The Last Drop

James Blake, James Blake – Oh, to be young again! Well, at least barely legal. And overflowing with talent. A rare combination these days. Unless you count whatever Justin Bieber has as “talent” (a shag haircut does not a career make). Read the rest of this entry »

That ugly, nasty rumor is true. My most recent Top Drop of 2010 is calling it quits. Figures. When you finally hit your peak (in my eyes) why not quit?

In spite of the disasterous bad news for good music, LCD Soundsystem is leaving us nice gifts on the way out. Since most of the nation cannot make it to MSG for the final show (but The Strokes can…), we can take solace in their last on air performance on the Nation.

Peep the videos:

Colbert Interview

“I Can Change” performance

While the world was going Gaga over Arcade Fire, Radiohead was scheming. Scheming on the best way to dwarf the already unimportant but funner than usual Grammys. Surprise! They succeeded. This Saturday, we get another crack at alternative distribution models and multiple mediums for Radiohead’s latest full album release, The King of Limbs.

The deluxe version promises a “newspaper release” including vinyl, CD, download, visual art, puppies, double rainbows, and a chance to play with them live at the next Superbowl*.  All for the low, low price of 50 clams. Quite the opposite of that pay what you want model, right? Have no fear, there is the digital only release. Much more economical, but lacks all the wow factor to be sure.

Stop on by to put in your  pre-order. Super size at your discretion.

*slightly exaggerated. But not without sincere hope.

So, I’m getting a bit better on posting my favs from the prior year. 2010 theme: size and depth. It was a good year for the grandiose and high minded concepts. Amidst the cacophony, it was also a notable year for thoughtful lyrics. Put it all together and it was a great way to end the first decade of the aughts.

Honorable Mentions

Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy – I told you. I respect it as a work of high art. There is a ton of talent on display. And it really can’t get any more (tastefully) bombastic. But there is too much lacking in lyrical quality to deign a top ten placement let alone the top spot.  Maybe next year.

Read the rest of this entry »

Robyn. Yeah. It’s getting out of control. But hey, she’s had a stellar year. And she puts on a show like no other.

Just saw these photos from her Radio City Music Hall performance via Brooklyn Vegan and had to pay it forward.

R$ – please come back to the bay soon! Oh, Diamond Rings, it would be cool to have you back too.

Robyn killing it in NYC…again

Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy – I’m a hater. By nature. I had this same sentiment with Mrs. Jay Z until actually listened to B’day. I felt similarly annoyed with Animal Collective until they ended up here. And so I continue my base sense of negativity and dismissal with Mr. West. This time, it’s for keeps.

Read the rest of this entry »

Big Boi, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

Typical. How many times can we keep extoling the virtues of the best thing to come out of Atlanta since…Atlanta? Well, if either member of Outkast keeps on creating consistent heat, there’s nothing else to do but call it fire. Read the rest of this entry »

Leave it to socialism to spend taxpayers dollars on figuring out if you can tap to a beat. The BBC’s Lab UK has just released a comprehensive experiment to test How Musical You Are.  Well, wouldn’t you know I scored high on all aspects of musicality. I knew those trumpet lessons would finally pay off.

Spoiler alet: after you find your results, the BBC matches you with the best type of (their own) programming to fit your musicality. I guess this is one big elaborate advertising platform for music junkies.

The BBC: Telling you what you already know better than anyone else.

Bilal, Airtight’s Revenge - I like weird well enough. In all shapes and sizes. I especially like weird when it has been gestating for all too long. Bilal has rightly cultivated his weird over many years and Airtight’s Revenge is a fitting result of his labor.

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Yes I know, I am a bit delayed on my top picks of last year. Don’t worry dear friends, I will be assesing the blame for 2010 shortly. In the meantime, please do check out the 2010 mixtape as provided by Said the Gramophone. It’s always nice when they share both commentary and downloads!

STG Best Songs of 2010