Death From Above 1979 Returns!

When Death From Above 1979 broke up five years ago a big gaping void opened up in the world of music. Now thankfully that void has been filled by DFA 1979 again! They announced their comeback earlier this year and played a set at SXSW this past week. Go check out the videos circulating the interwebs its pretty awesome. DFA 1979 makes dirty, heavy, adrenaline music, yet they rely on deeply melodic structures that always undergird the distortion and thrashing. I wonder what other gems Chris is going to come back with from SXSW?

Death From Above 1979 - Romantic Lights (YSI) (filesavr)

Death From Above 1979 - Black History Month (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpA5aI78l8xPGUG6X2tuv9rrbO5B5dI0kZg6Bi4r8SVBSNdXRcLtkARynwNsW4izYpi4CDn3tY377FzRfSx4c3RLSeLJOPoEeQPI4emslReYluI4o-cZsSZysvt7snbt5XlcAwMkSfngI/s1600/TSRE+DFA+1979.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586722871631307714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpA5aI78l8xPGUG6X2tuv9rrbO5B5dI0kZg6Bi4r8SVBSNdXRcLtkARynwNsW4izYpi4CDn3tY377FzRfSx4c3RLSeLJOPoEeQPI4emslReYluI4o-cZsSZysvt7snbt5XlcAwMkSfngI/s320/TSRE+DFA+1979.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a>When Death From Above 1979 broke up five years ago a big gaping void opened up in the world of music. Now thankfully that void has been filled by DFA 1979 again! They announced their comeback earlier this year and played a set at SXSW this past week. Go check out the videos circulating the interwebs its pretty awesome. DFA 1979 makes dirty, heavy, adrenaline music, yet they rely on deeply melodic structures that always undergird the distortion and thrashing. I wonder what other gems Chris is going to come back with from SXSW?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Death From Above 1979 - Romantic Lights</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/eURDQk0wNkd6NE0wTVE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/5pkXnLJ6" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Death From Above 1979 - Black History Month</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/eURDQk13dWNveE5jR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/irv2QRHn" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Team-up of the Year?

I love Burial. Archangel moves me in ways few albums have. But not only is Burial a fabulous artist in his own right, he also has great taste in collaborators. First it was Four Tet last year on the awesome Moth and this year it is with Thom Yorke and Four Tet on Ego. Heady, atmospheric stuff, yet always rooted in the beat. I've been listening to both of the split EPs on repeat for the past week with no end in sight.

Burial, Four Tet & Thom Yorke - Ego (YSI) (filesavr)

Burial & Four Tet - Moth (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLpME6ihn7-yFRcw3qQPA1sR9wF36rnMAL1jdiBxiFBBHGdBKc30n6gIjzIca9mNojzPdoVgFQAtp6iwgIEJ2U6kOmHwKozvTm66MvMsBXyVzfMO4liGQZgJuq1MZh3fmWKTAa7iDMpW5/s1600/TSRE+Burial+Ground.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586719813986193346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLpME6ihn7-yFRcw3qQPA1sR9wF36rnMAL1jdiBxiFBBHGdBKc30n6gIjzIca9mNojzPdoVgFQAtp6iwgIEJ2U6kOmHwKozvTm66MvMsBXyVzfMO4liGQZgJuq1MZh3fmWKTAa7iDMpW5/s320/TSRE+Burial+Ground.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 297px;" /></a>I love Burial. <span style="font-style: italic;">Archangel</span> moves me in ways few albums have. But not only is Burial a fabulous artist in his own right, he also has great taste in collaborators. First it was Four Tet last year on the awesome Moth and this year it is with Thom Yorke and Four Tet on Ego. Heady, atmospheric stuff, yet always rooted in the beat. I've been listening to both of the split EPs on repeat for the past week with no end in sight.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Burial, Four Tet & Thom Yorke - Ego</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/eURDQk15Tk1tNEt4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/hc67WSvG" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Burial & Four Tet - Moth</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/eURDQk0zTWNOMUJFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/iqCOxm0l" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Donald Glover is Legit

Whoops, so we had a little 10 day break there, sorry about that. Chris has been hanging out at SXSW (jealous!) and I've been drowning in grad school work. But so it goes.

I recently came across the new EP by writer, comedian, actor, and rapper (?) Donald Glover and guess what? Its pretty good! With his writing on 30 Rock and acting on Community I wasn't quite sure what to expect from his hip hop persona Childish Gambino, but after getting over how much he is trying to sound like Lil Wayne and Kanye's lovechild, I am a believer. Freaks and Geeks is a legitimately good track. The lyrics are corny at times, sure, but man is the beat sick. That background chanting is absolutely addictive. What can't Donald Glover do? Now, please make Community funny again, thanks.

Childish Gambino - Freaks and Geeks (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tLBdgcYLGQ10ljgaTVMDxbRjpnRFA2SVw7lV_XPkyOrmdgi-UAOf7f_roSd5mfC1flQ9zjstFaIJ52_9xswU2LvY4RW0zYMyZAKjo5ZLJQ9qiHFqTsIcWUXWzcvmkBM7K5rJaAHK3hMN/s1600/TSRE+Gambino.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586716361828235202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tLBdgcYLGQ10ljgaTVMDxbRjpnRFA2SVw7lV_XPkyOrmdgi-UAOf7f_roSd5mfC1flQ9zjstFaIJ52_9xswU2LvY4RW0zYMyZAKjo5ZLJQ9qiHFqTsIcWUXWzcvmkBM7K5rJaAHK3hMN/s320/TSRE+Gambino.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 320px;" /></a>Whoops, so we had a little 10 day break there, sorry about that. Chris has been hanging out at SXSW (jealous!) and I've been drowning in grad school work. But so it goes.<br /><br />I recently came across the new EP by writer, comedian, actor, and rapper (?) Donald Glover and guess what? Its pretty good! With his writing on 30 Rock and acting on Community I wasn't quite sure what to expect from his hip hop persona Childish Gambino, but after getting over how much he is trying to sound like Lil Wayne and Kanye's lovechild, I am a believer. Freaks and Geeks is a legitimately good track. The lyrics are corny at times, sure, but man is the beat sick. That background chanting is absolutely addictive. What can't Donald Glover do? Now, please make Community funny again, thanks.<br /><br />Childish Gambino - Freaks and Geeks (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/eURDQk13Mm1samRjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/P6jL2Aax" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

The Rural Alberta Advantage 3/9/11 @ The Middle East, Cambridge

I was pretty excited to see the Rural Alberta Advantage last night at the Middle East. It was the first American stop on their tour in support of their new album Departing and they were pumped up (although their drummer was weirdly hidden the whole show). They ripped through songs, worked up a sweat and before we knew it an hour was gone and they were taking an encore. Unlike some shows, the RAA played the perfect mix of old and new material. All the old favorite off of Hometowns made an appearance alongside rousing renditions of new tracks like Tornado '87. They really have a ton of energy live and just sounded really good - especially those subtle boy-girl harmonies which really are showcased live. No gimmicks, no distortion; just straight up jamming about all things Alberta. While the entire concert was dud-free, the encore just brought the house down: four high octane songs ending with Drain the Blood and The Deathbridge in Lethridge. Awesome ending. Please come back soon! One cautionary note though: if a Harvard student you know wants you to come stand by him, don't, because your girlfriend will get booted on.

The Rural Alberta Advantage - The Deadroads (YSI) (filesavr)

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Tornado '87 (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3e8LIf-jeFg42a_3eJ9gMhEj0hRGIZCxAZeKKoMR7HXsQU2jWHB1zhn3zH3L3nZfrWq8vqOGviOmnH6LG4V3b0cAoAY6j3DENzrOCj2n2ihKByG3xJfBFXsWvciYn19w_7cRi-q9NqLOT/s1600/TSRE+RAA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582445626110108562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3e8LIf-jeFg42a_3eJ9gMhEj0hRGIZCxAZeKKoMR7HXsQU2jWHB1zhn3zH3L3nZfrWq8vqOGviOmnH6LG4V3b0cAoAY6j3DENzrOCj2n2ihKByG3xJfBFXsWvciYn19w_7cRi-q9NqLOT/s320/TSRE+RAA.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a>I was pretty excited to see the Rural Alberta Advantage last night at the Middle East. It was the first American stop on their tour in support of their new album <span style="font-style: italic;">Departing</span> and they were pumped up (although their drummer was weirdly hidden the whole show). They ripped through songs, worked up a sweat and before we knew it an hour was gone and they were taking an encore. Unlike some shows, the RAA played the perfect mix of old and new material. All the old favorite off of <span style="font-style: italic;">Hometowns</span> made an appearance alongside rousing renditions of new tracks like Tornado '87. They really have a ton of energy live and just sounded really good - especially those subtle boy-girl harmonies which really are showcased live. No gimmicks, no distortion; just straight up jamming about all things Alberta. While the entire concert was dud-free, the encore just brought the house down: four high octane songs ending with Drain the Blood and The Deathbridge in Lethridge. Awesome ending. Please come back soon! One cautionary note though: if a Harvard student you know wants you to come stand by him, don't, because your girlfriend will get booted on.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Rural Alberta Advantage - The Deadroads</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/eURERE9wQk4wZ2xFQlE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/eeTw12nD" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Rural Alberta Advantage - Tornado '87</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/eURERE9qRndxRTFjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/X0HwLeO6" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Two Covers From Yellow Ostrich

I've heard a lot about Yellow Ostrich from friends, but have yet to catch him live. Recently, though, he came across my radar in the form of two great covers that got some buzz around the interwebs. The first is a cover of Rural Alberta Advantage. The second sees Mr. Ostrich giving his take on Beach House's excellent "Zebra." While I'm not convinced that these covers are improvements on the original, they are certainly talented re-takes of great songs.

Yellow Ostrich will be down at SXSW this year, and I'm hoping to catch him somewhere along the way. Anyone else I should be sure to catch next week in Austin?

Yellow Ostrich - Zebra (Beach House Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

Yellow Ostrich - Don't Haunt This Place (Rural Alberta Advantage Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXMqUFZKGkdgOwRCfyd006x61cDMrjNMUWQETnhAPuAw7MJRaMM0X6OMnfMgCOnW0QAXKA5LgcedeuK1zsqF7YQtYT2zSvrEgtR0iBvc9yBVq4BVcVcCSMkJuBVtV5c8YABOpoaUxbBY/s1600/yellowostrichTSRE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXMqUFZKGkdgOwRCfyd006x61cDMrjNMUWQETnhAPuAw7MJRaMM0X6OMnfMgCOnW0QAXKA5LgcedeuK1zsqF7YQtYT2zSvrEgtR0iBvc9yBVq4BVcVcCSMkJuBVtV5c8YABOpoaUxbBY/s320/yellowostrichTSRE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I've heard a lot about Yellow Ostrich from friends, but have yet to catch him live. Recently, though, he came across my radar in the form of two great covers that got some buzz around the interwebs. The first is a cover of Rural Alberta Advantage. The second sees Mr. Ostrich giving his take on Beach House's excellent "Zebra." While I'm not convinced that these covers are <i>improvements</i> on the original, they are certainly talented re-takes of great songs.<br /> <br /> Yellow Ostrich will be down at SXSW this year, and I'm hoping to catch him somewhere along the way. Anyone else I should be sure to catch next week in Austin?<br /> <br /> <b>Yellow Ostrich - Zebra (Beach House Cover)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T2pFc2ZOR0ZnYVB2Wmc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/2ZEkw5GF" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> <b>Yellow Ostrich - Don't Haunt This Place (Rural Alberta Advantage Cover)</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T2pFc2ZOOW5sMHhjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/QcAhdizL" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

In Alexander, Veritas

I've been loving this tune, "Truth" from Alexander Ebert, the frontman of sprawling hippiepop outfit Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes. Love that band and their happy-go-lucky attitude, and it's cool to hear Ebert in a new context. He's a fantastic musician, and his debut solo album is solid all around. 

This is probably my favorite tune off of the record. It's laid back, but the hook is impeccable and Ebert's voice sounds great. Before I heard the album, I heard this song on Sirius XM approximately 8 times before I figured out that it was Ebert. Diggin' it.

Alexander - Truth (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsojvXsNMTEukzMEn6wOHiM0Nr1m2UsG0xaU4_HoG8D8Oouuv15mRlUFQRpBkhbPWOqIGnqbieL6leqeGiA2mN-UAO3EW-Jyh1HeRy0i4pvixnJ4A4ePUm3Ny8xmtok3a4S8kqSpZqWfQ/s1600/AlexEbertTSRE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsojvXsNMTEukzMEn6wOHiM0Nr1m2UsG0xaU4_HoG8D8Oouuv15mRlUFQRpBkhbPWOqIGnqbieL6leqeGiA2mN-UAO3EW-Jyh1HeRy0i4pvixnJ4A4ePUm3Ny8xmtok3a4S8kqSpZqWfQ/s320/AlexEbertTSRE.jpg" width="320" /></a>I've been loving this tune, "Truth" from Alexander Ebert, the frontman of sprawling hippiepop outfit Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes. Love that band and their happy-go-lucky attitude, and it's cool to hear Ebert in a new context. He's a fantastic musician, and his debut solo album is solid all around.  <br /> <br /> This is probably my favorite tune off of the record. It's laid back, but the hook is impeccable and Ebert's voice sounds great. Before I heard the album, I heard this song on Sirius XM approximately 8 times before I figured out that it was Ebert. Diggin' it.<br /> <br /> <b>Alexander - Truth</b> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T2pFc2ZOWkJtNEpjR0E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/EdmMTBC3" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Young Galaxy is Out There

So the fire alarm is going off in my building and I can't really think straight, so this is going to be quick. We Have Everything is a fine piece of space disco. Expansive and surprisingly emotional. Good stuff. Check out the video too -- its a perfect fit.

Young Galaxy - We Have Everything (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy3SRlqpro4HHqnLTzp1dxs0gqk1so_2jFyOsLYNDV1Gl8pxYxIVxlJAbPWAE0YurKHdhysK7ByUfsU4xRRny3JEheK4kNkmdwypyIvfDTtd_Tu1iAcXJZSbkYhbmZkQ4BzJDLOGk8HNh/s1600/TSRE+Hubble.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579696612302466850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy3SRlqpro4HHqnLTzp1dxs0gqk1so_2jFyOsLYNDV1Gl8pxYxIVxlJAbPWAE0YurKHdhysK7ByUfsU4xRRny3JEheK4kNkmdwypyIvfDTtd_Tu1iAcXJZSbkYhbmZkQ4BzJDLOGk8HNh/s320/TSRE+Hubble.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 259px;" /></a>So the fire alarm is going off in my building and I can't really think straight, so this is going to be quick. We Have Everything is a fine piece of space disco. Expansive and surprisingly emotional. Good stuff. Check out the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvgWyQ0Xwd4" target="_blank">video</a> too -- its a perfect fit.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Young Galaxy - We Have Everything</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/T2pHak8wNXZsMHl4dnc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/N5NvxDmx" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)