Filed under: Releases of the Week | Tags: Jacknife Lee, Lil Wayne, Nick Wheeler, Rainn Wilson, Rivers Cuomo, The All-American Rejects, The Office, Tyson Ritter, Weezer
Weezer's Raditude is scheduled to drop on November 3rd.
PREVIEW: VISIT Weezer’s MySpace
WE GIVE IT: 14/20 Watts
When Billboard announced in November 2008 that alt-rock legends Weezer would be entering the studio to record their seventh studio release, the band’s fan base was immediately abuzz with anticipation, and with good reason. Frontman Rivers Cuomo was bringing back old friend Jacknife Lee, who had produced the Red Album’s Billboard topping single “Pork and Beans”. The album had beginnings as another notable addition to Weezer’s already impressive catalogue. Now, almost a year later, we can finally see the results.
Raditude, which derives its name from a suggestion to Rivers by close friend Rainn Wilson (aka Dwight from the Office), is a classic Weezer party album in every sense of the term. All too obvious is the fact that Rivers decided to take this album much more in the direction of contemporary pop, which will be the aspect that will make or break the album for most listeners. Most of the tracks lack the depth and inspiration of some of Weezer’s earlier albums (see The Blue Album and Pinkerton), and will undoubtedly hail some criticism from fans of those albums. (more…)
Filed under: Issue 19, Issue 19 Lofi | Tags: Aux Records, Bears in America, beck, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Holly, Devon James Stewart, Devon Stewart, Dinosaur Jr., GarageBand, Jimi Hendrix, John Frusciante, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, lo-fi, Logic Pro Studio, Maroon 5, Metallica, Modest Mouse, Mouth's Cradle, Nebraska, Pink Floyd, Rascal Flatts, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Syracuse University, Tascam Portastudio, The Band, The Basement Tapes, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, the Black Keys, Ween
Devon Stewart rocks the Shaefer studios while working on his self-titled solo project
Lil Wayne. Kanye West. Maroon 5. Rascal Flatts. Music purists loathe them for at least one reason — Auto-Tune, a downloadable audio processor that corrects vocal and instrumental blunders in order to attain perfect pitch. By using this program, a producer can fill in a recorded performance’s holes, smooth its edges and polish its smudges. Everyone must use this to attain musical nirvana, right? Negatory. In fact, musicians that admire large holes, adore peculiar edges, and worship pesky smudges are alive, well and plentiful. They are lo-fi artists.
Lo-fi is a shortened form of “low-fidelity,” fidelity meaning the extent to which an electronic device such as a radio or television can accurately reproduce a sound or an image. Taken literally, lo-fi can be defined as low-quality sound. (more…)
Filed under: News of Note | Tags: The Decemberists, Lil Wayne, Bonaroo, The Beastie Boys, Passion Pit, Bruce Springsteen, Santigold, Bob Dylan, The-Dream, Bella Union, Billy Corgan, The Black Eyed Peas, Midlake
Lil Wayne's No Ceilings mixtape leaked today
Lil’ Wayne’s No Ceilings has leaked four days prior to its scheduled debut of Halloween, reports RS. The mixtape is the most recent release after Weezy pleaded guilty to weapons charges, and includes hints at his pending incarceration like, “T.I., hold your head.” Carter rhymes over tracks like The-Dream’s “Fancy” and the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling”. Check out the leak courtesy of our friends over at Nah Right.
Midlake has finally released the details regarding their third release, which is apparently set to be titled The Courage of Others, reports Stereogum. The record, which will come to us via Bella Union Records, will feature a sound more reminiscent of, “British folk scene of late 60’s stuff,” says the group. With three years having passed since their last release, we’re expecting quite the album. Stereogum has a look at the track list and a few of the first dates of their 2010 US tour.
Billy Corgan hasn’t released anything worth its salt from the past couple of years, but apparently he’s feeling confident enough to take on the Swine Flu in his blog. In an 800-word rant against the disease and the “propaganda machine” behind it, Corgan explains why he won’t be taking the vaccine, reports Pitchfork. Corgan claims that the disease is man-made, according to “people” whom he has spoken to “as doctors”. He further goes on to boldly proclaim that, “I am willing to question anything: the existence of God, the existence of me or you or Robert Zimmerman.” That’s right, folks, even Bob Dylan.
For those of you who couldn’t make it to this year’s Bonaroo, fear not. On December 15th, the powers behind one of the indie communities most massive festivals will be releasing a DVD of this past year’s show, the aptly named Live From Bonaroo 2009, reports Pitchfork. The DVD will include performances from The Beastie Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Santigold, Passion Pit, and the Decemberists, to name a few.
– John Luposello
Filed under: Releases of the Week, Uncategorized | Tags: Best I Ever Had, Bun-B, Drake, Eminem, Every Girl, GarageBand, hip-hop, J.R. Writer, Lil, Lil Wayne, Mack Maine, More Than A Game, Young Money
Young Money release an effective greatest hits album
PREVIEW: DOWNLOAD Drake’s “Ransom” (Feat. Lil Wayne) MP3
WE GIVE IT: 15/20 Watts
2009 has surely been a definitive year for Young Money Entertainment. With collaborative single “Every Girl” and Drake’s “Best I Ever Had” charting at #10 and #2 respectively, and a slew of albums on the horizon, the label is enjoying the success of pop stardom. Led by Lil’ Wayne, Young Money is a crew consisting of rappers and singers signed to his imprint. Young Money Year 2k9 is a sort of like a greatest hits (a large portion of this album is available on previously released mixtapes), showcasing the successful mixtape songs, freestyles, and singles of 2009.
The main characters of the album are the label’s two megastars, Lil’ Wayne and Drake. They collaborate and completely rip apart “Ransom” with multisyllabic flows and crisp punch lines, while being a little more fun and laid back on “Man of the Year.” The original version of “Forever” is also featured, though it severely lacks a monster verse from Eminem, as seen on the version cut for More Than a Game. “Every Girl” shows up too, catchy as ever, even after months of radio rotation. (more…)
Filed under: Releases of the Week | Tags: Lil Wayne, Rebirth, Tear Drop Tune 2, Tha Carter 3, Weezy
Lil Wayne's latest mixtape drops today
PREVIEW: DOWNLOAD Lil Wayne’s “Ground Zero” MP3
WE GIVE IT: 13/20 Watts
More than just a long-awaited CD from the self-proclaimed “Best Rapper Alive,” Lil’ Wayne’s Tha Carter III sounded like a victory lap. After a year of dropping song-stealing guest verses on seemingly every major single, releasing mixtapes that were arguably better than many hip-hop albums on sale in stores, and breaking every rule defining what a rapper should be, Lil’ Wayne finally completed an actual album. He lived up to his potential, sold three million records, won a Grammy and earned critical accolades. So, the question needs to be asked, now what? (more…)
Drake's latest mixtape still leaves some doubts for the critics
PREVIEW: DOWNLOAD Drake’s “Goodnite and Goodluck” MP3
WE GIVE IT: 13/20 Watts
Constantly battling labels of most-overrated from fans and fellow rappers alike, Drake still has a lot to prove. Even amidst hits like “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful,” there are still those who call him out for being too poppy, too commercial and just not good enough. As he alludes to in mixtape opener “Drake Speaks,” The Drought Is Over: Friends With Money is supposed to be his counter punch.
The problem is that it fails to really accomplish that. Drake’s strong opening words, followed by the energetic and hard-hitting “Goodnite and Goodluck,” make you think you’re in for a collection of fresh, more street-worthy tracks. However, you end up discovering pretty quickly that rather than setting up a few months of hype in anticipation of 2010’s Thank Me Later, he fans the flames and lends more credence to the haters. (more…)
Filed under: News of Note | Tags: Animal Collective, Band of Bees, Devendra Banhart, Kings of Leon, Lil Wayne, Nick Wheeler, Perez Hilton, PETA, Rivers Cuomo, The All-American Rejects, Tyson Ritter, Weezer, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Weezer just finished a collaboration with Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter of The All-American Rejects for upcoming album Raditude
Keeping with the collaborative theme of their new album, Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo has recently finished up a track for Weez’s new album, Raditude, featuring Tyson Ritter and Nick Wheeler of The All-American Rejects. The song, entitled “Put Me Back Together,” follows Weez’s collaboration with Lil’ Wayne, “Can’t Stop Partying.” Ritter told RS, “I was playing Weezer songs when I was 13 at parties, so now I can die happy.” Look for the track when the album drops on November 3rd.
It’s about time that we got an iTunes Originals session from New York’s garage-punk rockers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Pitchfork gives us a look at the details of today’s release, which include studio tracks, interview clips, and unreleased acoustic versions of some of YYY’s most well known tracks. Check it out here.
Devendra Banhart’s seventh release, What Will Be, is set to drop from Warner Bros. Records on October 27th. Both Banhart and Band of Bees’ Paul Butler have dually produced the record, reports Stereogum. He has reportedly reenlisted the band that played behind him on 2007’s Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon: Noah Georgeson, Greg Rogove, Luckey Remington and Rodrigo Amarante. Fans that can’t wait the week for this highly anticipated freak-folk release can stream it now here (you can thank us later).
Staying true to their namesake, Animal Collective has just stepped up with PETA to protest Canada’s aptly named annual “Seal Slaughter.” The slaughter is responsible for the death of thousands of seals annually (60,000 in 2009), and celebrities such as Perez Hilton and the guys from AnCo have begun passionately speaking against the practice, reports Pitchfork. Check out the video, where Geologist eloquently states, “We all really like animals and seals, especially.” We like your enthusiasm, Geo.
Nashville’s indie rockers Kings of Leon will be releasing their most recent concert footage on DVD, reports Pitchfork. The release, entitled Live at the O2 London, England documents a June 2009 show. Look for its release on November 10th and on November 24th in Blu-Ray.
– John Luposello
Filed under: News of Note | Tags: stars, Lil Wayne, Wilco, Iron & Wine, Grizzly Bear, Weezer, Broken Social Scene, K'naan, Carly Simon, David Boies, Starbucks, Raditude, Joel Plaskett, Steve Earle, Laurie Anderson, Martha Wainwright, Blue Rodeo, Corb Lund, Ron Sexsmith, Joan As Policewoman, Sun Kil Moon, Arthur Russell, Annie, Smalltown Supersound
Carly Simon sues Starbucks
Not only will Canada be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games to show off their pristine, snow covered hills and universal healthcare, but they’ll also be throwing some of Canada’s most famous indie acts on stage during the games, reports Stereogum. From February 12-28, expect to see Broken Social Scene, K’Naan, Stars, Joel Plaskett, Steve Earle, Laurie Anderson, Martha Wainwright, Blue Rodeo, Iron & Wine, Corb Lund, Ron Sexsmith, Joan As Policewoman, and Sun Kil Moon featured. Wilco has also been confirmed to play at an Olympic event at Vancouver’s David Lam Park. Apparently, the Olympics will also be taking place at some point between all of the performances.
Carly Simon will be teaming up with high-profile attorney David Boies in a suit that she will be filing against coffee empire Starbucks, reports RS. Simon claims that Starbucks is to blame for the disappointing sales of her new album, This Kind of Love. Sales of the record numbered about 124,000, which Simon claims is due in part to mismanagement and poor promotion of the record on Starbucks’ end. Simon was looking to have this record support an early retirement, but due to the monetary concerns presented by the album’s flop, it seems like retirement may be out of the question at the moment. Looks as though she may have to remain for the time being as a “working girl”.
Fear not, Weezer fans. The long-anticipated release of Weez’s Raditude, which is scheduled for October 27th, is fast approaching. If you can’t wait that long, though, we’ve got good news. The album is now available for preview on iTunes in 30-second clips, which may not seem like much to some. Don’t worry. It gets the job done. RS reminds fans to check out “Can’t Stop Partying”, their collaboration with rap giant Lil Wayne. Weezy and Weezer? Sounds like a match made in promotional heaven.
Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor has been hard at work with his solo project, CANT. Not only did he appear on Monday’s episode of the Tonight Show, but also released his project’s first single, entitled Ghosts. The track is backed up by the unreleased “Come to Life” from minimalist Arthur Russell, as reported by Pitchfork. Check it out here.
Scandinavian pop icon Annie has been met with nothing but trouble regarding the release of her second album, entitled Don’t Stop. After braving a gauntlet of blown release dates and a deluge of leaks of the album, she’ll finally be releasing the album with Smalltown Supersound on November 17, says Pitchfork. Check out her latest single, “I Don’t Like Your Band”.
– John Luposello
Filed under: News of Note | Tags: Axl Rose, Chinese Democracy, Christopher Cross, Devendra Banhart, Guns n Roses, James Mercer, Lil Wayne, Michael McDonal, Phish, Rivers Cuomo, The Roots, Ulrich Schnauss, Weezer
Ulrich Schnauss, a German electro-gaze composer, is suing Axl Rose for plagiarism
PREVIEW: WATCH Ulrich Schnauss’s “Clear Day” Video
Stereogum reports on Axl Rose’s latest shenanigans. German electronic musician Ulrich Schnauss has decided to sue him for ripping off two songs. The electro-gaze artist has been making music since the mid-’90s while Rose had been putting Chinese Democracy off for release for Schnauss’s entire career. The tracks in question are Guns n’ Roses’ “Riad N’ The Bedouins” against Ulrich Schnauss’s “Wherever You Are” and “A Strangely Isolated Place.” Axl denies any and all allegations of plagiarism. [Previous 20 Watts Coverage: Chinese Democracy Fizzles on Opening Day]
Stereogum also reported on Michael McDonald and Christopher Cross’s performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon yesterday. Joining them were The Roots dressed in captain’s hats along with the studio audience. Stereogum ironically notes that none of the guys imitated on Yacht Rock ever actually owned a yacht. They sang the classic “Ride Like the Wind.” [Previous 20 Watts Coverage: Grizzly Bear Collaborate with Michael McDonald]
Devendra Banhart has announced the dates for his upcoming North American tour, Pitchfork reports. The tour begins after his album, What Will We Be drops on October 27. If you’re in NYC around Thanksgiving time, check out his November 22 show at Town Hall. [Previous 20 Watts Coverage: Editor’s Pick #179: Devendra Banhart’s “Shabop Shalom” and Collaborations]
Pitchfork interviews Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo, and sheds light on the band’s upcoming album, Raditutde. If, like us, you are wondering how Lil Wayne ended up on a Weezer track, this is your answer. [Previous 20 Watts Coverage: Lil Wayne: Rock Star]
– 20 Watts Staff
Filed under: Editor Picks | Tags: Busdriver, Islands, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Nick Thorburn, Th' Corn Gangg
Busdriver is unashamed at being your "Least Favorite Rapper"
PREVIEW: DOWNLOAD Busdriver’s “Least Favorite Rapper” (Feat. Nocando) Mp3
I wouldn’t call Busdriver’s “Least Favorite Rapper,” off his most recent effort, Jhelli Beam, self-loathing, as much as humble.
For the uninitiated, perhaps you recognize Busdriver from Nick Thorburn’s ridiculous side project Th’ Corn Gangg, or as the unfamiliar voice on Islands’ “Where There’s a Will There’s a Whalebone.” One of the fastest rappers in the game today, Busdriver was embracing indie rock years before Jay-Z did, and has piled up a pretty fair amount of friends within the genre.
Unfortunately, as a pioneer in this type of a relationship with both hip-hop and indie rock however, Busdriver’s career has floundered a bit, as no one’s really sure which side to categorize him as. Knowing this full well, Busdriver can easily record songs like this one, tallying off reason after reason why you like Lil’ Wayne, Kanye West and Jay more than you’ll ever like him.
At least give him this: What he might be lacking in commercial appeal, he gains in humility, so perhaps it’s worth a listen for people into the art of rap in the purer sense.
– John Cassillo, Reviews Editor
