I have come to learn that releases age fast in the world of music blogging, so it may seem weird to post on a mixtape that came out more than two months ago. But rapper e-dubble's Written Thursday is something I have to write about because when I really dig something, it makes the blog, age be damned. And after a ton of spins in the past months, it is clear I really, really dig Written Thursday.
I've been following Benjamin Francis Leftwich for some months now and I keep assuming at some point he'll release a track that isn't heartbreakingly beautiful. Jokes on me. I wasn't aware that any mere human had this many touching songs inside of them, but BFL keeps churning them out.
The video for his new song "Box of Stones" comes in support of his June 20th debut LP Last Smoke Before The Snow Storm. Pre-order it now from HMV and if you're in the first 1000, you'll get a signed slip case. Oh, and an amazing album.
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Tonight I'm posting the second installment in a series of three devoted to the music-based films of Christopher Guest & company: This is Spinal Tap (1980s heavy metal), Waiting for Guffman (stage musical), and A Mighty Wind (1950s/1960s folk). They are some of my favorite movies, and with music so funny and so well done, I thought they'd be great for further discussion as part of the Scenes & Songs feature. Come me with on a journey to the heart of America – Blaine, Missouri.
Aloe Blacc – 99 Problems/Can't Tell Me Nothing
Yup. This happened. Aloe Blacc was on BBC's Live Lounge and churned out this mish mash of Jay Z's "99 Problems" peppered with Yeezy's "Can't Tell Me Nothing", complete with a little James Brown break-down just, ya know, for kicks. His band, The Grand Scheme is flawless in the construction and Aloe's soulful vocals give Hova's raps and Yeezy's melodies a new spin.
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In 1994 renowned composer Byran Johanson (b. 1951) composed a piece for guitar quartet entitled On All Fours. Nevertheless, the piece was not recorded until 2009 when the 1 East Guitar Quartet would give it a home in their very capable hands. The quartet is members were, Zoe Johnstone, J. Scott Matejicka, Kevin Shannon, and Paul Martin Wu. Unfortunately, the ensemble has disbanded, but not before leaving behind a memorable recording of a massively under appreciated piece.
1 East Guitar Quartet: On All Fours
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The Savings and Loan with their debut album Today I Need Light have slowly and gently burrowed a hole in my skull and inserted themselves in my frontal lobe. The Scottish duo craft a haunting brand of burning, melodic folk that sneaks up on you.
The Savings And Loan – Lit Out
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I heard a lot about Dawes after their last album, North Hills, dropped but for one reason or another, I never picked it up. I finally started paying attention after working my way through the Middle Brother album that includes Dawes' Taylor Goldsmith. "If I Wanted Someone" is the first track released from upcoming album Nothing is Wrong and it's got Crazy Horse written all over it.
Dawes – If I Wanted Someone
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I've been really diggin' on the new Tune-Yards album, w h o k i l l. It's a deliciously fresh blend of quirky, edgy, and downright fun pop tunes. It's the kind of album that always pops up early in the spring and feels totally right on a comfortable, sunny day.
tUnE-yArDs – Gangsta
tUnE-yArDs – Killa
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It was a bit of a slower week for the Roundup, but there was nevertheless some good stuff to dig. Read on to see and hear what I mean.