The Strokes

the strokes


V.22 No.39 | 9/26/2013

Now that TLC has a biopic coming out, starring Lil Mama (of “Lip Gloss” fame), they've also decided to come out with a greatest hits LP, which drops on Oct. 15. You can head over to Pitchfork for the tracklist, which includes “Waterfalls,” “Red Light Special” and “Creep.”

Your stamp collection just got a little cooler.

The dream of the '90s seems to be alive and kickin' as Veruca Salt have announced via Twitter that they're reuniting and recording with Brad Wood, who they worked with on their first record, American Thighs. Who knows what could become of this, but this is the most exciting news I've heard all week.

Just in case you were wondering what M.I.A.'s upcoming album, Matangi, looks like. You can view the tracklist and see the cover art over at Pitchfork. The album hits shelves on Nov. 5.

If you haven't listened to Mudhoney, you should definitely entertain the notion of listening to Mudhoney. They've been steadily releasing material in their 20+ years as a band, and their newest record, Vanishing Point, is currently available in stores or via online markets. They've just released a video of the track “The Only Son Of The Widow From Nain,” which you can check out now. Probably NSFW.

Dr. Dog's newest album, B-Room, comes out next week, but thanks to the folks over at Rolling Stone, you can stream the whole thing. Oh, and you can read about the band's efforts in making the album.

Jennifer Hudson's voice mixed with Pharrell's production and a cameo by T.I.? Yes, please!

What is it with the Coen brothers and churning out movies that provide killer soundtracks? O Brother, Where Art Thou?, anyone? Their upcoming flick, Inside Llewyn Davis is another Coen film that is getting the star-powered soundtrack treatment, and you can hear Marcus Mumford and Oscar Isaac singing “Fare Thee Well (Dink's Song)” from the film via Billboard.

Ever the chameleon, Madonna channels inspiration from the world around her. But then again, doesn't every other artist? Now, she's channeling inspiration in the fight for freedom of expression, and her latest mode of exacting said message is by covering Elliott Smith's “Between the Bars.” You can see the performance below and check out her Art for Freedom short film here.

Don't act like you're not excited that the tracklist for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has been released. I'm actually surprised at some of the big and interesting names they were able to get for it, but then again, it's got Jennifer Lawrence, so... Some people on this venture include Christina Aguilera (have you heard this woman sing?), Sia, Antony & The Johnsons, Patti Smith and much more.

A couple weeks back, it was announced that Albert Hammond Jr. (most notable from his work with The Strokes) was going to release a solo EP, titled AHJ, on Oct. 8. Well now Mr. Hammond (Jr.) has shared the first single from said release. It's sort of like old-school Strokes with a more crisp, poppy tone to it. Appoved.

Savages, my latest obsession, have shared a video for the track “Husbands,” off their fantastic debut LP Silence Yourself. The black-and-white vid has footage of the band playing interspersed with footage of cells, maggots, rising smoke and white triangles. Sounds about right.

Just in case you wanted to see Justin Bieber getting spanked by Zach Galifianakis.

Peter Gabriel released an album of covers, titled Scratch My Back, in 2010. Now Gabriel has flipped the switch by having artists take a whack at his songs on a second album of covers, titled And I'll Scratch Yours. The album features the likes of St. Vincent, Bon Iver, Lou Reed, Regina Spektor and more. The album is available this week, but you can hear Feist's cover of Gabriel's “Don't Give Up,” featuring Timber Timbre.

V.22 No.35 | 8/29/2013

Music

Rooster Roundabout: This week’s music highlights

For those of you who are wondering whether ‘N SYNC will reunite at the VMAs this weekend ... here’s what Joey Fatone has to say about it.

In case you're still keeping tabs on Nine Inch Nails (I stopped around The Downward Spiral), Trent Reznor shared a couple new songs from Hesitation Marks (out Sept. 3). One song is titled “Everything,” which is streaming at NPR. Newer track, “Find My Way,” you can hear below via Zane Lowe’s BBC radio show:

Jack White, Marcus Mumford, Joan Baez and The Avett Brothers are just some of the acts scheduled to perform at the benefit show on Sept. 29 for the Coen brothers' upcoming film, Inside Llewyn Davis.

Remember John Frusciante? The guitarist who left Red Hot Chili Peppers and disappeared to the nether-sphere? Well, he's back. And instead of returning to rock n' roll, he's back with some “Progressive Synth Pop.”

Lady Gaga shared the music video for the track, “Applause,” the first single from her upcoming album, ARTPOP, thus confirming that if you put a woman in skimpy outfits with dramatic lighting, she'll believe she's an artist. Where's the challenge? Oh, and the album hits stores on Nov. 11.

Let me just say that I never really got Grimes. I guess her brand of electro-pop just went over my head. But people seem to like her. So much so that it's been confirmed she'll be cohost MTV Style's Red Carpet Report, along with designer Rachel Antonoff.

Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond, Jr. is coming out with a solo EP, titled AHJ, via Julian Casablancas' Cult Records. The EP is set to hit stores on Oct. 8.

Former Burqueño Willis Earl Beal, whose new record, Nobody knows., comes out on Sept. 10, can also add actor to his résumé. Beal is set to star in a film titled Memphis, which was written and directed by Tim Sutton.

So Dan, was it really hard to give up Bob Dylan's hair?

I came across this nice little write-up by Sam Hockley-Smith for Stereogum, wherein he sentimentalizes Modest Mouse's The Lonesome Crowded West. It's an oldie but goodie.

Just in case you wanted to see Nirvana's original record contract with Sub-Pop.

M.I.A. released a new track, titled “Unbreak My Mixtape.” Not quite sure if this song is from her upcoming album, Matangi, which her label states is scheduled for a Nov. 5 release. The song samples Blur's “Tender” and Karen Dalton's “I Love You More Than Words Can Say.”

The Alibi recently reviewed Belle and Sebastian's The Third Eye Centre, a collection of rarities, remixes, etc., and now you can stream it via The Guardian.