Interesting Pop Tune From The Dig

I10615486_10152352010061222_760884989755851137_n‘ve followed NYC outfit The Dig for several years now and have always appreciated the band’s ability to ever evolve their sounds and styles.  Today I’m pleased to share with you even further evolution from the group with this impressive new pop track called “Fourth of July”.  Pardon the irony of the timing in the song title, hit play and imagine this as a great addition to your party playlist for the weekend.  It’s a little bit of psych rock mixed in with some really intriguing pieces of quirky pop music.  Stay tuned for more information about an upcoming full length release.

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Ghostface Killah & BadBadNotGood

Ghostface-Killah-and-BadbadnotgoodMiss the old days of Wu-Tang Clan when all they did was rap over samples of 1970s soul and R&B songs (and it didn’t sound shoehorned)? The closest thing you’ll get to that now is the new collaboration between Wu-Tang member Ghostface Killah and Canadian jazz instrumental hip-hop band BadBadNotGood. Since Ghostface is the only member of Wu-Tang to still closely resemble that sound, this match up made the most sense. The album is half instrumental and half performances from Ghostface Killah, with a handful of guest artists, including Danny Brown and MF Doom. The album can be purchased on cassette, CD, or vinyl via the Lex Records website, or purchased digitally on iTunes. The entire album can be streamed below.

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Charles Hamilton is back?

Five years ago Charles Hamilton was on the verge of being the next big thing; magazine covers, an XXL freshman list that also included B.o.B, Wale, and Kid Cudi, and an undeniably catchy lead single. But after a series of self-admitted “bloopers”–including a video of Hamilton being socked in the face by a girl he was battle rapping–made the rounds on the internet, Hamilton disappeared as quickly as he had appeared. After a lengthy absence from the public eye, Hamilton appears to be ready for his come back. His new single “New York Raining” is below.

Smooth Groove From Public Access TV

1534847_396504890529852_2833861622368402680_oI’m all about easing into the SXSW maelstrom with a light spirit, and this Public Access TV tune is doing the trick to alleviate anxiety.  It’s a track that hints at dance floor readiness, though it does so without beating you over the head with cliche beats; just picture the early work of Phoenix.  Later this Spring they’ll be releasing their Public Access EP via Terrible Records, but before then you can catch them on tour with Gang of Four, or at SXSW if you happen to be in town.

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SXSW 2015 Hip-Hop: Raekwon

Wu-Tang Clan member and legendary hip-hop icon Raekwon is returning to SXSW again this year. While Raekwon has a lengthy discography of solo material and work with Wu-Tang Clan and its affiliates, Wu-Tang also came out with a new album at the very end of 2014 and Raekwon has a new solo album due out at the end of April, so expect to hear a mix of old and new. No dates or venues have been officially set, though Raekwon is confirmed to perform during SXSW 2015. Raekwon’s newest single off his forthcoming album features French Montana and Busta Rhymes. The song can be streamed below.

 

M.O.P. + Tears For Fears

2014-07-25-mashoutposse1Legendary hip-hop duo M.O.P.’s recent EP Street Certified is a return to form for a group most recently associated with a Muppets-themed viral video. The lead single from Street Certified, “187”, samples the Tears For Fears classic “Head Over Heels” and is also a throwback to the Cash Money & Marvelous 80s party anthem “Ugly People Be Quiet”. “187” is an expression of frustration from M.O.P. towards today’s state of hip-hop. The music video is also a very purposefully gritty reminder of the side of New York City where hip-hop culture and music originated.

Great New Pop Track From Goodman

avatars-000070052343-jpxiqx-t500x500A few years ago I happened upon a new artist by the name of Goodman, and immediately got on board with the sounds being created.  Today I’m happy to share with you a new tune called “Longing” that has been hard for me to not hit repeat on all day.  It’s a fairly simple pop number that gets down to catchiness at it’s core.  I really can’t resist sounds this fun.

Check out new album Isn’t it Sad over on Bandcamp (and buy it for a mere $7!).

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Drowners Give Us Even More Great Pop

140116-drownersBack in October I shared with you guys our first taste of NYC band Drowners in the form of new track “Luv, Hold Me Down”.  Today the band are offering up another free track called “A Button On Your Blouse” found below.  We are yet again treated to some great garage rock inspired pop music from these young gents.  I expect more great things with the full album.

Pick up the new self-titled album on January 28th via Frenchkiss Records.

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More New Music From Goodman

avatars-000029602421-5ruqnn-t200x200Back in February, I found myself taking a major liking to the musical stylings created by young NYC resident Michael Goodman and his project known simply as Goodman.  Today Michael has just sent over his latest single “Like What They Like” for us to share with you fans.  The track is yet another beautiful up beat pop tune that shows a lot of promise for the future of this young artist.  Hope you enjoy.

The track is also available to download at a pay what you want price over on bandcamp.

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Nice Pop Music From Rathborne

brea_soudersLuke Rathborne is not a gentleman I know a whole lot about at this point, but I do know that I enjoy the sounds he’s currently creating.  His introduction to me, “Last Forgiven”, is streaming below and serves as a great pop hello to anyone unfamiliar with the artist.  He certainly has a knack for writing some interesting guitar driven pop tunes.

Rathborne has a new album called Soft due out July 2nd and is available for pre-order now.

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Download: Rathborne – Last Forgiven [MP3]

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