Mandy’s Music Mail 1/7/11

I’m a week into my three-week holiday in lovely London Town, and though I didn’t think it possible, I’ve fallen even more in love with this city (which is quite something considering it was rather stressful to begin with: first and second flights canceled due to the epic blizzard in New York; third flight massively delayed; didn’t get my luggage until this past Monday; phone completely broke – yay for my friend having a spare Blackberry). However, overall it’s been wonderful and me and London seem to get on pretty damn well. But more on my adventures later, let’s get to this week’s music news, shall we?

Jamie xx + Adele? Carry the two, YES please! Jamie xx put his magic on the beautiful Adele’s latest single, “Rolling In The Deep” and I for one, am loving it. Particularly around 2:20 when he busts out some steel drum action. (I think it’s impossible not to be happy when a steel drum’s involved). This single (below) will be officially released January 16 whilst his Gill Scott-Heron remix album is still slated for February 18^th. Can’t wait.

In other news from The xx, check out this amazing mashup of The xx’s “Intro” with Kanye West’s “Touch The Sky” by Carlos Serrano proving once again that The xx’s music has this insane ability to work with every genre of music you throw at it. Loving this. Massively.

Last January, Radiohead did an exclusive (1400 fans only) live show in Los Angeles, the proceeds of which went to benefit relief for Haiti. A number of fans videotaped the show which were then complied together for a complete video that’s now a two-disc DVD plus few audio tracks (also available for download). The group who taped the show wanted to donate the proceeds to charity so they contacted Radiohead and explained their project, got approval from Thom York and the boys and bam! Magic. All Radiohead asks is that you donate to Oxfam. Pretty sweet deal.

Really, really excited about Watch The Throne, the collaboration project of my future BFF Jay Z and Kanye West that’s been in the works since August 2009. Until recently, no word had been mentioned about the release date, however at a ridiculously star-studded after party at Marquee the other night, Ye shouted out that Watch The Throne would be dropping next week! Still no official release date, but paws crossed this is true.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02CnBTaFOcY

Head on over to NPR to stream The Decemberists’ new album The King Is Dead in its entirety before it’s January 18^th release. NPR describes The King Is Dead as “… sort of a tribute album with no cover songs, as well as a rock record with roots.” – which upon reading made me go “right, okay…” but after giving the album a listen, I completely see what they mean. There is something about this album – and a lot of their music, really – that is utterly timeless… and makes me want to wear flannel and go for a walk in the country.

Recorded back in October but only just released this week, here’s MGMT’s Daytrotter Sessions which feature three tracks off their sophomore album Congratulations as well as a cover of “Only A Shadow” (originally by The Cleaners From Venus. Sidenote: how great of a name is that?!). I’m continually impressed by these boys, I loved their first album Oracular Spectacular (reckon you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t love it) and thought it was such a smart move on their part to step away and do something completely different for their follow up, and even though the video for the title track totally made me cry, the album is great.