Puttin’ on a hexLike me, if you missed Ex Hex’ set with Speedy Ortiz at Sister on the 10th, then shame! Only cause I’m sure it was a fun show. Regardless, hot off the release of their first full-length LP, the band has released a video for album track “Waterfall.” So if you dig punk-ish rock tunes fronted by female aficionados who maintain a masterful sound and cohesive prowess with their instruments, you’ll like it … or at least become more curious. PS: You might recognize Mary Timony from White Flag or Helium. Or you might not. Either way, view the vid below.We say goodbyeThis is a sad one, folks. Isaiah “Ikey” Owens, a member of Jack White’s band, passed away. He was on tour with White’s band in Mexico, and according to Billboard, the cause has been listed as a heart attack. Another talented musician has been claimed by the elements, and to him we say, “Have a safe journey, and thanks for your contributions to the arts.” RIP.There’s still life on MarsDavid Bowie announced that he’s releasing a career-spanning retrospective compilation from every period of his career … and there are so many: Ziggy Stardust? ’80s Bowie? It’s too much to get into. Along with the announcement of said release, Bowie also stated that it would have a new James Bond-esque track “Sue (Or in a Season of Crime),” which is now available for listening below (skip to 1:05 to get right to it). The record itself drops on Nov. 18, and a limited-edition 10” hits the music-sphere on Nov. 28. So keep an eye out.What comes next …There are a few reissues on the horizon, y’all. First up, we got Pixies’ Doolittle. To celebrate the release of the band’s most popular album (though Surfer Rosa is my favorite), the band is re-releasing it as Pixies: Doolittle 25, and it’ll include b-sides and demos that were recorded during the sessions for the record. That’ll be released on Dec. 2. Next up, we have Cursive’s The Ugly Organ. Granted, it’s the only album I’ve ever heard by the band, but that doesn’t deter from its appeal. It’s a fantastic record (see: “A Gentleman Caller”). The reissue will come with eight additional tracks, and that’ll hit the music-sphere on Nov. 24. So keep an eye out for those sparkly gems.A savage collaborationIt was announced a while back that Japanese psych-hard rock contemporaries Bo Ningen would collaborate with post-punk masters Savages on a new record Words to the Blind. But if you’re a fan of Bo Ningen, you might have already assessed that Savages singer Jehnny Beth is featured on their track “CC.” And if you’re not, there’s always a chance for some musical education. Your first lesson: Watch the video for the track below. Enjoy!Are Death Grips alive?Experimental hip-hoppers Death Grips announced a while back that they were calling it quits. Now they’re announcing the completion of their third (and final) record. They released niggas on the moon earlier this year, which was apparently the first part, with jenny death being the second installment. According to Pitchfork, the powers that b incorporates both halves. In regard to its release, I call bullshit. Not on the release itself, but on them being broken up. Didn’t Thee Oh Sees pull this stunt, then go ahead and release the awesome Drop? I’ll believe the breakup when I see it. As for the album, no release date has been announced. Hawthorne/RihannaConsider me sacrilegious for not knowing who Mayer Hawthorne is, but I do know about Rihanna … like most of the globe. So the only reason I clicked Hawthorne’s link is because the neo-soul, funkadelic musician decided to cover her single “Stay,” which is probably one of the only Rihanna songs I like. After reading that he wanted to take it to that “sexy Barry White funk zone,” I knew this was something I had to hear. And I’m glad I did. This cover is fantastic even if you don’t like the original. But you don’t need to read my thoughts on it, just listen.Gettin’ the Led outIt was announced a while back that Led Zeppelin was reissuing their entire catalogue. That’s happening and has happened, as Led Zeppelin’s I, II and III have already been released. Coming soon (on Oct. 27), they’ll reissue IV and Houses of the Holy. And to give fans a little snippet, they’ve shared an alternate recording of their famous tune “Rock and Roll.” And if you’ve never heard the song (shame!), it’s a jammer. Head to Billboard to give that a listen. Have fun!How Foo of you!The Foo Fighters have been gaining some mentions in the headlines for the fact that they recorded their upcoming record Sonic Highways in eight studios in eight different cities. Hell, it’s even the subject of an HBO miniseries. That LP comes out on Nov. 10, but to give fans a taste of the musical proceedings, they’ve shared album track “Something From Nothing,” which is available for consumption below.The Flaming Lips + Miley Cyrus + Moby = LucyI mentioned a while back that The Flaming Lips were making a cover album of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which’ll feature guests such as Moby, Miley Cyrus, Grace Potter, My Morning Jacket and more. Now, via PledgeMusic, the band has posted their version of “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” which features the aforementioned Cyrus and Moby. It’s not bad. But it’s not groundbreaking either. Regardless, head there to give that a listen, and look for the record on Oct. 28.
Rooster Roundabout: This Week’s Music Highlights
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