New Music Video - Kings of Leon "Back Down South"

The oh so charming southern boys just released their video for "Back Down South." A look into life in the South, the video paints a care free and fun time in the South; including an outdoor concert by the band and fireworks.

Foreign Friday - Gold Panda

Marriage from Gold Panda on Vimeo.

Origin: Essex, UK
Genre: Electronic
Website: www.iamgoldpanda.com
Interesting fact:"An avowed lover of Japanese culture and it’s lifestyle, Gold Panda spend two years at the renowned School of Oriental and Asian Studies (SOAS) learning to read and write Japanese."
Free Download: "You" here.

Throwback - Curtis Mayfield "People Get Ready"

My favorite Curtis Mayfield song is actually "Move On Up;" used in many movies, tv shows, and samples.

Throwback - Sam Cooke "You Send Me"

His voice was so natural and clean; the type of raw talent that isn't nurtured nowadays. Instead, Rihanna has broken multiple chart records; she can not sing and we all no it. Anywho, my favorite Sam Cooke song is actually "Cupid" below.

Throwback - Otis Redding "Try A Little Tenderness"

I have somehow defied the laws of science and have loved this song for longer than I have been a live. If for some reason you don't know this song, you might remember it from the infamous scene of Duckie performing it in Trax in Pretty In Pink here. And if you don't know Pretty In Pink, I don't think I can help you. Aside from that, one of the more interesting versions of the song was done by the Barrio Boyzz for the I Like It Like That soundtrack, listen to it here. I honestly only particularly like the last minute or so.

Throwback - Lou Rawls "You'll Never Find"

I'm always hesitant to pick my favorite song of all time, but this is definitely up there. My musical taste are greatly shaped by the music my parents listened to, and I thank them for that. They really don't make them like they used to; lyrics that made sense, positivity, simple beats, and classic melodies. I could go on and on.

The Head and The Heart Have A Late Night

2011 Rock The Bells Festival Announced

I'm a surprised Childish Gambino is on the bill; good for him. The line up is pretty standard for Rock The Bells. Other than Gambino I don't see too many surprises.

New Music - Yeasayer "The Devil and The Deed"

Yeasayer debuteed their new track " " on Conan.

New Music Video - Novel "Vanilla Sky"

There is something very 90's about this video; probably the black and white and fuzziness. I like the track, but I would prefer if someone else sang it, meh.

Just Cause - Miike Snow "Sans Soleil"

This is my favorite Mike Snow song, I have never played it just once. The video is from his show at Coachella. Listen to the non-live version here, even though there is not that much difference.

New Music - J. Cole "Return of Simba"

J. Cole is one of the freshest in the game, so of course he is being slept on. He just released "Return of Simba," another track for the Cole World to feast on.

Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper...Oh My!

I was one of the crazy people waiting in line for over 24 hours to get tickets to the season finale of Saturday Night Live. It was more than worth it; me and my friends all made it into the dress rehearsal. Justin was great as always and I gained some more respect for Lady Gaga as a performer. She really puts her all into her performances. If you haven't seen the episode you can watch it here.

New Discovery - Kreayshawn "Gucci Gucci"

I, for some reason, love music like this. I do not love her talking about selling drugs, but I like they way she says it, haha. From what I've listened to, her flow is pretty solid. She isn't trying to be a gimmick or be funny, and I respect that. She is like a mix of Project Pat, Gucci Mane, and M.I.A; quite interesting.

Foreign Friday - Darey "Banikidi"

Origin: Nigeria
Genre: R&B
Standout tracks:"Original Naija,""The Way You Are,""Style Na Style"
Big Break: Contestant and finalist on Project Fame Academey; later returned to host.
Interesting fact(s): Almost became a professional basketball and tennis player.
Official website: www.dareyonline.com

Throwback - Eddie Murphy "Party All The Time"

Nothing short of legendary.

Throwback - Brian Austin Green "You Send Me"

All obvious heckling aside, he wasn't actually bad...that bad. I might lose some credibility for saying that, but it's true. In comparison to a lot of garbage I've heard he is far better. The video is useless so it didn't help his case. Poor David Silver never stood a chance.

Throwback - Bruce Willis "Respect Yourself"

He is one of the last people I would have thought would do this, but I guess the 80's was the time to do it.

New Music Video - Beyonce "Run The World"

We interrupt this Throwback Thursday to bring you a very important video. DAMN! Me and my sister are like the only people who like the song, but I'm sure more people like the video. Judging from Twitter, gym memberships increased 3 fold today. Overall, its not her best video, it's missing a plot. If you are going to make a "Do You Remember The Time" style video you need to make it just as grand all around. I need some back story, climax, resolution, the whole shabang. I give it an A for dancing and B-/C+ overall.

Throwback - Philip Michael Thomas "Just The Way I Planned It"

His Miami Vice costar did far better with his music career, probably because this video is...I don't think I have words to describe it.

Throwback - Don Johnson "Heartbeat"

The backup singer/"dancers" moves are just impeccable. No one moves two steps back then two steps forward like that anymore.

Throwback - Joey Lawrence "Nothing My Love Can't Fix"

I don't care what anyone says, this song is one of the best things to come out of the 90's, haha. Watch him do it live here, you shan't be disappointed.

New Music Video - Cobra Starship "Don't Blame the World, It's The DJs Fault"

New Music Video - Aqua "How R U Doin?"

This is an interesting detour from "Barbie Girl."

New Music Video - Young Gliss "The People"

"The People" Young Gliss from Sil 'Spike Jordan' Beyah on Vimeo.

I like his flow, its not like most of the new up and coming MCs that all rhyme and sound the same.

Music News - Prince Royce, Adele, Pearl Jam, Fleetwood Mac

Prince Royce Signs to Atlantic for English-Language Releases

Cali Swag District Dancer And Rapper Killed In Los Angeles

Fleetwood Mac Set for 2012 Reunion

Sara of Tegan and Sara Takes on Tyler, the Creator

Adele's 'Rolling in the Deep' Tops Hot 100 FINALLY!

Pearl Jam Announce Festival, Movie, Book

Austin City Limits Lineup Announced

The lineup is pretty sick: Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, Arcade Fire, Chromeo, Young the Giant, Gary Clarke Jr., Theophilus London, Fool's Gold, James Blake, Cut Copy, and much more. View the full lineup here.

Foreign Friday - James Vincent McMorrow

I was pleasantly surprised when his voice came in on "If I Had A Boat," one of my favorite tracks on his album Early In The Morning. I wasn't expecting the beautiful, deep, and weathered voice. I have people I can compare his voice to, but I can't bring myself to do it. The Irishman's voice is just so darn...good..and genuine. You can hear so much emotion going in to every note that passes his lips, and imagine the stories that caused him to write them. Listen to more of his music, check out his tour dates, and generally get familiar here.

The Roots Picnic Lineup Announced

There are definitely some must sees, especially The Roots themselves.

Black Cab Sessions - Michael Kiwanuka “Tell Me a Tale”

Michael Kiwanuka from Black Cab Sessions on Vimeo.

This could have easily been the video for this song. I love his face at the end, like "so do I have to pay for this cab?"

New Music - Kokayi "Feeling Summery"

Feeling Summery feat Substantial and Tamara Wellons by kokayi

Local Flavor: U.S Royalty

U.S. Royalty - Equestrian from U.S. Royalty on Vimeo.

U.S. Royalty is a DC based band that don't sound like they are from DC. They sound like they are from L.A or some region of California. There is a driving down the coast feel to their music that makes their music easy to just let play. But there is a bit of a sharp edge to their stuff that is common with DC based bands.You should get familiar, if you haven't, here, download their stand out track "Equestrian," here, and catch them on tour when you can. Sadly, members John and Paul Thornly's father passed away recently, so they have left the tour for now.

New Music Video - Blood Orange "Dinner"

Hmm, never judge a book by its cover.

Kid Presentable and Morbidly-o-Beats Have 72 Virgins and a Mule

For some reason this never posted, along with some others, but better late than never. Merge Flobots with Gorillaz, and mid 90's hip hop and you've got an idea of the sound of Kid Presentable and Morbidly-o-Beats album 72 Virgins and a Mule. I like albums like this, where I can easily pay attention to the lyrics without being distracted by the beats. Not to say the beats aren't dope, just that they are not over produced. You can listen to and download the full album here. Stand out tracks: Criminal Element, Devil's Mistress, and Addicts in the Attic.

New Music Video - Park Circle ft. Cassie Veggies "Black Gold"

New Music - Ninjasonik "Mosh Pit"

L.A Rising Announced

July 30th at the Los Angeles Coliseum you can see Rage Against the Machine, Muse, Rise Against, The Roots, Immortal Technique, and El Grand Silencio. DC really needs to step up it's festival/concert game.

New Music - Onra "L.O.V.E"

Onra - L.O.V.E by Onra
Love is indeed what I feel for this man's music.

New Music Video - Kelly Rowland "What A Feeling"

Alex Gaudino & Kelly Rowland - What A Feeling | 2011 from The Kelly Rowland Network on Vimeo.

Europe is treating Ms. Rowland quite well. She looks great, and better yet she looks happy.

New Music Video - Frankmusik ft. Far East Movement "Do It In The AM"

Just Cause - Young Magic "Sparkly"

I love the Native American ceremonial sound this has.
You can download it here.

New Music Video - Aaron Thompson "Houses In Water"

Aaron Thompson - Houses in Water from Wandering Hat on Vimeo.

The video is so simple and honest.

Foreign Friday - El General

"Hamada Ben Amor, 21, better known as El Général, the Tunisian rap star whose song "Rais Lebled" is credited with helping inspire the uprising in his country that overthrew President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali. The song, which includes blunt allegations of government corruption, also became the anthem of protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square"

The intensity in his flow reminds me of Eminem. I would really like to know what he is saying.

Foreign Friday - Allie Hughes

I was going to not be lazy and describe her with my own words, but this is so much better.
"How does one classify Allie Hughes? The only way to really find out is to go to her show before she gets big and starts shooting laser beams from her fingers. If you’re planning to catch Allie Hughes’ live show in the near future, consider bringing a comrade for emotional and physical support. You might start crying and questioning your sexuality or you may forget to breathe, causing you to fall to a heap from lack of oxygen to the brain. In true trendsetting form, Toronto’s freshest weirdo pop princess has created a perfect hybrid between genre-bending alt-pop and the most engaging elements of a budding musical theatre career."
Download "Not The Stars(New Slang Remix" here. And learn more about her here.

Foreign Friday - When Saints Go Machine

After a much needed vacation, I have returned to exploring random music. First up, When Saints Go Machine. This band from Copenhagen, Denmark makes the type of pop music that is hard to call pop. Typical of European, especially Swedish, pop, the music tends to be smarter, more experimental, and honestly better. You can check out their tracks here. And download "Fail Forever" here.