, so I finally got a chance to see these guys yesterday at SXSW. Their live show blew me away - I had never seen more energy on stage and connection with the crowd. I couldn't help but smile the entire time, it was so amazing. Ritzy Bryan brings some magical quality to the stage that I had never seen before. She literally went crazy on stage. I got a chance to meet the band during their signing session after the show - they were really laid back and nice, willing to listen to me rant about how great they are. Plus, they're from Wales - accents!! Anyway, enough of how much I love them. This is The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade, off their debut album - The Big Roar.

Dead Man's Bones - Buried In Water

Well, I had an interesting start to my Spring Break... two speeding tickets in 4 days - Feelsbadman. Anyway, here's some more music... creepy music. Dead Man's Bones was created by Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields, originally intended to be the soundtrack for a horror film. While that never came together, they still put out a great, eerie album. Plus, they used a children's choir - nothing is creepier than kids.

Sepultura - Jasco / Itsari (cover)

While this is a cover (and an excellent one at that), it's an amazing display of a Latin style of guitar seen by the metal band Sepultura. This is done in drop D, with most of the chord sequences being varied alternatives of it. It's really a fun, and challenging song to play with a really unique sound. I totally wish I could play this as well as this guy can though. Enjoy. Oh, and check out the album 'Roots' by Sepultura.

The Notorious B.I.G. - Gimme The Loot

Probably my favorite hip-hop song of all time (yes I know this is off topic of the usual posts). To me, this song defines what hip hop can be - fluent, cruel, in your face, and even hilarious at times. Biggie could rhyme and criticize better than anyone in history. I cannot describe how much respect I have for his work.

Today also marks his birthday. RIP Biggie Smalls -  lyrical genius... you will be missed.

Queens of the Stone Age - Running Joke

Not my favorite QOTSA album, but definitely one of my favorite songs. Running Joke has a very dark sound to it, putting the listener into a trance. However, if you want some AWESOME(r) shit from Queens of the Stone Age, I recommend you check out "Songs For The Deaf" featuring Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) on drums or "Rated - R" (my personal favorite).

Mogwai - Emergency Trap

Awesome instrumental piece by one of my favorite bands. Mogwai is one of the more well known bands in today's prog-rock scene and for good reason; they are one of the best. This music really puts you at peace for 3 and a half minutes. If you like Godspeed You! Black Emperor or This Will Destroy You, I guarantee you'll dig Mogwai.

Bad Brains - Banned in DC

 

CBGB's, one of New York's best underground music venues for hardcore and punk rock. They were home to Ramones, Sex Pistols, Cro-Mags, Sonic Youth, and of course.. Bad Brains. This song is so full of raw and hardcore elements that few bands can replicate today. Plus there is a fat guy dancing on stage - my favorite.

Against Me! - Unprotected Sex With Multiple Partners

I got a chance to see these guys live with Foo Fighters and Jimmy Eat World 4 years ago before they had gotten big. Against Me! has a very raw, emotion filled sound that is very powerful, but catchy at the same time. Their sound has changed throughout the years, however, give them a listen!

Hollenthon - Of Splendid Worlds

Alright, here's some symphonic metal. It's pretty cool stuff. Strange beats, dissonant guitars, guttural vocals; sounds pretty weird, and it is, but it comes together so wonderfully creating a dark, heavy sound straight from the depths of hell. Sorry to the indie fans, doubt you'll like this much, if at all.

Sleep - Dragonaut

Quintessential stoner rock. Enough said.

Nirvana - Sliver

Nothing can follow 1991's "Nevermind" by Nirvana, though their next effort was pretty solid. 1992's "Insecticide" has lots of the same grunge (The Melvins) elements, but isn't quite as dark as "In Utero". Sliver is a solid track, giving you a good idea of the transitional period the band was going through.

Pentagram - Forever My Queen

Well, I wanted to post some metal today and it's hard to top anything off Pentagram's First Daze Here. This album shows off elements of Heavy Metal, Doom Metal and Psychedelic (as they were huge fans of Blue Cheer). Powerful, heavy, dark guitar, pounding cymbals, awesome vocals; what more could you want? If you like Black Sabbath, Witchcraft, Candlemass or anything doom metal, check these guys out.

Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea

Well this is just a great album; Jeff Magnum's masterpiece. Neutral Milk Hotel has a very indie sound with a brass section, acoustic guitar, and Jeff Magnum's distinct, somewhat whiny voice. They all come together amazingly well. Fans of Beirut will love this, as I do. I don't know why I keep linking title tracks from albums... they're just so good. Anyway, enjoy.

Radiohead - Kid A

Well, with Radiohead's new album out TODAY, I decided to link some of their older stuff. The title track from 2000's "Kid A" is a great one; Radiohead blends a consistent drum beat with a daze of vocals similar to that of Idioteque, off the same album. This song just melts into the background, causing one's mind to wander, while staring aimlessly at the ceiling. If you are new to Radiohead, I recommend giving "Kid A" and "OK Computer" a try. Both are great albums, enjoyable by a broad range of listeners.

The Strokes - Is This It

With the new Strokes album, Angles, being released March 22nd, I felt obligated to give the band some serious listening once again. Lead singer Julian Casablancas has been doing his solo stuff for long enough apparently, and is excited for the new studio release. A single track was leaked a few weeks back, going back to their original sound not seen since The Strokes sophomore album "Room On Fire" - and I recommend giving that a listen... but here is the title track from their debut album "Is This It".

Smashing Pumpkins - Tonight, Tonight

From the album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness", this particular track really showcases Billy Corgan's distinct voice, in addition to his creative talent. This is a beautiful song; extremely passionate, meaningful and peaceful. If you get a chance, give this whole album a listen. It has lots of meaning associated with it, and encompasses lots of genres including, classical, rock, metal, alternative, and more. Enjoy!

Joy Division - Disorder

RIP Ian Curtis, you died too young. Anyhow, here's some awesome music from an awesome dude. If you aren't familiar with Joy Division, give them a listen.

The Misfits - Horror Business

Not enough can be said about The Misfits influence on today's music. While Glenn Danzig and The Misfits didn't last very long, the music they put out inspired a whole generation of punk and metal. Here is one of my favorites of theirs, hope you enjoy.

Acid Bath - Jezebel

One of my favorite albums from one of my favorite songs. If you like doom metal at all, give this song a listen; I guarantee you you'll dig this.

The Decemberists - The Mariner's Revenge Song

This is a really cool live song, done by the Decemberists. It shows that good music doesn't have to have AutoTune to still sound amazing. Hope you enjoy!

Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Dead Flag Blues

Ra Ra Riot - Boy

Beirut - The Penalty