The Far East Movement could have used a G6 yesterday when their tour bus broke down in the middle of the New Mexico desert, leaving them to thumb a ride back to civilization (seriously, this just happened). A rep from the band told TMZ that “the guys were traveling from Missouri to Phoenix when their bus died … stranding them 50 miles away from the nearest taxi service … which refused to send a car that far.”
Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox is not a shy man. Standing 6′ 4″ tall and almost too skinny for words, he is a perfect rock and roll skeleton… And it’s not from drugs or anorexia. Bradford suffers from a rare genetic disorder called Marfan syndrome, a disease characterized by abnormally long limbs that makes carriers susceptible to cardiovascular disease. Bradford’s early life was plagued by ridicule and shame for his “strange” look. Pain I’m sure that feeds his art to this day, and he is the person (and performer) he is today because of it. And his presence is the perfect match for Deerhunter’s aberrant sound.
Ambient and engaging, sneaking up on you like a strong cocktail and unfolding into banjo rhythms and interesting instrumentation. The music is endearing, lush and like a summertime breeze, it gently builds and crescendos throughout the span of a single song. Plus they have a song called “Generator First Floor” which I like… a lot.
It seems that these days, Big Boi is collaborating with everyone… well not just everyone, pretty much the coolest most, keep you on your toes-iest artist like Modest Mouse and Janelle Monáe. Oh, and it seems he’s got a sweet spot for the banjo, telling fuse interview blank that he is itching to get down with Mumford and Sons (I know, kind of awesome hah), and to boot, we might have some new Outkast coming out soon (although Big Boi has been reluctant to “let anything out of the trunk” just yet). I guess we’ll just have to stay tuned.
When The Strokes formed in 1998 they were a bunch of privileged New York kids with famous friends. Their sound was irreverent and admittedly unpolished and both critics and fans alike couldn’t get enough.
The casual vocal stylings of lead singer Julian Casablancas soon incited a movement. Considered creators of some of the best pop songs ever recorded, I have to admit I originally wanted to hate them. I first learned of The Strokes and their ilk by watching bad reality TV. After hearing their massive pop smash, “Last Night” I secretly purchased This Is It and begrudgingly listened to it…again…and again.
Last weekend DJ sensation Skrillex performed at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. ChinaShop photographer Joe Gall was on site to make sure you got a front row view. The crowds in Vegas are considerably better looking than in your town…just sayin’. He’s a Scary Monster but he’ll get your heart pumping.
Eminem was slip-sliding away there for a minute. Self-admittedly his last CD was “eh,” his personal life was a bad soap opera and drugs where his number one activity. When he got sober, he grew up. I’ve heard Dr. Drew, of Celebrity Rehab fame, often say that you are stunted at the age that you start to heavily do drugs and you never really emotionally advance from that place until you are willing to quit. Well Dr. Drew, our little Marshall’s all grows up!
Florence and the Machine may be a lot of things; mood makers for hipsters, sincerely passionate musicians, theatrical showman. But they never fail to engage the audience and enliven the soul. Florence (Welch) has a distinct vocal style that envelopes you like a wool blanket. While its inviting and warm, it also gets under your skin.
She admits that her best writing often happens when she is tired or drunk. Her ability to tap into that subconscious space and express it is powerful, moving and decidedly on point.
“Oh no, not another Avett Brothers wannabe, Mumford look alike,” you might say on first listen to Seattle based The Head and the Heart. They share a lot of similarities with the aforementioned bands i.e. “rootsy” Americana drenched, harmony infused songs, acoustic instrumentation, hand percussion, etc… (not always a bad think, by the way i happen to love those to bands and the simplicity, authenticity and emotion conveyed in the songs simple treatment). And like it or not, The Head and the Heart is one of this generation’s emerging Alt-Americana mainstays.
Hudson Mohawke (real name Ross Birchard) is a Glaswegian Emotronic Soul DJ/Producer. He’s been spinning since he was a wee lad at 15, winning the distinction of being the youngest finalist in the UK DMC (World DJ Competition.) He’s got a unique ability to take, make and recycle sounds from the past turning them into fresh reincarnations of genius.
