Check out the new album after the jump…

Since their 2004 debut album, Last Exit, the duo has grown from a complex project of drum patterns, breaks, and layered rhythms, into a stripped down more dance friendly sound on their 2009 album, Begone Dull Care. That album was so stripped it was criticized for lacking the layered nuances that made their 2006 album So This Is Goodbye such an acclaimed success.

With this chronology in mind, It’s All True seems to attempt to pick apart the previous albums into a reflective homage, whether consciously or not. It seems fitting that opening track “Itchy Fingers” reflects the duo’s beginning with its complex rhythms, jumping from a soulful sex romp into a crazed two-step rhythm before breaking for a Timberland-esque bridge of synth progressions. Then there is the over simplified Begone Dull Care with the slower “Playtime” or the club beat “Kick The Can” both having their moments, but quickly becoming redundant.

The strength of It’s All True is reached with the balance of tempered rhythmic layers, catchy hooks and pop sensibility on the first single “Banana Ripple.” At nine minutes long, it’s at first a surprising choice for a single. Seamlessly progressing before having a rhythmic climax around the fifth minute–wait, let me repeat the fifth minute–”Banana Ripple” keeps listeners waiting, wanting more, lost in rhythms until nine minutes of your life has passed by–again. For us the highlight is “Second Chances” where Jeremy Greenspan sings honestly over a compelling 80s hip hop/funk beat lamenting second chances with lyrics like, “Ten years ago just a burned out raver, now you need a favor, cause you’re living in the past, who am I to argue because nothing ever lasts.”

Like Junior Boy’s discography which has memorable tracks from all albums but one acclaimed gem, most ofIt’s All True doesn’t stand up to a few great songs.

Junior Boys: “Banana Ripple”

Junior Boys: “Second Chance”

Junior Boys: “Itchy Fingers”

—- this post was nabbed from SFCritic

Mumford & Sons, the indie folk band hailing from London, stopped by VH1′s Unplugged Session and dropped this beautiful cover of the National’s “England”.

Bon Iver just released his new album “Bon Iver” this past month and has been jamming on this beautiful Bonnie Raitt cover. He just announced a slough of tour dates including the Fillmore on September 22nd. Get pumped.

Last week was the LGBT Film Festival and now we are headed straight into LGBT Pride Weekend here in San Francisco.

The city is alive this weekend and I couldn’t let these next couple of days pass without letting you know what is going on. Bars, parks, and city streets will be a flood of people celebrating, dancing and enjoying the sun. If the Pride Parade isn’t your scene there are tons of live acts coming into town that are going to be killing it starting tonight. Enjoy…

FRIDAY, JUNE 24

DJ Morse Code The Parlor   (9pm, guest list)  (info) 21+

Sandra Bernhard, I Love Being Me, Don’t You? Marines Memorial Theater (7pm, $45)  (tickets)

My Morning Jacket Fox Theater (8pm, SOLD OUT) (info)

Musiq Soulchild Bimbo’s (8pm, $40) (tickets)

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

San Francisco Free Folk Festival Presidio Middle School (noon-10pm, free) (info) 

Cibo Matto Bimbo’s  (8pm, $25) (tickets) 18+

Deep Purple, Joe Satriani Sleep Train Pavilion (7pm, $33) (tickets)

Brett Dennen & Dawes Fox Theater (8pm, $28) (info)

Alison Krauss & Union Station, M. Ward Greek Theater (8pm, $39.50)

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

Rush Sleep Train Pavilion (7:30pm, $68.50)

SF Pride Official Closing Party The Regency Ballroom (7pm, $65) (info)

These two songs have been carrying me through the last couple weeks. Great songs for the moment, (in the words of SunsetintheRearview) both “celebratory and nostalgic”. People moving on, people moving up, people growing up – wait pshh take that last one back. I don’t ever want to grow up..

Welcome to summer graduates live it up, let these two songs help you out…

Timeflies – Never Grow Up (feat. Loggy & Mike Stud) (MP3) 

Mac Miller – Life Ain’t Easy  (grab the entire mixtape!)

This week I’m headed out to see Matt & Kim in Oakland after I heard they killed it at Sasquatch music festival in Washington. Also this week lots of sold out amazing shows from Alkaline Trio to the Civil Wars. Also, pride events will be kicking off this weekend as well as the LGBT film festival in San Francisco FRAMELINE. Check out my selection of live shows in the area this week after the jump…

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15

Mötley Crüe, Poison, New York Dolls Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (7pm, $69)  (tickets)

Stephen Marley Fillmore. (8pm, $26)  (tickets)

THURSDAY, JUNE 16

Alkaline Trio, Hot Toddies, Kepi Ghoulie, Atom Age Bottom of the Hill (8:30pm, $20) (tickets) SOLD OUT    

Ida Maria Rickshaw Stop. (10pm, $12) Plus Popscene DJs 

Barcelona (Acoustic), Holcombe Waller and Jenny O Cafe Du Nord: Swedish Hall (7:30pm, $16) (info) 

Big Head Todd & The Monsters Mountain Winery (7:30pm, $39.50) (info)      

80s Night Cat Club (9pm, $6, free before 9:30pm) – Two dance floors bumpin’ with the best of 80s mainstream and underground.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17

John Vanderslice, Magik*Magik Orchestra Herbst Theatre, (8pm, $20-55)

Texas Tornados, Red Meat Slim’s (9pm ,$25) (info)

Diana Krall Mountain Winery (7:30pm, $59.50) (info)

SATURDAY, JUNE 18

Blackbird Blackbird, Phantom Kicks, Old Arc, Yalls El Rio (3pm, $8)

Matt & Kim, The Thermals, and Autobot The Fox Theater (8pm, $25) (tickets)

Jim Breuer Cobb’s Comedy Club (6/16-6/18 multiple times, $23.50) From “SNL” and “Half Baked” (info)

SUNDAY, JUNE 19

Civil Wars, James Vincent McMorrow Great American Music Hall (9pm, $16) BOTH NIGHTS SOLD OUT
 

Kid Cudi, Chip Tha Ripper Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (8pm, $42.50)

Tech N9ne, Jay Rock, Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoon Regency Ballroom (8pm, $32) (info)

MONDAY, JUNE 20

Mountain Goats Fillmore (9pm, $22.50) (tickets)

David Bazan, a Seattle native, who you may know better as the leading and unchanging band member of Pedro the Lion. After 2004, he decided to start releasing music under his own name. Throughout his musical career he has tackled topics like the dysfunctions of our culture and society. As well as the trials and tribulations of a personal faith, God and dependence. He just released Strange Negotiations and is setting on tour to promote it. He and a live band will be setting out with Rocky Votolato.

For more tour info, click here.

Here are two songs off the new album:

David Bazan – People (MP3)

Fueled By Ramen, LLC

Released: June 07, 2010

Rating: 7.0/10
Travie McCoy is no newbie to the scene, he has been the lead vocalist of the alternative hip-hop group Gym Class Heroes since 2001. He also used to be better known for dating the cali girl Katy Perry. However, recently he released his solo album “Lazarus”. This CD has not left my car for about two weeks now. Half of the album actually displays the artists talent and the other half is truly fun music. The album kicks off with a couple jams about feeling good, life out on the road and the hit single about wanting to be a billionaire featuring new pop and hip-hop star Bruno Mars. The album continues with songs about trying to get over past relationships, nostalgia for childhood, and the pain that goes along with being cheated on. Not only is the subject matter vast so is the range of different musical styles incorporated – their is everything from light ska beats, piano-led rhythm, funk, bubble-gum pop, and rock. This album has a lot to offer and truly was a pleasant surprise. While none of this music will change the world, it is chocked full of songs I could listen to over and over again.

check out Travie’s blog: http://traviesblog.com/

Watch the music video for “Billionaire” and check out my recommendations after the jump…

“Lazarus” Tracklisting, my recommendations are bolded:

1. Dr. Feel Good (feat. Cee-Lo Green)
2. Superbad
3. Billionaire (feat. Bruno Mars)
4. Need You
5. Critical
6. Akidagain
7. We’ll Be Alright
8. Manual (feat. T-Pain and Young Cash)
9. After Midnight
10. Don’t Pretend (feat. Colin Munroe)

Podcast OO2 is not for everybody. It is biased and excludes a certain group of people. This is a mix for those unlucky enough to be stuck in perpetually bad weather. I happen to be one of those unprivileged. The city I live in was actually colder than Alaska was a few days ago. This mix is a result of days spent trudging through the rain. It is mostly old stuff, but perhaps artists you may have never heard of. If you feel like you want to fit in with the poor souls caught in the downpour even though the sun is hitting you by all means please download this mix. Don’t worry the forecast in my area is looking up over the next few days so the next podcast will be something for those getting a little color in their skin. For now, relax, look out the window and listen to this…

PODCAST OO2: When It Rains It Pours

Tracklist

1. Rain, Rain Beautiful Rain – Ladysmith Black Mambazo

2. No Rain – Blind Melon

3. Fire & Rain – Mat Kearney

4. Rainy Days – Ja Rule

5. London Rain – Heather Nova

6. Have You Ever Seen the Rain? – Creedence Clearwater Revival

7. Kiss the Rain – Billy Myers

8. Singin’ In the Rain – Jamie Cullum

9. Ironic – Alanis Morissette

10. Secrets – OneRepublic

11. Winding Road – Bonnie Sommerville

12. Shelter – Ray Lamontagne

13. Grace is Gone – Dave Matthews Band

14. Man on the Side – John Mayer

15. VCR – The XX

16. Feels Like Rain – John Hiatt

17. When the Rain Comes – Third Day

18. Days Like This – Van Morrison

19. I Love the Rain The Most – Joe Purdy

20. I Guess It’s Gonna Rain Today -Sondre Lerche

21. A Beautiful Mess (From a Raining Jane Sessions) – Jason Mraz

22. Just Breathe – Pearl Jam

23. Keep Breathing – Ingrid Michaelson

24. Gravity – John Mayer

25. Gravity – Sara Bareilles

26. All This Time – OneRepublic

27. Over the Rainbow – Shawn McDonald

28. Covered in Rain – John Mayer

Podcast Stream:

Download Options:

For the download click here.

For a direct download right click and save this: podcast 002

The Bad Plus is a jazz trio that has been playing together since 1989 but officially established their band in 2000. The trio consists of Ethan Iverson on the piano, Reid Anderson playing bass, and David King rocking on the drums. Anderson and King are from Minnesota and Iverson hails from Wisconsin. The group has six studio albums with a repertoire ranging from covers of Nirvana, Radiohead, Queen, and the list goes on to their own original avante-guarde jazz with rock and pop influence. I admit I am sort of behind the curve on these guys as I just found out about them – but luckily finding out about a good thing can never be too late.

The Bad Plus performed a live show for NPR December 31, 2009 that I have been listening to like crazy. If you’re looking for some great background music to that novel you are reading, go download this show: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122131922

The Bad Plus covering Smells Like Teen Spirit:

download