Arctic Monkey - Humbug

As teenagers, England's Arctic Monkeys were subjected to a hype unimaginable for most bands let alone one made up of no one yet in their twenties. Their great 2006 debut was everything expected of it; nothing fancy or flashy, just pure blasts of audio entertainment. The following year they matured and expanded their sound to flesh out yet another great album in Favourite Worst Nightmare. Now, two years down the road, these lads have once again evolved their sound to release another album; Humbug. To help the Monkeys along this time is Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss) who produced the album in such a way that he did not steer the boys in the direction of his "stoner rock" persona but rather polished up and streamlined their ideas and songwriting talents. Swirling guitars, slower tempos (as well as radical tempo changes), and embracing Brit-pop ("Cornerstone" is prime Brit-pop) are but a few tricks thrown into Humbug. Tracks here are also longer in length, totally abandoning the two minutes, aggressive tunes of their debut; instead going for more structured and plotted out tracks ("Pretty Visitors" manages to pull together old AM and Humbug AM). In the end, this album isn't the youthful joy of Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not nor the well-rounded album that was Favourite Worst Nightmare, but it is another enjoyable release from a band who, scary to think, haven't even reached their 25th birthdays yet.

3.6/5.0

Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

Blitz the Ambassador - On My Mixtape Shit

Blitz is a serious MC. Serious in tone, style, and talent. This amazing mixtape offers up the beginnings of an excellent rapper. Rhyming about serious themes with a genuine passion behind each line, On My Mixtape Shit is a highlight on the year so far (and that's saying a lot for a mixtape). A pleasant surprise from beginning to end, Blitz is also accompanied on a number of tracks by a full band. A true student of hip hop ("Hands of Time" follows 20 years of rap with samples from the songs being referenced), Blitz is a man with much to say, and as long as his releases are up to this level, listeners will be taking heed.

In short - GET THIS NOW.

Blitz the Ambassador - On My Mixtape Shit

Amanda Blank - "Might Like You Better"

Pals with Baltimore's Spank Rock (she dropped a classic verse of YoYoYoYo's "Bump"), Amanda Blank falls right in line with the dancey sex-rap team. Her debut album I Love You may not break down new barriers but it is a damn fun and well-produced listen (thanks to Diplo and Co.). This single is perfect example of introducing those unfamiliar with Amanda Blank to her, um, style. It is completely groovy, completely off-the-wall, and completely fun. Definitely give her album a listen as it is one of the year's diamonds that must be found in the proverbial rough.

Julian Plenti - Julian Plenti Is...Skyscraper

The first solo album by Julian Plenti (aka, Paul Banks lead singer/guitarist for Interpol) finds Plenti/Banks straying away from the formula which has resulted in so much career success for him and his New York bandmates. The first thing that stands out upon listening to Julian Plenti Is...Skyscraper is the fact that Banks does not sing in the post-punk baritone so commonly associated with his Interpol persona. Throughout the album's run, Plenti/Banks utilizes more subdued vocals, incorporates strings (as well as predominately acoustic arrangements), Grandaddy-esque synths ("Unwind" especially sounds like the Grandaddy song that never was), and even the occasional horn section. However, things never really come fully together (album-wise). A solid opener in "Only If You Run" (which acknowledges right away that this is NOT an Interpol album) segues into predominately acoustic numbers ("Skyscraper") as well as just generally slower paced tracks. The albums final tracks borrow more from the neo-folk, singularly plucked acoustic guitar (including some upright bass of the dreamy "No Chance Survival") trend of late than Interpol's post-punk influences. If Plenti/Banks set out to distance himself from the Interpol sound, he accomplished that; however, if he were trying to create something truly innovative and special...well, perhaps next time Skyscraper.

3.3/5.0

Julian Plenti - Julian Plenti Is...Skyscraper

Raekwon - "House of Flying Daggers"

The highly anticipated (and long-awaited) sequel to Raekwon's 1995 masterpiece is complete and will be drop on September 8. This video/song which will be found on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II is vintage Wu. Although the track is not produced by RZA (duties are handled by the late J-Dilla) it does feature thematic strings, grimy beats, kung fu movie samples, and no less than five Wu-Tang members. An excellent track with sweet animated video. Wu-Tang back? Maybe...

Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa - How Fly

Being dropped from a major label earlier this year has not slowed Wiz Khalifa down. In fact, it seems to have driven him to become a better rapper. Although he shares this mixtape with New Orlean's Curren$y, it's his show from the opening seconds. Curren$y is one rapper who has years of hype but nothing of relevance to show for it. After talks of joining No Limit years ago, Curren$y has instead floating around the mixtape world releasing only one official album this year (this passable This Ain't No Mixtape). All of this is dissapointing considering he was named as XXL's top ten artists to watch in 2009. However, Wiz Khalifa is expanding his talent and that's very promising considering he's only 21.

Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa - How Fly

Jay-Z - "Run This Town"

Only a few more weeks until the often-retired superstar Jay-Z releases The Blueprint 3. Although expectations are high (with no possibility of it exceeding the greatness of the first Blueprint), Jigga and company appear to be prepared to pull out all the stops. The latest single has not only Jay on top of his game but Kanye once again delivering an amazing guest verse (see his verse of Clipse's "Kinda Like A Big Deal"). Rhianna just seems to be here to bring a pop element to what obviously was an expensive track to put together. The video (ripping off Mad Max/"California Love"/300 (the abs)) just look cool but the track is what should be focused on here.

The Walkmen - "On the Water"

One of the consistently best bands around (and always touring), the Walkmen released yet another amazing album last year with You and Me. The latest single from that album, "On the Water," is a slower, beautiful song that has an excellent animated video to join it. The colors and look of this video is just awesome.

Weezer - "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To"

Weezer writing cheesy love songs? No way. The latest Weezer single is yet another slice of summer pop from the Nerd Kings of Pop. With hand claps and upbeat acoustic guitars, Rivers ridiculous references (Titanic, romantic trips to Best Buy) are perfect for the song's style and attitude. While they will never produce anything that can hold a flame to their first two albums, they continue to write damn catchy songs.

Mad Child - The Mad Child EP

The second EP released by the wilder side of Swollen Members is, well, a very tame release considering Mad Child's track record. Only on the aptly titled "Dickhead" does Mad Child's over-the-top attitude come off (however, the track is so over-the-top it comes off as laughable). Elsewhere, Mad Child is a little too introspective with personal questions and issues that just doesn't gel ("Freedom" does, however, result in a nice little soulful jam). As with Prevail's Baseball Bat & Nails, the EP's standout comes when the two share vocal duties ("Concerto") and the beats by Rob the Viking are smooth and thumping at the same time. Combined, these two releases do little but prove that they should scrape any ideas of future solo efforts and just work together.

2.9/5.0

Mad Child - The Mad Child EP

Prevail - Baseball Bats & Nails

It has been nearly three years since the last Swollen Members release and right when the time has come for another album to add to the repitoire, they opt instead to release solo EPs. Prevail's half of this (somewhat) joint effort feels empty; as in there is no crazy Mad Child there to compliment Prevail's thoughts and flow. Although Mad Child does appear on two of the six tracks, it still feels like a forced effort to get by without P's right-hand man. Prevail trys out the party jam ("P**F") but to no avail and even throws in a posse cut featuring west coast faux-legends Souls of Mischief (the generic "Mean Streets") that does not quite hit on all cylinders like it should. The only time things really come together on this EP is when Swollen Members (the whole trio of Prevail, Mad Child, and the supremely underrated producer Rob the Viking) join up and tear through the dark, synth-influenced track "Crack Your Mouth." Despite Prevail's best efforts to carry a release sans Mad Child, Baseball Bats & Nails fails to fully deliver.

3.1/5.0

Prevail - Baseball Bats & Nails

Audio Push - "Teach Me How To Jerk"

Krumping, the "crank dat" dance, "walking it out" are all some trend dances that have come out in the past few years and have had songs to help with the promotion (?) and instructions of the dance itself. The latest, jerkin', is a modification of an old dance move but thanks to a new trend, has gotten a renovation. California's Audio Push have released this single to accompany this latest style. The song is equal parts old school drums with new school synths and blips but all together fun. This track is hot and since they were recently signed to Interscope, more material is sure to come.

Radiohead - "These Are My Twisted Words"

Radiohead has released another single here that is more in the style of their In Rainbows album than their recently released, string-heavy, slow-tempoed single "Harry Patch (In Memory Of)". At nearly six minutes, it's a longer song with many sections and focused more on the music than that of Thom's vocals/lyrics. In the end, it is yet another excellent addition to Radiohead's legendary catalogue.

Hercules & Love Affair - Sidetracked

After last year's debut, DFA's Hercules & Love Affair have not yet officially released a followup but have thrown together an uber-dancey mix entitled Sidetracked. With relentless clubby beats and a go-with-the-flow-of-the-party vibe, its a nice listen. While lacking any real substance (as is the case with about every DJ album ever) it still does what it sets out to do: keep the party going.

Hercules & Love Affair - Sidetracked

Dezmatic & Mr. Dibbs - Bigfoot's Dick

While nothing spectacular, it does feature the hermit-like Mr. Dibbs (known for his love of splicing rock tracks on rap verses), rapping over the Black Keys, Sintra singing over a thumping boom-bap beat, and an awesome mixtape name and accompanying cover art. Dezmatic is, at best, a below average MC who has a perverted mind and consequently perverted lyrics. At times they are quite humorous but the schtick soon becomes tiresome. While not totally unlistenable, it shouldn't be downloaded with much anticipation.

Dezmatic & Mr. Dibbs - Bigfoot's Dick

Drake Goes Down (Onstage)

Superstar to be Drake took a fall and left Lil Wayne to utilize his wit (and every fiber of talent he possesses) to save the day. Luckily it worked out alright (other than the fact Drake got severely hurt).

Modest Mouse - King Rat

Whales hunting humans + Monty Python-esque animation + a dead Academy Award winner (who hosts as director) = Modest Mouse's "King Rat" video. Based on a concept by the late Heath Ledger, this video from the excellent song from their excellent EP No One's First and You're Next is, well, an excellent (and delightfully twisted) video. Check out the video and get the EP (if you haven't already).

Pissed Jeans - King of Jeans

Sub Pop's (awesomely named) Pissed Jeans' latest sounds as though the boys raided the Sub Pop catalogue and emulated what they deemed to be standouts. King of Jeans is equal parts 80s hardcore and minimalist-inspired noise rock. Tracks like "Dominate Yourself" and "Dream Smotherer" are blasted at you with such raw energy that it is impossible not to get a little worked up yourself as you listen. Elsewhere, the sludgey-guitar factor is turned way up to create a murky soundscape that sounds downright sinister even amongst it's rather basic structure ("Request For Masseuse" and the seven minute long "Spent"). Even among all the angst of this album, Pissed Jeans offer a little tongue-in-cheek moment with "Goodbye (Hair)" which still rocks regardless of it's jokey premise. Throughout the album, the influence of Steve Albini (Shellac, Big Black, Rapeman, producer of Nirvana's In Utero) is unquestionable. The noise rock guru's fingerprints are all over this record even though he had no literal participation in it. King of Jeans is a brutal, crunchy album that, even though borrows heavily from music from an earlier generation, fittingly does so in a way that those bands who they (rather obviously) rip off would be proud of this Allentown, PA four piece's latest release.

3.9/5.0

Pissed Jeans - King of Jeans

Fresh Daily - Today Is Tomorrow

After hearing him (with a standout verse) on the latest Mickey Factz mixtape (The Leak Vol. 2 - The Inspiration), it was necessary to check his own material out. Although Fresh Daily has only this one mixtape under his belt, it is extremely promising. Immersing himself in the "out of the world" theme (full of spacey samples, beeps and blips, and otherworldly references) Fresh Daily is doing his best to make himself known while maintaining a sense of self and originality. Fans of Lupe Fiasco and (to a lesser extent) the up-and-comer Kid Cudi will definitely want to check Fresh Daily out just so they can be the first to acknowledge his freshness down the road when he hits it big (and if he doesn't it's not for lack of talent but rather lack of a high-profile accomplice to give him his chance).

Fresh Daily - Today Is Tomorrow

Imaginariium of Doctor Parnassus

Though it has little to do with music, the little is does have to do with it is major: Tom Waits playing the Devil. The latest from auteur Terry Gilliam (Brazil, 12 Monkeys) looks to be yet another trippy fantasy aimed at adults. Other than Waits' portrayal of the dark one (seriously, with that gravelly voice and faux-madman persona, how can it be a miss?) it is also contain the last onscreen appearance of the late Heath Ledger. It's looks twistedly awesome.

Eyedea & Abilities - "Junk"

At the ripe ol' age of 28, Minnesota's Eyedea has been a staple in the brainy underground hip-hop/freestyle battle scene for the past decade (even winning an HBO sponsored battle competition in 2000). Once again Eyedea has teamed up with his frequent counterpart Abilities to release By the Throat. Although the lyrics are typical Eyedea, the beats fall more into the punk/hip-hop style that has been popular as of late (P.O.S., Cage). "Junk" is the first single off their new album and although nothing special, it does display Eyedea's uncanny wordplay and flow.

Drake - Room For Improvement

Although a recent stumble on stage has halted his touring, Drake, nevertheless, continues to release mixtapes. Room For Improvement is yet another pre-debut mixtape that teases fans and listeners alike. The problem here (as with his other mixtapes) is his delving into corny R & B territory and straying away from his true talent: rapping. But when he is on, he is on. Check it out (and enjoy the sweet guest appearance from Kid of Kid 'N Play "fame) and join the club of those anticipating his debut.

Drake - Room For Improvement

Clipse - "I'm Good"

The first single from the upcoming Clipse album Till the Casket Drops "Kinda Like A Big Deal" was classic. The beat was sick. The verses were on point. And the song was way hot. Now comes the second single and it kind of leaves you wondering, "huh?" Notorious for grimey beats (courtesy, more often than not, of The Neptunes) and equally grimey lyrics (bragging and drug dealing), it comes as a surprise that this new song actually has a hook. Pharrell (attempting to sing) supplies the vocals while Pusha and Malice stay on their game with excellent verses. But it all just seems....weird. Obviously it's Clipse's go at a single which both works and doesn't. Regardless, this album is going to be killer.

Modest Mouse - No One's First and You're Next

The latest from Modest Mouse is a great piece of new-ish material that gives a good representation of the band and where they've come from. Starting off, they were merely an indie rock group who exemplified the term in every way: off-key tunings, obscure vocals/lyrics, mid-level production qualities, and general disregard for the norm. However, in 2004, they struck it big with their album Good News For People Who Love Bad News (and the hit "Float On"). After great record sales and a new fanbase, the boys of MM struck gold in recruiting indie-rock trendsetter Johnny Marr (The Smiths). Here on No One's First and You're Next the band embraces it's history from the opening track "Satellite Skin" (which sounds like early MM) through the concluding, pop-savvy (and highly polished (production-wise)) "I've Got It All (Most)." In between, there are Good News-era horns ("Perpetual Motion Machine"), Marr-inspired guitar pop ("History Sticks To Your Feet"), screeching guitar riffs, and trademark MM weirdness ("King Rat"). And at no times does it come off stale nor lacking in originality. As a band, Modest Mouse seems ever-evolving and with You're Next it only shows that creativity is seemingly endless for this group of seasoned indie vets.

4.5/5.0

Modest Mouse - No One's First and You're Next

Ratatat - Remixes Volume 2

The second (duh) remix album by instrumental duo Ratatat is as much of a pleasure to listen to as their first collection. Focusing mainly on east coast talent, Ratatat infuse their electro-inspired beats and heavy synths to some of rap's finest talents including Jay-Z, B.I.G., and Kanye. With this release, these guys have proven that not only can they make excellent albums but they can span genres and bring their distinctive style to hip-hop (and make it work). Already slated to produce tracks for the new Kid Cudi album, these guys are about to make a serious name for themselves; and it is much deserved as well as a long time coming (check out any of their three awesome studio albums (Ratatat, Classics, LP3)).

Ratatat - Remixes Volume 2

Radiohead - "Harry Patch" (In Memory Of)

Radiohead has offered up a new track here that is devoted to the last surviving soldier of WWI: Harry Patch who recently passed away (111 years old). The song is merely Thom singing over an amazing string arrangement (no doubt setup by Greenwood who now moonlights as a composer (he scored There Will Be Blood)). The mood of the song is obviously very somber as it is Thom singing (beautifully) about the passing of a true hero. What else would you expect?

Radiohead - "Harry Patch (In Memory Of)"

Thee Oh Sees - Help

Thee Oh Sees is a band who prides themselves in their nostalgia factor (and pitiful production qualities). Much like the Black Lips, this California band specializes in making subpar rock music that does little more than showcase the inabilities of it's band. The drums here are spastic and overtly simplistic (makes Meg White look like Buddy Rich), the vocals are fuzzed out and unrecognizable, the same blues progression over and over again become mundane, and the guitars and the miserable solos are completely amateur (never has the tambourine played such as important part on an album released past 1967). It's basically a mess. It's hard to determine where the talent lies and how they have come to release more than one album. It's not until late in the album in which a redeemable song can be found ("Destroyed Fortress Reappears" is a diamond in the roughest of roughs). But even if you are capable of making it that far, it is much too late. The distorted guitars/vocals of Help become old and cliche after only a few minutes, so imagine what an entire album sounds like....

2.2/5.0

Thee Oh Sees - Help

Jay Reatard - "It Ain't Gonna Save Me"

Ultra-busy punk musician Jay Reatard will be releasing another solo album this month and this will be the first single for Watch Me Fall. Although things in the video start off calm and peaceful, pretty soon all hell breaks loose at what was an innocent birthday party: a clown fights the kids (with bos), Jay gets pelted with various foods, and shit blows up. Who doesn't love a birthday party?

Language Artz - Raw Rap Shit: The Menu

This Los Angeles-based crew has released a mixtape that takes you back to the days of posse rap (as made famous (or perhaps infamous) by the Wu-Tang Clan). Each track features a different lineup of the members as they rap over 90s rap tracks that will sound familiar (Wu is even sampled a few times). The focus here is primarily on the lyrics and for the most part each member represents their crew well. At only eight tracks it isn't too much of a listen (length-wise) and a good one to put on to chillout with. Each track (or sushi menu item) fits perfectly with this posse-theme that Language Artz is trying to represent.

Language Artz - Raw Rap Shit: The Menu

Peter Bjorn & John

The Swedish trio (best know for the whistler-happy "Young Folks" of a few years back) have released one of the year's better releases in Living Thing back in March. And to go with it, their first three music videos all focus on a very common theme: dancing. "Nothing To Worry About" focuses on rockabilly Japanese gangs (ridiculous pompadours and all), "Lay It Down" has a dance off at some odd masquerade party, and "It Don't Move Me" follows the dancing aspirations of some skinny dude. Of the three videos, neither Bjorn nor Peter nor John make any kind of appearance. Doesn't matter. These videos are great and the album is a 2009 classic.

Chip tha Ripper - Can't Stop Me

Attempting to put Cleveland in as a serious contender for a rap city, Chip tha Ripper has issued his first mixtape to the masses (with a whopping 26 tracks). But why should people care? Well, Chip has a good buddy (who also reps Cleveland) in Kid Cudi. Cudi even appears on a couple tracks here. You might say that Chip is riding Cudi's coattails but he is a pretty good rapper. If nothing else, Chip believes it (as well as having Cudi's approval). While his flow is still pretty rough and lyric material limited, with Cudi (and his newfound "muscle" in the industry) perhaps Chip will get it all together down the road. Also, Cudi has stated many times that he fully plans on collaborating with Chip on an official full-length LP in the near future.

Chip tha Ripper - Can't Stop Me

Delorean - Ayrton Senna

This sweet little piece of dance pop from relative newcomers Delorean is a refreshing EP which packs a lot in its five tracks. Channeling the good time house/techno of the 90s (ie., check out the "Seasun" remix) while incorporating a larger focus on vocals (Cut Copy comes to mind as a good comparison), Delorean is relentless here in their effort to create a feel good album (try listening to "Seasun" and not be taken in by its handclaps, driving piano, and repeated chorus). The beats found here on Ayrton Senna are catchy and blaring enough to draw the attention of dance music freaks across the board.

4.0/5.0

Delorean - Ayrton Senna

Yo La Tengo - "Here To Fall"

September 8th will be the date in which indie-rock godfathers/godmother release their 12th album Popular Songs. Up until the album's release date, the band and director John McSwain have developed five videos for five different songs. The first on which is "Here To Fall." The song is excellent, hands down. The video is merely the filming of plans spurting smoke (but wait until about the 3:00 mark when it starts getting pretty trippy) and a cassette tape burning at the end. Amazing song. Interesting video.

Wild Beasts - Two Dancers

The second album in as many years from Kendal, England's Wild Beasts is an excellent piece of indie rock/pop. At the forefront is vocalist Hayden Thorpe whose ridiculous vocal range and falsetto are impossible to ignore ("All the King's Men" best displays his talent). But it helps that he is backed by a very talented group. The songs found on Two Dancers are each ultra-rhythmic while still retaining a dream-pop kind of feel (thanks in part to Thorpe's vocals and impressive harmony arrangements). Elsewhere, the Wild Beasts draw on other influences to add to the album; post-punk's shredding, angular guitars drive "When I'm Sleepy" as well as "This Is Our Lot" and the self-titled track is very methodic in its structure as instruments are added and taken away to give it a great atmospheric feel (the track is easily a standout among the album's ten excellent offerings). The best part about this album is that although it touches on a number of various "mood music" genres (ie., dream pop, 80s vocal pop), the rhythm of the album gives it a more universal-listening feel beyond a Sunday morning or reading the day's news. And the result is another tremendous album from an extremely promising young band with a very bright future.

4.4/5.0

Wild Beasts - Two Dancers