My birthday week went over pretty well if I do say so myself. Being able to have a crazy Wednesday filled with drunken ballroom dancing and stand-up comedy and a relaxed Thursday that involved reading outside all day and a nice Mexican dinner with a few friends, was an interesing balance. I was able to dedicate some time to listen to the new Stephen Lynch disc. It’s as faux-charming and hilarious as one would expect from the musician trapped in the body of a comedian.
Stephen Lynch – 3 Balloons
Montreal-based producer Tor, sampled a handful of songs from multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens’ last full length, Illinoise, as well as A Sun Came, Seven Swans and Songs for Christmas, with hip-hop heros Aesop Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Gift of Gab (Blackalicious), C.L. Smooth, Outkast, Brother Ali, and Grand Puba. The result is amazing.
Download the whole thing here.
Happily unknown and well respected in the indie rock scene, Youth Group has been (yet again) hitting the TV shows with their melodic and dense work. Last time it was the cover of Alphaville’s Forever Young which was used in The O.C. and now it’s What Is A Life featured in Gossip Girl. Hopefully this will boost sales on YG’s upcoming US release of The Night is Ours. They deserve it.
Youth Group – All This Will Pass
The new came out this week! And…uhh…it’s really fucking good! Knowing full and well how talented Dan Boeckner is with Wolf Parade and the last Handsome Furs album, it was no surprise how amazing this record turned out. With infectious hooks and perfectly witty lyrics, Face Control is definitely one of the best albums to arrive this year. I mean it’s already mid-March and as far as I’m concerned 2009 has 2008 by the balls.
Handsome Furs – I’m Confused
Some band called The Dead Weather is getting some buzz…I wonder why.
The new Manchester Orchestra songs (and videos) are coming along very nicely.
If you haven’t checked out rising hip-hopper new album yet….