Call me superficial. Call me impulsive. Call me weird. But the only reason I even watched the video for EMA’s track “So Blonde” was because the default photo showed her wearing a Jim Morrison t-shirt. In case we haven’t met, I have a tattoo of Morrison on my left arm. So yeah, let’s just say I admire the “American poet.” But I am glad I clicked the link because the track contains some alt.rock, grunge tendencies that remind me of later Hole (around the Celebrity Skin era). You can watch that below.While I’m not a crazy fanatic of Wes Anderson’s films, I’ve always appreciated his aesthetic, his color, his attention to detail and his creativity in general. But as well as having an incredible eye for visuals, he’s got a sharp ear for sound. You can tell by listening to the The Royal Tenenbaums‘ tunes, which include Paul Simon, Nico, The Ramones, etc. And now, thanks to the folks over at Pitchfork, you can hear the full soundtrack of his upcoming film The Grand Budapest Hotel. But keep in mind that it’ll only be available for streaming till March 2 … right in time for the Oscars. What what!Bring on the abuse! The Faint are back. I remember being introduced to them by pre-hipster kids that my friends used to know in high school, and their tunes could always be heard blasting from speakers at house parties where 16-year-old girls with eating disorders passed out on couches, and people would sneakily retreat to bathrooms for bumps on the toilet. The Faint always seemed like an appropriate soundtrack, and their new track (off their upcoming record Doom Abuse) seems to have the same sentiment. I foresee it being played at similar festivities upon its release. You can watch the video below, and look for their album on April 8.A couple weeks back, I posted rock band The Men’s track “Different Days” and noted its boisterous beat and wild direction. And now you can hear their entire forthcoming album Tomorrow’s Hits over at the New York Times website. Enjoy … ‘Member when Coldplay used to be good? You know … around A Rush of Blood to the Head? ‘Member how their lyrics and melodies would strike at the heart and making your blood boil with confusion, sadness and reflection? Well, after that Viva La Vida bullshit, that sort of went out the window, and it seems as if they’ve gotten worse and worse with age. But maybe there’s hope? Maybe their new, contemplative track “Midnight” might stir some emotion? See for yourself … It looks like iTunes is the place to listen to albums ahead of their release dates (or surprise albums in Kid Cudi’s case). The Kid released his record (Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon) this past week on the music-buying and listening platform. So go get it! On another note, last week I mentioned that Pharrell was coming out with a new album (titled G I R L), and folks, you’re in luck because Pharrell has decided to stream the album in its entirety via iTunes Radio. How’s that for digitally representing yourself? And while you’re at it, take a listen to Rick Ross’ new Mastermind LP. Since you’ll already be on iTunes anyway.Sister trio Haim have been making quite a name for themselves in the pop world. Their track “The Wire” gained them some pretty good traction, considering they’d been teasing their album (Days Are Gone) for a while before it finally came out. And now the sisters have released a video for album track “If I Could Change Your Mind,” and they’ve added some groovy dance moves to the proceedings. You can watch that below.I’ve always liked Mudhoney. I feel like they were the more creative, low-key sibling of more well-known grunge contemporaries. But when you hear their sound, it’s anything but low-key. Just listen to their album Superfuzz Bigmuff to get a taste of their crunchy cool. But on to the news, people. Mudhoney and Divine Fits recently recorded live records at Jack White’s Third Man Records studio. And both albums hit the music market Tuesday. That’s right … this coming Tuesday. So get to buyin’.Damnit! Every time I hear Screaming Females, I’m admonished for not having purchased one of their albums, so I just need to get with it already and make a buy. In due time, people. In due time. But I’ve just been reminded of how their particular brand of rock is necessary in my collection after hearing a live recording of their track “Lights Out.” The song comes off their upcoming LP Live at the Hideout, which is out on April 8. Listen … and let your ears bear witness to greatness.Nothing says good vibes like songs with the word “happy” in the title, which is evidenced by aforementioned Pharrell Williams’ track “Happy.” But Billboard took the initiative to compile a list of 20 chart-topping songs that contain the word “happy.” NOTE: Most of them are gracious golden oldies because, let’s face it, them’s was the good ol’ days. Keep in mind, just because a song has the word “happy” in the title doesn’t mean it’s going to put a smile on your face. But as an added treat, I’ve included one of my favorites (which is also on the list). Enjoy …
Rooster Roundabout: This Week’s Music Highlights
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