In Case You Missed It: Florence + The Machine - No Light

There is so much new content out there that sometimes things slip through the cracks. Take for example Florence + The Machine's pretty incredible new video for her single "No Light". Complete with skyscrapers, a singing boy choir and a voodoo doll; Flo's new video is full of action as she runs through the streets of West London.

The controversy surrounding this video has been rabid throughout the internet questioning if the video is racist but amidst all the comments the reality is the video is just a beautifully filmed clip that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

You be the judge...what do you think of the new Florence +The Machine video?

Noel Gallagher Releases "Ride The Tiger" Video Trilogy

Noel Gallagher has already released one of the best albums of the year, toured the U.S. to rave reviews and has now decided to end his year with a video trilogy called "Ride The Tiger". Featuring the tracks "Aka...What A Life", "If I Had A Gun" and the debut single The Death Of You And Me, the trilogy gives all the complex answers to what actually happens when the waitress enters the carriage.

With an appearance by Russell Brand, some hot models in a Mustang and Noel Gallagher as a minister, its well worth 19 minutes of your Monday morning to check this out.

Likely Listens: Daughter

Meet Daughter, a north London native a.k.a. Elena Tonra that is making music you MUST HEAR. Listening to her two EPs, "The Wild Youth" and "His Young Heart" take you back to a place where you just heard Feist, FIona Apple, etc for the first time. The voice. The music. The perfection.

Spending her days listening to her parent's vinyl collection and her older brother's rock CDs shaped her style of music which can be grouped into the "folk", "female acoustic singer", and "indie" categories. Yet, Daughter seems to have formed a category all her own. Her etherial voice mixed with notes of acoustic guitar, punching drums and touching lyrics makes her a force to be reckoned with once the world begins to listen.

Have a listen to "Home" and see what you are missing:



To get her EPs go to her Bandcamp page and enjoy!

Likely Listens: SULK

Welcome back Madchester! Let me introduce to you SULK, a band from the north of England that has now relocated to London and ready to bring back the baggy song we all know and love from the 20th century.

Filled with Stone Roses, Charlatans, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets influences (and many other amazing late 80's/early 90's British bands), SULK are ready to bring back lad rock and hopefully introduce the sound to a whole new generation.

Already releasing a couple of singles in the UK, the band have yet to make a splash in the US yet. With The Stone Roses reunion though these guys aren't too far behind in causing a stir

Check out the video for Wishes here:

Likely Listens: Bombay Bicycle Club + Lucy Rose - Video Games

Lana Del Ray has taken the blog world by storm and now the covers are popping up everywhere from Kasabian to Bombay Bicycle Club. Covering "Video Games" for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, BBC and Lucy Rose create the most innocent yet sultry rendition of the song that calls for this video to be on repeat constantly. The song itself is pretty extraordinary but the real argument is the BBC and Lucy Rose cover better than the original? The answer is leaning towards YES.

Amy Winehouse Track "Like Smoke" Leaks Ft. Nas

After the tragic death of Amy Winehouse in July, the world mourned the lost of such an incredible talent. Of course, what introduced Amy to the world was her jaw dropping music which we will always want more of.

Now, several months later, the posthumous album "Lioness: Hidden Treasures" has been revealed and a leaked track with Nas titled "Like Smoke" has been getting rave reviews. Clearly done after Amy's passing (evident from the line "why did G-d take away the homey I can't stand it), the track features Amy's incredible soul driven vocals and a fine performance from Nas who makes the song that much better.





"Lioness: Hidden Treasures" will be released on 12/5 through Island Records.

Likely Looks: Summer Camp - Down

The fantastic boy and girl duo otherwise known as Summer Camp have returned to the scene with their debut album "Welcome To Condale". Mixing 60's girl groups with 80's pop riffs you can't help but fall in love with this band.

The clip for their first single, "Down", the band are clearly in the Halloween spirit with their Halloween house party. Check out the video below:

R.E.M. Release Two Videos For Their New Song "We All Go Back To Where We Belong"

R.E.M. keeps it simple yet stunning for their first music video post band split for "We All Go Back To Where We Belong". The track has not one but two videos, one featuring actress Kirsten Dunst and the other featuring artist/poet/activist John Giorno. Appearing on the band's upcoming greatest hits record titled "R.E.M., Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage, 1982 - 2011", out November 15th, this could be the last R.E.M. video ever made (unless the word reunion comes into play).

Check out both videos here:





Both black and white films for "We All Go Back To Where We Belong" capture their subjects in stark relief using a strong key light and shot with a stationary camera, an effect that Stipe describes as lending "gravity and beauty" to the proceedings.

Beautiful indeed...

Likely Looks: Duck Sauce - Big Bad Wolf

These days music videos are flashy, expensive and just really don't have too much of a concept. Then you get a video like THIS ONE for Duck Sauce's track "Big Bad Wolf" thats just absolutely brilliant.

I don't want to give too much away but laughs are in your future and a little bit of ridiculousness!

Enjoy.

TRIBES Announce North American Tour, Release "We Were Children" Video

The 90's was one of the absolute best decades for music and TRIBES are ready to inform you of what you missed if you aren't familiar with it.

Formed in rough-and-tumble Camden, London in 2009 after guitarist Dan White tried to steal drummer Miguel Demelo's wallet, Tribes have grown the old-fashioned way, eschewing an early web presence in favor of CDs passed out directly to friends. As luck would have it, their demos fell into the hands of Black Francis, leading to an opening slot with heroes The Pixies at a concert in London. Shortly after, the band's buzz, perseverance, and reputation as a furiously energetic live act earned them a slot on their first UK tour, supporting the Mystery Jets.

Being hailed as "the best American band in Britain" by NME, the band are now setting their sights on the country whose music they love so much--America, with a set of U.S. tour dates beginning December 7 at Great Scott in Boston, MA.

Their UK single "We Were Children" sparks a frenzy outside Camden as they flipped the video on a rooftop. Watch it here:



To catch TRIBES on their first U.S. tour here are the dates:

December 7 Boston, MA Great Scott
December 8 New York, NY Mercury Lounge
December 9 Brooklyn, NY Glasslands
December 10 Toronto, ON The Drake
December 11 Chicago,IL Schubas
December 12 Los Angeles, CA The Echo

Grouplove Unveil New Video For "Tongue Tied", Plot Fall Tour

Los Angeles' Grouplove are definitely continuing to make a name for themselves amongst music fans with their third video "Tongue Tied". Filmed in London on the hottest day of the year, the band were stuck partying it up with no air conditioner. Good thing they were allowed to be hot and sweaty in the video.

The band will be doing some heavy touring through the summer and fall in support of their upcoming release "Never Trust A Happy Song", out September 13th.


Here are the tour dates:

JULY
31 Woodford, AUS Splendour in the Grass

AUGUST
2 Melbourne, AUS Corner Hotel
3 Sydney, AUS Oxford Art Factory
6 Chicago, IL Lollapalooza
14 San Francisco, CA Outside Lands
26-28 Reading, ENG / Leeds, ENG Reading and Leeds

SEPTEMBER
5 London, ENG XOYO
9 Washington, DC Black Cat**
10 Philadelphia, PA North Star**
13 Boston, MA Brighton Music Hall**
14 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom** (RECORD RELEASE)
16 Chicago, IL Subterranean**
19 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge
22 Los Angeles, CA Wiltern Theatre (supporting Two Door Cinema Club)
23 San Francisco, CA Warfield (supporting Two Door Cinema Club)
24 San Diego, CA House of Blues (supporting Two Door Cinema Club)
28 Portland, OR Peter's Room
30 Seattle, WA Vera Project

OCTOBER
1 Vancouver, BC Electric Owl
5 Minneapolis, MN The Varsity*
6 Madison, WI The Frequency*
11 Nashville, TN Mercy Lounge*
13 Atlanta, GA Masquerade*
15 Pensacola, FL DeLuna Fest*
17 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jacks*
20 Austin, TX Emo's*
21 Dallas, TX Prophet Bar*
22 Houston, TX Fitzgerald's*
25 Tucson, AZ Congress
26 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre

Likely Listens: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - The Death Of You And Me

Noel Gallagher is back and FINALLY we have some music to check out! Just released is the brand new video for "The Death Of You ANd Me", the first single off Noel's upcoming album which is set for release in the U.S. November 10th.

The track reminds me a lot of "The Importance Of Being Idle" off of Oasis' 2005 release "Don't Believe The Truth"...but knowing Noel he's had this song in his back pocket for years.

Regardless of when it was written and where it came from, its nice to hear some new material from the man that wrote some of the best songs written EVER.

Likely Listens: M83 - Midnight City

M83 is back and they've got a first single to prove that Anthony Gonzales will remain the leading king of modern day shoegaze. Releasing their first single, Midnight City, the track keeps to the typical M83 style of breathy vocals and dreamy pop beats but offers a more upbeat side to the band for a change.

Featuring vocals by the incredible Morgan Kibby (M83, White Sea) and Zola Jesus, this track is a wonderful taste of what to expect from Gonzales' latest creation.

Have a listen to Midnight City here:



The track proceeds the upcoming double album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, which will be released October 18, 2011 on Mute Records. The band will also hit the road in support of the release with the tour set to kick off 3 days before the album's release date.

Here are the upcoming M83 tour dates:

Oct. 15 – Mexico City – Corona Capital Festival
Oct. 28 – Washington DC – Black Cat
Oct. 29 – Raleigh, NC – Kings Barcade
Oct. 30 – Asheville, NC – Moog Fest
Oct. 31 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
Nov. 1 – Tallahassee, FL – Engine Room
Nov. 2 – Orlando, FL – The Social
Nov. 4 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
Nov. 5 – Austin, TX – Fun Fun Fun Fest
Nov. 7 – Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent Ballroom
Nov. 9 – Los Angeles, CA – Music Box
Nov. 10 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
Nov. 11 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
Nov. 12 – Vancouver, BC – Venue
Nov. 13 – Seattle, WA – Neumos
Nov. 16 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
Nov. 17 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
Nov. 18 – Toronto, ON – Lees Palace
Nov. 19 – Montreal, QC – Le S.A.T.
Nov. 20 – Boston, MA – Paradise
Nov. 22 – New York, NY – Webster Hall

Remembering Amy Winehouse: 1983-2011

Amy Winehouse was known for her drinking binges, drug escapades and everything else self destructive under the sun; but the music is what really made the world focus on her. Taking the UK by storm in 2003 with her debut album Frank, Winehouse moved the needle with tracks like Fuck Me Pumps and Stronger Than Me. Coming out with a sound that was missing from music for a long time; combining 60's girl group throwbacks and Motown with her own unique twist, Amy Winehouse truly was an extraordinary talent.

In 2006, coming out with her masterpiece Back To Black was really the defining moment in her career. That voice. Those songs. That attitude. Winehouse breathed new life into an industry filled with manufactured pop stars with her sound and the personality that went along with it. Attracting an audience of everyone from indie kids to hip hop heads, her music and talent translated to the masses worldwide. Paving the way for artists such as the now multi platinum Adele and Duffy, Winehouse is and will always will be the woman that broke down doors for a lot of the female singers we know and love today.

Sadly, the world only got to experience 2 incredible albums and 27 years of life with Winehouse but her legacy will go on forever. R.I.P. Amy.

Noel Gallagher Announces Not One But TWO Solo Albums

So it seems there IS life after Oasis and the brothers Gallagher have truly went their separate ways. After Oasis' monumental break up in Paris, Liam of course went on to form Beady Eye and Noel now officially has announced his solo releases.

The first one, produced by Dave Sardy, is titled Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and set for release on October 17th in the UK and November 10th in the US. The second album's title is TBD but will be out in 2012. Sardy is no stranger to working with Gallagher as he produced both Don't Believe The Truth and Dig Out Your Soul for Oasis.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds was recorded in Los Angeles and features some backing musicians in addition to Gallagher. Plans to tour off the release in the fall are in the works but dates have yet to be announced.

Track listing below:

1. Everybody’s On The Run
2. Dream On
3. If I Had A Gun…
4. The Death Of You And Me
5. (I Wanna Live In A Dream In My) Record Machine
6. AKA… What A Life!
7. Soldier Boys And Jesus Freaks
8. AKA… Broken Arrow
9. (Stranded On) The Wrong Beach
10. Stop The Clocksl

Knowing Noel, this record will probably be quite fantastic.

UPDATE! Here is video from the press conference Noel held in London today

Likely Looks: Cher Lloyd - Swagger Jagger

Who knows exactly what "swagger jagger" is remains to be seen, but it seems as though the 3rd runner up on this season's X Factor in the UK is making it a new catch phrase. The tune hits hard and will end up being in your head ALL DAY so beware. Plus, the video is pretty sweet...

Live Review: Marina And The Diamonds @ Webster Hall

There is just something about Marina Diamandis that makes you can't take your eyes off her. It could be that voice...a little bit Kate Bush with a more aggressive twist. Or maybe its the fact that Diamandis can walk on stage in a blue and black plaid dress and feathered heels and you can still take her seriously. Whatever it is, it works...and well.

Opening the set with the song The Family Jewels, the crowd immediately became enraptured with Diamandis as she confidently strutted on stage. Playing a number of songs off her debut album The Family Jewels as well as some unreleased tracks including Jealousy, she exuded not only confidence but a huge amount of star power as fans belted her quirky lyrics right along with her.

Naming her tour the Burger Queen Tour, Diamandis payed homage to America with a stars and stripes tank top and shorts for her encore...and a massive burger prop in hand. Quite appropriate for the last song she played, Hollywood. Seems like she's won over more than just Hollywood...all of America is in love.

Miles Kane Takes On Edwyn Collins For Record Store Day

Formerly of The Rascals and currently one half of The Last Shadow Puppets with Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner, Miles Kane is making a name for himself as well as a solo artist. Recording a special 7" for Record Store Day, Kane tackled Edwyn Collins classic "A Girl Like You" and it actually came out fantastic! The track was recorded in Edwyn’s own studio in North London and produced by Edwyn’s long term friend and engineer Sebastian Lewsley. Kane's unique, slightly haunting vocals add a new twist on the track which allow him to make it very much his own.


Listen to it here:
Miles Kane - A Girl Like You by Miles Kane

Jessie J Covering The Naked And Famous? One word: Amazing

We all now know Jessie J's powerful voice and her latest single Price Tag...but what happens when Jessie tackles The Naked And Famous's song Young Blood? Magic; magic I tell you.

On a recent BBC Radio 1 session, the UK songstress put her own little twist on the track. Listen to it here:



A MA ZING

Radar On: Keep Shelly In Athens

Greece isn't really known for its budding music scene but every now and again this country produces music you just can't ignore. This time around, it's a duo from Athens that call themselves Keep Shelly In Athens.

Writing the most beautiful, etherial dream pop tracks with female vocals had me completely hooked upon first listen. Not much is known on the duo except they currently have a EP out entitled In Love With Dusk out on Forest Family Records. Getting a lot of comparisons to St. Etienne, the band presents the perfect soundtrack for any trance you feel like getting lost in at any time of day.

Check out the video for Running Out Of You from the band's debut EP here: